Speakers

Dr. Jody Carrington is a powerhouse speaker and fearless champion for authentic human connection. She is highly sought after for her expertise, energy and genuine approach to helping people solve the most complex human-centred problems. This rapidly disconnected world is leaving so many of us overwhelmed, lonely, and burned out. Dr. Jody boldly believes that all humans have the capacity for good; however, so many of us these days, because of isolation and burnout, have lost access to that good.

Dr. Jody’s work often involves understanding just how we got to this disconnected place, what we need to put the pieces back together, and maybe most importantly, how we collectively do "the work" to find our way back home again when (not if) we lose our way. Her authentic, honest, and often hilarious approach never fails to inspire and motivate audiences.

Dr. Carrington is the founder and principal psychologist at Carrington & Company, she's written three best-selling books, speaks on hundreds of stages globally each year, and hosts the widely celebrated podcast UNLONELY. In this modern world where we look all the time, but we don't see, where we listen but we don't hear, Dr. Jody is clear on one thing: we were never meant to do any of this alone.

Marko Vujicic currently serves as Chief Economist and Vice President of the Health Policy Institute as well as Chief of International Relations at the American Dental Association. In his role as Chief Economist, he oversees a comprehensive research program focusing on oral health policy issues in the U.S. health care system. In his role as Chief of International Relations, he oversees all global initiatives within the Association.

Previously, he was Senior Economist with The World Bank in Washington D.C. where he focused on health systems reform in developing countries and directed the global health workforce policy program. He was also a Health Economist with the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. In all of these roles, Dr. Vujicic led large-scale strategic initiatives focused on bringing cutting edge data and research to specific health policy challenges.

Dr. Vujicic has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals such as Health Affairs, The New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Health Services Research, Health Economics, Social Science and Medicine, and Medical Care. He is also the lead author of the book, Working in Health, which examines health workforce challenges globally and has written several book chapters on health care policy issues. His team’s work has been cited by CNN, The New York Times, NBC News, CNBC, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, PBS NOVA, and The Atlantic. He has provided testimony to federal and state legislative committees, most recently to the US Senate Committee on Finance, Subcommittee on Health Care.

Dr. Vujicic holds several academic appointments. He is adjunct senior fellow at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania and affiliate faculty at the Center for Health and the Social Sciences, University of Chicago as well as the Center for Health Services and Policy Research at the University of British Columbia. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto and a visiting assistant professor at Tufts University. He co-chairs the World Economic Forum’s oral health affinity group.

Dr. Vujicic obtained his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from McGill University in Montreal.

Dr. Peter Fritz is a certified specialist in periodontics and founder of an innovative periodontal practice in Fonthill, Ontario. His clinical expertise encompasses dental implant treatment, hard and soft tissue reconstruction, and the interdisciplinary advancement of long-term periodontal wellness.

Since 2005, Dr. Fritz has lectured internationally and presented research at leading dental and scientific conferences worldwide, earning recognition for his contributions across both clinical and academic spheres.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Fritz brings a unique multidisciplinary perspective to dentistry. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University and dual law degrees from the University of Toronto. He is currently pursuing his fourth master's degree in blockchain, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence at IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Dr. Fritz chairs the Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Digital Technology for the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and serves as an AI consultant to several provincial dental regulatory bodies.

He also maintains academic appointments at five universities, embodying his guiding principle: ‘Never stop learning, because the world around you never stops teaching.’

Founding Partner & Director of Marketing, Kastle Media Solutions

Renu's path into marketing has always been rooted in people. Understanding their stories, building connections, and finding meaningful ways to communicate ideas that resonate has guided everything she does. Over the years, she's developed a strong instinct for blending creativity with strategy, helping clients feel confident in both the process and the outcome.

As Kastle Media Solutions grew, Renu played a key role in shaping the client experience, making sure every interaction feels personal, collaborative, and aligned with each business's goals.

Outside of work, Renu is a dedicated hockey mom of 3 boys who's often found at the rink, and she values spending quality time with family and friends. That same energy and care carry over into her work, where she's passionate about building lasting relationships and creating work that people genuinely connect with.

Dr. Mintoo Basahti graduated from the University of Alberta School of Dentistry and practiced as a general dentist in rural Alberta for over 30 years. He owned and managed a large private practice that focused on a team-based approach to patient care, he practiced all areas of general dentistry and had hospital privileges that allowed him to provide more complex procedures for his patients.

Dr. Basahti has always been motivated to be involved in his community and did so by serving on the Executive of his local Lions Club and Rotary Club. He was on the founding board and was the first President of Big Brothers/Big Sisters in his local community.

