James Clear is a writer and keynote speaker focused on habits, decision making, and continuous improvement. His book, Atomic Habits, has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, has been translated into more than 60 languages and was the #1 best-selling book of 2021 and 2023 on Amazon and #1 audiobook on Audible. Clear is a regular speaker at Fortune 500 companies and his work has been featured in publications such as Time magazine, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and on CBS This Morning and Today Show Australia. He is a MasterClass instructor, alongside the world’s top experts such as Serena Williams, Neil Gaiman and Gordon Ramsay. His popular “3-2-1” email newsletter is sent out each week to more than 3 million subscribers.

James doesn’t merely report the research of others. He tries out the concepts for himself as he experiments with building better habits as an entrepreneur, writer, and weightlifter. In the end, his talks end up being one-part storytelling, one-part academic research, and one-part personal experiment, forming a colorful blend of inspirational stories, academic science, and hard-earned wisdom.

Some of James’ engagements include Fortune 1000 and strategic clients such as Amazon, KPMG, Microsoft, A&T, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Dell Technologies, Facebook, Google, Liberty Mutual, Pfizer, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Procter & Gamble, Adobe, Cisco, Lockheed Martin, and Wells Fargo.

James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, is known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work. In his book Atomic Habits, which has spent over four years on the New York Times bestseller list, he draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible.

Audiences come away from his talks learning how to:

• Build a system for getting 1% better every day
• Break bad habits and stick to good ones
• Avoid the common mistakes most people make when changing habits
• Overcome a lack of motivation and willpower
• Develop a stronger identity and believe in yourself
• Make time for new habits (even when life gets crazy)
• Design an environment to make success easier
• Make tiny, easy changes that deliver big results
• Get back on track when you get off course
• Put these ideas into practice in real life

James is a supporter of the Against Malaria Foundation, donating five percent of his income to support AMF in distributing nets to protect children, pregnant mothers, and families from mosquitos carrying malaria. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to extend life and fulfills his bigger mission to spread healthy habits and help others realize their full potential.

Prepare to be inspired by Dr. Scott Parazynski, a multifaceted explorer whose extraordinary journey spans the realms of medicine, space, and extreme adventure. As a veteran NASA astronaut, Dr. Parazynski has completed five Space Shuttle missions and conducted seven spacewalks, including a daring repair of a live solar array during the STS-120 mission—an endeavor hailed as one of the most challenging spacewalks in history.

Beyond the stars, Dr. Parazynski achieved a terrestrial milestone by becoming the first person to both fly in space and summit Mount Everest. His relentless pursuit of exploration has taken him to the depths of the ocean, the peaks of the Andes, and the heart of active volcanoes, exemplifying his commitment to pushing human boundaries.

A graduate of Stanford University and its School of Medicine, Dr. Parazynski’s expertise in human physiology and adaptation to extreme environments has been instrumental in advancing space medicine. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Fluidity Technologies, a company dedicated to developing innovative control devices for various applications, from drones to surgical robotics.

Dr. Parazynski’s compelling memoir, The Sky Below, offers a profound narrative of resilience, courage, and the indomitable human spirit. His insights into leadership under pressure, innovation, and teamwork are invaluable for professionals across all industries.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a true pioneer whose life story is a testament to the power of determination and the pursuit of excellence.

With over 25 years of experience in management consulting and leadership, Salima Lin has guided numerous Fortune 500 companies in developing and executing business and operating strategies, driving transformation, and operationalizing process improvements. Her expertise spans various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, diagnostics, medical devices, managed care, and healthcare delivery.

In her role, Salima oversees the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV), which is recognized for its high-quality thought leadership and has been ranked #1 by Source Global. Under her leadership, the IBV has produced award-winning, evidence-based studies that provide strategic insights to business leaders worldwide.

Salima’s commitment to benchmarking and thought leadership as strategic business capabilities has been acknowledged through her recent appointment to the board of directors at APQC, the benchmarking and best practices authority. She is a fierce advocate for leveraging these tools to maintain competitiveness in the AI era.

She holds a master’s degree in health policy and administration from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and biology from Simon Fraser University.

With more than four decades of experience in mentalism, psychological illusion, and live entertainment, Banachek has become one of the world’s most recognized and influential mind readers. Born in England and educated in South Africa and the United States, his fascination with extraordinary claims took a defining turn after discovering James Randi’s The Truth About Uri Geller, inspiring him to explore the techniques behind seemingly impossible demonstrations.

