Pacific Northwest Dental Conference
2026-03-28 - 2026-03-30
PNDC unites thousands of dental professionals for three compelling days designed to elevate your practice, energize your team, and keep you at the forefront of dentistry.
From cutting-edge dental CE lectures to hands-on workshops, PNDC offers the opportunity to earn 20+ credits from an exceptional lineup of world-class speakers from the Pacific Northwest and across the United States. See our full dental CE schedule. Plus, explore a dynamic three-day Exhibit Hall showcasing the latest dental technologies, products and innovations.

Oregon Dental Conference
2026-04-09 - 2026-04-11 | The Oregon Convention Center (OCC), 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd, Portland, OR, 97232, United States
Join thousands of dental professionals at ODC 2026, April 9-11 in Portland, for 3 days of CE, a 2-day dental exhibit hall, special events, and more!

ADAA Webinar: The Why Behind Infection Control: A Practical Guide for Dental Assistants
2026-05-21 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Virtual
Date: May 21, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
Continuing Education: 1 CE
Pricing: Free for members | $25 for nonmembers

Register Here

This webinar equips dental assistants with the foundational knowledge and practical tools to implement and maintain a compliant infection control program. Moving beyond checklists, participants will explore the reasoning behind key protocols, from sterilization and waterline management to documentation and regulatory alignment, empowering them to protect patients and elevate the standard of care in their practice. AGD Code: 148

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

Explain the rationale behind key infection control protocols, including sterilization, waterline management, and PPE use, beyond rote compliance.
Describe the components of a comprehensive infection control program aligned with CDC, OSHA, and Joint Commission standards.
Discuss strategies for building a culture of infection control within a dental team, including staff training and documentation practices.
Identify common infection control deficiencies found in dental settings and describe corrective actions to address them.
Apply lessons from a real-world FQHC quality improvement model to their own dental practice setting.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings (2003)
CDC. Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care (2016)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
The Joint Commission. Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Ambulatory Care (CAMAC)
American Dental Association (ADA). Dental Waterline Compliance Resources
Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Certification in Dental Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC) Competency Framework

Speaker
Monica Padilla, CDIPC
Healthcare & Dental Operations Manager | Infection Control Specialist
Monica Padilla is a Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC) professional and healthcare operations leader with over 15 years of dental experience including Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) settings. She built a comprehensive dental infection control program from the ground up, achieving zero deficiencies in the 2022 Joint Commission survey and near-perfect results in 2025, with the surveyor stating, “You aced it.” Monica is an AHEC-Certified Spanish Medical Interpreter, bringing a rare bilingual advantage to infection control education and patient care. She is a presenter at the 2026 Association for Dental Safety (ADS) Annual Conference and an ADAA Textbook Reviewer. Her work focuses on empowering dental teams to understand not just the how — but the why — behind infection control.

Credentials & Highlights

Certified in Dental Infection Prevention & Control (CDIPC) — DANB, 2025
AHEC-Certified Medical Interpreter — Spanish/English
Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration — Charter Oak State College
ADS 2026 Presenter — Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, UT
ADAA Textbook Reviewer — Infection Control (x2)
15+years’ experience in dental and FQHC operations
Joint Commission experience

Accreditation

Upon attendance and completion of a webinar evaluation, you will be sent a CE certificate within 2 weeks of the event. This webinar will be recorded and available on-demand on our e-Learning Center (CE available) within 2 weeks as well.

American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by
any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
6/1/2025 to 5/31/2028.
Provider ID# 217389

ADAA Webinar (Presented in Spanish) El porqué detrás del Control de Infección: Una Guía Práctica para Asistentes Dentales
2026-08-26 | Virtual
Please Note: This webinar is features the SAME content and presented by the SAME presenter as the Webinar 071: The Why Behind Infection Control: A Practical Guide for Dental Assistants” originally presented on May 21, 2026. This webinar will present the material in Spanish. As these are the same events, presented in different languages, you should only request/collect CE one time for this webinar. However, you are welcome to attend this event, even if you previously attended this webinar presented in English.
El porqué detrás del Control de Infección: Una Guía Práctica para Asistentes Dentales
Fecha: 26 de agosto de 2026
Tiempo: 7pm ET – 8pm ET
CE: 1 CDE – Código AGD #148
Precios: Gratis para miembros, $25 para no miembros
Impartido a través de Zoom

