EMPOWER & GROW 2026 • Register now and don’t miss out!

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      • Submit an Article
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    • PROGRAMS
      • Rise and Lead
      • Mentorship
      • Insight Rooms
      • The Leadership Award
      • Clinical Scholarship
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      • WellnessPlan™
      • Exchange Circles
      • Empower Networking
      • Entrepreneurship Corner
      • Career Match
      • Speakers Bureau
      • Male Allyship
    • EVENTS
      • Upcoming Virtual Events
      • Empower & Grow Conference
      • Canada DSO Summit
      • Global DSO Summit
      • Wellness and Innov Summit
      • ASCEND
      • AI-First DSO Masterclass
    • WinDSO Store
  • Home
  • ABOUT US
    • Our Story
    • The WinDSO Advisory Board
    • The Member Portal
    • The Executive Edge
    • #WinDSO Blog
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    • Photo Gallery
  • BECOME A MEMBER
    • Membership Levels
    • The Professional Leader
    • The Dental Student
    • The Industry Partner
    • The DSO Group
    • Women in DSO® Canada
  • MAKE AN IMPACT
    • The LEAD
    • DSO Industry Survey
    • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Submit an Article
    • Panel/Presenter Interest
  • PROGRAMS
    • Rise and Lead
    • Mentorship
    • Insight Rooms
    • The Leadership Award
    • Clinical Scholarship
    • Wellness
    • WellnessPlan™
    • Exchange Circles
    • Empower Networking
    • Entrepreneurship Corner
    • Career Match
    • Speakers Bureau
    • Male Allyship
  • EVENTS
    • Upcoming Virtual Events
    • Empower & Grow Conference
    • Canada DSO Summit
    • Global DSO Summit
    • Wellness and Innov Summit
    • ASCEND
    • AI-First DSO Masterclass
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EMPOWER AND GROW 2026

REGISTER NOW

2026 AGENDA

thursday, March 5

Power On: Exhibitor Set Up

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Location: Octavius 9, 10, 11, 25

Breakout Session: DSO Operations Leaders

12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Location: Octavius 4


Moderated by Brandi Williams, Chief Growth Officer, Catalyst Dental Allies

  • Jessica Lamers, Director of Strategic Events
  • Lorri Detrick, President and COO, Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry
  • Suzanne Jackson, President & COO, Rodeo Dental
  • Farzaneh Hussain Perez, Regional Business Director, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers


Proudly sponsored by CareCredit.

Breakout Session: DSO Clinical Leaders

12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Location: Octavius 1


Moderated by Dr. Gabriela Hricko, Director of Orthodontics, Planet Smile Partners

  • Dr. Kristen Hendricks, Chief Dental Officer, Dental Care Alliance
  • Dr. Jennifer Kim, Prosthodontist, ClearChoice Dental Implant Center
  • Sabrina Sigismondo, Sr. Manager, Clinical Customer Success VideaHealth
  • Dr. Anna Singh, Senior Vice President Clinical Operations, Heartland Dental


Breakout Session: DSO HR and Recruiting Leaders

12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Location: Octavius 3

  • Jessica Kolkovich, VP Operations, Heartland Dental
  • Gretchen Anderson, Director of Human Resources, EPIC4 Specialty Partners
  • Karen Riley, Director of University Programs, Dental Care Alliance
  • Teresa Williams, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Dental Express


Proudly sponsored by Fidler & Associates

Breakout Session: DSO Financial and Technology Leaders

12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Location: Octavius 2

  • Jennie Browning, VP IT Business Services, PDS Health
  • Amanda Tommie, Director Revenue Cycle Management, D4C Dental Brands Inc.
  • Emma Cifuentes, Chief Operating Officer, Progressive Dental Management
  • Christina Carlson, Chief Financial Officer, Lone Peak Dental Group
  • Cheryl Polmatier, AVP Strategic Network Solutions, DentaQuest (a Sun Life Company)


