Featured Speakers 2026
Friday 6/5/2026
8:30AM-10:30AM
Sherri Lukes, RDH, MS, FAADH
(Illinois)
Down and Out or Down and About? Raising Awareness of Mental Health Issues in Dentistry and Medical History
2 CE's
Course Description:
A plethora of mental health issues plague our society today and the dental community is not immune. Dental professionals
encounter multiple stressors in the workplace which may result in significant anxiety, depression, and other emotional
outcomes. A large proportion of our patients also suffer with mental health issues which in turn affect their oral health.
Evidence concerning mental health issues nationwide and how patients and dental professionals are affected will be
presented in this course, along with signs and symptoms of the most common conditions of anxiety and depression.
Management and treatment strategies will be discussed, including evidence concerning suicide and approaches for suicide prevention. The knowledge obtained in the session can be utilized in personal as well as patient care for achieving whole body health in ourselves and our patients.
Course Objectives:
1. Discuss the evidence concerning mental health issues among dental professionals and patients
2. Describe signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression
3. Explain management strategies for coping with stress and suicidal ideation
4. Discuss management strategies for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention
5. Describe management strategies for substance abuse
6. Appreciate the importance of civic responsibility to assist all people with mental health issues
10:45AM-12:15PM
Ann-Marie DePalma, CDA, RDH, MEd
(Massachusetts)
What's Sex Got to Do with It? Women's Under the Radar Health Conditions
1.5 CE's
Course Description:
Women’s bodies are constantly evolving. From the moment of first menstruation to menopause, the body is undergoing constant evolution. Whether for better or worse, hormones and other factors play a role in how women experience daily life. There is a lot of discussion about the common effects of hormones throughout a women’s life cycle. Yet there are some conditions that although men can acquire them, the predominant patient populations are women. Why do women get these conditions more than men? Some of these are well-known but others are not as common. This program will review several conditions that plague women more than men but we, as health professionals, are not given as much information about. Learn about lesser discussed topics that can affect a women’s systemic health as well as their oral health.
Course Objectives:
• Define autoimmune conditions and the role autoimmunity plays in a woman’s life
• Explain the role of estrogen in Temporomandibular Disorders
• Review Polymyalgia Rheumatica
• Understand Raynaud’s Phenomenon
• Discuss Vertigo, Skin disorders and other common & uncommon women’s health conditions
• Understand these health conditions impact on patient dental care and treatment
1:15PM-3:15PM
Joy Lantz, RDH, PHDH, COM®, IBCLC
(Illinois)
Decoding Myofunctional Disorders: Causes and Effect Optimizing Oral Function with Myofunctional Therapy
2 CE's
Course Description:
Unintentional patient reactions, such as lip clenching or gagging, can pose challenges during dental procedures. Discover how myofunctional issues can be the reason for these involuntary behaviors. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) often originate from patient habits or conditions that manifest during infancy, potentially disrupting healthy function and persisting throughout a person's lifetime. These disorders can provoke reactions that complicate dental treatments, making routine dental appointments challenging and potentially leading to more severe health complications affecting breathing, sleep, and beyond. Gain insights into how to identify these oral myofunctional disorders and understand their origins. Participants will learn how to perform thorough OMD screenings for patients across all age groups, encompassing both pediatric and adult populations. The curriculum features exploration of case studies, shedding light on the substantial benefits of early detection of these disorders and enabling preventative care and better management.
Course Objectives:
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of orofacial myofunctional disorders.
• Learn a strategy for screening your existing
patient base for these disorders.
• Recognize common involuntary patient reactions such as gagging, lip clenching, or dental anxiety as potential signs of underlying myofunctional issues.
• Distinguish between habit-based behaviors and functional disorders by understanding key oral and facial developmental milestones across the lifespan.
• Apply case-based learning to connect clinical symptoms with root causes, enhancing your ability to co-manage care with airway-
focused and interdisciplinary providers.
3:30PM-5:00PM
John Besharse, PT, DPT, Cert.DN, CSCS, NKT1, CEAS
(Arkansas)
Strength, Posture, and Longevity in the Operatory: Building a Stronger Future in Dentistry
1.5 CE's
Course Description:
Dental professionals face some of the highest rates of musculoskeletal pain and repetitive strain injuries of any healthcare occupation. Prolonged static postures, repetitive motions, and asymmetrical positioning lead to muscle fatigue, loss of endurance, and career-limiting injuries. This evidence-based presentation, presented by Dr. John Besharse, PT, DPT, — The Dental Physical Therapist — integrates the science of strength, posture education, ergonomic principles, and the physiology of performance to provide actionable strategies for longevity in the operatory. Participants will learn how to prevent and manage strain through strengthening, body-awareness drills, and workplace modifications that are practical, efficient, and grounded in the latest research.
