Certification in Comprehensive Oral Implantology
MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN DENTISTRY

Dr. Erickson's dental career began at Creighton University, followed by a GPR at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. After a year of private practice in General Dentistry, Dr. Erickson went on to complete his first specialty residency in oral & maxillofacial surgery in Michigan then moved back to Washington State to practice oral surgery as an associate. A few years later, he started his own oral surgery practice in the Seattle-Tacoma area. A decade later, due to the exponential growth in digital technology and the merger of CBCT imaging, treatment planning and the delivery of surgical care, Dr. Erickson pursued a second specialty certification in oral and maxillofacial radiology. Today, Dr. Erickson is a full-time Associate Professor teaching pre-doctoral dental students, orthodontic residents and AEGD residents at AT Still University. Additionally, he is on the faculty at an Implant Education Company in Phoenix, Arizona, where he combines his unique experience as an Oral Radiologist and an Oral Surgeon to diagnose, support and train practitioners who wish to learn how to place dental implants.

Dr. Gibney is a 1985 graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry and a 2009 graduate of Stetson University College of Law. He currently practices dentistry and law in Spring Hill, FL. Dr. Gibney is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry and a Fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He is the developer of “24 Hour Teeth” which is a two-part system of fabricating crowns and bridges combined with a digital approach to implant dentistry allowing the fully edentulous patient to be restored with provisional fixed prostheses in as little as 24 hours after the initial consult.

Dr. Robert Heller completed his undergraduate education at Ohio Wesleyan where he received a BA in Biology. He earned his DDS in 1988 from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Dr. Heller then continued with his prosthodontic residency at The Medical College of Virginia (1990) and completed his hospital-based implant residency/graduate training at Loma Linda University (1997). He served as President of the Ohio Section of the American College of Prosthodontists and Chairman for the Ohio Dental Association’s Sub council on Young Dentists. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, staff member at Grady Memorial Hospital, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Columbus Dental Society. Dr. Heller is an active member in The American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, Columbus Dental Society & American College of Prosthodontists. He has published multiple articles and continually presents lectures on a national. Dr. Heller currently serves as Director of the Midwest Implant Institute (MII). The Midwest Implant Institute helped seven Dental Schools develop their dental implant program and has taught thousands of doctors to become dental implant surgeons. Dr. Heller has trained these doctors in the hands-on externship of the Midwest Implant Institute. Since 1997, he has taught and surgically performed numerous courses ranging from implant placement to advanced bone grafting, lateral nerve repositioning, sinus elevation and numerous other surgical procedures. He continues to lecture on a national scale for multiple organizations, including the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID).

Dr. Steven Hewett established his private comprehensive dental practice in 1990. During his time in Central Florida, Dr. Hewett has placed and restored over 10,000 dental implants giving back his patients the ability to function and smile again after losing their teeth. He has achieved some of the highest awards in the field of dentistry including a Honored Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Hewett has also directed his practice toward state-of-the-art general dentistry with emphasis on cosmetic procedures from a comprehensive approach. With 35 years of reconstructive implant dentistry and cosmetic experience, Dr. Hewett is dedicated to providing simple to complex procedures such as simple to complex dental tooth replacement (dental implants); Implant-supported complete dentures; Full mouth smile makeover (veneers and crowns); Retreatment of prior implant cases; Sinus and bone grafting; Soft tissue regeneration; Root canal therapy and surgical endodontics; Surgical extractions.

Dr. Kelly’s professional career has led him to establish several practices in California and North Carolina. It also afforded him the opportunity to move into the type of Dentistry he had long envisioned, Oral Implantology while continuing Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Since arriving in North Carolina, Dr. Kelly has served as a Deputy Examiner for the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, and also donates several hours of his time to free dental clinics in the Piedmont Triad Area. Dr. Kelly is an active member of the Forsyth County Dental Society, The American Dental Association, The North Carolina Dental Society, The Piedmont Society of Advanced Dental Studies, International Congress of Oral Implantology, Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology. Dr. Kelly has served as an examiner for the American Board of Oral Implantology and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Kelly is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and is a reviewer for the Journal of Oral Implantology and the International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants. He is also on the membership committee of the Academy of Osseointegration. Past President of the southern region of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Highlights of Dr. Kelly’s educational pursuits include an undergraduate degree in Medical Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry from California State University at Long Beach 1979; a graduate degree from Howard University College of Dentistry, 1983; Core Vent Implant Institute from 1988. Medical College of Georgia Implant MaxiCourse, 2003.

