Speakers

With two decades of experience as a dental hygienist and as a visionary founder, Melissa K. Turner is a sought-after leading executive, consultant, captivating speaker, and one of the top millennial content creators. A driving force behind some of the most cutting-edge brands in the dental industry, she collaborates with organizations ranging from budding startups to billion-dollar giants, enhancing brand strategy and fueling product growth. Turner's extensive experience, spanning from decision-making in the boardroom to hands-on clinical work and her influential public persona, equips her with unparalleled foresight into upcoming industry trends.

A 20-year veteran in the industry, she is a clinical product expert, thought leader, non-profit practice owner and sought-after mentor. Affectionally known as the #ExecutiveRDH, she has spoken to thousands of dental professions across the country offering her unique experiences implementing preventive dental programs and has lead product go-to-market strategies from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. She consults as a thought leader for programs across the nation, using her vast knowledge to design and implement innovative delivery models that enhance the oral health care of underserved populations. 

The Clifford Nelson Endowed Professor of Dentistry, and Chair of the Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences and Endodontics at University of Michigan School of Dentistry (U-M). She is Director of the Global Initiatives Program in Oral and Craniofacial Health at the School of Dentistry. She is currently co-director of Cariology courses at U-M. As a principal investigator, she has received research grants associated with cariology from the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, the Delta Dental Fund, DentaQuest, and private industry amongst others. She has over 180 papers published in peer reviewed journals.

Dr. Nový practices in Salem Massachusetts and has faculty appointments at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Western University of Health Sciences. He served on the ADA Council of Scientific Affairs from 2010-2014 and is currently the President of the National CAMBRA Coalition.  In 2016 was appointed the consumer representative to the United States Food & Drug Administration Dental Products Panel. His awards include the California Dental Association Foundation Dugoni Award, the American Dental Association Adult Preventive Care Practice of the Year, The American Dental Association Evidence Based Practice Award, The Academy of General Dentistry Weclew Award, and the 2024 Yankee Dental Congress Clinician of the Year. 

Dr. Jonathan Norris is a Board-Certified pediatric dentist practicing in 9 practices throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.  Since 2017 he has been an advocate of practicing minimally invasive dentistry with a focus on non-surgical intervention and reducing pediatric sedations.  Through the medical management of Caries, he has resigned from 6 hospitals he previously held operating room privileges. He is passionate about educating the medical and dental profession on the impact this will have for patients, providers, and practices.

Ms. Mary E. Foley is the Executive Director of the Medicaid|Medicare|CHIP Services Dental Association (MSDA). MSDA is the national non-profit organization that works with government agencies, health plans, providers and other industry supports to advance oral health equity for America’s most vulnerable individuals. 

After twenty years in clinical practice, Ms. Foley moved into the public health arena serving as the Director of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), Office of Oral Health. In 2005 she moved to Washington DC to lead a national campaign focused on Improving oral health for low-income pregnant women and infants. During this time, she served as an advisor to the Office of Head Start, the CDC, and other federal agencies in Washington DC.

Amy is a licensed dental hygienist who graduated from Springfield Technical Community College in 2018, earning the Leadership Award that year. She was named the Springfield Valley Component Dental Hygienist of the Year in 2021 and the Massachusetts Clinical Hygienist of the Year in 2025. After gaining experience as a temporary hygienist and at 1st Advantage Dental, she has been with West River Family Dental since 2019, providing compassionate, patient-centered care and promoting oral health education.

Karan is a registered dental hygienist with over 25 years of clinical experience, specializing in evidence-based, minimally invasive caries management. She holds a Master of Science from the University of California, San Francisco, with graduate research focused on caries risk assessment and detection. Her work centers on translating research into clinical practice, including CAMBRA implementation, development of caries management guidelines, and adaptation of SDF protocols for daily use. She regularly presents at regional and national meetings, has published on practical CAMBRA applications, and currently serves as Vice President of the National CAMBRA Coalition and Treasurer of the Oregon Dental Hygienists' Association.

Creative healthcare leader with a reputation for fearless thinking and fast, high-impact delivery.

