Rooted in Excellence: How Collaboration, Culture, and Clinical Mastery Shape Modern Dentistry
REGISTER
EVENT FLYER
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm (6:00-7:00 Reception)
Location: New York County Dental Society Headquarters, 622 Third Ave, 9th Fl, New York, NY
This event is free for NYSDA Members, students & residents. $50 for non-members. It will award 2 Clinical Continuing Education credits.
This clinically focused continuing education program examines how interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural competence, and specialty-driven clinical decision-making influence diagnosis, treatment planning, pain management, and patient safety in modern dental practice. Through expert-led presentations in general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and endodontics, participants will explore evidence-based approaches to managing medically complex patients, delivering trauma-informed and culturally responsive care, and determining appropriate referral pathways. A multidisciplinary roundtable discussion and case-based dialogue will reinforce practical strategies that support improved communication, ethical decision-making, and comprehensive, patient-centered care across diverse populations.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate diagnostic findings in complex clinical cases where cultural, medical, and behavioral factors influence treatment planning and outcomes.
- Identify appropriate referral pathways and interdisciplinary coordination strategies between general dentists, oral surgeons, and endodontists.
- Apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches to patient communication and chairside clinical management.
- Assess risks and treatment modifications for medically complex and systemically compromised patients.
- Compare evidence-based treatment options across specialties and justify clinical decision-making using current literature and standards of care.
- Improve sequencing of interdisciplinary treatment to enhance predictability, patient safety, and long-term outcomes.
Agenda:
- 6:00 – 7:00 PM: Reception & Networking (Non-CE)
- 7:00 – 7:10 PM: Welcome & Program Overview – Clinical learning objectives and interdisciplinary focus
- 7:10 – 8:10 PM: Clinical Specialty Presentations (20 minutes each)
- General Dentistry: Diagnosis, treatment planning, and culturally competent patient communication.
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery: Medical risk assessment and management of the medically complex dental patient.
- Endodontics: Pain management, ethical decision-making, and tooth preservation to support restorative outcomes.
- 8:10 – 8:40 PM: Interdisciplinary Clinical Roundtable – Collaborative treatment planning and referral decision-making
- 8:40 – 8:55 PM: Audience Q&A – Case-based discussion and clinical application
- 8:55 – 9:00 PM: Program Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Meet Your Speakers
Dr. Emma Guzman
General Dentist | Noble Dental Care
Dr. Emma J. Guzman is a dynamic general dentist practicing in New York City, widely recognized for her vibrant personality and her passion for holistic health and wellness. Inspired by her own wellness journey—where therapy, nutrition, and consistent movement transformed her life—she integrates a whole-person approach into her patient care and public speaking.
Dr. Guzman earned her DDS from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and completed her general practice residency at BronxCare Health System. Her commitment to service has taken her to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, where she provided essential dental care to underserved communities.
A dedicated mentor and role model, Dr. Guzman frequently speaks to students about careers in STEM, supports undergraduates interested in dentistry, and presents on topics ranging from wellness for clinicians to global outreach.
Born and raised in Brooklyn to parents from Livingston, Guatemala, she brings a rich cultural perspective to her work. Outside the office, she enjoys dancing, cooking, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.
Dr. Ashley Lofters
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | Woodhull Medical Center
Dr. Lofters received her high school diploma from St. Andrew High School for Girls, where she completed her education as one of the top 5 in her class. It was during her time in high school that she first discovered her love for the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Lofters received thorough exposure to the field by shadowing oral surgeons and quickly realized that she could be capable of restoring the confidence and alleviating the pain of others with her surgical skills and compassion. Dr. Lofters completed her undergraduate studies and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Her education continued with dental school at Howard University College of Dentistry, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude as a Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her pursuit of higher education led her to complete a 1-year fellowship in OMFS followed by completion of a rigorous 4- year OMFS residency training with NYC Health and Hospitals Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. When she is not treating patients, Dr. Ashley Lofters enjoys spending quality time with her family, volunteering, mentoring, swimming, travelling, skiing, hiking, sightseeing, experiencing different restaurants, and exploring with her dog
Dr. Chanelle Small
Endodontist | Midtown Endodontics
Dr. Small is the founder of Midtown Endodontics, a specialty practice located in New York City. She is a believer in mentorship and welcomes students and new dentists to her office to shadow her and gain insight into dentistry and practice management.
In addition to clinical dentistry Dr. Small is an expert witness and has been retained by both plaintiff and defense attorneys in multiple states. She works with attorneys to establish whether the standard of care was met in dental malpractice cases.
Outside of the office, Dr. Small is a wife, mother, real estate investor, and marathon finisher!
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
New York State Dental Association is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Concerns or complaints about a CE Provider may be directed to the provider or the ADA CERP at www.ada.org/cerp
CE@nysdental.org | Brenda Turner
