Originally from Long Island, New York, Dr. Duffy brings a strong educational background and a passion for patient care to our practice. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University in Boston, followed by a Master of Science degree and Certificate for Graduate Training in Periodontology from the University of Connecticut Health Center.

Dr. Duffy is proud to be a member of both the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Dental Association. She is dedicated to staying at the forefront of periodontal care through continued education and professional development.

Outside of the office, Dr. Duffy enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, traveling, exploring the great outdoors, skiing, and catching live music whenever she can. She is excited to officially call herself a Maine-iac!

Gingival recession defects and mucogingival deformities are common periodontal findings in the general population. Successful management of cases may look different based on varying clinical presentations, including: presence of bone loss, keratinized tissue width, extent of existing gingival recession defects, and presence of non-carious cervical lesions. Additionally, the management of soft-tissue deficiencies both prior to and after implant placement often entails a combined restorative and surgical approach in order to achieve ideal esthetic results. This session will provide a practical and comprehensive overview of soft-tissue management strategies at both teeth and implants.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Understand the fundamental goals and benefits, and limitations of soft tissue grafting.

• Identify mucogingival deformities at teeth and implants and determine when surgical intervention is indicated-and when it is not.

• Explore interdisciplinary treatment planning and sequencing strategies to optimize esthetic outcomes.

Dr John A. Svirsky Is Professor Emeritus and holds a Distinguished Career Professorship from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). He has numerous awards from different organizations including an Outstanding Alumnus Award from VCU, Distinguished Service Award from the Dawson Academy, Outstanding faculty award from the American College of Dentists, Gordon Christensen Lecture Recognition Award from the Chicago Dental Society, honorary memberships from the Hinman Dental Society and The American Academy of Oral Medicine, and many more. Dr Svirsky has an international reputation as an informative and entertaining lecturer.

Known for being an entertaining lecturer Dr John A. Svirsky will bring this radiology review program to life as he will dive into both common and intriguing, atypical cases to keep participants alert and engaged. With a strong focus on identifying and understanding radiolucent lesions, this program aims to enhance your diagnostic skills and clinical confidence.

Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Demonstrate a systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of common radiolucent lesions observed in radiographs.

• Recognize and categorize the most prevalent radiographic lesions encountered in dental practices, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed clinical decisions.

Jill Hasselmann, SVP of Strategic Partnerships at HR for Health, brings over 10 years of experience developing the leading HR software solutions specifically for the dental industry. With a wealth of knowledge in wage and hour laws and employee relations, Jill takes pride in making the HR experience enjoyable for dental professionals, empowering them to increase their effectiveness and happiness at work while navigating their HR with confidence.

COURSE REGISTRION AND CE DIRECTLY PROVIDED BY THE SEATTLE STUDY CLUB AVIARY

This dynamic program will equip you as a hygienist, with essential tools and insights for thriving in your career. We’ll explore critical aspects of navigating the dental practice landscape, from preparing for impactful job interviews to understanding employment classifications, managing workplace dynamics, and leveraging opportunities through effective negotiation and collaboration.

You will learn strategies to assess the culture and needs of various dental practices, navigate office dynamics, and position yourself as invaluable team players. We’ll also provide a foundational understanding of the differences between independent contractors and employees, explore working with temporary employment agencies, and offer actionable insights to propel you toward their next career milestone.

Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Navigate common interview processes and questions and negotiate competitive salaries.

• Effectively communicate their skills and value to potential employers while understanding the culture and expectations of different dental practices.

• Identify key differences between independent contractors and employees,

• Effectively work with temporary employment agencies, including a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

Irene Iancu is a Canadian RRDH and entrepreneur with experience in various specialties, including pediatrics, orthodontics, and periodontics. She has integrated these elements into her startup dental practice in Toronto, Toothlife Studio. Through her diverse passions and expertise in dental hygiene, she has carved out a unique path in the field. In addition to being an independent dental hygienist and practice owner, Irene is an international speaker, key opinion leader, and host of the Tooth or Dare podcast. She also creates educational content across all social media platforms under the handle @toothlife.irene. Over the years, this presence has grown into a vibrant community of like-minded clinicians eager to learn, share, and grow. Irene has served as a Clinical and Theoretical Instructor at Oxford College, as well as a Quality Assurance Peer Mentor for the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario and an Item Writer for the Canadian National Dental Hygiene Boards. These roles have allowed her to advance her mission of sharing new industry insights with other professionals. Irene has pursued educational opportunities such as the Harvard HMX program offered by Harvard Medical School, which provided valuable knowledge on genetics and immune response related to oral health issues. She graduated with honors from George Brown College's Restorative Program in 2021, enabling her to practice restorative dentistry.

