CDHA encourages all members to exercise due diligence when seeking advice or
entering into a contract with persons or companies outside of CDHA.
Independent Practice Connections Café - Presentations
Independent Practice Connections Café - Presentations are previously recorded
videos originally produced from both virtual and in-person sessions.
Select a Year:
2024
Expanding Your Business
presented by Maxident
Presenter: Alex Zlatin, MBA, BSc
Moderators: Clayton De Corte, RDH,
Donna Wells, RDH, BA
Release Date: April 30, 2024
As dental hygienist-owned businesses continue to grow across Canada, dental hygiene entrepreneurs may
consider expanding
their practice. This presentation will offer guidance on staffing considerations and the onboarding
process, and we’ll
discuss the need to update office protocols and manuals to maintain efficiency, consistency, clarity,
and regulation as
a growing business. The session will also examine artificial intelligence (AI) and how it can be
integrated into your
marketing strategy.
2023
Buying and Selling a Dental Hygiene Business
presented by Professional Practice Sales
Presenters: Gerry Crandles, BA & Regina Maltsman, RRDH
Moderator: Donna Wells, RDH, BA
Release Date: January 12, 2023
This presentation will guide dental hygienists through the process of buying or selling a dental hygiene
business and include topics such as assembling a team and business plan, understanding normalized
financial statements, and understanding the valuation and selling processes. Originally presented at
our in-person Independent Practice Connections Café session in November 2022.
Dental Hygiene Business Success Stories
Presenters: Clayton De Corte, RDH, Tina Mavriyannakis, RRDH, Balbir Sohi, RDH, MSc
Moderator: Donna Wells, RDH, BA
Release Date: January 12, 2023
Hear from a panel of successful dental hygiene entrepreneurs discussing their challenges and successes of
dental hygiene business ownership. Our panellists, Clayton De Corte (former owner of NOWsmile Dental
Hygiene, a storefront practice), Tina Mavriyannakis (owner of The Smile Room,
providing services in long-term care facilities), and Balbir Sohi (owner of Smiles on Wheels,
providing care in an outfitted sprinter van), share their experiences in starting and growing their
businesses. Originally presented at our in-person Independent Practice Connections Café session in
November 2022.
2022
A Practical Guide to Demystifying Privacy Legislation
presented by Maxident
Presenter: Alex Zlatin, MBA, BSc
Moderator: Donna Wells, RDH, BA
Release Date: March 22, 2022
Privacy has become a new buzzword. As guardians of sensitive health and financial information for clients
both the Custodian and the Privacy Officers are responsible for its safe keeping. The federal Personal
Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) provides a set of guidelines and
expectations to ensure those responsible for the information can minimize the risk of data breaches. It
is instrumental for all staff to understand their role and responsibility when it comes to privacy
rights of clients and responsibilities of the Custodian and Privacy Officers. In this session, we’ll
examine the high-level starting points that Custodian and Privacy Offers can implement to ensure your
office data is protected.
2021
Buying, Selling or Starting a Dental Hygiene Practice
presented by Tier Three Brokerage Ltd.
Presenter: Bernard Dolansky, DDS, BA, MS
Moderator: Donna Wells, RDH, BA
Release Date: November 24, 2021
Are you planning to buy, sell or start a dental hygiene practice? Whether you are a purchaser, vendor or
start-up, there is a lot that you need to understand about the business side of a dental hygiene
practice. This interactive session will give you practical tips and strategies that will provide a
foundation upon which to prepare the next phase of your professional life.
Independent Practice Success Stories
Presenters: Balbir Sohi, RDH, MSc; Sophie Freeman, RDH; Holly Rynard, RDH; Lisa
Carlomusto, RDH
Moderator: Donna Wells, RDH, BA
Release Date: March 24, 2021
Four engaging video presentations that explore the challenges and successes of dental hygiene practice
owners who operate long-term care, storefront, mobile, and home-based businesses. Our panelists Balbir
Sohi, Sophie Freeman, Holly Rynard, and Lisa Carlomusto will discuss their motivations, perspectives,
trials, and tribulations as entrepreneurs. Prepare to be inspired by their journey!
2020
Business Coverage & Risk Management for Independent
Dental Hygienists
presented by BMS
Presenters: Chelsea Kary, Director, Affinity & Tara Scullion, Broker
Moderator: Donna Wells, RDH, BA
Release Date: December 9, 2020
This presentation focuses on business coverage and risk management for dental hygiene business owners.
BMS provides an overview of the business coverages available under the CDHA Insurance Program, including
Clinic/Business Package, Commercial General Liability, Cyber Security and Privacy Liability, Employment
Practices Liability, and Legal Entity Insurance. Case studies are used to illustrate insurance portfolio
needs depending on different practice circumstances. The presentation also includes common claims and
risk management advice.
Online Marketing and Branding for the Independent
Dental Hygienist
Leverage online marketing and digital technology to increase profitability, operate more efficiently, and
grow your dental hygiene business.
Presenter: Tamir Wolfson, MBA
Moderator: Donna Wells, RDH, BA
Release Date: October 28, 2020
This presentation focuses on the best practices of online marketing in the dental hygiene sector. Current
real-life case scenarios are reviewed taking into consideration the pillars of an online presence. These
pillars include website design, management, maintenance, search engine optimization, and social media
marketing. You also learn how to create a respectable online reputation.