Welcome to the Glidewell Online Study Club

Dr. Amanda Sheehan owns and operates a private practice in Waterford, Michigan that focuses on surgical and prosthetic reconstruction. She was awarded the Diplomate designation from the American Board of Oral Implantology, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. She also holds a Fellowship in the American Academy of Clear Aligners and a Master’s from the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Sheehan is the first and only female dentist in the state of Michigan who is board-certified in Dental Implants. As the Faculty Director of the esteemed Resnik Implant Institute, she mentors colleagues on implant surgery and prosthetics.

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Dr. Amerian Sones is an associate professor at the Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, and serves in various leadership positions for the university’s continuing education, dental oncology and prosthodontic programs. She graduated from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and attended the UCLA School of Dentistry for postgraduate studies in prosthodontics and maxillofacial prosthodontics. Dr. Sones has maintained a private practice focused on prosthodontics and dental implant treatment for more than 35 years. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, and a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) and the Academy of Osseointegration (AO). Dr. Sones received her AO certificate in implant dentistry in January 2020 and also serves as the academy’s president elect.

Angela Pickett is an executive vice president for Levin Group. She received her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from the University of Maryland, and then became the hygiene department manager of the Advanced General Dentistry Clinic there. She holds a master’s degree in administrative science, with a concentration in management, from Johns Hopkins University. Angela joined Levin Group in 1994 and has been speaking and consulting with dentists for over 35 years, 27 of which have been spent working directly with Dr. Roger Levin and Levin Group clients.

Dr. Barry Raphael received his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his specialty training in orthodontics from Fairleigh Dickinson University. His private practice at the Raphael Center for Integrative Orthodontics in Clifton, New Jersey, focuses on facial growth and the development of a healthy airway. He is a highly sought-after lecturer and is a past president of the Passaic County Dental Society.

Dr. Bart Silverman graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1982 Summa Cum Laude and received his doctorate in dental medicine in 1986 from Fairleigh Dickinson Jr. School of Dentistry, where he was a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society. He completed his Oral and Maxillofacial residency at Westchester County Medical Center in 1989 and was chief resident in his final year. He maintains a private practice specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery in New City, New York and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the American Board of Oral Implantology. He has been lecturing in the field of implant dentistry for over 25 years. Dr. Silverman is also an attending physician at Westchester County Medical Center, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a clinical associate professor at New York Medical College, an adjunct clinical associate professor at Roseman School of Dentistry and director of the Roseman University MaxiCourse® in Implant Dentistry.

Brad McKeiver is partner-in-charge of Aprio’s National Dental Industry Practice, an accounting solutions group. He arms dentists with real-time financial data about their practices and has helped numerous practitioners make informed business decisions that focus on driving increased profitability, growth and value. McKeiver speaks regularly at dental conferences and professional organization events across the nation. He received both his bachelor of business administration in trusts and investments and his MBA in finance from Campbell University in North Carolina.

Dr. Bradley Eli graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry and received a Master of Science degree in oral biology from UCLA. Based in Encinitas, California, he is a nationally recognized specialist in orofacial pain management who treats all types of head, neck and jaw pain as well as sleep-disordered breathing. Dr. Eli has served as an educational staff member at Loma Linda University Medical Center, the UC San Diego Department of Anesthesiology and Scripps Memorial Hospital. He also holds several patents for medical devices designed to improve patient care.

Dr. Chad Duplantis is a graduate of the School of Dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He has been in private practice since 2000 in the Fort Worth, Texas, area, and has been incorporating CAD/CAM technology into his practice since 2004. Dr. Duplantis lectures and publishes frequently in the field of digital dentistry, with a particular focus on how to transition new technology into the private dental practice.