Early in his career, Banachek became a central figure in Project Alpha, an experiment that tested the ability of scientists to identify deceptive claims of psychic phenomena. Using illusion rather than paranormal abilities, he convinced researchers at Washington University in St. Louis that he possessed genuine psychic powers before revealing the methods behind his demonstrations. The experience established his reputation as both an accomplished mentalist and a prominent investigator of extraordinary claims.

Banachek later served as President of the James Randi Educational Foundation and was closely involved with its Million Dollar Challenge, testing individuals who claimed to possess paranormal abilities. His work has also included investigations of purported psychic and supernatural phenomena, reinforcing his longstanding commitment to critical thinking and evidence-based inquiry.

As a performer and creative consultant, Banachek has appeared on major television programs including CNN and the Today show and has contributed to more than 100 television productions with Criss Angel. His expertise has been sought by some of the world’s best-known magicians and mentalists, including Penn & Teller, Criss Angel, and David Blaine. His original effects and techniques have become widely influential within contemporary magic and mentalism, including his creation of the concept behind Penn & Teller’s celebrated “Magic Bullet” illusion.

Banachek has performed for audiences across corporate events, colleges, cruise ships, theaters, trade shows, and Las Vegas, including as a headliner at The STRAT. A multiple award-winning mentalist and entertainer, his combination of psychological insight, illusion, skepticism, and showmanship has helped define modern mentalism.

Brian Broncatti is an experienced commercial executive with a career spanning leadership roles across the medical device and diagnostics sectors. As Vice President, North America at Envista Holdings Corporation, he brings extensive expertise in business management, sales leadership, strategic account development, and commercial operations.

Throughout his career, Brian has held significant responsibilities for developing and executing sales strategies across North America. His experience includes directing national sales and marketing initiatives, managing corporate accounts, and leading regional sales organizations. These roles have given him a broad perspective on building customer relationships, strengthening commercial performance, and driving growth within complex and evolving markets.

Brian began his career with a strong technical foundation as a Biomedical Engineer and later served in technical service and management roles. His experience in service and marketing management, particularly within dental imaging technology, provided him with a deep understanding of product performance, customer needs, and the connection between technology and clinical applications.

Over the course of his career, Brian has successfully combined this technical understanding with strategic and commercial leadership. His ability to connect product knowledge, customer insight, and sales execution continues to inform his approach to developing markets, strengthening business performance, and advancing innovative solutions within the dental and medical technology industries.

Jordan Reiss is an experienced dental technology leader with expertise spanning clinical strategy, global marketing, sales leadership, product management, and business development. As Senior Director of Clinical Strategic Development at DEXIS, Jordan helps shape clinical strategic direction by collaborating with key experts and developing clinical content to support product launches, updates, and broader market initiatives.

Throughout Jordan’s career, a central focus has been the advancement and adoption of 3D imaging technologies. Jordan has led sales initiatives for Cone Beam CT (CBCT) product lines, helping expand the use of solutions that enable dental professionals to visualize, diagnose, and treatment plan in three dimensions. This experience combines a strong understanding of clinical applications with the ability to drive market penetration and business growth.

Jordan’s expertise also includes the strategic launch of new product lines and expansion into new market segments. This has included introducing advanced hardware and software solutions and helping extend imaging technologies into areas such as the ENT market. Additional experience across product management, research and development, and central marketing provides Jordan with a broad perspective on bringing innovative technologies from concept to clinical adoption.

Jordan has also advised organizations on market opportunities, product development, market entry, and go-to-market strategies. This combination of clinical insight, commercial leadership, and product expertise supports a career focused on identifying evolving market needs and connecting clinicians with technologies that enhance diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care.

Marv Nelson is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership, global operations, and financial management. As Chief Executive Officer of A-dec, he oversees the company’s strategic direction and operational execution, helping strengthen its position as a leading manufacturer of dental equipment and solutions.

Throughout his tenure at A-dec, Marv has held several key leadership positions, including President, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer. As Chief Operating Officer, he is responsible for the global operations of a significant dental equipment manufacturing business encompassing approximately 1,300 employees, bringing together operational discipline, organizational leadership, and a strong focus on business performance.

Marv’s background in financial leadership has also played an important role in shaping his approach as an executive. As Chief Financial Officer at A-dec, he oversaw the company’s financial health and strategic investments. Earlier in his career, he also held a financial leadership role with Sherwin-Williams, gaining experience within the chemicals and coatings industry.

