TDA Texas Dental Journal JULY/august 2026
Special Issue Membership Awards Recognition This special issue of the Texas Dental Journal recognizes members for their continual membership and contributions to the Texas Dental Association (TDA) who received their milestone awards in the 2026 year for the following categories: 10 years, Good Fellow (25 years), Life (30 years), 50 years, and 60 years.
In addition to recognition at the TDA House of Delegates in May 2026, the following quotes and personal, professional, and membership experiences are highlighted to further honor their involvement with TDA and within organized dentistry.
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175
contents
Editorial Staff Jacqueline M. Plemons, DDS, MS, Editor Juliana Robledo, DDS, Associate Editor
FEATURES
Nicole Scott, Managing Editor
180 2026 MEMBERSHIP AWARDS RECOGNITION
Barbara Donovan, Art Director Lee Ann Johnson, CAE, Executive Director
This special issue of the Texas Dental Journal recognizes members for their continual membership and contributions to the Texas Dental Association.
228 ASK THE POWERS CENTER
Editorial Advisory Board Ronald C. Auvenshine, DDS, PhD Barry K. Bartee, DDS, MD
Katie Julien, DDS, MS
Patricia L. Blanton, DDS, PhD
Jorge D. Aguirre, DDS, MSc
William C. Bone, DDS
Ryan McGovern, DDS, MSD
Phillip M. Campbell, DDS, MSD Michaell A. Huber, DDS
Holly McIver, DDS, MSD
Arthur H. Jeske, DMD, PhD
Bethany Wyss, DDS, MSD
Larry D. Jones, DDS Paul A. Kennedy Jr, DDS, MS
Guest Editor Rade D. Paravina, DDS, MS, PhD
Scott R. Makins, DDS, MS Daniel Perez, DDS
HIGHLIGHTS
William F. Wathen, DMD
230
Value for Your Profession: Credit Card Processing: Avoid the Mystery Fees
232
In Memoriam
234
Classifieds
239
Index to Advertisers,
Robert C. White, DDS Leighton A. Wier, DDS Douglas B. Willingham, DDS
The Texas Dental Journal is a peer-reviewed publication. Established February 1883 • Vol 143 | No. 5 Texas Dental Association
TEXAS DENTAL JOURNAL AWARDS RECOGNITION
8701 W Hwy 71, Ste 201-M, Austin, TX 78735
Texas Dental Journal Receives Prestigious Awards
Email: tda@tda.org • Website: www.tda.org
The International College of Dentists (ICD) awarded the Texas Dental Journal with 2 distinctions at its annual journalism competition.
January-February, March-April, July-August, and November-Decem-
Texas Dental Journal (ISSN 0040-4284) is published monthly, except ber, which are combined issues, by the Texas Dental Association, 8701 W Hwy 71, Ste 201-M Austin, TX 78735, 512-443-3675. Periodi-
The Journal received a Special Citation Award for the September 2025 (Volume 142(6)) article, “Introduction to Forensic Dentistry” by Dr Kathleen Kasper, who provides Collin, Dallas, and Tarrant Counties in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area with forensic dental services and is currently the only active board-certified forensic dentist in north Texas. According to the entry specifications, this award is presented to the editor whose publication demonstrates an unusual concept, presentation, or other distinctive quality and all entries y are considered for this award. tistr
nal is ic al Jour of forens e s Dent e Texa e disciplin e of th th to serv issue tirely to ted me making. MS, invi This en DDS, r in the d ons a yea l and te been ne Plem nationa devo try. Jacqueli tion has at both Editor tions ogy. I’m compila nal is niza ntol this rt, a field tal Jour dent nsic odo nsic orga In sho s Den ing of
A. leen Kath er, Kasp FO D-AB DDS,
fore ion. and Texa in fore d with 4, the voices publicat underst engage your ust 202 special leading pens In Aug actively ed as for this e dee ditor ors are recogniz e this issu g auth as co-e hop of them tributin nce and I most The con tal scie icipate, levels— er. of den ional istry to part a care internat agreed Dent the intersectioneristics of the ng than they a calli ract nsic Teeth, ds at honored more Fore ntology, stan distinctive cha legal issues. n other sider to we con odo the ress add loys ist whe tion as forensic es in e emp n pers and to umstanc oduc known viduals disciplin ma, ofte Intr dentistry, also specialized ation of indi fire, and trau nsable in circ dentistry is tific spe This inal nsic osition, Forensic ing indi the iden system. of fore to crim litate decomp legal value eby prov utions faci the inst ark to The trib ther n and con ate. ity aga mised, ry/bitem dentitio asses durabil inadequ d inju . compro their human encomp prove been patterne remains ed for hods have n. It also tification, orical n met ures recogniz of hist tificatio tificatio ical feat im iden tal iden analysis al iden s vict anatom to den , mas and the vention ted tice con ma, limi trau malprac which is not /facial e and ations, , oral civil litig extensiv neglect ns, and atio se investig an abu , hum analysis
IC RENeSn
FO D
Phone: 512-443-3675 • FAX: 512-443-3031
cals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TEXAS DENTAL JOURNAL, 8701 W Hwy 71, Ste 201-M, Austin, TX 78735. Copyright 2026 Texas Dental Association. All rights reserved. Annual subscriptions: Texas Dental Association members $17. In-state ADA Affiliated $49.50 + tax, Out-of-state ADA Affiliated $49.50. In-state Non-ADA Affiliated $82.50 + tax, Out-of-state Non-ADA Affiliated $82.50. Single issue price: $6 ADA Affiliated, $17 Non-ADA Affiliated. For in-state orders, add 8.25% sales tax. Contributions: Manuscripts and news items of interest to the membership of the society are solicited. Electronic
Additionally, the Journal received the Golden Pen (Div I) Honorable Mention for the September 2025 (Volume 142(6)) article, “Artificial and Augmented Intelligence in Forensic Odontology: An Introductory Overview” by Dr Kenneth W. Aschheim, Artificial and Augmented Intelligence in Forensic a board-certified forensic odontologist Odontology: An Introductory Overview and a leader in integrating forensic odontology with advanced software. According to the entry specifications, this award is presented to the editor of a publication that contains an article or series of articles in its publication year that is of current importance to the dental profession.
submissions are required. Manuscripts should be typewritten,
The American Association of Dental Editors & Journalists will present the awards at its annual conference and meeting in conjunction with the USA Section of ICD in October 2026 in San Antonio.
Advertisements: Publication of advertisements in this journal does
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Dr Kenneth W. Aschheim, a board-certified forensic odontologist, is a leader in integrating forensic odontology with advanced software. With over 20 years of experience, he
developed the UDIM dental module for NYC’s Unified Victim Identification System (UVIS) and co-created OdontoSearch with Dr Bradley Adams. Expanding into AI, he partnered
Kenneth Aschheim, DDS, D-ABFO
with Bright Forensics to develop AI-based dental identification software and led a machine learning project for assessing dental age. He also co-leads an oral pathology initiative
with International Telecommunication Untion (ITU) and World Health Organization (WHO) and helped draft the first ISO standard for AI in 2D radiograph interpretation. Holding
academic positions at NYU College of Dentistry and Mount Sinai Medical Center, he serves as assistant chief forensic odontologist for NYC’s Medical Examiner’s Office, as well as consulting for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Congratulations and a very special thank you to Dr Kasper and her team for their expertise and involvement in the special issue on forensic dentistry.
176 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
FORENSIC Artificial Intelligence
double spaced, and the original copy should be submitted. For more information, please refer to the Instructions for Contributors statement at tda.org. All statements of opinion and of supposed facts are published on authority of the writer under whose name they appear and are not to be regarded as the views of the Texas Dental Association, unless such statements have been adopted by the Association. Articles are accepted with the understanding that they have not been published previously. Authors must disclose any financial or other interests they may have in products or services described in their articles.
not constitute a guarantee or endorsement by the Association of the quality of value of such product or of the claims made. 370 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 142 | No. 6
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OUR MISSION STATEMENT: To provide affordable, quality anesthesia education with knowledgeable and experienced instructors, both in a clinical and academic manner while being a valuable resource to the practitioner after the programs. Courses are designed to meet the needs of the dental profession at all levels. Our continuing education programs fulfill the TSBDE Rule 110 practitioner requirement in the process to obtain selected Sedation permits.
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www.tda.org | July/august 2026
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Board of Directors Texas Dental Association PRESIDENT Elizabeth Goldman, DDS 214-585-0268, texasredbuddental@gmail.com PRESIDENT-ELECT Susan Jolliff, DDS 325-597-7441, ladydds13@gmail.com PAST PRESIDENT Glen D. Hall, DDS 325-698-7560, abdent78@gmail.com VICE PRESIDENT, SOUTHWEST Austin Lee, DMD 210-496-1919, austinvincentlee@gmail.com
JKJ Pathology
VICE PRESIDENT, NORTHWEST Annie C. Wilson, DDS 713-626-8843, annie@anniewilsondds.com
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VICE PRESIDENT, SOUTHEAST Ron Hill, DDS 713-626-8343, rhilldds@gmail.com SENIOR DIRECTOR, SOUTHWEST Kenneth Gonzales, DDS 361-992-2421, bikerdent@yahoo.com SENIOR DIRECTOR, NORTHWEST Kevin Altieri, DDS 817-294-5513/817-991-1835, altdent@yahoo.com SENIOR DIRECTOR, NORTHEAST Celeste Latham, DDS 214-351-1500, drclatham@yahoo.com SENIOR DIRECTOR, SOUTHEAST Jennifer Hathaway, DDS 979-776-6884, jp.hathaway@yahoo.com DIRECTOR, SOUTHWEST Susan Putthoff, DDS 830-896-6264, putthoffsusan@yahoo.com DIRECTOR, NORTHWEST Georgia Mitchell, DMD 806-221-2240, gmitchelldmd@gmail.com DIRECTOR, NORTHEAST Corbin Gatlin, DDS 254-399-9925, corbingatlindds@gmail.com DIRECTOR, SOUTHEAST Meredith Overstreet, DDS 512-442-1555, moverstreetdds@gmail.com SECRETARY-TREASURER* Oshmi Dutta, DDS 210-888-0700, odutta@gmail.com SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE* Gregory W. Rashall, DDS 936-336-5171, rashdent@sbcglobal.net PARLIAMENTARIAN** Rob Neal, DDS 972-377-7333, robertnealdds@gmail.com EDITOR** Jacqueline M. Plemons, DDS, MS 214-507-0815, drplemons@yahoo.com LEGAL COUNSEL** Carl R. Galant EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR** Lee Ann Johnson, CAE 512-443-3675, ext 134, ljohnson@tda.org *Non-voting member **Non-voting
178 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
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www.tda.org | July/august 2026
179
membership awards recognition This special issue of the Texas Dental Journal recognizes
members for their continual membership and contributions to the Texas Dental Association (TDA) for the following categories: 10 years, Good Fellow (25 years), Life (30 years), 50 years, and 60 years. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, TDA members who had reached these membership milestones were recognized at a special luncheon and the House of Delegates at the TDA Meeting each May. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, the TDA discontinued the in-person luncheon due to limitations with social distancing and increased costs. In 2021, we began including current-year recipients who reach those membership milestones in the July special issue of the Texas Dental Journal each year, featuring their quotes and personal and professional experiences. All current-year recipient’s names are also included in the official TDA House of Delegates minutes for the year in which they achieve the membership levels. The following entries are integral to submission in first- or third-person but may be edited for clarity and/or Journal style. All current-year recipients were invited to submit content and, this publication is reflective of all content TDA received.
