AGD 2015 Annual Meeting
 
0Region 17 Speakers
 
Homer Asadi DDS

Homayon Asadi, DDS, is an Associate Professor Dept. of Biomedical Sciences and serves as course director of the advanced head and neck anatomy course at Pacific. He has been actively involved in academics, both lecturing and dissection for 25 years. Dr. Asadi has been recognized and honored for distinguished merit in teaching. He maintains a private practice in San Jose, CA.

 
Dr. Payam C. Ataii DMD
Dr. Payam C. Ataii has over a decade of clinical experience. He is a graduate of Tufts Dental School ranking first in his clinical class with a Harvard Externship, has received many achievement awards and publications in Dental Research Journals, and is Founder and Board Member of The National Association of Dental Professionals®. His perseverance in research spearheaded him four Dental Journal publications and three consistent Top Dentist Awards. He has been featured locally as well as nationally on networks such as ABC, NBC, KNBC and KTLA news for some of his published research and accumulated data.
 
Kimberly Bland CDA, EFDA, MEd

Kimberly Bland, CDA, EFDA, MEd, is a full-time educator and the program director of the ADA CODA Accredited Dental Assisting Technology and Management Program at Manatee Technical College in Bradenton, Florida.  She is a champion advocate for the dental patient and has established a well-publicized service learning program at her college that identifies oral health needs and provides the means for access to oral healthcare for many of the community’s underserved K-12 school children, including the children of the area’s very large migrant farmworker population.  She has authored many articles related to dental assisting practice and works tirelessly to advance the practice of dental assisting to the highest standards of performance obtainable.  She currently serves at the President of the American Dental Assistants Association.  

 
David M. Blende DDS

Dr. David Blende is a graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) with more than 30 years experience providing comprehensive dental care in both hospitals and private practices in Switzerland, Beverly Hills and San Francisco. Dr. Blende has also served as the Chairman of the California Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs and Research as well as the President of the French Foundation for Medical Research and Education. He is chief of the Dental Division at two major San Francisco hospitals and on staff at six additional Bay Area hospitals.

 
John Bovia Sr., EMT-P
John Bovia is a paramedic who began his medical career in the US Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict, with 2 tours of duty in South East Asia. He is a pioneer of emergency medical services in the state of Michigan. In 1984 with his wife Mary Berry-Bovia they cofounded Life Support Services Inc. In his capacity as Chief Executive Officer he has overseen the emergency management training of over 300,000 healthcare providers including physicians, nurses, dentists, technicians, paramedics, & dental team members. Life Support Services, Inc has grown to be one of the largest entrepreneurial American Heart Association training centers in the United States. LSS provides training in emergency management procedures to 16,000 participants throughout the Western Hemisphere annually. 
 
Lee Ann Brady DMD

Dr. Lee Ann Brady is a privately practicing dentist and nationally recognized educator and writer. From 2005 to 2008 Dr. Brady held the positions of Resident Faculty and Clinical Director for The Pankey Institute. In 2008 she moved to Scottsdale, Arizona to join Dr. Frank Spear in the formation of Spear Education and the expansion of his curriculum. She served as Executive VP of Clinical Education until June 2011. Dr. Brady is the president of Lee Ann Brady LLC, an dental education company that offers workshops, seminars and online education at www.leeannbrady.com.  Her website also features a popular blog full of clinical and practice management tips.

 

 
Wendy Briggs RDH

Wendy is a highly productive hygienist, and international speaker who brings a new level of excitement and energy to dentistry. Her lectures are content rich, designed to inspire immediate improvement the next day in the practice. Wendy has a unique way of connecting with hygienists, they listen to one of their own! Wendy is also a published author for the Journal of Practical Dental Hygiene, The AGD Impact, Henry Schein and others.  Wendy is excited to be working with Dr John Meis in the Team Training Institute. Their ability to have a powerful affect on every aspect of the team: Doctor productivity, Hygiene Productivity, New Patient Effectiveness, Systems and Operations has proven to produce tremendous results. Clients of the Team Training Institute are achieving record production, incredible growth and are able to provide a much higher level of patient service. These compelling results are part of the reason they have been selected as a Consulting Partner for Henry Schein Dental.  The systems they teach can be utilized by any hygienist, or any doctor, in any town. They work with small one doctor practices, but also have a unique ability to work with more sophisticated practices, with multiple providers and multiple locations. Their goal for your attendees is simple: Real results. Real fast.

 
Jeff Brucia DDS

Dr.  Brucia is a graduate of the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry, where he is currently an Assistant Professor of Dental Practice. He is practicing Esthetic and Restorative dentistry full time in San Francisco, California.  Dr. Brucia is the Co-Director of the FACE occlusion study club where he chairs the department of Esthetics and Adhesive Material Science. He is the 201 1 recipient of the Gordon J. Christensen Recognition Lecturer Award.  In 2010, Dr. Brucia was elected a fellow in the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. He has also been selected by Dentistry Today as one of the top clinicians in dental continuing education today.

