Students often have concerns about how to relate to colleagues and patients. Given the importance of one’s professional reputation, understanding how to connect with others is paramount to one’s success. Come discover how building one’s emotional intelligence leads to improved personal and professional confidence, resilience, and contentment!

Speaker: Johanna Strokoff

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key components to emotional intelligence in their relation to personal and career success.
• Understand the essential role of emotion in our daily lives.
• Demonstrate powerful strategies for conflict resolution.
• Recognize how self-awareness leads to enhanced relationships with others and personal contentment.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 770

What do a year of residency, a portfolio of completed procedures, a station-based exam and a live, clinical testing scenario on human subjects have in common? They can all get you a dental license! Attend this session to learn about the challenges facing students who take clinical licensure exams. You’ll learn about the various alternative paths to licensure and what ASDA is doing to move towards a fair, ethical, universally accepted licensure exam.

Speakers: Dr. Monty MacNeil & Craig McKenzie

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the complexities of the licensure process.
• Identify alternative forms of licensure.
• Explain ASDA’s licensure policy and strategy.
• Outline recent developments in licensure.
• Advise members back home how to advocate for licensure reform.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 130

Most people report that dental appointments cause significant levels of anxiety. The consequences? Patients don’t pursue treatment, case acceptance rates decline and appointments are broken. At the same time, dentists become frustrated when techniques that comfort one patient backfire on another. Most importantly, failing to manage dental fear results in patients not receiving the dental treatment they need. This session will explore the underlying types of dental fear and how it is evident through a patient’s personality. Learn skills to identify and to treat patient fears.

Speaker: Dr. Larry Sangrik

Learning Objectives: 

• Recognize the six reasons patients pursue dental treatment
• Understand the three factors that govern a patient’s behavior during dental treatment
• Appreciate the five treatment options available to assist an anxious patient
• Be aware of how to match a patient’s need to the correct method to aid them with their fear
  

No. of CE Credit Hours (Self-Instruction Only): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 153

In the face of a global pandemic, dental educators had to adapt the traditional delivery of didactic content and clinical assessment. Throughout this time period, innovative approaches to dental education have emerged and new best practices for assessing dental student competency are being developed. Panelists share lessons learned during COVID-19 and what trends they hope continue in a post COVID-19 dental school environment.

Speakers: Dr. Greg Chadwick, Dr. Raymond Cohlmia & Nancy Honeycutt

Learning Objectives: 

• Understand the implications of COVID-19 on dental education.
• Learn about innovative approaches to dental education during COVID-19.
• Evaluate major education and structural changes implemented during the pandemic that may continue in a post-COVID-19 environment.
• Identify potential collaborators or allies in the advancement of dental education in the future.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.50 I AGD Subject Code: 130

Why are you in dental school? But really – why do dental schools exist instead of being part of medical school? Have you ever wondered why dental and medical insurance are totally separate, or struggled to reach a patient’s doctor? Take a whirlwind tour of dentistry’s separation from medicine, and see how the future of integration will change the way you take care of your patients for the better.

Speaker: Dr. Lisa Simon

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the history of the separation of dentistry and medicine.
• Explain the evidence for better integration of the medical and dental care systems on both the biological and health systems levels.
• Describe the current trends and the future of integrated dentistry and primary care.
• Discuss the role of the Affordable Care Act and other health policy reforms in how dental care is provided.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 130

Dental students are given an abundance of information that they are expected to memorize, comprehend and apply within a short amount of time. If the first step of memorizing the information is time consuming, it can slow down the entire learning process, which can have a significant impact on work-life balance and overall wellness. Learn what memory athletes are doing in the field to accelerate memorization and improve recall.

Speaker: John Graham

Learning Objectives:

• Explore common strategies for improving memorization and recall.
• Begin creating personalized study plans.
• Discuss common misconceptions about memorization techniques and how you can avoid bad memorization habits.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 770

Each day you are faced with situations that may have you asking, "What should I do?" As health care providers, we must always keep the patient as the primary focus of your decisions. Hear real-life examples of ethical dilemmas and decision-making from dentists and participate in an open forum to address your own questions.