Dr. Charles Schlesinger is a dental implant educator and clinician who has been lecturing internationally throughout the United States, Canada, China, Saudi Arabia and the U.K. for over 15 years. He graduated with honors from The Ohio State College of Dentistry in 1996. After graduation, he completed a general practice residency at the San Diego VA Medical Center, and then went on to become the chief resident at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. During his time in Los Angeles, he completed extensive training in oral surgery, implantology and advanced restorative treatment. He is a fellow of the ICOI. Additionally, he continues to provide comprehensive implant care to patients in a private practice setting in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Dr. Christian Coachman received degrees in dental technology in 1995 and dentistry in 2002 from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. In 1996, Dr. Coachman opened his own laboratory and later worked as a technical consultant on Willi Geller Creation Ceramics. He served as an instructor at the Ceramic Specialization Program at Ceramoart Training Center. From 2004 to 2009, he served as the head ceramist for the Atlanta-based practice of Drs. Ronald E. Goldstein, David Garber and Maurice Salama. Dr. Coachman currently works as a consultant and develops products for companies. He has lectured and published internationally in the fields of esthetic dentistry, oral rehabilitation, dental ceramics and implants.

Dr. Christopher Resnik is a prosthodontist in Winter Park, Florida, and a faculty member at the Resnik Implant Institute. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree as well as a certificate in the advanced specialty of prosthodontics and master’s degree in Oral Implantology from the University of Pittsburg School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Resnik has contributed to textbooks on implant dentistry and avoiding complications in oral implantology.

Chuck Cohen is managing director and third-generation owner of Benco Dental Company, the nation’s largest independently owned dental distributor, and Clarion Financial, a sister company offering financing to dentists. Founded in 1930 by Benjamin Cohen, Benco serves over 25,000 dental offices and dental laboratories across the United States. The company is based in northeastern Pennsylvania with locations in 40 states. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Charles joined Benco as a territory representative in 1989. After taking on management roles in the company’s sales and marketing department, he assumed a senior leadership role in 1997.

Dr. Clint Stevens attended dental school at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio and completed a one-year post-doctoral Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the University of Michigan. He is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, the International College of Oral Implantologists, and is a member of the Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry. When not providing patient care, Dr. Stevens is engaged in ongoing laboratory and clinical research dealing with adhesive restorative materials, digital dentistry workflows, endodontics and dental implants, regularly publishing articles in dental literature.

Dr. Danielle Brown joined Glidewell in 2024 after seven years in private practice, where she focused on esthetic dentistry. She graduated from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC in 2016. Dr. Brown earned the “Top 40 Under 40” award from the National Dental Association in 2023. Dr. Brown completed the Guiding Leaders program in 2023.

Dr. David Hochberg graduated from the Emory University School of Dentistry and completed advanced training in the surgical and restorative phases of implant therapy at the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) MaxiCourse^® held at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. Dr. Hochberg operates a general practice in Atlanta that has provided restorative, implant and cosmetic dentistry services for more than 30 years. He has lectured nationally, is the immediate past president of the AAID, and is a former chief editor of the AAID News.

Elizabeth Carr is chair of dental hygiene at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) School of Dentistry. She earned both a baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene and a doctorate degree in health administration from the UMMC School of Dentistry, as well as a master’s degree in dental hygiene from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. A native of the Mississippi Delta, Carr worked in private practice as a registered dental hygienist before joining the UMMC School of Dentistry’s dental hygiene department as a full-time instructor in 2006.

Dr. Eric Block is a practicing dentist in Acton, Massachusetts. He graduated from the Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine in 2002 and then completed a two-year implantology residency at Boston University. As a published author and nationwide lecturer, he believes in helping dentists become more efficient, productive and less stressed. He serves as the cofounder of the International Academy of Dental Life Coaches, the vice chairman and director of Dental and Medical Business Development of AltTech Industries, and the founder of the digital marketplace DealsforDentists.com. In 2023 he was selected as a wellness ambassador for the American Dental Association. He is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the American Academy of Dental Sciences and the International College of Dentists.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Eric Johnson graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He is currently a private practitioner in San Clemente, California, where he specializes in migraine prevention therapy. With the implementation of migraine prevention devices, Dr. Johnson has helped relieve countless patients of their tension headaches and migraines.

Dr. Eugene Lee earned his DDS degree from the University of Michigan and went on to complete a two-year residency at the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in New York City. Later, he furthered his education at an advanced prosthodontics residency program at Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles.

Dr. Frank DeLuca graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and earned his J.D. degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law. As a practicing lawyer, he owns a private law practice in Hollywood, Florida, with an emphasis on issues relating to dentistry, including litigation representation as well as defense of administrative and licensure matters. Dr. DeLuca is also a frequent lecturer on risk management and related topics.

