Speakers

Jessica Woods seeks to empower the dental industry to a bright future by inspiring clinicians to reignite their careers. A 20-year veteran in the industry, she is a clinical product expert, thought leader, non-profit practice owner and sought-after mentor. Woods has spoken to thousands of dental professionals across the country offering her unique experiences implementing minimally invasive, preventive programs and has led product go-to-market strategies from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Affectionally known as the #ExecutiveRDH, she has scaled her way to the boardroom since graduating from West Coast University with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and master’s degree in public health from A.T. Still University. She has most recently been selected at the Denobi Awards as the 2025 Thought Leader of the Year. She has been recognized as the 50 Top Teledentistry Leaders, recognized as an Oral Health Champion, and the recipient of the Nevada Dental Hygienist of the Year. She is also past-President of the Nevada Dental Hygienists’ Association and accepted as a Fellow of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Presenting Courses: S63, S67,

Presenting Courses: F30,

Presenting Courses: T14,

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: T20,

Dr. Amini is a Professor of Pediatric Dentistry-Clinical at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and an attending dentist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She earned her dental degree and a Master of Public Health from Ohio State University, followed by a Master of Science and a certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago. A board-certified pediatric dentist and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), Dr. Amini is a past recipient of the AAPD’s Jerome B. Miller "For the Kids" Award and the Lewis A. Kay "Excellence in Education" Award. She has contributed to numerous councils, including Pre-Doctoral Education, Scientific Affairs, and the Editorial Board of the AAPD. Additionally, she served as Academic Trustee-at-Large on the AAPD’s Board of Trustees. Dr. Amini is a board examiner for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Her research focuses on infant oral health, health literacy, and child advocacy. She has received numerous private and public grants to improve access for low-income children and pregnant women.

Presenting Courses: O84,

Dr. Stephen Beetstra received his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1990. He 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. After service in the Public Health, he joined the faculty of the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine, as the chief, Division of Dental Services. At New Mexico, he created a graduate training program and a network of seven university affiliated dental clinics often associated with FQHCs to address the unmet needs of rural, medically complex, and special needs patients. From 2005-2020, Dr. Beetstra had numerous leadership roles at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences focusing on care for individuals who were medically complex, had intellectual or developmental disabilities, or were underserved. He was involved with creating graduate programs and eventually rose to become chair of the Department of Pediatric and Special Needs Dentistry in the College of Medicine. 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 community providers, residents, graduate, predoctoral dental, and dental hygiene students to care for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and medical complexities.

Presenting Courses: O85,

Dr. Lee Ann Brady joined The Pankey Institute as their first female resident faculty member and was quickly promoted to clinical director. Subsequently, she held positions with several dental continuing education organizations. She has been recognized by Dental Products Report as one of the Top 25 Women Dentists in the U.S. in the category of dental educators. She is active online with her popular dental blog (leeannbrady.com) and founded Restorative Nation (restorativenation.com), a supportive learning community for dentists. Since 2012 she has owned Desert Sun Smiles (desertsunsmiles.com), a private restorative practice in Glendale, Arizona. Dr. Brady is a 1988 graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry. She devotes hundreds of hours every year to dental continuing education in the areas of cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, TMJ disorders, sleep apnea and restorative dentistry. When not in her Glendale office working with patients or attending a continuing education course as a student, she is teaching dental education courses to other dentists around the world. She continues to teach at dental study clubs and professional dental meetings as well as host courses she has developed for dentists and their staff. She has been widely published in dental journals writing both clinical and practice management articles. She is a member of many dental organizations including the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, American Equilibration Society and is a fellow in the American College of Dentists.

