Star of the South Dental Conference 2026 Exhibitor List

Janessa Bock, RDH is a registered dental hygienist, speaker, and leader in preventive oral healthcare. She brings extensive clinical experience and a passion for patient education to her work, offering a practical, evidence-based approach to modern dental hygiene practice. Janessa is a Past President of the Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association (TDHA) and an active member […]

Manish Garala, BDS, MS, obtained his dental degree from Manchester, England in 1996 and moved to Florida in 1999 after practicing for three years as a general dentist. He completed a three-year program in Endodontics at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Garala has practiced full time as an endodontist in Houston since 2002 and has lectured […]

Biraj Patel, BDS, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, the highest level of professional credentialing within the specialty. He completed his specialty training in Endodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he earned both a Certificate in Endodontics and a Master of Science degree. Prior to […]

Katrina Klein RDH, is a practicing Registered Dental Hygienist since 2007. She is an international speaker, author, competitive bodybuilder, certified personal trainer, certified ergonomics assessment specialist and biomechanics nerd. She takes pride in teaching dental professionals how to prevent, reduce and/or eliminate pain.

John Kacher, DDS, attended Rice University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. He then attended The UT Health Science Center in San Antonio and graduated with high honors. After dental school he traveled north where he trained for three years in the oral pathology residency program at New York Hospital, Queens. Dr. Kacher spent additional time training […]

Rodrigo Neiva, DDS, earned a Certificate and a Master’s degree in Periodontics at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He has been recognized nationally and internationally in the field of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. He has created surgical techniques, such as LASSO GBR, and helped develop regenerative materials, dental implants, and instruments, that are […]

Victoria Patrounova RDH, MHA is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas, School of Dentistry in the Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene. Dr. Patrounova earned her dental degree in 1991 in Moscow, Russia; Certificate in Dental Hygiene from UT Dental Branch in 1999 and her Masters in Healthcare Administration from Texas Woman’s University […]

Hal Stewart, DDS, graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1989 and has since maintained a private practice. His commitment to continuing education is reflected in his studies at several renowned institutions, including the Pankey Institute, The Dawson Academy, The Las Vegas Institute, and the OBI Foundation for Bioesthetic Dentistry. Dr. Hal Stewart is the […]

Anna M. Munné, MD, DDS, MS, is a periodontist in private practice in the central Houston metropolitan area.  Holding a European MD degree, she has worked in emergency medicine and lectured nationally and internationally.  She also is a diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology, and a current past president of the Greater Houston Dental […]

Theresa Groody, DHSc, EFDA, CDA, has worked in clinical and academic dentistry for decades, teaching Expanded Functions Dental Assisting at Harcum College, where employed as the Assistant VP of Academic Initiatives and Continuing Studies. Dr. Groody has served on the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry, and as an EFDA examiner for ADEX. As an appointed […]

Jill Yeager has been working in dentistry for over 45 years. She has worked with the Texas Dental Association, Greater Houston Dental Society and the University of Texas School of Dentistry, and offices on compliance issues (OSHA, HIPAA, Infection Control, Radiation Safety, & CPR) since 1988. She understands the realities of compliance because she faces […]

Xavier Saab, DDS received his doctorate at the University of Guayaquil in Ecuador. He graduated Magna Cum Laude as the valedictorian of his class. Dr. Saab was awarded a full scholarship for his residency and specialty training at The University of Texas Houston Health Science Center Dental Branch, where he received his Certificate in Prosthodontics […]