2025 9th Annual AAC Conference - American Academy of Cariology

American Academy of Cariology 2025 Annual AAC Conference Buffalo, NY - September 25-26, 2025

Program

This year’s conference will feature an exciting and impactful program focused on the integration of oral and systemic health, workforce expansion, value-based care, artificial intelligence, and fluoride science and advocacy. Over two days, attendees will engage in expert-led sessions, interactive discussions, research presentations, and networking opportunities, all designed to advance the science and practice of Cariology.

Bringing together a diverse audience of academics, researchers, clinicians, students, industry partners, and policymakers, this event will serve as a transformative platform to shape the future of oral health.

View Program PDF

Program Schedule

DAY 1: September 25^th, 2025

7:30 – 8:00 AM
LIGHT BREAKFAST AND BADGE PICKUP

8:00 – 8:10 AM
WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENT
DR. MARCELLE NASCIMENTO, AAC PRESIDENT

SECTION 1: There is no Health Without Oral Health

8:10 – 8:40 AM
Salivaomics in Caries and Systemic Disease Detection
DR. DAVID WONG, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

8:40 – 9:10 AM
Integrating Caries and Systemic Health Screening into Practice
DR. JULIE FRANTSVE-HAWLEY, IMPACT HEALTH STRATEGIES

9:10 – 9:40 AM
SECTION DISCUSSION
MODERATORS: DR. BENNETT AMAECHI AND DR. ANCHAL MALIK

9:40 – 10:00 AM
COFFEE BREAK

SECTION 2: Expanding the Workforce – A Collaborative Approach to Comprehensive Oral Health

10:00 – 10:30 AM
Unbound and Unleashed: Transforming the Dental Hygienist’s Impact on Caries Management
Prof. Martha McComas, University of Michigan

10:30 – 11:00 AM
Strengthening Collaborative Care through the 100 Million Mouths Campaign
Dr. Shenam Ticku, HaRvard University

11:00 – 11:30 AM
Interprofessional Integration and Early Oral Health Interventions
Dr. Hugh Silk, University of Massachusetts

11:30 – 12:00 PM
SECTION DISCUSSION
MODERATORS: DR. BENNETT AMAECHI AND DR. ANCHAL MALIK

12:00 – 1:00 PM
LUNCH BREAK

1:00 – 2:00 PM
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
See Program PDF for poster abstracts

SECTION 3: Value-Based Care in Caries Management – The Role of Insurance in Supporting Preventive Services

2:00 – 2:30 PM
The Shift to Value-Based Care in Dentistry
Dr. Cherag Sarkari, Liberty Dental

2:30 – 3:00 PM
Data-Driven Advocacy for Expanding Preventive Coverage
Dr. Eric TraNby, CareQuest Institute

3:00 – 3:30 PM
Building the Future of Value-Based Care: Practical Steps Forward
Dr. Eleanor Fleming, INDEPENDENT SCHOLAR

3:30 – 3:45 PM
COFFEE BREAK

3:45 – 4:30 PM
SECTION DISCUSSION
MODERATORS: DR. CARLOS GONZÁLEZ-CABEZAS AND DR. RICHARD NIEDERMAN

4:30 – 5:00 PM MEET THE FOUNDERS
An informal conversation with the AAC founders as they offer inspiration for the next generation to shape the future of Cariology
MODERATOR: DR. MARCELLE NASCIMENTO

5:00 – 7:00 PM
RECEPTION

DAY 2: September 26^th, 2025

7:30 – 8:00 AM
LIGHT BREAKFAST

SECTION 4: Artificial Intelligence in Caries Management

8:00 – 8:30 AM
Integrating AI in Clinical Workflow for Caries Risk Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment
Dr. Jay S. Patel, Temple University

8:30 – 9:00 AM
AI-Powered Caries Prevention Programs: Engaging Patients and Communities
Dr. Jin Xiao, University of Rochester

9:00 – 9:30 AM
SECTION DISCUSSION
MODERATORS: DR. ADRIANA MANSO AND DR. AMAL NOURELDIN

9:30 – 9:50 AM
COFFEE BREAK

SECTION 5: Fluoride and Oral Health – Science, Challenges, and Advocacy

9:50 – 10:20 AM
Evaluating Fluoride Safety and Efficacy
Dr. Livia Tenuta, University of Michigan

10:20 – 10:50 AM
The Impact of Fluoride Removal on Buffalo’s Oral Health
Dr. Ellyce Clonan, University at Buffalo

10:50 – 11:20 AM
Strategies to Combat Fluoride Hesitancy: Engaging Communities and Policymakers
Dr. Scott Tomar, University of Illinois

11:20 – 12:00 PM
SECTION DISCUSSION
MODERATORS: DR. ADRIANA MANSO AND DR. AMAL NOURELDIN

12:00 – 1:00 PM
LUNCH BREAK

1:00 – 1:45 PM
BUSINESS MEETING

1:45 – 2:00 PM
COFFEE BREAK

2:00 – 3:30 PM
ACADEMIC SYMPOSIUM: “Current Challenges in Cariology Education in the USA”
This symposium will address critical issues faced by dental educators and institutions in preparing future dental professionals within an evidence-based cariology framework.

Session 1: Addressing the Challenges of Fluoride Use amid Misinformation
Invited Panelists: Dr. Margherita Fontana and Dr. Scott Tomar
DR. APOENA RIBEIRO, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN FRANCISCO, moderator

Session 2: Bridging the Gap between Didactic and clinical education in cariology
Invited panelists: Dr. Carlos Gonzalez-Cabezas, Dr. Marcelle Nascimento, and Dr. Mark Wolff
Dr. ANDRÉA ZANDONÁ, THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, moderator

The Academy gratefully acknowledges the support of our sponsors. The sponsors had no role in course planning, content development, or speaker selection.

