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DENTAL OFFICE MANAGEMENT SUMMIT
Mastering the Art & Science of Dental Office Management

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Date : Saturday, July 12, 2025

Location :  White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa

253 Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

Time : 9:30am - 5:30pm         Duration : 7 Hours

CE Points : 7 CE Points (Category 3)

 

Early Bird Price (Till May 30th, 2025)
Staff: $149+tax | Dentists: $189+tax

Regular Price (After May 30th, 2025)
Staff: $199+tax | Dentists: $229+tax

Book your hotel HERE

Group rate: If your team has 3 or more people, you are eligible to receive a 5% discount.
Please download the brochure, complete the registration form, and email it to us to have the discount applied.

Details
Nightentrance
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Charcuterie
Dessert
Sparoom
Robes
Bedlounge
Windowview
Winery
outlet

This event has consistently offered a unique platform for dentists and their teams to learn, update, and enhance their knowledge of all aspects of dental office management, along with strategies for growing their practice. Given its past success and positive reception, we believe this is an invaluable opportunity for businesses within the dental industry to showcase and promote their brand and services.

AT-A-GLANCE

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9:00am - 9:15am

Mr. Ettore Palmeri

President, PMG

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9:15am - 10:00am

Cassandra Moldovan

Manager, Practice Recruitment Marketing & Events – Dentalcorp​​

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10:00am - 10:45am

Dr. Shammick Kotecha

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11:15am - 12:00pm

David Lipkus 

Financial Security Advisor

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12:00pm - 12:45pm

Tala Batarseh 

Dental Practice Consultant

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1:45pm - 2:30pm

Usman Tariq

Co-Founder of Dental Assist

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2:30pm - 3:15pm

Hani Al-Dajane

LLB, Dental Practice Consultant

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3:45pm - 4:30pm

Ruba Asaad Kawmi

IPAC Consultant, CDA

Rajiv (Raj) Chugh

P.Eng., LEED AP© BD+C

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4:30pm - 5:15pm

Amy Tong

 B.Com CLU CH.F.C. CHS RCIS

DETAILS

Breakfast & Registration

8:30am - 9:00am

9:00am - 9:15am
Opening Introduction

Ettore Palmeri, MBA, AGDM, B.Ed., BA, is the President of Palmeri Media Group; one of the largest dental media providers of print, digital and event solutions in Canada and the world.

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Mr. Ettore Palmeri

President, PMG

9:15am - 10:00am
Beyond The Resume: Innovative Sourcing & Recruitment
Strategies

Description:

This course provides a comprehensive overview of Dentalcorp and its commitment to excellence in dental practice management. Participants will be introduced to the Dentalcorp Institute and its continuing education opportunities designed to support professional growth. The course also covers essential recruitment strategies, including how to effectively source candidates and conduct impactful interviews. Additionally, attendees will learn how to enhance their clinic’s online presence through strategic branding and gain valuable industry insights to stay competitive in the evolving landscape of dental recruitment.

Bio:

Cassandra is a bilingual Dental Professional with a background in Operations and Talent Acquisition. She started her career in private practice as a floater and sterilization technician, then progressed into a Treatment Coordinator and ultimately a Practice Manager. After completing her Masters Degree at Schulich School of Business, Cassandra joined Dentalcorp as a Senior Workforce Management Analyst and supported our network of 550+ clinics with scheduling and budgeting labour expenses to better align with their monthly production forecasts and goals. She then transitioned into Talent Acquisition and Campus Engagement. She now acts as the Manager responsible for Recruitment marketing and targeted sourcing events from coast to coast in our network.

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Cassandra Moldovan

Manager, Practice Recruitment Marketing & Events – Dentalcorp

10:00am - 10:45am
Al in Dentistry: A Current Perspective

Description:

Artificial intelligence (Al) is a rapidly advancing field that has the potential to transform many industries, including healthcare. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in applying Al to dentistry, driven in large part by the increasing availability of digital data, By analyzing large amounts of data, Al algorithms can help dental professionals make more informed decisions and improve patient outcomes. In this presentation, we will explore the current applications of Al in dentistry, including how it is being used in different specialities and general practice.


