Instructors & Residency Clinical Directors

Dr. Joseph D. Bedich, DDS, FAAID, DABOI/ID, MAGD, is a highly accomplished and dedicated dental professional with over three decades of experience. As the lead dentist and owner of The Center for Progressive Dentistry in Cortland, Ohio, Dr. Bedich specializes in comprehensive implant and restorative dentistry. He is passionate about staying at the forefront of dental innovations, having committed over 2,800 hours to continuing education in areas such as implant dentistry, sedation, cosmetic dentistry, and head and neck pain management. His expertise is further evidenced by his numerous credentials, including Fellowship and Diplomate status in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID).

Dr. Bedich's patient-centered approach ensures that individuals with complex dental needs, dental phobias, or disabilities receive the highest standard of care in a comfortable and compassionate environment. His advanced training in IV sedation allows him to offer pain-free procedures, while his proficiency in cutting-edge treatments like the Pinhole Surgical Technique and Invisalign enhances both functionality and aesthetics. Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Bedich is a committed educator and leader, actively involved in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, where he has served as a past president of the Central District. He is also a Fellow of the Midwest Implant Institute and remains dedicated to advancing the field of implantology.

Dr. Aman Bhullar is a renowned implant dentist and educator based in San Jose, California, recognized for his expertise in advanced implantology and restorative dentistry. With years of specialized training and clinical experience, Dr. Bhullar has transformed countless lives by restoring function and aesthetics through state-of-the-art dental implants. His mastery in single-tooth implants, full-mouth rehabilitations, and cutting-edge guided implant surgery has positioned him as a leader in the field.

Beyond his clinical excellence, Dr. Bhullar has an extensive background as a lecturer and educator. He has shared his knowledge and passion for implant dentistry with peers at national and international conferences, teaching advanced surgical techniques and treatment planning to fellow dental professionals. His ability to break down complex concepts into practical, actionable steps has made him a sought-after speaker and mentor.

Dr. Bhullar is deeply committed to advancing the field of implant dentistry. He regularly engages in research and continuing education to stay at the forefront of innovations, ensuring his patients receive the most effective and minimally invasive solutions.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Bhullar values building trust with his patients. He combines technical expertise with a compassionate approach, ensuring each individual feels informed and confident throughout their treatment journey. Whether helping a patient regain their smile or mentoring the next generation of dentists, Dr. Bhullar is dedicated to making a lasting impact.

Dr. Clark Brinton, DDS, is a highly skilled implant dentist and educator, renowned for his expertise in complex implant procedures, including zygomatic implants for patients with insufficient bone in the upper jaw. A 2013 valedictorian graduate from Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry, Dr. Brinton served in the National Health Service Corps for four years, honing his surgical skills in rural New Mexico. During this time, he specialized in IV sedation, third molar extractions, and dental implant services. Upon returning to Oregon in 2017, he transitioned into teaching, guiding fellow dentists on how to place and restore dental implants through his ongoing training programs.

As a co-owner of Element Dental Lab, Dr. Brinton meets the growing demands of complex implant restorations within and beyond his practice. An avid learner, he is a self-proclaimed "CE addict," continually attending and teaching courses to stay at the forefront of implantology. Dr. Brinton speaks at national conferences and is a sought-after presenter for some of the largest implant audiences in the United States. In addition to his professional achievements, he is a proud father of three children and remains committed to advancing the field of dental implantology through education and innovation.

Dr. Chowdhury received his dental degree from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine where he continued and completed his residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry and Implant Fellowship.

Dr. Chowdhury specializes in Dental Implantology. His training includes a Dental University based implant fellowship program which was specific to dental implants. He is one of the very few graduates of this type of program worldwide. He has also developed an expertise in advanced dentistry which has been the focus of his continuing education efforts.

After finishing his residency and private practice in Saint Louis, MO, Dr. Chowdhury decided to make his home here in Chicago. A former faculty and Clinical Professor at Southern Illinois University, School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Chowdhury continues to help serve as a mentor and teaches at Midwestern University Dental School as a clinical instructor. He is also a well-respected expert and lecturer in implantology and key opinion leader for Straumann/Neodent.

He is also an esteemed Fellow of the International congress of Oral Implantology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant dentistry and Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. Devan Dalla is a highly experienced dental implant surgeon with over 15 years of clinical expertise, specializing exclusively in advanced dental implant procedures. A graduate of the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry, Dr. Dalla was awarded Honors in Implantology as well as the Dr. Bernard E. Rudner Memorial Award for demonstrating superior clinical performance in comprehensive oral care.

Before relocating to the United States, Dr. Dalla earned his Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery from one of India’s top dental institutions, graduating at the top of his class. Driven by a strong commitment to community service, he founded Raahat, a nonprofit organization that provided free dental services to underserved children and low-income communities in India.

Today, Dr. Dalla’s practice is exclusively focused on full-scope implant dentistry, including full-arch rehabilitation, bone grafting, and immediate load solutions. He leads a network of over nine dental implant centers across the Greater Sacramento region, delivering precision-based care through advanced technology, clinical protocols, and a highly skilled team.

Throughout his career, he has placed and restored thousands of dental implants and is widely recognized for his evidence-based treatment planning, comprehensive diagnostics, and patient-centered approach—particularly in complex and referred cases.