Carolyn Brown, DDS, MEd is a dynamic, seasoned health care executive and operator with a passion for innovation, access and equity, and the power of data and financial excellence. Her long-time clients and partners are some of the biggest names in the dental industry, and her advisory roles with investment firms stretch from global consulting firms to medtech to digital health to dental startups. She is the Co-Founder and CSO/CFO of a new dental software company, Different Kind Inc, that seeks to improve both the patient journey and providers journey in the changing dental ecosystem employing spot-on UI/UX and evidenced-based tools. Dr. Brown is the Dental Director of the Health Plan of San Mateo, a county-focused managed Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plan serving over 160,000 members with a mission that Healthy is for All.

Ann Cadoret, MPH, MS, is a dynamic healthcare executive and a trailblazer in oral health with over three decades of experience transforming dental practice operations and outcomes. Known for her sharp ability to harness data-driven insights, Ann has led complex programs and guided multifaceted organizations toward strategic growth and operational excellence.

Her deep expertise in data analytics, systems implementation and clinical experience, has fueled the development of forward-thinking, patient-centered care models. Ann’s leadership extends across sectors—bridging private industry, Dental Support Organizations (DSOs), and public health policy—to build impactful, lasting partnerships.

A motivated, solutions-driven executive overseeing Clinical and Business Operations. A professional within the Healthcare industry. I am a visionary and strategic clinical leader with 17+ years’ experience improving patient retention and performance resulting in increasing the company’s bottom line. I am acutely accustomed to providing high quality leadership and support across a range of initiatives including the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic business plans focused on sustainable growth. I ensure the achievement of demanding targets and corporate objectives by using cost-effective strategies and methodologies for improving overall operations.

A proud graduate of the Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists, Northeastern University, and the University of Massachusetts Boston, Ann-Marie's academic journey is nothing short of stellar. She is not just a member but a Fellow of numerous esteemed professional organizations, proving her commitment to the craft. Ann-Marie's dedication and excellence have been recognized with the prestigious Esther Wilkins Distinguished Alumni of Forsyth Award, a testament to her influence and impact in the field.

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​But Ann-Marie's contributions don't stop at accolades. She has been a guiding light in dental and dental hygiene publications and textbooks, sharing her expertise with peers and future professionals. Ever the educator, Ann-Marie presents a diverse and engaging line-up of continuing education programs designed to elevate dental teams to new heights.

A results oriented leader in medical device, software, technology and healthcare. Proven track record of leading high-performing teams to achieve sales goals through development of strategic marketing plans, customer segmentation, competitive insights, market research, education, and product development. Experience in downstream/upstream marketing, new customer acquisition, and brand campaigns.

Accomplished and internationally recognized scientist and strategic leader in Life Sciences with more than 30 years of experience in Academia and Bio-Industry. At the forefront of studies employing molecular, cellular, immunology and genomic approaches to the mechanistic understanding of human cancer and for the discovery of approaches to better diagnosis and treatment. Led various teams in academia and in bio-industry in successful approaches for the growth of the programs and to take bench side research to improvements in bed-side diagnosis and treatment.

RDH with 15+ years' experience in the fields of dental hygiene and public health. Passionate community health advocate who strives for holistic wellness via the integration of dental hygiene, physical activity, and grassroots educational initiatives.

As an expert in periodontal care, I pride myself on my ability to be able to clear the fog around how to effectively treat a periodontal patient/meet the needs, assessing and creating clarity on all the components needing to be considered, and then providing a comprehensive and thorough plan and approach, giving the technician and practice the confidence to treat and keep patients in-house.

I have created a process by taking expert opinion based upon research and knowledge and deeper understanding of the disease process, resulting in a proven formula and comprehensive blueprint for patient care, that I’m confident has covered all the important aspects of treatment success.

Kerry Hegarty has served as CEO/Director of Incisive for the last ~5 years and drove its lead product, BlueCheck, from university benchtops through 510k clearance and now sales.  She has worked for the last 40 years in translating research from academic settings to global sales in the fields of oil & gas, oncology and now oral health, especially minimally invasive care.  Kerry completed her PhD at Columbia University (NYC) and has been largely based in Melbourne, Australia since that time.  Incisive is a private company with US subsidiary focused on expanding its team, market presence and increasing awareness for improved oral healthcare for all.