Goals of this Presentation:
1. Understand what is Artificial Intelligence?
2. Current applications of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry
3. Benefits and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry

Bio:

Dr. Shammick Kotecha is a dedicated dental professional with over two decades of experience in clinical practice and leadership within the dental community. He graduated from the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Dentistry in 2000 and completed his residency at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

In 2006, Dr. Kotecha purchased SGV Dental, where he has since expanded the practice into a state-of-the-art, 10-operatory facility rooted in digital dentistry. His passion for innovation led him to build and later sell Cobblestone Dental Care further solidifying his expertise in modern dental technologies.

A strong advocate for continuing education, Dr. Kotecha served as a Spear Study Club Leader for eight years and is actively involved in professional organizations. He is the President of the Canadian Academy of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics (CARDP) and serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Toronto Crown and Bridge Study Club. He has also earned the prestigious Fellowships in both the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the International College of Dentists.

Dr. Kotecha’s clinical philosophy centers on digital dentistry and its applications in all aspects of patient care, from restorative and prosthodontic procedures to cosmetic and aesthetic treatments. His commitment to excellence ensures that his patients receive cutting-edge care in a comfortable, technologically advanced setting.

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Dr. Shammick Kotecha

Morning Break

10:45am - 11:15am

11:15am - 12:00pm
How to Get Money Trapped in Your Professional Corporation Out Tax Free

Description:

Whole Life Insurance policies are one of the most favourable and underused tax shelters for people with Professional Corporations.

Tax laws permit investment, accumulation and access to cash in a permanent life insurance policy tax FREE. Dentists with their own corporations that use tax free policy contracts held inside the company is among the most effective ways to transfer wealth.

Learn how to create your own personal pension fund using idle cash trapped in your Professional Corporation to fund cash value Whole Life Insurance that enable you to:

  • Take money out of a Professional corporation tax free

  • Grow investments tax Free

  • Access cash via a tax free loan that does not need to be paid back

  • Remove cash in Professional Corporation to beneficiaries’ tax free

Bio:

David Lipkus is The Insurance Guy for Dentists with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and needs of dental professionals. He has dedicated his career to providing Life, Disability and Critical Illness insurance to Dentists across Canada.

His expertise lies in crafting comprehensive insurance strategies from protecting Dentists' from unexpected disabilities that could disrupt their income, to minimization on income trapped in Professional Corporations and creditor proofing.

David's commitment to his clients goes beyond just offering insurance, he is a trusted advisor who takes the time to explain different types of coverage and ensures it is aligned with the individual needs and circumstances of his clients.

David is a joy to work with, he has a friendly, personal approach with an unwavering dedication to his clients' well-being and financial security. 

Whether you're a new Dentist just starting your practice an International Dentist starting over in a new country or an experienced professional seeking to safeguard your income, David is the Insurance Guy you can rely on for expert advice and comprehensive insurance solutions.

You can follow David on Instagram @insuranceguyfordentists or on Facebook @theinsuranceguyfordentists

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David Lipkus

Financial Security Advisor

12:00pm - 12:45pm
Learn Business Systems and Team Accountability That Supercharge Your Success!

Description:

Ready to take your dental practice to the next level? In this session, you’ll learn how to streamline your operations, eliminate confusion, and create a practice that runs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably. By focusing on clear business systems and team accountability, you'll be empowered to lead your practice with confidence and clarity, all while avoiding burnout for both you and your team.

What You’ll Learn:

  1. Create Simple, Effective Business Systems: Learn how to develop clear, easy-to-implement systems that remove the guesswork and improve your practice’s efficiency.

  2. Take Control of Your Business: Discover actionable strategies to boost profitability without overloading yourself or your team.

  3. Clarity and Accountability Lead to Success: Understand how establishing clarity and accountability is the key to driving sustained success and creating a thriving practice environment.

 

Bio:

Tala is the founder, owner and operator of DenTala. Graduate of York University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Certificate of Management, Tala has over 15 years of experience in the dental industry. She has achieved a Certificate of Dental Practice Management from the University of Toronto, accompanied with multiple CE courses in Sales, Treatment Coordination, Executive and Leadership Training. Additionally, she has successfully completed trainings at the University of Toronto for the new IPAC standards. Tala has integrated her theoretical expertise, and industry experience toward helping many dental practices achieve success in their business. Passionate and driven, Tala continues to partner up with dentists opening new practices, or desiring more success out of their existing businesses to help them achieve levels of success beyond their expectation.

