Moderators
Harold Baumgarten, DMD
Dr. Baumgarten received his dental degree, as well as Certificates in Periodontal Prosthetics and Periodontics, from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine. He is affiliated with the Academy of Osseointegration, the Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics, the Philadelphia County Dental Society, the Philadelphia Society of Periodontology, the American Academy of Periodontology and Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Dr. Baumgarten is on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry and the The Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry. He is a Clinical Professor with the Department of Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Baumgarten maintains a private practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Yu Cheng Chang, DDS, MS, DMD
Dr. Chang is an Associate Professor of Clinical Periodontics at Penn Dental Medicine. He also serves as the Assistant Dean for Emerging Technology in Patient Care and Director of the Periodontics Clinic in the post-graduate program for the Department of Periodontics. In addition, he is Co-Director of Predoctoral Periodontics. Dr. Chang received his DDS from Chun Shan Medical University in Taiwan in 2008. Furthermore, he earned a certificate in Periodontology and a Master’s degree in Oral Biology from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2014 and 2015, respectively. He also holds a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and is actively involved in conducting research and publishing in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. Since joining Penn Dental Medicine’s faculty, Dr. Chang’s excellence in teaching has been frequently recognized with multiple awards, such as the Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring in Periodontics Educator Award from The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), the Award for Outstanding Service for Students, the Nobel Biocare Junior Faculty Fellowship, and the Earle Bank Hoyt Award from Penn Dental Medicine. Dr. Chang, most recently, was awarded the AAP Foundation Teaching Fellowship, a highly competitive fellowship awarded to two individuals nationwide.
Joseph Fiorellini, DMD, DMSc
Dr. Joseph Fiorellini is the Edwin Darby Professor in the Department of Periodontics at the Penn Dental Medicine. He received his DMD from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and was awarded the DMSc degree in the field of Oral Biology and a Certificate in Periodontology. Dr. Fiorellini has published over 150 manuscripts, reviews, or textbook chapters and received awards in 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 and President Elect for the Academy of Osseointegration. He is an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants .
Jonathan Korostoff, DMD, PhD
As a participant in numerous courses at both the pre- and post-doctoral levels, Dr. Korostoff lectures on a broad variety of topics. These include the structures of the periodontium, basic immunology, oral microbiology, periodontal pathogenesis and implant dentistry, amongst others. He also serves as a clinical instructor of periodontics and implant dentistry at the pre- and post-doctoral levels. In collaboration with Dr. Joseph DiRienzo, Professor of Microbiology, Dr. Korostoff is a co-investigator on NIH-funded projects with the goals of furthering our understanding of the role of a bacterial cytotoxin in periodontal pathogenesis and evaluating the utility of a genetically-modified version of the same cytotoxin as a potential therapeutic agent for treating certain types of cancer in humans. Additionally, Dr. Korostoff is principal investigator on three corporate-funded clinical research projects studying materials used for guided bone regeneration and immediate loading of dental implants. He has recently assumed the position of director of the Master of Science in Oral Biology Program. Dr Korostoff is an attending periodontist in the Penn Dental Care Network and the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center.
Tun-Jan Wang, DDS, DMD
Dr. Tun-Jan Wang is Director of Predoctoral Periodontics and an Instructor in the Department of Periodontics at Penn Dental Medicine. He received his DDS from Chung Shan Medical University (Taiwan) in 2015 and his DMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2025. He completed advanced training in Periodontics and Periodontal Prosthesis at the University of Pennsylvania in 2021. A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and active AAP member, he is the recipient of the Arnold S. Weisgold Director’s Award (2021), the Richman Family Perio-Ortho Award, an AAP Foundation award, and the AAP Excellence in Teaching & Mentoring Award (2023). His interests include digital implant planning and streamlined 3D-printing workflows that enhance education and patient outcomes.
Speakers
Chrysi Boutari, DDS, DMD, CAGS
Dr. Chrysi Boutari is a highly skilled dental specialist in the Boston area. She holds a D.M.D. degree and specialized in Periodontics and Periodontal Prosthesis at the University of Pennsylvania, where she received the Arnold S. Weisgold Director’s Award in 2022.
