NADL Vision 21 | January 14-16, 2027
SPEAKER SHOWCASE
GET READY TO DISRUPT. ADAPT. LEAD. at the 2027 NADL Vision 21 Meeting! This year’s event will focus on embracing change, exploring new ideas, and discovering strategies to move your business and career forward. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry experts, gain fresh insights, and prepare to lead in an ever-changing industry. Register now and join us at the 2027 NADL Vision 21 Meeting, where you’ll discover how to Disrupt. Adapt. Lead!
STATE OF THE INDUSTRY: WHAT'S DISRUPTING DENTAL LABORATORIES
Tom Love – Apex Dental Laboratory Group & Bennett Napier, CAE – NADL
Tom Love is Director of Education/Implantology for Apex Dental Lab Group. Tom started his career and was trained in the United States Air Force and has 30+ years in the industry. He is a graduate of the university of hard knocks in dental laboratory technology. He is an NADL University Graduate, who currently serves on the NADL Board of Directors and the NADL Business Management Committee. He is also a multiple Foundation for Dental Laboratory Race for the Future participant and a proud grandfather.
Bennett Napier, CAE is a Certified Association Executive and has worked with non-profit associations in the dental industry since 1994. Napier has completed Graduate Certificate work in Public Policy at Florida State University, the Georgia Institute of Technology and the institute of World Politics. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Applied American Politics and Policy from Florida State University. He has been named one of “Florida’s Top 500 Most Influential Business Leaders” for seven years in a row by Florida Trend Magazine.
KEYNOTE: LEADING THROUGH DISRUPTION
Matt Havens
Matt Havens is an international keynote speaker, former corporate leader, son of a comedian, and firm believer we over complicate work by overthinking the solutions. Matt’s high-energy, engaging presentations deliver insightful, actionable strategies – all with a surprisingly entertaining twist. With 14 years of leadership experience in finance, sales, and customer service at a multi-billion dollar company, Matt gained invaluable in-the-trenches experience that informs his approach to solving business challenges and ensures his message relates with his audiences. Whether tackling change management or building dynamic team cultures, Matt has done it firsthand – including leading a massive strategic overhaul which transformed one of America’s most iconic brands. Those experiences also taught Matt something was missing in the working world.
As the son of a headlining comedian, Matt grew up in the back room of comedy clubs around the world, where he witnessed the infectious impact of laughter. He believes business growth and fun don’t have to be mutually exclusive – a philosophy which has made him a trusted partner for organizations like RE/MAX, Lockheed Martin, Baker Tilly, and Allstate, as well as countless government and industry associations from nearly every trade. Matt doesn’t just speak about personal and professional growth – he lives it. He recently checked off a major bucket list item by completing an Ironman triathlon, cheered on by his wife and twin daughters. They currently reside in Dallas, TX.
THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF THE DENTAL OFFICE
Steven D. Spitz, DMD – Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry
Steven D. Spitz, DMD, is a nationally recognized prosthodontist and the founder of Smileboston Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, where he has been transforming smiles for more than 28 years. With over 30 years of specialized expertise, he provides comprehensive implant care, from surgery to restoration, all within one practice. His philosophy is anchored in the belief that exceptional dentistry requires not just technical precision, but also a genuine understanding of the individual behind every smile.
A pioneer in innovation, Dr. Spitz was the first dentist in the United States to place dental implants using the Waterlase Laser and is the only prosthodontist worldwide to hold Advanced Pinhole Certification. His practice integrates the latest advances in CBCT imaging, iTero digital scanning, and 3D surgical guidance, ensuring treatments that are accurate, minimally invasive, and patient centered. He employs the Global Diagnosis System, a comprehensive framework that allows him to evaluate the full picture of a patient’s oral health, including occlusion, aesthetics, orthodontic needs, and gum health, ensuring every treatment plan is both holistic and long-lasting.
Beyond Smileboston, Dr. Spitz has served the profession as a clinical professor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine for nine years, is the current President of the Massachusetts Dental Society (2025–2027) and past president of the Alpha Omega International Dental Society. His dedication extends into the community as well: he is the on-call dentist for Zoo New England, providing care for animals ranging from gorillas to jaguars, and he contributes his expertise to Holocaust survivors through the Alpha Omega Henry Schein Cares program.
