Welcome to the CSDA’s Student Dental Connection The CSDA’s Student Dental Connection makes it easier for students to find a dentist who will generously share their knowledge and experience with them. The CSDA is adapting this model by creating an interactive web page designed to connect dental students and CSDA member dentists. This encourages an open discussion that does not reflect the official positions of the CSDA, but allows dentists to share their own personal opinions on any subject the students wish to discuss. To get started all you need to do is follow the two simple steps below: 1. Select a member from the bios available 2. Make contact The CSDA’s Student Dental Connections is always looking for more dentists to participate in this program. If you are a current CSDA member and interested in learning more about this initiative and how you can become a resource for the students, please contact Mr. Jesse Dennehy, CSDA Membership Services Manager at 860.378.1800 or jdennehy@csda.com. Select A Practice Type General Dentists * Periodontists * Pediatric * Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery * Anesthesia General Dentists Brian F. Bottaro, DMD Brian at Brianbottarodmd dot com It seems like only yesterday that I was where you are, but I can tell you time goes by quickly and before you know it your dental education will be over. I am a 1982 graduate of UConn and I continue to have a wonderful and rewarding career. Since 1983 I have maintained a solo family oriented general dental practice in Manchester. As a general dentist, practicing all aspects of dentistry, I need to be knowledgeable in many areas of dentistry and each day I never know what skills I will need to draw from. I have also been an active member of organized dentistry and have served on numerous committees for the CSDA including serving three years on the Board of Governors. I also like to stay abreast of current techniques and have tried to keep my practice up-to-date. In the last few years I have continued my education by becoming trained to place dental implants and perform associated ridge augmentations and socket preservation. I love learning new skills and after practicing for over two decades incorporating new techniques into my practice has been very exciting. Also, I am a member of the International Congress of Implantology and I have been awarded their education recognition levels of Fellowship, Masters and Diplomat. I’m married and live in Marlborough with my wife. I have four sons and when I’m not at work or in Marlborough you can find me floating off the coast near Watch Hill, RI trying to catch the elusive striped bass or basking on Sandy Point beach. I also like to snow ski but I’m really a beach bum at heart. Thomas V. Brady, DMD bradythomas94 at gmail dot com I received a BS in Biology from Boston College in 1967 and a DMD from Tufts in 1971. I had a 2 year GPR with the military at Fort Campbell, KY. Since 1973, I’ve practiced general dentistry in Westbrook and Old Lyme. That makes me old and experienced. Over the years I have been active at all levels of organized dentistry, having served as both an officer and past-president of the Shoreline Dental Society and the CSDA. I’ve served in the CSDA House of Delegates for 35 years and the ADA House of Delegates for 10 years. I am honored with membership in the Pierre Fouchard Academy, The American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, Federation Dentaire International, Academy of General Dentistry and the Horace Wells Society. My currently involvement in the CSDA ranges from serving on the Continuing Education and Annual Scientific Session Councils. I am currently the chair of the Membership Council. I continue to do volunteer work at the Yankee Dental Congress in Boston, the Mission of Mercy project and in Haiti through the Haitian Health Foundation. I am very interested in forensic odontology and I’m a member of the American Society of Forensic Odontology and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Also, I was a police officer for 31-years and currently I’m a member of the Connecticut State Police Surgeon. Lastly, I am the founder of the CSDA Emergency Forensic Team (DIRT) and I serve as antimortem coordinator. Beyond dentistry I’m married with four daughters and three grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with my family, photography and flying as a private pilot. Brian S. Duchan, DMD duchan at optonline dot net I graduated Queens College in 1972 with a BA in Biology. I received my DMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 1976 and completed a one year General Practice Residency at Peninsula Hospital Center in 1977. Upon completion of my residency, I joined a private practice in Westport. I am a Senior Attending at Norwalk Hospital, and have taught in the general practice residency programs at Danbury and Yale-New Haven hospitals. I am a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Reconstructive Sciences at the UCONN School of Dental Medicine, where you can find me in the Operative Clinic. I am also a member of UCONN’s Mentor program. I have been involved in organized dentistry on the state level for many years. I am a past president of the Connecticut State Dental Association and am currently serving my second year as its Secretary-Treasurer. I am a Board member of the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach and am heavily involved with the annual CT Mission of Mercy programs. