2026 WORLD'S FAIR OF DENTISTRY

DR. RICHARD YOUNG

Richard A. Young, D.D.S. received his dental training at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1985. He is an Assistant Professor of Restorative Dentistry at LLU School of Dentistry and co-directs the undergraduate dental aesthetics program, as well as lecturing in the practice management program. Dr. Young presents a unique perspective on tooth preserving dentistry. In 1986, he started following adhesion dentistry courses by Dr. Ray Bertolotti. This seminar marked his introduction to adhesion dentistry and changed the way he practiced for the rest of his career. Dr. Young lectures on advanced adhesion, minimally invasive, tooth preserving dentistry, bringing a 30-year clinical perspective to the subject. Dr. Young says, “I was very lucky in that early on I heard the right people, believed in what they were telling me, and trusted the teachings. As it has turned out, these were the techniques that changed dentistry forever.” Dr. Young maintains private practice with his wife focusing on esthetic dentistry. He has many interests outside of dentistry. He spends as much time as possible with his wife and daughter enjoying activities centered outdoors.

Injection Molded Direct Composites: Anterior Composite Restorations with Clear Matrix Systems (The Modern Super Composite)

This course will teach how to utilize a clear matrix system in conjunction with well proven and researched advanced adhesion techniques to treat black triangles and anterior direct composite restorations. The restoration of abfraction lesions/Class-V restorations will also be reviewed and a technique with adhesives that have shown exceptional long-term clinical success will be discussed, demonstrated, and practiced in the workshops. These protocols may also be used for posterior direct “Super Composite” restorations as well.

Dr. Naren Nadarajah

Dr. Nadarajah graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine with DMD in May of 1996 and pursued the Certificate in Periodontics at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and graduated in May of 1999. He is   Periodontist with 27years’+ experience in Periodontics and Implantology. He was in community practice across three counties in Maryland from 1999-2024 March 

In April 2024, he joined the Texas Tech University Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine (WLHSOD) as an assistant professor in Periodontic and Implantology.

As an assistant professor of Periodontics and implantology (WLHSOD), he supervises and teaches the predoctoral curricula in diagnosis, treatment planning, and non-surgical and periodontal surgical procedures, various types of bone grafts and regenerative procedures, soft tissue plastic surgeries, extractions, dental implant placements, treating Peri-Implantitis and, soft and hard tissue laser surgeries for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year dental students. He translates his experience and knowledge from practicing Periodontics and Implantology for over two decades in Maryland and, in providing global continuing education / professional development for dental health professionals into the academic training setting to prepare future dental health professionals to engage in culturally sensitive customized patient-centered care.  Dr. Nadarajah also serves as an adjunct Dean’s Faculty Member and Clinical Faculty in the Department of Periodontics and Implants in the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) since 2016. As an adjunct faculty member at University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Department of Periodontic and Implantology he supervises and instructs Periodontal Program Residents (each cohort for 3 years) in diagnosis, treatment planning, and non-surgical and periodontal surgical procedures, various types of bone grafts and regenerative procedures, soft tissue plastic surgeries, extractions, dental implant placements, treating Peri-Implantitis and, soft and hard tissue laser surgeries. I translate the experience and knowledge.

“Extraction Site Management & Socket Preservation for Dental Implant Placement”

By the end of this session, participants should be able to:

• Critically appraise the histologic and dimensional changes following tooth extraction, 
• Integrate principles of bone biology—osteogenesis, osteoinduction, osteoconduction, and angiogenesis—into clinical decision-making for ridge preservation and regeneration. 
• Formulate evidence-based treatment strategies for socket preservation versus spontaneous healing, incorporating defect morphology (e.g., intact vs. deficient buccal plate), esthetic risk, and implant timing protocols. 
• Differentiate and justify selection of graft materials (autograft, allograft, xenograft, alloplast) and adjuncts (biologics such as PRF, growth factors) 
• Apply site selection criteria by synthesizing patient-specific risk factors (systemic conditions, medications, smoking), local anatomic limitations, and prosthetic-driven implant planning. 
• Evaluate and select surgical approaches, including: 
  • Flapless vs. flap elevation in preserving vascularity. 
  • Use and selection of barrier membranes (cross-linked vs. native collagen, non-resorbable options) 
  • Soft tissue phenotype modification and closure strategies 
  • Minimally invasive and atraumatic extraction techniques 
• Analyze complications and failures, including graft loss, membrane exposure, infection, and inadequate ridge preservation, and develop evidence-based management protocols.
• Assess current literature and emerging technologies, including biologics and digital workflow integration, to refine clinical protocols and improve predictability.

