Speakers

Dr. Shelburne graduated from the University of Virginia with a double major in Biology and Religious Studies in 1977. He went on to graduate with honors from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Dental School and opened a private general practice in Pennington Gap, Virginia, in 1981. He and his family have served as short-term volunteer missionaries with the Baptist Medical Dental Missions International and on various Mission of Mercy projects in Virginia. In March 2008, he surrendered his dental license after being convicted of healthcare fraud, racketeering and money laundering and spent 19 months in Federal Prison and 2 months in a halfway house. Dr. Shelburne is a nationally known speaker/writer/consultant and an American Dental Association Subject Matter Expert, President of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants and Board Member of the Speaking Consulting Network who openly shares his mistakes, what he learned as a result, and how to avoid those career ending errors. “It is a wise man who learns from his mistakes, but a wiser man still that learns from another’s”. Presenting courses: F36; S44.

Kim Hammersmith, DDS, MPH, MS is associate clinical professor and Director of the Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry program at the Ohio State University, Division of Pediatric Dentistry, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. She received her undergraduate degree at Duke University and her dental and public health degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed her residency in pediatric dentistry at the Ohio State University/Nationwide Children's Hospital and is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is a graduate of the AAL Institute for Teaching and Learning as well as the Kellogg School of Management Leadership Institute, a delegate on the ADEA Council of Advanced Education Programs, a member of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Qualifying Exam committee and is a reviewer for several dental journals. She served on the Council on Access to Care and Public Service for the Ohio Dental Association and was appointed to the Ohio Dentist Loan Repayment Advisory Board. She is an advanced program site visitor for the Council on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. She is principal investigator for a 5-year HRSA training program grant, which focuses on pediatric dentistry workforce development. Since inception, her grant team has established a MS-MPH dual degree program, school- and community-based dental clinics through Nationwide Children's Hospital, teledentistry, improved recruitment of underrepresented dentists, and simulated patient training.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O86,

Chris Moore currently serves as director of dental services for the Ohio Dental Association. He is now in his 35th year of service to the ODA and currently administers the association's third-party payer, peer review, dental practice and regulatory compliance programs. Mr. Moore received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Case Western Reserve University and a Master of Arts degree from Kent State University.

Presenting Courses: O80, O82, W10,

Beth Noel retired in June of 2021 after 43 years working in the dental hygiene field. She spent the last 20 years at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) participating in various community outreach programs including prenatal, the homeless, Early Head Start and Head Start. In 2018 she authored a children’s book titled “Early Start to a Healthy Smile” and she was instrumental in the creation of the “Baby Clinic” at NCH for children ages 0-4 years of age.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O84,

Dr. Kari Cunningham is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and owner of Panther Pediatric Dentistry in Euclid, OH. She contributes to the profession as a leader, volunteer, and adjunct faculty member at CWRU School of Dental Medicine. She is the Chair of the ODA Council on Access to Care and Public Service, Vice-Chair of the ODA Subcouncil on Diversity and Inclusion, and Chair of the Greater Cleveland Dental Society Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion. She is a Past President of the Greater Cleveland Dental Society and the CWRU School of Dental Medicine Alumni Association Board of Directors. She is a certified life coach with a focus on health careers coaching and believes her purpose in life is rooted in service, leadership, and paving the way to help others see their dreams come to fruition.

Dr. Homa Amini is Professor of Pediatric Dentistry-Clinical at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and an attending dentist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She received her dental degree and a Master’s Degree in public health from the Ohio State University and a Master of Science and certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist and a fellow of the AAPD. She is a past recipient of the AAPD’s Jerome B. Miller "For the Kids" and Lewis A. Kay “Excellence in Education” Awards. She has served on numerous councils including Pre-doctoral Education, Scientific Affairs and Editorial Board of the AAPD. Amini currently serves as Academic Trustee-at-large on the AAPD’s Board of Trustees. Her research interests are infant oral health, health literacy, and child advocacy.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O84,

Dr. Matt Messina graduated first in his class from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1987. After graduation, he completed a general practice residency at the Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. A practicing general dentist for 30 years, he has also served as a visiting faculty member at the Pankey Institute for advanced dental education in Key Biscayne, Florida. Dr. Messina is the director of the Outpatient Care Clinic, Ohio State Upper Arlington Dentistry, an assistant professor in the OSU College of Dentistry Division of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry, director of practice management, and is the director of the dental oncology clinic of the James Cancer Center at OSU. Dr. Messina is recognized nationally for his presentations on communications, as well as his lectures on leadership skills that allow dentists to provide optimal care for their patients. He is currently a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association, serving as a national spokesperson since 1995. Throughout his career, he has appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America program and NBC’s Today Show. He has been interviewed on CNN and National Public Radio. He has also provided comments on dental health and related subjects for USA TODAY, the New York Times, the Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health, WebMD, and Prevention Magazine, to name just a few.

Presenting Courses: O78,

Dr. Janice Townsend is the chief of Pediatric Dentistry at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the chair of the Division of Pediatric Dentistry at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Dr. Townsend received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Marquette University’s School of Dentistry in Milwaukee. She then earned a Master of Science degree in pediatric dentistry from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, and a certificate in pediatric dentistry from Nationwide Children’s. Dr. Townsend has been published on a number of topics including dental education, pain management after dental procedures and dentistry for special needs children. Before joining Nationwide Children's, Dr. Townsend was the chair of Pediatric Dentistry at the Louisiana State University Health Science Center School of Dentistry in New Orleans. While in New Orleans, Dr. Townsend was named “Woman of the Year” in 2017 by CityBusiness.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O86,

Dr. Stephen Beetstra received his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1990. He then served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Public Health Service until 1999. While in service, he created needs-based programs for pediatric, Native American, migrant, and medically complex patients in Oregon, Florida, and North Carolina. For his efforts, Dr. Beetstra received an Outstanding Service Medal, the highest award granted by the Service, and was recognized by the National Health Service Corps as a Healthcare Hero. After service in the Public Health, he joined the faculty of the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine, Department of Surgery. As the first dentist ever hired by the medical school, he was the Chief, Division of Dental Services and soon expanded the dental footprint on the campus. During his seven years of service, he created a network of seven university affiliated dental clinics and recruited a faculty of eight to help address the unmet needs of rural, medically complex, and special needs patients. Practicing in an academic institution in a state without a dental school or graduate dental programs, he led the creation of the first graduate dental program in the state. He was the principal investigator in federal and state grant funding to begin the programs and led the successful accreditation of the first training program. Dr. Beetstra was recruited to Arkansas Children’s Hospital due to his experience in care for patients with complex medical and developmental disabilities in 2005. In 2011, he received a master’s in health services administration from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, School of Public Health. In 2012, he became the Chief of Dental Services and helped expand the program from eight faculty to fifteen. The program has expanded both hospital, outreach, and was instrumental in creating graduate dental training programs. In 2017, the Arkansas Children’s Dental Faculty was incorporated into the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. With that transition, Dr. Beetstra assumed the Chair of the Department of Pediatric and Special Needs Dentistry. In August 2020, Dr. Beetstra began working at the OSU Nisonger Center as its dental program director. In that role, he manages two clinics and is developing training programs to teach dental residents, students, and dental hygiene students to care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O85,

Kim Hammersmith, DDS, MPH, MS is associate clinical professor and Director of the Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry program at the Ohio State University, Division of Pediatric Dentistry, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. She received her undergraduate degree at Duke University and her dental and public health degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed her residency in pediatric dentistry at the Ohio State University/Nationwide Children's Hospital and is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is a graduate of the AAL Institute for Teaching and Learning as well as the Kellogg School of Management Leadership Institute, a delegate on the ADEA Council of Advanced Education Programs, a member of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Qualifying Exam committee and is a reviewer for several dental journals. She served on the Council on Access to Care and Public Service for the Ohio Dental Association and was appointed to the Ohio Dentist Loan Repayment Advisory Board. She is an advanced program site visitor for the Council on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. She is principal investigator for a 5-year HRSA training program grant, which focuses on pediatric dentistry workforce development. Since inception, her grant team has established a MS-MPH dual degree program, school- and community-based dental clinics through Nationwide Children's Hospital, teledentistry, improved recruitment of underrepresented dentists, and simulated patient training.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O86,