Proudly sponsored by OS Dental

Breakout Session: DSO Marketing Leaders

12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Location: Octavius 6

  • Fernando Wey, Chief Marketing Officer, The Aspen Group
  • Meredith Troy, Sr. VP of Marketing, Dental Care Alliance
  • Amy McNeill, VP of Marketing, Gen4 Dental Partners
  • Allison Horn, VP of Marketing, Imagen Dental Partners
  • Justin Olson, Chief Marketing Officer, Smile Partners USA
  • Ashley Minaudo, Director of Digital Marketing, Smile Partners USA


Proudly sponsored by Figment Creative, Henry Schein ONE, Carestack, and Weave

Women in DSO Advisory Board Meeting

2:45 pm - 4:00 pm

This meeting is invitation only. Location: Octavius 21-23


Proudly sponsored by Rectangle Health.

Rise & Lead Program

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Location: Foyer by Octavius 16


Presented by Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry, Rodeo Dental, Aspen Dental, and Heartland Dental. 

Rise & Lead Reception for Dental School Deans and Students

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

This meeting is invitation only.
Location: Octavius 5


Proudly sponsored by Velmeni. 

Meet Women in DSO: The Welcome Reception & Registration Open

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: Octavius 9, 10, 11, 25 


Proudly sponsored by Velmeni. 


Step inside the Empower Lounge for access to a Personal Stylist, Individual Color Analysis, Lifestyle Photographer, and Headline Poet.


First -Time Attendees Meet up

6:00 pm

Location: Octavius 9, 10, 11, 25 


Meet Women in DSO® at The LEAD cube*


friday, March 6

Registration Open

7:30 am

Location: Octavius 9, 10, 11, 25

Wellness Activity: Lead on with Yoga

6:30 am - 7:30 am

Location: Balcony in front of Octavius Ballroom

Limited spots.  Pre-register here.

Women in DSO Mentorship Program Breakfast

7:15 am - 8:30 am

This meeting is invitation only.  Location: Octavius 4


Mentorship Program Sponsored by Darby Dental Supply  Darby Dental Supply, LLC, is one of the largest dental distributors in the United States, shipping over one million orders each year. Headquartered in Jericho, NY, the company was founded in 1948 and has expanded into seven sales offices and three fully-automated distribution centers strategically positioned across the country. 


Learn more about the Women in DSO Mentorship Program.

Let's Get Growing: Breakfast and Networking

7:30 am - 8:30 am

Location: Octavius 9, 10, 11, 25


Breakfast Sponsored by Darby Dental Supply  Darby Dental Supply, LLC, is one of the largest dental distributors in the United States, shipping over one million orders each year. Headquartered in Jericho, NY, the company was founded in 1948 and has expanded into seven sales offices and three fully-automated distribution centers strategically positioned across the country.  

Empower and Grow: General Session

8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Program Emcees: 

  • Dr. Brett Kessler, Principal, Dentistry, Reimagined
  • Dr. Farzeela Rupani, Chief Medical Officer UK, Colosseum Dental


Location: Octavius Ballroom

Celebrating 5 Years of Impact

8:30 am

Location: Octavius Ballroom

Foundation to Future: Impact and the Strategy Ahead

  • Dr. Aman Kaur, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Women in DSO®
  • Allison Alexander, Vice President, Darby
  • Nicola Deall, Chief People Officer, Dental Corp
  • Guillaume Daniellot, Chief Executive Officer, Straumann
  • Rahma Samow, Chief Executive Officer, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers     

The Discipline Behind Sustainable Scale to Create Alignment and Growth

  • Rahma Samow, Chief Executive Officer, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers                  


Building Systems that Embrace Change

  • Wardah Inam, PhD, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Overjet

              


