Meet the Dean’s Council

As a proud class of 1983 graduate of Penn Dental Medicine, Dr. Schupak is thrilled to be a member of the Dean’s Council. She loves being kept up to date on the accomplishments of the school so that she may share them with her many Penn Dental friends and encourage them to become more involved in alumni activities. She often sees her colleagues and friends as an active member of the organizing committee of the Greater New York Dental Meeting. In fact, their committee has many Penn Dental Medicine graduates including the General Chairman. As a faculty member of the New York University College of Dentistry’s Orthodontic department, Dr. Schupak is thrilled to be a representative of our esteemed school. She is a member of several study groups with members who are Penn grads. She is also the proud mother of a 2020 PDM graduate doing her GPR.

Dr. Robert Brody, Chief Clinical Officer with Great Expressions Dental Centers, received his dental medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine (’84), where he also earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in biology (’80).

Prior to joining GEDC in 2008, Dr. Brody, co-founded and served as president of Dental Health Group, a multi-site multi-specialty group practice; where he practiced as a general dentist for over 30 years. Dr. Brody held positions as team dentist for the Miami Dolphins and was the National Director of Quality Assurance for CIGNA Dental Health where he contributed to the development of in-office quality assessment programs, leading to a quality assurance of the more than 3,000 CIGNA managed dental care offices, and their 6,000 in-network dentists. Additionally, Dr. Brody served on the Board of Golden Glades Hospital and he is currently a memberof the Dean’s Council for University of Pennsylvania and the Nova South Eastern University School of Dental Medicine Board of Councilors.

In his current position as Chief Clinical Officer for Great Expressions Dental Centers, Dr. Brody provides the leadership strategy on the company’s clinical direction,including the philosophy of care for the dental group. He is responsible for ensuring that GEDC maintains the highest quality of clinical care and compliance with ethical and professional standards. Dr. Brody also leads the GEDC National Doctor Panel as chairman.

Dr. Stefani Cheung is a 2008 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and a 2011 graduate of Penn Dental Medicine with a general dentistry practice located in Hong Kong together with her father, PDM board Chair Dr. William Cheung. She is a Clinical Adjunct Assistant Professor in PDM’s Division of Restorative Dentistry. She completed a Master’s in Implant Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong. Stefani Cheung has been a member of the Alumni Society Executive Committee since her graduation in 2011 and is an active online participant in meetings. Most recently, Dr. Cheung participated in an alumni panel discussion related to getting back to business after the Covid-19 quarantine.

Dr. Joseph Fiorellini is Professor in Department of Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. In 1990, he received his DMD from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and in 1993 was awarded the DMSc degree in the field of Oral Biology and a Certificate in Periodontology. Dr. Fiorellini has published over 100 manuscripts, reviews or textbook chapters and received awards related to research including The Academy of Osseointegration Research Award and The European Association for Osseointegration Research Prize. Currently, he is the Director of the Advanced Graduate Program in Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Trustee for the American Academy of Periodontology, Board Director for the Academy of Osseointegration, and a Consultant for American Dental Association Commission for Continuing Education Recognition Program. In addition, he serves as an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants and is a member of several editorial boards including of the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry and the Journal of Periodontology.

Dr. Fraiman is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Periodontics at Penn Dental Medicine, where he also serves as the Director of the Postdoctoral Periodontal Prosthesis Program. He received his D.M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine in 1991, where he also went on to complete his residency in Periodontics in 1993 and in Periodontal Prosthesis in 1994.

Dr. Gian-Grasso has practiced Periodontology and Implant Dentistry in Philadelphia since 1973. He has served as an overseer for 16 years, a Dean’s Council member for the past 10 years, and Alumni association President and Chair of the Reunion Committee for SDM ’71 for every five year reunion since 1976. He has known and worked with eleven deans/interimdeans during that time. Dr. Gian-Grasso’s commitment to the school is rooted in his love for the profession and the effect it has on patients, the position the school enjoys in the academic and practice environments, and the understanding that promoting the school to its far flung graduates will result in their support and appreciation.

Mitchell Goldman is the former CEO of Mid-Atlantic Dental Partners, a dental support organization. The company contracts with dental practices to provide business management and non-clinical operations support. He also hosts a regular radio show on the business of healthcare on Business Radio Powered by Wharton, Sirius XM. He received his undergraduate degree from Temple and is a professor of healthcare finance at Drexel’s law school.