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm with dental students and those just starting in the profession. Linda Kronick, DMD lkronick at msn dot com I am a 1989 graduate of the UConn School of Dental Medicine. At my practice in Norwich, I have been working with lasers for many years and I’m proficient in using hard and soft tissue lasers. For more than ten years I have been providing CAD/CAM and CEREC dentistry. Since 1998 I’ve been teaching restorative dentistry at the UConn School of Dental Medicine. I have also published articles in Dental Economics. I enjoy general dentistry and look forward to sharing my enthusiasm with dental students and those just starting in the profession. I’m the mother of three sons with whom I love to run races. I enjoy making jam and participating in triathlons. Ron Linden, DDS drronlinden at yahoo dot com I graduated from Cornell University in 1973 with a BS in biology and received a MS and DDS from NYU. I participated in a general practice residency from Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn and then came to Connecticut. I’ve had my own private practice in Shelton since 1980. I have two grown married children, one teaching college in NYC and the other a captain in the Air Force. In spite of my inspiration, neither one of them had the slightest interest in becoming a dentist. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t be a great mentor. Teaching and practicing dentistry are two of my greatest passions. I like to say that I never really had a job – dentistry has been a fun hobby during my practice years. One of my beliefs is that you spend a lot of years at work, and it’s foolish not to enjoy what you do. To that end, I’ve tried to practice at the highest skill level that I can. I’m in several study groups, take a lot of courses and do my best to keep up with my techniques and standards. Another belief I have is that dentists have a special honored place in society, and we have some duty to return society the favor. I’ve volunteered in numerous ways, which include CSDA delegate, local dental society VP and President, current chairman of the CSDA ethics committee and founder of the Derby Dental Clinic in Derby, CT. I’m also active in the local chamber of commerce and participate in a business group called BNI of Connecticut and I’m a mentor in the UConn dental school and at Cornell University. Carolyn Malon, DDS malondds at aol dot com I am a 1985 graduate of Georgetown University School of Dentistry, having received a BA in Biology from Manhattanville College. I am in private practice in general dentistry with my husband, Dr. Steve Moran. Our practice was located in New Britain for 13 years prior to our relocating to Farmington in 2002. When I was in dental school, I never dreamed that I would be a “leader” in my profession, but I seem to have difficulty saying no when I am asked to help out. As a result, I have served as an officer of both the New Britain Dental Society and the Hartford Dental Society (this is what happens when you move your office!). I have served in the CSDA House of Delegates for about 15 years and as a delegate to the ADA for 5 years. I currently serve the CSDA as Vice President, and as such, I serve on numerous councils and committees. I am very active as a member of the Council on Legislation. I have always enjoyed politics, so this is a great way to combine my personal and professional interests. I have also spent time as a CT State Dental Commissioner and as a NERB examiner. My greatest challenge at the moment is serving as chair of the CSDA Governance Committee, which is looking over the entire structure and function of all councils, committees and boards of the CSDA, and will soon be making recommendations to the House of Delegates as to possible changes we might make. I am excited at the opportunity to make changes which will position the CSDA for the future, and to make it an organization which suits the needs and the interests of the next generation of dentists. I have been married for almost 25 years to my dental school classmate, Dr. Steve Moran, and we have two children. We enjoy spending time together skiing, swimming, hiking and travelling to see other family members. It’s a great balancing act, but our profession allows us the flexibility to at least try to have it all! I welcome the opportunity to help the newer members of our profession in any way that I can. Jonathan E. Mason, DMD jmasondmd at gmail dot com I’m a native of West Hartford and graduated from the UConn School of Dental Medicine in 2006. I’ve completed my undergraduate studies at Hamilton College in 2002, where I received a BA in Economics. Additionally, I completed a one-year general practice residency at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia. I’ve also completed a mini-residency in Intravenous Conscious Sedation at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY. I have been practicing general dentistry and providing oral surgery services in Bloomfield since 2007. I’m an active member of the American Dental Association, the CSDA, the Hartford Dental Society and the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology. I’m a clinical instructor and mentor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and also serve on the Continuing Education Council for the CSDA. I enjoy playing golf, tennis and squash, as well as sailing with my wife, Allison and spending time with our dog, Blu. Stephen M. Moran, DDS morandds at comcast dot net I am a 1985 graduate of Georgetown University School of Dentistry, with a BA in philosophy from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. I was associated with several dentists before setting up practice in 1989 with my wife and classmate, Carolyn Malon. We have a general practice in Farmington, Connecticut and practice all disciplines except orthodontics. I have served in all of the officer positions in the New Britain Dental Society, and at the state level I have served on the Annual Scientific Session and Young Dentists Committees. I am currently serving as Treasurer for the Connecticut Dental Political Action Committee and as a consultant for the Membership Council. I enjoy cycling, golf, hunting, skiing, brewing