Santa Clara County Dental Society

CPR Certification Courses
2026-03-16 18:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-02 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-08 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-11 18:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-18 18:00 - 22:00, 2026-06-05 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-06 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-15 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) and 2 more dates | SCCDS Office
CPR certification is REQUIRED for ALL dental professionals and is highly recommended for front office staff. Completion of this course provides an American Heart Association CPR certification which is valid for two years.
COURSE INCLUDES
• Registration
• Lecture
• Audio/visual presentation
• Demonstrations
• Written and practical exam
Registration Options*
CDA Member Dentist ($80.00)
Dental Staff/Auxiliary ($80.00)
Non CDA Member Dentist ($172.00)

SMCDS Event - Ridge Preservation: Less Traumatic Extractions and Bone Grafting for Implant Placement
2026-03-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Rd, San Carlos, CA, 94070, United States
TOPIC
Ridge Preservation: Less Traumatic Extractions and Bone Grafting for Implant Placement
CONTINUING EDUCATION 3 CE Unit (Core)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Understand the biologic principles of post-extraction ridge remodeling and how extraction technique influences hard and soft tissue preservation. Apply atraumatic extraction principles to minimize alveolar bone loss and optimize sites for future implant placement. Select appropriate ridge preservation strategies based on socket anatomy, infection status, and implant timing considerations. Choose bone grafting materials and barrier techniques that support predictable ridge preservation and implant-driven outcomes. Integrate ridge preservation into comprehensive implant treatment planning to improve implant positioning, esthetics, and long-term success.
SPEAKER BIO: Aman Bhullar, DMD, is an experienced dentist who provides general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry to patients of all ages and backgrounds. He leads the team of experts at The Glen Dental in San Jose, California. Patients trust Dr. Bhullar for his compassion, commitment to excellence, and friendly demeanor. Dr. Bhullar provides a wide array of dental services, including preventive care, routine dental exams, fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, veneers, and dentures. He is also an expert in dental implantology. Having completed extensive training and performed countless procedures, he has been awarded a prestigious fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Bhullar is the first and only Board Certified Implantologist in the San Jose and Campbell area. Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Dr. Bhullar received his Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He then completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine at Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University in Philadelphia.

Mandatory Opioid Training for License Renewal
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Online Via Zoom
2 Units of CE (Category 1)
THIS COURSE WILL BE HELD ONLINE VIA ZOOM – THE LINK WILL BE SENT 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE EVENT
Pain management in dentistry is not just about filling cavities, it’s about ensuring patient comfort and safety. In this class, doctors will gain the skills to identify various pain management options and regulatory requirements for opioids. They will also learn to recognize signs of substance use disorders in patients and develop strategies to manage vulnerable situations. Join us and become a confident, compassionate provider of dental pain management!
THIS COURSE IS DENTAL BOARD APPROVED FOR LICENSE RENEWAL
Registration Options*
CDA Member Dentist (Free!)
Dental Staff/Auxiliary ($80.00)
Non CDA Member Dentist ($230.00)

Mandatory Annual HIPAA Training
2026-03-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Online Via Zoom
THIS COURSE WILL BE HELD ONLINE VIA ZOOM – THE LINK WILL BE SENT 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE EVENT
You will learn:
• Privacy Rule • Security Rule • Omnibus Rule • Penalties• Investigation triggers • Breaches • Business Associates • Technology risks & rewards • How to protect your practice
Find out what info is real and what rumors are fake in the HIPAA world and hear some real-world cases and fines that come with them. This is a must-hear lecture for any practice owner who is concerned with being compliant and wants to be “in the know”.
Registration Options*
SCCDS Member Dentist (FREE!)
Dental Staff/Auxiliary ($75.00)
Non CDA Member Dentist ($225.00)

General Membership Meeting: My Digital Journey
2026-04-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Hybrid, 1485 Park Ave., San Jose, CA, 95126, United States
Dental technology investments—from intraoral scanners and mills to 3D printers and CBCT—can transform patient care, team efficiency, and practice profitability. Yet many practices underutilize these tools, missing opportunities to streamline workflows, delegate effectively, and deliver comprehensive care. This session teaches dental professionals how to maximize their technology ROI by fully leveraging existing tools, implementing consistent workflows, and empowering team members to take ownership. Learn practical strategies to expand the use of your devices beyond the basics, boost patient outcomes, enhance team morale, and drive measurable growth for your practice.
Biography:
Dr. Apekian graduated from University of California, Davis with a degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California, San Francisco in 2007, where she graduated top of her class. She is active in the Sacramento District Dental Society, serving as previous Legislative Committee Chair, as well as serving on the Continuing Education, Ethics, and Leadership Committees. She has also represented Sacramento at the CDA House of Delegates. Dr. Apekian is an active member of the California Dental Association, American Dental Association, and UCSF Alumni Association. Dr. Apekian recently accepted the smart integration award honoring female clinicians in the area of digital dentistry.