DR. HOWARD OCHS

Dr. Howard Ochs is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with Practices in Fresh Meadows, New York, and Fairlawn New Jersey. He received his DMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine with special honors in Anatomy and Pharmacology. He completed his Oral Surgery training at Emory University, and he has been an Attending Oral Surgeon for New York Presbyterian Hospital for twenty-five years. He has multiple publications in the dental literature. Dr. Ochs is an Ambassador for Zero Bone Loss Concepts and studied under Professor Tomas Linkevicius and remains part of his mentoring group. Dr. Ochs has a keen interest in Digital workflow and has developed a 3D printing program in his office with seven printers and four full time staff. His All OnX digital workflow is highly predictable, and patients go home with Same Day 3D printed NanoCeramic Restorations. He lectures internationally for MegaGen America and is a big fan of conical connections implants. This is a very exciting time to be practicing Dentistry, I hope that I can expose people to the technology that makes it so satisfying. 

“The Power of Immediacy” 

I will discuss Zero Bone Loss Concepts in implant dentistry including implant design, vertical tissue height, socket sealing abutments and immediate loading. Will touch on Partial Extraction Therapy (PET) and grafting, including Platelet Rich Fibrin. Bone loss around implants should Not be expected, follow these concepts to get Amazing crestal bone stability. The second half of the lecture will show how the collection of high-quality digital information allows us to do morning surgery and deliver 3D Printed nano-ceramic teeth in the afternoon. 

Morning Surgery and Afternoon Smiles 

Harnessing the Power of Immediacy will Wow your patients and Grow your Practice.

Michael P. Webb

Leeds, Utah 

Education: General Studies, Brigham Young University Positions 

• Owner U.S. Water specialties (21 Years) 
• Consulting 
• Small Business Training (14 Years) 

Michael P. Webb comes from Leeds, Utah and built a company which he ran for 21 years. After selling that business, Michael has spent the last 14 years consulting on various projects as well as training with various education companies in the world of entrepreneurs. Michael understands what it takes to run a small business. He recently joined the Legally Mine team. Today he will be teaching us how to eliminate the threat of lawsuits, protect our licenses and greatly increase our tax savings.

“Safeguarding Wealth: Lawsuit Prevention & Tax Strategies”

Legally Mine offers proven strategies to proactively protect assets from potential lawsuits through established legal structures. These same structures also enable us to assist tax experts in significantly reducing income tax liabilities, utilizing lesser-known tax benefits with extensive historical precedent.

Course objectives

Comprehensive Asset Protection and Legal Structuring for Physicians

1. Strategic Asset Protection – Business and Personal
   We implement proven legal structuring strategies designed to shield both your business and personal assets from lawsuits — no matter the source. These proactive approaches ensure you’re protected against malpractice claims, employee disputes, business liabilities, and more.
2. Focus on Patient Care, Not Legal Defense
   By securing your practice through intelligent structuring, we enable you to concentrate on what matters most: improving patient outcomes. Reduce the stress and distraction of legal vulnerability with systems designed to minimize risk exposure.
3. Tax Efficiency Through Legal Structuring
   Understanding and implementing the right legal frameworks — from corporations to trusts — can significantly reduce your tax burden. We help you design your structure to maximize lawful deductions and retain more of your hard-earned income.
4. Utilizing Trusts, Partnerships, and LLCs Effectively
   We guide you in the correct and synergistic use of legal entities such as:

• LLCs to limit liability and manage operational risk.
• Limited Partnerships for asset protection and estate planning
• Trusts for privacy, asset transfer, and long-term protection

Rafi Cheema
Mr. Cheema is an attorney at the May-Skinner Law Group, an employee of the MLMIC Legal Department. Mr. Cheema is an experienced litigator, representing physicians, dentists, healthcare professionals, and hospitals in the defense of malpractice. This includes representing and defending physicians, dentists, and healthcare professionals in professional malpractice and negligence litigation from claim status through trial. He provides legal advice to healthcare providers, dentists, and medical facilities on risk management issues, healthcare law, and professional liability. As a member of the editorial board of MLMIC Insurance Company’s issues of The Scope, Mr. Cheema has also been a contributing author for those publications. Mr. Cheema is admitted to the New York State Bar and received his Juris Doctor from the Hofstra University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from City University of New York.

