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Guiding Leaders

Guiding Leaders

BECOME THE LEADER YOU'RE MEANT TO BE
  • Earn up to 80 continuing education credits by attending all sessions.
2027 INTEREST FORM
2026 COURSE CURRICULUM

December
2024

Accepting
Applications

March 10,
2025

Application
deadline

April
2025

Acceptance
Notification

Apply Today

All dentists, including practice owners and associates, with 5+ years of experience are welcome to apply.

Submission must include all elements listed below to be considered for Guiding Leaders:

  1. Application form* 
  2. CV/resume (optional)
  3. 90-second video* 
    Please discuss the following items in your video: 
    • Briefly introduce yourself (name, practice location)
    • Describe your practice (Do you own the practice, are you an associate, or are you a part of a DSO?)
    • In what ways would you like to see your practice and personal skills improve? Are you facing any challenges? 
      • Example: Elevate leadership skills, organizational techniques, change management, technology, high turnover, etc.
    • Tell us which Glidewell products you love
    • What do you hope to gain from the Guiding Leaders program? 
    • What do you hope to add to the Guiding Leaders program? 
  4. Review the terms of agreement consent form. No action needed until cohort selection.* 

* Denotes required form field
To save your application or return to it at another time, click the "Save and Continue Later" button below.

Glidewell is proud to sponsor your program fees, executive coaching for 9 months, mentor sessions and daily breakfast and lunch during program days. Please note that airfare and lodging are not covered.

2027 interest form

Applications for the 2027 cohort will open in January 2027

2026 Course Curriculum

Course dates now available for 2026. Detailed agenda and curriculum coming soon!

2026 Dates:
  • May 14-15
  • June 11-12
  • July 16-17
  • August 6-7
  • September 17-18
  • October 15-16
Please note: All sessions are held in person at the Glidewell campus in Irvine, CA.
Attendance is mandatory, and participants must commit to all dates to be accepted into the program.
Each Session starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. Breakfast is provided at 7 a.m. and lunch at noon. Exact times may vary.
Course Description
A highly interactive experience introducing relational leadership — a modern framework emphasizing connection, collaboration, and the quality of the space between us. In today’s relational economy, where AI and automation reduce the value of purely cognitive work, relational skill has become an essential differentiator for organizational success. This course equips leaders with the vocabulary, tools, and practices to navigate that shift and strengthen the connective tissue of their teams and organizations.
Key Outcomes:
  • Examine how connection, perception, and interactions shape every aspect of organizational life.
  • Identify where relationships are thriving, strained, or neutral.
  • Map relational strengths and gaps across four essential dimensions: Attitude, Behavior, Structure, and Community.
  • Practice ways of engaging that build trust, deepen presence, and cultivate psychological safety.
  • Learn tangible skills for creating connection that compounds over time.
  • Assess relational dynamics, strengthen team connection, build trust-centered environments, and increase the effectiveness and resilience of teams.
Facilitator:
JO SCHAEFFER
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Course Description

This dynamic practice management course brings together three dentists who share how they built thriving, modern offices — from an associate who built her brand through innovative contributions and mastery of the mill, to an owner leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline care, and a practice leader who outsourced administrative tasks so her in-office team can focus on patients.
Key Outcomes:
  • Compare and evaluate three distinct practice management models to determine which strategies align with your current career stage and practice goals.
  • Analyze the role of digital workflows in building associate value, enhancing practice efficiency, and identifying specific technologies applicable to your practice.
  • Implement delegation frameworks and assess global outsourcing opportunities for administrative tasks.
  • Develop a personalized action plan with at least three specific workflow improvements based on real-world cases, including defined team role optimization strategies and measurable operational efficiency goals.
Facilitators:
Dr. Christina Do
VIEW BIO
Dr. Sheila Dobee
VIEW BIO
Dr. Rebekah Browder
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Course Description

