2026 CONTINUING DENTAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE

Aug 3 - 6, 2026 Sacramento, CA

Save Your Spot Today

Register now before the deadline approaches

When

Monday, Aug 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM to Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 at 5:30 PM PDT

Where

DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento, 2001 Point West Way, Sacramento, CA, 95815, United States. Map

Who

California Rural Indian Health Board & Indian Health ServiceOrganizer Detail

About the 2026 CONTINUING DENTAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE

The California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB) and the California Area Indian Health Service (IHS) are excited to invite you to the 2026 Continuing Dental Education Conference: The Full Circle of Oral Health from Prevention to Prediction, which will take place from August 3 to August 6, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento. 

 

Please register as soon as possible, view the conference schedule below, and book your room using the provided discounted link below. To claim CDE credit and for badging purposes, you must register on this webpage and also via the IHS Dental Portal. Registration is required on both platforms.

 

The DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento has recently undergone a $40 million renovation and is conveniently located close to the airport. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

 

IMPORTANT DETAILS (please review):

 

1. Rooms must be booked by July 1, 2026, to receive the discounted rate. The link below will also pop up once you complete registration.

Please note that expenses, including lodging and travel expenses, will not be reimbursed.

 

DIRECT ROOM RESERVATION LINK (last day is July 1): https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=RLSA-DT&arrivalDate=2026-08-02&departureDate=2026-08-07&groupCode=CDT94H&room1NumAdults=1&cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink

 

2. Parking is included for ALL conference attendees. 

3. There are no registration fees for IHS members. Non-IHS members who wish to attend should contact Shivani Patel as soon as possible at spatel@crihb.org.

4. To claim CDE credit, you must register on this webpage and also via the IHS Dental Portal. Registration is required on both platforms.

 

Thank you!

Sessions

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10:00 AM

Capitol Ballroom Hallway

PRE-REGISTRATION: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

02:15 PM

Capitol Ballroom AB

DENTAL DIRECTORS MEETING

02:15 PM

Capitol Ballroom CD

DENTAL REVENUE CYCLE OVERVIEW AND MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT STRATEGIES

04:00 PM

Capitol Ballroom AB

IHS RISK MANAGEMENT UPDATE

04:00 PM

Capitol Ballroom CD

MEDI-CAL DENTAL & TRIBAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

05:30 PM

Capitol Ballroom Foyer

WELCOME RECEPTION

07:00 AM

Capitol Ballroom Hallway

PRE-REGISTRATION: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

08:00 AM

Capitol Ballroom ABCD

WELCOME & KEYNOTE ON AGING WELL WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI): THE SILVER AGE OF DENTISTRY

10:00 AM

Capitol Ballroom AB

MINIMALLY INVASIVE DENTISTRY

10:00 AM

Capitol Ballroom CD

ERGONOMICS

12:00 PM
01:15 PM

Capitol Ballroom AB

ETHICS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

01:15 PM

Capitol Ballroom CD

INFECTION CONTROL

01:15 PM

Sacramento Room

HANDS-ON SESSION PART 1: FABRICATION & CEMENTATION OF INDIRECT PROVISIONAL RESTORATIONS (PART 1) HANDS-ON SESSION

03:30 PM

Capitol Ballroom CD

CALIFORNIA DENTAL PRACTICE ACT

03:30 PM

Capitol Ballroom AB

ORAL HEALTH AND MARIJUANA

03:30 PM

Sacramento Room

HANDS-ON SESSION PART 2: FABRICATION & CEMENTATION OF INDIRECT PROVISIONAL RESTORATIONS (PART 1) HANDS-ON SESSION

07:30 AM

Capitol Ballroom Hallway

PRE-REGISTRATION: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

08:00 AM

Capitol Ballroom ABCD

UPDATE ON IHS INITIATIVES & CA DENTAL SUPPORT CENTER

09:00 AM

Capitol Ballroom ABCD

INDIGENOUS TRAUMA CARE & CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS WORKING WITH NATIVE COMMUNITIES

09:00 AM

Sacramento Room

HANDS-ON SESSION: TRANSITIONING TO DIGITAL DENTURES: INTEGRATING TRADITIONAL DENTURE FABRICATION TECHNIQUES WITH DIGITAL WORKFLOWS HANDS-ON SESSION

11:00 AM

Grand Ballroom

EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE, TABLE CLINICS, & LUNCH BUFFET

