Address

1309 East Kearney St
Laramie, WY 82070

Call us

(307) 237-1186

Address

1309 East Kearney Street
Laramie, WY 82070

Call us

(307) 237-1186

Annual Convention

Little America Hotel and Resort, Cheyenne, WY

 

Get ready for the Wyoming Dental Association Annual Convention!

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience at our Annual Convention, where dentistry meets camaraderie, education, and excitement. This flagship event brings together dental professionals from across Wyoming for a dynamic blend of learning, networking, and fun-filled activities. This year we are happy to announce that Jeffrey Kahl, ADA 14th District Trustee and Brett H. Kessler, ADA President-Elect will be joining us at our convention.

What to Expect:

  • Reception with Food and Drinks: Unwind and socialize at our lively reception, featuring delectable food, refreshing drinks, and engaging conversations. Connect with fellow attendees, forge new connections, and celebrate the spirit of camaraderie that defines our dental community.
  • Exhibitors: Explore the latest advancements in dental technology, products, and services showcased by leading exhibitors. From innovative equipment to cutting-edge dental supplies, our exhibitor hall offers a comprehensive array of resources to enhance your practice.

  • Continuing Education Speakers: Immerse yourself in a world of learning with speakers delivering insightful presentations. Expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and stay abreast of emerging trends in dentistry through our diverse continuing education program.

  • President’s Dinner: Join us for an elegant evening of celebration and fellowship at the President’s Dinner. Raise a toast to the achievements of our association, honor distinguished members, and enjoy an exquisite culinary experience in the company of colleagues and friends. Then try your luck at our casino night event!

  • Business Meeting: Gain valuable insights into the direction and governance of the Wyoming Dental Association by attending our business meeting. Participate in discussions, voice your opinions, and contribute to shaping the future of dentistry in our state.

  • Fun Activities: Indulge in a range of exciting activities designed to add a dash of adventure to your convention experience. Whether you’re hitting the golf course for a friendly round, testing your aim at skeet shooting, or trying your luck at casino night, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Convention Experience!

Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to elevate your practice, connect with peers, and create lasting memories. Mark your calendars, pack your enthusiasm, and get ready for an enriching and exhilarating time at the Wyoming Dental Association Annual Convention!

 

A block of rooms has been reserved for the event. Please be sure to mention that you are with the Wyoming Dental Association when booking. The room block expires 5/10/24 so book your rooms as soon as possible! 

Call 307-775-8400 (do not call the 1-800 number) 

Exhibitor/Sponsor Information

Are you interested in being an exhibitor or sponsor at our annual convention? Please click the link below to download the registration forms. Instructions are included on the form. Thank you!

2024 Annual Convention Schedule

 

Thursday, June 6th

8 am-12 pm- Board of Directors meeting (lunch provided for board members)- Casper room

2 pm-9 pm-Vendor check-in and set up- Wyoming room

10 am- Golf at Cheyenne Country Club for 12 people, first come first serve. Tee times 10:10 am, 10:20 am, 10:30 am. Fee is $85 with green fee and cart included. Plese text Tyler Boyd at (208) 346-1085 if you’d like to join! 

2 pmCheyenne Trap Club-Shooting shotguns at the Cheyenne Trap Club: participants can bring their own shotgun or they have 7 available guns first come for no charge but ammo is $25/box and each box is 25 rounds. Ammo 12g is also available for purchase with participants’ own guns for the same price. This is reserved for June 6th at 2 pm. No age restriction but minors must have a parent or guardian present. The cost is $9 per person per round and each round is 25 targets. Cash, check or card accepted.
Curt Gowdy Aquatic Rentals-Reservoir aquatic rentals at Curt Gowdy State Park 30 min away from Cheyenne. (see flyer)
Self-guided Capitol Tourshttps://www.wyomingcapitolsquare.com/tours

Friday, June 7th

 

7 am-8 am-Breakfast buffet -Wyoming room

7 am-5 pm-Exhibit Hall- Wyoming room

8 am-10 am– Landon Bluemel, MD-The Opioid Epidemic: What Part Do We Play? Alternative Pain Modalities-Sheridan room

10 am-12 pm– Alyssa Aberle, RDH- Post Exposure Protocol-Sheridan room

10 am-12 pm-First Business Meeting- Wyoming room

12-1 pm Lunch buffet-Wyoming room (Dr. Paul Johnson, MD, MPH Medicaid dental program updates)

1 pm-3 pm-Dr. Tyler Boyd, DDS/Dr. Donald Ross- Review of necrotizing soft tissue infections followed by a dual lecture of the surgical and prosthetic digital process of full arch fixed procedures.–Sheridan room

