Leadership Development Masterclass
🗓April 17, 2026 🕐8:00 am ET
Course Summary:
Before someone can practice dentistry, years of education and training are required. Yet leadership is often undertaken with little or no formal preparation, even though it also involves both science and art that can be taught and developed.
First-time and second-time dental leaders are challenged because they are now judged by the performance of their team and not their own performance – other people’s actions define you. The potential to fail in a leadership role is high, and the consequences of failure may be significant emotionally, ethically, spiritually, and financially.
In this program, the course faculty will teach the science and art of some of the most critical elements needed to be an effective team leader. The content for the program has been carefully curated to offer the appropriate breadth and depth for early-career leaders.
Key Points:
- Developing the ability to sense one’s surroundings (sensemaking)
- Giving and receiving feedback as a leader
- Learning one’s motivations for leadership and adapting accordingly
Speakers:
Sreenivas “Sree” Koka, DDS, MS, PhD, MBA, MAS, FACD, FCGDent, was born in the United Kingdom to Indian immigrants and grew up with two nationalities, two religions (Anglican and Hindu), two languages, and two cultures. At the age of 19, he emigrated to the United States and began his university education. A lifelong learner, Sree has earned five graduate-level degrees, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, a Master of Applied Sciences (MAS) from Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Sciences from the University of Nebraska. In addition, Sree received a Master’s degree and a doctoral degree from the University of Michigan. Sree has had an active leadership career in private practice including as business owner; in hospital practice including serving as Department Chair at Mayo Clinic; as Executive Director of a non-profit organization; in academics including serving as Dean at the University of Mississippi Medical Center; by leading professional national and international organizations; and through professional service as Chair of the MIT Sloan School of Management Alumni Board. During his career, he has been chosen as the outstanding teacher of the year many times by professional/graduate students.
Elizabeth Carr, MAADH, DHA, FACD (Hon), FCGDent is a native of the Mississippi Delta, where she was raised in both Catholic and Baptist communities. She loves to read, debate, watch movies, sing, travel and make new friends across the globe. Elizabeth has earned numerous degrees, including Bachelor’s and Masters degrees, and culminating with a Doctorate of Health Administration. In a successful faculty career, she has led university academic units at the department and program level. In addition, she is an experienced leader of degree-level online education efforts. A lifelong learner, Elizabeth has completed MIT Sloan School of Management’s Executive Certificate program in Leadership and Management. Elizabeth is a sought-after speaker; her invited presentation portfolio includes national venues across the US and international venues in Europe and Asia. A talented scholar, she has published research on leadership, specifically the why, when and how of courage in leadership, as well as the communication skills requisite for effective team-building. These attributes embody her passion for inspiring others to make courageous choices and navigate career and life changes confidently while simultaneously leading high-performing teams.
Elizabeth’s commitment to advancing public health has been recognized with numerous accolades. With a track record of working with non-profit and political stakeholders, Elizabeth has advocated for and enacted changes that reshape communities through public health initiatives. Her leadership capabilities have been honed through years of effort at the local, regional, state, and national levels, and in academic, community, organizational, and legislative arenas.