Frank Golding has more than 25 years of digital media experience, including positions at Google and ESPN. He led the North American sports group for YouTube, managing two of the world’s largest multichannel sports networks, and launching live Major League Baseball and NCAA Division I FBS college football games. Golding invests in promising technology and media startups with novel missions to improve our environment, health, and communication. He holds a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, and has won a Sports Emmy Award for innovation.

Gary Pritchard received his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, and went on to serve as general counsel for Clayton Homes, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company, and Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., a Fortune 500 Company. As a board-certified trial lawyer, Gary was a managing partner for Pritchard & Hanszen in Houston, Texas, and holds active law licenses in Texas, Arizona, Tennessee and California. Gary is currently one of the in-house labor counselors for Glidewell, where he has been integral in instituting policies that protect both employees and the company.

Dr. George J. Schmidt is a 1998 OKU graduate of the UMDNJ-NJ Dental School where he received his DMD degree.  He is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. 

In addition to private practice Dr. Schmidt Serves as a Trustee on the Academy of General Dentistry’s Oral Cancer Foundation and teaches dentistry at two local Universities. He is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in the CDE Implant department at NYU College of Dentistry where he is the surgical director and also serves as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences. He is the host of the Academy of General Dentistry’s National Podcast, is active with the Academy of General Dentistry as the chairman of the scientific meetings council, past chairman of the AGD Council on Dental Education, and Past President of the NJAGD. Dr. Schmidt is passionate about dental education and lectures nationally on Dental implants, restorative dentistry, and practice management.

Dr. Gordon Christensen is a practicing prosthodontist in Provo, Utah. He is director of Practical Clinical Courses and CEO of Clinicians Report. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics; Fellow and Diplomate of the ICOI; and a distinguished member of numerous professional organizations. Dr. Christensen and his wife Rella are cofounders of the nonprofit Gordon J. Christensen Clinicians Report^® (formerly CRA Newsletter).

Dr. Hamid Abedi is an endodontist and the CEO and founder of Cornerstone Dental Specialties (CDS), the largest endodontic group in the country. CDS has 34 endodontists servicing over 200 offices in 10 states. The group has performed close to a million root canals and is helping navigate endodontic emergency services in their referring offices during the current coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Abedi has published over 20 scientific articles. He has coauthored two chapters in the primary textbooks of endodontics, “Endodontics: Principles and Practice,” and surgical endodontics, “The Art and Science of Contemporary Surgical Endodontics.” He has four issued patents in the dental arena and is part-time faculty at Loma Linda University.

Dr. Jack Hahn earned his DDS from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. A pioneer in the field of implant dentistry, Dr. Hahn has been placing and restoring dental implants for 50 years, and he developed the original tapered implant design in the 1990s. Most recently, he oversaw the design of the Hahn™ Tapered Implant, which was created to streamline treatment and improve results. Dr. Hahn is also clinical editor of Chairside^® magazine. He lectures to dentists around the world and maintains a private practice in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Dr. Jamison Spencer is the director of the Center for Sleep Apnea and TMJ in Boise, Idaho. A past president of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (AACP), he is a founding faculty member of both the AACP’s Craniofacial Pain Mini- Residency and the AACP/Tufts University Dental Sleep Medicine Mini-Residency program, and he developed and taught a cadaver-based head and neck anatomy program at Boise State University.

Dr. Jinny Bender is a clinical dentist at Glidewell. After earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, she practiced general dentistry for 27 years before joining Glidewell in 2022. Dr. Bender is a member of the ADA, CDA and Orange County Dental Society.

After working in various dental practices in the Chicagoland area, Dr. Joy Poskozim opened Joyful Dental Care, where she provides services ranging from general dentistry to cosmetic treatment. She also performs mobile care onsite in nursing homes, assisted care facilities and independent living centers, providing treatment to those unable come to her practice. Dr. Poskozim is dedicated to delivering excellent services and long-term solutions that lead to optimal dental health for her patients.

Joy Sorensen Navarre is the president and founder of Navigate LLC. A national expert in student loan management, she consults with physicians and health systems across the country. Joy lives by a powerful core belief: you find your purpose where the world’s greatest need and your greatest joy meet. This is why she built Navigate. She loves doing work that helps everyone — physicians, health systems, and patients.

