PRE-CONFERENCE GUIDE THE ROAD TO E STHETIC EXCELLENCE AWAITS!
Gear up and ride through a journey like no other as we pave the way to your professional dreams. AACD 2025 is your ultimate destination for comprehensive esthetics, offering unparalleled access to top educators and a supportive esthetic community that will drive your dentistry to new heights.
Hosted at the magnificent Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, this event not only promises enriching educational experiences but also invites you to indulge in the best that San Diego has to offer. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Southern California while networking with peers and experts in the field.
This pre-conference guidebook includes just a sampling of the kind of education you can expect at AACD San Diego 2025.
Stay connected at aacdconference.com for updates and additions.
“You’ll come for the education but will come back for the people.”
AACD Past President Greg Wright, DDS, FAACD
San Diego combines the ideal blend of professional development and leisure. With its stunning coastal views, vibrant cultural scene, and renowned dining options, attendees can enjoy a refreshing backdrop while engaging in cutting-edge educational experiences.
San Diego's warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it the ideal location to foster connections, inspire learning, and rejuvenate both mind and body.
Your conference tuition is all-inclusive and always incorporates the whole package:
• All open lectures and applicable hands-on workshops*
• Access to esthetic-focused exhibitors featuring the latest dental technologies and practice-related services
• Networking breakfasts, lunches, and exhibitor social hours
• Social events including the Born to be Wild Welcome Reception and Exhibitor Socials
• General sessions that will help you envision new possibilities, design the career of your dreams, and ride into the sunset of excellence
*Hands-on workshops are not available to all registration types. Registration required to attend workshops with limited seating.
MAIN STAGE HEADLINE PRESENTER
TREATING THE WORN DENTITION: Incorporating 'Airway' Concepts
Gregg Kinzer, DDS, MSD
Gain practical insights and interdisciplinary strategies to seamlessly incorporate airway resolution into treatment plans, achieving exceptional dental results.
Key learning objectives include:
• Impact of Airway Issues: Discuss the impact that airway issues have on the stomatognathic system.
• Identification: Learn how to quickly and easily identify patients in your practice that have an airway issue as part of their etiology.
• Treatment Planning: Learn how to treatment plan airway resolution as an integral part of a facially generated dental treatment plan.
• Occlusal Requirements: Learn the occlusal requirements for patients with edge-to-edge, crossover, and pathway wear.
• Trial Therapy: Learn how to test esthetics and occlusion with trial therapy.
HANDS-ON W ORKSHOPS
“To be able to surround yourself with like-minded people who are also trying to become the best versions of themselves is really an eye-opening experience”
Sep Pouresa, DMD AACD Member
CLASS IV TWO WAYSFrom Polychromatic to Omnichromatic
Newton Fahl, Jr. DDS, MS
Creating invisible Class IV restorations involves correctly selecting the composite restoratives and a proper layering strategy. Depending on the complexity level of the case, choosing between a multi-shaded polychromatic versus a simplified layering protocol is challenging. This hands-on course will teach how to indicate and address each strategy as the participant restores two maxillary central incisors to perfect shape and color.
DIGITAL WAX-UPS: The Future of Dentistry, Today
Dia na Tadros, DDS, FAGD, FICOI, AAACD
Learn the power of functional mockups and logically driven treatment plans to drive patients to a more solid understanding of their treatment and occlusion, while designing esthetic cases that are built to last.
Sponsored by:
THE PERFECT PRINT
Di ana Tadros, DDS, FAGD, FICOI, AAACD
Spanning from injection composite technique to printed veneers, dive into the digital revolution with this introductory course.
CLASS IV - Creating Beauty by Recreating Nature
Rhodri Thomas, DDS
We will explore nature itself, the interplay of light and color, and the beauty of the tooth structure. We will then discuss systems for resin restoration including both the simple and complex layering approaches to a Class IV. Embark on a journey creating natural layered restorations, and finish with a polishing masterclass, including primary, secondary, and tertiary anatomy techniques to create perfect, lifelike results every time that last for years and years.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
THE CERAMIC BLEND FACTORS
James Klim, DDS, FAGD, AAACD
The clinician or lab technician can effectively deliver customized ceramic restorations with the latest in materials and restorative CAD/ CAM fabrication. This class will provide a hands-on, step-by-step workflow for efficiently texturing ceramic restorations and using a brush-on liquid ceramic for color and glaze for the final luster finish.
