DESS at LMT Lab Day Chicago and CDS Midwinter Meeting 2026

February in Chicago is always a big week for dentistry, and 2026 was no different. DESS had the opportunity to exhibit at both LMT Lab Day Chicago and the CDS Midwinter Meeting, connecting with laboratories and clinicians from across the country.

Even though both events took place in the same city, the conversations were very different. Lab Day was all about production, digital workflows, and scalability. Midwinter shifted the focus to clinical performance and predictable outcomes chairside. Together, the two shows gave us a chance to showcase how DESS supports the entire restorative process.

LMT Lab Day Chicago 2026: Focused on the Lab

At LMT Lab Day Chicago 2026, we spent the weekend talking with lab owners, technicians, and digital teams about one core topic. How do you grow without complicating your workflow?

One of the biggest highlights at Lab Day was the continued expansion of the DESS PNP Workflow. We announced the addition of the Ivoclar PrograMill PM7 milling machine as a validated player within the PNP ecosystem. For labs already using the PM7 or considering it, this was important. It gives them more flexibility while staying inside a validated workflow.

The goal of the DESS PNP Workflow is straightforward. It provides laboratories with the easiest path to produce final medical devices that are FDA cleared, without requiring a QMS system. Instead of forcing labs to rebuild their entire process, PNP is designed to work with trusted equipment and components that are already part of their environment.

A lot of the conversations at our booth centered around simplicity. Labs are busy. Teams are stretched. No one wants to change tooling, retrain staff, or disrupt production just to add a new solution. The feedback we kept hearing was appreciation for systems that fit into what they are already doing.

We also introduced two key restorative updates.

First, DESS now offers eight total ASC connections. As screw retained restorations continue to grow, having more angulated screw channel connection options gives labs the flexibility to support more implant systems without compromise.

Second, we showcased our newly designed multi unit abutments featuring a smoother emergence profile. The updated design supports improved tissue response and esthetics while maintaining the precision fit and stability labs expect. It is a subtle design change, but one that makes a meaningful difference in everyday cases.

By the end of Lab Day, one thing was clear. Laboratories are looking for practical innovation. Not complexity. Not hype. Just solutions that help them work efficiently and confidently.

CDS Midwinter Meeting 2026: Clinician Driven Conversations

Just days later, the focus shifted at the CDS Midwinter Meeting 2026. While some of the same products were featured, the conversations took on a different tone.

Clinicians wanted to talk about predictability, ease of use, and long term performance.

One of the main highlights at Midwinter was DESSLoc, our overdenture attachment system. We had a lot of discussions around retention, serviceability, and how to deliver reliable results for overdenture patients. Clinicians appreciated having a solution that balances secure retention with straightforward maintenance.

The newly designed multi unit abutments were also a key talking point at Midwinter. From a clinical perspective, the refined emergence profile supports soft tissue management and esthetics, while the precision interface helps ensure stability at the implant connection. For many clinicians, efficiency chairside is everything. Components that seat predictably and perform consistently matter.

Another strong point of interest was the DESS NEO GM implant. The NEO GM implant is 100 percent compatible with Neodent® Grand Morse and integrates seamlessly into existing surgical and restorative workflows. Compatibility continues to be one of the most important factors for clinicians evaluating new implant options. The ability to maintain familiar protocols without introducing a learning curve makes adoption much easier.

At Midwinter, the message was clear. Clinicians are not looking to reinvent their workflow. They are looking for systems that fit, perform, and support long term patient success.

One City, One Industry, Shared Goals

Exhibiting at both LMT Lab Day Chicago and CDS Midwinter Meeting gave us a unique perspective. Labs and clinicians may approach cases from different angles, but their priorities are aligned.

Labs want scalable, validated workflows that protect efficiency and compliance. Clinicians want predictable components that simplify procedures and improve outcomes. In both cases, compatibility and precision are essential.

Chicago is always a reminder of how connected this industry really is. The conversations we had at both shows reinforced that innovation works best when it supports real world workflows. When systems are designed to integrate rather than disrupt, everyone benefits, including the patient.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If you were not able to attend LMT Lab Day Chicago 2026 or CDS Midwinter Meeting 2026, we would love to connect.

Explore the DESS PNP Workflow and learn more about our validated partners.
Discover our expanded ASC connections and newly designed multi unit abutments.
Learn more about DESSLoc and the DESS NEO GM implant.

Visit dess-usa.com to see how we can support your laboratory or practice in 2026 and beyond.

We are grateful to everyone who stopped by our booths in Chicago. The conversations, feedback, and partnerships formed there continue to shape what we do next.