The Role of Language Barriers in Medical Liability Claims

More than 30 percent of New York’s population speaks a language other than English at home. MLMIC’s data reveals a higher frequency of payments in claims where a language barrier is identified versus claims with no language barrier. Cultural considerations, a lack of appropriate resources and care environment can all contribute to claims associated with non-English-speaking patients. In this presentation, MLMIC Legal and Risk Management staff discuss the impact of language barriers on professional liability claims, present methods to communicate effectively with patients with Limited or no English proficiency and offer strategies to reduce the incidence of professional liability claims.

At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the challenges associated with language barriers in rendering safe and effective patient care.
• Discuss your obligations when addressing patients with limited English proficiency.
• Identify strategies that can foster effective communication with patients and their families.
• Apply best practices to engage your patients, improve the patient experience, and reduce the risk of professional liability claims.

Marc Gottlieb D.D.S. 

Dr. Marc M. Gottlieb was born and raised on Long Island, attended Union College in Schenectady, New York and then shuffled off to Buffalo for Dental School. While attending the University at Buffalo he received many academic scholarships, awards, and fellowships. After graduation from dental school Dr. Gottlieb went on to a two-year post-graduate residency program at Long Island Jewish Medical Center This unique opportunity provided advanced training in anesthesiology and all the specialties of dentistry.  Dr. Gottlieb is an Associate Professor Emeritus at Stony Brook University Hospital. During his 42-year dental career was awarded 2 U.S. patents, presented over 125 continuing education programs, published over 20 dental articles and uploaded over 300 YouTube videos. For the past twelve years he has been honored by Dentistry Today’s list of top CE providers.

NY & FEDERAL DEA Continuing Education Training Program for Controlled Substances and Opioid Prescribing Protocols

Since 2017, New York State has required dentists with a DEA to take three hours of training in prescribing of controlled substances, including opioids. There are 8 topics that need to be covered to satisfy the New York State and other State requirements. This program covers the eight topics. Effective June of 2023, the federal government passed the MATE Act. The MATE Act is a one-time 8-hour requirement, and this program covers the federal topics. A lot has changed since 2017, and this program incorporates what we have learned since and incorporates this new scientific evidence. 

This 3-hour program reinforces your prior training and can be applied towards the NY State 3-hour mandated Pain Management, Palliative Care, and Addiction Education requirements; Now with an emphasis on the new federal requirements, it can be applied towards the federal 8-hour requirement. It is designed for all prescribers of controlled substances. Through literature reviews, case studies, and professional experience, you will understand your role in combating the current opioid epidemic.

Objectives:

• Understand the “MATE” Medication Access and Training Expansion Act
• The safe pharmacological management of dental pain
• How to identify opioid use and other drug disorders
• Exposure to possible interventions and referral resources

Daria Hamrah, DMD, FAACS, FADSA 

Dr. Hamrah is a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and fellowship-trained Facial Cosmetic Surgeon, licensed to practice both specialties in Virginia. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree with honors from Johannes-Gutenberg University in Mainz. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Oral Pathology at Harvard University, focusing on head and neck cancer. Dr. Hamrah continued his training with internships in anesthesia and surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Loyola University, followed by a rigorous four-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Miami. He later completed a facial cosmetic surgery fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical School. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. He holds certifications in BLS, ACLS, and PALS and is highly trained in both adult and pediatric anesthesia. Dr. Hamrah has over 18 years of experience and privileges at Virginia Hospital Center. He performs a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the head and neck, including jaw surgery, TMD treatment, and oral surgery. He is also the co-founder of Alegria, a charity foundation providing cleft and facial deformity surgery to children in Colombia.

 Immediate Molar Implants: From Extraction to Predictable Placement 

This presentation delivers a practical, clinically driven framework for immediate implant placement in molar sites. Designed for dentists seeking greater predictability in challenging posterior cases, the presentation examines decision-making from tooth removal through implant placement. Emphasis is placed on managing molar anatomy, selecting appropriate candidates, maintaining hard and soft tissue integrity, and achieving reliable primary stability. Real-world clinical cases will be used to illustrate techniques and highlight common pitfalls, helping participants refine their approach to immediate molar implant therapy. 