Dr. Meredith Newman has lived all over the country. She attended Duke University, where she was the Chair of the Honor Council. During her breaks, she was a surgical assistant for an oral surgeon, where she discovered an intense interest in dentistry. It combined two of her favorite things – taking care of people and biology. After her time in North Carolina, she attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, from which she graduated with honors. She spent a year in a general practice residency at the VA Hospital in Pittsburgh, which is where her love for root canals began! Dr. Newman went on to complete her Endodontics residency at the University of Pittsburgh. During her time there, she continued to treat patients and teach residents at the VA Hospital, as well as complete cutting-edge research, which she presented twice to the American Association of Endodontists. After her residency, she and her husband moved to Buffalo, New York, where she practiced for close to a decade before meeting her current partner, a Periodontist. Together they opened the first multi-specialty practice in the Central Valley of California, where her family is from. Advanced Perio Endo eXperts (APEX for short) is home to two Periodontists and two Endodontists.

Eric Richmond has served as director of legal and legislative services of the Ohio Dental Association since 2018. He previously served as a staff attorney for the Ohio Department of Taxation and as a legal intern, law clerk and assistant public records manager for the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Mr. Richmond earned his BA degree from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and his JD degree from Capital University Law School, graduating cum laude in 2014.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O87,

Ben Shurmer serves as managing associate in the Cincinnati Lifetime Financial Growth (LFG) office. He is also a financial representative at LFG and heavily involved with the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) on a national level. Ben was asked to speak at multiple ASDA District events and works with dentists all over the country. He is a 2019 graduate from Miami University and the School of Business and joined the firm in 2021. Presenting courses: F34; S49.

Ron Gestiehr is director of wealth management Luttner Financial Group, a Lifetime Financial Growth Company (LFG) a regional privately held wealth management firm with hundreds of representatives across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Ron and his team have extensive experience educating and working with high-wage earners, as well as small business owners. For small business owners, Ron and his team specialize in designing and implementing qualified retirement plans / 401(k), group benefits plans, and devising effective growth and transition planning for closely held and/or family-owned businesses. Presenting courses: F34; S49.

Dr. Kari Cunningham is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and owner of Panther Pediatric Dentistry in Euclid, OH. She contributes to the profession as a leader, volunteer, and adjunct faculty member at CWRU School of Dental Medicine. She is the Chair of the ODA Council on Access to Care and Public Service, Vice-Chair of the ODA Subcouncil on Diversity and Inclusion, and Chair of the Greater Cleveland Dental Society Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion. She is a Past President of the Greater Cleveland Dental Society and the CWRU School of Dental Medicine Alumni Association Board of Directors. She is a certified life coach with a focus on health careers coaching and believes her purpose in life is rooted in service, leadership, and paving the way to help others see their dreams come to fruition.

Dr. Najia Usman graduated from SUNY Buffalo in 1995 with her DDS. After completing a one-year general practice residency at the Cleveland Clinic she furthered her interest in endodontics by completing a two-year endodontic residency at Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon in 2002. She was awarded her Diplomate Status by the American Board of Endodontics in 2009. Dr. Usman has been in private practice since 2002. Though she practices full-scope endodontics, she has cultivated an interest in the endodontic management in trauma, pediatrics and resorptive lesions. She has organized and lectured in dental trauma symposiums. She has lectured and clinically taught dental students, endodontic and pediatric residents. She has lectured internationally and nationally to residents and study clubs on topics such as Endo-Perio, Atypical Facial Pain, Regenerative Endodontics and Pulpal injuries after Oro-Facial Trauma. Her study The Influence of Instrument Size on Debridement was published in the Journal of Endodontics (Feb 2004, vol 30, 110-112) and has been cited over 260 times. She is the proud mother of 4 children ages 18 to 28 and has been married to and shares a private multi-specialty practice with Dr. Faisal Quereshy OMFS for 29 years. They reside in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dr. Tom Paumier is a cum laude graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry class of 1987 and completed a GPR at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Youngstown, Ohio. He has been in private practice in Canton, Ohio since 1988. He is on the faculty of the Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital GPR in Canton and is a Fellow in the International and American College of Dentists. He was a member of the ADA and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons expert panels who wrote the Clinical Practice Guidelines and Appropriate Use Criteria for Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Prosthetic Joint Patients. He also was a co-author of the ADA Clinical Practice Guideline for Appropriate Antibiotic Use for Odontogenic Infections and was the 2019 recipient of the ADA Evidence Based Dentistry Clinical Practice Award. He was one of six dentists appointed to the ADA Dental Practice Recovery Task Force during the COVID-19 Pandemic. He regularly lectures to dental residents and students at Case School of Dental Medicine and NYU Langone Medical Center. He is a past president of the Ohio Dental Association and the Stark County Dental Society.

Presenting Courses: F40, O81,

Presenting Courses: 084a, O86,

Dr. Janice Townsend is the chief of Pediatric Dentistry at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the chair of the Division of Pediatric Dentistry at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Dr. Townsend received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Marquette University’s School of Dentistry in Milwaukee. She then earned a Master of Science degree in pediatric dentistry from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, and a certificate in pediatric dentistry from Nationwide Children’s. Dr. Townsend has been published on a number of topics including dental education, pain management after dental procedures and dentistry for special needs children. Before joining Nationwide Children's, Dr. Townsend was the chair of Pediatric Dentistry at the Louisiana State University Health Science Center School of Dentistry in New Orleans. While in New Orleans, Dr. Townsend was named “Woman of the Year” in 2017 by CityBusiness.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O86,

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 and excisions, 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 daughters.

Dr. Nate Lawson is the Director of the Division of Biomaterials at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry and the program director of the Biomaterials residency program. He graduated from UAB School of Dentistry in 2011 and obtained his PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 2012. His research interests are the mechanical, optical, and biologic properties of dental materials and clinical evaluation of new dental materials. He has published over 200 peer reviewed articles, book chapters, and research abstracts. He was the 2016 recipient of the Stanford New Investigator Award and the 2017 Innovative Research Fellowship both from the American Dental Association. He served on the American Dental Association Council of Scientific Affairs and is on the editorial board of The Journal of Adhesive Dentistry and Compendium. He has lectured nationally and internationally on the subject of dental materials. He also works as a general dentist in the UAB Faculty Practice.

Dr. Mark E. Hyman is a renowned dentist from Greensboro, NC, and a public speaker whose work is characterized by his warmth, enthusiasm, sense of humor, and passion for dentistry. As an accomplished seminar speaker, he has lectured throughout North America and Europe at every major dental meeting. Dr. Hyman has earned national and international recognition for his seminars. Since 2001, Dentistry Today magazine has selected Dr. Hyman as one of the top speakers in dentistry. He loved his thirty-two years in private practice, and currently serves as an Adjunct Full Professor and Special Assistant to the Office of the Dean at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill, NC.

Dr. Larry Sangrik is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and has practiced general dentistry in his hometown of Chardon, Ohio since 1979. Active in organized dentistry, Dr. Sangrik has long held numerous positions at the local and state levels. He has also served as a consultant to the Ohio State Dental Board on a task force concerning the use of oral sedation. A nationally recognized lecturer, he has also been published in several dental publications on the topics of medical emergencies and dental fear. Dr. Sangrik maintains a full-time general practice with an emphasis on the treatment of apprehensive patients with intravenous sedation.

