Our Leadership Team | Board of Directors

Jan Chithalen, DDS
President

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!

Kristopher Rappold, DDS, MAGD, FASD, MBA
President Elect

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.

Michael Salyzyn, DDS, FASD
Immediate Past-President

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.

Byron Blasco, DMD
Immediate Past 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.

Jared Mosley
Secretary

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.

Margarita Correa
Three-year term board member

What brought you to ASD?
Treating soccer players since 2009 showed me that oral health affects much more than the teeth.
Why did you join ASD?
I joined ASD to deepen my knowledge, connect with like-minded professionals with the same vision for athlete care.

Chad Kasperowski
Three-year term board member

What brought you to ASD?
I originally joined the Academy for Sports Dentistry after becoming the team dentist for the Washington Redskins, now the Washington Commanders. My goal at the time was simple: to learn as much as I could about treating and protecting the athletes in my care, and about how to work effectively as part of a team medical staff. Dr. Emilio Canal invited me to join and introduced me around at my first meeting in Chicago, where I felt the camaraderie almost immediately, somewhere over hot dogs. Over the years those first introductions grew into real friendships, and I came to see that the Academy represents so much more. Today I have a keen interest in how oral health impacts athletic performance and recovery. I'm excited to be part of an organization that has made such a tremendous impact in this field and that understands the role dentists can play in oral health and sports worldwide.

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.

Leonardo M. Nassani, DMD, MBA
Board Member
Assistant Dean for Digital Dentistry and Advanced Technology Clinical | The Ohio State University| Linkedin

What got me into Sports Dentistry?
It was the natural intersection of two passions : my lifelong love for sports and my deep interest in dentistry. Sports Dentistry allows me to focus on prevention and management of oral and facial trauma, helping athletes stay safe, healthy, and in the game. There’s something incredibly rewarding about combining clinical skill with the fast-paced, high-impact world of sports.
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
Hands down, it’s the people. I love the opportunity to connect with colleagues from around the world, learn from true leaders in the field, and feel part of a close-knit, supportive community. The symposium blends education and camaraderie in a way that makes you feel both inspired and at home.

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.

Chase Seubert DDS, FAGD

Board Member
Website
What got me into Sports Dentistry?
My journey into sports dentistry began with five years in the US Navy, where I developed dental restorative and preventative skills treating Marines, whom are required to be very physical and active throughout their careers, leading me to Cosmetic, Family and Sports Dentistry in 2019. Mentored by Dr. Doug Lambert, I became the Minnesota Lynx team dentist in 2021, uncovering the critical role of dental care in athletics. I grew passionate about cosmetic restorative techniques, designing durable, aesthetic restorations for athletes continuing their sports. Presenting on the intersection of arts and athletics at conferences solidified my dedication to this field. I focus on creating oral health solutions that enhance athletes’ performance and confidence. My work ensures players like the Lynx can compete with protected and beautifully resilient smiles.
Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?
My favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium for sports dentistry is the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals who share a passion for advancing dental care for active individuals of all ages. The symposium provides a dynamic platform to exchange cutting-edge techniques, discuss innovations in injury prevention, and learn about the latest technologies in sports-related dental care. It’s inspiring to collaborate with experts in the field, share insights, and bring back new knowledge to enhance the care I provide to my patients, including the Minnesota Lynx. The sense of community and shared purpose at these events fuels my dedication to staying at the forefront of sports dentistry. While at the meeting, you find that your are not there to listen to presenters, but feel like you are immersed in acommunity where knowledge is shared along with professional successes and failures. Great people!

Hans M. Stasiuk, DMD, FASD
Newsletter Editor

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!

Brian Li
Website/Social Media Director

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.