Program Objectives: 

At the completion of the program, participants should be able to: 

• Assess molar sites to determine suitability for immediate implant placement based on anatomical, restorative, and patient specific considerations. 
• Apply atraumatic extraction and site management techniques to support bone preservation and soft tissue stability. 
• Implement implant positioning and stabilization principles that promote primary stability and long-term success in immediate molar implant cases.

Dr. Dharti Patel

Dr. Dharti Patel has a triple doctorate in Dentistry, Naturopathic Medicine and Herbal and Chinese Medicine. She obtained her DMD from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed her residency in Oral Medicine at Rutgers University formerly UMDNJ.  She obtained her ND from Sonoran University College of Naturopathic Medicine and her Master’s in Oriental Medicine and Doctorate in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine from the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture. She is a double board certified in Oral Medicine and Orofacial Pain specialist and obtained her Fellowship in Dental Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and is a Fellow of the International College of Oral Implantologists. Over her career she has held numerous faculty appointments as an Assistant Professor at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (Rutgers University), New York University College of Dentistry, where she directed the clinical program in orofacial pain and oral medicine. Currently, she holds a faculty appointment at the Niel Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine at Sonoran University College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. She serves on Sonoran’s Board of Trustees and is also a Director and Treasurer of the American Board of Oral Medicine. She is leading the path for integrative healthcare in dentistry and has lectured nationally on integrative oral health care.  As a former New Yorker, she established Orofacial Medicine and had practiced bicoastally in NY and AZ over the past 12 years.  She is now practicing in Phoenix, Arizona and has been voted as Phoenix Valley’s Top Dentist in Orofacial Pain since 2019. She is pioneering the expansion of integrative practices in dentistry and has been lecturing nationally in dental and medical academies on integrative medicine in the fields of oral medicine and orofacial pain.  

“What is Trending in Oral Medicine and Orofacial Pain, the Bridge between Medicine and Dentistry?” 

Description: This presentation will focus on growing trends with the emergence of oral medicine and orofacial pain as newly recognized dental specialties and how this is a bridge between medicine and dentistry. A discussion of the impact of trending integrative approaches in diagnostic and therapeutic in dentistry will be addressed.  

Objectives: 

1. To understand what integrative medicine is in dentistry and how this relates to oral systemic connections, diseases and outcome measures
2. To discuss and understand diagnostic and therapeutic oral health challenges
3. To understand when to apply of evidence-based care versus patient centered care 
4. To discuss how to integrate the ancient sciences and how these fits into modern dentistry

Michele Gabriel

Michele is a highly respected transition specialist with DDSmatch, serving the New York City and Long Island regions. With a strong background in dental practice consulting and business development, Michele brings a deep understanding of the complexities involved in buying, selling, and transitioning dental practices. She is known for her personalized approach, strategic planning skills, and commitment to ensuring that both buyers and sellers experience a smooth and successful transition. Michele works closely with dental professionals at all stages of their careers—from new buyers entering practice ownership to seasoned dentists preparing for retirement. As a certified representative of the DDSmatch Trusted Transition Process TM, she leverages proprietary tools and a proven system that combines legal, financial, and emotional readiness to support her clients’ unique goals.

Transition Planning for Dental Practice Success: Trusted Processes and Professional Partnerships

This course is designed to educate dental professionals on the critical elements of dental practice transitions. Attendees will gain insight into the Transition Process and understand the value of experienced dental-specific legal counsel. Learn why engaging with transition specialists early in the planning process can significantly improve outcomes. The course will help practitioners navigate the complexities of buying, selling, or planning for future transitions with clarity and confidence.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: Identify the key phases of dental practice transition planning and describe the Transition Process. Explain the importance of working with dental-specific attorneys and how these firms can facilitate the transition process. Understand some key legal aspects and documents involved in practice transitions. Evaluate the risks of late-stage transition planning and recognize the benefits of early engagement with a transition advisor. Formulate a strategic approach to transition readiness by integrating legal, financial, and personal goals. Understand the role of a local transition specialist and the role of a dental-specific attorney, and how their guidance supports a seamless and customized transition process.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, participants will be able to:         Outline a transition timeline tailored to their specific practice and career goals. Apply the Transition Process to assess and prepare for the sale or purchase of a dental practice. Collaborate effectively with third-party valuation experts to establish an accurate and fair market value of a dental practice. Understand key legal documents involved in practice transitions. Develop an action plan that includes early communication with key stakeholders to ensure a smooth practice transition. Avoid common pitfalls in transition planning by leveraging expert resources and partnerships.