From Support to Strategy: How Care Meets Scale

  • Belangie Perez-Torres, Director, Hygiene Strategy and Operations, Aspen Dental             

Quality by Design: Delivering Excellence at Scale

  • Guillaume Daniellot, Chief Executive Officer, Straumann Group        

Impact Report: What’s Working, What’s Next

  • Belangie Perez-Torres, Director of Hygiene Strategy and Operations, Aspen Dental
  • Guillaume Daniellot, Chief Executive Officer, Straumann Group
  • Rahma Samow , Chief Executive Officer, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers
  • Dr. Wardah Inam, Chief Executive Officer, Overjet
  • Dr. Aman Kaur, Founder & CEO, Women in DSO

Built to Evolve: Leadership from the Power Seat

  • Marie-Laure Pochon, CEO & President, 3DISC
  • Patrick Eriksson, President, Patterson Dental
  • Lorri Detrick, President and COO, Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry
  • DeAnn McClain, Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer, Heartland Dental
  • Sonia Williams, SVP and GM of Dental, Synchrony

Empower Networking Break

10:30 am

Location: Octavius 9, 10, 11, 25


Proudly sponsored by Dental Intelligence.

[STORIES THAT MATTER] A Leadership Portrait: Built in the Hard Moments

11:00 am

  • Dr. Anabella Oquendo, DDS, NYU Dentistry
  • Fireside chat lead by Jessica Russell, VP of Sales, Connected Customer Solutions, NAM, Straumann Group

AI ROI: Separating AI Value from Vanity

  • Pam Mullis, SVP of Finance, SGA Dental
  • Thomas Ervesun, Chief Executive Officer, Alphaeon
  • Christina Carlson, Lone Peak Dental Group
  • Jennie Browning, VP, IT Business Services, PDS Health
  • Kyle Surratt, Chief Business Officer, The Jetty Group

[LIVE DEBATE] EBITDA - Is It the Right North Star

  • Dr. Greg White, Chief Executive Officer, PepperPointe Partnerships
  • Larry Benz, Chief Executive Officer, Dental Care Alliance


Moderated by McKenzie Fagan, Vice President Enterprise Sales, Pearl

 

Empower Networking & Lunch

12:30 pm

Location: Octavius


Sponsored by Ntiva.

[LIVE SURVEY] Insights at Scale: Marketing, Clinical, Operations & Technolo

1:30 pm

  • Amy Mendoza, Chief Marketing Officer, Alphaeon
  • Laurie Byrne, Chief Human Resources Officer, Specialized Dental Partners
  • Dr. Maryam Beyramian CEO & Founder , Westwind Integrated Health
  • Alan Rencher, Chief Technology Officer, Henry Schein ONE

            

Smart Standardization: Driving Growth Without Sacrificing Care Quality

  • Dr. Amanda Spitz, Chief Clinical Officer, Specialty Smile Partners
  • Dr. Michael Scialabba, Chief Clinical & Operating Officer, 42 North Dental
  • Dr. Ankoo Raina, Chief Dental Officer, Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics
  • Joe Lynch, Head of Go-To-Market, Dandy
  • Dr. Jessica Klaback, Clinical Director, VideaHealth


Proudly sponsored by VideaHealth.

[INSIGHT SESSION] Scaling Culture as Growth Strategy

  • Dr. Saam Zarrabi, CEO & Co-Founder, Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics

[INSIGHT SESSION] Next Generation DSO: Built by Women, Backed by Results

  • Dr. Sami Webb, Chief Executive Officer, EPIC4 Specialty Partners

[INSIGHT SESSION] Purpose-Driven Support Organization of the Future

  • Maria Davlantes, Chief Executive Officer, Dentive

[INSIGHT SESSION] DSO Strategy for 2026 and Beyond

  • Brian Colao, Director DSO Industry Group, Dykema

Capturing True Value: Innovation in Oral Health

  • Dr. Rania Saleh, CEO and Founder, Oryx Dental Software
  • Meredith Glansberg, Chief Executive Officer, Quip
  • Dr. Ashley Lerman, CEO & Founder, Firstgrin
  • April Lowry, Executive Director Clinical and AI Product & Operations, Henry Schein One
  • Katie D'Amico, VP Growth & Innovation, CareQuest Innovation Partners


Proudly sponsored by CareQuest.

