MidWinter Convention & Expo

Thursday, March 26, 2026

7:30am–10:00am • 2.5 CEU, Core
Unleash Your Hygiene Superpowers: Ignite a Revolution in Oral Health
Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS
Sponsored by CareCredit
Identifying inflammation is vital in preventing oral and systemic diseases. Hygienists and the entire team can optimize patient care by accurately classifying risk factors and predicting disease progression. In this course, you will learn advanced communication techniques for improving patient acceptance, innovative chairside approaches and best practices to empower your patients for overall wellness.
Learning objectives:

• Use AAP Periodontal Classifications to accurately diagnose and classify periodontal diseases.
• Discover treatment recommendations based on the patient specific stage and grade of the disease.
• Develop a strategic treatment plan addressing oral inflammation.
• Implement effective sequencing of appointments for gingivitis and periodontitis patients.

7:30am–10:00am • 2.5 CEU, Core
Posterior Composites – 21st Century Techniques for Clinical Success
Richard Young, DDS
Sponsored by Kuraray America, Inc.
The 21st Century “Super Composite” is really a culmination of 42 years of passion for adhesion and composite dentistry. This course will present the marriage of modern materials and techniques, with researched concepts of minimally invasive dentistry (often referred to as Biomimetic Dentistry). Innovative techniques utilizing a modern matrix system, injection molding heated composites, combined with IDS, resin coating, and stress reduction protocols to create the “super composite” will be discussed. These techniques will be applied for the treatment of posterior composite dentistry.
Learning objectives:

• Understand what IDS (Immediate Resin Coating) is and how they solve many common challenges in adhesive dentistry.
• Discover how to combine IDS and injection molded composites that will change how you look at posterior composites.
• Learn when and how to perform DME (deep margin elevation).
• Explore techniques for Direct Cusp Replacements using direct composite onlay.
• Review compression vs. tension and how it affects the long-term success of your restorations.

8:00am–10:00am • 2 CEU, Core
Tethered Oral Tissues in Infancy and Pediatrics: Early Diagnosis for Lifelong Oral Health
Loeta Robles, DDS and Brooke Edgar, RDH
This lecture will provide dental professionals with a comprehensive understanding of how tethered oral tissues (TOTs) affect infants and young children. We’ll explore the implications of lip and tongue ties on breastfeeding, craniofacial growth, dental arch development, and early airway formation. Attendees will learn to recognize early oral dysfunction and the long-term dental consequences of untreated restrictions. A collaborative treatment model—including the roles of lactation consultants, bodyworkers, and myofunctional therapists will be emphasized. The goal is to equip dental teams with tools to identify TOTs early and intervene appropriately for optimal oral and facial development.
Learning objectives:

• Identify clinical signs of TOTs in infants and children relevant to dental development.
• Understand how oral restrictions impact feeding, growth, and airway formation.
• Explore the dental implications of untreated oral restrictions.
• Discuss collaborative care with IBCLCs and other specialists.
• Define the role of myofunctional therapy in supporting pediatric oral development.

8:00am–10:00am • 2 CEU, Core
Biology, Technology, and Healing: Managing Dental Trauma and Root Resorption
Kenneth Tittle, DDS
Sponsored by Carestream Dental
Dental trauma affects more than one in three adolescents. This course will explore the various types of traumatic dental injuries, emphasizing both short- and long-term prognoses and management strategies grounded in the best current evidence and the latest guidelines. Participants will examine how the use of emerging technologies enhances diagnostic precision. Techniques in vital pulp therapy, repositioning and splinting, open apex treatment, regenerative endodontics, and management of resorptive defects will be covered in depth. The biologic underpinnings, classification, and prognostic implications of various forms of resorption will be thoroughly reviewed.
Learning objectives:

• Systematically diagnose and classify traumatic dental injuries and root resorptions.
• Develop treatment plans that maximize healing potential based on injury type and patient factors.
• Understand the principles and applications of regenerative endodontics and vital pulp therapy.
• Diagnose and manage different types of root resorption.