Grand Ballroom
01:30 PM

Capitol Ballroom AB

MANAGEMENT OF DENTAL TRAUMATIC INJURIES

01:30 PM

Capitol Ballroom CD

FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY

01:30 PM

Sacramento Room

HANDS-ON SESSION (PART 1): pH IS JUST THE BEGINNING: UNCOVERING THE IMPACT OF SALIVARY PH, MEDICATIONS, AND REMEDIES ON ORAL HEALTH

03:15 PM

Capitol Ballroom AB

MAJOR MAXILLOFACIAL TRAUMA CARE

03:15 PM

Capitol Ballroom CD

NON-SURGICAL PHOTOTHERAPIES WITH DIODE LASERS

03:15 PM

Sacramento Room

HANDS-ON SESSION (PART 2): pH IS JUST THE BEGINNING: UNCOVERING THE IMPACT OF SALIVARY PH, MEDICATIONS, AND REMEDIES ON ORAL HEALTH

08:00 AM

Capitol Ballroom Hallway

PRE-REGISTRATION: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

08:30 AM

Capitol Ballroom AB

A CLINICIAN’S GUIDE TO: DEVELOPMENTAL ODONTOGENIC CYSTS AND TUMORS

08:30 AM

Capitol Ballroom CD

THE SHRINKING MAXILLA: EPIGENETICS AND THE AIRWAY CRISIS

10:45 AM

Capitol Ballroom AB

NIGHT GUARDS AND SLEEP

10:45 AM

Capitol Ballroom CD

DESICCATION THERAPY: A NEW FRONTIER IN MANAGING DYSBIOTIC ORAL DISEASE

12:45 PM
02:00 PM

Capitol Ballroom AB

RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF PRESCRIBING SCHEDULE II OPIOID DRUGS

02:00 PM

Capitol Ballroom CD

UPSTREAM PREVENTION: PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM ORAL HEALTH; CANCER PREVENTION THROUGH VACCINE PROMOTION

Speakers

Adrian Silberman, DDS, FIADT

Endodontist

Rancho Endodontics

Adrian Silberman, DDS, FIADT is the owner of Rancho Endodontics in Murrieta, California, where he has practiced for more than 21 years. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and a Fellow of the International Association of Dental Traumatology. He has served as a reviewer for the Journal of Dental Traumatology and was a part-time faculty member at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC for nearly a decade.

He has published in national and international journals sharing his techniques and unique approaches in the field. He has also designed and developed endodontic products currently used in private practices and universities nationwide. 

In addition to his dental career, Dr. Silberman is a licensed Realtor. In his free time, he stays active through weightlifting, distance running, cycling, and swimming. He also has a passion for classic cars and enjoys drawing and painting. 

About Adrian Silberman, DDS, FIADT

Endodontist
Rancho Endodontics

Shakalpi Pendurkar, DDS, MPH

State Dental Director of California

Office of Oral Health at California Department of Public Health

Shakalpi Pendurkar, DDS, MPH was appointed State Dental Director of California and oversees the Office of Oral Health at California Department of Public Health. Prior to joining CDPH, Dr. Pendurkar directed the Oral Health Programs for San Mateo and Alameda Counties, was Dental Director of Health Plan of San Mateo, and the lead advisor for the Santa Clara Oral Health Program. For over two decades, she has provided dental care at Gardner Health Services, a Federally Qualified Health Center in the Bay Area. Before moving to California, she was an Epidemiology Consultant for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Dr. Pendurkar is a member of the California Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors. She is a Fellow of the American and International College of Dentists. Dr. Pendurkar and the CDPH Office of Oral Health are committed to promoting oral health equity for all Californians.

 

 

About Shakalpi Pendurkar, DDS, MPH

State Dental Director of California
Office of Oral Health at California Department of Public Health

Chen-Wen Huang, DDS

Chief Dental Officer

American Indian Health and Services (AIHS)

Dr. Chen-Wen Huang, DDS, is the Chief Dental Officer at American Indian Health and Services. She graduated from the University of the Pacific in 2004. About two years ago, Dr. Huang’s clinic began printing digital dentures and developed its own lab tracking and workflow system. Recently, they also began printing digital partials and are sharing the challenges they faced and the techniques they developed, hoping to help other clinics avoid similar struggles. Dr. Huang will discuss the process of creating custom trays, fabricating try-ins, and producing final dentures. Additionally, she will demonstrate how to utilize preexisting dentures and scanners in their workflow.

