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

Dental hygienists play an important role on dental teams in building relationships with patients. Those relationships establish trust and provide opportunities to educate, encourage and motivate the behavioral changes necessary to assist patients to achieve optimal oral health. 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. This case will provide an opportunity for hygienists to observe a patient and brainstorm what treatment possibilities could exist to restore periodontal health, provide chewing function, improve the patient’s smile, and create a recall plan for long-term oral health success. Dr Nygaard will share the completed treatment and the impact on the patient as an example of the life-changing dentistry our SSC dental teams create every day!

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

• Outline clinical parameters that dictate non-surgical versus surgical periodontal therapy.

• Educate patients about tooth replacement options for missing teeth.

• Motivate patients to continue in recall for the long haul to achieve oral systemic health and reconstructive success.

The art and science of facial beautification is no longer just about rejuvenating smiles. A reduction in skin quality and loss of facial volume over time leading to folds and shadows, are common concerns for patients and consequently some of the most requested esthetic procedures. The majority of such treatments are virtually non surgical, allowing a great deal to be performed in a dental office. Why lose a patient that you have spent time and money on acquiring to another practice, even if it is a non dental practice? Budget considerations must also taken into account, similarly to cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Unfortunately there is a lack of understanding of how to elicit the priorities for a patient in terms of esthetic outcome and budget expectations. Thankfully the world of esthetic medicine offers many options for all budgets; from simple but effective medical grade skincare to minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatments to improve skin quality such as lasers. At the other end of the spectrum dermal fillers and botulinum toxins, commonly requested procedures, can be adjusted to suit all budgets and demographics.

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

• Understand the spectrum of medical esthetic treatments available to integrate into your dental practice.

• Understand how to choose which treatments are suitable for which patients.

Failure to diagnose periodontal disease is consistently a top complaint filed with state dental boards. The first step in treating and managing a patient’s care (with maximum insurance reimbursement) is diagnosing disease accurately, ethically and comprehensively. As diagnostics continually evolve, dental providers are encouraged to put down the scaler and pick up the probe. Active and appropriate diagnosis leads to comprehensive and effective therapy. This course walks the dental provider through the nine classifications of health and disease as established by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), as well as effective clinical decision-making in the management of each diagnosis. The struggle for appropriate diagnostics to maximize insurance coverage remains a common stress in the dental office. Katrina Sanders authored a textbook which is used in dental hygiene schools to teach the foundational details behind periodontal diagnostics and coding. We will review anatomical and clinical observations that aid in the identification of active disease, as well as the system for case types and classifying diseases. Gain guidance in coding, narrative suggestions for informed refusal, and templates for appeals to support advanced coverage by third-party payers.

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

• Understand clinical parameters involved in distinguishing periodontal classifications, including contrasting terms of gingival disease and periodontitis.

• Discuss the paradigm shift within the nonsurgical approach to periodontal therapy.

• List, describe and differentiate the various periodontal diseases.

• Analyze effective protocols for implementing diagnostic, preventive and periodontal codes.

As dental professionals, we face challenges to assess, maintain and recommend home-care for dental implant patients. This course will reveal answers to the challenges of providing safe, effective implant maintenance, and peri-implantitis treatment. End the confusion with a comprehensive system for ceramic and titanium implant assessment, instrumentation, monitoring, and home-care recommendations. This is based on Susan’s textbook; Peri-Implant Therapy for the Dental Hygienist: Clinical Guide to Maintenance and Disease Complications.

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

• Understand the current research on ceramic and titanium implant protocols, tools and treatments for peri-implant therapy.

• Provide safe implant assessment, maintenance and home-care recommendations for all forms of dental implants and implant-borne restorations/prostheses.

• Understand peri-implantitis and its prevention and treatments.