Plymouth Meeting, PA

Dr. Jeffrey Grove, known as “Dr. Jeff,” is President of Dynamic Growth. He and his team have received both local and national recognition for their charitable endeavors and are committed to enhancing the oral health of those in need. Dr. Jeff’s combined passion for quality dental care and his “the sky’s the limit” approach to industry has provided the blueprint for Dynamic Growth’s success and their mission tobuild a companywith 750 team members radiatingwith pride. As a Berks County native, Dr. Jeff attended Governor Mifflin High School before going on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Richmond. Acting on his passion for serving the needs of others, he then attended the University of Pennsylvania where he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. Dr. Jeff further refined his skills and expertise through externships he completed at York Hospital Dental Clinic and the Philadelphia Veterans Hospital before launching into private practice as a general dentist. A lifelong learner, he is dedicated to continuing education and attends numerous courses each year to remain current in the latest dental treatments and technologies. During his free time, Dr. Jeff enjoys spending quality time with his wife and their three children hiking, swimming, running, skiing, and biking. Along with his passion for serving the members of his community with excellence in dental care, Dr. Jeff is committed to coaching and mentoring his fellow dentists and team members at Dynamic Growth.

Dr. Hersh serves as a Professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Penn Dental Medicine. He runs a very active clinical research program that plays a key role in developing and carrying out clinical protocols. He also teaches continuing education courses for Penn Dental Medicine and has been awarded the University’s highest teaching honor, the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, and the Dental School’s Excellence in the Teaching of Basic Science Award 20 times. For 16 years, he served as chairperson of IRB #3, of the University’s Committee on Studies Involving Human Beings, and for seven years on the University’s Standing Conflict of Interest Committee and the Human Research Advisory Committee to the Vice Provost of Research. In 2016 he was co-recipient along with John Farrar, MD, PhD and Rosemary Polomano, RN, PhD of the University One Health Award, for establishing an NIH-funded interdisciplinary Pain Science Course.

Dr. Anil Idiculla is an Invisalign®Diamond Plus provider at his five Colorado orthodontic practices. He is honored to be the only doctor in Colorado to be elected as an Invisalign Faculty Member. He received his undergraduate degree from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, his dental degree from Nova Southeastern University Dental School in Florida, and his orthodontic degree from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania where he taught diagnosis and treatment planning, growth and development, adult orthodontic treatment, and clinical efficiency. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Colorado Dental Association, and the Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists, and sat on the board for the Metropolitan Denver Dental Society, the Colorado Orthodontic Association, the Colorado Summer Meeting, the Colorado Orthodontic Foundation, and Kids In Need of Dentistry. Most recently, his peers and patients have selected him as their Top Orthodontist in Colorado, as seen in 5280 Magazine every year since opening in 2008. Dr. Idiculla has a huge heart, a fierce passion for philanthropy, and lives by his mission to Live Life Smiling™.

Charlene Jennings Fenster graduated from the Penn Dental Hygiene class of 1975 and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Thomas Jefferson University and a Master of Arts degree in Education with a concentration in Reading/Language Arts from Rider University. She recognizes that the exceptional education received through the federal grant-funded accelerated dental hygiene curriculum in periodontal therapy and local anesthesia administration afforded unique opportunities in clinical dental hygiene and propelled her into dental hygiene and dental assisting education, and volunteerism, having coordinated Give Kids A Smile Day! Ms. Jennings Fenster has, for the past ten years, collaborated with the PDM Departments of Diversity and Inclusion and Radiology in a Pipeline program designed to offer experiences in dentistry to qualified underserved and underrepresented minority high school students through radiology, laboratory techniques and SAT workshops preparing them for dental radiology certification and post-secondary education. And more recently, the dental assisting students in the Pipeline program gained valuable exposure to the real world of patient care under Ms. Jennings Fenster’s supervision as an adjunct faculty member in PDM’s Schattner clinic. In 2017, Charlene spearheaded the Penn Dental Hygiene Research and Innovation Scholarship Fund, facilitating opportunities for qualified dental hygienists to collaborate with Penn Dental faculty on research and public health projects. Charlene is honored to be selected to serve on the Dean’s Council, which follows her vice presidency on the PDM Alumni Executive Board and is concurrent with her role as the Dental Hygiene Reunion Chairperson. As an alumni leader, she is dedicated to continuing the pre-eminent status of Penn Dental Medicine and the success of its students and Dental and Dental Hygiene alumni.

Dr. Chris Joy graduated from Penn Dental Medicine in 1980 and did a one-year GPR at San Francisco Veteran’s Administration Hospital before heading into private practice. Ever an advocate of lifelong learning, Dr. Joy continually strives to improve his knowledge and skills by pursuing postgraduate continuing education in all aspects of aesthetic and restorative dentistry, averaging 150 hours a year.

