Each year, the Indiana Section of the American College of Dentists teams up with Indiana University School of Dentistry's Daniel Laskin Professional Ethics Lectureship Series to bring you the latest in Dentistry and Ethics. This year's program will be on April 24, 2026 and will feature AI presentations by Dr. Robert A. Faiella, Social Justice issues presented by Nanette Elster and an update of current Indiana dental statutes by the VP of the Indiana Board of Dentistry, Dr. Annette Williamson.
To Register: https://go.iu.edu/8wTK
Program Details:
IN-ACD MAYNARD K. HINE SCHOLARSHIP LECTURE
8:30 am - 11:30 pm 3 CEUs
Advancing Dental Care with AI: Current Impact, Potential Challenges, and Future
Horizons, presented by Dr. Robert Faiella
This presentation aims to provide dental clinicians, researchers, and educators with an overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) is currently developed and implemented in dentistry. Although concise, it will review current use cases, development of algorithms to identify dental anatomy and disease, the use of neural networks and backpropagation for optimizing model performance, the challenges of securing protected health information (PHI), and strategies to eliminate bias. The goal is to inform attendees to understand the development and implementation of dental AI-powered technologies, as well as the 3 horizons for dental AI-powered innovation.
Learning Objectives
Ethical Frontiers in Dentistry: Navigating Artificial and Augmented Intelligence, presented by Dr. Robert Faiella
As artificial and augmented intelligence technologies are increasingly deployed in dentistry, they bring a host of potential benefits along with potential for complex ethical considerations. This presentation aims to explore the ethical landscape surrounding the integration of these technologies in dental practice. From enhancing diagnostic accuracy to personalizing treatment plans, AI can significantly impact patient outcomes and operational efficiencies. However, the adoption of such technologies also raises critical ethical questions regarding patient autonomy, data privacy, bias in algorithmic decision-making, and the equitable distribution of AI benefits. This discussion will provide an overview of the current principles relevant to dental AI, examine the challenges practitioners face, and propose frameworks for addressing these issues. Through a combination of theoretical exploration and practical case studies, the presentation seeks to provide dental professionals with the knowledge to navigate these emerging ethical frontiers responsibly.
Learning Objectives
8:30 am - 11:30 pm 3 CEUs
Advancing Dental Care with AI: Current Impact, Potential Challenges, and Future
Horizons, presented by Dr. Robert Faiella
This presentation aims to provide dental clinicians, researchers, and educators with an overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) is currently developed and implemented in dentistry. Although concise, it will review current use cases, development of algorithms to identify dental anatomy and disease, the use of neural networks and backpropagation for optimizing model performance, the challenges of securing protected health information (PHI), and strategies to eliminate bias. The goal is to inform attendees to understand the development and implementation of dental AI-powered technologies, as well as the 3 horizons for dental AI-powered innovation.
Learning Objectives
- Appreciate current uses of AI for clinical decision support at the point of care.
- Understand the steps involved in creating AI algorithms tailored for identifying dental
- anatomy and disease, and how neural networks function.
- Identify risks associated with the security of PHI in AI applications.
- Explore methods to detect and correct bias in AI algorithms to ensure fair and accurate
- outcomes.
- Understand the potential horizons of dental AI-powered innovation.
Ethical Frontiers in Dentistry: Navigating Artificial and Augmented Intelligence, presented by Dr. Robert Faiella
As artificial and augmented intelligence technologies are increasingly deployed in dentistry, they bring a host of potential benefits along with potential for complex ethical considerations. This presentation aims to explore the ethical landscape surrounding the integration of these technologies in dental practice. From enhancing diagnostic accuracy to personalizing treatment plans, AI can significantly impact patient outcomes and operational efficiencies. However, the adoption of such technologies also raises critical ethical questions regarding patient autonomy, data privacy, bias in algorithmic decision-making, and the equitable distribution of AI benefits. This discussion will provide an overview of the current principles relevant to dental AI, examine the challenges practitioners face, and propose frameworks for addressing these issues. Through a combination of theoretical exploration and practical case studies, the presentation seeks to provide dental professionals with the knowledge to navigate these emerging ethical frontiers responsibly.
Learning Objectives
- Explain current and emerging applications of artificial and augmented intelligence in dentistry,
- Identify key ethical principles implicated in dental AI use, including patient autonomy, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and equity of care.
- Evaluate potential ethical risks and benefits associated with AI-supported clinical decisionmaking and practice management.
- Apply ethical frameworks and professional standards to real-world case scenarios involving AI in dentistry.
- Integrate strategies for responsible, transparent, and equitable use of AI technologies into clinical practice to support patient trust and professional accountability.
Dr. Robert A. Faiella is a nationally recognized leader in organized dentistry, health care innovation, and organizational transformation. He is the President of the American College of Dentists Foundation and a Past President of the American Dental Association. He currently serves as Director and Past President of the American Board of Periodontology, Chair of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Board of Fellows, and an appointed member of the MIT Sloan School of Management Alumni Board.