Across his career, Marv has combined financial stewardship with operational expertise and strategic thinking. His progression through multiple executive roles at A-dec provides him with a comprehensive perspective on the organization and the dental industry, informing his leadership as the company continues to pursue innovation, customer value, and sustainable growth.

With over 25 years of experience in the dental and medical technology sectors, Patrik Eriksson has built a strong track record of driving growth, developing customer-centric solutions, and creating high-performing, results-oriented organizations. His expertise spans business development, strategic planning, marketing, sales operations, innovation, and business process improvement.

As President of Patterson Dental North America, Patrik leads the company’s North American dental business, with a focus on driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence. His leadership centers on strengthening customer relationships and advancing the products, technologies, services, and business solutions that help dental professionals succeed.

His combination of industry experience, strategic leadership, and customer-focused thinking continues to shape his approach to advancing innovation and performance across the dental sector.

Donald Calcagni serves as the Chief Investment Officer at Mercer Advisors, where he leads the strategic direction of the firm’s investment platform, chairs the investment committee, and oversees all investment-related communications. With a career spanning over two decades, Donald’s expertise encompasses fiduciary oversight, economics, financial mathematics, portfolio management, corporate finance, and taxation.

As a thought leader and educator, Donald has contributed to the financial industry through his roles on the Advisory Board of Institutional Investors, the RIA Institute, and the Journal of Financial Services editorial board. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Widener University and as a guest lecturer at the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Donald holds an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Master’s in Taxation from Widener University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation.

In his upcoming session, Donald will address the challenges and opportunities presented by today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, marked by AI acceleration, geopolitical volatility, and increasing complexity.

Clarity Amid Chaos: The Strategic Edge of Institutional Wealth Management

Owning the Future in an Age of Acceleration

The pace of change has shifted. We’ve entered an era defined by AI acceleration, geopolitical volatility, and relentless complexity. Specialists—who are already leaders in clinical care—now face a deeper challenge: how to lead their financial lives with the same level of intention, clarity, and control.

This isn’t just about investing. It’s about owning your future. It’s about making decisions today that hold up tomorrow, no matter how fast the world moves. Institutional-grade wealth management isn’t just a solution—it’s a philosophy. A way to streamline complexity, integrate everything (tax, insurance, investments), and stay positioned for opportunity when others are overwhelmed by change.

In a world full of noise, your margins become your message—the difference between surviving and compounding toward a vision that’s actually yours.

Today, Clarity Matters More Than Ever

The ground beneath us is shifting faster than ever, driven by global instability, disruptive technology, and the accelerating influence of AI. As a specialist, your success already demands clarity, precision, and leadership. Now, your financial life must meet that same standard.

You can no longer rely on outdated strategies, fragmented advice, or passive planning. This is your moment to lead, not react.

This session will help you:

• Ask the right questions—ones that cut through outdated models and surface what truly matters now.
• Clarify the type of advisory leadership you need—and the kind of leadership you must bring to the financial side of your life.
• Understand how to surround yourself with the right minds—people and partners who simplify complexity and amplify your strategy.

You’ll walk away with more than insight. You’ll walk away with a framework for action—a lens to navigate uncertainty with intention, and the confidence to build a plan that puts you fully in control of your destiny.

Dr. Scott De Rossi is a nationally recognized healthcare executive, educator, and strategic innovator who has spent his career transforming organizations at the intersection of dentistry, medicine, and leadership. A two-time dental school dean and former academic health system CEO, he currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer of Nexus Integrated Health and holds senior leadership roles across multiple organizations driving enterprise strategy, innovation, and medical-dental integration.

Throughout his career, Dr. De Rossi has built and scaled complex institutions across higher education, clinical care, and private enterprise. From founding the Workman School of Dental Medicine at High Point University to leading the UNC Adams School of Dentistry and Carolina Dentistry, his work has consistently centered on aligning people, systems, and strategy to unlock growth and long-term impact. As a trusted advisor to emerging healthcare companies and a leading voice in positioning dentistry within broader healthcare, he brings a unique perspective on what it truly takes to lead in today’s evolving landscape.

At the Annual Meeting, Dr. De Rossi will challenge leaders to think differently about the role of leadership in building high-performing organizations. His session will explore how the right people, aligned around a clear vision, become the force that either accelerates growth or quietly holds it back—offering a powerful framework for making the leadership decisions that ultimately shape the future of your practice.