COURSE REGISTRION AND CE DIRECTLY PROVIDED BY THE SEATTLE STUDY CLUB AVIARY

As the spotlight shines on the critical links between breathing, eating, and sleep disorders in dentistry, myofunctional therapy has emerged as a vital specialty. This course is designed to empower dental hygienists to leverage their unique position with patients, allowing for in-depth assessments of the oral cavity, habits, and changes in dentition.

Have you ever wondered why anterior open bite cases relapse after orthodontic treatment? Or why mouth breathers face a heightened risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease? This program will uncover those answers and provide actionable solutions.

Join us as we explore five crucial insights that every dental hygienist should recognize and address concerning orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) and orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT). Equip yourself with the knowledge to make a profound impact on your patients' health and well-being!

Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Define OMT (Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy) and OMDs (Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders).

• Describe 5 common symptoms of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders and their root causes.

Dr Nada Albatish earned her DDS from the University of Toronto in 2007, graduating summa cum laude with multiple academic and clinical awards, and completed a GPR at Lutheran Medical Center (currently NYU Langone Health). She is the founder and principal dentist of All Smiles Dental Centre, a multidisciplinary practice just north of Toronto, Canada. Dr Albatish’s niche is cosmetic and rehabilitative dentistry—her ability to simplify complex concepts in comprehensive dentistry and her vision of the business of dentistry make her a popular speaker. She lectures nationally and internationally on comprehensive restorative dentistry, interdisciplinary treatment, leadership, and the business of dentistry. She is the director of Study Club in the Six, the Toronto affiliate of Seattle Study Club. Dr Albatish is inspired by creating a culture of collaboration whereby dentists achieve excellence, predictability and confidence in their craft. Jocelyn Hurley earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from Niagara College graduating with honors in 2013. As a passionate advocate for oral health and a committed dental professional, Jocelyn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field of dental hygiene, with a genuine interest in helping patients achieve and maintain optimal oral well-being.

COURSE REGISTRION AND CE DIRECTLY PROVIDED BY THE SEATTLE STUDY CLUB AVIARY

Join us for an innovative program that highlights the essential contributions of dental hygienists within the comprehensive dental care team, emphasizing co-diagnosis and treatment planning. This session will delve into the comprehensive examination process, co-diagnosis, and effective patient communication strategies that drive exceptional case acceptance rates. Our goal is to empower you to help more patients achieve optimal oral health and overall wellness.

We will focus on accurately diagnosing the most common issues patients present, understanding their concerns and goals, and crafting tailored treatment plans in partnership with restorative dentists. Presented by Dr. Albatish and her hygienist, Jocelyn, who work collaboratively in two comprehensive care practices, this program offers unique insights and practical strategies. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your practice and enhance the transformative impact of your expertise in the dynamic field of comprehensive dentistry!

Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Increase clinician confidence and understanding in diagnosis and treatment planning of comprehensive cases.

• Enhance your co-diagnosis and patient communication skills to help patients want the treatment that is the best for them. 

Dr Gabrielle Lyon is an accomplished board-certified family physician and a distinguished New York Times Bestselling author, lauded for her latest work, FOREVER STRONG: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well. Her book's exceptional success has also earned her the esteemed titles of Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author. At the forefront of modern medicine, Dr Lyon is leading a revolutionary movement focusing on the body's largest organ—skeletal muscle. Her mission is to promote longevity and combat the pervasive threats of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes by optimizing muscle health. Dr Lyon's rich background encompasses a dual research and clinical fellowship in geriatrics and nutritional sciences at Washington University, complemented by her undergraduate training in nutritional sciences at the University of Illinois. As an authority in the practical application of protein types and levels for health, performance, aging, and disease prevention, she is highly sought after as an educator. Through her thriving private practice, influential YouTube channel, captivating podcast, and her bestselling book, Dr Lyon poses a fundamental question: How can we foster strength not only in the weight room but in our daily lives? With unwavering dedication to cultivating consistent dietary and lifestyle habits, she empowers individuals to prioritize self-care and better support their loved ones, contributing to a world of enhanced strength and well-being.

