2026 Convention Logo New Jersey

 

 

 

Join us for the opportunity to connect with dentists, hygienists, assistants, and office managers from across the state. In 2026, the NJDA is bringing together New Jersey dental associations to CONVERGE, CONNECT, and COLLABORATE. Conveniently located making this 2-day convention more accessible to all dentists and team members.

Course Catalog

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FRIDAY COURSES

Licensure Requirement Series Bundle

8:30 am - 11:30 am | Pharmacology & Internal Medicine | Dr. Hillel Ephros

Course Description: This program is designed to fulfill the NJ Board of Dentistry's mandate for training in pharmacology and internal medicine. The appropriate use of analgesics, antibiotics, local anesthetic, and anxiolytic agents will be reviewed along with critical aspects of prescription writing and use of the prescription monitoring program (NJPMP). The course focuses on how we conduct dental treatment safely when our patients present with significant medical histories and take medications that may impact on dental treatment. The speaker will emphasize the importance of effective communication and informed collaboration with physicians and other members of the health care team.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Hillel Ephros (Hilly) is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and St. George’s University School of Medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and served as an Examiner for that Board from 2003-9. He chairs the Department of Dentistry at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, NJ where he directed the residency program in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for over 25 years and serves as Medical Director of the Regional Craniofacial Center.

11:30 am - 12:30 pm | Prescription Opioid Drugs | Dr. Cathy Hung

Course Description: This presentation reviews the mechanism of action, signs, and symptoms of opioid drugs, including the most commonly prescribed opioid medications by dentists. Statistics of the opioid epidemic will be reviewed. There will also be an overview of current prescribing guidelines and recommendations, with a focus on New Jersey's 5-day rule and conversions of the morphine milligram equivalent (MME). Treatment for overdose and withdrawal symptoms, as well as comorbid conditions, will be discussed as part of the substance use disorder.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Cathy Hung is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Monroe Township. She received a DDS from Columbia University and her oral and maxillofacial surgery training at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, New York. She is an ADA Wellness Ambassador and currently chairs the Well-being Committee at NJDA. She is a fellow of the International College of Dentists and American College of Dentists, and the recipient of the 2024 NJDA Presidential Award.

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm | Preventing & Controlling Infectious Diseases | Dr. Rich Szumita

Course Description: This course will explore key concepts of infectious diseases, disease transmission, and the strategies we employ to lessen the chance of disease transmission in dental offices and clinics. Specifically, we will review several of the important pathogens present in the dental setting and the ways these microbes are transmitted. Utilizing this information, the procedures and products used in our infection control practices to "break the chain" of disease spread will be demonstrated. Finally, strategies to comply with regulatory agencies will be introduced. This course satisfies the NJ State Board of Dentistry's two hour mandated training in infection control.

Speaker Bio: Richard P. Szumita, DDS is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. He completed a general practice residency in Cleveland and an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at the VA in East Orange, NJ. Dr. Szumita has been in private practice for over thirty years and is currently the OMS Residency Program Director at St. Joseph's University Medical Center, Paterson. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and currently the president of the NJDSA.

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Dental Ethics | Dr. John Little

Course Description: This lecture will discuss various sections of the ADA Code of Ethics (“ADA Code”) and how these ethical recommendations should be applied on a daily basis in private practice. The ADA Code mirrors multiple State Board Regulations and Malpractice Laws. The lecture will discuss the interrelations of the ADA Code, State Board Regulations and malpractice law. The lecture will explain techniques to comply with the ADA Code and why compliance with the ADA Code is beneficial to both the patient and dentist. Many lawsuits, State Board complaints and negative online reviews may be avoided or better defended by complying with the ADA Code.

Speaker Bio: Dr. John P. Little is a practicing attorney, general dentist and the managing partner of a group dental practice. His experiences give him a unique expertise in providing legal and business advice to dentists. His law practice is limited to dental practice transitions such as buy/sell agreements, associate agreements and partnership/shareholder agreements. Dr. Little also is a dental malpractice defense expert. Dr. Little graduated from Villanova University in 1989, New Jersey Dental School in 1993 and Rutgers Law School in 1998.