Dr. Dalla is an active member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), and he remains committed to clinical excellence through continuous education, mentorship, and innovation in implant dentistry.

Dr. DeLong is a general dentist in Portland, Oregon, USA. He holds a BS from Portland State University, DMD from Oregon Health and Sciences University, and he completed a GPR at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Since 2010, he has been practicing in the Western United States and has volunteered internationally in India and Guatemala. He has been a member of the ADA, IAOCI, IAOMT, WSP, and AMED and has served as a mentor for CDOCS.

He has been at the forefront of modern dental medicine and was an associate at Mint Dental Works, the first LEED-certified, hi-tech, eco-friendly practice in the U.S. He is also on staff and mentors at Pure Health Dentistry on the island of Maui, Hawaii. He currently maintains a full-time private practice at Lotus Dental Wellness, which he founded in 2017, offering patients oral health and whole-body wellness. He did his initial implant training in residency and through the California Implant Institute in partnership with UNLV. He has completed both the Fellowship and Masterclass through Z-systems International. He is SMART certified through the IAOMT. He completed his IV sedation training under Ken Reed and Stanley Malamed and is licensed to perform parenteral moderate sedation. He has completed all coursework and requirements and is awaiting certification in Biological Dentistry and Ceramic Implantology from the Swiss Bio Health Institute, the leading training center in the world for Ceramic Implantology. Since 2019 he has lectured in the United States and internationally on ceramic implants, lasers, digital dentistry, the operating microscope, dynamic navigation, and robotics. He has been published in the Journal of Oral Ceramic Implantology as well as multiple award-winning poster presentations and conference proceedings. Last year he was given the honor of presenting at the Mayo Clinic’s 1st Conference on Robotics and Advanced Surgical Technologies and was the only dental or oral surgeon representing this field. In October 2023, he presented on Robotics and AI at the Joint Congress of Ceramic Implantology in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland. He strives daily to maintain work/life balance and sees the future of medicine evolving towards optimal health for the entire world's population.

Dr. Taher Dhoon, DMD, is a highly skilled dentist with a passion for both patient care and dental implantology. Born in Utah, Dr. Dhoon’s love for the outdoors blossomed early, and his academic journey later took him to California, where he earned a BA in Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego. He then completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where fate placed him next to his future wife, Bridget, in a classroom. Together, they embarked on their journey as dentists and partners in life.

Dr. Dhoon’s commitment to mastering the most advanced dental techniques has taken him across the country and beyond. His expertise in dental implants has not only transformed the lives of his patients but also led him to develop a proven system for efficient and effective implant placement. His dedication extends to missions abroad, having traveled to the Dominican Republic twice to perform implant surgeries and complex bone grafts for underserved communities. In addition to his implant expertise, Dr. Dhoon is licensed in oral sedation, allowing anxious patients to receive stress-free care. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Dhoon enjoys a vibrant family life in Colorado with his wife, three children, and two beloved dogs, cherishing the adventures they embark on together in the great outdoors.

Dr. Erickson's dental career began at Creighton University, followed by a GPR at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. After a year of private practice in General Dentistry, Dr. Erickson went on to complete his first specialty residency in oral & maxillofacial surgery in Michigan, then moved back to Washington State to practice oral surgery as an associate. A few years later, he started his oral surgery practice in the Seattle-Tacoma area.

A decade later, due to the exponential growth in digital technology and the merger of CBCT imaging, treatment planning, and the delivery of surgical care, Dr. Erickson pursued a second specialty certification in oral and maxillofacial radiology. Today, Dr. Erickson is a full-time associate Professor teaching pre-doctoral dental students, orthodontic residents, and AEGD residents at A.T. Still University. Additionally, he is on the faculty at an Implant Education Company in Phoenix, Arizona, where he combines his unique experience as an Oral Radiologist and an Oral Surgeon to diagnose, support, and train practitioners who wish to learn how to place dental implants.

Dr. Nathan M. Faber, DMD, brings over 15 years of diverse dental expertise to his role as the owner of Dental Dentures and Implants. After practicing family, cosmetic, root canal, surgical, and implant dentistry in the remote regions of Kodiak and Dutch Harbor, Alaska, Dr. Faber developed a deep commitment to providing comprehensive care in areas with limited access to specialists. A graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree after completing his Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude, from Oregon State University. His passion for continuing education is evident through his extensive training in dental implants and cosmetic dentistry, including specialized courses at the Los Angeles Institute of Cosmetic Dentistry and Full-Arch Masters in California.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Dr. Faber is a devoted family man, happily married to his wife Leslie and a proud father of six children. He is an avid sportsman, marathoner, and coach, finding joy in coaching football, soccer, and wrestling. A passionate supporter of Relay for Life and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dr. Faber is also deeply connected to his community. When not in the office, he enjoys offshore fishing with his family, hunting, and rebuilding custom Carolina Sport Fishers. His love for adventure and dedication to both his patients and family define his approach to life and dentistry.

Dr. Michael Fioritto, DDS, is a distinguished implant dentist with over two decades of clinical experience, specializing in implantology since 2016. A graduate of Georgetown University (BS, 1998) and Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry (DDS, 2002), Dr. Fioritto has dedicated his career to providing top-tier dental care while continually advancing his knowledge through extensive post-graduate education. He has completed advanced training at the Midwest Implant Institute, the Georgia Maxicourse in Implant Dentistry, and the Miami Valley Hospital IV Sedation Course.