With experience in general dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics, Dr. Boutari focuses on esthetic reconstructions and implant cases. She is dedicated to helping patients preserve their natural teeth and achieve their optimal smile through functional and esthetic oral rehabilitations.
Frank Celenza Jr., DDS
Dr. Celenza Jr. is uniquely dual-certified in the specialties of both Orthodontics and Periodontics.
He has been involved in Post-Graduate teaching for over 20 years at institutions such as New York University, and currently a Rutgers, NJ. He is widely published in the dental literature and has written six textbook chapters. He is an acclaimed speaker at major dental conferences both domestically and internationally. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Celenza is passionate about Motor Sports, Cycling and Bass Guitar. Dr. Celenza practices in New York City and is an associate clinical professor at Rutgers University in the departments of both Post-Graduate Periodontics and Orthodontics in Newark, New Jersey.
Jeff Ganeles, DMD
Dr. Ganeles is a periodontist practicing in Boca Raton, Florida, and serves as a faculty member teaching residents at both Nova Southeastern University and Boston University. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, as well as an active member of Alpha Omega and the International Team for Implantology (ITI). A graduate of Cornell University, Dr. Ganeles earned his D.M.D. from Boston University in 1983, completed a General Practice Residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and received his Certificate in Periodontology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1987. Dr. Ganeles is the author of more than 50 articles and textbook chapters and is a frequent lecturer at local, national, and international meetings. He also serves as a peer review editor for numerous professional journals. In addition, Dr. Ganeles was a clinical consultant to Neocis, Inc., the first company to receive FDA approval for robotic dental implant surgery, and is believed to have performed the world’s first robotically placed dental implant.
Rodolfo Gianserra, DMD
Rodolfo Gianserra, DMD Dr. Rodolfo Gianserra graduated with honors from Sapienza University of Rome and earned his Specialty in Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania in 1992. A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, he has developed recognized expertise in periodontology and occlusion, teaching in postgraduate programs across leading Italian universities and serving as Visiting Professor at Penn. Treasurer of the Italian Society of Periodontology and Implantology, he is also Director of Gianserra Dental Clinics in Rome and Campobasso. Alongside dentistry, he pursues his passion for nature as the founder of a family natural wine estate Agricolavinica.
Wael Isleem, DDS, DMD, MS
Dr. Wael Isleem received his DDS from the University of Aleppo in 2011 and his DMD with clinical honors from the University of Pennsylvania in 2018. He went on to complete a Certificate in Periodontology, a Master of Science in Oral Biology, and a Certificate in Periodontal Prosthesis at Penn in 2022. Dr. Isleem is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and an active member of the Academy of Osseointegration and the Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry. He is a recipient of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Student Award of Merit and the Weisgold Scholarship. He currently practices full-time in private practice in Voorhees, New Jersey.
Yongkun Kim, DMD
Dr. Kim received his D.D.S. degree from the University of São Paulo, College of Dentistry in Brazil in 1991 and his D.M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1994. He completed his postdoctoral training in Periodontics and Implantology at the University of Pennsylvania in 1997, followed by an additional year of postdoctoral training in Periodontal-Prosthesis in 1998, also at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Kim currently serves as a Clinical Professor of Periodontics and a Clinical Associate Professor of Prosthodontics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
Luca Landi, DDS, CAGS
Graduated in dentistry at Catholic University of Rome (1991) Lieu-tenant dentist Italian Army Medical Corp (92-93). Post-graduate in Periodontology at Boston University (94-97). Adjunct Professor University of Siena (06-08) and Rome Sapienza (20-25). Visiting Professor University of Modena (99-02), Turin (19-25), Florence (20-25), Ferrara (22-25). Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Implantology (2003). President of the SIdP Italian Society of Periodontology and Implantology (20-21), SIdP Board member as Secretary, Treasurer and President-Elect. Founder Boston University Italian Alumni. ITI Fellow. Co-Author of over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals, international speaker. Private practice limited to perio, implants and oral surgery in Rome and Verona.
