Dr. Robert Antolak has been practicing dentistry for more than 30 years and owns his own full service, Christ-centered practice. He has been serving mission dentistry in Haiti for almost 20 years and is also the founder and dental director of Trinity Community Care, a free faith-based medical and dental clinic for those who can’t afford basic dental care. Dr. Antolak enjoys helping others and hopes his experiences will enhance the lives of other dentists who are in need of a listening ear.

Dr. Dave Betz graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in anthropology/zoology from the University of Michigan in 1975 and then graduated dental school in 1980. He was an associate for one year and then started his own practice. He sold his practice to a dental service organization and then retired. Dr. Betz was the secretary for the Jackson District Dental Society and continues to be active in organized dentistry.

Dr. Jane Boeschenstein has been a general dentist for almost 30 years. She started as an associate in several practices and has owned her own practice for 12 years. Dr. Boeschenstein is excited about helping dentists at the beginning of their career and sharing knowledge she wishes she had known when she started practicing. She loves being outdoors and spending time with her three kids.

Dr. James Cantwil is a private practice dentist who has been practicing for more than 30 years and who’s faith has been a guide to his success. He performs all types of dentistry, has special interest in dental ethics, and enjoys missionary dental trips. His wife has been with him for his entire dental career; he married her during his D2 year, and they have three children. Dr. Cantwil has held many leadership positions within organized dentistry, including the MDA Dental PAC.

Dr. Sue Carron has been a leader in organized dentistry since running the pre-dental club at Michigan State University. Her involvement spans many organizations and leadership positions. During her 40-year career as a pediatric dentist, she was an associate, opened her own practice, and worked as an independent contractor helping out in other offices. She’s not done giving back and hopes to help other dentists prioritize their practice ideas and balance their work and family.

Dr. Todd Christy is a general dentist who has grown his practice through the years with acquisitions of four additional practices and two locations. He has a particular interest in utilizing social media as part of his practice for both growth and retention. Dr. Christy is a leader at the local, state, and national levels, enjoys developing leaders and building teams, and can help you get involved with organized dentistry.

Dr. Steve Dater has been in private practice for more than 30 years as a solo practitioner. He’s been very active in all facets and levels of organized dentistry and is a former president of the MDA. Dr. Dater is a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves, where he gives back by serving in the Dental Corps and developed a mentor program across the country. He is committed to helping others and looks forward to being an MDA Mentor.

Dr. Colleen DeLacy has been in general practice since finishing dental school in 2003. Practicing in a rural community, she stresses the importance of comprehensive care for patients. Since dental school she has been actively involved in organized dentistry and enjoys giving back to the profession. Dr. DeLacy understands firsthand the importance of mentorship when life takes unfortunate turns. The balance of unexpected life events, personal stress, work stress, and how to cope can be tough. She hopes to help others avoid missteps, be a listening ear, and know where to turn and how to ask for help.

Dr. Scott Dickinson owned his own practice for more than 35 years. After selling his practice, he became dental faculty at Lansing Community College. He has completed advanced training through the Pankey Institute and the Dawson Academy, and has a special interest in TMD/Facial Pain Disorders. Dr. Dickinson is a lifetime member of the MDA, enjoys being a resource to help others, and takes pride in the success of member dentists.

Dr. Margaret Gingrich owns her own solo general dental practice. She has been involved in organized dentistry leadership at the local, state, and national levels. Her passions include dentistry, mentorship, and teaching. She currently teaches part-time in the dental hygiene program at Ferris State University. In addition, Dr. Gingrich has done extensive mission work both locally and abroad, including leading the MDA Foundation’s Mission of Mercy program.

Dr. Thomas Goodsell was in private practice for 35 years. Now that he’s retired from the practice of dentistry he enjoys teaching at Kellogg Community College and is the executive director of the Southwestern District Dental Society. Dr. Goodsell was part of a group of dentists who met often for more than 20 years. That support and experience had a profound positive impact on his career and socialization with dentistry. He wants others to have that support and believes giving back through the mentor program is a great way to do it.

