Speakers

Mohammad Abu-Samak, BDS, PhD

Mohammad Abu-Samak is a Master of Periodontics candidate (PGY-3) at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He obtained his PhD from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, and holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Jordan University of Science and Technology. His academic and clinical training integrates advanced periodontal therapy, evidence-based dentistry, and clinical and translational research, with a focus on chronotherapy and post-operative recovery, digital decision-support tools, and regenerative and adjunctive periodontal therapies. Dr. Abu-Samak is actively involved in teaching evidence-based dentistry and clinical periodontology and is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, Canadian Academy of Periodontology, and the International Team for Implantology.

Haider Al-Waeli, BDS, MSc in Periodontics, PhD, FRCDC, FICD (he, him/il)

Haider Al-Waeli is a certified periodontist, a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and works as an academic dean in the Faculty of Dentistry at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He obtained his PhD from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, and his Master in Periodontics from Dalhousie. He is also a member of many professional and academic associations around the world, such as the American Academy of Periodontology, Canadian Academy of Periodontology, European Federation of Periodontology, and International Association of Dental Research.

Angela Arsenio, MSW (she, her/elle)

Angela Arsenio is a therapist, writer, and speaker who brings heart, insight, and lived experience to every stage and conversation. With a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in sociology and women’s studies and a Master of Social Work, Angela has spent two decades walking alongside individuals and families as they navigate the hardest and most hopeful parts of life. Whether as an executive director or one-on-one therapist, Angela has enjoyed her opportunities to help people find their purpose and live with intention. Currently, she owns her own therapy practice, Good Thinking, and is working on her book, Everything I Never Wanted—The Rise After Trauma, slated for release in early 2026.

Angela’s approach is both evidence based and deeply human as she weaves her understanding of emotional regulation, personal history, and social context into her talks, inviting audiences to reflect, reconnect, and rise. She is an avid reader and thinker who blends clinical insight with storytelling, humour, and a grounded presence that will stay with you long after the talk ends.

Michelle Aubé-Simmonds, RDH (she, her/elle)

Michelle Aubé-Simmonds is an empowering bilingual registered dental hygienist, speaker, coach, and educator with 35 years’ experience. She is maxill’s IPAC & CE director and a professor at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. Michelle audits dental clinics in correctional facilities and is an Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association board director, IPAC remedial facilitator with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, and IPAC expert opinion provider. She is the founder of Positive Impact Dental Consulting and, as a lifelong learner, is completing a Bachelor of Arts in adult education at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. She leads with grace, clarity, and integrity.

Vivien Brown, MDCM, CCFP, FCFP, MSCP (she, her/elle)

Vivien Brown is a family physician and author in Toronto, Ontario. Educated at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, she currently an assistant professor in the Department of Family & Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. An award winner for teaching on many levels, her major interests are health promotion and prevention for women, and continuing medical education, adult immunization, and vaccine preventable illness. The College of Family Physicians of Ontario named Dr. Brown “Physician of the Year for the Region of Toronto” in November 2012. She is the past president of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada and is immediate past vice president for North America for the Medical Women’s International Association. Recently she was named one of Canada’s most influential women by the organization, Women of Influence, for her advocacy work on on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for Canadians.

In March 2017, Dr. Brown was honoured to present on HPV initiatives in Canada at the United Nations meetings for the Commission on the Status of Women. In 2018 she received the Media Award from the North American Menopause Society for her work in women’s health. She also received the May Cohen Award from the Federation of Medical Women of Canada for her work in women’s health. In September 2024, she received the Reproductive Health Award from the Federation and was also awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her work in the community. In August 2025, Dr. Brown received a patient-nominated award from the College of Family Physicians of Ontario for her outstanding contributions to patient care.

Heather Doucette, DipDH, BSc, MEd (she, her/elle)

Heather Doucette is an associate professor in the School of Dental Hygiene at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She has served as a content expert for national clinical competencies, published research articles and textbook chapters, and presented at local, national, and international conferences. Heather directs the Government Assisted Populations (GAP) Oral Health Clinic for newcomers in Halifax and has led initiatives to improve access to care for vulnerable groups. Her research focuses on oral health care access among underserved populations.