Dr. Fioritto holds a range of esteemed credentials, including Diplomate status with the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID) and Honored Fellow status with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). He has served as a leader in various dental organizations, including the Central District of the AAID, where he has held roles such as President and Chair of the Admissions and Credential Board. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Fioritto is passionate about teaching, directing the Cleveland Implant Institute and Implant Rockstars, while serving as a guest lecturer at institutions like Case Western Reserve University and the Washington DC Maxicourse. A dedicated volunteer, he also donates his expertise to Remote Area Medical, providing mobile medical and dental care to underserved communities.

Dr. Dennis Flanagan is the former managing partner of a two-location private general dental group practice with 37 employees servicing 15,000 patients. He now practices full time in Connecticut. He is a diplomate of the American Board of General Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry.

Dr. Flanagan is an Attending Dentist for the US Olympic Committee and formerly at the Windham Community Memorial Hospital where he was Chief of Dentistry for more than 8 years. Dr. Flanagan has published over 140 articles in dentistry and holds 8 U.S. patents on medical and dental devices. He has made multiple presentations at national and international dental conferences. Dr. Flanagan is an Honored Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Diplomate/Fellow of the Academy of Osseointegration, and American Board of Forensic Dentistry. He was awarded the AAID Lew Research award. He is on the editorial board/reviewer of several dental journals. He is a former editorial consultant to the Academy of Osseointegration, and former editor for Oakstone Medical publishing. He is/was an examining board member of the American Board of General Dentistry and American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry and an examiner for the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He is a senior associate editor for the Journal of Oral Implantology. He is the editor of the quarterly AAID News. He is a Georgetown University School of Dentistry (DDS) graduate. He has studied oral implantology at Harvard University Dental School (certificate) and at the Goethe Medical University, Frankfurt Germany (MSc). He is a tenured associate professor in dental medicine at Lugano University of Switzerland Malta and an adjunct professor Clinical Site Director, Jacksonville University. Dr. Flanagan has surgically placed and restored more than 13,000 dental implants.

William stands as a seasoned and certified Board director, bearing the distinction of a Kellogg MBA graduate. His visionary role as the founder of an Entrepreneurship through Acquisition Holdco spans diverse sectors including automotive, medical, and fast casual food services. His competence is further evidenced by his roles as an investor and partner in a biotech startup.

William's journey is marked by dynamic leadership, touching upon hospitals, organized medicine, public corporations, and nonprofits, thus ingraining in him a profound reservoir of organizational acumen and versatile business insights. His education covers a spectrum ranging from board leadership, healthcare leadership, business and management (acquired from a top 5 MBA program), to medicine, dentistry, and molecular biology.

Proudly affiliated with esteemed institutions, William is associated with NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors), Boule’ Corporate Directors, EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization), AAOMS (American Association of Oral &Maxillofacial Surgeons), American MedSpa Association, American Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ASHRS), and AAPL (American Association for Physician Leadership). His expertise is fortified by his board certification from the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, corporate director certification from the National Association of Corporate Directors, and his revered position as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

With 30 years of experience as a general dentist in New York and North Carolina, Dr. Frederick Joubert is a distinguished clinician with a passion for excellence and lifelong learning. He attended the State of New York School at Albany, graduating with a Bachelor in Science, and went on to obtain his DDS degree from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in 1985. After completing a residency at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center in 1986, Dr. Joubert opened a clinic in Ossining, NY. He enjoyed treating patients for 17 years until he and his family moved to the Carolinas.

His passion for complex esthetic reconstructions and full-arch implant rehabilitation led him to open the Arboretum Center for Dentistry in Charlotte, NC in 2016, where he is committed to providing excellent dental care. Dr. Joubert’s private practice focuses on tooth extractions, dental implants, regenerative procedures, aesthetic restorative dentistry, facial aesthetics, sedation, and comprehensive general dentistry. He founded Insight Dental Institute in 2023, which provides continued education through hands-on surgeries on live patients, workshops on implant placement techniques, and integrating innovative practices safely and reliably. Dr. Joubert continually enhances his expertise through advanced courses and active involvement in leading dental organizations such as Advanced Dental Implant Studies (ADIS) in Atlanta, GA under the mentorship of esteemed Dr. Edward Mills. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and the American Academy for Oral & Systemic Health (AAOSH).

Dr. Robert Heller completed his undergraduate education at Ohio Wesleyan, where he received a BA in Biology. He earned his DDS in 1988 from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry.

Dr. Heller then continued with his prosthodontic residency at The Medical College of Virginia (1990) and completed his hospital-based implant residency/graduate training at Loma Linda University (1997). He served as President of the Ohio Section of the American College of Prosthodontists and Chairman for the Ohio Dental Association's Subcouncil on Young Dentists. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), a staff member at Grady Memorial Hospital, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Columbus Dental Society. Dr. Heller is an active member of The American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, Columbus Dental Society, and American College of Prosthodontists. He has published multiple articles and continually presents lectures on a national level. Dr. Heller currently serves as Director of the Midwest Implant Institute (MII). The Midwest Implant Institute helped seven Dental Schools develop their dental implant program and has taught thousands of doctors to become dental implant surgeons. Dr. Heller has trained these doctors in the hands-on externship of the Midwest Implant Institute. Since 1997, he has taught and surgically performed numerous courses ranging from implant placement to advanced bone grafting, lateral nerve repositioning, sinus elevation, and numerous other surgical procedures. He continues to lecture on a national scale for multiple organizations, including the AAID.