Dr. Justin Chi is director of clinical technologies at Glidewell. He joined Glidewell as a clinical research associate in 2015 after graduating from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Dr. Chi’s previous education included receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in dental laboratory technology from the LSU School of Dentistry and earning his CDT in crown & bridge in 2007.

Karrie Letu is a social media expert with a focus on helping brands grow their Instagram following. She also believes in creating communities that advocate for their favorite brands. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach, with a degree in English education and journalism, and has since managed social media presences in areas ranging from consumer products to C-suite personal accounts and nonprofit organizations.

With nearly 40 years of experience in dental hygiene, general practices, specialty practices and dental education, Kathy Bassett offers unique insights on successful local anesthesia that can benefit both the patient and the dentist. She was a professor of dental hygiene at Pierce College and an affiliate professor in the Department of Oral Health Sciences at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Kathy has presented hundreds of clinical education courses locally, nationally, and internationally on local anesthesia, restorative expanded functions, and patient assessment for myofunctional and sleep-related breathing disorders. Her work has also been recognized with a Washington Association of Vocational Administrators Outstanding Educator Award, a WDHA Educator of the Year Award and a WDHA Martha Fales Award.

Dr. Kaveeta Channamsetty graduated from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in 1998 and completed a general practice residency at St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady, New York. She served as a faculty member at Harvard’s AEGD program and is now the owner of Pearl Dental, which offers four practice locations in New York and Connecticut. Dr. Channamsetty was recognized as a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy in 1998 and completed Glidewell’s Guiding Leaders program in 2022. In this interview, we discuss her background, the founding of her multi-location practice, her role as a female leader in the dental industry and more.

Dr. Ken Berley is a dentist and attorney with a practice focused on the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing and TMD. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM), a lecturer, and a consultant in the areas of risk management and the development of a successful dental sleep medicine (DSM) practice. Dr. Berley has written numerous consent forms that are used in general and DSM practices. In addition, he is the president of the Dental Sleep Apnea Team, which provides educational opportunities for doctors and dental staff, and he is the coauthor of “The Clinician’s Handbook for Dental Sleep Medicine.”

Dr. Kevin R. Suzuki earned his D.M.D. from Nova Southeastern and completed Periodontics and Oral Implantology residency at Temple University. Dr. Suzuki holds faculty positions at Temple and University of Washington. Dr. Suzuki is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is past president of the Washington State Society of Periodontists, a member of OKU, American and International College of Dentists, and an Eagle Scout.

Dr. Lambert J. Stumpel has been in private practice since 1982. He graduated, from the Royal University of Utrecht, School of Dentistry, the Netherlands. He has published over 35 articles and book chapters in the international peer reviewed literature and is the holder of five dental related patents. He is a Fellow of the AO, a member of the Pacific Coast Society for Prosthodontics and is a board member of the Academy of Osseointegration. Dr. Stumpel is the developer of the 3D-Click-Guide and the Quikbar.

Dr. Lan Chi Le is founder and CEO of ZYGO Dental Group, where she manages 11 practices and oversees approximately 60 employees while providing dental services to residents throughout Texas. In 2016, she partnered with Walmart to open dental clinics inside Walmart Supercenter locations, including six in Dallas-Fort Worth and one in San Antonio. She has built a business designed to make dental care easy, affordable and accessible to all. Dr. Le also participates in health fairs throughout her community, where she provides screenings and educates people on the importance of oral care.

Larissa Figari-Goller, DDS, MAGD, FICOI, received her education from SUNY at Stony Brook. She completed a one-year GPR at North Shore University Hospital and was selected and completed a 2 year Fellowship in Advanced Prosthodontics & Implant Dentistry. She focused intensely on advanced treatment planning and dental care. Her education has not stopped- she has completed over 1600 hours of CE.  She graduated from the Kois Center and since has become a Mentor of the Kois Center. She continues to integrate and apply the highest level of dentistry that is driven by the clinical application and the scientific evidence that supports it.  She is a partner at Huntington Bay Dental and has been working with the team at Huntington Bay Dental to provide the best clinical care.  Dr Figari-Goller is a proud graduate of the inaugural Guiding Leaders program in 2019.