180 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
60-Year Members
The following 2026 recipients are recognized for reaching 60 years of continual membership and service to the Texas Dental Association. Dr Ralph M. Arnold Dr Thomas E. Asarch Dr Paul A. Bailey Jr Dr Mac L. Bennett III Dr Morris D. Brem Jr Dr Richard P. Campbell Dr Richard H. Carr Jr Dr Carroll R. Carver Dr Neill P. Clayton Dr Mack E. Coker Dr Dudley P. Davis Jr Dr Ralph W. Depee Jr Dr Peter M. Di Fiore Dr Lawrence M. Gettleman Dr Thomas C. Graves Dr Edwin F. Grimes Jr Dr David J. Hageman Dr Richard H. Haines
Dr John W. Ham Dr Rene E. Holt Dr Tommy C. Howorth Dr Keith C. Hudson Dr James S. Jinnette Dr Martin J. Kahn Dr Charles R. Kent Dr Harvey A. Leboe Dr William T. Lee Jr Dr Joseph J. Leland Dr Ford L. Lockett Dr Henry T. Long Jr Dr S Jerry Long Dr Ronald M. Longanecker Dr Leopoldo Lopez Jr Dr Daniel M. Loughlin Dr Barry E. Madden Dr Robert C. Manning
Dr Doyle G. Mobley Dr Ernest H. Moore Dr Willis H. Murphey Jr Dr Ronald R. Novosad Dr Marvin F. Ogle Dr Jon S. Ousley Dr Paul C. Panaceck Jr Dr William C. Parker Dr Daniel C. Peavy Jr Dr Max L. Royalty Dr Glenn A. Ruthven Dr Sidney H. Schwartz Dr Warren R. Spielman Dr Leonard S. Tibbetts Jr Dr Robert T. Walker Dr Byron C. Wetsel Dr John R. Windrow
50-Year Members
The following 2026 recipients are recognized for reaching 50 years of continual membership and service to the Texas Dental Association. Dr Terry B. Adams Dr Edward P. Allen Dr Mark W. Aycock Dr Brian Babin Dr William B. Black Dr Carroll D. Brown Jr Dr John T. Burdine Dr Harry I. Bussa Jr Dr George E. Cantu Dr Robert E. Carpenter Dr William F. Cherry II Dr Stacy V. Cole Dr Philip J. Corbin Dr Stanley K. Coss Dr Jeannette R. Cunningham Dr Gary M. Easley Dr Douglas W. Escue Dr Larry R. Franks Dr Donald G. Gardner Dr James B. Goates Dr Anthony I. Gronich Dr Richard A. Halling Dr Joe A. Harkins
Dr Ronald A. Hawkins Dr Richard J. Helmle Dr Lewis L. Herrin Dr Robert P. Johnson Dr Vernon R. Jones Dr Kerwin J. Kahlich Dr Robert A. Kaminski Dr Gary L. Koehl Dr William L. Krell Jr Dr Richard Kubiak Dr David D. Lewis Dr G R. Lewis Dr Jack L. Long Dr Craig A. Mabrito Dr David H. Masters Dr Robert E. McFadden Dr Robert B. Meiser Dr James D. Moers Dr Arthur C. Morchat Dr John W. Muehl Dr Joe M. Murphy Dr William A. Nash Dr Jack M. Neagle
Dr Kathleen Pace Dr Janet B. Ritchey Dr Anthony D. Sabino Dr Edward H. Sauer Dr Gary M. Schultz Dr Fred L. Sharpe Dr James T. Shoptaw Dr Robert M. Spence II Dr James E. Spencer Dr William Steinmann Jr Dr Daniel B. Strader Dr Donald G. Strole Dr James D. Terry Dr Robert Ukeiley Dr William F. Wallace Dr William C. Wambaugh Dr Daniel A. Weaver Dr Mark S. Weaver Dr Gary D. Weeks Dr James R. Wells Dr Dennis L. Westmoreland Dr Richard M. White Dr Joe H. Yarbro
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Life Members
The following 2026 recipients are recognized for achieving their Life membership status in the Texas Dental Association, which is 30 years of continual membership. Dr Byrd Adkins Dr Michael D. Albright Dr Juan Avila Dr James D. Bates Dr Ernest T. Bice Dr Janelle B. Bicknell Dr Stacy L. Black Dr Joseph S. Boyle Dr Sammy S. Burke Dr Mark A. Camp Dr Wilfrido Cantu Dr John S. Cardwell Dr Vanessa G. Carpenter Dr David S. Carwile Dr Joseph B. Castellano Dr Claudia L. Cavazos Dr Steven A. Childress Dr Howard F. Cooke Dr Stephanie Crise Dr Carlos Cruz Dr Mance A. Cutbirth Dr Jeffrey S. Dombrowski
Dr James A. Duncan Dr William J. Dunn Dr Michael L. Engelbrecht Dr Elizabeth M. Farrimond Dr Kim K. Forrest Dr Jay N. Fortner Dr Casey Rene Frazier Dr Brent F. Gabriel Dr Ruben Garcia-Garcia Dr Melissa V. Garcia-Rozas Dr Noel O. Garza Dr Vanitha Gowda Ardila Dr David C. Henson Dr Duc M. Ho Dr Michael J. Hudgins Dr Deborah R. Keepers Dr Philip C. Koury Dr Timothy A. Kuhlman Dr Randall D. Lamb Dr Lloyd L. Laughlin Dr Connie M. Lilley Dr Ko Yu W. Lin
Dr Teri B. Lovelace Dr Maria A. Loza Dr John S. Mahaney Dr Yvonne E. Maldonado Dr Mark D. Margolin Dr Daniel R. Markham Dr James E. Martinez Dr Kyle D. McCrea Dr Mohammad H. Mirmohammadi Dr Juan M. Molina Dr Luz E. Montoya-Nino Dr Lawrence W. Morris Dr Celeste L. Narro Dr Robert A. Neal Dr Samuel J. Nechamkin Dr Howard A. Nelson Dr Dora Z. Nemeth Dr Michael M. Nguyen Dr James K. Norwood Dr Garry C. Phillips Dr William R. Phillips III
Dr Jane Poquiz Dr Ilene L. Rees Dr Eric A. Rindler Dr Lisa D. Rouse Dr Jeff M. Roy Dr Kelly P. Rynchek Dr George S. Sayre Dr Amy P. Schorn Dr Richard S. Schwartz Dr Kevin D. Scott Dr Timothy Simpson Dr Samuel C. Sowders Dr Shannon L. Stokes Dr Robert M. Tamborello Dr Daniel M. Torres-Bayona Dr Sherry L. Vanwart-Noblett Dr Fortuna Vardeman Dr Stephen C. Watson Jr Dr Robert E. Wiggins Jr Dr Roya D. Wood Dr Angelie Zamora-Gonzalez
ORDER OF Good Fellow Members
The following 2026 recipients are recognized for achieving the Order of Good Fellow membership status in the Texas Dental Association, which is 25 years of continual membership. Dr Marina Akerman Dr Marko E. Alanis Dr Angela D. Anton Dr Christopher S. Anton Dr John S. Banks Dr Steven D. Bender Dr Karla H. Bishop Dr Jennifer J. Bone Dr Jacqueline S Brady Dr Linda L. Cheng Dr Barry S. Cole Dr Thomas W. Connor III Dr Douglas J. Dingwerth Dr Wendell A. Edgin Dr John W. Fallis Dr Sharlynn Ferris Dr Pedro F. Franco Dr Tonya K. Fuqua Dr Lavoyger E. Gies Dr Jason R. Gillespie
Dr Chad M. Jackson Dr Jeffrey W. James Dr Susan D. Jolliff Dr Hamilton L. Jones Dr Karl Keiser Dr Mollie H. Kentor Dr Harvey P. Kessler Dr H. Chu Kim Dr Eric D. Kuhl Dr Kristen D. Lindner Dr Carol A. Lindsey Dr Jose F. Lopez Dr Richard V. Lyschik Dr Lawrence W. Maher III Dr Edson Martinez-Ruiz Dr Rosemarie M. Middleton Dr Frank B. Miller Dr Andrew A. Morgan Dr Lanny T. Morgan Dr Salvador Munoz
182 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
Dr Michelle Munoz Cruce Dr Rita F. Ne Dr Shalaka Nesarikar Dr Stanley T. Ngo Dr Tuan A. Nguyen Dr Jonathan P. Oefinger Dr Gino A. Orlandi Dr Jayesh S. Patel Dr James D. Pinkerton Dr Christopher W. Proctor Dr Stephen William Ratcliff Dr William F. Rose Jr Dr Paul I. Rubin Dr Norman N. Salome Dr Hermelinda San Miguel Dr Roopa Satish Dr Carina L. Schwartz-Dabney Dr Michael J. Schwarze Dr Cheryl Sellers
Dr Benjamin Sharfae Dr Pamela R. Singletary Dr Stephanie J. Singleton Dr Shelly Slovak Dr Michael Joseph Solomon Dr Lisa M. Stokes Dr Komson Sudhivoraseth Dr Rachel H. Thieberg Dr Henry D. Thompson III Dr Hien M. To Dr Mai C. Tran Dr Peter D. Tran Dr Richard A. Urbanek Jr Dr Carolyn B. Walker Dr Andrew W. Watkins Dr Matthew L. Westerberg Dr Randall G. White Dr Kelley J. Wimmer Dr Wendy M. Winarick
10-Year Members
The following 2026 recipients are recognized for reaching their first 10 years of continual membership in the Texas Dental Association. Dr Yara M. Abdulla
Dr Ibrahim Houari
Dr Peter N. Pham
Dr Jeffrey M. Adcock
Dr Larry G. Hubbard
Dr Zelina M. Pickett
Dr Khayri Aljabi
Dr Robert B. Hunsaker
Dr Laura N. Rabe
Dr Marcela Alvarez
Dr Thomas C. Inman Jr
Dr Viviana M. Ramírez
Dr Anupama Annapareddy
Dr Amber M. James Ifill
Dr Marlene Ramos
Dr Rhea Theresa C. Antolin
Dr Bruce W. Jay
Dr Karam Rassam
Dr Forrest A. Arguelles
Dr Jacob J. Johnson
Dr Diana C. Reyes
Dr Obadah H. Attar
Dr Kila K. Johnson
Dr Ryan N. Reyes
Dr Kendall L. Baginski
Dr Timothy D. Johnson
Dr Elena Riccio Leach
Dr Elisabeth C. Barnhart
Dr David B. Jolley
Dr Mina Rizk
Dr Chakradhar Beerpur
Dr Aaron B. Jones
Dr Lavanya A. Rudrapatna
Dr Christina D. Blacher
Dr Seyedeh Parisa Kheirieh
Dr Joseph K. Ryan
Dr Heather A. Blackmond
Dr Anthony O. Kofoworola-Kuti
Dr Hemanth Sahukar
Dr Clyde A. Bowden
Dr Danielle R. Larivey
Dr Ryan M. Schmidgall
Dr Logan R. Callier
Dr Theresa S. Lassetter
Dr Bryan S. Sendelbach
Dr Mark J. Cantu
Dr Quoc-Albert D. Le
Dr Eunyoung Shim
Dr Zachary A. Carnow
Dr Aaron N. Lewis
Dr Ellis A. Shwarts
Dr Sarah M. Carpenter
Dr Rei Lierly
Dr Jaime N. Simmons
Dr Anish N. Chavda
Dr Sara J. Lindley
Dr Grant E. Smith
Dr Lauren E. Coffman
Dr Lisa W. Liou
Dr Maria-Paz U. Smith
Dr Jerrod R. Crawford
Dr Landon E. Ludwick
Dr Megan B. Snyder
Dr Kenneth H. Curl
Dr Gregory D. Luk
Dr David P. Stonestreet
Dr Benjamin D. Curtis
Dr Madison O. Mack
Dr Takahiro Suzuki
Dr Michael D. Davis
Dr Lisa S. Manuele
Dr Ausyeh A. Tavakkoli
Dr Susie R. DeKoch
Dr Jessica M. Marshall
Dr James R. Tejada
Dr Jarred K. Donald
Dr Jayme Martinez
Dr Adrien L. Theriot
Dr Bret A. Downing
Dr Ziad Masoud
Dr Carla F. Thomas
Dr Casey Draper
Dr Daniel F. Mego
Dr Tuyet N. Tran
Dr Jeremy W. Fike
Dr Susan Millner
Dr Jessie T. Trinh-Moore
Dr Alex Fitzhugh
Dr Nisha Modi
Dr Samantha T. Truong
Dr Frederick F. Franke III
Dr Colleen M. Mohn
Dr Roland P. Vargas
Dr Luis F. Galvan
Dr Vanessa Muniz
Dr Roberto L. Villarreal
Dr Steve Garcia
Dr Madhu K. Nair
Dr Oliver S. Villaruel
Dr Alexandria R. Gibbs
Dr Umadevi P. Nair
Dr Victoria M. Vo
Dr Demetrio M. Gonzalez
Dr Kevin Q. Nguyen
Dr Abigail L. Williams
Dr Gregory K. Gor
Dr Matthew C. Nickolas
Dr Kelsey S. Williams
Dr Adam J. Hauser
Dr Lubov E. Nikonoff
Dr John B. Wilson
Dr Howard He
Dr David W. Nunez
Dr Lianna G. Zabanal
Dr Ian R. Healy
Dr Helen O. Oboro-Onuora
Dr Lawrence L. Zeng
Dr Chasity A. Henderson
Dr Wyatt J. O’Grady
Dr Marisa A. Zitterich
Dr Alisha M. Hernandez
Dr Ryan P. Olzack
Dr Kathryn A. Zoumboukos
Dr Meredith C. Hill
Dr Oluwakare A. Opaneye
Dr Jennifer M. Hobock
Dr Kristi D. Parker
Dr Samantha J. Hollinger
Dr Edgar L. Perales
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
183
60-YEAR MEMBER
S. Jerry Long, DDS Houston My plea to any young colleagues and future dental graduates who are reading this, please respect, join, and become leaders in your profession through organized dentistry.
