8:30–9:50 am

The Struggle Is Real: 10 Research-Backed Tips for Turning Failure Into Your Greatest Clinical and Personal Asset

Dr. Farah Kar

Description:
It is time we embrace the challenges that come with being a dentist, a leader, and a woman in this profession. Struggles and failures are not signs of weakness; they are inevitable steps in the journey toward growth. By normalizing these experiences, we empower ourselves and each other to rise stronger, wiser, and more resilient. The lessons we learn in difficult moments have the power to shape us in ways that success alone never could, if we allow them to. Let’s shift the narrative and see struggle not as something to fear, but as a catalyst for progress.

This is an interactive session that will allow audience members to engage with the speaker.

Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize common personal and professional challenges faced by orthodontists and understand how embracing adversity can foster resilience, confidence, and long-term career satisfaction.
• Identify practical strategies for navigating setbacks, overcoming self-doubt, and leading with authenticity in both clinical practice and team environments.
• Develop a personalized mindset framework for transforming failures and difficult experiences into opportunities for growth, stronger leadership, and sustained professional success.

Dr. Farah Kar

Dr. Farah Kar is a proud Iranian, Canadian, American orthodontist. She attended the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry for her DDS and Master of Science degree and Certificate of Orthodontics. She is double-board certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.

Dr. Kar has been an Invisalign-certified orthodontist since 2014 and is an Invisalign Diamond Plus Provider who has treated over 4,000 cases. She enjoys merging her background in fine arts, architecture, and project management with practicing orthodontics efficiently and with flair. Follow Dr. Kar on Instagram at @the.ortho.queen for a snapshot of her life as an orthodontist.

10:35–11:15 am

Healthy Aging: The Critical Link Between Oral Health and Overall Well-Being in the Compromised Patient

Dr. Mary-Ellen Cascone

Description:
As our population ages, dental professionals are increasingly caring for medically complex older adults whose oral health is closely linked to their overall health and quality of life. This practical lecture explores how conditions such as stroke and dementia affect oral health, treatment planning, and the safe delivery of dental care. Participants will learn when it is appropriate to resume treatment following a medical crisis, strategies for managing patients with cognitive impairment or unpredictable behaviours, and the essential role of prevention and caregiver education in reducing oral disease, minimizing medical complications, and enhancing quality of life.

Objectives:

• Recognize when it is safe to provide dental treatment following a medical crisis and identify key medical considerations that influence treatment planning.
• Apply practical strategies to safely and effectively manage patients with cognitive impairment, behavioural challenges, or unpredictable responses while protecting both the patient and the dental team.
• Understand the critical role of preventive care and family/caregiver education in reducing oral disease, lowering the oral bacterial burden, preventing medical complications, and improving the quality of life of older adults.

Mary-Ellen Cascone (née Heath), BSc, DDS

Dr. Mary-Ellen Cascone earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biochemistry and her DDS from the University of Toronto, graduating in 1989. She then completed a hospital dental residency at Mount Sinai Hospital. Since 1990, Dr. Cascone has practiced hospital dentistry, providing care for medically compromised patients and individuals with special needs. She serves as a staff dentist at Mount Sinai Hospital, treating medically complex and developmentally delayed outpatients, and at Toronto Rehab (University Health Network), where she provides dental care for patients recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, and other complex medical conditions.

Dr. Cascone is Co-Director of the Mount Sinai Hospital Dental Residency Program, Head of the Special Care Dentistry Program, and an Associate in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Toronto. She is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Canadian Association of Hospital Dentists and the Federation of Special Care Dentistry.

With more than 35 years of experience in hospital dentistry, Dr. Cascone is passionate about sharing practical, evidence-based strategies for caring for medically complex and special needs patients.

11:20 am–12:00 pm

Optimizing Dental Implant Success

Penny Hatzimanolakis

Description:
Long-term implant success depends on more than surgical precision; it depends on the biological environment around the implant. This session examines the peri-implant oral microbiome and the immunological balance between symbiosis and dysbiosis that determines whether that environment stays healthy or progresses toward peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.

Participants will learn a structured approach to patient risk assessment for early identification of at-risk implants, then move into practical, evidence-informed intervention strategies, including Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocols, to maintain peri-implant tissue health and support predictable long-term outcomes.

Objectives:

• Describe the composition and role of the oral microbiome in peri-implant health.
• Apply immunological concepts of symbiosis and dysbiosis to peri-implant tissue conditions.
• Explain the importance of risk assessment and outline protocols for identifying at-risk implant patients.
• Apply intervention techniques, including GBT protocols, to support and maintain dental implant health.

Penny Hatzimanolakis

Penny Hatzimanolakis has specialized in periodontics and prosthodontics since 1994 and joined the University of British Columbia’s dental faculty as an educator in both undergraduate and graduate programs since 2002. Currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership, she champions evidence-informed, proactive approaches to oral-systemic health.

A published author and national speaker, she serves as an advisor on multiple industry boards. Through her centre, Elevate Oral Health and Learning Centre, Penny provides advanced training and inclusive, individualized patient-centred care, with a strong commitment to supporting underserved communities.

10:35–11:55 am

Workshop: Bridge the Communication Gap: Relate. Connect. Thrive.

Tala Batarseh

Description:
Communication can either strengthen a dental practice or quietly create confusion, frustration, and missed opportunities. This interactive workshop explores how personality differences influence the way team members and patients communicate, respond, and build trust. Participants will learn practical strategies to bridge communication gaps, strengthen teamwork, reduce misunderstandings, and adapt their approach to different personalities. Together, they will explore how intentional communication at every touchpoint creates a consistent patient journey and an exceptional patient experience.