 
L. Stephen Buchanan DDS, FICD, FACD

Dr. Buchanan is a diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and an assistant clinical professor at the post-graduate endodontic programs at USC and UCLA.  He maintains a private practice limited to endodontics and implant surgery in Santa Barbara, California and is the founder of Dental Education Laboratories, a hands-on training center serving general dentists and endodontist upgrading their skills in new endodontic and implant technology.  

 
Mark Buczko CPCU, CIC, RPLU
Mark Buczko (pronounced butch co) is a native of Chicago, IL, a graduate of Loyola University Business School and a 30+ year survivor of the insurance industry. He continues to be a student of the insurance industry and holds several prestigious insurance industry designations. Mark first began working with dentists in 1987; and has gained experience in all aspects of dental professional liability. In his current role as Vice President of the Dentist's Advantage Program, Mark’s responsibilities include aspects of Underwriting, Marketing and Risk Management. Mark has worked very closely with the AGD since 2000; and is proud to be a past president of your AGD Foundation Board of Directors. In addition to enjoying a close working relationship with the AGD, Mark also works with the National Dental Association, the Hispanic Dental Association and the National Society of Dental Practitioners, a risk management organization for dentists.
 
Alan W. Budenz MS, DDS, MBA

Dr. Budenz is Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and is Vice Chair of Diagnostic Sciences and Services, Department of Dental Practice at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California. He received his graduate degree in Anatomy from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his dental degree from the University of California, San Francisco. He has more than 30 years of general practice experience in San Francisco, serves as a general dentistry clinical floor instructor, and has taught general dentistry, local anesthesia, and anatomy courses at Pacific since beginning as a part-time instructor in 1984. 

 
Darrell Cain CPA

Cain is President of CAIN, WATTERS & ASSOCIATES, P.L.L.C. a ''fee only" certified public accounting firm located in Dallas, Texas. Previously, Mr. Cain was an audit manager with the international public accounting firm Peat, Marwick and Mitchell Company. In 1985, with one dental client and after national speaking exposure to dentists, Mr. Cain founded the current firm. He has since provided personalized and comprehensive financial plans for approximately 1,400 individuals in the dental community. Mr. Cain received his Bachelor of Business Administration and his Master's in Professional Accounting from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He is a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and is a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Additionally, he is a Certified Valuation Analyst.

 
Leslie Canham CDA, RDA

Leslie is a Certified Speaking Professional in the dental field since 1972, Leslie helps simplify complex regulations. She specializes in Infection Control, OSHA, HIPAA, and Accommodating Patients with Disabilities. She provides in-office training, mock-inspections, consulting, home study courses, and webinars. Leslie is authorized by the Department of Labor as an OSHA Outreach Trainer and as a continuing education provider by the California Dental Board and Academy of General Dentistry. For the third year in a row, Leslie has been acknowledged by Dentistry Today magazine as a “Leader in Dentistry”. Contact Leslie at www.LeslieCanham.com

 
Glenn T. Clark DDS

Dr. Glenn Clark is both the Director of the Center for Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine Center, Chair of the Section of Diagnostic Sciences, Graduate Program Director of Orofacial Pain conventional residency program, Director of Distance Education office in the School of Dentistry, Director of the MS degree program in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine. He and his team created the learning based game- DDS Detective that aid Students and Professionals alike in interacting with a virtual patient and learning to ask the right questions, diagnose and treat patients.

 
Donald J. Coluzzi DDS
Donald J. Coluzzi, a 1970 graduate of the USC School of Dentistry, is a Health Science clinical professor in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry. He retired from general practice after 35 years.  Dr. Coluzzi is a Charter member and past president of the Academy of Laser Dentistry and is currently the Editor-in-chief of the Journal of Laser Dentistry. He has used dental lasers since early 1991. He has Advanced Proficiency in Nd:YAG and Er:YAG wavelengths.  Dr. Coluzzi is the 1999 recipient of the Leon Goldman Award for Clinical Excellence and the 2006 Distinguished Service Award from the Academy, a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and a Master of the Academy of Laser Dentistry. He has presented about lasers worldwide, co-authored two books, and published several peer-reviewed articles and chapters in textbooks.
 
Karen Comisi CDA, RDA, FADAA

Over the past 30 years, Karen has held almost every staff position in the dental office, with the exception of dentist and dental hygienist. She has been an orthodontic dental assistant, oral surgeon dental assistant, general dentist assistant, front desk and insurance coordinator and is currently the Practice Administrator and CFO for “Dental Care with a Difference”®, PC. She is one of the first licensed, registered dental assistants in New York State and is a founding member of the Southern Tier Dental Assistants Society. She has been appointed to the NY State Board for Dentistry and is a member of the American Association of Dental Boards, American Dental Assistants Association, The American Association of Dental Office Managers, and The Organization for Safety & Asepsis Procedure (OSAP). Karen is also an affiliate member of the Academy of General Dentistry.