Bundle Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $255
Non-Member Dentist- $475
Hygienists & Assistants- $155
Residents- $175
Students- $95

8:30am - 11:30am | F101- Pharmacology and Internal Medicine 2026

CEUs: 3

Course Description: This program is designed to fulfill the NJ Board of Dentistry's mandate for training in pharmacology and internal medicine. The appropriate use of analgesics, antibiotics, local anesthetic, and anxiolytic agents will be reviewed along with critical aspects of prescription writing and use of the prescription monitoring program (NJPMP). The course focuses on how we conduct dental treatment safely when our patients present with significant medical histories and take medications that may impact on dental treatment. The speaker will emphasize the importance of effective communication and informed collaboration with physicians and other members of the health care team.

Course Objectives: At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:
1. Describe the process of medical risk stratification and explain its value in dental practice
2. List 5 of the most commonly prescribed medications and identify their potential impact on dental treatment
3. Discuss the appropriate use of antibiotics, local anesthetics, and anxiolytics in dentistry

Speaker: Hillel Ephros, DMD, MD

Speaker Bio: Dr. Hillel Ephros (Hilly) is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and St. George’s University School of Medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and served as an Examiner for that Board from 2003-9. He chairs the Department of Dentistry at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, NJ where he directed the residency program in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for over 25 years and serves as Medical Director of the Regional Craniofacial Center.

Audience: Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants, Residents, Students

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $150
Non-Member Dentist- $225
Hygienists & Assistants- $75
Residents- $75
Students- $45

AGD Code: 010

8:30am - 11:30am | F201- Complex Treatment Planning

CEUs: 3

Course Description: Implant treatment planning has shifted from disease-driven to prosthesis-driven, with FP3 templates often replacing individualized care. Patients are now promised faster results and immediacy, bypassing traditional periodontal, endodontic, and prosthodontic protocols. But is this the right path, especially for younger patients? Should early edentulation be considered, or does it risk irreversible consequences? This presentation will outline objective guidelines for predictable planning in complex cases, highlight long-term considerations, compare reconstruction types, and discuss strategies for revision and failure management

Course Objectives: 

  1. Explain the diagnostic principles of wear and partial edentulism. 
  2. Determine when teeth can be saved and be utilized for reconstruction. 
  3. Review step by step treatment planning for complex cases. 
  4. Understand diagnosis of long-term complications and management of failures.
  5. Distinguish when FP1 can work and plan for contingencies.
  6. Understand diagnosis of FP2 and FP3 for staging cases.

Speaker: Dr. Shankar Iyer

Audience: All audiences

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $150
Non-Member Dentist- $225
Hygienists & Assistants-$75
Residents- $75
Students- $45

AGD Code: 730

Supported by:

9:00am - 12:00pm | F301- Unstoppable: The Practice Teams Love and Patients Can’t Resist

CEUs: 3

Course Description: What if your practice was the one patient couldn’t wait to visit — and your team loved coming to every day? In this high-energy session, Dr. Steven Rasner shares proven strategies to ignite leadership, elevate case acceptance, and create a thriving culture where everyone wins: doctors, team members, and patients alike.

Course Objectives: 

  1. The lights out oral sedation protocol you don’t know: Guaranteed to spark the meteoric road back from the toxic insurance influence
  2. Running a true relationship-based practice – why it matters
  3. What leadership should look like in 2025
  4. The Fail-Proof Blueprint for the new graduate or the stagnant practice
  5. Four simple principles for 90% case acceptance • The ethics and wisdom of Getting Paid Upfront”
  6. How to keep staff for 19 for an average of 20 years without going broke: What really motivates the Team.
  7. Smart Marketing in 2026: What and what not to do.
  8. Legacy: Becoming a part of community. Giving Back - a powerful ally for self-enrichment and peace of mind.

