Editors & Staff - Bios
Editors
Dr. Farah is a graduate of the University of Michigan, earning a PhD in Dental Materials and Aerospace Engineering in 1972, and a DDS in 1978. He has taught at the University of Florida and University of Michigan Schools of Dentistry, and currently maintains a dental practice focusing on cosmetic dentistry, Enspire Dental, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Dr. Farah co-founded THE DENTAL ADVISOR in 1983, and continues his role as Editor of the publication. In addition, he has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles in professional dental journals and lectures both nationally and internationally on: cosmetic dentistry, the future in CAD/CAM dentistry, new products and techniques applied to restorative and cosmetic dentistry, and best kept secrets to successful dentistry.
Dr. Farah is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Michigan and American Dental Associations. He is an avid runner and has completed over 94 marathons.
Dr. Powers is a graduate of the University of Michigan, earning a BS in Chemistry in 1967 and a PhD in Dental Materials and Mechanical Engineering in 1972. He was a professor at the University of Michigan School Of Dentistry from 1972 to 1988 and at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston from 1988 to 2005. He is currently Professor of Oral Biomaterials at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston as well as Senior Vice-President of Dental Consultants, Inc. Dr. Powers co-founded THE DENTAL ADVISOR in 1983, and continues his role as Editor of the publication.
Dr. Powers is a member of the American Association for Dental Research and the American Dental Education Association. He is also a fellow of the Academy of Dental Materials.
Dr. Powers is an investigator on scientific protocols evaluating adhesives, composites, impression materials, and cements. Dr. Powers has authored more than 960 scientific publications. He is editor/author of three books: Craig's Restorative Dental Materials, Dental Materials - Properties and Manipulation, and Esthetic Color Training in Dentistry. He lectures internationally on research in dental materials.
Dr. Powers lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with his wife, Susan.
Associate Editors
Santine Anderson, DDS is a practicing partner at Enspire Dental and an Assistant Editor at The Dental Advisor. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and from Albion College, with a BS in Chemistry. She began her career during undergraduate school while working for The Dental Advisor. Her passion for the industry continues to grow through her daily practice, extensive research, consulting and building relationships with dental manufacturers. She credits Enspire Dental’s cutting edge technology and newest dental materials as factors in establishing her as a leader in the field. Together with the input of over 300 clinical consultants, Dr. Anderson brings clinical knowledge and experience to the dental profession through lectures, editorials and clinical case reports.
While growing up at Rainbow Lake in central Michigan, Dr. Brown decided to pursue a career in dentistry, and she completed her DDS at the University of Michigan in 1991. At Enspire Dental, her goal is to consistently provide dental care of the highest quality. She constantly expands her expertise in continuing education courses on cosmetic procedures and products, implant restoration, and endodontics (root-canal techniques). For relaxation, Dr. Brown enjoys gardening, exploring the woods, water skiing, and sharing life with her husband and two active children. Dr. Brown is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Sabiha S. Bunek, who was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, chose the University of Michigan School of Dentistry because of its excellent professional training and her affection for the diversity and vibrancy of her hometown. Dr. Bunek joined Enspire Dental in 2006. Her career is devoted to the promotion of proper dental care and alleviating patient anxieties about dental treatment. She applies her creativity and esthetic principles to leading-edge cosmetic and restorative dentistry. She regularly expands her expertise through her work as an Assistant Editor of THE DENTAL ADVISOR and continuing education courses. Away from the office, Dr. Bunek enjoys the outdoors, cooking, yoga, decorating, and traveling with her husband. Dr. Bunek is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
The Award of Excellence - 2008
Academy of Operative Dentistry
Dr. William A. Gregory
THE DENTAL ADVISOR would like to congratulate Dr. William A. Gregory on being awarded the Academy of Operative Dentistry Award of Excellence during the 143rd Chicago Midwinter Meeting in February. This is a wonderful and deserved milestone for a man that has dedicated himself to improving dentistry during his 52 year career.
Since 1983, Dr. Gregory has played a critical role in the development and growth of THE DENTAL ADVISOR. His dedication to the field of dentistry and the people it serves has taken him from the US Navy during the Korean War to returning to the University of Michigan after 25 years of private practice to earn an advanced degree in restorative dentistry. Dr. Gregory then went on to teach a new generation of dental students; imparting upon them his love for dentistry and his expertise in the field.
THE DENTAL ADVISOR is honored to have Dr. Gregory as a founding member and integral part of our team. His dental expertise, humanitarianism, teaching excellence and dedication to the profession continues to be a gift that he shares with all of us. We are grateful to Dr. Gregory for his contributions to our team, and to dentistry. Congratulations on a most deserved honor!
Dr. John McLaren has a practice in Midland, Michigan. Dr. McLaren is dedicated to the providing his patients with the highest quality dentistry using the most modern techniques. His interest is in full-mouth rehabilitation and implant dentistry. Dr. McLaren is a three-time graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry (Materials Science Engineering, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Masters in Restorative Dentistry). His scientific background has helped him to bridge the gap between technology and clinical practice. Dr. McLaren has conducted research in reducing mercury vapor release from amalgam, strengthening of porcelain, color matching of composites, and high-tech fiber-reinforced materials. Dr. McLaren has taught pre-clinical dentistry, oral medicine and diagnosis, and holds the position of Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Dentistry at the University of Michigan. He is also an Associate Editor of THE DENTAL ADVISOR, has given numerous lectures as well as writing published articles and book chapters. Dr. McLaren is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, Academy of Operative Dentistry, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (honorary dental society), Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Sigma Mu (National Metallurgical Materials Society), and Saginaw Valley District Dental Society.