 
Arun Darbar BDS

Dr. Arun Darbar has been using lasers in his private dentalpractice in the United Kingdom for more than 20 years. He holds Advanced Proficiency with the ALD, is a Master and an educator, is a member of the ALD Board of Directors, co-chairs the Education and Certification Committees and serves as the ALD InternationalRelations Committee Chair. He is an accredited member ofthe British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and serves on their credentialing committee and as an examiner. Dr. Darbar is a founding member of and has master status with the World Clinical Laser Institute (WCLI). He holds Fellowships and Diplomat status with the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Dentistry (WCMID). He has won numerous awards including the 2010 Smile Award of the Year. He is an avid lecturer on lasers in dentistry worldwide.

Disclosure:  Dr. Arun Darbar has reported no commercial affiliations or personal conflicts of interest relative to this presentation. 

 
Mark Dellinges DDS, FACP
Mark A. Dellinges, DDS, FACP is an HS Clinical Professor in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences at UCSF School of Dentistry. Dr. Dellinges is the Division Chair of Pre-Clinical Simulation at UCSF School of Dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics. He teaches didactic and laboratory courses at both the pre-clinical, clinical and post-doctoral levels. He is the recipient of numerous teaching awards and received the Dental Alumni Medal of Honor in 2007. In 2012 he successfully completed the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Leadership Program. His goals for participating in the Teaching Scholars Program are to learn skills to lead a new teaching and learning initiative by forming a faculty development curriculum in the School of Dentistry.
 
Dr. John P. DiPonziano DDS, MAGD
Dr. John DiPonziano has been performing the surgical placement and prosthetic restoration of dental implants since the mid-eighties. A 1983 graduate of Temple University School of Dentistry, he also completed a three-year didactic and participatory program in Implantology at the University of Pennsylvania in 1988. Prior to attending dental school, Dr. DiPonziano was a full-time dental technician and earned Certified Dental Technician status, which he still maintains today. He is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and Fellow of the American College of Dentists. He served as President of the New Jersey Academy of General Dentistry in 2003, and Chaired the national AGD Implantology Task Force which formulated educational guidelines for implant training in 2009. Dr. DiPonziano is past Chair of Continuing Education of the California Academy of General Dentistry and maintains a private practice, with emphasis on comprehensive implant treatment, in Pleasanton, California.
 
Todd B. Engel DDS

Dr Todd B. Engel is originally from Van Nuys, California and has resided in Orange County, California since 1997. He is a graduate of the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry where he also received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery.  Dr. Engel is a Diplomat of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and maintains active membership status with the following associations: American College of Oral Implantology, Academy of Osseointegration, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Orange County Dental Society.

Dr. Engel has extensive experience in Dental Implant Rehabilitation, CT Guided Surgical Design, Complex Treatment Planning as well as Full Mouth Rehabilitation.

 
Anthony S. Feck DMD

Dr. Anthony Feck brings with him 32 years of private practice experience and a long list of professional accomplishments, including an extensive background in sedation dentistry.  He was one of the founders of and is the Dean of Faculty for DOCS Education where he maintains a diplomate status.  He has personally treated over three thousand sedation cases, and has taught dentists and their team members from all over the world how to safely and effectively treat high fear patients with conscious sedation. In addition to his role as an educator, Dr. Feck is the founder of Sunrise Dental Solutions, a comprehensive business solutions company.  He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and serves as the Clinical Director for Six Month Smiles. Dr. Feck practices in a multi-doctor practice in Lexington, Kentucky, that concentrates on dental-facial cosmetics, dental implants, and sedation dentistry. 

 
David W. Gates DDS

Dr. David Gates has been treating Invisalign® patients at his private practice in Las Vegas since 2001. He maintains a private practice focusing on cosmetic, reconstructive, implants as well as Invisalign treatment. Dr. Gates lectures throughout the U.S., Canada, and Central America and conducts numerous study clubs as well. He is a graduate of Marquette University. 

 
Joshua Gindea DDS
Dr. Joshua Gindea is a practicing dentist and the founder and owner of DoctorsInternet.com, a company that does website design and internet marketing strictly for today’s health professional. Dr Gindea has been lecturing honorarium free across the USA for the past 5 years. His success lies in the fact that since he is a doctor, he speaks the language of the attendees. He knows their day to day routines, their concerns, their budgets and their goals. His lectures are geared solely for the doctor who seeks knowledge on the subject and wants to expand the use of website and internet marketing techniques.
 
Brian Gray DDS, MAGD

Dr. Brian Gray is a 1986 graduate of Georgetown University School of Dentistry.  He is a Master and LLSR in The Academy of General Dentistry, and a Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, International College of Dentists and Academy of Dentistry International.  The American Dental Association appointed him as one of two practicing GPs to the Council on Scientific Affairs.  Dr. Gray is also an instructor at the L.D. Pankey and Dawson Institutes, and 9 Universities.  He is a graduate of the Pacific Aesthetic Continuum and the Pankey Continuum.  A number of dental manufacturers and non-profit clinical research facilities rely on his input for product evaluation, research and development.  Dr. Gray has spoken on new dental technologies in over 200 U. S. cities and 10 countries since 1994.  Dentistry Today has honored Dr Gray annually as one of America’s Top Clinicians in Continuing Education since 2006.  A number of networks and magazines have sought his input concerning cosmetic dental issues.  Dr. Gray is published in many journals, including The American Dental Association and The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.  He longest tenured faculty member at Align Technology and has certified over 20,000 general practitioners in the Invisalign process since 2001.  Dr. Gray is an Invisalign Premier Provider and maintains a full time fee-for-service private practice in Washington, DC.

