SoCal AGD Student Bootcamp
Dental school gives you the clinical foundation. But are you ready for everything else?
The SoCal AGD Student Bootcamp is your one-day crash course in the skills dental school doesn’t always teach. This year we’re covering dental photography that elevates your work, plus the practice management essentials you need to launch and lead with confidence. And new this year — wrap up the day at our happy hour and connect with peers and speakers in a relaxed setting.
Space is limited to just 25 attendees – don’t wait to register!
Earn 6 CEs. Learn from experienced speakers. Connect with peers over lunch and happy hour. Walk away with tools you can actually use.
D1–D2 students may attend, though this course is recommended for D3–D4 students.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026 Time: Course: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Happy Hour: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: Medit | Newport Beach, CA Format: In-Person Only — No Livestream Available
CE Credits: 6 Lecture CEs
- 3 Units – Dental Electives: Photography (PACE Code 138)
- 3 Units – Practice Management (PACE Code 550)
- Coffee/ Juice/ light refreshments in the morning
- Lunch
- Free parking
- Happy Hour – networking/socializing with peers and speakers
Courses Overview
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Dental Photography: Dentistry Through a New Lens (PACE Code 138 – Dental Electives: Photography)
An introductory dive into dental photography. We’ll cover the fundamentals of photography and everything you need to know so you can pick up a camera Monday morning and start capturing your work with confidence.
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Startup Survival Guide (PACE Code 550 – Practice Management)
Gain a comprehensive understanding of how to launch and manage a successful dental startup. You’ll learn how to design your practice with intention, prioritize spending for maximum ROI, differentiate your brand in a competitive market, build essential operational systems, and effectively onboard and train your team.
What You’ll Learn
Course 1: Dental Photography – Dentistry Through a New Lens
- What’s the point? (Why photography matters in your practice)
- The gear you need
- Fundamentals of photography
- Camera photography
- Phone photography
- Indoor & outdoor shooting
- Editing basics
- Lab communication
- Monday morning action steps
- Hands-on practice
Course 2: Startup Survival Guide
- Key principles of design and construction for long-term efficiency
- How to allocate startup capital and avoid common financial pitfalls
- Strategies to differentiate your practice in a competitive market
- Essential systems and protocols for sustainable operations
- Key clinical and business performance metrics to track
- Best practices for training and leading a new dental team
Meet your Speakers
Dr. Anik Popat DMD
Dr. Anik is a general dentist based in Vancouver, BC, with over a decade of clinical experience since graduating and entering practice in 2013. In recent years, his practice has evolved towards a focused interest in cosmetic dentistry, where he has developed a particular passion for dental photography as an essential tool for both clinical excellence and patient communication.
He is excited to share what he’s learned from everyday practice- including real-world systems, gear and techniques that make dental photography approachable and sustainable for any clinician, at any stage of their career.
Dr. Mike Jin DDS
Dr. Jin is a general dentist with a focus on cosmetic dentistry and full-mouth rehabilitation, based in Pasadena, California. He earned dual degrees in Biology and Business Management from the University of California, Irvine, and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 2015.
After gaining valuable experience in both corporate and private practice settings, Dr. Jin opened his startup dental office in 2019. Since then, he has grown the practice from a two-person operation into a thriving team that includes multiple associate doctors and hygienists, known for its commitment to modern, patient-centered care and sustainable growth. His clinical interests and practice philosophy center on delivering comprehensive, high-quality dentistry built on trust, precision, and personalized care.
Refunds
- A $10 non-refundable processing fee applies to all registrations.
- Refunds (minus the $10 fee) will be issued only for cancellations submitted via email at least 14 days prior to the course date.
- No refunds will be granted for cancellations made within 14 days of the course.
- Registration transfers (changing the attendee name) will not be accepted for this event.
By registering and attending this event you are giving permission to be in a photograph/video of the event unless you ask not to. Click here for the full details of our photo/video policy.
Want to become an AGD member?
If you are NOT an AGD member and register as one, you’ll need to re-register as a Non- Member to get into any So Cal AGD courses. If your AGD Membership has expired or would like to become a member, click here: https://www.agd.org/join-agd/online-application
Event Sponsors
