Friday, October 16 | 2:45-3:45 PM

Course Description

Dental practices frequently encounter adult patients who lack decision-making capability. Protecting these vulnerable individuals requires a clear understanding of who can consent to treatment.

This course will provide a summary of Iowa law regarding durable Power of Attorney (DPOA), general power of attorney, and guardianship, and how they affect dental treatment.

Participants will also discuss common barriers families face when obtaining legal guardianship.

Practical strategies for verifying and managing the legal documents in the dental office will be explored. Case-based learning will enable participants to correctly identify appropriate decision makers to ensure patient-centered care.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the differences between Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA), general power of attorney and guardianship in Iowa for adult patients.
2. Explain the need for an alternate decision maker for patients seeking dental care.
3. Identify common barriers patients and families may face when pursuing guardianship
4. Apply best practices for obtaining and managing legal documentation in your dental practice.
5. Analyze case scenarios to identify and involve the appropriate decision-maker.

Speaker Bio

Nicole M. McGlynn, MSW, LMSW attended the University of Northern Iowa graduating in 2000 with a bachelor’s in social work. In 2004, she obtained her master’s in social work from the University of Iowa. Nicole worked at University of Iowa Healthcare for 14 years before she joined the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 2022. Currently, she provides direct patient care along with educating dental students regarding various social topics which include social determinants of health, intimate partner violence, interpretation services, patient resources and guardianship. Nicole is passionate about identifying appropriate decision makers for dental treatment to ensure vulnerable patients are protected.

Friday, October 16 | 4:00-5:00 PM

with Lynn Conway, Revenue Cycle Director

Course details to come.

Saturday, October 17 | 9:15-11:00 AM

with Karen Novak, BSDH, MA, Clinical Education Manager at HuFriedyGroup

Course details to come.

Saturday, October 17 | 1:00-2:00 PM

Speaker Bio: 

Dr. Teresa Marshall is a Professor in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry at the University of Iowa. In addition to teaching the nutrition curriculum, she currently serves as the Director of the Student Research Program and is the Michael W. Finkelstein Centennial Professor of Teaching.

Dr. Marshall’s primary research interests address the relationships among dietary behaviors including sugar sweetened beverage intakes, dental caries, and/or growth. She is also engaged in exploratory research to understand environmental and cultural factors impact caries risk via dietary behaviors.

She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Society for Nutrition, the International Association for Dental Research, and the American Academy of Cariology.

Course details to come. 

Saturday, October 17 | 2:00-3:00 PM

Speaker Bio: 

John Syrbu, DDS, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Family Dentistry, University of Iowa, College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics.  Dr. Syrbu completed his DDS at the University of Iowa in 2013 and joined the faculty in 2016.   At the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, he completed a general practice residency and worked in private practice for several years in Minnesota before returning to academics. He currently treats patients, teaches in the Family Dentistry clinic and directs the Practice Management course at the College of Dentistry.

Friday, October 16 | 2:45-3:15 PM

Course Description:

This presentation will describe the referral process of patients to the College of Dentistry and how to better serve patients as a team.

Learning Objectives:

1) Participants will understand how published research can influence clinical decision-making in pediatric dentistry, including situations in which research methodology is imperfect.

2) Participants will learn to evaluate challenging pediatric dental cases and identify how the development of a comprehensive differential diagnosis, combined with clinical experience, can influence patient care.

Speaker Bio: 

Dr. Kecia Leary is the Associate Dean for Clinics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Clinical Professor in Pediatric Dentistry. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and obtained a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and a Master's in Dental Public Health. She then obtained her Diplomate status from both the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Dental Public Health. Before her academic position she was the Pediatric Dental Director in a Federally Qualified Health Center. Her research interest include quality assurance and quality improvement in an academic setting.

Friday, October 16 | 3:15 PM-4:15 PM

Course Description:

This course will provide a practical overview of risk reduction in pediatric dentistry, guided by key concepts from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Safety Toolbox.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify situations where there is an increased risk for errors or adverse outcomes.

2. Participants will be able to incorporate AAPD Safety toolbox risk reduction strategies into clinical practice.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Amy Miers is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She received her DDS at the University of Michigan and did her pediatric dentistry and dental public health specialty training at the University of Iowa. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Dental Public Health.