COURSE REGISTRION AND CE DIRECTLY PROVIDED BY THE SEATTLE STUDY CLUB AVIARY

Everything we have thought about health and wellness is wrong. We care about health span, but what we need to focus on is muscle span. After years of watching patients cycle through her practice, Dr Gabrielle Lyon noticed a pattern. While her patients struggled with a wide range of conditions, they all suffered from the same core problem: they had too little muscle rather than too much fat. When we think about muscle, we tend to think about strength or esthetics, but in reality, muscle accounts for so much more than that. In this program Dr Lyon will teach you all about Muscle-Centric Medicine®️ and how powerful new approach to becoming Forever Strong.

Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Reboot your metabolism, build strength, and extend your life as well as the quality of it.

• Overcome everything from obesity to autoimmune disorders and avoid diseases such as Alzheimer’s, hypertension, and diabetes.

• Implement easy-to-follow food, fitness, and self-care programs anchored in evidence and pioneering research —no matter your age or health background.

Edie is a Registered Dental Hygienist that brings over 3 decades of diverse, hands-on clinical and business expertise to the podium. She incorporates real world experiences and humor into all her programs, making difficult subjects fun, empowering and thought provoking for the entire TEAM!

Edie is a “wife in recovery” and works closely with recovering addicts and their families. She is the CEO of FaithWalk Affiliates, a 2013 Sunstar RDH Award of Distinction recipient, and a Psychotherapist (UL) in the state of Colorado. She is also a Thought Leader/KOL for several prestigious companies and contributing author to the bestselling book, Overcoming Mediocrity.

Edie is a passionate about affecting change through her motivational presentations. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and FIRED UP!

Is your team STUCK in the STUCKness of disengaged patients? Turning a “no” into a YES involves passion, integrity and unwavering confidence in your dentistry! This trio of traits will lead to improved patient engagement and help stop the dreaded “peri-go-round”. Keys for successful treatment presentation, effective communication and overcoming objections, along with the most current regenerative protocols will be discussed. If you and your team are ready to help your patients move out of the NO zone and into your schedule, this course is for you!

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Understand evidence-based technologies to help improve clinical outcomes

• Appreciate your current perio/regenerative protocols critical to your patient’s health

• Develop engaging communication strategies that will help patients to agree to the treatment they need and want

• Learn problem solving strategies for overcoming objections

Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC, is an enthusiastic speaker, innovative consultant, and award-winning author. A sought-after thought leader contributing invaluable and inspiring insights into the current trends in dentistry. She brings over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene and now enthusiastically educates the dental industry. Amanda has authored over one hundred articles and writes two monthly columns for Dentisry IQ. Recipient of the Association for Dental Safety’s Emerging Infection Control Leader award, she is affectionately known as the Waterline Warrior. An active participant with the advisory board for RDH magazine, Dentistry IQ, and the Association for Dental Safety’s Infection Control In Practice Editorial Review Board and membership committee, Amanda strives to make topics in dentistry accurate, accessible, and fun!

COURSE REGISTRION AND CE DIRECTLY PROVIDED BY THE SEATTLE STUDY CLUB AVIARY

Attention, dental professionals! Have you ever felt unfulfilled or lost sight of your purpose? It’s time to break free from those feelings and reignite the power of your curiosity! As children, we were natural explorers, but as we grew older, societal norms often stifled our inquisitiveness. We began to go through the motions, leading to a disconnect from our passion, profession, and connections with our teams and patients.

In this program, we’ll explore techniques to manage stress, communicate effectively in challenging situations, and implement motivational interviewing strategies. We’ll journey through five key pathways: self, profession, education, patients, and team. By rediscovering our innate sense of wonder, we’ll not only reignite our passion for our work but also deepen our connections with patients and colleagues.

