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Guiding Leaders

Become a Key Dental Influencer
  • Earn up to 70 continuing education credits by attending all sessions.
2026 INTEREST FORM
2025 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.

2026 interest form

Applications for the 2026 cohort will open in December 2025

2025 Course Curriculum

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
Upgrade your business by upgrading your mindset. Learn to apply techniques utilized by top business leaders.
Key Learning Areas:
  • Self-awareness
  • Influence
  • Communication
  • Alignment
  • Execution
The results of cultivating an outward mindset are proven — any organization can dramatically improve collaboration, accountability, growth and profitably. This course will utilize videos, individual and group exercises, and one-on-one discussions to set you up for successful implementation. Get ready to become an even better version of your best self!
Note: Professional headshots and group photos will be conducted during this session.
Facilitators:
JO SCHAEFFER
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Course Description

Master the fundamentals of dental practice management! Explore new strategies, create a supportive office environment, and transform your practice.
Key Learning Areas:
  • Practice management
  • HR/Compliance
  • Mental wellness
  • Systems and operations
  • Leadership tools
By the end of this course, you will be equipped to identify opportunities in your practice, foster professional growth, and prevent burnout. Even if you are satisfied with your current results, you will still gain valuable takeaways to bring back to your practice.
Facilitators:
Dr. Christina Do
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Dr. Sheila Dobee
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Dr. Rebekah Browder
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Leila Fejzagic
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Dr. Maggie Augustyn
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Course Description

Public speaking still ranks highly on the list of common fears, but it doesn’t have to! You will come away from this course confident in your presentation skills and ready for your next speaking engagement.
Key Learning Areas:
  • Engaging your audience
  • Body language and word choice
  • Delivering memorable presentations
  • Refining your communication style
During this session, you will get real-time practice in small breakout groups. In a comfortable environment, you will learn to present with poise and impact. Additionally, you will acquire quality resources to further improve your speaking skills.
Facilitators:
Dr. Danielle Brown
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Dr. Taylor Manalili
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Dr. Jinny Bender
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Marjorie Ambroise
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Britni Aralis
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Carol Gregory
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Course Description

Reach your best patients and gain referrals through effective personal branding and case photography. In our ever-changing digital world, it is more important than ever to elevate your online presence.
Key Learning Areas:
  • Case photography
  • Photo editing
  • Social media best practices
  • Content creation and management
  • Creating your personal brand
By the end of this course, you will understand how to tell your story through compelling content that showcases your professional voice. You will also discover the difference between clinical and marketing uses for photography.
Facilitators:
Lorenzo Johnson
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Dr. Steve 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 Learning Areas:
  • 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.

Course Description

This course will empower you with critical skills for financial well-being and prepare you to negotiate successfully in business settings.
Key Learning Areas:
  • Financial management
  • Proven negotiation techniques
  • Securing your desired outcomes
  • Making informed financial decisions
You will learn how to achieve long-term business success and improve your communication skills, to drive growth and profitability in your practice.
Facilitators:
Mary Kathryn Williamson
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Kelli Henley
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AimÉe Nevins
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Bonnie Bradbury
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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.  

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.

Dr. Maggie Augustyn

Maggie Augustyn, FAAIP, FICOI, is a Dawson-trained practicing general dentist and the owner of Happy Tooth. She is the co-host of Everyday Practices Dental Podcast and the current spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Augustyn has been featured on dental magazine covers and continues to be recognized as one of the top 250 leaders in dentistry by Dentistry Today. A prolific writer and inspirational speaker, Dr. Augustyn channels her passion into her writing and lectures, primarily focusing on the human experience. Through her column “Mindful Moments,” she provides insights that encourage self-discovery and authenticity, aiming to create a bridge between personal struggles and professional roles within dentistry.

Dr. Augustyn’s work as a faculty member at Productive Dentist Academy further underscores her dedication to fostering a compassionate approach in her field. Her mission is to ignite a movement towards a more integrated practice of dentistry, where the emotional and humane aspects of patient care are prioritized.

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.

Dr. Taylor Manalili

Dr. Taylor Manalili is the director of clinical prosthodontics at Glidewell Dental. At Glidewell, she works in the onsite dental clinic, where she enhances laboratory protocols, conducts clinical research, and performs advanced restorative work, including implant placement, chairside restorations, and full-mouth rehabilitations.

Dr. Manalili received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Stony Brook University, where she also obtained an advanced education certificate in prosthodontics. Dr. Manalili is a fellow of the Resnik Implant Institute and is a diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. She is a faculty member of the Resnik International Implant Institute and has over ten years of teaching experience in diverse educational settings.