184 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
It all started in March 1962 while
Teaching and counseling future
I was a pre-dental student at The
dental professionals has been just
University of Texas at Austin. When
as rewarding as my practice career.
I checked my mail one Austin Spring
To my young colleagues, consider a
afternoon after returning from
career in dental education. Teaching
classes, there it was in my mailbox…a
has been one of my life’s most
letter from The University of Texas
rewarding experiences.
of dentistry from its “barber/
Dental Branch in Houston. I literally destroyed the envelope beyond any
And to the future leaders of my
future use to learn the verdict. I was
profession, I believe the ADA and its
accepted!
state and regional components are the one constant factor in advancing
Immediately, I called my parents in
and preserving our profession’s
Overton, Texas, and I remember my
success and prestige. The evolution
mother crying about the good news.
of dentistry from its “barber/surgeon”
After all, she was the one who told
beginnings to a respected healthcare
me when I was 9 or 10 years old that
profession was built on the
she wanted me to pursue dentistry,
foundations of advanced education,
and I never thought of any other
science, as well as lifelong learning,
career pathways.
and it is an amazing story. And, it was the ADA that made all of that happen!
From the moment UTDB said “Yes” to me, the course for my life’s journey
My plea to any young colleagues
was changed forever. And what a
and future dental graduates who are
journey it has been!
reading this, please respect, join, and become leaders in your profession
Following my 44-year career in private
through organized dentistry. I have
practice including a 2-year stint in
been a member and leader in
the US Air Force, as well as a short
many types of professional dental
2-year retirement, I will once again
organizations during my career, but
retire—this time from my faculty
the ADA is the real “Goose that laid
appointment (13 years) as a clinical
the Golden Egg.”
associate professor and co-director of UTSD-Houston’s PACE Center
No members…No ADA!
Practice Consulting division at my
No ADA…No Standards!
alma mater.
The evolution
surgeon” beginnings to a respected healthcare profession was built on the foundations of advanced education, science, as well as lifelong learning, and it is an amazing story.
No Standards…No Profession!
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
185
50-YEAR MEMBER
Dr Sabino and his wife, Susan.
Dr Sabino served in the US Air Force and the Air Force Active Reserves.
Anthony Sabino, DDS San Antonio
186 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
I had a conversation with our family physician in junior high when I was just beginning to think about a career, and he suggested dentistry. That idea stuck with me through high school. After graduation, I attended Temple University in Philadelphia and was accepted into the School of Dentistry in Buffalo, New York—far upstate
First, participate in the tripartite system of organized dentistry. Second, consider a tour of duty in the military. Both will broaden your experience and expand your world view.
from my home on Long Island. At Buffalo, I entered the Air Force Early Commissioning Program. Looking back, I see how these early decisions
town Texas life. I bought a much-
take off from their work to take the
shaped my future in a positive way.
used yellow Chevy pickup and often
children to see a dentist. I was active
heard patients yell, “Hi, Doc!” when
in the San Antonio District Dental
After graduation in 1972 with
they saw me around town. At one
Society (SADDS), and I was privileged
my DDS degree, my first active-
time or another, almost everyone
to serve as its president in 2003. I
duty assignment as a captain was
sat in my dental chair. As a reservist,
also served as the dental chair of
Torrejon Air Base on the outskirts of
I was called to active duty during
the San Antonio Texas Mission of
Madrid, Spain. Working as a general
Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
Mercy in 2021 and the treasurer of
dentist among a group of specialists
Thankfully, 2 area dentists kept my
the SADDS Foundation from 2015-
broadened my professional
practice open while I was away. In
2024. Nowadays, we live in the Army
experience, while living in Europe
1993, after I married Susan, a teacher
Residence Community where I see
for 4 years expanded my world
in San Antonio, we bought a home
patients 1 day a week. I also work
view. After Spain, I was assigned to
near downtown San Antonio, and I
1 day in another local practice. I’m
Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio,
commuted to Devine, keeping the
very grateful for the idea my family
Texas. Since Laughlin was a pilot
practice open. I retired from the Air
physician planted years ago and for
training base, I was immersed in the
Force after 30 years in 1999 as a
these 50 years practicing dentistry.
flying culture of the US Air Force. I
colonel, and sold my practice in 2003.
even took an orientation flight in the
To people entering our profession, I
back seat of a T-38 trainer with a pilot
In San Antonio, I worked for other
I had treated.
dentists from 2003 until the present
have 2 suggestions:
time. One of those dentists was the
First, participate in the tripartite
In 1980, I decided to pursue my
wonderful Dr Joe B Whitley (now
system of organized dentistry.
goal to open my own practice. I left
deceased) who had developed
active duty, and took a commission
a mobile dental unit that served
Second, consider a tour of duty in
in the Air Force Active Reserves, and
both local and area schools. It was
the military. Both will broaden your
opened my private practice in Devine,
satisfying to treat students whose
experience and expand your world
Texas, where I first experienced small
parents may not have been able to
view.
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
187
30-YEAR (LIFE) MEMBER
Drs Katie Stuchlik, Craig Armstrong, ADA 15th District Trustee Rita Cammarata, Duc Ho, and Tommy Harrison.
Duc “Duke” M. Ho, DDS Katy
Drs Katie Stuchlik, Duc Ho, and Laura Schott.
188 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
Dentistry and organized dentistry have been some of the most
Step outside the 4 walls of
rewarding aspects of my entire life. While I entered dentistry
your practice and engage
to care for patients, organized dentistry expanded my world in ways I could never have imagined. It has introduced me to
with organized dentistry.
amazing people from across the country, provided opportunities
You will learn more than
to visit places I never expected to see, and allowed me to learn from some of the profession’s most dedicated leaders. However, the rewards of organized dentistry extend far beyond
you can imagine, gain perspectives from peers
titles or leadership positions. At its core, organized dentistry
across the nation, and build
remains rooted in relationships and service—working together
friendships that will last a
to advance oral health and advocate for patients, while also developing lifelong friendships to make
lifetime.
a meaningful impact on issues that affect dentists and patients alike. My advice to every young dentist is simple: get involved. Step outside the 4 walls of your practice and engage with organized dentistry. You will learn more than you can imagine, gain perspectives from peers across the nation, and build friendships that will last a lifetime. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to serve, protect, and preserve the profession for those who will follow you.
Outgoing President Dr Debrah Worsham welcomes Incoming President Dr Duc “Duke” Ho at the TDA House of Delegates in May 2022.
ADA Congressional Lobbyist Natalie Hales and Dr Ho, ADA 15th District Representative, Council on Government Affairs are pictured in Washington, DC.
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
189
25-YEAR (GOOD FELLOW) MEMBER
Dr Jolliff with her husband, Rich, and daughter, Ash,
Dr Jolliff with Dr Victor Rodriguez, daughter, Ash, and TDA Past President
at the Houston Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM) in
Dr Georgeanne McCandless at the Houston TMOM.
September 2025.
Susan Jolliff, DDS Brady
Dr Jolliff and Ash volunteer in triage at the Houston TMOM.
Dr Jolliff at the finish line after completing the 50-mile course at the Hotter’N Hell Hundred bike race in Wichita Falls.
190 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
Twenty-five years. One quarter of a century. My career as a dentist. Time has flown by since June 3, 2001, when I walked across the stage at the Meyerson Symphony Center with my classmates from Baylor College of Dentistry/Texas A&M Health Science Center. Organized dentistry and membership in the TDA/ADA has led me down a path of mentorship and leadership that has blessed me in many ways. Practicing in the small town of Brady, Texas, for my entire career allowed me to develop special relationships with my patients and my community
My passion is giving back to others, whether that is through charitable
while holding leadership positions inside and outside of dentistry.
dentistry like
I am especially proud of being a volunteer dentist, local dental chair,
a Texas Mission
and officer for Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM) and the TDA Smiles Foundation. As dentists, we are blessed with gifts that we share with our patients and our teams every day. Hebrews 13:16 says, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Giving back to patients in need at many TMOM events over my career “fills my cup” and refreshes my spirits. My advice to new dentists is to find your passion. For some dentists, their passion is dentistry itself. For others, dentistry is a means to find (or fund!) their passion. My passion is giving back to others, whether that is through charitable dentistry like a TMOM, mentoring dental students and younger career dentists, or various leadership roles in my community and organized dentistry. My family has joined me in giving back at TMOMs. My husband, Rich, works as a data entry lead at the TMOM. Our daughter, Ash, has volunteered at TMOMs since she was 8 years old and now serves as triage scribe lead. Finding ways to give back as a family enriches our lives and draws us closer together.
of Mercy (TMOM), mentoring dental students and younger career dentists, or various leadership roles in my community and organized dentistry.
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
191
10-YEAR MEMBER As a dentist in the Houston/Harris County area since graduating from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2000, I have been honored to serve underserved communities as a full-time clinician before transitioning to a leadership role. To answer the question, “What has dentistry meant to me?”, becoming a dentist was the fulfillment of a goal I set in 10th grade. My career in dentistry has been a blessed opportunity to perform work each day that brings me joy as it has allowed me to serve others through programs that improve access to direct dental care. My best memory from dental school was meeting my future husband, Dr Roger Johnson, on my first day of dental school—thankfully we were seated alphabetically, which worked well as we just celebrated our 25th anniversary in 2025. My dedication to the field of public health dentistry is rooted in my belief that access to oral health is a basic
Kila Johnson, DDS Houston
human right, and there can be no equity in oral health until it is accessible to everyone. We are providing a much greater public service by implementing programs and interventions to prevent disease than we would by only treating dental disease once it develops. My 10 years in the TDA has allowed me access to important resources, information and connections that are relevant to dentistry.
My dedication to the field of public health dentistry is rooted in my belief that access to oral health is a basic human right, and there can be no equity in oral health until it is accessible to everyone.
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10-YEAR MEMBER Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing both meaningful challenges and truly transformative milestones. Each moment has shaped not only who I am as a dentist, but who I am as a person. When I reflect on this journey, what stands out most is not a single achievement, but the relationships built along the way. Earning the trust of my patients, creating a space where they feel comfortable, heard, and genuinely cared for, and being part of a community I am so proud to serve—these experiences have been both humbling and deeply fulfilling, and they remain at the heart of my work every day. I am also incredibly grateful to the mentors and colleagues who have supported and guided me throughout this journey. Their influence has been instrumental in my growth and in shaping the values I bring to my practice.
Eunyoung Shim, DDS Frisco
As dentistry continues to evolve, I look ahead with a sense of excitement and curiosity. I remain committed to growing in the years to come, both professionally and personally. To those just beginning their journey in dentistry, I would share this: hold firmly to your integrity. At the end of the day, it is not only the treatments we provide that define us, but the trust we build, the compassion we show, and the integrity we carry into every interaction that leaves a lasting impact.
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
193
60-YEAR MEMBER
Dr Larry Gettleman and his wife, Ricky.
Lawrence Gettleman, DDS, BA, DMD, MSD Katy My career in dental medicine has
grew up on Miami Beach, bicycle
Boston. This was followed by an
followed a path as an academician. I
repair, collector car restoration
N.I.H.-supported training grant in
relished the study of basic sciences,
and preservation, general aircraft,
prosthodontics and materials science
an understanding of the mechanisms
woodworking, and jewelry making. I
at St. Louis University (MSD 1968).
of medical and dental treatment,
take great pride in ownership.
I was recruited into the US Public Service to a materials research group
clinical skill training, and research skills in a wide variety of clinical
I was an early high school finalist in
in San Francisco during the Vietnam
materials and technology. This has
the 1958 National Science Fair where
War, engaging in original laboratory
made me more competent as an
I had an original idea on polarized
tests and devising clinical trial
instructor from the start. Life for me
light, generated at the FSU Science
principles.
has followed my philosophy: LEARN,
Camp in 1957. I carried out some
EARN, and RETURN.
research at Rutgers College (BA
I returned to the Harvard faculty and
1962) and the Harvard School of
worked with N.I.H. support on early
Fundamentally, I’m a frustrated
Dental Medicine (DMD 1966), which
endosseous implants in a non-human
engineer. My path began in the
is when I joined the American Dental
primate model. I was a biomaterials
technology of model trains and
Association (now a Life Member)
department chair at LSU in New
airplanes, wood boats, and as I
and its component societies in
Orleans and generated tradition-
194 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
breaking lectures and labs for all
Professional organizations presently
levels of dental education, followed
include the International Association
by eight years at Gulf South Research
for Dental and Craniofacial Research,
Institute. I was supported by N.I.H.
