7:00-8:00 am 

Registration 

8:00-9:15 am 

Breakfast 

9:30-10:10 am 

Keynote: Living in the Dash
Sponsored by Crest + Oral-B 
Speaker: Diego Velasquez 

Living in the Dash is a celebration of life—an invitation to embrace each moment with intensity, passion, devotion, and gratitude.

10:15-10:30 am 

Break

10:35-11:20 am 

Breakout 1: Managing Student Debt/Finance 101 
Speaker: Dr. David Rice, CEO, IgniteDDS

Breakout 2: Getting on the Lecture Circuit 
Speaker: Jennifer Doobrow

Ready to Step Into The Spotlight?
As you gear up for the next chapter in your career, this high-energy, interactive workshop will help you take your voice beyond the clinic and onto the podium. This program will help you find your voice and provide practical advice for getting started providing educational content for dental professionals and the public. Learn how to craft presentations that get you noticed and create a standout speaker packet. Dr. Doobrow will review her journey as a sought-after speaker and educator, unpack pearls and provide tangible take-homes that can take your presence and message to the next level. Explore how you can own the stage, speak with confidence, and leave audiences wanting more! Let this workshop be your first step into the spotlight and discover how you can use your voice to promote optimal periodontal health and best practices for dental healthcare providers extending far outside your dental practice!

11:25 am-12:10 pm 

Breakout 3: Perio Life Balance 
Speakers: Katie Martin & Natalie Frost 

Join two practicing periodontists, both 5-10 years out of residency, in a relaxed and open format as they discuss their daily challenges and strategies for adapting to life after residency while balancing professional and personal demands.

Expected outcome(s):
– Learn the statistics related to fatigue, stress and burnout within dentistry.
– Obtain resources and mechanisms to assist with prevention of burnout.
– Gain understanding of the importance of building a daily routine for yourself.
– Discover exercises and ergonomic tips for pain prevention and professional longevity.

Breakout 4: Legal Considerations for Residents 
Speaker: Mitch Bloom

As graduation from your post-graduate periodontology program approaches, you will find yourself well-prepared in all things related to providing outstanding clinical care to the patients you will soon meet in practice. However, you need to be just as prepared to navigate the complex legal environment in which we practice to help protect the hard work and sacrifices you have made to become a periodontist.

As a practicing periodontist, attorney, and clinical faculty, I will discuss some areas of law that I believe will become immediately important to you as you begin to make career decisions. The presentation will center around associate agreements along with some other related topics that I wish I had known when I was at the same point in my career as you are now.

12:15-1:15pm 

Lunch with Vendors

1:30-2:15 pm 

Breakout 5: Building a Healthy Team Environment 
Speakers: Greg Toback

Dentistry is a team sport, and high performing practices know that periodontists can’t do it alone. Our team is the key to exceptional clinical outcomes and patient experiences. In a labor market with more turbulence than at any time in history, how can you create an environment to create maximum engagement, and team members that will elevate every aspect of what you do? It starts by finding the right people who align with your vision and values, and then assuring they are in the right seat to maximize their effectiveness. Beyond the scalpel, honing leadership skillsets is a must for any periodontist who desires to have an extraordinary practice.

Breakout 6: What is Academia Really Like? 
Speaker: Lea Hachem

2:20-3:20 pm 

Vendor Showcase 

3:20-3:50 pm 

ABP Session 

3:50-4:20 pm 

AAPF Session 

4:20-5:05 pm 

Small Group Activity 

5:05-5:35 pm

Closing Panel Discussion 

6:30-8:30 pm

You Have ARRived Reception

8:30-10:00 am 

Ask Us Anything Breakfast 

A panel discussion with AAP President Mia L. Geisinger, AAPF President, Lisa B. Masters, and ABP President Paul G. Luepke.

This session will provide an interactive mechanism for rising third-year residents to ask established leaders in various aspects of organized periodontology about their leadership journey, key takeaways for leading in any aspect of your life, and guidance for finding opportunities to lead in your practice, your communities, and beyond!