Mandatory Annual CalOSHA Training
2026-04-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Online Via Zoom
THIS COURSE WILL BE HELD ONLINE VIA ZOOM – LINK WILL BE SENT 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE EVENT
CalOSHA is complex and extensive. Compliance, especially in the healthcare industry, is important, and non-compliance can have far-reaching effects on an office. Make sure you and your staff have proof of annual training with our focused training
This Course will include:
Safety compliance with the latest Cal/OSHA updates.
Bloodborne Pathogen & Aerosol Transmissible Disease standard and hazard communication
An emergency action plan
The latest revision to the Hazard Communication Standard based on the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
Required training review and labeling standards
Registration Options*
SCCDS Member Dentist (FREE!)
Dental Staff/Auxiliary ($75.00)
Non CDA Member Dentist ($225.00)

Play & Learn at Dave and Busters! - 04/26/26
2026-04-26 11:00 - 14:00 | Dave and Busters – Milpitas, 940 Great Mall Dr, Milpitas, CA, 95035, United States
Sunday, April 26th @ 11:00am
940 Great Mall Dr, Milpitas, CA 95035
FREE For SCCDS Members
Are you an air hockey champion? Do you live for the thrill of drifting the Batmobile through a Monaco Grand Prix? We want to see it!
Join the fun on April 26th, starting with a delicious barbecue lunch over a 1-hour presentation: Dentistry Is a Team Sport: The Impact of Team Roles, Leadership, and Collaboration on Production and Practice Success. Then hit the arcade with 75 game chips and UNLIMITED PLAY on non-redemption games!
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Describe the roles and responsibilities of clinical and administrative team members and their impact on practice production and efficiency.
2. Discuss the dentist’s role in establishing leadership, communication standards, and accountability within the dental team.
3. Examine how effective collaboration between dentists and team members influences patient experience and treatment acceptance.
4. Explain the relationship between team alignment, practice culture, and financial performance.
This is one Sunday Funday you won’t want to miss!
Our Speaker
Dr. Soraya Safi, DMD is a general dentist and dental coach based in Southern California. With over a decade in private practice, she bridges clinical excellence with leadership and business growth. As the founder of Dr. Safi Coaching and creator of The Forever Associate Dentist, she empowers dentists to strengthen communication, boost production, and think like owners. Known for her relatable, experience-driven teaching, Dr. Safi inspires dentists to lead confidently, find fulfillment, and achieve sustainable success in every stage of their careers.

8 Hour Infection Control and Dental Practice Act Law for DAs
2026-05-09 08:00 - 15:30, 2026-06-13 08:00 - 15:30 | SCCDS Office
THIS COURSE IS FOR UNREGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANTS OR NEW RDA APPLICANTS ONLY. IF YOU ARE A LICENSED DENTAL PROFESSIONAL, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR OUR “LICENSE RENEWAL” COURSE INSTEAD.
Non-RDA dental assistants are required by the Dental Board of California to take an 8-hour training course in Infection Control and a certified 2-hour Dental Practice Act course. This program satisfies these requirements. This course includes 4 hours of online study that MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE the 4 hours of in-class study. Check-in begins at 8 am. Boxed lunch included!
Registration Options*
Dental Staff/Auxiliary ($395.00)
Two physical certificates will be issued the day of the class. Any additional physical or digital copy requests will be charged $25.00

When to Go Fee-for-Service — and How to Know If You’re Ready FOR ORTHODONTISTS - 5/12/26
2026-05-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Online Via Zoom
Tuesday, May 12th
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Online via Zoom
1 CE Unit
This educational webinar explores what fee-for-service really means in today’s orthodontic landscape and how to evaluate whether it aligns with your practice goals. We’ll walk through key indicators, financial considerations, and operational impacts to help you determine if, when, and how a transition might make sense for your unique practice.
Speaker
Megan Wyrick
Founder, The Wyrick Outlook Inc
Megan is the driving force behind TWO, an orthodontic coaching company transforming how teams operate. With 15+ years of experience across roles from scheduling and financials to marketing and treatment coordinating, she knows what makes a practice succeed. As founder, she brings real world solutions through courses like Confused 2 Confident and Master the Money.
A sought-after speaker at events like the Ortho2 Users Group Meeting and podcasts including Orthopreneurs, Megan helps orthodontic teams streamline systems, boost efficiency, and gain financial clarity. Outside of work, she’s a 90’s R&B fan and Apple enthusiast; a leader who turns teams into confident, empowered pros.