Dr. Chris Gorecki practices with his wife in the practice that was started by his father-in-law. He believes the most gratifying aspect of their practice is providing free dental care through participation in programs like Donated Dental Services of Michigan and Tri-County Dental Health. Dr. Gorecki has been blessed with many mentors who have had a positive impact on his life and career. He hopes to help other members — especially younger members of the profession — and is open to learning from them, too.

Dr. Gabriel Holdwick graduated from dental school in 2014 and while a student, he was actively engaged in the American Student Dental Association, serving as the 2013-14 ASDA Speaker of the House. In 2015, upon completion of a General Practice Residency at Palmetto Health-Richland in Columbia, S.C., Dr. Holdwick returned to his hometown where he owns a general dental practice. He is an active member of the MDA, where he has served in the House of Delegates, Council for Government and Insurance Affairs, and on the Michigan delegation to the ADA House.

Dr. John Kamar practiced dentistry for 46 years before retiring. While practicing he worked with and mentored many associates and spent half his career teaching at Detroit Mercy Dental. For the past 10 years has he been the executive director of the Oakland County District Dental Society. Dr. Kamar believes creating and mentoring a diverse, young Board of Directors to be his most significant achievement.

Dr. James Karam is a private practice owner who has been practicing dentistry for more than 35 years. Proper sterilization and disinfection are interests of his and he is well-versed in COVID-19 protocols and training. Dr. Karam is active in organized dentistry serving on the MDA Peer Review/Ethics Committee, as well as a leader at the local level. He is a lifelong mentor, participating in a number of other mentor programs.

Dr. Eric Knudsen is a general dentist in a group practice with his wife. They took over the practice from his father after practicing with him for more than 12 years. Clinically he does a lot of conventional orthodontics and actively uses CAD/CAM technology. He has been active with organized dentistry at all levels for many years, including as a component president, delegate and MDA trustee.

Dr. John Letiner has been practicing dentistry for almost 40 years. After dental school he practiced out of state for a few years before coming home to take over his father’s practice. In addition to patient relationships, a priority in his practice is learning the latest techniques and investing in helpful technology. Some of the dental technology used includes high powered microscopes, digital occlusal, and laser treatment as an alternative to surgery.

Dr. William Lindow is a solo practice dentist who practices in a rural community. He started his career as an associate dentist for seven years and as a dental hygiene educator. Dr. Lindow has been an MDA member for more than 30 years. He looks forward to helping member dentists and is especially excited about helping less experienced members navigate the business side of dentistry. He can also assist in the areas of insurance and fee-for-service.

Dr. Vincent Lizzio has been practicing for more than 30 years and spends half of his time at the chair and the other half as a clinical partner for a dental service organization. He has built two large group practices and coaches dentists in many different practice types. Dr. Lizzio has served organized dentistry in many capacities and is currently a trustee on the MDA Board of Trustees.

Dr. Melanie Mayberry is a clinical associate professor and division director of Practice Essentials and Interprofessional Education at Detroit Mercy Dental School. She has experience with various health care delivery models including Federally Qualified Health Centers, mobile care, Dental Service Organizations, private practice, academic health centers, hospital dentistry, and creating health care integration programs. She holds a Master’s degree in health care management and has completed several leadership programs, including the ADAs Institute for Diversity Leadership, the ADEA Leadership Institute, Bell Leadership Institute, and the MDA’s LEAD Program. Dr. Mayberry’s philosophy is that we all benefit when we invest in each other.

Dr. Kristina Palmer is a business owner, mom and dentist trying to balance it all. She’s passionate about continuing education and loves to travel, often traveling around the country to take courses with her best friend from dental school. Dr. Palmer has completed the Dawson core curriculum and has taken a special interest in airway centered dentistry.

Dr. Richard Panek is a senior partner in a two-office oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. He is certified by the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry and enjoys mentoring general dentists in implant surgery. In addition to the mentor areas listed below, Dr. Panek can advise on hospital dentistry issues, including hospital emergency departments and coding for medical billing.

Dr. Mehul Patel has been in private practice since graduating dental school in 1998. In addition to owning a large practice he teaches at a dental school part-time. He’s currently serving on the MDA Committee on Continuing Education and often encourages younger dentists to get involved in organized dentistry. Dr. Patel believes mentorship is critical to success and hopes to help dentists find a balance between their personal and professional life.

