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Save the Date – Smiles at Sea 10-Year Anniversary Cruise

Celebrating 10 Years of Smiles at Sea – The Ultimate Dental CE Experience

Join us as we celebrate a decade of Smiles at Sea with our biggest and most exciting cruise yet! Set sail on an unforgettable journey from February 4–9, 2026, to the stunning shores of Cozumel, Mexico.

This milestone event marks 10 years of transforming dental CE, bringing together education, adventure, and an incredible community of dental professionals. With a new CEO, our lowest-priced cruise ever, and up to 15 Clinical CE credits, this is the event you don’t want to miss.

Why This Cruise is a Must-Attend Event

Download the Official Smiles at Sea Event App

Access the full event schedule, speaker details, announcements, networking, and updates, all in one place. Download the Whova app to stay connected before, during, and after the event.

Download the Event App

Meet Our Vendors

Meet Our Featured Speakers

We’re celebrating 10 years of unforgettable dental education at sea — and this year’s lineup of speakers is our most dynamic yet. Each of our featured speakers brings their own unique expertise, passion, and energy to the stage.

Click on the speaker to learn more about their course summary and what they’ll be sharing during the event. Get ready to learn from some of the most respected, innovative, and inspiring voices in dentistry. You won’t want to miss a single session.

Event Schedule

Days Until we Set Sail

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Official Pre-Cruise Hotel for Smiles at Sea

Planning to join us for the Pre-Cruise Events on February 4th? Stay where the action is and enjoy convenience, comfort, and connection with fellow attendees.

We’ve partnered with Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore Airport to offer an exclusive group rate for Smiles at Sea guests the night before we sail.

📍 Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore Airport
700 N. Westshore Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33609
🔗 Hotel Website

Book your Stay

Transportation Information

Airport Shuttle Pickup:

Upon arrival at the airport, please collect your luggage and contact the shuttle service at +1 (813) 289-8200. A representative will then dispatch transportation to your location.

Port Transfers:

For pick-up or drop-off at the cruise port, our transportation partner offers services for $10 USD per person. This can be conveniently arranged during your check-in process.

If you have any further questions or require assistance, feel free to get in touch.

Important Continuing Education Information

To earn the full 15 CE credits, attendees must participate in both the hotel-based and cruise sessions. Please note that 5.5 CE credits will be offered through courses held at the hotel. The final schedule will be released three months prior to the event—stay tuned!

Thomas Viola, R.Ph., CCP, CDE, CPMP
Courses: "Hurts So...Swell!" & It's Medically Complicated

Thomas Viola, the founder of “Pharmacology Declassified”, is a board-certified pharmacist who also serves the professions of dentistry as a clinical educator, professional speaker and published author. Tom is a member of the faculty of 16 dental professional degree programs and has received several awards for outstanding teacher of the year. Tom has presented hundreds of continuing education courses to dental professionals, nationally and internationally, in the areas of oral pharmacology and local anesthesia and is well-known for his regular contributions to several dental professional journals. Through his informative, humorous and engaging live seminars and webinars, Tom has earned his reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team.

Course Summary

“Hurts So…Swell!”

Management of acute odontogenic pain is accomplished through a clinical approach that successfully incorporates both opioid and nonopioid analgesics. It is critical for dental clinicians to not only employ appropriate prescribing practices when utilizing opioid and non-opioid analgesics to treat pain but to also apply best practices when assessing pain control and educating patients on opioid-associated risks and opioid safety. This program will provide an overview of techniques for effectively assessing and managing dental pain, appropriately prescribing analgesics, educating patients on adverse effects and proper handling of opioid medications, as well as strategies for identifying patients at risk for substance abuse, and counseling patients on agents used in the management and treatment of opioid use disorder.

It’s Medically Complicated

Dental professionals must frequently draw upon their knowledge of pharmacology for optimal care of today’s medically complex dental patients. However, armed with relatively brief exposure to such a vast subject during formal education and faced with ever-changing medication therapy guidelines, many dental professionals simply cannot keep up with the latest trends in disease state management. This program will provide an overview of the dental implications of the prescription medications, nonprescription medications, herbal products, nutritional supplements and substances of abuse most frequently used by patients. Special emphasis will be given to delivering this essential information in a format which makes it practical and useful for all members of the dental team.

Neo Positivity
Course: Work-Life Harmony: Balance, Success, and Fulfillment

Neo Positivity is a dynamic keynote speaker, mindset coach, and creator of the Thoughts Become Things movement. Mentored by Hall of Fame speaker Dr. Delatorro McNeal, Neo brings powerful energy and transformational insight to every stage. He’s the 2024 Dentistry’s Got Talent Champion and has spoken at major events like the Greater New York Dental Meeting and Chicago Dental Society. Featured in Incisal Edge magazine, Neo delivers CE for Elevate Oral Care and Dental Whale, and has inspired global audiences through 200+ podcasts and 13 virtual summits. His mission: help professionals master mindset and turn vision into reality.

