For the first time ever, Women in Dentistry and Spear Education have partnered to bring a retreat specifically focused on the needs of women in dentistry.
Register Now!
Sept. 19-20, 2025
Spear Campus | Scottsdale, Arizona
Attendees can expect two exciting days of dental education combined with health and wellness activities in scenic Scottsdale curated specifically for female dental professionals. 11 CE Credits
To book your hotel stay, call Fairmont Scottsdale at (480) 585-2788 and ask for in-house reservations and the Spear Rate.
King Bed: $219 USD per nightLearn more about the hotel: https://www.fairmont.com/scottsdale/
| Time | Event / Main Auditorium | |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00-8:15 am | Registration & Breakfast | |
| 8:15-8:30 am | Opening Remarks Dr. Effie Habsha |
|
| 8:30-9:15 am | Cool Wellness for a Hot Life: How to Keep Calm in a Chaotic World Dr. Sally Safa |
|
| 9:15-10:00 am | Empowered Success: Wealth, Transitions and Balance for Women in Dentistry Cain Watters and Associates CPA Christy Ratcliff |
|
| 10:00-10:30 am | Morning Break / Exhibit Floor | |
| 10:30-11:15 am | Nailed it! Getting Composite Restorations Right Every Time Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz |
Workshop 1 Stress Less, Thrive More: A SMARTer Approach to Health and Wellbeing Dr. Kirstin Yont |
| 11:15-12:00 pm | Decoding Bone Graft Material Selection in Implant Dentistry Dr. Alina Krivitsky Aalam |
|
| 12:00-1:00pm | Lunch | |
| 1:00-1:45 pm | The Daily Grind-Practical Oral Pathology for Your Practice Dr. Ashley Clark |
Workshop 2 The Keys to Creating an Ideal Team Forward Culture Amy Morgan (Vice President of Practice Growth Strategies, Spear Education) |
| 1:45 - 2:30 pm | Implant Prosthodontics: Single Restoration to Full Arch Replacement Dr. Kimberly Schlam |
|
| 2:30-2:50 pm | Afternoon Break / Exhibit Floor | |
| 2:50 - 3:00 pm | shhhhh.... surprise ;) | |
| 3:00 - 3:45 pm | Mind, Mouth, and Body: Sustainable Weight Loss and Dentistry Gina Livy |
|
| 3:45 - 5:00 pm | Panel Discussion: Pearls of Wisdom for Monday Morning Dr. Effie Habsha |
|
| 5:00 - 6:30 pm | Cocktail Reception / Celebration | |
Dr. Sally Safa
Description:
In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to set effective boundaries has become more crucial than ever. The relationship between setting boundaries and preventing burnout is a critical one, underscoring the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing personal well-being. As high achieving women, many of us struggle to set healthy boundaries. While you may get positive reinforcement for doing all the things for all the people, having poor boundaries leads for stress, anxiety, and eventual burnout.
Objectives:
Dr. Sally Safa
Dr. Sally Safa is a board-certified Periodontist working in Toronto and an alumna of the University of Toronto where she also teaches at the Faculty of Dentistry. She is a passionate advocate of wellness for dentists. Her masters degree in Psychoneuroimmunology, understanding the effects of stress on the body and brain, combined with her training in MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) allows her to share the science behind stress and happiness. She lectures nationally and internationally and is the author of numerous articles.
Christy Ratcliff, CPA - Cain Watters and Associates
Description:
As women, we often feel the pressure to "do it all." Female dentists, in particular, face unique
challenges as they balance the demands of running a practice and providing for their families while also
finding time to enjoy life outside the office.
On top of this, financial anxiety can weigh on many women. Earning a high income may eliminate some
financial concerns, but it can also create new ones. Fortunately, there are strategies to set female
dentists on the path to a secure financial future. The first step? Understanding your short and long-term
goals. This lecture will guide attendees through the essential components that every financial plan
should address, including smart goal setting, maximizing your practice, wealth accumulation, tax
planning, practice transition options, and balancing it all.
NDP and 7 Pillars Partner Christy Ratcliff will simplify complex financial questions, empowering
attendees to implement strategies to help them achieve their personal and business goals.