Dr. Lea Al Matny is a licensed oral and maxillofacial radiologist at SeeThru Reports and a clinical education specialist at Carestream Dental. She attended the University of Texas Health in San Antonio (UTHSA) where she received both a certificate in oral and maxillofacial radiology and a master’s in dental science. She is a reviewer for the Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology journal and is actively involved in multiple committees at the American Association of Oral Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR).

Dr. Len Conner has worked in the dental field for over 46 years, including over 32 years specializing in implant dentistry. He is known as an authoritative voice in the industry and a dental implant expert, having presented well over 2,500 education and training programs to various implant groups, study clubs, tradeshows, and implant and dental organizations over the years. Before his current position as Director of Education, Technical Support & Clinical Affairs at Zest Dental Solutions, Dr. Conner spent 20 years as the Director of the Technical Specialties Group at Zimmer Biomet Dental.

Mark T. Hebner is the founder and president of Index Fund Advisors, Inc. (IFA), and author of the highly regarded book “Index Funds: The 12-Step Recovery Program for Active Investors,” which focuses on investor education. Nominated as one of the three all-time greatest investment books, “Index Funds” details the possible perils associated with stock picking, mutual fund manager picking, market timing, and other wealth depleting behaviors. Hebner’s 12-Step Program teaches the differences between active and passive investing, explains the emotional triggers that impact investment decisions, and offers an enlightening education on evidence-based investing that may forever change the way an investor perceives the stock market. Hebner is a Wealth Advisor (Series 65) and has an MBA from the University of California, Irvine, and a bachelor’s in Nuclear Pharmacy from the University of New Mexico.

Mark Romano is cofounder and co-owner of Now Media Group, a San Diego-based marketing firm that specializes in web design, social media, advertising and content curation to promote dental practice growth. With over a decade of experience in the dental marketing industry, Mark has positioned his firm as a dependable business partner for dentists and has served more than 750 clients in the U.S. and in multiple countries around the world. Contact him at 858-333-8950 or nowmediagroup.tv.

Dr. Mary Shields owns a private practice in Louisville, Kentucky, focused on family and cosmetic care. She is an associate member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and a member of the American Society of Forensic Odontology, where she provides forensic services ranging from the identification of human remains to legal consultations. Dr. Shields is also in the process of finalizing the requirements for board certification by the American Board of Forensic Odontology.

After receiving bachelor’s degrees in English, philosophy and biology — plus, a master’s in comparative literature — Dr. Ekhtiar-Kord received her dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2002. She is currently pursuing her master’s in clinical psychology at Pepperdine University and is the owner of two practices in Mission Viejo, California: Kord Dentistry and Orthodontics and Mission Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Dr. Ekhtiar-Kord is also multilingual and enjoys taking continuing education classes.

Dr. Meghna Dassani received dental training at the University of Mumbai, India, and the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. For the past 17 years, her private practice in Houston, Texas, has focused on treating patients with sleep-disordered breathing. She is the author of two books on sleep apnea and the dental practice: “Healthy Sleep, Happy Kids” and “Sleep. Breathe. Dream.”

Dr. Michael Scherer maintains a practice limited to prosthodontics and implant dentistry in Sonora, California. He is also an assistant clinical professor at Loma Linda University, a clinical instructor at University of Nevada – Las Vegas, and a fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists. Dr. Scherer has published articles, books, and in-person and online courses related to implant dentistry, clinical prosthodontics, and digital technology with a special emphasis on full-arch reconstruction. As an avid technology and computer hobbyist, Dr. Scherer’s involvement in digital implant dentistry has led him to develop and pioneer new approaches with 3D printing, CAD/CAM surgical systems, interactive CBCT implant planning, and outside-of-the-box radiographic imaging and digital design concepts.

Dr. Michael Dorociak is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. He serves as chairman of the board, project director and clinical evaluator for the Gordon J. Christensen Clinicians Report®. Dr. Dorociak maintains a family-based private practice in Sarasota, Florida, and is an associate clinical professor at the University of Florida’s AEGD residency program.

Dr. Michelle Weddle graduated from New York University College of Dentistry in 2002, continuing a dental legacy that has spanned three generations in her family. She then trained in the General Practice Residency Program at Newark Beth Israel. Dr. Weddle is the current president elect of the Central Dental Society Component of the New Jersey Dental Association and peer reviews manuscripts in the Journal of the Academy of General Dentistry, where she is also a Fellow.