COURSE SUMMARY

Work-Life Harmony: Balance, Success, and Fulfillment

Achieving true work-life balance starts with mindset and it starts at home. This keynote reveals how mindset-driven strategies help you reduce stress, boost productivity, and create lasting harmony between work and family life. By reprogramming your brain’s algorithms, you’ll lead by example, inspiring those around you at home and in the workplace to adopt the same mindset shifts. Empowering family members and coworkers to achieve the same fulfillment, results, and smiles. Create a ripple effect that spreads well-being across every area of life.

Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC
Course: Breaking the Chain: Mastering Infection Control Basics

Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC, is an enthusiastic speaker, innovative consultant, and award-winning author. A sought-after thought leader contributing invaluable and inspiring insights into the current trends in dentistry. Affectionately known as the Waterline Warrior, she brings over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene and education to dentistry. Recipient of ADS’s Emerging Infection Control Leader award and an active participant with the advisory board for RDH magazine, Dentistry IQ, and ADS’s Infection Control In Practice Editorial Review Board, Amanda strives to make topics in dentistry accurate, accessible, and fun! She can be reached at AmandaHillRDH@gmail.com

COURSE SUMMARY

Breaking the Chain: Mastering Infection Control Basics

Ensuring infection control compliance can be challenging for many practices. From remaining current with OSHA regulations and CDC guidelines to providing proper team training, maintaining cleanliness and sterilization standards, including dental unit waterline maintenance, managing costs, and implementing effective communication and documentation processes, preventing exposure to pathogens is one of the most important and challenging tasks that dental professionals face. However, noncompliance with dental infection control protocols is not an option and can have serious consequences: patient or team member infections, legal and financial consequences, and damage to reputation, leading to loss of patients and revenue.

Tija Hunter, CDA
Course: HIPAA-Do you know what you need to know?

Tija was named one of the Top 25 Women in Dentistry by Dental Products Report and is a 2023 DENOBI award recipient. A Master-level member of the American Dental Assistants Association, she has served as Vice President and on national councils. She is also the Immediate Past President of the Illinois Dental Assistants Association. As Director of the Dental Careers Institute, Tija has authored ten CE study courses, the book Rock Star Dental Assistant, and a dental compliance calendar. A certified nitrous oxide trainer and international speaker, she is passionate about educating, equipping, and empowering dental assistants.

COURSE SUMMARY

HIPAA-Do you know what you need to know?

Enter the strange world of HIPAA. The rules are confusing and there is more misinforation out there than there is “good” information.

Brady J. Semmel, DMD, MD
Course: Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office

Brady J. Semmel, DMD, MD is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon who has been in private practice in Wilmington, NC for the past 23 years. He received his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania and his medical degree and surgical training from the University of Pittsburgh. He has been board certified by both the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology.

COURSE SUMMARY

Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office

This course will examine the common medical emergencies that may occur in the dental office. It will help you recognize the symptoms of these conditions and provide the proper emergency treatment.

Dana Evans-Semmel, DMD
Course: Local Anesthesia Review for the Dental Hygienist

Dana A. Evans-Semmel, DMD, earned her dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh and has been a licensed dentist in North Carolina and Pennsylvania for over 20 years. She has worked in private practice and as a faculty member at Cape Fear Community College, teaching dental assisting and hygiene students. Her courses include medical emergencies, local anesthesia, pharmacology, and nitrous oxide certification. A graduate of CFCC’s Teachers Academy, she regularly updates her teaching skills. Dr. Evans-Semmel also provides continuing education through AHEC, NCDHA, and the Cape Fear Hygiene Association. She is BLS/ACLS certified and an AHA CPR instructor.

COURSE SUMMARY

Local Anesthesia Review for the Dental Hygienist

Review of local anesthetic technique, contraindications, systemic complications, medical emergencies related to local anesthesia, and a general overview of dental office emergencies for the dental hygienist who is permitted by their state to administer local anesthesia.

Danielle Kramer
Course: Stronger Together: Building Collaborative Teams and Systems that Stick

Danielle Kramer is the founder and CEO of EZ Dental Solutions, The Schedule Squad, and BluPrint RCM. With 22+ years in dentistry, she blends data-driven systems with a people-first approach to strengthen practice performance. Her companies specialize in revenue cycle management, scheduling optimization, and team coaching—empowering dental teams to thrive with clarity and consistency. 

A passionate leader and culture builder, Danielle also founded Safe Streets AZ, a nonprofit dedicated to youth empowerment and community impact. Her mission: to create meaningful change within practices, within people, and within her community.