Peter C Fritz, BSc, DDS, PhD, FRCD(C), MBA, LLM

Peter Fritz is a certified specialist in periodontics and founder of an innovative periodontal practice in Fonthill, Ontario. His clinical expertise encompasses dental implant treatment, hard and soft tissue reconstruction, and the interdisciplinary advancement of long-term periodontal wellness. Since 2005, he has lectured internationally and presented research at leading dental and scientific conferences worldwide, earning recognition for his contributions across both clinical and academic spheres. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Fritz brings a unique, multidisciplinary perspective to dentistry. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University and dual law degrees from the University of Toronto. He is currently pursuing his fourth master's degree in blockchain, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) at IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland. Dr. Fritz chairs the Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Digital Technology for the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and serves as an AI consultant to several provincial dental regulatory bodies. He also maintains academic appointments at five universities, embodying his guiding principle: “Never stop learning, because the world around you never stops teaching.”

Michael Glogauer, DDS, PhD, Dip Perio, FCAHS

Michael Glogauer is an internationally recognized dentist, periodontist, and leader in the fields of dentistry, oral immunity, oral diseases, and periodontology. He is a professor in the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto (since 2002), head of dentistry for the University Health Network, chief of dental oncology at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and owner of OMGPerio, a periodontal and dental implant practice in Hamilton, Ontario. Dr. Glogauer has received awards recognizing scientific excellence (Quality of Life research award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research [CIHR]-IMHA) and has been continuously funded by CIHR since 1994. He has generated over 210 peer-reviewed publications in the fields of dentistry, oral health, and immunology and is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

Mimi Godin, MBA, RDH (she, her/elle)

Mimi Godin has over 15 years of experience in clinical practice, practice management, professional regulation, and national leadership roles within corporate dentistry. In her current role as senior director of clinical development at Dentalcorp, she leads initiatives focused on strengthening dental hygiene services, supporting collaborative practice environments, and enhancing patient-centred care. In parallel, Mimi is a council member with the Alberta College of Dental Hygienists, where she has served in regulatory oversight roles since 2019. This dual lens allows her to thoughtfully examine how ownership models, governance, and workplace structures influence dental hygiene practice.

Jim Grisdale, DDS, Dip Perio, Dip Prosth (he, him/il)

Jim Grisdale is a board-certified specialist in periodontics and prosthodontics, and was formerly a full-time faculty member in the graduate periodontal residency program at Loma Linda School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, California.

Dr. Grisdale lectures extensively in the United States and Canada, and has lectured in Southeast Asia and Europe. He is a mentor for periodontic and implant study clubs, and has published in the area of treatment for dentin sensitivity, implants, bone regeneration, and soft tissue periodontal adhesives. Dr. Grisdale is an active participant in clinical research and the study of contemporary periodontal products. He is also a member of several professional societies.

Jennifer Turner, BSc, RDH (she, her/elle)

Jennifer Turner, chief executive officer of Hygiene Headquarters Inc., is a powerhouse in dental hygiene, transforming practices through strategic growth, clinical excellence, and patient-centred care. In 2025, she was globally recognized as one of the "10 Most Ambitious Women in Business." A two-time Dr. Bicuspid Award winner for Educator of the Year and recognized as one of the "10 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders to Watch," Jennifer’s impact is undeniable. Her past executive roles at 123Dentist, dentalcorp, the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, and the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association coupled with her history of leadership, training, and education make her a sought-after expert and dynamic speaker. A true trailblazer, Jennifer elevates teams, drives innovation, and redefines success in dental hygiene.

Kelly Turner, PME, BA(Kin), RDH (she, her/elle)

Kelly Turner is a retired dental hygiene educator of 28 years from Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, where she taught everything from histology and radiography to clinical practice. Kelly was also a writer and reviewer for the Canadian National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination and enjoys speaking engagements to promote the dental hygiene profession. She now shares her expertise as a dynamic presenter and serves as the professional practice advisor for the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association.

Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Western University in London, Ontario, as well as a dental assisting certificate and a diploma in dental hygiene from Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. In 2021, Kelly completed her Professional Master of Education from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, with a field of study in assessment and evaluation. She is known for explaining complex concepts in a clear, practical manner.

Jody Urquhart (she, her/elle)

Jody Urquhart is a motivational speaker who uses stand-up comedy and deep insight to help audiences drop their defences and foster belonging and human connection in an ever-evolving workforce.

Lindsay Van Dam, MHS, RDH (she, her/elle)

Lindsay Van Dam is a registered dental hygienist and PhD candidate at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her research focuses on interprofessional education (IPE), collaboration between oral and health professions, and approaches to enhance equity, inclusion, and access within health education, policy, and practice. Lindsay’s doctoral research involves understanding the interprofessional socialization experiences of oral health students during prelicensure education. She hopes to advance IPE in prelicensure and in practice to support enhanced interprofessional collaboration and integrated teams in practice.