Dr. Neil Park is vice president of clinical affairs for Glidewell. He received his DMD from Temple University School of Dentistry and practiced general dentistry in Florida before moving on to an accomplished career in the dental implant field, developing continuing education programs and implementing a predoctoral implant curriculum in universities throughout North America. In 2016, Dr. Park joined Glidewell, where he oversees clinical research as well as training and education programs for implant and restorative solutions.

Dr. Noemi Cruz-Orcutt earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Puerto Rico and her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. To further commit to the dental community, she is a dedicated member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Iowa Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Seattle Study Club, Spear Study Club and American Academy of Clear Aligners. She is also a Cranham Culp Digital Dental member and has fully transitioned her dental practice to digital workflows.

Dr. Paresh Patel is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry and the Medical College of Georgia/AAID MaxiCourse. A clinical instructor who has placed more than 5,000 implants, Dr. Patel has published numerous articles in leading dental journals, is a diplomate of the ICOI, and has worked extensively as a lecturer and clinical consultant on dental implants and prosthetics for several companies.

Dr. Patricia Swanson is the director of predoctoral prosthodontics at the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine. She earned her DDS from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, and then earned her certificate in the advanced specialty of prosthodontics from Stony Brook University. Dr. Swanson has performed research in dental cements and implants, and she has a special interest in removable prosthodontics. She maintains a faculty practice in prosthodontics in Stony Brook, New York, and she is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics.

Dr. Randolph Resnik is a leading clinician, educator, researcher, and author in the field of prosthodontics and oral implantology. Dr. Resnik received his dental degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Upon graduation from dental school, he continued his training at the University of Pittsburgh, receiving a specialty degree in prosthodontics, a surgical fellowship in Oral Implantology, and a master's degree in oral implantology/radiology. He is currently the director of the Resnik Implant Institute. Dr. Resnik serves on faculty positions at numerous universities, including The University of Pittsburgh (graduate prosthodontics), Temple University (oral implantology and periodontics), and Allegheny General Hospital (oral and maxillofacial surgery). Along with his passion for lecturing and education, Dr. Resnik is also an accomplished author, having published over 200 articles. His recent textbooks, Avoiding Complications in Oral Implantology, 4th Edition of Contemporary Implant Dentistry, and 3rd edition of Dental Implant Prosthetics are bestsellers in the field of implant dentistry. Dr. Resnik currently maintains a private practice in Orlando, Florida.

Randy Curran is the founder and CEO of Pristine Medical Billing. He has helped over 1,000 dental practices optimize the financial side of medicine. He also educates dental teams about topics such as proper workflows, medical necessity, documentation requirements, and ethical coding. During the past 14 years, Curran has helped obtain medical insurance coverage for over 28,000 patients for the treatment of sleep apnea.

Dr. Raymond Choi holds a DDS and a master's degree in geriatric dentistry from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC where he is currently serving as an adjunct assistant professor. He has extensive experience in both surgical and restorative aspects of implant overdentures and has been teaching implants for over 20 years.

After graduating from New York City College of Dentistry with honors in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Rebekah Browder completed a GPR at Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. She then taught at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in the Pediatric and Public Health Department before settling in Westport, Connecticut, and buying a private practice. She has been practicing dentistry since 2014 with a focus on minimally invasive, conservative esthetics. Her practice is only one of four in the country to be certified as a B Corporation. Dr. Browder graduated from Guiding Leaders in 2022.

Dr. Rella Christensen cofounded the nonprofit Clinical Research Associates (later known as the Clinicians Report Foundation) in 1976, and served as its director for 27 years. Currently, Dr. Christensen is the team leader of Technologies in Restoratives and Caries (TRAC) Research, a nonprofit institute devoted to long-term clinical studies on restorative materials and oral microbiology. She has also authored many published scientific studies and articles.

Dr. Miller is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology (ABOI), honored fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) and diplomate of the Academy of Osseointegration (AO). Dr. Miller is also chairman of the Department of Oral Implantology at the Atlantic Coast Dental Research Clinic (ACDRC) in Palm Beach, Florida, director of the Center for Advanced Aesthetic and Implant Dentistry in Delray Beach, Florida, and has been a pioneer in the use of CBCT imaging, surgical navigation and surgical microscopes for over two decades.