At the core of his work is a guiding value to always be learning, continually pursuing advanced education, and embracing new technologies to deliver care that is both evidence-based and patient-focused.
THE FUTURE OF THE DENTAL LABORATORY BUSINESS MODEL
Panelists: Frankie Acosta, Jr. – AA Dental Design, Inc.; Jim Caruso – Ottawa Dental Laboratory, LLC; Tracie Jessie, CDT – Absolute Dental Lab; Chris Peterson, CDT – Peterson Dental Lab, Inc.; Moderator: Adam Prewitt – Helm Dental Laboratory
Frankie Acosta, Jr. is the CEO and founder of AA Dental Design , a digital dental laboratory focused on advanced CAD/CAM technology, digital workflows, and modern restorative dentistry. With years of hands-on experience in digital dentistry, Frankie has helped develop efficient workflows utilizing technologies such as Exocad, inLab, 3Shape, digital printing, milling, and All-on-X solutions. He is also passionate about education and helping dental professionals and laboratories successfully integrate digital technology into their everyday workflows. Through hands-on courses, lectures, and industry partnerships, Frankie shares practical, real-world knowledge built from operating and growing a successful digital dental laboratory. His philosophy is simple: “All Digital, All The Time.”
Jim Caruso, third generation owner of Ottawa Dental Laboratory, is the grandson of its founder Lucien “Tony” Caruso. Jim earned his B.A. in Economics from the University of Iowa before the start of his career in 2003 and now serves as the company’s President and Chief Administrative Officer. He also serves on the Board of United Way. Jim is also a member of Vistage which allows him to continue to grow his leadership abilities through training and coaching. When Jim’s not at the laboratory he may be found hunting, golfing, or following the Chicago Bulls, White Sox, Kansas City Chiefs, and Iowa Hawkeyes. He also enjoys traveling with his wife Nicolette, their daughter Larson, and their three sons Ashton, Brody, and Lincoln.
Tracie Jessie is the Vice President of Operations at Absolute Dental Services, a member of the Denbright Dental Labs group, where she oversees the leadership team and operational performance across multiple locations. With more than 25 years of experience in the dental laboratory industry, she began her career as a dental technician and has advanced into leadership through her expertise in operations, team development, and process improvement. A Certified Dental Technician (CDT) since 2011, Tracie is an active member of the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) and currently serves on the NADL Business Management Committee. Tracie is passionate about helping laboratories improve efficiency, embrace new technologies, and adapt workflows to meet the evolving demands of the modern dental laboratory. One of her greatest passions is developing people, coaching individuals to become confident, engaged leaders and helping teams grow into the strongest, most successful versions of themselves. Through her leadership, she focuses on building high-performing teams, driving innovation, and creating a culture of continuous improvement that positions organizations for long-term success in a rapidly changing industry.
Chris Peterson, CDT, is the Chief Executive Officer for Peterson Dental Lab in Delray Beach, FL. After graduating from McFatter Technical Institute in 2007, Chris joined his father Mike at Peterson Dental Lab. He was quickly able to put his technical skills to work while learning advanced implant restorative techniques and gaining clinical experience. Beyond his continued technical work and input at the lab, Chris has helped lead the team in digital innovations. He enjoys continuously working on the labs’ process improvement, which enables us to ensure a better, more consistent product for our customers Under his leadership, Chris saw the need for standardization of processes as the lab grew to ensure quality. The lab is 1 of only 30 labs in the US to receive the DAMAS certification. Chris is an active board member for the FDLA (Florida Dental Laboratory Association) and served as President in 2022-2023. He is committed to serving the dental laboratory owners and technicians in his state to ensure their success tomorrow. Chris was influential in Peterson Dental Lab becoming a TEREC member. Chris currently serves as TEREC's Technical Team Leader, directing the team's evaluation of laboratory processes and presenting them to TEREC Executive Board and other members.
