About Us
Clinical Consultants Bios
Opinion Leaders
Damon Adams, DDS
Traverse City, MI
Dr. Damon C. Adams, a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, is an assistant clinical professor in the dental residency program at the University of Toledo, College of Medicine. He lectures internationally emphasizing doctor-technician relationships and techno-clinical perspectives. He also facilitates hands-on preparation workshops designed to optimize the utilization of all-ceramic systems. In addition to his years in private practice, he has had the opportunity to serve as a doctor-technician liaison for numerous dental laboratories throughout North America since 1996. Dr. Adams is the editor-in-chief of Dentistry Today and is listed in Dentistry Today’s Leaders in Continuing Education (2004-present.)
In addition, he also serves on theAdvisory Board for Spectrum Dialogue (Palmeri Publications).
Dr. Adams is a member of the ADA, AGD, AACD, SCAD, and the National Association of Dental Laboratories. He is a Fellow in theInternational College of Dentists.
Tim Adams, DDS
Carmel, IN
Dr. Tim Adams is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry, where he taught clinical dentistry for five years. After developing a highly successful esthetic restorative practice for 19 years, he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2002 to become a full- time faculty member as the Clinical Director at LVI (Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies). While at LVI, he taught clinical skills and also lectured to dentists from around the world on combining the fine art of esthetic dentistry and neuromuscular rehabilitation, while maintaining a private practice. His love for private practice prompted him to return to Indianapolis to focus entirely on patient care. He has published over 18 articles including co-authoring a chapter in the prestigious Dental Clinics of North America. His lecture schedule has taken him internationally teaching dentists the art of merging esthetics and function and how to manage and treat these challenging cases.
www.timadamsdds.com
Gary Alex, DMD
Huntington, NY
Dr. Gary Alex attended Penn State University on an athletic scholarship where he graduated with a degree in Biology in 1977. He then took advanced level graduate courses in chemistry and biology before working at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. He attended Tufts University Dental School where he earned his DMD in 1981. He has taken thousands of hours of continuing dental education over the last 26 years with an emphasis on occlusion, adhesion, comprehensive dentistry, materials, and esthetics. Dr. Alex has researched and lectured internationally on adhesive and cosmetic dentistry, dental materials, comprehensive dentistry, and occlusion. He is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and past president of the AACD New York Chapter. With a background in chemistry and adhesive technology, he is a consultant for numerous dental manufacturers and member of the IADR (International Association of Dental Research). He has written and had published numerous scientific articles and papers. He regularly conducts and participates in scientific studies on materials and adhesives. He has studied occlusion extensively with Dr. Peter Dawson (Center for Advanced Dental Study) and the late Dr. Bob Lee (Lee Institute) and is a member of the AES (American Equilibration Society). He has been the director of “PAC Live Ultimate Occlusion” and “Aesthetic Advantage Occlusion and Comprehensive Dentistry” programs. He is also co-director of the “Long Island Center for Dental Esthetics and Occlusion.” Dr. Alex is also on the editorial advisory board of, and has had a number of articles published in, the highly respected peer-reviewed publication “Inside Dentistry.” Dr. Alex is involved with a number of continuing education programs and regularly conducts hands-on programs and lectures on adhesion, porcelain veneers, direct and indirect restorations, materials, and occlusion. Dr. Alex maintains a fee for service practice geared toward comprehensive prosthetic and cosmetic dentistry in Huntington, New York. Web: drgaryalex.com
William Browning DDS, MS
William D. Browning, DDS, MS, Augusta, Ga., joined the Indiana University School of Dentistry faculty as the Indiana Dental Association (IDA) Endowed Chair in Restorative Dentistry on July 1, 2008. Dr. Browning has drawn upon a unique blend of experiences he has acquired throughout his career in both academics and private practice. He has served on the dental faculties of three universities, including 11 years at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) School of Dentistry, and was a full-time private practitioner for nearly two decades. He was named director of Clinical Research in the Department of Oral Rehabilitation at the MCG dental school in 2000, and was jointly appointed in the Department of Oral Biology during his last year there. He taught general dentistry at the University of Tennessee from 1993 to 1997, and occlusion and restorative dentistry at the University of Michigan from 1990 to 1993. Browning’s body of research has centered primarily on investigations of posterior composite restoratives and tooth whiteners. During his tenure at Georgia, he conducted studies that represented more than $750,000 in grants, often in the role of principal investigator. The IDA chair serves within the Department of Restorative Dentistry, not as department head, with the title of “chair” being a term used by the IU Foundation to signify one of the highest philanthropic honors that can be awarded at the university. Browning also holds the rank of full professor in Restorative Dentistry. Dr. Browning also fills another important role by providing research mentorship and support for many of the department’s junior faculty. Browning holds two degrees from the University of Michigan: a DDS (1974) and a master’s in clinical research design and statistical analysis (1991). He earned his undergraduate degree at Western Michigan University. He recently served the Georgia’s Board of Dentistry and the Georgia Dental Association by providing courses on ethics and professionalism, and he is a consultant to the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs. He is a reviewer for 10 dental journals, including Dental Materials, Operative Dentistry, Journal of Prosthodontics, and Quintessence International. Abstracts of Browning’s research have frequently appeared in the Journal of Dental Research, and he is the author or co-author of more than 40 articles published in refereed journals.