Register Early & Save

Take advantage of discounted rates by registering on or before July 25, 2025.

Registration Rates

Category	Pre-Registration** (until July 25, 2025)	Standard Registration (after July 25, 2025)
AAC Member	$300.00	$350.00
Non-Member	$500.00	$550.00
Student*	$50.00	$75.00

*Students must be members of the AAC to attend the conference.
**Presenters of accepted abstracts must register by the deadline of July 25, 2025.

Membership Fees

Category	Annual Fee
Professional	$150
Corporate	$150
Student	$40

9th Annual AAC Conference Registration Form

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Call for Poster Abstracts – 9th AAC Annual Conference

The American Academy of Cariology (AAC) invites researchers, clinicians, and students to submit abstracts for poster presentations at the 9th AAC Annual Conference, taking place September 25-26, 2025, in Buffalo, NY. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your research, share insights, and engage with leading experts in Cariology and oral health. We welcome submissions across a broad range of topics, including basic, translational, and clinical sciences, implementation/dissemination research, case presentations, public advocacy initiatives and community and educational programs in Cariology.

Accepted abstracts will be presented as posters, providing a platform for discussion, collaboration, and recognition within the field. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the advancement of Cariology research and be considered for these new awards!

Key Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline: Extended to May 7, 2025. Submissions are closed.
Notification of Acceptance: June 9, 2025

New This Year!

We are excited to introduce new awards recognizing outstanding individuals and scientific posters that showcase exceptional research contributions and innovation in Cariology.

AAC – Colgate Early Career Faculty Travel Award

This new award aims to encourage early-career faculty participation at the AAC Annual Conference while recognizing excellence in Cariology education and/or research. The award will be up to $1,000.

🔗 Check guidelines and eligibility here

AAC – Elevate Oral Care Student Travel Award

This award aims to encourage students to conduct research in Cariology and present their findings at the AAC Annual Conference. The award will be up to $1,000.

🔗 Check guidelines and eligibility here

AAC – SHOFU Best Poster Award

This award recognizes outstanding scientific posters that showcase exceptional research contributions and innovation in Cariology.

Join Us in Buffalo, NY for the 9th AAC Annual Conference

Start planning your trip today and join us for an engaging conference experience!

The 9th Annual Conference of the American Academy of Cariology (AAC) will take place in Buffalo, NY, at 500 Pearl, a premier venue in the heart of downtown Buffalo. Mark your calendars and plan your trip to attend this exciting event focused on advancing Cariology research and clinical practice.

📍 Conference Venue:

500 Pearl, Buffalo, NY
A modern, vibrant venue offering state-of-the-art conference facilities, dining, and entertainment options all within walking distance.

🏨 Accommodations:

For your convenience, we recommend several hotels located near the conference venue:

Aloft Buffalo Downtown – Marriott (Headquarters hotel located within 500 Pearl) Book your room at the Aloft here. Spaces are limited for the discounted rate, which is available for the nights of September 24-25 only. An extended reservation may be required for additional nights at a higher rate.
The Westin Buffalo (0.3 miles away)
Hyatt Regency Buffalo (0.4 miles away)
Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Downtown (0.4 miles away)
Embassy Suites by Hilton Buffalo (0.5 miles away)

🚗 Getting to Buffalo, NY:

Buffalo is easily accessible by air, train, and car:
✈️ Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF): Just 15 minutes from downtown.
🚆 Buffalo Exchange Street Amtrak Station
🚗 Driving? The venue offers parking and is accessible from major highways.

How to obtain CE credits for attendance at the in-person 9th Annual AAC Conference:

You must first register to attend the Conference on the Conference registration page.
Registration for the conference (with payment of applicable fees) is separate from registration for CE credits.

CE Credits

Attendees of the 9^th Annual AAC Conference may receive up to the following hours of CE credits:

Type	Credit Hours
Session 1	1.50 lecture hours
Session 2 (includes posters)	3.00 lecture hours
Session 3	2.25 lecture hours
Session 4	1.50 lecture hours
Session 5 (includes Symposium)	3.75 lecture hours

Continuing education credits may not apply toward license renewal in all states. It is the responsibility of each participant to verify the requirements of his/her state licensing board. Please check with your state licensing board to ensure that a particular course will meet your continuing education requirements.

How to Get Your CE Credits

Conference attendees must register to get their CE credits in advance (before the conference) through the Penn Dental Medicine Continuing Education Portal.

For those who already have a Penn Dental CE account:

Click the link to register for continuing education credits in the CE portal. AAC CE Registration
After the event, if your attendance is confirmed, you will be marked as attended and granted access to complete the required assessments to receive your CE certificate.

For those who do NOT have a Penn Dental CE account:

Please follow the steps below to create an account in the CE portal:

Go to https://cde.dental.upenn.edu
Click the “SIGN UP” button
Complete the PennPath registration form, including your username (we recommend using your email address in lowercase) and password
Click “Sign up” to submit your registration
Check your email for a confirmation message from ciam-admin@isc.upenn.edu and click the “Click Here” link to confirm your registration
Sign in to the portal using your new username and password
Complete your profile by clicking “Go to Your Profile”
Once your account is set up, please email pdmcontinuinged@pobox.upenn.edu to confirm.
You will be manually added to the course.
After the event, an email will be sent with a link and instructions on how to access and complete the assessments required for CE certification.

If you have any questions or need help accessing the portal, please contact PDMContinuingEd@dental.upenn.edu.

Penn Dental Medicine 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.