Dr. Christopher Hughes graduated with a degree in biology and a minor in Spanish from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1984. He then attended Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in Alton, Illinois, and received his DMD in 1989.

He subsequently traveled to Vermont to work as an associate and then returned to his hometown of Herrin, Illinois to begin his practice in 1991. Throughout the 1990s, Dr. Hughes advanced his studies in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, completing continuum courses at the Pankey Institute (Key Biscayne, FL) and the Dawson Academy (St. Petersburg, FL). He became a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in 1999. He recognized the need to incorporate dental implant surgery into his practice and began placing implants in 2002. He then completed implant training at the NYU Maxicourse and further advanced his skills under the direct mentorship of Dr. Hilt Tatum at the Puerto Rico Maxicourse. He completed his IV sedation training and certification from the University of Alabama Birmingham in 2006. Dr. Hughes has contributed articles to Dental Economics Magazine and was featured on the cover of that publication in November 2008. Dr. Hughes is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry. He is a Fellow and Honored Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and has served as an examiner for the AAID Associate Fellow and Fellow examinations. He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry in 2013. Dr. Hughes has also been involved in leadership positions. He is past president of the AAID central district and served four years as a trustee on the board of directors for the AAID. He also is past president of the Southern Illinois Dental Society and served as a delegate to the Illinois State Dental Society.

Dr. Joseph Lau, DDS, has proudly served the Atlanta, GA community and surrounding areas since 1984. With a commitment to delivering the highest level of dental care, Dr. Lau and his team focus on providing comprehensive treatments with a personal touch. Known for their friendly and compassionate service, they strive to ensure every patient feels comfortable and well-cared for during each visit, making oral health a positive experience for all.

Dr. Liang, a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology (ABOI), attended the University of British Columbia and received his Bachelor's degree in Microbiology in 1981 and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1983.

At graduation, he was awarded the Canadian Oral and Maxillofacial Prize for the highest standing in the area of Oral Surgery. His credentials include Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantology (ICOI), Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), Honored Fellow of The AAID, and Diplomate Credentialed of The American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry. Dr. Liang is also recognized as Past President of The AAID – Western District, serves on the Admissions committee of the U.B.C. Faculty of Dentistry, is President of the Academy of R.V. Tucker Study Clubs, a part-time member of the Faculty of Dentistry at U.B.C. in restorative dentistry, President of the White Rock/Peace Arch Rotary Club, a recipient of the CDSBC Award of Distinction and CDSBC Award of Merit, Director of the Canadian Dental Implant Training Centre, and Director of the AAID Vancouver MaxiCourse, a UBC Continuing Dental Education program. Dr. Liang’s private practice focuses on dental implants, denture stabilization, dental implant maintenance, aesthetic restorative dentistry, laser gum therapy, sedation, tooth extractions, bone reconstruction, soft tissue surgery, and general dentistry.

Dr. Mettens, a native of Fort Thomas, KY, has been providing exceptional dental care for over 30 years. After earning his Bachelor of Science from Denison University, he attended the University of Kentucky, where he graduated from dental school in 1983. Dr. Mettens furthered his education by completing both a Residency in General Dentistry and a Fellowship in Dentistry at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Upon returning to Northern Kentucky, he established his own practice, which he relocated to Highland Heights in 1994.

A dedicated lifelong learner, Dr. Mettens became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry in 1991 and was awarded the prestigious title of Master of the Academy of General Dentistry in 1996. He performs a comprehensive range of dental procedures, including periodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, and general dentistry. In addition, Dr. Mettens completed advanced training in the Endosseous Implant Program and Advanced Prosthetics Series through the Midwest Implant Institute. His commitment to evolving with the latest advancements ensures that his patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Dr. John C. Minichetti, a General Dentist, is the Director of Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry of Englewood. He has years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, implantology, and prosthetic reconstruction. Dr. Minichetti graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where he finished first in his class.

He then completed a postdoctoral specialized training program at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including those for oral medicine, pharmacology, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Minichetti has published many scientific articles and has received his fellowship in several academics. He is an attending of Englewood Hospital and Jersey City Medical Center. He has also been an attending on staff at Englewood Hospital for over 20 years. Besides his outstanding academic and clinical skills, Dr. Minichetti is committed to his practice and patients foremost. Dr. Minichetti is affiliated with several associations, including the Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, Fellow of the Int’l Congress of Oral Implantology (ICOI), Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology (ABOI), Fellow of the Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), Fellow of the Int’l Academy for Implant Dental Facial Esthetics, President of the Bergen County Dental Implant Group, American Dental Association, New Jersey State Dental Association, and Past President of AAID.

Meet Dr. Justin Moody, a leading entrepreneur, educator, speaker, and practitioner with over 24 years of experience in the dental industry. Since founding Implant Pathway in 2017, Dr. Moody has equipped 500+ dentists with the skills they need to transform their patients' lives with beautiful, functional implants.