Empower Networking Break

3:15 pm

Location: Palace Pre-Function 1 & 2

The Women in DSO 2026 Leadership Awards

3:45 pm

In Partnership with Overjet

  • Dr. Aman Kaur, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Women in DSO
  • Wardah Inam, Chief Executive Officer, Overjet

Building Enterprise Value: Tech Enablement and Payor Leverage

  • Lisa Norton, Sr. Director Strategic Group Partnerships, Henry Schein
  • Amber Heimendinger, SVP Revenue & Payer Contracting, US Oral Surgery Management
  • Cheryl Polmatier, AVP Strategic Network Solutions, DentaQuest (a Sun Life Company)
  • Jay Letwat, Vice President Dental, Sunbit
  • Dawn Swanson, Director Dental Network Services, United Concordia Dental


Proudly sponsored by Sunbit.

Keynote Presentation

  • Alexis Jones, Internationally Recognized Speaker, Author & Media Personality
  • Fireside chat lead by Jennifer Kim Field, VP, Chief Sustainability Officer, Henry Schein


Proudly sponsored by Henry Schein.

Leveraging Your Culture as a Brand Strategy

  • Allison Horn, VP Marketing, Imagen Dental Partners
  • Julie Paulson, VP HR Employee Programs & Community Engagement, Align Technology
  • Tanya Befus, Chief People Officer, Henry Schein ONE
  • Sherianne James, Executive VP & Chief Marketing Officer, Heartland Dental
  • Michelle Dowling, EVP Marketing, Rectangle Health


Proudly sponsored by Freshpaint.

The 2026 President's Invitational

5:30 pm

Invitation-only. Location: Dedicated Section at Augustus 3 & 4


Proudly sponsored by Clerri.

The 2026 Empower and Grow Bash: Party at the Palace & The LEAD Release Part

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Formal, celebration attire encouraged. Location: Augustus 3 & 4


Proudly sponsored by Dandy, Henry Schein, & Henry Schein ONE.


saturday, March 7, 2026

Leadership Alumni Club Breakfast

7:30 am - 8:30 am

Invitation-only.  Location: Octavius 4

Breakfast & Registration (Octavius Ballroom & Pre-Function)

7:30 am - 8:30 am

Breakfast Sponsored by The LEAD


The LEAD is a premium publication designed for progressive and ambitious dental industry leaders. The digital and print publication reach thousands of industry leaders to highlight success, introduce promising new talent and celebrate trailblazers in business and innovation. Our mission is to inspire and empower new standards of leadership, growth, and innovation across the industry. 

Let's Get Growing: General Session - Octavius Ballroom

8:30 am - 11:30 am

Program Emcees: 


  • Dr. Brett Kessler, Principal, Dentistry Reimagined
  • Dr. Farzeela Rupani, Chief Medical Officer UK Colosseum Dental


Location: Octavius Ballroom

Financial vs. Clinical Data: Who Owns the Truth?

8:30 am

  • Dr. Jennifer Kim, Prosthodontist, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers
  • Hazar Jaber, Chief Executive Officer, Happy Kids Dentistry
  • Nikki St. Lawrence, Director of Dental Hygiene, PepperPointe Partnerships
  • Brian Colao, Director DSO Industry Group, Dykema
  • Leesa Smith, Assistant Vice President, Careington International

[LIVE DEBATE] AI in Patient Care: Distance or Deeper Connection?