Stephen Chu, DMD, MSD, CDT
New York, NY
Stephen J. Chu received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University in 1980, doctoral of dental medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1984, master’s degree in restorative dentistry, and certificate in post-graduate Fixed Prosthodontics from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1986. He has subsequently obtained his dental technician certification in dental ceramics in 1996 and ASMDT status in 1998 at New York University College of Dentistry. He is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry as well as the Director of the Advanced CDE Programs in Aesthetic Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry. He is a partner in a private specialty group practice, the New York Center for Specialized Dentistry (NYCSD) in aesthetic, restorative, and implant dentistry. Dr. Chu is the Section Editor of Prosthodontics for the dental journal, ‘Practical Procedures and Aesthetic Dentistry’ published by Montage Media Corp. He is a contributor to The Science and Art of Porcelain Laminate Veneers, authored by Dr. Galip Gürel (Quintessence Publishing, 2003), The Fundamentals of Esthetic Implant Dentistry, authored by Dr. Abd El Salam El Askary (Blackwell Publishing 2007), and Successful Esthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry for the Modern Dental Practice authored by Drs. John Calamia, Mark Wolff, and Richard Simonsen (Dental Clinics of North America, Elsevier Saunders, Inc. 2007). He has published over 13 articles and lectures worldwide on the subjects of aesthetic, restorative, and implant dentistry. He is the co-author of the best-selling Quintessence book, The Fundamentals of Color: Shade Matching and Communication in Esthetic Dentistry [Quintessence Publishing, 2004], and is completing Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry: Principles and Practice (Montage Media Corp., 2007) co-authored with Dr. Dennis Tarnow and Mr. Jason Kim, CDT. In addition, his latest textbook publishing endeavor is entitled, Tooth Preparation: Rationale and Clinical Procedures (Quintessence Publishing, 2009), with Dr. Alan Sulikowski, Boston, MA.
Brian LeSage DDS, FAACD
Dr. Brian P. LeSage graduated magna cum laude with the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Dental Society award from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1983. Dr. LeSage has actively integrated academic pursuits with a private practice, first in Washington D.C., and now for the last 18 years in Beverly Hills, California, emphasizing aesthetic and reconstructive dentistry.
His national, as well as international symposia lectures, offer the most current inroads in cosmetic dentistry. His presentations range from 1/2 day or 1 day lectures, as well as hands-on sessions and courses. Dr. LeSage teaches practical, attainable techniques in adhesive and cosmetic dentistry, to help clinicians raise their level of expertise and change their dental practice philosophy.
Dr. LeSage is one of 280 accredited cosmetic dentists in the worldwide American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). In 1995, he was appointed a Consultant and Examiner for the AACD accreditation process. He was awarded the status of Fellow in the AACD, the 32nd, in 2002. Presently, Dr. LeSage is the Fellowship Chair with the AACD, and honored to be an ADA seminar series speaker. He is also a Fellow with the AGD.
Dr. LeSage is the founder and director of the University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA ) Aesthetic Continuum Levels I and II, These programs teach practicing dentists the art and science of cosmetic dentistry. He is also the director and founder of The Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics, which is the only dental teaching institute in the world that exclusively offers custom, individual to small group programs. The Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics is truly a one of a kind teaching environment , in a state of the art facility, where the clinicians individual needs are catered to. www.bhide.info | www.cosmetic-dentistry.com | www.dentalceinfo.com
Mark Murphy, DDS
Rochester Hills, MI
Mark Murphy is a featured presenter for the National Dental Network and the National Lab Network and lectures internationally on a variety of dental clinical and behavioral subjects. He practices part-time in Rochester Hills, Michigan, and is the director of professional relations at The Pankey Institute. For more information or to contact Mark email him at or go to mtmurphydds.com.
Larry Rosenthal, DDS, PC
New York, NY
Dr. Rosenthal heads The Rosenthal Apa Group for Aesthetic Dentistry in New York City where he maintains his Aesthetic and Restorative dental practice. He believes that improving his patients smiles, through “conservative cosmetic dental techniques,” has a positive and powerful impact on their overall appearance and self confidence. He completed his residency at Montefiore Hospital and graduated from New York University. Dr. Rosenthal is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In the early 90’s, Dr. Rosenthal developed the procedure called the “Smile Lift” which patients from around the world visit his dental office to experience.
