NODC 2027 Courses
This page is in progress! We will add new speakers and courses over time, so check back soon!
Thursday, April 8, 2027
Dr. Brian Goodacre
3 clinical C.E. hours per course
AM Course: Clinical Workflows for Digital Dentures: Scanning, Milling & Printing
Lecture Title: Clinical Workflows for Digital Dentures: Scanning, Milling & Printing
Of Interest To:
- Dentists
- Laboratory Technicians
Objectives:
- Review clinical workflows for digital dentures
- Discuss how to utilize intraoral scanners to streamline your digital denture workflow
- Compare 3D printed and milled denture properties
Synopsis:
Since the introduction of digital dentures, many aspects have improved. Such improvements include streamlined workflows, easy-to-use software, and new and improved manufacturing techniques. This presentation will demonstrate the clinical workflows and discuss the benefits and limitations of using these emerging techniques. Additionally, it is widely known that 3D-printed complete dentures are becoming a viable option, but how do they compare to milled dentures? This lecture will compare the physical properties of milled and printed complete dentures to help determine their best applications.
PM Course: The Art and Science of Implant Overdentures
Lecture Title: The Art and Science of Implant Overdentures
Of Interest To:
- Dentists
Objectives:
- Understand the benefits of implant overdentures
- Discuss the complications faced in clinical practice
- Review the clinical implant overdenture workflow
Synopsis:
Treating edentulous patients can be an overwhelming process with patients lacking the retention and confidence they desire. Implant overdentures can be an ideal option to help improve the quality of life of these patients. This presentation will discuss the benefits and challenges that will be faced with overdentures and review the clinical workflow to help demystify implant overdentures.
Meet Dr. Goodacre
Dr. Richard Madow
3 non-clinical C.E. hours per course
AM Course: The WOW Practice: How Memorable Experiences Create Thriving Practices
Course Title: The WOW Practice: How Memorable Experiences Create Thriving Practices
Of Interest To:
- Dentists
- Hygienists
- Chairside/clinical assistants
- Laboratory technicians
- Business assistant/office managers
- Spouses
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, attendees will be able to:
1. Identify key moments in the patient journey that influence loyalty, referrals, treatment acceptance, and long-term practice growth.
2. Implement specific systems for creating an exceptional new-patient experience, improving scheduling, and increasing patient retention and referrals.
3. Apply practical communication and financial strategies that improve case acceptance while creating a more patient-centered and enjoyable practice environment.
Course Description:
We all want patients who say “yes” to treatment, show up on time, reappoint consistently, refer their friends and family, and genuinely love being part of the practice. The good news? Creating that kind of patient doesn’t require gimmicks, expensive technology, or turning your practice upside down.
It starts with creating an unforgettable patient experience.
In this fun, fast-paced course, Dr. Richard Madow takes a deep dive into the little things — and the big things — that transform an ordinary dental office into a WOW Practice: highly productive, extremely profitable, patient-centered, team-oriented, and FUN.
From the very first phone call through the new-patient visit, treatment presentation, financial arrangements, scheduling, referrals, and beyond, you’ll discover practical strategies that can be put to use immediately. You’ll learn how to create patients who don’t just accept treatment — they stay, pay, refer, and become enthusiastic ambassadors for your practice.
And yes — you’ll probably laugh more than you ever thought possible at a dental seminar!
Here are just some of the things attendees will learn:
- The biggest mistake made when a new patient calls — and how fixing it can help you appoint more patients immediately.
- Six steps to turn a patient’s first visit into a loyalty and referral machine.
- The “magic phrase” that MUST be said at every new-patient appointment.
- How to get tons of referrals without begging, pleading, or sounding desperate!
- Forget the traditional patient “night call.” Here’s what to do instead — and why it works so much better.
- The supercharged, patient-friendly exam that gets patients asking about treatment before you even recommend it!
- Is your practice “calibrated”? If not, you could be losing patients and treatment without even realizing it.
- Why not collect 100%? A simple financial policy that’s better for your patients, your team, and your bottom line.
- Five things that are probably wrong with your dental website — and how to fix them immediately.
- Why the “new patient fix” is so dangerous — and how to stop depending on an endless stream of new patients for practice growth.
- Happy team, happy patients, happy doctor? How to create a culture that makes all three possible.
- Simple ways to lower stress, avoid burnout, and enjoy practicing dentistry more than ever.
- And much, much more!
PM Course: Love Dentistry, Have Fun, and Prosper: Simple Strategies to Grow Your Practice, Reduce Stress, and Enjoy Dentistry Again!