Academy of Dental Materials, Society
grants developing new maxillofacial
for Biomaterials, American College of
prosthetic materials and resilient
Prosthodontists, American Academy
denture liners. A patented long-term
of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, American
denture liner was marketed in 1989
College of Dentists, Sigma Xi, Society
(Novus®), which lasts for years and
for Science (alumnus), and Alpha
decades in some cases.
Omega International Dental Society (New Orleans, Louisville and Houston
I was recruited to the faculty at the
chapters).
University of Louisville in 1990 and received several more commercial-
Currently, I am teaching 1 day/
and N.I.H.-supported grants in a
week at UTHealth Houston School
variety of areas, including a $2.9M
of Dentistry in the restorative
trial in the maxillofacial prosthetic
dentistry and prosthodontics
material at the University of Texas
department. I review a few journal
Dental Branch (with former MS
manuscripts each month, serve as
student Sudarat Kiat-amnuay), MD
a test constructor for the ADA Joint
Anderson Cancer Centre (with former
Commission on National Dental
DMD student Mark Chambers), and
Examinations, and represent the
Toronto Sunnybrook Cancer Centre.
American College of Prosthodontists
I cut back on teaching in 2014 and
on all ADA Standards Consensus
moved from Louisville to Texas in
Bodies. I am also in the Harvard
2021 to be closer to my family.
University Club of Houston (college
Throughout my personal and professional career, I have been true to my nature and never acted against others…Despite a few medical problems, I sleep well at night and am still upright and unindicted.
fair and interviewer), Cessna Owner Ricky and I have been married
Organization, Jaguar Club of Houston,
62 years, with 2 children, 5
Mercedes-Benz Club of Houston,
grandchildren, and a great-grandchild
Opera in the Heights board, Kentucky
on the way. We live in the Grand
Science Fair Endowment (co-founder),
Lakes area of Katy, Texas, not far
and Science & Engineering Fair of
from family members. The house
Houston (judge).
has a 6-car garage, with a car lift and the rubber mill used to develop the
Throughout my personal and
denture liner and facial prosthetic
professional career, I have been true
material. I can repair most things
to my nature and never acted against
with a large collection of fasteners,
others. I recently returned from my
parts, and materials which have been
60th Harvard Medical School /Harvard
collected during my lifetime.
School of Dental Medicine reunion
60-YEAR MEMBER Dan Peavy Jr, DDS San Antonio
in Boston. Despite a few medical
Graduating in 1964 from Baylor
I have published ~85 research paper,
problems, I sleep well at night and am
Department of Orthodontics, I feel
~160 research abstracts, 3 U.S.
still upright and unindicted.
I practiced in the best decades of
patents, 6 fellowship honors, started
our profession. There was limited
4 endowment funds, and mentored
advertising, patient delegation, and
34 pre- and postdoctoral students.
high membership percentage.
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
195
50-YEAR MEMBER
Dr Yarbro serves on a mission trip in Cooper Canyon, Mexico, in 2016.
Joe “Jody” H. Yarbro, DDS Whitney When the Lord led me to pursue dentistry more than 50 years ago, little did I know, or even imagine, all the opportunities that this career would allow me to experience. After graduating from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1977, I practiced for 43 years in the town of Valley Mills. Small town dentistry was a great blessing and perfect for me, and through our local church, I began to do mission dentistry, which I am still involved in today, using the skills that God gave me. My wife Nancie and I have had the opportunity to travel the world doing mission dentistry and also mentor dental students on mission trips. We are actively involved with the Christian Dental Society and CMDA in providing dentistry to underserved people around the world. I am currently the dental director for Mission Hillsboro Medical/Dental Clinic in Hillsboro, which also provides treatment for the underserved/uninsured people of the area. I give all the glory to God for my wife and our family, a wonderful career, good health, and the opportunities to continue serving Him Dr Jody and Nancie Yarbro
196 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
using dentistry.
We are actively involved with the Christian Dental Society and CMDA in providing dentistry to underserved people around the world. I am currently the dental director for Mission Hillsboro Medical/Dental Clinic in Hillsboro, which also provides treatment for the underserved/uninsured people of the area. Dr Yarbro serves on a mission trip to Guatemala.
50-YEAR MEMBERS Robert Kaminski, DDS San Antonio I have had the privilege of being a full-time faculty member for 41 years at 3 institutions. I was at the Medical College of Georgia (1980 -1995), the University of Texas Dental Branch (1995 - 200) and the University of Texas San Antonio Dental School (1995 - 2021).
John Burdine, DDS Austin I always appreciated the integrity exhibited by the TDA.
I am also a member of OKU, the American College of Dentists, and a Life member of the ADA. I enjoyed 41 years of teaching at these 3 dental schools, and hope I had a small part in playing a role in the careers of the dental students.
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
197
30-YEAR (LIFE) MEMBER
William J. Dunn, DDS San Antonio I have had so many opportunities and blessings in my
part of helping people who have nowhere to go.
profession. As an Air Force Dental Officer for 30 years, I served many military members and veterans who gave so
I also served as a delegate to the American Dental
much but sadly got little in return. Please consider giving a
Association and got to understand what the ADA and
veteran priority.
TDA do for us. Most dentists don’t fully grasp how
I taught hundreds of dental students and residents in my career, and I am so proud to see them serving in communities across the country. My most rewarding opportunities came with no salary: volunteering with San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic (SACDC) at the Haven for
important it is to have a unified voice that can speak to our government officials in Washington D.C. to lobby for improvements in insurance reimbursement, licensure by credentials, and to keep the practice of dentistry in dentists’ hands.
Hope in San Antonio. These people have nowhere to go
I have mentored many students who wanted to get into
when they are suffering. They are at the lowest point in
the profession; they are there because of their values:
their lives. SACDC doesn’t charge them. Most of the staff
helping and loving their neighbor and serving people
members at the clinic were former residents at the Haven
with compassion and respect. We are all in this together.
for Hope, also at the lowest point in their lives. They are
Remember, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these
now gainfully employed and are living meaningful, fulfilled
my brothers and sisters, you did for me.”
lives. The love I felt there was unmatched by anything I’ve ever done. Please consider giving a day out of your
Dentistry can be very rewarding and lucrative, but please,
month or year to this incredible cause. I can’t express my
don’t let greed and ego take over your life. We have a duty
gratitude enough to the staff of the SACDC to be a small
and obligation to serve our community!
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30-YEAR (LIFE) MEMBER Dentistry has been one of the most meaningful journeys of my life—both professionally and personally. I still remember my time in dental school, especially the moments when I had the opportunity to treat my own family. Working on my siblings and even my grandparent was incredibly special; it reminded me that dentistry goes far beyond procedures—it’s about trust, care, and improving the lives of the people closest to us. To me, dentistry is truly a humanitarian profession. Every patient we see is someone placing their confidence in us, often during vulnerable moments. Being able to relieve pain, restore confidence, and contribute to someone’s overall well-being is a privilege I never take for granted. For dental students and new dentists, my advice is to embrace both the clinical and business sides of this career. While clinical excellence is essential, understanding business fundamentals will empower you to build, grow, and sustain a successful practice. It allows you to not only treat patients effectively but also create an environment
Carlos Cruz, DDS, OMS Edinburg
where your team and patients can thrive. Dentistry is a lifelong journey of learning, service, and impact—and it’s one worth fully embracing.
To me, dentistry is truly a humanitarian profession. Every patient we see is someone placing their confidence in us, often during vulnerable moments.
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
199
25-YEAR (GOOD FELLOW) MEMBER
Dr To is pictured with her daughter, Helena.
Hien To, DDS Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Mansfield
Dr To and her family at the South Grand Prairie High School drill team’s end-of-year showcase.
200 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
Dr To shows her support at a South Grand Prairie High School game.
A Legacy of Compassion and Growth Reaching 25 years in dentistry represents more than longevity, it reflects decades of clinical experience, thousands of patient relationships, and the ability to adapt through constant advancements in technology and care. For Dr Hien To, this milestone is the result of a steady commitment to patientcentered dentistry that began when she graduated from the LSU School of Dentistry in 2001. From the beginning, she believed dentistry was about building trust, educating patients, and creating longterm relationships. Over the past 25 years, she has carried that philosophy forward, establishing a respected, multi-location presence across north Texas. Building a Regional
She works alongside her brother and
throughout Grand Prairie and Irving,
business partner, Dr Kenneth To,
including long-standing support of
who shares the same patient-first
the South Grand Prairie High School
philosophy and commitment to long-
drill team and other community
term care. In addition, Dr To has built
initiatives.
and mentored teams that reflect her approach, guiding associate dentists
Her presence outside the clinic
and staff to prioritize understanding
reflects the same values she brings to
and trust over speed. This alignment
her practice, consistency, accessibility,
ensures that every patient interaction
and a genuine investment in
reflects the same level of care,
the people around her. These
regardless of location.
connections strengthen the trust she builds with patients and reinforce
A Philosophy of
her role as both a clinician and a
Conservative Care
community figure.
At the core of Dr To’s work is a commitment to conservative
The Role of Organized
dentistry. She focuses on preserving
Dentistry
natural tooth structure and
As a longtime member of the Texas
helping patients make informed
Dental Association, Dr To values
decisions without pressure. Every
the role organized dentistry plays
recommendation is based on
in maintaining strong clinical and
long-term outcomes and clear
ethical standards. Her involvement
communication.
has provided a foundation for continued learning, collaboration with
Presence
This philosophy has shaped decades
As her patient base grew, Dr To
peers, and the ability to adapt to the
of patient relationships. Over the
saw an opportunity to extend her
evolving demands of modern dental
course of her career, Dr. To has
approach beyond a single office.
care.
cared for thousands of patients
What began as one practice gradually
and families, many of whom have
expanded into a three-location
remained with her for over 20 years.
network, allowing more patients
She has had the privilege of treating
across the Dallas–Fort Worth
To continues to lead with the same
multiple generations, watching
Metroplex to experience the same
principles that shaped her career
patients grow up and later return
level of thoughtful, relationship-
from the start, thoughtful care, clear
with families of their own.
communication, and a long-term
driven care. For Dr To, these relationships Today, she leads Carrier Dentistry
define success. The ability to care
in Grand Prairie, Matlock Dentistry
for a family over time, and to play
in Mansfield, and Camp Wisdom
a consistent role in their health,
Dentistry in Duncanville, forming
continues to drive her work each day.
a connected network of practices across North Texas. More
Service Beyond the Clinic
information about each location
Dr To’s commitment to care extends
can be found at carrierdentistry.
into the communities she serves. She
com, matlockdentistry.com, and
has been actively involved in local
campwisdomdentistrytx.com.
schools, events, and youth programs
Looking Ahead As she marks 25 years in dentistry, Dr
commitment to every patient she serves. With a strong foundation and a growing network of patients and teams, she remains focused on delivering consistent, trusted care to the communities of north Texas while continuing to build on a legacy defined by relationships, integrity, and service.
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
201
10-YEAR MEMBER From the Chair to the Framework: Twenty-Five Years, One Defining Question Jarred K. Donald, DDS, FAGD Cisco Dental Associates — Cisco, Texas Founder, Dental Fitness Intelligence LLC There is a question that rural general dentistry forces you to ask — not in dental school, not in the literature, but in the room. Across the chair. Looking at a patient you have known for 20 years, watching a disease trajectory that you saw coming and could not, within the architecture of conventional practice, do enough to interrupt. The question is this: “What, precisely, are we measuring — and is it the right thing?” Born and raised in Victoria, Texas, Dr Jarred K. Donald earned his undergraduate education at Texas A&M University before completing his dental degree at Texas A&M University (Baylor) College of Dentistry in Dallas. What followed was not a career defined by geography so much as by conviction — a deliberate choice to plant the full scope of modern dentistry in a community that
Jarred K. Donald, DDS, FAGD Cisco
needed it, and to keep growing within that commitment rather than away from it. Over more than 2 decades of practice, Dr Donald pursued advanced training across general dentistry, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, and geriatric dentistry — developing the breadth of clinical competency that rural independent practice demands. That breadth is not incidental to what follows. It is, in fact, the origin of it. Dr Donald is among fewer than 14% of American dentists to hold fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) — a credential requiring more than 500 continuing education hours, passage of a rigorous comprehensive examination, and sustained engagement with organized dentistry. The FAGD is not a credential that accumulates passively. It represents an ongoing argument with oneself: that the science demands more than competence. It demands pursuit.
202 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
teacher. The science has been the best guide. What remains is the work. Dr Jarred K. Donald, DDS, FAGD, is a rural general dentist with 26 years of clinical experience practicing in Cisco, Texas, where he founded and leads Cisco Dental Associates. He is the originator of the Dental Fitness® clinical framework and founder of Dental Fitness Intelligence LLC. He holds Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and is a proud member of the Texas Dental Association.