About Chen-Wen Huang, DDS

Chief Dental Officer
American Indian Health and Services (AIHS)

Jewel Kopfmann, RHIT, CCS, CPC

Vice President of Revenue Cycle Services

DT-Trak Consulting

Jewel Kopfmann, RHIT, CCS, CPC, received her associate degree in Health Information Management and holds multiple professional credentials, including Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Certified Professional Coder (CPC), and is an active member of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Jewel serves as Vice President of Revenue Cycle Services for DT-Trak Consulting, Inc., bringing 40 years of experience in Health Information Management (HIM) and Revenue Cycle Management (RCM). Jewel provides strategic leadership, technical guidance, and subject matter expertise across all facets of the revenue cycle for clients.

About Jewel Kopfmann, RHIT, CCS, CPC

Vice President of Revenue Cycle Services
DT-Trak Consulting

Miranda Davis, DDS, MPH

Dental Consultant

California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB)

Miranda Davis, DDS, MPH is a dental consultant for the California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB). Prior to working with CRIHB, Dr. Davis spent nearly two decades working with Tribal communities in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho in multiple roles: as a clinical dentist, as the Director of the Dental Health Aide Program at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, and as the Prevention Consultant for the Northwest Tribal Dental Support Center. She served on the Oregon HPV Dental Task Force (2020-2022). Dr. Davis holds a DDS from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco and an MPH from the University of Washington School of Public Health.

About Miranda Davis, DDS, MPH

Dental Consultant
California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB)

Andrew Young, DDS, MSD

Director of Orofacial Pain

Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific

Andrew Young, DDS, MSD received his DDS from UCSF, his GPR certificate from the VA, and his MSD in Orofacial Pain from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain. He is the director of orofacial pain at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, and has published 49 peer-reviewed articles. He also heads the Dugoni School’s evidence-based, decision-making, and critical thinking curriculum, which teaches appraisal of the scientific literature.

About Andrew Young, DDS, MSD

Director of Orofacial Pain
Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific

Shirley Gutkowski, RDH, BSDH

Chief Visionary Officer

Primal Air OMT and Breathing Retraining and The Kaleidoscope Collaborative Care

Shirley Gutkowski, RDH, BSDH, is the Chief Visionary Officer behind Primal Air OMT and Breathing Retraining and The Kaleidoscope Collaborative Care, a high-level clinical framework dedicated to Craniofacial Respiratory Realignment and Airway Integration. Her work represents a strategic bridge between ancestral biology and modern structural science, focusing on the systemic Biological Soil required to secure respiratory health. As a pioneer in the field, she moves beyond traditional myofunctional therapy by addressing the root causes of "Skeletal Debt" and metabolic inflammatory loads. Her proprietary protocols, including the Raptor Scales and Bolus Index provide a data-driven roadmap for identifying and treating the warning signs of sleep-disordered breathing and developmental collapse due to identifiable makers in the dental hygiene exam. A strategic consultant for surgeons and orthodontists, she is the architect of the 3-2-1 Rule and the Primal Family Diet integration. Through her leadership Gutkowski has built a unique collaboration of specialists dedicated to restoring biological and ancestral realignment, ensuring that every patient—from "Hatchling" to "Apex Raptor"— and Fragile Adults reclaim their systemic vitality.

About Shirley Gutkowski, RDH, BSDH

Chief Visionary Officer
Primal Air OMT and Breathing Retraining and The Kaleidoscope Collaborative Care

Mark Mintline, DDS

Oral pathologist & Associate Professor

WesternU College of Dental Medicine

Mark Mintline, DDS is a board-certified oral pathologist and associate professor at Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) College of Dental Medicine in Pomona, California. He is the founding laboratory director of WesternU Health Oral Pathology Laboratory and the co-coordinator of the Advanced Oral Diagnosis Workgroup. Dr. Mintline is committed to increasing access to oral healthcare services at WesternU and serves as the director of the Biopsies Save Lives, Oral Biopsies Save Lives, and Ryan White Part F programs. His research interests include health equity, interprofessional care, and lesions of the oral cavity. Dr. Mintline’s is a recipient of the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation Doctor of the Year Award and the California Dental Association Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni Award for his contributions to clinical care and dental education. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and a fellow of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, International College of Dentistry, and Pierre Fauchard Academy.