He is Director of the Aesthetic Hands on Continuum at The Rosenthal Institute at New York University. Expounding his philosophies, experience and expertise in aesthetic dentistry extensively Dr. Rosenthal lectures, publishes, and teaches throughout the country. Profiled on television, radio and in many leading publications such as Vogue, Town & Country, W, Elle, Glamour, Forbes, The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal he spreads the word about his excitement for aesthetic dentistry and the powerful impact it can have on his patients lives. In honor of Dr. Rosenthal, The Rosenthal Institute for Aesthetic Dentistry at the New York University College of Dentistry is the nation’s first comprehensive program to train dentists in the burgeoning field of aesthetic dentistry. The Rosenthal Institute provides a coordinated approach to the study of aesthetic dentistry. For more information go to www.rosenthalinstitute.com.
Corky Willhite, DDS
New Orleans, LA
Dr. Corky Willhite holds the position of Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at L.S.U. School of Dentistry and is on the faculty of the Center for Esthetic Excellence in Chicago. His private practice in suburban New Orleans, The Smile Design Center, is limited to Cosmetic Dentistry. He has been awarded Fellowship by the Academy of General Dentistry and the American College of Dentists. He is one of only 42 Fellows of over 8,000 American Academy o f Cosmetic Dentistry members worldwide and has served on their Board of Governors (currently American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry) and spent years as an Examiner for Accreditation.
Dental Laboratory Consultants
Apex Dental Milling
Apex Dental Milling
3110 W.Liberty
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
734-623-4236 | 866-755-4236
Apex Dental Milling is an Authorized Lava Milling Center located in Ann Arbor, MI.
Other Consultants
Bunek Dental Studio
1310 S Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-550-0880
Senior Clinical Consultants
Kenneth Hamlett, DDS
Dallas, TX
Dr. Kenneth Hamlett maintains a private spa dental practice in Dallas, Texas, focusing on cosmetic and restorative dentistry. A graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry, he lectures both nationally and internationally on cosmetic dentistry techniques. He is a Fellow Member of the AACD, FAGD and Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry. He is a senior clinical instructor and lecturer for the Rosenthal Institute in the Aesthetic Advantages courses at New York University, Eastman Dental College, London, England, and Atlantic Coast Research Facility in Palm Beach. His numerous awards demonstrate his commitment to dental excellence.
Clinical Consultants
Mert N. Aksu, JD, DDS
Detroit, MI
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. Berman received his undergraduate degree in Psychology and Elementary/Secondary Education from Wilkes University in 1971. After graduation, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the U. S. Navy and received his Naval Aviator designation in 1972. After graduation from flight school, he was assigned to Patrol Squadron 46 at Moffet Field California flying as plane commander of P-3 Orion anti-submarine aircraft and in 1976 became the chief pilot for Naval Air Station Key West, Fla.
Dr. Berman left active duty in 1977 and subsequently flew commercial airliners for Allegheny Airlines in 1978 before entering Temple University Dental School. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree in 1982. Dr. Berman practiced dentistry in Hanover Township for 22 years before moving to his new location in Kingston in 2006.
W. Brownscombe, DDS
Michigan
Dr. Brownscombe graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1974. Dr. Brownscombe is Board Certified, with licenses in Michigan, Massachusetts, and Certification with the Northeast Regional Board of Dental Examiners. Dr. Brownscombe is on staff at Beaumont/Grosse Pointe Henry Ford/Cottage Hospitals Department of Surgery, and is a member of American Academy of Oral Medicine, the American Academy of Hospital Dentists, the American Academy of Sports Dentists, the American Dental Association, and the Michigan Dental Association.
Heather Cadorette, DDS
Rockford, MI
Dr. Heather Cadorette owns a practice in Rockford, Michigan, and has been practicing dentistry in West Michigan since 1999. A unique feature of Dr. Cadorette’s practice is that she does extractions, implant placement and restoration, esthetic procedures, root canals, and periodontal treatment in her office. Dr. Cadorette lives in Rockford with her husband and two children.
William Kevin Dancy, DDS, MS, FAGD
Atlanta, GA
Dr. Wm. Kevin Dancy practices general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Dancy believes that esthetic dentistry gives him the opportunity to provide patients with the beautiful smiles they have always desired. He enjoys seeing patients of all ages and building professional, confident, and long-lasting relationships with them and their families. Dr. Dancy received a BS degree from Morehouse College, a DDS degree from Meharry Medical College, and an MS in Restorative Dentistry from the University of Michigan. His affiliations include Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the National Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In August 2006, Dr. Dancy was awarded his Fellowship into the Academy of General Dentistry. He has been featured in several publications and honored by many organizations as one of Atlanta’s leading dentists. Dr. Dancy is a native of Atlanta and is blessed to be able to practice and serve his community in his hometown. He is married to Dr. Measha Peterson Dancy, an internist, and they have one daughter, Ryli McKinna.