In this session leaders will learn, get more comfortable with, and understand their numbers – which are necessary for practice growth, and inherently, building wealth. Dentists will consider critical financial decisions and evaluate how they can create a practice with a legacy worth transitioning to future generations. They will walk through a financial snapshot exercise that can be applied immediately in their offices. Participants will also learn about industry standards, current cash flow analysis, tax strategies and how those feed into business growth and personal goals.
Key Outcomes:
  • Identify your financial statements, learn how to read them and what they mean for your practice.
  • Create a financial snapshot to understand the flow of funds and strategies to analyze them.
  • Understand how your numbers feed into your overall tax picture and consider implementations for your practice.
  • Evaluate key areas of your practice and how they relate to value – production, staffing levels, physical space, etc.
  • Perform a SWOT analysis to identify target areas and create a strategy for change and development.
Facilitator:
Trent Watrous
Trent Watrous
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Course Description

This course equips dental professionals with the awareness and leadership tools needed to elevate practice performance and team culture. Participants learn how cognitive biases influence clinical decisions, communication, and team dynamics, and gain practical strategies to recognize and mitigate biases in real time. Building on this foundation, dentists will strengthen their executive presence by focusing on emotional intelligence, confident communication, clear goal setting, and performance management techniques.
Key Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate confidence, clarity, and emotional regulation.
  • Apply performance management tools.
  • Set measurable goals.
  • Build high-performing teams.
  • Strengthen emotional intelligence.
Facilitator:
Michael Brainard
MICHAEL BRAINARD
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Course Description

This course offers dental professionals essential HR strategies to optimize day-to-day operations, foster a positive workplace, and ensure compliance with legal requirements. From recruitment and compensation to employee engagement and conflict resolution, dentists will gain the tools needed to build a strong team that supports practice growth and success. Through expert insights and practical examples, this course will help develop a scalable HR framework for any stage of the dental office journey.
Key Outcomes:
  • Learn how to create clear, concise job descriptions tailored to specific dental office roles.
  • Gain practical strategies for recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding new employees.
  • Develop compensation and benefits structures to attract and retain top talent.
  • Explore ways to create a positive work culture and enhance employee engagement.
  • Understand legal compliance requirements and how to manage conflicts effectively.
Facilitator:
Leila Fejzagic
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Course Description

Dentists usually receive little to no education on the financial aspects of running a practice. Additionally, lower insurance reimbursements, increasing costs, and employee shortages are creating new challenges. This course helps dentists navigate these minefields and demonstrates how to increase profits without taking on more work. Leaders will come away with a mindset-driven approach to simplifying systems, increasing profit, and leading with purpose.
Key Outcomes:
  • Create a simple system to compare insurance plans and understand the economic impact of PPO.
  • Get back to basics on ideal treatment planning and case acceptance.
  • Understand how to leverage the psychology of patients and team members to acheive better results.
  • Develop a long-term strategy to decrease dependence on PPO contracts.
  • Know which numbers should be evaluated daily, weekly, monthly and annually.
Facilitator:
Stephanie Mapp
Dr. STEPHANIE MAPP
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Course Description

Enhance your communication skills by identifying your personal style and refining your ability to connect with others. Learn to craft compelling messages using a structured speech format — with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Through hands-on practice and personalized feedback, you’ll build clarity, confidence, and persuasion to leave a lasting impact on any audience.
Key Outcomes:
  • Recognize and differentiate between various communication styles using proven assessment tools.
  • Apply adaptive communication strategies to improve interactions with diverse personalities in clinical and team settings.
  • Understand the critical elements of effective speech structure, including compelling introductions, organized body content, and memorable conclusions.
  • Demonstrate effective public speaking skills by delivering a prepared speech with an engaging opening and powerful closing.
Facilitators:
Marjorie Ambroise
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Dr. Danielle Brown
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Course Description

For dental practices, social media provides a platform to engage, educate, and foster relationships with patients. This segment is crafted to help dental practitioners navigate the dynamic world of social media, identify the right platforms, and develop content that resonates with their audience.
Key Outcomes:
  • Identify the most relevant platforms for dental practices and understand their unique features.
  • Explore various content types like videos, infographics, and posts, tailored for a dental audience.
  • Learn strategies to interact with patients, address queries, and manage online reviews to enhance practice reputation.
  • Discover the potential of targeted ads to reach a broader audience, highlighting services and special promotions.
  • Understand the tools available to measure social media performance, engagement rates, and return on investment.
  • Best Practices: Gain insights into the “dos” and “don’ts” of social media for dental practices, including patient privacy and adhering to professional guidelines.
Facilitator:
Lorenzo Johnson
LORENZO JOHNSON
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Course Description

You’ve captured the perfect image … now what? This course teaches you how to transform photos into persuasive case presentations, detailed lab instructions, and impactful marketing materials. Deepen your understanding of smile design, master essential camera settings, choose the right equipment, and learn how to control lighting for your specific needs.
Key Outcomes:
  • Leverage smile simulation techniques and master essential editing software to enhance your visual communication.
  • Learn all the basics of shooting photos in manual mode.
  • Understand the equipment you really need for your space and individual needs.
  • Learn editing basics to really highlight your photos.
  • Create the most powerful and dynamic lab prescriptions to achieve predictable outcomes.
  • Figure out the best lighting set up to enhance your photos.
Facilitator:
Dr. Steven Barrett
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Course Description

As a Guiding Leaders participant, you will attend Glidewell’s premier continuing education event. Dentistry on the Rise is a chance to network with Guiding Leaders alumni and other dental professionals as you learn about the most relevant and impactful topics in dentistry today.
Key Outcomes:
  • Fast-paced podium lectures
  • Hands-on workshops
  • Behind-the-scenes lab tour
  • Catered post-event reception
Get excited, Dentistry on the Rise is one of our most anticipated events of the year! You will get a front row seat to the action and receive complimentary admission as a Guiding Leaders program participant.
AGD PACE logo

Glidewell Education Center
Nationally Approved PACE Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit
Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority, or AGD endorsement.
3/1/2024 to 2/29/2028.
Provider ID# 216789

Jo Schaffer

Jo is an engaging, authentic, and energetic speaker with 20+ years of experience helping clients navigate organizational challenges. She translates powerful principles into real-world applications, fostering clarity and new opportunities. Jo has spoken for NASA, the U.S. Air Force, Intuit, Nike, and nonprofits like Shriners International. She has taught business and technical topics to diverse audiences, from executives to inner-city youth. With senior leadership experience in manufacturing and technology, Jo holds a B.A. from Southern Virginia University, an M.A. from the University of Utah, and 60+ certifications. She volunteers at a women’s shelter, owns an art studio, and has many children.

Dr. Christina Do

Dr. Chistina Do practices general dentistry in Costa Mesa, CA, and was the president of the Orange County Dental Association in 2024. She specializes in dental laser technology and is a top five producer with the fastmill.io™ In-Office Mill. She is a lecturer and researcher for BIOLASE® and sits on the executive board of the Coleman Research Group. Dr. Do graduated from Guiding Leaders in 2022.

Sheila Dobee

Dr. Sheila Dobee is a seasoned dentist, author, and speaker with over 22 years of expertise. As the founder of Your Caring Dentist in Fremont, CA, she integrates cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven diagnostics while prioritizing patient education and satisfaction. An engaging speaker, Dr. Dobee has delivered workshops on practice management and innovation, served as a Colgate spokesperson, and hosted global media events. Recognized as American Business Woman of the Year and a global leader in the Guided Leaders Program, she is also the author of Ninja Tooth Battles, a children’s book promoting oral health. With a DDS from Guys and Kings College, London, advanced public speaking training from Stanford, and a passion for community care, Dr. Dobee inspires professionals to elevate patient care and embrace innovation.

Dr. Rebekah Browder

Dr. Rebekah Browder is a dedicated general dentist with a private practice in Westport, CT, where she focuses on conservative, proactive treatment. A graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry, she is passionate about leveraging technology to educate and empower patients while improving clinical outcomes. Dr. Browder’s practice is one of only five certified B Corporation dental practices in the U.S., reflecting her commitment to ethical, high-quality care.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Browder lectures nationally on how technology can reduce stress in the dental practice and enhance outcomes for all patient populations. Outside of dentistry, she enjoys planning warm-weather vacations and spending time with her husband, two children, dog, and cat.  