1 pm-3 pm-Northern Colorado Periodontists- Peri-implant disease-Casper room

3 pm-5 pm-Endodontics of the Rockies-To Refer or Not to Refer- Sheridan room

3 pm-5 pm-Diane Mullins, RDH- Suicide Prevention-Casper room

5 pm-6 pm– UNMC Reception-Bighorn room, or Hathaway Patio

6:30 pm-10 pm– Metropolitan Downtown Reception (heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar)-1701 Carey Ave. Cheyenne, WY

Saturday, June 8

 

7 am-8 am-Breakfast buffet-Wyoming room

7 am-1 pm– Exhibit Hall-Wyoming room

7 am- 8 am-Pierre Fauchard Society, American College of Dentists and Academy of Dentistry International-Wyoming room

7 am -8 am-NW District Meeting-Casper room

8 am-10 am– Dr. Chad Petersen, DDS- Management of the most common in-office urgencies/emergencies and treatment considerations for the medically complex patient-Sheridan room

10 am-12 pm– Dr. Kum, DDS-Periodontal Disease Classification-Casper room

11 am-12pm-Wyo-D-Pac Meeting- Sheridan room

12 pm-1 pm-Lunch buffet (Dental Lifeline speaking)-Wyoming room

1 pm-3 pm– Dr. Edward Clark, Dawn Puente-Coding and Billing-Sheridan room

4 pm-5:30 pm-Delta Dental Meeting-Bighorn room or Hathaway Patio

6 pm-10 pm– President’s Banquet/Casino Night-Wyoming room

Sunday, June 9

 

7 am-8 am Breakfast (Continental Style)-Sinclair room

7 am-8 am– AGD Meeting-Sheridan room

8 am-10 am-2nd Business Meeting-Sinclair room

CE Speakers Topic/Bios

Friday June 7th

Dr. Landon Bluemel, MD, Pain Anesthetist

I am Landon Bluemel, a current practicing Anesthesiologist with Anesthesiology Consultants of Cheyenne. I grew up in Lyman, WY on a family ranch where I learned hard work alongside my parents and grandparents. After a two year service mission in Costa Rica I attended Brigham Young University where I majored in Physiology and Developmental Biology and met my wife Natalie. I attended medical school at the University of Washington through the WWAMI program and completed residency at the University of Utah in the Department of Anesthesiology. While there I fell in love with cardiac anesthesia, echocardiography, and opioid minimization techniques including multimodal analgesia. I have been practicing in Cheyenne for the last five years. My wife and I have three sons ages 13, 10, and 7. We enjoy mountain biking, skiing, days at the lake, traveling, and about anything else outside.

My presentation will be divided into two separate lectures.

  • The Opioid Epidemic: What Part Do We Play?
  • Multimodal Analgesia Strategies for the Dental Patient
Alyssa Aberle, MBA, RDH, CDIPC

Help… We’ve Had An Exposure! Best Practices for Post-Exposure Protocol in the Dental Office.

Description: Having an exposure in the dental office can cause a lot of worry and fear. Being prepared for these situations is the key. In this course, we’ll turn potentially serious situations into opportunities for confident and informed action in the dental office. This course will educate team members on the risks of exposures in the dental office, prepare team members to communicate with patients about these risks, and equip them to communicate with the occupational health clinic about their care.

Objectives:

● Discuss common exposures in the dental office and associated risks

● Assist the dental team in preparation of a “Grab & Go” packet for post-exposure protocols

● Equip the dental team with resources and tools to effectively communicate with patients about exposure incidents and their role in preventing disease transmission

● Provide dental team members with information to appropriately discuss their care plan with an occupational health provider

Alyssa Aberle is a Colorado dental hygienist with a deep understanding of the dental profession and a big dream for our future. Alyssa received her B.S. in Dental Hygiene from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in 2009 and Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2013. She is a member of the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) and a Fellow of the American Dental Hygienists Association (FADHA).

Alyssa has served in several roles within the Colorado Dental Hygienists’ Association and has worked for over 13 years in public health and community health clinical settings. Alyssa currently serves as the Executive Director for the Colorado Dental Hygienists’ Association and works clinically in a mobile dental program serving homeless shelters and residential treatment facilities. Alyssa completed her Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC) in 2020. In 2022, Alyssa joined Kim Laudenslager teaching OSHA & infection control to dental professionals in Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and around the country. Married to a Colorado native, Alyssa and her family of 5 spend most of their free time outdoors hiking, backpacking, and boating. Alyssa loves rocking out to 90’s music, movie theater popcorn, and chai tea.

Dr. Tyler Boyd, MD, DDS/Dr. Donald Ross, DDS

Dr. Boyd will be giving a brief review of necrotizing soft tissue infections followed by a dual lecture of the surgical and prosthetic digital process of full arch fixed procedures. This lecture will consist of surgical and prosthetic protocols as well as pearls and pitfalls as shared by Dr Boyd and Dr Don Ross.