Dr. Liang a Diplomate, American Board of Oral Implantology, attended the University of British Columbia and received his Bachelor's degree in Microbiology in 1981 and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1983. At graduation, he was awarded the Canadian Oral and Maxillo-Facial Prize for highest standing in the area of Oral Surgery. His credentials include Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry; Diplomate, International Congress of Oral Implantology; Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry; Honored Fellow, The American Academy of Implant Dentistry; and Diplomate Credentialed, The American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry. Dr. Liang’s is also recognized as Past President, The American Academy of Implant Dentistry – Western District; Admissions committee, U.B.C.Faculty of Dentistry; President, Academy of R.V. Tucker Study Clubs; Part time member, Faculty of Dentistry at U.B.C., restorative dentistry; President, White Rock/Peace Arch Rotary Club; Recipient, CDSBC Award of Distinction and CDSBC Award of Merit; Director, Canadian Dental Implant Training Centre, and Director, AAID Vancouver MaxiCourse, a UBC Continuing Dental Education program. Dr Liang’s private practice focuses on dental implants, denture stabilization, dental implant maintenance, aesthetic restorative dentistry, laser gum therapy, sedation, tooth extractions, bone reconstruction, soft tissue surgery, and general dentistry.

Dr. Mehta received his Bachelors Degree in Dentistry in 1982 and his Masters Degree in Oral and Maxillo Facial Plastic Surgery in 1984 from Gujarat University in India. After completion of his postgraduate study, Dr. Mehta served as Associate Professor in Oral and Maxillo Facial Surgery at B.E.A Dental College and Hospital in India. During his tenure there, he published scientific articles in American and International Journals. After arriving in Florida in 1988, Dr. Mehta received his dental licensure degree through the University of Florida Gainesville. His postgraduate studies in dental implants were completed at the Medical College of Georgia under the sponsorship of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Mehta is a Diplomat of the American Board of Oral Implantology, Life Fellow of the International Association of Oral and Maxillo Facial Surgeons, Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and Diplomat of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Mehta’s private practice is located in Palm Harbor, FL.

Dr. John C. Minichetti, General Dentist, Director of Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry of Englewood, has years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, implantology, and prosthetic reconstruction. Dr. Minichetti graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where he finished first in his class. He then completed a postdoctoral specialized training program at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including those for oral medicine, pharmacology, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Minichetti has published many scientific articles and received his fellowship in several academics. He is an attending of Englewood Hospital and Jersey City Medical Center. He is also an attending on staff at Englewood Hospital for over 20 years. Besides his outstanding academic and clinical skills, Dr. Minichetti is committed to his practice and patients foremost. Dr. Minichetti is affiliated with these associations, Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry; Fellow of the Int’l Congress of Oral Implantology; Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology; Fellow of the Academy of Implant Dentistry; Fellow of the Int’l Academy for Implant Dental Facial Esthetics; President – Bergen County Dental Implant Group; American Dental Association; New Jersey State Dental Association; and Past President of AAID.

Dr. Miller has been in private practice since 1981 and is skilled in I.V. sedation, dental implants, bone and connective tissue grafting as well as cosmetic dentistry and full mouth rehabilitation. He graduated from OHSU School of Dentistry in 1979. After becoming a member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) in 1981, he achieved his Fellowship in 1989 and Master in 2005. He has been a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) since 2008 and is an AAID Honored Fellow. Dr. Miller received board certification with the title Diplomat of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry in 2014. In addition, he was awarded his Fellowship with the AAID. Dr. Miller also serves on the Ethics Committee for the AAID. Dr. Miller has taught and continues to teach hands on dental implant dentistry in the Oregon Dental Implant Continuum residency course as well as connective tissue grafting courses for the Oregon AGD. He was President of the Academy of Cosmetic and Adhesive Dentistry from 1991-92.

Dr. Shane Samy is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Post Dental school, Dr. Samy spent over a decade earning the necessary certifications that enable him to perform dental implant surgeries from start to finish, all in one office, all by one doctor to assure your treatment is done correctly. Dr. Samy has earned the dental implant industry’s highest credentials through his extensive education, study groups, and patient successes. Dr. Samy is currently the Director & Instructor for the Oregon Implant Continuum where he educates and instructs Oregon dentists on the proper dental implant treatments, from basic implant placement to treating the most complicated full mouth restorations.

Dr. Duane T. Starr Graduated 1984 from OHSU School of Dentistry. He started a private practice in 1984 in Portland, OR and is currently still in private practice in Prineville, OR. In 1994-95 he was on one of the first Board of Directors for the AAID. In 1997 he became an Associate Fellow, 2006 a Diplomate of the ABOI/ID. In 2008 he became an instructor with the Maxi Course and in 2009-2012 Western District
Trustee for the Board of Directors of the AAID.