Presenting Courses: S44, S51,

Dr. Paul Goodman is a renowned speaker who captivates audiences with his dynamic and engaging presentations. With his unique blend of humor and energy, he brings a fresh perspective to the field of dentistry. Attendees at his events cannot help but rave about his ability to make complex topics easily understandable and relatable. His talks are not only informative, but also practical, providing dentisting professionals with valuable knowledge that they can immediately apply in their daily practice. Known as the “Nacho Dentist,” Dr. Goodman’s speaking engagements take him across the country, where he shares his expertise on a wide range of topics. Whether you are a dental student just starting your journey in the field or a seasoned dentist looking to prepare your practice to sell, Dr. Goodman's insights are invaluable. He is passionate about helping dentisting humans at every stage of their career, providing them with the tools and strategies they need to increase success, decrease stress and reduce the amount of times they feel like crying inside each day. Recognizing the emotional challenges that come with practicing dentistry, Dr. Goodman is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where dental professionals can openly discuss their difficulties. His presentations are more than just informative; they are transformative experiences that aim to inspire dental professionals to reach their full potential and find joy in their work once again. By infusing humor, energy, and real-life examples, Dr. Goodman leaves a lasting impact on his audiences, empowering them to make a positive change in their careers.

Eric Richmond has served as director of legal and legislative services of the Ohio Dental Association since 2018. He previously served as a staff attorney for the Ohio Department of Taxation and as a legal intern, law clerk and assistant public records manager for the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Mr. Richmond earned his BA degree from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and his JD degree from Capital University Law School, graduating cum laude in 2014.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O87,

Tom Wyatt serves as market president of Lifetime Financial Growth’s (LFG) Central Ohio and Cincinnati offices. He also serves as the chief growth officer for LFG’s enterprise operations and leads the retirement planning initiative for LFG, a regional privately held wealth management firm with hundreds of representatives, across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Tom is a graduate Magna Cum Laude of the University of Toledo School of Business with areas of concentration in Economics, Finance and Management. He is a.2003 graduate of the Capital University Law School and is admitted to practice law by the Ohio Bar and The United States Supreme Court. Presenting courses: F34; S49.

Dr. Erin Gross graduated from Ohio State's combined DDS-PhD degree program in 2009, after which she earned a Master of Science in Dentistry degree and a pediatric dentistry certificate. Following graduation, she served as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at New York University. She returned to Ohio and joined the college faculty in 2013 and currently serves as Director of Pediatric Dentistry.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O86,

Dr. Timothy Kosinski is an affiliated adjunct clinical professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and serves on the editorial review board of Reality, the information source for esthetic dentistry, and is the past editor of the Michigan Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD). He is currently the associate editor of the AGD journals and has served as editor of Implants Today, the implant publication of Dentistry Today. He is a past president of the Michigan Academy of General Dentistry and received his DDS from the University of Detroit Mercy Dental School and his Mastership in Biochemistry from Wayne State University School of Medicine. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the American Society of Osseointegration.

Dr. Paul Goodman is a renowned speaker who captivates audiences with his dynamic and engaging presentations. With his unique blend of humor and energy, he brings a fresh perspective to the field of dentistry. Attendees at his events cannot help but rave about his ability to make complex topics easily understandable and relatable. His talks are not only informative, but also practical, providing dentisting professionals with valuable knowledge that they can immediately apply in their daily practice. Known as the “Nacho Dentist,” Dr. Goodman’s speaking engagements take him across the country, where he shares his expertise on a wide range of topics. Whether you are a dental student just starting your journey in the field or a seasoned dentist looking to prepare your practice to sell, Dr. Goodman's insights are invaluable. He is passionate about helping dentisting humans at every stage of their career, providing them with the tools and strategies they need to increase success, decrease stress and reduce the amount of times they feel like crying inside each day. Recognizing the emotional challenges that come with practicing dentistry, Dr. Goodman is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where dental professionals can openly discuss their difficulties. His presentations are more than just informative; they are transformative experiences that aim to inspire dental professionals to reach their full potential and find joy in their work once again. By infusing humor, energy, and real-life examples, Dr. Goodman leaves a lasting impact on his audiences, empowering them to make a positive change in their careers.

Dr. Paul Casamassimo received his dental degree from Georgetown University in 1974 and a Master of Science and Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Iowa in 1976. He has taught at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry (1976-78) and the University of Colorado School of Dentistry (1978-88). Dr. Casamassimo is a past-president of the Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped and past editor of the Journal of Dentistry for the Handicapped. He is past editor of the Journal of Dentistry for Children. He has authored or edited over 400 publications in the areas of pediatric dentistry, care of children with special health care needs, and dental education. His research interests include oral health of children and adults with special health care needs, health services research, and oral health disparity and he has received numerous private and public grants and contracts.

He is a member of a number of professional organizations including the American Dental Association, and the American Dental Education Association, as well as Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor fraternity and AAPD. Dr. Casamassimo is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Casamassimo was the 2002 recipient of the AAPD Distinguished Service Award and in 2003, was honored by the Ohio Dental Association with its Humanitarian Award. In 2006, he received the Merle C. Hunter Award for Service from AAPD and in 2007, the AAPD Manuel Album Award for his work with patients with special needs. He is a 2007 recipient of Nationwide Children’s Hospital Career Contribution Award. In 2012, he was named Pediatric Dentist of the Year by the AAPD. In 2016, he was named Ron Bell Mentor of the Year by the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. In 2017 he was the Ohio Dental Association’s Distinguished Dentist and was awarded the ADA’s Norton M. Ross Award for clinical research. Dr. Casamassimo is board-certified in pediatric dentistry and is a professor emeritus at Nationwide Children’s Hospital where he served as president of the medical staff in 1999. He is a Past President of the Ohio Dental Association.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O87,

Dr. Najia Usman graduated from SUNY Buffalo in 1995 with her DDS. After completing a one-year general practice residency at the Cleveland Clinic she furthered her interest in endodontics by completing a two-year endodontic residency at Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon in 2002. She was awarded her Diplomate Status by the American Board of Endodontics in 2009. Dr. Usman has been in private practice since 2002. Though she practices full-scope endodontics, she has cultivated an interest in the endodontic management in trauma, pediatrics and resorptive lesions. She has organized and lectured in dental trauma symposiums. She has lectured and clinically taught dental students, endodontic and pediatric residents. She has lectured internationally and nationally to residents and study clubs on topics such as Endo-Perio, Atypical Facial Pain, Regenerative Endodontics and Pulpal injuries after Oro-Facial Trauma. Her study The Influence of Instrument Size on Debridement was published in the Journal of Endodontics (Feb 2004, vol 30, 110-112) and has been cited over 260 times. She is the proud mother of 4 children ages 18 to 28 and has been married to and shares a private multi-specialty practice with Dr. Faisal Quereshy OMFS for 29 years. They reside in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dr. Sonia Chopra is a healer and tooth saver. She’s a board-certified endodontist, TEDx speaker, Forbes contributor, author, endodontic instructor, impact entrepreneur, and founder of Ballantyne Endodontics in Charlotte, NC. She became passionate about endodontics after a dental patient experience in her youth where her pain was misdiagnosed, and the wrong tooth was extracted. It wasn’t until she was referred to a caring endodontist that she was correctly diagnosed, and a root canal saved her from pain. Now she’s on a mission to save teeth whenever possible. On top of running her thriving practice, Dr. Chopra provides groundbreaking digital education and community support to general dentists and endodontists who want to level up their technical skills, patient experience, and practice efficiency. Through her thoughtfully designed courses and in-person programs, such as her award-winning E-School, she is revolutionizing endodontic continuing education through comprehensive lessons.

