The Best Dental Speakers and Practice Consultants
✈️ Plan to arrive no later than 4pm on Thursday and leave no later than 3pm on Saturday,
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Ryan Vet is an international keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author. He has presented around the globe on four different continents. Ryan’s experiences range from start-ups to Fortune 500s such as Samsung, Warner Brothers, and Bing. From starting his first business at age 14 to launching and successfully exiting start-ups, Ryan is a serial entrepreneur. He has been featured in countless publications (USA Today, Forbes, Financial Times, NBC, CBS, ABC and more) for his entrepreneurial endeavors and routinely contributes to Forbes and other leading publications. In 2019 he authored the book Cracking the Millennial Code.
This presentation will provide SCN members with the top 10 essential tools needed for success in writing, speaking, and consulting. By the end of this session, attendees will be equipped with actionable strategies to enhance their careers and grow their businesses.
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Lois Banta is CEO, President and Founder of Healthcare Enterprises, Inc., a company that specializes in all aspects of dental practice retreats and lectures. Lois has over 45 years of dental experience and consults and speaks nationally and internationally. She is the CEO of The Speaking Consulting Network, Co-Founder of COLLABricon and a member of several professional organizations.
The workforce has changed, and we must adapt our leadership if teams are to perform at a high level, communicate maturely, and think for themselves. If you struggle with turnover, low performance, negativity, petty conflicts, or lack of focus, a total team transformation is easier than you think IF your leaders master three critical conversations: The Invitation Conversation, Coaching Conversation, and Courageous Conversation. Reject stale methods of leadership thinking and canned scripts, and learn a fresh, instinctive approach to building a team that thrives. See how the new science around coaching, feedback, and leadership can give a huge business advantage in a highly competitive employment and business environment. You and your team will never be the same again. No more excuses. No more limits!
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Founder and CEO of LionSpeak, Katherine is an international speaker, author, and performance coach, best known for helping professionals develop courageous, unscripted conversations with patients, clients, co-workers, and audiences. Whether communicating from a treatment room, consult room, boardroom, or stage, audiences love her simple yet powerful formulas for delivering messages with clarity, courage, and inspiration.
For 35 years Katherine has keynoted annual conferences in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., coached thousands of dental professionals in hundreds of practices, and consulted or presented for companies such as Care Credit, Henry Schein, Kois Center, Aurum Group, Patterson Dental, Dentsply Sirona, e-Assist, Seattle Study Club, Cain Watters, Pacific Dental Services, Dental Intel, and Philips Oral Healthcare.
Katherine is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), an earned designation of the National Speakers Association achieved by less than 17% speakers worldwide and she is one of only ten dental professionals to hold the certification. She is a Spotlight-On-Speaking champion, Speaking Consulting Network founding member, past-president of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants, AADOM/ASCA member, faculty member for the Dental Business Institute and the Dental Speakers Institute, faculty instructor for the Texas Tech University Dental School in El Paso, Board Advisor Emeritus for Dental Entrepreneur Women (DeW), voted “2023 Speaker of the Year” at the Dental Festival and “Favorite Dental Speaker” by the 2023 Nifty Awards and the Linda Miles Spirit Award for her contributions to the dental industry.
She was recently featured in the documentary film, Women Shaping Dentistry Tomorrow, and her latest book, Courageous Conversations, is scheduled for release Summer of 2025.
Recent record inflation and high interest rates have adversely impacted family finances across the nation, with more Americans than ever amassing credit card debt at the grocery store. Many feel that they will never get out of debt, and must have more income to do so. In some cases, however, it’s not an income problem, it’s a spending problem, and folks are actually richer than they think.
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Dr. Kerr earned a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry and was honored in 2011 with its presentation of the Life-Long Learning and Service Recognition Award. He has been awarded Fellowship in both the American and International Colleges of Dentistry and is an Honored Fellow of the Georgia Dental Association. Dr. Kerr used his successful small-town practice as a community partner for more than thirty-five years and established a clinic for the indigent in 1994. He has been recognized by state and local organizations as Dentist, Citizen, Professional, and Small-Business Person of the Year, and has authored seven books including “When Life Needs a Sticky Note!” and “Wear It On a Tuesday.”
The world of Dental Support Organizations (DSOs) can be complex, and not all DSOs are created equal. In this engaging session, we’ll break down the different classifications of DSOs, helping you determine whether a group is truly a DSO or something else entirely. We’ll also explore the major players in the DSO space, discuss the most valuable DSO meetings to attend, and uncover the pros, cons, and unexpected challenges of working with these organizations. Whether you're considering attending a DSO event or simply want to understand the evolving dental industry, this session will provide the insights you need to navigate with confidence.
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Brenda McNulty: A Visionary Leader in Dental Practice Excellence
Brenda McNulty is a dynamic force in the dental industry, boasting over 30 years of rich experience that spans both clinical and business domains. As the owner of DSO FACTS, she has cemented her reputation as an expert in transforming dental practices through innovative training and accountability systems.
Brenda’s depth of knowledge and practical expertise uniquely position her to address the multifaceted challenges faced by dental practices today. Her approach is tailored to enhance the talents of each team member, ensuring that both remote and in-office teams operate with heightened efficiency and productivity. By implementing systems that maximize individual strengths, Brenda consistently drives practices towards increased profitability and success.
