MDDS Presents: Frontline TMJ & Facial Pain Therapy Level 1 & Gum Builder
2026-09-19 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Denver) | Mountain West Dental Institute
Frontline TMJ & Facial Pain Therapy Level 1 & Gum Builder & Black Triangle Training
Presented by The American Academy of Facial Esthetics

All On-Demand lectures must be completed as a prerequisite to taking the live patient hands-on portion of these courses.

Day One: The Botulinum Toxins Level 1 live patient training will take place in the morning (didactic portion to be completed online prior to live-patient). The afternoon will be the live patient training for Dermal Fillers Level 1.
Day Two: Frontline TMJ & Facial Pain Therapy Level 1 live patient training and Gum Builder & Black Triangle Training

Course Information & Outlines for Frontline TMJ & Facial Pain Therapy Level 1

How to quickly identify and diagnose facial pain patients in your practice – they are everywhere and have been asking you for treatment!
A step-by-step comprehensive patient examination and evaluation, including a one-minute maxillofacial neurological exam, a one-minute otic exam, and a thorough head and neck muscle examination
Learn why you should not initially spend a dollar on expensive equipment for facial pain diagnosis and treatment
Learn the two most important tools used to diagnose myofascial pain – one is free and the other one will cost you one penny each!
Learn the real secret of the role of occlusion in orofacial pain – don’t suffer from occlusion confusion anymore
Simple, easy ways to quickly identify if facial pain is coming from the TMJ, neuralgia, ear, eyes, or facial muscles
Trigger point injections – learn how to precisely identify and inject trigger points for instant and long-term pain relief
Understand when to use different chemotherapeutics such as sterile saline, lidocaine, and botulinum toxin for differential diagnosis, pain management, and the best short-term and long-term successful
Therapeutic outcomes
Learn when to treat and when to refer orofacial pain patients
Common sense diagnosis and treatment planning for TMJ syndrome, headaches, and orofacial pain patients
Medical insurance reimbursement for the dental/medical practice for myofascial pain patients, with a full list of diagnoses and treatment codes to help you get started immediately
Observe many model patients during the day
One-on-one comprehensive mentored instruction as you work hands-on with your model patients

Course Information & Outlines for Gum Builder & Black Triangle Training

Periodontal anatomy and how it relates to collagen biostimulation
Gingival biotypes and gingival recession
Predisposing factors for gingival recession – where does it really come from?
Surgical options and success – what do the studies really say?
Regenerative CaHA (calcium hydroylapatite) dermal fillers – how they work
The interrelationship between collagen biostimulation and tissue regeneration
FDA clearance and scientific study review
Rapidly reduce dentin hypersensitivity with CaHA filler – how does it work?
CaHA filler full-strength and dilute preparations for gingival recession treatment
Patient evaluation and assessment for successful CaHA filler treatment
Precise treatment CaHA filler protocols
Gingival anatomy and how it relates to different treatment options for black triangles
Identify the proper interdental gingival contour for each clinical situation
Esthetic gingival guidelines to establish proper lip and smile lines
Assessing the patient’s gingival biotype and how to treatment plan for different biotypes for dental restorative, implant, and black triangle treatment
The top 6 causes of deficient interdental papilla – the dreaded black triangle
Black triangle treatment alternatives, including removable prosthodontics, dental restorative treatment with fixed restorative or composite resins, and periodontal surgery options
Patient assessment and consultation for black triangle treatment with dermal fillers
Indications and contraindications for dermal filler pharmaceutical agents
Different delivery techniques to rebuild deficient interdental papilla
Internal partial thickness graft technique to create an interdental papilla space for dermal filler treatment
Sterile technique training using dermal fillers
Step-by-step black triangle treatment with dermal fillers for the best esthetic and therapeutic outcomes
Follow-up and maintenance visits management
Patient fees and dental insurance codes for CaHA filler treatment – this is one of the highest ROI dental treatments that can double your perio production immediately!