Presenting Courses: T11, T19,

Hayley Buckner, RDH, BS, FADHA is the Professional Relations Manager at Elevate Oral Care, where she leverages her extensive background in dental hygiene and clinical practice to educate and engage with dental professionals. With a deep commitment to advancing oral health, Hayley combines her expertise in clinical dental hygiene with her passion for educating others, specifically focusing on providing key opinion leaders (KOLs) with the latest evidence-based information and best practices. Her work primarily revolves around silver fluorides, preventive oral care, patient-centered communication, and caries risk assessment protocols. Through her dynamic approach, Hayley ensures that dental professionals are up-to-date with cutting-edge methods and products designed to improve patient outcomes. As a clinical educator, she has delivered impactful educational webinars to over 1,700 dental offices, sharing the benefits and application protocols of Advantage Arrest® Silver Diamine Fluoride 38% - a groundbreaking solution in caries management. These sessions have helped dental offices across the country enhance their understanding of the clinical advantages of silver diamine fluoride and how it can be used as part of a comprehensive approach to prevent and manage cavities. Hayley is dedicated to bridging the gap between clinical research and practical application in dental practices, ensuring that the latest protocols and innovations are easily accessible to professionals who aim to provide the highest standard of care. Her approachable and knowledgeable demeanor allows her to foster strong relationships with dental teams and industry leaders, helping them integrate new concepts and technologies smoothly into their practices.

Presenting Courses: S63, S67,

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: O87,

Karen Daw, MBA, CECM, CDIPC, is a nationally recognized speaker and author with multiple accolades in the field of dental safety. She is an OSHA authorized trainer and provides consulting services to dental practices, corporations, colleges, and healthcare systems nationwide. Karen holds a BA from The Ohio State University and an MBA with a focus on Healthcare Administration and Business Management. After completing her education, Karen's exceptional skills led her to be recruited from the Emergency Department to the role of Health and Safety Director at the OSU College of Dentistry. She has also been involved in significant projects for government agencies and was among the first group to earn the prestigious CDIPC credential. Karen is an active and respected member of the Association for Dental Safety, where she has served as co-chair for their Annual Conference and Infection Control Boot Camp.

Presenting Courses: S64, T17, T24,

Dr. Gary DeWood earned his DDS degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland in 1980, completed the University of Florida Facial Pain Center Curriculum from 1992 through 1995, and earned a Master of Science degree at The University of Toledo College of Medicine in 2004. From 1981 to 2004 he maintained a full-time private practice in Pemberville, Ohio. He left private practice to serve as full-time faculty and clinical director of The Pankey Institute through 2008. In 2008 Dr. DeWood became a founding member of Spear Education, a dental continuing education company in Scottsdale, Arizona. He has also served in many roles in education over the years including assistant professor at The University of Toledo College of Medicine, associate professor at The University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and adjunct clinical professor at Arizona School of Oral and Dental Health. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, American Equilibration Society, American Academy of Orofacial Pain and other dental organizations. Dr. DeWood continues to teach dentists in numerous workshops at The Pankey Institute and lectures extensively to study clubs, professional organizations and at dental meetings across the country and around the world. Dr. DeWood maintains a private practice at Desert Sun Smiles in Glendale, Arizona.

Presenting Courses: F31, T11,

If there’s one word to describe Katie, it’s super-passionate! (OK, technically two words, but she’s an overachiever by nature). Katie’s career started as a teacher. After spending several years in the classroom, she decided to switch gears and found her calling in dentistry. As an office manager in St. Louis, MO, she witnessed firsthand the pitfalls of insurance dependence and spearheaded the launch of an in-house membership plan. This move empowered her practice to control fees and severed ties with the insurance middleman. The membership plan she helped her practice implement became a successful business that she grew and managed for 8+ years. Fast forward to 2023, Katie joined forces with DentalHQ, founded by Dr. Brett Wells, a kindred spirit in the fight against insurance dominance. Katie leverages her deep-rooted dental office expertise to evangelize the benefits of implementing and automating membership plans. She is passionate about helping practices maximize their profitability, break away from the PPOs, and regain control of their fees and the quality of care they provide their patients. With a background in education, Katie excels at speaking and educating. She has been asked to present her topic at national dental meetings, conferences, and study clubs. She’s fluent in dental lingo and just gets it, which makes her very relatable. An active AADOM, ADMC, and SCN member, Katie is on a mission to spread the membership plan gospel. She’s your go-to guru for financial freedom through custom membership plans. Her passion shines through when speaking on stage or working directly with a practice. She is eager to help and will be any practice’s biggest cheerleader as they celebrate the success that membership plans will have!