Dr. Faiella is the Chief Dental Officer and Co-Founder of LightSpun, Inc. (formerly 32Health, Inc.), as well as a former Chief Dental Officer and Advisor for Overjet, Inc. He maintains a private practice specializing in Periodontics and Dental Implant Surgery in Osterville and Duxbury, Massachusetts.
Dr. Faiella completed his graduate training in Periodontology as an NIH Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and earned a Master of Medical Science (M.M.Sc.) degree from Harvard Medical School. He has been recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Additionally, he holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management.
As a leader in dental informatics, Dr. Faiella serves as Chair of the ADA Standards Consensus Body 12.7 on Artificial and Augmented Intelligence, leading the development of Standards, Technical Reports and White Papers under ANSI domestically, and as the U.S. Lead Designated Expert for ISO TC 106/13 on Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry for Standards internationally.
Dr. Faiella has held key leadership roles, including serving as Chairman and President of ADA Business Enterprises, Inc., the for-profit subsidiary of the American Dental Association.
DANIEL M. LASKIN PROFESSIONAL ETHICS LECTURES
12:30 pm - 3:00 pm 2.5 CEUs
Disability and Dentistry: A Matter of Social Justice, presented by Nanette Elster, JD, MPH
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Such a state may be challenging to achieve with a disability. Additionally, health is not possible without the inclusion of the mouth. Oral health is essential to physical, mental and social well-being, but barriers, particularly for those with disability, have perpetuated a divide between the health of the mouth and the rest of the body. One of the most signifcant healthcare needs of people with disabilities is oral health care. Barriers include lack of covered services, no integrated electronic health record, inadequate training or discomfort of care
providers, no coordination of care and a host of other systemic barriers. For providers, barriers might include ableism, non-adaptive educational or work environments, and a lack of support. With 1 in 4 being disabled,including both patients and providers, social justice demands attention to reducing barriers and increasing access to care for patients and increase access to supports and services for providers.
You will learn:
12:30 pm - 3:00 pm 2.5 CEUs
Disability and Dentistry: A Matter of Social Justice, presented by Nanette Elster, JD, MPH
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Such a state may be challenging to achieve with a disability. Additionally, health is not possible without the inclusion of the mouth. Oral health is essential to physical, mental and social well-being, but barriers, particularly for those with disability, have perpetuated a divide between the health of the mouth and the rest of the body. One of the most signifcant healthcare needs of people with disabilities is oral health care. Barriers include lack of covered services, no integrated electronic health record, inadequate training or discomfort of care
providers, no coordination of care and a host of other systemic barriers. For providers, barriers might include ableism, non-adaptive educational or work environments, and a lack of support. With 1 in 4 being disabled,including both patients and providers, social justice demands attention to reducing barriers and increasing access to care for patients and increase access to supports and services for providers.
You will learn:
- how access to oral health care can improve for people with disabilities by reducing barriers and promoting integrative inclusive care
- how to mitigate barriers to ensure patients receive optimal care regardless of disability
Nanette Elster, JD, MPH, is a professor at the Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. She is an active educator in the graduate program, teaching a variety of courses in areas related to law, pediatrics, oral health, genetics, and professionalism. She also supervises the graduate program’s writing courses, master's capstone course, and doctoral capstone courses.
She has extensive experience in legal, public health and ethical issues related to women’s and children’s health, oral health, genetics and neurodiversity. She has spoken nationally and internationally and is the author of numerous articles on the legal, health policy and ethical implications of a range of public health issues, genetics issues, oral health issues and reproductive issues. She has appeared on such media staples as CNN, Good Morning America, the Today Show, NPR and Chicago Tonight. More recently, she has been quoted in Forbes, Insider, and The Cut. She has authored many blogs, peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.
She served for many years as the chair of the Special Committee on Bioethics and the Law for the American Bar Association, served as the editor of the Journal of the American College of Dentists and was the Manager of Ethics Outreach for the Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs of the American Dental Association. She is the legal consultant to the Committee on Bioethics for the American Academy of Pediatrics. She also serves on the board of the Alliance for Fertility Preservation. She served on the executive board of the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE) and was elected to serve as board member of the Academy for Professionalism in Health Care (APHC). She is currently a member of the institutional ethics committee of Endeavor Health System and the Ethics Advisory Board of Lurie Children’s Hospital. She is also an honorary fellow of the American College of Dentists.
DANIEL M. LASKIN PROFESSIONAL ETHICS LECTURES - CONTINUED
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm 1 CEU
IN Dental Law Update, presented by Dr. Annette Williamson
This lecture will provide an update on current dental laws in the state of Indiana.
