Join us on May 2, 2026, at Devens Common Center for the Central Mass Symposiums! This exciting event features expert speakers Caitlin Parsons (The Aligned Hygienist) and Dr. Adam Lowenstein, along with a legislative update from MDHA President Amy Willor.

All courses are included with registration—just be sure to select each individual course during sign-up to receive your CEU certificates. We look forward to seeing you there!

Course 1: MDHA Legislative Update with Amy Willor, MDHA President

Course 2: Burnout-Proof; A Wellness Reset to Thrive in Dentistry with Caitlin Parsons, RDH (The Aligned Hygienist)

The physical and emotional demands of dentistry can leave even the most dedicated professionals feeling depleted. This course provides a wellness reset through ergonomics, yoga-based movement, breathwork, and stress reduction tools designed to restore balance and build resilience. Participants will explore the connection between pain, stress, and burnout, apply movement-based strategies to prevent injury, and practice simple breathwork and yoga-based tools to calm the nervous system, supporting sustained energy, focus, and well-being.

Course objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Identify common sources of physical strain and emotional stress specific to dental hygiene practice, including repetitive motion and prolonged static posture.
Explain the relationship between musculoskeletal discomfort, stress, and burnout in clinical hygiene settings.
Demonstrate ergonomic positioning and movement-based strategies to reduce strain during patient care.
Practice simple yoga-based movements and breathwork techniques to relieve tension and support nervous system regulation throughout the workday.
Apply practical stress-management and recovery strategies incorporating an ergonomic toolkit, to sustain energy, enhance focus, and support long-term well-being in dental hygiene practice.

Course 3: Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with Dr. Adam Lowenstein

This course provides oral health professionals with practical, evidence-based strategies for caring for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Participants will gain a deeper understanding of sensory processing, communication differences, and common behavioral challenges encountered in the dental setting. The goal is to improve patient experiences as well as expand access to care for this growing patient population.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe key characteristics of IDDs relevant to dental care.

2. Identify common sensory triggers within the dental environment and their impact on patient behavior.

3. Apply practical communication and behavior guidance strategies to support patient cooperation.

4. Collaborate effectively with caregivers to support individualized, patient-centered care.

Schedule

7:30 – 8:00 AM

Registration & Breakfast

8:00 – 8:30 AM

Welcome and MDHA Legislative Update with Amy Willor, MDHA President

8:30 – 10:00 AM

Caitlin Parsons - “Burnout-Proof; A Wellness Reset to Thrive in Dentistry”

10:00 – 10:20 AM

Break / Vendors

10:20 – 11:50 AM

Caitlin Parsons Continued

11:50 – 12:30 PM

Lunch / Vendors

12:30 – 1:30 PM

Dr. Adam Lowenstein - “Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities”

1:30 – 1:50 PM

Break / Vendors

1:50 – 2:50 PM

Dr. Adam Lowenstein Continued

2:50 – 3:15 PM

Raffles/Wrap up

Central Mass Symposium

Overview

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Conference Agenda