Dr Donald is pictured with his staff.
Rural Texas
years of rural Texas general practice,
A Note on Ten Years With the TDA
produced something unexpected.
Organized dentistry is, at its core,
That pursuit, sustained across 26
a long argument on behalf of the
dentistry does not suffer from a lack of capable
Why Texas. Why Now. Why Rural.
profession’s best instincts — against convenience, against the path of
clinicians. It
Rural Texas dentistry does not suffer
least resistance, against the slow
from a lack of capable clinicians. It
drift toward production metrics at
suffers from
suffers from a structural mismatch
the expense of clinical integrity.
between the complexity of the patient
Ten years of TDA membership has
population and the tools available
been a sustained reminder that this
to manage it systematically at the
argument is worth making, and worth
independent practice level. Fluoride-
making with rigor.
deficient groundwater across broad swaths of the state, high rates of
Dental Fitness® is a contribution to
uninsured and underinsured patients,
that argument. It is an attempt to give
limited specialist access, and the
Texas dentists — particularly those
sheer weight of chronic systemic
practicing in the communities that
disease that co-presents in the dental
need dentistry most — a framework
chair — these are not abstractions.
that is defensible, measurable,
They are Tuesday morning.
grounded in science that already exists, and built for the realities of the practices where it will actually be applied. The chair has been the best
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50-YEAR MEMBER benefits for at least 35 years. I also had the privilege of serving the 3rd District of the TDA in several positions, including president. I met with many area dentists at our dental meetings and respected many who had a heart for maintaining our dental society, being involved in continuing education to stay sharp, and influencing the political arena in Texas regarding dental issues and laws. Having my own practice gave me the freedom to serve in my church, in our town, including coaching my sons in soccer, baseball, and basketball. I have no regrets becoming a dentist because it gave me an opportunity to do something worthwhile with my life and to provide for my family. The variety of services we provided every day was gratifying personally because I enjoyed doing the dental procedures, and it gave me the privilege of getting to know people in Henderson. If I could give a word of advice to any new or beginning
J. Robert Wells, DDS Longview I had the privilege of practicing general/family dentistry for 40 years before retiring. I give praise to Jesus Christ for the guidance, the energy, the education, and the privilege to get my dental degree at Baylor College of Dentistry in 1977 and begin my own private practice. My wife Beth and I felt led to move to Henderson, where I did a start-up practice securing a large loan and buying all the equipment and supplies to begin serving in my community. Sure, it took time to establish my practice, but with God’s help and hard work and long hours, over time,
dentist, I would say to have a heart for people first. We are highly trained professionals who have a special niche in the medical/dental health world. I advise always to take lots of continuing education given by the brightest dentists—join a good study club (I did), be a member of the TDA/ADA, and attend the TDA state and local meetings. The dues we pay are worth it. Always be available to help someone, whether it is after-hours or on holidays. I spent more than one Christmas or Thanksgiving Day helping people in their time of need. Be careful to not overextend your budget buying dental “stuff.” Most of the dentists I knew were a little on the dental-junky side of equipment. Be frugal with your personal spending, live within your means. Be wise with your spending and save along the way, while always supporting your family and church. We
my staff and I were successful in meeting peoples’ needs.
cannot outgive God, Who is the giver of all life’s blessings—
I enjoyed the people I served and the many ways I/
(treatment-plans) and work your plan. Sometimes you
we helped people have a better dental experience and
have to improvise to meet a need. Good communication
improved dental health. Also, I was able to serve people
with your patients is very important. Give those thorough
in Mexico and Nicaragua while on mission trips with my
post-op instructions in writing to your patients and after
church, treating inmates from our county jail, as well as
any extensive procedure, call them in the evening to show
providing dental services for the children with Medicaid
you care. In serving people well, you will be blessed.
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faith, family, country, and patients. Plan your work
50-YEAR MEMBER organizations, and am thankful for the guidance they have provided me over my career. Seems like just yesterday I ran into Mit at the TDA meeting! Digital dentistry really piqued my interest, and I became a Cerec Doc in 2008, and a Cerec Mentor in 2012, and have been active in those programs ever since. Frank Spear has been a great influence in my career, and I’ve been actively involved with the Spear group for the past 20 years. This is my 50th year in private practice, and I am still enjoying it. Friends have become patients, and patients have become friends. “Every day’s a good day!” Working has allowed me time to enjoy my 34-year-old twins and my 3 (soon to be 4) grandsons, and various hobbies, like fishing with my brother Dr John Krell. I have been privileged to mentor Scouts in Troop 642 alongside other
William L. Krell Jr, DDS Houston I started in private practice in 1976 after graduating from UTDB Houston, with a prior BS degree in Zoology from Texas A&M in 1972. Upon graduation, I joined the Greater
dentists, Drs Don Leever, Jim West, and Art Grove. For the new dentists, I encourage you to get involved as quickly as possible. The benefits and friendships you make will last a lifetime. I only hope that I have been able to spread enthusiasm for the profession to others like it was given to me. I encourage everyone to attend as much continuing education as possible. Aside from the academic benefits, it will allow you to meet many other people in the profession—most of whom are very interesting, to say the least!
Houston District Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and have been an active member ever since. At my first TDA meeting, I was greeted by Dr Mit Sorrells wearing his funky black hat, and thought to myself, “Who is this?” His smile and exuberant personality won me over, and I immediately felt a member of a much larger dental family. I became infected with his enthusiasm for dentistry and knew then I had joined the right organization. This enthusiasm continued as I pursued the AGD Fellowship award in 1984, Mastership award in 2010, TDA Life Member in 2016, and recently the Half Century Society at UT Houston Dental School. I am grateful for all of these
Dr Krell is pictured with his family, Lauren, William, and Beverly.
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30-YEAR (LIFE) MEMBER Next year I will have been a dentist for 50 years—the first 19 years as a general dentist and the rest as an endo resident and endodontist. As I general dentist, I served in the Air Force and later taught at the dental school in San Antonio. Since completing my endo residency, I’ve been in full time private practice. Dentistry turned out to be a perfect fit for me and has provided me with a wonderful life. Over the course of my career, I’ve had some amazing mentors and in turn, have served as a mentor to a number of young dentists and endodontists. Dentistry provided me with the opportunity to lecture throughout the United States and in 20 other countries. Among the most enjoyable aspects of being an endodontist are the close relationships I have formed with many of my referring doctors as well as other specialists with whom I have collaborated in providing patient care. Looking back, it is hard to imagine a better career. As far as advice for young dentists, I would emphasize 2 things: First, start investing right away. Don’t delay
Rick Schwartz, DDS San Antonio First, start investing right away. Time is the most important factor in
because you are paying off student loans or for any other reason. Time is the most important factor in successful investing. Start small but as your income goes up, increase your investments as well. Begin with a retirement plan and fund it consistently every year. If you do this consistently, you will achieve financial freedom later in your career and be able to spend money without stress.
successful investing. Secondly, make physical fitness a priority. Dentistry is hard on your body, and if you want to have a long career…you need to stay physically fit.
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Secondly, make physical fitness a priority. Dentistry is hard on your body, and if you want to have a long career—though not necessarily as long as mine—you need to stay physically fit.
30-YEAR (LIFE) MEMBERS George S. Sayre Jr, DDS Bellaire I joined the ADA as a freshman in dental school 56 years ago. I wish to first thank all those who have worked through the ADA to
Michael Hudgins, DDS Plainview Dentistry has been an awesome journey.
protect and strengthen the rights of the dental profession and dentists individually. I also wish to take this opportunity to THANK all the dentists in my professional life who have taught me, inspired me, encouraged me and assisted me in my career as a dentist. The list begins with Drs Fred Simmons, Ian Pearce, James T. Miller, Thomas Wild, Art Jeske, Richard Madden, Mik Morrow, Gene Derricotte, Richard Leonardi, Bill Borne, Ed Plotsky, Jack Levine, Clark Madden, Al Gordon, Stephen Larsen, Al Jacobs, Mark Hablinski, Phillip Katchee,
Jim Bates, DDS Dallas
Maris Reynolds, Janet Harrison, Rena D’Sousa, Michael Hodapp, Kathy Herrin, Thomas Weil, Catherine Kerr, Terry Ott, David Cervantes, Richard Waghalter, David Buck, James R. Hayward, Jane Slocum Hayward, James S. Hayward, Frank Sayre, Roy G. Hayward, Donald Bergland, Neda Dodig, Ken Abramovitch, Joel O’hara Martin, Terry Ott, and Maris Reynolds.
I also wish to take this opportunity to THANK all the dentists in my professional life who have taught me, inspired me, encouraged me and assisted me in my career as a dentist.
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25-YEAR (GOOD FELLOW) MEMBER Drill, fill, bill … and thrill! I never thought I would be a dentist! Lots of sports in high school pointed me in the direction of wanting to own my own sporting good store! In the summer I could sell bikes, camping gear, and jet skis; in the winter I could sell skis, skates, and snow mobiles. I enjoyed all of these adventures growing up in New Jersey and New York from where you can easily enjoy the mountains and the lakes throughout the East Coast. But then when I visited a dentist in Canada, I realized I could set my own hours and continue to enjoy outdoor sports. His office sat on the bank of a lake; the operatories looked out at his sailboat! When I finished dental school I soon after took up being a boater myself on the Chesapeake Bay. The boats were The Tooth Ferry and Doc’ 2 Doc’! I went to Georgetown University Dental School in Washington, DC. I did all I could to pay for the dental education by working as a bartender, tour bus driver, and Richard V. Lyschik, DDS, FAGD, CFE, Retired USAF
Richard V. Lyschik, DDS, FAGD, CFE Dallas
racquetball instructor. Some of us classmates even donated blood for extra beer money! I got a real estate license to show and sell homes on weekends! When the dental school was closed for 6 weeks over the summer, I worked in the hospital assisting the oral surgery residents. After graduation I was offered a part time position as an instructor in the Prosthodontic Department. The solo practice of dentistry part of my life was just as much of a challenging sport for me! In the first 14 years, I built 3 practices. I enjoyed every challenge presented in private practice. I mastered as many specialties as I could and earned my Fellowship Degree from the Academy of General Dentistry quickly. Just like going to school and working after school to pay for that school, I quickly learned to balance the business and clinical sides of the profession and implemented some new dental business models of marketing and revenues for my practices. I soon added a partner, then associates, and we created a 24-hour niche service to provide dental care to the Washington DC,
Dr Lyschik is involved in the Porsche Club of America, and he is pictured here at the Barber Motorsport Park in Alabama.
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Maryland, and Virginia communities.
to waste in the Air Force. I was assigned a modernization budget by the clinic commander. With help from my enlisted dental assistant, Fairchild Air Force Base Dental Clinic was soon recognized and awarded as the best run military dental facility in all of the continental United States. Faith, my perpetually overachieving dedicated Air Force dental assistant, stayed for 20 years, became a highly decorated Chief Master Seargent, and ultimately oversaw all Air National Guard dental clinic operations from her office in the Pentagon! Her daughter even became an Air Force C-130 jet pilot! Mission accomplished! My wife and I finally relocated to Dallas in 2021 to be closer to Becky’s family in New Orleans. Becky does anesthesia at our local Presbyterian Hospital. I joined the Dallas County Dental Society and annually participate in the Society’s Southwest Dental Conference as an exhibitor. Because an Air Force injury forced me to evolve yet again to work on the other side of the bracket table, I now offer my dental experiences and business expertise as a transition advisor for the dental profession. I give presentations at dental schools, for the Academy of General Dentistry, study clubs, and at conventions around the country. During the Pandemic, I wrote a book for dentists that I share with my transition clients. And now, as part of my constant evolution as a dentist seeking knowledge so as to “give back”, I have become credentialed to be an advocate in court room settings as a dental expert when a fellow colleague needs to have a spokesperson “in his corner.” Dr Lyschik and his wife, Becky.
Our doctors and staff spoke a combined 6 languages, served 6 embassies in Washington, DC, and further expanded our Mobile Dental Care service to include nursing home visits. Four hundred to 600 dental emergencies a year came as referrals from the area hospitals, local university health centers, pharmacists, and
Young dentists, take note! Every dentist will agree that my “winding road” trip through dentistry has not been a traditional one. Yet every new opportunity has encouraged me to be perpetually curious, challenged, motivated, and innovative as a skilled healthcare professional…with or without a handpiece in hand.
hotel concierges. We were on TV and radio! Many famous
For decades, I have woken up every day providing the
politicians and celebrities became patients of our practices
best of care to patients, being a great leader to my staff,
such as Sugar Ray Leonard, the boxer, and Lynda Carter,
a role model to other professionals young and old, and
Wonder Woman!
inspiration to the newest members of our fine profession who look for guidance after the whirlwinds of higher
At age 40 I retired from my private practices and joined
education have swept them into the dental world!
the Air Force Dental Corp where I met my wife, Becky. Working for Uncle Sam gave me back my freedom to enjoy
I’ll say it again! I never thought I would be a dentist!
my new family. Yet the entrepreneurial spirit remained; my
Remarkably, this career choice has allowed me to be much
previous private practice business experiences did not go
more than just a dentist!