Sponsored by:
Product Sponsored by:
CLASS IV COMPOSITE RESTORATION EXCELLENCE: CRAFTING NATURAL & SEAMLESS RESULTS
Dimple Desai, DDS, AAACD
Join us for an intensive workshop focused on mastering Class IV composite restorations. This handson session will delve into advanced techniques from bonding to final polish and strategies to achieve natural-looking and seamless restorations. Participants will learn how to perfect their approach, ensuring optimal aesthetic outcomes and functional durability. Elevate your skills and deliver exceptional results with confidence.
NEW IN 2025!
CASE ACCEPTANCE EXCELLENCE: Driving Success in Your Esthetic Practice
A new, non-clinical lecture room experience at AACD 2025 San Diego in partnership with All-Star Dental Academy.
Presented by Eric Vickery
Gain practical insights and interdisciplinary strategies to seamlessly incorporate airway resolution into treatment plans, achieving exceptional dental results.
Session 1:
Bu ilding a GREAT Team & Growth Formula
This session focuses on the champion mindset, 10 characteristics of a great team, and fear of rejection.
Session 2:
The GREAT Call & Patient Discovery
This session develops the essentials to establishing patient raport and trust. These are key foundation principles to case presentation and acceptance.
Session 3:
The GREAT Exam & Patient Commitment
This session is about the clinical exam, the case presentation and overcoming objections, as well as cancelling cancellations.
Sponsored by:
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ESTHETIC ADVENTURE
Whether you’re ready to get started on your Accreditation journey at AACD 2025 San Diego, or you just want to advance your skills and knowledge, the Accreditation track is for all dentists and technicians who aspire to achieve their full potential and set sail toward esthetic excellence. You won’t want to miss this chance to take the Accreditation Written Exam and required workshops, and to mix and mingle with the other dental professionals pursuing the coveted credential. AACD Accreditation track educators will get you up to speed quickly and efficiently to guide you on your credentialing journey.
NEW IN 2025!
ACCREDITATION & CRITERIA WORKSHOP
Bradley J. Olson, DDS, FAACD, & Scott W. Finlay, DDS, FAGD, FAACD
This combined program will fulfill the two workshop requirements of the AACD Accreditation process.
Drs. Olson and Finlay will provide an overview of the credentialing process, requirements, and resources to assist dental professionals in achieving excellence. It will address the clinical exam process and the criteria that serve as the foundation in the evaluation of cases. You will be given the opportunity to develop the “Eye of an Examiner” in a mock trial of sample cases.
FELLOWSHIP WORKSHOP FOR ACCREDITED MEMBERS
Adamo Notarantonio, DDS, FAACD
This workshop will assist attendees with preparation for attaining the highest credential, becoming an Accredited Fellow, which is available to members of the Academy. Dr. Notarantonio will be giving a brief discussion, with emphasis on examination criteria, using multiple cases as the participant guide.
At tendance is limited to Accredited Members.
Undetectable Class
IV
Restorations for Accreditation CASE TYPE 4
Corky Willhite, DDS, FAACD
Using realistic models, attendees will restore a significant fracture on a central incisor using a predictable technique to achieve an “undetectable” restoration. Step-bystep instruction will include how to prep conservatively, avoid tooth show-through, and provide the patient with a long-lasting and beautiful restoration that can function as a natural tooth.
Six or More Direct Resin Veneers - A Focus on Accreditation CASE TYPE 5
Brian LeSage, DDS, FAACD
This workshop will help develop the participants' composite mirroring skills. Attendees will follow along as Dr. LeSage demonstrates composite layering techniques that create polychromicity, incisal edge halo and natural incisal translucency. In this workshop environment, microesthetic principles of secondary and tertiary anatomy and attaining an appropriate finish, polish and luster will be demonstrated.
Six or More Indirect Restorations - A Focus on Accreditation CASE TYPE 1
John F. Weston, DDS, FAACD
This course will demonstrate how to: “Ace Your Case” by improving the accuracy, efficiency, and predictability for all your anterior esthetic cases. See how smile design relates to proper prep design and how fabrication of mockup smiles helps verify esthetic and occlusal planning. We will review trends for tooth preparation, as well as bonding steps for veneers.
Product Sponsored by: Product Sponsored by:
The Accreditation Written Exam
The Accreditation Written Examination is the first step in obtaining AACD’s coveted credential and tests foundational knowledge in cosmetic dentistry. Individuals who are knowledgeable in all phases of cosmetic dentistry are expected to pass the written examination, a multiple-choice exam that will be administered at AACD 2025 San Diego. When course selection opens, select the Accreditation Written Examination, which is scheduled on Friday, April 4.