Presenting Courses: T23,

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: T16,

Dilaine Gloege brings over 38 years of expertise in dentistry, with a focus on proper coding, documentation and billing. Her seven years with Dr. Charles Blair and Practice Booster were instrumental in developing essential resources like Coding with Confidence and Administration with Confidence, empowering dental teams across the nation. Through her contributions to the Insurance Solutions Newsletter and Medical Dental Cross Coding with Confidence, Dilaine has provided invaluable insights into navigating industry complexities. As founder of Tidewater Dental Consulting, she continues her commitment to education, offering training and resources that elevate dental practices. A sought-after speaker and educator, Dilaine shares her deep industry knowledge to help teams achieve greater success. Residing in the southern Outer Banks of North Carolina, she enjoys beach outings and boating with her husband, four children, and four grandchildren, balancing her professional dedication with her love for family and coastal living.

Presenting Courses: F36, F44, T13, T18,

Dr. Erin Gross is an Assistant Professor-Clinical at The Ohio State University. She received her undergraduate degree at The Ohio State University and completed the OSU College of Dentistry’s combined DDS-PhD degree program in 2009. 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 currently serves as the Director of Pediatric Dentistry at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and is an Associate Program Director in the pediatric dentistry residency at The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She is a member of the Ohio Dental Association’s Council on Membership Services and is the Board Director for Faculties on the American Dental Education Association’s Board of Directors.

Presenting Courses: O86,

Dr. Kim Hammersmith is an 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: O86,

Dr. Kami Hoss is an orthodontist, dentofacial orthopedist, author, and entrepreneur on a mission to transform oral health care. He’s the founder and CEO of SuperMouth, a revolutionary oral care company dedicated to providing innovative, cutting-edge products for every stage of life. Dr. Hoss is also the co-founder of one of Southern California’s largest dental group practices and serves on the Board of Counselors at UCLA School of Dentistry. He founded a nationally accredited dental assisting school and is the bestselling author of If Your Mouth Could Talk. Featured on major media outlets, he lectures at top dental conferences, emphasizing the critical connection between oral health and overall well-being.

Presenting Courses: S65,

Dr. Kyle Jackson completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Toledo and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He received his Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry after a two-year residency at Children’s Medical Center in Dayton. 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 a number of dental organizations including the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association and the Dayton Dental Society. Dr. Jackson is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry as a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. He is currently president of the Ohio Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and general chairman of the Ohio Dental Association Annual Session Committee. 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 degree 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: S61,

Dr. Hal Jeter is a general dentist in practice in South Point, Ohio and is the current president of the Ohio Dental Association. He is a current trustee on the ODA Foundation Board of Trustees, past president of the Southern Ohio Dental Society, past chair of the ODA Council on Access to Care and Public Service, past member of the ODA Council on Membership Services, and past member of the ODA Council on Dental Care Programs and Dental Practice. He is a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and is a fellow of the International College of Dentists, American College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy, and American Association of Hospital Dentists. Dr. Jeter is the recipient of the 2019 ODA Leadership Pin award for his outstanding leadership at the ODA. Dr. Jeter earned his bachelor’s degree from Marshall University and his DDS degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry.

Presenting Courses: S61,

Judy Kay Mausolf is a speaker, author, and dental culture specialist with expertise in helping others get happier and more successful! She coaches dentists and their teams on how to become better leaders, communicate effectively, work together better and deliver service with more focus and passion, which result in cultivating a happier, healthier and higher performing culture. She is past president of National Speakers Association (Minnesota Chapter), a longtime member of the National Speakers Association, recognized as a leader in consulting by Dentistry Today and the recipient of the 2024 Dr. Gordon Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award. She is author of three books; TA-DAH, Delivering W.O.W. Service, and Rise & Shine!, and a contributing author for many dental magazines. She also publishes a monthly newsletter entitled Show Your Shine.

Presenting Courses: F34, F45,

Denise Messina joined The Ohio State University College of Dentistry faculty as an assistant professor – clinical, part-time in 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and Certificate of Dental Hygiene from The Ohio State University in 1986 and her Master of Dental Hygiene in 2019. She began her dental hygiene teaching career at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland in 1995 where she was adjunct faculty in clinical and pre-clinical dental hygiene courses, periodontal clinical instructor, and course director in General and Oral Histopathology. In addition to teaching from 1995 - 2017, she practiced clinical dental hygiene from 1986 - 2017. She began a full-time faculty appointment in 2019 and is course director for Oral Radiography, Oral Histology, Care for Patients with Special Needs, Practice Management, and Contemporary Issues in Dental Hygiene, Oral Health and Disease Prevention, Dental Hygiene Senior Seminar, Current Concepts in Dental Care Delivery Models. Denise is an active member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association and was past vice-president of the Cleveland Dental Hygienists' Association.