Join us and learn how embracing curiosity can revive your spirit—just like the cat!

Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Identify actionable steps to elevate your career in dentistry.

• Investigate the power of “Why” and the patient experience.

Edie is a Registered Dental Hygienist that brings over 3 decades of diverse, hands-on clinical and business expertise to the podium. She incorporates real world experiences and humor into all her programs, making difficult subjects fun, empowering and thought provoking for the entire TEAM!

Edie is a “wife in recovery” and works closely with recovering addicts and their families. She is the CEO of FaithWalk Affiliates, a 2013 Sunstar RDH Award of Distinction recipient, and a Psychotherapist (UL) in the state of Colorado. She is also a Thought Leader/KOL for several prestigious companies and contributing author to the bestselling book, Overcoming Mediocrity.

Edie is a passionate about affecting change through her motivational presentations. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and FIRED UP!

VAPING NICOTINE IS NOT SAFE IS HIGHLY ADDICTIVE! Destruction to the human body caused by vaping has escalated to epidemic status. This rapidly growing addiction has hit all 50 states without regard to race, gender, or ethnicity. The CDC is taking a stand and recommending all who vape, quit. As first responders and health care professionals, we are poised to help those using STOP this addictive substance.

This program will explain the latest information and research surrounding the vape epidemic, along with updated statistics, laws, and intervention options.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Understand signs, symptoms and causative factors of E-Cigarette/Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI)

• Distinguished between carriers, flavors, and other caustic additives in vape juice and their destructive oral/systematic efforts

• Identify the current trends in vaping

• Appreciate the available resources to help our patients and loved ones break the cycle of nicotine addiction

Dr. Ashleigh Briody is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She earned her DDS from LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans and completed her residency in Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology at The Ohio State University where she earned a certificate and master’s degree. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Dr. Briody currently practices oral pathology in a private practice, Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians, in Westerville, Ohio. The scope of her practice includes seeing patients clinically, diagnosing and managing oral disease, performing biopsies, CO2 laser ablation, and reading the tissue microscopically. Their practice accepts specimens from outside contributors including dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists, endodontists, ENTs, dermatologists, and others. When not in clinic, she enjoys lecturing about oral pathology all over the United States and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

After a brief head and neck exam review, this course will cover common entities in oral pathology. Similar entities will be presented side by side, with differences shown to emphasize how to tell them apart. Discussion will include how to recognize precancerous lesions, malignancies and immune mediated diseases, as well as when to treat, how to treat, and when to refer. The session also includes common radiographic findings with comparisons and interesting cases, going more in depth regarding common pathoses and treatment options.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Confidently perform a head and neck/oral cancer screening exam.

• Differentiate benign lesions from precancerous and malignant lesions.

• Recognize key features that will help tell similar-appearing conditions apart.

Marianne Dryer is a dynamic speaker, educator and corporate consultant in curriculum development. She has lectured nationally and internationally on periodontal instrumentation with a focus on ultrasonic technique, risk assessment, infection prevention and radiology technique. Marianne’s experience in dentistry spans over 30 years. She is a graduate of Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists, Old Dominion University and received her Master’s in Education from St Joseph’s College of Maine. Marianne was the first year coordinator at Collin College in Dallas Texas for six years where she was selected for the Outstanding Faculty Award and was nominated for the Advisor of the Year. She has been a faculty member at Cape Cod Community College since 2007, and Program Director since 2019. Marianne is also a Periodontal Instrumentation Instructor for DH Methods of Education, Inc., an educational program for dental and dental hygiene faculty. She has been a strong advocate for introducing ultrasonic instrumentation into dental hygiene curriculums earlier and with more structured, foundational content.