Objectives:
Christy Ratcliff, CPA
Christy received her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Science in Accounting from
Texas A&M University. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Valuation Analyst. She joined NDP in 2014 as the Head of Consulting and became Managing Partner in 2020. Today, she oversees the overall operations and assists in developing the valuation and consulting service lines as the company guides dental professionals through private doctor-to-doctor transitions.
In 2021, Christy co-founded CWA's affiliate company, 7 Pillars, a transition advisory firm that helps dental professionals navigate the transition process in the DSO space. As a Managing Partner, Christy oversees the Transaction Success Team, performing the practice valuation analysis, financial due diligence, and legal review of the transaction process to ensure a successful process for selling clients.
At both NDP and 7 Pillars, Christy utilizes her unique background in accounting, consulting, valuation, and relationship building to assist clients as they reach their personal and financial goals. She presents to regional and national dental meetings and schools, and she is the co-host of the popular dental podcast Transition Talk and the co-host of The Dental Deal. Christy is incredibly passionate about education and strives to empower her clients with the information needed to make the right decisions regarding their practice and opportunities.
Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz
Description:
Ever wonder why some restorations last and others don’t? Don’t rely on luck for the longevity of your restorations; it could negatively impact your reputation and productivity. This course will discuss the characteristics of various restorative materials and present how, when, and why they should be used for the most favorable long-term outcomes. Proper handling and maintenance of various restorative materials will be described. This course will set you up for success and you will feel confident when planning, selecting, placing, and maintaining your restorations.
Objectives:
Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz
Dr. Maragliano-Muniz was a dental hygienist before earning her DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and her certificate in Advanced Prosthodontics from UCLA School of Dentistry. She is a board-certified prosthodontist, the Chief Editor for Dental Economics, co-host of the podcast Dentistry Unmasked, and maintains a private practice in Salem, MA. She lectures internationally and is extensively published. Her passion for prevention has stayed with her throughout her career and in 2010, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz was awarded the 2010 Adult Preventive Care Practice of the Year by the American Dental Association.
Dr. Alina Krivitsky Aalam
Description:
Once a tooth is extracted, the natural wound-healing cascade paired with irreversible alteration occurs. Grafting techniques (hard and soft tissue) and prosthetic manipulations are required to attempt reestablishing the proper hard and soft tissue losses and proper emergence profile.
Multiple grafting materials and surgical techniques (hard and soft tissue) have been proposed to reduce and repair the amount of ridge deformation.
Objectives:
Dr. Alina Krivitsky Aalam
Dr. Alina Krivitsky Aalam graduated with a BS in Dental Hygiene, DDS and a Certificate in Advanced Periodontics from the USC School of Dentistry. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology and Implant Dentistry. She is a Fellow of International College of Dentists and of American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry.
Society of Periodontology and USC Research Committee awarded Dr. Krivitsky Aalam for her outstanding achievement and contribution to the field of Periodontics. Dr. Krivitsky Aalam is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC in the department of Advanced Periodontics and a lecturer for the Dental Hygiene program. She is on a committee for Friends of Dentistry and Peer Review. Dr. Krivitsky serves as an expert advisor for he “Surviving Beautifully” book and online source dedicated to helping others with beauty issues during and after a cancer fight.
Dr. Krivitsky maintains a private practice limited to Periodontics and Reconstructive Implant Dentistry in Brentwood, California and lectures nationally and internationally.
Dr. Kristin Yont
Description:
SMART (Stress Management and Resiliency Training) is a Mind Body Medicine program based on 40 years of research from the Benson Henry Institute and Harvard Medical School at Massachusetts General Hospital. SMART teaches self-care practices that help participants buffer daily stress, regain a sense of emotional control, and enhance quality of life. This workshop will provide participants with tools to build resilience through a variety of mind-body principles and self-care interventions, leading to reduced medical symptoms and enhanced quality of life.
Objectives:
Dr. Kristin Yont
In addition to co-owning her practice in downtown Calgary, Dr. Kristin Yont, DMD, has worked with the Calgary Flames NHL team for 26 years and is currently the lead dentist within the medical team. She is also very experienced in forensic dentistry.
Dr. Yont is one of a few practitioners in Canada who are accredited to teach the SMART Program from the Benson Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. The Stress Management and Resiliency Training Program is designed to help participants regain control and build resilience through a variety of mind-body principles and self-care interventions, leading to reduced medical symptoms and vulnerability to disease and to enhanced wellness and quality of life.