Dr. Tyler Boyd, MD, DDS– Dr. Boyd completed dental school at the University of Washington School of Dentistry He then completed his 6 year residency in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at both Parkland Medical Center Through UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas, including medical school and a year of General Surgery. He also trained in Seattle, Washington at Harborview Medical Center with the University of Washington Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Residency. In 2019 Dr Boyd entered private practice at Frontier Oral Surgery and Implant Center in Cheyenne Wyoming. Since starting private practice Dr Boyd has had a strong emphasis on the cutting edge digital techniques that are innovating full arch rehabilitation and has worked closely with Dr Ross in honing the process as it has and will continue to evolve.

Donald Ross D.D.S., Pros. Cert-finished dental school and residency in the Dept. of Prosthodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. His 15+ years of clinical focus and expertise specifically lies in all aspects of the full arch (All-On-X) procedure. He lectures internationally on the topic and serves the niche edentulous market with education, hands-on clinical training, and laboratory services. To date he has completed over 2000 arches working with clinicians and surgeons all across the U.S.In 2016 he founded OnXX Digital in Dallas, Texas. OnXX Digital focuses on continuous improvement, innovation, and perfecting digital processes and clinical protocols for the fullarch procedure so dentists and surgeons can better serve their patients. Dr. Ross believes that the perfect clinical process intertwined with technology will prove to shift the paradigm in the full arch market moving forward. The simplification and standardization that results from this shift will ultimately lead to substantial improvements in clinical outcomes which will lead to the mass adoption of full arch treatment by providers. This shift will be key to serve the increasing patient demand for full arch treatment in the market. Dr. Ross currently serves as Founder and Chief Clinical Officer for OnXX Digital.

Northern Colorado Periodontics

Currently, over 5 million dental implants are annually in the United States. While there have been tremendous advancements in dental implant education, as well as surgical and restorative technologies over the years, advancements in technologies to maintain these implants after completion have lagged behind. Multiple published peer-reviewed studies suggest that up to 25% of dental implants develop peri-implant disease by 6-8 years after placement. It is important in modern dental practice that specific protocols are put in place to maintain dental implants, as well as identify peri-implant disease as early as possible in the process so that intervention can be made. With the etiology of peri-implant disease being similar to periodontitis, keeping implants healthy has major benefits to the reduction of systemic inflammation and systemic disease. This course will review the diagnosis and surveillance of peri-implant disease, the treatment options for peri-implant disease, as well as techniques for preventive maintenance specific to both single and multiple dental implant restorative solutions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn guidelines for diagnosis and monitoring of peri-implant disease
  • Become familiar with different options for treating peri-implant disease
  • Review preventive maintenance equipment and techniques you can implement in your practice

 

Dr. Jessica Allen, DDS

Dr. Jessica Allen was born and raised in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and her doctoral education at the University of Nevada School of Dental Medicine. She graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a national dental honor society. She received her certificate in Periodontics and Master of Dental Sciences from Virginia Commonwealth University where she served as chief resident and clinical instructor in the predoctoral clinic. Dr. Allen has also achieved the highest certification in her specialty, with board certification in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery.

Dr. Allen is a practicing periodontist at Northern Colorado Periodontics, a comprehensive periodontal and dental implant surgery private practice, with locations in Fort Collins and Greeley. In addition to her professional commitments, she maintains a position on the Seattle Study Club Executive Advisory Board, is Co-Director of the Mountain West Dental Forum Study Club and the Rocky Mountain Dental Hygiene Study club.

She remains at the forefront of her field by maintaining active memberships in multiple dental societies, where she has previously held esteemed positions such as President, Vice President, and Treasurer of the Larimer County Dental Society. Dr. Allen’s contributions extend to the Colorado Dental Association (CDA), where she served on the Council of Component Leadership committee, CDA financial committee member and delegate of the Larimer County Dental Society CDA annual meeting.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Allen finds fulfillment in giving back to her community, spending time with her family, gardening, baking, and cheering on her kids at sporting events.

Dr. Weston Sands MS, DDS, MSD

Dr. Weston Sands is a Fort Collins, CO native. He attended Colorado State University for undergraduate and graduate education, completing a Masters in Biomedical Science and Human Anatomy. He then trained at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine for his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and his Certificate in Periodontics and post-doctoral Masters of Dental Sciences. Dr. Sands is a candidate for Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology

Nick Shumaker DDS, MS

Dr. Shumaker is a practicing periodontist and maintains a private practice called Northern Colorado Periodontics with locations in Fort Collins and Greeley. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Dentistry (2001) and completed his residency training in periodontics and dental implant surgery at Bethesda Naval Hospital (2008). Dr. Shumaker is board certified in periodontics and dental implant surgery by the American Board of Periodontology and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. His professional areas of interest include laser surgery for periodontitis and periimplantitis, soft tissue augmentation, and dental implant reconstruction with zygomatic and pterygoid remote anchorage solutions.

