Guiding Leaders Summit
Empowering women to new levels
- April 24–25, 2020
- 8:30 a.m. Friday –1:30 p.m. Saturday
- Paséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach, CA
Guiding Leaders Summit 2020 Postponed
We regret to inform you that due to ongoing health concerns related to COVID-19, Glidewell has decided to postpone the Guiding Leaders Summit, which was scheduled to take place April 24–25, 2020, in Huntington Beach, California. While we were extremely excited to host our inaugural summit for women in dentistry, the health and well-being of our conference attendees is of a greater importance.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Glidewell will issue a full refund of your event registration fees and any room reservations made at the Paséa Hotel & Spa. Please submit your refund request in writing via email to guidingleaders@glidewelldental.com.
Glidewell would like to reschedule the Guiding Leaders Summit for a future date. However, an alternate date has not been determined at this point. You can fill out the form below to receive summit updates as they become available.
Thank you so much for believing in the Guiding Leaders Summit. We sincerely appreciate your support and look forward to continuing our journey of empowering women in dentistry to new levels of success.
Who is the summit for?
The Guiding Leaders Summit is for all women in dentistry. Whether you’re a dentist, hygienist or office staff, this dynamic event is designed to empower you to become an influencer in your practice, the community and the dental profession. The summit will equip you with the latest clinical training, enhance your leadership skills and help you build a strong support network with like-minded women in the field.








WHAT DOES REGISTRATION INCLUDE?
- Two days of continuing education with 9 CE credits
- Complimentary breakfast, lunch and hosted bar
- Free professional headshots
- Yoga, tai chi and more!

What is the event schedule?
The summit offers a dynamic combination of breakout sessions, panel discussions, networking receptions, marketplace vendors and more. Here is an overview of this extraordinary, two-day event.
Summit Overview
Meet our Featured Speakers

Dr. Rella Christensen
Renowned Author, Researcher and Lecturer
Keynote Speaker

Dr. Rella Christensen
Dr. Rella Christensen cofounded the nonprofit Clinical Research Associates (later known as the Clinicians Report Foundation) in 1976, and served as its director for 27 years. Currently, Dr. Christensen is the team leader of Technologies in Restoratives and Caries (TRAC) Research, a nonprofit institute devoted to long-term clinical studies on restorative materials and oral microbiology. She has also authored many published scientific studies and articles.

Jim Glidewell,
CDT
President and CEO
Glidewell
Introductory Speaker

Jim Glidewell, CDT
After military service in Southeast Asia, Jim attended a two-year dental technology program at Orange Coast College and graduated in 1969. He formally opened Glidewell Laboratories in January 1970 and, by 1981, operated nine dental labs in Southern California. He has been instrumental in developing new equipment and techniques with the objective of holding down dental laboratory expenses. He also directs the Research and Development department in developing cost-effective dental restorations.

Stephenie Goddard
Executive Vice President
Glidewell
Introductory Speaker

Stephenie Goddard
Stephenie strategically leads and manages new business development, sales, and customer experience, as well as oversees Human Resources and Learning and Development. Since joining the company, she has been a driving force behind key initiatives including three highly effective employee programs. Under her guidance, Glidewell has launched LEAD, High Potential and the Executive Leadership Programs, which have produced exceptional talent at all levels. Goddard has been nominated as Executive of the Year by NHRA and was the recipient of the Strategic Leadership Award. She has a bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic State University and a master’s degree from San Jose State University.

Carrie Webber
Chief Communications Officer & Co-Owner
Jameson Management, Inc.
Motivational Speaker

Carrie Webber
Carrie Webber is chief communications officer and co-owner of Jameson Management, Inc., a dental management, marketing and hygiene coaching firm. Carrie creates customer service and business development opportunities as well as marketing initiatives and social media strategies to effectively communicate the Jameson message to the dental profession. She contributes to several publications and is a frequent speaker at dental meetings nationwide. For more information on Carrie, and on Jameson’s management and marketing services, visit jamesonmanagement.com or call 877-369-5558.
Course Topics
Clinical Dentistry
Learn the latest clinical knowledge
View Courses
Leadership Development
Enhance your leadership skills
View Courses
INTERPERSONAL WELLNESS
Cultivate healthy relationships and emotional resilience
View Courses
- Clinical Dentistry
Course Description
Ready to deliver high-quality restorations that not only save you chair time but leave your patients highly satisfied? Here are 10 keys that will be a difference-maker in your daily practice. Find out how to avoid common mistakes that clinicians make. Get the latest techniques that ensure your prep is properly reduced every time. Learn an impression technique that will reduce your lab-remake rate. Discover an easy way to take shades using your iPhone and much more!

