Speakers for OPC 2026
The 2026 Orthodontic Pearls Conference speaker lineup is here! Join us as top industry experts take the stage to inspire fresh ideas and real growth for your practice.
The Braces Guy
Dr. Grant Collins
Dr. Grant Collins, widely known as TheBracesGuy®, is anorthodontist, speaker, philanthropist, and author. He attended St. Olaf College, the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and Mayo Clinic for orthodontic residency.
Dr. Collins is a founder, owner, and practicing orthodontist at Collins Orthodontics in Rochester, MN. He’s also a founder and owner of The Donut, a local bakery that raises money to support a program that gives free braces to child cancer survivors.
When Dr.Collins isn't in the clinic, you can find him playing soccer, skiing, reading, traveling, spending time in nature, and hanging with his kids, Caden, Grayson, and Lennon.
Dr. Tom Pitts
Dr. Tom Pitts is a distinguished orthodontist with a career spanning more than five decades and is renowned for his contributions to orthodontics, including the fundamentals of Smile Arc Protection.
As the Executive Clinical Director at OC Orthodontics, he leads a progressive team devoted to creating innovative clear and metal brackets that enhance patient care through exceptional aesthetic outcomes.
Dr. Pitts began his orthodontic practice in 1970, developing a unique specialty known as "Pitts Discipline." This methodology emphasizes smiles and facial aesthetics through groundbreaking techniques. His passion for orthodontics is evident in his commitment to fostering clinical relationships, driving product innovation, and leading global educational initiatives.
In addition to his directorial role, Dr. Pitts practices part-time at Pitts Orthodontics in Reno, where his legacy continues through his son, Dr. Arnie Pitts, and Dr. Mark Handelin. His grandson, Dr. Hunter Pitts, is set to join the practice, ensuring the family's commitment to orthodontics endures.
Dr. Pitts earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, followed by a Master of Science in Orthodontics from the University of Washington after serving two years in the U.S. Army.
Globally recognized for his innovative techniques, Dr. Pitts has pioneered the "Pitts21 Discipline," which utilizes a unique bracket slot and arch forms that have revolutionized orthodontic esthetic procedures.
As a celebrated lecturer and clinician, he has dedicated over 30 years to teaching orthodontic finishing and clinical excellence, and currently serves as a clinical professor in the Department of Orthodontics at Roseman University in Henderson, Nevada. His dedication to teaching continues to inspire a new generation of orthodontists.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Pitts cherishes family time and enjoysgolfing. His commitment to community service reflects his desire to make a positive impact both within and beyond orthodontics. As he continues to innovate and educate, Dr. Thomas Pitts remains a beacon of excellence in orthodontics
Dr. Kyle Fagala
Dr. Kyle Fagala is a trusted authority and highly sought-after speaker in Orthodontics. As the owner of Saddle Creek Orthodontics and co-founder of ION, a digital marketing agency, Dr. Kyle delivers exceptional patient care and offers invaluable strategies for practice growth. He hosts "The Digital Orthodontist: Live!" podcast, founded The Digital Orthodontist Facebook group, one of the largest in orthodontics, co-authored The Practice Paradox along with two children's books about braces and aligners, and drums for the all-orthodontist band RELAPSE.
Dr. Kyle graduated from UT Memphis in 2013 with a master's degree in Dental Science and teaches Development of Occlusion to first-year dental students there. Away from the practice, he enjoys music, cooking, travel, photography, trivia, and Memphis Grizzlies basketball. He lives in Germantown with his wife Anna, their four children Charlie, Libby, George, and Lucy, an Aussiedoodle named Sammie, and three peacocks: Jim, Pam, and Dwight.
Dr. Chris Teeters
Dr. Chris Teeters completed his dental training at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and his residency at the University of Minnesota. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and owns a private practice, Teeters Orthodontics, in Peoria, Arizona, and a Pediatric Dental Practice, Kidz-R-Kool, with his wife, Dr. Morghan Teeters.