Dr. Jinny Bender

Dr. Jinny Bender is a clinical dentist at Glidewell, in Orange County, CA. She joined Glidewell in 2022 after practicing general dentistry for 27 years — first as a private practice associate dentist, then as a managing dentist for a large DSO. Dr. Bender earned her DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Prior to dental school, she attended the University of California at Berkeley, where she earned a degree in Biological Sciences. Dr. Bender treats patients at Glidewell’s onsite clinic and lectures nationally on dental materials and technology. As of 2025, she is a member of ADA and CDA Delegate, and a board member of Orange County Dental Society.

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.

Britni Aralis

Britni Aralis is a certified practitioner with more than 13 years of experience in education. She specializes in emotional intelligence — including EQ 360 and DISC — leadership, and behavioral assessment tools. Britni has a passion for developing self-aware leaders and building programs that empower individuals and teams to reach their highest performance potential. She has successfully led several leadership programs at Glidewell, developed mentoring programs, and coached leaders to thrive in the ever-evolving corporate landscape.

Carol Gregory

Carol has a career history in leadership development, communication, team building and change management, gained through her experience with Fortune 500 companies, startups and nonprofits. As the director of learning and development at Glidewell, she oversees the creation and implementation of a variety of educational experiences. Welcoming leaders at all levels, Carol promotes an environment of increased self-awareness, new mindsets and goal achievement.

Lorenzo Johnson

Lorenzo Johnson is a Partner at Sociallyin, one of the nation’s top social media agencies, and one of the few that specializes exclusively in social media. With a strong background in executive leadership and sales coaching, along with his role at one of the country’s highest-ranked preferred agency partners, Lorenzo brings his expertise to social media strategies that engage audiences, nurture leads, and drive conversions. He serves clients worldwide and is a highly sought-after speaker, sharing his insights with sales and leadership teams of all sizes across the globe.

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.

Mary Kathryn Williamson

Mary Kathryn is a Tax Partner in Aprio’s National Dental Services practice. Over the past decade, she has focused on serving dental practices and expanding Aprio’s dental group. In addition to forward-thinking tax planning, Mary Kathryn specializes in helping dentists understand the financial health of their practices, enabling them to capitalize on tax-saving opportunities and achieve their financial goals. Her work supports dentists at every stage of their practice lifecycle through financial analysis, dental benchmarking, and corporate and income tax planning strategies. Mary Kathryn earned both her BBA and Master’s in Accounting degrees from Georgia Southern University. She is a member of the AICPA.

Kelli Henley

Kelli works with dentists nationwide as an experienced dental advisor, specializing in helping clients navigate the various transition stages of their practices. As a licensed CPA with 15 years of experience in tax compliance and planning, Kelli offers a unique approach compared to traditional dental practice brokers. She focuses on guiding dentists through transition planning, expansion, practice sales, valuations, and purchases—ensuring they understand their investments and how these decisions impact their transition. Kelli also assists clients with cash flow modeling, practice valuations, transaction due diligence, and other key areas. She earned a B.S. in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University and an M.B.A. from the Jack C. Massey College of Business at Belmont University.

AimÉe Nevins

Aimée Nevins is an executive coach and managing partner at Fortune Management, where she helps entrepreneurial dentists increase profitability and optimize practice performance. With over 25 years of experience in sales, consulting, and business strategy, she specializes in empowering dental teams to boost productivity and reduce stress through effective communication. Aimée holds an M.S. in Chemistry from Duke University, where she honed her analytical skills — skills she now applies to help dental teams approach interactions with precision, honesty, and clarity. Through workshops and personalized coaching, she teaches participants how to turn challenging conversations into opportunities, creating win-win outcomes and fostering lasting success in every negotiation.

Bonnie Bradbury

With over 25 years of experience, Bonnie Bradbury began her dental career with a B.S. in Dental Hygiene from the University of Southern California. Since then, she has become a recognized authority in dental practice management. Her unique expertise spans marketing, clinical practice, business management, and systems implementation.

As an executive coach for Fortune, Bonnie guides teams on tools and strategies for all aspects of practice management, including exceptional communication, scheduling for increased production, financial policies, building a strong hygiene department, and fostering accountability. She believes the greatest challenge for doctors and their teams is effectively implementing the practice vision and goals. As a coach, she bridges the gap between the two, supporting the doctor in turning their vision into a reality.