 
Henry A. Gremillion DDS, MAGD
Dr. Henry A. Gremillion is a 1977 graduate of Louisiana State University School of Dentistry.  He maintained a private general dental practice in Cottonport, Louisiana from 1977-1989. He then completed a 2 year Fellowship in Craniofacial Pain and Dysfunction at the University of Florida, College of Dentistry under the mentorship of Dr. Parker E. Mahan.  While at the University of Florida College of Dentistry he served as director of the Parker E. Mahan Facial Pain Center and directed a fellowship program in orofacial pain from 1992-2008 and was on the active dental staff of Shands Teaching Hospital during that period.  He also held the P. E. Mahan Endowed Professor in Orofacial Pain in the Department of Orthodontics and held an affiliate appointment in the Department of Prosthodontics at the UFCD.  He is the recipient of the 2008 Academy of General Dentistry’s Thaddeus V. Weclew Award for contributions to the art and science of dentistry.  He received the Dawson Academy Career Service Award in February 2009 and the American Academy of Orofacial Pain Career Service Award in April 2010.  In October 2008 he was named Dean of Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and is the E.E. Jeansonne Endowed Professor of Lifelong Learning.  He serves as a consultant in the field of temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain for the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, ADA Council on Dental Practice, and the Comprehensive Dentistry Program at UFCD.  He is an associate faculty member and of the Dawson Academy for Advanced Dental Study.   He also serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, Journal of Craniomandibular Practice, and Journal of the Academy of General Dentistry.  He has lectured extensively in the U.S. and abroad and has authored/co-authored numerous scientific articles, abstracts, and book chapters. His research interests include temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, and psychosocial aspects of orofacial pain.  His major clinical interest is the diagnosis and management of orofacial pain.
 
Mohamednazir F. Harunani DDS, MAGD

Dr. Mohamed Harunani received his DDS in 1986 from Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago.  He then completed a one year residency at the Cook County Hospital in Chicago with an emphasis on pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, and hospital dentistry.  He practiced in a private practice setting for 19 years. In 2005, he joined Midwest Dental as a dental director and now serves in the role of director of CE, where his primary role is of an educator and a mentor. Dr. Harunani is a member of many professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, the International College of Dentistry, the American College of Forensic Examiners, and the American Society of Dentistry for Children.  Dr Harunani’s accomplishments include the LLSR in the Academy of General Dentistry and fellowships in the American College of Dentistry, in the International College of Dentistry, in the American College of Forensic Examiners and in the Academy of Dentistry International. 

 
Frank Higginbottom DDS
Dr. Higginbottom earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma, then continued his studies at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. He graduated with honors in 1971, winning the silver medal for Academic and Clinical Excellence.  Dr. Higginbottom is actively involved with clinical dental education and research. He lectures nationally and internationally on Esthetic Dentistry and Dental Implants. He holds faculty positions at two Texas dental schools. At Baylor College of Dentistry, he is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Departments of Oral Surgery and Prosthodontics. He has made a weekly commitment to work with dental residents in Baylor's clinic. He is also a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Periodontology at University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Dr. Higginbottom has participated in several clinical research projects and has had numerous articles published in the dental literature.

 
Stephen J. Ikemiya DDS

 

Dr. Ikemiya is a general dentist who practices in beautiful Monterey, CA.   He is a partner in the Monterey Peninsula Dental Group and has been practicing since 1990.  He has participated in extensive continuing education training at the Pankey Institute, and has also participated in training focusing on esthetics, rehabilitation of the worn dentition, sleep apnea, and TMD therapy.  He is a member of the Visiting Faculty and an Advisor at the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL and has presented to dentists at various meetings around the country.  

 

 
Peter L. Jacobsen PhD, DDS

Dr. Peter Jacobsen lectures extensively on Dental Pharmacology as well as Over-the-Counter  Dental Drugs and Products. He also presents on the topic of Dental Management of Medically Complex Patients.  His information is practical and clinically relevant for dentists as well as dental hygienists.  Dr. Jacobsen has a national reputation for being very entertaining, making his presentations lively and enjoyable.  Dr. Jacobsen's Ph.D. is in Comparative Pharmacology and Toxicology and he directed the Oral Medicine Clinic at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco for 25 years.  He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Oral Medicine and a past Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs.  Ten years in a row, he has been named as one of the "Leaders in Continuing Education" by Dentistry Today Magazine.  He also received the 1999 Gordon J. Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award. He writes the little Dental Drug Booklet, a succinct handout and reference on commonly prescribed dental medications.  He also says he has only one claim to fame, he has practiced general dentistry, and still does, 2 days a week, throughout his academic dental career.