Friday, October 16 | 4:30 -5:45 PM 

Course Description:

This interdisciplinary course addresses the critical role of the dental team in recognizing, documenting, and responding to child abuse and neglect. This session will review clinical indicators, risk factors, and best practices for diagnosis and documentation within the dental setting. The course will also highlight the role of the social worker in supporting both the dental team and the family. Emphasis will be placed on interprofessional collaboration, communication strategies, mandated reporting, and connecting families with appropriate community resources.

Learning Objectives:

1) Participants will learn about epidemiology and risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect.

2) Participants will learn how to recognize the orofacial signs of abuse and neglect that may be identified in dental settings.

3) Apply best practices for documentation, mandated reporting, and referral when abuse or neglect is suspected.

4) Discuss the role of social workers in supporting children and families affected by abuse and neglect.

5) Outline strategies for effective interdisciplinary communication and referral pathways.

6) Recognize available community resources and support systems for at-risk children and families.

Speaker Bios:

Nicole M. McGlynn, MSW, LMSW attended the University of Northern Iowa graduating in 2000 with a bachelor’s in social work. In 2004, she obtained her master’s in social work from the University of Iowa. Nicole worked at University of Iowa Healthcare for 14 years before she joined the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 2022. Currently, she provides direct patient care along with educating dental students regarding various social topics which include social determinants of health, child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, interpretation services, and guardianship.

Dr. Polly Iben is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. She received her DDS (1997) and Pediatric Dentistry certificate (1999) from the University of Iowa, after which she opened a private practice in the Iowa City area and was a long-time adjunct professor at the College of Dentistry. Dr. Iben served thousands of patients in her 20-plus years in private practice, and continues to see patients as an Iowa College of Dentistry faculty member. Dr. Iben is the 2023 recipient of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry’s Collegiate Teaching Award.

Saturday, October 17 | 9:15-11:00 AM

Course Description:

This presentation will focus on clinical cases and published research that impacted the way this presenter practices pediatric dentistry.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will understand how published research can influence clinical decision-making in pediatric dentistry, including situations in which research methodology is imperfect.

2. Participants will learn to evaluate challenging pediatric dental cases and identify how the development of a comprehensive differential diagnosis, combined with clinical experience, can influence patient care.

Speaker Bio: 

Dr. Michael Kanellis is a professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. He received his DDS in 1979, his master’s degree in Pediatric Dentistry in 1982, and his master’s degree in dental public health in 1995 – all from the University of Iowa. Dr. Kanellis spent thirteen years in private practice in Muscatine, Iowa before joining the faculty at the College of Dentistry on a full-time basis in 1994. For 18 years he served as Associate Dean of Clinics at the College before returning to Pediatric Dentistry on a full-time basis in July 2023.

Saturday, October 17 | 12:30-1:30 PM

Course Description: 

This course provides an overview of strategies for delivering safe and effective dental care to pediatric and special health care needs patients. Emphasis is placed on the dental assistant’s role in identifying risk factors, supporting patient cooperation, and maintaining a safe clinical environment. Participants will review communication techniques, behavior guidance, patient positioning, and the use of safety aids to reduce the risk of injury and improve treatment outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize common behavioral and clinical risk factors associated with pediatric and special needs patients and apply appropriate strategies to enhance patient safety and cooperation.

2. Apply effective communication, positioning, and preparation techniques to support safe, efficient dental care while minimizing risk to patients and the dental team.

Speaker Bio: 

Mary Akers is an experienced Dental Assistant with over 40 years in dental assisting and clinical operations. She has worked across all dental specialties but considers pediatrics her true home. Mary is known for her leadership, dedication to supporting staff development, and commitment to ensuring compliance with healthcare standards. She has played a key role in coordinating clinic workflows, mentoring dental assistants and students, contributing to committees focused on patient safety, equipment management, and process improvement. Her approach is grounded in clear communication, teamwork, and a strong commitment to high-quality patient care, making her a trusted resource within her department and across multidisciplinary teams.