Speaker: Steve Rasner, DMD, MAGD

Audience: All audiences

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $95
Non-Member Dentist- $175
Hygienists & Assistants- $55
Residents- $55
Students- $25

AGD Code: 550

Supported by:

CareCredit Logo

9:00am - 12:00pm | F401- Basic Life Support

CEUs: 3

Course Description: BLS is geared towards Prehospital providers, like EMTs, paramedics, fire fighters, and in-facility hospital providers. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for two years.

Course Objectives: 
Our commitment to integrity drives us to provide the highest standard of education, ensuring that our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a difference when it matters most. Our dedication to quality education extends beyond simply teaching techniques. We strive to create a supportive and engaging learning environment, where students feel empowered to ask questions and actively participate in their own education. By fostering a sense of community among our students, we aim to inspire a lifelong commitment to saving lives.

Speakers: Aspasia Tull, EMT - P, AHA Instructor

Audience: Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants, Office Staff, Residents,

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $95
Non-Member Dentist- $95
Hygienists & Assistants- $95
Residents- $95

AGD Code: 142

9:30am - 11:30am | F501- Demystifying Smile Makeovers; Achieving predictable results from Simple to Complex Cases

CEUs: 2

Course Description: Join Dr. Anthony Vocaturo for a practical and inspiring journey into the art and science of Smile Design. This seminar simplifies how to confidently diagnose and treatment plan a wide variety of esthetic and restorative cases—from straightforward smile enhancements to complex full-mouth rehabilitations.

Course Objectives:

  1. Apply the core principles of Smile Design predictably in daily practice
  2. Enhance laboratory communication for seamless collaboration and outcomes
  3. Utilize effective preparation design strategies and Dr. Vocaturo’s preferred rotary instrumentation
  4. Master temporization techniques that balance esthetics and function
  5. Restore cases with collapsed vertical dimension through a simplified, systematic approach

Speaker: Anthony Vocaturo, DDS, AAACD, FACE, FAGD, FIADFE

Audience: Dentist, New Dentists, Assistants, Residents, Students

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $150
Non-Member Dentist-$225
Hygienists & Assistants- $75
Residents- $75
Students- $45

AGD Code: 780

12:00pm - 1:00pm | F102- Prescription Opioid Drugs

CEUs: 1

Course Description: This presentation reviews the mechanism of action, signs, and symptoms of opioid drugs, including the most commonly prescribed opioid medications by dentists. Statistics of the opioid epidemic will be reviewed. There will also be an overview of current prescribing guidelines and recommendations, with a focus on New Jersey's 5-day rule and conversions of the morphine milligram equivalent (MME). Treatment for overdose and withdrawal symptoms, as well as comorbid conditions, will be discussed as part of the substance use disorder.

Course Objectives:

  1. To gain knowledge about the current opioid epidemic.
  2. To learn about the mechanism of actions, signs, and symptoms of opioid use, and common opioid prescriptions.
  3. To familiarize oneself with treatment for opioid withdrawal symptoms and overdose, as well as prevention.

Speaker: Cathy Hung, DDS

Speaker Bio: Dr. Cathy Hung is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Monroe Township. She received a DDS from Columbia University and her oral and maxillofacial surgery training at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, New York. She is an ADA Wellness Ambassador and currently chairs the Well-being Committee at NJDA. She is a fellow of the International College of Dentists and American College of Dentists, and the recipient of the 2024 NJDA Presidential Award.

Audience: Dentist, New Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants, Office Staff, Residents, Students

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $55
Non-Member Dentist- $95
Hygienists & Assistants- $35
Residents- $35
Students- $25

AGD Code: 340

12:30pm - 1:30pm | F502- Enter the Cube; Craniofacial Spatial Arrangement Redefined via the BaseLine

CEUs: 1

Course Description: The diagnostic template serves as the point of origin for any facially generated treatment plan in the modern restorative practice. Thus an accurate and precise maxillo-mandibular three dimensional spatial registration will provide the dental team with a flawless workflow, maximizing efficiency and effectiveness, when working in either the conventional (manual) or contemporary (digital) modes. The position of the occlusal plane in the patient and the articulator is an essential link for achieving the functional and esthetic goals of the anticipated treatment plan. Patient specific anatomic craniofacial landmarks within the frontal, transverse and sagittal planes will be thoroughly explored and analyzed.