About Mark Mintline, DDS

Oral pathologist & Associate Professor
WesternU College of Dental Medicine

Anne Guignon, RDH, MPH, FADHA, CSP

International Speaker, Prolific Author

The Out Of The Box Learning Academy

Anne Nugent Guignon, RDH, MPH, CSP is a visionary thinker. Anne’s WHY began back in 1968 and she received a BSDH from UMKC Dental School in 1971. She simply wanted to know what worked best for clinicians and patients. As her curiosity and passion continued to grow, she conducted original research at the U of Texas on job and career satisfaction in dental hygiene, receiving an MPH in 1987. A highly sought-after international speaker, prolific author, with expertise in the oral microbiome, ergonomics, salivary dysfunction, cariology and erosion, and employment law, Anne has received numerous accolades for mentoring, research, and advancing clinical care. In 2015, she was awarded the CSP, the National Speakers Association’s highest earned credential. In 2025, Anne received her FADHA fellowship and was honored with the ADHA Award of Excellence, the profession's highest recognition. After 47 years in clinical practice, she remains active on social media, conducting survey research, and creating original courses appreciated by a wide circle of dental professionals. In 2021, Anne founded The Out Of The Box Learning Academy, a CE platform and AGD PACE Program Provider. Despite numerous accomplishments, Anne’s heart still focuses on making clinical practice better, easier, and more rewarding. Despite strong writing skills, Anne jokes, she simply can’t spell the word retirement, a trait inherited from her mother and grandmothers.

About Anne Guignon, RDH, MPH, FADHA, CSP

International Speaker, Prolific Author
The Out Of The Box Learning Academy

Heidi Christopher, RDH, FWCLI

Clinical Hygienist

Dental Team Advancement

Heidi Christopher RDH, FWCLI, is owner and founder of Dental Team Advancement, which provides laser certification and dental continuing education. She currently works as a clinical hygienist and has been using and researching soft-tissue lasers for 18 years. Heidi holds 7 laser certifications and associate fellowships from the World Clinical Laser Institute, the Academy of Laser Dentistry, the International Center for Laser Education, and Advanced Laser Training, and obtained a Full Fellowship in 2016. Heidi lectures, teaches, trains, and consults throughout the United States and is a published author.

About Heidi Christopher, RDH, FWCLI

Clinical Hygienist
Dental Team Advancement

Peter Krakowiak, DMD, FRCD(C), FICOI, FACD, FACOMS**

Clinical Assistant Professor

USC School of Dentistry

Dr. Peter A. Krakowiak, DMD, FRCD(C), FICOI, FACD, FACOMS** is a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and the founder of Lakeshore Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Southern California. He serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, where he has been actively involved in clinical resident education and clinical instruction for more than three decades. Dr. Krakowiak maintains a full-scope oral and maxillofacial surgery practice with interests in office-based anesthesia, traumatology, dentoalveolar surgery, dental implants and bone regeneration, pathology, and practice innovation. He has authored numerous publications and lectures nationally on topics including oral surgery, maxillofacial trauma reconstruction, anesthesia safety, and practice management. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a Fellow of multiple professional organizations, reflecting his commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and the advancement of the specialty.

About Peter Krakowiak, DMD, FRCD(C), FICOI, FACD, FACOMS**

Clinical Assistant Professor
USC School of Dentistry

Amber Riley, MS, RDH, FAAFS

Federal Safety and Occupational Health Specialist

U.S. Government Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team, DMORT

Amber Riley, MS, RDH, FAAFS is an internationally recognized speaker providing programs to dental & medical professionals. Ms. Riley is the Past President of the American Society of Forensic Odontology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Member of the California Dental Hygienists’ Association and an Associate Member of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health. She is a Federal Safety and Occupational Health Specialist & member of the forensic dental unit of the U.S. Government Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team, DMORT.

About Amber Riley, MS, RDH, FAAFS

Federal Safety and Occupational Health Specialist
U.S. Government Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team, DMORT

Michael Donaleski, DMD

California Area Dental Consultant

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Michael Donaleski, DMD is the California Area Dental Consultant. He received his dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He also received an AEGD certificate from Lutheran Medical Center and an AGPR certificate from Gallup Indian Medical Center. Prior to taking his position with California Area, he was the dental director of the Yakama Indian Health Center from 2007-2020. Dr. Donaleski started his career with Indian Health Service in 2000 at the Dilkon Health Station, which was a satellite of the Winslow Indian Health Center.