Saturday, October 17 | 1:30-2:30 PM

Course Description:

This lecture provides an overview of cleft lip and palate, including embryological development, etiology, classification, clinical presentation, and multidisciplinary management. Common challenges related to feeding, speech, hearing, dental development and psychosocial well-being will be discussed, along with current approaches to diagnosis and treatment. This lecture will also present a current research project on cleft lip and palate, highlighting its objectives, methodology, key findings, and potential implications for improving patient outcomes and guiding future clinical practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the etiology, embryology, clinical features, diagnosis, classification and multidisciplinary management of cleft lip and palate.

2. Discuss and critically evaluate a current research project on cleft lip and palate and its implications for clinical practice and future research.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Jade Quearney earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Trinity College Dublin and gained extensive clinical experience in private practice, community dental services, and hospital dentistry before relocating to the United States. She also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Conscious Sedation at Trinity College Dublin and a Postgraduate Certificate in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Edinburgh. Dr. Quearney completed her pediatric dentistry residency at Texas A&M University, where she earned a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and a Master of Science degree. Her clinical and research interests focus on craniofacial anomalies, particularly cleft lip and palate, with an emphasis on improving outcomes through evidence-based, multidisciplinary care. In 2026, Dr. Quearney joined the University of Iowa as an Assistant Professor in Pediatric Dentistry, where she is actively involved in teaching, clinical care, and research.

Saturday, October 17 | 2:45-3:30 PM

Course Description: 

This course provides an overview of current evidence and best practices related to oral health care during pregnancy, with particular emphasis on the unique role of pediatric dentists in promoting the oral health of both mother and child. The course will also present findings from a clinical trial involving low-income pregnant women in which oral health interventions began during pregnancy to prevent Early Childhood Caries. Study outcomes related to maternal oral health knowledge, perceived oral health status, dietary behaviors, oral hygiene practices, and fod insecurity will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe current recommendations for oral health care during pregnancy, including common oral conditions, preventive strategies, and considerations for providing safe dental treatment.

2. Discuss the relationship between maternal oral health and infant oral health outcomes, including maternal knowledge, behaviors, and the prevention of Early Childhood Caries.

3. Evaluate findings from a prenatal oral health intervention among low-income mothers and identify opportunities to incorporate evidence-based maternal and infant oral health promotion into pediatric dental practice and public health settings.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Karin Weber-Gasparoni is a Professor and Chair of the University of Iowa Department of Pediatric Dentistry. She is dual-trained in Pediatric and Public Health Dentistry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She received her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and Master’s degree in Dental Public Health in 1999, and a PhD in Oral Science in 2003 – all from the University of Iowa Dr. Weber-Gasparoni currently serves as a board examiner for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is the Principal Investigator of a multimillion-dollar research testing the effectiveness of self-determination theory of motivation for the prevention of ECC among low-income high-risk population.

Friday, October 16 | 2:45-5:45PM

Course Description:

This comprehensive lecture-based course is designed to guide clinicians through the biological and surgical complexities of the posterior maxilla. Participants will begin with a rigorous review of midfacial anatomy, focusing on the Schneiderian membrane, sinus physiology, and critical vascular landmarks. We will examine the diagnostic criteria for selecting between the lateral window and crestal approach based on residual bone height and CBCT analysis. Detailed protocols for both traditional and minimally invasive techniques will be presented, alongside an evaluation of contemporary grafting biomaterials and their healing characteristics.

The session also addresses the prevention and management of common intraoperative complications, such as membrane perforations and hemorrhage. Finally, we will discuss postoperative care and long-term maintenance strategies to ensure the stability of the sinus graft and subsequent dental implants. By the end of this lecture, practitioners will have a clear, evidence-based roadmap for performing predictable sinus augmentations in their daily practice.

Speaker Bio: 

Dr. Sridhar Eswaran is a Professor and the Associate Program Director of the Graduate Periodontics Program at the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and earned his Master of Science and Certificate in Periodontics from the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. His clinical expertise and research focus on dental implants, ridge preservation, and the systemic links between periodontal health and conditions like diabetes. Dr. Eswaran is highly active in dental education, overseeing the training of residents while contributing to numerous professional organizations. He is widely recognized for his dedication to advancing the field of periodontology through both clinical research and academic leadership.