Additionally, he has been involved in organized dentistry for 20 years. First by serving on the Board of the Edmonton & District Dental Society, then on Executive, and eventually he served a term as President of EDDS. Dr. Basahti was also on the Canadian Dental Association Dental Benefits Committee that liaised with the Canadian Life & Health Insurance Association to better understand and develop dental benefits for the betterment of Canadians.

He was on the Executive of University of Alberta Dental Alumni Association and served two terms as President. In 2024 he was honoured as Alumni of the Year.

He sat on the Alberta Dental Association & College Competence Committee for 5 years and served as its Chair. Through his involvement with the then ADA&C, Dr. Basahti became more interested in the governance of the practice of dentistry in Alberta. This led to his election to the ADA&C Council which led to 10 years of service to the profession and the public in Alberta. During these 10 years, Dr. Basahti served in many roles: Chair of the Audit Committee twice, Chair of the Governance Committee twice, and two terms as President. He was also the Chair of the committee that was tasked with taking the lead on the divestiture of association functions from the Alberta Dental Association & College. The ultimate work of this committee led to the ADA&C changing to the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) and the framework for the creation of the Alberta Dental Association.

For the past 4 years Dr. Basahti has been the Deputy Registrar of the CDSA. One of the most enjoyable parts of his role is being an initial point of contact for questions from dentists, team members as well as members of the public. This role has allowed him to interact with a wide range of individuals and help them to understand and navigate legislation and the foundational documents that govern the profession of dentistry in Alberta.

Dr. Mark Bochinski was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. He received his B.Sc. from the University of Alberta in 1989 and then completed his dental degree in 1993 from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. He practiced in Norman Wells and Barrhead, before returning to Edmonton in 1997, where he has been in private practice since.

In 2005, he became a part-time instructor with the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Alberta. He served as president of the Edmonton and District Dental Society from 2005-2006. He served as a council director of the ADA&C from 2008-2012, and became president of the ADA&C in 2013.

Dr. Bochinski is currently working in a contract position for the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta as the Chief Dental Advisor for the Professional Conduct Department.

Christopher is an Insurance Advisor who joined CDSPI Advisory Services Inc in 2023. He holds a BA and a Certificate in Risk Management from York University and is licensed as a general insurance broker. Christopher provides professional and personal insurance advice to Canadian dental professionals and their families. His experience includes 5 years as an insurance broker at one of the largest brokerages in Canada with a specialty in working with small businesses.

Megan Gauley and Sam Twohig are Calgary-based Registered Dental Hygienists passionate about advancing clinical excellence, mentorship, and modern dental hygiene practice. Driven by that same passion, Hygiene Elevation was created to support and inspire dental professionals through engaging speaking events, in-clinic coaching, and private mentorship for clinicians looking to elevate patient care, leadership, and practice success. Their joint goal is to be a reliable and confident source for the dental community in Canada.

Megan graduated from the Algonquin College Advanced Diploma Dental Hygiene Program in 2015 after her completion in the Pre-Health Science program. She has practiced across Ontario, Nunavut, and now Calgary in both clinical and practice management roles. She continues to support oral health beyond the clinic through volunteer initiatives serving diverse
communities.

Sam completed her Bachelor of Science at Mount Royal University in 2016 before graduating from the Dental Hygiene program at the University of Alberta in 2018. Alongside clinical practice in Calgary, Sam also serves as the 2027 Board President of the Dental Hygienists Association of Alberta, advocating for the advancement of the profession.

Originally from Brazil, Dr. Ghaname received his DDS degree from the State University of São Paulo (UNESP) in 1996. Subsequently, he pursued Master of Science degrees in Dental Materials and Restorative Dentistry at the University of British Columbia and the University of North Carolina, respectively. Dr. Ghaname's passion for endodontics led him to the University of Michigan, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Endodontics in 2011. Since completing his education, Eduardo has been engaged in private practice at Royal Oak Endodontics in Calgary, AB, while also serving as a clinical lecturer at the University of Alberta School of Dentistry.

