SEALING THE SWISS CHEESE: Global Assessment and Mitigation of Risk in Procedural sedation and In-Office General Anesthesia
You will receive eight hours of CE credit, which satisfies the state requirements for sedation.
Friday, October 2, 2026, Austin, Texas
8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Central Time) Austin Central Library 710 W Cesar Chavez St Austin, TX 78701
Registration is now closed.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing no later than Thursday, September 24, 2026. A full refund, less a $10 processing fee, will be issued for those received by that deadline. All refunds will be processed within 30 days after the meeting. Questions? Monica Todd, texasacademypd@gmail.com
Dr. S.Thikkurissy (Bobby) is Professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Thikkurissy obtained his D.D.S. from New York University. He completed the program in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD-1) at Wright Patterson and was active duty in the U.S. Air Force for eight years: including serving as chief of pediatric dentistry at Ramstein AFB in Germany.
Thikkurissy obtained his certificate in pediatric dentistry/master’s degree from The Ohio State University. Thikkurissy is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is chair of the AAPD Committee on Sedation and Anesthesia, and AAPD representative on the ADA Committee on Dental Education and Licensure group on Sedation. Additionally, he has served on the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Examination committee.
In 2017 he was named the AAPD Pediatric Dentist of the Year award, in 2019 was named the Aubrey Rose Foundation ‘Above and Beyond Doctor’ for his work with special needs populations, and in 2025 he was awarded the AAPD Merle Hunter Leadership Award. Dr. Thikkurissy has a joint appointment within the Division of Bone Marrow Transplant where he spends time every week with families in various stages of therapy. He has lectured nationally and internationally and has published in the areas of; morbidities, quality of life and pain management in children.
SEALING THE SWISS CHEESE: Global Assessment and Mitigation of Risk in Procedural sedation and In-Office General Anesthesia
Course Overview
The roles of procedural sedation and general anesthesia have evolved over the past decade. This day long course will focus on the context of risk management throughout procedural sedation and in office general anesthesia from initial assessment to medication selection. This course builds on the TAPD Virtual course from May 2026 which focused on medication selection and associated morbidity. This course will focus globally on pharmacologic behavior guidance (to include in-office general anesthesia) to tackle issues such as liability when working with anesthesia providers, special needs, and impact on use of sedation/GA in office, as well as the role of minimally invasive dentistry within armamentarium. Finally physiology will be framed specifically in terms of birth history and airway development.
Course Objectives
Attendees will be able to:
Understand what features of a patient will inherently increase risk for sedation-related morbidity
Discuss how medical issues and birth history impact use of sedation
Understand evidence-based limitations of sedation literature
Be able to implement process-based safety measures for both sedation and general anesthesia
Schedule
8:00-8:45 – What are the Legislative Issues concerning procedural sedation? What is the liability associated with In-Office General anesthesia? 8:45-9:30 – What does the Evidence tell us about the success and risk of procedural sedation? 9:30-9:45 – BREAK 9:45-11:00 – Patient selection – optimizing success and minimizing risk; procedural sedation and In-office GA 11:00-12:00 – Patients with Special Needs and Sedation – Drawing the Line 12:00-12:30 – LUNCH 12:30-1:30 – The Pediatric Airway – development and dysfunction 1:30-2:30 – Birth History and Sedation of the Young Child (under 3yo) 2:30-2:45 – BREAK 2:45-5:00 – Decision Making and Medications
Dr. Thikkurissy has no conflict of interest to declare.
TAPD Spring 2026 CE Course
Posted on January 14, 2026
Improved Patient Care through Lawsuit Protection and Prevention by Larry Oxenham
“Pharmacobullets: Evidence-Focused Updates on Antibiotics, Antibiotic Prophylaxis, Analgesics and Emergency Drugs Administration” by Art Jeske
Saturday, April 11, 2026 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (Central Time)
Fredericksburg, Texas
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.
$450 – non member
$300 – member
$200 – staff/faculty
$25 – residents
Registration closes Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing no later than Thursday, April 2, 2026. A full refund, less a $10 processing fee, will be issued for those received by that deadline. All refunds will be processed within 30 days after the meeting.
Questions? Monica Todd, texasacademypd@gmail.com
Full Schedule & Location Details
Location:
Fredericksburg Inn & Suites 201 S. Washington St. | Fredericksburg, TX 78624
p. 830-997-0202 | f. 830-997-5740 https://fredericksburg-inn.com/ Complimentary Breakfast Block of rooms under “TAPD” for $279, deadline: March 11
When booking on the website, click “Book Now” – below the Check-in/Check-out dates you’ll see the option to enter a Group Code and click “Enter it now”. Use code dentist26!