10:15–11:00 am 

Small Group Presentations 

11:00-11:45 am 

Vendor Showcase 

11:45-12:30 pm

Award Announcements/Final Remarks 
Awards sponsored by Nobel Biocare

Diego Velasquez-Plata, DDS, MSD
Keynote: Living in the Dash – A celebration of life—an invitation to embrace each moment with intensity, passion, devotion, and gratitude

Diego Velásquez-Plata, DDS, MSD is a graduate of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana School of Dentistry, Colombia. He was awarded an Ambassadorial Scholarship by The Rotary Foundation that allowed him to complete his postdoctoral training in Prosthodontics and Dental Materials at Indiana University School of Dentistry where he also received a Masters degree in Science of Dentistry. He went on to complete a residency in Periodontics at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Dr. Velásquez-Plata works in private practice in Fenton, Michigan and is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at the School of Dentistry of The University of Michigan.

He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and is currently an Associate Editor of Clinical Advances in Periodontics, a member of the peer review panel of the Journal of Periodontology, and a consultant of The International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry. He is part of the Expert Council of The Osteology Foundation, has published a number of articles on prosthodontics, periodontics, microsurgery, and dental implant related topics and has lectured nationally and internationally. He is the co-editor of the book titled “Microsurgery in Periodontal and Implant Dentistry – Concepts and Applications”.

Dr. Velásquez-Plata is a recipient of the prestigious “Dr. and Mrs. Gerald M. Kramer Scholarship for Excellence” award of the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation. His private practice-based research activity has been recognized by the American Academy of Periodontology by receiving The Clinical Research Award in 2017 and 2021. He is past president of the Midwest Society of Periodontology, Michigan Periodontal Association and the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation.

 Mitchell J. Bloom, DMD
Legal Considerations for Residents

Dr. Bloom is a board-certified periodontist and an attorney admitted to the bar in New York and New Jersey.
He attended college and dental school at Rutgers University and completed his periodontal specialty training at the University of Connecticut followed by the Fellowship in Implant Dentistry Program at New York University, and most recently, received his law degree from the City University of New York School of Law.

He maintains a private practice in New York City limited to periodontics and implant surgery and is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Ashman Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at NYU. Dr. Bloom has long been involved with organized dentistry and served as a trustee at the AAP for 7 years and is now an American Board of Periodontology examiner.
He has taken his collective experience from private practice, teaching, administration, and service to the specialty, and has now put them to use in the practice of law helping other dental professionals.

Jennifer Hirsch Doobrow, DMD
Getting on the Lecture Circuit: Ready to Step Into The Spotlight?

Dr. Jennifer Hirsch Doobrow, a Board-Certified Periodontist, is the Owner and CEO of Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. located in Cullman, AL. She earned her DMD at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2007 and received her certification in Periodontics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2010. She serves, as the Immediate Past-President for the Southern Academy of Periodontology (SAP), President-Elect for the Alabama Dental Association (ALDA), Board of Trustee, American Academy of Periodontology, faculty member for the Pikos Institute and Chair of WISE- Women in Implantology Supporting and Empowering Advisory Board. Dr. Doobrow is a UAB Alumni Executive Council District Representative and on the Executive Committee for the International Society of Periodontal Plastic Surgeons. She holds Past-President positions in the Alabama Society of Periodontists and the Wilson Chenault Dental Study Club and is a Director for a Seattle Study Club located in Cullman, AL.

In 2012, Dr. Doobrow was recognized as one of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) prestigious 40 Under 40. Most recently, Dr. Doobrow was selected as the 2021 Most Excellent Fellow for the Alabama Dental Association, one of the Top 10 Young Educators in America for 2017 by The Seattle Study Club, was inducted as a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, International College of Dentists, American College of Dentists and International Society of Periodontal Plastic Surgeons. She was also awarded the MUSC School of Dentistry Young Alumnus Award, the UAB School of Dentistry Outstanding Young Alumnus Award and was featured on Lifetime Network’s “The Balancing Act” as well as on the “Dentistry Uncensored Podcast”. She has published articles in Compendium, Inside Dentistry, Dental Economics, DentistryIQ, Surgical Restorative Resource and Perio-Implant Advisory, and lectures Internationally on dental implants, periodontal hard and soft tissue regeneration, and perio-plastic therapies.

Natalie A. Frost, DDS, MS
Perio Life Balance

Dr. Frost obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Rockhurst University graduating with honors and summa cum laude. She earned her DSS from Creighton University School of Dentistry graduating summa cum laude and ranked #1 in her class. Dr. Frost received a Master’s Degree and Certificate in Periodontics from The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.