Dr. Debra Peters has enjoyed a long career as an owner of a general dentistry practice while raising a family and actively participating in the local and professional communities. Her mission in life has been to lead a life of service to others where she can discover and follow her passions with her personal style of grace, humility and humor. She welcomes the opportunity to listen and grow while collaborating with peers.

Dr. William Pruden was born and raised in Virginia, completed his undergrad at Howard University, and dental school at Boston University. He wanted to be a dentist from a very young age and loves living his dream every day. Although he has lived in Michigan less than 10 years, he has become active with the MDA attending continuing education and serves on the MDA Committee on Membership. He is a musician and enjoys playing golf and riding motorcycles.

Dr. James Reznich is a full service, private practice dentist who has devoted his professional life to refining his clinical and communication skills to better serve his patients’ needs. His office has successfully been non-par for the last 20 years and he has developed a value proposition on behalf of patients that reduces dental insurance to the equivalent of a copay.

Dr. Riley Schaff graduated from dental school in 2017 and moved to Seattle for a one-year general practice residency at Swedish Medical Center. After residency, he moved back to Ann Arbor where he practices part-time as an associate dentist and commutes to another part-time associateship in Jackson. He is married and his husband is in an OBGYN residency. They love traveling, music, and food. Dr. Schaff is active in organized dentistry at the local and state level and has completed the MDA Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) Program.

Dr. Scott Smith ran a practice for 35 years before retiring from practice. He had an associate for 13 years and his office was non-par with insurance for 11 years. He has attended many advanced restorative and cosmetic courses including those from Drs. John Kois, Frank Spear, Larry Rosenthal, and Peter Dawson.

During his 40 years of practicing dentistry, Dr. Craig Spencer has had a myriad of experiences. He served in the U.S. Navy, both on active duty and as a reservist, practiced in Arizona for five years, was appointed to and served on Michigan’s State Board of Dentistry, owned his own practices for 27 years, chaired the MDA Committee on Governmental and Insurance Affairs, is a Commission on Dental Competency Assessments examiner, and is currently working part time for the Veterans Administration. He’s eager to help member dentists feel less isolated and find balance with the multiple pressures they are under.

Dr. Robin Steely is a holistically inclined, wellness-centered dentist who has been in private practice for more than 38 years. He is a graduate and mentor to colleagues of the Schuster Center for Professional Development and continues to study best practices in leadership, personal and professional development, and health and wellness.

Dr. Sarah Tomaka is a community health center dentist and recently completed a Master of Public Health degree. She has multiple interests in dentistry, including serving and better understanding the underserved populations she works with, teaching dental students, and mentoring future dentists. Dr. Tomaka enjoys meeting new people and making new connections.

Dr. Ben Underwood is a 2015 graduate from Detroit Mercy Dental. After graduation he taught full time at Detroit Mercy Dental and associated in a private practice. In 2018 he bought the office he was associating and has been a sole practice owner since. He is active in organized dentistry and serves on many committees and boards.

Dr. Lauryne Vanderhoof graduated from dental school in 2017 and works as an associate in a solo-provider satellite office belonging to a large group practice. She serves in various leadership positions at the local, state, and national level, including serving as a trustee on the MDA Board of Trustees. She’s completed the MDA Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) Program and can help you get involved in organized dentistry.

Dr. Michael Vilag worked for seven years in a large group practice before purchasing an existing solo practice. He’s knowledgeable in a variety of areas including placing implants, Invisalign, sleep apnea appliances, and more. He routinely volunteers for community-based programs like Mission of Mercy, Donated Dental Services, and Malta Free Clinic. Dr. Vilag travels to the Dominican Republic annually for the mission trip he started, taking 30 dental students with him.

Dr. Jody Wrathall is a pediatric dentist who has been in practice for 10 years. She grew up in the same neighborhood as her pediatric dentist, sparking her interest in the specialty at a young age. Dr. Wrathall worked at a health center in Flint after her residency before joining the private practice she now owns. She’s been married since 2010 and her husband is a middle school Spanish teacher. They have two sons and a daughter. Dr. Wrathall is very excited about helping member dentists, especially new graduates.