Course Objectives: 

Participants will learn how to mitigate transfer errors and increase accuracy via specific BaseLine driven photographic and radiographic protocols in addition to utilizing the OneBite Evolution in an analogue or digital workflow, aiding both clinicians and technicians to systematically manage the proper spatial orientation of the maxillary cast.

Speakers: Juan Olivier

Audience: Dentists, New Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants, Residents, Students

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $95
Non-Member Dentist- $175
Hygienists & Assistants- $55 
Residents- $55
Students- $25

AGD Code: 180

12:30pm - 3:30pm | F402- Basic Life Support

CEUs: 3

Course Description: BLS is geared towards Prehospital providers, like EMTs, paramedics, fire fighters, and in-facility hospital providers. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for two years.

Course Objectives: 
Our commitment to integrity drives us to provide the highest standard of education, ensuring that our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a difference when it matters most. Our dedication to quality education extends beyond simply teaching techniques. We strive to create a supportive and engaging learning environment, where students feel empowered to ask questions and actively participate in their own education. By fostering a sense of community among our students, we aim to inspire a lifelong commitment to saving lives.

Speakers: Aspasia Tull, EMT - P, AHA Instructor

Audience: Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants, Office Staff, Residents

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $95
Non-Member Dentist- $95
Hygienists & Assistants- $95
Residents- $95

AGD Code: 142

12:30pm - 2:30pm | F202- Prosthodontic Management of Implant Solutions

CEUs: 2

Course Description: The management of prosthodontic patients requires a rigorous approach to assessment and planning. While there are numerous resources at our disposal to facilitate successful treatment, it is crucial to be aware of the limitations that may arise from the patient’s condition, the clinician’s abilities, and the capabilities of the laboratory technician. In this presentation, we will explore various patient situations to examine the diverse factors that can introduce complexity into prosthodontic treatment. We will also delve into methods for diagnosing patient solutions.

Course Objectives:

  1. Discuss fundamental concepts in implant dentistry used in diagnosis and treatment planning through patient examples
  2. Presentation of problems in various patient situations
  3. Discussion of various prosthodontic solutions

Speaker: Chris Choi, DMD

Audience: Dentist, New Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants, Residents, and Students

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $150
Non-Member Dentist- $225
Hygienists & Assistants- $75
Residents- $75
Students- $45

AGD Code: 690

1:00pm - 4:00pm | F302- Mastering the Art of Dental Coding and Documentation

CEUs: 4

Course Description: Have your claims been denied because of missing or incorrect codes for procedures? The CDT code set must be used correctly to report procedures on dental claims for reimbursement. Coding and documentation errors are the root cause of claim denials and rejections. We will review the most common coding and documentation errors and how to avoid them. It is imperative that we learn to up our storytelling game as documentation continues to be the number one root cause of claim denials and rejections, adverse payer audits and investigations. We will learn the importance of specificity in our documentation.

Course Objectives:

  1. Recognize common coding errors.
  2. Identify pitfalls of clinical documentation.
  3. Implement the S.O.A.P. Method.

Speaker: Dilaine Gloege, CDA, CPC

Audience: All audiences

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $175
Non-Member Dentist- $255
Hygienists & Assistants- $95
Residents- $95
Students- $55

AGD Code: 550

Supported by:

CareCredit Logo

1:30pm - 3:30pm | F103- Preventing and Controlling Infectious Diseases

CEUs: 2

Course Description: This course will explore key concepts of infectious diseases, disease transmission, and the strategies we employ to lessen the chance of disease transmission in dental offices and clinics. Specifically, we will review several of the important pathogens present in the dental setting and the ways these microbes are transmitted. Utilizing this information, the procedures and products used in our infection control practices to "break the chain" of disease spread will be demonstrated. Finally, strategies to comply with regulatory agencies will be introduced. This course satisfies the NJ State Board of Dentistry's two hour mandated training in infection control.

