The last week of July is now officially a Curiosity Chit-Chat Week. We're bringing together brilliant minds to dissect the big, the small, and the downright fascinating questions shaping the future of patient care. Think less lecture, more lively discussion. 

Throughout 4 events, 8 different experts will take you on a journey into the cutting edge of oral health, distilled from the collective wisdom of our incredible community. Get ready to connect, challenge your thinking, and experience a few"aha!" moments. Let’s unpack the buzz with a preview of the agenda.

Monday - Innovation in prevention: Where entrepreneurship meets oral health

We kick off Curiosity Week with a high-energy conversation about how bold ideas and new tech are reshaping prevention in dentistry. What happens when an award-winning dental entrepreneur meets the inventor of breakthrough oral care products? This is your chance to ask inspiring innovators questions they will have to answer.

Guest speakers

  • The dental surgeon: Dr. Ivy Glavee
    • Award-winning dental surgeon, NHS Clinical Entrepreneur, poet, and mentor dedicated to making prevention the heart of dental care.
  • The dental hygienist: Carol Rafferty, MSc: 
    • CEO of Dentherapy Ltd and inventor of Toothboost, with 30+ years of experience as a dental hygienist and a passion for turning innovative ideas into real-world oral health solutions.

Tuesday - Mind over mouth: The psychology of patient care

We dive deep into the emotions and behaviors that shape every dental visit, with a psychologist-dentist duo who know both sides of the chair. What happens when you combine behavioral science with real-world dental care? Bring your questions about fear, shame, and patient motivation.

Guest speakers

  • The dentist: Prof. Dr. MĂĄrio Rui AraĂşjo
    • Psychologist, dental hygienist, and leading expert in oral health behaviour change, blending clinical experience with cutting-edge research.
  • The psychologist: TBD

Wednesday - Human-first healthcare: Psychology & periodontics in real life

We continue with a fresh look at truly human-first healthcare, where psychology and periodontics join forces to put patients at the centre. What happens when a leading psychologist and a top periodontist team up to tackle anxiety, trust, and real-world outcomes? Bring your curiosity and your best questions!

Guest speakers

The psychologist: Cassiana Tavares, PhD

  • PhD candidate in Occupational Health, and expert in person-centered care, specializing in reducing patient anxiety and improving treatment adherence.

The periodontist: Paul Renton-Harper

  • Specialist periodontist, international lecturer, and FDI Prize winner, renowned for combining clinical excellence with a deep commitment to patient connection and collaborative care.

Thursday - Crossfield connections: Where dentistry meets neuroscience

We wrap up Curiosity Week with an expert in aesthetic and digital dentistry, as well as a neuroscientist focused on movement and brain health. They step outside their respective fields to explore the often-overlooked links between oral health and the brain.

Guest speakers

  • The dentist: Dr. Alessandro Devigus
    • Internationally recognized leader in aesthetic and digital dentistry, dedicated to advancing patient-centered dental care through innovation and education.
  • The neuroscientist: Dr. Emmanuelle Wilhelm, MD, PhD
    • Neuroscientist and physician specializing in movement disorders and brain health, with a focus on translating neurological research into better patient outcomes.

Ready to join the conversation?

Chit-Chat Week is your opportunity to engage with pioneers of human-first dentistry and get a full dose of gentle guidance from high-performing oral care professionals. Walk away with actionable insight that will make your patients happy and your practice prosper.