The need for quality, predictable, diagnostically acceptable radiographs while minimizing radiation for the patient is at the core of providing evidence based dentistry. Achieving optimum clinical outcomes can be sacrificed through utilizing radiographs of poor quality. Clinicians have a varying level of experience and background in dental radiography and many desire updated instruction on technique with digital sensors or phosphor plates. Newer technologies and aiming devices have evolved and adapting technique is often necessary. Compliance with state requirements is often in accordance with patient safety. This course will also examine a variety of ways to ensure patient safety while achieving predictable quality radiographic images.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Examine the critical role radiographs play in the assessment and diagnosis of dental disease

• Recognize advantages, varieties and limitations of digital xray systems

• Identify common errors clinicians experience and solutions to overcome these

• Examine the products available to help the clinician achieve radiographic success

• Explore trends in radiographic technology and additional training needed to recognize disease and anomalies in varying image systems

• Understand the rules and regulations pertaining to state requirements and other governing agencies

Providing confident knowledge of the latest innovations and advances in orthodontics for children and adults.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Palatal expansion - Traditional vs. Invisalign - When is one a better choice than the other?

• 3D customized braces - Light Force vs. Traditional Braces

• Invisalign vs. Fixed Appliances

• Remote monitoring

• Digital Scanning

LECTURE + HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATION

Janis Spiliadis is an international clinician with over 35 years of experience practicing in Switzerland, Greece, Saudi Arabia and the United States. Janis received her degree in dental hygiene from Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach County, Florida. In 2007, Janis obtained her Independent Hygiene Certification allowing her to open her own practice in Switzerland, where she practiced for 25 years. Janis has also served as a member of the Straumann Hygiene Advisory Board and is a KOL for several dental companies. Fluent in French, Janis has presented worldwide on the effects of biofilm on systemic health.

Studies demonstrate the "perio-systemic link" and patients with chronic inflammatory diseases are more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections. Patient centered communication strategies are essential to improving overall health and will be discussed. This course will help you move to a new level of understanding of chronic inflammation and to develop successful outcomes using guided biofilm therapy. Step by step technique of guided biofilm therapy will be discussed as well as experienced with a hands on portion.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Identify effective patient-centered communication strategies

• Differentiate your practice with minimally invasive hygiene techniques

• Understand the impact of Biofilm and how it affects patients

• Discover the benefits and step-by-step technique of Guided Biofilm Therapy

• Join us for our EMS hands on demonstration

Dr Rebecca Bockow is a dual trained orthodontist and periodontist, the only dual trained provider in Seattle and one of only a handful in the country. She completed a highly selective dual-specialty program combining Orthodontics and Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a board certified orthodontist and periodontist. While simultaneously enrolled in two residency programs, she also received a Masters in Oral Biology, focusing on intranasal Ketorolac for post-operative implant pain management. Dr Bockow lectures nationally on periodontics, orthodontics, interdisciplinary orthodontics, airway, and skeletal growth and development. She contributes to multiple professional journal as an author and editor. Dr Bockow is also resident faculty at Spear Education.

As a hygienist, you frequently see patients with open bites. Have you ever considered why they occur? Did you know treatment can be quite different for adolescents vs. adults? Are you aware of the complications that can occur if this is not treated/corrected? You play a key role in informing and educating patients on oral manifestations of airway and sleep issues such as open bites, malocclusion, dental wear, and so much more. You can also encourage and motivate the behavioral changes necessary to achieve optimal oral health, thereby increasing patient acceptance of interdisciplinary treatment plans. This program will elevate your skill level so you can better understand and play a role as a true contributing member of the interdisciplinary treatment team. We will uncover the origins of open bites in children and adults and explore many treatment pathways that can prevent future and potentially serious complications.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Understand the etiologies behind open bites in children and adults

• Explore treatment options for children and adults

• Comprehend the role of the interdisciplinary team when approaching these complex cases

LECTURE + LIVE SURGICAL DEMONSTRATION

*Limited Seats Available*

Periodontal patients pose a unique challenge to the dental team. Tooth loss, increased mobility, and attachment loss complicate ways to maintain and rehabilitate a patient’s oral health and function. As more materials and treatment modalities come to market, it is increasingly difficult for providers to discern what is most appropriate for each patient. Salivary testing, antibiotic therapy, specialized hand and power instruments, and laser therapy may benefit some forms of periodontal and peri-implant disease but is less effective for others. Understanding the limitations of these trends and the role of systemic health can positively impact the periodontal-restorative interface and minimize how certain inflammatory conditions contribute to the rate of disease progression.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Diagnose and prognosticate periodontal and mucogingival conditions using the new classification system