Dr. Frost is a member of the ADA, Nebraska Dental Association, Omaha District Dental Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon-National Dental Honor Society, Nebraska Society of Periodontology, Southwest Society of Periodontists and the AAP. Dr. Frost has received numerous awards and distinctions including selection as a finalist for the prestigious AAP Foundation- Kramer Scholar Award for Excellence. She is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, a Fellow in the International College of Dentists, and a Fellow in the American College of Dentists.

Dr. Frost has served as Past-Chair of the New Dentist Committee for the Nebraska Dental Association, Past-Chair of the Membership Committee for the Southwest Society of Periodontists and on the Board of Directors for the Omaha District Dental Society and Southwest Society of Periodontists. She also served as Chair for the Graduate Prichard Research Competition of the Southwest Society of Periodontists. For five years, Dr. Frost held an Adjunct Clinical Faculty position at Creighton University School of Dentistry. She also volunteers to serve as Adjunct Clinical Faculty at the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry. She has served as President of the Nebraska Society of Periodontology and President of the Southwest Society of Periodontists. She is currently a District 5 Trustee for the AAP and Past President of the Omaha District Dental Society.

Dr. Frost enjoys exercise, savoring restaurants & music, being outdoors, friends & family, and playing piano. She has two adorable children: Brayden 9) and Elliana (6).

Mia L. Geisinger, DDS, MS
“Ask Us Anything” Breakfast – A panel discussion with AAP President Mia L. Geisinger, AAPF President, Lisa B. Masters, and ABP President Paul G. Luepke

Mia L. Geisinger, DDS, MS is a Professor, Director of Advanced Education in Periodontology, and Acting Chair of the Department of Periodontology in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Dr. Geisinger received her BS in Biology from Duke University, her DDS from Columbia University School of Dental Medicine, and her MS and Certificate in Periodontology and Implantology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Geisinger is a Diplomate in the American Board of Periodontology and a Fellow in the International Team for Implantology, the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists. She has served as the President of the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, as the Chair of the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs, as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Dental Association Science and Research Institute, and on multiple national and regional organized dentistry committees.

She currently serves as the President and on numerous AAP and ADA committees and task forces. She has authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications and serves on the editorial board of several publications. Her research interests include periodontal and systemic disease interaction, implant dentistry in the periodontally compromised dentition, and novel treatment strategies for oral soft and hard tissue regeneration. She lectures nationally and internationally on topics in periodontology and oral healthcare.

Kyle Gorden
AAPF Session

Kyle Gorden became executive director of the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation January 1, 2025, following ten years of fundraising and strategic planning consulting for performing arts, higher education, and academic medical institutions across North America and Europe. He previously served as communications director for the University of Chicago’s $4.5 billion Impact & Inquiry campaign and as producing director for Off-Broadway documentary musical theater company The Civilians. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago, Stanford University’s Kyoto Center for Japanese Studies, and the Kennedy Center’s Vilar Fellowship for Arts Management.

Lea Hachem, DDS, MS
What is Academia Really Like? 

Dr. Lea Hachem is an Associate Professor and Director of the Pre-doctoral Division of the Department of Periodontics at the University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. Dr. Hachem received her Doctor in Dental Surgery Degree at Université Saint Joseph in Beirut, Lebanon, and Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies in Periodontology and Master of Science in Oral Biology at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Hachem is a Board-Certified Periodontist and practices at Orbis Dental Group.

Dr. Hachem currently serves on the boards of the Southwest Society of Periodontists, and the San Antonio District Dental Society, and on several committees and task forces for the American Academy of Periodontology. She is a fellow of the International College of Dentists.
Dr. Hachem is the recipient of the “10 Under Ten Award” from the Massachusetts Dental Society and the “Bud and Linda Tarrson Award” from the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, awarded to dentists that have made a significant impact and contribution to the profession and the community.

Paul G. Luepke, DDS
“Ask Us Anything” Breakfast – A panel discussion with AAP President Mia L. Geisinger, AAPF President, Lisa B. Masters, and ABP President Paul G. Luepke

Dr. Luepke is a Diplomate, Director, and now President of the American Board of Periodontology. His academic position is Dean, University of Missouri Kansas City, School of Dentistry. He has held Associate Dean and Chair positions at UTHSC, Memphis and Marquette University School of Dentistry He received his periodontal training (Certificate and Masters) from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. Dr. Luepke retired from the Navy in 2008 with the rank of Captain after 21 years of service and recently became a certified executive coach.

