Meet This Year's Speakers
SSO and MSO Annual Session
Daniel Bills, DMD, MS
Dr. Dan Bills is an avid (yet barely competent) golfer, boater and skier who enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife Emily and his daughter Caroline. Dr. Bills received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Lafayette College and his dental degree from Harvard University, both with Honors, after which he completed a three-year orthodontic residency at the University of Illinois. He is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists. He founded and maintains a state-of-the-art practice, Innovative Orthodontics, with three locations in Southern New Jersey, just outside of Philadelphia. He is on faculty at Harvard University and at the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been honored as “Teacher of the Year”. He lectures regularly at academic institutions and orthodontic meetings, both stateside and abroad, and gives in-office courses about a variety of clinical topics as well as how to better utilize technology in the orthodontic office. One of his greatest passions is teaching his colleagues how to work smarter and, consequently, live better.
Ms. Jessica Bryson
Jessica Bryson is a co-founder of Rootwell Consulting Group and a highly regarded business optimization strategist specializing in orthodontic practice growth. With a career built from the ground up inside orthodontic practices, Jessica brings a rare, comprehensive perspective shaped by hands-on experience across both clinical and administrative roles.
Her expertise centers on new patient conversion, operational efficiency, and revenue optimization. Jessica is known for designing and implementing scalable systems that improve case acceptance, streamline workflows, and strengthen team accountability. She has a particular passion for developing treatment coordinators and leadership teams, helping them understand not just the “how,” but the “why” behind high-performing systems.
Jessica’s approach blends data-driven strategy with a deep understanding of team dynamics, enabling practices to achieve measurable, sustainable growth. Through her work, she empowers orthodontic teams to elevate performance, enhance the patient experience, and build systems that support long-term success.
Ms. Stacey Bybee
Stacey Bybee is a co-founder of Rootwell Consulting Group and a trusted practice growth strategist with decades of hands-on orthodontic experience. Having served in key roles including orthodontic assistant, treatment coordinator, and practice manager, Stacey brings a practical, real-world understanding of the operational and leadership challenges practices face every day.
Stacey specializes in improving practice efficiency, increasing case conversion, and driving profitability through intentional systems and team development. Her strength lies in translating complex operational goals into actionable strategies that teams can implement immediately and sustain over time.
Known for her ability to connect with teams at every level, Stacey partners closely with doctors and staff to build alignment, accountability, and a culture of growth. Her work consistently helps practices move the needle on performance while creating a more confident, capable, and engaged team.
Amy Carlson
Amy Carlson has been with Partners Dental Studio for five years, specializing in CBCT-guided appliances. Partners’ innovative range of TAD expanders has revolutionized treatment options for adult expansion. Amy facilitates daily, one-on-one consultations with orthodontists and oral surgeons, providing valuable insights into MARPE planning and design.
Glenn C. Dubroc, DDS
Dr. Glenn C. Dubroc, Jr. is a 1991 graduate of the LSU Department of Orthodontics. After graduation he started a new practice in a competitive New Orleans market. He soon recognized the value of a highly efficient, lower volume practice model to his patients, himself, and his profession. He practiced for 22 years using no more than two chairs and two staff. This practice model was so immensely financially successful that Dr. Dubroc was able to retire at the age of 49. He became a part-time faculty member in the orthodontic department at LSU in 1996 and continues teaching one half-day per week. After his retirement, he created a business course for the orthodontic residents and now pursues his two greatest passions: traveling and mentorship. Within the past two years, he has given a half-day presentation on the lower volume practice model to the orthodontic residents at Medical University of South Carolina, Oklahoma University, UT Health-Houston, UT-Health San Antonio, the Tri-Force Residency Program, Mayo Clinic, West Virginia University, University of Illinois-Chicago, NOVA Southeastern, Detroit Mercy, University of Alabama Birmingham, Augusta University, University of Michigan, VCU, and LSU.
Mr. Brad Kucharo
Brad Kucharo is founder and CEO of Kucharo Wealth, which specializes in helping orthodontists achieve their financial and life goals by providing tax planning, business planning, financial planning, retirement planning, transition planning, and investment management services to high net-worth orthodontic business owners.
He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) practitioner and has been providing customized tax and business planning services exclusively for the orthodontic profession since 2007. During this time, he has helped over 450 doctors across the country plan for financial freedom, for reduced stress, and greater peace of mind.
Mr. Kucharo formerly worked at Vanguard as a Senior Financial Advisor providing high net-worth clients with financial planning and investment advisory services. Additionally, he worked at the McGill & Hill Group for over 14 years providing customized tax planning, business planning, and financial planning services to orthodontists. Mr. Kucharo started his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as a tax accountant performing tax and financial planning services for high-net-worth individuals.
He graduated from The University of Iowa and holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Master of Accountancy degree.
Dr Bryan Lockhart
Bryan Lockhart is a Board Certified orthodontist and owner of Dual Image Orthodontics in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he practices alongside his wife and fellow orthodontist, Dr. Lauren Rennick Lockhart.
After earning his dental degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Lockhart completed a General Practice Residency at Montefiore Medical Center, followed by his orthodontic training at Jacksonville University. He further advanced his education through an Orthodontic and Orthognathic Surgical Fellowship at Jacobi Medical Center in New York.