COURSE SUMMARY

Stronger Together: Building Collaborative Teams and Systems that Stick

In today’s fast-paced dental environment, success isn’t just about systems, it’s about synergy. This dynamic session dives deep into the power of collaboration and how to create a culture where accountability and connection thrive. We’ll unpack the systems that keep a practice running smoothly like re-appointment and internal handoffs and redefine who owns them (hint: everyone). Attendees will walk away with practical tools, clear communication frameworks, and strategies to foster teamwork that transforms good offices into exceptional ones.

Farokh Jiveh, DDS
Course: Impact of dental photography: Visual Storytelling for the Modern Dental Practice

Dr. Farokh Jiveh, a practicing cosmetic dentist, believes true leadership starts from within. He fosters a culture of excellence through a heart-centered mindset that resonates throughout his team. Passionate about helping dentists build stress-free, values-driven practices, he focuses on guiding them toward successful Fee-For-Service transitions. Dr. Jiveh advocates for dentistry rooted in purpose, where skill, care, and artistry reflect self-worth, not insurance limitations. 

With a commitment to consistency, integrity, and authenticity, he leads by example, inspiring teams and elevating patient care. He shares these principles with colleagues to help them find deeper fulfillment in both work and life.

COURSE SUMMARY

Impact of dental photography: Visual Storytelling for the Modern Dental Practice

Discover how to elevate your practice’s image through the power of both photography and video. This course begins with the foundations of dental photography, showing you how to capture clinical accuracy and patient emotion with DSLR cameras. Learn camera settings, lighting techniques, and equipment essentials for producing striking images—whether documenting cases, highlighting products, or building trust through portraits that connect with patients. From ambient light to flash setups, participants will leave with practical skills to ensure consistency and professionalism in their visual branding.

Building on these skills, you’ll then explore how to transform photos and clips into engaging videos using CapCut. From importing and organizing footage to adding captions, effects, and personality, you’ll gain confidence creating short, polished videos ideal for social media, patient education, and internal communication. By combining photography and video, you’ll walk away with the tools to showcase your practice authentically, elevate case acceptance, and strengthen your brand presence in today’s competitive marketplace.

  1. Apply DSLR camera settings and lighting techniques to capture clinical detail, patient emotion, and dental products with accuracy and professionalism.

  2. Integrate photography and CapCut editing skills to produce polished, engaging videos tailored for social media, patient education, and practice branding.

  3. Evaluate how intentional visual storytelling enhances case acceptance, strengthens office culture, and positions the practice as distinctive in a competitive marketplace.

Elijah Desmond, Co-Founder, Co-CEO
Course: Maximizing Practice Value: Strategic Planning for a Profitable Exit

Elijah Desmond is a seasoned dental entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and two-time bestselling author. With seven successful company exits, Elijah’s experience spans building and scaling businesses, optimizing practice value, and guiding professionals through transitions. His book, Serial Entrepreneur: From Startup to Success, is a comprehensive guide on launching and growing businesses with confidence, offering practical strategies from his own journey. 

 Elijah has transformed dental education through his innovative ventures, including Smiles at Sea and The Dental Festival, creating dynamic learning experiences.  His community, Trapped in an Op, supports 25,000 dental professionals seeking alternative career paths beyond clinical roles. Known for blending education and fun, Elijah delivers impactful courses that empower professionals to unlock maximum value in their practices and navigate successful sales independently. Elijah’s hands-on approach combines motivational insight and proven strategies, equipping dental professionals with the tools to maximize profitability, secure favorable terms, and align post-sale roles with long-term goals.

COURSE SUMMARY

Maximizing Practice Value: Strategic Planning for a Profitable Exit

Selling a dental practice is one of the most significant financial and professional decisions a practice owner will make. This course equips dental professionals with the knowledge and strategies needed to enhance practice value, attract multiple buyers, and successfully navigate the sale process. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how EBITDA impacts valuation, how to position their practice for a competitive sale, and how to protect their interests through legal and contractual safeguards. The course also addresses key post-sale considerations, ensuring a smooth transition that aligns with personal and professional goals.

The 3-D Experience- From Dilemma to Decisive Yes!

COURSE SUMMARY

Speakers: Dr. Devinn Geeson, Debra Englehardt-Nash, Dana Watson

Summary:

Devinn, Debra & Dana deliver an action-packed talk on how to take a patient from a dilemma to a decisive yes!  We will dive into a patient experience that sets the stage for clarity and confidence that promotes patient acceptance as well as reviews and referrals that will catapult your practice in 3-D.  In today’s competitive market, clinical excellence alone is not enough.  Your patient experience and systems must inspire and promote action.  This course will explore how to build clarity, trust, and value every step of the patient journey-from first contact to case acceptance and beyond.  Through storytelling, scripting, and team-driven insights, you will learn how to create an experience that fuels the direction of the practice long term.  

