2025 Allied Dental Program Directors’ Conference
Navigating the New Era
Don’t miss the 2025 ADEA Allied Dental Program Directors’ Conference (ADPDC)—Navigating the New Era― from June 7 - 10 in Coronado, CA! As the only conference for allied dental program directors by allied dental program directors, #ADPDC2025 will bring allied dental education leaders together for four days of interactive educational sessions, inspiring keynote presentations, updates from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and limitless collaboration and networking opportunities with fellow allied dental education leaders and corporate partners.
As we step into this new era of allied dental education, the challenges have reshaped how we think, work and connect with our colleagues and with our students. This year let’s come together to discover how to Navigate the New Era. Our 2025 programming includes the following:
- The return of Dr. Helen Crompton with a session on using artificial intelligence (AI) in education,
- A session on navigating legal issues in your program,
- A session looking at allied dental education in Europe,
- A session on communication tools for dealing with difficult situations and
- The return of our PechaKucha session.
You’ll also have the chance to learn from our keynote, Kim Strobel, about the science behind what makes us happy, and methods for taking control of your work life and well-being. During discipline-specific sessions, dental assisting program directors can hear the progress of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) task force for the new dental assisting professional model, and dental hygiene program directors will receive updates on license portability. Finally, the entire morning on day 4 will be dedicated to CODA staff who will answer your questions.
Ready, set… mark your calendar to join us in Coronado, CA, this June!
Registration Rates
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Advanced
(Until May 5)
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Onsite
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|---|---|---|---|
| Member | $762 | $853 | |
| Nonmember | $1,033 | $1,187 | |
| Guest | $266 | $306 |
Registration Information
Registration fees for this conference are based on individual ADEA membership. You must be a current ADEA member to qualify for the member registration rate. If you are not a current ADEA member, the nonmember rate will apply.
You can join or renew your ADEA membership online at adea.org/join.
Registration
includes all materials, hosted meals, refreshment breaks and the reception.
Lodging and travel costs are at the registrant’s expense.
Guest Policy
Registration of guests will be limited to one adult guest (18 years or older) who is not a dental education colleague. The registered adult guest may attend all Saturday and Sunday evening events. Individuals under the age of 21 are not permitted at events where alcohol is served.
Cancellation
If you are unable to attend, please submit a written cancellation message to Shalonda King, ADEA Director of Event Registration, at meetings@adea.org.
Notice
ADEA may take photos, screen shots and video-recordings at this event. By registering for this event, you give ADEA and its and media partners permission to use any photos, screen shots and videos taken during the event (live or virtual) in which you appear, as well as any written comments you submit on evaluation forms, in chat-box or on social media to be recorded or used for ADEA's promotional purposes.
For questions regarding registration changes, please contact Shalonda King, ADEA Director of Event Registration at meetings@adea.org.
Attendance Policy
Program Goals
This annual conference allows allied dental education program administrators to discuss areas of mutual concern in a small meeting format. The conference also:
- Provides a forum for exchanging information on policies and programs,
- Stimulates the exchange and dissemination of ideas and information,
- Serves as a mechanism to address specific issues,
- Facilitates communication and networking opportunities and
- Provides the opportunity to exchange information about accreditation standards and their implementation to help programs prepare for upcoming site visits.
Eligibility
The following program directors are eligible to attend this conference:
- Program director, program coordinator or department chair who has oversight of a Commission
on Dental Accreditation- (CODA-)accredited allied program; interim director, coordinator or chair
and co-chair, co-coordinator or co-director of CODA-accredited allied dental programs (co-directors, co-coordinators or co-chairs must have this shared responsibility defined by institutional
contract);
- Directors of degree completion and graduate programs in institutions with a CODA-accredited
entry-level program;
- Institutions that have entry-level, CODA-accredited, distance-learning sites with specifically
identified administrative distance-learning site coordinators;
- Any director who has retired and no longer holds a faculty appointment or affiliation with an allied
dental education program;
- Former program director who has assumed a different administrative position within the same
institution where the CODA-accredited program is housed;
- Program director who has completed an initial accreditation* site visit by CODA may register and
attend the conference as an affinity member;
- Newly appointed director whose term does not begin until July or September following the
conference; and
- Program directors of advanced allied dental programs that are not eligible for CODA- accreditation.
Please note: Program directors are allowed to bring one faculty as part of succession planning, such as an assistant program director or the faculty member chosen to replace the current program director.
This additional attendee may attend most of the conference but is not allowed to attend the Council of Allied Dental Program Directors’ executive sessions, which are for Council members only.
The following individuals are NOT eligible to attend the conference:
- Substitutes for a program director who could not attend, and
- Directors of programs eligible for CODA-accreditation that are NOT accredited.
Registration Verification
Individuals handling registration will cross-check registrant names with the CODA list for program director status, so ADEA staff may reach out to registrants if they have any questions.
In addition, ADEA membership status will also be checked. Program directors who work for multiple schools must register for the Allied Dental Program Directors’ Conference (ADPDC) through the school for which they are serving as program directors.
*Initial accreditation is the accreditation classification granted to any dental, advanced dental or allied dental education program that is in the planning and early stages of development or is in an intermediate stage of program implementation and not yet fully operational. This accreditation classification provides evidence to educational institutions, licensing bodies, government or other granting agencies that, at the time of initial evaluation(s), the developing education program has the potential for meeting the standards set forth in the requirements for an accredited educational program for the specific occupational area. The classification “initial accreditation” is granted based on one or more site evaluation visit(s) and until the program is fully operational.
The American Dental Education Association is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.
All speakers agree that neither they nor members of their immediate family have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at CCEPR.ada.org.
The American Dental Education Association designates this activity for up to 12.25 continuing education credits.
| Saturday, June 7 | |
| 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. | Conference Connections Check-in (Pre-registration required) Participants will check in at this table prior to orientation. |
| 10:30 a.m. – noon | Conference Connections Program |
| Noon – 5:00 p.m. | Registration |
| Noon – 2:30 p.m. |
ADEA Welcome Committee |
| Noon – 2:45 p.m. | Corporate Sponsor Meet and Greet With Small Plate Lunch Please note: Small food items will be available throughout the entire meet and greet to allow you to simultaneously snack and visit with corporate sponsors. Participants will have the opportunity to speak with members of the ADEA Corporate Council to discuss specific program needs and obtain educational materials. |
| 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. | Corporate Raffle Drawings (Must be present to win) |
| 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Poster Presentations |
| 2:45 p.m. | End of Corporate Sponsor Meet and Greet |
| 3:00 – 3:15 p.m. |
Welcome and Introductions Presenters: Karen West, D.M.D., M.P.H. Todd Ester, D.D.S., M.A. Susan Kass, RDH, M.Ed., Ed.D. Recognition of VIPs |
| 3:15 – 3:30 p.m. | Recognition of Corporate Sponsors and ADEA Staff |
| 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. | The Science of Happiness: The Secret to Better Work and Life Kim Strobel In this thought-provoking and compelling keynote, Ms. Strobel shares how we can reprogram our brains to become more positive and step into our power. When our happiness and well-being are at the forefront, employees are 10 times more engaged, 31% more productive and three times more creative. Unfortunately, research shows that about 52% of employees are unhappy at work. Disengagement and dissatisfaction among workers have reached unprecedented levels. Ms. Strobel unpacks the positive psychology science and research that pivots the crowd towards optimism. Her inspiring stories and practical tips for well-being leave the audience feeling inspired and full of hope for creating their own happiness within their profession and their personal lives. When you reset your brain toward positive, you become more engaged, creative, motivated, energetic, resilient and productive in life—including your work life. Learning Objectives
CE Credits: 1.5 |
| 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. | Kim Strobel Book Signing |
| 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. | PechaKucha Practice Run |
| 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Reception and Dinner (For attendees and one registered adult guest) Sponsored by HuFriedyGroup |
| Sunday, June 8 | |
| 7:30 a.m. – noon | Registration |
| 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Networking Breakfast (For attendees only) |
| 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Dealing With Difficult People: Strategies for Managing Colleagues, Employees and Supervisors Sue Scherer, RDH Do you encounter colleagues or employees who consistently exhibit a negative demeanor, or supervisors who exert relentless pressure and challenge your every move? You are not alone in facing such adversities. The experience of managing difficult individuals is a common professional challenge. This course is designed to equip you with advanced strategies for navigating these complexities. By participating, you will enhance your confidence and empowerment, enabling you to effectively manage challenging interpersonal dynamics and foster a more positive and productive work environment. Learning Objectives
CE Credits: 1.0 |
| 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. | Business Meeting Carrie Hanson, RDH, M.Ed., Ed.D. |
| 10:15 – 10:30 a.m. | Break |
| 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | PechaKucha Using a PechaKucha format, facilitators present a brief synopsis of empowerment activities at their campuses. Immediately following the presentations, attendees will participate in several small group facilitated discussions on the issues. Learning Objectives
CE Credits: 2.0 |
| 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Networking Lunch (For attendees only) |
| 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Dental Education With AI: Tools, Applications and Prompt Engineering Helen Crompton, M.Ed., Ph.D. This workshop provides dental educators with practical knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) and its growing significance in dental education. Participants will gain insights into the foundational concepts of AI, generative AI tools and prompt engineering for effective teaching and learning strategies. We’ll discuss AI’s common misuses, limitations and risks while showcasing how it enhances educational methods and clinical training. Through hands-on activities, educators will explore how to integrate AI-driven tools into their curricula to streamline instruction, foster critical thinking and prepare students for a tech-driven future in dentistry. Learning Objectives
CE Credits: 1.0 |
| 2:30 – 2:45 p.m. | Break |
| 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. | Dental Education With AI: Tools, Applications and Prompt Engineering (continued) CE Credits: 1.0 |
| 3:45 – 4:30 p.m. | Concurrent Discipline-specific Sessions Participants will attend one of the five concurrent sessions below and then rotate to a different session at 4:15 p.m. Current Issues Affecting Dental Assisting Facilitator: This session will be a presentation of outcomes from the Dental Assisting National Board Task Force for the Future of Dental Assisting. This facilitated discussion of critical issues affecting dental assisting will allow dental assisting program directors to develop strategies for advancing their programs. Learning Objectives
CE Credits: 0.75 Current Issues Affecting Dental Laboratory Technology Facilitator: This session will be a facilitated discussion of critical issues affecting dental laboratory technology education. It will allow dental laboratory technology program directors to develop strategies for advancing their programs. Learning Objectives
CE Credits: 0.75 Current Issues Affecting Dental Therapy Facilitator: This session will be a facilitated discussion of critical issues affecting dental therapy education. It will allow dental therapy program directors to develop strategies for advancing their programs. Learning Objectives
CE Credits: 0.75 Current Issues Affecting Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Programs and Graduate Dental Hygiene Programs Facilitator: This session will be a facilitated discussion of critical issues affecting Bachelor of Science degree completion programs and graduate dental hygiene programs. Learning Objectives
CE Credits: 0.75 Current Issues Affecting Dental Hygiene Facilitator: This session will be a facilitated discussion of the new strategic plan for modernizing dental licensure for dental hygienists. The focus will be on licensure portability (Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact) and the promotion of acceptance of all valid and reliable examinations or other pathways to licensure. Learning Objectives
CE Credits: 0.75
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| 4:30 p.m. | Switch Sessions |
| 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Networking Reception (For attendees and one registered adult guest) Sponsored by A-dec |
| Monday, June 9 | |
| 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Networking Breakfast (For attendees only) |
| 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | ADEA Updates: Envisioning Oral Health Education—What Is the Best Fit for Best Health? ADEA Task Force on Envisioning and Transforming the Future of Oral Health and Education (ETFOHE) ADEA Allied Dental Graduating Student Survey Overview/Future Carrie Hanson, RDH, M.Ed., Ed.D. Learning Objectives
CE Credits: 1.0 |
| 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. |
Navigating Change: Supporting Students and Faculty While Minimizing Legal Risks Pamela Zarkowski, B.S.D.H., M.P.H., J.D. Leaders in allied dental education strive to support their employees and students while navigating the evolving higher education landscape. This seminar will address the ethical and legal considerations surrounding augmented intelligence (AI) in health care professions. It will also examine the roles and responsibilities involved in accommodating students, including those with mental health challenges, physical disabilities or religious needs. Additionally, the session will review best practices for identifying and addressing issues of academic integrity and implementing professional disciplinary practices. Learning Objectives
CE Credits: 1.0 |
| 10:30 – 10:45 a.m. | Break |
| 10:45 – noon |
Navigating Change: Supporting Students and Faculty While Minimizing Legal Risks (continued) CE Credits: 1.25 |
| Noon – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Allied Dental Education in Europe Barry Quinn, M.Sc., Ph.D., B.D.S. This session is focused on allied dental education in Europe, including dental hygiene, dental assisting and dental therapy. Discussion will include specific European dental regulations, ethical considerations and public health initiatives, preparing students to meet the standards required for certification and practice across European countries. Learning Objectives
CE Credits: 1.0 |
| 2:00 p.m. | Explore Coronado/Dinner on your own |
| Tuesday, June 10 | |
| 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Networking Breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. | Closing Remarks |
| 8:30 a.m. − noon |
CODA Program Director Updates Sherin Tooks This session will be conducted by CODA Allied Dental Education staff and will include:
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| Noon | Adjourn |
Hotel Information
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
4000 Coronado Bay Road
Coronado, CA 92118
Room Rate (Until May 5) | |
| Standard Single/Double | $259 |
- All rates are per room, per night and are subject to a 12.55% room tax.
- Rates are available three days before and after the conference, based on availability.
The deadline to make hotel reservations at the group rate is Monday, May 5, or when the group rate rooms sell out—whichever occurs first. After May 5, reservations at the group rate will be accepted only on a space-available basis. The room block may be filled before the deadline, so we encourage you to make reservations early. You are responsible for making your hotel arrangements directly with the property. The meeting registration does not include hotel arrangements, flight, ground transportation or any incidentals related to traveling to the meeting.
Health and Safety Protocols
While we look forward to an in-person conference, there is no higher priority than the safety and well-being of ADEA members and staff. Accordingly, we continue to monitor the status of the COVID-19 variants and their impact on the operational status of our ADEA Member Institutions. ADEA will implement health and safety protocols appropriate to the public health circumstances existing at the time of the conference. Compliance with some or all the protocols adopted by ADEA will be mandatory for in-person attendance and participation at the conference by members, guests of members, sponsors, staff, etc. Additional information regarding the specific health and safety measures, and any necessary consents by you, will be communicated prior to the first day of the conference. Failure to adhere to or comply with the safety protocols in place may result in removal from the event and/or event premises. Be sure to check the periodically for the latest conference updates.
Check-in/ Check-out Time
Hotel check-in time is 4:00 p.m. or earlier as rooms become available. Check-out time is noon.
Cancellations
Please contact the hotel directly if you need to cancel your hotel reservation.
Reservations may be canceled up to 72 hours prior to the reserved arrival date at no charge. For cancellations made after the time noted, the hotel will retain the room deposit of one night plus applicable taxes.
Questions regarding housing and transportation please contact Donna Casimier at CasimierD@adea.org or 202-238-3992.
Questions?
For Programming
Please contact Rebecca Stolberg at StolbergR@adea.org or 202-238-3946
For Logistics
Please contact Donna Casimier at CasimierD@adea.org or 202-238-3992
For Registration Questions
Please contact Shalonda King at meetings@adea.org