My Experience Speaking at the Sistah to Sistah 2025 Summit in Houston
Making meaningful connections online these days is easier than ever, but nothing compares to the energy and authenticity of coming together in person. The Sistah to Sistah Summit, an annual event hosted by Sistahs in Dentistry (SID)—a community dedicated to connecting and supporting Black women in dentistry—offered that very opportunity: to meet face-to-face, share our stories, exchange ideas, and encourage one another in a truly uplifting space.
Founded by Dr. Sharel Sly, Sistahs in Dentistry has cultivated a strong and supportive network for African-American women dentists and dental students through mentorship, education, and community engagement. The Sistah to Sistah Summit embodies that mission by providing two days of professional development, financial empowerment, and meaningful networking—all designed to help Black women dentists thrive both personally and professionally.
This year, I had the honor of being invited to present an innovative technique in dental implantology: the One-Piece Dental Implant Procedure. The event took place in Houston, Texas, at the Norris Conference City Centre, and brought together an inspiring community of women who are truly leading the way in dentistry. In this blog, I’ll be sharing highlights from my experience at the summit—from connecting with incredible colleagues to the powerful sense of sisterhood that made this event one to remember.
About Sistah’s In Dentistry and the Summit
Sistahs in Dentistry (SID) is a community dedicated to connecting and supporting Black women in dentistry, from students to seasoned professionals. Through mentorship, education, and networking, SID provides a space where members can grow, share experiences, and build meaningful professional and personal connections.
The Sistah to Sistah Summit brings this mission to life over two days of workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to strengthen professional skills, explore financial strategies, and foster lasting relationships. Beyond the educational content, the summit creates an environment where Black women dentists can celebrate their achievements, support one another, and draw inspiration from the shared experiences of their peers.
Educating Dentists on One-Piece Dental Implantology
One-piece dental implants offer a streamlined alternative to traditional implants, providing a modern solution for replacing missing teeth and stabilizing loose dentures. I began placing One-Piece Dental Implants in 2007, and the technique quickly transformed my practice, expanding the options I could offer my patients while improving their outcomes.
Over the years, I’ve placed thousands of these implants and developed a deep passion for teaching other dentists how to incorporate this procedure into their own practices. Sharing this knowledge allows fellow practitioners to offer life-changing solutions to their patients while enhancing their own professional growth.
Since being awarded Diplomate status by the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, my commitment to educating dentists about this technique has grown even stronger. Events like the Sistah to Sistah Summit provide the perfect platform to demonstrate the practical benefits of One-Piece Dental Implants, connect with colleagues, and inspire other professionals to bring this innovative procedure into their practices.
Exploring the Summit Experience
The Sistah to Sistah 2025 Summit was packed with sessions designed to help dentists grow their practices, refine their skills, and strengthen their professional networks. From clear aligner orthodontics and advanced dental techniques to business strategies and financial planning, the summit offered a variety of insights and tools that attendees could immediately bring back to their practices.
What made the experience truly special, however, was being surrounded by so many supportive and driven women in dentistry. Everyone shared the same goal: to see one another thrive, both professionally and personally. Attendees had the opportunity to build lasting connections, exchange ideas, and gain practical guidance on high-impact dental procedures like One-Piece Implants, cosmetic dentistry, and endodontics. Sessions also covered important topics such as tax planning strategies, estate planning, and business development, helping dentists optimize their practices, protect their legacies, and grow sustainable, successful careers.
Beyond the technical and business content, the summit also included sessions on well-being, leadership development, and marketing strategies, providing a holistic approach to supporting every aspect of a dentist’s professional and personal growth. The event served as a powerful reminder of the impact of community, mentorship, and shared knowledge in helping Black women dentists thrive.
Photos from the Sistah to Sistah Summit 2025
I had such a wonderful time connecting with everyone at the summit, sharing stories, and exchanging ideas. Above are a few snapshots that capture some of the memorable moments from this inspiring event.
The importance of Networking and Continuing Education in Dentistry
I graduated from dental school in 1994, and haven’t stopped learning since. Not only is continuing education a requirement to maintain one’s dental licesnse, it is also a great way to stay up to date with the latest innovations in the industry. Over the years, I’ve taken courses in gum rejuvination surgery, botox for dentists, dental implantology and more all to better serve the growing needs of my community.
Along with staying current on educational development, I have found that meeting people who share the same passion for oral health as greatly enhanced my experience as a dentist. From getting advice from peers who have practiced longer than me, to sharing my knowledge with those who come after me, networking in dentistry has proved to be beneficial for my growth as a practitioner and educator.
Launching my Speaking Career as a Dental Expert and Educator
In addition to live events, I’ve also launched an online mentorship program through courses developed in partnership with Dental Practice Mastery. These courses provide detailed instruction on innovative dental procedures, paired with hands-on mentoring so participants can feel confident implementing new techniques every step of the way. For those interested in learning more, links to my courses are available in the “Courses” section of my website.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sistahs in Dentistry for welcoming me to the 2025 summit. I hope this is just the first of many opportunities to share knowledge, connect with fellow dentists, and inspire the next generation of practitioners!