 
Terry Jones
Terry Jones founded Travelocity.com. He led the company as President and Chief Executive Officer for six years and took the company public.
After leaving Travelocity, Jones was a co-founder of Kayak.com and served as the company’s Chairman until it went public and was later sold to Priceline.
Previously, Jones served as Chief Information Officer at American Airlines & Sabre Inc. In his 24 years at American, Jones held various executive positions including President of Computer Services, Vice President of Applications Development and Vice President of Product Development.
A graduate of Denison University in Granville, Ohio, Jones entered the travel industry in 1971 as a travel agent with Vega Travel in Chicago. He later served five years as a vice president of Travel Advisors, a company specializing in business travel to Eastern Europe and the USSR, with offices in Chicago and Moscow.
Jones, who wrote the book, “ON Innovation” is today managing principal of On, Inc., a consultancy he founded to help companies in their transition to the digital economy. He serves on the boards of Boingo, Smart Destinations, and Cognite, Inc. He is a venture capitalist with General Catalyst Partners and Sierra Angels.
 
Scott E. Keith DDS, MS, FACP

Dr. Scott Keith received his DDS with valedictorian honors from the University of California, San Francisco in 1995.  He then completed specialty training in Prosthodontics at the Baylor College of Dentistry and also earned a Master of Science degree in Oral Biology.  Dr. Keith has published several articles and has presented his research into dental implants internationally.  In June of 1998, Dr. Keith’s work won the International Team for Implantology (ITI) Research Competition for his presentation at the ITI World Symposium in Boston.  Dr. Keith was then awarded a prestigious surgical implant fellowship by the ITI to further his training at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine where he also maintained a faculty appointment teaching at the pre-doctoral and graduate levels.  A board-certified fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, Dr. Keith is also a fellow of the ITI, and a member of the Academy of Osseointegration, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon.  Currently, Dr. Keith maintains a private practice in the Dental Implant Center @ Walnut Creek.

 
Matthew J. Krieger DMD

Matthew J Krieger DMD maintains a private practice in Franklin Lakes, N.J. He is an active member of the ADA, AGO, AACD, ACE, and the Crown Council. He has attended over 600 hours in continuing education in all aspects of Clinical Dentistry and Practice Management . He is the Founder and CEO of MILLION DOLLAR PPO. He lectures on practice management, CAD/CAM dentistry and is a highly effective clinical/efficiency coach. www .milliondollarppo.com

 
Dr. Sergio Kuttler BS, DDS

Dr. Sergio Kuttler received his Dental Degree in 1978, from the Universidad Tecnologica De Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico. He was in practice of General and Pediatric Dentistry for a number of years; in 1984 Dr. Kuttler received his Endodontic Certificate from the University of Southern California. He has been involved in academics since his graduation from USC, and practicing exclusively Endodontics.  His major areas of scientific research interest include the performance of nickel-titanium endodontic instruments, three dimensional obturation of the root canal space; root canal irrigation and restoring endodontically treated teeth.   Dr. Kuttler is a world-renowned endodontist and an internationally recognized lecturer. He has presented over 450 national and worldwide courses and lectures in over 35 countries throughout 4 continents. He is the author of numerous scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals, and contributor author in four endodontic textbooks.  He has served on several editorial boards of journals (JOE, ENDODONTIC TOPICS, ENDODONTIC PRACTICE (US), ROOTS, Journal of the Mexican Dental Association). Dr. Kuttler is former Chair of the Endodontic Department and presently a Professor in the Department of Endodontics and Associate Dean for Advanced Education Programs at Nova Southeastern University, College Of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He also practices exclusively Endodontics in the Faculty Practice at the University.

 
Vange Leonis RDHAP, MS

Vange Leonis earned her dental hygiene degree from Chabot College, her Bachelor of Arts and Master’s of Science from St. Mary’s College.  She graduated as a RDHAP from West Los Angeles College in 2004.  Her full time RDHAP practice, Your Great Smile, provides dental hygiene services to residents unable to access traditional dental services.   Most of her patients reside in Skilled Nursing Facilities or are homebound. She is a Denti-Cal provider and collaborates with several dentists and two other RDHAPs to offer dental services at bedside to residents in seven counties surrounding the San Francisco Bay Area.  

 
Dr. Nathan Lester

Dr. Nate was raised on a ranch in Evanston, Wyoming.  After studying Animal Science at Brigham Young University, and completing his DMD at Case Western Reserve University, Nate returned home to establish a dental practice.

He has been practicing since 2005, and has grown to 3 practices, including a specialty practice. His practices have experienced 457% growth since 2009 utilizing the strategies he will be sharing in this lecture.

In dental school, Nate was given a unique opportunity to do dental work in remote areas of Guatemala.  Every year since he has continued that tradition and now sits on the board of directors for Hirsche Smiles Foundation as the director of dental teams. 