DATE
Saturday, September 19, 2026
TIME
Saturday, September 19
7:30am Registration
8:00am – 12:00pm – Frontline TMJ & Facial Pain Therapy Level 1 – Staff must be registered in advance to attend
12:45pm Registration
1:00pm – 5:00pm – Gum Builder training – Staff must be registered in advance to attend
RATE
Click here for rate information and to register for Frontline TMJ & Facial Pain Therapy Level 1 & Gum Builder & Black Triangle Training
CE CREDITS
4 credit hours for Frontline TMJ & Facial Pain Therapy Level 1
4 credit hours for Gum Builder & Black Triangle Training
Additional credits are given for the online didactic portion.
FORMAT
Lecture (online)/Hands-on
CANCELLATION POLICY
Registration is fully refundable only if the course is canceled by The American Academy of Facial Esthetics. Please read the Cancellation Policy carefully.
MWDI PARKING INFORMATION
For your convenience, we have free parking in two retail garages within the Beauvallon building (east-facing side). Both garages are accessed from Lincoln Street between 9th and 10th Avenues. Parking in these garages is available on a first-come, first-served basis. **If you are attending a large course/event at the MWDI, we recommend arriving early in case the garages fill and alternative parking must be secured. Be aware – the garages come up quickly after you cross 9th Avenue and both have left lane entrances. All numbered spaces within both retail parking garages (without “Reserved” signs) are available on a first-come, first served basis. Do not park in any spaces marked “KCNC.” Do not park in the residential parking. Residential garages are at the back of the retail garages. The north and south garages are not connected. Both have open parking available. See attachment for more information.

MDDS Shred Event 2026
2026-09-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Peebles Prosthetics, 909 Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO, 80214, United States
The annual MDDS Shred Event is back! Ensure your patient records and financial documents are securely destroyed and in full compliance with Colorado Dental Board policies. MDDS will publish the required public notice in The Denver Post for just a fraction of the typical +$400 cost at only $89 per dentist or practice name. Register for the Denver Post ad by Friday, July 17.
Dates of Legal Publication Notice: July 24 and 31, August 7 and 14, 2026
Rate for Legal Publication Notice:
$89 per MDDS member dentist or practice name
$149 per non-MDDS member dentist or practice name
Registration Deadline-Legal Notice: Friday, July 17, 2026, at 5:00pm
The 2026 Shred Event Drop-off Day is Saturday, September 19, from 9:00am – 12:00pm at Peebles Prosthetics, located at 909 Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80214. One “banker-sized” box (approx. 10″H x 12″W x 15″D) is just $9 to shred. Larger boxes are $14. Pay on-site by credit card, cash or check (payable to MDDS).
Date of Drop-Off Shred Event: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time of Drop-Off Shred Event: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Rate for Shredding: $9 per “banker-sized” box; $14 for larger box
Location of Drop-Off Shred Event:
Peebles Prosthetics
909 Wadsworth Blvd
Lakewood, CO 80214
PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with Colorado recycling laws, X-rays MUST be separated from charts in order to be shredded. We will also have on-site X-ray recycling. Any boxes not separated will NOT be accepted.
To access the Colorado Dental Board’s rules and regulations regarding Patient Records Retention, please click here. The rules begin on page 24.

WEBINAR: “Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About” How About the Oral-Oral Link!
2026-09-22 18:30 - 19:30
WEBINAR: “Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About” How About the Oral-Oral Link!
Presented by Susan Cotten, BS, RDH, OMT
Periodontitis and persistent HPV infections are two chronic conditions within the oral cavity that significantly increase the risk of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Yet many clinicians feel underprepared to confidently assess, discuss and educate patients on these risks.
This webinar delivers the clinical clarity and practical tools needed to lead these conversations with confidence.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of HPV, HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers and the role of periodontal disease as a contributing risk factor. The webinar will walk through a comprehensive extraoral and intraoral evaluation, including a thorough oropharyngeal assessment, to strengthen screening protocols.
Plus, learn clear, patient-friendly language and strategies to effectively communicate about HPV, cancer risk, and prevention without discomfort or confusion.
Learning Objectives:

Explain the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), including modes of transmission and relevance to dental practice
Identify cancers associated with HPV, with an emphasis on oropharyngeal cancer risk
Recognize key anatomical structures of the oropharynx to support accurate clinical evaluation
Perform a comprehensive oropharyngeal screening as part of routine examinations
Assess and document Tonsil Grade and Mallampati Score to support risk identification and referrals
Evaluate the role of periodontitis as a contributing risk factor for oral and oropharyngeal cancers

Register today to increase your role and effectiveness in cancer prevention.
Susan Cotten, BS, RDH, OMT, has performed over 60,000 oral cancer screenings and developed The Cotten MethodTM of Screening, a science-based and proven method. She works with dental professionals and dental teams who want confidence performing a comprehensive oral cancer screening and head and neck exam. She works with dental hygiene schools and is an instructor at the National Network of Healthcare Hygienists. She has provided free screenings with The Denver Homeless Head and Neck Cancer Screening and Care Group and organized countless free screening events in collaboration with The Oral Cancer Foundation. Susan is an RDH advisory member for The Oral Cancer Foundation, serves on the RDH editorial advisory board for RDH Magazine, and is a past board member and oral cancer screening coordinator for COMOM.
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Rate:
$0 MDDS Member
$0 MDDS Member Dental Team
$25 MDDS Non-member
$25 MDDS Non-member Dental Team
Location: Zoom Webinar
CE Credits: 1
Format:
Live Virtual, On-Demand available for 3 months following the webinar.
Speaker Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.
Cancellation Deadline: September 18, 2026
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations will be accepted and are entitled to a refund provided they are received at MDDS by the cancellation deadline. Refunds will not be given for cancellations after the cancellation deadline.

