APICES 2016 Top 10

The 13th annual Advanced Program in Clinical Endodontics Symposium, APICES, was hosted at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor on July 15-16. Year after year, APICES proves to be a unique event with a variety of resident attendees from every region of the country. Since its inception, the program has provided a completely free experience to residents that showcases the educational, networking and social aspects of the specialty. Read on for the top 10 reasons APICES 2016 was the best yet!

1. Michigan Pride
The APICES Planning Committee, comprised of residents from the University of Michigan, worked tirelessly to show their school spirit and provide a true Michigan experience for all attendees. The residents there were undoubtedly the most spirited group that has ever planned the event, tying in Michigan flair everywhere! When guests checked in to the Sheraton Ann Arbor, they were greeted by Michigan faculty, residents and staff who hosted a Michigan table with information about the area, school and their program. Throughout the weekend, Michigan residents, faculty and staff were clad in maize and blue to welcome and direct attendees.

 

2. Networking Happy Hour
After the conclusion of the first sessions on Friday afternoon, residents emptied the lecture hall to enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres and face time with the 28 corporate partners in attendance at the meeting. APICES is supported almost entirely by corporate sponsors, allowing residents to experience the weekend for free. At the casual happy hour, sponsored by the College of Diplomates, attendees browsed the displays and networked with representatives. Even after the bar closed, many attendees lingered and continued building relationships with corporate representatives that will be beneficial throughout their careers.

3. Shuttles to Downtown Ann Arbor
Following the Networking Happy Hour, attendees had an open evening to set out on their own and enjoy the city of Ann Arbor. Shuttles were available to take residents to downtown Ann Arbor, and the APICES Planning Committee provided a list of great restaurants, bars and other nightlife hotspots.

4. Variety of Speakers
The scientific program set by the Planning Committee did not disappoint.The day and a half of lectures featured many well-known endodontic faces (such as Dr. Mohamed I. Fayad, at left) as well as speakers from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department and the Medical School’s Anesthesiology Department. Exposing residents to interspecialty collaborations at an early stage in their careers is a great educational experience. Check out the speakers and their bios on the APICES program webpage.

5. APICES History Lesson
In 2004, two Boston University residents, Drs. Brian Chuang and Jessica Barr, hatched the idea of APICES. With little assistance from the AAE in its first year, APICES developed into a premier scientific, educational and social experience, and the only symposium created by endodontic residents for endodontic residents. Dr. Chuang provided insight into how and where APICES started and how he feels about his small idea growing into such a success.

6. Sponsor Exposure
Between the various social events, networking breaks and Friday’s Happy Hour, the corporate partners on site received an all-access pass to residents outside the clinic. It is important to help facilitate these early, critical relationships that will benefit residents immediately upon graduation as they establish themselves as practitioners. Check out the great list of corporate partners that helped support APICES 2016!

7. Saturday Night at The Big House
Historically, APICES’ Saturday evening event has been held at a venue unique to the location of the meeting. An evening with dinner, drinks and dancing at Michigan Stadium, affectionately referred to by the locals as “The Big House,” fit the bill perfectly. Upon arriving to the country’s largest collegiate football stadium (seating nearly 110,000 fans!), residents were ushered into the locker room and then onto the field where they threw footballs, took photos and enjoyed the Wolverine experience. Thanks to Dentsply Sirona for sponsoring the evening at The Big House!

 

8. Big Winners
Various corporate partners hosted a raffle during the weekend through which residents won a variety of products and experiences. Winners were announced and presented their winnings on Saturday evening at The Big House!

9. Getting Up Close and Personal with Products
During breaks throughout the weekend, attendees had opportunities to test drive many of the industry’s newest and most trusted products.

 

10. Free for All
APICES is a weekend-long event that’s completely free to residents. During a time when postgraduate students are committed to their education and many are stressed about finances, APICES is an educational environment where they can learn and enjoy themselves away from their everyday responsibilities.

Interested in seeing more APICES 2016 highlights? Browse all the great shots captured during the weekend in our photo album. You can favorite, share or download the images using the icons that appear in the lower-right corner when viewing each image.

In 2017, APICES will be hosted in Chicago, the hometown of the AAE! Without ties to a university, APICES can be held in a larger venue to help the AAE accomplish its goal of accommodating all interested residents. University spirit will still be incorporated throughout the programming. Watch for more details about APICES 2017 from the Resident and New Practitioner Committee in the coming months.