A highly sought-after speaker, Brenda has shared her insights at numerous major dental events, captivating audiences with her passion and commitment to the profession. Her leadership and guidance have empowered countless dentists and their teams to pursue and achieve their ideal practice vision.
Brenda McNulty’s dedication to the dental profession is evident in her ongoing efforts to elevate standards and inspire excellence. Her legacy is one of transformative impact, making her a key expert and thought leader in the industry.
It's time for lunch with friends, colleagues, and maybe someone new! Enjoy!
Stress is a part of our modern life. We have multiple obligations with our family, spouse, workplace, and community. We have the fastest technologies to improve our lives, yet we constantly do not have enough time. Stress affects our performance and ultimately our productivity. In this interactive, and action packed presentation, Dr. Emily Letran will share her strategies to control stress and maximize work potential.
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Dr Emily Letran is a serial entrepreneur, CEO of several multi-specialty dental practices, and private coach to many professionals. As an international speaker, she has been on TEDx and shared stages with countless business leaders including Sharon Lechter (Co-Author Rich Dad Poor Dad), Kevin Harrington (Shark Tank), Dr. Howard Farran (Dental Town), and Linda Miles (The Ultimate Mentor of Dentistry).
She has been featured on several magazines, Dental Town, Global Woman, Top Doctor, The Profitable Dentist, See Beyond as well as the media, Yahoo!Finance, Forbes, USA Today, and FOX. She is a contributing writer for Dental IQ, DrBicuspid.com, and Dentistry Today. Dr Letran is the author of several books, the Founder of the non-profit Smile Champions, a Certified Kolbe Consultant, a member of Forbes Coaches Council, and the Founder of Exceptional Leverage Inc., a global coaching and consulting firm. She hosts her signature events, ACTION To WIN seminars, in several countries, and shares her expertise in personal growth and business management through her ACTION To WIN Academy programs.
Dr. Letran has been knighted as a Lady of The Royal Order of Constantine The Great and Saint Helen for her work in philanthropy, inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists for her contributions to the dental community, and currently enjoys practicing dentistry with her daughter in Huntington Beach, CA.
A bend in the road is only the end of the road if you fail to make the turn. Dealing with change, especially as a result of adversity, is challenging at it's best and paralyzing at it's worse. We've all faced challenges, some of us greater than others. Ultimately, it's not what we've been through but what we've learned and who we have become as a result of what we've been through that determines our new road, our future, ultimately our state of mind. Let's take a look at how to approach our bend in the road, how to negotiate the turn and navigate to our new path to success and happiness.
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Dr. Shelburne’s journey through dentistry is nothing short of extraordinary. Graduating with honors from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry in 1981, he embarked on a career filled with dedication and passion.
Returning to his roots, Dr. Shelburne transformed his grandfather’s hardware store building into a thriving dental practice, where he honed his craft for an impressive 27 years. Alongside his practice, he served as the esteemed president of the Southwest Virginia Dental Society and volunteered tirelessly at Virginia’s MOM projects, touching countless lives along the way.
But it was a pivotal moment in 2003 that reshaped Dr. Shelburne’s trajectory. In a shocking turn of events, his world was upended when the FBI stormed his office, launching a relentless investigation that would span three grueling years. Despite his unwavering commitment to his profession, Dr. Shelburne found himself facing charges of healthcare fraud, racketeering, and money laundering.
Sentenced to 24 months in Federal Prison, Dr. Shelburne emerged from this dark chapter with a newfound purpose. Determined to prevent others from facing similar hardships, he dedicated himself to educating his peers on the importance of meticulous record-keeping and robust business systems.
Today, Dr. Shelburne is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and writer, sharing his invaluable insights on defensive systems approaches that protect and defend. Through his inspiring journey, he serves as a beacon of resilience, reminding us all that adversity can be overcome with determination, perseverance, and a commitment to positive change.
Discover how the ELI 360 leadership development strategy enhances collaboration between dentists, office managers, and team leaders to drive alignment, communication, and performance. In this course, you’ll explore 36 key leadership competencies that proactively reduce conflict, build trust, and foster a culture of accountability and emotional safety. Learn how transformational leadership, guided by the ELI 360, can elevate team culture, increase engagement, and optimize both clinical and administrative leadership—ultimately leading to higher profitability and improved treatment acceptance.
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Sophia Dunkley is a visionary leader in dental practice coaching and consulting, renowned for transforming how dental teams approach patient care, case acceptance, and operational growth. With over 25 years of expertise in the dental industry, Sophia empowers practices to break through barriers, driving profitability, leadership excellence, and patient-centered outcomes.
Her extensive background spans general restorative dentistry, multi-specialty startups, and Dental Support Organizations (DSOs), giving her a comprehensive understanding of dental teams' complexities. She brings specialized support to dentists with advanced clinical training from elite institutions, helping them translate technical mastery into business growth, team synergy, and elevated patient experiences.