Course Title: Love Dentistry, Have Fun, and Prosper: Simple Strategies to Grow Your Practice, Reduce Stress, and Enjoy Dentistry Again!
Of Interest To:
- Dentists
- Hygienists
- Chairside/clinical assistants
- Laboratory technicians
- Business assistant/office managers
- Spouses
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, attendees will be able to:
- Use specific communication techniques to improve treatment acceptance and respond more effectively to common patient questions and objections.
- Implement practical systems to reduce cancellations, improve scheduling and reactivation, control overhead, and increase practice productivity.
- Recognize common behaviors that contribute to professional frustration and burnout and apply strategies for creating a more positive, enjoyable, and sustainable practice environment.
Course Description:
What if your practice could be more productive and profitable — and more enjoyable?
In this high-energy, highly practical course, Dr. Richard Madow shares proven strategies for solving some of the most frustrating problems in dentistry: patients who say “no” to treatment, last-minute cancellations, inefficient scheduling, ineffective reactivation, high overhead, and the everyday habits that quietly hold practices back.
You’ll learn simple techniques for improving case acceptance, strengthening patient communication, keeping the schedule full, reducing unnecessary expenses, and creating a happier, more effective team.
But practice success isn’t just about production numbers. Dentistry should also provide an enjoyable and fulfilling career. That’s why this course goes beyond practice growth to tackle something just as important: how to avoid burnout, maintain perspective, and actually love dentistry.
Packed with immediately usable ideas, memorable stories, humor, and even a little music, this is definitely not your typical dental seminar!
Here are just some of the things attendees will learn:
- Why patients really say “no” to treatment — and what you can do to change that forever.
- The “Ninety-Second, No-Pressure, $25,000 Treatment Plan” — a simple technique that can dramatically increase case acceptance.
- The absolute best answer when a patient asks, “How long will this last?” Hint: it can turn that question into “Let’s schedule it!”
- Eight dental phrases we all say that should be banned immediately — and what to say instead.
- The first thing to do when someone calls to cancel. It may seem counterintuitive, but it can save up to 90% of these appointments.
- Dr. Madow’s special secret for NEVER running late — and why staying on time is good for your patients, your team, and your sanity!
- How to make your reactivation campaign actually work — and why most reactivation efforts fail.
- One simple phone call that can lower your overhead by thousands of dollars every month.
- Ten “Dumb Things” dentists and team members do that hurt productivity, profitability, and enjoyment — and how to stop doing them!
- Why more production doesn’t necessarily mean more success — and how to focus on what really matters.
- The myth of “work/life balance” — and a better way to find happiness in dentistry and life.
- An amazing story that just might change the way you look at dentistry forever.
- Plus many more practice-growth strategies you can put to use as soon as you get back to the office.
Meet Dr. Madow
Dr. Richard Madow: Dental Success Visionary and Award-Winning Speaker
Dr. Richard Madow is a trailblazer in helping dentists achieve unparalleled success and fulfillment in their practices. Recognized as a perennial “Leader in Dental Education” by Dentistry Today, his insights have reached over 100,000 dental practices worldwide through his highly influential publications, articles, and blogs.
With his unique blend of humor and spontaneity, Rich has captivated standing-room-only audiences across North America, inspiring dental teams to redefine their careers, elevate practice performance, and infuse joy into every day.
An award-winning musician and songwriter who has performed at venues throughout North America, a seasoned traveler who has explored over 65 countries, and author of Amazon bestseller “Creating Your Ideal Dental Practice,” Dr. Rich has cemented his status as a multi-faceted leader in both dentistry and life.
He can be reached at rich@madow.com
Friday, April 9, 2027
Dr. Steven Bender
3 clinical C.E. hours per course
AM Course: A No Gimmicks, No Gadgets, Approach to Sleep Medicine for the Dental Practice
Lecture Title: A No Gimmicks, No Gadgets, Approach to Sleep Medicine for the Dental Practice
Of Interest To:
- Dentists
- Hygienists
- Chairside/Clinical Assistants
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, attendees will be able to:
1) Define and distinguish key terminology related to sleep and sleep-disordered breathing.
2) Apply an appropriate screening process for sleep-disordered breathing within the dental practice.
3) Develop confidence in the physician referral process and interdisciplinary collaboration.
4) Describe the indications, limitations, and clinical considerations of mandibular advancement device therapy, including appropriate patient selection and application in practice.
Synopsis:
Many patients with sleep-disordered breathing remain undiagnosed and untreated. Because of their ongoing role in preventive care, dental professionals are uniquely positioned to help identify patients at risk and guide them through appropriate screening and referral.