Presenting Courses: F39, F50,

Dr. Matthew 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 clinic director of Ohio State Upper Arlington Dentistry and is an assistant professor in the Division of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry. He had served as the interim director of the Dental Oncology Clinic of the James Cancer Center at OSU since 2018. 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, Web MD, and Prevention Magazine, to name just a few.

Presenting Courses: F50,

Beau Meyer, DDS, MPH, is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Associate Professor with tenure at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He is Medical Staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and an Associate Medical Director with Partners For Kids, a pediatric accountable care organization. He completed his DDS at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and his MPH and pediatric dentistry specialty training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He serves as a Research Fellow for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Research and Policy Center, and he serves on the Editorial Boards for Pediatric Dentistry and Journal of Dental Education. His research interests are related to oral health services use, and his primary interests are improving access to dental care for Medicaid-enrolled children.

Presenting Courses: O84,

Dr. Matthew Miller is a nationally and internationally recognized lecturer and key opinion leader in dentistry. He has written multiple publications and white papers on the subjects of endodontics and restorative materials and techniques. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003, and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery with High Distinction from New York University College of Dentistry in 2007. While at NYU, he was selected into the Honors Aesthetics Program in the Rosenthal Institute of Cosmetic Dentistry. As a result of his efforts, he won the American Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry Award and the Northeastern Society of Periodontics Award. He has been voted by his peers as one of the “Top 50 dentists” in the Charlotte metro area several years in a row. Dr. Miller has been named a key opinion leader in the industry and plays an important role in the development of dental materials, equipment, and technology. He also consults and lectures on 3D imaging technology, intraoral scanners and advancements in endodontic and restorative therapies. Dr. Miller is a long-standing member of the Kerr Endodontic and Restorative Advisory Boards. Additionally, he is a clinical ambassador and Editorial Board member for the Dental Advisor, working with companies in the areas of product inception, development, and improvement. Dr. Miller serves as a clinical trainer for dentists and dental professionals and is a restorative advisor for the local chapter of the Seattle Study Club. Dr. Miller maintains a private group practice in Huntersville, NC, where he focuses on cosmetic restorative and complex reconstructive dental treatment.

Presenting Courses: F32, F46,

Chris Moore currently serves as director of dental services for the Ohio Dental Association. He is now in his 36th year of service to the ODA and currently administers the association's third-party payer, peer review, dental practice and regulatory compliance programs. Chris is an honorary fellow of the International College of Dentists USA Section for his contributions to the promotion of the dental profession. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Case Western Reserve University and a Master of Arts degree from Kent State University.

Presenting Courses: S61,

Dr. Amr Moursi is professor and chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the New York University College of Dentistry and is on the medical staff at the NYU Langone Medical Center and the Bellevue Hospital Center in New York. Dr. Moursi is a past-president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and currently director of the AAPD Comprehensive Review Course and AAPD Liaison to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Moursi’s research focuses on early childhood oral health, and he has served as principal investigator on a number of federally funded studies including a NIH-funded multi-center clinical trial evaluating caries arrest using Silver Diamine Fluoride in pre-school children. He is the author or co-author of over 100 published articles, book chapters and policy briefs, as well as editor of the textbook Clinical Cases in Pediatric Dentistry (2nd Edition, Wiley). Dr. Moursi is also Host of the Dental Health Show on Doctor Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio. Dr. Moursi has also led teams of NYU faculty and students to provide pediatric dental training, education and care to underserved areas around the world including Tanzania, Nicaragua, Grenada and Alaska. He also maintains a private practice in New York City.

Presenting Courses: F33, F40, T22,

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.

Presenting Courses: T15,

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 JADA co-author of the ADA Clinical Practice Guideline for Appropriate Antibiotic Use for Endodontic Infections and was the 2019 recipient of the ADA Evidence Based Dentistry Clinical Practice Award. He regularly lectures to students at Case School of Dental Medicine. He is chair of the Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital Board of Trustees and is a past president of the Ohio Dental Association.

