Airway First: Rethinking Structure, Breathing, and Orthodontics

Day One focuses on the growing connection between airway health, craniofacial development, and orthodontic treatment. Participants will explore how breathing patterns, facial growth, sleep-disordered breathing, and maxillary development impact both oral and overall health. Through a combination of foundational science, clinical screening strategies, and real-world case examples, attendees will learn how to identify patients who may benefit from airway-focused interventions and skeletal expansion. The course also introduces the principles of MARPE, including indications, biomechanics, appliance design, and common challenges. Designed for a broad audience of dental professionals, this day provides a practical framework for recognizing airway-related concerns and understanding how interdisciplinary collaboration is reshaping the future of patient care

  • Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

    • Understand the relationship between airway, craniofacial development, and overall health Recognize signs and implications of sleep-disordered breathing. 

    • Identify patients who may benefit from maxillary expansion Understand the biological and mechanical principles of MARPE

    • Appreciate how airway-focused thinking is transforming interdisciplinary care

  • Dr. Jeremy Manuele, known to many as "Dr. J," is a respected orthodontist, educator, and speaker recognized for his expertise in Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE), airway-focused orthodontics, and non-surgical skeletal expansion. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, he combines clinical excellence with a passion for innovation, research, and education to help advance the future of orthodontic care.

    A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Manuele completed his orthodontic residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Today, he maintains a successful private practice in Las Vegas alongside Dr. R. Cree Hamilton and serves as a part-time instructor at UNLV, where he enjoys mentoring the next generation of dental professionals.

    Dr. Manuele has become a sought-after educator both nationally and internationally, teaching clinicians how to incorporate airway-focused treatment concepts, MARPE, and skeletal expansion techniques into everyday practice. To further expand access to quality education, he developed the MARPE 360 and AIRWAY 360 online courses, providing practical, evidence-based training for orthodontists and dentists interested in modern approaches to airway health and expansion therapy.

    Beyond dentistry, Dr. Manuele proudly served 21.5 years in the Army National Guard, including an 18-month deployment to Ramadi, Iraq. He retired with the rank of Major in 2022, bringing the same dedication to service and leadership that has defined his professional career.

    When he is not treating patients, teaching, or lecturing, Dr. Manuele enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, biking, and supporting his children's activities. His mission is to make high-quality education on airway health, skeletal expansion, and modern orthodontic treatment more accessible to clinicians around the world.

Sign UP!

Getting to Yes: Confidence, Integrity & the Science of Influence

Applying the Principles of Persuasion to Elevate Case Acceptance, Patient Compliance, and Team Communication

No amount of clinical skill matters until a patient says yes — yet most dental professionals receive little to no training in the science of communication and influence. This dynamic, evidence-based program introduces dental teams to the psychology of ethical influence and the foundational principles that shape human decision-making. These principles — including reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social proof, authority, liking, scarcity, and unity —are not sales tactics. They are ethical, research-backed frameworks that help clinicians and their teams communicate more effectively, build deeper patient trust, and guide patients toward the care they truly need. Participants explore how each principle shows up naturally in the dental environment and leave with immediately actionable strategies — subtle shifts with outsized impact. You will walk away with greater confidence in your communication and a practical toolkit you can use the very next day.

  • Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

    Identify the seven principles of influence — reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social proof, authority, liking, scarcity, and unity — and describe the psychological mechanism behind each.

    Apply at least three principles of influence to common dental scenarios, including treatment plan presentation, overcoming patient hesitation, and appointment scheduling conversations.

    Implement a minimum of five low-effort, high-impact communication adjustments that can be introduced into daily practice immediately following the course.

    Recognize opportunities to apply the principles of influence in team leadership, staff motivation, and interdepartmental communication within the dental practice.

  • Dr. David Scharf is a board-certified periodontist and internationally acclaimed lecturer with over 30 years of experience empowering healthcare professionals to elevate their practices. Recognized as an expert in the psychology of ethical influence and its application to healthcare, and as one of a select few formally trained in this science, he translates these powerful principles into actionable strategies that elevate the patient experience, increase case acceptance, and drive measurable practice growth.

    As a highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Scharf has captivated audiences worldwide with his dynamic and engaging presentation style. His programs go beyond theory, equipping attendees with practical, no-cost strategies they can immediately implement to enhance patient compliance, foster team collaboration, and achieve measurable practice growth.

    Dr. Scharf has presented programs at the Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration, the North American Society of Periodontists, Seattle Study Clubs, New York University College of Dentistry — Department of Continuing Education, Dr. Travel Seminars, and many more.

Evening Treatment Planning Session

This interactive evening session provides participants with an opportunity to strengthen their treatment planning skills through collaborative case discussion and peer-to-peer learning.

Dr. John Wallace and Dr. McKnight will facilitate a thoughtful review of selected clinical cases, guiding participants through diagnosis, sequencing, interdisciplinary considerations, potential treatment options, and patient communication. Attendees will be encouraged to share their perspectives, ask questions, and explore different approaches in a supportive and collegial setting.

  • Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

    • Evaluate complex clinical cases with greater confidence

    • Consider multiple treatment options and sequencing strategies

    • Identify when interdisciplinary collaboration may benefit the patient

    • Strengthen communication when presenting treatment recommendations

    • Learn from the experience and perspectives of fellow clinicians

The Digital Prosthodontic Revolution

  • Dr. Andrew C. Johnson completed his general dental and prosthodontic training at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and has been practicing in Northwest Arkansas since 2013.  Along with his specialist certificate, Dr. Johnson earned a master’s degree in dental science researching CAD/CAM restorative techniques and emerging digital dental materials. He maintains certifications by both the American Board of Prosthodontics and the National Board for Dental Laboratory Technology, and serves as adjunct faculty with the UTHSC Advanced Prosthodontics Program.  Dr. Johnson has been published in multiple dental journals and lectures internationally on a variety of topics in next-generation dentistry.   He has two US patents on his own dental technolgies and consults for a wide range of dental clinicians, suppliers, manufacturers, and developers on topics ranging from three-dimensional imaging and virtual treatment planning to computer-guided and robotic surgery as well as digital prosthesis design, production and long-term complication management.  However, his broader professional interests include process scaling, provider calibration, and procedural automation.

     

     

     

     

    ​

    I’m a surgically-minded prosthodontist with a passion for dental technology related to digital planning, processes, communication, workflows, and case management. In clinical practice, I focus on interdisciplinary coordination of high level, complex care by merging the best traditional methods with cutting-edge computer technology.

    ​

    Continually integrating technology in our practices IS our reality. I have seen dentistry change more in the last five years than it has in the last fifty, and with that I feel compelled to assist the technological uptake.

    ​

    Like many of you, I am equally excited as I am nervous about the revolutionary changes on the horizon. The impact some of these technologies will have on our profession is utterly amazing, however the pace of change is daunting and also like me, many dentists worry about their ability to keep up. Part of the issue is understanding the difference between what is visionary and what is valuable…but more importantly, what is both.

    ​

    I have dedicated the last fifteen years of my life to adapting my dentistry to the ever-arriving future. I like to teach. I like to learn. I like to create. I like to innovate. I enjoy documenting, demonstrating and educating. And while I believe these efforts add significant value to my patients, my peers, and my profession at large, in order to truly impact this world in a real way, in real time, Omnismile is here to expand my availability and my effect.

    ​

    No matter where you are on the technology curve, not matter where you practice or how, The Omnismile team can offer as much support as you need to work smarter, better, and faster for more results, more reliability, and more reward.

    ​

    Whether you are a clinician looking for a simple procedural tip, or software tutorial, or an ongoing relationship with direct clinical mentoring on your cases, or if you are a dental technology company in need of beta testing, advisory panel services, educational marketing, etc., let’s talk about how Omnismile can leverage our resources, our experience, our technology, our knowledge in achieving your goals.

    ​

4 O’Clock on Friday: Think outside the mouth

Dental professionals spend much of their day focused on what is happening inside the mouth. However, many important facial, medical, behavioral, and team-related concerns can easily be overlooked when the broader picture is not considered.

This eye-opening presentation challenges doctors, hygienists, and team members to think beyond the teeth and recognize the signs, symptoms, complications, and workplace dynamics that can significantly affect patient care and practice success.

Participants will explore how to identify facial and medical concerns that may present outside the mouth, manage difficult clinical situations when support is not readily available, and prevent complications before they become emergencies—especially at the most inconvenient times, including the proverbial “4:00 on Friday.”

The program also examines the role every team member plays in the patient experience and practice culture. Through real-world stories, relatable examples, and practical insights, participants will consider whether their actions, communication, and daily habits are helping or hurting the team.

Special emphasis will be placed on the vital role of the dental hygienist. Hygienists are uniquely positioned to recognize changes in a patient’s health, identify facial and systemic warning signs, strengthen patient relationships, support office leadership, and contribute meaningfully to practice growth and productivity.

This engaging program is ideal for doctors, hygienists, clinical assistants, and administrative team members who want to improve patient care, strengthen teamwork, and become more observant, proactive, and effective in their roles.

  • Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

    IIdentify facial, medical, and behavioral concerns that may extend beyond the teeth and oral cavity.

    • Recognize and manage difficult clinical situations and unexpected complications when immediate help is unavailable.

    • Evaluate how communication, observations, and daily behaviors may be helping or hurting the team.

    • Strengthen each team member’s role in patient care, leadership, collaboration, and the overall patient experience.

    • Expand the hygienist’s contribution to patient education, early identification of concerns, practice productivity, and team success.