Dr. Teeters co-founded Orthodontic Pearls, the world’s largest Facebook study group exclusive to orthodontists with almost 10,000 vetted and verified orthodontists worldwide, and has published articles in the JCO and Orthotown on his Hyrax-Halterman appliance. He is a Key Opinion Leader for Angel Aligners, having showcased innovative clear aligner techniques at multiple conferences.
He hosts the Orthodontic Pearls Podcast, the fastest-growing podcast in orthodontics, and the Mother of Pearls Conference, now in its seventh year, held at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, with over 500 attendees.
On a fun note, Dr. Teeters is the lead guitarist for the world’s only all-orthodontist band, RELAPSE, having played shows for as many as 6,500 colleagues in venues such as the House of Blues, the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, a Cruise Ship, and a sports arena. He loves sharing clinical pearls to advance the specialty and improve his colleagues' lives.
Dr. Brian Anderson
Dr. Brian Anderson is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, but has also lived in Portugal, Iowa, and Minnesota. Dr. Anderson has four beautiful children—three girls and one boy.
Dr. Anderson graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brigham Young University, after which he attended dental school at the University of Iowa. As a dental student, he scored in the 97th percentile nationwide on both the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II.
Dr. Anderson completed his orthodontic specialty training at the University of Minnesota and earned a Master of Science. He is the co-founder of Orthodontic Pearls, the world’s largest and most active studygroup exclusive to orthodontists. Dr. Anderson loves orthodontics and is lucky to feel what occupational psychologists call “flow”—a feeling of “energized focus, full involvement, andenjoyment in the process”—every day at work.
His passion for orthodontics led Dr. Anderson to create an orthodontic continuing education group called Orthodontic Pearls—one of the largest and most active in the world—where he enjoys teaching, learning, and interacting with orthodontist colleagues and friends.
Dr. Anderson’s personal interests include sports, exercise, art (he’s a gallery-featured sculptor), foreign languages (Portuguese and some Spanish), travel, community service, and spending time with friends and family
Dr. Chad Foster
Dr. Chad Foster is a board certified orthodontist practicing in Phoenix, Arizona in a single doctor, single location practice. He completed dental school and orthodontic residency at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles California.
In dental school he scored in the 99th percentile on the National Board Dental Examination and in his residency he received USC’s Harry L. Dougherty Award given to the top orthodontic clinician.
Dr. Foster has multiple publications in U.S. orthodontic journals and serves as the Editorial Director of Orthotown Magazine which has the highest readership of any orthodontic publication in the U.S. Through that magazine he actively publishes more full record cases than any other orthodontist in the U.S.
Additionally Dr. Foster also posts more full record cases than any other orthodontist in the world on the largest online orthodontist study group in the world, "Orthodontic Pearls". His favorite subject to write and lecture on are dentofacial esthetics and clinical efficiency strategies. He is a husband to Natalie Foster and father to Calvin, Sadie, and PJ.
Dr. Thomas Shipley
Thomas S. Shipley, DMD, MS, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Brigham Young University and went on to earn his doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. Dr. Shipley completed a Master’s program in Orthodontics at West Virginia University.
Dr. Shipley maintains a full-time orthodontic practice in Peoria, Arizona. He recently was an Adjunct Professor of Orthodontics at The Arizona School of Dentistry Orthodontic Specialty Program. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, the American Dental Association, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontics, and the Arizona Dental Association.
In addition to publishing several orthodontic case reports and original research articles, Dr. Shipley is a Certified Teacher for Larry Andrew’s 6Elements Orthodontic Philosophy. He has been a Key Opinion Leader for Dentsply Sirona, Henry Schein Orthodontics, Propel Orthodontics, and a previous Invisalign Faculty member. Dr. Shipley has lectured extensively, giving over 300 lectures nationally and internationally. In his spare time, Dr. Shipley enjoys……. Never mind, he has five kids and no spare time!
