Mid-Continent Dental Congress - Greater St. Louis Dental Society Conference for Continuing Education

Peter Auster, DMD

Dr. Peter Auster strives for his seminars to be “uplifting, inspiring, and educational” – as a recent testimonial summarized. The latest technology, materials, and techniques are combined in a free-moving, collaborative day, where audience participation is embraced and videos, hands-on, and the tailored needs of the particular audience are honored. Dr. Peter Auster continues thirty-five years of cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry in his private practice in Pomona, N.Y. He has lectured from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon and he speaks internationally as well. Dr. Auster has written dozens of articles for major dental publications. He is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists. Dr. Auster completed two terms on the board of directors of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, was chair of their leadership committee, and is currently, the 2022 chairman of their Professional Education Committee. Dr. Auster is proud to be a speaker and product reviewer for Catapult Education and has been the first dentist in the U.S. to sample several popular products prior to their introduction to the U.S. market. He is a “Dawson Scholar” and received a “Concept of Complete Dentistry Award” from the Dawson Academy. Financial Relationship – Honorarium: GCA, Pearl, Shofu Dental

Shannon Pace Brinker, CDA

Shannon Pace Brinker, CDA, is a national and international speaker and published author. She has been a full-time practicing dental assistant for more than 25 years and works for Dr. Robert Korman in Virginia Beach, VA. She is an active member of the AACD, was the first auxiliary to sit on the AACD Board of Directors, and was awarded the AACD Rising Star Award. Shannon was selected as one of Dentistry Today’s Top 100 Clinicians. She was also selected as Dental Products Report’s 25 most influential women in dentistry and Dr. Bicuspid’s dental assisting educator of the year. She has written more than 300 articles about clinical applications and has a current column in Dental Product Reports for team evaluations of dental products and materials. She has her own publication for dental assistants in partnership with Schein Dental called Side by Side. She has started one of the first online platforms designated for dental assistants called the Academy of Chairside Assisting. Financial Relationship –

Elizabeth Burns, DDS, RYT 200, CLC

Dr. Elizabeth Burns has been practicing dentistry for 30 years. She is also a Registered Yoga Instructor, having studied at the Chopra Center, and a Certified Life Coach through the International Coaching Federation. She has presented courses on yoga, meditation, and stress reduction with a special focus on dental professionals. Financial Relationship – none reported

Alan W. Budenz, MS, DDS

Dr. Budenz is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California. He received his graduate degree in Anatomy from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his dental degree from the University of California, San Francisco. He has more than 40 years of private general practice and faculty practice experience in San Francisco, has served as a general dentistry clinical instructor, a clinical group practice administrator, and as Chair of the Department of Diagnostic and Emergency Services at Pacific. He has also taught anatomy courses at Pacific since 1984. He has lectured extensively, both nationally and internationally, on local anesthesia, oral medicine, cariology, and the anatomical basis of dentistry topics, and every year since 2005, he has been recognized as an Annual Leader in Continuing Dental Education by “Dentistry Today”.  Financial Relationship – none reported.

Travis Campbell, DDS

Dr. Campbell is a practicing dentist and multiple practice owner who lives in Prosper, Texas with his wife and two young children. Having gained a reputation as an expert in the complex area of dental insurance, Dr. Campbell is commonly known as “The Dental Insurance Guy!” From understanding insurance to developing strategies to accelerate practice growth, Dr. Campbell delivers practical, actionable content that dentists and team members can use immediately. He dispels many of the myths and misinformation around today’s dental insurance policies and explains how to navigate the complexities of being an exceptional dentist, business owner, and leader while still having a life outside of work. His most recent textbook, Understanding Dental Insurance, has become a bestseller in dentistry and has already sold out once in just a few months. He has also launched the most comprehensive online resource for dental insurance.  Financial Relationship –

Ashley Clark, DDS

Dr. Ashley Clark is a board-certified oral pathologist currently serving as the Vice President of CAMP Laboratory in Indianapolis, Indiana after a nearly decade-long career in academia serving in roles including Residency Director, Laboratory Director, Division Chief, and Associate Dean. She is on the Professional Board for Oral Cancer Cause and Digital Dental Notes and on the Advisory Board as the Oral Pathologist for General Dentistry. Dr. Clark has won several teaching awards, has provided over 100 continuing education courses, and has authored more than 40 publications and book chapters. Financial Relationship – none reported