 
Harvey Levy DMD, MAGD
Harvey Levy, DMD, MAGD is in private general and hospital dental practice in Frederick, Maryland, where he emphasizes comprehensive dental care for individuals with anxiety or special needs. He graduated from Tufts Dental in 1974, and serves as department head at Frederick Memorial Hospital where he provides comprehensive dental care in the OR.  He writes, practices, teaches, and offers both live participation and on-line courses. Dr. Levy has earned Mastership and four Lifelong Learning Service Recognitions by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) along with eight fellowships, four diplomate certificates, and board certification in Integrative Medicine.  His work with anxious and special-needs patients has earned him the AGD Humanitarian Award, the ADA Access to Care Award, the Maryland Governor’s Doctor of the Year Award, Maryland’s First Humanitarian Award, and was a 2002 Olympic Torch runner. Dr. Levy also holds nine black belts, and was inducted into the US Martial Arts Hall of Fame. More info is available at drhlevyassoc.com
 
Stace D. Lind DMD, MAGD

Dr. Stace Lind has been in private practice for 19 years in Centennial Colorado. Built a practice from scratch and has been a perpetual student since his graduation from the University of Louisville, Kentucky. Besides a Diplomate in Implantology, training in Periodontal tissue grafting, advanced cosmetic training at LSU, advanced Prosthodontic training at the University of Oregon Dr. Lind has been involved in providing education as well. Teaching in Colorado most recently at the Rocky Mountain Dental Institute, the University of Colorado Community College at Denver (Oral Pathology and Dental Materials), as well as a visiting Lecturer at the University of Colorado Dental School. Dr. Lind also is on faculty at the University of Jamaica and has lectured at 122 dental schools to date and in 93 countries. 

 
Charles Loretto

Charles received hi-s BBA from the University of Texas at Arlington and is an investment advisor representative of Cain, Watters & Associates, PLLC. Charles began his career with CWA in 2001 and continues to help the company educate dentists on the financial decisions they face. Charles began presenting to dental schools in 2004 and since that time has spoken to over 15,000 students and residents at more than 40 schools. He also speaks regularly at dental study clubs as well as state and national dental meetings on the benefits of owning a dental practice. Charles also launched National Dental Placements, a company designed to help associates and established doctors with practice transitions. His firm has advised hundreds of dentists on the most effective way to purchase into a dental practice or transition out of a dental practice.

 
Samuel Low DDS, MS, MEd
Samuel B. Low, D.D.S., M.S., M.Ed.,  Professor Emeritus, University  of Florida, College of Dentistry; 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 . 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. He was selected "Dentist of the Year" by the Florida Dental Association, Distinguished Alumnus by the University of Texas Dental School, and the Gordon Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award.    He is a Past President of the Florida Dental Association and past ADA Trustee.

Listen to the February 2014 AGD podcast, featuring Dr. Low.  Please note: this link will redirect for non-members, as the podcasts are member-restricted. 
 
Robert A. Lowe, FAGD FICD, FADI, FACD

Dr. Robert A. Lowe graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University School of Dentistry in 1982 and was a Clinical Professor in Restorative Dentistry until its closure in 1993.  He maintains a private practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Chicago, Illinois, lectures internationally,  and publishes in well-known dental journals on aesthetic and restorative dentistry.  Dr. Lowe is a member of Catapult Elite Speakers Bureau and has Fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry, International College of Dentists, Academy of Dentistry International, Pierre Fauchard Academy, American College of Dentists, the International Academy of Dento-Facial Aesthetics and the American Society for Dental Aesthetics.  In 2004, he received the Gordon Christensen Outstanding Lecturers Award, and in 2005, Diplomat status on the American Board of Esthetic Dentistry.  

 
A. Lee Maddox DDS, JD
Dr. Maddox received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Southern California in 1987, his certificate in Endodontics from the University of Southern California in 1989, and his board certification in Endodontics in 1995. Dr. Maddox received his J.D. degree from Whittier College of Law, Costa Mesa, California where he graduated in the top one-third of his class.
Dr. Maddox practiced Endodontics and maintained two offices in Orange County for nine years. During this time, his endodontic practice experienced a 700% increase in production during this nine year period. Dr. Maddox has served as a clinical instructor at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and Loma Linda School of Dentistry. Dr. Maddox has been providing legal services to Dentists for over ten years, helping thousands of doctors with their transition needs as well as general legal services. He has been in the dental transition business as a Practice Broker since 2010. After three successful years as a dental practice broker, Maddox Practice Group was acquired by Henry Schein PPT, the dental practice transition division of Henry Schein Dental, in February, 2013. He is now the Vice-President and Regional Director for the western United States for Henry Schein.
 
William C. Martin DMD, MS

Will Martin, DMD, MS, is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Prosthodontics at the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry. He completed his MS and Certificate in Prosthodontics from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1999 and then joined the faculty at the University of Florida where he currently serves as the Director of the Center for Implant Dentistry. Dr. Martin is a diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics. He is a fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, International College of Dentists, International Team for Implantology (ITI) and member of numerous professional organizations including the Academy of Osseointegration, and ADA.  Dr. Martin’s research interests include: implant design, loading protocols, implant biomechanics and implant esthetics. He maintains a part-time practice limited to Prosthodontics within the Center for Implant Dentistry. He lectures both nationally and internationally on esthetic and implant dentistry.