8:00am–10:00am • 2 CEU, Core
Responsibilities and Requirements of Prescribing Schedule II Opioid Drugs
Andrew Young, DDS
This course satisfies the Dental Board of California’s licensure renewal requirements.
The inflammatory, neurological and psychological processes that cause the great range of pain experiences will first be discussed, followed by a discussion of preoperative, perioperative and postoperative approaches for more effective pain management (often making opioids unnecessary). We will describe how opioids work and how they compare to other forms of pain control. We will explain dosing, how dependence and addiction occur, and how that differs by age and psychological make-up. Relevant laws will be covered, and how to recognize and address drug-seeking behavior.
Learning objectives:

• Learn best practices for dental pain management.
• Understand regulations.
• Manage those at risk for addiction.

8:30am–10:00am • 1.5 CEU, Core
Ask the Expert: Regulatory Compliance
Jenell Bell, Associate Analyst, Regulatory Compliance & Employment; California Dental Association
Sponsored by California Dental Association
This interactive program addresses the most frequently asked questions dental team members raise in the areas of infection control, Cal/OSHA, patient screening and documentation, dental practice, HIPAA, radiation safety and more. Dental team members are encouraged to come prepared with their most common regulatory compliance questions.
Learning objectives:

• Get up-to-date information on regulations, enforcement guidance, and trends.
• Understand the broad scope of regulations applicable in dentistry.
• Learn where to find compliance assistance and support on cda.org.

10:30am–11:30am • 1 CEU, Core
Key Step-by-Step Cybersecurity & Data Protection Techniques for Dental Practices
Ali Nattah, Owner; Business PC Support, Inc.
Interested in learning about simple and predictable strategies to protect your dental practice from evolving cyber threats? Participants will attend a presentation that focuses on step-by-step “real-world” clinical practice procedures for safeguarding patient data, managing digital vulnerabilities, and complying with healthcare regulations. Emphasis will be placed on practical skills for dental professionals to use in their practices on Monday morning.
Learning objectives:

• Exposure to step-by-step cybersecurity procedures for protecting patient health information (PHI) and practice data.
• Acquire knowledge and confidence in the clinical protocols for recognizing and responding to common cyber threats like ransomware and phishing.
• Become familiar with the parts & pieces used for establishing robust data backup, network security, and HIPAA compliance strategies.

10:30am–12:00pm • 1.5 CEU, Core
Keeping Up with Recent Dental Code Changes
Gary Dougan, DDS, MPH
Dental procedure codes change every year. Many practices miss billing and reporting opportunities to describe properly the services they are providing. We will identify new and recent codes, how to use them properly in the practice for improved claims success and which codes are being scrutinized and why. Peek into common insurance company policies and why certain codes have increased scrutiny. Understand utilization management basics. Eliminate common code mistakes that interfere with being paid.
Learning objectives:

• Learn new codes, expired codes and changed codes and avoid common coding mistakes.
• Discover codes scrutinized by payers and why.
• Understand what Utilization Management is and how does this affect me in my practice.
• Report the services provided to enhance payment.

10:30am–12:00pm • 1.5 CEU, Core
Minimizing the Heartbreak of Split Teeth and Fractures
Kenneth Tittle, DDS
Sponsored by Carestream Dental
Few things are more discouraging than diagnosing a non-restorable root fracture in a tooth that’s received significant care. This course explores dentin as a biomaterial, examining its structural strengths and limitations to inform better treatment planning. Attendees will learn to identify teeth at risk for fracture, revise restorative and endodontic strategies to minimize progression, and apply advanced techniques to preserve structurally compromised teeth. Emphasis will be placed on diagnosis, classification, and prognosis of fractures, as well as methods to extend tooth longevity and prevent catastrophic failure.
Learning objectives:

• Discuss the contributing factors and preventive measures of root fractures and identify at-risk teeth.
• Understand current methods of diagnosis of root fractures.
• Employ current diagnostic, endodontic, and restorative techniques to minimize the occurrence of root fractures.

10:30am–12:30pm • 2 CEU, Core
California Dental Practice Act
Leslie Canham, CDA, RDA, CDIPC, CSP
This course satisfies the Dental Board of California’s licensure renewal requirements.
Join us for the latest regulatory updates that affect dentistry. Topics will include scope of practice, professional ethics, violations of the dental practice act and attending regulations, citations, fines, license actions, mandatory reporter obligations, prescription writing regulations, license renewal requirements, and determining the legal use of utilizing dental auxiliaries.
Learning objectives:

• Understand scope of practice, violations, professional ethics, and attending regulations.
• Identify duties and settings for dental auxiliaries, levels of supervision, and license renewal requirements.
• List required postings for dental practices.

