Instructors & Residency Clinical Directors
Dr. Alfred L. "Duke" Heller
Co-founder of the JU Comprehensive Oral Implantology Residency Program
Alfred Heller, DDS, M. S., has placed more than 20,000 implants since 1969. He earned his DDS (1962) and MS (1974) from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He is an Honored American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) Fellow. He also served on the Admissions and Credentials Board of AAID for seven years. In 1980, he founded the Midwest Implant Institute (MII). He is board-certified in Oral Implantology by the American Board of Oral Implantology (ABOI). Additionally, Dr. Heller has served as President of the ABOI. Dr. Heller's participation in implant research has enabled him to advance and develop the field of implant surgery. Dr. Heller has completed two FDA studies on dental implants and bone grafting materials. Dr. Heller has taught hands-on dental implant surgery post-graduate courses in eight American dental colleges. He and the MII Faculty teach all different implant modalities as Dr. Heller believes that "bone dictates the type of implant to be used that will best serve the patient."
Dr. O. Hilt Tatum
Co-founder of the JU Comprehensive Oral Implantology Residency Program
Hilt Taum, Jr, DDS has been instrumental in the development of The AAID/JU 3-year residency in "Comprehensive Oral Implantology". He has devoted his 65-year dental career to attempting to serve his patients and share what he has learned with others. He has introduced many of the foundation components which are utilized in COI and he hopes to continue this service during the development of this residency program. Tatum graduated from the now-defunct Emory University Dental School in 1957. He had several University faculty appointments in the USA and for 25 years was on the faculty of The Lille University School of Medicine in France. Dr. Tatum also served as President of both the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry. On June 16, 2003, he was awarded The French Legion of Honour by President Jacques Chirac in Paris, France. Following this, he established a training course in Birmingham, England where he trained multiple dentists on how to expand bone, place implants, and graft sinuses. He continues to work into his eighth decade.
Dr. James Rutkowski
Comprehensive Oral Implantology Program Director
James L. Rutkowski, D.M.D., Ph.D., graduated from Duquesne University School of Pharmacy in 1972 and the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1976. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology at Duquesne University in 2008. Jim practiced dentistry for 44 years, concentrating on implant dentistry and medically compromised patients. Dr. Rutkowski is an Honored Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), Diplomate, and Past President of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID), Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Oral Implantology (JOI), and Program Director for the Jacksonville University Comprehensive Oral Implantology Residency. He is an Adjunct Faculty for the State University of New York at the Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Rutkowski has been awarded the prestigious Gershkoff-Goldberg Award for exemplary service to AAID and exceptional contributions to implant dentistry. He’s also been awarded the Isiah Lew Memorial Research Award for significant impact on research in implant dentistry. Dr. Rutkowski has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and authored multiple textbook chapters.
Residency Clinical Directors
Listed alphabetically.
Dr. Joseph Bedich
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. Clark Brinton
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. Shephard DeLong
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
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. R. Todd Erickson
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 Faber
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
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
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.
Dr. Frederick Joubert
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
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
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
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. William Liang
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. Donn Mettens
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
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.
Dr. Justin Moody
Founder of New Horizon Institute & Director of The Pathway
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:
- Few dentists were properly trained in implant dentistry
- 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
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. Corey Raymond
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. Pierre Tedders
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
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.
Adjunct Faculty
Listed alphabetically.
Dr. Vinamra Bhasin
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.
Dr. Mike Calderon
D.A.B.O.I., D.I.C.O.I. Founder – Instructor
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. Shephard DeLong
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. James W. Gibney
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 after the initial consult.
Dr. Robert Heller
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
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. Steve Shufflebarger
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.