Our Leadership Team | Board of Directors

Hans M. Stasiuk, DMD, FASD
Immediate Past President

Brite Smile Dental Clinic | Portage LaPrairie, Manitoba Canada
What got me into Sports Dentistry?
When I was in Dental School at the University of Manitoba in the early 90’s I wrote two term papers related to Sports Dentistry and Custom Mouthguards. To my surprise while I was doing my research I discovered that there was actually a dental organization called the Academy for Sports Dentistry.
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
The people are the best part of the ASD Symposium. Everyone is so friendly and very willing to share their ideas and knowledge. I have and continue to make great new friends every year at the Symposium. The Networking possibilities are endless!

Byron Blasco, DMD
President

Blasco Dental & Aesthetics of Las Vegas | Las Vegas, Nevada
What got me into Sports Dentistry?
Life long hockey player incorporating the passion for sports and the science & art of dentistry. Providing protection, optimal occlusion and esthetics for athletes, families and friends.
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
Great camaraderie, sharing of thoughts and techniques while striving for a common goal.

Vinnie Mascia, DDS MPH MBA
Executive Director

Dr. Mascia has had an extended career in sports and dental delivery (ACC coach and fencing champion), clinical professor at Columbia University, lead author in national dental journals, coordinated legislation in the U.S. Congress as the ADA Congressional Fellow, acquiring dental and orthodontic degrees from Columbia, a Master of Business degree from Cambridge University (U.K.) and Master of Public Health from the University of Virginia. He considers the practice of dentistry as a penultimate way to develop the skills that can motivate and help people and patients be the best versions of themselves.

Danette McNew, DDS, FASD
Secretary

McNew Dental | Rockwall, Texas
What got me into Sports Dentistry?
In 1994, I was asked by the Director of the Comprehensive Dental Care department at Baylor College of Dentistry to find out about Sports Dentistry and develop a curriculum. I attended my first symposium in 1996, meeting several members of the Academy for Sports Dentistry who mentored and helped me design this curriculum and began engaging dental students in Sports Dentistry.
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
The wisdom of the members and the updated lectures of what is happening in Sports related to Dentistry prevention and maintenance.

Howard Edelman, DDS, FASD (retired)
Treasurer
What got me into Sports Dentistry?
I was always interested in sports and played 2 varsity sports in high school... soccer and swimming. I was lucky to combine my love of sports with my profession when I became involved with the Philadelphia Arena Soccer Team., The Philadelphia Kixx.
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
I look forward to the symposium to finally see, in person, the numerous friends I have made through the ASD. I think this is the best part of our organization.

John Haughey, BDS,MSc
Board Member

Smiles by John | Banbridge, United Kingdom
What got me into Sports Dentistry?
As a sports fanatic Sports Dentistry gives me the opportunity to combine my passion for sports and my career.
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
My favorite part of the Annual Symposium is networking, discussing, learning and exploring new sports dentistry developments with the minded sports dentists.

Kent Ochiai, DDS, PhD
Board Member

Tustin-Santa Ana Prosthodontics | Tustin, California
What got me into Sports Dentistry?
I enjoy the enthusiasm and personal drive that we see in players and in winning programs in sports. These efforts are not different from the same effort levels required for excellence in Dentistry. I am hopeful that these efforts earn greater recognition for Sports Dentistry as the trained entity within Dentistry.
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
I like to see the excellent well prepared and academic programs that well represent the growth of sports dentistry.

David Dowsett, DMD
Website/Social Media Director

Complete Health Dentistry of Portland | Portland, Oregon
What got me into Sports Dentistry?
I wanted to combine my love of sport and passion for oral health. Early on in practice, I had the chance to join the sports medicine team of the Portland Trail Blazers and thought that I had better learn from some experts—attended my first symposium and was hooked.
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
Without a doubt--being with colleagues from around the world sharing knowledge, ideas, stories, laughs and love of what we do.

Jean Provo, DDS
Board Member

Novo Dental Centre Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
What got me into Sports Dentistry?
I have always had a genuine respect for athletes and the lengths they go to develop themselves in their sport. For the last 6 years I have sponsored a Professional Basketball team that is in a new League in Canada and I wanted to learn more about making the best sportsguards for them. I also wanted to make sure that I was current with my knowledge of managing sports related injuries so that I could get my athletes back on the court quickly. I searched and found Academy for Sports Dentistry.
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
The symposium is one of my favorite times of the year because of the comraderie with dentists and friends from all over the world. Getting a chance to learn from each other in the field is not only uplifiting, but also a ton of fun. I know I will come home gaving learned something new to bring back to my athletes.

Michael Salyzyn, DDS, FASD
President Elect 2025-2026

Summit Dentistry | Bedford, Canada
What got me into Sports Dentistry?
I was fortunate to be one of the dentists who looked after the Vancouver 2020 Olympic games. I saw that our athletes were in need of basic dental care and protection in many sports and carried that home to help as many sports participants as possible.
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
The sharing of knowledge and support of like minded individuals makes our conference so successful.

Jan Chithalen, DDS
Board Member

EJC Dentistry | Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
What got me into Sports Dentistry?
I grew up playing sports and have tried many. I was a very competitive athlete & after dental school wanted to continue to be involved in sports by combining my passion for both dentistry & sport.
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
I learn as much, if not more outside of the lectures, from my colleagues as the I learn from the excellent content of the symposium itself!

Daryn Nishikawa, DDS
Board Member

Nishikawa Dental Corp | Torrance, California
What got me into Sports Dentistry?
Truthfully, for me, it is knowing the right people and having great mentors that know how to inspire. got me started with Sports Dentistry. The enjoyment and satisfaction of knowing that my services and advice can really help improve the safety and well being of others (athletes at all levels) is enough of a reward for me to want to do and help more.
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
The camaraderie that is gained with colleagues who share similar interests in this unique field of dentistry, and as a younger member, being able to learn from the "best of the best" is a definite plus!

Mike Pelke, DDS
Board Member

Woodbury Dental Care | Woodbury, Minnesota
What got me into Sports Dentistry?
I started making mouth guards for the local high school teams shortly after dental school. As a former college athlete, I still had that draw and desire to be part of a team. That community involvement led me to be selected to work as a team dentist for the Minnesota Wild of a National Hockey League. It was there that I was lucky enough to become friends with Dr. Michael Nanne. He introduced me to organized sports dentistry and the Academy.
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
I love the variety of speakers and education that Symposium offers! It is also great to connect with other professionals and learn from their experiences and expertise. With the members we have, it's entirely possible to learn as much at 'happy hour' as it is at lectures.

Kristopher Rappold, DDS, MAGD, FASD, MBA
Newsletter Editor

What got me into Sports Dentistry?
Shortly after graduating from dental school, I received a flyer about the Academy for Sports Dentistry Annual Symposium in Arlington, VA in 2010. I did not know there was such a thing and decided to attend as my first continuing education after granudation. The attendance at the meeting showing the passion for athletics and helping athletes got me interested...not to mention all of the championship rings:)
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
The auction is probably my favoirte facet of the Symposium. It is an opportunity to be part of raising money for the organizzation's research efforts while getting to bid on unique sports memorabilia. The camaraderie, the dual stand up routine of Hans and Jan as auctioneers, and getting an opportunity to meet some of the new members make it a ton of fun.