Staff
Dr. Jose E. Pedroza – Director, Instructor, Mentor
Dr. Hilt Tatum, Jr., - NIRISAB Creator, Instructor, Mentor
Dr. Rafael Aponte – Consultant Professor
Prof. Miriam Montes-Mock – Program Coordinator
Lynette Ammacher de Montes – Administrative Assistant
José E. Pedroza, DMD, MSc
Dr. Pedroza, founder and director of The Advanced Dental Implant Institute, has developed for the past twenty years a robust practice exclusively oriented to oral reconstruction and dental implants.
A dedicated disciple of Dr. Tatum, he is widely renowned for his vast knowledge and clinical skills in oral implantology. His undeniable quest for developing the field of dental implants, and his commitment towards outstanding dental care to his patients, propelled him to continue advancing his academic studies and training process, acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the art and science of implantology.
Dr. Pedroza received a Full Externship Certificate from the Midwest Implant Institute and Center for the Advancement of Dentistry in Columbus, Ohio. He also underwent a Comprehensive Implant Dentistry Training Course at the Reconstructive Center, in Florida. He received an MSc degree on Clinical Research from the University of Puerto Rico, and was awarded a Certificate for an 18 months Residency on Anesthesiology, from the UPR School of Medicine in the Anesthesiology Department. He has lectured worldwide, taught, mentored, and published scientific articles.
His passion to pass on his knowledge and experience to others is the driving force behind the creation of A Comprehensive Training Program on Oral Rehabilitation and Implant Dentistry.
Hilt Tatum, Jr,. DDS
Dr. Hilt Tatum is widely regarded as the world’s most skilled and capable dental implant surgeon. Numerous dentists knowledgeable in the history and development of implant dentistry consider his clinical skills to be legendary.
For nearly forty years, there have been countless reports from Oral Surgeons, Periodontists, General Dentists, Prosthodontists, and students at all levels of competency, amazed by direct observation of his unmatched surgical and conceptual talents. Dr. Tatum’s most important contributions have been the gifts graciously given to the profession and his students, as he devoted an entire career to advancing the discipline of implant dentistry and teaching others the techniques he developed and perfected.
Among his extraordinary accomplishments while improving the art and science of implant dentistry are his contributions in: bone grafting, sinus augmentation, bone expansion for thin ridges, implant design, clinical patient management, and sterile operating techniques.
He is former President of both the American Academy of Implant Dentistry as well as the American Board of Oral Implanlogolgy, and has been a member and leader of many professional organizations.
Dr. Tatum is also a recipient of the Aaron Gershkoff and Isiah Lew research awards, and in recognition of his important contributions to the healing sciences, in 2004 was awarded the Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor by the former French President, Jacques Chirac.
Ramón Pérez, DMD
Dr. Pérez, a Maxillofacial Surgeon from the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, School of Dental Medicine, is well known among his colleagues, patients and members of the community for his leadership skills, drive, passion for teaching and for his compassion towards those in need.
Dr. Pérez has presided over several professional and civic organizations. He practiced oral surgery in Puerto Rico, and was also Dental Director of the Ryder Hospital Dental Offices, and member of the Executive Committee of Font Martelo Hospital. He moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he participated as a Faculty Member of the Midwest Implant Institute, and as the founder of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Centers (composed of eight oral surgery centers). Presently he works in a private practice in Delray Beach, Florida.
Dr. Pérez’s natural inclination towards encouraging and inspiring the students make him a much treasured Faculty Member for The Advanced Dental Implant Institute, and an instructor with the PR AAID Maxicourse®.
Daniel Becker, DDS
A continuous collaborator for The Advanced Dental Implant Institute, Dr. Becker is distinguished for his rigorous approach to IV Sedation training, his amusing style while teaching and his witty strategies for challenging the students.
He received a BS in Zoology at Ohio University and a DDS from Ohio State University. He works as a Professor of Allied Health Sciences at Sinclair Community College and is also an Associate Director of Education for the General Practice Dental Residency at Miami Valley Hospital, in Dayton. In addition, Dr. Becker provides IV Sedation services for dental practices throughout the Dayton-Cincinnati area.
He has published numerous articles in scientific journals and has authored chapters in several textbooks. He has lectured for organizations, colleges and universities throughout North America on topics related to pharmacology, conscious sedation, medical assessment and medical emergencies.
Wesley Shankland, DDS
Dr. Shankland’s instructions and demonstrations are highly treasured and cherished by the students, due to the unmistakable passion and joy of teaching exemplified by the anatomist.
Proving to be an on-going, forever ‘student’ as well as teacher, Dr. Shankland received a BS degree in biochemistry and zoology, a DDS degree, and in the last 20 years, a Masters Degree and PhD in Human Anatomy. In addition to being an instructor for several academic programs, he has conducted numerous seminars in Colombus, Ohio, on various subjects pertaining to orofacial and temporomandibular disorders, and has lectured plentifully worldwide.
Dr. Shankland has written four books, over 100 scientific articles and sits on the editorial boards of four scientific journals. Among these many achievements, Dr. Shankland also discovered three structures in the human body that were not previously described in the scientific literature while in graduate school.