 
Raminta Mastis DDS, FAGD

Dr. Mastis has been using a wide range of different laserwavelengths in her private practice for over a decade. She has achieved Advanced Proficiency as well as recognition at the Mastership level through the ALD. She served as the ALD Laser Safety Committee Chair for 5 years. Dr. Mastis currently serves as co-chair of ALD’s Education and Certification Committees as well as Treasurer on the ALD Executive Board.

Disclosure: Dr. Mastis has no commercial affiliations. 

 
Richard Monahan DDS, MS, JD

Richard Monahan completed his MS in radiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He is board certified in oral and maxillofacial radiology and holds faculty appointments at the University of Illinois, Northwestern University and the University of Texas.  He has been a member of The Cleft Palate/ Craniofacial Team at Shriners Hospital for Children since 2005.  He completed his law degree at Loyola Law School and acts as consultant to several national malpractice defense firms.  Dr. Monahan serves as chair of The Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Science and as Director of Radiology at The University of Illinois Dental College and has a private practice devoted exclusively to teleradiology and radiographic interpretation. 

 
Ronald P. Morris DDS
Dr. Ron Morris is a practicing Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon for the past 30 years., who has been in private practice for 27 years, along with teaching human anatomy at the University of Detroit Mercy since 1978. Dr. Morris has lectured internationally on human anatomy, local anesthesia, bone grafting, implants, and auto tooth transplantation. He will share with you tips and techniques of everyday procedures performed in his office for faster, more efficient and less painful surgery you can take home and use tomorrow.
 
Darin O Bryan DDS

Dr. O’Bryan is an associate professor in the OHSU Dental program as well as a Mentor for multiple dental groups in the field. He is Faculty Club of Spear Education and a CEREC Mentor at the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ. Once a month Dr. O’Bryan travels to Portland and other areas to train other dentists in the most advanced technologies in dentistry.  Dr. O’Bryan speaks to dental societies and National Dental classes about the advances in dentistry and his integration of this dental technology into a small town practice.  His training of the Cone Beam CT technology and placement of his own implants from extraction to final restoration have been published in national and international dental magazines.

 
Uche P. Odiatu DMD

Uche -  like Italian designer “Gucci” without the “G”
Odiatu is pronounced “Oh – Dee – Ah – Two”

Dr. Odiatu was born in London, England and his family immigrated to Canada in 1971. His love of  health & fitness started at the young age of 13 when he began training with weights. This led to provincial, national and international competition. Uche is triple certified as a personal trainer and is a professional member of the American College of Sports Medicine.
Dr. Odiatu graduated from the University of Manitoba dental school in 1989 and maintains a private dental practice in Toronto. He is a certified Nutrition & Wellness Specialist, a Certified Holistic Lifestyle Coach and provides wellness guidance for his patients along with conventional dental treatments.Dr. Odiatu and wife Kary have 4 children ages 7year, 5years, 3years and 12 weeks. This dynamic duo have been invited guests on 305 radio & television shows including ABC 20/20 and Canada AM. They have authored two books. The most recent being, The Miracle of Health. He has lectured at all the top dental conferences in North America including the American Dental Association’s annuals sessions, The Pankey Institute, Chicago Mid-Winter Meeting and many more.  His #1 goal today is to get you passionate about your health and the overall health of your patients!

 
Ms. Shannon Pace-Brinker CDA
Shannon Pace Brinker, CDA a National and International Speaker and published author and a 1994 graduate of the Dental Assisting Program at Bowman Gray School of Medicine, works with Dr. Trey White in his private practice in Virginia Beach, VA. Shannon and her husband Erik are the owners of a new publication Contemporary Product Solutions. It is the only dental editorial that combines product review for the whole team. Shannon past faculty member at the Dawson Academy and Spear Education. She is an active member of the AACD. Shannon is the first auxiliary to sit on the AACD Board of Directors.Shannon is a member of the E4D Clinical Operations Operators (ECO) group and had extensive input for the certified dental designer CDD certification. Shannon was selected one of Dentistry Today’s Top 100 Clinicians of 2009, 2010,2011 and 2012. She was also selected as Dental Products Report 25 most influential women in dentistry and Dr. Bicuspid’s Dental Assistant Educator of the year for 2012.
 
Gregory L. Psaltis DDS

Dr. Greg Psaltis has been a pediatric dentist for 39 years, 33 of which have been in private practice in Olympia, Washington. He recently received the Gordon J. Christensen speaker recognition award at the Chicago Midwinter meeting for the work he has done during his 16 years as a speaker for dental continuing education. Dr. Psaltis always emphasizes quality of life issues during his practical presentations and brings humor to his lectures by relating stories about the human nature aspects of pediatric dentistry. He is well published and has spoken at all the major American meetings as well as numerous international meetings. In his spare time, Dr. Psaltis has two annual volunteer dental projects in Mexico to provide care for children with no hope for access to care.