Kelvin Hanson is a co-founder of Kastle Media Solutions, an Alberta-based digital marketing and search strategy agency with a national client footprint spanning British Columbia to Ontario and the Maritimes. With over two decades in digital marketing, Kelvin got his start on the ground level during the massive shift from traditional print directories to early web search, learning early on how real people find, evaluate and choose local businesses. Ten years ago, he channeled that front-line experience into launching his own agency, steering clients through economic swings, algorithm overhauls, and the unprecedented operational shutdowns of 2020. Known for a candid, zero-fluff approach, he specializes in helping practices adapt to seismic shifts in modern search, Generative AI, and customer decision-making. At the heart of his approach is a core belief: acquisition gets patients through the door, but retention builds the business. When the entire team owns the experience at every touchpoint, strong retention and reputation naturally compound to drive sustainable growth. Outside the office, Kelvin is an outdoorsman, golfer, and self-admitted digital nerd whose passion for search even made its way onto his truck’s license plate: SEM SEO.

A graduate of the University of the Pacific (UOP) in San Francisco, Dr. Jan Jaffer earned his dental degree in 2002 at the age of 22.

Soon after, Jan joined his father's practice, where he spearheaded the transition to a fully digital and paperless environment in 2003. This foundation of integrity, hard work, and a commitment to his patients, staff, and community fueled the development of the TREC Dental Partnership, which now operates 17 dental clinics across the Calgary area.

Dr. Jaffer is recognized as an early adopter of innovation in dentistry. He was the first Canadian dentist to import the Sirona Teneo treatment center and the Galileos (3D CBCT). Furthering his commitment to technology, he also established a digital dental laboratory, and all TREC clinics are equipped with digital scanners and AI x-ray interpretation capabilities.

A dedicated philanthropist, Jan regularly volunteers with Kindness in Action and Dentistry For All. He has participated in 17 overseas dental missions, providing care in countries including Guatemala, Peru, Tibet, Morocco, and Ecuador.

Dr. Hollis Lai is Professor and the Associate Chair of Academic Affairs at the Mike Petryk School of Dentistry, University of Alberta. His research focuses on applying intelligent methods and data-driven solutions to advance  oral health research and education. Dr. Lai has authored over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters and has co-authored a book on automatic item generation. He also leads the Oral Health Analytics and Informatics Unit (OHAIU), directing the application of AI in oral health research at the School. Recently, the innovative learning systems he developed at the University of Alberta received the 2026 AMEE Aspire Award for Technology-Enhanced Learning. 

Dr. Lowry is from Lacombe and graduated dental school at the University of Pacific Dental School, in San Francisco. He’s practiced in Calgary and Central Alberta, where he now lives with his family. Dr. Lowry has an interest and love for orthodontics and TMJ disorders, he is passionate about these fields, focusing on the precision and patient care that make a real difference. Dr. Lowry is the Alberta Dental Association Economic Committee Chair and Dental Service Advisor. As Chair of the Economic Committee, he contributes to the review of the Suggested Dental Fee Guide and recommendations for updates. In his role as Dental Service Advisor, he provides information and guidance to members on practice-related questions and industry issues. His experience includes supporting members navigating claims verification audits and delisting concerns. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Lowry spends time with his wife and three kids. Whether it’s skiing down the slopes, behind a boat or traveling the world, he’s always busy! 

Kelsey Moreau is a Physiotherapist with a clinical focus on pelvic health and women’s health, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. She graduated from the University of Alberta in 2010 with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy, following completion of her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.

Kelsey practices at two women’s health clinics in Red Deer Alberta, providing assessment and treatment for a broad range of pelvic health concerns. Her clinical interests also include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and sleep- disordered breathing, brining a physiotherapy perspective to the connections between women’s health, sleep, and orofacial function.

Through her commitment to ongoing learning, Kelsey has completed extensive postgraduate training in pelvic health, perimenopause/menopause, functional dry needling, TMJ dysfunction, and orthopedic manual therapy.

Kelsey is passionate about collaborative, interdisciplinary care and helping patients achieve meaningful, sustainable improvements in function and well-being. She brings a practical clinical perspective to discussions of how physiotherapy, dentistry and other healthcare disciplines can work together to support women through midlife.

Bio coming soon.

Karrie Page is a Speech-Language Pathologist with more than 20 years of clinical experience and a passion for collaborative, evidence-informed care. Her clinical background spans medical dysphagia, neurorehabilitation and facial palsy, with advanced training and experience in orofacial myofunctional disorders, oral function, infant feeding, lactation and speech.

Karrie is a Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), bringing a unique lifespan perspective to the assessment and treatment of oral function. She is the owner of Tip of the Tongue and co-developer of Orofacial Rest Posture Program (ORPP) Canada, where she provides education, mentorship and training to speech-language pathologists, dental professionals and interdisciplinary teams worldwide.