Energy Leadership Coaching Group
2026-09-23 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-11-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Metro Denver Dental Society, 925 Lincoln St, Unit B, Denver, CO, 80203, United States
Dentistry is demanding. Between patient care, business pressures, and everything happening outside the office, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly reacting to stress instead of leading your life and work the way you want. What if you could understand why certain situations trigger you the way they do—and learn how to respond differently in the moment?
That’s the focus of the Energy Leadership Group, a four-month program, facilitated by Dr. Laura Brenner, designed to help dentists better understand how their mindset and stress responses shape their daily experience.
What to Expect
Energy Leadership Index (ELI) Assessment
Complete the ELI to get a personalized look at how your mindset and stress responses shape your daily experience – then learn to shift them for better outcomes.
Month 1: Energy Leadership Index (ELI) Assessment Debrief
Understand your ELI results and gain a clear picture of your leadership baseline.
Month 2- 4: Practice + Real-Life Application
Bring real-life situations to the table. We’ll identify stress triggers, challenge limiting beliefs, and workshop new, intentional ways to lead with clarity.
Dr. Laura Brenner worked in private practice in Denver for 10 years before leaving clinical dentistry behind for good. As the author of the Lolabees blog and 10 Reasons Your Dentist Probably Hates You Too, she began connecting with other dentists from around the world who wanted more from their careers. This work inspired her to become a Certified Professional Coach who is passionate about helping dentists find joy in their careers again.
Dates:
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time:
6:00pm – Dinner
6:30pm – 8:00pm – Discussions
Rate:
$30 – MDDS Member Dentist
$60 – Non-Member Dentist
Location:
Mountain West Dental Institute
925 Lincoln St, Unit B
Denver, CO 80203

MWDI Rental-The Dawson Academy-Core 3: Treatment Planning (tentative)
2026-09-24 - 2026-09-26

2026 Colorado Mission of Mercy
2026-09-25 - 2026-09-26 | Cripple Creek Victor High School, 410 North B Street, Cripple Creek, CO, 8013, United States
The Colorado Mission of Mercy (COMOM) is a large-scale dental clinic that is held annually in a Colorado community.
The concept is simple: Create a two-day dental clinic in a large facility and open the clinic doors to the community. Dental services are provided to any person on a “no questions asked” basis. Patients are evaluated and treated based on their most urgent dental needs. Patients undergo dental treatments such as cleanings, fillings, root canals, and extractions. The best part about COMOM is that this quality treatment is provided at no cost to patients.
Date: Septetmber 25 – 26, 2-26
Location: Cripple Creek, CO

WEBINAR: Alternate Treatments for Sleep Apnea & TMD
2026-10-01 18:30 - 20:00
WEBINAR: Alternate Treatments for Sleep Apnea and TMD
Presented by Dr. Dar Radfar
Explore new, practical approaches to managing sleep apnea and TMD in your practice. In this webinar, Dr. Dar Radfar shares how to move beyond traditional protocols with alternative treatment modalities, including oral appliance therapy, low-level laser therapy, myofunctional therapy and adjunctive wellness strategies. You’ll leave with an introductory framework for integrating airway and TMD-focused services to your dental practice, enhancing patient outcomes and creating new opportunities for practice growth.
Objectives

Identify alternative treatment modalities for sleep apnea and TMD, including oral appliance therapy, low-level laser therapy, myofunctional therapy, and adjunctive wellness approaches such as supplements.
Evaluate patient candidacy and clinical protocols for incorporating alternative therapies safely and effectively within a dental practice.
Develop an implementation framework to integrate airway and TMD-focused services that improve patient outcomes while supporting practice growth.

