Speakers
The Dental Culture Con prides itself on providing a platform for not just discussion and education of culture and equity, but also inclusivity for diverse speakers. We are proud to have the pictured speakers as our featured educators for the 2025 Dental Culture Con in Miami, FL!
Click on their photos to see their outstanding accomplishments and biography ->
Schedule of Events
| Date & Time | Scheduled Program Event |
| 2/7/2025 8:00AM | Culture And Coffee Rise and shine! Kickstart your day at our conference with a delicious hot breakfast and freshly brewed coffee. Join us during the registration hour to fuel up, mingle with fellow attendees, and set the tone for an inspiring day ahead. Trust us, nothing says “ready for success” like a hearty meal and a caffeine boost! |
| 2/7/2025 9:00AM | Opening Ceremony |
| 2/7/2025 10:00AM | Opening Keynote- Alan Stern We Need Each Other Join me for a powerful and deeply personal lecture that delves into the profound impacts of hatred, racism, and anti-Semitism from the unique perspective of a Holocaust survivor’s son. Growing up in an era where racism was normalized, I will share my own journey of confronting fear and vulnerability, and the importance of empathy and understanding in our diverse world. In this talk, we will explore the persistent presence of anti-Semitism today and reflect on the critical need to learn from our past. Together, we will discuss how we can resist repeating the transgressions that history has taught us to overcome. By emphasizing our shared humanity, we can work collectively towards a more compassionate and inclusive future. Objectives: 1. Recognize the historical and contemporary significance of anti-Semitism and its implications for the Jewish community. 2. Appreciate the contributions and purpose of the Jewish community within the broader societal context. 3. Emphasize the importance of mutual understanding, empathy, and collaboration among diverse groups to address current and future challenges. |
| 2/7/2025 11:15AM | Kari Carter-Cherelus – Strategically Preventing and Managing Team Burnout According to the World Health Organization, burnout syndrome is a result of chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Healthcare providers suffer from burnout at an alarming rate. Healthcare providers who suffer from burnout may deliver less than satisfactory patient care due to their overwhelming stress level. This interactive discussion will provide an overview on how to identify burnout and successfully implement strategies to prevent, manage, and overcome the damaging effects within yourself and your team! Objectives: 1. Identify effective strategies to address and manage burnout. 2. Arrive at actionable solutions that will positively effect the team by attracting and retaining team members. |
| 2/7/2025 12:15PM | Dissolving Division Through Open & Honest Conversation (Part 1) Jessica Gore, Branden Hill, Dr. Dar Radfar, & Dr. Jerica Cook Join our captivating panel for an interactive conversation focused on dissolving the racial barriers to inclusion in dentistry, and our lives, through open and honest dialogue. Let’s have the uncomfortable, yet thought provoking conversations in a safe and supportive environment. |
| 2/7/2025 1:00PM | Culture and Culinary (Lunch provided) |
| 2/7/2025 2:00PM | Dr. Emma J Guzman (Workshop) Total Wellness: Empowering You to Achieve Your Best Dive into practical strategies and holistic approaches that healthcare experts can integrate into their daily routines to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Dr. Guzman will share evidence-based strategies and personal insights to help attendees cultivate a balanced and fulfilling professional life. Attendees will gain valuable insights into maintaining a balanced lifestyle, preventing burnout, and achieving peak performance in their professional and personal lives. Objectives: 1. Develop a personalized wellness plan tailored to their unique needs and professional demands. This includes setting realistic goals, identifying resources, and tracking progress to ensure sustained well-being. 2. Recognize the direct correlation between personal wellness and professional effectiveness. Attendees will learn how prioritizing their well-being can lead to better patient outcomes and job satisfaction. |
| 2/7/2025 3:00PM | Dr. Naved Fatmi Inclusive Dentistry: Leveraging Cultural Diversity for Optimal Patient Outcomes In today’s diverse world, understanding cultural differences is not just a social responsibility—it’s a clinical necessity. In this insightful session, Dr. Naved Fatmi will explore how embracing cultural diversity enhances patient care, improves case acceptance, and fosters stronger patient-practitioner relationships. Attendees will gain practical strategies to integrate cultural competency into their clinical approach, ensuring that every patient feels understood, valued, and more likely to proceed with necessary treatment. Objectives: 1. Recognize how cultural awareness influences diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient trust. 2. Develop techniques to tailor patient discussions that align with diverse cultural values and beliefs, increasing engagement and treatment adherence. |