Dr. Roger Levin is the CEO of Levin Group, Inc., a leading dental management consulting firm. Founded in 1985, Levin Group has worked with more than 30,000 dental practices. Dr. Levin is one of the most sought-after speakers in dentistry and is a leading authority on dental practice success and sustainable growth. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and has authored 65 books and more than 4,000 articles on dental practice management and marketing.

Dr. Pham graduated from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and completed an advanced education in general dentistry residency at the UCSF School of Dentistry with a focus on esthetics and full mouth rehabilitation. He maintains a practice in Bakersfield, California, where he leverages the latest technologies including CBCT, digital impressions, 3D facial scanning, digital photography, laser dentistry and 3D printing to transform and speed up care for his patients.

Dr. Rohan Jagtap is the director of the division of oral and maxillofacial radiology and an assistant professor in the department of care planning and restorative sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Jagtap received his Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from MGV’s KBH Dental College and Hospital in Nashik, India. He earned a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and completed his master’s in healthcare administration from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Additionally, he completed his oral and maxillofacial radiology residency at the University of Florida College of Dentistry.

Dr. Samuel Low is professor emeritus at the University of Florida, College of Dentistry, and an associate faculty member of the Pankey Institute with 30 years of private practice experience in periodontics, lasers and implant placement. He is also a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and past president of the American Academy of Periodontology and Florida Dental Association (FDA). He currently sits on the board of directors at the Academy of Laser Dentistry. He was selected “Dentist of the Year” by the FDA, distinguished alumnus by the University of Texas Dental School, and received the Gordon Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award. Dr. Low provides dentists and dental hygienists with the tools for successfully managing the periodontal patient in general and periodontal practices and is affiliated with the Florida Probe Corporation and is a past trustee of the American Dental Association.

Dr. Shankar Iyer is a graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry, where he went on to serve as a clinical assistant professor of prosthodontics. Currently, he is Director of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) MaxiCourse^® in UAE and India, and he holds two appointments in the periodontics and prosthodontics departments at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. A past president of the AAID, Dr. Iyer has taught and trained more than 5,000 dentists from around the world, and he has lectured in over 34 countries.

Since graduating from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Shefali Shah has been practicing general dentistry and providing comprehensive care to her patients. She is a partner at Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry, where she provides various types of dental services, such as implant surgeries, cosmetic transformations and Six Month Smiles® orthodontics. When Dr. Shah is not practicing, she often mentors, and has instructed several seminars. Dr. Shah is a member of the ADA and various other dental organizations.

Dr. Sreenivas Koka is a professor and the dean at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry. He is the former chair of Dental Specialties at Mayo Clinic and former chair of MIT’s Sloan School of Management Alumni Board.

Dr. Stacy Spizuoco is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry. She works in private practice, serves as a clinical instructor at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and performs charitable work including annual dental missions to underdeveloped countries, as well as local missions such as Give Kids a Smile Day. Dr. Spizuoco is a member of the ADA, the American Association for Women Dentists, and various other dental organizations.

Ms. Stephanie Botts has been a clinical dental hygienist for over 14 years. She is a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist providing both in-office and virtual ergonomics consulting and coaching to dental professionals. She also provides continuing education (CE) to dental and dental hygiene associations on the topic of ergonomics. Her experience as a clinical dental hygienist and ergonomics expert has allowed her to recognize the unique challenges of practicing pain-free in the dental setting. Botts believes that by learning effective strategies to optimize proper ergonomics both inside and outside the operatory, dental professionals can practice pain-free and ensure career longevity.

Dr. Stephanie Tilley is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. Since 1998, she has been practicing dentistry in her hometown of Pensacola, Florida, where she provides her patients with restorative, esthetic and implant dentistry. Dr. Tilley has completed extensive training at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, the Engel Institute, and the Glidewell Clinical Education Center on subjects ranging from implant surgery, to periodontal disease, to cosmetic procedures. She is a member of the AGD, the ADA and numerous other dental associations.