Mike Webb
Michael P. Webb comes from Leeds, Utah and built a company which he ran for 21 years. After selling that business, Michael has spent the last 14 years consulting on various projects as well as training with various education companies in the world of entrepreneurs.
Michael understands what it takes to run a small business. He recently joined the Legally Mine team.
Today he will be teaching us how to eliminate the threat of lawsuits, protect our licenses and greatly increase our tax savings.
Diana Weaver
Diana Weaver is a lecturer, trainer and business analyst who has been in the field of orthodontics since 1999, working in all positions of the practice from financials, clinical, treatment coordinating and practice management.
Diana travels the country to transform orthodontic practices to reach their highest potential utilizing Shimmin Consulting’s comprehensive practice approach. She recognizes that the term“success” has different definitions to each individual.
These differences and individuals uniqueness excites Diana to customize practice processes and influential communication to fit the needs and desires of the practice. She is considered one of the most sought-after practice business analysts, leading countless practices to amazing growth.
Michael Bacani
Michael Bacani partners with high-net-worth clients to integrate energy assets into sophisticated investment strategies. Leveraging solutions like 1031 exchanges into mineral rights, tax-efficient Roth conversions, and drilling deductions, he helps optimize portfolios with tax-advantaged, cash-flowing assets. By strategically positioning energy investments, Michael helps clients create lasting generational wealth, ensuring long-term stability and legacy preservation.
Kelly Sinrud
Kelly Sinrud is Director of Client Success at LeadSigma, where she and her team drive new patient growth for more than 1,300 orthodontic practices nationwide, helping to create billions in new orthodontic revenue. Her deep command of the new patient funnel, built on years of seeing what actually converts marketing resources into signed contracts, has made her a trusted advisor to practice owners and a driving force behind LeadSigma’s growth. She brings over 20 years of customer service and success leadership to the role, including previously leading a 80-person team at a major SaaS company, and holds an MBA from William Woods University.
Outside of work, she’s a record-setting former collegiate softball pitcher who now coaches Little League pitchers, volunteers with KC Pet Project, and can usually be found tending her garden or hosting a charcuterie night for friends and family. She lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband and her two cats, Franklin and Ghost Face Killah.
Steven N. Gardner
Steven N. Gardner is President and Founder of OrthoSelect, maker of DIBS AI. He started the company in 2004 in American Fork, Utah, and has spent over three decades in orthodontics across the four companies he built. His work centers on orthodontic AI research, adoption, and digital workflow automation. Outside of work, Steven continues to enjoy climbing mountain peaks around the world.
Dr. Tyler Coles
Dr. Tyler Coles practiced orthodontics for 13 years and ran every dollar of his own marketing, no agency, no middleman. It worked: he grew his practice from 2 to 7 locations and built it into one of the largest private orthodontic practice in Arizona, with 80% of new patients coming from internet leads rather than dentist referrals.
After selling the practice, he founded OrthoBoost, where he now helps orthodontists build the same patient-acquisition system he built for himself. His current focus is the shift reshaping local search: how practices earn visibility in both traditional search results and AI-generated recommendations and why the practice that covers the most searches now beats the practice that has simply been around the longest.
Kayla Hallen
Kayla Hallen is a Practice Advisor for HIP Creative and Neon Canvas under the ION Growth Agency family, specializing in orthodontic patient journey strategy, case acceptance, and front office operations.
She has spent the last sixteen years working her way through just about every role an orthodontic practice has to offer. From high-volume multi-location groups to a Memphis startup she joined as employee number one, to eight years as Office Manager at a boutique lifestyle practice. In 2023 Kayla joined Neon Canvas, spending two years working directly alongside dozens of practices across the country before stepping into her current advisory role. She combines years of hands-on expertise with an empathetic approach, truly connecting with her clients and their teams.