As a certified coach, speaker, and expert in case acceptance and dental implant sales training, Sophia brings a unique, human-centered philosophy to every engagement. Her signature approach—transforming strangers into friends—fosters trust and connection, inspiring dental teams to communicate more effectively, closing treatment plans confidently, and cultivating a collaborative environment where every team member thrives. She integrates leadership and sales with practical applications of leadership systems like ELI 360, boosting team potential and workplace efficiency. Her guidance is valuable to financial and treatment coordinators, office managers, dental practice leadership teams, and dentists and to improving operations and positioning practices for competitive success.
In an industry crowded with experts, new speakers often struggle to stand out. This course will guide you in discovering and embracing the unique you. Learn how to identify your passion and use it as a driving force for success. Explore the balance between listening to others and trusting yourself in the journey of self-expression. Gain insights on customizing your professional identity to differentiate yourself from those speaking on similar topics. Finally, uncover the power of collaboration—embracing peers with shared interests and supporting one another to grow and thrive.
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Colleen Huff, FAADOM, is a seasoned professional in the dental field with a career spanning over 29 years. She began her journey as a customer service representative for Metlife Dental in Utica, NY, before transitioning to a dental practice role in New Jersey, where she has since thrived. Colleen spent 21 years managing multi-location practices and played a pivotal role in starting a dental practice from the ground up.
In 2021, Colleen transitioned to full-time consulting and speaking, specializing in revenue cycle management and dental insurance processes. Her expertise supports dental practices in refining operational systems and managing accounts receivable.
A dynamic speaker, Colleen shares her knowledge at national conferences, study groups, and on numerous podcasts, in addition to presenting webinars. In July 2024, she released her first book, *A Mouthful of Insurance*.
Her insights also appear regularly in leading dental trade magazines. Recognized as one of the TOP 25 Women in Dentistry by *Dental Products Report* in 2017, she spent time with Front Office Rocks as the “Insurance Guru” in 2018-2024 and now offers online courses on her website.
Join us in celebrating the opening of our SCN Summit!
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✈️ Plan to arrive no later than 4pm on Thursday and depart no earlier than 3pm on Saturday.
It’s time to check - in and get ready for an amazing day of learning and networking!
Welcome to SCN 2025!
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Matt Roberts has appeared as a guest on NBC’s Today Show and in over 30 comedic commercials, promoting a wide range of famous brands to millions of viewers—from Geico to Ghostbusters, earning two Emmy Nominations for his TV work. In addition to corporate events and conferences, Matt has emceed annual events for Boston Symphony Hall, Mohegan Sun Casino and NBA Entertainment for over a decade. He has performed his mix of magic and comedy for Google, GE, Pepperidge Farm, Ocean Spray, Seth Meyers and has even shared the stage with Jim Henson’s Muppets in Chicago and Manhattan where The New York Times called his work, “Enchanting.”
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Ryan Vet is an international keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author. He has presented around the globe on four different continents. Ryan’s experiences range from start-ups to Fortune 500s such as Samsung, Warner Brothers, and Bing. From starting his first business at age 14 to launching and successfully exiting start-ups, Ryan is a serial entrepreneur. He has been featured in countless publications (USA Today, Forbes, Financial Times, NBC, CBS, ABC and more) for his entrepreneurial endeavors and routinely contributes to Forbes and other leading publications. In 2019 he authored the book Cracking the Millennial Code.
Let’s dive into the psychology behind audience engagement and share practical strategies for elevating your authority and impact, including:
🔹 How to captivate any audience
🔹 Mastering the science of human behavior
🔹 Building confidence and connection in your speaking
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Meet Dr. Heidi, a once-shy 5-year-old who transformed from struggling to say a single line in a play to captivating thousands from diverse stages. Her passion lies in sharing knowledge and witnessing the 'aha' moments that ignite understanding. Early in her professional journey, she discovered the profound importance of mentorship in leadership, a lesson that would guide her throughout her career. With extensive experience in management, she became renowned for her exceptional ability to foster employee engagement and learning.
As a business psychologist, professor, international speaker and 2x award-winning best-selling author, Dr. Heidi brings a unique combination of academic expertise and real-world experience to her clients, students, and readers. Her services are designed to help individuals and organizations improve their performance and achieve their goals through a better understanding of the science of human behavior.
As a professor, Dr. Heidi teaches courses on topics such as organizational behavior, management, communication, finance, nonprofit management, and leadership, helping her students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers.
Dr. Heidi was filmed by an Emmy® Award-winning crew for her interview on “Times Square Today!” which aired on ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX affiliates around the country. Her partnership with Brian Tracy on the Best-Selling book, Success in Any Economy, helps entrepreneurs and professionals learn how being authentic leads to growth in any market. Her new book Rise Up! Ignite Your Inner Fire in partnership with Best Selling Author Lisa Nichols launched May 23, 2024.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Heidi is a dedicated mom, loving wife, cherished daughter, and supportive sister. In her spare time, she finds joy in the world of dog sports.
Time to network! Grab a coffee, chat with our fantastic partners, and connect with fellow members. Let's make some great connections and have some fun!
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Thank you CareCredit for your continued support of SCN!