Dr. Robert H. Gregg II is a recognized leader in clinical laser dentistry with more than three decades of experience using a wide range of laser technologies. Since 1990, he has advanced the clinical application of lasers in dentistry while lecturing nationally and internationally and authoring peer-reviewed articles on their use in periodontal and endodontic treatment.

Dr. Gregg is the co-developer of the FDA-cleared PerioLase® MVP-7™ pulsed Nd:YAG laser and the developer and patent holder of the LANAP® periodontal protocol. Supported by published human histological research, the LANAP protocol has received FDA clearance for True Regeneration. He co-authored the Curriculum Guidelines and Standards for Dental Laser Education and has earned both Mastership and Educator’s Certification from the Academy of Laser Dentistry.

As President and Chairman of Millennium Dental Technologies, Dr. Gregg has pursued a mission of advancing the standard of care for periodontal disease while helping make treatment more acceptable and less intimidating for patients. He also serves as Program Director of The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, supporting education and clinical training in advanced laser dentistry. Dr. Gregg is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and has served on Dentistry Today’s Continuing Education Editorial Board and as a peer reviewer. He has been recognized multiple times among the publication’s “Leaders in Continuing Dental Education.”

Imtiaz Manji is the CEO and Founder of The Leadership Thread and one of dentistry’s most influential leaders, continuing his work helping specialists grow while delivering exceptional patient care.

With more than three decades of industry impact, he was the Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Spear Education, where his visionary leadership helped redefine continuing education in dentistry. He is also the CEO of companies like Mercer Advisors and ExperDent, where his innovations helped practices improve efficiency and enabled clinicians to achieve greater financial freedom.

Known for his ability to challenge conventional thinking, Imtiaz has spent his career helping clinicians and teams move beyond incremental improvement toward true transformation. His work focuses on the intersection of leadership, clarity, and execution, guiding practices to align around a shared vision that drives both clinical excellence and meaningful growth.

At the Annual Meeting, Imtiaz will explore the fundamental role leadership plays in shaping every aspect of a practice. From how clinicians lead themselves to how they influence their teams, patients, and referring doctors, this session will redefine what it means to lead and how that leadership ultimately determines the trajectory of your growth.

Dr. Simon Bernstein is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a nationally recognized leader in advanced periodontal therapy, implantology, and digital dentistry. With training from Cornell University, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan, his clinical work is centered on advanced regeneration, full-arch implant solutions, and minimally invasive techniques that elevate both patient outcomes and clinical performance.

Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Bernstein is deeply committed to advancing the profession through education and innovation. As an active researcher in immediate full-arch implant restorations, he continues to shape the future of periodontal and implant care. He also leads Spear Education groups and mini-residency programs, creating intimate learning environments where clinicians come together to learn, improve, and push each other to higher levels of excellence.

At the Annual Meeting, Dr. Bernstein will share how creating a high-performing, close-knit clinical community can elevate everyone involved. Through a focus on education, collaboration, and continuous improvement, he will demonstrate how clinicians can grow together, strengthen relationships, and create an environment where both doctors and patients benefit.

Dr. Faustino Garcia is a second-generation dentist whose passion for people, precision, and progress has shaped one of Miami’s most trusted specialty practices. Born in Boston and raised in South Florida, Dr. Garcia brings a rare blend of technical excellence, authenticity, and vision to his work. After earning his dental degree from the University of Florida, he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) and later received his specialty training in Endodontics at Nova Southeastern University.

Driven by a deep commitment to clinical excellence and collaboration, Dr. Garcia has built a thriving practice centered on relationships and continual growth. Through years of thoughtful leadership, he has cultivated a culture defined by mutual respect, learning, and compassion for both his patients and his team. Following a major renovation, he expanded his practice, added two associates, and strengthened his reputation as a trusted partner to referring doctors across South Florida.

Dr. Garcia’s philosophy of practice growth centers on connection—he believes that every great practice is built through trust, communication, and shared purpose. His ability to foster meaningful relationships has been key to his success and continues to inspire others to elevate their practices through teamwork and intentional leadership.

Outside of dentistry, “Fausti” is fueled by his love of surfing, fitness, and music. Whether in the ocean or the operatory, he brings a mindset of focus, discipline, and curiosity—always seeking to learn, grow, and help others do the same.