Dr. Yont is an avid speaker and runs workshops, retreats, and programs for dental professionals. She also works with universities, healthcare associations, and business leaders to implement wellness initiatives for their organizations. She has recently completed Compassion Cultivation Training from Stanford and an Inner MBA program that focuses on building conscious leadership.
Dr. Ashley Clark
Description:
This course will cover basic lesions of the oral cavity with a variety of topics ranging from benign to malignant. The goal of the course is for participants to become comfortable recognizing common oral lesions and understanding how to manage their patients with these conditions.
Objectives:
Dr. Ashley Clark
Dr. Ashley Clark is a board-certified oral pathologist currently serving as the President of CAMP Laboratory in Indianapolis, Indiana, after a nearly decade-long career serving as an oral pathologist in academia. She is on the Professional Board for Oral Cancer Cause and Digital Dental Notes and the Advisory Board for General Dentistry.
Dr. Clark has won several teaching awards, has provided over 200 continuing education courses, and has authored more than 50 publications and book chapters. She is a member of the American and International College of Dentists. For a free biopsy kit, please email aclark@camplaboratory.com.
Dr. Kimberly Schlam
Description:
Restoring dental implants has become continuously more challenging as our patients expect esthetic and biological results matching their natural teeth. Digital record acquisition, combined with virtual surgical planning, has greatly improved the efficiency and predictability of outcomes for our patients. Stacking of virtual data obtained using AI-generated smile design software has revolutionized the experience of restoring dental implants.
Objectives:
Dr. Kimberly Schlam
Dr. Kimberly Schlam is the owner of a start-up private prosthodontic practice in Bend, Oregon. Her practice focuses on patient-centric, multi-specialty, collaborative care. Her research has focused on patient-reported quality of life outcomes of implant prosthetics. She focuses on using digital technology to improve techniques, communication, and enhance her patients’ experiences. Dr. Schlam received her dental training from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and her Certificate of Prosthodontics and Master’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill. She has also served as an active duty US Army prosthodontist.
Dr. Schlam joined Spear Education's esteemed Resident Faculty in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in prosthodontics and a commitment to patient-centric care to the team.
Amy Morgan - Vice President of Practice Growth Strategies, Spear Education
Description:
“The strength of the team is each individual team member. The strength of each member is the team” –Phil Jackson
An inspired, self-directed team focused on continuous growth is essential in today’s dental practice. In the dynamic landscape of today's competitive job market, cultivating an environment that magnetizes and keeps top-tier teams is an imperative skill for leaders and managers in any size dental practice. We will dive deeply into the team lifecycle, learning how to find the right team members, grow internal talent and retain motivated, A-players who move your practice vision and goals forward.
Objectives:
Amy Morgan - Vice President of Practice Growth Strategies, Spear Education
Amy Morgan was a consultant, trainer, and CEO of Pride Institute – a nationally acclaimed practice management consulting company – for more than 25 years. She and her teams have revitalized thousands of dental practices using management systems proven to help dentists become more secure, efficient, and profitable.
A prolific speaker and writer, Amy has presented throughout North America and Europe. Additionally, she has been featured at numerous regional organizations. She has published a wide variety of columns and whitepapers in major dental publications, in addition to self-guided training manuals. Her books, like, Leadership Lessons From the Road: Why Bother, We’re All Nuckin’ Futz!, which is among the best-selling books on dental assisting and practice management – provides real solutions to help doctors and their teams address the daily issues that arise in the evolution of their practices.
As a valued Spear Resident Faculty member and Vice President of Practice Growth Strategies, Amy also contributes regularly to Spear's practice management seminars and related content.
Amy is a mom, grandma, and proud cat mom to two cats – Panda Bear and Storm.
Gina Livy
Description:
Women in dentistry spend their days caring for others, but what about their own health? Long hours, demanding schedules, and high stress make weight loss feel like an impossible challenge. Within this session, Gina Livy, CEO & Founder of The Livy Method, will break down why traditional diets fail and how a sustainable, science-backed approach to weight loss can work—even for busy professionals. Attendees will gain insight into how stress, inflammation, and even oral health impact metabolism, while learning practical strategies to lose weight in a way that’s realistic, effective, and maintainable for life. No gimmicks, no quick fixes—just real solutions for real results.