Trent Watrous

Trent Watrous

Trent Watrous leads Aprio’s National Dental Practice, supporting dental practice owners with expert financial guidance and strategic business advice. With a background in tax, auditing, forensic accounting, and expert testimony, he helps clients navigate challenges like growth planning, transitions, and major purchases. Trent specializes in applying traditional accounting knowledge to the unique needs of dental businesses. He is a nationally recognized speaker and educator in the dental industry. Trent is a CPA, Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), and an active member of several professional organizations.
Michael Brainard

MICHAEL BRAINARD

Michael Brainard, CEO & Founder of Brainard Strategy, brings over 20 years of experience transforming leaders and organizations through innovative consulting and executive coaching. A TEDx speaker and author of How to Become an Effective Leader: The 8 Disciplines to EXCELERATE Your Executive Leadership, Michael has delivered keynotes to major organizations and published over 12 Forbes articles. A former Division 1 wrestler and professional boxer, he combines athletic discipline with expertise in strategic planning and change management to energize leaders and drive sustainable business results.

LEILA FEJZAGIC

As executive vice president of customer experience and human resources at Glidewell, Leila is responsible for leading the company’s internal and external people initiatives. With over two decades of experience in human capital management, she combines an ambitious vision with operational expertise to drive excellence for employees and customers alike. Leila’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing talent development, strengthening organizational culture, and boosting customer satisfaction, positioning Glidewell for long-term success. Passionate about building high-performing teams and fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment, she empowers employees at all levels.
Stephanie Mapp

Dr. STEPHANIE MAPP

Dr. Stephanie Mapp is a dental practice consultant and founder of Mapp Your Practice Consulting with over 30 years of clinical and business experience. After graduating from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1994, she built a successful start-up practice, Fleming Island Family Dentistry, scaling it to over $1 million in revenue, and later purchased and operated Family Smiles Ponte Vedra. Since 2018, Dr. Mapp has dedicated herself to helping PPO dental practices increase revenues while reducing patient volume through proven, time-tested systems. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, she has contributed to multiple books, appeared on numerous dental podcasts and lectures on topics ranging from insurance optimization to case acceptance and practice leadership.

Marjorie Ambroise

Marjorie joined Glidewell in 2018 as an instructional designer for the learning and development team. Soon after, she began managing Glidewell’s employee leadership programs — LEAD and Executive Leadership. In 2019, she became a member of the cross-functional team that launched the Guiding Leaders program. Marjorie’s passion for learning and organizational growth has guided her career path within the company. In her current position as senior organizational development manager in HR, she designs and implements employee development strategies to foster a high-performing, sustainable workforce and drive long-term success.

Dr. Danielle Brown

Dr. Danielle Brown is a native of Inglewood, CA, and currently practices as a full-time clinical dentist at Glidewell. She earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California in 2016. She practiced full-time clinical dentistry in private practice, corporate, and community clinic-based settings before joining Glidewell in 2024.

Dr. Brown served on the executive committee of the Western Los Angeles Dental Society and is currently on the executive board of the Angel City Dental Society. In 2023, Dr. Brown was awarded a Top 40 Under 40 award from the National Dental Association, and was a graduate of the prestigious Guiding Leaders program that same year.

Lorenzo Johnson

Lorenzo Johnson is a partner at Sociallyin, one of the nation’s premier social media agencies and one of the few that focus exclusively on social media. With a background in executive leadership and sales coaching — along with experience at one of the country’s highest-ranked Preferred Agency Partners — Lorenzo brings unparalleled expertise in social media strategies that not only engage audiences but also nurture leads and drive conversions. He is also a LinkedIn Learning content creator, serving clients and addressing sales and leadership teams of all sizes around the world.

Dr. Steve Barrett

Dr. Steve Barrett is the founding partner and clinical director of Greenberg Dental & Orthodontics, overseeing 72 locations in Florida. With 30 years of experience, he mentors doctors and leads in-house continuing education. An award-winning photographer, Dr. Barrett created “The Vision First” course and speaks at dental schools, ASDA meetings, and the Glidewell Esthetics Symposium. Since 2022, he has taught “Photography Essentials” for Glidewell’s Guiding Leaders program. His course emphasizes photography for patient communication, lab collaboration, and predictable outcomes, drawing inspiration from the treatment planning concepts of Dr. John Kois and Dr. Frank Spear.