Robert Giacosie, PhD
His lively personality, sharp thinking and encouraging class dynamics during the research related to implant dentistry sessions, are surely assets in becoming an extraordinary instructor and mentor for The Advanced Dental Implant Institute.
Dr. Giacosie obtained a PhD from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) in Ecology/Environmental Science/Human Physiology. Among his prolific professional experience, Dr. Giacosie has worked as outreach coordinator, educational consultant, professor of biology, environmental and health science, lecturer, project evaluator, associate dean, investigator, environmental analyst and creator of educational projects.
His talents have been acknowledged by a bounty of scientific organizations, awarding Dr. Gicosie for developing numerous proposals and for achieving important grants to advance scientific education. In addition, he has published impressive scientific articles on environmental aspects.
Presently, Dr. Giacosie is a Professor Emeritus of Biology at the California State University, and Research/Editorial/Grant Consultant for the School of Dental Medicine of the University of Puerto Rico.
Víctor Cardona, MD
An Internist and Anesthesiologist, Dr. Cardona’s vast knowledge and clinical experience from a medical point of view is undoubtedly an asset for the doctors receiving the IV Sedation training.
His teachings and demonstrations enrich both the medical and clinical assessment, as well as the development of skills in overall patient management. Upon obtaining an MD degree from the Universidad de Guadalajara, México, Dr. Cardona became an American Board Diplomate both in Internal Medicine as well as in Anesthesiology.
Presently he works as Attending Auxiliary Professor in the Anesthesiology Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, and is the former Operating Room Director for the Carolina Hospital of the Universidad of Puerto Rico.
Arturo Blanco-Plard, DMD
Considered by many a great lecturer, a meticulous researcher and a scrupulous clinician, Dr. Blanco-Plard’s conferences are quite enjoyable and treasured by the Program’s participant doctors.
Upon completing a DMD from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Blanco-Plard achieved a certificate in Prosthodontics from the University of Washington, School of Dentistry, in Seattle, Washington, and a Masters in Sciences in Dentistry from the same institution. Besides owning his private practice and dental lab, Dr. Blanco-Plard is an Affiliated Professor for the UPR School of Dentistry in the Prosthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial, and Orthodontics Graduate Programs.
His research experience and participation in table clinics are impressive. Dr. Blanco-Plard stands out due to his accomplishments as a dental student, for his academic excellence, leadership and love for the dental profession. He has been awarded numerous recognitions, including the award from the Academy of Operative Dentistry as the best student in operative dentistry, and the best student in Crown and Bridge.
Rafael I. Aponte, DDS
Dr. Aponte, a Staff and Faculty member for The Advanced Dental Implant Institute, has proven both a long and fruitful career as well as unmistakable creativity, vision and passion towards the advancement of the science of Dental Medicine.
Upon obtaining a DDS degree in the University of Indiana, Dr. Aponte underwent Maxillofacial Surgery training in Washington District General Hospital, with the University of Georgetown. He worked during 42 years in the School of Dental Medicine of the University of Puerto Rico, where he successfully accomplished various professional functions, among them: Professor for the Department of Surgical Sciences, Associate Professor of dental techniques and anesthesiology, and Director of the Continuous Education Department. He is also Former President of the Colegio de Cirujanos Dentistas de Puerto Rico.
Among his many contributions to the Dentistry field, Dr. Aponte was the creator and director of Project North South, to develop collaborative dentistry services in North, South and Central America, and coordinate educational and scientific projects geared towards the evolution of the science of dental medicine.
Dr. Aponte has also lectured worldwide and has been an extraordinary support of educational and scientific endeavors in Puerto Rico and in America as well.
Sangiv I. Patel, RDH, DDS
Dr. Sangiv I. Patel is the founder and developer of The Innovative Smile: the physics based model of dentistry that is focused on an abundance of innovative, evidenced based, predictable dental solutions designed to create longevity. This includes the beauty of a healthy smile and functional stability of the teeth and dental implants, gums, TMJ's and the muscles that support and provide function to a healthy mouth. The Innovative Smile is fast becoming the leader in the integration of technology in the Stomatognathic System -from digital diagnostics to digital restorations.
He is a general dentist in private practice since 1993. He graduated from Loyola University of Chicago- School of Dentistry: 1989: RDH -Magna Cum Laude and 1993: DDS- Magna Cum Laude. He has served as faculty at Loyola University of Chicago- School of Dentistry, Meharry Medical School of Dentistry, and Brevard Community College. He is among the less than 30 clinicians worldwide to have received a Mastership in Dental Biometrics.
Dr. Patel is a published author and lecturer, and currently serves as CE provider, Instructor and Beta tester for BioResearch, Inc. and TekScan, as well as working with Carestream the manufacturers of KODAK’s Cone Beam CT. He has also served as a CE provider, Beta Tester and In-Office trainer for CEREC3D by Sirona, and as a Faculty Member for The Advanced Dental Implant Institute, in Puerto Rico.
Dr. Patel’s mastery in applied technology to accurately diagnose patients, positions him in the narrow yet privileged percentage of doctors one step ahead of the future of implant dentistry. His knowledge, energy and passion for elevating the standard for biomimetic dentistry engineered to individual patient physiology will challenge and enrich your professional experience .