12:15 – Dr. Jeske’s lecture
1:30 – Break
1:45 – Lecture resumes
3:30 – Close of course, certificates distributed
4:00 – Wine Tour: Texas Hill Country Vineyards – both wineries are within walking distance of the course
4:00 – Ferris & Fletch – enjoy 6 tastings and Charcuterie
6:00 – Six Twists Sparkling – enjoy 4 tastings and Charcuterie
Pricing: $95/person – you can add a guest at check out
Larry Oxenham, Author, Senior Advisor
8:30 am – 11:30 am (Central Time)
Larry Oxenham is one of America’s top asset protection experts, having helped thousands of doctors achieve financial peace of mind by teaching them how to properly structure their assets for lawsuit protection and tax reduction. He has authored and co-authored several articles and books on the subject including The Asset Protection Bible and How to Achieve Financial Peace of Mind through Asset Protection. His career has been credited with helping thousands of people save millions of dollars. Larry Oxenham is a nationally recognized speaker who has trained thousands of professionals at hundreds of conventions, conferences and seminars across the country.
Memberships And Affiliation: Senior Advisor, American Society for Asset Protection
Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association Education And Training: Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut, CA- Business Degree Books & Articles:
Larry Oxenham and Cameron Taylor, How to Achieve Financial Peace of Mind through Asset Protection, (Phoenix,
AZ: Mount Lanai Publishing, 2008)
Contributing Author, Does Your Bag Have Holes?, (Phoenix, AZ: Mount Lanai Publishing, 2007)
Contributing Author, The Asset Protection Bible, (Salt Lake City, UT: Legal Protection Group, 2005)
Larry Oxenham, “A Proven Solution to the Medical Malpractice Crisis,” 2003, NMFAP, Provo, UT
Larry Oxenham, “Medial Malpractice Crisis in America: Tort Reform Has Its Drawbacks,” Spring Hill
Review, April 2003, Brush Prairie, WA.
Improved Patient Care through Lawsuit Protection and Prevention
Pediatric dentists face unique legal exposures due to treating minors, managing parental expectations, supervising clinical staff, and operating highly regulated practices. This course teaches proven, effective strategies to prevent and protect against lawsuits, providing the peace of mind necessary to focus on patient safety, compliance, and quality care. Participants will learn legal and structural protection strategies that many dental and financial advisors overlook.
Common sources of lawsuits pediatric dentists face and how to protect against them, including failure to diagnose or treat, informed consent issues, anesthesia and sedation complications, staff negligence, record keeping errors, and premises liability.
How pediatric dentists can protect both professional and personal assets from lawsuits.
Best practices for structuring a pediatric dental practice to reduce legal exposure.
How to protect the practice, equipment, real estate, and personal assets in the event of a judgment exceeding liability coverage or a policy exclusion..
Common asset protection mistakes made by pediatric dentists and their advisors, such as improper ownership structures or relying solely on insurance.
Risks of operating as a sole proprietor and how to avoid them.
Strategies to minimize vicarious liability for the actions of hygienists, dental assistants, associate dentists, and office staff.
Objectives:
1. Maintain focus on patient care by reducing legal risk exposure.
2. Understand practice structures that support lawsuit protection and prevention.
3. Identify strategies to reduce professional and general liability insurance costs.
Dr. Oxenham has no conflicts of interest to declare.
Arthur H. Jeske, D.M.D., Ph.D.
12:15 pm – 3:30 pm (Central Time)
Appointments:
Associate Dean for Strategic Planning & Continuing Dental Education (2008 – present)
Professor (Tenured), Department of General Practice & Dental Public Health (1987 – present) Education:
B.S. (biology), University of North Carolina
Ph.D. (pharmacology), Medical College of Georgia
D.M.D., Medical College of Georgia Editorial Positions:
Editor, Contemporary Dental Pharmacology: Evidence-Based Considerations, 2 nd ed. (Springer, Berlin)
Editor-in-Chief, Mosby’s Dental Drug Reference, 14 th ed. (Elsevier, St. Louis)
Section Editor (Pharmacology), Journal of Craniomandibular and Sleep Practice Professional Service:
American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs (2000 – 2004, Chair 2004)
Consultant, Texas Dental Association Council on Dental Licensure, Staff & Education
Fellow of the International College of Dentists, American College of Dentists, Academy of Dentistry
International, Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Member ADA, TDA, GHDS, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Delta Sigma Delta Current Research:
Co-Investigator, NIH/IIDCR RO1 DE032368 Informatics Approaches to Understand and Reduce
Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing by Dentists Recent Peer Reviewed Publications:
Jeske AH, Anderson A, Do K-A, Ning J, Ma J, Bruera E. Patterns of opioid use among Texas dental
practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic. J. Opioid Manag. 2023;19(6):523-532
Myers A, Jeske AH. Provider-directed analgesia for dental pain. Expert Rev. Clin. Pharmacol. 2023;
16(5):435-451 Major Awards:
Alumni Hall of Fame, University of North Carolina
Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry
Honorary Alumnus, UT School of Dentistry at Houston Patient Care:
UT Dentists (general practice), 2019-present
Pharmacobullets: Evidence-Focused Updates on Antibiotics, Antibiotic Prophylaxis, Analgesics and Emergency Drugs Administration
This program provides evidence-based updates for dental professionals on current strategies for the use of antibiotics, analgesics, local anesthetics and other dental drugs. The administration of emergency drugs, particularly via non- intravenous routes, is also covered.
