Theresia Laksmana earned her DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, followed by a Certificate in Advanced Periodontology and a Masters of Science in Craniofacial Biology from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC. A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, she has extensive clinical expertise in periodontal regeneration, implant therapy, and peri-implant disease management which she exercises in private periodontal practice in Los Angeles. Theresia Laksmana’s research focuses on periodontal regeneration, implant therapy, and management of peri-implant diseases, with publications in leading peer-reviewed journals. She is active in professional service through the American Academy of Periodontology, the American Dental Education Association, and multiple committees at USC. 

Dr. Ana Ospina graduated from the University of Antioquia in Colombia, where she completed her DDS and a postgraduate certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. She went on to earn a Master of Public Health and a certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) with an emphasis in Special Needs Dentistry from Nova Southeastern University, where she also earned an additional DDS degree. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at NSU. Dr. Ospina has served as Predoctoral Director in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at NSU, where she continues to lecture and lead hands-on workshops nationally and internationally on anesthesia and oral surgery. She is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists (ICD), the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), and the Florida Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (FSOMS). Alongside her academic role, Dr. Ospina maintains a private practice limited to oral surgery.

Dr. Stephanie Munz earned her DDS from the University of Michigan in 2011, followed by a General Practice Residency (GPR) at the University of Michigan Health System in 2012. She joined the Michigan faculty the same year, serving as GPR Program Director from 2014–2023. Since 2019, she has served as Associate Chair of Hospital Dentistry, was appointed as the Walter H. Swartz Professor of Integrated Special Care Dentistry, and in 2020 became Chief of Hospital Dentistry. Dr. Munz served as President of the Special Care Dentistry Association (2021–2022) and currently contributes to clinical teaching in Hospital Dentistry and the Integrated Special Care Clinic. Her clinical interests include implant and prosthetic rehabilitation for patients with head and neck cancer, as well as dental care for individuals with cleft lip/palate, craniofacial anomalies, and complex medical conditions. Her research focuses on oral disease factors contributing to infective endocarditis, prosthetic effects on oral health–related quality of life, and interprofessional education to advance collaborative patient care.

Dr. Luiz A. Pimenta is a faculty member in the Division of Prosthodontics at the College of Dental Medicine at Columbia University in New York. His academic career spans prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, dental materials, and craniofacial sciences, and he has guided the research and professional development of 20 master’s students and 13 PhD students across these areas.

He has delivered lectures and conducted continuing education programs nationally and internationally and has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, as well as several textbook chapters. His scholarly work has contributed to emerging directions in digital dentistry, esthetic and implant-supported rehabilitation, and the care of individuals with craniofacial
conditions.

Dr. Pimenta’s clinical and research interests include dental materials, digital and conventional prosthodontics, and craniofacial anomalies. At Columbia, he supervises clinical care and resident training in the postgraduate prosthodontics clinic, integrating research, teaching, and hands-on education to advance evidence-based practice and the adoption of new technologies.

He is an active member of the International Association for Dental Research, the American Dental Education Association, the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association, the American College of Prosthodontists, and the Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics. He also contributes to the profession as a reviewer and editorial board member for several scientific journals.

Dr. Pimenta’s academic background, clinical expertise, administrative experience, and longstanding commitment to education, mentorship, and program development align closely with the mission of the ADEA Leadership Institute and reflect his dedication to advancing dental education and supporting the next generation of oral health professionals.

Dr. Donald Lapine graduated in 1997 from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers School of Dental Medicine). He completed a General Practice Residency at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ, and practiced in Bayonne, NJ, for many years before transitioning to academia through RSDM’s “From Practice to Preceptor” Program in 2014. He has served on the faculty of the Department of Restorative Dentistry for nine years and became a full-time Assistant Professor in 2021. Dr. Lapine’s research interests include cariology, pedagogy, and faculty calibration. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American College of Dentists, and the International College of Dentists. Active in organized dentistry, he serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Passaic County Dental Component Society and has chaired the ADEA Section on Cariology. He has lectured nationally on restorative dentistry and is the course director for multiple preclinical and clinical courses at RSDM. He has received numerous teaching awards, including the RSDM Excellence in Teaching Award (2019), and has been repeatedly selected as hooder for graduating classes. He currently serves as President of the Omega Omega Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society and as President of the RSDM Alumni Association.  Dr. Lapine is the Director of Operative Dentistry within the Department of Restorative Dentistry.