Recognized as an innovator in digital orthodontics, Dr. Lockhart has extensive experience with clear aligners, custom appliances, remote monitoring, and digital workflows. He developed his own in-house aligner system, Dualine, and is the inventor of two patented technologies: LockOn, a device designed to facilitate orthognathic surgery for aligner patients, and CAStrack, a software platform that helps practices manage and track digital orthodontic treatment.
A sought-after speaker, Dr. Lockhart regularly lectures on digital orthodontics, in-house aligners, remote monitoring, and emerging technologies that help practices improve efficiency, enhance patient experiences, and drive clinical excellence.
Mr. Art McOmber
Art was recruited by the FBI because he speaks German and was able to assist with the 9-11 investigation as ISIS was headquartered in Germany. He also arrested bank robbers, kidnappers, and major drug traffickers during his career.
After 15 years of taking criminals out of society, Art left the Bureau and became a successful entrepreneur, sharing his expertise in Asset and Estate Protection, Tax Saving Strategies and Wealth Creation with thousands of dental and medical professionals around the country.
Art has been married to Barbara for 36 years and they have 4 kids, and three amazing grandchildren.
Dr. Kent Morris
Dr. Kent Morris was the first clinician globally to initiate 500 Invisalign® Palatal Expander cases—an achievement that reflects his commitment to clinical excellence and innovation in orthodontics. As a recognized leader in early interceptive treatment, Dr. Morris is passionate about advancing patient care through technologies like the Invisalign Palatal Expander System and Invisalign First™ treatment to help transform smiles and lives.
A dedicated lifelong learner, Dr. Morris regularly pursues advanced continuing education to further enhance patient outcomes and provide a comfortable, patient-centered experience. He also serves as a Key Opinion Leader for Align, where he is committed to mentoring and educating colleagues on Invisalign treatment modalities. Dr. Morris is a member of the American Board of Orthodontics, the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and the Spear Dental Study Club.
Tung Nguyen, DMD, MS
Dr. Tung Nguyen completed his dental training at Tufts University and received his master’s degree and Certificate in Orthodontics at the University of North Carolina. He completed the William R Proffit Teaching Fellowship before joining the faculty at the University of North Carolina. He is the Zaytoun Distinguished Professor and Program Director at UNC, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and a member of the Angle Society of Orthodontists. He was awarded the BF and Helen Dewel Award for best clinical research from the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics for the work done on Class III bone anchors. Dr. Nguyen has over 100 publications and book chapters and has lectured nationally and internationally. His research interests are 3D imaging, technology, and dentofacial orthopedics.
Benjamin Samuelson, DMD
Dr. Ben Samuelson earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University (a house divided!) and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). From there, Dr. Samuelson completed a residency in orthodontics as well as a master’s degree in dental sciences.
Dr. Samuelson owns and operates co-branded pediatric and orthodontic offices throughout the state of Alabama. He enjoys teaching strategies on developing a clear vision and roadmap for practices and their future. He is extremely passionate about creating a winning culture in and around the practice.
Dr. Samuelson is married to his wife, Mallory and have one son, Benjamin “Beckett” who is 2 years old. When he’s not fixing smiles, Dr. Samuelson can be found on the golf course or in his woodworking shop.
Ms. Michelle Shimmin
Michelle Shimmin is an esteemed international speaker, trainer, and consultant in the field of orthodontics, with over 30 years of experience. Since 1990, Michelle has worked in various roles, from Registered Dental Assistant to expert educator, specializing in orthodontic assisting, treatment coordination, marketing, financials, and practice management. Passionate about empowering dental professionals, she helps practices both nationally and internationally, streamline systems to boost efficiency, foster growth, and achieve sustainable success.
Known for her dynamic approach to training, Michelle is a highly sought-after expert, delivering engaging lectures and workshops at events across the globe. Her comprehensive, hands-on strategies continue to shape the future of orthodontic practices, making her one of the most respected figures in the industry.
James L. Vaden, DDS, MS
James L. Vaden has been a private practitioner in Cookeville, Tennessee since 1972. During his professional career, he has been privileged to serve as a Director of The American Board of Orthodontics, as the Commissioner for orthodontics for the Commission on Dental Accreditation, and as a member of various AAO standing committees and councils. In addition to his private practice, Jim has been active as an educator and has been a faculty member at the University of Tennessee since 1980. He served as the Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Tennessee from 1999 until 2010. He also served from 1991 to 1999 as an adjunct clinical professor in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Michigan. Dr. Vaden has been active with the Charles Tweed Foundation and the Tweed Study Course since 1976. He is currently the Director of the Tweed Study Course.
Mr. Dino Watt
Dino Watt is the Founder and CEO of Our Ripple Effect, Inc. and one of the most exciting business relationship trainers in the world. As an award-winning mentor, author of 5 books, dynamic speaker and international trainer, Dino is constantly focused on how he can contribute more positivity and productivity to every business and person he interacts with. He does this by making things simple to understand and easy to use. Ultimately, he is focused on building trusting relationships where others can count on him.
For the past 10 years, Dino has built his business in the private practice world, with a special focus on orthodontists. As a high-performance practice advisor, Dino has frequently been referred to as “the Tony Robbins of private practices”. His goal is to help business leaders create more passion, be more productive, and create more profit in all areas of their life.
Dino has been married to his childhood friend, Shannon for over 27 years and they have 3 adult kids.
Leadership Development Class