10:30am–12:30pm • 2 CEU, Core
Tethered Oral Tissues in Adolescents and Adults: Functional and Structural Consequences
Loeta Robles, DDS and Brooke Edgar, RDH
This session focuses on the long-term dental and orofacial impacts of undiagnosed tethered oral tissues in older patients. Learn how TOTs contribute to compensatory habits, altered growth patterns, malocclusion, TMD, and sleep-disordered breathing. Case studies will demonstrate how adult patients often present with symptoms tied to long-standing oral dysfunction. Attendees will be equipped to assess for TOTs during routine exams and understand the role of interdisciplinary collaboration—including myofunctional therapy—in achieving long-term functional and structural change. Practical guidance on when and how to refer for release and adjunctive therapy will be discussed.
Learning objectives:

• Recognize signs of oral restriction in adolescent and adult dentition.
• Identify links between TOTs and TMD, malocclusion, and airway concerns.
• Understand diagnostic tools and functional assessments for older patients.
• Explore the goals of myofunctional therapy in adult dental cases.
• Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration for comprehensive patient care.

10:30am–12:30pm • 2 CEU, 20%
Powerful Steps to Reduce Cancellations
Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS
Sponsored by CareCredit
This course goes beyond reducing cancellations and no-shows, focusing on understanding patient values and tailoring motivational communication to meet their individual needs. Attendees will explore strategies using case studies to learn motivational techniques that highlight the benefits of care aligned with each patient’s values. By mastering effective communication skills, participants will enhance patient satisfaction and loyalty, building stronger patient relationships.
Learning objectives:

• Identify and analyze the factors contributing to cancellations.
• Develop effective communication strategies.
• Implement proven techniques to reduce cancellations and no-shows.

10:30am–12:30pm • 2 CEU, Core
Anterior Composites–Modern Approaches to Age Old Problems-Black Triangles, Diastema Closures, and More
Richard Young, DDS
Sponsored by Kuraray America, Inc.
Esthetic dentistry has evolved over the years, and the black triangles, diastema closures, cervical Cl5’s and fragment attachment have always been difficult to treat successfully. This lecture will present injection molding techniques, matrix systems, and adhesion techniques, from 42 years of “real world” clinical experience in minimal invasive dentistry, it will change the way you look at composites, adhesion, and tooth structure.
Learning objectives:

• Learn matrix systems to make your life easier.
• Learn advanced adhesion techniques for anterior composite dentistry.
• Learn why tooth structure can be the best restorative material we have.

2:00pm–3:00pm • No CEU
Branding Strategies to Attract More New Patients
Dan Johnson, Chief Operating Officer; Acre Wood Dental
Sponsored by Gargle
In a world where every dental practice is competing for attention, the practices that grow fastest aren’t always the ones with the newest technology or the fanciest office—they’re the ones that tell a compelling story. Your brand is more than your logo or website; it’s the emotional connection patients feel when they discover you online, hear about you from a friend, or walk through your doors for the first time. In this marketing-forward session, dental professionals will learn how to define and amplify their unique story to fuel sustainable new patient growth. By strategically shaping your brand identity, you’ll stand out in crowded markets, build trust faster, and convert more curious clicks into loyal patients.
Learning objectives:

• Craft a clear and authentic brand story that resonates with the patients.
• Identify what makes your practice stand out and translate that into messaging that converts.
• Use storytelling as a marketing strategy across your website, ads, reviews, and social media to boost visibility.
• Build trust that shortens the decision cycle for new patients.
• Connect branding efforts to data, including increased website traffic, lead conversion, and call-to-appointment ratios.
• Design a new patient journey that reinforces your brand.

2:00pm–3:30pm • 1.5 CEU, Core
Secrets of Smoother Claims Processing: Common Reasons Your Claims are Denied
Gary Dougan, DDS, MPH
Every year, dentists continue to cite that working with dental insurance benefit programs is one of the main concerns of running their practices. This course discusses the top reasons claims are denied and what you can do to prevent processing delays. Identify common office occurrences and errors that interfere with payment and discover how to enhance your office systems to smooth relationships with dental carriers. What are your submissions telling the payers about your utilization pattern? We will discuss the growing concern of potential fraud, waste, and abuse in insurance billing.
Learning objectives:

• Learn common reasons dental claims are denied.
• Prevent common errors and improved chart documentation.
• Improve office image with insurance companies.
• How utilization patterns are being analyzed for potential fraud, waste and abuse.

