Tests, articles and CE certificates for 6 issues of Pediatric Dentistry 2026 (Volume 48)

Dr. Lucas will review the “script” he uses every single day, multiple times a day, to help make his life in the operatory go more smoothly. You can use what works for you to help your day go more smoothly. A key emphasis is placed on how you can get parents to not be helicopters in the operatory.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn principles and phrases to help greatly reduce “helicopter parents”
• Techniques to try to convince parents to not use the word “shot”.
• Help lower your own blood pressure and help more kids behave for procedures.

Speaker: Roger Lucas, DDS: drlucas@kidsdentist.com

**Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.

Speakers:

Erin E. Bumann, DDS, PhD, MS: bumanne@umkc.edu
Allison C. Scully, DDS MS: scullya@iu.edu

This practical, case-based session will teach pediatric dentists how to critically evaluate research papers and product claims to make confident, evidence-based decisions in clinical practice. Attendees will learn how to spot red flags in studies, interpret basic statistics, and assess whether new materials or techniques are truly worth adopting. With real-world examples and clear take-home tools, this session empowers clinicians to separate science from marketing and bring the best care to their patients.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the essential components of a research paper and understand what makes a study strong or weak.
• Apply evidence-based principles to decide whether to adopt a new product, technique, or clinical recommendation.
• Detect common red flags in commercial materials and poorly designed studies.

Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.

Speaker:

Todd A. Gray, DDS: grayvpd@gmail.com

As various implementation deadlines approach, CMS, states, providers, and enrollees are grappling with potential impacts from Medicaid changes passed as part of the Big Beautiful Bill. This session will cover any relevant status updates and will include an overview of managed care, as well as the differences between Medicaid dental and Medicare Advantage dental coverage. Come with your questions!

Learning Objectives:

• Understand possible changes on the horizon for Medicaid dental benefits including what – if any – currently included children’s benefits will change.
• Evaluate potential actions to take in response to the Big Beautiful Bill including opportunities to advocate for maintaining all preventive benefits for children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP.
• Reflect on some examples of the possible impact and/or responses in select states.

**Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.

String of Pearls presentations from AAPD 2026

Speakers:

Corey Hastings, DDS, MS, MBA: dr.corey@littlesmilespediatricdentist.com / Comparison is the Cavity of Joy: Filling Life with Enough

Erika King, ABPD: erikakingdds@gmail.com / From the Second Chair: Realities, Rewards & Reflections of the Associate Experience

Lauren DiBenedetto, D.D.S., M.P.H.: dibenedetto.lauren@gmail.com /Case Presentations with Impact: Crafting Clinical Stories That Captivate and Educate

Daniel J. Grob, DDS,MS: drdjgrob@gmail.com / Following the New Patient Exam: What's Next?

Christy Jo Fogarty, LDH, ADT, BSDH, MSOHP: cfogarty@charter.net /The Hall Technique and the Advantages of Implementation

Halima Abukabbos, BDS, MPH, CPH, FRCDC: HSA37@PITT.EDU /Intraoral Scanner Uses in Pediatric Dentistry

Paula E. VanBuskirk, DDS, MBA: p.van21@att.net / Managing Burnout in Dental Practices: Followership as a Cure

Divesh Sardana, MDS, MBA, MPH, PhD: dsardana@iu.edu / Papacarie® in Action: Evolving Practices and Future Directions in Minimally Invasive Pediatric Dentistry

Sharon Freudenberger, DDS: sharonfreuden@gmail.com / Pre-Appointment Questionnaires: Why They Matter for Patients with Special Health Care Needs and Disabilities

Craig V. Vinall, DDS, MDS: cvinall@uthsc.edu / Scurvy: An Ancient Disease and an Increasing Problem

Leah I. Stein Duker, PhD, OTR/L:  lstein@chan.usc.edu / Sensory-Inclusive Practices to Improve Dental Care for Autistic Children

Jenn-Yih Simon Lin, DDS: linjy@uw.edu / Visualize. Simulate. Extract: 3D Printed Planning for Safer Mesiodens Surgery

Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.

Speaker:

Juan F. Yepes, DDS, MD, MPH, MS, DrPH: jfyepes@iu.edu

Radiographic interpretation in children can be challenging—developing teeth, growing bones, and mixed dentition often produce appearances that mimic disease. Essential Radiology for Pediatric Patients: Everything You Want to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask demystifies these findings by highlighting the key differences between normal developmental anatomy and true pathology. Through a series of clinical cases and radiographic examples, this lecture will help practitioners recognize normal variations, understand the radiographic appearance of growth and eruption stages, and avoid common diagnostic pitfalls. Participants will also review characteristic radiographic presentations of frequently encountered pediatric oral pathologies. By the end of the session, attendees will be able to interpret pediatric radiographs with greater confidence, accuracy, and clinical insight.

Learning Objectives:

• Be able to Interpret common radiographic findings in pediatric patients.
• Be able to understand the most common radiographic pathology in the pediatric patient.
• Be able to re-learn the systematic and methodic process of a radiographic interpretation report.

Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.

AAPD is offering CE for the courses at Annual Session you were not able to attend. You have the opportunity to purchase and earn CE hours. Purchase the Annual Session package here! 

Ability to claim CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content available to view until May 24, 2031.

**Preconference Course sold separately.

Speaker:

Carla E. Cohn, DMD: carlacohn22@gmail.com

Enzymatic caries removal is the next generation of minimally invasive dentistry, allowing clinicians to eliminate caries while preserving healthy tooth structure. This chemo-mechanical method offers a gentle, painless alternative to traditional techniques and supports selective caries removal. This sound bite reviews the science, indications, and protocol for papain-derived enzymatic agents, highlighting how this evidence-based approach enhances patient comfort, conserves tooth structure, and improves restorative outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the scientific principles and mechanism of action of enzymatic caries removal agents.
• Identify appropriate clinical indications and protocols for selective caries removal using enzymatic methods.
• Apply minimally invasive enzymatic caries removal techniques to improve patient comfort and treatment outcomes.

Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.

Speakers:

Bina Katechia, BDS, MSc: bkatechia@uchc.edu
Glenn Canares, DDS, MSD: gcanares1@umaryland.edu

Caring for children and families is rewarding, but it can also be demanding. With the continued trend of major dental organizations supporting systematic wellness initiatives, audience members will learn practical ways to recognize burnout, build resilience, and nurture wellness in pediatric dental workplaces. This engaging workshop offers simple, actionable strategies to support both individual well-being and a healthier team culture.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify common signs of burnout in pediatric dental workplaces.
• Apply practical strategies to enhance personal and team wellness.
• Identify strategies to create a supportive workplace culture that promotes resilience and collaboration.

**Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.

Speaker:

Jasveen Singh, DMD: drsingh@pdbeyond.com

Imagine reassuring parents that their child’s cavity can be treated with little to no drilling or sedation. This lecture introduces Papacarie Duo, an enzymatic, minimally invasive gel that transforms caries management—even for very young children. Participants will learn its indications, benefits, and role in selective caries removal, preserving healthy tooth structure while improving comfort and outcomes. Discover how Papacarie Duo empowers pediatric dentists to deliver gentler, modern, and effective care aligned with Minimally Invasive Dentistry.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn the indications for use of Papacaries for caries removal.
• Learn the technique for using Papacaries for caries removal, making it easy to use when returning to practice.
• Explain the mechanism of action of Papacaries to patients and peers.

Ability to earn CE expires on May 24, 2029. Video content expires on May 24, 2031.