Family owned and operated since 2006, Central Ohio CPR has grown into the area's largest training provider. Based out of Columbus, Ohio, they believe there is more to a class than a lecture and passing a test. Instructors use their real-world experience and hands-on lesson plans to train students for the real world. Class instructors include nurses, firefighters, paramedics and social workers with many years of experience in their fields as well as a passion for teaching.

Presenting Courses: S53,

Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene from Old Dominion University. She found a love specializing in management and administration within her Master's degree, and continued her doctoral education at Regent University in Virginia Beach University in Business & Organizational Leadership. Kelly’s Ph.D. focused on organizational metacognition, in-depth study of group dynamics, and how to elicit permanent organizational change. She is also a certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach and is also certified in the science of emotional intelligence (EI). Tanner has a published chapter in forensic odontology for dental professionals, and multiple publications in topics regarding telehealth for dental hygienists. Kelly has served as past president of the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association and also as Chair of the ADHA Council for Public Relations. She has been recognized for her outstanding leadership within health care and university settings and is a recipient of the ADHA and Johnson & Johnson Award for Excellence. Kelly has dedicated her career to leadership, education, and mentoring. Kelly's passion is helping individuals connect with their passion and working to make it a reality.

Dr. Meredith Newman has lived all over the country. She attended Duke University, where she was the Chair of the Honor Council. During her breaks, she was a surgical assistant for an oral surgeon, where she discovered an intense interest in dentistry. It combined two of her favorite things – taking care of people and biology. After her time in North Carolina, she attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, from which she graduated with honors. She spent a year in a general practice residency at the VA Hospital in Pittsburgh, which is where her love for root canals began! Dr. Newman went on to complete her Endodontics residency at the University of Pittsburgh. During her time there, she continued to treat patients and teach residents at the VA Hospital, as well as complete cutting-edge research, which she presented twice to the American Association of Endodontists. After her residency, she and her husband moved to Buffalo, New York, where she practiced for close to a decade before meeting her current partner, a Periodontist. Together they opened the first multi-specialty practice in the Central Valley of California, where her family is from. Advanced Perio Endo eXperts (APEX for short) is home to two Periodontists and two Endodontists.

Beth Noel retired in June of 2021 after 43 years working in the dental hygiene field. She spent the last 20 years at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) participating in various community outreach programs including prenatal, the homeless, Early Head Start and Head Start. In 2018 she authored a children’s book titled “Early Start to a Healthy Smile” and she was instrumental in the creation of the “Baby Clinic” at NCH for children ages 0-4 years of age.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O84,

Dr. Paul Goodman is a renowned speaker who captivates audiences with his dynamic and engaging presentations. With his unique blend of humor and energy, he brings a fresh perspective to the field of dentistry. Attendees at his events cannot help but rave about his ability to make complex topics easily understandable and relatable. His talks are not only informative, but also practical, providing dentisting professionals with valuable knowledge that they can immediately apply in their daily practice. Known as the “Nacho Dentist,” Dr. Goodman’s speaking engagements take him across the country, where he shares his expertise on a wide range of topics. Whether you are a dental student just starting your journey in the field or a seasoned dentist looking to prepare your practice to sell, Dr. Goodman's insights are invaluable. He is passionate about helping dentisting humans at every stage of their career, providing them with the tools and strategies they need to increase success, decrease stress and reduce the amount of times they feel like crying inside each day. Recognizing the emotional challenges that come with practicing dentistry, Dr. Goodman is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where dental professionals can openly discuss their difficulties. His presentations are more than just informative; they are transformative experiences that aim to inspire dental professionals to reach their full potential and find joy in their work once again. By infusing humor, energy, and real-life examples, Dr. Goodman leaves a lasting impact on his audiences, empowering them to make a positive change in their careers.

Dr. Mark E. Hyman is a renowned dentist from Greensboro, NC, and a public speaker whose work is characterized by his warmth, enthusiasm, sense of humor, and passion for dentistry. As an accomplished seminar speaker, he has lectured throughout North America and Europe at every major dental meeting. Dr. Hyman has earned national and international recognition for his seminars. Since 2001, Dentistry Today magazine has selected Dr. Hyman as one of the top speakers in dentistry. He loved his thirty-two years in private practice, and currently serves as an Adjunct Full Professor and Special Assistant to the Office of the Dean at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill, NC.

Dr. Scott Coleman’s institutional education and intensive continuing education have elevated him to the top of his field. He graduated cum laude from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1980 with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. He went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, graduating first in his class at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in 1984. Dr. Coleman is a clinical associate professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and practices in the Houston area. He has lectured internationally on dental techniques and technology as well as written articles for numerous publications. When Dr. Coleman isn’t treating patients or serving on the Board of Regents of his alma mater, Stephen F. Austin State University. He is an Eagle Scout and has received the silver beaver award. He’s also a third-degree black belt in Hapkido and a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He is a deacon at Second Baptist church.

Dr. Paul Goodman is a renowned speaker who captivates audiences with his dynamic and engaging presentations. With his unique blend of humor and energy, he brings a fresh perspective to the field of dentistry. Attendees at his events cannot help but rave about his ability to make complex topics easily understandable and relatable. His talks are not only informative, but also practical, providing dentisting professionals with valuable knowledge that they can immediately apply in their daily practice. Known as the “Nacho Dentist,” Dr. Goodman’s speaking engagements take him across the country, where he shares his expertise on a wide range of topics. Whether you are a dental student just starting your journey in the field or a seasoned dentist looking to prepare your practice to sell, Dr. Goodman's insights are invaluable. He is passionate about helping dentisting humans at every stage of their career, providing them with the tools and strategies they need to increase success, decrease stress and reduce the amount of times they feel like crying inside each day. Recognizing the emotional challenges that come with practicing dentistry, Dr. Goodman is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where dental professionals can openly discuss their difficulties. His presentations are more than just informative; they are transformative experiences that aim to inspire dental professionals to reach their full potential and find joy in their work once again. By infusing humor, energy, and real-life examples, Dr. Goodman leaves a lasting impact on his audiences, empowering them to make a positive change in their careers.

Whitney Kenyon is a financial representative at Lifetime Financial Growth (LFG), a regional privately held wealth management firm with hundreds of representatives, across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Presenting courses: F34; S49.

Dr. Nate Lawson is the Director of the Division of Biomaterials at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry and the program director of the Biomaterials residency program. He graduated from UAB School of Dentistry in 2011 and obtained his PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 2012. His research interests are the mechanical, optical, and biologic properties of dental materials and clinical evaluation of new dental materials. He has published over 200 peer reviewed articles, book chapters, and research abstracts. He was the 2016 recipient of the Stanford New Investigator Award and the 2017 Innovative Research Fellowship both from the American Dental Association. He served on the American Dental Association Council of Scientific Affairs and is on the editorial board of The Journal of Adhesive Dentistry and Compendium. He has lectured nationally and internationally on the subject of dental materials. He also works as a general dentist in the UAB Faculty Practice.

Dr. Dan Coleman is a graduate of the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts where he received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine, Post-doctoral Master of Science, specialty training and Board Certification in Periodontics. During his residency, Dr. Coleman was privileged to serve as Chief Resident. Dr. Coleman is a faculty member at the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine where he serves as a clinical instructor and lecturer in the Department of Periodontology. Recently, Harvard and the American Academy of Periodontology awarded Dr. Coleman with recognition as its Outstanding Educator of 2019. This award was given in part because Dr. Coleman serves as a speaker nationally and internationally to teach on topics of periodontal health and disease; additionally, he has co-authored a dental textbook entitled, “Non-Surgical Control of Periodontal Diseases” published in 2015 which is used in several dental programs to train new dentists. Among Dr. Coleman’s achievements, he was named one of Incisal Edge Magazine’s “Top 40 under 40” dentists nationwide. Aside from his numerous career achievements, Dr. Coleman dedicates himself to ensuring that his patients have an amazing experience when working with him through his core values of quality, compassion, and integrity.

