Dental Innovations Study Club
Revolutionizing the Way Dental Professionals Learn, Connect & Grow
Transform Your Practice—One Hour at a Time
Join a dynamic community of dental professionals committed to learning, innovating, and leading the future of dentistry. The Dental Innovations Study Club offers free virtual CE, expert guest speakers, and access to cutting-edge ideas that you can apply right away.
No spam! Just relevant, practice-elevating updates and session invites.
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Stay Tuned: Second Semester Begins
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 7 pm CST
Beyond the TMJ: Why Breathing Matters in Jaw Health
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Joy Lantz, RDH, PHDH, COM®, IBCLC
For years, patients (and even providers) have assumed that jaw pain must always be a “jaw problem.” But what if the real issue isn’t in the TMJ at all? What if the culprit is hidden a little higher up—in the nose?
In this one-hour continuing education webinar, Joy Lantz will explore the often-overlooked connection between nasal airway obstruction and TMJ pain. Through both clinical insights and her personal journey as a parent—navigating her own son’s misdiagnosed TMJ pain—you’ll gain a powerful new perspective on how blocked nasal passages can create or worsen orofacial discomfort.
Participants will learn:
How nasal obstruction can mimic or intensify TMJ symptoms
Key signs and patterns that distinguish jaw-origin pain from airway-related pain
The importance of screening for airway dysfunction when treating orofacial disorders
By the end of this session, attendees will walk away with clarity and confidence in identifying airway contributions to TMJ pain—equipped not only with clinical knowledge, but also with tools and compassion that can transform the lives of patients and families alike.
Upcoming Sessions
October 8, 2025 – 7 PM CST
“Meds, Minerals and the Mouth”
Speaker: Stacy Weisman, RDH, BS, MS, OMT
This is an engaging and practical course designed for dental professionals who want to better understand the connection between medications, nutrient deficiencies, and oral health. Every day in clinical practice, patients present with common prescription and over-the-counter medications that can lead to oral side effects—often linked to mineral and vitamin imbalances. From dry mouth to delayed healing, burning mouth syndrome to periodontal concerns, these manifestations can significantly impact patient outcomes.
Participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to identify these patterns, provide informed nutritional counseling, and collaborate more effectively with patients and healthcare providers. By the end, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to improve patient care, prevent complications, and enhance overall wellness through a truly integrative approach.
November 12, 2025 – 7 PM CST
“Newborn Oral Development Affecting the Airway”
Speaker: Patricia Brinkman-Falter, BSDH, MS, PHRDH, COM®
Ensuring healthy development of the oral and facial structures that affect the airway, swallowing and speech at birth. Recognize early developmental issues that are normal or may arise from dysfunction as the baby grows and matures. Learn strategies that can optimize a baby's feeding patterns and orofacial growth. We will take a closer look at the differences between bottle feeding and nursing, how the newborn's mouth is different from the adult's and factors that affect oral and airway development.Â
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the differences between a newborn's oral cavity and the adult's oral cavity
2. Understand what factors affect early airway development
3. Distinguish and differentiate how a baby suckles between the breast and bottle
4. Recognize the normal oral reflexes and developmental processes that occur
December 10, 2025 – 7 PM CST
“Exploring TMJ/TMD”
Speaker: Ann Marie DePalma, CDA, RDH, MEd, FADIA, FAADH, FADHA
This course delivers a concise overview of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), its related disorders (TMD), and various approaches to treatment. Ann Marie explores the causes, symptoms, and both surgical and non-surgical interventions, detailing the essential role the dental team plays in supporting patients with TMD. Join us for this one-hour session to gain practical skills and insights on TMJ/TMD that can be put to use in your dental practice.
Learning Objectives:
1. Distinguish between TMJ and TMD, recognizing the unique anatomical and functional features of the temporomandibular joint
2. Recognize the most common symptoms of TMD
3. Evaluate the range of evaluation and treatment options for TMD
4. Illustrate how every member of the dental team—assistants, administrative staff, and hygienists—can contribute to the care of TMD patients
Free Monthly CE Credits
One-hour virtual sessions, live on Wednesdays at 7 PM CST with sponsor education.
Actionable Strategies
 Every session is designed to provide real-world insight you can use the very next day.
Meaningful Connections
 Engage with a growing network of dental professionals who share your passion.
Fun Attendance Perks
 Join us for giveaways, discounts, and special offers from our trusted sponsors.
Meet Your Host: Joy Lantz, RDH, PHDH, COM®, IBCLC
Joy is a registered dental hygienist, board certified orofacial myologist, and lactation consultant who has spent nearly 30 years in the dental field. She's a passionate educator and consultant committed to bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and real-world impact.
She created the Dental Innovations Study Club to give professionals like you a fresh, flexible, and engaging way to stay ahead—without ever leaving your home or practice.
Learn More
Why Join?
Because you want more than just CE hours—you want inspiration, innovation, and community.
- You’re ready to expand your clinical toolbox
- You want to stay ahead in airway, myofunctional therapy & communication
- You value modern, practical education—delivered with heart
- You like CE that’s actually engaging and usefulÂ
Sample Topics We Cover:
- Airway health & sleep-related breathing
- Myofunctional therapy, oral ties & feeding
- Patient communication & team training
- Pediatric care & preventive strategies
- Innovative tools, appliances, and protocols
- Clinical workflows and patient experience
Join the Club!Â
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Thank You to Our Sponsors
This study club is proudly made possible by the generous support of our sponsors—who share our passion for elevating the profession.
Interested in sponsoring? Contact us.
CE Accreditation
Dental Innovations Study Club is an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. (#AADHDIS)
🗓 Valid January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026
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