Dr. Moody's implantology journey began in 1997 when he joined his childhood dental practice. As he began to treat patients, Dr. Moody realized that dentures, partials, and bridges were not the superior long-term solution for damaged teeth. It was implants that offered far greater healing, aesthetics, convenience, and permanence for patients.

As he practiced, Dr. Moody recognized the implantology field had two significant problems:

1. Few dentists were properly trained in implant dentistry
2. Not everyone who needed implants could afford private practice fees

Over the past two decades, Dr. Moody has offered a solution for these two problems through New Horizon Institute and Implant Pathway. Both institutions work in tandem by empowering dentists with new implantology skills and restoring smiles to qualifying patients in need.

Even during his free time, Dr. Moody is educating dentists and enhancing smiles. He co-hosts Dentists, Implants & Worms, one of the implant industry's leading podcasts, and places implants at his own private practice in Crawford, Nebraska. In addition, Dr. Moody's Implant Pathway Study Club presents live implant case reviews each week, allowing doctors to share their own cases and continue to grow as practitioners.

Dr. Josh Muir, a native of a small town in Idaho, brings his rural values and a wealth of expertise to his dental practice. After earning a business degree from Brigham Young University – Idaho, he pursued his passion for dentistry at Ohio State University (OSU), where he was elected class president and actively contributed to curriculum and admissions committees. His dedication extended beyond the classroom, participating in a 102-mile bike race to raise funds for cancer research. While at OSU, Dr. Muir also obtained certification in IV sedation through Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, further enhancing his ability to offer comprehensive care to his patients.

Following dental school, Dr. Muir advanced his training at the Augusta, Georgia, Veterans Medical Center, where he served as chief resident and specialized in dental implants, surgery, and prosthodontics. Now board-certified as an implant dentist and the only dental implant diplomate in Montana, Dr. Muir holds credentials from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and the American Board of Oral Implantology (ABOI). His extensive training, including over 670 continuing education hours, ensures that his patients receive state-of-the-art care. Dr. Muir and his wife, Krystal, are thrilled to call Montana home, where they enjoy exploring the great outdoors together.

Dr. Nirjal S. Patel is from Philadelphia, and attended Temple University for his undergraduate education in Biology and his dental education. While attending dental school, Dr. Patel earned the highest amount of scholarships in his class. Furthermore, Dr. Patel graduated top ten in his class, with Summa Cumm Laude and Clinical Honors. In addition, Dr. Patel was honored to be a part of the prestigious Interdisciplinary Clinical Implant Honors Program in his senior year where he gained valuable experience of restoring advance cases and changing one smile at a time.

Dr. Patel truly believes in treating each patient as if they are his own family member. Patient care and comfort is his number one priority. Dr. Patel’s passion is to bring out your best smile through state-of-the-art technology, dental education and patient collaboration. His goal is to ensure that patients will always receive the best in Implant dentistry. Dr. Patel is proficient in providing fixed and removable implants having placed over 2500 implants. To provide the latest and most advanced care, Dr. Patel has accumulated over 600 Continuing Education hours specific to implant dentistry and digital dentistry. Dr. Patel has been mentored by world class implantologists including Dr. Dan Holtzcalw, Dr. Justin Moody, and TexMax Maxicourse instructors including Dr. James Rutkowsi, Dr. Jay Elliot, and Dr. Shankar Iyer. Dr. Patel is Honorary member of AAID.

Dr. Patel moved to North Carolina to be close with his family and enjoy good work life balance by being a practice owner of Affordable Dentures and Implants Kinston NC which happens to be founding location for the Affordable Care, a DSO with over 440 dental offices that solely focuses on teeth replacement services. Dr. Patel’s practice is a top 10 performing in nation within the Affordable Care network. He provides mentorship with Affordable Care network and is a Pathway mentor.

In Dr. Patel’s off time, he enjoys listening to music, watching movies, playing backyard sports, board games, and hanging out with friends. Dr. Patel and his wife love traveling, hiking and staying in shape.

He has traveled to every country in the world and volunteered in over 30 different countries and has presented at several International Dental Conferences.

Dr. Dustin Pfundheller, D.M.D, was raised by two public school teachers in Altoona, Wisconsin, a small town two hours east of Minneapolis. As a high school valedictorian, Dustin immersed himself in sports, music, and leadership activities. He majored in mathematics at University of Wisconsin –River Falls setting a university record in honors courses. He was thrilled to escape Wisconsin winters by attending The University of Florida College of Dentistry in Gainesville, where he was a housing director and presided over several organizations including: Dental Student Government, The Florida American Student Dental Association, and Graduate Student Government.

Dr. Pfundheller moved to work as a dental surgeon in Singapore. Besides Singapore’s consistent sunshine, he enjoyed a flexible schedule that allowed him to travel. He worked long days in order to bank time off and visit every country in the world! On his journeys, he volunteered as a dentist in over 30 countries – focusing on places that were dire need for volunteers – Pitcairn, Tuvalu, Syria, Rwanda, Mauritania and many more. In the Western Sahara, he and a group of Spanish interns worked in 120-degree temperatures, aiding hundreds of people who lived in desert tents. Following his time in Yemen, where he met and assisted three sisters suffering from Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome.