Presented by Dr. Mike DiTolla
Course Description
Get a basic understanding about how to regenerate bone after a tooth has been extracted so you create an ideal implant site. Learn about the different classifications of bone defects. Find out about the various kinds of bone grafting materials, collagen membranes and biologics that can be added to enhance bone growth.

Dr. Amanda M. Sheehan is a Waterford, Michigan-based practitioner known for her relentless dedication to being on the cutting edge of dentistry. She is a member of several dental associations and has received specialized training in dental implants and prosthetics. Dr. Sheehan graduated summa cum laude from Franklin Pierce University and later earned her doctor of dental surgery degree from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. She is the recipient of the Excellence in Clinical Dentistry award and believes in pursuing excellence in all her endeavors.
Course Description
Learn how to properly treat edentulous patients. From overdentures to fixed-implant prostheses, review the latest full-arch implant solutions. Explore the advantages of each restorative option. Discover treatment protocols and clinical considerations involved in determining the ideal solution for each patient.

Course Description
Sleep disorders are a significant health issue in the U.S. Now more than ever, dentists have a unique opportunity to provide life-changing solutions. Find out how to develop lasting relationships with physicians so you can begin incorporating sleep management into your practice. Dr. Mericle will cover what you need to know about obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, bruxism and properly screening patients so you can begin immediately growing your practice.

Presented by Dr. Suzanne R. Mericle
Dr. Suzanne R. Mericle received her Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Georgia and graduated with honors from the Medical College of Georgia, where she earned her DMD degree. She opened her practice in 1992 in Brunswick, Georgia, and built her current practice in St. Simons Island, Georgia, in 1994. Dr. Mericle is an instructor for the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, where she teaches dental sleep medicine, TMJ therapy and facial esthetics. She is also a diplomate of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA).
Course Description
Every patient wants a natural-looking smile and the ability to create one is vital to succeeding in dentistry. Cultivate your communication skills to identify patients who want cosmetic enhancements and discover effective ways to motivate them to follow through with treatment. Learn how to boost your patient’s confidence and your bottom line by creating stellar smile makeovers. Award-winning, cosmetic dental expert Dr. Susan McMahon provides the latest principles for smile design that are both practical and produce pleasing results.

Author, lecturer and instructor Dr. Susan McMahon is an expert in the fields of cosmetic dentistry, dental care and teeth whitening. She is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and has received Top Dentist awards from Pittsburgh Magazine and the Consumers Research Council of America.
Course Description
Examine various tooth preparation techniques for veneer cases. Find out when to utilize each technique based on the patient’s goals and the chosen restorative material. Discover the latest methods for taking accurate impressions and how to bond the newest esthetic materials.

Dr. Anamaria Muresan is a graduate of the Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine. Prior to receiving her DMD, Dr. Muresan spent 12 years as ceramic manager at Glidewell. In July 2013, having earned her DMD and having completed a one-year continuum in implant dentistry, Dr. Muresan returned to Glidewell to join the operatory team as director of clinical research.
Course Description
As dental technology and materials constantly improve, dental offices and clinical teams must keep up or be left behind. Learn about the latest technology on the market and how to select the right option that will best equip you to efficiently operate your dental practice. Discover how you can communicate better with your team and consistently produce quality restorations using the latest chairside ecosystem.

Course Description
Using the latest technology, you can produce beautiful smile makeovers, both in-office and in conjunction with your laboratory partner. Learn how to maximize your chairside mill so you deliver the best restorations to your patients.

Dr. Justin Chi is director of clinical technologies at Glidewell. He joined Glidewell as a clinical research associate in 2015 after graduating from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Dr. Chi’s previous education included receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in dental laboratory technology from the LSU School of Dentistry, and earning his CDT in crown and bridge in 2007.
- LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Course Description
Even though women make up more than half of the workforce, they are still not making inroads into leadership positions. Find out the most significant factor hindering women from advancing in their careers. Dr. Andrews will discuss the latest research and show you how to apply practical strategies that boost your practice. Discover how to breakthrough workplace barriers by understanding the power of perception.