Dr. Dar Radfar, better known as Dr. Rad, is an international speaker on Sleep Apnea/Snoring, Low-Level Laser Therapy, AI/Marketing and more. A practicing dentist for 23 years, he is a Diplomat of the American Sleep & Breathing Academy. Dr. Rad has spoken at over 350 events and trained more than 3,500 dentists, helping them to address issues such as jaw pain. He is the winner of “Dentistry’s Got Talent” and the Best Facebook and Instagram influencer award. Dr. Rad is also a father, traveler, and someone passionate about personal development.
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Rate:
$0 MDDS Member
$0 MDDS Member Dental Team
$25 MDDS Non-member
$25 MDDS Non-member Dental Team
Location: Zoom Webinar
CE Credits: 1.5
Format:
Live Virtual, On-Demand available for 3 months following the webinar.
Speaker Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.
Cancellation Deadline: September 25, 2026
Registration Deadline: September 30, 2026
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations will be accepted and are entitled to a refund provided they are received at MDDS by the cancellation deadline. Refunds will not be given for cancellations after the cancellation deadline.

MWDI Rental: Bioclear Black Triangle Certification Class
2026-10-09 08:00 - 17:00

MWDI Rental: OSHA Training (tentative)
2026-10-12

Saliva & Glucose Workshop Set-up (km)
2026-10-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Mountain West Dental Institute

Saliva & Glucose-Guided Treatment Planning Workshop (km)
2026-10-16 08:00 - 16:00, 2026-10-17 08:00 - 12:00 | Mountain West Dental Institute

HANDS-ON Data to Decisions: Saliva & Glucose-Guided Treatment Planning
2026-10-16 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-10-17 08:00 - 12:00 | Mountain West Dental Institute
Presented by Ms. Lora Hooper, BSDH, RDH, EFDA
Stop treating symptoms. Start treating the source with the right product, at the right time, for the right patient. Most clinicians can read a saliva report, but far fewer know how to integrate that data with metabolic glucose insight to guide treatment decisions.
This immersive course bridges the gap between information and implementation. You will experience how saliva diagnostics and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) work together to uncover inflammatory drivers, reduce relapse and protect long-term outcomes. You will also learn when to deploy antimicrobials versus probiotics, how to match technologies and products to specific risk profiles, and when to retest for measurable success. Participants will receive a saliva test, a glucose monitor, and hands-on exposure to a variety of treatment protocols.
Register early so your saliva test can be completed and analyzed before the course, allowing you to fully engage with the data and get the most out of the hands-on experience.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Saliva is the new blood! Just as lipid panels reveal cardiovascular risk before the heart attack, salivary diagnostics expose pathogenic threats before bone loss appears. Lora Hooper’s delivery was informational and exciting, transforming guessing into knowing. Her protocol moves us from treating late-stage disease to preventing it. This is the future, and the future is now!” – Dr. Brett Kessler

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Improve Clinical Outcomes
✔ Interpret salivary pathogen patterns
✔ Identify inflammatory drivers
✔ Improve implant and periodontal predictability
✔ Reduce relapse and treatment failure
Increase Case Acceptance
✔ Show patients objective data
✔ Improve treatment conversations
✔ Build trust and credibility
✔ Create more compelling treatment recommendations
Differentiate Your Practice
✔ Add cutting-edge diagnostics
✔ Stand apart from competitors
✔ Position your practice as a leader in oral-systemic healthcare
✔ Create new revenue opportunities
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This course is designed for:
• General Dentists
• Periodontists
• Dental Hygienists
• Practice Owners
• Associate Dentists
• Clinicians interested in oral-systemic health, inflammation, airway and preventive medicine
No previous saliva testing experience required.

MEET THE SPEAKER

Ms. Lora Hooper earned her BS in Dental Hygiene and EFDA certification from The Ohio State University in 1995. She is President of the Integrative Dental Medicine Scholar Society and a Preceptor of the Bale Doneen Method. She completed the SSRP peptide program, focusing on disease reversal at the cellular level. She currently collaborates with MDs to integrate oral-systemic considerations into comprehensive treatment planning, including cardiac and metabolic care.

WHAT MAKES THIS COURSE DIFFERENT?
Most CE courses give you information. This course gives you a framework you can implement immediately.
You’ll leave knowing:
✓ Which pathogens matter most
✓ How to interpret saliva reports
✓ When to recommend antimicrobials, probiotics and biofilm disruption
✓ How glucose data impacts treatment planning
✓ How to communicate findings to patients
✓ How to create treatment plans your entire team can follow
COURSE DETAILS
Date: Friday, October 16 – Saturday, October 17, 2026
Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided on Day 1, and continental breakfast will be provided on Day 2.
Time:
October 16: 8:00am – 4:00pm (one-hour lunch)
October 17: 8:00am – 12:00pm