Amy Morgan is one of the most respected voices in dental practice management, bringing over 30 years of experience helping practices grow with clarity, efficiency, and purpose. As Vice President of Practice Growth Strategy at Spear Education, she leads the development of tools, content, and strategies that empower clinicians to build strong operational foundations that support exceptional patient care.

Previously, as CEO and owner of Pride Institute, Amy expanded one of dentistry’s most trusted consulting organizations, evolving its systems to meet the demands of modern practices. Known for her practical, no-nonsense approach, she has helped thousands of clinicians strengthen leadership, align their teams, and create practices that are both highly profitable and deeply fulfilling.

At the Annual Meeting, Amy will explore the direct connection between leadership, team culture, and case acceptance. She will break down how the environment you create inside your practice shapes patient decisions and provide clear, actionable ways to build a culture that consistently leads to more “yes” from both patients and your team.

Dr. Kimberly Schlam is a nationally recognized prosthodontist, educator, and thought leader in comprehensive and full-arch restorative dentistry. With a reputation for clinical precision and interdisciplinary excellence, she has built a practice centered on advanced implant reconstruction, esthetic rehabilitation, and complex restorative care.

Based in Bend, Oregon, Dr. Schlam built and now leads a start-up specialty prosthodontic practice focused on full-arch implant therapy, digital workflows, and highly collaborative interdisciplinary treatment planning. She is deeply committed to elevating patient outcomes through meticulous diagnosis, thoughtful execution, and seamless coordination with surgical partners.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Schlam serves as Resident Faculty with Spear Education and a KOL to several companies including Straumann, where she teaches and mentors clinicians from across the country. Her ability to translate complex restorative concepts into practical, actionable strategies has made her a sought-after speaker and educator. She is particularly passionate about helping specialists and restorative dentists build predictable systems around full-arch treatment, interdisciplinary communication, and patient-centered case acceptance.

Dr. Schlam earned her dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and completed advanced specialty training in prosthodontics at UNC Chapel Hill, where she developed deep expertise in implant-supported restorations and complex rehabilitative care.

Frictionless Dentistry: How Digital Workflows Unite Teams and Elevate Outcomes

In a landscape increasingly defined by consolidation, single provider models, and aggressive marketing, where does the collaborative specialist fit? This course shares a real-world journey of building a restorative driven implant practice in an environment that suggested it wouldn’t succeed. Rather than competing on volume or control, the approach reimagines dentistry as a coordinated, high performance team model—uniting surgeon, restorative doctor, and laboratory through a shared digital vision.

Attendees will learn how modern digital tools—cloud-based data sharing, virtual treatment planning, and AI-assisted workflows can eliminate friction between providers and create a seamless patient experience across multiple locations. The focus is not on adding complexity, but on aligning teams around a single, pre visualized outcome that drives clarity, efficiency, and trust. By combining personal lessons with structured workflows, this course provides a blueprint for delivering highly coordinated, predictable care while elevating both the patient experience and the professional satisfaction of the team.

Objectives

1. Implement a digital, team-based workflow for full-arch implant therapy that improves coordination and predictability across providers
2. Leverage cloud-based collaboration and virtual treatment planning to reduce friction and align surgical, restorative, and laboratory teams
3. Apply structured delegation and communication protocols to enhance the new patient experience and increase case acceptance
4. Design a “single-source-of-truth” treatment plan that unifies all team members around a shared, pre-visualized outcome

Rezwan Manji is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Imagen Dental Partners, with more than 15 years of experience in the dental industry. He founded Imagen with a vision to create a home for high-performing, technology-driven dentists who want to maintain clinical excellence and deliver best-in-class patient care while gaining access to the expertise, resources, and investment needed to grow their practices.

At Imagen, Rezwan leads an organization built around partnering with dentists while supporting their continued growth and development. His approach brings together clinical independence, technology, business expertise, and strategic investment to help practices strengthen performance while remaining focused on the quality of care they provide to patients.

Prior to founding Imagen, Rezwan held multiple leadership roles at Spear Education, most recently serving as President. During his tenure, he helped drive the evolution of Spear from a traditional campus-based education model into a leading clinical education platform in dentistry, growing the organization to more than 16,000 paid members.