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10-YEAR MEMBER
Dr Theriot and her mom on the last day of dental school in 2016.
Adrien Theriot, DDS, MSD Houston
Dr Theriot is pictured with her husband and 2 daughters.
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Dr Adrien Theriot, ADA 15th district delegation member
A Decade in Dentistry: Just the Beginning When I reflect on what dentistry has meant to me over the past 10 years, the first word that comes to mind is purpose. What began as a lifelong dream has grown into a profession that continues to challenge and inspire me in ways I could not have imagined. Early childhood experiences, mission trips to Guatemala, and a heart for serving others first sparked my desire to become a dentist and ultimately led me to pediatric dentistry. Today, that purpose has only deepened. I find so much joy in showing up each day to make children smile whether it’s through singing toothbrushing or Disney songs, repairing a chipped front tooth, or celebrating milestones like a college acceptance. Becoming a mom to 2 daughters during these early years of my career has added an even greater layer of meaning, shaping how I care for my patients with empathy and perspective, while also showing my girls what it looks like to work hard, serve others, and lead with purpose. That same sense of purpose extends beyond the operatory. Through organized dentistry and ongoing involvement at the local, state, and national levels, I have found meaningful ways to give back to my profession and connect with mentors and colleagues who inspire me to keep growing. I am also grateful for opportunities to serve outside of dentistry, including volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which continues to remind me of the power of compassion and bringing joy to children and families during difficult times. These experiences have reinforced my belief that being a dentist is not just about clinical care, it is about leadership, service, and making a lasting impact. This past year marked a major milestone with the purchase of my own practice. Practice ownership has been both exciting and humbling, challenging me to grow not only as a clinician, but also as a leader and business owner. It has reinforced the importance of community. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and professional networks, which continue to provide guidance, encouragement, and shared learning. For new dentists entering the profession, my advice is simple: stay curious, stay connected, and stay involved. Seek out mentors who challenge and inspire you. Never stop learning, both clinically and beyond. Most importantly, remember
I am also grateful for opportunities to serve outside of dentistry, including volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which continues to remind me of the power of compassion and bringing joy to children and families during difficult times. These experiences have reinforced my belief that being a dentist is not just about clinical care, it is about leadership, service, and making a lasting impact.
your “why.” Dentistry is a demanding career, but when grounded in purpose, it is incredibly rewarding. As I look ahead, I am excited to continue growing my practice, refining my skills, and finding meaningful ways to give back to children and families I serve. I am so grateful for the mentors, colleagues, patients, and experiences that have shaped me over the past decade. Dentistry has given me a true sense of purpose, and I look forward to the years ahead with the same passion, curiosity, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
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30-YEAR (LIFE) MEMBERS
Please share with us what being a member has meant to you or about your dental journey: Provide compassionate care to patients and help them to learn oral health.
Ruben Garcia-Garcia, DDS Katy
Janelle Bicknell, DDS Grand Prairie I have been in dentistry nearly all
be free of pain or re-establishing self-
privilege to work with. A professor
my life: from assistant to hygienist
esteem has been truly rewarding. My
at BCOD told me many years ago to
to dentist. Throughout my career,
volunteer work with children holds
treat every patient like they were your
I have formed lifetime friendships
a special place in my heart. I am
mother, that is what I would pass
with patients and colleagues. The
grateful to the teachers, mentors and
along to new dentists. As we all know,
ability to help a patient, whether it
fellow dentists that I have had the
some “moms” are easier than others.
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30-YEAR (LIFE) MEMBER Kelly Pfeifer Rynchek, DDS
Remember to love
Palacios
what you do. Find a mentor. Be a
I began practicing in 1997, and when I realize it’s been 29 years, I can hardly believe it. The time has flown by, yet I love what I do even more today than when I started. As a solo practitioner in a small coastal Texas town, I’ve had the unique opportunity to bring state-of-the-art oral healthcare to an underserved area. This community has become my home; it is where I’ve raised my family and built a robust practice. Being here has taught me what it truly means to make a difference. Because of our small-town pace, I never had to choose between my career and my children’s milestones—I could be present for both. I believe in service above self. I believe that what we do as dentists matters, and that there is deep satisfaction in providing excellent care for the sake of a job well done, regardless of the financial reward. I also believe in the power of organized dentistry. It ensures our profession is recognized as an essential part of the healthcare team, safeguards and protects the integrity of our profession, keeps us educated on ever-changing laws, and provides the sage business advice and continuing education we need to thrive. My advice to new dentists is simple: Remember to love what you do. Find a mentor. Be a mentor. One of my greatest honors and delights has been to mentor and connect with colleagues. Volunteer outside of your clinic and give back to the community that supports your family and your practice. Volunteering isn’t just good for the profession—it’s good for the soul.
mentor. One of my greatest honors and delights has been to mentor and connect with colleagues. Volunteer outside of your clinic and give back to the community that supports your family and your practice. Volunteering isn’t just good for the profession— it’s good for the soul.
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25-YEAR (GOOD FELLOW) MEMBER
L-R: Dr Patel is pictured with his youngest son, Liam. He is holding their youngest dog, Zoe, and to his right are his middle son, Evan, and his oldest son, Ethan, at an event supporting Baylor men’s tennis in Waco in 2025.
Jayesh S. Patel, DDS, FICOI, FAAIP, FICD Waco To those entering dentistry, I would emphasize 3 principles:
Dentistry has been a defining privilege in my professional life—centered on restoring function, dignity, and quality of life for patients facing complex oral health challenges.
master fundamentals until
Few disciplines offer such an immediate and measurable
they are instinctive, maintain
confidently in daily life. That responsibility continues to
humility regardless of
impact on a person’s ability to eat, speak, and engage shape how I approach every case.
experience level, and never
My clinical focus on comprehensive surgical care and
lose focus on the patient’s
of precision-driven planning and execution. Full-mouth
lived experience beyond the clinical chart.
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prosthetic rehabilitation has reinforced the importance reconstruction, in particular, represents a convergence of surgical accuracy, restorative foresight, and patientcentered design. The most meaningful moments occur when patients transition from long-standing functional
limitations to restored comfort and confidence— often expressed in a simple, unguarded smile when they see their outcome for the first time. My training and early clinical development demanded discipline under pressure and consistency in decisionmaking. Those formative experiences strengthened my commitment to structured workflows, continuous refinement of technique, and evidence-based care delivery. They also reinforced a core principle: predictable outcomes are built on preparation, not Dr Patel is pictured with his middle son, Evan (left), and his oldest son, Ethan (right), during a dental surgery mission trip to Lebanon in 2022.
improvisation. To those entering dentistry, I would emphasize 3 principles: master fundamentals until they are instinctive, maintain humility regardless of experience level, and never lose focus on the patient’s lived experience beyond the clinical chart. Technical excellence is expected; what distinguishes a clinician is the ability to consistently align precision, judgment, and compassion in service of patient transformation.
Pictured at a Baylor University charity event is Dr Patel’s family -- youngest son, Liam, his wife, Sandi, middle son, Evan, , oldest son, Ethan, and Dr Patel.
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10-YEAR MEMBER Practicing dentistry—and specifically orthodontics—was a dream of mine beginning in early high school. Growing up, I had malaligned teeth that caused me great embarrassment. I would tight‑lip smile or cover my mouth when I laughed. Once I started orthodontic treatment with Dr John Gerling, my life changed. I experienced firsthand what a difference a beautiful smile can make in one’s self‑image, confidence, and happiness. I shadowed Dr Gerling, and I knew I wanted that to be my future profession. I wanted to give patients beautiful smiles with functional bites that would bring them all the benefits I received and more. I made myself a timeline: graduate high school by age 18, college by 21, dental school by 25, and become an orthodontist by age 28. I printed it out and taped it next to my light switch so I would see it every day. Through hard work, great mentors, and some luck, I accomplished my goal of becoming an orthodontist at age 28 in December 2016.
Joseph K. Ryan, DDS, MSD McAllen
Dr Ryan is pictured with his son at the ribbon-cutting event for the reopening ceremony for the Lark Branch Library in McAllen in 2022. He served as the McAllen Public Library Advisory Board president.
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I have been a TDA member ever since. My father was a primary care physician for 40 years, and he witnessed the changes in medicine over the decades. He strongly urged me to stay involved in organized dentistry to ensure that our profession remains strong and learns from the challenges faced in the medical field. We are stronger united. A very special memory in practice occurred a few weeks ago. A former orthodontic patient of mine from 5 years ago shadowed me as she prepares to take her DAT later this year and pursue orthodontics. She told me that I was her inspiration. I felt so fortunate and blessed to be able to pay it forward to the next generation. To the new dentists: keep learning, stay humble, and hold your head up. You won’t know everything initially. You won’t be perfect—and no one ever will be. Strive to get better every day. If something doesn’t go well, learn from it, grow, and move on. Also, make sure to find your work‑life balance. Spend time with your families and on habits that you enjoy. Be the best version of yourself so you can share that with your patients. Lastly, I encourage everyone reading this to give back to your community. Find something you are passionate about and donate your time, money, or both to at least one local organization you find worthwhile. I have been president of the McAllen Public Library Advisory Board for the last 7 years. In that time, our library has won multiple international awards. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve in this role, knowing that I am doing my part to help promote literacy here in south Texas. Remember, the gift is for the giver. Give back. Keep smiling.
Dr Ryan is pictured with Dr John Gerling, his orthodontist, later his boss, and then his business partner before buying his practice.
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25-YEAR (GOOD FELLOW) MEMBER What Being a TDA Dentist Member for Over 25 Years Has Meant to Me Being a member of the Texas Dental Association for over 25 years has been one of the most defining aspects of my professional journey. What began as a practical decision early in my career evolved into a cornerstone of my growth, identity, and connection within the dental profession. Throughout the years, TDA has provided far more than continuing education and professional resources—it has offered a sense of community. Dentistry can often feel isolating, especially in private practice, but TDA created a network of colleagues who understand the challenges, celebrate the successes, and support one another through both. The relationships I have built through organized dentistry have been invaluable.
Lavoyger E. Gies, DDS San Antonio Dentistry can often feel isolating, especially in private practice, but TDA created a network of colleagues who understand
TDA has also played a critical role in keeping me at the forefront of clinical excellence. Advances in technology, materials, and treatment philosophies are constant in our field, and staying current is not optional—it is essential. Through meetings, courses, and shared knowledge, TDA has helped ensure that I continue to provide the highest level of care to my patients. Equally important has been the advocacy component. Knowing that there is an organization actively working to protect the profession, represent dentists’ interests, and navigate legislative challenges has given me confidence and stability throughout my career. It’s easy to underestimate this until you see firsthand how much is happening behind the scenes. On a personal level, being part of TDA has reinforced a sense of
the challenges, celebrate
pride in the profession. It has reminded me that dentistry is not
the successes, and support
integrity, lifelong learning, and commitment to service.
one another through both. The relationships I have built through organized dentistry have been invaluable.
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just a business or a clinical practice—it is a calling that requires
Looking back, my journey in dentistry would not be the same without TDA. It has been a steady presence through every stage of my career—early growth, mid-career refinement, and ongoing evolution. I’m grateful not only for what I’ve gained, but for the opportunity to be part of something larger than myself.
25-YEAR (GOOD FELLOW) MEMBER
Dora Nemeth, DDS Austin
Dr Nemeth is pictured with her partners and staff at Barton Oaks Dental Group in Austin.
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10-YEAR MEMBER The most important part of dentistry for me has been the people. I can still remember the first day of dental school. You walk into a room with 100 new faces, and you don’t know a single soul. I decided to sit in the aisle next to one person and now that friend, and a group of many more, just celebrated our 10-year dental reunion. These friendships are everything to me. I cherish the bond I have been able to form with so many individuals. Whether it is faculty or mentors, to fellow dental students and co-residents, and now my staff and patients, every person has made some impact on my life. L-R: May Zoubi (hygiene), Holly Stallins (patient coordinator), Dr Laura Rabe (periodontist), Cinthya Ornelas (surgical assistant), and Daniela Poleo (surgical assistant).