Speaker: Dr. Mike Meru

Learning Objectives:

• Learn to assess an ethical dilemma and the tools to make a good decision.
• Explore the kinds of ethical issues that are facing dentists today.
• Understand a dentist’s legal standing in the face of an ethical dilemma.
• Analyze situational outcomes by hearing varying perspectives on controversial issues.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Self-Instruction Only): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 555

We have been trained to be outstanding clinicians, not savvy business owners. Many of us are afraid of, or simply ignore, the business end of our profession. We’re unsure of how to read a profit and loss statement or motivate our staff. Leading a successful practice doesn’t have to remain a mystery. This presentation will discuss the most common mistakes that can slowly and silently ruin our offices. You will leave armed with tools for best practices and practical tips.

Speaker: Dr. Chris Salierno

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the economic forces that are shaping the present and future of our profession.
• Create a business model to successfully lead a practice.
• Evaluate and modify practice budget to accommodate reduced patient capacities or temporary office closures.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 550

Regardless of career path, building your professional network is the key to success. Whether you are interested in finding a mentor, opening doors to employment or practice ownership, or creating lasting change, the relationships you build today will lay the foundation for your future success. Learn the most effective ways to build human connections from sources both classic and new. Your next big break could be just one virtual handshake away!

Speaker: Dr. Christian Piers

Learning Objectives:

• Use a networking strategy tailored to their personality.
• Initiate and follow up on conversations effectively to create lasting connections.
• Avoid common networking pitfalls.
• Capitalize on virtual networking opportunities.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 770

As dental students, you know that sleep apnea therapy can vastly improve a patients’ life, but do you know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea? Dentists are well suited to provide oral appliance therapy and offering these services in your future practice can help boost your business.  In this session, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of sleep apnea and learn best practices for evaluation and treatment of sleep disordered breathing.

Speaker: Dr. Meghna Dassani

Learning Objectives: 

• Discover why dentists are ideally suited to provide oral appliance therapy
• Understand terminology associated with sleep apnea and sleep medicine
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea
• Learn how to identify and evaluate patients through examination and screening
  

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 730

Are you applying to dental specialty programs or advanced education residencies? A well-executed application process will make you stand out amongst your peers. Learn how to create an outstanding application and make your residency interview a success.

Speakers: Dr. Andrew Bohnsack, Dr. Abby Halpern, Dr. Kerin Jamison & Dr. James Kolstad

Learning Objectives:

• Summarize the overall process of applying to a dental residency.
• Compare residency programs systematically.
• Create an application that will stand out from competition.
• Prepare appropriately for a residency interview.
• Use expert techniques and tips to ace a residency interview.
• Plan appropriate post-interview follow-up communications.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 770

Finding balance between your role as a dentist and a parent can be challenging. If child care responsibilities are part of your current routine, or may be in the future, the way you achieve work/life balance may differ from day-to-day. In this session, an ASDA alumni couple will share how they manage career challenges, involvement in organized dentistry and child care to achieve a successful work/life balance. The strategies they share can help you align your priorities and find satisfaction in both your work and home life, without having to sacrifice your sense of self.

Speakers: Dr. Christine Hammer & Dr. Daniel Hammer

Learning Objectives:

• Explore ways to achieve work/life balance through real-life examples.
• Plan a strategy for assessing priorities for career and home life.
• Discuss possible interferences with finding balance and how to overcome them.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 770

The days of building a practice by “word-of-mouth” are giving way to a world in which patients choose providers based on website designs, online reviews, and the opinions of social media community groups. By learning the “must-haves” of digital footprints, you can prepare to effectively market your chapter, your practice, or yourself when seeking employment opportunities using social media. 

Speaker: Dr. Anissa Holmes

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the power of social media marketing and what really works.
  
• Incorporate social media presence into a dynamic digital footprint that includes community groups and discussion forums.
• Avoid common pitfalls in social media presence.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 550

The cost of a four-year dental education is rising at an incredible rate. A young graduate’s student debt load can definitely affect their possible career decisions. Learn about how student debt fits into the greater dental landscape, and what you can do to manage your debt and succeed as a new dentist.

Speaker: Dr. Joe Vaughn

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss how general debt strategies apply to student debt.
• Develop a plan to manage your debt.
• Analyze debt repayment products and select one that fits your financial plan.
• Prioritize financial management as a way to practice choice.
• Generalize what ASDA and organized dentistry are doing to address the student debt issue.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 770

The challenge faced by all clinicians today is to provide safe and effective dental treatment to our medically complex patients. Due to an ever-changing marketplace awash with direct to consumer advertising, many dental professionals may find it challenging to stay up to date with the latest prescribing trends in disease state management.

