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LECTURES

Dental industry lectures to stir your curiosity.  Mark your calendars!

We are proud to be an AGD approved program provider.  Our quarterly lectures will offer two (2) CE credits.

GWAWD 40th Anniversary Celebration!

Sunday, October 5, 2025
11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
“How Leaders Build Cultures of Success.”
Lecture by Dr. Roya Pilcher
Seasons 52 Wine Bar & Grill
11414 Rockville Pike
North Bethesda, MD 20852

Course Objectives:

  • Recognize the critical role of leadership in driving practice culture and business success.
  • Apply foundational leadership principles-mission, vision, and core values-to guide decision-making.
  • Implement effective delegation strategies that empower teams and foster accountability.
  • Develop emotional mastery to lead with resilience, empathy, and intentionality.
  • Enhance decisiveness to create momentum and inspire trust.
  • Lead with integrity to build credibility, inspire others, and sustain a positive organizational culture.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Roya Pilcher is the owner of Smile Valley Pediatric Dentistry in Washington, D.C., and a partner doctor with SALT Dental Collective. A graduate of the University of Maryland Dental School, she completed her pediatric dental residency at New York University. Since opening her private practice in 2009, Dr. Pilcher has built a reputation for combining exceptional clinical care with a strong commitment to leadership and organizational culture. She is passionate about mentoring other dental professionals, fostering team empowerment, and creating thriving practice environments where both patients and staff feel valued. When she’s not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family on their small horse farm in Maryland.

GWAWD 40th Anniversary Celebration!

Sunday, October 5, 2025
11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
“Stress, Relaxation, and Managing Yourself.”
Lecture by Judy Penski, MA DDS
Seasons 52 Wine Bar & Grill
11414 Rockville Pike
North Bethesda, MD 20852

Course Objectives:

  •  A look through the lens of neuroscience at stress.
  • Distinguishing the effects of excess sympathetic tone on the body and mind.
  • Distinguishing the effect of increased parasympathetic tone on the body and mind.
  • Distinguishing between rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
  • A brief review of neuroplasticity, default mode network, task positive network and negativity bias.
  • Looking at ways to restore balance to the autonomic nervous system.
  • Reviewing the importance of resilience, the capacity to bring ourselves back into a balanced state of awareness.
  • The importance of leaders to be able to quickly restore balance.

Speaker Bio:

Before entering dental school at Georgetown University, I was a dancer with a company in NYC. I had completed a MA at NYU in Dance. My interest in the body/mind connection stems from this period.

After graduating from dental school in 1983, I immediately opened my solo practice, remaining in private practice from that time until retirement in January 2019. The small solo practice grew and evolved during those 35 years.  I was joined by a partner, a number of associates, and group of dedicated staff.

Along the way I was among the founding members of the Greater Washington Academy of Women Dentists. At that time there were very few women in dental practice in DC. We needed each other as resource and support.

In 2018, knowing I was departing from my dental career, I became a certified yoga teacher. During the pandemic I became a certified Mindfulness Mentor through the Insight Meditation program. This year I completed a 1000 hour certification for Vishoka Meditation teaching through the Himalayan Institute.   My interest in the neuroscience of mindfulness, and meditation has led me to study with Dr. Dan Siegel of UCLA and Dr.Richard Davidson of University of Wisconsin and Dr. Carrie Demers of the Himalayan Institute.

I am currently teaching meditation, mindfulness, and restorative yoga.

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LECTURE

November 19, 2025
“START NOW: How Pediatric Aligners are Redefining Orthodontics.”
Lecture by Dr. Edo Lavi
Bethesda County Club

Course Objectives:

During this course, Dr. Lavi will give an overview of how pediatric aligners enable balanced dentoalveolar development in growing patients. He’ll review strategies for ClinCheck ® treatment planning and retention protocols that allow you to plan Phase I treatments and transition into Phase II treatments with both Invisalign First and the Invisalign Palatal Expander. After completion of this course, you will be able to:

    • Discuss the benefits and opportunities of treating growing patients with Invisalign® First.
    • Understand the clinical applicability and workflow of the Invisalign Palatal Expander for your Phase I patients.
    • Maximize clinical efficiency and profitability with Invisalign for your growing patients.
    • Overcome objections from parents when outlining the clinical benefits and enhanced patient experience that comes with Invisalign First.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Lavi earned his dental degree from UMDNJ (now Rutgers) in 1999 and completed his post-graduate orthodontic training at NYU in 2003. For 16 years, he maintained a thriving private practice in both New York and Israel, initially using aligner therapy only sparingly.
His perspective shifted in 2019 when he relocated to Maryland and experienced firsthand the transformative impact of clear aligner therapy in early mixed dentition cases. Recognizing the potential of Invisalign First as a holistic treatment approach, Dr. Lavi became a Blue Diamond Invisalign provider, achieving remarkable outcomes in a practice where children make up the majority of his patient base.
As an Align Faculty member and peer mentor, Dr. Lavi is passionate about reshaping the orthodontic paradigm. He challenges his colleagues to rethink traditional treatment timing, advocating for what he calls “timely treatment” instead of conventional “early treatment.” His mission is to help orthodontists harness the full potential of pediatric aligners to achieve profound, lasting results.
To further this vision, he founded the Institute of Pediatric Aligners, a platform designed to foster a community of doctors committed to mastering the art and science of pediatric aligner therapy. Through this initiative, Dr. Lavi aims to equip orthodontists with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to integrate aligner therapy into their practice successfully.