Another favorite part is looking back on those 10 years and seeing how far we have all come. The profession of dentistry has
Laura Rabe, DDS
opened countless doors, professionally and
Dallas
a business woman. After 10 years, it would
personally. I have learned how to become an advocate for my patients, a team leader, and be easy to settle in and get comfortable. But there is so much more to learn and time to grow. I’m grateful for the opportunities that organized dentistry have presented me and I look forward to seeing where the next 10 years take me!
L-R: Celebrating their 10-year graduation from UT Health Houston School of Dentistry, the Class of 2016: Dr Macey Cartrite, Dr Theresa Lassetter, Dr Andrea Sauerwein, Dr Kristi Parker, Dr Marisa Zitterich, Dr Alana Reifer, and Dr Laura Rabe.
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Dr Rabe and husband, Kevin, and daughters, Harper (3) and Reese (5), at Rosemary Beach, Florida.
10-YEAR MEMBERS Dentistry has been much more than a career to me — it has been a journey of service, growth, and human connection. As an endodontist, some of the most rewarding moments are helping patients come in with pain and leave feeling relieved and cared for. Over the years, dentistry has taught me that compassion matters just as much as clinical skill. Patients may not remember every detail of a procedure, but they always remember how you made them feel. My advice to new dentists is to never stop learning and never lose your empathy. Treat every patient like family, stay humble, and focus on serving others well. Dentistry is a demanding profession, but it is also an incredible privilege that allows us to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.
Mina Rizk, DDS, BDS. MSD Richmond
Kendall Baginski, DDS Dallas Becoming a dentist was my lifelong
the trust that patients place in us
within our profession, much of which
dream, and I can hardly believe I
during vulnerable moments, and I am
is made possible through organized
have now been living that dream for
continually reminded of the profound
dentistry. Many of my colleagues have
the past 10 years. While dentistry
impact compassionate care can have
become some of my closest friends,
was always my goal, the profession
on their lives.
and for that I am truly thankful.
opportunities I never could have
As a practicing endodontist, I have
Reaching this milestone has filled me
imagined for myself.
the privilege of connecting with a
with gratitude for the past decade
has opened doors and created
wide variety of dental professionals
and excitement for all that lies ahead.
Caring for patients is both an honor
every day. I am deeply grateful for
I look forward to seeing what the
and a privilege. I often reflect on
the sense of community that exists
coming years in dentistry will bring.
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25-YEAR (GOOD FELLOW) MEMBER
Dr Walker attends a CEREC course in Ballantyne, North Carolina.
Dr Walker is pictured with a Hybridge restoration patient at her Pipe Creek, Texas, practice.
Carolyn Walker, DDS San Antonio Dentistry has meant far more to me than simply a profession—it has been a calling and a lifelong opportunity to serve others. Through dentistry I have been able to relieve pain, restore confidence, and help people regain the ability to smile and live comfortably. The relationships built with patients over the years have been one of the greatest blessings of my career. One memory that has always stayed with me was helping a patient who had struggled for years with severe dental issues that made it difficult for him to eat and smile. After completing his treatment, the gratitude and emotion he expressed reminded me exactly why I chose this profession. Moments like that reaffirm that dentistry is not just about teeth—it is about changing lives. My advice to new dentists is to always remember the person behind the patient. Continue learning, stay humble, and treat every patient with compassion and respect. Skills and technology will continue to evolve, but Dr Walker and her associate Dr Caitlin Williamson are pictured at a Christian women’s retreat.
kindness, integrity, and a genuine desire to help others will always be the foundation of great dentistry.
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25-YEAR (GOOD FELLOW) MEMBER Shalaka Nesarikar, DDS Dallas
As the pandemic reached the United States, practicing dentistry became challenging at first, and later impossible. That time away from the office allowed me to focus on my COVID-19 and generative AI work. But there was a problem: during this time of great uncertainty, it was difficult for my
My journey in dentistry has been complex but fulfilling. I
AI experts to authoritatively differentiate facts about the
have spent over 2 decades as both a skilled clinician and
pandemic from anecdotes and rumors. They insisted on
the sole owner of multiple successful businesses, building
concrete and detailed information about the challenges
a reputation as a steadfast pillar of my community in north
faced on the front lines of the pandemic, which could then
Texas. While many know me through the doors of my
be used to inform, design, and apply their innovations to
dental practice, dentistry has also helped me bridge the
real-world scenarios.
gap between traditional patient care and the frontiers of generative artificial intelligence. A graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry, I have dedicated more than 20 years to serving my community through my businesses. My approach has always centered on a patientfirst philosophy that blends modern dental technology with empathetic patient engagement. This foundation has provided me with a unique perspective on the human stakes behind medical data. In late 2019, having learned of recent advancements in artificial intelligence, I approached my team to seek out ways to improve, adapt, and operationalize such cutting edge technologies. I was particularly interested in improving the technology’s reliability in evolving and uncertain settings so that they could be leveraged in healthcare scenarios for the benefit of patients and healthcare providers. Drawing on the diverse expertise of employees recruited from across my businesses, I fostered a multidisciplinary environment where clinical insight met technical solutions. Early reports of COVID-19 created a deep sense of urgency. I guided our efforts on applying our existing AI work to mitigating the effects of COVID-19. My team’s efforts resulted, among other innovations, in the development of technology to support AI-powered remote patient monitoring designed to alleviate the burden on critical care infrastructure during times of emergency. I decided that information with immediate pandemic-era impact be
I tapped into my healthcare contacts. I organized a team of generative AI experts and doctors on the front lines of the pandemic to publish a freely available publication outlining the application of AI technologies to the COVID-19 pandemic.1 Benefits included reduced strain on critical care infrastructure and emergency services, mitigating progression and spread of COVID-19, and planning and resource management. As a dentist, I was neither at the forefront of COVID-19, nor did I have hands-on AI background. I relied on my over 20 years of experience in dentistry and running small businesses to resolve an impasse and organize a team that was at the forefront of both fields. As the AI revolution continues to reshape the dental landscape, I encourage my dental colleagues to embrace the technology and view AI not as a replacement for human judgment, but as a powerful augmentative tool. Remain engaged in the implementation process, demanding that we are the ones defining the standards for safety, ethics, and efficacy rather than being passive consumers of black box solutions. By actively participating in this technological shift, I believe clinicians can ensure that innovation serves to enhance, rather than diminish, the human element of care that our patients credit us with. Reference 1.
“COVID-19 Remote Patient Monitoring: Social Impact
public to contribute to the global understanding of these
of AI,” Ashlesha Nesarikar et al, published May 2020,
technologies and their benefits.
https://tinyurl.com/Nesarikar.
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223
10-YEAR MEMBER During my childhood, my supportive parents would say to me every night before bed, “You can do whatever you want to do and be whoever you want to be.” I took that to heart when I followed in my great grandfather’s footsteps by applying to dental school after graduating from the University of Arizona in 2011. My great grandpa, Dr Malin Mohn, practiced dentistry from 1920 to 1988 in South Dakota and was involved in the American Dental Association throughout his career by attending the annual sessions. Dentistry piqued my interest at a young age after observing how dentists work with their hands, use artistry to create smiles, and relieve the pain of patients. Years of playing piano, studying science, creating art, and teaching at a school for blind children seemed to prepare me well for my journey in dentistry where medicine, art, and compassion collide. When I was admitted to the Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Arizona, my pursuit of becoming a general dentist began. The ADA supported me during my education, and
Colleen Mohn, DDS Midland
I already felt included in the community prior to graduating in 2016. My career began after moving to an underserved area in West Texas, where I was an associate for an MB2 Dental-affiliated office. The clinical and business mentorship I received from the doctors there prepared me to acquire my practice, Health Centered Dentistry, from a retiring dentist in 2019 with the help of my MB2 partners. The day before closing on my dream practice, I also became engaged to my now husband, Chris, who had moved to Texas from Alberta a few years prior to me, to grow his
Organized dentistry through the TDA has continued to support my growth as a clinician and
profession in the oil industry. Our family now includes 2 golden retrievers and our beautiful daughter, Summer. As my family has grown, so has Health Centered Dentistry in which our mission is providing comfortable, compassionate oral care to our patients while improving overall health through a holistic approach.
I appreciate the advocacy,
Organized dentistry through the TDA has continued to support
continuing education,
education, leadership opportunities, and camaraderie that it
leadership opportunities, and camaraderie that it provides.
224 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
my growth as a clinician and I appreciate the advocacy, continuing provides. I encourage new dentists to become involved in the ADA starting in dental school to prepare them for a fulfilling dental career surrounded by like-minded individuals who can help them achieve their goals.
10-YEAR MEMBERS Zachary Carnow, DDS Frisco Receiving my 10-year membership
Over the past decade, I have
me every day why balance, integrity,
award with the Texas Dental
experienced many of the same
and compassion matter.
Association has given me an
challenges and triumphs that all
opportunity to reflect on how far this
dentists face: long days, continuing
To new dentists beginning their
journey has taken me.
education, adapting to new
careers, I would offer this advice:
technologies, and striving to provide
never stop learning, always put
Dentistry has been much more
the highest level of care possible.
patients first, and remember that
than a profession. It has become
Organized dentistry and the Texas
perfection is less important than
a calling, for better or worse. From
Dental Association have provided
genuine care and humility. Dentistry
dental school to specialty training
resources, advocacy, and a sense of
is a lifelong journey, and the
and ultimately building a practice, I
community that have helped me grow
privilege of serving others is
have been fortunate to spend each
both professionally and personally.
something that should never be
day helping patients regain their
taken for granted.
health, confidence, and quality of
One of the greatest lessons I have
life. As a periodontist, I am reminded
learned is that success in dentistry
I am grateful for the friendships,
daily that we are not simply treating
is not measured only by procedures
mentorship, and support I have
teeth; we are caring for people and
performed or practices built, but by
received throughout these past ten
earning their trust during vulnerable
the relationships we develop with
years and look forward to many more
moments in their lives.
our patients, staff, colleagues, and
years of serving my patients and
families. My wife and 2 sons remind
contributing to our profession.
Diana C. Reyes, DDS Sealy
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
225
226 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
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Guest Editor Rade D. Paravina, DDS, MS, PhD
To Extract or Not to Extract: Similar Malocclusions, Different Treatment Paths in Twin Brothers Part 3. Discussion and Comparison | Part 1. The Extraction Approach | Part 2. The Nonextraction Approach Katie Julien, DDS, MS; Chair and Director, Department of Orthodontics, UTHealth Houston, School of Dentistry Jorge D. Aguirre, DDS, MSc; Associate Professor and Clinic Director, Department of Orthodontics, UTHealth Houston, School of Dentistry Ryan McGovern, DDS, MSD, Department of Orthodontics UTHealth Houston, School of Dentistry Holly McIver, DDS, MSD; Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, UT Health Houston, School of Dentistry Bethany Wyss, DDS, MSD; Resident Class of 2025, Department of Orthodontics, UTHealth Houston, School of Dentistry
ABSTRACT Objective Part 3 of this series compares the diagnostic rationale, treatment strategies, and clinical outcomes of two twin brothers whose cases were previously presented—treated through fundamentally different orthodontic approaches: premolar extractions in Twin 1 and maxillary expansion without extractions in Twin 2. See Parts 1 and 2 for full case details.
Clinical Considerations Twin patients present a rare opportunity in clinical orthodontics: two individuals who share genetics, growth environment, age, and
express their malocclusion differently
This contrast underscores that
enough to require opposite treatment
crowding and incisor inclination,
strategies. Both brothers presented
viewed in isolation, are signs—not
at age 15 with bilateral Class II molar
diagnoses. Both twins presented with
and canine relationships, retroclined
retroclined maxillary incisors relative
maxillary incisors, deep overbites, and
to the 103° norm, yet this finding led
a chief complaint of crooked teeth. On
to opposite clinical decisions. In Twin
the surface, the cases looked nearly
2, retroclination was a true inclination
identical. The diagnostic records told a
deficit amenable to proclination
different story.
through nonextraction mechanics. In Twin 1, retroclination was a dental
Twin 1 had a true skeletal Class II
compensation for the underlying
relationship (Wits +4.8 mm); Twin 2
skeletal Class II—the skeletal context
had a Class I skeletal base (Wits +1.6
transforms the meaning of the same
mm). Both showed profile convexity,
cephalometric finding.
more pronounced in Twin 1. Twin 1 also presented with 13 mm of mandibular arch length deficiency versus 6 mm in his brother. Both had positive growth potential and were internally motivated.
dentofacial development, yet may
228 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
Conclusions Due to the amount of arch length discrepancy and skeletal Class II base, Twin 1 was treated with extractions; his maxillary incisors were intentionally left slightly more upright than his
brother’s—a necessary compensation
the skeletal Class II in Twin 1 through
decisions and treatment
for the underlying jaw relationship.
growth and dental compensation
expectations should be grounded
Twin 2, with a Class I skeletal base,
resulted in a stable, functional, and
in a complete diagnosis—skeletal
underwent proclination as a treatment
esthetically acceptable result.
pattern, incisor inclination in its skeletal context, soft-tissue profile,
goal, yielding a more favorable final incisor position and soft-tissue profile.
