2026 Symposium Presentations 

Dr. Brady Smith

Oral Fixation Comedy

Dr. Smith is a native of the Pacific Northwest and received his training from University of Pacific School of Dentistry where he graduated in 2009. He is proficient in general dentistry, oral surgery, implant placement and restorations, orthodontics, and root canal therapy.

He began performing comedy at dental conferences as part of fundraising efforts for his non-profit foundation Halo that focuses on giving thousands of dollars in free treatment to people in extreme need. Hear more from Dr. Smith on his podcast, “Laughing My Gas Off.” 

Dr. Christian Coachman CDT, DDS

Founder and CEO, DSD-Digital Smile Design company

Presentation: 7 Steps from Conventional towards Ideal Dentistry

Objectives:

1. Recognize the need for a mindset shift in dentistry—from reactive treatment to a proactive, collaborative care model that leverages AI-driven insights.
2. Integrate advanced digital technologies into comprehensive treatment planning to enhance diagnostic precision and clinical outcomes.
3.  Apply visualization tools to improve clinical decision-making and enhance communication with patients regarding their care plans.
4. Facilitate effective, asynchronous collaboration among dental specialists using digital platforms to streamline interdisciplinary treatment.
5. Implement guided clinical execution protocols that support consistency, quality control, and predictable outcomes.
6. Understand the function and value of digital planning centers in optimizing treatment workflows and clinician efficiency.
7. Communicate treatment options ethically and clearly using structured presentation strategies that empower informed patient decisions.

Dr. Christian Coachman is a visionary, brand narrative architect in dental business and a pioneer in digital and esthetic dentistry. Graduating in Dental Technology in 1995 and in Dentistry from the University of São Paulo in 2002, he is a distinguished member of the Brazilian, European, and American Academies of Esthetic Dentistry. Dr. Coachman gained significant experience as the Head Ceramist for Team Atlanta and has collaborated with renowned dentists worldwide. He developed influential concepts like Digital Smile Design, Pink Hybrid Implant Restoration, and Emotional Dentistry. As the founder of DSD-Digital Smile Design, Dr. Coachman has transformed dental education with programs like the DSD Residency, impacting thousands of dental professionals globally. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and NYU, and Educational Director of the IOA-Instituto OroFacial das Américas in Brazil. In 2025 he was the recipient of the APS Kenneth Ruud Award.

Dr. Jeff Grove, DMD

Owner, Ascension Dental Coaching LLC and AID member

Presentation: Redefining Success: How Leaving the DSO World Brought Me Back to Dentistry

Objectives:

1. Attendee, through hearing his story, will learn about the ups and downs, trials and tribulations, and shortcomings of the DSO model.  They will learn about the challenges faced in building a small DSO and why the objectives of DSO's are generally misaligned with what works best for private dental practices and patients.
2. Attendee will learn strategies that will help them thrive and grow in the face of many recent tipping points and big changes in the profession and businesses.  They will learn how to armor up and "struggle well" (resilience) with the changes!
3. Attendee will understand the value of remaining independent, and he describes and demonstrates why remaining independent is "worth the effort." 

Dr. Jeff Grove is an experienced practicing dentist and passionate advocate for dental practice independence. With over 20 years of clinical excellence, he has successfully built, led, and transformed multiple dental practices, including founding Grove Dental Group and co-founding Dynamic Growth Dental Support. Jeff is an active coach, speaker, teacher, author, and consultant and the sole member of Ascension Dental Coaching LLC, his coaching and consulting practice. Jeff is an active member in the International Academy of Dental Life Coaches (IADLC).

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Jeff combines hands-on clinical expertise with proven leadership skills. He has been recognized as one of the "Top 40 Dentists Under 40" in the United States and has been featured in prominent industry publications including Dentaltown and The Practice magazines, as well as numerous podcasts and dental industry mastermind groups.

Dr. Jeff now dedicates himself to mentoring dentists and their teams to achieve work-life freedom while maintaining practice independence. Drawing from his experience on the psychological challenges of dentistry, he provides actionable strategies for combating burnout and building sustainable, fulfilling careers. Nestled in the stunning Colorado mountains, he passionately hosts transformative retreats for dentists, their spouses, and teams.

Dr. Marco Fernandez, MD

President, The Association for Independent Medicine

Presentation: Staying Independent in a World of Private Equity and Consolidation

Objectives:

1. Analyze the impact of private equity and consolidation trends on the dental and broader healthcare landscape, including potential risks and opportunities for independent practices.
2. Identify key financial, operational, and cultural factors that support long-term independence and sustainability in a consolidating market.
3. Evaluate strategic approaches and real-world case studies of medical and dental practices that have successfully resisted acquisition while remaining competitive.
4. Develop a personalized action plan to strengthen their practice’s independence through smart partnerships, branding, and patient-centered care.

Dr. Marco Fernandez completed his undergraduate degree at Brown University before graduating from Rush University Medical College in 1999. He completed his residency in Anesthesiology at Rush University Medical Center in 2003 and has been a practicing anesthesiologist in the Chicago suburbs ever since. He has held leadership positions like Chief of Cardiac Anesthesia for Northwest Community Hospital, Co-Champion and Creator of a Perioperative Surgical Home for Orthopedics, and spearheaded the creation of a global ERAS program.

A staunch believer in independent medicine, Dr. Fernandez was the catalyst for the creation of the Association for Independent Medicine in 2022 - with the goal of supporting independent physicians and groups in the face of unique and specific challenges by providing support, education and advocacy that champion true independence. Dr. Fernandez has embraced the role of advocacy with unwavering determination, actively pursuing opportunities to engage with policymakers in Washington, D.C. and collaborating with key organizations to build meaningful connections with legislative leaders and other decision-makers. In addition to being the president of AIM, he is also the President and CEO of Midwest Anesthesia Partners and Co-founder of the Coalition for Patient Centered Care. 

Minal Sampat

Author, Marketing Strategist, Dental Hygienist

Presentation: Helping Dentists Master Marketing

Objectives:

1. Learn how to reduce your marketing budget while increasing ROI
2. Create a marketing plan that specifically works for your practice
3. Learn techniques for effectively showcasing practice culture and engaging patients through impactful video testimonials.
4. Identify your ideal patient avatar for targeting across platforms 
5. Optimize your social media and web presence
6. Receive free tools to increase new patient leads & phone calls without spending more money

Minal Sampat is a best-selling author, marketing strategist, social media coach, and dental hygienist. She was born in India, grew up in the U.S. Virgin Islands, completed her undergraduate degree at Rutgers University in New Jersey, lived in Washington state, and recently moved to Indianapolis with her husband and an extensive shoe collection! She launched her first company by breaking a Guinness World Record and since then has helped hundreds of dental practices and businesses with marketing strategies to grow production while reducing marketing expenses. Minal is also the founder of Marketologist™ - an online marketing training program, and CE on the Beach™ - where she hosts Dental CE events on tropical islands. She is also the co-founder of the Pediatric Dental Marketing Course & Pediatric Dental Growth Summit. Minal’s marketing strategies have been featured in industry press and on Forbes.com seven times in the last four years.