Dr. Shawn Andrews is a keynote speaker and organizational consultant who has worked with a diverse range of clients including SABMiller, Johnson & Johnson, and the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association. She is an expert in leadership development and emotional intelligence and has helped thousands of leaders make improvements through her presentations, workshops, coaching and psychological instruments. Dr. Andrews is an accredited practitioner for EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360, Insights Discovery Colors, and Blanchard Situational Leadership. She’s also the best-selling author of “The Power of Perception: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and the Gender Divide.”
Course Description
Want to transform your dental practice and create a thriving team culture? Learn how to make the one change that most dramatically improves performance, sparks collaboration and accelerates innovation – the shift to an outward mindset. The Arbinger Institute will show you and your staff how to resolve challenges and achieve breakthrough results by implementing a different way of thinking that fosters collaboration and accountability.

Jo Schaeffer-Crabb is a senior consultant at The Arbinger Institute. Jo has a background in leadership and organizational development, and nearly 15 years of experience in consulting, training, and developing systems for corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations. Jo has taught business, management and other courses to a diverse range of individuals from C-suite executives to disadvantaged inner-city youth. Jo shows her audience how to take Arbinger’s powerful principles and make real-world application out of them. Through her vast organizational experience and an authentic ability to be able to establish a connection with people, Jo enables her attendees to clearly see new solutions and opportunities.
Course Description
Whether you’re recruiting your first team, revamping an existing roster, or growing with dedicated staff members, this course is designed to assist everyone in the dental office. It will show how everyone contributes to the overall patient experience and plays a key role in the success of a practice! Find out how to collaborate and communicate as a team so you effectively complete tasks and cohesively move toward a common goal.

Will Schmidt brings more than 15 years of dental experience, including 13 years as a registered dental assistant, to his role at Glidewell. He has worked in multiple settings, from private practice to group practice to oral surgery in a hospital’s trauma center. Prior to the dental field, Will served as a U.S. Marine, experience that he credits for honing his fine appreciation for detail.
Course Description
It’s not uncommon to graduate dental school with tremendous debt, and to incur more debt as you expand into private practice. But there is a way to break free and begin generating positive cash flow. Learn about important repayment options that can provide some financial relief and find out how to properly manage your finances, especially during the critical years of your early career.

Presented by Joy Sorensen Navarre
Joy Sorensen Navarre is the president and founder of Navigate LLC. A national expert in student loan management, she consults with physicians and health systems across the country. Joy lives by a powerful core belief: you find your purpose where the world’s greatest need and your greatest joy meet. This is why she built Navigate. She loves doing work that helps everyone—physicians, health systems, and patients.
Course Description

As a human resources executive with over 15 years of progressive experience, Leila is a strategic business partner who develops human capital strategies. In her role, Leila oversees all aspects of human resources management. Leila is a member of the prestigious international honor society Beta Gamma Sigma. She holds a B.S. degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry, from California State University, Long Beach, and an Executive MBA from Graziadio School of Business and Management, Pepperdine University

Gary Pritchard received his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, and went on to serve as general counsel for Clayton Homes, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company, and Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., a Fortune 500 Company. As a board-certified trial lawyer, Gary was a managing partner for Pritchard & Hanszen in Houston, Texas, and holds active law licenses in Texas, Arizona, Tennessee and California. Gary is currently one of the in-house labor counselors for Glidewell Laboratories, where he has been integral in instituting policies that protect both employees and the company.
Course Description

Carrie Webber is chief communications officer and co-owner of Jameson Management, Inc., a dental management, marketing and hygiene coaching firm. Carrie creates customer service and business development opportunities as well as marketing initiatives and social media strategies to effectively communicate the Jameson message to the dental profession. She contributes to several publications and is a frequent speaker at dental meetings nationwide. For more information on Carrie, and on Jameson’s management and marketing services, visit jamesonmanagement.com or call 877-369-5558.
Course Description
Social media is key to succeeding in business. Whether you’re a dentist or an office manager, join Glidewell’s digital experts for a fun, interactive workshop that will show you easy ways to expand your social media presence and best practices to grow your following. Find out how to create an excellent content calendar, and get simple tips and tricks that will help you engage future customers and retain current patients.

About Karrie Letu
Karrie Comfort Letu is a social media expert with a focus on helping brands grow their Instagram following. She also believes in creating communities that advocate for their favorite brands. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach, with a degree in English education and journalism, and has since managed social media presences in areas ranging from consumer products to C-suite personal accounts and nonprofit organizations. Karrie now manages all U.S. accounts for Glidewell.

About Richelle Vertucci
Richelle Vertucci is the senior brand manager for the preventive and removable product lines at Glidewell. She is a digital native with several years of marketing and advertising experience. Richelle specializes in digital and influencer marketing and has worked with major brands such as CoverGirl, Coty Inc. and Lionsgate to create unique brand strategies across multiple channels.