Inscríbase aquí – https://members.adaausa.org/events/event-details/?id=9d9cbef2-e664-f111-9b48-7c1e52a0ebef

Este seminario virtual proveerá a los asistentes dentales los conocimientos básicos y herramientas prácticas para implementar y mantener un programa de control de infección conforme a la regulaciones. Más allá de las listas de chequeo, los participantes explorarán el razonamiento detrás de protocolos clave, desde la esterilización y mantenimiento de las líneas de agua hasta la documentación y la alineación regulatoria, lo que les permitirá proteger a los pacientes y elevar el nivel de atención en su clinica dental.

Al final de este seminario virtual, los participantes podrán…

Explicar la lógica detrás de los principales protocolos de control de infección, incluyendo la esterilización, mantenimiento de las líneas de agua y el uso de equipo de protección personal (EPP), más allá del cumplimiento mecánico.

Describir los componentes de un programa integral de control de infección alineado con los estándares de los CDC, OSHA y Joint Commission.

Discutir estrategias para construir una cultura de control de infección dentro del equipo dental, incluyendo la formación del personal y las prácticas de documentación.

Identificar deficiencias comunes en el control de infección que se encuentran en entornos dentales y describir las acciones correctivas para abordarlas.

Aplicar las lecciones de un modelo real de mejora de calidad de un FQHC en su propio entorno de trabajo.

Referencias

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003.

CDC. Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care, 2016.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030).

The Joint Commission. Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Ambulatory Care (CAMAC).

American Dental Association (ADA). Dental Waterline Compliance resources.

Biografía de la presentadora:
Monica Padilla, CDIPC, Gerente de de Salud Dental | Especialista en Control de Infección

Monica Padilla es una profesional certificada en Prevención y Control de Infecciones Dentales (CDIPC) y líder en operaciones sanitarias, con más de 15 años de experiencia en prácticas dentales privadas y FQHC (Centros de salud federalmente calificados). Construyó un programa integral de control de infección dental desde cero, logrando cero deficiencias en la inspeccion de Joint Commission de 2022 y resultados casi perfectos en 2025, con el inspector diciendo: “Lo has superado.” Mónica es intérprete médica en español certificada por la AHEC, lo que aporta una ventaja bilingüe a la educación y atención al paciente en control de infecciones. Mónica presento un poster de su trabajo en la Conferencia Anual 2026 de la Association for Dental Safety (ADS). Tambien es reseñador de libros de texto de la ADAA. Su trabajo se centra en empoderar a los equipos dentales para que comprendan no solo el cómo, sino el porqué, detrás del control de infección.
Credenciales y Aspectos Destacados

Certificadoen Prevención y Control de Infecciones Dentales (CDIPC) — DANB, 2025
Intérpretemédico certificado por AHEC — español/inglés
Licenciaturaen Administración Sanitaria — Charter Oak State College
Ponente ADS 2026 —ConferenciaAnual, Salt Lake City, UT
Revisor demanualesde la ADAA — Control de Infecciones (x2)
15+ añosde experiencia en operaciones dentales y de FQHC
Experiencia Joint Commission

Al asistir y completar la evaluación del seminario virtual, recibirá un certificado de educación continua (CE) dentro de las 2 semanas posteriores al evento. Este seminario web será grabado y estará disponible bajo demanda en nuestro Centro de e-Learning (con CE disponible) dentro de aproximadamente 2 semanas.