D isclaimer: The American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry® does not endorse any particular clinical technique or style, nor does it endorse particular products or materials. It is acknowledged that Accreditation success is not dependent on the technique, or the materials used, but on the excellence of the final result
NEW IN 2025!
DIAGNOSE, DESIGN, DELIVER: ACCREDITATION DEEP DIVE
Salvatore Lotardo, DDS, FAACD
The blend of art and science is critical to achieving optimal cosmetic results that will culminate in Accreditation level outcomes. In this interactive lecture we take a deep dive into the five Accreditation case types, discussing all the factors that are essential for successful submissions. Developing the skills, knowledge and a critical eye will not only help you on your Accreditation journey but allow you to reach your potential as the cosmetic dental professional your patients deserve.
MASTER E STHETIC LECTURE S ERIES
In addition to hands-on programming, the AACD is introducing a Master Esthetic Lecture Series that will offer cutting edge internationally recognized educators that are experts in their discipline of esthetics. These compressed programs will provide an advanced level of fast paced education for the experienced clinician with a focus on clinical skills and digital planning in a lecture format.
PROTOCOL FOR SURGICAL/ RESTORATIVE TREATMENT OF NCCSS COMBINED WITH GINGIVAL RECESSION
Ri cardo Kern, BDS, DCLINDENT, MSC
Treating NCCL combined with gingival recession requires a complex understanding of its multifactorial characteristics. Particularly demanding consideration to integrate restorative and soft tissue approaches, as the execution of one is wholly influenced and dependent on the other.
MODERN (SURGICAL & PROSTHETIC) RECONSTRUCTION:
A NEW APPROACH
Na if Sinada, DMD, MS
While rapidly evolving dental technology is making full-mouth implant rehabilitation easier for practitioners, it is simultaneously making it more accessible to the masses. Unfortunately, this transformed landscape comes with its own unique set of challenges; namely, the treatment planning needs of these patients is not uniform for providers nationally (or globally). This presentation will aim to bridge that gap by discussing an
individualized approach to implant rehabilitation. We will discuss a spectrum of topics ranging from the fundamentals of treatment planning to the intricacies of an FP1 implant rehabilitation.
MATERIALS FOR ESTHETIC DIRECT AND INDIRECT RESTORATIONS
Nate Lawson, DMD, MA, PhD
This lecture will summarize current research on the materials used for esthetic composite and ceramic restorations. Laboratory data will be presented on the polish, translucency, and physical properties of current direct composites. Additionally, research on the clear PVS materials used for injection molding, as well as techniques/materials for adapting and polishing composite needs will be discussed.
MANAGING COMPLEX CASES UTILIZING 3D SOFTWARE AND FLOWABLE INJECTABLE COMPOSITE
Enrique Guzman, DDS
Until recently, patients who needed comprehensive dental treatment had very few affordable options. However, the innovation of fluid resins (flowable injectable) in recent years has brought an alternative treatment for all types of patients, using highly loaded resins to restore function and esthetics in a simplified way with a minimally invasive approach. Treatment can also be sequenced over several months or years as finances allow thus giving patients the flexibility of getting the smile they want without compromising function.
ZIRCONIA ESTHETICS, CERAMISTS IN THE DIGITAL ERA
Dominik Gliniecki, DDS
In this lecture we will discuss the future potential tools for ceramists. To make this clinical challenge simpler and more user-friendly, while at the same time, preserving a very high standard of restoration integrity.
COLOR SCIENCE IN DENTISTRY: TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS
Sascha Hein, MDT, PhD
Candidate
Explore the science of color in dentistry, focusing on the critical differences between shade selection and matching. This presentation will cover the fundamentals of color science, dental colorimetry, and the practical applications of instrumental shade measurement, including strategies to enhance shade communication with the dental laboratory and understanding the limitations of shade matching.
THE EXPERIENCE MATTERS: BUILDING EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS WITH CLIENTS
Rob Ritter, DMD, & Chris Ramsey, DMD, AAACD
Discover the importance of emotional connections in patient interactions. This lecture will cover techniques for understanding customer emotions, creating personalized experiences, and leveraging technology to build strong, lasting relationships.
ESTABLISHING ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH IN YOUR DENTAL PRACTICE
Brian Baliwas, DDS, & Adam Miller, DDS
A few years ago, we did not have the leadership, nor the management skills, needed to run a “healthy” practice. Sure, the production was high and the new patient flow was up, but we’ve recently learned that “the numbers” aren’t the only KPIs in assessing practice health. It took losing several great team members, hiring a few bad ones, dealing with office gossip/drama, and even a few frivolous lawsuits for us to realize that what was lacking in our dental practice was leadership, direction, and organizational health. Today, our office culture is the best it has ever been, and we’ll be sharing my story of how we finally built a solid team.
AACD PRACTICE GROWTH & TRANSITIONS SUMMIT
Thinking of retiring, selling your practice, bringing on an associate, or considering another type of practice transition?
AACD 2025 offers private consulting suites so you can engage with transition companies, recruiting agencies, and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs), fostering meaningful connections that could shape the future of your career. AACD is excited to support our members and conference attendees through their pivotal professional changes.
LEARN MORE
Are
you
ready to unleash your inner rebel?
Welcome Reception | Thursday, April 3
Are you ready to unleash your inner rebel and feel bad to the bone at the AACD Born to be Wild Welcome Reception? Whether you are a seasoned member or new to the AACD, this will be one rally you won’t want to miss! Immerse yourself in the biker lifestyle with our authentic, road-ready decor. Think leather, chrome, and plenty of vintage flair that sets the scene for a night of wild fun. Capture your best biker look sitting on the AACD motorcycle, or gather up your gang and create a biker video in our 360 rotating photo booth.
Grab your leather jacket, rev up your engines, and join us for a night that celebrates friendship, adventure, and the thrill of the open road.
We roll at 7:00 pm!
CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
AN AWARDS DINNER OF UNFORGETTABLE ELEGANCE
Join us for a spectacular evening at our Celebration of Excellence “All That Glitters” Awards Dinner. This year, we invite you to experience an enchanting celebration where every detail sparkles with sophistication.
This evening promises an unforgettable night filled with magic as we celebrate the outstanding achievements of our honorees in a setting that reflects the brilliance and prestige of their accomplishments.
Dress to impress in your most “glittery” attire and prepare for an evening where elegance and enchantment are at the forefront.
Don't miss your chance to be part of a memorable evening!
Tickets will be available in January for this unforgettable evening.
SET SAIL WITH US
Restoring Smiles and Lives:
Se t Sail with us for Give Back a Smile on FRIDAY | APRIL 4
Jo in us for a remarkable evening aboard the private yacht, Emerald Hornblower, for our annual Give Back a Smile Fundraising Event!
Experience the breathtaking sights of San Diego’s skyline while cruising the tranquil waters of the harbor with friends and fellow Give Back a Smile supporters.
It’s a black & white party so put on your black and white attire and embark on an exclusive night in support of Give Back a Smile. Attendees will enjoy an open bar, passed hors d' oeuvres, and small plates.
Bo arding is conveniently located next door to the Manchester Grand Hyatt.
We look forward to sailing with you!
2025 GIVE BACK A SMILE CHARITABLE EVENT
NE W THIS YEAR: EXC LUSIVE AACD APPAREL FOR TOP DONORS
Stay warm in the chilly meeting rooms and show off your AACD pride! This year, when you donate $200 to Give Back a Smile at the conference, you’ll receive exclusive AACD apparel as a token of our appreciation. Choose from an AACD-branded performance jacket or 1/4-zip pullovers (while supplies last).
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND:
CHARITY AUCTION
Get great deals on dental products/ services or be the highest bidder on an amazing vacation. Auction items will be on display at AACD 2025 at the Give Back a Smile booth.
at aacdconference.com
THURSDAY
INCLUDED WITH TUITION
BREAKFAST & COFFEE
| 7:30AM-8:45AM LUNCH
| 12:00PM-1:00PM
EXHIBITOR SOCIALS
| 5:00PM-6:00PM
EXHIBIT HALL & DEMO ZONES OPEN
| 7:00AM-6:00PM
FRIDAY
BREAKFAST & COFFEE
| 7:00AM-7:45AM LUNCH
| 12:00PM-1:45PM
EXHIBITOR SOCIALS
| 5:00PM-6:00PM
EXHIBIT HALL & DEMO ZONES OPEN
| 7:00AM-6:00PM
SATURDAY
BREAKFAST
| 7:00AM-8:15AM
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR AACD 2025 SAN DIEGO EXHIBITORS