Objectives:

• Identify and understand different personality types.
• Adapt their approach to connect more effectively with teammates and patients.
• Recognize communication gaps that affect teamwork and patient trust.
• Strengthen collaboration through clear, intentional communication.
• Create a consistent patient journey that builds trust, connection, and an exceptional experience at every touchpoint.

Tala Batarseh

Tala Batarseh is the visionary force behind DenTala Coaching & Consulting, a leading firm transforming the landscape of dental practice growth and team development.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a General Management certification from York University, Tala has spent over 15 years driving measurable success in dental practices across Canada. Her unique ability to blend business strategy with clinical understanding makes her a trusted partner for dentists and dental teams alike.

Tala’s deep commitment to mentorship and coaching has empowered countless clinicians, administrators, and auxiliary team members to thrive in their roles. Her extensive CV includes advanced training in treatment coordination, dental sales, executive leadership, and IPAC compliance, reflecting a relentless pursuit of excellence and continued learning.

From supporting startup clinics to scaling multi-location practices and revitalizing legacy offices, Tala combines hands-on operational expertise with strategic foresight. Her approach is results-driven, yet human-centered—ensuring every solution enhances both business performance and patient care.

Whether she’s leading a turnkey project, implementing systems for growth, or coaching a team to peak performance, Tala brings passion, clarity, and innovation to every engagement. Her track record of success stands as a testament to her dedication, vision, and impact making her one of the most respected voices in the dental consulting space.

2:15–3:00 pm

Strategic Precision in Instrument Selection

Beth Parkes, RDH, BSc

Description:
Join Beth to enhance your clinical expertise through this dynamic lecture focused on developing advanced instrument selection strategies for optimal patient care. This program combines video demonstrations with interactive learning to help dental hygienists master the strategic thinking needed for choosing instruments that address complex periodontal conditions, varied tooth morphology, and diverse gingival phenotypes.

Through detailed video demonstrations and patient profile reviews, participants will examine the critical relationships between instrument design features and their specific clinical applications. The program emphasizes a systematic instrument selection approach that optimizes both ergonomic practice and clinical outcomes.

Objectives:

• Evaluate instrument design characteristics, including blade angulation, shank length, and working end, and select appropriate instruments based on specific tooth anatomy, root morphology, and periodontal pocket depths.
• Formulate systematic instrument selection protocols that account for gingival phenotype, tissue inflammation levels, and anatomical variations to optimize treatment outcomes.
• Integrate knowledge of root morphology into instrument selection decisions to improve access, tactile assessment, and calculus removal efficiency.

Beth Parkes, RDH, BSc

Beth Parkes is an engaging international speaker who has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for over 20 years. She has gained her clinical knowledge and skills through general and independent dental hygiene practice, mobile dental hygiene, orthodontics, and periodontics.

Beyond her clinical experience, Beth is the Manager of Clinical Affairs for Curion, a writer, a speaker, a cast member of the dental hygiene talk show The RDH View, and Co-Host of the Smile Smarter Study Club. In recognition of her contributions to the profession, she was awarded the Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association Distinguished Service Award. Her overarching goal is to cultivate future leaders within the dental hygiene profession, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to excel in their careers while helping their patients obtain and maintain optimal oral health.

3:20–4:20 pm

Don’t Believe Everything You Think: A Look Inside the Anxious Mind

Dr. Marilisa Morea

Description:
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the pressure to balance your responsibilities as a female dental professional with the expectations of your personal life? Do you find yourself worrying about work even after you’ve left the office, or feeling pressure to meet increasingly high expectations? For women in dentistry, navigating the demands of a career while maintaining balance in our personal lives can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.

This presentation will explore the anxiety spectrum, including how anxiety can show up in our daily lives and the unique pressures women in dentistry may experience related to work-life balance and personal versus professional expectations.

Participants will learn practical tips, tools, and techniques for recognizing and managing anxiety, with strategies that can be applied both personally and professionally. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A with Dr. Morea, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions and continue the conversation.

Objectives:

• Understand the various types of anxiety and how they affect life and work.
• Examine the components of anxiety.
• Learn practical tools and techniques for managing anxiety.
• Engage directly with Dr. Morea during an interactive Q&A.

Dr. Marilisa Morea

Dr. Morea has been a practicing psychologist for over 20 years, working in various settings to support clients, students, and professionals. Passionate about dispelling the stigma surrounding mental health, Dr. Morea enjoys engaging with her community and offers workshops to physicians, schools, and professional organizations.

Dr. Morea holds a Doctoral degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and an Honours Degree with a specialization in Psychology from the University of Toronto. She is the Founder and Clinic Director of Monarch Therapy and Wellness Centre, a mental health clinic that serves clients of all ages and presenting concerns. For 10 years, Dr. Morea served as the lead psychologist at North York General Hospital’s Children and Adolescent Mental Health Clinic, where she focused on supporting families, children, adolescents, and parents.

A published author of the Get It Together and Crushing Camp series, Dr. Morea provides practical tools for emotional awareness, self-esteem, and confidence through her many workbooks and journals for children, teens, and adults. Her expertise has been featured in four spotlight collaborations with the Wondermind blog, founded by Selena Gomez. Dr. Morea has also been honoured with various awards throughout her training and career.

With a social media presence of over 50,000 followers, @dr.morea uses her platform to provide information, insights, and support for mental wellness. To learn more about Dr. Morea, her books, and her clinic, visit www.monarchtherapy.ca.