beer and rooting against the Yankees. In my career I have seen the practice of dentistry become more and more complex and inextricably connected to the social and political landscapes, hence my current positions with the CSDA. I look forward to helping my younger colleagues in any way that I can. Bill Nash, DMD williamnashdental at gmail dot com I am a general dentist practicing out my home office in Fairfield, CT for the last 32 years. I graduated from Tufts University with a BS in Biology and subsequently obtained my DMD from UConn School of Dental Medicine in 1977. I try to provide a complete range of dental services, something most patients appreciate. I have a particular interest in endo and probably would have specialized if I continued my education. I am presently serving my first year on the Board of Governors of the Connecticut State Dental Association. I haven't been asked to leave yet so I guess I'm doing OK. I am also Vice President of the Bridgeport Dental Association. I am married with three grown children, one married, no grandkids yet. I played football and track at Bunnell High School in Stratford)and played rugby and track in college. I am now a cyclist, having completed several "centuries" (100 mile rides). I also enjoy losing balls at the golf course, and taking out my frustrations on the weeds in my garden. Jeffrey Rosow, DMD cvhdentist at aol dot com I grew up in West Hartford and have lived in Cheshire for the last 28-years where my wife Karen and I raised our three sons. I attended Boston University receiving a BA in Biology and graduated from the UConn School of Dental Medicine in 1980. A general practice residency followed at Connecticut Valley Hospital which is a state psychiatric hospital treating both psychiatric and addictions patients in Middletown. I’ve continued to work there full-time ever since, becoming the Dental Director in 1992. I’m on a number of committees within the hospital including chairing and founding the hospital’s Committee on Alternative Medicine, in addition to founding and chairing our annual Holiday Toy Drive. Along with my wonderful staff, we’ve helped develop opportunities at CT Valley Hospital for rotations for undergraduate dental students from Tufts, hygiene students from Tunxis, Fones and Lincoln, along with assisting students from both Tunxis and Briarwood which helps fulfill our passion for teaching. I’ve also spoken extensively both locally and nationally on treating psychiatric and substance abuse patients in a general dental setting. Over the last several years I’ve become a lot more active in the CSDA and have the privilege of serving on several committees including the Continuing Education Council. In addition, I’m a delegate to the CSDA House of Delegates. I also serve as one of the CSDA representatives on the board of HAVEN (Health Assistance interVention Education Network) which is a resource for the impaired professional. I’m a member of the ADA, CSDA, Middlesex Dental Society and Special Care Dental Association. Several years ago I had the honor of becoming a fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Outside of the office, I’m on the board of Sail CT Access, which is a sailing program for the disabled. My hobbies include sailing, yoga and qigong. As someone who really struggled in dental school and has come to love the profession and much of what it has to offer, I’m extremely committed to helping any student who needs my assistance in any way. Bruce Tandy, DMD btgolf1 at gmail dot com I received my DMD degree from Washington University in St. Louis after completing a biology degree at the University of Rochester. From there, I completed a General Practice Residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Hartford. Finally, I completed advanced training at the Pankey Institute in Miami and the Center for Restorative Excellence in Seattle. Currently, I am on the teaching staff both at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and at Hartford Hospital. I also serve as a coordinator of the Connecticut Mission of Mercy Steering Committee. In addition, I am a member of the American Dental Association, the Connecticut State Dental Association and The Tolland County Dental Society. I serve currently as the Immediate Past President of the CSDA. My honorary fellowships in the dental profession include the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. My personal interests include travel, golf, wine and organized dentistry. I am married with two children, college-age children, Lauren and Evan, whom attend Jacksonville University and University of Rochester, respectively. Stephanie A. Urillo, DDS saurilloddspcgond at sbcglobal dot net I am a 1982 graduate of the Georgetown University School of Dentistry, with a BS in Biology from the University of Notre Dame. I have had a private general dental practice with an emphasis on restorative dentistry in Southington for 22-years. I am active in all phases of organized dentistry, local state & national. I have been President of the Dental Society of Greater Southington on two occasions and am past Vice President of the Connecticut State Dental Association, as well as having served on several CSDA Councils & Committees. I have been an alternate delegate and delegate to the ADA House of Delegates for 8-years. Currently, I am the CSDA liaison to the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. I was elected to the Town Council in Southington for a 2-year term in November 2009. I love going to sporting events, traveling and gardening. My election to the Town Council reinforces my belief that one must give back to the community that has supported them in their business endeavors. For this reason, I welcome this opportunity to help young dentists! Peridontists Matthew S. Cantner, DMD dr.cantner at hotmail dot com I grew