Annette Williamson, DDS is the current Vice President of the Indiana Board of Dentistry. Dr. Annette Williamson knew while she was still in dental school she would create an office that was an extension of her home; her employees and patients part of her extended family. The practice, which specializes in patient comfort and gentle dental care, welcomes those who have a fear of dentists, as well as those who have physical, mental and emotional issues. "We want the very best for our patients and create solutions that are right for everyone."
Dr. Williamson was the first female president of the Northwest Indiana Dental Society and remians involved in the profession at the local and state levels. She was appointed to the Indiana State Board of Dentistry in 2016 and works to futher the board's mission to protect the health, safety and welfareof Indiana Residents in the dental setting through activities such as developing standards of conduct, reviewing certification requirements and investigating complaints.
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm 1 CEU
IN Dental Law Update, presented by Dr. Annette Williamson
This lecture will provide an update on current dental laws in the state of Indiana.
Annette Williamson, DDS is the current Vice President of the Indiana Board of Dentistry. Dr. Annette Williamson knew while she was still in dental school she would create an office that was an extension of her home; her employees and patients part of her extended family. The practice, which specializes in patient comfort and gentle dental care, welcomes those who have a fear of dentists, as well as those who have physical, mental and emotional issues. "We want the very best for our patients and create solutions that are right for everyone."
Dr. Williamson was the first female president of the Northwest Indiana Dental Society and remians involved in the profession at the local and state levels. She was appointed to the Indiana State Board of Dentistry in 2016 and works to futher the board's mission to protect the health, safety and welfareof Indiana Residents in the dental setting through activities such as developing standards of conduct, reviewing certification requirements and investigating complaints.
TUITION
Laskin and Hine lectures:
$250 ACD Fellows | $275 Non-Fellow Dentists | $150 staff accompanied by the dentist. Includes lunch and study materials.
TO REGISTER
https://go.iu.edu/8wTK (case sensitive)
You can register with a credit card online or choose to pay by check. If sending a check, please register online and then send your check to the address provided.
ACD Members - Plese use the link above to sign up for the annual dinner and business meeting on April 23rd at the Skyline Club as well as the lectures.
NEW LECTURE LOCATION!
This year, the lectures will be held at the Ruth Lily Auditorium, located in the Riley Outpatient Center of Riley Hospital on the IU Indianapolis Campus:
575 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Parking is available in the Parking Garage next to the building.
To reach the CE office, please call 317-278-9002
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
You will earn a total of 6.5 CEUs for attending this program. IUSD is an ADA CERP and an AGD Accepted Fellowship/Mastership National Sponsor. Contact IUSD CE at dsce@iupui.edu or 317-278-9002 for questions.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
In accordance with the ADA CERP Standards for Commercial or Promotional Conflict of Interest, educational programs sponsored by Indiana University School of Dentistry must demonstrate balance,
independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor. Speakers are required to disclose any relevant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturers of any commercial product(s) and/or provider(s)
of commercial services that are discussed in an educational activity.
Sponsorship of a continuing education program by Indiana University School of Dentistry does not necessarily imply endorsement of a particular philosophy, procedure, or product by this institution.
Note: While it offers CE credits, this activity is not intended to provide extensive training or certification in the field.
Cosponsored by The Indiana Section of the American College of Dentists
and the IUSD Laskin Lecture Series.
Laskin and Hine lectures:
$250 ACD Fellows | $275 Non-Fellow Dentists | $150 staff accompanied by the dentist. Includes lunch and study materials.
TO REGISTER
https://go.iu.edu/8wTK (case sensitive)
You can register with a credit card online or choose to pay by check. If sending a check, please register online and then send your check to the address provided.
ACD Members - Plese use the link above to sign up for the annual dinner and business meeting on April 23rd at the Skyline Club as well as the lectures.
NEW LECTURE LOCATION!
This year, the lectures will be held at the Ruth Lily Auditorium, located in the Riley Outpatient Center of Riley Hospital on the IU Indianapolis Campus:
575 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Parking is available in the Parking Garage next to the building.
To reach the CE office, please call 317-278-9002
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
You will earn a total of 6.5 CEUs for attending this program. IUSD is an ADA CERP and an AGD Accepted Fellowship/Mastership National Sponsor. Contact IUSD CE at dsce@iupui.edu or 317-278-9002 for questions.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
In accordance with the ADA CERP Standards for Commercial or Promotional Conflict of Interest, educational programs sponsored by Indiana University School of Dentistry must demonstrate balance,
independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor. Speakers are required to disclose any relevant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturers of any commercial product(s) and/or provider(s)
of commercial services that are discussed in an educational activity.
Sponsorship of a continuing education program by Indiana University School of Dentistry does not necessarily imply endorsement of a particular philosophy, procedure, or product by this institution.
Note: While it offers CE credits, this activity is not intended to provide extensive training or certification in the field.
Cosponsored by The Indiana Section of the American College of Dentists
and the IUSD Laskin Lecture Series.