  • Dr. Kristen Hendricks, Chief Dental Officer, Dental Care Alliance
  • Dr. Alan Friedel, Chief Dental Officer, Velmeni


Moderated by Mini Suri, Chief Executive Officer, Velmeni


KPIs That Scale: What to Track from 5 Locations to 50+

  • Farzaneh Hussain Perez, Regional Business Director, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers
  • Emma Cifuentes, Chief Operating Officer, Progressive Dental Management
  • Dr. Mariz Tanious, Chief Dental Officer, Affinity Dental Management
  • Blair Headley, Managing Director, Aligned Dental Partners
  • Lillian Lambert , Head of Operations, Rondah AI


Proudly sponsored by Rondah AI.

Trusting Your Intuition: The Competitive Edge in Leadership

  • Ronna Detrick, Leadership Consultant, DSO Leadership Training
  • Fireside chat lead by Caitlin Waters, Marketing & Program Manager, Women in DSO

Hygiene as a Growth Engine: Best Practices that Elevate

  • Rafina O'Brien, Dental Hygienist, Colosseum Dental
  • Tammy Filipiak, Vice President Hygiene Support/Clinical Operations, Smile Brands Inc.
  • Emily Stacy, DSO Director, Strategic Accounts, vVARDIS
  • Melissa Wilson, VP of Operations, Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics
  • Marci Sweet, VP of Marketing, DentalXChange

Take the Lead: A Women In DSO Call To Action

11:15 am

  • Dr. Aman Kaur, Founder and CEO, Women in DSO®

* Subject to change. Sponsors, please login to the online Exhibitor Kit for more details on load in and load out.*

DON'T MISS A SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY ALEXIS JONES

A Voice That Moves Culture—and Leaders

We’re proud to announce that Alexis Jones will take the main stage as the 2026 Empower & Grow keynote speaker, bringing a powerful voice at the intersection of leadership, purpose, and impact.  Thank you to proud sponsor, Henry Schein.


Alexis is an internationally recognized speaker, media personality, activist, and author whose work challenges individuals and organizations to lead with courage, empathy, and accountability. A proud Latina originally from Texas, Alexis’s journey—from growing up with four older brothers to becoming a globally respected thought leader—has shaped a message that resonates across industries and generations.

VISIT THE EMPOWER LOUNGE in the octavius exhibit hall

2026 empower lounge exclusives

Pre-Photo Express Glam Studio

Power Dressing with a Personal Stylist

Power Dressing with a Personal Stylist

Visit the Express Glam Studio for onsite touch-up with refresh professionals to get you camera-ready for power moves.

Power Dressing with a Personal Stylist

Power Dressing with a Personal Stylist

Power Dressing with a Personal Stylist

5 Capsule-Style Outfit “Formulas” for Instant Decision-Making

In fast-paced leadership environments, what you wear should support your confidence — not drain your energy.

The Combo-Builder is a practical, high-impact styling experience designed for ambitious professionals who want to look polished, feel aligned, and eliminate wardrobe overwhelm.

Lifestyle Headshot Studio

Power Dressing with a Personal Stylist

Nationally acclaimed lifestyle photographer, Justine Scott, joins the Empower Lounge to capture power moves with your signature Empower and Grow professional headshot.

Color Anaylsis with Anoushka Dannin

We’ve all experienced it at least once – you wear a color and get complimented on how great it looks. It lifts your confidence and makes you feel beautiful. But how do you know which colors truly bring out the best in you?

Seasonal color analysis is a game-changer when it comes to feeling confident in your style. 

Professional Headline Studio

Share your Story on our Podcast

It's important to communicate your unique, professional style.  Having a unique introduction is more than just a nice-to-have option for your career advancement.   This is your personal session with published author and poet, and as featured on the Real Housewives of Miami, The Biscayne Poet, for creation of your very own professional headline and bio.

Share your Story on our Podcast

Share your Story on our Podcast

Unleash the power of your story.

Unleash your content prowess in this dynamic space designed for women in DSO. From crafting compelling narratives to mastering multimedia storytelling, this corner is your go-to destination for honing your content development skills.

EMPOWER & GROW 2026 ATTENDEE EXCLUSIVES

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