WDSS 2026 Industry Sessions
Program Schedule
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Industry Breakfast
Salon 7
8:00 AM – 8:50 AM
Beyond SpO₂: Unlocking Respiratory Intelligence from Fingertip Wearables
Speaker: Hau-Tieng Wu (United States)
Sponsored sessions are not eligible for CE credit.
Session Overview
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For years, fingertip photoplethysmography (PPG) has been clinically restricted to monitoring heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO₂). However, buried within these optical signals and accompanying inertial sensors is a wealth of underutilized physiological data.
This session bridges the gap between signal processing and clinical physiology to reveal how we can reliably extract respiratory information from the fingertip. Through a gentle introduction to mathematical models capturing the physiological dynamics behind respiration-induced PPG variations, attendees will learn to utilize respiratory dynamics from three distinct aspects:
By unlocking these hidden waveforms through advanced digital signal processing (DSP), we can transform a standard wearable into a comprehensive respiratory monitoring tool.
This session bridges the gap between signal processing and clinical physiology to reveal how we can reliably extract respiratory information from the fingertip. Through a gentle introduction to mathematical models capturing the physiological dynamics behind respiration-induced PPG variations, attendees will learn to utilize respiratory dynamics from three distinct aspects:
- Amplitude – amplitudinal modulation
- Frequency – respiratory sinus arrhythmia
- Baseline shifts – venous return changes
By unlocking these hidden waveforms through advanced digital signal processing (DSP), we can transform a standard wearable into a comprehensive respiratory monitoring tool.
Industry Lunch
Salon 7
12:10PM – 1:10PM
Dopamine: Airway Obstruction and Brain Dysfunction
Speaker: Dr. Eric Phelps (United States)
Sponsored sessions are not eligible for CE credit.
Session Overview & Speaker Bio
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Dr. Phelps will discuss the importance of reducing nasal resistance and increasing pharyngeal airway stability. His extensive experience over the last decade with airway interventions distinguishes his approach to dentofacial orthopedics as he uniquely combines deep clinical expertise with an engineering background to advance the state of the art in dentistry.
Speaker Bio
Dr. Eric Phelps is a distinguished orthodontist and co-founder of Phelps & Cohen Orthodontics. He pursued engineering education at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Dr. Phelps earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a Master's Degree in Oral Biology with an emphasis on bone cell research from the UCLA School of Dentistry as a UC Regent Scholar. He completed the UCLA Orthodontic Residency while furthering his research.
Over the years, Dr. Phelps has amassed thousands of hours of continuing education focusing on craniofacial development, temporomandibular disorders, chronic facial pain, airway obstruction, and sleep-related breathing disorders.
His personal battle with severe sleep apnea in 2018 ignited his commitment to integrating airway analysis into treatment planning. This journey led him to specialize in treating patients with airway obstruction, TMD, and chronic pain, empowering them to achieve optimal airway health and overall well-being.
Triple Board Certified Diplomate
Speaker Bio
Dr. Eric Phelps is a distinguished orthodontist and co-founder of Phelps & Cohen Orthodontics. He pursued engineering education at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Dr. Phelps earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a Master's Degree in Oral Biology with an emphasis on bone cell research from the UCLA School of Dentistry as a UC Regent Scholar. He completed the UCLA Orthodontic Residency while furthering his research.
Over the years, Dr. Phelps has amassed thousands of hours of continuing education focusing on craniofacial development, temporomandibular disorders, chronic facial pain, airway obstruction, and sleep-related breathing disorders.
His personal battle with severe sleep apnea in 2018 ignited his commitment to integrating airway analysis into treatment planning. This journey led him to specialize in treating patients with airway obstruction, TMD, and chronic pain, empowering them to achieve optimal airway health and overall well-being.
Triple Board Certified Diplomate
- American Board of Orthodontics
- American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
- American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine
Program Schedule
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Industry Breakfast
Salon 6
8:00 AM – 8:50 AM
From Diagnosis to Predictable Outcomes: Custom MARPE in a Fully Integrated Digital Workflow
Face4D: Beyond Integrated Digital Solutions and the Importance of Patient Avatarization
Evans Sotiropoulos (United States)
Ricardo Domingues (United States)
Ricardo Domingues (United States)
Sponsored sessions are not eligible for CE credit.
Session Overview
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From Diagnosis to Predictable Outcomes: Custom MARPE in a Fully Integrated Digital Workflow
Lecture Description: This lecture will present our team’s approach to offering custom MARPE services within the Face4D ecosystem, outlining the key clinical information needed from clinicians to process cases successfully and coordinate treatment planning. It will also describe how the workflow connects diagnosis, doctor review, and patient-specific manufacturing to support more predictable and collaborative digital orthodontic care. Backed by our presence and history in the North American dental industry, our Face4D team leaders’ combined 50 years of experience, and insights from technology and experts around the globe, we are committed to helping deliver the best possible outcomes.
Evans Sotiropoulos Bio: Evans Sotiropoulos, MSc, is an internationally recognized expert in advanced technical orthodontics and digital dentistry, with 25 years of experience across leading institutions in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. He obtained 15 years of experience in NHS university dental hospitals in the UK, including the renowned Eastman Dental Hospital (UCL).