LECTURE

Save the Date! February 25, 2026
Bethesda County Club

Details Coming Soon!

LECTURE

Save the Date! April 22, 2026
Bethesda County Club

Details Coming Soon!

PAST LECTURES

04/09/2025. “Ozempic: How a Weight Loss Drug is Changing Bodies, Hearts, Minds.” Lecture by Lucy McBride, MD

11/13/2024. “Updates on Thyroid Health, Nodules, and Cancer for Dentists and Dental Hygienists.” Lecture by Yasmine Assadipour, MD FACS and Samantha Diamond Rossi, MD

09/25/2024. “Does This Make My Assets Look Fat? Wealth Management Strategies for Women Dentists.” Lecture by Talya Bock, CFP®, ChSNC®, CRPC™

04/03/2024. “Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: A Whole Body Treatment Approach.” Lecture by Dr. Gabriela A. Van Sickle, PT DPT CFMT WCS

11/29/23. “Utilizing Clear Aligner Therapy in Comprehensive Care”. Lecture by Dr. Nancy Ward, DDS, MAGD

09/20/23. “Beauty Through The Ages”. Lecture by Dr. Maryam Nazemzadeh

04/12/23. “Treatment Planning & Modern Materials for Minimally Invasive Restorative Dentistry.” Lecture by Amelia Orta, DMD, FACP

04/06/22. “Radical Aging for Women.” Lecture by Pamela Peeke, MD

02/02/22. “Risk Reduction in the Practice of Dentistry.” Lecture by Natasha Wesker, Esq

12/01/21. “Diagnosis and Management of Oral Cancer – an Update.” Lecture by Robert Ord, MD, DDS

09/29/21. “The Essential Role of Dentists in the War on Diabetes.” Lecture by Casey Hein, BSDH, RDH, MBA

04/28/21. “Covid-19 and Oral Health.” Dr. Timothy Ricks

02/03/21. “Having it all: Making Your Practice Work for You.” Christy Ratcliff, CPA, CVA

12/09/20. “Living Your Sane Self with Boundaries and Peace.” Pamela Brewer, MSW, Ph.D., LCSW-C, LICSW-PIP, LICSW, DCSW

09/30/20.“Implementing Dental Sleep Medicine Into Your Practice.” Lecture by Elias Kalantzis

04/29/20.“Is it Time to Eat Yet?  The Powerful New Science of Living in Natural Circadian Rhythm.” Lecture by Pamela Peeke MD, MPH, FACP, FACSM

02/25/20. “Oral Health and Dental Management for the Pregnant Patient.” Lecture by Dr. Barbara J. Steinberg

11/20/19. “The Tongue Tells the Story.” Lecture by Cheryl Shafer, RDH BS COM

10/02/19. “An Update on Breast Disease Benign, Malignant and In-between: For Self-Care and Professional Development.” Lecture by Dr. Rebecca Evangelista

05/01/19. “The science, or lack thereof, of medical marijuana and any dental implications.” Lecture by Richard L. Wynn, PhD

02/06/19. “The Digestive System: From Gingivitis to the Leaky Gut.” Lecture by Dr. Amri

12/05/18. “Introduction to Laser Dentistry.” Lecture by Dr. Pohlhaus

11/30/22. “Integrative Physical Therapy, Pain, and TMD.” Lecture by Dr. Manny Kim, DPT, PRC

09/28/22. “Heels of Power: Boosting Your Professional Presence and Influence.” Lecture by Dr. Isabel Rambob

10/03/18. “Updates in Head and Neck cancer staging, treatment, radiotherapy design, and multidisciplinary engagement: Radiation Oncologists Partnering with Dentists.” Lecture by Dr. Brandi Page, M.D.

2018. “Best Practices for Managing HR in your Dental Practices.” Lecture by Donna Miracle-Canuel, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Senior HR Consultant and Lindsay Moore, Senior HR Consultant

04/11/18. “2017 ADA Humanitarian Award.” Lecture by Dr. Usa Bunnag, D.D.S.