Presenting Courses: S43, S49,

Dr. Dan Ward was an assistant clinical professor at The Ohio State University for 13 years and has been in private practice in Columbus, Ohio for 40 years. He lectured at the Post-Graduate Program in Esthetic Dentistry at the University of Minnesota, SUNY Buffalo, UMKC, and the University of Florida and served as chief examiner. He is a Fellow in the American College of Dentists, Fellow of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics, Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, and an Associate Member of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Dr. Ward has lectured extensively, has published over 50 articles, and is a reviewer for the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry and the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Dr. Ward has developed a computerized method of smile design called the RED Proportion. An innovative pioneer, Dr. Ward combines theory with practical real-world experience.

Dr. Sharon Parsons graduated from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1981. She currently owns a group practice in Columbus, Ohio where she practices with two associates. She has been active in all levels of organized dentistry and is a Past President of the Ohio Dental Association. She is a member of many professional organizations including the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the International College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists, The Academy of Operative Dentistry, the International Team for Implantology and the Association of Women Dentists. She was the recipient of the Lucy Hobbs Humanitarian award and the Icons of Dentistry award and the ODA’s highest honor, the Joseph P. Crowley Distinguished Dentist award. Dr. Parsons raised two sons, Sean and Michael Herman. Her younger son, Dr. Michael Herman, practices with her. Her older son, Sean, died of an opioid overdose in 2015. This has led her to educate others about opioid prescribing and addiction.

Dr. Shelburne graduated from the University of Virginia with a double major in Biology and Religious Studies in 1977. He went on to graduate with honors from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Dental School and opened a private general practice in Pennington Gap, Virginia, in 1981. He and his family have served as short-term volunteer missionaries with the Baptist Medical Dental Missions International and on various Mission of Mercy projects in Virginia. In March 2008, he surrendered his dental license after being convicted of healthcare fraud, racketeering and money laundering and spent 19 months in Federal Prison and 2 months in a halfway house. Dr. Shelburne is a nationally known speaker/writer/consultant and an American Dental Association Subject Matter Expert, President of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants and Board Member of the Speaking Consulting Network who openly shares his mistakes, what he learned as a result, and how to avoid those career ending errors. “It is a wise man who learns from his mistakes, but a wiser man still that learns from another’s”. Presenting courses: F36; S44.

Dr. Elaine Bylis graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland, College Park with a major in Neurophysiology. She was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society upon her graduation. Dr. Bylis went on to attend the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and graduated in 2017. Dr. Bylis received advanced training in cosmetic dentistry from the Nash Institute and was honored to later return to the Institute as a guest lecturer. She has also received advanced training in Invisalign. Dr. Bylis has been published twice in Dentistry Today. The June 2018 online edition featured an article she wrote about guided mandibular implant surgery and the December 2020 print edition featured her article about digital planning and surgery. Dr. Elaine Bylis was selected by Zyris Dental to host a five-part live video series that showcased women in the dental field. She was also inducted into the International Academy of Dental-Facial Esthetics. Dr. Bylis practices general dentistry in a private practice in Glen Burnie, Maryland with her father, Dr. Paul Bylis.

Ron Gestiehr is director of wealth management Luttner Financial Group, a Lifetime Financial Growth Company (LFG) a regional privately held wealth management firm with hundreds of representatives across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Ron and his team have extensive experience educating and working with high-wage earners, as well as small business owners. For small business owners, Ron and his team specialize in designing and implementing qualified retirement plans/401(k), group benefits plans, and devising effective growth and transition planning for closely held and/or family-owned businesses. Presenting courses: F34; S49.

Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene from Old Dominion University. She found a love specializing in management and administration within her Master's degree, and continued her doctoral education at Regent University in Virginia Beach University in Business & Organizational Leadership. Kelly’s Ph.D. focused on organizational metacognition, in-depth study of group dynamics, and how to elicit permanent organizational change. She is also a certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach and is also certified in the science of emotional intelligence (EI). Tanner has a published chapter in forensic odontology for dental professionals, and multiple publications in topics regarding telehealth for dental hygienists. Kelly has served as past president of the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association and also as Chair of the ADHA Council for Public Relations. She has been recognized for her outstanding leadership within health care and university settings and is a recipient of the ADHA and Johnson & Johnson Award for Excellence. Kelly has dedicated her career to leadership, education, and mentoring. Kelly's passion is helping individuals connect with their passion and working to make it a reality.

Dr. Scott Coleman’s institutional education and intensive continuing education have elevated him to the top of his field. He graduated cum laude from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1980 with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. He went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, graduating first in his class at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in 1984. Dr. Coleman is a clinical associate professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and practices in the Houston area. He has lectured internationally on dental techniques and technology as well as written articles for numerous publications. When Dr. Coleman isn’t treating patients or serving on the Board of Regents of his alma mater, Stephen F. Austin State University. He is an Eagle Scout and has received the silver beaver award. He’s also a third-degree black belt in Hapkido and a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He is a deacon at Second Baptist church.

Dr. Dan Ward was an assistant clinical professor at The Ohio State University for 13 years and has been in private practice in Columbus, Ohio for 40 years. He lectured at the Post-Graduate Program in Esthetic Dentistry at the University of Minnesota, SUNY Buffalo, UMKC, and the University of Florida and served as chief examiner. He is a Fellow in the American College of Dentists, Fellow of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics, Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, and an Associate Member of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Dr. Ward has lectured extensively, has published over 50 articles, and is a reviewer for the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry and the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Dr. Ward has developed a computerized method of smile design called the RED Proportion. An innovative pioneer, Dr. Ward combines theory with practical real-world experience.

Rich Shurmer is a senior advisor and wealth manager with Lifetime Financial Growth, LLC. in the Cincinnati office. He has been affiliated with a team devoted to the Dental Professional for over 32 years following his graduation from Miami University with a degree in Chemistry and Biology. Serving clients on a national basis, he and his team has experience coaching their Dental relationships from graduation to practice exit and after. Assisting dental professional relationships to reach their financial objectives in the creation, maximization, protection, and enjoyment of wealth by advocating for them to make informed financial decisions which reflect their value system, love of family, and commitment to community is his mission. Presenting courses: F34; S49.

Dr. Sonia Chopra is a healer and tooth saver. She’s a board-certified endodontist, TEDx speaker, Forbes contributor, author, endodontic instructor, impact entrepreneur, and founder of Ballantyne Endodontics in Charlotte, NC. She became passionate about endodontics after a dental patient experience in her youth where her pain was misdiagnosed, and the wrong tooth was extracted. It wasn’t until she was referred to a caring endodontist that she was correctly diagnosed, and a root canal saved her from pain. Now she’s on a mission to save teeth whenever possible. On top of running her thriving practice, Dr. Chopra provides groundbreaking digital education and community support to general dentists and endodontists who want to level up their technical skills, patient experience, and practice efficiency. Through her thoughtfully designed courses and in-person programs, such as her award-winning E-School, she is revolutionizing endodontic continuing education through comprehensive lessons.

Whitney Kenyon is a financial representative at Lifetime Financial Growth (LFG), a regional privately held wealth management firm with hundreds of representatives, across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. Presenting courses: F34; S49.

Tom Wyatt serves as market president of Lifetime Financial Growth’s (LFG) Central Ohio and Cincinnati offices. He also serves as the chief growth officer for LFG’s enterprise operations and leads the retirement planning initiative for LFG, a regional privately held wealth management firm with hundreds of representatives, across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Tom is a graduate Magna Cum Laude of the University of Toledo School of Business with areas of concentration in Economics, Finance and Management. He is a.2003 graduate of the Capital University Law School and is admitted to practice law by the Ohio Bar and The United States Supreme Court. Presenting courses: F34; S49.