About Michael Donaleski, DMD

California Area Dental Consultant
Indian Health Service (IHS)

Danica Brown, PhD, MSW

Preventionist, Mental health and Substance use Counselor, Social Worker, & Youth Advocate

White Crane Consulting, LLC

Danica Love Brown, MSW, CACIII, PhD, is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, born and raised in Northern New Mexico. Danica is the sole proprietor of White Crane Consulting, LLC and has worked as a preventionist, mental health and substance use counselor, social worker, and youth advocate for 30 years. She is an Indigenous Wellness Research Institute ISMART fellow alumni, Council of Social Work Education, Minority Fellowship Program fellow alumni, and Northwest Native American Research Center for Health fellow alumni. Her research has focused on Indigenous Ways of Knowing and decolonizing methodologies to address historical trauma and health disparities in Tribal communities.

About Danica Brown, PhD, MSW

Preventionist, Mental health and Substance use Counselor, Social Worker, & Youth Advocate
White Crane Consulting, LLC

Melodi Randolph, RDAEF2, CDA, OAP, BS, MEd

Owner; RDAEF2

RDA4U

Melodi Randolph, RDAEF2, CDA, OAP, BS, MEd is the owner of RDA4U, a company dedicated to excellence in Allied Dental Health education. Melodi has extensive educational knowledge and background including a master's degree in post-secondary education, a graduate of the first ever RDAEF2 program offered in California, and was the Program Coordinator and a full-time faculty member of the Dental Assisting Program at Sacramento City College for 13 years. She has been teaching dentistry for over 30 years in both private and public institutions and has been actively involved in many Allied Dental Health organizations during her professional career. Melodi thoroughly enjoys clinical dentistry but her real passion is passing along her knowledge and enthusiasm for dentistry to Allied Dental Health professionals everywhere.

About Melodi Randolph, RDAEF2, CDA, OAP, BS, MEd

Owner; RDAEF2
RDA4U

Catherine Draper, RDH, MS, FADHA

Editor in Chief of the Journal of Dental Hygiene

American Dental Hygienists’ Association

Catherine Draper, RDH, MS, FADHA is the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Dental Hygiene, the research publication of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. She is an adjunct faculty member at Foothill College and has practiced clinically for over 45 years. Cathy has presented continuing education programs on a wide range of topics including oropharyngeal cancer, infection control and the California Dental        Practice Act. She has contributed to a number of publications, including two dental hygiene textbooks. Cathy also worked as a library reference associate at the Stanford Hospital Health Library, assisting patients and families in accessing scientifically based health information for 25 years. She was the recipient of the Stanford Healthcare Volunteer of the Year, the University of Michigan Outstanding Dental Hygiene Alumnae Award and the ADHA Award for Excellence in Dental Hygiene.

About Catherine Draper, RDH, MS, FADHA

Editor in Chief of the Journal of Dental Hygiene
American Dental Hygienists’ Association

Lancette VanGuilder, RDH, BS

Clinician & Past-President of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association

.

Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA is an internationally recognized speaker, podcast host, lobbyist, clinician, and thought leader, known for her expertise in medical-dental integration and public health advocacy. Her passion for increasing access to care, airway health and fostering medical-dental collaboration has earned her widespread recognition and numerous awards within the healthcare community. As the immediate Past-President of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, Lancette leads initiatives that elevate prevention, empower dental hygienists to grow, and advance autonomy—driving lasting impact on both oral and overall health. 

About Lancette VanGuilder, RDH, BS

Clinician & Past-President of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association
.

Douglas Young, DDS, EdD, MBA, MS

Professor Emeritus

University of the Pacific

Douglas Young, DDS, EdD, MBA, MS is a renowned expert in minimally invasive dentistry and cariology, currently serving as Professor Emeritus at the University of the Pacific. He is currently engaged in partnering with organizations interested in clinically implementing caries risk management strategies and minimally invasive dentistry, especially in underserved populations. As a co-founder of influential organizations like the CAMBRA Coalition, ADEA Cariology Section, and American Academy of Cariology, Dr. Young has significantly shaped the field of dentistry. His contributions extend to the ADA, where he served on the Council of Scientific Affairs (2012-2016) and currently acts as a cariology consultant and member of the EBD Leaders network. Dr. Young's international presence is evident through his global presentations, publications, and research on minimal invasive dentistry, silver fluoride, glass ionomer, and Caries Management by Risk Assessment. His work continues to drive progress and innovation in modern dental care.