Rate:
$599 MDDS Member Dentist
$399 MDDS Member Hygienist
$699 MDDS Non-Member Dentist
$499 MDDS Non-Member Hygienist
Location:
Mountain West Dental Institute
925 Lincoln St, Unit B
Denver, CO 80203
CE Credits: 10
Format: Lecture/Hands-on
Cancellation Deadline: October 9, 2026
Course materials and equipment provided by BIOLASE, Dexcom, ImpetusDX, ProBiora Health, StellaLife, and SuperMouth
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Ms. Hooper has financial or other interests of some nature in ProBiora Health and IDM Scholar Society.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations will be accepted and are entitled to a refund provided they are received at MDDS by the cancellation deadline. Refunds will not be given for cancellations after the cancellation deadline.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Hotel Information
The Art Hotel
1201 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Room Rate: $219 per night
MDDS guests also receive special amenities
Reserve a room HERE

MWDI Rental: The OBI Foundation-Session 2 (tentative)
2026-10-23 08:00 - 2026-10-24 17:00, 2027-01-08 08:00 - 17:00, 2027-01-09 08:00 - 17:00, 2027-03-12 08:00 - 17:00, 2027-03-13 08:00 - 17:00

WEBINAR: Trafficking Happens Here: Human Trafficking Training for the Dental Professional
2026-11-04 18:30 - 19:30
WEBINAR: Trafficking Happens Here: Human Trafficking Training for the Dental Professional
Presented by Ms. Kandice Swarthout, RDH, LPC
Human trafficking is a rapidly growing public health crisis in the United States and the fastest-growing commerce in the world, with over 200,000 minors at risk. Many victims are deceived and coerced into labor or sexual exploitation, and approximately 80% interact with healthcare providers while in captivity. However, many do not self-identify due to fear of retribution from their captors.
Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to recognize the signs and help intervene. This course equips clinicians to identify and report suspected trafficking, understand key distinctions (including sex trafficking vs. sex work), recognize at-risk populations and apply trauma-informed care to support victims and connect them with resources.
What will I learn in this webinar:

Define human trafficking, including key types, recruitment methods and populations at risk.
Distinguish between sex trafficking and sex work, and between trafficking and smuggling, using legal and contextual criteria.
Identify clinical indicators and apply effective screening approaches to recognize potential trafficking situations and determine reporting thresholds.
Implement appropriate reporting procedures in alignment with legal requirements and institutional protocols.
Apply trauma-informed care principles to support safe, respectful interactions with affected individuals.
Locate and prioritize local and national resources to facilitate appropriate referrals and support services.

Kandice Swarthout, RDH, LPC, brings nearly 30 years of dental experience and over a decade in mental health. Trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), she teaches community and research courses in Texas, preparing future dental professionals. She is passionate about human trafficking awareness and is the founder of Reclaim Smiles, a free dental day for survivors of human trafficking in safe houses. Kandice is a national speaker on trauma-informed care, clinician wellness, and mental health in dentistry.

Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Rate:
$0 MDDS Member
$0 MDDS Member Dental Team
$25 MDDS Non-member
$25 MDDS Non-member Dental Team
Location: Zoom Webinar
CE Credits: 1
Format:
Live Virtual, On-Demand available for 3 months following the webinar.
Speaker Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.
Cancellation Deadline: October 30, 2026
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations will be accepted and are entitled to a refund provided they are received at MDDS by the cancellation deadline. Refunds will not be given for cancellations after the cancellation deadline.

MWDI Rental: Rapid Efficient Treatment Planning
2026-11-06 - 2026-11-07

MWDI Rental: Boulder Seattle Study Club
2026-11-06 08:00 - 15:00

MWDI Rental: IPSO Study Club
2026-11-11 06:00 - 21:00

MWDI Rental-The Dawson Academy-Core 4: Equilibration & Orthdontics (tentative)
2026-12-10 - 2026-12-12

MWDI Rental: Meridian Study Club
2026-12-11 07:00 - 14:00

2027 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC)
2027-01-21 - 2027-01-23 | Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St, Denver, 80202, United States
The Metro Denver Dental Society (MDDS) will proudly present the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC) on January 21-23, 2027. This in-person event will take place in beautiful downtown Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. Dental professionals from across the region will reconnect over 100+ in-person lectures and hands-on workshops, a vibrant and diverse Expo Hall and networking and social gatherings.
Date: January 21 – 23, 2027
Time: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Location: Colorado Convention Center
700 14th St
Denver, CO 80202
Rate:
$0 MDDS members
All other rates vary

MWDI Rental-The Dawson Academy-Core 6: Predictable Esthetics (tentative)
2027-01-28 - 2027-01-30

MWDI Rental: The OBI Foundation-Level 400 (tentative)
2027-03-04 - 2027-03-06