| 2/7/2025 4:00PM | Panel on Diversity in Dentistry Dr. Naved Fatmi Dr. Melanie Silvestrini Dr. Melanie Silvestrini is a distinguished general and cosmetic dentist celebrated for her comprehensive dental care and exceptional aesthetic results. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and completed a rigorous residency at Northwell Health Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center in New York City. Further enhancing her expertise, Dr. Silvestrini pursued advanced training through the Misch Implant Institute and holds fellowships with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Passionate about delivering high-quality conservative cosmetic dentistry, she is recognized for her compassionate, patient-centered approach. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Silvestrini hosts the podcast Dental Talk 360, where she educates listeners on common dental topics alongside experts from across the United States. Dr. Alfredo Arauz Dr. Alfredo Arauz is a partner and Clinical Director of Spodak Dental Group in Delray Beach, Florida. Dr. Arauz specializes in full mouth rehabilitations and is committed to staying at the forefront of cutting-edge dental technology and continuing education. Ensuring that his patients receive nothing less than the finest dental care, smile enhancements, and oral health solutions available. |
| Date & Time | Scheduled Program Event |
| 2/8/2025 8:00AM | Culture and Coffee Rise and shine! Kickstart your day at our conference with a delicious hot breakfast and freshly brewed coffee. Join us during the registration hour to fuel up, mingle with fellow attendees, and set the tone for an inspiring day ahead. Trust us, nothing says “ready for success” like a hearty meal and a caffeine boost! |
| 2/8/2025 9:00AM | Branden HIll – A Sales Culture To Love Discover the secrets to building a sales culture that not only drives success but also fosters an environment where both your company and team thrive. In this dynamic session, you will learn how to create a mission and purpose that resonate deeply with your team and make your business irresistibly attractive. We’ll explore strategies to harness the full potential of your greatest asset—your people—empowering them to achieve extraordinary results. Join us to transform your organizational culture into one that inspires passion, collaboration, and sustainable success. Objectives: 1. Identify and articulate the mission and purpose that makes your business compelling and attractive to both employees and customers. 2. Effectively leverage the strengths and talents of your team to drive business success and foster a collaborative and motivating work environment. |
| 2/8/2025 10:00AM | Dr. ArNelle Wright- C.R.E.A.T.E. the Culture Just like strong leaders influence the workplace in a positive manner, toxic leaders not only influence the office setting in a negative perspective, but they also attract patients with the same overwhelming energy. Workplace culture is one of the keys to the many dimensions of office success. In this course, attendees will learn to build and then utilize a culture-driven framework to lead their teams, and operate their dental practice(s). Objectives: 1. Discover the existing culture of your dental practice, and its impact on the performance of the team. 2. Implement culture-driven leadership principles to improve your office culture. |
| 2/8/2025 11:00AM | Social Activity/ Cultural Experience |
| 2/8/2025 12:00PM | Culture and Culinary (Lunch provided by Legally Mine) |
| 2/8/2025 1:00PM | Sydney Schmall- Authentic Branding: How to Attract Your Ideal Patient & Authentically Represent Yourself Online Join me for an insightful session on the latest trends in Consumer Behavior and Social Media Marketing. Learn how to captivate your online audience, outshine your competitors, and authentically represent your brand through effective social media strategies and content creation. Discover actionable techniques to leverage social proof and significantly boost your case acceptance rates, turning potential leads into loyal clients. Gain a comprehensive understanding of current online consumer behaviors and utilize these insights to create a compelling and authentic online presence that drives success. Objectives: 1. Understand current consumer online behaviors and utilize this knowledge to effectively and impressively represent your brand online. 2. Implement strategies to authentically engage with your audience through impactful social media marketing and content creation. 3. Increase case acceptance rates by leveraging the power of social proof to build trust and credibility with your audience. |
| 2/8/2025 2:00PM | Dissolving Division Through Open & Honest Conversation (Part 1) Jessica Gore, Branden Hill, Dr. Dar Radfar, & Dr. Jerica Cook Join our captivating panel for an interactive conversation focused on dissolving the racial barriers to inclusion in dentistry, and our lives, through open and honest dialogue. Let’s have the uncomfortable, yet thought provoking conversations in a safe and supportive environment. |
| 2/8/2025 2:45PM | Loren King- Unmasking Human Trafficking: Beyond Cultural Stereotypes in Dentistry This session will confront and dispel common cultural myths about human trafficking, emphasizing its universal nature and impact. Dental professionals will explore how cultural assumptions can obscure the realities of trafficking, learning to recognize the signs regardless of a patient’s background. The presentation will provide practical strategies for identifying and supporting victims, fostering cultural competence, and promoting an inclusive, informed approach within dental practices. Objectives: 1. Identify and challenge common cultural myths about human trafficking, recognizing its universal impact across all demographics. 2. Implement practical strategies and tools to identify and support potential human trafficking victims within their dental practice, fostering a culturally competent and inclusive environment. |
| 2/8/2025 4:00 PM | Closing Ceremony |
| 2/8/2025 7:00PM -10:00PM | It’s Giving Shades Party |
The 2025 Dental Culture Con 