2:00pm–3:30pm • 1.5 CEU, 20%
The Hand Bone’s Connected to the Neck Bone, Instrumentation and Biomechanics for the Hygienist
Katrina Klein, RDH, CEAS, CPT
Anyone who has practiced chairside knows that dental hygiene is a physically taxing career. Even on the best of days, physical fatigue can feel like an uphill battle. What’s hard to grasp is that it’s the sum of the little things we do “just really quickly” in and out of the operatory, that can be the source of our body pain … or our wellness. Katrina will discuss the biomechanics of dental hygiene instrumentation and offer subtle practice adjustments that add up to big results for less body pain.
Learning objectives:

• Understand the biomechanics of body pain as it relates to dental hygiene practice.
• Discover body friendly operator and patient positioning for clinical practice.
• Identify the differences in instrument handles, materials and blade engineering.
• Demonstrate an understanding of body preparedness for clinical practice longevity.

2:00pm–3:30pm • 1.5 CEU, 20%
HR Essentials: How to Protect Your Practice and Avoid Legal Minefields
Ali Oromchian, JD; Dental & Medical Counsel, PC
Are you making a mistake? One of the biggest blunders practice owners make is not following HR processes and procedures to keep their practices safe and lawsuit-free. In this presentation, you will learn everything necessary to maximize your practice’s potential while staying legally compliant. Not only will these strategies ensure you’re less likely to be on the receiving end of a lawsuit, but they will also help your practice run more efficiently when implemented.
Learning objectives:

• Identify employment laws and HR trends to expect.
• Establish the right employment policies.
• Understand the law updates affecting your practices.
• Illustrate the common pitfalls most dental practices experience and how to avoid them.
• Use actionable steps to become HR compliant.

2:00pm–3:30pm • 1.5 CEU, Core
There’s Air Up There!
Jonathan Szymanowski, DMD, MMSc
This introductory lecture provides a comprehensive overview of maxillary sinus grafting. Attendees will gain foundational knowledge in clinical and radiographic diagnosis related to sinus augmentation. Various surgical techniques will be discussed, accompanied by case presentations to illustrate practical applications and outcomes.
Learning objectives:

• Discover various surgical techniques.
• Evaluate clinical case presentations.

2:00pm–3:30pm • 1.5 CEU, Core
TMD Overview
Andrew Young, DDS
The different types of TMDs will be described, as well as how to perform a physical examination. We will then discuss the most common causes of TMD, and how to identify and reduce or eliminate them. Simple home physical therapy, as well as when and how to make night guards, will be covered.
Learning objectives:

• Recognize various TMDs.
• Identify the most common causes in your patients.
• Guide patients in reducing/eliminating their TMD.

2:00pm–4:00pm • 2 CEU, Core
Infection Control
Leslie Canham, CDA, RDA, CDIPC, CSP
This course satisfies the Dental Board of California’s licensure renewal requirements.
Dental infection control demands that we review, update, and fine tune skills and processes. In this course, attendees will understand how to update infection control practices to meet CDC Guidelines and Dental Board standards. Examples of infection control DO’s and DON’Ts will motivate the attendee to strive for infection control excellence. Create a culture of safety with take away checklists, protocols, and resources.
Learning objectives:

• Understand how to incorporate the CDC Guidelines
• for your dental practice.
• Learn how to achieve a culture of infection prevention and safety.
• Develop and implement infection control checklists.

Friday, March 27, 2026

7:30am–10:00am • 2.5 CEU, Core
Soft Tissue Management Around Implants
Eric Blasingame, DDS, MS
Sponsored by Straumann USA, LLC
Managing gingival tissues around implants plays an important role in both the short and long term prognosis for dental implants. It provides the esthetic framework for how the final prosthesis will appear. Gingiva is not only essential to esthetics, it plays a major role in preventing peri-implantitis. Without a proper soft tissue scaffold, the peri-implant bone is in jeopardy. In this course, we’ll discuss the biology of soft tissue grafting and how it applies to teeth and implants. We’ll also discuss practical ways to improve outcomes in soft tissue which can be done during implant placement surgery as well as in the prosthetic phase of treatment.
Learning objectives:

• Understand the biology of soft tissue grafting; impact of incision design, flapless vs. flapped implant surgery, and guided implant surgery.
• Impact of healthy tissue around dental implants.
• Implant maintenance and peri-implantitis prevention.