Whether you use your healthcare credit card to cover your deductible, or to pay for treatments and procedures not covered by insurance*CareCredit helps make the health, wellness and beauty treatments and procedures you want possible today.Narragansett Ballroom
Sameer Bhasin, VP of Alliance at CareCredit, is dedicated to working with dentistry’s key opinion leaders and leading educators. One of Sameer’s key initiatives is to gather the latest insights, ideas and practical tools presented at dental meetings and conventions. To help increase recommended patient care, Sameer shares these best practices with CareCredit’s community of more than 110,000 enrolled dental providers. Prior to his current role, Sameer acquired more than a decade of front-line business practice experience in his position as Practice Development Manager and subsequently as Regional Sales Manager. Sameer earned his MBA from the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, where he currently resides.
Hiba will share how mastering Emotional Intelligence can transform your speaking business, helping you:
🔹 Enhance leadership and influence
🔹 Deepen audience engagement
🔹 Prevent burnout while sustaining high performance
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Hiba Tanvir is a Certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner and the founder of HT Compassion, a boutique Emotional Intelligence consulting firm. A trailblazer in the field, she helps leaders, working parents, educators, and teams worldwide harness Emotional Intelligence as a competitive edge in today’s AI-driven world.
Armed with an MBA, along with resilience-building training from Harvard University and the Gottman Institute, Hiba goes beyond theory—she is passionate about equipping individuals with practical strategies to drive success at both work and home while preventing burnout.
Through her engaging talks and hands-on workshops, Hiba delivers actionable insights that foster emotional resilience, leadership excellence, and sustainable high performance. As an action leader, she spearheads global initiatives like the Man Up program, empowering African youth with Emotional Intelligence skills. She is also the visionary behind Hope Kitchen, a social enterprise providing dignified work opportunities for struggling women.
Hiba is currently co-authoring a book on how Emotional Intelligence serves as a competitive advantage in an AI-driven world.
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Tom McManimon is the founder & President of StimulusBrand Advertising & Marketing now located in Lebanon, PA. He is an accomplished creative director, designer, copywriter, positioning strategist, author, musician, and speaker. A nationally recognized branding expert, Tom has led award-winning ad campaigns, created re-branding efforts for large multi-national companies, and countless company start-ups. After a 20-yr career with larger agencies, Tom launched his agency, StimulusBrand in 2002 —providing strategic planning, brand identity, advertising, web design, video & TV, collateral, social media, public relations, and more.
His agency serves companies across a diverse set of industries and media in B2B and Consumer categories. Clients like: Philadelphia Insurance Companies, The Bank of Princeton, Prudential Mortgage Capital, Henry J Austin Health Center, Taylor Pork Roll, SMUG Brewing, and more.
Tom is also a published storyteller and professional speaker delivering keynotes and professional presentations to companies and business organizations. His books titled: The Position Player, centered around Brand Positioning and another on personal branding, The Stuff That Sticks can be purchased on Amazon.com.
Thank you eAssist for your continued support of SCN!
eAssist dental billing exists for two reasons. First, to help our client dentists enjoy the practice of dentistry by helping them collect 100% of what they produce. Secondly, to provide an amazing business opportunity and the freedom to work from home for Dental Office Managers looking for more security.Narragansett Ballroom
Jacquelyn is the director of Dental Zing the educational platform for eAssist Dental Solutions and Practice Booster and manages the eAssist Consulting Network.
She spends most of her days bringing on-demand certified education to dentalzing.com and loves connecting with dental professionals through the eAssist Consulting Network! After more than a decade of working with healthcare professionals, she has become a strong advocate of creating Peace of Mind through education and the value of strong relationships and working together. She especially seeks to find ways to remove mundane busy work tasks so practices can focus on high-value activities and revenue-building strategies instead. When she is not focusing on dentistry, she loves being a hairstylist (another relationship-building activity!!) and spending time with her family. Nothing makes her happier than the squeal of one of her adorable grandchildren or long chats with her children.
Penny Reed is the Chief Growth Officer at eAssist Dental Solutions, and the author of the book, Growing Your Dental Business. Penny was recruited by her own dentist to run his growing practice, after spending two years as an IT manager with the Walmart Corporation.
Penny has over 30 years of experience as a speaker and dental business coach and has been designated a Leader in Dental Consulting by Dentistry Today from 2007 to present. She is a certified “Behavioral Consultant” through the Institute for Motivational Living, and a former Dale Carnegie Trainer.
Penny is the executive team support for the people services at eAssist, the nation’s leader in outsourced dental billing. She speaks at dental meetings about team coachability, effective revenue cycle management, and practice growth.
Penny is a member of the Speaking and Consulting Network, a Speaking/Consulting member of the American Association of Dental Office Management, and is on faculty at the Nash Institute for Dental Learning.
It's time for lunch with friends, colleagues, and maybe someone new! Enjoy!
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Your business is growing—but does your approach to operations match your current size and stage? This session is designed for speakers who want to invest in their infrastructure wisely, avoiding unnecessary complexity while positioning their teams for growth. We’ll walk you through identifying what matters most at your current phase and provide a tailored roadmap for scalable, impactful operations.
Takeaways:
🔹Growth-Phase Insight: Understand the operational needs unique to your business size and growth trajectory.
🔹Infrastructure Priorities: Learn when and how to invest in systems that deliver immediate and long-term ROI.
🔹Roadmap for Success: Build a phase-appropriate action plan that scales with your business.