Dr. Corey Raymond, DMD, is a highly skilled implant dentist and the founder of the Academy of Modern Implants & Dentistry in King of Prussia, PA. A 2014 graduate of Temple University School of Dentistry, Dr. Raymond brings a passion for cutting-edge dental technology and patient-centered care to his practice. During his undergraduate studies at Kent State University, he conducted extensive research in chemistry and molecular biology, focusing on the use of nanoparticles to target cancer cells with anti-cancer drugs. This scientific background laid the foundation for his innovative approach to dentistry.

After earning his dental degree, Dr. Raymond practiced in Cleveland, Ohio, and Charlotte, North Carolina, where he developed advanced surgical techniques and integrated 3D printing technology into dental implant surgery. These advancements allow him to perform less invasive, faster, and more precise procedures, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing recovery times. Dr. Raymond is also an experienced lecturer, sharing his knowledge of modern dental techniques with professionals across the United States.

In 2020, Dr. Raymond founded the Academy of Modern Implants & Dentistry to provide high-quality, affordable dental care with the latest technology. His mission is to offer patients a more accessible and comfortable experience for procedures that may have previously seemed too costly or painful. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Raymond enjoys golfing, playing guitar and piano, and spending time with his two Great Danes, Walter and Howard. He's thrilled to be back in the Philadelphia area, where he looks forward to making a positive impact on his community.

Dr. Tedders is a highly accomplished dental implantologist with over two decades of experience. A graduate of the University of Detroit-Mercy School of Dentistry (1999), Dr. Tedders pursued advanced training at the University of Michigan and Veterans Administration Hospitals, where he completed a general practice residency. His dedication to the field of dental implantology led him to achieve Diplomate status with the American Board of Oral Implantology (ABOI) in 2015, and he became a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) in 2017, solidifying his reputation as a leader in implant dentistry.

Dr. Tedders has performed over 15,000 dental implant reconstructions, with expertise in advanced procedures such as sinus augmentation, ridge reconstruction, and soft tissue engineering. His passion for implantology extends beyond clinical practice; he is also a dedicated educator and mentor. As the surgical director for the master's program in dental implantology at Jacksonville University, he mentors residents in all aspects of surgical and restorative implantology. In addition, Dr. Tedders serves as a board examiner for both the AAID and ABOI, helping shape the future of the field.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Tedders is a devoted father to his three children, Chelsea, Nick, and Louis. Together, they enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle filled with fishing, boating, and wakeboarding. Dr. Tedders also enjoys raising chickens, peacocks, and a flock of 100 pheasants at their family home, embracing a "country" way of life that allows them to connect with nature and enjoy simple pleasures.

Dr. Doug Wirth attended Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia for his undergraduate studies and attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA, earning his Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree in 1979.

Since opening his private practice, Dr. Wirth has continued to advance his training in dentistry by completing extended education programs in endodontics, oral implantology, smile design, cosmetic dentistry, and CEREC® crown technology. Each year, he regularly attends classes to stay on top of new technology and techniques, ultimately bringing these benefits to his patients at Whidbey Dental Associates. Dr. Wirth’s professional affiliations include the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), Associate Fellow; International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), Fellow; Academy of Osseointegration; American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry; American Dental Association; and Washington State Dental Association.

Dr. Joshua Shieh is a highly accomplished associate dentist and clinical educator based in Ontario, with extensive experience across diverse roles in both clinical and academic settings. Since 2015, he has served as an associate dentist at 17 offices in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), providing comprehensive dental care to a wide range of patients. He also holds the position of Program Director at AIC Education with Hiossen Canada since 2018, where he is responsible for overseeing advanced dental implant training programs.

Dr. Shieh has a rich history of academic contributions, having served as a clinical instructor and faculty member for implant surgical mentoring at The Institute of Dental Excellence (T.I.D.E) in Toronto (2015-2020), and as a clinical instructor at the Graduate Department of Periodontics at the University of Toronto (2015-2019). He has also been involved with several dental organizations, including as a past committee member for Continuing Education and Dental Economics with the Ontario Dental Association (ODA).

In addition to his clinical and educational roles, Dr. Shieh is a key opinion leader for both Nobel BioCare Canada and Hiossen Implant Canada. He is an internationally recognized speaker, representing Canada at the World Osstem Meet 2024 in Seoul, South Korea, where he presented on "Guided Implant Surgery with GBR" to an audience of over 1800 dental professionals.

Dr. Shieh is dedicated to continuous professional development, having completed numerous advanced courses in dental implants, periodontology, and oral rehabilitation. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology (2022) and a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (2019) and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (2016). His commitment to excellence in dentistry is reflected in his ongoing training, including leadership development with the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation’s Emerging Leader Program (2024-2025).

Dr. Shieh is passionate about the advancement of implant dentistry and continues to contribute to the field through publications, guest lectures, and scientific presentations. His notable achievements include multiple Best Paper Awards at national and international conferences and his selection as a nominee for the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards in 2016.

Vinamra Bhasin, B.D.S., D.M.D., M.H.S. is an Oral Implantologist and Board-Certified Periodontist. He graduated from Government Dental College in Mumbai, India in 1998 and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Dental Surgery (BDS). He then completed a one-year internship in Mumbai and moved to the U.S. in 1999. He enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine to obtain his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) to practice in the U.S. In both dental schools, he ranked #1 in his class.

