CPR/BLS Course Information
CPR - BLS Training Course Information
For information about specific CPR course dates, please see the NVDS Calendar of Events or download the CPR BLS 2026-2027 Registration Form.
Description:
The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) program is designed to help participants safely and effectively respond to medical emergencies and provide essential training for healthcare professionals who respond to life-threatening situations such as cardiac and respiratory emergencies. Additionally, the Red Cross defines BLS as a set of life-saving procedures performed in the early stages of an emergency, including CPR, AED use, and airway management.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize cardiac, respiratory, and choking emergencies
- Perform high-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
- Use an AED safely and effectively
- Manage airway and deliver effective ventilations
- Apply team-based resuscitation and communication principles
- Distinguish between single- and multi-rescuer scenarios
- Respond to choking in responsive and unresponsive patients
- Perform rapid assessment and activate emergency response systems
- Apply critical thinking in emergency situations
Instructor Schedule (subject to change):
September 12, 2026 – Dr. Gerald Awadzi
October 3, 2026 – Dr. Frank Portell
November 14, 2026 – Dr. Al Rizkalla and Dr. Charlton Ho
December 12, 2026 –
January 9, 2027 –
February 13, 2027 –
March 13, 2027 –
April 10, 2027 –
May 15, 2027 –
June 12, 2027 –
Instructor Biographies:
Dr. Gerald Awadzi
Dr. Awadzi earned his Doctorate Degree in Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Virginia Dental Association, and the Northern Virginia Dental Society. He has been awarded a fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Awadzi’s mission is, “To care for my patients in the most compassionate and comprehensive way. To provide high-quality dental care that will exceed my patients’ expectations and give them great comfort and satisfaction.”
Dr. Charlton Ho
Dr. Ho graduated from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry in 1988, and practiced from 1989-2018 in McLean, Virginia. During his career, Dr. Ho was passionate about learning and giving back to the world through dental missions. From 2012-2020 Dr. Ho was a CEREC trainer and lectured for both Dentsply/Sirona and Patterson Dental. Dr. Ho continues to stay engaged in dentistry by seeing patients in a more limited role, mentoring, doing charity work, and teaching.
Dr. Michael E. King
Dr. Michael E. King has practiced dentistry in Woodbridge for 27 years. He earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech in 1989 and his dental degree from the University of Maryland in 1994. He served in the United States Navy as department head dentist aboard the USS Nashville (LPD-13). Dr. King is a past president of the Northern Virginia Dental Society and has been active in organizations including the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association, the International College of Dentistry, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. He has pursued advanced training through the Kois Center, Zimmer Biomet Institute, Invisalign certification, and the Levin Group.
Dr. Ida Kondori
Dr. Kondori earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from George Mason University, her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the VCU School of Dentistry, and a Master’s in Health Services Administration from Xavier University. “Dr. Ida,” as she is known by her patients, is dedicated to enriching herself with advancements in dentistry through continuing education courses and the best available evidence from high-level sources. She is passionate about giving back to her community. She has volunteered at numerous Mission of Mercy Projects. As an active member of the Northern Virginia Dental Society and the Virginia Dental Association, she remains deeply engaged in the professional community. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Kondori has contributed to the field through her publication in Quintessence International and serves as a Basic Life Support instructor.
Dr. Aisha Nasir
Dr. Aisha Nasir was born and raised in Pakistan, where her journey in dentistry began. She completed her dental education at Army Medical College in Pakistan before moving to the United States to continue pursuing her passion for dentistry. In 2009, she graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. She is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the Virginia Dental Association (VDA), and the Northern Virginia Dental Society (NVDS). She is also proud to be part of several women’s dental groups, including the Dentist Mom Dental Group, where she enjoys connecting with and supporting other women and mothers in the dental profession. Dr. Nasir truly loves what she does and feels incredibly fortunate to have a career that allows her to make a difference in her patients’ lives. She is especially passionate about caring for patients who experience dental anxiety. Her goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free environment where every patient feels comfortable, listened to, and cared for. She believes that earning a patient’s trust is one of the most important parts of being a dentist. Outside of the office, Dr. Nasir is a proud mom of three children, who keep her life busy, fun, and full of adventure. When she is not practicing dentistry, she enjoys cooking for her family, hiking, and traveling. She loves spending time with her family and exploring new places, cultures, and experiences.
Dr. Anh Pham
Born in Vietnam, Dr. Pham attended Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington, DC for both his dental degree and his degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is an active member of the Northern Virginia Dental Society. He focuses on training his staff on ACLS and BLS. These courses teach life-saving measures that ensure the safety of every patient. He practices a wide scope of oral and maxillofacial procedures including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, oral pathology, and facial trauma.
Dr. Frank Portell
A graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, School of Dentistry, Dr. Portell received his certificate of Endodontics from the prestigious United States Army Institute of Dental Research, Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Following his certificate in endodontics, Dr. Portell received a Master of Science degree in Oral Biology from the George Washington University in Maryland. Dr. Portell completed a 20-year military career in the United States Army and then went into private practice in Northern Virginia for 25 years. He currently holds the position of a part-time faculty member at the Virginia Commonwealth University, Endodontic Residency Program in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Portell is a past president of the Northern Virginia Dental Society and the Virginia Academy of Endodontics.
Dr. Al Rizkalla
Dr. Rizkalla graduated from Georgetown University School of Dentistry and completed a general practice residency at the Veterans Administration Hospital Center in Washington, DC. In 2013, Dr. Rizkalla was appointed to the Virginia Board of Dentistry and in 2016 was elected President. He has held many positions in the Virginia Dental Association and the Northern Virginia Dental Society including chairman of the following committees: Continuing Education, Peer Review, Executive Committee, and Ethics. He was also a member of the Dental Health and Public Information Committee. Dr. Rizkalla is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the Virginia Dental Association. After an extensive and fulfilling clinical career in dentistry, Dr. Rizkalla is now focusing on his teaching career and will be seeing patients on a limited basis.
Dr. Kathy Vroom
Dr. Vroom is a graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and also completed her orthodontic residency at VCU. She was a co-author of a clinical trial study on lower arch perimeter preservation published in the American Journal of Orthodontics.She is a member of the Northern Virginia Dental Society, the American Association of Orthodontists, Virginia Association of Orthodontists, and Virginia Orthodontic Education and Research Foundation.
She has been in private practice for 32 years and plans to continue creating smiles for her patients on a part-time basis.