up in the Connecticut shoreline community. My undergraduate education was completed at Lafayette College in Easton, PA where I received a dual degree in biology and economics. I received my Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania and stayed at this university for my 3 year specialty training. I received the Directors Award for the top resident at the university and the highest achievement award from the Northeast Society of Periodontists. In 2004, I joined my father, Dr. Lee Cantner, and Dr. Jim McAraw adding a new outlook to their well established practice located in Old Saybrook, Waterford and Madison I have been extensively trained in all aspects of periodontal and dental implant therapy and enjoy treatment leading to specific asthetic goals. I also teach at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, Division of Periodontology. I am a Diplomat and Board Certified by the American Academy of Periodontists. Also, I am a member of numerous professional organizations including the ADA, CSDA, Academy of Periodontology, Academy of Osseointegration, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American Academy of Implantology the River Valley Study Club and the Seattle Study Club. Locally, I am a member of the Shoreline Dental Society and the New London County Dental Society. When not in the office I enjoy an active life – boating, skiing, golf, volleyball and traveling. Peter Peterson, DMD, MSD Ppperio at comcast dot net I grew up in Colorado, but have lived in West Hartford since 1988. I majored in Biology at Vassar College and graduated from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in 1982. My original intention after graduating from dental school was to be a general dentist, but after a GPR at the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah (yes I love to ski) and three years in the Air Force as a general dentist, I decided I really wanted to be a periodontist. I did my periodontal residency at the VA Medical Center in Indianapolis and Indiana University and joined the practice of Dr. John Bierly in Simsbury and Farmington in 1988. Periodontics has evolved even in the relatively short time that I have been practicing, and it is both challenging and exciting to continue to learn and stay current. It is not until recently that I became active in the Hartford Dental Society and the CSDA. When asked to become an officer of the Hartford Dental Society (HDS), I was not excited about it and did so reluctantly. However, in the end, I am glad I did. Rising through the ranks of the HDS and eventually serving as President, I am now serving on the Board of Governors of the CSDA and it has given me an appreciation for how much passion and devotion to the profession of dentistry many members of the CSDA have. It has also given me an appreciation for the importance of being politically active to promote the interests of dentistry and to protect our profession. I try to make it “home” to Colorado several times each winter to ski with my sons, one of whom is on the ski patrol at Vail. I also enjoy mountain biking and road biking. My younger son is currently a junior in college and may apply to dental school. Michael Sonick, DMD mike at sonickdmd dot com www.sonickdmd.com Dr. Michael Sonick is a full-time practicing periodontist and implant surgeon in Fairfield. He is also an active teacher, clinical researcher and author. Dr. Sonick received his dental degree from UConn School of Dental Medicine and completed his General Practice Residency at Metropolitan Hospital in New York. He received his Certificate in Periodontics from Emory University School of Dentistry in Atlanta. Dr. Sonick later attended Harvard School of Dental Medicine where he received his Certificate in Implantology. His undergraduate degree was from Colgate University. Dr. Sonick is an on the Editorial Boards of several publications: Compendium of Continuing Dental Education, Functional Esthetics and Restorative Dentistry, Inside Dentistry, Journal of Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry, Journal of Implant and Advanced Clinical Dentistry, Dental XP and the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry. He has published more than 30 articles and is co-editor of the textbook, Implant Site Development. Currently Dr. Sonick is a guest lecturer at New York University School of Dentistry in the international dental program. Dr. Sonick presents more than 30 programs a year both nationally and abroad on all facets of periodontal and implant surgery with a specific emphasis on soft tissue and bone regeneration for ideal implant placement. Dr. Sonick is a previous recipient of “Teacher of the Year” at Yale-New Haven Hospital and has received an Honorary Membership in the Indian Society of Periodontists, Fellowship in the American College of Dentists, Fellowship in the Pierre Fauchard Society and is a member of Who's Who in Dentistry. He is founder and director of Sonick Seminars, a multidisciplinary teaching institute located in his clinical office and teaching center. Unique to this program is the three part continuum: dentists get to observe live surgery, participate during the Hand’s on portion and attend lectures. Dr. Sonick makes his home in Fairfield with his wife, Carole, and three children Becky, Jason and Jenn. His hobbies include swimming, biking, martial arts, piano, cooking, travel and spending time with his family. Ernest B. Spira, DDS PC ebspira at prodigy dot net I am a 1972 graduate of Case-Western Reserve School of Dentistry. My Glastonbury practice is limited to Periodontics with an emphasis on periodontal plastics surgery and implants. I completed my periodontal training at Tufts University in 1974. My implant training was completed at Harvard University in 1985. I have served at all levels of organized dentistry, including President