Presenting Courses: O83, S68,

A native of Toronto, Canada, Dr. Faisal Quereshy is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon by the American Board of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) and is a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) and American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS). After graduating from dental school from the State University of New York (SUNY) School of Dental Medicine with a DDS degree in 1994, he completed a specialty training residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Case Western Reserve University with an integrated medical school curriculum, whereby he earned his MD (1997) and a one-year PGY General Surgery training. He then further advanced his surgical skills, completing a specialized fellowship program, accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) and CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation), in Facial Cosmetic Surgery (2000). Most recently he graduated with an MBA degree from the Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management (2024). Dr. Quereshy has both academic and private practice positions, where he practices full-scope OMS. He shares a community-based practice with his wife, Dr. Najia Usman (Endodontist) - The Visage Surgical Institute and V-Spa, in Medina, Ohio. Additionally, he is a full professor with tenure, and the residency program director of the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, at the Case School of Dental Medicine and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. He holds surgical memberships at all local, state, and national levels: ACOMS as president; past president for the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS); immediate past president of the Ohio Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons; has been an examiner (seven years) and section chair for the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS); past secretary of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) 2010-2013; past board of trustee for the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS); and past member of the Ohio State Dental Board (2018-2024). He has given numerous continuing education seminars and presentations internationally and locally in his specialized field and has published a number of scientific and clinical papers, as well as textbook chapters. He is very active in several professional organizations devoted to the advancement in the field of facial cosmetic surgery, facial surgery, dental implant surgery, and craniofacial and non-syndromic orthognathic (jaw reconstructive) surgery.

Presenting Courses: F49, S69,

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. Eric 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: O87,

Dr. Adam Saltz graduated from the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he obtained his Master of Science degree and Certificate in Periodontics. He completed his dental training at Nova Southeastern University, as part of their accelerated dual admission program. While there, he also received a Master of Public Health degree. Dr. Saltz is the managing editor for Decisions in Dentistry. He won the 2020 Dr. and Mrs. Gerald M. Kramer Scholar Award for Excellence, presented to the nation’s top overall graduating resident for outstanding character, service, leadership, and academic achievement. He is president of the Maine Dental Association and chairs multiple state and regional committees as the District 1 representative to the ADA New Dentist Committee. Dr. Saltz is an adjunct professor at the KCU College of Dental Medicine. He was recognized by the American Dental Association in 2023 with their 10 Under 10 Award for his contributions in education, public health, and organized dentistry as a new dentist. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and maintains an active practice in South Portland, Maine.

Presenting Courses: F37,

Minal Sampat is a Best Selling Author, Marketing Strategist, Social Media Coach, and Dental Hygienist. She was born in India, grew up in the U.S. Virgin Islands, went to college in NJ, and now lives in WA State with her husband and an extensive shoe collection! She launched her first company by breaking a Guinness World Record and since then has helped 100s of dental practices and businesses with marketing strategies to grow production while reducing marketing expenses. Minal is also the founder of Marketologist™ - an online marketing training program and CE on the Beach™ - where she hosts CE events on tropical islands! She is also the co-founder of the Pediatric Dental Marketing Course & Pediatric Dental Growth Summit! Minal’s marketing strategies have been featured in industry press AND on Forbes.com...not once, not twice...but 7 times in the last 4 years.

Presenting Courses: F43, O81, T21,

Driven by a deep love for people and a passion for patient well-being, Dawn Scott dedicates herself to enhancing the dental experience. Her motto, “We don’t treat teeth in isolation, they are attached to a human being, let’s focus on treating the whole person,” guides her approach. She excels in all areas of dentistry, from corporate strategy to clinical practice and patient education, with a focus on developing patient care protocols and communication techniques for optimal outcomes. A member of the Speaking Consulting Network, National Speakers Association, and a published children's book author, she is also a passionate advocate for children's mental health.

Presenting Courses: O82, T12,

For the last 26 years, Dr. Steve Shufflebarger has practiced exclusively in the sedation/anesthesia and surgical aspects of dentistry at his own practice in Beavercreek, Ohio as well as numerous offices in Dayton, Ohio and surrounding communities. He maintains privileges at three local hospitals. After beginning his education at Purdue University studying chemistry, he continued on to The Ohio State University College of Dentistry where he was honored to earn the Horace Wells student award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Dental Anesthesiology. Thereafter he completed a residency program with Miami Valley Hospital. Dr. Shufflebarger has achieved the status of Master of the College of Sedation with the ADSA. Currently, in addition to maintaining his private clinical practice, Dr. Shufflebarger is the managing director of Miami Valley Hospital’s Department of Medical Education’s long-standing comprehensive Moderate Sedation training series, where he creates didactic, skills and simulation content for sedation training. He has instructor status and trains medical professionals in BLS, ACLS, and PALS. Dr. Shufflebarger has been privileged to speak and teach in settings ranging from national organizations to local dental society meetings, dental schools, residency programs, medical schools, hospitals, regional events and virtual seminars.

Presenting Courses: S60, T10, T25,

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 ASDA on a national level. Ben has been 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: T16,

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:

Presenting Courses: T16,

Sarah Stream’s journey in dentistry began in 2007 as a dental assistant, where her dedication and passion quickly propelled her forward. Over the years, she earned her CDA and further advanced her expertise, becoming a dynamic educator committed to public health and addressing the evolving needs of the dental community. With a specialization in dental infection control, she achieved her CDIPC certification and earned the prestigious 2024 Emerging Infection Control Leader Award from the Association for Dental Safety. Sarah is involved in shaping industry standards, serving as an active member of several ADA Standards Committees focused on sterilization safety, dental unit waterlines, and dental instruments. Recently, she took on an exciting new role as education product manager at the DANB and DALE Foundation, where she continues to make a lasting impact through innovative educational initiatives.

Presenting Courses: F47,

After graduating from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2022, Dr. Nathan Tragesser completed a General Practice Residency at The Ohio State University. After residency, he worked as a general dentist at Lee Specialty Clinic treating adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also served as part-time faculty at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and served as the course director for the Special Patient Care course. Currently assistant professor – clinical, Nisonger Center, Dr. Tragesser’s primary focus is providing dental care for patients with complex medical conditions, specifically those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His aim is to not only improve oral health care for patients with disabilities but also train providers on how to properly treat patients with complex medical conditions.

Presenting Courses: O85,

Dr. Jorge Vera is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and currently serves as clinical assistant professor and director of the Advanced Education Program in Endodontics, Department of Periodontics and Endodontics University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He is an educator member of the American Association of Endodontists, having completed his Postgraduate Endodontic Certificate from Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine, Boston, in 1993. Dr. Vera is a recipient of the Samuel Seltzer award from the Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontics Journal in 2005. He is a Scientific Advisory Board member for the Journal of Endodontics and the International Endodontic Journal. He has presented more than 500 lectures in 38 countries including the meetings of the European Society of Endodontics and the American Association of Endodontists. Has had 87 endodontic articles published and has collaborated on three books.

Presenting Courses: F35, F42,

With over 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker and published author, Tom Viola 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. As a speaker, Tom has presented over 1,000 informative, humorous and engaging continuing education seminars and webinars to dental professionals internationally since 2001.

Presenting Courses: F48, S62,

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: T16,

Dr. Grace Yum grew up in Glenview, Illinois and now lives in sunny California. She is a mother and a board-certified pediatric dentist, a certification achieved by only 5% of all dentists in the U.S. Dr. Yum is the founder and practice owner of Yummy Dental & Orthodontics for Kids and she is also the founder and CEO of Mommy Dentists in Business (MDIB). In addition to managing the MDIB community, Dr. Yum hosts her own podcast, Mommy Dentists in Business Podcast. With 30 seasons, Dr. Yum’s podcast has been in the iTunes top 100, was ranked number 3 of 15 of the top dental podcasts by Patterson Dental’s Off the Cusp publication and has been downloaded over 325,000 times. It was named “Fan Favorite” in the dental podcast category by DentWoo for four consecutive years (2021–2024) and was also ranked #1 in Top Dental Podcasts by DentWoo in 2024. She has quietly become nationally recognized in her field. Dr. Yum has appeared and was featured on TODAY Show on NBC nationally, NBC Chicago as a repeat guest, Parents Magazine, Parenting Magazine, and Chicago Parent Magazine. She has also appeared on over 50 podcasts, with topics covering dentistry, work/life balance and business tips for the working mom.

Presenting Courses: F38, F41,