2026 WIND Scientific Program

Speaker: Summer Kassmel, DDS 

Description: This session will focus on burnout prevention for women dentists, addressing the root causes of overwhelm, decision fatigue and chronic stress in clinical practice. Using her signature Ladder5 Five Pillars framework, Dr. Kassmel will teach practical strategies to create clarity, implement supportive systems and lead teams effectively, all of which are essential to reducing burnout and improving overall well-being. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to protect their energy, strengthen resilience and build a more sustainable and fulfilling career 

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to: 

• Identify the key contributors to burnout, decision fatigue, and chronic stress commonly experienced by women dentists in clinical practice.
• Apply the Ladder5 Five Pillars framework to improve clarity, streamline systems, and strengthen team leadership within the dental practice.
• Implement practical strategies to enhance resilience, protect personal energy, and create a more sustainable and fulfilling professional career.
  

Speaker Bio: Dental degree, University of Nebraska; owner, multi-doctor dental practices; founder of Ladder5 Mentorship & Resources, Dental Career Academy, and Dental Assistant Schools Delivered.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None Reported

Speaker: Shiva Khatami, DDS 

Description: Interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment planning requires detailed analysis of dentofacial esthetics at the macro, mini and micro level. Traditionally, these analyses were conducted on 2D aesthetic photos of a patient’s smile and on diagnostic wax-ups of plaster models. Advances in digital technology have enabled integration of 3D facial scans with CBCT images and digital impressions of the dentition for comprehensive analysis of dentofacial structures. This integration allows the clinicians to evaluate and project the impact on the macro, mini and micro esthetic smile of dentoalvolar changes planned with orthodontic tooth movement and restorative procedures.  

This session will review the evidence-based principles of dentofacial esthetics and present clinical cases, from initial planning to completion of treatment, to discuss the use of 3D face scans, Smile Architect™ and CBCT integration with clincheck® software for diagnosis and treatment planning of orthodontic/restorative cases. 

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to: 

• Recognize recent advances in digital technology and their proper use for diagnosis and communication of treatment objectives with patients and other dental specialists. 

• Apply efficient, predictable strategies to plan orthodontic tooth movement with clear aligners, in preparation for restorative procedures, with specific attention to the principles of dentofacial esthetics.  

Speaker Bio: Dr. Shiva Khatami: Dental degree, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; PhD in craniofacial biology, University of British Columbia; certificate in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, University of Rochester; private practice, Davie, FL.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Align Technology

Speaker: Sarah Dooley, MBA 

Title: Simplify Your Life with AI: Practical Support for Busy Women Who Do It All  

Description: This session is not about AI for your practice. It is about AI for you! You became a dental professional because you were driven, smart and willing to do hard things. And you probably also are managing a life, coordinating schedules, caring for people you love and fielding about 87 mental to-do list items before you even walk through your practice door. Speaker and AI strategist, Sarah Dooley, will walk you through the highest-impact ways busy women are using AI right now to reduce the mental load of personal life. From voice-mode brain dumps to trip planning, appointment research to navigating tricky texts to people you care about, the tools are simpler than you think and the payoff is real.  

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to: 

• Identify at least three high-impact areas of life where AI can reduce mental load immediately.  

• Use AI voice mode and text prompts to offload cognitive clutter, including weekly planning, task prioritization and communication drafts.  

• Apply a simple framework for getting useful output from AI tools, even with no prior technical experience.  

• Leave with a personal action plan and a set of ready-to-use prompts tailored to their real lives.  

Speaker Bio: Master of Business Administration; Founder of AI-Empowered Mom; AI and digital transformation strategist; former leadership roles at EY, Visa, and WM (Waste Management); podcast host, speaker, and author.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None Reported

Speakers: Sara Karlin, DDS & Ellen Karlin, RDN, LDN, FADA, MMSc 

Description: Fad diets are growing and becoming serious public health concerns, requiring significantly increased attention from dental professionals. This session tackles the diet trends your patients are following: Low FODMAP, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Dairy-free and plant-based diets; and how they affect the dental health of your patients, arming you with what you need to know. In addition, Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are often the medications used to treat obesity. While effective for weight loss, they have several side effects that dentists must understand and consider to provide their patients with optimal oral care. Explore best practices to help oral healthcare professionals implement key nutritional guidelines in clinical practice.  

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to: 

• Navigate the maze of weight-loss and plant-based diets.  

• Analyze how obesity medications impact oral health.  

• Offer dental patients healthy weight management options.  

Speaker Bio: 

Dr. Sara Karlin: Dental degree, University of Maryland School of Dentistry; specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry, New York University College of Dentistry; diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry; adjunct faculty, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. 

Ms. Ellen Karlin: Master’s degree in nutrition, Emory University; fellow, American Dietetic Association; spokesperson, American Dairy Association North East. 

Speaker: Rachel Druckenmiller, CSP 

Title: UNMUTED: Unleash Clarity, Confidence & Courage to Amplify Your Impact   

Description: In dentistry, the expectations are relentless: deliver high-touch patient experiences, inspire your team, hit business targets, support your family and somehow not burn out. For women in this industry, the pressure to be "always on" is real — and exhausting. And unlike many professions, the weight doesn't lift when you leave the office. As a result, many of us silence ourselves and hold ourselves back — downplaying our strengths, holding back ideas and waiting for permission.  

• Pinpoint the specific fear or doubt that's been quietly holding you back.  

• Discover why the most capable people are often the most blind to their own brilliance — and what to do about it. 

• Learn why borrowed belief might be the most underrated tool for building lasting confidence.  

• Leave with the clarity and conviction to stop waiting for permission and start owning your impact.