The 2026 list.
Team leadership, culture, hiring and retention, generational dynamics, communication, career development, burnout and professional wellbeing.
1SCN member
Dental media editor and co-founder of IgniteDA. Speaks on dental assisting careers and team personalities.
Sessions and sources
- Chicago Dental Society Midwinter MeetingBattling and Beating the Demons of Dental AssistingHarnessing the Power of Personalities in the Dental PracticeOrganizer's program ↗
- Greater New York Dental MeetingBattling and Beating the Demons of Dental AssistingHarnessing The Powers of Dental Practice PersonalitiesOrganizer's program ↗
- Rocky Mountain Dental ConventionReal Talk About the State of Dental Assistants in 2026 - Session 1Real Talk About the State of Dental Assistants in 2026 - Session 2 (Repeat)Organizer's program ↗
- TDA MeetingBattling and Beating the Demons of Dental AssistingHarnessing the Power of Personalities within the Dental PracticeOrganizer's program ↗
UO
2
Uche Odiatu
Dentist, author and certified personal trainer. Speaks on energy, wellness and inflammation.
On stage in 2026 at
MidwinterStar of the North
Sessions and sources
- Chicago Dental Society Midwinter MeetingA Biohacker's Guide to Energy, Productivity & Mental ClarityOrganizer's program ↗
- Star of the North MeetingTransform Your Body, Transform Your PracticeOrganizer's program ↗
- Yankee Dental CongressAmplify Your Energy: Seven Ways to Elevate Your Stamina!Transform Your Body, Transform Your Practice!Organizer's program ↗
SCN member
3
Ryan Vet
Generational futurist, keynote speaker and author. Speaks across industries; dentistry is one of them.
On stage in 2026 atMidwinterStar of the North Sessions and sources
4
Amanda Hill
Dental hygienist and certified infection preventionist. Hosts the Your Dental Top 5 podcast.
On stage in 2026 atMidwinter Sessions and sources
- Chicago Dental Society Midwinter MeetingThe Curious Clinician: Reigniting Passion and Embracing Emerging Trends in DentistryOrganizer's program ↗
- Yankee Dental CongressCuriosity Revived the Cat: How a Sense of Wonder Can Revive Your CareerOrganizer's program ↗
5
Mark E. Hyman
Greensboro, North Carolina dentist and UNC adjunct professor. Not the physician and author Mark Hyman, MD.
On stage in 2026 at
Hinman Sessions and sources
- Rocky Mountain Dental ConventionOn-Demand The Secret Sauce! The Hidden Ingredients of Highly Successful TeamsThe Secret Sauce! The Hidden Ingredients of Highly Successful TeamsOrganizer's program ↗
- Thomas P. Hinman Dental MeetingThe New Dentist Roadmap: Passion, Purpose, and Practical Tips For SuccessThe Secret Sauce: Hidden Ingredients of Highly-Successful TeamsOrganizer's program (archived copy) ↗
9 speakers met the qualification threshold in this category for 2026. The 5 highest-placing are named. Speakers with equal standing share a place. Being listed reflects where a speaker taught this year. It does not mean they work only in dentistry.
Earned on stage, not voted on.
Built from published programs.
Every appearance traces to the organizer's own program. No self-reported bios, no bureau listings, no nominations.
Breadth across the profession.
The Index rewards speakers chosen by many of dentistry's major meetings, not many sessions at one of them.
Membership changes nothing.
SCN members and non-members are ranked on the same evidence. Membership is added only after places are final.
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