Rezwan also led the transformation of Spear’s traditional practice management consulting offering, creating Spear Practice Solutions — a technology-enabled platform combining consulting, analytics, and content delivery to help dental practices grow. Across his career, Rezwan has focused on the intersection of clinical excellence, technology, education, and business growth, helping dental professionals build stronger practices while continuing to elevate patient care.

Max Thomas is the General Manager and Owner of Crown Creations Dental Lab, a second-generation, family-owned laboratory based in Oregon that has been serving clinicians since 1996.

Raised in the lab environment from an early age, Max developed a deep understanding of the craft, the clinician relationship, and the critical role dental laboratories play in delivering exceptional patient outcomes. After earning his degree in business, he returned to Crown Creations to work alongside his father, eventually stepping into a leadership role and ownership.

Today, Max leads with a forward-looking vision, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern digital workflows to support clinicians at the highest level. He specializes in full-mouth rehabilitation and implant-supported restorations, and is actively involved in advancing the future of the lab industry through education, collaboration, and innovation. Max currently serves as President-Elect of the Oregon Association of Dental Laboratories and is a frequent speaker across the country, sharing insights on the evolving role of labs in modern dentistry.

At the Annual Meeting, Max along with Charles Bahn will bring a lab-driven perspective on collaboration, showing how stronger alignment between clinicians and labs can elevate clinical outcomes, improve efficiency, and create a more seamless experience for both teams and patients.

Mission to the Moon: A Flight Plan for Predictable, Scalable Implant Dentistry

This course translates the “Moonshot” mindset into practical, repeatable systems you can implement immediately in your practice. From single-unit implants to full-arch restorations, we will break down the checklists, workflows, and decision-making frameworks that drive predictable outcomes and scalable growth.

Rather than introducing unnecessary complexity, the focus is on leveraging the digital tools and technology you already have—optimizing them to elevate precision, efficiency, and patient care. Attendees will leave with clear protocols they can apply Monday morning to reduce complications, improve consistency, and deliver a higher standard of treatment with confidence.

Implement proven checklists and workflows to improve predictability from single implants to full-arch cases. Optimize existing digital technology in your practice to enhance efficiency and clinical outcomes. Apply structured decision-making frameworks to minimize complications and increase case consistency.

Charles Banh is a nationally recognized denturist, lab owner, and educator specializing in full-arch implant restorations and digital workflows. He is the owner of Ceramics West Dental Lab in Oregon, where he leads a full-arch focused operation dedicated to advancing precision, efficiency, and clinical outcomes through technology and collaboration.

With a background that spans microbiology, technology, and implant dentistry, Charles brings a unique perspective to the industry. After earning degrees in microbiology and chemistry from UC Berkeley, he went on to lead education, training, and innovation initiatives in digital dentistry, working closely with surgeons, labs, and industry leaders to advance guided surgery and integrated workflows. Today, he continues to consult with oral surgeons and lead implant-focused workflows that connect surgical planning with restorative execution.

Charles is an ITI Fellow, a recipient of the Academy of Osseointegration Foundation Award, and has been recognized as one of the top 40 dental technicians under 40. A prolific speaker and published author, he is deeply committed to advancing education and elevating the role of the dental technician within the clinical team.

At the Annual Meeting, Charles along with Max Thomas will bring a lab and surgical integration perspective to full-arch treatment, sharing how alignment between surgical planning, digital workflows, and lab execution can dramatically improve outcomes. His session will provide a clear look at how clinicians and labs can work together more effectively to deliver predictable, high-level results in modern implant dentistry.

Mission to the Moon: A Flight Plan for Predictable, Scalable Implant Dentistry

This course translates the “moonshot” mindset into practical, repeatable systems you can implement immediately in your practice. From single-unit implants to full-arch restorations, we will break down the checklists, workflows, and decision-making frameworks that drive predictable outcomes and scalable growth.

Rather than introducing unnecessary complexity, the focus is on leveraging the digital tools and technology you already have—optimizing them to elevate precision, efficiency, and patient care. Attendees will leave with clear protocols they can apply Monday morning to reduce complications, improve consistency, and deliver a higher standard of treatment with confidence.

Implement proven checklists and workflows to improve predictability from single implants to full-arch cases. Optimize existing digital technology in your practice to enhance efficiency and clinical outcomes. Apply structured decision-making frameworks to minimize complications and increase case consistency.

Matt Klein is a Senior Software Engineer and AI practitioner focused on turning emerging technology into practical systems that solve real-world problems. His work sits at the intersection of software engineering, artificial intelligence, automation, and applied innovation, with an emphasis on making complex technologies understandable and useful.

