Dental convention backs up traffic on Pike
By Andrew Ryan, Globe Staff
More than 28,000 dentists have descended on South Boston this morning for a conference, triggering traffic jams that have clogged local roads and backed up the Massachusetts Turnpike, and the Southeast Expressway.
The Yankee Dental Congress has drawn dentists, hygienists, and office assistants from across the country to the Boston Convention and Exhibition and Center.
“Congress Street is backing up onto the Pike,” said Trooper Eric Benson of the State Police. “Apparently all the dentists converged on the convention center at once.”
State troopers have responded to the scene and are directing traffic.
The conference, which is in its 33 year, is not just seminars about cavities, gingivitis, and fluoride. On Thursday former Red Sox slugger Jim Rice posed for pictures. Tonight’s entertainment: Grammy winner Sheryl Crow. Saturday there is a celebrity lunch with Geena Davis.