With over 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker and published author, Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P. has earned his national and international reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team. As the founder of Pharmacology Declassified, Tom provides valuable insight on the complex interplay between pharmacology and physiology so that clinicians may be knowledgeable about not only the dental considerations of medications used to treat systemic illness but also the systemic considerations of medications used to provide dental treatment. As an educator, Tom is a member of the faculty of over 10 dental professional degree programs and has received several awards for outstanding teacher of the year. As an author, Tom is well known for his contributions to several professional journals, has served as a contributor, chapter author and peer reviewer for several pharmacology textbooks and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.

Presenting Courses: T11, T18, W10,

Dr. Dan Coleman is a graduate of the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts where he received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine, Post-doctoral Master of Science, specialty training and Board Certification in Periodontics. During his residency, Dr. Coleman was privileged to serve as Chief Resident. Dr. Coleman is a faculty member at the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine where he serves as a clinical instructor and lecturer in the Department of Periodontology. Recently, Harvard and the American Academy of Periodontology awarded Dr. Coleman with recognition as its Outstanding Educator of 2019. This award was given in part because Dr. Coleman serves as a speaker nationally and internationally to teach on topics of periodontal health and disease; additionally, he has co-authored a dental textbook entitled, “Non-Surgical Control of Periodontal Diseases” published in 2015 which is used in several dental programs to train new dentists. Among Dr. Coleman’s achievements, he was named one of Incisal Edge Magazine’s “Top 40 under 40” dentists nationwide. Aside from his numerous career achievements, Dr. Coleman dedicates himself to ensuring that his patients have an amazing experience when working with him through his core values of quality, compassion, and integrity.

Presenting Courses: S43, S49,

Dr. Mark E. Hyman is a renowned dentist from Greensboro, NC, and a public speaker whose work is characterized by his warmth, enthusiasm, sense of humor, and passion for dentistry. As an accomplished seminar speaker, he has lectured throughout North America and Europe at every major dental meeting. Dr. Hyman has earned national and international recognition for his seminars. Since 2001, Dentistry Today magazine has selected Dr. Hyman as one of the top speakers in dentistry. He loved his thirty-two years in private practice, and currently serves as an Adjunct Full Professor and Special Assistant to the Office of the Dean at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill, NC.

With over 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker and published author, Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P. has earned his national and international reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team. As the founder of Pharmacology Declassified, Tom provides valuable insight on the complex interplay between pharmacology and physiology so that clinicians may be knowledgeable about not only the dental considerations of medications used to treat systemic illness but also the systemic considerations of medications used to provide dental treatment. As an educator, Tom is a member of the faculty of over 10 dental professional degree programs and has received several awards for outstanding teacher of the year. As an author, Tom is well known for his contributions to several professional journals, has served as a contributor, chapter author and peer reviewer for several pharmacology textbooks and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.

Presenting Courses: T11, T18, W10,

Dr. Lundon R. Albrecht is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and is known for his innovative mindset and continuous pursuit of advancements in dentistry, benefiting both patients and practitioners. As a key opinion leader for Coltene, a global dental manufacturer, he has delivered international lectures on cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Dr. Albrecht holds a fellowship in Implants from the International Dental Implant Association and is affiliated with various dental associations including the Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, American Academy of Oral Medicine, and Northeastern Ohio Dental Society. Apart from his professional engagements, he serves as a regional board member for Erie Bank, a division of CNB and is also an accomplished author of two children’s books. Dr. Albrecht and his wife Adrienne have three children.

Mike has spent the last 12 years growing dental software technology companies that are designed to streamline office efficiency and increase overall production, while elevating the standard of care for your patients. He led business development and partner strategy for Solutionreach, back when offices were just starting to text patients to confirm appointments. He then helped grow Dental Intelligence, focusing on providing valuable insights to practices allowing them to focus on vital key performance indicators to improve overall practice health. He then joined Weave while it was in its infancy, leading partnership growth strategies. His most recent endeavor finds him as the Executive Vice President of Revenue at Pearl, the first company to bring Artificial Intelligence into the dental space with comprehensive FDA clearance to assist the clinicians and team members in reading and detecting pathologies in 2D X-rays (Bitewings and PAs).

Dr. Stephen Beetstra received his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1990. He then served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Public Health Service until 1999. While in service, he created needs-based programs for pediatric, Native American, migrant, and medically complex patients in Oregon, Florida, and North Carolina. For his efforts, Dr. Beetstra received an Outstanding Service Medal, the highest award granted by the Service, and was recognized by the National Health Service Corps as a Healthcare Hero. After service in the Public Health, he joined the faculty of the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine, Department of Surgery. As the first dentist ever hired by the medical school, he was the Chief, Division of Dental Services and soon expanded the dental footprint on the campus. During his seven years of service, he created a network of seven university affiliated dental clinics and recruited a faculty of eight to help address the unmet needs of rural, medically complex, and special needs patients. Practicing in an academic institution in a state without a dental school or graduate dental programs, he led the creation of the first graduate dental program in the state. He was the principal investigator in federal and state grant funding to begin the programs and led the successful accreditation of the first training program. Dr. Beetstra was recruited to Arkansas Children’s Hospital due to his experience in care for patients with complex medical and developmental disabilities in 2005. In 2011, he received a master’s in health services administration from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, School of Public Health. In 2012, he became the Chief of Dental Services and helped expand the program from eight faculty to fifteen. The program has expanded both hospital, outreach, and was instrumental in creating graduate dental training programs. In 2017, the Arkansas Children’s Dental Faculty was incorporated into the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. With that transition, Dr. Beetstra assumed the Chair of the Department of Pediatric and Special Needs Dentistry. In August 2020, Dr. Beetstra began working at the OSU Nisonger Center as its dental program director. In that role, he manages two clinics and is developing training programs to teach dental residents, students, and dental hygiene students to care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O85,

Karen Davis is the owner of her own continuing education company, Cutting Edge Concepts® capitalizing on her breadth of experience in navigating the rewards and challenges dental professionals face. She is a practicing dental hygienist in Dallas, TX and has enjoyed being a part of the same dental practice for over 35 years. Dentistry Today has recognized Karen as a “Leader in Continuing Education” since 2006, and she is the 2023 recipient of the Gordon Christensen Speaker Recognition Award. Karen is an accomplished author for diverse industry publications and serves as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) to an array of corporations.

Dr. Lundon R. Albrecht is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and is known for his innovative mindset and continuous pursuit of advancements in dentistry, benefiting both patients and practitioners. As a key opinion leader for Coltene, a global dental manufacturer, he has delivered international lectures on cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Dr. Albrecht holds a fellowship in Implants from the International Dental Implant Association and is affiliated with various dental associations including the Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, American Academy of Oral Medicine, and Northeastern Ohio Dental Society. Apart from his professional engagements, he serves as a regional board member for Erie Bank, a division of CNB and is also an accomplished author of two children’s books. Dr. Albrecht and his wife Adrienne have three children.

Korey Walsh is a registered dental hygienist and adjunct Instructor in the Dental Hygiene Program at Stark State College. She is the lead instructor in dental radiography and nutrition in dentistry, as well as a clinical instructor in fundamentals of dental hygiene and clinical dental hygiene. Korey has also taught dental sealants and coronal polishing for the Certified Dental Assistant at Stark State. She is a 2001 graduate of Stark State College where she earned her Dental Hygiene degree. In 2012, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Malone University and her EFDA license from Stark State College. She has worked in private practice since 2001 and began teaching at the college in 2013.

Rich Shurmer is a senior advisor and wealth manager with Lifetime Financial Growth, LLC. in the Cincinnati office. He has been affiliated with a team devoted to the Dental Professional for over 32 years following his graduation from Miami University with a degree in Chemistry and Biology. Serving clients on a national basis, he and his team has experience coaching their Dental relationships from graduation to practice exit and after. Assisting dental professional relationships to reach their financial objectives in the creation, maximization, protection, and enjoyment of wealth by advocating for them to make informed financial decisions which reflect their value system, love of family, and commitment to community is his mission. Presenting courses: F34; S49.