Presented By:

SMCDS Event: From Practice Growth to Wealth Freedom - 5/13/26
2026-05-13 18:00 - 20:00 | San Mateo County Dental Society, 939 Laurel St Ste. C, San Carlos, CA, 94070, United States
This in-person dinner lecture provides an educational discussion on the relationship between dental practice performance, career decision-making, and long-term financial preparedness. Co- presented by a practicing dentist and a financial professional, the program offers a multidisciplinary perspective on how clinical operations, practice optimization, and informed financial planning intersect over the course of a dental career.
Date:
Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm
location: San Mateo County Dental Society
939 Laurel St Ste. C, San Carlos, CA 94070
Designed for both dental practice owners and associates, the lecture explores strategies that support sustainable practice growth, operational efficiency, and professional balance. Content is presented at a conceptual and educational level, emphasizing evaluation of current approaches, awareness of available strategies, and alignment between professional goals and long-term planning.

General Membership Meeting: Special Care Dentistry for General Dentists and Specialists
2026-05-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Hybrid, 1485 Park Ave., San Jose, CA, 95126, United States
Serving patients with special health care needs is a powerful way to differentiate your practice and build lasting relationships. This course gives general dentists and specialists the clinical, behavioral, and systems-based tools to confidently care for patients with developmental disabilities, complex medical histories, behavioral challenges, and aging-related conditions. Gain practical workflows, treatment planning pearls, and understand medical-dental considerations that reduce chair time and improve predictability. Expand your impact and grow a highly loyal, referral-driven segment of your practice!
During this course you will learn:
1. Foundation of Special Care Dentistry and what it includes
2. Most common Clinical Presentations & Medical Considerations
3. Management of Behaviors and Modification of Environments
4. Admin, Team and Medical Collaboration
5. Sedation, OR and High-Risk Care 6. Emergency Preparedness and Portable Care Key Takeaways
Biography:
Sampada Deshpande DDS, FACD practices in San Mateo County, CA. Due to her specialized training, she is consistently approached for care by patients with Special Health Care Needs (SHCNs) and/or medical complexities. Author of the book, Persevering, Sampada earned a DDS from the University of Washington in 2018 and completed a GPR at Alameda Health System in 2023. Sampada lectures nationally on treating patients with SHCN’s in a private practice setting and using portable dentistry. Her writing on this topic and others has been featured in the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry and Dental Economics. She manages a family-first practice in San Carlos, CA, where she also offer sedation services to those that require it. She lives with her husband and children in the East Bay.

Mandatory Harassment Prevention Training for EMPLOYEES ONLY
2026-05-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Online Via Zoom
Since January 1, 2021, California businesses with five (5) or more employees MUST provide harassment prevention training every two (2) years. Employees are required to have 1 hour of training within six (6) months of hire. In this instructor-led session, attendees will engage in discussions on all forms of sexual harassment (verbal, visual, and physical). Other types of prohibited harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and abusive conduct will also be covered in an interactive format.
Attendees will learn how to recognize problems and their responsibility in the prevention of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and abusive conduct. Topics include reporting, bystander intervention as well as practical tips on how to stay out of trouble and keep the workplace harassment-free.
This course will be held online via Zoom. The link will be sent out 24 hours before the event.

The Good Leasing Guidelines & Negotiating Complex Transactions Presented by Acuity - 5/26/26
2026-05-26 18:00 - 20:00 | SCCDS Office
Tuesday, May 26th
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Online via Zoom
2 CE Units
FREE for SCCDS Members and Guests
Seminar 1: The Good Leasing Guidelines for Dental Offices – How to Save Thousands on your next lease renewal and improve the quality of care for patients.
Dental offices are a costly physical plant. When a dentist builds out their practice, they usually do not think that their landlord could have the ability to prevent them from selling their practice, relocate them (at their cost), or terminate their lease at their discretion. Dentists are oftentimes faced with other lease related issues that directly affect the quality of care provided for patients and the patients overall experience. These can include not enough patient parking, limited access for patients with disabilities, and making sure that your landlord is properly maintaining the space to ensure the patients experience is of the highest quality. In Lewis Gelmon’s seminar, dentists will learn how the value of their dental office is directly tied to having a good lease. The Good Leasing Guidelines for Dental Offices is a fast paced, interactive educational seminar which will provide dentists with the right knowledge and tools they need when dealing with their office lease and landlord to gain peace of mind.
Seminar 2: Negotiating Complex Business Transactions for Dentists
Whether you are leasing dental office equipment, thinking of selling your practice to a DSO, renegotiating your office lease with your landlord, or trying to negotiate more parking spots for patients; having a good understanding of how to best navigate these transactions successfully and without stress is key. Using case studies from Lewis Gelmon’s thirty plus year career negotiating with some of the world’s toughest landlords, dentists will learn the fundamentals in negotiating complex business transactions and how to undergo them with ease.