Matt spent three years at Amazon Web Services, where he worked with large language models and helped build tools, agent-based workflows, and automation systems. This experience gave him a firsthand perspective on the rapid evolution of generative AI and the opportunities it creates for organizations seeking to improve how people work, make decisions, and interact with technology.

His approach to AI is grounded in practical application. Rather than focusing on technology in isolation, Matt explores how emerging capabilities can be translated into systems and workflows that address meaningful business challenges and create tangible value.

Today, Matt helps leaders better understand the possibilities of AI and identify where these technologies can be applied effectively. By connecting deep technical knowledge with clear, accessible thinking, he helps make rapidly evolving AI capabilities more understandable, useful, and actionable.

Dusty Heal is the Vice President of Innovation and Client Experience at The Leadership Thread, where he leads the development of AI-infused tools and resources designed to help dental specialists achieve their most ambitious goals. Overseeing both product innovation and client success, Dusty ensures every solution strengthens practice performance, streamlines workflows, and enhances the patient experience.

With more than 15 years of experience working alongside high-performing clinicians and their teams, Dusty brings a unique ability to bridge strategy, technology, and real-world execution. He leads two high-powered development teams focused on pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI, while also guiding client success to ensure these innovations translate into measurable, lasting impact within practices.

At the Annual Meeting, Dusty will share how AI is actively reshaping leadership and the specialist practice. From enhancing decision-making to improving alignment and execution, he will provide a clear view of how clinicians can leverage AI today while preparing for what’s coming next.

Dr. Parsa Shahidi is a Doctor of Dental Medicine, Biomedical Engineer, & Dental AI Researcher, in the Division of Endodontics at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine/ Harvard Medical School.

He serves as the Co-Founder & President of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine AI Society, the Dental AI Institute (international education platform on AI in dentistry), and Co-Founder of DentiScope AI, a company leading AI-driven intra-oral disease detection.

Dr. Shahidi leads Endodontic AI research at HSDM, serves on the AAE’s AI Think Tank, contributes to the WHO Focus Group for AI in Dentistry, and lectures internationally on artificial intelligence in dentistry. Shahidi is a patent holder, advisor to dental technology companies, and past Founder & CEO of an engineering R&D firm.

Dr. Parsa Shahidi was recipient of the Boston University’s Dental Medicine Spencer Frankl Scholarship Award, Dean’s Clinical Excellence and Chairside Manner Award, and the BU Biomedical Engineering Presidential Scholarship.

Leadership in the Age of Dental AI

Artificial intelligence is poised to become one of the most transformative forces in the history of dentistry — but the future of AI in healthcare will not be defined by technology alone. It will be shaped by the clinicians and leaders who guide how it is responsibly integrated into patient care.

In this thought-provoking presentation, we will explore the critical role dental professionals will play in shaping the future of dental AI, from ethics and clinical implementation to trust, communication, and leadership.

Attendees will gain insight into how AI is redefining diagnostics, workflows, and decision-making, while discovering why human judgment, empathy, and visionary leadership may become more important than ever in the era of intelligent dentistry.

Dr. Eric Blasingame is a board-certified periodontist, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized speaker who has built one of the most successful specialty dental practices in the United States. As the founder of Team Perio, Dr. Blasingame has developed a reputation for combining clinical excellence with innovative practice management strategies that drive both patient outcomes and organizational growth.

A graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, Dr. Blasingame completed his periodontal specialty training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has dedicated his career to advancing the field of periodontics through clinical innovation, leadership development, and operational excellence.

In addition to leading a thriving multi-location practice, Dr. Blasingame is a sought-after educator who has presented nationally on a wide range of clinical, leadership, and practice management topics. His engaging and practical approach has helped dental specialists and practice owners across the country improve efficiency, strengthen team performance, and create exceptional patient experiences.

Through his speaking, consulting, and mentorship, Dr. Blasingame continues to influence the future of specialty dentistry by helping clinicians build practices that deliver outstanding care while creating sustainable growth and fulfillment for their teams.

Dr. Eric Blasingame will share how intentional clinician workflow design can improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary complexity, and create more time for meaningful patient interactions. Drawing from his experience building a highly productive specialty practice, he will demonstrate how optimizing systems and processes allows clinicians to focus less on logistics and more on delivering exceptional patient care and experiences.