 
James D. Ruskin DMD, MD, FACS

James D. Ruskin, DMD, MD, FACS is the Chief of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the Department of Surgery at Denver Health Medical Center and a Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado Medical School. Dr. Ruskin received his DMD from the University of Florida in 1981, his MD from the University of Nebraska in 1985 and his certificate in  Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 1987. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the International College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Ruskin is a Fellow of the International Team for Implantology. Dr. Ruskin has published over 70 scholarly works and lectures extensively both nationally and internationally.

 
Maria Emanuel Ryan DDS, PhD

Dr. Maria Emanuel Ryan, a Distinguished Alumnus of Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Oral Biology and Pathology at the School of Dental Medicine and a member of the Medical Staff at University Hospital at Stony Brook Medicine.  Previously, she served as the Associate Dean for Strategic Planning and External Affairs and as the Director of Clinical Research.  Dr. Ryan received her specialty training in periodontics at the University of Connecticut Health Center, and her Ph.D. in Oral Biology and Pathology at Stony Brook.  She is actively involved in teaching, practice and research.  Dr. Ryan currently serves on several scientific, dental and medical advisory boards.  

 
G. Franklin Shull DMD, FAGD

G. Franklin Shull, Jr., DMD, graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina School of Dentistry in 1993 and completed his General Practice Residency in 1994 at Palmetto Richland Hospital. He has a private practice in Lexington, SC, and is on the teaching faculty at both the Palmetto Richland Hospital in the General Practice Residency Program and at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. Dr. Shull is also a faculty member at the L.D. Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. In addition to being a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association, Dr. Shull is the past president of both the Greater Columbia Dental Association and the South Carolina Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Shull writes and lectures on esthetic dentistry, dental materials, and dental photography.

 
Leslie Silverman DDS
Dr. Silverman is the owner and clinical director of Reve Sleep Center here in San Francisco.  Her Practice is limited to treating patients with obstructive sleep apnea.  She made her first oral appliance, for a patient with sleep apnea, in 1994.  Since then, she has been a highly regarded  national lecturer in the field of dental sleep medicine.  She currently lectures for the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.  She was also a dental practice management consultant for 10 years.
 
Lindsay Stevens

Lindsay Stevens is currently the Marketing Project Manager at the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB). She has been employed by DANB for over five years. Ms. Stevens has a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Illinois State University and completed an integrated marketing communications program at The University of Chicago.

 
Leonard F. Tau DMD, FAGD

Dr. Leonard F. Tau maintains a full-time private practice in Northeast Philadelphia focusing on general, cosmetic, reconstructive, and implant dentistry. He received his dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA and a Certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at UMDNJ in Somerdale, NJ. He is an active member of many dental organizations including the ADA, AACO, AGD where he is a fellow, and DentalTown. Dr. Tau lectures locally and regionally to fellow dentists on Internet marketing, social media and reputation marketing. He has written numerous articles that have been published in the AACO, Dentistry Today and Inside Dentistry.  When he is not practicing he is also CEO of iSocial Reviews a reputation marketing software platform that helps dentists get better reviews online as well as iSocial Digital whose primary goal is to help dentists dominate online. 

 
Lawrence Wallace DDS
Dr. Wallace is a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who maintained a private practice in Des Plaines, Illinois.  He is the developer and founder of the Larell One Step Denture.  He has lectured nationally and internationally and has written many articles in dental industry journals.  He has volunteered extensively and brought the Larell One Step Denture to the Mission of Mercy free dental clinic program across the country.  He has also done multiple international mission trips.  His technique is being taught at many dental schools across the country, and is being used in the faculty practice at NYU College of Dentistry.  He is also a consultant to the medical industry in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery with input in the areas of TMJ, Sleep Apnea and Dental Implantology.
 
Ms. Jessica Wilson

Jessica Wilson is a National speaker, trainer and educator focused on Infection Prevention and Infection Control Compliance.  Prior to joining Hu-Friedy as an Instrument Management and Infection Prevention Specialist, Jessica served as a National Trainer and Content Specialist of Infection Prevention for 5 years in the dental industry.  Jessica helps practices address three critical factors for increasing practice profitability through creating an efficient process for sterilization, instrument processing, inventory management and team communication.  She has worked with hundreds of dental practices helping them understand compliance regulations for Infection Control in dentistry, best practices for instrument processing with organization and efficiency and how to create standardized systems in sterilization.  

 
Allen Wong DDS, EdD

Allen Wong, DDS, EdD, is director of Pacific’s Hospital Dentistry program, the Union City Dental Care Center and the Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Special Care Dentistry and has extensive experience in providing dental care to patients with disabling conditions and medical problems. He has staff appointments at California Pacific Medical Center, Highland General Hospital and Seton Medical Center.

 
Rita Zamora

Rita Zamora is an international speaker and published author on social media marketing and online reputation management.  She and her team offer experienced social media training, mentoring, and support. Their healthcare professional and corporate clients are located across the United States and internationally.  

Rita’s advice on managing your online reputation was published in the American Dental Association’s Practical Guide to Expert Business Strategies. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing and has over 18 years experience working in the business of dentistry.