Saturday, October 17 | 9:15-11:00 AM

Course Description: 

This comprehensive course teaches the biological principles and surgical techniques required to prevent post-extraction bone loss and prepare sites for future implants. Participants will learn minimally invasive extractions, the selection of grafting biomaterials, and membrane management. The program concludes with a dedicated hands-on lab where clinicians practice graft stabilization and suturing on simulation models. By the end of this session, you will be equipped to predictably maintain ridge volume and aesthetic contours.

Speaker Bios:

Dr. Sridhar Eswaran is a Professor and the Associate Program Director of the Graduate Periodontics Program at the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and earned his Master of Science and Certificate in Periodontics from the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. His clinical expertise and research focus on dental implants, ridge preservation, and the systemic links between periodontal health and conditions like diabetes. Dr. Eswaran is highly active in dental education, overseeing the training of residents while contributing to numerous professional organizations. He is widely recognized for his dedication to advancing the field of periodontology through both clinical research and academic leadership.

Dr. Popi Stylianou is an Associate Professor in the Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene at the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. After earning her Certificate in Periodontics from the University of Minnesota, she completed a specialized fellowship in complex implant restorations and full-mouth rehabilitation. Her clinical and research expertise centers on advanced regeneration techniques, including alveolar ridge preservation, and osseodensification. Beyond her surgical practice, she contributes significantly to academia by mentoring graduate periodontics residents and serving on admissions committees. She is recognized for bridging the gap between surgical periodontics and restorative excellence in both her teaching and patient care.

Saturday, October 17 | 12:30 - 2:00 PM

Course Description:

Successful implant therapy depends on adequate assessment and management of the hard and soft tissue treatment needs before implant placement. This course provides an evidence-based approach to evaluating implant sites and making critical decisions regarding tissue augmentation to optimize functional, biologic, and esthetic outcomes. Participants will learn to identify hard and soft tissue deficiencies that influence implant positioning, long-term stability, and esthetic success. The course will review the indications, advantages, limitations, and clinical application of commonly performed hard and soft tissue augmentation procedures like guided bone regeneration, connective tissue grafting, and soft tissue phenotype modification. Through clinical cases and current literature, participants will learn to develop a systematic framework for case selection and treatment planning, enabling predictable treatment and improved long-term implant outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

1. Evaluate hard and soft tissue deficiencies at potential implant sites and identify factors that influence implant placement, esthetic outcomes, and long-term stability.
2. Differentiate indications, advantages, and limitations of common hard and soft tissue augmentation procedures used for implant site development.
3. Develop evidence-based treatment plans by selecting appropriate augmentation strategies and timing to optimize functional, biologic, and esthetic implant outcomes.

Speaker Bio: 

Dr. Ankita Samal graduated with a Masters in Oral Science and Certificated in Periodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She has over eight years of clinical experience in India and the Maldives prior to pursuing specialty training in the United States. Before starting her residency at Iowa, she was a Fellowship in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Michigan. Following her fellowship, she joined the Department of Radiology at Michigan Medicine as a research fellow to follow her passion in Periodontal Ultrasound research and better understand wound healing. Her academic interests include periodontal regeneration, implant therapy, periodontal ultrasound imaging, and translational research. Dr. Samal is passionate about clinical education and mentorship, actively teaching predoctoral dental students while pursuing research focused on improving periodontal diagnosis and treatment outcomes, through longitudinal studies oral shifts of metabolites after surgical therapy. Today, she will discuss evidence-based decision-making in extraction socket management and practical considerations for bone grafting following tooth extraction.

Saturday, October 17 | 2:00-3:30 PM 

Course Description:

Laminar bone membrane is a rigid allograft membrane made from thin sheet of demineralized human cortical bone. Due to its unique biomechanical properties, it is gaining traction as material of choice for implant site preservation and site development procedures. This course will introduce the use of these membranes for implant site development and provide participants knowledge about the biological principles, clinical indications, and surgical protocols for effective use of these membranes. Through a combination of didactic instruction, case-based discussions, attendees will learn how these membranes can be used to manage horizontal and vertical ridge deficiencies and how they may help with shaping the overlying soft tissue phenotype.

