Speakers
Speakers
The ODA NDS brings together a variety of distinguished speakers to meet the specific needs of new dentists. These industry leaders will provide you with tools to help you excel in your practice, profession and in your personal life.
David Chong Yen
David is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, and tax specialist with decades of experience advising dental professionals. His areas of expertise include tax planning, financial management, accounting, and the opening, purchase, and sale of dental practices. He is a frequent speaker at dental schools and industry events, including the ODA Annual Spring Meeting, the Toronto Academy of Dentistry Winter Clinic, and the RCDSO Road Shows. David’s tax and financial articles have been featured in leading dental publications including Dental Practice Management, Dispatch, Oral Health, and Ontario Dentist. He is also the co-author of the ODA-published book Dentist’s Tax and Financial Guide.
David Rosenthal
David Rosenthal is a senior lawyer focused on business, corporate and healthcare law for dentists. He advises dentists on dental practice purchases and sales, corporate reorganizations, dentistry professional corporations and various agreements for dentists. David has published numerous articles, is a guest lecturer at University of Toronto and speaks at various industry events to educate dentists. David is the contributing author regarding legal matters for the book 'Dentist’s Tax & Financial Guide' published by ODA.
Dr. Melissa Milligan
Dr. Melissa Milligan completed her DMD at UBC in 2012 and her orthodontic residency at U of T in 2016. She currently works in private practice in Burlington and Waterdown and is a clinical instructor for the department of graduate orthodontics at U of T. She is passionate about organized dentistry, continuing education, and technological advancements in dentistry.
Dr. Paresh Shah
Dr. Paresh Shah maintains a private practice in Winnipeg, Canada with a focus on implants, aesthetics and interdisciplinary care. He holds a Master’s degree in Physiology (University of Manitoba 1987) and a proficiency certificate in Esthetic Dentistry from the University of Buffalo (SUNY 2007) and a GPR from the University of Manitoba in 1992. He is also a graduate of Misch Implant Institute and the Kois Center in Seattle. He also serves as a co-founder and co-director of Two Rivers Dental Study Club, a Seattle Study Club affiliate in Winnipeg. Dr. Shah has been invited to give over 500 lectures on all aspects of restorative, interdisciplinary care and digital dentistry. He has written a textbook called Beyond the Single Tooth - Treatment Planning for Whole Mouth Dentistry.
Dr. Amir Azarpazhooh
Dr. Amir Azarpazhooh earned his DDS in 2001 and completed graduate training in Dental Public Health, Endodontics, and a PhD at the University of Toronto. He is a tenured Full Professor at the University of Toronto and Head of Endodontics at Mount Sinai Hospital, with a cross-appointment in Clinical Epidemiology at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. He serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Endodontics, is Director of the American Board of Endodontics, and is a Fellow, examiner, and Board member of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. He maintains a part-time clinical practice in a multi-specialty setting in Toronto and provides endodontic care for medically compromised patients at Mount Sinai Hospital. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys travel, staying active through sports and outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Nekky Jamal
Dr. Nekky Jamal is a full-time clinician with a sedation practice limited to extractions in Lloydminster, Alberta. He is the founder of THE Extraction Course and Third Molars Online, where he teaches dentists practical, predictable, real-world extraction strategies they can apply immediately. Nekky was also named the 2025 Instructor of the Year (Exodontia).
Christopher
Christopher is an Insurance Advisor who joined CDSPI Advisory Services Inc in 2023. He holds a BA and a Certificate in Risk Management from York University and is licensed as a general insurance broker. Christopher provides professional and personal insurance advice to Canadian dental professionals and their families. His experience includes 5 years as an insurance broker at one of the largest brokerages in Canada with a specialty in working with small businesses.
Farzad Shafieian
Farzad Shafieian is a Senior Manager, Healthcare & Professional Specialist at Scotiabank, with over 19 years’ banking experience. He is dedicated to providing healthcare professionals with the highest quality, personalized planning to help them build and manage a rewarding professional career. Graduate of Ryerson University with a business degree in 2003, Farzad has been working with health care professionals since 2006 in meeting their financing solutions, which include setting up brand new practices or purchasing existing ones, within the greater Toronto Area.
Shan Janmohamed
Shan Janmohamed is an Investment Planning Advisor holding the RRC® designation and a BA. He is also a CFP professional. Shan started his career in finance as a runner and then later as a Market Maker on the floor of the Toronto Stock Exchange. His extensive experience in securities trading and as a financial advisor led to close connections with his clients, allowing him to develop personalized financial plans to help them realize their goals. Shan joined CDSPI Advisory Services Inc. in 2018 providing planning expertise in the areas of tax, estate, retirement, and wealth management for dental professionals and their families.