This program will provide an overview of those frequently prescribed medications whose actions, side effects, contraindications and potential drug interactions may have the greatest impact on dental therapy.

Speaker: Thomas Viola

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the most frequently prescribed FDA- approved medications for the treatment of systemic illnesses.
• Discuss the basic mechanisms of action, potential adverse reactions, drug interactions and contraindications of these medications.
• Explain the clinical dental considerations of these medications and their potential impact on dental therapy.
• Describe patient management strategies essential for successful treatment planning and proper care of our medically complex dental patients.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction*): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 130

*This session will be available for 3 months following the conference. Registrants can access this session through February 15, 2021. 

As dental students, we play a critical role in ensuring that inclusion is core to our association culture and that we are representative of the communities we serve.  We believe we need to cultivate an environment where differences are embraced, valued and respected.  In this session, you’ll learn how to initiate conversations, and understand the barriers, around diversity and inclusion.

Speaker: Kwame Christian

Learning Objectives:

• Start a dialogue about diversity without the risk of damaging relationships with peers, colleagues and patients.
• Acknowledge and understand how to overcome implicit biases that interfere with creating connections between people of different backgrounds.
• Take steps to cultivate an environment where differences are embraced, valued and respected.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction*): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 770

*This session will be available for CE credit for 3 months following the conference. Registrants can claim credit for this session through February 15, 2021. 

Injuries to the mouth are common yet unpredictable and occasionally result from physical abuse. When things go bump in the night, learn a systematic approach for triaging trauma. Build confidence in your initial assessment, including recognizing signs of child maltreatment. Reduce your stress as a provider and improve your case outcomes with the latest evidence and a discussion of real life cases. We will review up-to-date diagnostic guidelines, clinical techniques and follow-up protocols for a wide variety of dental trauma.

Speaker: Dr. Colleen Greene

Learning Objectives:

• Triage dental trauma systematically.
• Manage dental trauma cases with evidence-based follow-up guidelines.
• Determine if there is reasonable suspicion of a risk of serious harm to a patient due to abuse.
• Report suspicions of child maltreatment to the correct child welfare authority.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 155

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and confused by the number of materials presented throughout dental school? Have you ever wondered how to choose which material to use clinically? After this session, attendees should walk away with a concise understanding of choosing an appropriate material based on the clinical situation and the protocols for their use.

Speaker: Dr. Nate Lawson

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the different generations of bonding agents and how to choose appropriately
• Understand the differences between ceramic materials and what situations to use each one appropriately
• Understand when to bond restorations versus conventionally cement, and the protocols for each
• Understand the indications for different impression materials

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 010

You want to use your degree after dental school, but you aren’t certain if a traditional practice setting is the best fit for you and your career goals. Don’t worry - there are so many options when choosing your professional path. During today’s session, you’ll hear from individuals who were once in your shoes. They’ll discuss how they made the decision to pursue a non-traditional pathway, when they discovered that traditional practice options were not for them, and where their career pathways have taken them since dental school in the areas of organized dentistry, research, and academics.

Speakers: Dr. Scott De Rossi, Dr. Jane Grover & Dr. Mark Herzberg

Learning Objectives:

• Compare several career opportunities and pathways after dental school.
• Evaluate the key benefits or drawbacks to consider when selecting non-traditional pathway.
• Discover resources to assist with further investigating their career opportunities.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 130

We all deserve to be happy. This session will teach attendees how to prepare for a personal and professional life full of joy, fulfillment, and contentment in dentistry. As individuals drawn to dentistry, we are at much higher risk of getting burned out, but this session will show attendees how to identify and combat those tendencies.  

Speaker: Dr. Corey Martin

Learning Objectives: 

• Recognize personal risk factors that may contribute to burnout symptoms.
  
• Implement personalized renewal rituals to help de-stress in a daily routine. 
  
• Understand the importance of relationships for a healthy personal and professional life.
  
• Live a more joyful life today and tomorrow.
  
• Evaluate their career plan to ensure it supports burnout prevention.
  
• Improve healthcare outcomes by decreasing burnout symptoms.
  
• Support peers in times of need.

No. of CE Credit Hours (Live & Self-Instruction): 0.75 I AGD Subject Code: 770