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Tala Batarseh

Dental Practice Consultant

 

Lunch Break

12:45pm - 1:45pm

1:45pm - 2:30pm
Smarter Practices, Happier Patients: How AI is Reshaping Dental Office Management

Description:

In an era where efficiency and patient experience are everything, Artificial Intelligence is becoming a game-changer in dental office management. In this forward-looking session, Usman Tariq, Co-Founder of Dental Assist, will explore how clinics can adopt AI to automate tasks and transform how they operate.

You’ll learn how modern practices already use AI-powered tools like voice-based receptionists, mobile communication apps, and website chat widgets to handle missed calls, reduce patient wait times, and improve new patient conversion.

But more importantly, Usman will spotlight one of the most impactful features: the Personalized AI Assistant. This intelligent system is trained on each clinic’s specific workflows, FAQs, and service categories (e.g., treatments, office info, insurance policies), becoming a 24/7 digital team member that gives accurate, customized answers.

We’ll also dive into what’s coming next—from AI-driven follow-up and recall outreach, billing assistance, and re-engagement of dormant patients.

Attendees will walk away with:

  • A real-world view of how AI is already working in clinics

  • Insights on personalizing automation for your unique practice

  • A roadmap to adopt future AI workflows with confidence

Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already experimenting with tech, this session will give you the knowledge and strategy to move forward with clarity.

Bio:

Usman Tariq is the Co-Founder of Dental Assist, an AI-driven platform that’s transforming how dental clinics engage with patients and streamline day-to-day operations. With a deep background in software development and startup leadership, Usman has built innovative, user-friendly tools for healthcare teams who are ready to work smarter.

At Dental Assist, he’s developing a suite of AI solutions tailored for dental practice — including an AI voice receptionist, a patient engagement mobile app, and a plug-and-play website widget. One of the most powerful features is the Personalized Assistant, which acts like an intelligent front-desk team member. It’s trained on the clinic’s knowledge base and understands categories like treatments, location info, and policy-specific responses.

Beyond what's already live, Usman is pushing the boundaries of what AI can do for dental offices—introducing future capabilities like automated recall campaigns, insurance and billing support, and personalized reactivation flows.

His mission is simple: help clinics grow, scale, and serve better—without burning out their teams.

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Usman Tariq

Co-founder at Dental Assist

2:30pm - 3:15pm
Brush Up on Employment Law: A Dental Practice’s Guide to Managing Your Team

Description:

In this hands-on seminar, Hani will provide an overview of the most common employment law issues dentists face—many of which they may not even realize they’re violating. Dental practice owners and managers will leave with a clear list of what to do, and what to avoid, to ensure their practice is compliant with employment law.

The session’s primary objective is to help attendees recognize legal risks in their practices and understand the latest updates in employment law. Hani will break down topics like termination, discipline, workplace discrimination, bonuses, and more, giving participants the tools they need to avoid costly mistakes.

Practical takeaways will include actionable steps for improving workplace policies, handling employee relations, and maintaining legal compliance.

Key takeaways include:

  • Case studies of real-life examples that can happen in your dental practice

  • A comprehensive list of common employment law pitfalls and how to avoid them

  • Clear guidance on handling employee disputes and legal documentation

  • Strategies to protect your practice from potential legal risks while fostering a positive work environment

  • Anonymous Q/A where you will be able to write down a question where we can discuss in the session.

This seminar will empower dental practice owners and managers to confidently navigate the legal landscape and protect their businesses.

Bio:

Hani Al-Dajane is a seasoned lawyer at Emerge Law, specializing in the legal needs of dental professionals. Hani provides expert counsel to dentists on matters such as buying and selling practices and navigating employment laws. He is committed to helping dental professionals make informed decisions that protect their practices and teams. 

As the head of Emerge Law’s Dental Group, Hani leads a team focused on delivering tailored legal solutions for the dental industry. Together with his team, he also launched Dental Assyst by Emerge Law, a unique hybrid platform offering podcast-style discussions, course content, and resources designed to educate and support the dental community.

Hani’s unique ability to combine his legal expertise with a deep understanding of the dental field has made him a trusted advisor to dentists. His guidance empowers dental professionals to grow their businesses while ensuring compliance with ever-evolving laws and regulations.