Wendy AuClair-Clark, DDS, MS

After her doctoral degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Wendy Clark earned her master’s degree in clinical dentistry and certificate in post-graduate prosthodontics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. She practiced prosthodontics for seven years with Team Atlanta (Goldstein, Garber & Salama), before her current full-time prosthodontic faculty role at the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry. Dr. Clark has been named a “Leader in Continuing Education” by Dentistry Today for the last 6 years, presenting on a wide range of prosthodontic topics. She has published articles in numerous peer-reviewed journals and serves as a key opinion leader for multiple companies on digital dentures. Financial Relationship – Grants/Research Support: Dentsply Sirona; Consultant: Avadent, 3PX Software; Honorarium: Avadent, Dentsply Sirona

Jamie Collins, RDH

Jamie Collins, RDH-EA, BS is a hygienist licensed in Idaho and Washington states and dedicated to advancing the dental profession.  With over twenty years in the dental field, it has led her to being involved in many aspects of patient care.  With a passion for patient care, especially those with higher risk factors, Jamie enjoys sharing the tips and tricks of the dental profession. Through speaking and writing for various publications, with over 80 articles published she educates dental professionals worldwide. She has been awarded the ADHA Trailblazer Award in 2021,2022 and the first recipient of the ADHA Standout Seven Corporate Hygienist award in 2022.   Jamie has also contributed to multiple textbooks, curriculum development, and contributes as a key opinion leader for various companies.  Her experience has led to her being named the Professional Education Manager at MouthWatch. Financial Relationship – Employee: MouthWatch

Miles Cone, DMD, CDT

Dr. Miles R. Cone is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and completed a three-year Prosthodontic residency program while serving in the United States Army before being honorably discharged as a field grade officer in the rank of Major. In addition to achieving board certification and diplomate status within his specialty, Dr. Cone has also successfully challenged all the requirements necessary to earn his designation as a Certified Dental Technician. Currently, Dr. Cone’s career in civilian life revolves around his dual role as the owner of Nuance Dental Specialists, a private practice dental clinic limited to prosthetic dentistry in the heart of Portland, ME, and his role as Editor in Chief of the American College of Prosthodontists quarterly publication, The Messenger. He is also a member of Catapult Educations’ speaker’s bureau and evaluates new products for numerous dental manufacturers. When Dr. Cone is not at the chair, in the classroom teaching, or at the lab bench, he can be found lecturing on the international circuit and publishing extensively in peer-reviewed journals. Financial Relationship –

An Chih “Angela” Do, RDH, Med

An Chih “Angela” Do,  RDH, Med, MAADH has been practicing pediatric dentistry for over 17 years as a dental assistant and hygienist. She is a speaker that brings impactful information to clinicians. Her background in film and television allows her creativity to expand beyond the operatory. As an immigrant and first-generation college graduate, she knows the impact that education can make. This awareness drives her to empower dental professionals with tools to better care for their patients.  The Pediatric RDH is an active American Dental Hygienists’ Association member. She is a Past President of the Greater Houston Dental Hygienists’ Association and Speaker of the House for the Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association. She was also a District IX delegate and appointed to ADHA’s 2021-2022 IDEA committee. She is also a mother of two young boys. Financial Relationship – Honorarium: Crest Oral-B

Marc Gottlieb, DDS

Dr. Marc M. Gottlieb was born and raised here on Long Island. After graduation from Lindenhurst H.S. he attended Union College in Schenectady, New York. He graduated with thesis honors in biology and then shuffled off to Buffalo. While at the University of Buffalo he received many academic scholarships, awards and fellowships. After graduation from dental school Dr. Gottlieb went on to a two-year post-graduate residency program at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. At the Medical Center he received advanced training in dental anesthesiology and all the specialties of dentistry. That included but was not limited to advanced training in Root Canals, Oral Surgery, Dentures, and Cosmetic Dentistry. He is a leading authority in I.V. (intravenous) and Oral Sedation. Dr. Gottlieb is currently on staff at Stony Brook University Hospital and recently awarded one the top providers of Continuing Education in Dentistry Today.

