Located next to the Space Needle at Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass sparks wonder and inspiration for AAPD attendees and guests. https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/blog

Whether you’re part of the spectacular Seattle welcome session (Space Needle, EMP Museum and Chihuly Gardens) at the AAPD today, or you’re arriving at the Washington State Convention Center tomorrow for a Scientific Session, there’s a lecture Tom Hanks suggests you attend.

Keynote speaker Frank W. Abagnale, one of the world’s most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement, and secure documents, will take the stage May 22 at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry annual session.

“Abagnale’s lecture may be the best one-man show you will ever see,” says Hanks, who portrayed on film the head of the FBI investigative team that chases after a character inspired by Abagnale.

For over 36 years Abagnale has worked with, advised, and consulted with hundreds of financial institutions, corporations, and government agencies around the world. Abagnale’s rare blend of knowledge and expertise began more than 40 years ago when he was known as one of the world’s most famous con men. This was depicted most graphically in his best-selling book, “Catch Me If You Can,” a film of which was also made, directed by Steven Spielberg with Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. The Tony-Award winning musical, “Catch Me if You Can,” directed by multiple award winner Jack O’ Brien, opened on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre in April 2011.

Between the ages of 16 and 21, he successfully posed as an airline pilot, an attorney, a college professor, and a pediatrician, in addition to cashing $2.5 million in fraudulent checks in every state and 26 foreign countries. Apprehended by the French police when he was 21 years old, he served time in the French, Swedish, and US prison systems. After five years he was released on the condition that he would help the federal government, without remuneration, by teaching and assisting federal law enforcement agencies.

Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children (HSHC): The Foundation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry strives to ensure every child has a dental home – a place where they can receive consistent, compassionate dental care.

Other AAPD highlights will include a three-day exhibit hall complete with Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children Donor Lounge, where attendees can learn about Access to Care Grants and donate, and a booth with copies of the Coding Manual, the new pediatric dentistry handbook, according to a report by Dental Tribune.