General Sessions

While the focus of each Annual AACD Scientific Session is continuing education for dental professionals in the latest techniques and procedures in clinical cosmetic dentistry, our integrated learning program also aims to provide attendees with insight into achieving success in their professional and personal lives. Mornings will begin with full assembly presentations aimed at inspiring you in all aspects of your life.

WEDNESDAY speaker - Geena Davis

Virginia Elizabeth “Geena” Davis was born January 21, 1956, in Wareham, Massachusetts. She did well in school, excelled in voice and flute lessons, and was selected to attend school in Sweden as a Foreign Exchange student at age 17. The same year she started acting in a local theater production in Agawam Hall, East Wareham.

She began her studies at New England College in New Hampshire, then transferred to the School for the Arts at Boston University. She acted in student productions and helped pay for college by working as a projectionist for BU’s Media Services and as a saleswoman at Ann Taylor. In 1979, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in drama. She was working as a model for the Zoli Agency when director Sydney Pollack spotted her, and cast her in Tootsie (1982) as a soap opera actress. She then went on to play in the acclaimed TV-series Buffalo Bill (opposite Tootsie co-actor Dabney Coleman).

She received an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Accidental Tourist (1988) and a Best Actress nomination for her role in Thelma and Louise (1991). In 2006 she received the Golden Globe award for Best Actress in a Drama Series, earned by her lead role as female president in the tv-series Commander in Chief.

Geena is not only a talented actress, she’s a person of many talents and strong beliefs. She’s the founder of See Jane, a program of the national nonprofit organization Dads and Daughters, where she serves as an honorary Board member. The aim of See Jane is to increase the amount of female characters in media made for children aged 0-11 years, and to reduce gender stereotyping. She is also working with the Women’s Sports Foundation, with her own campaign; Geena Takes Aim, in support of Title IX - the portion of the Education Amendments of 1972 that prohibits sex discrimination in educational institutions that receive any federal funds.

THURSDAY speaker - Frank Miles

Speaker/entertainer/comedian Frank Miles' one-of-a-kind presentation, "Laugh At Fear," was inspired by the experiences he went through after he nearly died in a hang-gliding accident. Laugh at Fear: In a show that bounces from insightful stand-up comedy to fire, a giant unicycle, and ping-pong ballet, Miles keeps audiences laughing, learning, and enthralled. He is a comedian with content that challenges audiences to face life and laugh at fear.

FRIDAY speaker - Chris Bliss

A fresh and captivating new voice in the tradition of American satire from Will Rogers to Dennis Miller, Chris Bliss delivers smart comedy for the information age. Now a Tonight Show favorite, Jay Leno has called him "one of the brightest comedians around."
Before beginning his comedy career, Chris was internationally known asan innovative variety artist - touring with major artists from Eric Clapton to Julio Iglesias, and chosen by Michael Jackson as the opening act for his record-breaking "Victory Tour." Insightful humor, capped off with a world-class variety finale that will not be forgotten - Chris Bliss is two of the best in one outstanding performer.