John M. Powers, PhD

Dr. Powers is a principal partner and President of Dental Consultants, Inc.

Dr. Powers graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in chemistry in 1967 and a Ph.D. in dental materials and mechanical engineering in 1972. He received an honorary Ph.D. from the Nippon Dental University in 2011. He received the E.B. Clark Award from the Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry in 2012. He received the 2013 IADR Distinguished Scientist – Wilmer Souder Award. He was named an AADR Fellow in 2016. Dr. Powers is  Publisher of DENTAL ADVISOR and Consultant, Department of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics, at the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. Dr. Powers has authored more than 1000 scientific articles, abstracts, books, and chapters. He is co-author of the textbook, Dental Materials – Properties and Manipulation, and co-editor of Craig’s Restorative Dental Materials and Esthetic Color Training in Dentistry. He serves on the editorial boards of many dental journals. He has given numerous scientific and professional presentations in the United States, Mexico, South America, Europe, and Asia.

Sabiha S. Bunek, DDS

Dr. Sabiha S. Bunek is Editor-in-Chief of DENTAL ADVISOR, leading a team of researchers and clinicians in reporting evidence-based clinical and laboratory properties of dental products and equipment. As a principal partner and CEO of Dental Consultants, Inc., she is leading future generations in connecting science and clinical practice. Dr. Bunek was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and earned her D.D.S. from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry (GO BLUE!). She is the owner of Bunek Dental Studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Dr. Bunek lectures on topics related to adhesives, ceramics, cementation, and CAD/CAM technology.  She is a published author and has been nationally recognized by Dental Products Report, who named her one of the top 25 Women in Dentistry in the areas of research and education. Dr. Bunek currently serves on the Executive Board of Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry (SCAD) and is a visiting faculty for the Dawson Academy. She maintains a full-time practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan, focusing on esthetic and comprehensive restorative dentistry.

Mary Yakas

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.

Mary is passionate about educating dental professionals on products, processes, and techniques that when combined with science and research, can be effective in reducing stress and confusion experienced by many teams.  She is a mentor to many individuals in both dentistry and other life pursuits.  Her strengths lie in planning for the big picture, analytically reviewing all aspects of a project, and digging in for positive outcomes that truly grow the profession.

She had previously worked with DENTAL ADVISOR in 1994, and returned as our Executive Director in 2008. 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, focusing on products, equipment, and digital dentistry. She has had experience in working with all types of Dental Practices, and has served over 1000 individual offices in a consultative capacity. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences with a focus on Crisis Management from The University of Michigan, and is a certified management consultant.

Linda is an accomplished healthcare executive with over 25 years of dental experience, including two decades of strategic development and plan execution with domestic and international organizations. She has an extensive clinical background and has held leadership positions with dental manufacturers with an emphasis on marketing, communications, and business relations. She received her Dental Hygiene degree from Farmingdale University, a B.S. degree from Pace University and M.B.A. from the John Masey School of Business.