Karen Davis is the owner of her own continuing education company, Cutting Edge Concepts® capitalizing on her breadth of experience in navigating the rewards and challenges dental professionals face. She is a practicing dental hygienist in Dallas, TX and has enjoyed being a part of the same dental practice for over 35 years. Dentistry Today has recognized Karen as a “Leader in Continuing Education” since 2006, and she is the 2023 recipient of the Gordon Christensen Speaker Recognition Award. Karen is an accomplished author for diverse industry publications and serves as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) to an array of corporations.

Dr. Homa Amini is Professor of Pediatric Dentistry-Clinical at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and an attending dentist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She received her dental degree and a Master’s Degree in public health from the Ohio State University and a Master of Science and certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist and a fellow of the AAPD. She is a past recipient of the AAPD’s Jerome B. Miller "For the Kids" and Lewis A. Kay “Excellence in Education” Awards. She has served on numerous councils including Pre-doctoral Education, Scientific Affairs and Editorial Board of the AAPD. Amini currently serves as Academic Trustee-at-large on the AAPD’s Board of Trustees. Her research interests are infant oral health, health literacy, and child advocacy.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O84,

Ben Shurmer serves as managing associate in the Cincinnati Lifetime Financial Growth (LFG) office. He is also a financial representative at LFG and heavily involved with the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) on a national level. Ben was asked to speak at multiple ASDA District events and works with dentists all over the country. He is a 2019 graduate from Miami University and the School of Business and joined the firm in 2021. Presenting courses: F34; S49.

Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene from Old Dominion University. She found a love specializing in management and administration within her Master's degree, and continued her doctoral education at Regent University in Virginia Beach University in Business & Organizational Leadership. Kelly’s Ph.D. focused on organizational metacognition, in-depth study of group dynamics, and how to elicit permanent organizational change. She is also a certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach and is also certified in the science of emotional intelligence (EI). Tanner has a published chapter in forensic odontology for dental professionals, and multiple publications in topics regarding telehealth for dental hygienists. Kelly has served as past president of the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association and also as Chair of the ADHA Council for Public Relations. She has been recognized for her outstanding leadership within health care and university settings and is a recipient of the ADHA and Johnson & Johnson Award for Excellence. Kelly has dedicated her career to leadership, education, and mentoring. Kelly's passion is helping individuals connect with their passion and working to make it a reality.

Homa Amini is Professor of Pediatric Dentistry-Clinical at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and an attending dentist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She received her dental degree and a Master’s Degree in public health from the Ohio State University and a Master of Science and certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a board certified pediatric dentist and a fellow of the AAPD. She is a past recipient of the AAPD’s Jerome B. Miller "For the Kids" and Lewis A. Kay “Excellence in Education” Awards. She has served on numerous councils including Pre-doctoral Education, Scientific Affairs and Editorial Board of the AAPD. Amini currently serves as Academic Trustee-at-large on the AAPD’s Board of Trustees. Her research interests are infant oral health, health literacy, and child advocacy.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O84,

Dr. Stephen Beetstra received his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1990. He then served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Public Health Service until 1999. While in service, he created needs-based programs for pediatric, Native American, migrant, and medically complex patients in Oregon, Florida, and North Carolina. For his efforts, Dr. Beetstra received an Outstanding Service Medal, the highest award granted by the Service and was recognized by the National Health Service Corps as a Healthcare Hero. After service in the Public Health, he joined the faculty of the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine, Department of Surgery. As the first dentist ever hired by the medical school, he was the Chief, Division of Dental Services and soon expanded the dental footprint on the campus. During his seven years of service, he created a network of seven university affiliated dental clinics and recruited a faculty of eight to help address the unmet needs of rural, medically complex, and special needs patients. Practicing in an academic institution in a state without a dental school or graduate dental programs, he led the creation of the first graduate dental program in the state. He was the principal investigator in federal and state grant funding to begin the programs and led the successful accreditation of the first training program. Dr. Beetstra was recruited to Arkansas Children’s Hospital due to his experience in care for patients with complex medical and developmental disabilities in 2005. In 2011, he received a Master’s in Health Services Administration from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, School of Public Health. In 2012, he became the Chief of Dental Services and helped expand the program from eight faculty to fifteen. The program has expanded both hospital, outreach, and was instrumental in creating graduate dental training programs. In 2017, the Arkansas Children’s Dental Faculty were incorporated into the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. With that transition, Dr. Beetstra assumed the Chair of the Department of Pediatric and Special Needs Dentistry. In August 2020, Dr. Beetstra began working at the OSU Nisonger Center as its dental program director. In that role, he manages two clinics and is developing training programs to teach dental residents, students, and dental hygiene students to care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O85,

As the daughter of a dentist, Judy Bendit was born and raised in a dental office. She has over 45 years of experience in dentistry as a clinician, author and speaker. She serves on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where she is active with the alumni board. She also serves on the advisory board for the dental hygiene program at Palm Beach State College. Judy is a member of the CAMBRA coalition, American Academy of Cariology, and American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Oral Health. She is a longstanding member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Judy has been listed in Dentistry Today as a top speaker for over a decade. Before the pandemic, she enjoyed volunteering as a clinician both at home and abroad.

Presenting Courses: F25, O79, T12, T17,

Hayley Buckner, RDH, BS, is the Professional Relations Manager and Preventive Care Consultant Supervisor for Elevate Oral Care. Hayley enjoys combining her dental hygiene background and experience to bring offices and key opinion leaders up to date information on SDF, prevention, patient centered communication, and caries risk assessment protocols. Through a webinar platform, Hayley has educated over 1,500 dental offices on the benefits and protocols of Advantage Arrest Silver Diamine Fluoride 38%.

Presenting Courses: F25, T17,

Dr. Casamassimo received his dental degree from Georgetown University in 1974 and a Master of Science and Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Iowa in 1976. He has taught at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry (1976-78) and the University of Colorado School of Dentistry (1978-88). Dr. Casamassimo is a past-president of the Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped and past editor of the Journal of Dentistry for the Handicapped. He is past editor of the Journal of Dentistry for Children. He has authored or edited over 400 publications in the areas of pediatric dentistry, care of children with special health care needs, and dental education. His research interests include oral health of children and adults with special health care needs, health services research, and oral health disparity and he has received numerous private and public grants and contracts.

He is a member of a number of professional organizations including the American Dental Association, and the American Dental Education Association, as well as Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor fraternity and AAPD. Dr. Casamassimo is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Casamassimo was the 2002 recipient of the AAPD Distinguished Service Award and in 2003, was honored by the Ohio Dental Association with its Humanitarian Award. In 2006, he received the Merle C. Hunter Award for Service from AAPD and in 2007, the AAPD Manuel Album Award for his work with patients with special needs. He is a 2007 recipient of Nationwide Children’s Hospital Career Contribution Award. In 2012, he was named Pediatric Dentist of the Year by the AAPD. In 2016, he was named Ron Bell Mentor of the Year by the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. In 2017 he was the Ohio Dental Association’s Distinguished Dentist and was awarded the ADA’s Norton M. Ross Award for clinical research. Dr. Casamassimo is board-certified in pediatric dentistry and is a professor emeritus at Nationwide Children’s Hospital where he served as president of the medical staff in 1999. He is a Past President of the Ohio Dental Association.

Presenting Courses: 084a, O87,

Family owned and operated since 2006, Central Ohio CPR has grown into the area's largest training provider. Based out of Columbus, Ohio, they believe there is more to a class than a lecture and passing a test. Instructors use their real-world experience and hands-on lesson plans to train students for the real world. Class instructors include nurses, firefighters, paramedics and social workers with many years of experience in their fields as well as a passion for teaching.