LaMont Gee, DDS
Stillwater, OK
Dr. LaMont Gee has a family practice, active for more than 30 years, in Stillwater, OK. Dr. Gee attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he graduated with honors. Dr. Gee has additional interests in ceramics, composites, cosmetics, and implants. He is committed to expanding his knowledge of dentistry so he may better serve his patients.
Steven Hutt, DDS
Dr. Steven Hutt graduated from The State University of New York of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 1972 with a special award in periodontics. He completed a dental internship and residency at Hackensack Hospital. He attended the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education, where he has completed their continuum and has also served as a visiting instructor. In order to stay current on the latest technologies and developments in dentistry, Dr. Hutt is a member of many professional organizations including: the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the L.D. Pankey Study Club, and the PPI Study Club. He is also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, where he received his fellowship in 1979. Dr. Hutt is also a member of the World Clinical Laser Institute and the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Dentistry. In addition, Dr. Hutt has served as a dental consultant and evaluator of dental products and materials. To complete an already busy schedule, Dr. Hutt lectures to dental groups on practice administration and cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
Brent Kolb, DDS
Dexter, MI
Clinical Consultant since 2007.
Dr. Brent Kolb has a private practice in Dexter, Michigan (www.dexterdentistry.com). This new facility provides an extensive array of general and cosmetic dentistry, including veneers, composites, tooth whitening, crowns and bridges, implants, dentures, endodontics, and pedodontics. Dr. Kolb aims to establish a dental practice known for quality and comfort. His philosophy in life and work is to treat people with fairness and respect. Dr. Kolb also serves as an adjunct clinical professor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Dr. Kolb is a 2003 graduate of Ohio State University College of Dentistry and has completed one year of advanced training in general dentistry at the University of Michigan. He is a proud member of the Michigan Dental Association, American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
James Lockwood, DDS
Grand Rapids, MI
Dr. James Lockwood graduated from The University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1987. He has held a teaching position as Visiting Faculty at The Pankey Institute since 1999. Dr. Lockwood is married to his dental school sweetheart, Dr. Adele Gray. Dr. Lockwood is affiliated with various national and state dental associations, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Other professional activities include teaching and mentoring other dentists, as well as teaching dental assistants and hygienists in the Grand Rapids area.
John McLaren, DDS, MS
Midland, MI
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.
G. Thomas Poirier, DDS
Ann Arbor, MI
Clinical Consultant since 2007
After graduating from Albion College, Dr. Poirier attended the University of Detroit completing his Doctorate in 1972. Dr. Poirier taught at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in the undergraduate clinic. He has been a member of the America Dental Association and the Michigan Dental Association for 35 years. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Michigan Dental Association/Forensic Identification Team. Tom enjoys backpacking, hiking and sailing.
Franson K.S. Tom, MS, DMD
Las Vegas, NV
Dr. Franson Tom has a private, fee-for-service dental practice in Las Vegas, Nevada, whose mission and professional obligation are to competently provide evidenced-based choices for the oral health needs and improvement of the well-being of his patients. Dr. Tom received his DMD from Tufts University. Currently, he is the Harvard ADR Director and BUGSDM Assistant Clinical Professor, mentor and faculty advisor (SNDA & VSDA). He is also the Past President of the Honolulu Chinese JCC, a member of the Hawaii State JCC and Hawaii International JCC; as well as a part of the Greater Boston Chinese Dental Association and a delegate to the Southern Nevada Dental Association.
Stephen Ura, DDS, FAGD
Nashua, NH
Stephen C. Ura DDS is a private practitioner in Nashua, NH where he has practiced since 1987. Dr. Ura graduated from the University of Michigan, College of Engineering in 1982 and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1986. His practice focuses on restorative dental care and utilizes Cerec technology and a soft tissue laser. The practice has been chartless since 2003. Dr. Ura is a Past-President of the New Hampshire Dental Society. He also is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry in which he has attained fellowship status. He will me awarded Master status in the Academy of General Dentistry at the July 2009 meeting. Dr. Ura is also a fellow in the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Dr. Ura has been a clinical consultant to the Dental Advisor since 1990
Glen Willis, DMD
Rock Hill, SC
Dr. Glen Willis practices family and cosmetic dentistry in Rock Hill, SC (www.willisandhookdental.com). Dr. Willis graduated from Winthrop University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He received his dental degree (DMD) from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1993. Dr. Willis has also completed a one year, post-graduate program in Advanced Education in General Dentistry with the United States Air Force.