• Choose the appropriate materials and techniques for non-surgical and surgical therapy

• Identify site, patient, and esthetic-related risk factors for periodontal and implant surgery

LECTURE + LIVE SURGICAL DEMONSTRATION

*Limited Seats Available*

Periodontal patients pose a unique challenge to the dental team. Tooth loss, increased mobility, and attachment loss complicate ways to maintain and rehabilitate a patient’s oral health and function. As more materials and treatment modalities come to market, it is increasingly difficult for providers to discern what is most appropriate for each patient. Salivary testing, antibiotic therapy, specialized hand and power instruments, and laser therapy may benefit some forms of periodontal and peri-implant disease but is less effective for others. Understanding the limitations of these trends and the role of systemic health can positively impact the periodontal-restorative interface and minimize how certain inflammatory conditions contribute to the rate of disease progression.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Diagnose and prognosticate periodontal and mucogingival conditions using the new classification system

• Choose the appropriate materials and techniques for non-surgical and surgical therapy

• Identify site, patient, and esthetic-related risk factors for periodontal and implant surgery

Irene Iancu, BSc, RDH, CTDP, OM, graduated with a diploma in dental hygiene from Oxford College in 2007. Since then, Irene has expanded her scope of practice with procedures that include Orthodontics, Restorative Dental Hygiene, Myofunctional Therapy, and advanced periodontal therapy utilizing the latest technology. As a clinician, her career path has been unconventional, with experience working in pediatric dentistry for four years, Periodontics, Orthodontics, Cosmetic-focused dental practice, and holistic dentistry. Irene takes the stage at some of the largest dental events in the world, sharing her experiences by delivering motivational lectures and presentation on clinical procedures and treatment outcomes. She owns her own practice named Toothlife Studios. Irene is a Podcast host, writer, and has a healthy social media following of fellow like-minded dental professionals eager to learn, share and save the world one tooth at a time.

Unfortunately, staff expectations are rarely addressed proactively in practice. This increases the risk of workplace conflicts and can threaten organizational performance. Why do dentists frequently neglect managing expectations and insist on managing people? This overly assertive behavior can (and will) increase staff turnover and decrease office productivity. During this presentation, you'll learn how to structure expectations, professionally convey them, differentiate positive feedback from affirmative statements, and establish processes to manage expectations vs managing people.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Structure and convey realistic expectations for new employees

• Communicate and manage expectations with existing employees who are underperforming

• Apply strategic management knowledge and practices to support business decision making

• Apply organizational culture theories and leadership practices to support continuity and innovation

• Build and manage interpersonal relationships with team members through effective communication, collaboration, negotiation, problem-solving and self-reflective practice

Dr Craig Spodak is a third generation dentist who earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the acclaimed Tufts University and graduated with highest honors in 1998. He joined his father's practice in Delray Beach, Florida after graduation. His dream was to change the way patient experience dental care and he developed a new vision for the modern dental practice with a goal to deliver comprehensive dental care in a singular, all inclusive practice. He created one of the world's only LEED Gold Certified dental facilities, which boasts not only a team of the finest dental and medical professionals from all disciples of the field, but also a holistic environment that comforts patients. Dr Spodak is an expert lecturer for Invisalign and Spodak Dental Group is one of the few Top 1 Percent providers of Invisalign in the world.

We've all heard of the great quit and an imminent recession. Your failure or success will depend on how you navigate these uncertain times. Cave in and hire an overpaid body to fill the void, or lean in and build a bulletproof team that can take your practice to the next level. This program will walk participants through how to build and keep a team to be proud of.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Identify ways to attract the right team to reduce friction and yield greater performance outcomes

• Design incentives and create a culture improving the retention of your A-Team

Dr Lauralee Nygaard is a Board Certified Periodontist, with three additional years of specialty training beyond dental school. She attended Loma Linda University where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and continued her education for three additional years in the graduate periodontics program for specialty training in periodontics, soft tissue procedures and implant dentistry where she earned a Certificate in Periodontics and a Masters of Science degree. Dr Nygaard is a member of The American Academy of Periodontology, the American Dental Association, the Washington State Dental Association, the Spokane District Dental Society and she is a Fellow in the International Society of Periodontal Plastic Surgeons. She currently maintains a practice in Spokane Valley, Washington.