Course Objectives: Following completion of this course, participants should be able to:

  1. List important pathogens found in the dental office.
  2. Discuss the concept of the chain of infection.
  3. Identify several ways the chain of infection can be broken utilizing infection control procedures and products.
  4. List the regulatory bodies involved in developing guidelines for infection control.

Speakers: Richard Szumita, DMD

Speaker Bio: Richard P. Szumita, DDS is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. He completed a general practice residency in Cleveland and an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at the VA in East Orange, NJ. Dr. Szumita has been in private practice for over thirty years and is currently the OMS Residency Program Director at St. Joseph's University Medical Center, Paterson. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and currently the president of the NJDSA.

Audience: Dentists, Hygienist, Assistants, Residents, and Students

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $95
Non-Member Dentist- $175
Hygienists & Assistants- $55
Residents- $55
Students- $35

AGD Code: 730

2:00pm - 3:00pm | F503- Everyday 3D Imaging

CEUs: 1

Course Description: Dr. Christensen will explain the basic science of 3D printing and its function by constructing objects layer by layer of models and prosthetics, with material selection based on specific applications. The course will cover the workflow for prototyping dental prosthetics, including designing with CAD software, printing the models, and refining them for patient use. It will also highlight the use of advanced technologies such as intraoral scanners and photogrammetry to achieve high-precision prototypes

Course Objectives:

  1. Explain the fundamental principles and science behind 3D printing, including how objects are constructed layer by layer.
  2. Identify and compare various printing materials and their applications in dental modeling and prosthetic fabrication.
  3. Demonstrate the step-by-step workflow for prototyping dental prosthetics using CAD design software.
  4. Operate 3D printing equipment to produce accurate dental models and prosthetic components.
  5. Apply post-processing and refinement techniques to prepare printed models for patient use.
  6. Utilize advanced digital technologies, such as intraoral scanners and photogrammetry, to create high-precision dental prototypes.

Speaker: David Christensen, DMD

Audience: Dentist, New Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants, Residents, Students

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $95
Non-Member Dentist- $175
Hygienists & Assistants- $55
Residents- $55
Students- $25

AGD Code: 730

2:30pm - 3:30pm | F601- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Operative Honors Program: Case Studies

CEUs: 1

Course Description: The Rutgers School of Dental Medicine provides a 1.5-year program that expands education in Operative/General Restorative Dentistry for students who meet exceptional criteria in Restorative Dentistry. The course highlights treatment planning, diagnostics including models and wax-up, a literature review of the proposed treatment, the clinical treatment and a case report write-up and end of the course presentation. During this presentation, the two current fourth year honors students will highlight their case studies from planning to literature review to treatment with the goal being to comprehensively restore the patient’s dentition to proper form, function and esthetics. They will discuss outcomes, pitfalls, and lessons learned with objectives for future study.

Course Objectives:

  • Demonstrate advanced competency in treatment planning for complex restorative cases, integrating diagnostic data, models, and diagnostic wax-ups.
  • Critically analyze relevant literature to support clinical decision-making and evidence-based treatment approaches in operative and restorative dentistry.
  • Execute comprehensive restorative treatment plans that restore the patient’s dentition to optimal form, function, and esthetics using contemporary materials and techniques.
  • Evaluate and document treatment outcomes, including both clinical successes and challenges encountered during case progression as well as future direction for improving restorative care.
  • Present a detailed case study encompassing diagnosis, treatment planning, literature review, clinical execution, and final results in a professional format suitable for peer review.
  • Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex restorative scenarios with an interdisciplinary approach when appropriate.