12/06/17. “Aesthetic Analysis & Approach to Facial Rejuvenation and the Utilization of Botulinum toxin A in the Practice of Dentistry.” Lecture by Dr. Cheryl Burgess

04/05/17. “Addressing the Six Key Areas of Capital Accumulation and Protection.” Lecture by Ellen D. Tillman, CLU, ChFC, MBA

02/01/17. “Current Topics in Nutrition and Exercise.” Lecture by Tristram Kruger, DDS

12/07/16. “Brain Hygiene: How to Build a Beautiful Brain in Three Months.” Lecture by Dr. Majid Fotuhiu, MD PhD

10/05/16. “Anatomy 101, an Introduction to You.” Lecture by Dr. Joseph Pollack

05/04/16. “Attaining Financial Health throughout your Career.” Lecture by Kris Kornemann, CFP® and Allison McCarty, CFP®, CLTC

02/03/16. “Evaluation & Treatment of the Temporomandibular Joint.” Lecture by Jodi Maron Barth, PT, CCI and Gincy Lockhart Stezar, PTA, CCI

12/02/15. “Getting the Most Out of Internal Marketing.” Lecture by Sue Demske

10/07/15. “Food and Mood: Surprising New Science.” Lecture by Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP

04/29/15. “Developing Women Leaders in Dentistry.” Lecture by: Distinguished Guest from the ADA, Kathleen O’Loughlin, D.M.D., M.P.H.

10/02/14. “Women’s Health Research.” Lecture by Janine Clayton, MD, and Christine Carter, PhD, MPH

05/07/14. “Hearing and the Professional Ear.” Lecture by S. Jane Kirksey, Au.D., FAAA, ADA, Doctor of Audiology and  Suzanne Noonan, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA, Doctor of Audiology

04/29/14. “Growing a Thriving & Resilient Dental Practice.” Lecture by Susan Commander Samakow, PCC, CPCC

02/05/14. “Skin Cancers in Dental Patients.” Lecture by Dr. Cheryl Burgess

02/04/14. “Advances in Current Geriatric Dentistry – Learning How To Care For Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease.” Lecture by Dr. Yellowitz, DMD, MPH, FASGD, DABSCD

11/06/13. “Eating Disorders & Your Patients.” Lecture by Laura K. Ratner, LICSW, LCSW-C, BCD

10/02/13. “Botox & Dermal Fillers: Facial Injectables in the World of Dentistry.” Lecture by Gigi Meinecke, DMD, FAGD

02/05/13. “The ABC’s of HPV all the way to Z.” Lecture by Dr. Andre Farquharson

10/02/12. “Slip into Your Skinny Genes: How to Make Groundbreaking New Science Power You to Your Best Mind & Body.” Lecture by Dr. Pam Peeke

05/07/12. “Nutritional Style: A Seasonal Approach to Vibrant Health.” Lecture by Holli Thompson, CNHP, CHHC

05/01/12. “Sex & Health Update for Women.” Lecture by Barbara Steinberg, DDS

03/02/12. “From Waiting Room to Courtroom – How to Avoid Getting Sued.” Lecture by Dr. Robert Fleisher, DDS

02/07/12. “Legal Issues for Women Health Professionals. Women Dentists & Women Divorce Attorneys. Both are associated with pain. How do we keep the client’s coming back?” Lecture by Heather Hostetter Esq.

11/08/11. “The Oral Systemic Link.” Lecture by Virginia Barnes DDS, MS“How To Stay Out Of Legal Trouble.” Lecture by Dr. Scott Gritz, D.D.S.

08/01/11. “Pelvic Health Essentials.” Lecture by Miriam Graham MSPT, MBA

07/29/11. “A Story NOT Silenced by Stage IV Oral Cancer.” Lecture by Eva Grayzel

05/03/11. “Communicating for Success & Leadership in your Practice.” Lecture by Sally J. Cram, D.D.S., MS

03/5/11. “Social Savvy: Understanding and Benefiting From Social Media in Your Personal and Professional Life.” Lecture by David Norton

02/01/11. “Women Oral Health Care Leaders serving our Military in Iraq.” Colonel Colleen Shull, D.D.S.,M.S.

11/02/10. “Your Pelvic Floor, Keeping it Healthy.” Lecture by Miriam Graham MSPT, MBA

09/21/10. “Update on The NIH Women’s Health Initiative (WHI).” Lecture by Phyllis Greenberger

05/04/10. “Facebook, Twitter & MySpace All Grown Up: Why Business Professionals Need Social Media to Succeed and Enhance Their Business.” Lecture by David Norton

02/02/10. “Identity Theft Protection. Is Someone Pretending to be You?” Lecture by Dr. Will Marling

11/03/09. “Women’s Health Update in Cardiology.” Lecture by Dr. Elizabeth Ross

09/22/09. “What’s New in Plastic Surgery with Dental Applications.” Lecture by Dr. Mitch Krieger