FACE FIRST SEMINAR
FACE FIRST SEMINAR
Face First 2026
An Interdisciplinary Continuum — From TMJ Health to Airway Function
The face is more than its parts. TMJ health, airway function, craniofacial growth, orofacial musculature, and dental occlusion are deeply interconnected — yet rarely addressed together in clinical practice.
Face First 2026 brings together restorative dentists, orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and myofunctional therapists to explore this relationship and the collaborative care models needed to serve patients more completely.
🗓️ November 20-21, 2026
đź“Ť The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
🏖️ St. Petersburg, FL
FACE FIRST Seminar
Following the successful 2025 Face First Seminar, we invite you to join Dr. Brian Shah and Dr. Drew McDonald in St. Petersburg, Florida for Face First 2026: An Interdisciplinary Continuum — From TMJ Health to Airway Function. This year’s two-day seminar builds on last year’s foundation with an expanded lineup of presenters across multiple specialties, creating a more connected and collaborative learning experience. Together, participants will explore how TMJ health, airway function, craniofacial growth, orofacial musculature, and dental occlusion intersect to support comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Early Bird registration is now open for the 2026 Face First Seminar.
Register before June 1, 2026 to secure the Early Bird rate of $2,450. After June 1, registration increases to $2,950.
The HOSTS
Dr. Brian Shah
Dr. Shah is a dual degreed (MD, DDS), board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. As such, his practice focuses on core disciplines within this specialty: namely, temporomandibular joint pathology, dentofacial deformities and airway pathology
Learn more about Dr. Shah at BrianShahTMJ.com
Dr. Drew McDonald
Dr. Drew McDonald is a board certified orthodontic specialist with a strong focus on airway and temporomandibular joint-focused treatment planning, surgically-facilitated orthodontic treatment, and providing complex interdisciplinary care for patients. He lectures internationally on these topics and has contributed to literature and textbooks in these areas.
Learn more about Dr. McDonald at OrthoByMcDonald.com
Guest Speakers
Dr. Jeffrey S. Rouse
Dr. George Mandelaris
Dr. Jim McKee
Dr. J. Williams Robbins
Dr. James Otten
Dr. claire ferrarI
Dr. Curt Ringhofer
dr. pete lemieux
SandraLuz Gonzalez
The LOCATION
Occupying an enviable spot along the water’s edge of downtown St. Petersburg, since 1925, this legendary hotel has been a symbol of timeless elegance, combining nuanced nostalgia with modern sophistication.
A city rich in culture, art, and history. St. Petersburg’s vibrant downtown is steps away from The Vinoy and home to museums, galleries, restaurants, and shops.
Below is the link to book a room at the Vinoy at the seminar rate.
501 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL
〰️〰️
501 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 〰️〰️
27°46′41.24″N
82°37′48.34″W
REGISTRATION
Early Bird Registration for the 2026 Seminar is now open!
An Interdisciplinary Continuum — From TMJ Health to Airway Function
Overview
The face is more than its parts. TMJ health, airway function, craniofacial growth, orofacial musculature, and dental occlusion are deeply interconnected — yet rarely addressed together in clinical practice.
Face First 2026 brings together restorative dentists, orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and myofunctional therapists to explore this relationship and the collaborative care models needed to serve patients more completely.
Seminar Objectives
· Describe the interdependence of temporomandibular joint health, airway function, craniofacial growth, and orofacial muscle function, as components of an integrated physiologic system and occlusal stability.
· Identify the core and extended team members required to deliver integrated TMJ, craniofacial, and airway-focused care, and outline a practical framework for interdisciplinary collaboration.
· Apply interdisciplinary principles from this seminar to evaluate current practice patterns and identify opportunities for integrating TMJ, airway, craniofacial, and orofacial muscle function-focused care into clinical workflow.
Seminar Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST
Dates: November 20-21, 2026
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
CE Credits: 12
CE Codes: #182
Speakers:
Dr. Brian Shah
Dr. Drew McDonald
Dr. Jeff Rouse
Dr. George Mandelaris
Dr. Claire Ferrari
Dr. James Otten
Dr. Bill Robbins
Dr. Curt Ringhofer
Dr. Peter Lemieux
Dr. James McKee
Sandraluz Gonzalez, RDH
Target Audience: Restorative Dentists, Specialists, Myofunctional Therapists, Physical Therapists, Lab Technicians
Recommended Prerequisites: None