Dr. Tyler Whiting DDS, Endodontics of the Rockies

To Refer or Not to Refer-It can be challenging to recommend treatment options for teeth that have undergone trauma, display cracks, and have limited tooth structure due to caries and various types of root resorption. Having an endodontist as an integral part of your team can help patients explore options involving compromised teeth. Knowing how your endodontist approaches these situations can help you decide on whether to refer or not.

Learning Objectives

  • Be able to determine when a cracked tooth is restorable or not restorable.
  • Understand different types of root resorption and treatment challenges.
  • Understand treatment planning for endodontic retreatment vs. endodontic surgery.

Dr. Whiting attended Marquette University School of Dentistry. He practiced as a general dentist for four years before completing his endodontic residency at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Dental Medicine. He is board-eligible and currently practices full-time at Endodontics of the Rockies.

Diane Mullins, RDH, MS, CDIPC

Suicide Prevention- Diane’s suicide awareness discusses how to recognize someone at risk for suicide, intervene with those at risk, and refer someone in crisis to the proper resources. Diane also addresses stressors in dentistry, mental health awareness, and self care.

Diane has been in dentistry for over 25 years as a dental assistant, dental hygienist, and educator. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree from University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine then advanced her career by obtaining a master’s degree in psychology from Grand Canyon University. Overall health and wellness have always been a passion of Diane’s.

Being able to help others is important to her. After losing a brother to suicide, she discovered her new passion, teaching suicide prevention/awareness. During her grieving process she came across QPR Institute where she obtained her instructor certification. She speaks on diverse topics related to mental and physical health, infection control, and suicide prevention.

Saturday June 8th

Dr. Chad Petersen, DDS

Management of the most common in-office urgencies/emergencies and treatment considerations for the medically complex patient. This lecture will review common patient scenarios the general dentist is likely to encounter on a regular basis in their practice including unfavorable outcomes and their management as well as understanding and planning around complicated medical histories. Knowing when to defer treatment, obtain more information, or consider referral to a specialist.

Dr. Chad Petersen is originally from Casper, Wyoming where he graduated from Kelly Walsh High School. He then completed his bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Wyoming, after which he attended Creighton University School of Dentistry where he earned his doctor of dental surgery degree. He then completed a four-year residency in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Chicago at the University of Illinois and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. His training included comprehensive experience in anesthesia and both hospital and office-based surgery of the face and jaws. Dr. Petersen is an active member of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Southeast Wyoming Dental Association. He is also a diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Dr. John Kum, DDS

Periodontal Disease Classification. In 2017, leading experts from around the world came together for the World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions. Highlights from this workshop include re-categorizing various forms of periodontitis, developing of staging and grading system for periodontitis, and a new classification system for peri-implant disease and conditions. The focus of our lecture will be reviewing periodontal disease and understanding the nuances to the new classification system of staging and grading.

Learning Objectives:

  • Examine the model for identifying and diagnosing periodontal diseases
  • Distinguish variables within the new classification system
  • Gain an appreciation for the classification and its personalized approach to patient care
  • Practice staging and grading

Dr. John Kum is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He began his education studying Biochemistry and then received his dental degree from Creighton University in Omaha. He further enhanced his education by completing a residency in Periodontics and Oral Implantology and a Master’s in Oral Biology at Temple University in Philadelphia. His focus was on bacteria influencing bone loss around teeth and implants, and his passion is to help improve outcomes and longevity for all teeth and implants. Dr. Kum currently works in private practice at Cheyenne Periodontics, limited to periodontics and implant surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, American Dental Association, and Southeast Wyoming Dental Association. He is also a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society and Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society.

Dr. Edward Clark, DDS

Coding and Billing Insurance and Dental Record Documentation- The dental record is the official legal document that records the communication and treatment of every patient in your office. Inaccurate, incomplete, and illegible notes can result in delayed or denied insurance claims, indefensible liability claims, and licensure problems. Too often when these problems are encountered the patient becomes frustrated and enters the transfer portal to another office. This course will help the dental office understand the proper documentation techniques to avoid these problems. Offices can bring examples to problems they have encountered for group discussion and problem-solving.

Present- Owner of EMC DDS Consulting LLC- independent company that provides dental consulting to private dentists, legal firms, but primarily insurance companies. Graduate of University of Wyoming, Graduate of University of Nebraska College of Dentistry, Active Wyoming dental license, private practice (1979-2022), Lifetime member ADA, Fellow International College of Dentists, member American Association of Dental Consultants, Certified Dental Consultant.