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this presentation, the participants should be able to:

1. Understand the biological and clinical rationale for using laminar bone membrane in ridge augmentation/preservation procedures.
2. Discuss the indications, site selection and surgical techniques necessary for using this membrane.
3. Recognize and manage potential complications and ensure predictable healing outcomes

Speaker Bio: 

Dr. Sivaraman Prakasam is the Philip A. Lainson Associate Professor and Chair (DEO) of the Department of Periodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. He earned his Bachelor of Dental Science degree from Ragas Dental College and Hospital, followed by a PhD in Oral Biology and Pathology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He then completed his MSD and residency training in periodontology at Indiana University. Dr. Prakasam is an accomplished academician and clinician-scientist whose research has been supported by both NIH and industry funding. He has received several awards and honors, including the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Foundation Teaching Fellowship and the prestigious Balint Orban Clinical Research Award. His research program focuses on peptidoglycan recognition proteins as biomarkers for oral inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis. In addition to his basic science research, he actively conducts clinical research and has led two randomized clinical trials. Dr. Prakasam has published over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and several book chapters.

Session A) Friday, October 16 | 2:00-5:30PM

Session B) Saturday, October 17 | 12:30-4:00PM 

Course Description: 

This workshop is designed to provide participants with purposeful hands-on experience in esthetic anterior resin composite restorations. Emphasis will be placed on natural layering techniques, contouring, and finishing protocols using high-performance composite systems such as Estelite Omega. Participants will gain practical skills to achieve predictable, life-like anterior restorations in daily clinical practice.

These two separate sessions are limited to four participants each. 

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Create custom shade guides and explore ways to utilize them chairside in the clinic.
• Explore polychromatic layering concepts.
• Sculpt and contour anterior restorations.
• Execute finishing and polishing for optimal esthetics.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Ahmad Alkhazaleh is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Operative Dentistry at the University of Iowa. He received his BDS from Jordan University of Science and Technology and completed both a Master’s degree in Oral Science and a Certificate in Operative Dentistry at the University of Iowa in 2022. Dr. Alkhazaleh is a Diplomate of the American Board of General Dentistry (ABGD), a Diplomate of the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry (ABAD), and a Fellow of the International College of Dentists (FICD-USA). His interests include esthetic and restorative dentistry, dental education, and clinical research. He is actively involved in continuing dental education and regularly lectures on esthetic dentistry, research, and contemporary restorative techniques at professional meetings.

Saturday, October 17 | 9:15-11:00 AM

Course Description:

An overview of the etiology, diagnosis, and minimally invasive aesthetic management of anterior white spot lesions, highlighting treatment selection and the combined use of remineralization, bleaching, microabrasion, and resin infiltration for predictable clinical results.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the etiology, clinical presentation, and optical characteristics of anterior white spot lesions.
2. Differentiate between pre- and pos-eruptive white spot lesions to guide diagnosis and treatment planning.
3. Explain the mechanisms, indications, and limitations of minimally invasive modalities such as remineralization, bleaching, microabrasion, and resin infiltration.
4. Select the most appropriate treatment sequence for a given white spot lesion case based on lesion depth, discoloration, and aesthetic demands.
5. Evaluate the expected aesthetic and structural outcomes of synergistic treatment approaches and justify the final management plan.

Speaker Bio: 

Dr. Ahmad Alkhazaleh is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Operative Dentistry at the University of Iowa. He received his BDS from Jordan University of Science and Technology and completed both a Master’s degree in Oral Science and a Certificate in Operative Dentistry at the University of Iowa in 2022. Dr. Alkhazaleh is a Diplomate of the American Board of General Dentistry (ABGD), a Diplomate of the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry (ABAD), and a Fellow of the International College of Dentists (FICD-USA). His interests include esthetic and restorative dentistry, dental education, and clinical research. He is actively involved in continuing dental education and regularly lectures on esthetic dentistry, research, and contemporary restorative techniques at professional meetings.

Saturday, October 17 | 12:30-2:30 PM

with Dr. Natalia Restrepo-Kennedy, Clinical Associate Professor of Operative Dentistry 

Course details coming soon.