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Kara Barnes has been instrumental in elevating many thought leaders beyond 1 million in revenue by systematizing day-to-day operations and by serving as a trusted "2nd in Command." As the Founder of Backstage Ops, a fractional COO agency, Kara and her brilliant team of ops managers partner with visionaries to align their strategy, systems, software and staff. Whether completing strategic planning or finding a perfect-fit business manager placement, this work has allowed countless professional speakers to escape administrative minutiae and focus on developing their thought leadership... achieving focused goals with ease!
Chrissy will share a no-fluff roadmap for turning your expertise into lasting business success, including:
🔹 Creating sustainable revenue beyond speaking engagements
🔹 Building simple, scalable business structures
🔹 Maximizing impact without compromising what matters most
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Chrissy Mellinger is a business consultant who helps badass holistic health providers, energy workers, and thought leaders create recurring revenue in their businesses with simple structures and systems. Combining an MBA and 7 years in the hotel industry earning well over $1 Billion for her properties, Chrissy knows every business is unique. She works with her clients to carve their own paths with custom frameworks that work for them AND their business, so that they can make all the money and impact they want both in business and life, without compromising on the things that matter most.
Thank you Weave for your continued support of SCN!
If you run an office or a practice, you have enough to do without worrying about the business side of things. But with Weave, you manage your phones, text with your patients, build your online reputation, and so much more, all while you focus on what you do best: provide great care for your patients.Narragansett Ballroom
Adam Sierra is a marketing professional from Salt Lake City, Utah, with a passion for strategic partnerships and entrepreneurship. As the Head of Influencer Marketing at Weave, he has played a pivotal role in Weave’s rise to industry leader. Adam earned his business degree from the prestigious BYU Marriott School of Business, where he bridged his entrepreneurial spirit with an interest in sales and marketing. Over the past four years at Weave, Adam's deep understanding of the influencer landscape, his ability to create impactful partnerships, and his drive to build brand recognition have yielded remarkable outcomes for Weave and its customers. Known for his creative thinking, strategic mindset, and industry foresight, Adam builds strong relationships with Key Opinion Leaders to create authentic experiences. Beyond his professional pursuits, Adam stays active in his community and enjoys traveling. He believes in giving back and empowering others on their entrepreneurial journeys by sharing wisdom and experiences. With his wealth of knowledge, genuine passion, and impactful contributions, Adam continues to make a significant impact in the world of Dentistry and beyond.
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Alexis Dick is a results-driven event planner with a passion for creating impactful experiences. At HARDI, she orchestrates 20+ annual events for up to 2,000 attendees, managing million- dollar budgets and fostering strategic partnerships to optimize engagement. Previously, she planned and executed events at Bath & Body Works and supported initiatives for up to 90,000 associates while ensuring seamless logistics and high-impact experiences. Her background in strategic communication from The Ohio State University, combined with leadership roles in retail, has shaped her expertise in project management, logistics, and audience engagement.
An active industry leader, Alexis serves on MPI Ohio’s Communications Committee, contributes to PCMA, and supports fundraising events for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She has been featured on the Meeting of the Minds podcast and has written for MPI Ohio Define, Smart Meetings, and PCMA Convene. Her industry contributions have earned her recognition as a PCMA 20 in Their Twenties honoree, MPI Ohio Chapter’s 2024 Rising Star, a Tomorrow’s Leader Award recipient, and a Columbus Brewer’s Ball Finest Honoree. With a talent for organization and a passion for innovation, she continues to elevate events that connect and inspire.
As Co-Founder and CEO of VaynerSpeakers, Zach Nadler has spent his career representing the most influential leaders and personalities of today. Since launching VaynerSpeakers in 2018 with longtime client and now business partner Gary Vaynerchuk, Zach’s work has reimagined the traditional talent model, under the principle that no two events are the same.
Under his leadership, VaynerSpeakers has become one of the fastest-growing companies within VaynerX. Simultaneously, he spent three years as Head of Programming for VeeCon—the first of its kind NFT-ticketed super conference—where he led programming for 600+ speakers at the intersection of business, innovation, and pop culture. Over the course of his career, Zach has driven more than $93M in sales and booked speakers at 3,600+ events.
Before founding VaynerSpeakers, Zach was a top sales agent at CAA, working with talent like Al Pacino, Malala Yousafzai, President Joe Biden, Arnold Schwarzenegger and more. Earlier in his career, he served as Vice President of Sports & Entertainment Marketing at Premier Management Group, where he notably managed Olympians who brought home over 20 gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. During his time at CAA, Zach also pioneered the agency’s comic convention practice and developed national tours, including AC2: Deep Talk and Shallow Tales with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.
An NYU grad and Massachusetts native, Zach now splits his time between New York City and Woodstock, NY, where he lives with his wife, daughter, their dog Lucy—and a prized collection of vintage vinyl.
Time to network! Grab a coffee, chat with our fantastic partners, and connect with fellow members. Let's make some great connections and have some fun!
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Persistent worry and negative thinking impair our cognitive function, limiting problem-solving abilities and creative thinking, directly affecting business outcomes and personal well-being. How can we counteract these crippling effects to foster a resilient, thriving professional environment?