7:30am–10:00am • 2.5 CEU, Core
Minimally Invasive Dentistry at the Tooth Level (SDF, GIC, and SMART)
Doug Young, DDS, EdD, MS, MBA
Sponsored by Oral BioTech and Elevate Oral Care
Dental caries is a site-specific disease in which the microbiology and chemistry will differ depending on location and local environment. This course will review the current ADA caries classification system to address these different sites and include a mechanism to track all stages of a caries lesion. New terminology, treatment thresholds, and use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF), glass ionomer cement (GIC) restoratives, and the silver modified atraumatic restorative treatment (SMART) will be presented. Only then will the clinician be able to use minimally invasive restorative approaches to managing this disease chemically at the tooth level. Actual clinical cases will be used to illustrate these concepts.
Learning objectives:

• Learn to properly classify all stages of caries lesions based on location, extent, and activity.
• Understand when to treat chemotherapeutically and when to treat surgically.
• Be aware of the use of glass ionomer and silver diamine fluoride to treat a caries lesion chemically.

8:00am–9:30am • 1.5 CEU, Core
Thriving Extended Functions Dental Assistants for Thriving Dental Practices
Colby Smith, DDS, MAGD
Registered Dental Assistants in Extended Functions (RDAEFs) can be a valuable addition to an excellence-focused private dental practice. The number and adoption of RDAEFs continues to grow year after year. This course will discuss: the benefits of RDAEF certification for both dental assistants’ career and dental practice growth, ways to incorporate extended functions assistants into practice, and best practices for consistently maintaining and improving quality of care by all levels of dental providers.
Learning objectives:

• Understand the scope of practice of RDAEFs.
• Learn the training and education path to become a RDAEF.
• Explore practice and scheduling models for practices that utilize RDAEFs.

8:00am–10:00am • 2 CEU, Core
Cutting Edge Techniques and Materials to Maximize Success of Posterior Composite Resin Restorations
Marc Geissberger, DDS, MA
Sponsored by Solventum
The use of composite resin material as a direct restorative for posterior restorations has dramatically increased in the marketplace. With various materials emerging as a viable alternative to traditional techniques and the development of new resin compositions to assist clinicians with simplified techniques, it is easy to get confused and fall behind. This lecture will attempt to make sense of all of the products and techniques available in today’s marketplace and will focus on materials and their applications as well as a brief review of some of the literature. Emphasis will be placed on new developments in the composite area as well as outline what developments to watch for in the coming years.
Learning objectives:

• Discover various etching principles and how they are applied to composite resins.
• Learn how to place a flawless Class I, II, and IV posterior restoration.
• Proper placement techniques that maximize clinical outcomes and esthetics.
• Learn how to select and place an appropriate matrix system, and how to create and maintain correct posterior anatomy and contours.

8:00am–10:00am • 2 CEU, Core
Eyes, Ears and Explanations: Hygiene Assessments That Influence Comprehensive Care Without Selling
Katrina Klein, RDH, CEAS, CPT
Dental hygienists are uniquely positioned to influence comprehensive patient care—without feeling like salespeople. This course explores how thorough assessments, active listening, and thoughtful communication can transform routine appointments into powerful moments of advocacy and education. Learn how to leverage your clinical observations and patient interactions to support whole-person care, enhance treatment acceptance, and elevate your role within the practice—simply by saying what you see, hear, and know. No pressure. No pitch. Just purposeful prevention.
Learning objectives:

• Identify key components of a comprehensive hygiene assessment.
• Demonstrate effective communication strategies to share assessment findings without pressure or sales tactics.
• Recognize the hygienist’s role in influencing comprehensive care through proactive assessment and documentation.
• Develop confidence in delivering value-driven education during the hygiene appointment.

8:00am–10:00am • 2 CEU, Core
Dental Photography for The Modern Practice
Nathan Yang, DDS
Sponsored by Kuraray America, Inc.
Dental photography is no longer just a tool for patient education, documentation and lab communication. These photographs can be used for marketing/social media growth, personal clinical growth, certifications and product placement just to name a few. Navigating through the sea of photography products and systems to accomplish this can be challenging and daunting. This course will break down these barriers with details on these systems, helping the dental professional make informed decisions for their practice needs.
Learning objectives:

• Explore dental photography systems.
• Learn dental photography settings.
• Discover clinical dental photography techniques.