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Hani Al-Dajane

LLB, Dental Practice Consultant

Evening Break

3:15pm - 3:45pm

3:45pm - 4:30pm
Building with IPAC in Mind: Infection Control During Dental Office Construction and Renovation

Description:

This session focuses on integrating Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) standards during the planning, construction, or renovation of dental clinics. Many practices overlook IPAC requirements during these phases, leading to costly retrofits, non-compliance issues, and inspection challenges.

Raj and his team at Dental Construction offers a one stop shop design & construction experience from concept to completion. We are here to help with your projects of expanding or modernizing existing dental offices and building new dental clinics either on owned or leased properties.

Our team specializes in dental construction and knows IPAC requirements, risks with X-ray radiation leakages, selecting proper construction materials such as lead or antimicrobial materials for sterilization & other areas.

Bio:

Ruba Asaad Kawmi (IPAC Consultant, CDA) is a certified Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Consultant with a strong background in dental healthcare. With over 9 years of clinical experience, she has worked closely with dental teams across Ontario to implement and maintain infection control standards that meet regulatory requirements. Ruba’s expertise spans staff training, policy development, audits, and clinic setup consulting. She also supports dental offices during inspections and helps build strong infection control programs tailored to each practice.
Ruba’s work is guided by a practical approach—making infection control simple, effective, and achievable for every team. She regularly collaborates with dental offices to deliver training and develop systems that improve compliance and patient safety. Her focus now includes supporting dental offices during construction and renovation projects to ensure IPAC is built into the foundation of every practice.
Ruba shares real-world insights that help dental teams stay up to date, confident, and inspection-ready.
 

Rajiv (Raj) Chugh, P.Eng., LEED AP© BD+C, is the President & CEO of Dental Construction. He has been working in health care construction industry in Canada for more than 25 years and have extensive experience ranging from planning, design and construction management. His passion for dental construction management helped complete many challenging and sensitive projects on schedule and on budget including construction in occupied spaces. For last 6 years Raj has committed himself to working on Dental Clinic projects only throughout Ontario. Raj holds a mechanical engineering degree and is a registered Professional Engineer in the province of Ontario. Raj is also LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction.

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Ruba Asaad Kawmi

IPAC Consultant, CDA

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Rajiv (Raj) Chugh

P.Eng., LEED AP© BD+C

 

4:30pm - 5:15pm
Maximize Profit & Minimize Tax: Unlocking Corporate Wealth Strategies for Dentists

Description:

Dentist often find themselves earning more—but keeping less—due to inefficient tax structures and outdated financial strategies. This session dives into how practice owners or DPC can significantly reduce tax drag and maximize retained earnings by applying corporate-level wealth planning principles typically reserved for high-net-worth individuals.

 

We’ll explore the growing burden of passive income tax (50.7%), the corporate tax rate increases triggered by investment income, and the crushing double-taxation trap of dividends and estate disposition. Instead of leaving wealth vulnerable to erosion, we’ll introduce corporate-owned tax-exempt PAR policy and immediate financing as strategic solutions.

 

You’ll see how redirecting funds from traditional taxable investments into these tax-sheltered vehicles can unlock more tax-free legacy value, reduce annual dividend tax costs by over $1 million, and convert passive tax liabilities into leveraged retirement income. Through real-world case illustrations, we’ll break down how to defer taxes, grow wealth within the corporation, and access capital efficiently through collateralized lines of credit—all while maintaining liquidity and flexibility for higher-return opportunities like real estate or business reinvestment.

 

By the end of this session, you’ll understand how to stop overpaying the CRA and start optimizing your practice’s earnings for growth, retirement, and generational legacy—on your terms.

Bio:

Amy Tong is a distinguished financial planner with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She is recognized as a Lifetime Top of the Table member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), a prestigious designation that highlights her exceptional expertise and achievements. Specializing in tax and financial planning for dentists and healthcare professionals, Amy has helped numerous clients optimize their financial structures, maximize after-tax income, and secure tax-free estate payouts.

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Amy Tong

 B.Com CLU CH.F.C. CHS RCIS

Lifetime Member, TOT President of A.T. Financial Group Inc.​

Ettore
Cassandra
Shammick
David
Tala
Usman
Hani
Rajiv
Amy
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© 2025 by Palmeri Media Group - All rights reserved

A division of Palmeri Publishing Inc.

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