Speaker: 

  • Donald Lapine, DMD FAGD, FACD, FICD
  • Dr. Samantha Wolff
  • Katie Roeder
  • Michael Rose

Audience: 

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $55
Non-Member Dentist- $95
Hygienists & Assistants- $35
Residents- $35
Students- $25

AGD Code: 144

Supported by:

The Dentist Insurance Company (TDIC) Logo

3:30pm - 4:30pm | F504- Annual Checkup for your Well-Being: How Are You Doing?

CEUs: 1

Course Description: Dental professionals face high stress from professional and personal life. This presentation/workshop navigates issues affecting dental professionals' physical and emotional health such as ergonomics, stress and burnout, mental illnesses, and suicidality through evidence-based research, self-guided written exercises, and small group discussions to help mitigating unwellness.

Course Objectives:

  1. Navigate professional and personal factors affecting dental professional's well-being.
  2. Provoke self-reflections and sharing with other attendees of your experiences.
  3. Practice techniques and explore resources that can help us to reach and maintain a healthy well-being.

Speaker: Cathy Hung, DDS

Audience: All audiences

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $55
Non-Member Dentist- $95
Hygienists & Assistants- $35
Residents- $25
Students- $25

AGD Code: 770

4:00pm - 5:00pm | F104- Dental Ethics

CEUs: 1

Course Description: This lecture will discuss various sections of the ADA Code of Ethics (“ADA Code”) and how these ethical recommendations should be applied on a daily basis in private practice. The ADA Code mirrors multiple State Board Regulations and Malpractice Laws. The lecture will discuss the interrelations of the ADA Code, State Board Regulations and malpractice law. The lecture will explain techniques to comply with the ADA Code and why compliance with the ADA Code is beneficial to both the patient and dentist. Many lawsuits, State Board complaints and negative online reviews may be avoided or better defended by complying with the ADA Code.

Course Objectives: 

  1. Understand the various sections of the ADA Code of Ethics.
  2. Understand the practical interrelations of the ADA Code, State Board Regulations and malpractice law.
  3. Understand the negative ethical, legal and business ramifications of failing to comply with the ADA Code of Ethics
  4. Recognize the practical benefits of compliance with the ADA Code of Ethics
  5. Review necessary forms and records that aid in compliance with the ADA Code of Ethics.

Speaker: John Little, DMD, JD

Speaker Bio: Dr. John P. Little is a practicing attorney, general dentist and the managing partner of a group dental practice. His experiences give him a unique expertise in providing legal and business advice to dentists. His law practice is limited to dental practice transitions such as buy/sell agreements, associate agreements and partnership/shareholder agreements. Dr. Little also is a dental malpractice defense expert. Dr. Little graduated from Villanova University in 1989, New Jersey Dental School in 1993 and Rutgers Law School in 1998.

Audience: Dentists, New Dentists, Hygienist, Assistants, Office Staff, Residents, Students

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $55
Non-Member Dentist- $95
Hygienists & Assistants- $35
Residents- $35
Students- $25

AGD Code: 555

3:30pm - 4:30pm | F203- Legal/Lending Insights for New Dentists: “Knowledge is Power” (Especially When Starting Out in Dentistry)

CEUs: 1

Course Description: 
Starting your career in dentistry is exciting — but it also comes with major financial and legal decisions that can shape your long-term success. Whether you’re completing residency, entering private practice, or considering ownership, this session will help you navigate those key steps with confidence. Join Brent Pohlman, a Partner at Mandelbaum Barrett PC, and Jason McKenzie, Vice President of the Dental Division at Bank of America, for a practical discussion on what every new dentist should know before signing their first contract, buying a practice, or securing financing. Through real-life examples and interactive Q&A, you’ll gain insight into how to avoid common pitfalls, prepare financially and legally for your next step, and position yourself for lasting success.

