Dear Colleague,
We are pleased to announce the speaker program for the 2026-2027 season of the Fairfield County Dental Club. This year, we have assembled a distinguished group of speakers from the United States and internationally. This season marks our 38th year of delivering advanced continuing education in Fairfield, Connecticut. We will offer four full days of continuing education in addition to four evening programs.
We especially appreciate the commitment of our younger dentists to learning, professional networking, and in-person engagement. Your dedication to growth is valued by our senior members, who take pride in observing your development as skilled clinicians and exemplary professionals.
We extend our sincere gratitude for your continued support. Your dedication enables us to offer this program. Please note these dates in your calendar.
We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events. In the meantime, we wish you an enjoyable summer.
–Michael Sonick , DMD and the Team of Fairfield County Dental Club
April 24, 2026 – Dr. Mia Geisinger / Last Full Day Seminar Season 2025/2026
“The Mouth-Body Connection: The Role of Periodontal Therapy in Systemic Wellness and Treatment Acceptance"
Periodontal disease is more than just an oral condition—it is a chronic inflammatory disease with far-reaching systemic consequences. Emerging research continues to uncover the profound links between periodontal health and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This one-day program will explore the critical role of comprehensive periodontal therapy in diagnosing and managing these connections, equipping clinicians with the knowledge to improve both oral and systemic health outcomes for their patients. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms linking periodontitis to systemic disease, the latest diagnostic and treatment approaches, and the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in patient care. Most importantly, this course will provide strategies to effectively communicate these connections to patients, increasing their understanding, trust, and acceptance of comprehensive treatment—ultimately leading to better health and more successful clinical outcomes.
As a Diplomate in the American Board of Periodontology, Dr. Geisinger is Board Certified in Periodontology and Implant Surgery. She serves as a Professor and the Director of Advanced Education in Periodontology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has served on numerous regional and national organized dental committees, including as the Chair of the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs and as President of the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation. She currently serves as President-Elect for the American Academy of Periodontology. Dr. Geisinger lectures nationally and internationally and she is passionate about promoting periodontal health and overall wellness for all!
She is also a mom, an exercise enthusiast, and always looking for a new pair of heels to top off her favorite outfits!
May 13, 2026 / Multiple Case Presentation - Last Evening Seminar Season 2025/2026
“Comprehensive Treatment Planning”
Dinner will be served, followed by a lively two-hour discussion of Treatment Planning/Hand On. Five to ten participants will present cases to be treatment planned or show already completed cases. This will be followed by a spirited discussion of the existing therapeutic alternatives – an excellent way to exchange ideas and expand your knowledge base. This forum will also serve as a learning crucible for difficult cases. Please note that you do not have to present cases to participate.
October 9, 2026 – Joshua Austin, DDS / Full Day Seminar Season 2026/2027
“The Mental Dental Connection: The Secret to Being a Better Clinician and Leader"
Anxiety, pain, depression, burnout. Dentistry can be difficult and take a toll. Studies show us that dental professionals experience a high incidence of mental illness. Additionally, many dental professionals don’t clearly understand the mental health conditions that our patients present with, which red flags to watch for or what to do/how to intervene.
Presented in Dr. Joshua Austin’s trademark comedic style, this course explores strategies for working together to improve mental health so we can be our best. Learn how to recognize triggers and warning signs. Identify essential tools and resources. Discover how and when to refer to a mental health professional. Explore and understand mental health terms, common treatments and therapy options. Gain coping mechanisms and learn how to manage expectations – both our own and those of our patients.This transformative course equips dental professionals with the mental resilience and leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving landscape while embracing the power of artificial intelligence. You’ll discover how to reduce stress, improve patient care, and optimize your practice using actionable strategies and cutting-edge AI tools. By mastering both personal and technological growth, you’ll create a sustainable and fulfilling dental career.
Learning Objectives:
- Define mental health terms and analyze mental health statistics
- Discover mechanisms for coping with our personal and professional challenges
- Illuminate common DSM-5 diagnoses and characteristics
- Learn how to choose the professionals for our own personal wellness team
- Identify and examine our psychologic triggers and their importance
- Explore the benefits of psychotherapy
- Consider today to be Dental Mental Health Day!
A graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School, Joshua served five years post-graduation as faculty in the Department of Restorative Dentistry. Today he maintains a full-time restorative dentistry private practice in San Antonio, Texas. Joshua has been honored with several awards during his dental career. In 2009, the Texas Dental Association names him Young Dentist of the Year.
In 2010, the Texas Academy of General Dentistry named him New Dentist of the Year. Joshua has earned a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. In 2014, Joshua was awarded with a Fellowship in the American College of Dentists for his outstanding commitment to ethics in patient care
December 4, 2026 / Todd Schoenbaum, DDS - Full Day Seminar
“Implant Prosthodontics: Aesthetics, Complications, Innovations, and Rescue Treatment”
This presentation will present the challenges and limitations unique to the treatment of partially edentulous implant patients. Focus will be on clinical techniques for restoration of implants in the aesthetic zone, complications in the restoration of implants with fixed options, and a case series of rescue treatment in compromised implant scenarios. Clinically relevant scientific information will be integrated into the discussion for decision making and techniques.Â
Topics to be covered:
- How to enhance the outcome and maximize predictability of implants in the aesthetic zone.
