Contributors

February 3, 2006
Michael DiTolla, DDS, FAGD

Dr. Michael DiTolla is a graduate of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and he is a fellow of the AGD. After working in private practice for 15 years, he became director of clinical education and research at Glidewell, where he gained an intimate knowledge of U.S. dentists’ crown & bridge habits. From 2006 to 2009, Dr. DiTolla led the clinical team at Glidewell that developed and brought BruxZir® Zirconia to market. In 2011, he received the “Most Effective Dentist Educator” award in a nationwide survey of dentists. Four years later, he became the director of clinical affairs at Dentsply Sirona, and in 2017 he was named the vice president of clinical affairs and communications at AEGIS Communications. Dr. DiTolla has given over 1,000 lectures to dentists worldwide, and his online videos have been viewed more than 10 million times by clinicians.

Tarun Agarwal, DDS, PA

Dr. Tarun Agarwal is a 1999 graduate of the University of Missouri, Kansas City, who has built a successful general dentistry practice in Raleigh, North Carolina. As a respected speaker, author and opinion leader, he seeks to change the way general dentists practice. To learn more about Dr. Agarwal’s hands-on workshops, visit 3d-dentists.com or email him directly at dra@raleighdentalarts.com.

Ray Padilla, DDS
Ray Padilla, DDS

Dr. Ray Padilla received his Bachelor of Science degree (chemistry/biology) in 1973 from California Western University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1978 from the University of Southern California. Committed to ongoing continuing education, Dr. Padilla has completed more than 1,200 hours in advanced dental courses. Dr. Padilla has worked with athletes at the professional and amateur levels, as the team dentist for Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy, and as a consultant for the United States National Soccer Team. Dr. Padilla lectures both nationally and internationally, and is affiliated with numerous professional organizations.

Kerry K. Straine, CPBA
Kerry K. Straine, CPBA

Kerry K. Straine, president and CEO of Straine Consulting, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting, and has been in business and financial management for more than 25 years. It was Kerry’s education and experience in accounting that led to the founding of Straine Consulting, a practice management firm with more than 20 employees who educate, coach and train dental professionals throughout the United States and Canada.

The mission of Straine is to advance the understanding, practice and development of leadership for the benefit of all professionals in the dental industry. Kerry has conducted more than 1,000 workshops and seminars to practice owners, dental staff and other dental professionals over the past 15 years.