Continuing Education Luau

SPONSORED BY

Spend the day expanding your clinical knowledge through engaging, high-quality courses led by expert instructors, then unwind at our “Taste of the Tropics” lunch and Sunset Social networking reception. Enjoy lively conversation, great food, and a laid-back atmosphere that celebrates both learning and community.

DRESS CODE: TROPICAL!

SCHEDULE:

8:00 AM Registration
8:30 AM Airway-Focused Dentistry
11:45 AM "Taste of the Tropics" Buffet Lunch
12:15 PM HPV Vaccination for Cancer Prevention
2:30 PM 0-3 Patients: Profitable Prevention
4:30 PM Sunset Social

COURSES:

AIRWAY-FOCUSED DENTISTRY

This lecture delves into the critical intersection of airway management and the dental practice, highlighting the role of dental professionals in diagnosing and treating airway-related issues. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how airway obstruction impacts dental health, sleep quality, and overall well-being. Through the integration of advanced imaging techniques, clinical evaluations, and treatment strategies, participants will learn to implement airway-focused approaches in their practices as well as working with many specialists for patient-centered care.

• Understand airway evaluation;
• Identify oral and facial signs of airway obstruction; and
• Learn treatment options for upper airway obstructions and sleep apnea.

PRESENTER: TERRY GIANGREGO, DDS, MS

Dr. Giangreco is a board-certified orthodontist with a transformative approach to airway management in Orthodontics. Educated at Rutgers University and the University of Buffalo, where he earned his dental degree, he completed his orthodontic residency at Northwestern University, earning a master’s in orthodontics. In his private practices in Rochester and Pittsford, he has integrated innovative techniques, revolving around patients’ airways that enhance their care and outcomes. Many of his ideas are encapsulated in his book, “Beautiful Smiles, Inside and Out,” which explores the critical relationship between dental structures and airway health.

HPV VACCINATION FOR CANCER PREVENTION

Almost all sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some time in their lives. If not eliminated by the immune system HPV can lead to oropharyngeal, cervical, anal, or genital cancer. This course will discuss HPV prevention through vaccination from age 9 and tips on how oral health care providers can effectively talk to patients about HPV, cancer, and vaccination.

• Define what HPV is, how it is transmitted, diagnosed & prevented;
• Detail the role of HPV in oropharyngeal cancer; and
• Describe why HPV vaccination is important for cancer prevention.

PRESENTER: JANA SHAW, MD, MPH, MS

Dr. Shaw is a pediatrician and research scientist specializing in infectious diseases. She serves as a Professor of Pediatrics in the Departments of Pediatrics and Public Health and Preventive Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. Dr. Shaw is the Hospital Epidemiologist at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and the Chief Medical Officer of North Country Family Health Center in Watertown. A graduate of Masaryk University Medical School in Brno, Czech Republic, Dr. Shaw completed her pediatric residency at SUNY Stony Brook, followed by a fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She earned a Master’s in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a Master’s in Science from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.

PRESENTER: JENNIFER FRUSTINO, DDS, PhD

Dr. Frustino is the Associate Chief of Service of the Department of Dentistry, Oral Oncology and Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Director of Oncology Research at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, NY. She is Co-Chair of ECMC’s Commission on Cancer Committee and the Chair of the Western NY HPV Vaccination Coalition. She has an MS in Natural Sciences and a PhD in Cancer Pathology and Prevention from the University at Buffalo Roswell Park Division; a DDS from UB School of Dental Medicine; a Post-doctoral Fellowship in cancer prevention and population sciences and a GPR Certificate in Dental Oncology from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

PRESENTER: CHRISTINE RUH, PharmD, BCPS, CSP

Dr. Ruh is the Assistant Director of Pharmacy at ECMC. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2013. She completed a PGY-1 pharmacy practice residency at the VA Western NY, where she then went on to complete a PGY-2 in Infectious Diseases. She started out at ECMC has the Infectious Diseases pharmacist for 5 years, where she developed and implemented the ECMC antimicrobial stewardship program. After those 5 years, she transitioned to the Assistant Director of Pharmacy, overseeing the medication and vaccine management in the ambulatory care areas of ECMC to ensure the best patient outcomes.

0-3 PATIENTS: PROFITABLE PREVENTION

This course highlights the importance of establishing a dental home from the eruption of a child’s first tooth, emphasizing the critical role early care plays in long-term oral and overall health. Participants will learn best practices for treating patients ages 0–3, including clinical approaches, caregiver education, and strategies for creating positive early experiences that reduce dental anxiety and improve lifelong outcomes. The course will explore the practice management and profitability benefits of prevention-focused care—demonstrating how early intervention not only supports healthier patients but also strengthens the sustainability and growth of the dental practice.

• Identify best practices for providing preventive care to children ages 0–3;
• Apply strategies for engaging caregivers in establishing healthy oral habits from the first tooth; and
• Evaluate the clinical, financial, and practice management benefits of integrating infant and toddler oral health care into routine practice.

PRESENTER: COURTNEY PETERSON, DMD

Dr. Peterson is a pediatric dentist from Buffalo, New York. She earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2015, followed by completion of a General Practice Residency at ECMC in 2017, where she focused on providing care for patients with special health care needs. She completed her Pediatric Dentistry Residency at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health in 2019. She currently practices full-time in private practice and serves as Pediatric Dental Faculty at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. She is part-time faculty for the General Practice Residency Program at ECMC, mentoring residents in comprehensive care for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellations received after January 31, 2026 are non-refundable. Refund requests due to unforeseen circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

NYSDA CONTINUING EDUCATION:

New York State Dental Association is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Concerns or complaints about a CE Provider may be directed to the provider or to the ADA CERP at www.ada.org/cerp.

New York State Dental Association designates this activity for seven (7) continuing education credits.

All presenters will disclose any financial relationships relevant to their presentation.