Dentistry Uncensored with Howard Farran

Hamid R. Abedi, DDS, MS, MBA, earned his dental degree from The Royal London Hospital, in 1991; his MS in the Endodontic Specialty at Loma Linda University in 1995; and his MBA from UC Irvine. Dr. Abedi is an Assistant Professor at Loma Linda University, Department of Endodontics. He enjoys teaching endodontics and has lectured extensively in his specialty field both in the United States and abroad. He has served on the Professional Standards, Peer Review, and Ethics Committees for the American Association of Endodontics. Dr. Abedi still works 10-15 days a month chairside. Thomas comes to Cornerstone with over 36 years in the health care industry. Most recently Thomas was the Senior Leader of all Specialties and Hygiene at Pacific Dental Services for 10 years. He also held Sr. Executive Positions at Nobel Biocare. Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree in health care management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Advanced Certificates from Harvard in Leadership and Corporate Strategy. He is a member elect of the American Association of Endodontics Foundation Advisory Board, and a Board Advisor for CareCru, a dental software company. Join the community on Dentaltown at https://www.dentaltown.com

Dr. Travis Campbell is a full-time practicing dentist. He started his practice from scratch after graduating from Baylor College of Dentistry (2009) and has grown this single dentist practice to be in the top 1% in the country. Having made the typical mistakes as a new business owner, he has worked diligently to learn how to become a highly capable business owner. He has a passion for helping others avoid the typical dental business pitfalls and become highly successful business owners, in addition to being Doctors. While Dr. Campbell has become well known for his knowledge/experience in dental business management and efficiency, he is best known for his understanding of dental insurance. Join the community on Dentaltown at https://www.dentaltown.com

Ivan is a prosthodontist and Implant Surgeon. After graduating from dental school in 2013 at University of the Pacific in San Francisco, he completed an additional 3-year residency at the University of Michigan where he learned most of his advanced techniques for dental implants. He has published a popular book, The All on X Handbook, which is a comprehensive, no-nonsense, overview of the All on X procedure from start to finish. In the past he has worked as a ‘travelling implant guy’ for many offices, and currently maintains a private practice limited to implants. Above all, Dr. Ivan’s favorite job is teaching others how to place dental implants and sharing his techniques and mistakes through his own company, Implant Ninja. Join the community on Dentaltown at https://www.dentaltown.com

Angela received her formal education in Puerto Rico, giving her the education to become bilingual in English and Spanish. Angela was raised in Maryland and relocated to Arizona for a Dental Consulting firm that wanted to put her Spanish skills to use. Who knew that moving over 2,000 miles away from home would lead her to find her passion-filled career? Angela was always been aware that she was destined to help people—she has defined this career path she is on as her purpose. Her mission allows her to help Dentists grow both their practice and team to a level of success they have only dreamed of. Join the community on Dentaltown at https://www.dentaltown.com

Dr. Jim Erpenbach is a native of Tennessee. He attended The University of Tennessee Knoxville for his BS in Cell Biology. He attended the University of Tennessee Memphis for his DDS. He has maintained a general private practice in Knoxville since 1982. Because he feels life is a journey and we should all strive for constant and never ending improvement, he averages between 125 to 150 hours continuing education a year. His main focus since 2006 has been in the area of Biomimetic (tooth conserving) dentistry where he keeps up with some of the most current worldwide research related to restorative techniques. These studies have helped him develop an understanding and appreciation for the OralSystemic link of how the oral health can impact overall health as related especially to heart attack, stroke and diabetes. Join the community on Dentaltown at https://www.dentaltown.com

Marie-Laure received an Engineering degree from one of the highest Grand Ecole in France and later went on to receive her MBA. She has spent the last 30 years in the global pharmaceutical industry, focusing on large American and European companies such as Pfizer and Merck. Passionate about global health, Marie-Laure made the jump to the dental landscape in 2014 with the hope that her leadership would drive innovation and improve overall dental care for all. After a successful 5 year run as CEO & President of Acteon Group, Marie-Laure set her sights on 3DISC, becoming their newest CEO, President and Shareholder. Join the community on Dentaltown at https://www.dentaltown.com

Michelle Lee was named OSAP’s Executive Director in July 2018. Michelle came to OSAP with more than 30 years of dental and healthcare staffing and experience with team development training. Prior to OSAP, Michelle worked at DDS Staffing Resources Inc, beginning as a recruiter in 1988 before being promoted to Vice President in 1991. In 2007, Michelle purchased the firm, serving as president and CEO until successfully selling and merging the business with Avery Partners in 2012. She remained with Avery Partners as President of the staffing division until 2017. Michelle is passionate about OSAP’s mission to be the leading provider of infection prevention and control education, training, and credentialing that supports safe dental visits. Join the community on Dentaltown at https://www.dentaltown.com

Howard recently joined Dr. Sonny Spera on the Fee For Service Podcast for an in-depth discussion on the business of dentistry. Join the community on Dentaltown at https://www.dentaltown.com

Timothy L. Ricks, D.M.D., M.P.H., F.I.C.D., currently serves as the 19th Chief Dental Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service as well as Assistant Surgeon General. He serves as the Surgeon General’s spokesperson on oral health and interacts with chief dental officers from other countries, with military chief dental officers, with leaders in organized dentistry, with state oral health programs, and much more. He is currently overseeing the development of the second-ever Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health. Rear Adm. Ricks has served in the U.S. Public Health Service for over 21 years. Prior to this service, he was an associate dentist, independent contractor, and sole proprietor, and he also served as a military police officer in the Army National Guard. Join the community on Dentaltown at https://www.dentaltown.com

Nathan Kupperman is a 32 year-old, Florida native, who enjoys surfing and traveling the world. He graduated from Florida State University in 2011 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree and earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry in 2015. He then worked as a frontline clinician in nearly a dozen offices after he graduated dental school prior to his current practice ownership. Through these clinical experiences, he has encountered various leadership and team dynamics and has aimed to form a collaborative work culture in his own practice that helps elevate dentists and increase the quality of clinical outcomes and patient care. Join the community on Dentaltown at https://www.dentaltown.com