David S. Hornbrook, DDS, FAACD, FACE, FASDA

Dr. David Hornbrook graduated from UCLA School of Dentistry and has been in private practice in San Diego, California for the past 33 years.  He is a pioneer in Live-patient, esthetic dental treatment programs and was the founder and director of LVI, PAC~live, the HornbrookGroup, and Clinical mastery.

He has lectured internationally on all facets of dentistry including Porcelain Veneers, Implants, dental materials, Occlusion, and direct composites. He is the past editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and is an Accredited Fellow of the ACCD, a Fellow and Diplomate of the American Society of Dental Aesthetics, a Fellow of the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics, and was honored with Lifetime achievement awards by the Crown Council and the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics.

He had developed numerous materials and techniques that are used daily by restorative dentists and has consulted numerous manufacturers on dental materials and is the Clinical Director of Education and Technology at Utah Valley Dental Lab in Provo, Utah. Financial Relationship – Stock Shareholder: Utah Valley Dental Lab/Director of Education & Technology

Andrea Johnson, MS, RDH

21 years with Procter & Gamble and currently a Senior Business Development Manager. She has held numerous roles for the company and resides in Texas.  She enjoys sharing the science within the dental world, working with speakers, association work, and building capabilities with Crest Oral B Professional Oral Care Division.  She has a Master’s in Psychology and an extended certification in grief counseling and juvenile behavior counseling.

Gigi Meinecke, RN, DMD

Dr. Gigi Meinecke has been active in the field of facial injectables since 2004. In 2013 she established FACES Education, providing cosmetic and therapeutic injectable training to medical and dental professionals with a core focus on comprehensive facial anatomy. Her programs regularly integrate cadaver studies with live patient injections.

In addition to teaching nationally, Dr. Meinecke is faculty, course director, and facial anatomy pro-sector for the Facial Injectables Pre-doctoral program at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine. She also provides litigation support as an expert witness in the injectable domain.

Dr. Meinecke is active in organized dentistry and is a current member of the Academy of General Dentistry’s Dental Practice Council. She served 2 consecutive terms on the AGD’s Legislative and Governmental Affairs Council and is a past Chair of the ADA Council on Communications. Dr. Meinecke is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, the International College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists and is a 2023 Fellow Candidate in the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Dr. Meinecke maintains a private practice limited to facial injectables in Potomac, Maryland. Financial Relationship – Stock Shareholder: Abbvie; Evolus, Revance

Stephen Mills, DDS

Stephen Mills, DDS is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and practices in Scarborough, Maine. He completed his DDS Degree at the SUNY at Buffalo School of Dentistry in 1981. After three years on active duty in the US Army, he obtained his certificate in Pediatric Dentistry at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry of the University of Connecticut in 1987. He achieved board certification in Pediatric Dentistry in 1995.

Dr. Mills’ current activities center on his interest in sports-related orofacial injury treatment and prevention and his involvement with the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD). A past president and longtime board member, he is a Fellow of the ASD and was awarded the Academy’s Lifetime Distinguished Member Award in 2015. He is the editor of the Newsletter of the Academy for Sports Dentistry which appears in the journal Dental Traumatology. He lectures widely on Sports Dentistry and Athletic Mouthguards and serves as a team dentist for the University of New England.

Dr. Mills serves on the Board of Directors of the Partnership for Children’s Oral Health for the State of Maine, This is a non-profit organization that strives to unite various groups and individuals across the State of Maine that works towards improving the oral health of all of the children of the state. He is also a Public Policy Advocate for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Mills was inducted into the International College of Dentists in 2016. He is a dual member of the International Association of Dental Traumatology and the ASD. He writes and lectures widely on sports dentistry both in the USA and abroad. He also acts as a volunteer dentist when needed for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committees’ oral health and mouthguard activities. Financial Relationship – none reported

Ross W. Nash, DDS

Ross W. Nash, DDS is co-founder and president of the Nash Institute for Dental Learning located in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Dr. Nash has authored a chapter in a dental textbook on esthetic dentistry and is an editorial advisor and regular writer for several dental publications.  An international lecturer on esthetic dentistry, he is a Fellow in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a Diplomat for the American Board for Aesthetic Dentistry.  He has been a clinical instructor at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry.  Dr. Nash is a consultant to numerous dental materials manufacturers.  Financial Relationship – Honorarium: Philips Sonicare