Using an evidence-based approach, this course will explore how to incorporate dental sleep medicine into everyday practice—from examination and screening to physician collaboration and treatment. Participants will also gain practical insight into patient selection and the use of mandibular advancement devices as an alternative to traditional positive airway pressure therapy. No gimmicks or gadgets—just practical, evidence-based strategies for integrating dental sleep medicine into your practice.
PM Course: The Many Faces of Orofacial Pain: Beyond TMD!
Lecture Title: The Many Faces of Orofacial Pain: Beyond TMD!
Of Interest To:
- Dentists
- Hygienists
- Chairside/Clinical Assistant
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, attendees will:
1) Develop an understanding of the classifications of orofacial pains in order to more confidently diagnose these often confusing pain presentations.
2) Become familiar with and more comfortable in the gathering of relevant history, performing comprehensive examinations and ordering appropriate diagnostic tests for orofacial pain conditions.
3) Learn to develop comprehensive and patient-centered treatment strategies for various orofacial pain presentations by incorporating multidisciplinary approaches, pharmacological interventions, and and some cases, appropriate referral, to most effectively alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing complex orofacial pain issues.
Synopsis:
This course provides a practical, evidence-based overview of orofacial pain conditions that extend beyond temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Participants will explore a range of non-TMD conditions, including neuropathic pain, primary headache disorders, burning mouth disorder, and other orofacial pain syndromes. Through an understanding of contemporary pain classifications and clinical presentation, attendees will develop greater confidence in recognizing, differentiating, and appropriately managing—or referring—patients with complex orofacial pain.
Meet Dr. Bender
Dr. Melissa Seibert
3 clinical C.E. hours per course
AM Course: Ceramic Onlay Masterclass
Lecture Title: Ceramic Onlay Masterclass
Of Interest To: Dentists
Objectives:
· Learn about the evidence to support ceramic onlays
· Learn preparation design techniques for ceramic onlays
· Discover how to deliver and bond ceramic onlays
· Become aware of the different materials available for ceramic onlays
Synopsis:
The full-coverage crown has long been the default for the structurally compromised posterior tooth, but the evidence increasingly supports a more conservative alternative. This masterclass makes the case for the ceramic onlay, covering the literature on survival and longevity, the material options available today, and how to choose between them. Attendees will leave with practical preparation design principles and a step-by-step delivery and bonding protocol they can apply Monday morning.
PM Course: Vital Pulp Therapy and Minimally Invasive Caries Management Masterclass
Lecture Title: Vital Pulp Therapy and Minimally Invasive Caries Management Masterclass
Of Interest To: Dentists
Objectives:
· Become aware of the evidence to support minimally invasive caries removal and vital pulp therapy
· Learn about the benefits of this minimally invasive approach to caries management
· Discover how to perform vital pulp therapy when pulp exposures arise
· Understand how to protect pulp vitality
Synopsis:
Complete caries removal followed by root canal therapy is no longer the only defensible response to a deep carious lesion. This masterclass reviews the evidence behind minimally invasive caries removal and vital pulp therapy, along with the clinical benefits of preserving pulp vitality rather than sacrificing it. Attendees will learn a practical protocol for managing pulp exposures when they arise and the technique and material decisions that give the pulp its best chance of long-term survival.
Meet Dr. Seibert
Saturday, April 10, 2027
Dr. Nate Lawson
3 clinical C.E. hours per course
AM Course: Materials and Techniques for Indirect Restorations
Lecture Title: Materials and Techniques for Indirect Restorations
Of Interest To:
- Dentists
- Chairside / Clinical Assistants
- Laboratory Technicians
Objectives:
· Differentiate the clinical indications for contemporary dental ceramic materials.
· Select appropriate preparation designs and restorative materials for indirect restorations.
· Apply evidence-based bonding and cementation protocols for ceramic restorations.
· Implement clinical techniques for adjusting, polishing, and repairing ceramic restorations.
· Incorporate research-based protocols that improve the longevity and predictability of indirect restorations.
Synopsis: This evidence-based course reviews the selection, preparation, bonding, and cementation of contemporary ceramic restorative materials. Participants will learn practical clinical strategies for selecting, handling, bonding, adjusting, and polishing indirect restorations while simplifying material selection and improving long-term clinical success.
PM Course: Materials and Techniques for Direct Restorations
Lecture Title: Materials and Techniques for Direct Restorations
Of Interest To:
- Dentists
- Chairside / Clinical Assistants
Objectives:
· Apply current evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and management of carious lesions.