of the Manchester Dental Society and Board of Governors for the CSDA for District VII. I have been involved in the organization and running of the Connecticut Mission of Mercy since its inception. Presently, I am Vice President of the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach and a board member of the America’s Dental Care Foundation. I enjoy working with colleagues to promote education and belong to several study clubs. In my free time I enjoy biking, running, boating and reading. I welcome the opportunity to help. Pediatric Scott Bialik Drbialik at drbialik dot com Twenty years ago I was a lot like most dental students, excited to be graduating and finally making a real paycheck after years of education and loans. In 1994 I graduated from the Columbia University School of Dental Medicine and then pursued a two year post-graduate program in Pediatric Dentistry. Currently I practice in Brookfield. You may ask, why Pediatric Dentistry? Well back when I made my decision for a specialty, Pedo was not one of the most sought after specialties, in fact many dentists looked down upon it. I heard comments like: “Why do you want to work with those monsters?” “You will be wasting your skills!” “You’ll never make any money!” etc. Well I can tell you that for me, being a Pediatric Dentist has been a highly rewarding and enjoyable decision that I have never regretted. Where else can you work and act like a kid all day. Well, parents are usually around, but I still get to be me and have fun. I am an active member of organized dentistry and serve on numerous boards and councils of the CSDA, CSPD (Connecticut Society of Pediatric Dentistry) and COHI (Connecticut Oral Health Initiative). Furthermore, I am also a member of many dental organizations such as the Pierre Fauchard Academy. I am married and have two wonderful daughters and numerous dogs. I enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tinkering on many different levels. Also, I am a serious motor head and can often be found at associated events and venues. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Elie M. Ferneini eferneini at yahoo dot com Elie M. Ferneini, DMD, MD, MHS, is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University (B.S., 1995, Magna Cum Laude), Quinnipiac University (M.H.S., 1998), University of Connecticut Dental and Medical schools (D.M.D., 2002, M.D., 2005). Dr. Ferneini completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the University of Connecticut, followed by two2 years of General Surgery residency also at the University of Connecticut. Additionally, Dr. Ferneini completed 2 years of General Surgery training at the same institution. Dr. Ferneini is an assistant clinical professor at the University of Connecticut. He is involved in undergraduate as well as graduate training. Dr. Ferneini has a long history of conducting research resulting in a number of scientific publications. He has lectured locally and throughout the United States. Dr. Ferneini's professional interests span both hospital-based as well as office-based surgical procedures including reconstructive surgery, maxillofacial pathology and non-invasive cosmetic facial surgery. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, as well as a member of numerous dental and medical professional organizations. Dr. Ferneini resides in Hamden with his wife and three kids children. Anesthesia William A. MacDonnell, DDS william.macdonnell at gmail dot com I have a mobile/portable dental anesthesia practice providing sedation/anesthesia for Connecticut dentists in their offices. I am a graduate of Georgetown School of Dentistry and obtained my BA in Biology at Providence College. I completed a two-year dental anesthesiology residency and a fellowship in Neuro Anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh. I’ve served as a staff anesthesiologist at the John Dempsey Hospital before entering private practice. Since 1978 I’ve been on the faculty of the University of Connecticut Health Center, providing lectures on local anesthesia, sedation and medical emergencies. I am a third generation dentist. In dental school I was the student council president and served on the Board of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA). In 1975, I spear headed the ASDA Lobbying Campaign (HR 5546) in Congress and testified before Senator Kennedy’s Committee on Healthcare regarding dental students. I have served both the CSDA and American Dental Association in many roles as Past President, Board Member, Past Chair CSDA Annual Session, as well as several other CSDA Councils (Insurance, Legislation and Continuing Education), Chair Connecticut Dental Political Action Committee (CODPAC), American Dental Political Action Committee (ADPAC), CSDA/ADA delegate, Horace Wells 150th Anniversary Celebration, Board member of the Connecticut State Dental Foundation and CT Mission of Mercy. I am a past president of the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists (the other ASDA) and the Horace Wells Club. Also, I was chair of the dental anesthesia specialty recognition committee of the ASDA. Currently, I am the editor of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology’s newsletter the, Pulse. Outside of dentistry I currently serve on the Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation. I have also had the pleasure of serving on the Bushnell Park Foundation, as well as on the Board of the St. Timothy Middle School in West Hartford. I live in West Hartford with my wife Margie and have four children. Over the years I have worked with more than 200 general dentists and specialists. If you have questions regarding private practice, dental anesthesia, or organized dentistry please contact me. I encourage everyone to become involved in our profession and politics on a local, state and national level.