Born out of a passion for elevating clinical and business expertise with a focus on Invisalign® treatment, the Align Women Masterminds Collective (AWMC) is a forum for women in the field of orthodontics to share their collective wisdom and experiences as masters of the ultimate balancing act: trailblazers in orthodontics, community champions, business leaders, and so much more.
Each AWMC event kicks off with an intimate dinner the evening before the forum to build connections and foster community.
Saturday’s session includes a full day of attendee-driven conversation facilitated by an AWMC leader (breakfast and lunch provided).
Friday/Saturday
Friday/Saturday
Friday/Saturday
Friday/Saturday
To support this, we’ve curated a selection of courses and events to enhance expertise across practice functions and roles.
2-day immersive doctor and team education focused on practice marketing and team leadership.
2-day immersive experience designed to equip orthodontists with advanced education in Invisalign treatment and practice management.
Innovative simulation course designed to help practice owners navigate the transition to a digital practice while driving long-term profitable growth.
Space is limited to promote transparent and productive conversation.
Dr. Donna Galante
Dr. Galante is a board-certified orthodontist with over 30 years of experience. She and her husband, Dr. Paul Cater, own four orthodontic offices in Northern California and have been TOP 1% Elite Providers since 2010. A University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine graduate, she has served as a clinical instructor and is currently a faculty member for Align. Dr. Galante has lectured to over 15,000 doctors worldwide and was named Invisalign Educator of the Year in 2016. Born and raised in Philadelphia, it is truly serendipitous to launch the Align Women Masterminds Collective in the city she once called home.
Dr. Farah Kar
Dr. Kar earned degrees in fine arts and project management before pursuing dentistry at the University of Minnesota, where she graduated with honors and founded the Women’s Dental Association. Specializing in craniofacial orthodontics, she earned a second master’s degree and mentored students. Passionate about using new technologies for patient comfort and efficiency, Dr. Kar offers customized treatment plans to enhance function and aesthetics.
Dr. Manal Ibrahim
Dr. Ibrahim is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics with dual specialization in Prosthodontics and Orthodontics. Based in Illinois, she is a Blue Diamond Plus Invisalign provider, treating over 5,500 patients with complex dental needs with Invisalign aligners. She serves on the Align Ortho Advisory Board, is an Align faculty and speaker, and is a mentor on the Align Ortho Network. Together with her prosthodontic husband, Dr. Anthony LaVacca, they founded a multi-specialty practice in their hometown of Naperville, IL, where they’ve proudly won best dental practice for the last 18 years.
Dr. Sandra Khong Tai
Dr. Tai is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia, as well as University of the Pacific. She is the author of the textbook Clear Aligner Technique and has treated over 5000 cases with clear aligners. Dr Tai is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and practices in Vancouver, Canada.
Dr. Shiva Khatami
Dr. Shiva Khatami is a board-certified orthodontist with advanced training from the University of Rochester and a PhD in craniofacial biology from the University of British Columbia. Her academic work produced a clinical reasoning model that supports improved diagnosis and treatment planning. After serving as an associate professor at Nova Southeastern University, she now leads her private practice, ART Orthodontics, and continues to teach, lecture, and contribute to national dental examinations. She also serves as faculty and consultant for Align Technology.