· Select appropriate materials and adhesive protocols for direct composite restorations.
· Utilize clinical techniques that improve restoration adaptation, proximal contacts, and longevity.
· Evaluate matrix systems, bonding procedures, and finishing techniques to optimize clinical outcomes.
· Incorporate current research into daily restorative procedures to improve predictability and efficiency.
Synopsis: This course reviews each step involved in successful direct composite restorations, from diagnosis and isolation through bonding, composite placement, finishing, and polishing. Attendees will gain practical, evidence-based techniques that improve restorative outcomes and increase the longevity of direct restorations.
Meet Dr. Lawson
Dr. Nate Lawson is Director of the Division of Biomaterials at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry and Program Director of the Biomaterials Residency Program. He earned his DMD from the UAB School of Dentistry in 2011 and his PhD in Biomedical Engineering in 2012. His research focuses on the mechanical, optical, and biologic properties of dental materials, as well as the clinical evaluation of emerging restorative materials.
Dr. Lawson has published more than 300 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and research abstracts. He previously served on the American Dental Association Council of Scientific Affairs and currently serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry and Compendium. An internationally recognized lecturer, Dr. Lawson presents extensively on dental materials and restorative dentistry while maintaining a clinical practice as a general dentist in the UAB Faculty Practice.
Dr. Victoria Sullivan
3 clinical C.E. hours per course
PM Course: Beyond “Too Complex”: Mastering Special Needs Dentistry
Lecture Title: Beyond “Too Complex”: Mastering Special Needs Dentistry
Of Interest To: Dentists
Objectives:
• Debunk common myths
• Improve caregiver and stakeholder engagement
• Optimize scheduling and financial models
• Navigate ethical and legal responsibilities
• Expand case acceptance
• Reduce barriers to care
Synopsis:
This course provides a practical framework for expanding safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for patients with special healthcare needs. It explores common barriers to care—including medical complexity, behavioral and sensory challenges, caregiver burden, limited provider access, and financial constraints—while offering strategies to improve case acceptance and reduce disparities in care.
Participants will develop practical approaches to medical and behavioral risk assessment, screening and triage, individualized behavior guidance, caregiver communication, consent and capacity, documentation, minimally invasive treatment, sedation and general anesthesia pathways, and appropriate practice modifications. The course emphasizes moving beyond the perception that patients are simply “too complex” to treat and instead developing individualized, tiered treatment pathways that prioritize prevention, encourage patient participation, promote safety, and improve access to quality dental care.
Meet Dr. Sullivan
Dr. Victoria Sullivan assumed the role of Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry in July 2025, bringing with her nearly 30 years of experience in clinical practice, hospital-based care, and academic leadership. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving oral health outcomes for children, especially those with complex medical and behavioral needs.
Dr. Sullivan earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of California–San Diego, followed by a Master of Science from Rutgers University. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific before completing a certificate in pediatric dentistry through the University of Southern California and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Her training provided a strong foundation for her lifelong dedication to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care to children and adolescents.
Board-certified in pediatric dentistry since 1996, Dr. Sullivan has maintained long-term affiliations with several prestigious healthcare institutions, including Stanford University Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, Shriner’s Hospital-Houston, Dignity Health, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Sutter Hospital. In these roles, she has contributed to multidisciplinary teams focused on cleft palate care, hematology-oncology patients, pediatric long-term care, and hospital-based programs such as the Avoid Readmission through Collaborative Care initiative.
Her professional interests extend beyond the clinic. Dr. Sullivan is actively engaged in research, with particular focus on behavioral management strategies for pediatric patients and the innovative use of lasers in pediatric dentistry. She has presented her work at professional meetings and remains committed to advancing techniques that improve patient comfort and outcomes.
In addition to her clinical and research endeavors, Dr. Sullivan is an active leader in organized dentistry. She is a member of the American Dental Association and serves on both the ADA’s ACE Committee and the Dental Licensure OSCE creation committee. She also holds membership in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and multiple state and local dental societies, reflecting her dedication to advancing the profession and supporting the next generation of dental professionals.
With her extensive experience, collaborative approach, and passion for pediatric oral health, Dr. Sullivan continues to guide the Department of Pediatric Dentistry toward innovation in education, research, and patient care.
Continuing Education Information
New Orleans Dental Association is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. New Orleans Dental Association designates this activity for continuing education credit. This continuing education activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP) through joint efforts between the New Orleans Dental Association and the Louisiana Dental Association.