9:00am–10:00am • 1 CEU, Core
Fueling Healthy Smiles: Nutrition’s Role in Oral and Systemic Health
Sara Stratton, NTP, ONC, ACDM-ACS
Join us for a session on the powerful connection between nutrition and oral health. This talk explores how diet influences the oral microbiome, dental integrity, and overall systemic health–with an underlying foundation of a balanced diet. Learn which foods support healthy teeth and gums, how common nutrient deficiencies show up in the mouth, and what dietary habits may be undermining your patients’ oral health—even with good hygiene.
Learning Objectives:

• Learn the basics around macronutrients and micronutrients; and how to design a balanced diet.
• Understand how diet impacts oral and systemic health.
• Recognize the role of the oral microbiome.
• Learn practical nutrition strategies to support dental health and patient care.

10:30am–12:00pm • 1.5 CEU, Core
Streamline & Shine: Optimizing Inventory and Equipment Management
Ashley Reich, RDA, Workforce Development Program Specialist; California Dental Association
Sponsored by California Dental Association
This interactive session provides practical tools for you to streamline inventory and equipment management in your practice. Learn how to reduce costs and improve overall efficiency. Discover essential strategies to organize supplies effectively, implement best ordering practices and optimize budgeting. Explore OSHA requirements for equipment maintenance, understand the impact of proper care and develop actionable plans for assigning responsibilities.
Learning objectives:

• Execute effective inventory management strategies to reduce waste and streamline ordering.
• Understand OSHA requirements for equipment maintenance to ensure compliance and safety.
• Assign clear roles for inventory and equipment oversight to enhance team accountability and efficiency.

10:30am–12:00pm • 1.5 CEU, Core
Dental Materials for Your Practice
Nathan Yang, DDS
Sponsored by Kuraray America, Inc.
This course provides an exploration of dental materials used in today’s patient-centered dental practices. Emphasizing both foundational science and practical application, clinicians will gain an understanding of the properties, indications, and limitations of dental restorative and preventive materials. The course will help clinicians critically evaluate and select appropriate dental materials for their offices based on clinical scenarios and evidence-based protocols. Emphasis will be placed on adhesive systems and dental restorative materials.
Learning objectives:

• Review basic principles of dental adhesion.
• Clinical application of adhesion with substrates.
• Criteria for selection of dental materials.

10:30am–12:00pm • 1.5 CEU, Core
Treating Caries Chemically…WTF? (Without The Filling)
Doug Young, DDS, EdD, MS, MBA
Sponsored by Oral BioTech and Elevate Oral Care
This course will address current trends in caries risk management at the patient level utilizing an evidence-based, person-centered methodology. Clinical practice today uses scientifically sound evidence-based approaches. There is a noticeable shift to the caries treatment paradigm by better preventing and managing caries as a disease at the patient level. Person-centered care is an approach where the individual in your dental chair is treated as a person rather than a patient; where their personal preferences and shared decisions drive clinical treatment options.
Learning objectives:

• Properly perform a caries risk assessment and propose evidence-based treatment options to the patient.
• Thoroughly understand biological, chemical and mechanical aspects of caries disease.
• Use a person-centered care approach using motivational interviewing and shared decision making.

10:30am–12:30pm • 2 CEU, Core
Predictable Solutions to Periodontal Problems
Eric Blasingame, DDS, MS
Sponsored by Straumann USA, LLC
This course is a case driven lecture that demystifies three of the most frustrating challenges in contemporary periodontics: vertical and horizontal bone defects, gingival recession, and peri implantitis. Drawing on current literature, biologic principles, and real world workflows from a high volume surgical practice. Participants will leave with a greater understanding of when to collaborate with a periodontist, as well as what techniques are available to solve their patient’s periodontal problem.
Learning objectives:

• Differentiate between horizontal and vertical bone defects and determine indications for resective vs. regenerative surgery.
• Understand the best time to treat and what clinical measurements are indicators for surgical intervention of gingival recession; and what the surgical options are for patients with gingival recession.
• Understand the cause of peri-implantitis and determine when to collaborate with a periodontist.
• Understand what the surgical options are for treating peri-implantitis and when it is more predictable to just remove an implant and start over.