Presented By:

Infection Control & Dental Practice Act Law for License Renewal
2026-05-29 08:00 - 12:30 | Online Via Zoom
THIS COURSE IS FOR LICENSED DENTAL PROFESSIONALS ONLY. IF YOU ARE AN UNLICENSED DENTAL ASSISTANT OR NEW RDA APPLICANT, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR OUR “8 HOUR INFECTION CONTROL” COURSE INSTEAD.
THIS COURSE WILL BE HELD ONLINE VIA ZOOM – LINK WILL BE SENT 24 HOURS PRIOR TO EVENT
4 CE Units
All LICENSED dental professionals are required to take Infection Control and Dental Practice Act (DPA) courses in order to renew their licenses every two years. This course meets all of the Dental Board requirements.
Registration Options*
CDA Member Dentist ($89.00)
Dental Staff/Auxiliary ($89.00)
Non CDA Member Dentist ($239.00)

SMCDS Event: When the Front Office Walks Out: One Doctor’s Case for Remote Staffing - 6/11/26
2026-06-11 12:30 - 13:30 | Online Via Zoom
12:30 – 1:30 pm
Free Webinar – Attendees will receive the meeting link the by email the day before
This 60-minute session presents a working case study of Dr. Josh Solomon’s practice in Livermore, CA, which transitioned core front office operations to a remote staffing model following significant team turnover.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
1 CE 20%
Attendees will leave with:
1. A peer-told, real-world case study of remote staffing inside a private practice
2. A clear breakdown of what a remote team can own day-to-day — and the true cost compared to in-house
3. Honest answers to the most common concerns: patient experience, viability, and team buy-in
4. A practical approach to lowering overhead by paying only for the staff capacity you actually need
5. What integration actually looks like — use cases, best practices, and common pitfalls to avoid
SPEAKER BIOS:
Joshua Solomon, DDS, MS is a second-generation pediatric dentist and has been in practice in Livermore, California for 20 years. He is a graduate of the University of the Pacific with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a D.D.S. Following dental school, Dr. Solomon completed an additional 2-year specialty residency at the University of Texas Dental Branch – Houston and a Master’s program in conjunction with the Department of Oral-Biomaterials.
When not treating patients in his office, Dr. Josh is an internationally recognized speaker and clinical instructor. Dr. Solomon is full faculty at the Bioclear Learning Center in Washington, owner/director of the Bioclear Pediatric Learning Center and the Dental Specialty Training Center. The center was designed to provide small-group, hands-on courses in advanced restorative techniques for pediatric and general dentists. He serves as a product evaluator and key opinion leader for many national and international dental companies.
Christine Sison, BA, MS is the CEO of Swiss Monkey, a staffing and virtual front office services company. She has built and has managed a dental practice for over 10 years and has her Bachelor of Neurobiology from UC Berkeley and a Master of Health Policy and Management from the Harvard School of Public Health. Prior to her work in dentistry, she conducted brain tumor research at UCSF, assisted in the integration of IT into clinics and hospitals, and later led the development of community-wide healthcare systems, including telemedicine efforts.

From Practice Growth to Wealth Freedom Presented by Pantheon and Fernandez - 6/11/26
2026-06-11 18:00 - 20:00 | California Dental Arts, 20421 Pacifica Dr., Cupertino, CA, 95014, United States
Thursday June 11th, 2026
6:00 – 8:00pm
California Dental Arts – 20421 Pacifica Dr. Cupertino, CA 95014
2 CE Units
Dinner Included
VERY LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE
This in-person dinner lecture provides an educational discussion on the relationship between dental practice performance, career decision-making, and long-term financial preparedness. Co- presented by a practicing dentist and a financial professional, the program offers a multidisciplinary perspective on how clinical operations, practice optimization, and informed financial planning intersect over the course of a dental career.
Designed for both dental practice owners and associates, the lecture explores strategies that support sustainable practice growth, operational efficiency, and professional balance. Content is presented at a conceptual and educational level, emphasizing evaluation of current approaches, awareness of available strategies, and alignment between professional goals and long-term planning.
Topics Include:

Career pathways in dentistry: associate and owner perspectives
Practice growth and performance considerations at different career stages
Operational efficiency and integration optimization within dental practices
Understanding how practice systems impact profitability
Foundational concepts of financial preparedness for dentists
Evaluating whether current financial strategies align with professional goals
Common planning considerations for dentists across career phases
Balancing professional responsibilities, personal priorities, and long-term goals
Case-based discussion from both clinical and financial perspectives

Presented By:

SCCDS Summer Picnic - Vasona Park - 6/14/26
2026-06-14 12:00 - 15:00 | Vasona Park – Gateway Pavilion, 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA, 95032, United States
June 14, 2026
12 pm – 3 pm
Vasona Park – 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Gateway Pavilion Picnic Site
FREE for SCCDS Members
Bring Your Favorite Dish or Treat to the Potluck Lunch
Take a walk on the wild side at the SCCDS Annual Picnic! Enjoy family friendly games and activities, a festive potluck lunch, and a raffle packed with prizes that bring a sense of adventure to every summer day!
We look forward to celebrating with friends and family alike! Due to capacity limitations, we are able to accommodate up to 4 guests per accompanying member. We appreciate your understanding.

TDIC Webinar: The Refund Obstacle Course: Mastering Communication and Risks - 6/23/26
2026-06-23 17:00 - 18:30 | Online Webinar
Uncomfortable handing patient refunds? You’re not alone! Learn practical strategies and proven communication techniques to respond to patient requests while maintaining continuity of care and objective documentation that protects your dental office. By skilling up on best practices, you can preserve goodwill during negotiations, foster transparent communication and effectively address patient concerns.
Learning Objectives:

Develop strategies to manage patient refund requests while maintaining trust and continuity of care.
Implement best practices for refund negotiations while promoting clear communication and goodwill.
Understand proper documentation of refund discussions to minimize risks and support optimal outcomes.

Reduce PPO Dependency Presented by Fortune - 6/23/26
2026-06-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Online Via Zoom
Reduce PPO Dependency
Protect Your Practice Value and Revenue & Diversify Your Practice
Tuesday, June 23rd
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Online via Zoom
1 CE Unit
You’ve probably wrestled with the question, “Does accepting insurance help your dental practice?” There’s no simple answer, but your choice will have a major impact on your practice for years to come.
This event is designed for the dentist who wants to stay massively profitable in the midst of shrinking dental insurance reimbursement. You will learn:

The formula for strategically dropping PPOs
6-step system to ensure patient retention
Organizing your billing system to increase collections
Key performance indicators to track a proactive transition
Scripting communication to keep your patient base
Providing a remarkable patient experience

Presented By:

Watch Party - The Shaping Revolution: Efficient Techniques for Enhanced Endodontic Outcomes - 6/25/26
2026-06-25 18:00 - 20:00 | SCCDS Office
Thursday, June 25
6:00pm – 8:00pm
1 CEU
FREE for SCCDS Members
In Person at SCCDS
Dinner Provided
This course explores a modern approach to root canal shaping that prioritizes efficiency, effectiveness, and clinical excellence. You’ll learn how advanced shaping techniques can often eliminate the need for a glide path, saving time without compromising results. Through real case examples, the course demonstrates how streamlined shaping creates more time for activated irrigation and enhanced disinfection using tools like the EndoActivator.
Course Objectives:

Understand the advantages of contemporary shaping techniques for endodontic procedures.
Apply a simplified, efficient shaping method to improve clinical workflow.
Utilize activated irrigation with the EndoActivator to achieve superior disinfection and treatment outcomes.

Featured Speaker:

Dr. Pullen graduated from USC dental school in 1999. He then completed a 1-year AEGD in the Army Dental Corps in 2000. Dr. Pullen served 3 years in Landstuhl, Germany in the Army Dental Corps and then practiced as a general dentist for two years in Yorba Linda, CA. Dr. Pullen attended the Long Beach VA endodontic program and graduated in 2006. He opened a private practice limited to Endodontics in Brea, CA in 2007 and became board certified in endodontics in 2013. Notice to audience: This speaker is being compensated by Dentsply Sirona for this event but does not have monetary or other interest(s) with Dentsply Sirona and/or with any company whose products are discussed or presented in this presentation.

Presented By:
