(010) AI & Perio: Own the Change and Become Empowered

Rachel Miller, RDH, MAADH

As a Dental Hygiene Consultant with over 30 years of experience in the field, I specialize in
empowering and educating dental professionals to integrate AI technology into their practices
effectively. My focus is on elevating the standard of care within dental hygiene through the
application of cutting-edge technology.
Currently, I am part of a pioneering team dedicated to developing advanced periodontal charting and
imaging software. In this role, I play a crucial part in product development, ensuring that our AI
solutions are both clinically robust and effective. My contributions help bridge the gap between
innovative technology and practical, everyday use in dental practices.
In addition to my consulting work, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in dental hygiene, which is
expanding my expertise in writing scientific data and deepening my dental knowledge. This
academic pursuit is enhancing my ability to contribute to research and development within the field.
My extensive career includes serving as a Clinical Research Coordinator for various dental studies,
where I facilitated vital communication between clinicians and software development teams. My
expertise also encompasses annotating DICOM CT scans using 3DSlicer for machine learning
applications, enhancing the precision and efficacy of diagnostic tools. Furthermore, I act as a liaison
between software as a medical device manufacturer and healthcare professionals, ensuring
seamless integration and understanding of technological advancements.
Committed to continual learning and innovation, I am dedicated to advancing the dental field through
both research and practical application of AI technology.

(730) Red, White & Blue; Colorful Oral Lesions

Dr. Ashley Clark, DDS

Dr. Ashley Clark is a board-certified oral pathologist currently serving as the Vice
President of CAMP Laboratory in Indianapolis, Indiana after a nearly decade-long
career serving as an oral pathologist in academia. She is on the Professional Board
for Oral Cancer Cause and Digital Dental Notes and the Advisory Board for General
Dentistry. Dr. Clark has won several teaching awards, has provided over 200
continuing education courses, and has authored more than 50 publications and book
chapters. She is a member of the American and International College of Dentists. For
a free biopsy kit, please email aclark@camplaboratory.com.

This course is designed to inform the participant about common “colorful” lesions
of the oral cavity. White lesions, red lesions, and pigmented lesions will all be discussed.
Objectives: After completion of this course, the participant should be able to:
1. Discuss common white, red, and pigmented lesions of the oral cavity
2. Establish a differential diagnosis for commonly encountered oral lesions
3. Determine a management approach for patients with these common colorful lesions

(158) “Waiting to Inhale?” Will Cannabis Challenge the Dental Professions as Tobacco Has in the Past?

Thomas Viola, R.Ph

Thomas Viola, the founder of “Pharmacology Declassified”, is a board-certified pharmacist who
also serves the professions of dentistry as a clinical educator, professional speaker and published
author. Tom is a member of the faculty of 16 dental professional degree programs and has received
several awards for outstanding teacher of the year. Tom has presented hundreds of continuing
education courses to dental professionals, nationally and internationally, in the areas of oral pharmacology and local anesthesia and is well-known for his regular contributions to several dentalprofessional journals. Through his informative, humorous and engaging live seminars and webinars, Tom has earned his reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team.

According to the DEA, cannabis is considered to have no accepted medical use and, thus, it is illegal
to possess. Yet, almost every state has enacted legislation aimed at legalizing or decriminalizing
cannabis for medical or recreational use. Despite this rise in social and legal acceptance, public health concerns regarding the use of cannabis remain, especially among dental professionals, since the major routes of administration of cannabis involve the oral cavity.
This program will introduce dental professionals to the pharmacology of cannabis, including its various dosage forms, routes of administration and adverse effects. Special emphasis will be placed on the effects of cannabis use on oral health and dental treatment, as well as the proposed use of cannabis in dentistry for the management of patient anxiety and odontogenic pain.