Objectives:
Review the clinical characteristics of common dental drugs;
Apply scientific evidence to the selection and use of common dental drugs;
Understand non-intravenous administration of emergency drugs, including epinephrine and opioid antagonists
Dr. Jeske has no conflicts of interest to declare.
TAPD Winter 2026 Virtual CE Course
Posted on November 5, 2025
“From Prevention to Restoration: Glass Ionomer Cement vs. Resin-Based Composite and Non-Invasive Therapies Guided by Science”, Dr. Kevin Donly
Saturday, February 21, 2026 9:00 am – 12:00 noon (Central Time)
Virtual Zoom
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.
$175 – non member
$125 – member
$75 – staff/faculty
Registration closes Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing no later than Tuesday, February 17, 2026. A full refund, less a $10 processing fee, will be issued for those received by that deadline. All refunds will be processed within 30 days after the meeting.
Questions? Monica Todd, texasacademypd@gmail.com
Dr. Kevin Donly, DDS, MS
Kevin J. Donly, DDS, MS is currently a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Developmental Dentistry at UT Health San Antonio. He received his D.D.S. in 1984, Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry in 1986, and M.S. in 1986 from the University of Iowa.
Dr. Donly is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, was on the Board of Trustees for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, was on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation, is the previous Chair of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Council on Post-doctoral Education, is Past-President of the American Society of Dentistry for Children, is Past-President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and was the Pediatric Dentistry Commissioner to the Commission on Dental Accreditation. He has published over 350 chapters, manuscripts and abstracts associated with pediatric dentistry, prevention, dental restorative materials research and clinical utilization.
“From Prevention to Restoration: Glass Ionomer Cement vs. Resin-Based Composite and Non-Invasive Therapies Guided by Science”
Course Description
This course will focus on minimally invasive therapies, including fluoride and fluoride
alternatives such as xylitol, iodine, nano-hydroxyapatite dentifrices and casein phosphopeptide-
amorphous calcium phosphate (MI Paste, MI Paste Plus). Restorations with the appropriate
uses of glass ionomer cement vs. rein-based composite and Curodont will be discussed,
including recommendations and evidence for these recommendations.
Objectives
At the conclusion of the course:
Participants will be aware of fluoride effectiveness and the risk/benefit of fluoride.
Participants will be aware of alternatives to fluoride and their effectiveness.
Participants will understand the use of Curodont in the restorative dentistry spectrum
and potential benefits.
Participants will understand when glass ionomer cement or resin-based composite can
be appropriately utilized in contemporary pediatric restorative dentistry.
Dr. Kevin J. Donly has received grants or research support from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Health Resources and Services Administration, 3M ESPE, Premier, Bisco, GC, Dentsply, Elevate, Incisive Technologies, NuSmile, Ivoclar, Kerr, Procter and Gamble, Church and Dwight, Philips, Optiva, Oral-B, Enamelon, Atrix Laboratories and Guidor companies.
Although he has received grants or research support from these entities, he has no personal financial interests.
TAPD 2025 Sprig CE Workshop
Posted on September 9, 2025
THE PREMIER PEDIATRIC ZIRCONIA CROWN WORKSHOP
Saturday, November 8, 2025 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
McGuireWoods Consulting LLC
300 Colorado St.
Suite 2300
Austin, TX 78701
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.
$1100 – non member
$900 – member
Registration closes Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing no later than Tuesday, October 28, 2025. A full refund, less a $10 processing fee, will be issued for those received by that deadline. All refunds will be processed within 30 days after the meeting.
Questions? Monica Todd, texasacademypd@gmail.com
Dr. Alexandra Otto, DDS, FAGD, FACD, FPFA is a board-certified pediatric dentist and dedicated champion for children’s oral health. She and her husband Tim are the founders of Kids Tooth Team Pediatric Dentistry, a multi-state, multi-location pediatric group practice; Kids Tooth Team Outreach, a 501(c)(3) mobile dental home that has provided over $600,000 of free dental care to underserved children in Central Texas; and Alcan Dental Cooperative, a pediatric partnership organization supporting 15 practices across multiple states.
Dr. Alex is a private practice pediatric dentist with a heart for public health, advocating for children’s oral health through news appearances, speaking engagements, and leadership roles, including her current roles as President of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Chair for the TDA Council on Professions and Trends, national private practice expert on the AAPD’s Safety Committee, and manager of the pediatric dental service line at Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus. She has been recognized nationally as one of the “Top 10 Under 10 Dentists” in the country by the American Dental Association in 2022 and a “Top 40 Under 40” Dentist by Incisal Edge in 2024.
Since 2022, she has served as an international clinical educator and speaker for Sprig Oral Health Technologies, placing thousands of zirconia crowns in her practice and contributing as a member of the Sprig Scientific Advisory Board. After testing nearly every zirconia system on the market, she has exclusively used Sprig crowns since 2020, viewing zirconia crowns as a cornerstone in practicing at the highest level and standard of care—and she is excited to share her expertise.
Dr. Alex, her husband Tim, and their two children, Max (3 years) and Adaline (1.5 years), live in Buda, Texas.
THE PREMIER PEDIATRIC ZIRCONIA CROWN WORKSHOP
This unique hands-on experience will be hosted by the originators (that’s us!) of pediatric Zirconia crowns. Experience both didactic instruction and individualized one-on-one hands-on guidance. Gain or increase the experience you need to feel confident when placing prefabricated pediatric Zirconia crowns. This workshop is designed for those new to the use of Zirconia in pediatric dentistry as well as for those with previous experience wishing to gain new pearls of clinical wisdom.
You’ll learn…
how to master Sprig’s Accelerated Subgingival Atraumatic Prep (ASAP) Zirconia technique to increase your efficiency
from instructors that are practicing dentists and clinical experts
insight on ideal case selection
to minimize tissue trauma and bleeding
to eliminate over preparation
Plus…
Train on both anterior and posterior teeth including cuspids, back-to-back cases, and space loss cases
Office marketing support kit
Small class size, limited to only 25 Doctors
8 Continuing Education Units – Participation/Hands-on
Proven Approaches to Sedation in Pediatric Dentistry
You will receive eight hours of CE credit, which satisfies the state requirements for sedation.
Friday, September 26, 2025, Austin, Texas
8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Central Time)
Austin Central Library 710 W Cesar Chavez St Austin, TX 78701
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing no later than Thursday, September 18, 2025. A full refund, less a $10 processing fee, will be issued for those received by that deadline. All refunds will be processed within 30 days after the meeting. Questions? Monica Todd, texasacademypd@gmail.com
Cara J. Riley, DMD, MS Dr. Cara J. Riley is a dentist anesthesiologist with over a decade of experience in both the academic and private practice settings. She worked as an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine for much of her career, and currently provides anesthesia services at Children’s Hospital and in mobile practice across the country. Dr. Riley completed her undergraduate training at Georgetown University and spent three years working for Under Armour before earning her DMD degree from Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She then completed a dental anesthesiology residency and earned a master’s degree at The Ohio State University. A Diplomate and Past President of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology, Dr. Riley is also faculty for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s sedation and simulation courses. She serves as a consultant to the Colorado State Board of Dentistry on matters related to sedation and anesthesia. Originally from coastal Maine, Dr. Riley now resides in Denver, Colorado, with her family and beloved hound dog.
Proven Approaches to Sedation in Pediatric Dentistry
Course Description
Many children require pharmacological treatment in order to tolerate dental procedures. This talk will cover strategies to optimize the success of sedation in the dental office with an emphasis on patient safety. The discussion will be wide-ranging, starting with patient evaluation and the significance of common medical conditions when providing sedation, moving to the pharmacology of sedative agents and choosing drug regimens, and concluding with tools for managing complications and medical emergencies. By the end of this presentation, participants will be equipped with practical knowledge and clinical tools to enhance the safety and effectiveness of sedation in pediatric dental patients.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Evaluate pediatric patients for in-office moderate sedation by conducting thorough preoperative assessments and recognizing the impact of common medical conditions on sedation safety. 2. Describe the pharmacologic properties of commonly used sedative agents and understand how to select appropriate drug regimens based on patient needs and procedural demands. 3. Implement evidence-based strategies to increase the success rate of sedation procedures in the dental office while maintaining a strong emphasis on patient safety. 4. Recognize and manage sedation-related complications, including early identification and appropriate responses to medical emergencies in the dental setting. 5. Apply clinical tools and protocols to improve preparedness and confidence in delivering safe sedation care to pediatric patients.
Schedule
8:00 – 10:45:
Understanding the Pediatric Patient: A Foundation for Safe Sedation
Comprehensive Pediatric Assessment
The Critical Role of Pediatric Physiology
Focused Review: Cardiovascular Considerations in Sedation
10:45 – MORNING BREAK
11:00 – 12:15:
Medical Complexity in Sedation
Common Pediatric Medical Conditions
Risk Stratification and Clinical Significance During Sedation
12:15 – LUNCH
12:45 – 3:15:
Pharmacologic Strategies in Pediatric Sedation
Mechanisms and Profiles of Commonly Used Agents
Tailoring Sedation Regimens to Individual Patients
3:15 – AFTERNOON BREAK
3:30 – 5:00:
When Things Don’t Go as Planned: Sedation Complications
Early Recognition and Diagnosis of Adverse Events
Evidence-Based Management Strategies
Dr. Riley has no conflict of interest to declare.
2025 Sedation Update – Virtual CE
Posted on April 20, 2025
Sedation 2025 update: Different Regimens for A Different ERA
Navigating Medication Shortages
Saturday, May 31, 2025
9:00 am – 11:15 am (Central Time) Via Zoom
2 CE credits awarded only to those attending live
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
Registration closes Wednesday, May 28th.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing no later than Wednesday, May 28, 2025. A full refund, less a $10 processing fee, will be issued for those received by that deadline. All refunds will be processed within 30 days after the meeting. Questions? Monica Todd, texasacademypd@gmail.com
Bobby Thikkurissy is Professor and Robert Creedon Chief of Dentistry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
He obtained his DDS from New York University, an AEGD certificate from Wright Patterson AFB, and his certificate/Masters from The Ohio State University, additionally serving 8 years in the United States Air Force. Bobby became a Diplomate of the ABPD and entered full-time academics in 2006. He has served as Directors of a predoctoral program, in-patient service and a residency programs.
He has taught in the AAPD Sedation course since 2011 and has Chaired the AAPD Sedation committee as well as served on the ADA Council of Dental Education. His research and publications have focused on; procedural sedation, children with special needs, and morbidity of pain in children.
Sedation 2025 update: Different Regimens for A Different ERA
Course Description
Changes in medication availability, state dental practice acts/legislation and access to operating room services have all impacted the use of procedural sedation for the pediatric dental patient. This seminar will review how systemic process changes have influenced patient allocation and regimens used for sedation. This seminar will cover newer (and older) classes of agents, their pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics as well as the risks and benefits of sedative polypharmacy. Strategies on maintaining a high margin of safety in sedation will be an underlying focus and office strategies for safe sedation will be underscored.
Course Objectives
Attendees will be able to:
Understand Practical dosage considerations in the context of the Demerol shortage.
Understand pharmacokinetics of Morphine, Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine
Review the role of Nitrous oxide in these regimens
Be able to understand and implement key safety considerations for in-office procedural sedation
Dr. Thikkurissy has no conflict of interest to declare.
TAPD Spring 2025 CE Course
Posted on January 28, 2025
Friday, April 25, 2025 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Central Time)
Lunch and intermittent breaks included.
Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center
The University of Texas at Dallas
800 W. Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75080
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: THURSDAY, APRIL 17TH.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing no later than Thursday, April 17, 2025. A full refund, less a $10 processing fee, will be issued for those received by that deadline. All refunds will be processed within 30 days after the meeting.
Questions? Monica Todd, texasacademypd@gmail.com
Schedule for the day:
8:30 – arrival & check-in with breakfast provided
9:00 – The Art of Service Recovery
10:30 – Break
10:45 – Resume the Art of Service Recovery
12:30 – Lunch
1:00 – Smart Finance Fundamentals
2:30 – Break
2:45 – Resume Smart Finance Fundamentals
4:00 – Closing remarks, certificates given
The Ritz Carlton Leadership Center
9:00 am – 12:00 am (Central Time)
The Art of Service Recovery | Building Trust & Loyalty, Part 3 of 3
Problems or Opportunities: A change in mindset can change your approach. Learn how The Ritz-Carlton turns customer problems into opportunities to rebuild trust and loyalty.
Fundamentals of Listening: Discuss the different types of listening and explore the best practices we implore in listening and build awareness to demonstrate empathy.
An Empowered Apology: Review key components of an effective and authentic apology, how to handle various customer issues and how to take ownership for customer retention.
Effective Service Recovery: Explore the Ritz-Carlton best practices for effective service recovery that drive successful outcomes for both consumers and brands alike. Empowerment plays a key role in the success of service recovery. Additionally, participants will learn the Ritz-Carlton Empowerment guidelines that allow employees to feel confident and deliver upon our brand’s promise.
CHRISTIE PINK, PRACTICE DIRECTOR
In her current role as Practice Director at The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, Christie is a dynamic inspiration behind the implementation and delivery of diverse solutions for clients seeking to create competitive advantage across employee engagement, customer experience and culture transformation.
With over a decade of experience with The Ritz-Carlton and serving as an exemplary brand ambassador throughout her tenure, Christie is a distinguished luminary in the realm of sales and marketing. Bringing adept problem-solving skills and innovative vision to each client engagement, Christie’s legacy is defined by her masterful ability to cultivate enduring, strategic relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders, while also inspiring teams to consistently exceed their objectives.
Throughout her tenure with The Ritz-Carlton, Christie has been a paragon of exceptional leadership, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the mentorship and development of her team members.
A selection of Christie’s career accomplishments include:
Achieving record-breaking results across all facets of the scorecard, making an indispensable contribution to the hotel’s resounding success.
Spearheaded all group, transient, and banquet sales activities as the Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis.
Recipient of The Ritz-Carlton Leadership award for Revenue Management, multiple Manager of the Quarter Awards, and Luxury Sales Team Special Achievement Awards.
Successively trained and mentored future leaders within the organization.
Her academic foundation is rooted in a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Restaurant Administration from Missouri State University.
