2024 WIND Scientific Program

Title: Artificial and Augmented Intelligence to Advance Dental and Oral Health Care

Speaker Name: Mina Ghorbanifarajzadeh (Ghorbani) , DMD

Course Description: The developing world of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry – from its current impact to future applications – is ever-evolving. Dive into AI's diverse applications, igniting patient engagement, optimizing practice efficiency and reshaping insurance dynamics. Delve into its role in detection and diagnosis across dental specialties and healthcare as a whole to augment clinical decision-making and improve patient care. Embrace the digital dental revolution – AI is leading the charge toward a new industry standard.

Participants will be able to:

• Explore how technology is driving healthcare transformation.
• Gain a thorough understanding of AI concepts, terminologies and technologies relevant to “computer vision,” assistive technologies and their applications.
• Examine how current and emerging AI/AuI will change dentistry, oral health and health care delivery.

Speaker Bio: Dental degree, University of Florida College of Dentistry; senior clinical manager, Overjet; private practice, Miami Beach, FL.

Title: Building Your Wealth as a Female Dental Professional

Speaker Name: Tenley Desjardins, CPA, PFS, CFP

Course Description: This course is designed to empower female dentists with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve financial success and security. The session will delve into the unique financial challenges and opportunities faced by female dental professionals and provide actionable strategies for building and managing wealth effectively. Whether you are a new graduate and paying off debt, purchasing a practice, working in a corporate environment, or heading into retirement; you will learn tactical strategies you can put in place today to practice well, live well, and retire well.

Participants will be able to:

• Gain insights into the financial landscape specific to women in the dental industry, including stressors, income trends, investing with confidence and retirement planning considerations.
• Learn to define and prioritize financial goals, such as debt repayment, practice purchase, home ownership, education funding, and retirement savings.
• Develop a financial plan and explore the key components of a comprehensive financial plan, including savings strategies, investment allocation, risk management, and tax planning.
• Learn strategies to maximize wealth and minimize taxes.

Speaker Bio: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, University of South Carolina (USC); master’s degree in accounting, USC; certified public accountant; certified financial planner; wealth advisor, Corient.

Title: Dentistry + Technology = Dental Success, Predictability and Joy

Speaker Name: Sara Dean, DMD

Course Description: Join us for an immersive course tailored to empower dentists who are wary of technology. Discover the transformative potential of digital scanners and their remarkable ROI within your practice. Gain invaluable insights into streamlining workflows, enhancing patient outcomes, and maximizing profitability through strategic investment in cutting-edge technology.

Unlock the full potential of digital dentistry as we delve into the seamless integration of scanners, mills, and 3D printers. Learn how this comprehensive system not only empowers your staff but also alleviates stress and saves time for you, the dentist. Explore how digital advancements improve the predictability of outcomes and drive higher case acceptance rates while leveraging CBCT with scanners opens doors to comprehensive care, including orthodontics and sleep dentistry. Join us and revolutionize your practice for a future of success and satisfaction.

Participants will be able to:

• empower the dentist who is wary of technology on how to invest, and the overall ROI scanners alone can have in the practice.
• introduce the full system advantage of scanner, mill, and 3D printer in the office and how it can help empower staff to get involved and overall keep the dentist more profitable with less time and stress.
• Understand how digital technology improves the predictability of outcomes and helps with case acceptance.
• Discover how CBCT with scanners can allow for full, comprehensive care by including orthodontics and sleep dentistry in the practice.

Speaker Bio: Dental degree, University of Florida College of Dentistry; private practice, Ormond Beach, FL.

 

Title: End the Silent Epidemic!

Speaker Name: Sonya Dunbar, RDH, MPH

Course Description: With baby boomers living longer and retaining their natural teeth, dental professionals must know the many dental needs of older adults. According to an American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) 2019 report, geriatric dentistry is the delivery of oral care to older patients, many of whom require diagnosis, management, prevention and treatment of dental problems associated with age-related diseases. According to research, more than half of all dental patients over the age of 60 are on medication or are medically compromised in some way. The US Surgeon General has stated that older Americans suffer from a "silent epidemic" of severe, consequential dental health problems. Considering that many of these patients also have cognitive and physical issues that complicate treatment, it is easy to see the need for dental professionals specializing in geriatric patients. This session will provide an overarching look at the dental, emotional and physical demands geriatric patients require from dental professionals. Attendees will walk away with actionable plans to serve better the geriatric patient that can be implemented immediately.