Kayla lives outside of Chicago in Lake Bluff, Illinois with her husband Graham and their five children, all of them squarely in the age of orthodontic treatment. Outside of work she can be found at pilates, enjoying a charcuterie board, or with her book club.
Crystal Kunzler, RDH, BSDH
Crystal Kunzler is a licensed dental hygienist, passionate educator, and Strategic Account Executive with Henry Schein Orthodontics, where she bridges clinical expertise, customer strategy, and product implementation across national DSO partnerships. She leads the Clinical Product Specialist team and collaborates with industry leaders, product developers, key opinion leaders, and cross-functional teams to create education and resources that help clinicians confidently integrate innovative orthodontic solutions into practice.
Crystal also contributes to Henry Schein Orthodontics’ emerging airway orthodontics strategy, bringing together thought leadership, education, and specialty solutions to expand how clinicians' approach orthodontic care. With this strategy in mind, Crystal is dedicated to helping clinicians consider the impact of treatment during critical years of orofacial development and the potential to influence a patient’s quality of life far beyond the orthodontic chair.
Dr. Michael Florman, DDS
Dr. Michael Florman is a nationally recognized orthodontist, educator, inventor, and entrepreneur with a career spanning clinical orthodontics, dental education, product development, and innovation. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and the New York University Department of Orthodontics.
Early in his career, Dr. Florman founded and led the Academy of Dental Therapeutics and Stomatology, an at-home, self-study dental continuing education company that grew to become one of the largest providers of dental continuing education in the United States. He later sold the company to Dental Economics Magazine, allowing him to focus on his orthodontic practice in Santa Monica, California. During his years in dental education and publishing, Dr. Florman authored more than 40 scientific publications in dentistry and medicine.
Today, Dr. Florman serves as the lead chemist, inventor, and product developer at his company, EverBrands/EverSmile, where he combines his clinical experience with a passion for developing innovative oral care products. His inventions include EverSmile’s popular aligner and retainer cleaning foams, along with products and formulations that have been private-labeled for leading clear aligner companies, including Invisalign.
Most recently, Dr. Florman turned his attention to interproximal reduction (IPR), inventing an innovative technology designed to provide clinicians with greater precision, control, and efficiency when performing IPR. These three technologies are now distributed through EverSmile and Henry Schein, bringing this new approach to orthodontists and dental professionals across the United States.
At heart, Dr. Florman is an inventor who enjoys identifying everyday clinical challenges and developing practical solutions to solve them. Outside of dentistry, his greatest passion is spending time with his wife and three young children.
Ryan Oliver
Ryan Oliver is a healthcare industry expert in researching and advising on the challenges facing healthcare professionals. As a former Director of Research at KLAS Research, Ryan led and published extensive studies aimed at improving the lives and effectiveness of clinicians across the country.
Today Ryan is an integral member of the Fortune Law Firm team and is passionate about helping Dental and Medical professionals save thousands on taxes, create generational wealth and protect it all from lawsuits. Ryan and Brittani have been married for 25 years and enjoys spending time skiing and mountain biking with their 5 children in the Rocky Mountains behind their home.
Drs. Courtney & Matthew Dunn
Dr. Courtney Dunn is a third generation Arizona native. She was born in Phoenix and attended Xavier College Preparatory. Dr. Dunn graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, where she received both her Doctor of Dental Surgery and her Master of Science in Orthodontics. After graduation, she was awarded the prestigious Milo Hellman Award from the American Association of Orthodontists for her groundbreaking research project on gene therapy and served two years as an Adjunct Clinical Instructor in the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Michigan.
Courtney is the founder of Women in Orthodontics, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, is Past-President of the Arizona State Orthodontic Association and serves on the Council on Communications for the American Association of Orthodontists. She was also the Editor for the Women in Orthodontics section of The Progressive Orthodontist Magazine.
Her husband, Dr. Matthew Dunn, lectures nationally as well. They own several practices together in the Phoenix metropolitan area.