Katie Martin, DMD, MS
Perio Life Balance

Dr. Kate Martin practices full time in a private practice office in Phoenix Arizona. She also serves as adjunct faculty in the AEGD program at A. T. Still University, where she works with residents several days a month. Dr. Martin earned her B.S. in psychology and her B.H.S in physiology, along with her M.S. in physiological sciences from the University of Arizona. She earned her D.M.D and M.P.H. from the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ASDOH), and her certificate in periodontology from the University of Alabama, Birmingham.

Dr. Martin is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. She serves on the AAP Resident Retreat Workgroup. Dr. Martin is currently serving as an active member on the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners Investigative Committee. She also lectures for the Arizona Academy of General Dentistry.

Angela Palaiologou-Gallis, DDS, MS

Dr. Angela Palaiologou-Gallis is a Professor and Graduate Program Director at UT Health San Antonio. She earned her Certificate in Periodontics and Master of Science degree in 2000 from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Following seven years in private practice, she began her academic career in 2007. From 2009 to 2018, she served as Postgraduate Program Director in the Department of Periodontics at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry.

A Diplomate and Immediate Past President of the American Board of Periodontology, Dr. Palaiologou is also a board member of the Southwest Society of Periodontists. She actively participates in professional organizations including the IADR/AADR, ADA, SADDS, and TDA. Within the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), she has served on key committees such as the In-Service Exam Committee, Education Committee, and the Match Task Force.

Her dedication to education and mentorship has been recognized with the 2020 AAP Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring in Periodontics Award. She chaired the AAP Postdoctoral Directors Organization from 2017 to 2019 and has served as a site visitor for the Commission on Dental Accreditation since 2015. Additionally, she is a 2014 fellow of the ADEA Leadership Institute. Dr. Palaiologou has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.

Leena Palomo DDS, MSD

Dr. Palomo is a board-certified periodontist. She is Vice-President of the American Board of Periodontology and a tenured full professor of periodontics at New York University with secondary appointment as professor of biomedical engineering in the schools of engineering and medicine at Case Western Reserve University (her alma mater for undergraduate, dental and advanced training). Dr. Palomo’s contributions to interdisciplinary and multispecialty publications have been recognized through medical and dental research awards, national and international presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. She is most proud of the success of her students and colleagues.

Dr. Palomo has served the profession on several AAP committees and task forces such as the Education Committee, Pre-doctoral Program Directors Organization, Research Submissions Committee and MATCH Taskforce, and Taskforce on Dental Education. She has served as a CODA site visitor and is currently Vice President of the North East Society of Periodontists. She maintains a private practice and enjoys playing sports with her family and friends.

David Rice, DDS
Managing Student Debt/Finance 101

Best-selling author, executive coach, and founder of IgniteDDS, the nation’s largest community for new dentists and students, Dr. David Rice is a dynamic thought leader in the world of dentistry. With a passion for mentorship, leadership, and business success, he travels the globe educating and connecting today’s top young dentists to their self-determined future.
As Editor-in-Chief of DentistryIQ and Adjunct Faculty at The Pankey Institute, Dr. Rice is at the forefront of innovation in dentistry, guiding professionals in clinical excellence, business mastery, and leadership development.

 Gregory A. Toback, DMD, MS
Building a Healthy Team Environment 

Following completion of his dental degree at UCONN, and periodontal training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Dr. Toback began private practice in southeastern Connecticut in 1998. Developing a large multi-location periodontal practice over twenty years, Dr. Toback developed a passion for the business of dentistry, leadership, marketing, and organizational development. He established High Performance Perio Practice Mentoring (HP3) in 2010 and coached periodontists throughout the US in building their own pathway to practice ownership success.

In 2018, with a vision of creating a collaborative model for the future, Dr. Toback founded Resolute Dental Partners. Presently with 7 locations (3 perio / 4 restorative), 15 dentists, and over 100 team members, Resolute has a vision of creating a movement that will shape the future of dentistry in their local community. With a focus on culture, combined with recruitment of top young talent, Resolute has tapped into the collaborative interdisciplinary energy of its team to experience exceptional growth in the early years of operations.