Participants will be able to:

• Understand the sensory, physical and cognitive impairments that complicate dental treatment and communication for the geriatric patient.
• Introduce effective ways to communicate with caregivers and other interprofessionals through teledentistry.
• Recognize potential drug interactions that geriatric patients are more susceptible to that can cause medical errors and oral manifestations.
• Identify the significant severe dental health problems associated with many geriatric patients.
• List practical ways to provide dental hygiene care to patients with dementia, tube-fed, and cognitively impaired. 

Speaker Bio: Bachelor’s degree in hygiene, Saint Petersburg University; master’s degree in healthcare administration, Liberty University; founder and chief executive officer, Geriatric Toothfairy; co-owner, Mobile Dental Xpress; co-founder, National Mobile Dentistry Conference; co-founder, American Mobile Dentistry Alliance.

Title: Monsters in the Mouth: The Mouth-Body Connection and the Future of Dentistry

Speaker Name: Katie Lee, DDS

Course Description: Inflammation is the root cause of nearly 95% of diseases. Our smiles are the gateway to the health of our bodies, but there is often a significant disconnect in the knowledge of the mouth-body connection®. Things like “bleeding gums” are not just a result of “brushing too hard.” In fact, there are more than 700 bacteria found in the mouth (gross!) and eleven specific strains that can lead to systemic diseases like heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and even fertility complications. Dr. Lee will dive deep into the current research on the link between diseases of the mouth and body, the useful technologies and testing to aid in diagnosis, and how to reduce your risk of acquiring a variety of health issues that will affect your well-being.

Speaker Bio: Dental degree, University of Illinois at Chicago; consultant; health technology companies; author.

Speaker Name: Ticking Time Bomb: Essential Strategies for Securing Data

Name: Carrie Millar, MBA, CIC, CAE

Course Description: In today's digital landscape, the threat of cyber-attacks looms large, particularly for businesses handling sensitive data. Join us for an insightful exploration of essential strategies for securing data in the face of potential cyber threats. This session is designed to equip dental practices with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their patient’s health information.

Throughout this session, attendees will delve into the multifaceted aspects of cyber security, starting with proactive prevention measures. Discover the latest trends in cyber-attacks targeting dental practices and gain valuable insights into preemptive strategies to mitigate these risks.

Moreover, in the unfortunate event of a cyber-attack, knowing how to respond effectively is paramount. Through interactive discussions and case studies, attendees will learn actionable steps to take during a breach, including incident response protocols and crisis management strategies. Explore best practices for containing the breach, preserving evidence, and minimizing the impact on operations and patient trust.

One of the highlights of this session is the exploration of real-world cyber incidents in dental practices. Gain firsthand knowledge from an expert who has dealt with cyber-attacks in similar settings and glean invaluable lessons from their experiences. By examining these case studies, attendees will develop a deeper understanding of the evolving cyber threat landscape and how to adapt their security measures accordingly.

Additionally, attendees will explore the importance of comprehensive cyber liability insurance in mitigating the financial and reputational fallout of a cyber-attack. Learn how to assess and select the right insurance coverage for your dental practice, ensuring adequate protection against potential losses arising from data breaches and other cyber incidents.

Participants will be able to:

• Understand common cyber threats facing dental practices.
• Learn proactive prevention strategies, including encryption and access controls.
• Develop Incident response protocols and crisis management tactics.
• Review real-world case studies of cyber incidents in dental practices.
• Understand legal and regulatory considerations in data breach scenarios.
• Recognize the role of comprehensive cyber liability insurance in risk mitigation.

Speaker Bio: Bachelor’s degree in risk management and insurance, Florida State University (FSU); master’s degree in business administration, FSU; certified association executive; director of insurance operations; FDA Services.