10:30am–12:30pm • 2 CEU, Core
Treatment Planning, Designing and Delivering Complex Restorative and Multidisciplinary Cases
Marc Geissberger, DDS, MA
Sponsored by Solventum
Treatment planning, designing and managing complex restorative and esthetic cases can be a daunting task. While each practitioner may have their own treatment preferences, several universal design and treatment principles can be applied to the treatment of all complex cases. These principles will be introduced through this exciting, interactive presentation using cases that include multidisciplinary needs and diligent management to achieve optimal results. Sequencing treatment with multiple specialties (orthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, and endodontics) will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on specific techniques and design concepts to aid practitioners in achieving optimal functional and esthetic results.
Learning objectives:

• Diagnose a variety of complex clinical situations and design a case with the final product in mind.
• Select appropriate materials based on functional needs and esthetics.
• Manage and quarterback all members of the treating team.
• Work effectively with lab team to achieve lasting, esthetic results.
• Optimize case acceptance through an increased understanding of various patient types.

10:30am–12:30pm • 2 CEU, 20%
From Stuck to Aligned: What Every Dental Leader Needs to Know to Grow Without the Grind
Melinda Heryford, MBA; Melinda Heryford Consulting
Sponsored by Weave
Feeling overwhelmed in your practice? You’re not alone. This course will uncover the hidden causes of burnout and the subtle signs that your practice may be “stuck.” Attendees will learn the difference between urgent work and important growth. We’ll discuss how to help you regain clarity and focus. Learn how to redefine your role as a leader, showing how alignment—not micromanagement—builds momentum, ownership, and sustainable success. Walk away with renewed energy, strategic insight, and a clear path to lead your practice with confidence and purpose.
Learning objectives:

• Recognize the core pain points holding their practice back—including burnout, disconnection, and scattered priorities—and name where they are on the practice lifecycle curve.
• Understand the importance of defining a clear, outcome-driven BIG WIG (Wildly Important Goal) as a unifying force for their team and a filter for all decisions.
• Gain a new lens on leadership that emphasizes clarity, alignment, and delegation over micromanagement, empowering them to focus on the few things that make the greatest impact.

10:30am–12:30pm • 2 CEU, Core
Key Factors to Effectively Manage Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office
Thomas Lenhart, DMD
Medical emergencies, though infrequent, can occur at any time in the dental setting. This lecture-based course will provide dental professionals with essential knowledge and practical strategies to effectively respond effectively to a variety of medical emergencies.
Learning objectives:

• Implement strategies to prevent medical emergencies through thorough medical history review and patient assessment.
• Gain familiarity with essential emergency equipment and medications.
• Formulating an emergency plan.
• Utilization of emergency training.
• Effectively utilize emergency equipment and medications typically found in office emergency kits.
• Implement Team approach and effective communication.
• Understand the need for MOCK Drills and Simulation.

10:30am–12:30pm • 2 CEU, Core
Advanced Instrumentation Techniques for Tenacious Calculus Removal
Anna Pattison, RDH, MS
An update on the newest hand instruments and ultrasonic units and tips to enhance your ability to treat patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis and/or implants. New videos show alternative fulcrums, new instruments and advanced techniques. New titanium mini-bladed instruments and ultrasonic tips for implants will be compared to subgingival air polishing.
Learning objectives:

• Recognize the design, indications and sequence for use of various new curets, sickles, diamond-coated instruments, furcation and implant instruments.
• Describe the differences between magnetostrictive and piezoelectric ultrasonic devices and tips for periodontal and implant scaling.
• Recognize the indications for extraoral, opposite arch or other alternative fulcrums.

2:00pm–3:30pm • 1.5 CEU, Core
Digital Dentures: Principles for Success
Jefferson Clark, DDS, MS, FACP
Unlock the future of prosthodontics with Digital Dentures – a comprehensive course designed for those seeking to master the art and science of digitally fabricated dentures. This course explores the essential principles that drive successful outcomes in modern denture therapy, focusing on three critical areas.
Learning objectives:

• Learn how to craft beautiful, natural-looking smiles.
• Gain knowledge on proven clinical workflows and techniques that streamline the digital denture process.
• Explore strategies for incorporating dental implants into digital denture treatment plans.

