2025 Annual Session Speaker Lineup

Amanda Mitchell, RDH, BAS, MA

Course Titles & Descriptions

Today's Special: Teeth Cleaning with a Side of Botox 2CEs

The concept of dental spas has been emerging in the field of dentistry since the mid-90s. Dental spas have learned to partner evidence-based density with evidence-based dermatology. Believe it or not, you already possess the knowledge and expertise to assist patients in skin care maintenance and preservation, while maintaining the health of their oral cavity. Dental office revenue and provider job satisfaction can increase when you begin to integrate some of these simple spa services into your office.

This course will review antioxidants for use on the skin and in the mouth and train you to tap into the vast existing knowledge base you already possess to better promote a patient’s health and wellness. You will learn to “extract” this new and exciting information and pick up tips that you can start integrating into your practices tomorrow! Whether you want to learn to reverse the signs of your own aging, or assist patients with their needs, this course has it all; from cleanings to botox!

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the oral health care provider will be able to:

Define the concept of a dental spa through statistics, national trends, and identification of services provided for patients.
Define antioxidants and their role in skin care maintenance and oral benefits.
Discuss cosmetic procedures for skin conditions performed in dental spas. Specifically, facials, chemical peels, extractions, botox, restylane, microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing.
Discuss aromatherapy and the role scents play in patient perception and emotion.

Contemporary Dental Caries Management 2CEs

Dental caries is a major global public health crisis affecting almost half the world’s population. It is one of the greatest unmet healthcare needs of the 21st century and is the most prevalent preventable disease condition. Contemporary preventive dentistry has undergone a paradigm shift in the identification, classification, and management of carious lesions in the last decade. Incorporating preventive non-invasive therapies into treatment modalities is one important step to promoting healthier lives for patients.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this course, the oral health care professional will be able to:

1. Identify a noncavitated and cavitated caries lesion, demineralization, and remineralization.

2. Recognize global and national dental caries health statistics.

3. Identify the etiology of dental caries.

4. Select the appropriate chemotherapeutic intervention based on caries lesion presentation.

Speaker Bio

With a strong foundation in both clinical practice and education, Amanda Mitchell, RDH, MA brings a dynamic blend of real-world experience and instructional expertise to her role at vVardis. Over the years, Amanda has developed and delivered engaging content across various formats, tailoring educational materials to meet the needs of diverse learners in both academic and professional settings.
In addition to leading classroom instruction, she has spoken at workshops, conferences, and training sessions, consistently recognized for her clear communication, enthusiasm, and ability to make complex concepts accessible. Whether developing curriculum, facilitating learning, or sharing insights on stage, Amanda is passionate about empowering others through knowledge and experience.

Debbie Seidel-Bittke, RDH, BS

Course Title & Description

Revelations in Oral-Systemic Health: Mastering the Mouth-Body Connection and CDT Code Integration 2.5CEs

This course bridges the latest science on the mouth-body connection with updated CDT hygiene codes. Learn how oral inflammation impacts systemic health and how to apply current CDT codes to reflect clinical care accurately. Through case examples and practical strategies, attendees will improve diagnostic accuracy, correctly sequencing hygiene appointments to enhance patient outcomes. Optimize your CDT coding for increased reimbursement and compliance in today’s evolving dental hygiene practice.

1. Interpret current research that highlights the relationship between oral inflammation and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
2. Apply the latest CDT hygiene codes accurately to reflect the complexity of care provided, particularly in cases of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral-systemic risk factors.
3. Integrate clinical decision-making with proper coding protocols to support medical necessity, increase reimbursement, and comply with evolving standards in dental hygiene care.
4. Properly sequence hygiene appointments for patients with moderate to severe oral inflammation to improve patient outcomes and reduce insurance payment denials.
5. Develop effective patient communication strategies to support treatment acceptance by explaining the mouth-body connection and the value of appropriate preventive and therapeutic care.
The course is suited for 2-3 hours. Best suited for dentists, dental hygienists and office administrators.

Speaker Bio

Debbie (“SI DAL BIT KEY”) Seidel-Bittke is a nationally recognized dental hygiene expert, speaker, and founder of Dental Practice Solutions. With over 30 years of experience as a clinician, educator, and consultant, Debbie is passionate about empowering dental teams to elevate patient care and reduce workplace stress. A former hygiene department program director and assistant professor at USC, she’s known for her dynamic, practical presentations that help dental professionals shift from “cleaning teeth” to becoming ambassadors for total patient health.

JOHN E. BARDGETT, JR.

Session Topic

Legislative Advocacy for Dental Hygienists

Join John as he provides a behind-the-scenes look at the Missouri General Assembly and the legislative process that shapes the dental hygiene profession. This session will empower Registered Dental Hygienists with practical tools and insights to become effective advocates for the Missouri Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA) at the state level. Attendees will learn about key Senators and Representatives who influence professional licensing laws, and explore how the upcoming 2026 state legislative elections present a critical opportunity for RDHs to get involved, make their voices heard, and help shape the future of their profession.

Presenters Bio

John E. Bardgett, Jr. is president of John Bardgett & Associates, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as JBA), which is a political consulting and lobbying firm, primarily focused on representing clients’ interests in the State of Missouri at the legislative, executive, and state department levels.

John is a lifelong Missourian who grew up in St. Louis and Jefferson City. Following college, John began his lobbying career in 1980 and has been actively engaged in the lobbying and political consulting arena for the past 40+ years. JBA’s client list represents some of the top corporations in our country as well as professional and trade associations in our state. John’s firm has offices in both Jefferson City and St. Louis and, including John, there are three full-time lobbyists who work on JBA clients’ issues.

John’s family has been involved in Missouri politics for many years. John’s father was the Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court and formerly served as a St. Louis County Circuit Judge. His father has served as ex-officio counsel to numerous Speakers of the Missouri House and Presidents of the Missouri Senate of both parties over the last twenty years.

John’s 40+ years of lobbying experience and extensive knowledge of the legislative process have earned him the respect of legislators, staff, and bureaucrats on both sides of the aisle.

John has been an active participant in some of the major political legislative events that have shaped our state’s history over the last 40 years which include legislative discussions over public funding of stadium projects, increased funding and ballot issues for our state’s transportation infrastructure, and discussions surrounding the state funding of both K-12 and higher education systems.