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 Jim Whitehead
Chief Executive Officer  Hans M. Stasiuk, DMD, FASD
President Brite Smile Dental Clinic 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.  Byron Blasco, DMD
President Elect Byron M. Blasco, DMD, Ltd. dba Blasco Dental & Aesthetics of Las Vegas 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.  Danette McNew, DDS
Secretary McNew Dental What got me into sports dentistry:  Howard Edelman
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.  Xavier Gutierrez, DDS, FASD
Immediate Past President Fresno Dental Professionals What got me into sports dentistry: I started working with Fresno State in 2004 and was looking for more education in fitting dentistry into the sports medicine field. I ran into Matt Campbell (a charter member) and he connected me with ASD and have enjoyed it ever since.  David Dowsett, DMD
Website/Social Media Director
Complete Health Dentistry of Portland 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.  Jean Provo, DDS
Board Member Provo Dental Centre What got me into sports dentistry: Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium?  Michael Salyzyn, DDS
Board Member Summit Dentistry 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.  Dan Brett
Board Member Sportsguard Laboratories, Inc. What got me into sports dentistry: An opportunity to grow my practice as a new dentist right out of school. Favorite thing about attending the Annual Symposium? Being a newer board member it was great to meet my fellow members face to face for the first time.  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 Daryn T. Nishikawa, DDS, Inc.
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
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
Newsletter Editor  Ms. Kate Cole
Executive Secretary  Ms. Sarah Kragness
Event Coordinator |