An awardwinning innovator and university lecturer, Evans has authored MSc-level curricula and serves as a hands-on instructor in postgraduate pre-clinical orthodontic programs, bridging clinical practice with AI-driven diagnostics, CAD/CAM, and 4D workflows. He has contributed to published research and awardwinning studies. In 2025, Evans joined The Aurum
Face4D: Beyond Integrated Digital Solutions and the Importance of Patient Avatarization
Lecture Decription: This session explores how Face4D is redefining digital dentistry by moving beyond traditional workflows toward full patient avatarization. By combining facial scanning, intraoral data, and advanced digital tools, clinicians can achieve more accurate diagnoses, improved treatment planning, and enhanced patient communication—ultimately delivering superior clinical results.
Ricardo Domingues Bio: With over 20 years in digital dentistry, he is an internationally recognized leader, educator, and innovator. He has completed extensive advanced training worldwide and held senior roles including laboratory owner, General Manager, Department Manager, and Technical Director, giving him a strong grasp of both clinical and lab workflows.
An experienced global speaker, he has contributed to scientific publications and advancements in fully digital workflows. He is currently Director of Digital Dentistry at The Aurum Group and a founding member of the Face4D Project. Previously, he served as Global Digital Advisor at ModJaw until December 2024. He is an Exocad Expert and Trainer (Portuguese and English), a member of the International Digital Dentistry Society, and a Certified Instructor for Digital Dental Craftsmen. Above all, he is devoted to his family and passionate about life.
Lecture Description: This lecture will present our team’s approach to offering custom MARPE services within the Face4D ecosystem, outlining the key clinical information needed from clinicians to process cases successfully and coordinate treatment planning. It will also describe how the workflow connects diagnosis, doctor review, and patient-specific manufacturing to support more predictable and collaborative digital orthodontic care. Backed by our presence and history in the North American dental industry, our Face4D team leaders’ combined 50 years of experience, and insights from technology and experts around the globe, we are committed to helping deliver the best possible outcomes.
Evans Sotiropoulos Bio: Evans Sotiropoulos, MSc, is an internationally recognized expert in advanced technical orthodontics and digital dentistry, with 25 years of experience across leading institutions in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. He obtained 15 years of experience in NHS university dental hospitals in the UK, including the renowned Eastman Dental Hospital (UCL).
An awardwinning innovator and university lecturer, Evans has authored MSc-level curricula and serves as a hands-on instructor in postgraduate pre-clinical orthodontic programs, bridging clinical practice with AI-driven diagnostics, CAD/CAM, and 4D workflows. He has contributed to published research and awardwinning studies. In 2025, Evans joined The Aurum
Face4D: Beyond Integrated Digital Solutions and the Importance of Patient Avatarization
Lecture Decription: This session explores how Face4D is redefining digital dentistry by moving beyond traditional workflows toward full patient avatarization. By combining facial scanning, intraoral data, and advanced digital tools, clinicians can achieve more accurate diagnoses, improved treatment planning, and enhanced patient communication—ultimately delivering superior clinical results.
Ricardo Domingues Bio: With over 20 years in digital dentistry, he is an internationally recognized leader, educator, and innovator. He has completed extensive advanced training worldwide and held senior roles including laboratory owner, General Manager, Department Manager, and Technical Director, giving him a strong grasp of both clinical and lab workflows.
An experienced global speaker, he has contributed to scientific publications and advancements in fully digital workflows. He is currently Director of Digital Dentistry at The Aurum Group and a founding member of the Face4D Project. Previously, he served as Global Digital Advisor at ModJaw until December 2024. He is an Exocad Expert and Trainer (Portuguese and English), a member of the International Digital Dentistry Society, and a Certified Instructor for Digital Dental Craftsmen. Above all, he is devoted to his family and passionate about life.
Industry Lunch
Salon 6
12:10PM – 1:10PM
Clinical Applications of Shape Memory Resin Technology in the Fabrication of Sleep Appliances
Speaker: Dr. Yesenia Garcia (United States)
Sponsored sessions are not eligible for CE credit.
Session Objectives
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- Evaluate the advantages and limitations of traditional oral appliance fabrication compared to fully digital and 3D-printed workflows.
- Understand the properties and clinical applications of Shape Memory Resin technology in the fabrication of sleep appliances and orthodontic devices.
- Discuss how Shape Memory Resin materials may enhance appliance flexibility, comfort, durability, retention, and patient compliance in OSA therapy.
- Demonstrate the digital workflow for designing and manufacturing customized sleep appliances using CAD/CAM systems and 3D printing technologies.
- Analyze clinical cases utilizing 3D technology and Shape Memory Resin for the treatment of mild to moderate OSA and snoring.
- Recognize how artificial intelligence, digital simulations, and airway visualization tools can assist in diagnosis, treatment prediction, and long-term monitoring of OSA patients.
- Integrate interdisciplinary collaboration between orthodontists, sleep physicians, ENT specialists, and restorative dentists to optimize patient outcomes.
- Identify future trends in digital sleep medicine, including smart appliances, remote monitoring, and next-generation biomaterials for airway management.
- Apply practical strategies for implementing digital sleep workflows and 3D technologies into everyday clinical practice.