2:00pm–3:30pm • 1.5 CEU, Core
Treatment Planning Extraction vs. Saving Teeth – “Shuck it or f**k it”
Jennifer Goss, DDS
The decision to extract a tooth that could potentially be saved with advanced periodontal treatment can be a challenge in practice. We know implant dentistry can be a more predictable option compared with regenerative procedures to save a tooth with periodontitis. In this course I will present options available in periodontal surgery and compare them to alternative options such as extraction and prosthetic or implant dentistry. The goal is to provide a framework to help guide dental professionals and patients to make informed decisions regarding treatment options.
Learning objectives:

• Gain a broader understanding of advanced periodontal treatment options to help save teeth.
• Provide a framework to help make decisions using knowledge of available therapies and alternative options to “save or extract” as well as the pros and cons of those options.
• Understand various systems of prognosis to help make treatment decisions.

2:00pm–3:30pm • NO CEU
Selling to a DSO–The Good, The Bad & the Ugly
Rodney Johnston, MBA, CMA; OMNI Practice Group
We’ve all heard of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), but what and who are they? Why are they buying up dental practices and do they pay more than an individual buyer for a practice? DSOs have been a growing player on the dental scene, in some areas owning up to 20% of dental practices. There are some DSOs who do a good job of providing patient care, and on the flip side, there are also DSOs who want to take over the practice and run it their way. Not all DSOs are the same to work with.
Learning objectives:

• What are some of the DSO models and how are the transactions structured?
• How long do they require selling doctors to work back and what about associate doctors?
• How do you get out of an agreement without penalty if you’re working for a DSO?
• Learn that there are good DSOs and not so good DSOs.

2:00pm–4:00pm • 2 CEU, 20%
Right People. Right Seats. Real Results: The New Rules of Hiring & Retention in Dentistry
Melinda Heryford, MBA; Melinda Heryford Consulting
Sponsored by Weave
What worked 5 years ago won’t work today. Tired of high turnover and disconnected teams? This session gives practice owners and managers a real-world playbook to attract, hire, and retain growth-minded team members. Learn how to build a culture that actually sticks and create a workplace your team won’t want to leave.
Learning objectives:

• Understand why traditional hiring tactics fail in today’s market and how to realign their approach to attract right-fit team members.
• Learn the foundational elements of a People Fit Filter—including how to assess values, role clarity, and culture compatibility during hiring and onboarding.
• Discover retention strategies that work—including communication rhythms, growth conversations, and systems that build accountability and expectations.

2:00pm–4:00pm • 2 CEU, Core
Recognition and Management of Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office
Thomas Lenhart, DMD
This comprehensive lecture is designed to equip dental professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage medical emergencies that may arise in a dental office setting. Participants will explore the most common medical crises encountered during dental treatments and learn to implement effective response strategies to ensure patient safety.
Learning objectives:

• Understand and identify the pathophysiology, early warning signs and symptoms of medical emergencies commonly seen in dental practices, including syncope, hypoglycemia, airway obstruction, bronchospasm, hypoventilation, allergic reactions, seizures, aspiration of vomitus, angina, myocardial Infarct, and stroke.
• Learn to establish and implement standardized emergency response protocols tailored to the dental office environment.
• Recognize and manage the most common medical emergencies that occur in the dental setting.

2:00pm–4:00pm • 2 CEU, Core
Don’t Get Burned – Keys to Avoid and Remove Burnished Calculus
Anna Pattison, RDH, MS
This presentation discusses the causes of burnished calculus including common hand and ultrasonic instrumentation errors. The best hand instruments, ultrasonic tips and techniques for detection and removal of burnished calculus will be identified with practical tips on how to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
Learning objectives:

• Define burnished calculus and describe its detrimental effects on the periodontium.
• Describe the causes of burnished calculus by hand and ultrasonic instrumentation.
• Identify the best hand instruments, ultrasonic tips and techniques for detection and removal of burnished calculus.

2:00pm–4:00pm • 2 CEU, Core
Light the Beam: Laser Dentistry Across the Spectrum
Pinelopi Xenoudi, DDS, MS, MHA
Dental lasers offer minimally invasive, precise, and patient-friendly solutions across all specialties. This presentation explores the science, clinical applications, and practical integration of laser technology, Attendees will gain insights into how lasers enhance patient outcomes, while also discovering their expanding role in periodontics, endodontics, restorative dentistry, pediatrics, and more.
Learning objectives:

• Understand the science behind dental lasers.
• Integrate laser technology across specialties.
• Evaluate clinical outcomes and evidence-based benefits.
• Implement laser dentistry in daily practice.