This keynote ventures deep into the heart of this connection, exploring how mindset shapes our professional journeys and the importance of maintaining optimism and gratitude through unexpected challenges. Participants will discover the science behind optimism and its crucial role in strategic success. We will differentiate between toxic positivity and authentic happiness and engage with Doc Martin’s TEAM™ Framework to understand the profound impact of thoughts on outcomes.
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Transforming adversity into opportunity, Dr. Martin R. Mendelson, FIADFE, CPC, redirected a devastating medical disablement from his clinical career into a passion for helping leaders through the science of mindset and positivity. For over twenty years, he has empowered dental professionals internationally to lighten the leadership load, enhancing decision-making and nurturing cultures where transparency leads to team excellence.
Dr. Mendelson holds executive coaching, team coaching/facilitation, emotional intelligence, and happiness studies certifications. He served as Adjunct Clinical Faculty at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and was a Resident Faculty member at Spear Education for over a decade.
A recognized thought leader, Dr. Mendelson’s first book, One MOVE Makes All the Difference, will be released on November 4th by Morgan James Publishing out of NYC and he is an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine.
Join us LIVE for our annual Spotlight on Speaking competition! Seven influential SCN speakers will have eight minutes each to WOW our audience and judges! The winner of SOS receives a guaranteed speaking opportunity at SCN 2026! Good luck!!!
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2024 Spotlight on Speaking Winner
As an RDA/EFDA with over 20 experience in General, Cosmetic and Oral Surgery. I have been trade by dentist for dentist. I bring an in-depth perspective on what it takes to be not just great, but an amazing Dental Assistant in this ever changing industry.
Joyce Weeks, B.S., M.Sc., is a seasoned expert in immunology and global health, with a strong foundation in biology. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University, she went on to complete her Master’s in Immunology and Global Health at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, in 2014. Joyce joined Dental Ed, Inc. that same year and has been a driving force in the company ever since, eventually becoming the Owner in 2023.
With her extensive knowledge of immunology and infectious diseases, Joyce is a vital resource in the dental education field. Growing up as the daughter of a dentist and a dental infection control educator, she gained early exposure to the critical aspects of dental professions. This background, combined with her academic expertise, gives her a unique perspective on the importance of education in personal protective equipment (PPE), disease transmission, vaccinations, and prevention. Joyce is passionate about leveraging her insights to enhance the standards of safety and care within the dental community.
Dr. Howard Polansky started his career as a dentist, first with the US Navy before transitioning into private practice in Austin, Texas. A life changing event in 2018 made Howard pivot away from dentistry and find a better way to create an impact in this world. Howard’s new path was revealed when the first person he helped took a 30 year mortgage and paid it off in 8 months. Howard helps families and business owners with a simple financial system so they can dramatically reduce their debt payments on items like mortgages, business loans, car payments, student loans, and even credit card bills. By managing these payments effectively, you maintain your lifestyle, AND keep more money each month. Today is the day when you learn to become your own CFO – a Cash Flow Optimizer.
Trish Jones, RDH, BSc has been passionate about dentistry for over 30 years. She holds degrees in Dental Hygiene and a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. With extensive experience spanning clinical practice, dental laboratories, and corporate dentistry, she brings a well-rounded perspective to the field.
Trish loves to speak and write about technical and digital advancements that have a practical impact on dental offices and labs, including topics like understanding dental lab materials for the entire dental team. Her expertise and contributions have earned her industry recognition, including being named one of Dental Products Report’s Top 25 Women in Dentistry in 2014.
Since 2017, she has served as an Account Manager for Technical Products at Ivoclar, covering the Southwest Gulf Territory. Her dedication and excellence in this role led to her recognition as Ivoclar’s National Top Account Manager in 2022. In 2023, she was honored with the Lady of the Year award by Ladies of the Mill, a dental technology association.
Beyond her professional achievements, Trish is deeply committed to giving back. She has been actively involved in Give Back a Smile, a charitable foundation that restores the smiles of abuse survivors. Known for her passion, empathy, and ability to connect with diverse audiences through relatable analogies, she brings joy and excitement to every interaction.
Deanna Otts-Whitfield is a dental professional with 15+ years of experience in hygiene, infection prevention, and patient care. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, she holds a bachelor’s in dental hygiene, an executive master’s in healthcare quality and safety, and a certification in dental infection prevention. Deanna serves on boards like the Texas Dental Hygienists' Association and works as a compliance consultant for Copper Penny Consulting, advocating for evidence-based practices and advancing oral health education.
Let’s wrap up Day 1 and get ready for a high-energy evening with our awards banquet and a showstopping dueling pianos experience!
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Join us for predinner drinks celebrating our Summit, SCN, and YOU! #SCNLife
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Get ready to sing loud, laugh hard, and let the good times duel at our high-energy awards dinner!✨ We’ll also be announcing this year’s SOS and Spirit Award winners—you won’t want to miss the magic. Can’t wait to see you there!
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✈️ Plan to arrive no later than 4pm on Thursday and depart no earlier than 3pm on Saturday.
Let's get it started ~ Day 2 of our summit kicks off with fresh energy and inspiring sessions!