Dr. Joy volunteers at CDA Cares, which provides dental services at no charge to an average of 1,950 people at each event. CDA Cares serves as a safety net for many people needing relief from the pain and infection of untreated dental disease. “It is a very worthwhile and fulfilling cause,” says Dr. Joy.

Dr. Joy lectures to orthodontic residents at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and to dental assisting students at Foothill College. He also serves on the Foothill College Advisory Board, and is a past President of the Mid-Peninsula Dental Society.

In his spare time, Dr. Joy enjoys playing recreational and competitive tennis, squash, skiing, hiking, and photography. He and his wife, Anita Joy (D’81), have two adult children – also Penn alumni — Adrienne Joy (D’16) and Nicholas Joy (C’08).

Dr. Meetu Ralli Kohli is a 2002 graduate of PDM and a 2005 graduate of the Endodontics Residency Program at PDM. She is a Clinical Associate Professor of Endodontics at PDM and the Director of the department’s Continuing Education and International Visiting Scholar Program. Dr. Kohli lectures and publishes widely on the topic of microsurgical retreatment. She also maintains private practice in endodontics at multiple PA locations. Dr. Kohli is a Penn Dental Ambassador at international meetings and events. She is a team player and has agreed on many occasions to lecture pro-bono for the benefit of the school, including but not limited to the Alumni Ski Trip, Penn Prosthodontic program microsurgery courses and Alumni Panel Discussion.

Dr. Lee graduated from Brown University and received his dental and endodontic specialty education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He completed a hospital-based General Practice Residency at the Virtua-West Jersey Health System in Camden, New Jersey. Dr. Lee also served as a Clinical faculty member at the West Jersey Health System.

Dr. Lee has performed significant research while at Penn and presented his findings at the American Association of Endodontists Annual Session. He has received recognition for outstanding Preclinical Teaching and excellence in endodontics, including the Herman Segal Emergency Care Award, and the Samuel R. Rossman Scholarship for Excellence in Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Research and Community Service. Dr. Lee was also acknowledged for his contribution in endodontic microsurgery while at The University of Pennsylvania as well as for his participation in the Liberty Dental Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Currently, Dr. Lee is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Endodontics at the University of Pennsylvania and serves on the CDE Advisory Committee, Campaign Alumni Engagement Committee and Dean’s Council for the university. Dr. Lee also remains an active member of the American Association of Endodontists, the American Dental Association, the Northern Virginia Dental Society, and the Virginia Dental Association.

Dr. Levitt has been an Assistant Clinical Professor at the School of Dental Medicine, Department of Periodontics since 2004. Raised in Cheltenham, PA, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania College of Arts and Sciences, where he was captain of the wrestling team. He then graduated from Penn Dental Medicine in 1972. After a general practice residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center, he returned to Penn to teach restorative dentistry. In 1977, he completed specialty training in periodontics. Dr. Levitt teaches in the postgraduate periodontal clinic. He lectures to undergraduates and in the PASS program.

As a disciple of Dr. Morton Amsterdam and Dr. Leonard Abrams, his teachings follow their holistic approach to diagnosis and patient care. His special interest is in the study of occlusion, about which he has lectured both locally and nationally. Retired from his Southern New Jersey periodontal and implant practice, he resides with his wife Deborah (College ’69). He has served as chairman of the Northfield Planning Board since 1979. He has traveled widely and enjoys sailing and biking.

Dr. Mishaan is known to his patients and his staff as kind, caring and genuinely concerned about people. He steps out of his role as a clinician to really get to know you and your needs. His technical skill and his keen eye for aesthetics set him apart from other dental healthcare professionals. He attended New York University and then went on to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Before opening the Midtown Dental Group practice, Dr. Mishaan’s experience included working in high-end dental offices on Central Park South and Madison Avenue. He saw the need for a practice in the Fashion District, where he could offer a full range of services with a focus on the convenience of the patient. He provides general, restorative, preventative, periodontal, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Mishaan also has close relationships with specialists in all areas of dentistry, ensuring that if further care is needed, his patient will be referred to the best.

Dr. Saul Pressner earned his DMD from Penn Dental Medicine in 1979. He went on to obtain his Certificate in Family Dentist from the University of Conneticut School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Pressner is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry. He frequently volunteers with Dental Volunteers for Israel and regularly lectures about Biomimetic Dentistry on the national and international level.

Dr. Michael R. Ragan is Managing Partner of a Miami based law firm with 30 years of experience as a defense trial attorney. He received a B.A. from Syracuse University, a D.M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, and an L.L.M. in Health Law from Loyola University College of Law. Dr. Ragan has held academic appointments at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and the Georgetown University Dental School. Dr. Ragan is presently Adjunct Professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and Clinical Professor, Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, Division of General Dentistry University Florida College of Dentistry. Dr. Ragan is a Medical-Legal Consultant to the Fortress Insurance Company. Dr. Ragan is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the American College of Legal Medicine.