Rafael Rondon, RDH, BS

Rafael Rondon has been working in the dental field for over 31 years. He spent the early part of his career working in a hospital setting and private practice. For the past 20 years, he has worked with dental group practice. Where he has helped to develop and implement dental hygiene standard of care for the organization. This standard of care included periodontal therapy, effective communication, efficient hygiene schedules, improving patient care, and dental hygiene team development. He is dedicated to helping and supporting the development of the hygiene program, individual hygienist’s skills, and improving the value of the profession. Rafael’s coaching and training have helped hundreds of practices achieve their long-sought-after goals – improving leadership, teamwork, organizational systems, patient care, patient service, verbal skills, and the bottom-line patient care. Rafael is also CEO of Mr. RDH, The mission is to create a platform for male hygienists around the world to be able to network, discuss and influence factors which affect men as dental hygienists. In addition, we will capitalize on the contributions made by our profession and illustrate the attributes of males within the profession whether clinically or administrative focused.  Financial Relationship – none reported

Jose-Luis Ruiz, DDS

Dr. Ruiz is the Founder of the “Supra-gingival Minimally Invasive Dentistry” movement, as well as the founder and director of the Los Angeles Institute of Clinical Dentistry. Former Course Director of numerous CE Courses at the University of Southern California (USC). He is an Honorary Clinical Professor at Warwick University in England and a member of the editorial board for Dentistry Today. He is also an Associate Instructor at Dr. Gordon Christensen PCC in Utah & an independent evaluator of dental products for CR (CRA). Dr. Ruiz has been named as one of the “Leaders in CE 2006-Present” by Dentistry Today.

Dr. Ruiz is the author of the textbook “Supra-gingival Minimally Invasive Dentistry; A Healthier Approach” published by Wiley-Blackwell and edited by Dr. Ray Bertolotti and has also published several research papers as well as many clinical articles on adhesive dentistry, occlusion, and esthetic dentistry. He regularly lectures at all major dental meetings, nationally and internationally.

Dr. Ruiz has been practicing in the studio district of Los Angeles for over 25 years and enjoys a clientele of many stars and entertainers. His focus is on treating complex Cosmetic, Rehabilitation, and Implant cases.

Dr. Ruiz has made numerous television appearances highlighting his Esthetic Dental makeovers, including NBC Channel 4 News, ABC’s News, Good Morning America & Vista La, VH1, and Channel 52’s Telemundo and 34 Univision. Financial Relationship –

Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH

Dr. Tanner is a renowned leader at the forefront of reshaping dental care, helping teams and individuals achieve unprecedented professional fulfillment. With a Ph.D. in Business and Leadership, Dr. Tanner uses her skills to train teams in a group practice setting. Kelly’s Ph.D. focused on organizational metacognition, an in-depth study of group dynamics, and how to elicit permanent personal and organizational change management.

Through measured assessments and interaction, she helps create sustainable systems for personal and professional productivity and accountability. Her ability to motivate the team to take ownership of case acceptance builds trust and strengthens the relationship with patients and the dental team.

Additionally, Dr. Tanner has served in areas of dental hygiene, including academia, corporate, clinical, entrepreneur, and research. She has been recognized for her outstanding leadership within health care and university settings. She has also been included as a top consultant in Dentistry Today for three years in a row. Financial Relationship –

Carrie Webber

Carrie Webber is Chief Communications Officer and co-owner of Jameson, a dental management, marketing, and hygiene coaching firms that helps dentists and teams become more productive, more profitable and ultimately
more fulfilled in their practicing lives. Carrie creates customer service and business development opportunities as well as internal and external marketing initiatives and social media strategies to effectively communicate the Jameson message to the dental profession. Carrie is a contributing author to several publications and blogs on the topics of marketing, customer service, and business development as well as a popular speaker at dental meetings
nationwide. She is also a member of the Speaking Consulting Network and was named a Leader in CE by Dentistry Today in 2019 and 2020. Financial Relationship –