About Sofia Meyers
Sofia Meyers is the senior brand manager for implant products at Glidewell. Prior to joining the company, she worked with major publishers such as Condé Nast and Pandora Media to deliver multichannel marketing solutions for brands in various industries including automotive, entertainment, and healthcare.
Course Description
Discover how to build relationships with medical doctors so you can work together to provide the best service to your patients and care for their complete needs. When should you refer your patient to a general practitioner? How should you handle that referral? Learn best practices from an experienced dentist who has gained valuable insight and can show you how to work successfully with the broader medical community in a manner that creates maximum efficiency and leads to a solid referral network.

Presented by Dr. Larissa Figari-Goller
Dr. Larissa Figari-Goller is a partner at Huntington Bay Dental, where she is experienced in all phases of cosmetic, implant and restorative dentistry. Her goal is to give each patient the best treatment – all under one roof. She has traveled to Nicaragua, Madagascar, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, and other locations, providing dental treatment to patients in need.
- Interpersonal wellness
Course Description
Does working in dentistry leave you feeling stressed? In a busy world full of distractions, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Self-care is no longer an optional luxury, but an essential necessity if you want to be reenergized so you can be authentic and build connections with patients and colleagues. During this compelling presentation, explore the power of mindfulness and walk away with helpful tools that reduce stress and leave you feeling invigorated every day.
Presented by Adam Powers and Dr. Nidhi Taneja

About Adam Powers
Adam Powers has worked in the field of industrial organizational psychology for more than a decade, developing leaders and influencing an organization’s culture. He graduated from Grand Valley State University with a heavy emphasis in psychology. Adam has a passion for improving the lives of others, which has led him to the practice of mindfulness, a field that he has taught in for several years and has also developed training courses.

About Dr. Nidhi Taneja
Dr. Nidhi Taneja is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Connecticut. She specializes in pediatric dentistry and working with special needs patients. Dr. Taneja has a keen interest in organized dentistry and has a focused her research on behavior management and children with autism.
Course Description
Give your morning a peaceful start with an invigorating full-body yoga session on the beach. This class will help you unwind and calm your mind as you prepare for an engaging day of continuing education. Strengthen, balance and relax your body as you move through various postures while utilizing mindful breathing.

Presented by Iris Pena-Tanner
Iris Pena-Tanner began teaching yoga after completing her 200-hour Hatha yoga certification at the Chicago Yoga Center in 2007. She is honored to teach yoga at the inaugural Guiding Leaders summit, and she hopes all attendees leave her class feeling refreshed, relaxed, nurtured and a bit more balanced.
Course Description
Watch the sunrise on the ocean lawn as you connect with your true potential during this exhilarating workout. Life can get busy so discover how to optimize your movements in a way that increases your focus and decreases stress. As you explore the art of tai chi, you will open the flow of energy for overall mental and physical well-being.

Presented by Hui Hwang
Hui Hwang, a licensed acupuncturist, has been practicing tai chi since 1999, while she was in school studying traditional Chinese medicine. She has always been fascinated by the calming and healing effects of tai chi, and she holds tai chi workshops periodically. Hwang incorporates tai chi meditative concepts into her daily acupuncture practice, and she hopes to introduce many more people to tai chi and its health benefits.
Course Description
Numerous studies have linked poor oral health to systemic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Explore current findings and discover how dentistry fits into the primary care model. Learn what an integrated clinic looks like and how you can incorporate the systemic health connection into your everyday dentistry to provide a unique patient experience that’s focused on overall health.

Presented by Dr. Jeri Bullock
Dr. Jeri Bullock has served as dental director for two federally qualified health centers, and she has established herself as a respected dentist and oral health advocate. Currently working as an assistant professor and dental director of the South Main Clinic for the University of Utah School of Dentistry, she is widely known for her integrated care model expertise and focus on underserved communities. Dr. Bullock is a graduate of the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.
Cancellation policy
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by email to heather.berekoff@glidewelldental.com. A full refund of the Guiding Leaders Summit will be granted for cancellation requests received by April 10, 2020. Due to advance commitments with the Paséa Hotel & Spa, no event refunds will be issued after April 10, 2020. If requesting a refund on a hotel room, the cancellation request must be submitted in writing no later than April 20, 2020. Glidewell reserves the right to cancel any presentation, limit enrollment or modify the announced content. Should Glidewell cancel the Guiding Leaders Summit, Glidewell’s liability is limited to a full refund of the registration fee.
The Guiding Leaders Summit will offer training in three key areas: clinical dentistry, leadership development and interpersonal wellness. You will select courses upon arrival and can earn up to nine hours of continuing education credits by attending both days.