He then completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry for children and adults who had cleft or other growth deformities. Upon completing his program at the cleft palate clinic, he practiced general dentistry for one year. During this year, he applied for and was accepted for a three-year residency in Dental implants and Periodontics at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). He was selected as Chief Resident and completed his residency in 2007 with a Master of Health Sciences (MHS) degree.

In 2007, he joined Central Georgia Periodontics and Dental Implants in Warner Robins, GA. His former partner in practice, Dr. Russell Eyman, was an early adopter of dental implants and had been placing them for over 15 years. Dr. Bhasin practices clinical dentistry full-time and has placed over 10,000 dental implants. Dr. Bhasin offers cutting-edge dental treatments and procedures that almost no other dentists in the area perform, including Teeth in One Day, LANAP®, and the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique.

Dr. Bhasin is a member of many prestigious dental organizations, including the American Academy of Periodontology, Southern Academy of Periodontology, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Academy of Osseointegration, American Dental Association, and Georgia Dental Association.

After receiving his DDS Degree from the Dental School of Case Western Reserve Ohio in 1994, he moved back to Brooklyn, New York. He worked at a General Practice Residency at Kings County Hospital between 1994 to 1999. Dr. Calderón completed a 2-year program at the United States Dental Institute, where he received his certification in orthodontics. Dr. Mike Calderón also completed 2 years at New York University as an Implant Resident.

He has an extensive education and experience in implant dentistry, having placed more than 10,000 implants. He established his private practice in West Islip, New York where he provides both advanced surgical and prosthetic phases of implant dentistry for his patients.

Dr. Mike E. Calderón lectures nationally and internationally on implant-related topics. Dr. Mike E. Calderón is the founder of Calderón Institute. He is a member of the following:

• Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
• Academy of Osseointegration (AO)
• American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
• Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantology (DICOI)
• Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology (DABOI)

“Father to 5 daughters and happily married for 20 years. Implant Mike resides in Oceanside, NY”

Dr. El Chaar is currently a Clinical Professor in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine.

He is a former Clinical Associate Professor at the Department of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry and former Director of Advanced Education Program in Periodontics at New York University College of Dentistry. Former Director and Founder of Advanced Education Program in Periodontics at Lutheran Medical Center. He has a thriving private practice in New York City that specializes in dental implants and Periodontal disease. He is the founder of EEC Institute, a continuing education and research institution focused on the advancement of clinical periodontics and implant dentistry. He is a retired Major in the US Army. He travels several times a year to lecture internationally and domestically and has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and authored several chapters in published books.

Dr. DeLong is a general dentist in Portland, Oregon, USA. He holds a BS from Portland State University, DMD from Oregon Health and Sciences University, and he completed a GPR at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Since 2010, he has been practicing in the Western United States and has volunteered internationally in India and Guatemala. He has been a member of the ADA, IAOCI, IAOMT, WSP, and AMED and has served as a mentor for CDOCS.

He has been at the forefront of modern dental medicine and was an associate at Mint Dental Works, the first LEED-certified, hi-tech, eco-friendly practice in the U.S. He is also on staff and mentors at Pure Health Dentistry on the island of Maui, Hawaii. He currently maintains a full-time private practice at Lotus Dental Wellness, which he founded in 2017, offering patients oral health and whole-body wellness. He did his initial implant training in residency and through the California Implant Institute in partnership with UNLV. He has completed both the Fellowship and Masterclass through Z-systems International. He is SMART certified through the IAOMT.

He completed his IV sedation training under Ken Reed and Stanley Malamed and is licensed to perform parenteral moderate sedation. He has completed all coursework and requirements and is awaiting certification in Biological Dentistry and Ceramic Implantology from the Swiss Bio Health Institute, the leading training center in the world for Ceramic Implantology. Since 2019 he has lectured in the United States and internationally on ceramic implants, lasers, digital dentistry, the operating microscope, dynamic navigation, and robotics. He has been published in the Journal of Oral Ceramic Implantology as well as multiple award-winning poster presentations and conference proceedings.

Last year he was given the honor of presenting at the Mayo Clinic’s 1st Conference on Robotics and Advanced Surgical Technologies and was the only dental or oral surgeon representing this field. In October 2023, he presented on Robotics and AI at the Joint Congress of Ceramic Implantology in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland. He strives daily to maintain work/life balance and sees the future of medicine evolving towards optimal health for the entire world's population.

Dr. Gibney is a 1985 graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry and a 2009 graduate of Stetson University College of Law. He currently practices dentistry and law in Spring Hill, FL. Dr. Gibney is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry and a Fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

He is the developer of “24 Hour Teeth” which is a two-part system of fabricating crowns and bridges combined with a digital approach to implant dentistry allowing the fully edentulous patient to be restored with provisional fixed prostheses in as little as 24 hours.

Dr. Robert Heller completed his undergraduate education at Ohio Wesleyan, where he received a BA in Biology. He earned his DDS in 1988 from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Dr. Heller then continued with his prosthodontic residency at The Medical College of Virginia (1990) and completed his hospital-based implant residency/graduate training at Loma Linda University (1997).

