We're excited to welcome an outstanding lineup of speakers to the 2026 SCDHA Annual Symposium! From the latest in clinical care and infection control to patient communication, cultural humility, and regulatory updates, this year's presenters will deliver practical, evidence-based education you can immediately apply in practice.
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Dr. Lauren Kanzigg, PhD, MS, AEF
Dr. Lauren Kanzigg, PhD, MS, AEF, is a distinguished clinical education strategist and behavioral scientist known for transforming how dental and medical organizations engage clinicians, elevate evidence‑based practice, and accelerate commercial growth. With a career spanning advanced academic research, clinical program development, and industry leadership, she brings a rare combination of scientific rigor, strategic insight, and operational excellence to every initiative she leads.
As an AEF Fellow, Lauren is part of an elite community dedicated to advancing excellence in education. Her academic background includes a PhD in behavioral science and a master’s degree in clinical research, grounding her perio prevention teaching in evidence‑based methodology and human‑centered design. Her research and educational work emphasize the intersection of clinical decision‑making, patient motivation, and preventive care.
Lauren is passionate about elevating clinical voices, shaping evidence‑based messaging, and building educational ecosystems that empower clinicians to deliver better care. Her work continues to influence how modern healthcare companies integrate clinical insight into product innovation, marketing strategy, and commercial execution.
In industry, Lauren has led initiatives in clinical content development, KOL collaboration, and commercially aligned education, ensuring that periodontal prevention training not only elevates clinical outcomes but also supports product adoption, practice growth, and improved patient care pathways. Her leadership style is collaborative, data‑driven, and deeply clinician‑centric, making her a trusted partner to educators, executives, and clinical teams.
Dr. Kanzigg’s perio prevention courses continue to shape how modern dental organizations integrate prevention, communication, and evidence‑based practice into everyday care; strengthening clinical confidence, improving patient health, and advancing the profession.
As an AEF Fellow, Lauren is part of an elite community dedicated to advancing excellence in education. Her academic background includes a PhD in behavioral science and a master’s degree in clinical research, grounding her perio prevention teaching in evidence‑based methodology and human‑centered design. Her research and educational work emphasize the intersection of clinical decision‑making, patient motivation, and preventive care.
Lauren is passionate about elevating clinical voices, shaping evidence‑based messaging, and building educational ecosystems that empower clinicians to deliver better care. Her work continues to influence how modern healthcare companies integrate clinical insight into product innovation, marketing strategy, and commercial execution.
In industry, Lauren has led initiatives in clinical content development, KOL collaboration, and commercially aligned education, ensuring that periodontal prevention training not only elevates clinical outcomes but also supports product adoption, practice growth, and improved patient care pathways. Her leadership style is collaborative, data‑driven, and deeply clinician‑centric, making her a trusted partner to educators, executives, and clinical teams.
Dr. Kanzigg’s perio prevention courses continue to shape how modern dental organizations integrate prevention, communication, and evidence‑based practice into everyday care; strengthening clinical confidence, improving patient health, and advancing the profession.
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Nicole Fortune, RDH
Nicole Fortune, MBA, RDH is a nationally recognized speaker, educator, and practicing dental hygienist with expertise in periodontics, peri-implant disease, and advanced nonsurgical therapies. As a clinician in a busy periodontal practice, Nicole combines evidence-based care with the latest technologies to help dental teams improve patient outcomes and elevate periodontal treatment.
Known for her engaging and practical teaching style, Nicole empowers dental professionals to confidently diagnose, treat, and manage periodontal and peri-implant conditions while incorporating innovative technologies into everyday practice. Her dedication to patient care and clinical excellence earned her the distinction of Vermont Dental Hygienist of the Year.
Known for her engaging and practical teaching style, Nicole empowers dental professionals to confidently diagnose, treat, and manage periodontal and peri-implant conditions while incorporating innovative technologies into everyday practice. Her dedication to patient care and clinical excellence earned her the distinction of Vermont Dental Hygienist of the Year.
Ryan Rutar, RDH, MAM
Ryan D. Rutar, RDH, MAM is the CEO and Co-Founder of Pearly White Prevention, LLC, where he partners with dental practices to strengthen collaboration between dentists and hygienists while helping teams elevate patient care. In addition to consulting nationally, Ryan continues to practice clinically as both a dental hygienist and hygiene manager, giving him real-world insight into today's practice challenges.
Known for his engaging and practical teaching style, Ryan empowers dental professionals with strategies that improve communication, leadership, efficiency, and clinical excellence while helping hygienists maximize their impact within the practice.
Known for his engaging and practical teaching style, Ryan empowers dental professionals with strategies that improve communication, leadership, efficiency, and clinical excellence while helping hygienists maximize their impact within the practice.
Amy Holleman
Amy Holleman, a distinguished professional with a diverse background, serves as the Board Executive for the South Carolina Board of Dentistry, South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service, and South Carolina Perpetual Care Cemetery Board.
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Karen Gregory, RN, CDIPC®
Karen Gregory, RN, CDIPC® is a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, and registered nurse specializing in dental infection prevention and control. Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control® (CDIPC®), she is known for transforming complex regulations into engaging, practical education that dental teams can immediately apply in practice.
A former Board member of the Association for Dental Safety (formerly OSAP), Karen has helped shape national infection control education, including contributing to the updated If Saliva Were Red training resource. Her presentations provide evidence-based guidance that helps dental professionals strengthen compliance, improve patient safety, and confidently navigate today's evolving regulatory environment.
A former Board member of the Association for Dental Safety (formerly OSAP), Karen has helped shape national infection control education, including contributing to the updated If Saliva Were Red training resource. Her presentations provide evidence-based guidance that helps dental professionals strengthen compliance, improve patient safety, and confidently navigate today's evolving regulatory environment.