- Protocols and techniques to reduce the incidence of prosthetic implant complications, and how to correct them when they do occur.
- Management of clinical implant complications with a team approach.
Todd Schoenbaum is Professor at the Dental College of Georgia where he trains residents and students in implant restorations. He also serves as the Director of Clinical Research and implant treatment coordinator for the college.
He has published over 80 papers, 10 chapters, and two textbooks. He is the recipient of the scientific writing award from the JPD. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Dentistry Review. He has a master’s in clinical research from the UCLA School of Medicine, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, Secretary, Fellow and Diplomate of the Academy of Osseointegration, and Fellow of the International Team for Implantology. Dr. Schoenbaum has been invited to present his clinical and scientific work at conferences worldwide. His clinical practice is limited to fixed implant restorations.
February 5, 2027 – Tony Mennito, DMD / Full Day Seminar
“Work Flow-ing: Digital Tools for Supercharging Your Practice ”Â
We hear the term “workflow” often these days in regards to the adoption of digital tools in our dental practices. But setting aside the buzz, what does the term workflow really mean? We all know that our profession is going digital and that there are certain efficiencies and procedures that digital tools can help make more predictable. However, with all the equipment possibilities available to us, how do we know how to put it all together? In this talk, Dr. Mennito will simplify the complex by discussing ways in which you can combine technologies to realize increased predictability and efficiency in your practice. Furthermore, he’ll discuss the ever changing world of dental materials and how to best utilize them in a modern, more conservative approach to oral care. As a clinician who has been practicing and teaching digital dentistry for over 15 years, he has a rare ability to simplify complex topics and boil information down to only that which is truly clinically relevant.
Objectives:
- Define workflow and discuss the magic of what makes workflows so game-changing.
- Discuss digital impression systems and which questions to ask when making this purchase.
- Learn about the benefits of single-visit dentistry and why it makes sense now more than ever.
- Discuss 3D printing and how it can provide mind boggling efficiencies.
- Learn why the CBCT is the piece of technology that you never knew you needed.
- Discuss the benefits of DIY digital design as well as the best ways to simplify this step.
Dr. Anthony Mennito (Tony) is a private practice dentist as well as an adjunct faculty member at the MUSC College of Dental Medicine in Charleston, South Carolina. His dental practice, Expertise Dental, focuses on using technology to comprehensively care for his patients while helping to enhance the esthetics of their smile. He is an experienced user on multiple digital systems and is heavily reliant on digital design and 3D printing for treatment planning and executing both simple and complex cases. He lectures nationally and internationally and currently has 21 published papers on the topics of digital dentistry and dental materials. In his free time, Tony likes to travel, play soccer and surf.
February 6, 2026 – Gustavo Giordani, DDS / Full Day Seminar
“Digital Interdisciplinary Treatment - How to Combine Biology with Technology to Achieve Predictability in the Aesthetic Zone"Â
In this new world that we live in, joining specialties combined with fast procedures has become something fundamental for the success of aesthetic rehabilitation. When we are faced with an interdisciplinary case involving cosmetic surgery, the use of digital planning for a correct and fast-guided execution, combined with prosthetic rehabilitation, offers the patient and staff a more predictable, quick, and less invasive treatment, seeking dentistry planned and non-reactive results. During the course, we will show how to work with a fast and predictable digital workflow combining implants, surgical periodontics, and aesthetic rehabilitation.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this course, clinicians will understand:
- Immediate implants in the aesthetic zone;
- Guided surgery in perio plastic surgeries and implants;
- Tissue management around natural teeth and implants;
- Abutment design and soft tissue support;
- Connective tissue - donor and receiving areas;
- Aesthetic sutures;
- Aesthetic crown-lengthening;
- Tunneling procedures for soft tissue grafts
- Combination of surgery, orthodontics, and restorative treatments
Dr. Giordani is a specialist in oral maxillofacial surgery and traumatology, with a postgraduate degree in implantology and periodontics. He specialized in cosmetic surgery at a Fellowship in Belgium with Dr. Eric Van Dooren. Dr. Giordani is author of the book Interdisciplinary Aesthetic Dentistry The Big Picture and several national and international scientific articles. He works as a clinician in his private clinic in SĂŁo Paulo Brazil and works in partnership with the biggest names in aesthetic rehabilitation in Brazil and world. He stands out as an international speaker, participating in the biggest events of aesthetic dentistry surgery
CE Credits: 40
FORMAT
- Full-Day Seminars: 8 AM to 3:30 PM, with Breakfast & Lunch provided
- Evening Seminars: 6 PM to 8:30 PM, Dinner and Dessert provided
- Presencial Only