Course Objectives: 

  1. What lenders look for when evaluating first-time borrowers
  2. How to prepare financially and legally for practice ownership
  3. Common red flags in employment contracts and leases
  4. Steps to take before purchasing or starting a dental practice
  5. Tips for building a strong financial and legal foundation for growth

Speakers: 

  • Brent Pohlman | Partner, Mandelbaum Barrett PC
  • Jason McKenzie | Vice President Dental Division, Bank of America

Audience: Dentists, Residents, and Students

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $55
Non-Member Dentist- $95
Residents- $35
Students- $25

AGD Code: 550


SATURDAY COURSES

9:00am - 4:00pm | S101- Taking the Mystery Out of Medical Billing for Dentistry

CEUs: 6

Course Description: Here’s the revised version without the reference to hands-on learning: Navigate the changing healthcare landscape with this one-day workshop designed for dental professionals. With shifts like the Affordable Care Act and a focus on integrative care, mastering ICD-10 and CPT coding is essential for filing medical claims effectively. Participants will explore medical-dental cross coding, gaining the skills to enhance billing processes and bridge the gap between oral health and medical care confidently.

Course Objectives:

  1. Master the skill of accurately completing the CMS 1500 medical claim form to streamline the billing process for your claim to be adjudicated upon submission.
  2. Navigate the complexity of applying ICD-10-CM, CPT, and CDT codes effectively to medical claims.
  3. Demonstrate specificity in clinical documentation required for proving medical necessity.

Speaker: Dilaine Gloege, CDA, CPC

Audience: All audiences

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $225
Non-Member Dentist- $325
Hygienists & Assistants- $125
Residents- $125
Students- $55

AGD Code: 550

9:30am - 12:30pm | S401- Basic Life Support

CEUs: 3

Course Description: BLS is geared towards Prehospital providers, like EMTs, paramedics, fire fighters, and in-facility hospital providers. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for two years.

Course Objectives: 
Our commitment to integrity drives us to provide the highest standard of education, ensuring that our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a difference when it matters most. Our dedication to quality education extends beyond simply teaching techniques. We strive to create a supportive and engaging learning environment, where students feel empowered to ask questions and actively participate in their own education. By fostering a sense of community among our students, we aim to inspire a lifelong commitment to saving lives.

Speakers: Aspasia Tull, EMT - P, AHA Instructor

Audience: Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants, Office Staff, Residents

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $95
Non-Member Dentist- $95
Hygienists & Assistants- $95
Residents- $95

AGD Code: 142

9:30am - 12:30pm | NJDA House of Delegates

Description:

9:30am - 10:30am | NJDHA Meeting

Description:

9:30am - 10:30am | NJDAA Meeting

Description:

11:00am - 1:00pm | S201- Addressing Misinformation with a Critical Thinking Lens

CEUs: 2

Course Description: Growth of social media has increased availability of health information and misinformation. When educating patients, we must ensure they discern accurate, relevant facts from opinions and misinformation. Misinformation arises from pressure to publish, inaccurate secondary reporting, biased searches, and an uncoordinated public health response to misinformation. This presentation will review the sources and recipients of misinformation, their motivations, the critical thinking skills that foster objectivity, and the technology that propagates misinformation. That same technology, used by dental professionals, overcomes misinformation by the public health literacy, professional collaboration, and increasing search technique reliability.

Course Objectives:

  1. Associate information technology and infrastructure with the mechanisms of diffusion of misinformation.
  2. Name social and demographic factors that contribute to a patient’s state of oral health literacy.
  3. Describe the processes by which people adopt misinformation.
  4. Use a critical thinking approach to discern information from misinformation.
  5. Compose an influential response to correct a patient’s statement of misinformation.
  6. Describe public health measures that are available to correct publicized misinformation.

Speaker: Howard Notgarnie, RDH, EdD, FADHA

Audience: All audiences

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $75
Non-Member Dentist- $150
Hygienists & Assistants- $45
Residents- $45
Students- $25

AGD Code: 770

11:00am - 1:00pm | S301- Dental Unit Waterline Contamination: What's in Your Water?

CEUs: 2

Course Description: It's something we hear about but truthfully confused about what it is, what to do and what can go wrong. Join me for this eye-opening presentation on what lives in our lines and how to easily fix it!