Karrie believes complex functional concerns are best understood through collaboration. Her work emphasizes the interconnected relationships between oral function, feeding, speech, breathing and sleep, and the important role each profession brings to the clinical picture.

Dr. Carrie Scarff, R.Aud., Ph.D., is a leading Alberta Audiologist, auditory neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and advocate for hearing health. As Founder and CEO of Audiology Innovations, she has grown a single-clinician practice into one of Alberta's largest independently owned hearing healthcare organizations, serving thousands of patients and families across Calgary and Red Deer.

With a doctorate in Auditory Neuroscience, Dr. Scarff brings a rare combination of scientific expertise and real-world clinical experience. Her work has focused on translating cutting-edge research into practical strategies that improve patient outcomes. She is recognized for making complex hearing and brain science understandable and actionable for both healthcare professionals and the public.

Dr. Scarff's expertise extends beyond traditional hearing care. She is a sought-after speaker on hearing loss, tinnitus, auditory processing, hearing protection, cognitive health, and the growing body of research examining the relationship between hearing and the brain. Her presentations combine the latest scientific evidence with practical clinical applications, helping audiences understand not only how hearing works, but why hearing preservation is increasingly recognized as an important component of lifelong health.

A respected leader within Alberta's healthcare community, Dr. Scarff served for eleven years on the Board of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Association of Alberta, helping shape strategic planning and advocacy initiatives across the province. She has also mentored over 20 Canadian-trained and internationally educated Audiologists and is regularly called upon by media organizations as an expert resource on hearing science, hearing conservation, and public health.

Her contributions have been recognized through several prestigious honours, including:

• Alberta Business Award of Distinction for Mentorship
• Government of Alberta Seniors Service Award
• Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Award for Outstanding Community Contribution

These awards reflect her commitment not only to clinical excellence, but also to leadership, mentorship, community engagement, and advancing hearing healthcare throughout Alberta.

As a speaker for the Alberta Dental Association, Dr. Scarff brings a unique perspective at the intersection of neuroscience, hearing conservation, occupational health, and patient wellness. Given the significant noise exposure experienced by many dental professionals throughout their careers, she is uniquely positioned to discuss the science of hearing loss and Tinnitus, emerging research on hearing and brain health, and practical strategies to protect hearing without compromising professional performance.

Tabitha is the Member Services Director at the Alberta Dental Association, bringing more than 22 years and more of experience in the dental sector, including over 15 years in senior leadership within the dental industry.

Throughout her career, Tabitha has developed extensive experience in dental benefits, claims and billing, insurer relations, member support, and the issues affecting dental practices and their teams. In her current role, she works closely with Alberta dentists, government, insurers, and industry stakeholders to address emerging issues, improve communication, and support dental practices as they navigate an increasingly complex benefits environment.

Tabitha is passionate about strengthening relationships between dental professionals and benefit providers through education, transparency, and collaboration. Her combination of insurance industry experience and direct work with dental professionals provides a unique perspective on billing practices, insurance audits, claims administration, and the challenges experienced by both providers and payers.

Sarah Van Tassel is the Director, Communications and Public Relations with the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA), where she leads strategic communications initiatives that support the organization’s public protection mandate and engagement with Alberta dentists and stakeholders. Her work spans regulatory communications, educational programming and engagement, and special projects that support the evolving needs of the dental profession. Sarah is passionate about creating meaningful conversations, connecting people, and helping complex topics become accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. 

Jaye Walter is an Investment Planning Advisor holding the CIM^®, TEP, FMA^®, and FCSI^® designations. He is also a CFP professional. Jaye has 20+ years of experience in the financial services industry and he joined CDSPI Advisory Services Inc. in 2019 as a senior financial planner focused on wealth management. He works with high-net-worth clients providing solutions for their investment, retirement, tax, business succession and estate planning goals.

Dr. Kristin Yont, DMD, is a Calgary-based dentist, educator, and leader in mind-body medicine. She co-owns a downtown practice and has served as the dentist for the Calgary Flames NHL team for 28 years, where she is the lead dentist for the medical team. She also brings extensive experience in forensic dentistry and has contributed to professional regulation through her work on the Complaints Review Committee for the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta.

Dr. Yont is accredited to teach the SMART Program through the Benson Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. She shares her work through workshops, retreats, and wellness programs for dental professionals, universities, healthcare associations, and business leaders. Her training includes Compassion Cultivation Training from Stanford, Mindfulness Approaches to Addictions through the Cambridge Health Alliance, the Inner MBA in conscious leadership, and Harvard’s Science of Leadership: The Brain, Resilience, and Mindfulness program.