He served as President of the Ohio Section of the American College of Prosthodontists and Chairman for the Ohio Dental Association's Subcouncil on Young Dentists. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), a staff member at Grady Memorial Hospital, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Columbus Dental Society. Dr. Heller is an active member of The American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, Columbus Dental Society, and American College of Prosthodontists. He has published multiple articles and continually presents lectures on a national level. Dr. Heller currently serves as Director of the Midwest Implant Institute (MII). The Midwest Implant Institute helped seven Dental Schools develop their dental implant program and has taught thousands of doctors to become dental implant surgeons. Dr. Heller has trained these doctors in the hands-on externship of the Midwest Implant Institute.

Since 1997, he has taught and surgically performed numerous courses ranging from implant placement to advanced bone grafting, lateral nerve repositioning, sinus elevation, and numerous other surgical procedures. He continues to lecture on a national scale for multiple organizations, including the AAID.

Dr. Christopher Hughes graduated with a degree in biology and a minor in Spanish from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1984. He then attended Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in Alton, Illinois, and received his DMD in 1989. He subsequently traveled to Vermont to work as an associate and then returned to his hometown of Herrin, Illinois to begin his practice in 1991.

Throughout the 1990s, Dr. Hughes advanced his studies in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, completing continuum courses at the Pankey Institute (Key Biscayne, FL) and the Dawson Academy (St. Petersburg, FL). He became a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in 1999. He recognized the need to incorporate dental implant surgery into his practice and began placing implants in 2002. He then completed implant training at the NYU Maxicourse and further advanced his skills under the direct mentorship of Dr. Hilt Tatum at the Puerto Rico Maxicourse. He completed his IV sedation training and certification from the University of Alabama Birmingham in 2006.

Dr. Hughes has contributed articles to Dental Economics Magazine and was featured on the cover of that publication in November 2008. Dr. Hughes is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry. He is a Fellow and Honored Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and has served as an examiner for the AAID Associate Fellow and Fellow examinations. He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry in 2013. Dr. Hughes has also been involved in leadership positions. He is past president of the AAID central district and served four years as a trustee on the board of directors for the AAID. He also is past president of the Southern Illinois Dental Society and served as a delegate to the Illinois State Dental Society.

Dr. Hughes is a board-certified implantologist with over 30 years of experience in implant dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry—an honor held by fewer than 500 dentists worldwide.

A respected national and international lecturer, clinical investigator, and surgical demonstrator, Dr. Hughes also serves on multiple boards and examination committees in implant dentistry. He played a key role in the FDA’s reclassification of blade form dental implants from Class III to Class II medical devices. He is a Fellow and Honored Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and actively contributes to the advancement of implant education and standards of care.

Dr. Palmer is a native of Charleston, SC. She graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina's College of Dental Medicine in 1982 and entered private practice. In 1999 she completed the Medical College of Georgia's dental implant residency program. Dr. Palmer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry. Dr. Palmer served 32 years in the care and treatment of infants born with cleft lip and palate, and was a co-producer of a video about that care that won an international health sciences award. It was presented at the American College of Surgeons meeting in 1985.

Dr. Palmer has presented to dental groups all over the US and South Africa. In 2010 she entered the Charleston School of Law's evening program and completed the four year curriculum in three years, while practicing dentistry full time. After passing the SC Bar examination, she sold her private practice and formed Palmer Law Firm, LLC. She is a plaintiff’s attorney and focuses on dental malpractice. Dr. Palmer has worked dental malpractice cases in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Maryland, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Idaho and Montana. She also has a consulting company, Palmer Consulting, LLC that offers expert witness services and risk management to attorneys and dentists around the country.

Always the educator, she maintains a faculty appointment at the Medical University of South Carolina's Department of Stomatology where she teaches dental practice and risk management.

For the last 24 years, Dr. Shufflebarger has performed dental surgery and IV anesthesia at his own practice in Beavercreek, Ohio as well as numerous offices in Dayton, Ohio and surrounding communities. He has practiced exclusively in the surgical and sedation/anesthesia aspects of dentistry including implant placement, complex extractions as well as management of patients with medical complexities.

Dr. Shufflebarger attended Purdue University as well as the University of Dayton and graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry before completing a General Practice Residency at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Shufflebarger is the Managing Director of a national program providing comprehensive IV and oral sedation training at Miami Valley Hospital. He maintains hospital privileges at 3 local hospitals including Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton Children’s Hospital and Mount Carmel Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

He teaches and speaks locally at various hospital residency programs and provides didactic and clinical training for various colleges, associations, groups, hospitals and institutions nationwide. Dr. Shufflebarger has instructor status and continues to annually instruct BLS, ACLS, and PALS programs within Miami Valley Hospital, Wright State University, as well as national organizations and associations. He has had many opportunities to speak in numerous conferences throughout the U.S. and continues to be an integral speaker with the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA), American Association of Implant Dentistry (AAID), AAID Puerto Rico Maxi Course, and many other numerous large and small conferences.

Dr. Shufflebarger’s lecture and didactic materials are based upon extensive review of medical textbooks, latest medical and dental publications, peer review journals and clinical experience. He is known for teaching a scope of topics including but not limited to courses covering material in physiology, pharmacology, sedation, opioids and analgesics, medical emergencies, airway management, managing and removing third molars and surgical techniques.