Dr. Daniel Richardson grew up in Edmonton, Canada. He received his undergraduate degree from Oakwood College, and then went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania for his doctorate degree in dental medicine. Subsequently, he obtained a medical degree from Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Richardson’s background includes an oral and maxillofacial surgical internship and residency program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard-affiliated hospitals, such as Children’s Hospital of Boston, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Due to his special interest in dento-skeletal deformities, he pursued an additional fellowship year at the Posnick Center for Facial Plastic Surgery.

Presently, Dr. Richardson is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, as well as a fellow of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and a member of the Maryland Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

Dr. Louis Rossman is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, and a past-president of the American Association of Endodontists, American Board of Endodontics and the Foundation for Endodontics. A graduate of Penn Dental Class of 1975 and Endodontics 1977, he is the Chairman Emeritus of the I.B. Bender Division of Endodontics at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. In 2019, he received the Edgar Coolidge Award from the American Association of Endodontists (AAE)-the AAE’s highest honor. Dr. Rossman is an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Endodontics at The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, serves on the Dean’s Council and recipient of the schools Alumni Award of Merit. Presently he is a clinical teacher at Albert Einstein Medical Center. Dr. Rossman has lectured extensively in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. He has published numerous articles and has written chapters in several endodontic, periodontic, microbiology and veterinary textbooks. He maintains a full time clinical practice of Endodontics in center city Philadelphia. Along with his wife, Val, they have 2 children and 1 grandchild.

Dr. Derek Sanders, also known as Dr. D, is an active board certified orthodontist and owner of a large multi-specialty practice in Miami, Florida. He received his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006 and at the same time earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Temple University. Following his dental training, Dr. Sanders practiced as a restorative dentist in Philadelphia, PA. His passion for continuing learning and interest in orthodontics led him to the University of Connecticut, where he earned a postdoctoral Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Dental Science.

Dr. D has been in private practice since 2009 and holds teaching appointments at the University of Miami and the University of Connecticut. His passion for orthodontics and creating beautiful smiles is contagious and is shown throughout his state-of-the-art office building and wonderful team. He is extremely passionate about environmental design / sustainability and developed the only LEED Platinum dental facility in the world – featuring electricity provided by a large array of solar panels and an underground cistern that collects rainwater for on-site gardens and native landscaping. His dedication to patient care can be seen via many lectures he’s given nationally and internationally on various topics and multiple articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Upon graduating from Penn Dental Medicine in 1988, Dr. Sexton joined the practice of Amsterdam, Weisgold & Baumgarten, and the PDM Restorative Clinical Faculty. In 1994, she opened Main Line Smiles, focusing on cosmetic dentistry and smile design, while continuing to teach. Dr. Sexton is a past president of the Alumni Society Executive Board and received the Alumni Award of Merit in 2013. Serving as a proud ambassador of all things PDM, she brings her passion for mentoring and leadership to the Dean’s Council.

Arnold Weisgold received his dental degree from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1961. After graduation, he served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps for two years. In 1963, he matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Dental Medicine where he studied Periodontal Prosthesis, successfully receiving certificates in both Periodontics and Fixed Prosthodontics. In 1965, he was named the first Coordinator of Occlusion at Temple University where he developed a four year program in this discipline. He returned to the University of Pennsylvania in 1967 where he established the Department of Form and Function of the Masticatory System, the first of its kind in the world. In 1973, he became the Director of Postdoctoral Periodontal Prosthesis and served in this capacity until 2006. From 1984 until 1987, he was the Associate Dean for Clinical Sciences and was the first Director of the Implant Research Center (1990-1996). He is presently Adjunct Professor of Periodontics. Dr. Weisgold has faculty appointments at New York University School of Dentistry, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine and Kaohsiung Medical College School of Dentistry (Taiwan). He has also had affiliations with the U.S. Army and Naval Dental Corps, the Veteran’s Administration, Albert Einstein Medical Center and the Medical College of Pennsylvania. He has served on the Council on National Board Examinations and is a Consulting Editor for the Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry and the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. He was the President of the Associate Section of the American Academy of Periodontology (1974-75) and the President of the Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics (1989-1990). In 2006, he received the Saul Schluger Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence from the Seattle Study Club. Dr. Weisgold has presented lectures throughout this country, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, South Africa, the Mideast and Far East and is the author of many papers and/or chapters in the areas of Periodontal Prosthesis, Restorative Dentistry, Esthetics, Implant Prosthodontics and Occlusion.