Objectives:
Gina Livy
Gina Livy, founder and CEO of The Livy Method, is a best-selling author and keynote speaker who is transforming the way the world approaches weight loss. With her fun, honest, and engaging style, Gina has redefined weight loss as a healthy, sustainable journey—one that has restored hope among those who had given up and empowers people to live their best lives.
Over her 30-year career, Gina has helped more than 100,000 people not just lose weight but completely transform their relationship with food and their bodies. Her impact spans 55+ countries, a vibrant and growing community, and over 6 million podcast downloads.
Moderator: Dr. Effie Habsha
Panelists: Dr. Pamela Maragliano Muniz, Dr. Alina Krivitsky Aalam, Dr. Ashley Clark, Dr. Kimberly Schlam, Dr. Sally Safa, Christy Ratcliff, Gina Livy
Description:
The panel discussion at WiD X Spear Education at the end of Day One will serve as a dynamic forum where the day’s distinguished speakers come together to explore key insights, challenges, and innovations shaping modern dentistry, leaving the audience with “pearls of wisdom” to take to their office on Monday morning.
Panelists will address audience questions, share real-world experiences, and offer diverse perspectives on topics such as digital dentistry, implant advancements, oral pathology and the future of oral health. Attendees will gain valuable takeaways to apply in their own practices from this collaborative exchange, enhancing their professional knowledge and fostering connections within the dental community.
Objectives:
Dr. Effie Habsha
Dr. Effie Habsha earned her DDS, Diploma in Prosthodontics and Master of Science degrees from the University of Toronto. She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Department of Dentistry, Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Dr. Habsha has served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and currently instructs both at the undergraduate and graduate level in Prosthodontics at U of T. Dr. Habsha joined Spear Education’s Resident Faculty in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in Prosthodontics.
Dr. Habsha is the founder of Women in Dentistry: Work.Life.Balance, a group created in 2010 for women in dentistry which aims to educate, empower and connect all women in the dental field. Dr. Habsha maintains a private practice limited to Prosthodontics in Toronto and lectures nationally and internationally on various prosthodontic and surgical topics.
| Time | Salon A | Workshops |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00-8:00 am | Breakfast | |
| Moderator | Dr. Fawzia Husain | |
| 8:00 - 9:00 am | Fortune in Misfortune: A Story NOT Silenced by Stage IV Oral Cancer Eva Grayzel |
|
| 9:00 - 9:45 am | See Jane Lead: What Every Woman in Dentistry Needs to Know Amy Morgan (Vice President of Practice Growth Strategies, Spear Education) |
|
| 9:45-10:15 am | Morning Break | |
| Moderator | Dr. Tracey Hendler | |
| 10:15 - 11:00 am | Plan, Place, and Restore: Digital Implant Workflow in Action! Dr. Shivi Gupta |
|
| 11:00 - 11:45 am | Invisalign Unlocked: Pro Tips for Predictable Results & Fewer Headaches Dr. Farah Kar |
|
| 11:45 - 12:30 pm | Strong Body. Strong Mind: Crushing it in your Dental Carreer Amanda Thebe |
|
| 12:30 pm | Closing Remarks / Meeting Adjourn - Dr. Effie Habsha | |
Eva Grayzel
Description:
Patient stories matter. Eva Grayzel transports dental professionals into the oral cancer patient’s experience sharing riveting details about her delayed diagnosis and finding the strength to persevere through the devastating effects of radical surgery and radiation. Audiences will be motivated with new thinking about oral cancer screenings and patient education. Her compelling narrative humanizes oral cancer, inspiring audiences professionally and personally.
Objectives:
Eva Grayzel
Eva Grayzel first told her story at the 2003 National ADA conference on the main stage to 9,000 dentists. That’s when she knew her story needed to be heard. Since then, she has become the voice for oral cancer, speaking internationally at dental, medical, and survivorship conferences on the patient perspective. She is the founder of Six-Step Screening, an education initiative to raise awareness about signs and symptoms of oral cancer, for which she was awarded honorary membership to the American Academy of Oral Medicine. She is the author of two children’s books to empower children with coping skills and communication strategies when someone they know has cancer.
Amy Morgan - Vice President of Practice Growth Strategies, Spear Education
Description:
Every woman who has assumed a position of leadership in dentistry recognizes the challenges, myths, and stereotypes that can be perceived as barriers to success. The good news? There has been a dramatic shift in the traditional business world when it comes to effective leadership skills and traits. What was the accepted “Command and Control” leadership model no longer is effective. The characteristics that are now considered to be most effective have traditionally been perceived as feminine (empathy, collaboration, multi-tasking). Enhancing those skills makes for excellent business cultures.
