.jpg?sfvrsn=baa9c485_0 "$23,000 Saved! (7)")
Winter C.E. and Ski
LDA Winter C.E. & Ski
Dates: February 15–17, 2026
Location: Big Sky, Montana
Enjoy a family-friendly and tax-deductible trip* with two daily lectures (6:30–8:30 a.m. & 4:30–6:30 p.m.) at the Yellowstone Conference Center, Jefferson Room. The afternoons are free for snow activities. This is also a great incentive trip for staff.
*Consult your tax professional for details.
For more information, contact Jeanne@ladental.org.
Fees
Early Registration | Late Registration (After 1/15/26) | On-Site Registration | |
| LDA Member | $439 | $469 | $494 |
| ADA Member | $539 | $579 | $594 |
| Non LDA/ADA Member | $639 | $679 | $694 |
| Hygienist | $339 | $379 | $404 |
| Other Staff | $249 | $299 | $324 |
| Retired Volunteer License | $249 | $299 | $324 |
Speakers
Meet Dr. Marco Brindis (An LDA Member!)
Dr. Marco Brindis is a former Professor and Chair of the Department of Prosthodontics at LSU School of Dentistry. He is the owner and founder of The Smile Effect where he currently maintains a Prosthodontics restorative practice devoted to full mouth rehabilitation, airway disorders, esthetics and implants with an interdisciplinary approach. He earned a D.D.S from the Universidad Intercontinental in Mexico City in 1998. He did a Preceptorship in Dental Implants at the Universidad Intercontinental in 1999 and a Preceptorship in Dental Implants at the Dental School at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio in 2002. He completed a surgical Implant Fellowship at the Biotechnology Institute in Vitoria Spain in 2003. He got his Certificate in Prosthodontics at LSU School of Dentistry in the Department of Prosthodontics in 2007. He then completed the Esthetic and Occlusion courses at the Pankey Institute in 2007. He has lectured nationally and internationally. He is a member of several organizations including the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, Academy of Osseointegration, American Dental Association, American College of Prosthodontist and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Meet Dr. Cyrous Ardalan
Dr. Cyrous Ardalan is a board-certified endodontist with a deep commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care. Originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, he earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He went on to complete a General Practice Residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, followed by specialty training in endodontics at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he also earned a Master of Science in Dentistry and served as Chief Resident.
Dr. Ardalan began his dental career in New Orleans as a National Health Service Corps provider, serving as Dental Director at a community health center and later teaching part-time at LSU School of Dentistry. In 2018, he opened his own private practice, Crescent City Endodontics, where he developed a reputation for skilled, patient-focused care.
After completing board certification and becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, Dr. Ardalan and his family relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he is now the owner of Endodontics of New Mexico. He is thrilled to bring his expertise—and his passion for preserving natural teeth—to this vibrant community.
Outside the office, Dr. Ardalan enjoys skiing, traveling, playing guitar, and spending time with his wife, Layla (a local artist), and their three children.
Meet Dr. Pedro J. Cuartas (An LDA Member!)
Dr. Pedro J. Cuartas is a native of New Orleans and now lives in Houma, Louisiana. He is a first generation American as his parents are from Colombia. He is bilingual, fluent in Spanish. Dr. Cuartas is married to his beautiful wife, Denise, for 22 years. They have a son, Rafael, who is 17 years old and is very active in track and basketball. Dr. Cuartas graduated LSU Dental School in 2000. He began his journey with Dental Sleep Medicine in 2007. He has first-hand experience with all the typical pitfalls and challenges in that field that deter most dentists. However, he was able to overcome them and is now running a very successful full time Dental Sleep Medicine practice while his dental partner and associate continue with the General Dental Practice. His passion for Dental Sleep Medicine does not stop in the clinic. Since 2017, he has been teaching others how to avoid those pitfalls in Dental Sleep Medicine and how to flourish and prosper in that field. One of the offerings that make him unique, is his Dental Sleep Mentorship Program that enables Dentists to not only have on going education for Dental Sleep Medicine, but to have an accessible partner in all facets of the Dental Sleep Medicine journey so they can begin with confidence and ongoing support. Dr. Cuartas’ primary goal is to help improve people’s health and quality of life by generating awareness on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), getting more people screened and treated for OSA, working closely with all physicians, and having patients involved in their treatment for the best long-term outcomes. Dr. Cuartas’ second goal is to help other dentists by sharing his Dental Sleep Medicine model with those who want to share in his mission.
Winter C.E. & Ski C.E. Schedule
Sunday: Dr. Marco Brindis
Course Title
Minimally Invasive Dentistry: A Philosophy, Not Just a Technique
Course Description
Minimally Invasive Dentistry (MID) is more than a technique—it is a philosophy of care that prioritizes preserving natural tooth structure while achieving optimal esthetic and functional outcomes. This lecture spans the continuum of MID, from prevention and early intervention to comprehensive full-mouth reconstruction. Using an interdisciplinary approach, participants will explore evidence-based material selection, refined techniques, and 25 years of clinical successes and failures to guide superior patient care.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this lecture, participants will be able to:
1. Define the philosophy of Minimally Invasive Dentistry and its levels of intervention, from prevention to full-mouth rehabilitation.