In addition to her dynamic experience, Christie brings an unparalleled passion for The Ritz-Carlton to each presentation which powers her charismatic, skilled delivery. Christie is a devoted (and extremely skilled) Pickleball player when she’s not traveling and intersecting with clients of The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center.
Christie Pink has no conflict of interest to declare.
Smart Finance Fundamentals Empower your financial future with practical knowledge
Managing personal finances can feel overwhelming, especially with so little education available to employees. Most are expected to make important financial decisions daily, yet few are given the tools to do so with confidence. As a result, they often rely on family, colleagues or TikTok for advice – any of which may not be equipped to provide sound financial guidance for their unique situations.
It’s time to help them take control of their finances! This engaging course is designed specifically for your employees to offer clear and actionable strategies to help them execute their own financial plans. Join us to gain the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve those financial goals!
Learning Objectives
Understand budgeting techniques and calculate savings needed to reach your retirement goals
Learn about different types of debt and appropriate debt-reduction strategies
Discover how money grows through proper investment
Learn income tax basics and best practices for tax withholding
Identify risks to your financial plan and explore tools to safeguard your progress
Jeff Moss is a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner and Investment Advisor Representative, bringing over two decades of expertise in financial planning, accounting and wealth management. As Managing Partner and co-founder of Moss, Luse & Womble, LLC, Jeff has dedicated his career to helping business owners and high-net-worth individuals navigate complex financial landscapes with a particular focus on the unique needs of dental professionals.
With a strong academic foundation, Jeff earned his BBA and MBA in Finance and an MS in Financial Planning from Texas Tech University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. His educational background, combined with extensive industry experience, positions him as a sought-after advisor for clients at every stage of their professional lives, from recent dental school graduates to former practitioners enjoying retirement.
Jeff’s career began as a senior analyst at a Dallas-based wealth management firm, where he focused on developing customized planning strategies for C-level executives and business owners. Since then, he has consulted on numerous practice start-ups, acquisitions, sales, and partnership transitions. His expertise extends to multi-scenario retirement decision modeling and complex distribution strategies, essential for clients seeking tailored, tax-efficient financial solutions.
Jeff has served as guest faculty at Texas A&M College of Dentistry for over a decade, and as a CE clinician at dental conferences including the Texas Dental Association Meeting. His speaking engagements span multiple dental society meetings and study clubs, where he shares insights on financial planning, investing, tax strategies and practice management.
Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife, Stefanie, and their three sons. Before becoming a father, Jeff served as the Events Director for the Texas-Oklahoma District of Key Club, a volunteer organization that empowers high school students to engage in community service, a role he held for 19 years. Nowadays, his weekends are filled with coaching his sons’ baseball teams or cheering on the Red Raiders and the Texas Rangers.
Mr. Jeffrey Moss has no conflict of interest to declare.
TAPD Winter 2025 CE Course
Posted on November 5, 2024
Navigating Mixed Dentition with Clear Aligners: Effective Treatment Planning, Biomechanics, and Communication, Dr. Stephen Schalk
Unleashing the Power of AI in Dentistry:Enhancing Clinical Outcomes and Streamlining Practice Management, Dr. Alex Otto
Saturday, February 22, 2025 9:00 am – noon (Central Time)
Virtual Zoom
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
$175 – non member
$125 – member
$75 – staff/faculty
Registration closes Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing no later than Tuesday, February 18, 2025. A full refund, less a $10 processing fee, will be issued for those received by that deadline. All refunds will be processed within 30 days after the meeting.
Questions? Monica Todd, texasacademypd@gmail.com
Dr. Stephen Schalk, Founder of Clearly Aligned
9:00 am – 11:00 am (Central Time)
Dr. Schalk graduated from the University of Alberta with his DDS in 2014. Rather than pursuing a traditional orthodontics residency, he embarked on a global journey across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, learning from leading orthodontic experts. After focusing his practice exclusively on orthodontics, Dr. Schalk became the youngest GP Invisalign Diamond provider in the world. Today, he holds the prestigious status of Diamond Plus, Top 1% Invisalign Provider.
Dr. Schalk is the proud owner of three dental clinics and the visionary Founder of Clearly Aligned and the Clearly Select Growth Network. A renowned key opinion leader in the orthodontic industry, he has spoken internationally and presented at the 2023 Invisalign Summit. He continues to provide continuing education courses throughout North America, sharing his expertise with general dentists eager to advance their orthodontic knowledge.
With an interest in research, Dr. Schalk focuses on digital monitoring of clear aligner treatments under the SRED Program and has previously served on the board of the American Academy of Clear Aligners. Most recently, he was invited to the exclusive Invisalign Symposium in Dubai, where the top 150 Invisalign providers in the world were recognized.
In 2020, he founded Clearly Aligned, an orthodontic educational platform designed to support general dentists in mastering clear aligner therapy. Dr. Schalk’s passion for education and his ability to communicate complex concepts with clarity and enthusiasm make him a sought-after speaker and educator.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Schalk and his wife, Dr. Amy Morrison, are the proud parents of two beautiful children. His commitment to family, education, and orthodontic excellence continues to inspire those around him on their own journeys to clear aligner success.
Navigating Mixed Dentition with Clear Aligners: Effective Treatment Planning, Biomechanics, and Communication
Objectives:
Identify Clear Aligner Treatment Opportunities
Attendees will learn how to identify appropriate cases for clear aligner therapy in mixed dentition
Treatment Planning for Mixed Dentition Cases
Participants will develop skills in treatment planning using clear aligners for patients with mixed dentition, including ClinCheck setup, sequencing, and staging of tooth movements.
Apply Strategies for Patient and Parent Communication
Participants will be equipped with techniques to effectively communicate treatment plans, progress, and the benefits of clear aligners to both children and their parents.
Understand the Biomechanics of Clear Aligners in Mixed Dentition
Participants will explore the biomechanics involved in clear aligner therapy for mixed dentition
Dr. Alex Otto
11:00 am – noon (Central Time)
Dr. Alexandra Otto, DDS, FAGD, FACD, FPFA is a board certified pediatric dentist and dedicated champion for children’s oral health. She and her husband Tim are the founders of Kids Tooth Team Pediatric Dentistry, Kids Tooth Team Outreach, and Alcan Dental Cooperative.
Dr. Alex is a private practice pediatric dentist, with a heart for public health, and advocates for children’s oral health through news appearances, speaking engagements, and various leadership role including her positions as President Elect of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the national private practice expert on the AAPD’s Safety Committee.
She loves sharing valuable lessons from her journey as a GP associate, her transition to a pediatric specialist in Alaska, the challenges and triumphs of practice ownership, and the creation of her non-profit foundation that has provided over $500,000 of free dental care to underserved children in central Texas. Dr. Alex, her husband Tim, and two children Max (2 years) and Adaline (7 months) live in Buda, Texas.
Unleashing the Power of AI in Dentistry: Enhancing Clinical Outcomes and Streamlining Practice Management
Join us for a dynamic session on the integration of artificial intelligence in dental practice management and clinical care. Discover how AI transforms patient management, treatment planning, billing, and predictive analytics. Learn about the practical applications of AI that can enhance diagnostics, streamline operations, and elevate patient care in dentistry. This session will show you how AI can optimize your practice operations and improve patient outcomes. Features exclusive interviews from Pearl, Overjet, and Carestack.
Learning objectives:
Explore how AI can revolutionize dental practice management
Discover practical clinical applications of AI to enhance patient outcomes
Leverage AI technologies to improve operation efficiencies and reduce administrative burdens
Dr. Otto has no conflicts of interest to declare.
TAPD Fall Virtual 2024 CE Course
Posted on September 26, 2024
The Future of Pediatric Local Anesthesia is Here, Now!
Saturday, November 9, 2024 9:00 am – 11:00 am (Central Time)
Virtual Zoom
Registration is now closed.
Registration closes Tuesday, November 5th.
This course is free for all TAPD Members.
$100 Fee for Non Members. If you wish to join the TAPD click here.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing no later than Tuesday, November 5, 2024. A full refund, less a $10 processing fee, will be issued for those received by that deadline. All refunds will be processed within 30 days after the meeting.
Questions? Monica Todd, texasacademypd@gmail.com
Ann Bynum, DMD Owner – HollyTree Pediatric Dentistry
Now a familiar face in the greater Greenville area, Dr. Ann Bynum first moved to Simpsonville and opened Holly Tree Pediatric Dentistry in 1997. Originally from Ocala, Florida, Dr. Ann completed her undergraduate training at Florida State University before attending dental school at the University of Iowa, where she met her husband, Dr. Matt Bynum. She completed two further years of training in pediatric dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas, and is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist.
Dr. Ann is passionate about pediatric dental care. Drawn to pediatrics in large part because of the unique educational opportunities the field affords, Dr. Ann sees her office as both a clinic and a classroom. She considers every visit, no matter how routine, an opportunity to teach and motivate her patients.
Dr. Ann is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and an active member of the Southeast Society of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. She has lectured and written numerous articles on customer service, marketing, and teamwork over the years. When not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their three boys: Matthew, Luke, and John.
Dr. Andrew Prynne – Dentist
Born in Lambeth Hospital, London, England [a true cockney]
Andrew qualified from University College Hospital in 1987 having achieved the Dentsply Prize for Restorative Dentistry. He took up his first position at 740 Dental in 1987 as an associate dentist and bought into the partnership a few years later.
In 1990, Andrew became a lecturer for dental nurses for the National Certificate and subsequently became an examiner on the National Examination Board for Dental Nurses.
In 2004, Andrew started a three-year course in dental implantology under Prof Manuel Chanavaz of Lille University in France and has since developed a comprehensive implant service for his own patients and on referral.
Andrew is an international lecturer and trainer on intraosseous anesthesia since 2017 and has worked in United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, the Netherlands, France, Romania, Dubai, Israel and South Korea. He is a member of and represents the Dentalhitec Academy as a KOL, delivering clinical demonstrations, experience, and expertise to improve dental anesthesia.
Andrew has a great life balance with a wonderful family. He married in 1993 and has three children who are each successful in their own lives. His eldest daughter is a footwear designer/developer, his second is a qualified staff nurse, currently training as a midwife and his son holds a degree in anthropology, a Masters in psychology and is currently applying for a PhD position in Counselling Psychology. Andrew is a proud grandfather of three.
Andrew has a qualification in advanced motorcycling and regularly carries out shifts as a Blood Biker in the UK. He and his son also enjoy airsoft skirmishing.
The Future of Pediatric Local Anesthesia is Here, Now! – painless, immediate and profound, with no collateral numbness.
Synopsis
As dental practitioners, the provision of local anesthesia plays an enormous role in the management of the treatments we perform and is pivotal in the relationship that we form with our patients and of our behavior management of them. We have all had complications and failures in our delivery of local anesthesia that have resulted in a compromise to our patients’ experience, to the trust that our patients have in us and in an increased stress level for everyone. Even successful delivery of traditional local anesthetic techniques has negative side effects such as the period of modified function when speaking, eating and drinking and the collateral numbness of soft tissues during which the anesthetized tissues may be traumatized by biting or burning with hot liquids.
This course will introduce participants to a technique that will completely revolutionize the delivery of local anesthesia, induce profound and immediate anesthesia painlessly and all without unnecessary collateral numbness of tongue, cheeks and lips that are associated with traditional techniques.
Aim
To introduce participants to the concept of the electronic delivery of local anesthesia and to the complete game changer, the routine use of intraosseous anesthesia. The course will provide sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge to enable participants to use the technique in their everyday practice, thereby
improving patient comfort, increasing the efficiency of treatment time through immediate anesthesia, abolishing post-operative soft tissue numbness and loss of motor function and significantly reducing stress levels for the dentists themselves.
Learning Objectives
To learn about and understand:
the limitations and disadvantages of traditional dental anesthetic techniques
the negative effect that these have on both patients and dental professionals
the theory of electronic delivery of anesthetic solution
the theory of intraosseous anesthesia
the practical use of intraosseous anesthesia in daily practice
how this technique will abolish all the problems associated with traditional dental anesthesia
how this technique will reduce stress levels
how this technique will increase business profits through positive marketing, efficiency of dental treatments and patient satisfaction.
2024 Fall Sedation CE
Posted on March 27, 2024
Respiratory Depression and Distress in Procedural Sedation – From Pathophysiology to Rescue
You will receive eight hours of CE credit, which satisfies the state requirements for sedation.
Friday, September 20, 2024, Austin, Texas
8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Central Time)
Austin Central Library 710 W Cesar Chavez St Austin, TX 78701
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing no later than Thursday, September 12, 2024. A full refund, less a $10 processing fee, will be issued for those received by that deadline. All refunds will be processed within 30 days after the meeting.
Questions? Monica Todd, texasacademypd@gmail.com
Bobby Thikkurissy is Professor and Robert Creedon Chief of Dentistry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
He obtained his DDS from New York University, an AEGD certificate from Wright Patterson AFB, and his certificate/Masters from The Ohio State University, additionally serving 8 years in the United States Air Force. Bobby became a Diplomate of the ABPD and entered full-time academics in 2006. He has served as Directors of a predoctoral program, in-patient service and a residency programs.
He has taught in the AAPD Sedation course since 2011 and has Chaired the AAPD Sedation committee as well as served on the ADA Council of Dental Education. His research and publications have focused on; procedural sedation, children with special needs, and morbidity of pain in children.
Respiratory Depression and Distress in Procedural Sedation – From Pathophysiology to Rescue
Course Description
During procedural sedation, one of the most significant adverse outcomes is respiratory depression and resulting distress. This talk with go from a developmental focus of the pediatric airway through pharmacokinetics with common sedative agents through concepts of rescue. Additional discussion will be on mitigation strategies for complications associated with respiratory depression and distress.
Course Objectives
Attendees will be able to:
Understand why the pediatric airway is developmentally at greater risk for Respiratory Depression (RD) than adult during sedation
Learn to recognize the hallmark physical signs of RD
Understand the pharmacokinetics of RD in procedural sedation
Be able to rescue an airway in RD
Schedule
8:00 – 9:30 Global overview: Procedural Sedation in 2024
9:30 – 10:45 Developmental Airway in Pediatrics
10:45 – BREAK
11:00 – 12:15 Safety Strategies to protect the Airway
12:15 – LUNCH
12:45 – 2:30 Pharmacokinetics and Respiratory issues
2:30 – 4:00 The Compromised Airway – Emergencies
4:00 BREAK
4:15 – 5:00 Question & Answers
Dr. Thikkurissy has no conflict of interest to declare.
CHRISTIE PINK, PRACTICE DIRECTOR
