Topic: A Biblical Basis for Dental Missions

Bio: Ryan Bowles, DDS, MA (Church Planting) is the personnel director of Annoor Sanatorium for Chest Diseases based in Jordan. He is a member of CMDA and the ADA and AAO. He earned his dental and orthodontic degrees from the University of Tennessee in Memphis and his Masters in Theology from Covenant Seminary in St. Louis. He has a passion for talking about how God can use dental missions to further his kingdom purposes.

Topic: Glorifying God as His Handiwork-Serving Him Domestically and Abroad!

Bio: John – John Burleson, DDS, TEFL, Assistant Professor of Dentistry at KCU Dental School. We have served in a variety of dental settings from mobile and stationary clinics in Iraq, Jordan, Uganda, Honduras, and El Salvador. We have worked with students teaching English in China and have helped with community clinics in both Arkansas and Missouri. We have experience owning and running a private dental practice in Arkansas, working in tribal dental health in Oklahoma, and working in the dental school setting in Missouri. We have helped lead church middle school ministry, regularly participate in CMDA dental school events, and currently lead a young adult life group at our local church.

Nathalia – Nathalia Burleson, RDH, BSW. RDH from University of Tennessee Health Science Center, BSW from Arkansas State University, Currently a volunteer for the Joplin Community Clinic and a home school mom. Volunteer for CMDA, teacher for a homeschool co-op, and volunteer for young adult ministries in our church.

Topic: Embracing Imperfection and Stress as a Foundation for Spiritual Growth, Excellence, and Wellness in Dentistry (CE Eligible)

Bio: J. William “Bill” Claytor, Jr., DDS, MAGD-LLSR, FACD is a nationally recognized dental leader whose expertise in clinical practice, substance use disorders, mental health, and burnout prevention has made him a prominent voice for well-being in dentistry. Since 2022, he has served as Executive Director of North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals while also contributing as a Key Opinion Leader for Dentsply Sirona and as visiting faculty at Spear Education. He is the 2025 recipient of the ADA Distinguished Service Award and holds Fellowship and Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, its Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition, and Fellowship in the American College of Dentists. A respected educator, author, and consultant, Dr. Claytor has contributed to ADA scientific panels and well-being initiatives, helped develop evidence-based pain-management guidelines, and lectures nationally on opioids, cannabis, burnout, and perfectionism.