Oscar Gonzalez Martin, DDS, MScm PhD
Dr. González-Martín earned his D.D.S. from the University of Seville and completed the Periodontal and Perio-Prosthesis Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he received the Arnold Weisgold Director’s Award. He later served as an ITI Scholar at the University of Geneva and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He holds an International Ph.D. from the University of Seville and serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, a Lecturer at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and a Clinical Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid. Dr. González-Martín is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry and maintains a private practice limited to periodontics, prosthesis, and implants.
Neeraj Panchal, DDS, MD, MA, FACHE
Neeraj H. Panchal, DDS, MD, MA received his dental degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Panchal additionally earned a master’s degree in science education from the Teacher’s College at Columbia University. Dr. Panchal completed his Certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern / Parkland Hospital. He currently is Section Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Section Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Philadelphia Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
Marianthi Papaioannou, DDS, MS
Dr. Marianthi Papaioannou is dual-trained in Periodontics and Periodontal Prosthesis. She completed her residency at the University of Pennsylvania, where she also earned a Master’s degree in Oral Biology . She currently serves as an Instructor in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Papaioannou has presented at multiple national conferences, with her clinical and research interests focusing on full-mouth rehabilitation and the integration of digital protocols in periodontics and prosthodontics.
Shaked Navat Pelli, DMD, MSOB, BMedSc
Dr. Pelli, a dual specialist in Periodontics and Periodontal-Prosthesis from the University of Penn (UPenn), focuses on complex full-mouth reconstructions, from smile design to final restorations. Since earning her DMD from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) in 2010, she has combined clinical practice with academic excellence, completing advanced training and research at Harvard, the Forsyth Institute, and UPenn, where she also earned a master’s in oral biology. A dedicated educator, Dr. Pelli has taught at HUJI, UPenn and at the University of Washington (UW). She is currently working at a private office in Washington and teaching at UW. Dr. Pelli’s passion is diagnosing and treating patients comprehensively, especially patients with genetically related dental abnormalities.
Hector Sarmiento, DMD, MSc
Dr. Hector Sarmiento is uniquely dual-trained in maxillofacial surgery and periodontics. He serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor in Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also earned his specialty certificate and Masters in Oral Biology. In September 2025, Penn recognized his leadership and scholarship by renaming its department The Sarmiento Center for Periodontics. An internationally recognized lecturer and author of numerous peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters, his research focuses on peri-implantitis, sinus complications, and bone biology. Dr. Sarmiento also maintains a private practice on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, a legacy practice established in the 1950s.
Frank Setzer, DMD, MS, PhD
Frank C Setzer received the his dental and doctoral degree from FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany in 1995 and 1998; and his Endodontic specialty certificate, MSOB and DMD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006, 2008, and 2010, respectively. He is currently an Associate Professor of Endodontics at the University of Pennsylvania, serving as Predoctoral Director in Endodontics. His research interests are the clinical detection, prognosis and assessment of periradicular pathology, in particular apical periodontitis, utilizing CBCT imaging and Artificial Intelligence, as well as endodontic microsurgery. Dr. Setzer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics ABE. He is Associate Editor for Journal of Endodontics, and lectures at national and international conferences.
Sam Shamardi, DMD
Dr. Sam Shamardi is an accomplished educator, clinician, author, and entrepreneur. He earned his D.M.D. from Tufts University and completed his specialty training in Periodontology at the University of Pennsylvania. A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Implant Surgery, Dr. Shamardi holds faculty appointments at both Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania. With over 15 years in full-time clinical practice, he has extensive experience in surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy. Dr. Shamardi lectures nationally and internationally, is a member of the Catapult Education Speakers Bureau, serves as Medical Director of Regeneration for Nobel Biocare, and is the author of The Financial Survival Guide for Dentists.