Course Objectives:
1.Describe the physiological role of muscular strength in protecting the spine, shoulders, and neck during prolonged clinical work.
2.Identify common ergonomic risk factors that contribute to repetitive strain injuries in dentistry.
3.Interpret current research findings regarding prevalence and mechanisms of work- related musculoskeletal disorders in dental professionals.
4.Demonstrate posture and micro-movement strategies to reduce muscle fatigue and maintain optimal alignment throughout the workday.
5.Develop a personal action plan that integrates strength-based interventions into daily practice for improved comfort and long-term career longevity.
Saturday 6/6/2026
9:30AM-11:30AM
Dr. Joy Void-Holmes, DHS, BSDH, RDH, FADHA
(Maryland)
AAP Armamentarium, Own Your Ish
2 CE's
Course Description:
This course is designed to align dental hygiene practices with the latest AAP Staging and Grading Guidelines, underscoring the critical link between oral health and systemic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. It emphasizes the necessity of accurate periodontal disease assessment and management, highlighting its significance for both oral and general health.
Additionally, the course introduces evidence for a sophisticated approach to periodontal instrumentation, advocating for a patient-centric method in selecting tools. Discussions will concentrate on choosing suitable instruments for each patient, covering hand instruments, ultrasonic devices with tailored tip designs, lasers, and air polishing technology. The curriculum also explores the integration of advanced technology and adjunctive products to enhance chair side practices and offers strategies to minimize tooth surface damage during debridement procedures.
Course Objectives:
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Identify the connections between oral health and systemic diseases to underscore the importance of comprehensive periodontal care
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Apply the latest AAP Staging and Grading Guidelines accurately in patient assessments.
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Evaluate periodontal diseases accurately using both traditional and advanced diagnostic tools for improved accuracy in disease management.
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Demonstrate proficiency in selecting and utilizing the appropriate periodontal instruments for various patient scenarios with an emphasis on a patient-centric approach.
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Integrate advanced technologies and adjunctive products into daily dental hygiene practices effectively to enhance chairside efficiency and patient outcomes.
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Develop strategies to minimize tooth surface damage during debridement procedures.
11:45AM-1:15PM
Alyssa Delgado, MSDH, MSADT, RDH, DT
(Minnesota)
Light Up Your Practice: Practical Laser Applications in Dental Hygiene
1.5 CE's
Course Description:
This course is designed for dental professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in contemporary preventive and restorative dentistry practices. Discover how laser technology can transform your dental hygiene practice. This interactive course empowers dental hygienists to confidently incorporate diode lasers into daily patient care, from understanding core principles to applying safe, effective techniques. You’ll explore real-world clinical scenarios, master safety protocols, and sharpen decision-making skills to ensure optimal outcomes. Whether you’re a beginner or ready to advance your current expertise, you’ll leave with the tools and strategies to enhance treatment results, elevate patient comfort, and position yourself at the leading edge of modern dental care.
Course Objectives:
• Explain the fundamental principles of diode laser technology and its applications in dental hygiene practice
• Identify correct diode laser operation and safety protocols for specific clinical scenarios
• Evaluate patient cases to determine appropriate laser use and develop evidence-based treatment plans that optimize clinical outcomes
1:30PM-3:30PM
Nicole Fortune, MBA, RDH
(Vermont)
Detection & Desiccation: Early Recognition and Non-Surgical Rescue of Ailing Implants
2 CE's
Course Description:
This course provides a comprehensive look at implant evaluation and early intervention strategies. It outlines an evidence-based assessment protocol, reviews non-surgical treatment options—including desiccation therapy—and critically examines the benefits and limitations of commonly used adjuncts. The content integrates current science and supporting research with personal clinical experience and real-world case examples to demonstrate how early detection and minimally invasive interventions can improve outcomes and support long-term implant success. Special emphasis is placed on recognizing the early signs of peri-implant disease and exploring minimally invasive approaches that can be initiated in the hygiene setting.
Course Objectives:
• Apply an evidence-based assessment protocol, including probing, palpation, and radiographic interpretation, to evaluate implant health.
• Evaluate non-surgical treatment options for managing early peri-implant disease, with a focus on desiccation therapy.
• Compare the benefits and limitations of adjunctive therapies commonly used in hygiene-based implant care.
• Incorporate current research and case-based examples to support collaborative decisions regarding early intervention