  • Dr. Daron Praetzel is originally from Erie, Pennsylvania. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Gannon University. He attained his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh. He completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency at Wilford Hall Medical Center on Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Praetzel served for thirteen years as an active duty surgeon with the U.S. Air Force. He has received several military honors and deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Facial Trauma Surgeon. He currently holds the rank of Colonel while maintaining his active enrollment in the U.S. Air Force IMA Reserves. Dr. Praetzel holds double board certifications from both the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ABOMS) and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgeons (ABFCS).

    Dr. Praetzel is the founder of the Faces Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides facial surgery to correct cosmetic and functional deformities for patients who otherwise would not be able to have surgery. Dr. Praetzel is the founder and director of the Hot Springs Study Club, providing continuing education courses for local dentists, dental specialist, hygienists and their staff. Dr. Praetzel is on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgeons (ABFCS) and the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Dental Practice (AADP). He is also a proud Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Arkansas State Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons(ASSOMS), Arkansas State Dental Association (ASDA), and the Garland County Dental Society.

    Dr. Praetzel is the owner and developer of the Arkansas Center for Surgical Excellence (ACSE), a multi-specialty outpatient JCAHO accredited surgery center. ACSE is where Dr. Praetzel performs his facial cosmetic surgeries.

    Dr. Praetzel is an international public speaker. He presents to large groups and organizations on facial surgery, team building, personal/life and military experiences. Dr. Praetzel has been asked to be a guest author on several publications. He serves as an expert surgical witness on medical legal/malpractice cases around the country.

    Dr. Praetzel lives in Hot Springs, AR and is actively involved in the community and the development of Hot Springs’ future. He is an active athletic member of Spa City Crossfit, completed several marathons and triathlons, and the Music Director of Acapella Rising. Dr. Praetzel also enjoys maintaining his cow and horse farm, sport activities, and any event involving one of his three children.

Implant Complications: Tips for Single Restoration to Full Arch Reconstruction

This course provides a comprehensive review of implant planning and restorative considerations across a wide range of clinical scenarios, from single tooth replacements to full arch reconstructions. Emphasis is placed on identifying common implant complications and applying practice strategies to minimize risk and improve long term outcomes. Attendees will gain clinically relevant insights into occlusion, component selection, and restorative design, while exploring how digital technologies can enhance accuracy, efficiency and predictability in modest implant workflows.

  • Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

    • Review implant treatment planning, from single tooth to full-arch cases.

    • Apply implant occlusion concepts for predictable results.

    • Identify modes of implant component failure and strategies for prevention.

    • Review selection of screws, abutments, and crown design.

    • Explore digital technologies that enhance restorative workflows.

  • Dr. Kimberly Schlam is the founder and owner of a digitally-driven private practice located in Bend, Oregon, where she specializes in patient-centered, multi-disciplinary collaborative care. With a keen focus on enhancing patient experiences, Dr. Schlam leverages cutting-edge digital technology to refine techniques and improve communication within her practice. Her research primarily examines patient-reported quality of life outcomes associated with implant prosthetics, contributing valuable insights to the field. She is an international educator and is a key opinion leader for Straumann and a resident faculty member at Spear Education.

    Dr. Schlam earned her dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and further advanced her expertise with a Certificate of Prosthodontics and a Master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Additionally, she has proudly served as a prosthodontist in the US Army, bringing a wealth of experience to her practice.

Evening Treatment Planning Session

This interactive evening session provides participants with an opportunity to strengthen their treatment planning skills through collaborative case discussion and peer-to-peer learning.

Dr. John Wallace and Dr. McKnight will facilitate a thoughtful review of selected clinical cases, guiding participants through diagnosis, sequencing, interdisciplinary considerations, potential treatment options, and patient communication. Attendees will be encouraged to share their perspectives, ask questions, and explore different approaches in a supportive and collegial setting.

  • Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

    • Evaluate complex clinical cases with greater confidence

    • Consider multiple treatment options and sequencing strategies

    • Identify when interdisciplinary collaboration may benefit the patient

    • Strengthen communication when presenting treatment recommendations

    • Learn from the experience and perspectives of fellow clinicians

Texas Regional Symposium April 9-10, 2027

At Texas Regional, we believe clinical excellence isn’t left to chance—it’s built through intention, collaboration, and continuous learning. This year, we’re bringing the best of the best to the table.

Our 2027 theme, Texas Hold ’Em: Stacking the Odds for Better Dentistry, is designed for study clubs ready to level up—together. This isn’t just another meeting; it’s a gathering of top clinicians and teams from across clubs, all coming together in Dallas to learn, share, and elevate the standard of care.

Over two focused days, you’ll hear from some of dentistry’s leading voices, gaining practical insight you can take straight back to your practice. The program is intentionally built to deliver high-impact education alongside meaningful opportunities to connect with peers who are equally committed to growth.

From advanced clinical strategies to real-world application, every session is curated to help you sharpen your thinking, strengthen your approach, and expand what’s possible in your practice.

Whether you’re coming to refine your clinical skills, exchange ideas with other top clubs, or simply be in the room with people who push you to be better—this experience is designed to stack the odds in your favor.

Full program details coming soon.