Dental Hygienists play an important role on dental teams in building relationships with patients. Those relationships establish trust and provide opportunity to educate, encourage and motivate the behavior change necessary to achieve oral systemic health and smile rehabilitation. To best educate and inform, it is important for hygienists to have knowledge of medical history, periodontal treatment, periodontal recall, restorative options for occlusal rehabilitation, and informed consent for tooth replacement. Dr Nygaard will introduce a challenging case for participating hygienists to consider possible treatment options. They will be able to think about ways to restore periodontal health, enhance chewing function and the patient's smile, and develop an ideal plan to increase longevity. Dr Nygaard will share the completed treatment and the impact of this case as an example of the life changing dentistry dental teams create every day!

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Identify clinic parameters that dictate non-surgical vs surgical periodontal therapy

• Effectively inform patients about tooth replacement options for missing teeth

• Identify ways to keep patients motivated to continue in recall for the long haul to achieve oral systemic health and reconstructive success

Susan Wingrove, BS, RDH, International speaker, author, researcher, instrument designer, and 2016 Sunstar RDH Award of Distinction recipient. Susan is member of the American Dental Hygienist’s Association, International Federation of Dental Hygienists, Oral-B Global Implant Board (P & G), and Western Society of Periodontology. Published author for multiple journal articles, ACP Clinical Practice Guidelines, as well as Implant Maintenance Textbook: Peri-Implant Therapy for the Dental Hygienist: Clinical Guide to Maintenance and Disease Complications.

To prevent peri-implant complications, professional in-office assessment, maintenance, and home-care recommendations are vital. For long-term implant success clinicians need to detect early signs of implant complications, diagnose any complications to provide early intervention and be able to perform professional in-office maintenance treatment. This course will follow the global healthy implant initiative for ceramic and titanium implants based on Susan’s Clinical White Paper: Long-term prevention of peri-implant complications and textbook: Peri-Implant Therapy for the Dental Hygienist: Second Edition.

Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Learn the current research protocols, tools, treatments, and complications for long-term prevention of peri-implant disease.

• Detect: Put into practice biofilm identification, five-step protocol to assess & monitor dental implants.

• Diagnose: Understand early intervention guidelines based on American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) peri-implant soft and hard deficiencies.

• Treatment: Biofilm-focused titanium and ceramic implant maintenance for all forms of implant-borne restorations / prostheses.

• Prevention: Importance of home-care recommendations for titanium/ceramic implants patients.

FULL TEAM INCLUDED IN THIS MEETING!

As the CEO and co-founder of Black Talon Security, Gary Salman is dedicated to data security and understanding the latest trends in the industry, particularly as they relate to the dental industry. He has decades of experience in software development and computer IT and developed one of the very first cloud-based healthcare systems. As a sought-after speaker and writer, he has lectured and trained tens of thousands of practices across the U.S. on how to maintain best practices in cybersecurity, and has been featured in more than 70 national publications and news stories in the medical, dental, legal and financial industries. Black Talon has been called in to assist with some of the largest distributed ransomware attacks in U.S. history that resulted in millions of dollars of ransom payments and tens of millions of dollars in damages to the victims. In every instance, all data was recovered and successfully decrypted.

You’ve set up a great team of professionals at your practice and have been trusted with important patient data. But sometimes you need a specialist to take care of a critical issue— cybersecurity is one of those issues. During this presentation we will discuss various techniques for safe browsing, email security, strong passwords, social media security, password managers and multi-factor authentication.

Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Realize the importance of training the entire team to recognize and avoid threats

• Understand the differences between a cybersecurity company and an IT company

• Recognize the importance of working with a dedicated cybersecurity company to protect data, identify vulnerabilities and address them.