Neil Starr, DDS
Dr. Neil Starr was born in Montreal, Canada, and earned his D.D.S. degree from McGill University, followed by Certificates in Periodontics and Periodontal Prosthetics from the University of Pennsylvania. He served as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in Postdoctoral Periodontics and Fixed Prosthodontics at the University of Pennsylvania for 20 years. Dr. Starr maintains a private practice in Prosthodontics in Washington, D.C., and lectures nationally and internationally on treatment planning and interdisciplinary care. His work has been published in leading journals, including The Seattle Study Club Journal, The Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, and The International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry. He is the Director of the Greater Washington Academy of Dental Studies, an interdisciplinary study club affiliated with the Seattle Study Club network, where he mentors young dentists and promotes continued professional growth. A recipient of the Dr. Saul Schluger Award for Clinical Excellence, Dr. Starr is passionate about dentistry—something his wife, Lily, and their three children, Sam, Josh, and Ilanna, can attest to.
Huan Su, DDS, MS
After graduating from the Perio-Prosthesis program, I began my career as a full-time periodontist before opening our private practice as a general dentist with an emphasis on implant dentistry and full mouth rehabilitation. My clinical work has focused on blending surgical and restorative principles to achieve long-term functional and esthetic outcomes for patients. While many have praised my development of implant restoration critical and subcritical contours, I view these as natural extensions of the Penn Perio-Prosth philosophy and the Form of Function of the Masticatory System (FFMS)—core concepts instilled in us by Drs. Morton Amsterdam, Arnold Weisgold, and other mentors. Their influence continues to guide my commitment to interdisciplinary care and evidence-based treatment planning.
Nipul Tanna, DMD, MS
Dr. Nipul Tanna is dual certified in Orthodontics and a Periodontics. He received his BS from Juniata College in 1986. He received his DMD at Penn Dental Medicine, in 1990 and completed Penn’s AEGD residency in 1991. In 1994 he was appointed as Assistant Professor, Department of Restorative & Preventive Sciences. In 1999, he was appointed as Associate Director of the Faculty Practice. Dr. Tanna completed his specialty training in Orthodontics and Periodontics in 2010. In 2013 and 2014, Dr. Tanna completed Board Certification and in Periodontics and Orthodontics. Dr. Tanna currently practices in the Faculty Practice, He is the Director of the combined program in Orthodontics/Periodontics. Dr. Tanna teaches predoctoral students and postdoctoral residents and he is also actively involved with several clinical research studies. He continues to maintain active membership in numerous professional organizations and holds leadership positions in several organizations. He is also a reviewer for several well respected journals.
Flavia Teles, DDS, MS, DMSc
Dr. Teles received her DDS from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, her Master’s in Science in Periodontology from the State University of Rio de Janeiro and a Doctor of Medical Sciences Degree in Oral Biology from Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM). She was faculty at the Forsyth Institute and HSDM and at the UNC School of Dentistry. She is a Professor in the Dept. of Basic and Translational Sciences at Penn Dental Medicine. Her work focuses on clinical and translational periodontal research. She is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, editorial board member of the Journal of Periodontology and member of the AAP Diagnostic Technologies and Precision Medicine Workgroup and the Task Force on Design and Analysis in Oral Health Research.
Leornardo Trombelli, DDS, PhD
Dr. Trombelli, a distinguished clinician and researcher recognized internationally for his contributions to the field of periodontology. Dr. Trombelli has dedicated his career to advancing clinical techniques and evidence-based approaches in periodontal regeneration and implant therapy. His extensive research, publications, and commitment to education have made him a respected leader and lecturer in the global dental community.
Thomas Yoo, DMD, MS, FRCDC
Dr. Thomas H. Yoo earned his DMD and completed dual specialty training in Periodontics and Periodontal Prosthesis at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also received his MS in Oral Biology. Dr. Yoo practices in Philadelphia at Amsterdam Dental Group with a focus on implant reconstruction, esthetic rehabilitation, and digital workflows. He teaches at Penn Dental Medicine as a Clinical Assistant Professor and serves as an attending Periodontist/Prosthodontist at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan. Dr. Yoo is an Associate Fellow of Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics, Diplomate of American Board of Periodontology, and a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. He has authored peer-reviewed publications on implant dentistry, digital treatment, and pain management.