Jessica Conroy, RDH, BS, M.Ed is a registered dental hygienist and educator with a strong foundation in clinical practice and professional education. She combines evidence-based care with effective teaching strategies to promote excellence in oral health and lifelong learning. Jessica is passionate about patient education, mentorship, and advancing the dental profession.

As Elevate Oral Care’s Professional Relations Manager, I am here to help! If you have an upcoming presentation, article you are preparing, or you are looking to get some information or research, I am more than happy to assist. Let me know how I can help. I look forward to connecting with YOU, the EXPERTS in our field!Proven ability to increase sales of existing products and develop and implement effective marketing and sales plans, strategies, and techniques. Skilled at preparing and delivering product presentations. Successful at building business relationships with physicians and office staff. Skilled in Microsoft excel, word, PowerPoint, and reading sales tactical reports. Territory planning and routing management.

Co-founder and CEO of the dental consulting firm, D4 Practice Solutions. He is a partner in Southcoast Endodontics and owner of Commonwealth Mobile Oral Health Services (CMOHS), a portable dental practice that provides comprehensive dentistry in over 350 locations throughout the state of Massachusetts to populations who face barriers to accessing dental care. As a dynamic dental specialist overseeing his four-location endodontic private practice and extensive experience in the provision of preventive, restorative, and routine dental care to underserved populations, Dr. Doherty offers a multi-faceted level of expertise in many dental environments.

Dr. Steven Bloembergen founded GreenMark Biomedical in Michigan in 2016, with a vision to deliver health-based benefits to society through biobased targeting technologies. GreenMark’s mission is to “Enable oral healthcare professionals to preserve teeth through early diagnosis and treatment”. Steven has 30 years of leadership experience in the development and commercialization of biomaterials. He started a company called EcoSynthetix (ECO) in Lansing, Michigan in 1996, now a global corporation. He and his team built a manufacturing capacity for starch nanoparticles in excess of 200 million lbs/yr at production sites in the US and Europe. The company held its IPO in August 2011 (TSX: ECO) and was Canada’s largest IPO in the Cleantech sector. Steven received the Ernst and Young “2012 Entrepreneur of the Year Award”. He developed a broad global IP portfolio and established a network of university collaborators, including the use of starch nanoparticles for dental and medical applications, which resulted in the foundational technology for GreenMark. Steven is the inventor of over 25 patent families related to biomaterials. He received his Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Ontario.

With over 30 years of experience in the dental hygiene field, Rachel Miller, RDH is a seasoned Dental Hygiene Consultant, educator, and published author, specializing in the integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into dental hygiene practice. Her mission is to empower dental hygienists through education, innovation, and evidence-based strategies that enhance patient care and professional growth.
Rachel’s focus lies in bridging the gap between technology and clinical care, with a particular emphasis on the oral-systemic connection. She develops and delivers high-quality educational materials grounded in current research, aiming to elevate standards within the dental hygiene profession. Her expertise includes AI integration, periodontal and caries assessment, clinical technology training, and strategic implementation of digital tools in practice settings.
 

A growth strategist and commercial leader with 20+ years of success in the dental, biotech, and medical device industries. As founder of Durrbeck Dental Solutions and Chief Growth Officer for Dental Implants THE COURSE, Jeff has built and led high-performing national sales teams, launched multiple technologies with double-digit growth, and established KOL and national account programs that accelerate adoption of innovative solutions.

At GreenMark Biomedical, Jeff serves as a strategic advisor, guiding commercialization strategy, go-to-market execution, and sales leadership. His expertise in national account development, clinician adoption, and KOL engagement supports GreenMark’s mission to bring cutting-edge regenerative and biomaterial technologies to the global dental market.

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With over 15 years of entrepreneurial leadership and innovation in the oral health and wellness industry, I am the CEO and founder of two groundbreaking companies: Dentistry.One and MouthWatch. My mission is to improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of dental care for millions of people through cutting-edge technology and customer-centric solutions.

At Dentistry.One, I lead a nationwide network of on-demand dentists, care coordinators, and oral health coaches who deliver comprehensive virtual-first oral healthcare services to patients. At MouthWatch, I oversee the development and distribution of award-winning intraoral cameras and teledentistry platforms that enable remote visual examinations, patient education, and care coordination. I leverage my expertise in online marketing, CRM, team building, and business development to create and grow these ventures, while building strong relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders in the consumer and natural product arenas.