Objectives:
Amy Morgan - Vice President of Practice Growth Strategies, Spear Education
Amy Morgan was a consultant, trainer, and CEO of Pride Institute – a nationally acclaimed practice management consulting company – for more than 25 years. She and her teams have revitalized thousands of dental practices using management systems proven to help dentists become more secure, efficient, and profitable. A prolific speaker and writer, Amy has presented throughout North America and Europe. Additionally, she has been featured at numerous regional organizations. She has published a wide variety of columns and whitepapers in major dental publications, in addition to self-guided training manuals. Her books, like Leadership Lessons From the Road: Why Bother, We’re All Nuckin’ Futz!, which is among the best-selling books on dental assisting and practice management – provides real solutions to help doctors and their teams address the daily issues that arise in the evolution of their practices.
As a valued Spear Resident Faculty member and Vice President of Practice Growth Strategies, Amy also contributes regularly to Spear's practice management seminars and related content.
Dr. Shivi Gupta
Description:
Digital technology has transformed implant dentistry, making planning and placement in the GP practice more precise and predictable than ever before. This lecture guides you through the complete digital workflow, from initial planning to final restoration, demonstrating enhanced clinical outcomes, optimized practice efficiency and elevated patient comfort. Discover how these techniques can not only improve your practice’s success but also bring greater fulfillment to your dental career.
Objectives:
Dr. Shivi Gupta
Dr. Shivi Gupta owns a thriving multidisciplinary practice in San Diego, California. She completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and earned her dental degree from the University of Manitoba, Canada, two decades ago. Passionate about digital technology, she utilizes CAD/CAM applications for crown and bridges, implants, smile designs, and orthodontics. Dr. Gupta serves as Resident Faculty with CDOCS, holds the role of Education Clinical Leader at Imagen Dental Partners, and is an Alpha/Beta technology tester and Key Opinion Leader (KOL) speaker for Dentsply Sirona. She actively participates as a hardware, software, and material tester for various dental companies, sharing her expertise through national and international lectures on digital dentistry and connected technology.
Dr. Farah Kar
Description:
Invisalign treatment has transformed modern dentistry, but achieving consistently predictable outcomes can still be a challenge. As a top Invisalign provider, I’ve encountered (and overcome) many common pitfalls that can derail treatment and frustrate both doctors and patients. In this lecture, I’ll share real-world tips and tricks to help you refine your approach, improve efficiency, and get better results with clear aligners. Whether you’re a general dentist or a specialist, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies that you can implement in your practice first thing Monday morning.
Objectives:
Dr. Farah Kar
Dr. Kar is a double board-certified orthodontist (USA & Canada) and one of the top Invisalign providers in the southeast, winning multiple awards for excellence in orthodontics and customer service. Originally from Toronto, she later moved to Atlanta, Georgia. She earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts and a master’s degree in Project Management from Georgia Tech before transitioning to dentistry. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota and specialized in craniofacial orthodontics, earning her second Master of Science degree. Dr. Kar is an accomplished speaker, researcher, and mentor in orthodontics, publishing research and contributing to dental education internationally.
Amanda Thebe
Description:
Most dentists are overworked, stressed, and struggle to find time for their health. When you barely have time to eat lunch, starting a new fitness routine can feel overwhelming. In this presentation, Amanda will share simple, practical strategies to prioritize your health through exercise—without adding more stress to your day. These tips will help you feel and perform better while setting the foundation for a long, healthy career.
Objectives:
Amanda Thebe
Amanda Thebe is a Fitness and Women’s Health Expert and the author of the Amazon best-seller Menopocalypse: How I Learned to Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too! With nearly 30 years of experience in the fitness industry, she is a sought-after speaker on women’s health and wellness. Amanda is the co-founder and Chief Branding and Growth Officer at Nyah Health, Canada’s first complete healthcare solution for menopausal women, launching in 2024. She is also Canada’s first menopause workplace educator, providing corporate training on health and productivity. A popular guest on podcasts, radio, and TV, Amanda brings humor and a no-nonsense approach to health topics, inspiring audiences worldwide.
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