This isn’t about doing dentistry, It’s about delivering it in 3-D – Decisively, Deliberately, and Dynamically.  

Objectives:

  1.  Identify the common moments of hesitation in the patient’s journey
  2. Develop strategies to guide the patient toward confident, educated, and informed decisions.
  3. Implement a patient experience framework that fosters clarity, trust, and emotional connections with each interaction. 
  4. Recognize the role of each team member as it pertains to systems that influence treatment acceptance 

COURSE SUMMARY

Direct and Indirect Restorative Possibilities in the Digital Age ​

Speakers: Dr. Ross Nash, Dr. Anthony Vocaturo, Dr. Terry Watson

Course Description:
 Restorative dentistry today provides clinicians with a wide array of options—from direct composite restorations to indirect ceramic solutions. Success lies in selecting and executing the appropriate treatment at the right time. This course will explore how to navigate direct and indirect workflows while balancing aesthetics, function, and technology. Participants will gain practical tools for clinical decision-making, case planning, and outcome optimization.

Objectives:

  • Differentiate between direct and indirect restorative options based on clinical presentation and patient needs.

  • Implement a reliable, repeatable process to assess, diagnose, and deliver predictable aesthetic outcomes.

  • Leverage digital tools to enhance efficiency and precision in both direct and indirect workflows.

COURSE SUMMARY

Demystifying Full Mouth Rehabilitation in the Digital Age

Speakers: Dr. Ross Nash, Dr. Anthony Vocaturo, Dr. Terry Watson

Course Description:
 Full mouth rehabilitation can seem daunting, but with a clear system and digital integration, predictable outcomes are within reach. This course will take clinicians through the planning and execution of full arch and full mouth restorative cases, emphasizing practical strategies and technological integration. Case examples and clinical pearls will build confidence and enhance treatment planning and delivery.

Objectives:

  • Demystify and debunk the full mouth rehab process to increase clinical confidence and predictability.

  • Use digital tools and case sequencing to plan and execute full arch rehabilitation.

  • Expand clinical capability with principles that guide both complex functional and aesthetic rehabilitations.

See Red, Go Green: Eco-Smart Strategies to Boost Your Bottom Line

COURSE SUMMARY

Speakers: Dr. Devinn Geeson, Lynda Sherman

Summary: 

We all know that going green is good for the environment—but what about your bottom line? If your Profit and Loss statement has you “seeing red,” it’s time to take a closer look at the hidden costs in your daily operations. This session explores how eco-friendly practices and old-school efficiency strategies can work together to reduce waste and increase profitability.

Learn how to identify overlooked expenses, implement smart, sustainable changes, and turn what seems like harmless waste into measurable gains. “See Red, Go Green” isn’t just about being environmentally responsible—it’s about working smarter and more profitably without compromising the quality of patient care.

Objectives:

  1. Identify key areas of waste in dental materials and supplies and their direct impact on profit margins.
  2. Implement cost saving eco friendly practices that reduce waste, support our environment, and improve financial performance.  
  3. Develop actionable strategies through team awareness and involvement to balance sustainability with profitability. 

Scale Up Your “Flossophy”

COURSE SUMMARY

Moderator: Dr. Devinn Geeson

Speakers: Debbie Zafiropoulos, Emme Sanders, Therese Stewart, Cris Duval, Jamie Marboe

What’s new, necessary and reliable to scale up your periodontal therapy program and improve your “Flossophy” on patient care in your practice.  

Are you ready to rethink your perio program from the ground up and elevate your team’s philosophy along the way?  Join our dynamic experts in periodontal care for a high impact, no fluff conversation about what’s working, what’s evolving, and what is absolutely essential in modern hygiene and periodontal protocols.

In this energetic, fast-paced format, each speaker will deliver a focused 15 minute talk on key topics from clinical technology to diagnosis and adjunct therapies.  We will end with a panel discussion where attendees can ask questions and gain guidance on their specific challenges. 

Whether you’re looking to fine tune your systems or totally overhaul your approach, this session will help you to align your philosophy with what actually moves the marker forward for better patient outcomes.  

Objectives

  1. Assess your current periodontal protocol for gaps and opportunities  
  2. Discuss new tools and technology that will improve patient education and treatment acceptance and outcomes.  
  3. Review workflows that support a unified “Flossophy”, for consistency, accountability, and growth.       
  4. Evaluate evidence based information on advancements in risk assessment, diagnostics and treatment of periodontal disease. 

Book My Hotel

Planning to join us for the Pre-Cruise Events on February 4th? Stay where the action is and enjoy convenience, comfort, and connection with fellow attendees.

We’ve partnered with Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore Airport to offer an exclusive group rate for Smiles at Sea guests the night before we sail.

📍 Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore Airport
700 N. Westshore Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33609
🔗 Hotel Website

Book Your Stay!