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.
 Join the Club!Â
Â
Second Year In Session
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 7 pm CST
Upcoming Sessions
January 7, 2026 – 7 PM CST
“Newborn Oral Development Affecting the Airway”
Speaker: Patricia Brinkman-Falter, BSDH, MS, PHRDH, COM®
From the moment a baby is born, the mouth does far more than help with feeding—it plays a central role in breathing, swallowing, and the early development of speech. The structure and function of the oral and facial muscles lay the groundwork for lifelong health, yet subtle dysfunctions can begin right from the start. This course takes a closer look at the newborn oral cavity, how it differs from an adult’s, and how early experiences like feeding and airway management shape growth and development. Participants will explore the distinct mechanics of breastfeeding versus bottle feeding, recognize key oral reflexes and developmental milestones, and identify early warning signs of dysfunction. Through case examples and clinical discussion, attendees will learn strategies to optimize oral function, feeding efficiency, and airway support during infancy—helping babies build the foundations for healthy growth and communication.
Learning Objectives:
• Identify key differences between the newborn and adult oral cavity
• Understand factors that influence early airway and facial growth
• Compare suckling patterns at the breast and bottle
• Recognize normal oral reflexes and developmental milestones
February 11, 2026 – 7 PM CST
“Social Media & Scary DIY Dental Trends”
Speaker: Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS, MEd
From viral TikTok whitening hacks to DIY braces and at-home extractions, the internet has made “quick fix” dentistry more tempting than ever. But behind the filters and flashy promises lie serious—and sometimes irreversible—oral health risks. This course dives into the growing influence of social media on dental decision-making, exploring why people are drawn to do-it-yourself trends and how misinformation spreads online. Participants will gain practical strategies to discuss these risks with patients, build trust, and reinforce the importance of professional dental care.
Learning Objectives:
• Examine how social media fuels the rise of DIY dental trends
• Identify common DIY procedures and their potential consequences
• Learn effective ways to educate patients on the value of professional dental care
March 11, 2026 – 7 PM CST
“Empowering Care for Children with Down Syndrome: Myofunctional Strategies and Compassionate Support”
Speaker:Â Irene Iskander, RDH
The founder of Fit Your Face, Irene Iskander, RDH, is both a dental hygienist and a devoted mother to a child with Down syndrome. When she noticed her son’s drooling, grinding, sleep apnea, and behavioral challenges intensifying over time, she set out to find answers—discovering Myofunctional Therapy as a powerful tool for change. Now a certified therapist, Irene educates families and professionals on how targeted exercises can improve nasal breathing, strengthen oral muscles, and enhance cognition, speech, and overall well-being in children with Down syndrome. She also shares her compassionate approach to desensitizing neurodivergent children who experience anxiety around dental care and home hygiene routines.
Learning Objectives:
• Understand how Myofunctional Therapy supports airway, speech, and overall health in children with Down syndrome
• Learn practical techniques to improve nasal breathing and oral muscle function through simple, engaging exercises
• Discover strategies to reduce dental visit anxiety and improve at-home oral care for neurodivergent children
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
Â
We won't send spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
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
Â