Clinical Significance
and arch length analysis—rather
While Twin 2 arguably presents a
For the general dentist and orthodontic
than any single clinical finding.
more ideal final profile, both brothers
specialist, this series reinforces a
Evidence-based individualization
achieved individually excellent occlusal
critical concept: orthodontic treatment
is the foundation of predictable
and esthetic outcomes. Camouflage of
planning is not algorithmic. Referral
orthodontic outcomes.
Twin 1 (Extraction) Before
After
Twin 2 (Nonextraction) Before
After
Figure 1. Pretreatment and posttreatment facial profile, smiling frontal, and frontal intraoral photographs of Twin 1 (extraction, top row) and Twin 2 (nonextraction, bottom row). Both patients achieved significant esthetic and occlusal improvements. Note the relative difference in final incisor prominence and soft-tissue profile convexity—a reflection of the different treatment strategies dictated by each patient’s underlying skeletal pattern rather than by the severity of their initial crowding.
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
229
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230 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
Best Card, TDA Perks Program’s endorsed payment processor, regularly conducts cost analyses to help dental offices save money. Here’s what every practice should know about taking control of this often-overlooked expense.
Real Fees vs. Made-Up Fees Every time you accept a payment in the U.S., you pay a fee to process that transaction. Some of those fees are legitimate hard costs that every processor pays to the card brands. Others are flexible—or entirely invented. Knowing the difference is the first step to protecting your bottom line.
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Total Processing Fees ÷ Total Card Sales = Effective Rate
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
231
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232 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
Jaime Balandran
Charles Leonard Dolce
Fort Worth 2/25/55–6/18/26 Good Fellow: 2008 Life: 2020
Spicewood 9/28/37–5/15/26 Good Fellow: 1990 Life: 2002 Fifty Year: 2015
Raymond H Britton Sweeny 8/10/25–5/16/26 Good Fellow: 1979 Life: 1990 Fifty Year: 2005
John S Cardwell Rosenberg 4/30/56–5/18/26 Good Fellow: 2010
George Pyle Quirk Houston 4/25/30–6/21/26 Good Fellow: 1983 Life: 1994
IT’S NOT CLOSING A DOOR, IT’S OPENING A NEW CHAPTER. Your dental practice is more than a business — it’s your life’s work. Henry Schein Dental Practice Transitions delivers unmatched expertise, guidance, and resources to protect your practice and future.
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233
classifieds Opportunities Online at TDA.org and Printed in the
Texas Dental Journal CLASSIFIEDS INFORMATION
PRACTICE OPPORTUNITIES ALL TEXAS LISTINGS FOR MCLERRAN & ASSOCIATES. AUSTIN (ID #745): Established, 2-location GD practice in the Austin area. The practice serves a large,
DEADLINE
diverse, FFS/PPO patient base with excellent
Copy text is due the 20th of the month, 2
new patient flow, a combined 14 equipped
months prior to publication (ie, January issue
operatories across both locations (with
has a due date of November 20.)
substantial room for expansion at one of
MONTHLY RATES
the locations). The practice comes fully
PRINT: First 30 words—$60 for ADA/TDA
equipped with digital radiography, digital
members and $100 for non-members. $0.10
sensors, digital scanners, digital Pano,
each additional word.
CBCT, and paperless charts. AUSTIN (ID
ONLINE: $40 per month (no word limit). Online
#749): Established GD office located in the
ads are circulated on the 1st business day of
heart of central Austin. The practice has
each month, however an ad can be placed
an impeccable online reputation in the
within 24 business hours for an additional fee of $60.
community and features a strong hygiene recall program with multiple avenues
SUBMISSION
for future growth. 3,000+ sq ft office,
Ads must be submitted, and are only
four active operatories, ample room for
accepted, via www.tda.org/Member-
expansion, equipped with a digital scanner,
Resources/TDA-Classified-Ads-Terms. By official TDA resolution, ads may not quote
intra oral cameras, digital x-ray sensors,
specific incomes or revenues and must be
and paperless charts. AUSTIN (ID #762):
stated in generic terms (ie “$315,000” should
Established GD office in the heart of Central
be “low-to-mid-6 figures”). Journal editors
Austin with a majority PPO patient base,
reserve the right to edit and/or deny copy.
234 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
1000+ active patients, a robust hygiene
recall program, and a strong reputation
x-ray sensors, and paperless charts. The
online and in the community they serve.
100% FFS practice is built on an impeccable
The 1,500 sq ft office space contains 3
foundation with a diverse referral network,
total operatories, computers throughout,
solid hygiene recall, and virtually no
a digital x-ray scanner, and intra-oral
investment in marketing and advertising.
cameras. The practice has consistently
AUSTIN (ID #795): Established, 100% FFS,
generated revenue of mid-6 figures with
high-end, boutique cosmetic dental office
abundant upside opportunities to expand
with an impeccable reputation in the heart
production/cash flow through launching
of downtown Austin. The modern 2,200
strategic marketing and advertising
sq ft condo has incredible cityscape views,
initiatives, driving new patient flow, and
3 fully equipped operatories with room
offering additional advanced procedures in-house. AUSTIN (ID #787): Large, GD practice with a great reputation in north Austin. Large facility in a free-standing
+
building with great visibility featuring 8 fully equipped operatories with computers in each, digital radiography, an iTero digital scanner, and a 3D CBCT unit. FFS/PPO
The Premier Sell-Side Advisor for Dental Practice Owners
patient base, 25+ new patients per month, and a stellar online reputation. AUSTIN (ID #790): Established periodontic practice
1,200+ Successful Practice Sales Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation!
$1.5 Billion
in highly sought after central Austin with
Closed Transaction Volume
abundant upside potential. The well-
100 Years of Collective Dental Industry Experience
texas@dentaltransitions.com (512) 900-7989
www.dentaltransitions.com
appointed 1,840 sq ft space has 5 fully equipped operatories with room for future expansion, computers throughout, digital
Whether you are considering a doctor-to-doctor sale, scaling your business, or exploring a DSO affiliation, our team has the experience and expertise to educate you on your options and guide you through the process.
Ryan Moncrief
Arie Muniz
Principal, President
Partner, M&A
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
235
classifieds for a 4th, computers throughout, digital
operatories with an additional ortho bay set
x-ray sensors, iTero digital scanner, dental
up, digital radiography, intra oral cameras,
laser, etc. you are seeking a turnkey office
paperless charts, a digital pano, and a
in a prime location with abundant upside
digital scanner. Large PPO/FFS/Medicaid
potential and strong, consistent cash flow,
patient base with over 1,900 active patients
please reach out for details! AUSTIN-
and see 45+ new patients per month. If
NORTH (ID #798): Established, highly
you are looking for a practice that is primed
profitable GD office located less than an
for continued growth in a growing suburb
hour north of Austin. Large PPO/FFS patient
of Austin with great visibility, reach out to
base, approximately 40 new patients per
learn more! DALLAS-WEST (ID #810): Rare
month. Modern, well-equipped facility
opportunity to acquire a well-established
located in a high traffic retail location. 5
GD practice in a prime location west of
operatories, furnished with computers
the DFW metroplex. The 3,800 sq ft facility
throughout, digital x-ray sensors, panoramic
contains 13 fully equipped operatories
x-ray unit, 3D CBCT, digital scanner, intra
with digital x-ray sensors, CBCT, digital
oral cameras, and is fully digital. AUSTIN
scanner, dental laser, intraoral cameras,
(ID #801): Rare opportunity to acquire
and room for future growth. The practice
a high-upside, modern general dentistry
supports a large PPO/FFS patient base,
practice in central Austin. Large FFS/PPO
has strong cash flow and robust hygiene
active patient base. Spacious facility off a
recall. This office provides a strong clinician
high-traffic roadway. 5 total operatories,
and operator the ability to take advantage
all digital equipment including a pano, and
of the extraordinary foundation built
paperless charts. The practice has immense
and future upside potential. HOUSTON-
upside potential and we expect this listing
SOUTHWEST (ID #782): Large, modern
to move quickly. AUSTIN-SOUTH (ID #803):
GD practice located in a high-visibility retail
GD practice located south of Austin in a
center on the Southwest side of Houston.
high-traffic retail center. Five fully equipped
The spacious 3,900 sq ft practice features
236 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
6 fully equipped operatories (with several
with just over 20% of production coming by
additional ops built out and ready to equip),
way of hygiene procedures. SOUTH TEXAS
is fully digital with CBCT, digital scanner,
COAST (ID #783): Established GD office in
digital radiography, intra oral cameras, and
a quaint town near the Texas Gulf Coast.
computers throughout. The practice serves
100% FFS office, multi-generational active
a mix of PPO/FFS patients, has realized
patient base (1,000+). 1,600+ sq ft facility
revenue of approximately 7 figures over
containing 3 operatories with computers
the last several years, and has a fantastic
in each, digital x-ray sensors, a pano,
reputation within the community and
and fully digital charts. The practice has
online. HOUSTON-NORTHWEST (ID #802):
impressive net cash flow margins (75%+)
Premier GD practice in northwest Houston.
and there are several opportunities for
State-of-the-art office, fully equipped with
post-sale growth. WEST TEXAS (ID #796):
6 operatories, digital radiography, intraoral
Large pediatric dentistry and orthodontic
cameras, digital pano, and a digital scanner.
practice located in a large metro area in
Large PPO/FFS patient base, over 4,000
west Texas. Fantastic reputation in the local
active patients, and a robust hygiene
community. Large, predominantly FFS/
recall program accounting for 20%+ of
PPO patient base, strong growth potential,
annual production. HOUSTON-SOUTH
and a massive, turn-key facility with 15+
(ID #809): GD Practice + Real Estate in a
operatories. The owner doctor would love
highly desirable suburb south of downtown
to continue working part-time for up to 3
Houston. The office features modern
years following closing before eventually
build-out, occupies just over 2,800 sq ft,
transitioning into retirement. TO REQUEST
and includes 5 fully equipped operatories
MORE INFORMATION ON MCLERRAN &
with digital radiography, intraoral cameras,
ASSOCIATESí LISTINGS: Please register
paperless charts, and CBCT. Majority PPO/
at www.dentaltransitions.com or
FFS patient base with over 1,300 active
contact us at 512-900-7989 or info@
patients, strong hygiene recall program
dentaltransitions.com.
www.tda.org | July/august 2026
237
classifieds ODESSA: Established Odessa general dental
week but consistently generates 6-figure
practice with 4 operatories and expansion
annual collections. Tremendous upside
potential. This 100% FFS practice serves
opportunities for expansion and growth. A
1,840 active patients, welcomes 30-35 new
true gem for someone to start a practice or
patients monthly, and collects almost 7
relocate. Call or text Dr David Masters 210-
figures. Owner is open to partnership or full
392-9128.
sale. Contact bailey@theptsgroup.com or call: 719-694-8320. Ref #TX11525.
WATSON BROWN PRACTICES FOR SALE: Practices for sale in Texas and surrounding
SAN ANTONIO: San Antonio family practice
states, For more information and current
for sale in the desired Alamo Heights
listings please visit our website at www.
neighborhood. Low-6 figure production, 3+1
adstexas.com or call us at 469-222-3200 to
operatories, 1,100 active patients. Practice
speak with Frank or Jeremy.
is ideal for growth, startup or satellite clinic. Contact my broker Watson Brown at 469222-3200, www.adstexas.com.
INTERIM SERVICES
SAN ANTONIO: Well established GD
HAVE MIRROR AND EXPLORER, WILL
practice in north-central San Antonio,
TRAVEL: Sick leave, maternity leave,
near Olmos Park and Trinity University,
vacation, or death, I will cover your general
for sale by owner. Very strong hygiene
or pediatric practice. Call Robert Zoch, DDS,
recall program with great potential for
MAGD, at 512-517-2826 or drzoch@yahoo.
future growth. Doctor retiring after 50
com.
years and is currently working 3 days/
238 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
YOUR PATIENTS TRUST YOU.
WHOM CAN YOU TRUST?
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PRN Helpline Visit us online (800) 727-5152 www.txprn.com www.tda.org | July/august 2026
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TDA Financial Services Insurance Program is partnered with a
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240 Texas Dental Journal | Vol 143 | No. 5
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