Presenting Courses: S53,

Psychologist and humorist, Bruce Christopher, is America’s foremost “Enter---Trainer” today. He has earned this distinction because of his high-energy style and humorous presentation of his material. He is a licensed psychologist holding degrees in Professional Psychology and Interpersonal Communications from the University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas. Bruce has Enter-Trained audiences internationally because of his humorous approach to today’s hot topics which impact our personal, professional and practice lives. He combines excellent content with loads of laughter and contagious comedy. He has been honored to speak at the Exclusive Million Dollar Roundtable Conference (three times!), the Royal College of Surgeons in London, the Mayo Clinic, and on the largest stage in the world. His clients include: American Airlines, American Express, Best Buy, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Boeing, General Electric, IBM, The IRS, Oracle, 3M, Radisson Hotels, State Farm, Texas Instruments, U.S. Navy, U.S. Postal, Wells Fargo and many others. Bruce is a credentialed professional speaker and trainer, he is a member of the American Psychological Association, the National Speakers Association, and is a practicing clinical psychologist. He has earned the Certified Speaking Professional designation (CSP), which is the speaking profession’s highest merited international measure of professional platform competence. Less than 12 percent of speakers worldwide, currently hold this professional designation. He speaks over 100 times each year and is one of the most sought-after speakers in the Fortune 500 and at the most prestigious medical and dental conventions. His mission is: “Laugh ’till you cry…Learn ’till you change!”

Presenting Courses: F41, S45,

Dr. Dan Coleman is a graduate of the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts where he received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine, Post-doctoral Master of Science, specialty training and Board Certification in Periodontics. During his residency, Dr. Coleman was privileged to serve as Chief Resident. Dr. Coleman is a faculty member at the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine where he serves as a clinical instructor and lecturer in the Department of Periodontology. Recently, Harvard and the American Academy of Periodontology awarded Dr. Coleman with recognition as its Outstanding Educator of 2019. This award was given in part because Dr. Coleman serves as a speaker nationally and internationally to teach on topics of periodontal health and disease; additionally, he has co-authored a dental textbook entitled, “Non-Surgical Control of Periodontal Diseases” published in 2015 which is used in several dental programs to train new dentists. Among Dr. Coleman’s achievements, he was named one of Incisal Edge Magazine’s “Top 40 under 40” dentists nationwide. Aside from his numerous career achievements, Dr. Coleman dedicates himself to ensuring that his patients have an amazing experience when working with him through his core values of quality, compassion, and integrity.

Presenting Courses: S43, S49,

Bryan Currier is CEO and President of Advantage Technologies, an innovative IT services company. Initially focusing on dental and medical practice technology integration, Advantage Technologies has expanded its reach from over 20 years to include 85+ employees and over 800 customers across multiple professional industries. Bryan is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs' efforts to achieve their dreams of running a successful business and helping improve the lives of their patients, customers, & clients. His expertise lies in educating small business owners and their teams on various topics in dentistry, IT, and business at study clubs, regional and state seminars, as well as national conferences.

Presenting Courses: F33,

Dr. Lori Fitzgerald is a general dentist in practice in Canfield. She is currently President of the Ohio Dental Association, and is a past president of the Corydon Palmer Dental Society, and past chair of the ODA’s Annual Session Committee and Council on Membership Services. She is a fellow of the International College of Dentists and Pierre Fauchard Academy, and a member of the American Association of Women Dentists. Dr. Fitzgerald received her DDS degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry.

Presenting Courses: S48,

Dr. Anita Gohel is a clinical professor and chair of the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic Sciences. She is also the program director of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. She is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology. Dr. Gohel received her BDS from Calcutta University in India, a PhD in Oral Biology and a certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology from the University of Connecticut. She has given many presentations and continuing education courses at national and international meetings and has authored several articles and abstracts in national and international journals. She has served in numerous leadership roles in several dental organizations. She has served as a director and president of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology, as a commissioner for the ADA National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards and a member of the CODA Review Committee on Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Education. She is currently the immediate past-president of the American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR).

Presenting Courses: O75,

Dr. Grisdale is a board-certified specialist in periodontics and Prosthodontics with a part-time private practice in Vancouver, British Columbia. Dr. Grisdale received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from McGill University, as well as a post graduate degree in Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics. He then went on to the University of British Columbia where he received another postgraduate degree in Periodontics. Dr. Grisdale was formerly a full-time faculty member in the graduate periodontal residency program at Loma Linda School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA and is currently an invited lecturer. Dr. Grisdale lectures extensively in the United States, Canada, and has lectured in Southeast Asia and Europe. He is a mentor for Periodontic and Implant Study Clubs. Dr. Grisdale has published in the area of treatment for dentin sensitivity, implants, bone regeneration and soft tissue periodontal adhesives. He is an active participant in clinical research and the study of contemporary periodontal products. He is a member of several professional societies.

Presenting Courses: T13, T20,

Presenting Courses: 084a, O86,

Presenting Courses: 084a, O86,

Born in Oregon, Ohio, Dr. Kyle Jackson grew up along the shores of Lake Erie. He completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Toledo. Continuing his education, Dr. Jackson was accepted to The Ohio State University College of Dentistry where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery. He received his Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry after a two-year residency at Children’s Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Jackson began practicing at the Children’s Medical Center in Dayton in the early ’90s where he held the position of Director of Dental Services. He is member of several dental organizations including the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, and the Dayton Dental Society. Over the years, he served the dental community in a variety of ways including the Cleft Lip & Palate/Craniofacial Anomalies team at Dayton Childrens, the Council on Access to Care and Public Service and Annual Session Committee through the ODA, and the Dayton Dental Society where he has served on the Long-Range Planning Committee, the Public Affairs committee and on the board. Dr. Jackson is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry as a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. On top of the many dental organizations, Dr. Jackson has also been involved in Christian youth ministry for 30 years. This passion has given him invaluable experience working with children through his service in the church. In 2006, Dr. Jackson received his ordination as a minister, going on to complete his Master of Theology from Asbury Theological Seminary. He currently serves as Pastor of Compassionate Ministry at his local church where he is also on the Youth Leadership Team, finding time to actively participate in leadership roles in both regional and district positions.

Presenting Courses: O82,

Dr. Ko received her DDS and her postgraduate training in Hospital Dentistry and Endodontics at UCLA. Dr. Ko is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and is the Assistant Director of the UCLA AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry). She was a Clinical Educator with the Section of Endodontics, Special Patient Care and Advanced Education in General Dentistry at UCLA. Dr. Ko is the former Director of the UCLA Postdoctoral Endodontics Program and was the Course Director of the UCLA Endodontic Continuum Lecture and Hands-on Workshop. Dr. Ko is a former President of the Southern California Academy of Endodontics and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, UCLA Chapter. She maintained an Endodontic-Periodontic private practice in West Los Angeles, California for decades with Dr. Thien Nguyen, Dr. Todd Yamada and Dr. Daraporn Tanpattana.

Presenting Courses: F31, F38,

Shawn Lang is the Senior Service Technician for the Patterson Dental Mid-South Ohio branch. With 35 plus years of experience, Shawn has been servicing dental equipment since 1984 as he entered in this career to follow in his father’s footsteps. In the field Shawn is responsible for repairs, performing preventative maintenance, and x-ray QA’s. However, performing preventative maintenance is key to keeping an office’s equipment running like new. With his expertise, Shawn is able to determine if the equipment is worth servicing or if replacing is the most economical option. Shawn’s professional philosophy is to be a reliable and trusted partner with every office that he gets the chance to service. It is also very important to him to build a great relationship with not only the doctor, but the entire staff.

Presenting Courses: T22,