About Douglas Young, DDS, EdD, MBA, MS

Professor Emeritus
University of the Pacific

Shivani Patel, MPH

Dental Support Center coordinator

California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB)

Shivani Patel, MPH is the Dental Support Center coordinator for the California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB). She plans, develops, and administers activities of the California Dental Clinical and Preventive Support Center. Shivani also oversees all activities conducted on behalf of the dental support program and enforces the timeline planned for the grant period. She received her Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management at San Diego State University and her Bachelor of Science in Public Health and in Human Development Sciences at the University of California, San Diego.

About Shivani Patel, MPH

Dental Support Center coordinator
California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB)

Alexander Lee, DMD

General dentist, Professor, and Assistant Dean for Dental Informatics

Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (CDM)

Alexander Lee, DMD is a general dentist, professor, and assistant dean for dental informatics at Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (CDM). His work focuses on developing and implementing technological solutions to improve clinical efficiency and educational processes. Dr. Lee earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. His research interests include artificial intelligence (AI), dental informatics, and digital workflows in both clinical and academic settings. He has contributed to the field through his publications on dental informatics, speaking engagements regarding AI in oral health, and involvement in the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) where he is the current Councilor of the Section on Dental Informatics. He is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy (PFA), as well as an alumnus of the ADEA Leadership Institute. His passion lies in bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical application, helping dental professionals navigate the digital landscape with confidence

About Alexander Lee, DMD

General dentist, Professor, and Assistant Dean for Dental Informatics
Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (CDM)

Dana Durham, Medi-Cal Dental Services Division Chief

Chief of the Medi-Cal Dental Services Division

California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)

Dana Durham is the Chief of the Medi-Cal Dental Services Division within the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). She has full management responsibility for administering the Medi-Cal Dental Services Program (Dental Fee-for-Service and Dental Managed Care), which provides dental services to over 14 million Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Prior to joining the Medi-Cal Dental Services Program, Ms. Durham had over ten years of administrative and managerial experience within DHCS in physical health for Medi-Cal Managed Care. She has extensive experience and knowledge working in health care policy planning, development, and implementation. She has over 16 years of experience serving Californians as a public servant and over 10 years of experience working in the healthcare industry.

About Dana Durham, Medi-Cal Dental Services Division Chief

Chief of the Medi-Cal Dental Services Division
California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)

Nathan Mork, DDS, MPH

Oral Health/Disease Prevention Officer; IHS Risk Management Dental Representative

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Captain Nathan Mork, DDS, MPH currently serves as an Oral Health/Disease Prevention Officer with the Indian Health Service (IHS) Division of Oral Health (DOH). Captain Mork received a dental degree from the University of Minnesota - School of Dentistry and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Washington. He completed a dental public health residency at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health. Related to this course, Captain Mork serves as the IHS Risk Management Dental Representative and works closely with Area Dental Officers and dental programs to promote safe and effective care.

About Nathan Mork, DDS, MPH

Oral Health/Disease Prevention Officer; IHS Risk Management Dental Representative
Indian Health Service (IHS)

Brandi Noonkester, CPC, RHIT, CPPM, CPC-I

Revenue Cycle Auditor & Educator

DT-Trak Consulting

Brandi Noonkester, CPC, RHIT, CPPM, CPC-I is a revenue cycle auditor and educator. Brandi has three certifications through AAPC: Certified Professional Coder, Coding Instructor, and Physician Practice Manager, as well as an RHIT certification through AHIMA. She has been working with Tribal Health programs since 2011 and is currently employed with Dt-Trak Consulting.

About Brandi Noonkester, CPC, RHIT, CPPM, CPC-I

Revenue Cycle Auditor & Educator
DT-Trak Consulting
Conference Highlights

26

Sessions

47

Total CDE Credits

23

CDE per Attendee

20

Speakers

Who Should Attend?

This event is for dental health professionals from California Tribal and Urban Indian dental clinics, including dentists, registered dental hygienists (RDH), registered dental assistants (RDA), dental assistants (DA), and office/billing staff. Non-IHS members who wish to attend should contact Shivani Patel as soon as possible at spatel@crihb.org.

Why Should You Attend?

The 2026 Dental Conference is free for all members of IHS dental clinics and will feature 26 sessions, offering up to 23 continuing education units per person over four days. Course topics include mandatory sessions, artificial intelligence, forensics, trauma, lasers, desiccation therapy, minimally invasive dentistry, and more! Additionally, there will be multiple hands-on workshops, networking opportunities with other dental professionals, and a dental vendor showcase.