Adam Prewitt (Moderator) serves as President of Helm Dental Laboratory, bringing a strong background in business, technology, and digital dentistry. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of North Texas in 2003 and began his career with Fortune 500 companies before entering the dental laboratory industry in 2007. Adam spent 7.5 years with Zahn Dental, a division of Henry Schein, working with hundreds of laboratories nationwide to implement efficient, technology-driven solutions. He later served as Director of Sales at Harvest Dental Products before co-founding Digital Esthetic Solutions, a fully digital dental laboratory in Colleyville, Texas. Following Helm Dental Laboratory’s acquisition of Digital Esthetic Solutions in 2024, Adam became President of Helm Dental Laboratory. Today, he leads operations and business development while helping advance digital transformation and innovative solutions within the dental laboratory industry.
BUSINESS STRATEGY THINK TANK
Thought Leaders: Jay Collins – The Dental Lab; Alexander Wünsche – Zahntechnique; Reed Nunnally – Derby Dental Lab; Moderators: Judson Boothe – Catalis Dental Lab Partners; Dory Sartoris – DCS Dental Lab
Jay Collins is the CEO and owner of The Dental Lab, originally founded as Cornerstone Bio-Comp in Bristol, Pennsylvania. After purchasing the company from his uncle in 2011, Jay led an aggressive growth strategy that transformed the business into a multi-location operation through the acquisition and integration of more than a dozen dental laboratories under The Dental Lab brand. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its footprint, capabilities, and customer base while continuing to focus on innovation, digital dentistry, and long-term partnerships with dental practices across the country.
Alexander Wünsche is the President of Zahntechnique Dental Laboratory. Alexander completed a 4-year multidisciplinary program at the Otto Umfried school of dental technology in Nuertingen, Germany, and attained accreditation as a CDT in Friedrichshafen, Germany. After graduation, he traveled to Ravensburg, Germany, and began working with high-end laboratories who focused on implant and all-ceramic restorations. Today, Alexander fabricates a wide variety of case types and also specializes in cosmetic and complex implant restorations. He has been published in dental journals such as Compendium, Inside Dental Technology, The Journal of Dental Technology, and Lab Management Today. Alexander speaks internationally regarding innovations in dental technology.
Reed Nunnally is a third-generation dental professional and the second generation to lead Derby Dental Laboratory, where he has spent his career treating dentistry as both a clinical craft and a manufacturing discipline. Since joining Derby in 2010, he has led the lab's operational growth and digital transformation. In 2017 he founded Phase Ortho, a clear aligner manufacturer designed from the start for scale and digital integration; it grew to produce many thousands of aligners a day for customers worldwide before being sold to an international additive manufacturing company. In 2025 he founded Airtho, a clear aligner company built on an airway-first treatment philosophy, and assembled the partner group now building it into a clinically responsible, airway-focused brand for the U.S. market. Reed is Board Chair of TEREC, a technical research consortium of industry-leading dental laboratories across North America, and a director of Cal-Lab, the continent's oldest dental laboratory association. He is also a partner in CNC Group, the largest dental laboratory purchasing organization in the United States.
Judson Boothe, BSME, MBA (Moderator), is the Chief Executive Officer of Catalis Dental Lab Partners, a growing national network of dental laboratories focused on digital innovation, operational excellence, and customer partnership. With over 30 years of experience in dental and medical devices, Judson brings a deep understanding of both technical operations and strategic growth. He also serves on the Business Management Committee of the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL), contributing to the advancement of standards, education, and sustainability in the dental lab profession. Judson’s broader career included executive roles in publicly traded and private equity-backed companies with global teams of 8,000+ employees and oversight of $1B+ in P&L and COGS responsibility across North America, Europe, and Asia. His cross-functional experience spans executive leadership, operations, sales/marketing, strategy, and enterprise IT transformation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama and an MBA from Columbus State University.
Dory Sartoris (Moderator) is the President and second-generation owner of DCS Dental Laboratory in Jacksonville, Florida. The full-service lab was founded in 1988 by her father, Dennis Charles Sartoris (DCS). Dory joined the laboratory in 2013 after earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia Southern University. She served on the Board of Directors for the Florida Dental Laboratory Association from 2015 to 2023, including as President from 2021 to 2022, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Dental Laboratories.