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Matt Roberts has appeared as a guest on NBC’s Today Show and in over 30 comedic commercials, promoting a wide range of famous brands to millions of viewers—from Geico to Ghostbusters, earning two Emmy Nominations for his TV work. In addition to corporate events and conferences, Matt has emceed annual events for Boston Symphony Hall, Mohegan Sun Casino and NBA Entertainment for over a decade. He has performed his mix of magic and comedy for Google, GE, Pepperidge Farm, Ocean Spray, Seth Meyers and has even shared the stage with Jim Henson’s Muppets in Chicago and Manhattan where The New York Times called his work, “Enchanting.”
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Ryan Vet is an international keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author. He has presented around the globe on four different continents. Ryan’s experiences range from start-ups to Fortune 500s such as Samsung, Warner Brothers, and Bing. From starting his first business at age 14 to launching and successfully exiting start-ups, Ryan is a serial entrepreneur. He has been featured in countless publications (USA Today, Forbes, Financial Times, NBC, CBS, ABC and more) for his entrepreneurial endeavors and routinely contributes to Forbes and other leading publications. In 2019 he authored the book Cracking the Millennial Code.
We all buy from humans we like. Those humans need to be drawn to WHO you are before they will care about WHAT you do. Learn tips for photography and video that tell your authentic story, to attract your ideal client or patient, and keep them around for the long term.
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Laura J Nadler is an international speaker who knows a strong brand story is the key to attracting your ideal patients. She is the founder of WorkingCat Marketing, which offers photography, video production, and branding services. She is the author of Lights! Camera! YOU! – A Practical Guide to Creating and Using Video to Market Your Practice, a step-by-step guide to creating video content. Laura is the Vice President of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants. When she’s not working, Laura loves to travel (17 countries & counting) and is a wine and sci-fi nerd. She lives in New York with her husband and their two furry babies.
Thank you Adit for your continued support of SCN!
Designed and engineered specifically for Dental Practices. Adit is the only software solution that integrates VoIP, Texts, Emails, Patient Forms, Online Scheduling, Analytics, Reviews, Payments and more, all in one place!Narragansett Ballroom
With a keen eye for strategy and a passion for innovation, Jos is a seasoned professional dedicated to driving growth and maximizing potential. Known for his dynamic leadership style and unwavering commitment to excellence, Josh thrives in challenging environments, turning obstacles into opportunities.
Josh serves as the Vice President of Business Development at Adit, a leading SaaS company providing comprehensive solutions for dental practices. In this role, he has played a pivotal part in achieving a staggering 130X ARR Growth over the past four years. Josh’s responsibilities encompass strategic leadership, sales process optimization, team building, and fostering key partnerships.
Josh’s success is grounded in his philosophy of leading by example, never asking his team to undertake tasks he wouldn’t tackle himself. His commitment to lifting those around him and nurturing a culture of excellence is evident in every aspect of his work.
Connect with Josh Gosnell to explore collaborative opportunities, strategic partnerships, and innovative solutions for driving growth in your organization.
Meet Mackenzie, your friendly Business Development Manager at Adit. With a passion for connecting with people and presenting our product to eager audiences, I thrive on building relationships and fostering growth. Whether it’s a small meeting or a bustling room of partners, I love sharing our vision with friendly faces.
Beyond the conferences/meetings, you’ll find me soaking up the sun at Malibu’s beautiful beaches. Raised in San Diego, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for sunshine, outdoor adventures, and of course, indulging in the iconic California burritos. And let’s not forget my guilty pleasure – shopping for clothes I probably don’t need, but absolutely adore.
Time to network! Grab a coffee, chat with our fantastic partners, and connect with fellow members. Let's make some great connections and have some fun!
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Learn how to build authority in the dental industry through personal branding, LinkedIn strategy, and content marketing that attracts opportunities.
With over 15 years of experience in the online business world, she helps entrepreneurs create strategic marketing systems that build visibility, credibility, and client relationships.
Specializing in LinkedIn strategy and email marketing, Karen teaches business owners how to attract and convert leads by using LinkedIn for authority-building and email for long-term engagement.
She shares practical, strategic, and results-driven marketing strategies through workshops, industry events, and coaching programs—helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses without relying on outdated or high-pressure tactics.
Tanesha R. is a seasoned business coach and sales coach, renowned for her ability to empower entrepreneurs in mastering social media marketing with consistency and confidence. With almost 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has collectively helped thousands of business owners generate over $millions in sales using social media alone. Based in Detroit but internationally recognized, Tanesha offers customizable coaching programs designed to start, grow, or relaunch successful businesses. Her expertise lies in monetizable business strategies, target audience, and implementing systems that enhances the customer roadmap.
Thinking about merging your dental consulting business or selling it? Just like a marriage, mergers and acquisitions require careful planning, clear communication, and a solid prenup—uh, we mean contract! We’ll explore the key steps to a successful business merger or sale, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to ensure a smooth transition for both owners and clients. Whether you're looking for a graceful exit or a strategic partnership, this insightful talk will give you the essentials—without the messy divorce.
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Amy Wood believes patient safety and practice safety go hand in hand. Through education and consulting programs, Amy works with practices to ensure that patients digital and physical safety are top priority.