Course Objectives:

  1. Discover the scary world of DUWL, what DUWL contamination is, and how it happens
  2. Explore the diseases associated with DUWL and how to keep you and your patients safe
  3. Learn ways to treat, shock and test your lines, what’s good and what’s not

Speaker: Tija Hunter, CDA

Audience: Dentists, New Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants, Residents, Students

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $75
Non-Member Dentist- $150
Hygienists & Assistants- $45
Residents- $45
Students- $25

AGD Code: 148

2:00pm - 4:00pm | S402- Root Cause Dentistry: The Role of Myofunctional Therapy in Craniofacial Health

CEUs: 2

Course Description: Myofunctional therapy is the missing link in functional dentistry, addressing root causes beyond symptoms like malocclusion and TMJ dysfunction. Attendees will learn to identify orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), such as improper swallowing or mouth breathing, which affect craniofacial health. The lecture emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating OMD screening into daily practice for more stable orthodontic results and overall patient well-being. This reframes practice toward a holistic, root cause approach for comprehensive patient-centered care.

Course Objectives:

  1. Define orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) and explain how they contribute to common dental and orthodontic problems.
  2. Recognize clinical indicators of OMDs during routine dental exams, including poor tongue posture, restricted frenulums, and signs of mouth breathing.
  3. Articulate the connection between myofunctional therapy and the functional medicine movement, moving from symptom management to addressing root cause issues.
  4. Outline the process of integrating myofunctional therapy into a dental or orthodontic practice, including appropriate screening, patient education, and referral pathways.
  5. Describe how addressing OMDs can improve the efficacy and stability of orthodontic treatment and reduce issues like TMJ pain and sleep-disordered breathing.

Speaker: Barry Raphael, DMD

Audience: Dentists, New Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants, Residents, Students

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $150
Non-Member Dentist- $225
Hygienists & Assistants- $75
Residents- $75
Students- $45

AGD Code: 200

2:00pm - 4:00pm | S202- Dental Implants Basics and Maintenance

CEUs: 2

Course Description: Dental implants, once a luxury, are now routine in dentistry. Their long-term success relies on collaboration between dentists and hygienists, yet implant maintenance is rarely covered in U.S. hygiene curricula. Regardless of whether a practice places or restores implants, all team members need foundational knowledge of treatment options, components, and care protocols. As technology advances and peri-implant classifications evolve, uncertainty persists. This course reviews osseointegration history, implant workflows, and maintenance strategies for cases from single units to full-arch prostheses, emphasizing evidence-based care and team collaboration.

Course Objectives: 

  1. Review history of osseointegration and dental implant therapy
  2. Discussion of treatment options and considerations for single tooth and full arch treatment concepts
  3. Identify dental implant components
  4. Discussion of treatment workflows for surgical referrals and total solution providers
  5. Review of aftercare, recall maintenance, and protocols for prevention of Peri-implantitis

Speakers: Lynn Pencek, RDH, MS

Audience: New Dentists, Hygienist, Assistants

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $55
Non-Member Dentist- $95
Hygienists & Assistants- $35
Residents- $35
Students- $25

AGD Code: 690

Supported by:

Nobel Biocare

2:00pm- 4:00pm | S302- Dental Office Maintenance-There is So Much to Know

CEUs: 2

Course Description: Where do we start? So much to do and not enough time to get it all done. When equipment breaks down, our office is stalled, and that's never a good thing. Join me as I run through common issue and how to fix them on the spot. We will go over all maintenance, provide check list and so much more.

Course Objectives:

  1. Discover what needs to be done, how often, and why
  2. Create a list of "must do's" and develop a protocol for it
  3. Learn how documentation plays a part in all of this

Speaker: Tija Hunter, CDA

Audience: All audiences

Pricing:
ADA Member Dentist- $95
Non-Member Dentist- $175
Hygienists & Assistants- $55
Residents- $55
Students- $35

AGD Code: 550