Dr. Doug Wirth attended Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia for his undergraduate studies and attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA, earning his Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree in 1979. Since opening his private practice, Dr. Wirth has continued to advance his training in dentistry by completing extended education programs in endodontics, oral implantology, smile design, cosmetic dentistry, and CEREC® crown technology. Each year, he regularly attends classes to stay on top of new technology and techniques, ultimately bringing these benefits to his patients at Whidbey Dental Associates. Dr. Wirth’s professional affiliations include American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Associate Fellow; International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow; Academy of Osseointegration; American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry; American Dental Association; and Washington State Dental Association.

Dr. Walter Chitwood was a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University in 1978 and of the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in 1982. His postgraduate training includes implant externships at the Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation in Clearwater, FL and the Misch International Implant Institute in Dearborn, MI. Dr. Chitwood is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is a Fellow of several organizations including the American Society of Osseointegration, the Academy of Dentistry International, the Academy of Implants and Transplants and the International College of Dentists. He is an Honored Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and has recently been inducted as a Fellow into the Pierre Fauchard Academy. In addition to his private dental practice, he holds several teaching appointments, including Adjunct Professor – Jacksonville University (MSD Oral Implatology Program), Assistant Professor- University of Tennessee College Dentistry (Dept. of Prosthodontics), and being a faculty member of the AAID MaxiCourses of Oregon and Rutgers University College of Dentistry. Dr. Chitwood also speaks routinely at meetings on the state, national and international level. He lectures extensively on treatment planning, aseptic preparation technique, and all surgical aspects for implant dentistry both to doctors and staff members. Dr. Chitwood has also held many offices in his career. He is a Past President of the American Board of Oral Implantology, President Elect of the Southern District of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and is on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Academy of General Dentistry and the Academy for Sports Dentistry. He has also been selected as an editorial reviewer for the Journal of Oral Implantology, the official publication of the AAID.

Dr. Gibney is a 1985 graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry and a 2009 graduate of Stetson University College of Law. He currently practices dentistry and law in Spring Hill, FL. Dr. Gibney is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry and a Fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He is the developer of “24 Hour Teeth” which is a two-part system of fabricating crowns and bridges combined with a digital approach to implant dentistry allowing the fully edentulous patient to be restored with provisional fixed prostheses in as little as 24 hours after the initial consult.

Dr. Henry W. Ferguson received a DMD degree in 1980 from The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh PA. Upon completion he entered into active duty service with the United States Army Dental Corps. In 1991, Dr. Ferguson completed residency training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon GA. After retirement from the Army in 2004, Dr. Ferguson received full time faculty appointments with the Augusta University Medical Center (formerly the Medical College of Georgia / MCG) Department of Surgery, and the Dental College of Georgia (formerly the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry) Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He serves there currently, and proudly as the senior faculty in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Ferguson is a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The American Dental Society of Anesthesia, A Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and the National Dental Board of Anesthesia, and has membership in the Georgia Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Georgia Dental Association, and the American Dental Association.

Dr. MacConnell’s educational pursuits span Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA; Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ; Clemson University, SC.; Emory University Dental School finishing in the top of his class where he earned my Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1984; and University Of Alabama School Of Dentistry’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department where he completed a residency in IV Moderate Sedation. He also studied dental implants with the Midwest Dental Implant Institute in Columbus, Ohio and completed their dental implant externship program in August of 2014 and then earned a fellowship from them shortly thereafter (MIIF). Dr. MacConnell has been a general dentist and in private practice since 1984 and currently serves the Tennessee Tri-Cities region. He regularly travels nationally and internationally to lecture and learn. Now as Program Director, Dr. MacConnell's leadership will set the pace for academic excellence and clinical expertise in this comprehensive oral implantology.

Mr. Pigg received a Bachelor of Science degree from Barnes College of Nursing at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis MO. In 1993. He also attended the University of Kentucky for undergraduate studies. For over 13 years Mr. Pigg worked as a Registered Nurse in both Level I and Level II trauma centers where he gained extensive hands-on experience in all aspects of procedural sedation. As well as being a team leader for a neurology unit at a major metropolitan hospital. Prior to becoming a nurse, he served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic for a Field Artillery Unit, and worked as an Emergency Medical Technician. In addition to being the Chief Executive Officer at Conscious Sedation Consulting LLC, Randy has trained thousands of doctors nationally to provide sedation and is active in local community programs.

Dr. Shane Samy is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Post Dental school, Dr. Samy spent over a decade earning the necessary certifications that enable him to perform dental implant surgeries from start to finish, all in one office, all by one doctor to assure your treatment is done correctly. Dr. Samy has earned the dental implant industry’s highest credentials through his extensive education, study groups, and patient successes. Dr. Samy is currently the Director & Instructor for the Oregon Implant Continuum where he educates and instructs Oregon dentists on the proper dental implant treatments, from basic implant placement to treating the most complicated full mouth restorations.