American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by
any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
6/1/2025 to 5/31/2028. Provider ID# 217389

ADAA Webinar: Are We Really Working as a Team? Skills for Promoting a Positive Environment
2026-09-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
Presented by: Dr. Carolyn Breen, CDA, RDA, RDH
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET
Continuing Education: 1.5 CE
Pricing: Free for members | $25 for nonmembers
AGD Subject Code: 550
Location: Virtual – Zoom
Register Here
Join us for an insightful virtual webinar designed to enhance your professional skills and foster a positive, collaborative work environment. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of professionalism, ethical standards, and essential workplace competencies. Participants will gain practical tools to improve communication, goal setting, teamwork, stress management, and adaptability in the face of change.
By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:

Explain the fundamental elements that define a profession.
Compare various professional models commonly applied in the workplace.
Define ethics and synthesize key ethical guidelines and standards.
Identify critical workplace skills that drive professional success.
Describe standard methods for evaluating professional performance.
Apply goal-setting principles effectively within a professional context.
Recognize characteristics of supportive and effective coworkers.
Demonstrate communication strategies that enhance workplace collaboration.
Implement techniques to manage and reduce stress.
Explain strategies to successfully navigate and manage change.
Identify core negotiation skills applicable in professional settings.
Describe factors that contribute to cultivating a positive work environment.
Apply time management strategies to boost productivity.
Identify attributes of successful and cohesive teams.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Carolyn Breen, CDA, RDA, RDH

Dr. Carolyn Breen, CDA, RDA, RDH, is Professor Emerita at Rutgers University with extensive experience in dental education and program administration. She holds credentials in dental assisting and dental hygiene, along with advanced degrees including a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health, a Master of Education from Rutgers University, and a Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Breen previously served as Department Chair of Allied Dental Education and Director of Dental Assisting and Hygiene Programs at Rutgers, where she oversaw faculty and staff, managed a large clinical and laboratory facility, and led curriculum development, accreditation, and program operations.
A respected leader in the dental profession, Dr. Breen has held numerous national and state leadership roles, including President of the American Dental Assistants Association and the New Jersey Dental Assistants Association. She has contributed extensively to accreditation, workforce development, and curriculum design through organizations such as ADEA, DANB, and CODA. Currently, she serves on multiple advisory boards, provides educational consulting, and leads CB Education Consulting, LLC, while continuing to support the advancement of allied dental education nationwide.

Accreditation

Upon attendance and completion of a webinar evaluation, you will be sent a CE certificate within 2 weeks of the event. This webinar will be recorded and available on-demand on our e-Learning Center (CE available) within 2 weeks as well.

American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by
any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
6/1/2025 to 5/31/2028.
Provider ID# 217389

ADAA Webinar: Best Practices for Intraoral Scanning in Modern Dental Assistants
2026-11-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
Presented by: Chelsea Homire, DA. Digital Dental Assistant Academy Co-Founder
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
Continuing Education: 1 CE
Pricing: Free for members | $25 for nonmembers
Location: Virtual – Zoom
AGD Code: 010
Register here – https://members.adaausa.org/events/event-details/?id=4207b08c-a665-f111-9b48-7c1e52a0ebef
Intraoral scanning has become an essential component of modern dental workflows. This webinar explores the principles, techniques, and clinical applications of digital impression technology using leading scanning systems. Participants will learn practical scanning strategies, tips and tricks, common troubleshooting techniques, and methods for improving efficiency, accuracy, patient communication, and treatment outcomes.
By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:

Describe the basic principles and benefits of intraoral scanning compared to conventional impression techniques.
Demonstrate best practices for capturing accurate digital scans across a variety of clinical indications including quadrant, full arch, and removable prosthetics scanning.
Identify common scanning challenges and implement troubleshooting techniques.

Chelsea Homaire, DA is a digital dentistry advocate, educator, and self-proclaimed dental assistant disruptor on a mission to redefine what is possible for dental assistants in modern dentistry. Through education, mentorship, and innovation, she is passionate about empowering dental assistants to expand their skills, embrace digital workflows, and become leaders within their practices. As the founder of the Digital Dental Assistant Academy, Chelsea is dedicated to elevating the profession by helping assistants confidently transition into the world of digital dentistry, 3D printing, CAD/CAM technologies, and advanced clinical workflows. Her goal is to inspire the next generation of Digital Dental Assistants to grow beyond traditional roles and recognize their potential as essential contributors to the future of dentistry. Read more – Chelsea’s resume and CV

Upon attendance and completion of a webinar evaluation, you will be sent a CE certificate within 2 weeks of the event. This webinar will be recorded and available on-demand on our e-Learning Center (CE available) within 2 weeks as well.

American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)
Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by
any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
6/1/2025 to 5/31/2028. Provider ID# 217389
