Our Speakers

The clinicians, specialists, and educators who've shared their work at a Dentistry Forward symposium. A growing roster — each new speaker is added here after their event.

Headshot of Dr. Sanjeev Saagar Raj Bhatia
Host & Founder

Dr. Sanjeev Saagar Raj Bhatia, DDS

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon · Founder, Dentistry Forward

Dr. Sanjeev Saagar Raj Bhatia is a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with nearly two decades of experience, dedicated to delivering thoughtful, patient-centered care while continuously evolving alongside the profession he values deeply.

As the founder of Dentistry Specialists Integrated and Dentistry Forward, Dr. Bhatia has built organizations where clinical excellence is not left to chance — it is intentionally designed through systems and processes that bring clarity, consistency, and purpose to every provider, every team, and every patient interaction.

A Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and a lifelong student of human potential, he holds a deep conviction that artificial intelligence does not replace the human mind — it expands its reach. At Symposium III he explores the evolution of AI and its transformative role in modern dentistry.

“When we act on our true intentions, the unachievable becomes achievable.”

Speaks at: Symposium III · Welcome & AI session · Table Forum Moderator
Headshot of Dr. Steve Glassman
Symposium I Keynote

Dr. Steven Glassman

Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry Innovator · New York City

A globally recognized innovator in cosmetic and implant dentistry, known as “the dentist’s dentist.” Dr. Glassman travels worldwide educating professionals on cutting-edge technologies. His practice exemplifies digital excellence with 3D imaging, digital scanners, CBCT, and laser dentistry.

Dr. Glassman practices alongside his wife, Dr. Debra Glassman, in their thriving New York City cosmetic dental practice. A graduate of Brandeis University and Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, he has lectured extensively throughout the United States and internationally, contributing to numerous publications on digital comprehensive dentistry.

Keynote speaker at the inaugural Dentistry Forward symposium, Dr. Glassman set the tone for the community with a candid talk on growth and hardship in digital dentistry — the realities of bringing modern technology into a working practice. His talk generated enough follow-up questions that he returned virtually for Symposium II, joining live from New York to take the unanswered questions head-on.

Spoke at: Symposium I (Keynote) · Symposium II (live Q&A from NY)
Headshot of Dr. David Lopes
Symposium III Featured Speaker — 2 Sessions

Dr. David Lopes, DDS

Field Clinical Director, Align Technology · 30 Years in Digital Dentistry

Dr. David Lopes is a clinical strategist and global educator with nearly 30 years of experience across private practice, digital dentistry, and medtech leadership. A former Director of Global Clinical Product Development and current Field Clinical Director at Align Technology, he has played a key role in the development and global adoption of innovations such as Invisalign, the Align Digital Platform, and the iTero scanner.

Blending two decades of clinical practice with years of global influence, Dr. Lopes specializes in AI-driven treatment planning, digital smile design, and integrating technology into everyday workflows. An engaging speaker and trusted advisor, he has educated thousands of clinicians worldwide and partners with dental technology companies to help teams confidently implement efficient, patient-centered digital solutions.

At Symposium III he presents two sessions on "Digital thinking — the need today": Digital Bio-Esthetic Treatment Planning with Invisalign Smile Architect, and Effective Patient Communication & Case Acceptance Using Digital Tools.

Speaks at: Symposium III · Two morning sessions · Table Forum panelist
Headshot of Dr. Garima K. Talwar

Dr. Garima K. Talwar, DDS

Prosthodontist · Full Mouth Reconstruction

Dr. Garima K. Talwar is an accomplished prosthodontist, educator, and an established speaker known for her commitment to advancing excellence in cosmetic, implant, and reconstructive dentistry. Passionate about sharing her clinical experience, she inspires colleagues and emerging practitioners through her lectures, mentorship, and dedication to elevating patient care.

Dr. Talwar earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loma Linda University and completed her Master's in Prosthodontics at the University of Maryland, specializing in comprehensive aesthetic and reconstructive treatment. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, and a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Glasgow — credentials that place her among the most highly trained specialists in the field.

She has been recognized as one of the top dentists in her field by the Consumers Research Council of America since 2013 and by Washingtonian Magazine in 2021. With nearly two decades of experience, her expertise spans full mouth reconstruction, implant dentistry, and All-on-4 dental implants. Dr. Talwar also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland.

At Symposium III she presents the latest advances in full mouth reconstruction — same-day digital workflow without the delays of analogue dentistry — alongside John Lee.

Spoke at: Symposium II · Speaks at: Symposium III
Headshot of John Lee

John Lee

Full-Arch Workflow Specialist · Artisan Lab USA

John Lee is a digital dental entrepreneur and full-arch workflow specialist at Artisan Lab USA, focused on improving outcomes through digital workflows, CAD/CAM technology, and strong lab-clinical collaboration. His approach has been shaped by learning from many experienced dentists themselves and from his father, John Lee Sr., founder of Artisan Dental Lab.

He brings a fresh, modern view of new technologies and places great emphasis on proper hardware and software integration for the success of a case. He has completed hundreds of full-arch cases in recent years, hand-in-hand with many area dentists, and personally helps dentists incorporate new ideas and techniques in their practices.

At Symposium III he presents alongside Dr. Talwar — same-day digital flow for full mouth reconstruction without the delays of analogue dentistry.

Speaks at: Symposium III
Headshot of Dr. Jay Siddiqui

Dr. Jay Siddiqui, DDS

3D Digital Printing · Chevy Chase, MD

Dr. Jay Siddiqui is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and practices in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He is dedicated to delivering exceptional care through advanced technology, with a strong emphasis on 3D digital printing. He incorporates digital workflows across general, implant, and cosmetic dentistry, continually improving precision, efficiency, and patient results.

Dr. Siddiqui is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Implantology, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He joined Symposium II for a live 3D printing demonstration and returns to Symposium III as a Table Forum panelist, with a focus on 3D printing as the new advance in dentistry.

Spoke at: Symposium II · Speaks at: Symposium III
Headshot of Diana Raluca Potoroaca

Diana Raluca Potoroaca

Closing Remarks — Symposium III

Delivers the closing note for Symposium III, summarizing key takeaways and next steps for the Dentistry Forward community.

[Extended bio pending]

Speaks at: Symposium III
Headshot of Renae Williams

Renae Williams

Speaker — Symposium II

Bio pending. If you have notes from Renae's Symposium II session, please reach out.

Spoke at: Symposium II
Headshot of PW Shaffer II

PW Shaffer II

Speaker — Symposium II

Bio pending. If you attended PW's session, please share your notes.

Spoke at: Symposium II
M&T

M&T Bank Speakers

Practice Financing Panel — Symposium II

M&T Bank speakers led a panel on practice financing and banking relationships for dental practices at Symposium II.

[Individual speaker names pending.]

Spoke at: Symposium II
Headshot of Dr. Hemani Kaur

Dr. Hemani Kaur

Featured Attendee · Testimonial Series

Dr. Kaur attended the inaugural Dentistry Forward symposium and recorded a series of ten short reflections about her experience — what motivated her to attend, what stood out, the speaker who made the biggest impact, and a message to future attendees. Her clips appear on our clip library.

Featured at: Symposium I · Attendee testimonials

Want to speak at a future Dentistry Forward symposium?

We're always looking for practitioners with real clinical experience to share. No vendor pitches — just honest perspectives on what's working in modern dental practice.

Submit a Speaker Proposal