2. Recognize when full-coverage crowns remain indicated in the era of minimally invasive dentistry.
3. Evaluate new restorative materials for their esthetic qualities, strength, and ability to preserve tooth structure.
4. Select appropriate ceramic restorations using evidence-based guidelines.
5. Apply the principles of adhesion to choose and use proper adhesive systems for different restorative materials.
Monday: Dr. Cyrous Ardalan
AM Course Title
The Disappearing Act: Understanding Root Resorption
Course Description
"Root resorption is a complex condition that can significantly impact dental health. This 2-hour presentation will explore the causes, classification, and diagnosis of root resorption, focusing on both internal and external types. Attendees will learn evidence-based management techniques, including clinical and radiographic approaches, and review real-world case studies. Designed for endodontists and general dentists, this session will provide practical tools to effectively diagnose, treat, and prevent root resorption in clinical practice."
Course Objectives
1. Classify and Identify Root Resorption:
Recognize the causes and types of root resorption, including internal, external, inflammatory, and replacement resorption.
2. Apply Diagnostic Tools:
Utilize clinical and radiographic techniques to accurately diagnose and differentiate root resorption.
3. Implement Management Strategies:
Learn evidence-based treatment approaches to effectively manage and prevent root resorption.
PM Course Title
Endodontic Diagnosis: Discriminating Between Odontogenic and Non-Odontogenic Pain
Course Description
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment planning. In this session, Dr. Ardalan will help general dentists develop the skills to distinguish between odontogenic and non-odontogenic pain. Through practical diagnostic techniques and real-world case examples, attendees will learn to identify the right sources of pain, improving patient care and facilitating appropriate referrals.
Learning Objectives
1. Differentiate between odontogenic and non-odontogenic pain based on clinical signs and patient history.
2. Apply key diagnostic tests to accurately assess the origin of pain.
3. Improve decision-making in treatment planning and referrals to specialists.
Tuesday: Dr. Pedro J. Cuartas
Course Title
Dental Sleep Medicine-An Update on OSA screening and Implementation of Treatment
Course Description:
Attendees will learn how to effectively screen their patients for signs and symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This course will also cover the appropriate use of Home Sleep Testing, an overview of Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) as well as contraindications and common side effects. Lastly, the business of Dental Sleep Medicine will be discussed.
Course Objectives:
1. Be able to recognize OSA and establish the patient on the appropriate track from identification to treatment 2. Understand the use of Home Sleep Testing, and how to use it in your practice 3. Overview of Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), contraindications, common side effects and patient management 4. Identify what is necessary to prepare your location to receive OSA patients 5. Understand why patients fail CPAP/APАР 6. Gain a practical understanding of the business of Dental Sleep Medicine
Hotel Accommodation
All room types are currently available for booking!
Attendees can also make reservations under the group rates by calling Big Sky Resort Central Reservations at 800-548-4486.
Lodging rates are quoted at quad occupancy, except 3 Bedroom units which are quoted for up to 6 guests. For each additional person in the room, add $25 per person, per night. Rollaway beds are $20 per night. Any individual guest reservation cancelled within 30 days of arrival date will forfeit a deposit equal to one night stay plus tax (including resort fee for one night).
Map of Area to see which hotel building you'd like to stay in: https://cdn.sanity.io/files/8ts88bij/big-sky/08466eab849d0e0d7eb91d9f95381890e797b54d.png
Breakfast: The Huntley Lodge, Shoshone Condominiums and Village Center lodging rates (quoted per room, per night) include a daily breakfast buffet for each registered guest. Breakfast is served daily from 6:30-10:30am in the Huntley Dining Room. The Whitewater Inn includes a daily continental breakfast for each registered guest. The Summit Hotel, Snowcrest Lodge and Vacation Rental rates do not include breakfast.
These rates are applicable for the 2026 LDA Winter C.E. & Ski. Reserve your room by 1/14/2026.
Room | Nightly Rate |
Big Horn 2 Bedroom | $599 |
Big Horn 3 Bedroom | $759 |
Shoshone 1 Bedroom | $539 |
Shoshone 1 Bedroom Loft | $849 |
| Summit 1 Bedroom | $949 |
| Summit 2 Bedroom | $1329 |
| Summit 3 Bedroom | $1699 |
| Village Center 1 Bedroom | $699 |
| Village Center 2 Bedroom | $899 |
| Village Center 3 Bedroom | $1259 |
Refunds and Cancellation Requests
To receive a refund, all requests must be postmarked or sent no later than the day before each meeting begins. You may send your request to jeanne@ladental.org or fax to (225) 926-1886. Registration and course cancellation/refund requests must be in writing. No refunds will be given for the receptions at any conference. No cancellation requests or refund requests will be accepted or granted after the scheduled start to any meeting. This includes cancellations due to illness, late arrivals, weather, parking difficulties or any other reasons.
Cancellation requests prior to early registration deadline
- Refund requests for registration will be granted a full refund, less a $15 processing fee. The request must be received on or before each meeting's early registration date. Exceptions will not apply.
Cancellation Requests between early registration deadline and the day before your meeting begins
- Refund requests for registration fees will be granted a 50% refund less a $15 processing fee. The request must be received no later than 4 p.m. on the day before your meeting begins. Exceptions will not apply.
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