Thank you, Dental Intelligence for your continued support of SCN!
Dental Intelligence is the only end-to-end practice performance solution in the dental market. They help practices increase production, number of visits, and collections while decreasing overhead using actionable insights and automation.Narragansett Ballroom
An exploration of both visible and hidden factors that influence events, actions, or outcomes.
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Denise Williams-Jones, RDA, is a Customer Service Consultant, Speaker, Author, Humanitarian, and Founder of Next Level to Success. She started in the dental field in 1995, working in some of the top dental offices in Southern California. Her roles included chair-side assistant, inventory and supply manager, team trainer, scheduling coordinator, financial coordinator, marketing liaison, community outreach, and front office lead.
Denise consulted for the American Dental Association as part of the Dental Team Hub Advisory Group for Practice Management. Denise is also an Align speaker for North America. She is a Crown Council member. Denise is a member of the Speaking Consulting Network (SCN), served as their ambassador for one year, and won the Spotlight on Speaking competition in 2020 held by SCN. She has designed continuing education courses for the American Dental Association (ADA) and The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). She graduated from two highly respected dental practice management training programs and holds several certifications in Phone Training, Maximizing Patient Flow, Treatment Case Acceptance, Leadership, Culture Building, Team Building, System Implementation, and Delivering Exceptional Customer Service concerning patient care.
Denise is passionate and committed to customer service. She believes results happen when training starts with an organized yet friendly environment and has a history of noticeable performance growth with the practices with which she has worked. Her program is designed to help dental offices improve relationships with their fellow team members and patients while raising their bottom line by implementing proper systems. Over 30 years of real-life experience using proven techniques have taken many practices to the Next Level of Success.
It's time for lunch with friends, colleagues, and maybe someone new! Enjoy!
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Our words hold unmatched power; they can build bridges or burn them, inspire change or instill doubt, heal wounds or deepen them. In From Wounds to Wins, you’ll explore how language shapes our inner dialogue, influences our leadership presence, and impacts the lives of those we lead. This course invites you to reflect on how words—spoken, written, or unspoken—have marked your own story and how they can become your greatest asset in creating connection, cultivating confidence, and leading with intention.
Whether you’re navigating a leadership role, mentoring a team, or rewriting your own narrative, this session offers practical insights into transforming communication into a tool for meaningful growth.
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Christi Bintliff is the founder of LEAP2 Solutions, a boutique coaching agency based in Raleigh-Durham, NC.
A seasoned dental operations director, coach, edutainer, motivational speaker, storyteller, and published writer, Christi brings experience-based expertise in leadership, practice management, and strategic planning—all fueled by her charismatic personality and cheerful outlook.
Her signature LEAP Methodology is designed for vision-driven leaders, helping them identify areas for growth and change, align and engage their teams, and achieve sustainable results.
Christi is known for her themed offsite retreats that expertly blend immersive experiences, working sessions, and team-building activities into one curated itinerary. These shared experiences build camaraderie, foster collaboration, and elevate morale and motivation—especially across multigenerational teams.
While her roots are in dentistry, Christi’s dynamic speaking, storytelling, and strategic insights bring transformational value to leaders and organizations across industries.
Jason will share powerful lessons from his leadership journey—most notably as Police Chief in Ferguson, Missouri—offering actionable strategies for:
🔹 Building trust in challenging environments
🔹 Leading with intentionality and resilience
🔹 Creating lasting impact through purpose-driven leadership
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Jason P. Armstrong is a retired police chief and nationally recognized leader with over two decades of experience driving a transformative change in public safety and beyond. Known for his award-winning approach to leadership and community engagement, Jason has made a profound impact on thousands across the country.
As one of the nation’s most trusted voices in building bridges between law enforcement and the communities they serve, he gained national recognition when appointed Police Chief in Ferguson, Missouri, five years after the police killing of Michael Brown Jr. Jason’s exemplary contributions to law enforcement leadership earned him induction into the National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as a transformational leader.
As the CEO of Armstrong Consulting, LLC, Jason travels the world consulting with government agencies, corporations, associations, and community groups to further his mission of leading positive change through intentional leadership. A sought-after keynote speaker, Jason captivates audiences with powerful presentations on leadership, community engagement, and organizational transformation. His training classes are designed to inspire and equip leaders at all levels, offering actionable strategies for trust-building, organizational transformation, and strategic alignment. With tailored programs and workshops, he delivers engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences, from public safety agencies and community groups to corporate teams, empowering them to navigate challenges and achieve measurable success.
In his #1 best-selling book, I’m Done Here!: Create Lasting Impact by Leading with Intentionality, Jason takes readers on a leadership journey that is both inspiring and motivational. He shares his remarkable path to becoming one of the world’s most notable police chiefs, providing invaluable insights into the challenges of leadership and the hardships of driving meaningful change. Written for current and aspiring leaders, the book reflects Jason’s deep commitment to intentionality, offering lessons that captivate and empower readers to lead with purpose and achieve positive change in any environment.
We are incredibly grateful for the support and collaboration of our sister organizations ~ AADOM, ADMC, APDP!
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Stay Tuned as we announce SCN 2026 location! PLUS! Biggest takeaways from the weekend, and Unplugged Kansas City!
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