Catrice Opichka’s energetic and captivating approach to dental programming blends her clinical experience and evidence-based research with a spunky delivery. The result: an entertaining learning experience with relevant examples that can instantly be applied. She has been active in the field of dentistry for three decades, practicing as a registered dental hygienist for the last 25 years. Ms Opichka is the owner of Pure Education and through her lectures tackles challenging topics like the effects of addiction in dentistry and the risks associated with the Human Papilloma Virus. Ms Opichka holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in addiction and a master’s degree in management and leadership. Ms Opichka is the owner of Island View Dental Care, a direct access, mobile hygiene practice serving individuals in long-term care facilities. She also volunteers at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission Dental Clinic, working with dental patients in their drug and alcohol recovery program.

Dentistry is a unique, fast paced and often stressful profession that can lead to both physical and emotional exhaustion. An estimated 84 percent of dental professionals have reported feeling burnout. It is also suggested that these burnout rates will continue to increase for several reasons, including staff shortages and impacts of the ongoing pandemic. This has resulted in an increase in chronic stress and has led to a large number of dental hygienists choosing to step away from the profession that they once loved. We’ll discuss how to recharge our professional batteries and provide suggestions on self-care tools that will improve our mental health during times of professional stress. We will uncover ways we can help combat dental workforce shortages and work better as a team during these staffing challenges. Finally, we will uncover top ten recommendations for reigniting our passion for dentistry and the patient care we provide.

Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Recognize common work stressors and apply the skills needed to prevent burnout

• Evaluate effective self-care tools and decide which tools work best for our individual needs

• Identify 10 different ways to step out of the operatory to reignite our excitement and passion for patient

FULL TEAM INCLUDED IN THIS MEETING!

Minal Sampat is an international best-selling author of Why Your Marketing is Killing Your Business & What to do About It, national speaker, marketing strategist, social media coach, registered dental hygienist, and an enthusiastic shoe lover. She grew up in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and now resides in Washington state with her husband. Ms Sampat launched her first marketing company by breaking a Guinness World Record and is also the founder of Marketologist™, an online marketing strategy school. Her marketing strategies have been featured in industry and national press, including Forbes.

Seventy-four percent of Americans use social media on a daily basis. Yet, many dental practices fail to reach the full conversion potential of these platforms. Why? Because we don’t know how to leverage the algorithms that dictate which posts get seen and which don’t. As a result, even great social media content can fail to reach your target audience and ideal patients. It’s time to change that. In this interactive course, you’ll develop a successful, team-based social media marketing plan and content strategy that gets your practice seen and increases ROI. Create a realistic action plan with implementation tools that can be used by every team member immediately. Leverage the latest tactics like Instagram Reels and content redistribution to maximize your reach. Connect with ideal patients using the most accessible marketing outlet today: social media.

Upon completion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Leverage social media for conversions

• Build content that boosts engagement and visibility

• Repurpose social content to maximize social media efforts

Professor Emeritus, University of Florida, College of Dentistry; Advisor Member of the Pankey Institute. He is past President of the American Academy of Periodontology. He is a current officer of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Dr. Low provides periodontists, dentist and dental hygienists with the tools for successfully managing the periodontal patient. He was selected “Dentist of the Year” by the Florida Dental Association, Distinguished Alumnus by the University of Texas Dental School, and the Gordon Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award. He is a Past President of the Florida Dental Association and past ADA Trustee.

Periodontist is a major reason for tooth loss and systemic complications. We create the user-friendly perio approach from patient acceptance scripting to chair side positive action. You will incorporate time tested and new technologies to find and manage periodontal disease. Take the frustration out of delivering periodontal care and gain success with patient case acceptance, tooth retention and financial reward.

Upon completion of this course, attendees should be able to:

• Empower the dental hygienist with expanded work descriptions beyond the “prophy”

• Develop “realistic” non-surgical therapies and the respective re-evaluation with emphasis on “new” anti inflammatory systems

• Incorporate new technologies for biofilm control as Guided Biofilm Therapy

• Review successful parameters to determine tooth survival in short and long term prognosis

• Establish a quality periodontal maintenance program that enhances the restorative practice, including coding and third party reimbursement

• Achieve greater positive interaction between dentists, periodontists and the team through improved communication skills