Assistant Editors
Dr. Mert N. Aksu is Associate Professor for the Department of Patient Management and Associate Dean, Clinic Administration, at the University of Detroit Mercy. He also teaches and lectures on practice management topics. Dr. Aksu earned a BS in Biological Sciences and Psychology from the University of Michigan Dearborn, a DDS from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and a JD from Wayne State University. He also completed a MS in Health Services Administration at the University of Michigan in 2000. Dr. Aksu is the recipient of numerous clinical awards including the Pierre Fauchard Academy, American Association of Orthodontists, and the F. B. Vedder Society. He is currently a member of the State Bar of Michigan, a Fellow with the American College of Legal Medicine, and a Fellow with the American College of Dentists. Dr. Aksu serves as an advisor to Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and numerous law firms throughout the state of Michigan, He maintains a private practice in general dentistry in Farmington Hills, MI.
Dr. Kathy L. O'Keefe received the DDS degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in 1985 and the Master of Science degree in Oral Biomaterials from the University of Texas School of biomedical Sciences at Houston in 2000. Dr. O'Keefe was a member of the faculty of the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston for 20 years. She now practices general dentistry in Houston, Texas. As a Scientist in the Houston Biomaterials Research Center, Dr. O'Keefe has conducted research on adhesive and restorative dentistry. She has published many articles and presents her research nationally.
Executive Director
Mary has been working in the dental industry since 1987 and has been involved in every area of the dental practice: dental assisting, laboratory, hygiene assisting, recare, scheduling, financial coordination, accounts payable, and office management. In addition to her dental office experience, Ms. Yakas has held numerous positions in dentistry, including practice consultant, senior analytical coach, and Director of Sales and Marketing for both Benco Dental and Transitions Group. She had previously worked with THE DENTAL ADVISOR in 1994, and has returned as our Executive Director.
As a speaker, Mary has worked with and spoken to numerous groups on communication, listening skills, customer service, and day to day dental practice operations. She has had experience in working with all types of Dental Practices, and has served over 275 individual offices in a consultative capacity. She holds a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Sciences from The University of Michigan, and is a certified management consultant.
Director of Infection Control
Dr. John A. Molinari, Ph.D. is a world expert in the areas of Infection Control and Infectious Disease in Dentistry. Dr. Molinari's primary position is as Director of Infection Control, where he is performing in-depth product analysis, dental research, and educating dental professionals through speaking, webinars, and podcasts.
Director of Research
Ron Yapp is a graduate of the University of Michigan, earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1968 and a MS in Dental Materials in 1972. He has consulted for several companies on biocompatibility in designing, developing, and mechanically and clinically testing bone growth in orthopedic joint replacement implants.
Mr. Yapp served as Director of the Spine Product Research & Development Program at Johnson & Johnson before founding his own company, BioQuest Medical, to focus on new product design and development in the Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Instrument sector. Currently, he is Director of Research for THE DENTAL ADVISOR Biomaterials Research Center.
Professional Relations Manager
Annette joined Dental Consultants, Inc. in 2001. Her extensive background in private dental practices and the dental staffing industry provides an excellent foundation for her current position. As Executive Account Manager, Annette manages clinical and pre-market evaluations of a wide range of dental products. Additionally, she supervises special projects for many of the THE DENTAL ADVISOR's top clients. Her dedication and high standards of customer service contribute to THE DENTAL ADVISOR's commitment of "Improving Patient Care through Research & Education."
Outside the office, she enjoys traveling, bicycling, stained glass, and sharing time with her husband, two teenage sons and her best friend, a yellow lab named "Buster."
Sales Manager
Tricia Price received an Associate in Applied Science for Administrative Technology in 2007 from Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI. Tricia graduated with double honors and was named to the Dean’s List. Before her career at THE DENTAL ADVISOR, she was a paraprofessional and an assistant in the art department at Bessie Hoffman Elementary in Belleville, MI. From 1995-1999, she was in early childhood education and in-home care. Tricia was in the U.S. Army from 1988-1995, where she was a Military Police Officer and a Communications Specialist. From 2003 to present, Tricia has been on the staff of THE DENTAL ADVISOR. Currently, she is an Account Manager for the publication with sales, computer technician, management, and editorial responsibilities. Tricia and her three children, Brittany, Hannah, and Shaun, live in Belleville, MI. She enjoys horseback riding, hunting, dancing, and hanging out with her kids.
Research Staff
Anthony Malmsten attended Sienna Heights University in Adrian, Michigan, where he obtained a BS in chemistry in 2008 with minors in mathematics and computers. After completing an internship in research and development in the polyurethane industry, he joined our team as a full-time laboratory technician, where he does laboratory testing on dental materials. Tony's ambitions are to stay involved in the manufacturing industry and pursue higher education.