Recently named Glidewell CEO Stephenie Goddard is an executive leader with multidisciplinary experience in organizational development, business strategy, change management, customer experience and digital transformation. She joined Glidewell in 2006 as vice president of human resources, establishing various programs that have served to augment the company’s relentless expansion. In 2019, she established the Guiding Leaders program to empower women dentists throughout the U.S. in all facets of business and leadership, and the following year she received the Mentor Award from The Lucy Hobbs Project® (Benco Dental Supply Co.; Pittston, Pa.).

Dr. Steve Carstensen has treated sleep apnea and snoring in Bellevue, Washington, since 1998. He serves as a consultant to the ADA for sleep-related breathing disorders, has completed the UCLA Sleep Medicine Mini-Residency, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Carstensen lectures internationally, advises several sleep-related manufacturers, directs sleep education at The Pankey Institute, and is a guest lecturer at multiple schools of dentistry. He also served as editor-in-chief of Dental Sleep Practice magazine from 2014–2019, and he is the coauthor of “The Clinician’s Handbook for Dental Sleep Medicine,” which was published by Quintessence in 2019.

Dr. Steven Gold received his dental training from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and has nearly 30 years of experience as a general dentist. After 16 years of full-time private practice in Southern California, he transitioned to academics and currently serves as assistant professor and coordinator of Digital Dentistry at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine in Pomona, California. With academic experience in restorative dentistry in the clinical and pre-clinical setting, Dr. Gold has been active both nationally and internationally on the topics of CAD/CAM dentistry.

Dr. Steven Barrett earned his DDS from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and shortly after joined the U.S. Navy, where he served for three years. In 1991, he joined Greenberg Dental & Orthodontics, a private group practice now with over 80 locations in Florida. Currently the clinical director and a senior partner with the group, he uses his 30 years of experience practicing restorative dentistry to organize the group’s in-house continuing education program, lecture at dental schools and provide one-on-one mentorships throughout the state.

Dr. Steven Sadowsky is a professor in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. A Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, he worked full-time as a prosthodontist in private practice for 35 years. Dr. Sadowsky served on the Board of Directors of the American College of Prosthodontists from 2008–11, and was director of the American College of Prosthodontists Annual Review Course from 2012–16. He is also past-president of the American Prosthodontic Society and the Pacific Coast Society for Prosthodontics.

Author, lecturer and instructor Dr. Susan McMahon is an expert in the fields of cosmetic dentistry, dental care and teeth whitening. She is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and has received Top Dentist awards from Pittsburgh Magazine and the Consumers' Research Council of America.

Dr. Taylor Manalili is director of clinical prosthodontics at Glidewell. In the onsite dental clinic at Glidewell, Dr. Manalili helps to enhance laboratory protocols, conduct clinical research, and perform advanced restorative work — including implant placement, chairside restorations and full-mouth rehabilitations. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Stony Brook University, where she also obtained an advanced certificate in prosthodontics and digital technologies. Dr. Manalili completed her fellowship and diplomate in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. She joined the Resnik International Implant Institute as a prosthodontic faculty member and has over ten years of teaching experience in diverse education settings.

Dr. Thomas Jackson is the founder of The Chicago Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, and lectures internationally about the periodontium and its relation to the cosmetics of teeth and implants. A graduate of Northwestern University Dental School, he served a two-year general practice residency and subsequently taught as an attending dentist at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. After completing his training in the combined four-year periodontics and periodontal-prosthesis residency at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Jackson practiced periodontics and reconstructive dentistry in Philadelphia and Atlanta.

Dr. Timothy Kosinski graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and received a Master of Science degree in biochemistry from Wayne State University School of Medicine. In addition to serving on the editorial review board of numerous dental journals, Dr. Kosinski has published over 240 articles and contributed to textbooks on the surgical and prosthetic phases of implant dentistry. He is currently the editor of General Dentistry, the journal of the AGD.

Trent Watrous is a Nashville-based accountant and practice management specialist who has become a go-to source of information for dentists across the U.S. who seek solutions to common practice management issues. He serves clients in a range of roles, including oversight of practice transitions and startups, methods to improve cash flow, and strategies to minimize taxes. Whether working to improve profitability of dental practices that struggle from limited cash flow, or analyzing dental practice metrics, Watrous is comfortable with confronting difficult issues and developing solutions to alleviate them. He speaks regularly to groups across the country on a variety of topics.