Quintessence Study Club

Dr. Florin Cofar co-founded Smilecloud, a smile-design and centralized collaboration platform. He specializes in complex esthetic rehabilitation and minimally invasive procedures. He received his education from Victor Babes University in Timisoara with specialization at NYU University of Dentistry and Harvard Business School.

Vincent Fehmer, MDT, received his dental technical education and degree in Stuttgart, Germany, before completing fellowships in Great Britain and the United States in Oral Design–certified dental technical laboratories. After working several years in such a laboratory in Berlin, he received his MDT degree and became the chief dental technician at the Clinic for Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics in Zurich, Switzerland. Since 2015, he has been a dental technician at the Clinic for Fixed Prosthodontics and Biomaterials in Geneva, Switzerland. He also runs his own laboratory in Lausanne. Mr Fehmer is a Fellow of the International Team for Implantology, an active member of the European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (EAED), and a member of the Oral Design group as well as the European Association of Dental Technology (EADT) and the German Society of Esthetic Dentistry (DGÄZ). He is a sought-after international speaker and has received many honors for his work, including the Kenneth Rudd Award from the American Prosthodontic Society. He has published more than 50 articles in peer-reviewed journals within the field of fixed prosthodontics and digital dental technology, contributed to many books, and recently coauthored the book Fixed Restorations: A Clinical Guide to the Selection of Materials and Fabrication Technology with Irena Sailer and Bjarni Pjetursson. Mr Fehmer also serves as editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Esthetic Dentistry,  editor-in-chief of Quintessence of Dental Technology, and Section Editor for the International Journal of Prosthodontics.

Prof. Dr. Hürzeler is one of the world's leading specialists in complex implant treatments. Surgical methods developed by him are used with great success even in the most difficult cases. Accordingly, Prof. Dr. Hürzeler is an internationally sought-after speaker and trainer of dentists. 1984: Doctorate, University of Zurich. 1989: Specialist in Periodontology (SSP). 1991: Specialist in Prosthodontics (DGPro). 1991-93: Visiting Associate Professor in the Department of Periodontology at the University of Houston, Texas; Clinical Associate Professor since 1993. 1996: PhD in the Department of Prosthodontics, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg; since 1997, Associate Professor in the Department of Preventive Dentistry and Periodontology. Founded a private practice for periodontology and implant therapy with Dr. Zuhr. 2002: Professor of Dentistry, Medical Faculty of the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg. 2008: Founded the Huerzeler/Zuhr Education Center. President of the European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (EAED). More than 150 scientific publications in the field of implantology, periodontology, and tissue regeneration. National and international speaker on periodontology and implant therapy. 2012: Publication with Dr. Zuhr of the bestselling book entitled Plastic-Esthetic Periodontal and Implant Surgery – A Microsurgical Approach.

Dr. Ellen attended New York University College of Dentistry, where she graduated as one of the youngest dentists in her graduating class and received a Most Promising Dentist Award. Following graduation, she completed a one-year residency at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. She values the importance of continuing education and the latest advancements in dentistry and regularly attends lectures and conferences, as well as conducts lectures for other dentists. She currently serves as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor and Co-Clinical Director at Full Mouth Rehabilitation Continuing Dental Education Program at NYU and lectures at Nova Southeastern University Continuing Education Department. Dr. Ellen is a Graduate and a Mentor at the Kois Center, which focuses on Evidence-Based Teaching for practicing dentists. She is a published author in the Peer-Reviewed Compendium Dental Magazine and continues to share her wealth of knowledge with practicing dentists across the country.

Dr. Christian Leonhardt is an alumnus of Würzburg University College of Dentistry, where he laid the foundation for his distinguished career. Post-graduation, he pursued diverse curricula and master's programs across Germany, Europe and the U.S., including a notable Master of Science in Orthodontics from Danube University. Widely recognized as a specialist in Prosthodontics, Dr. Leonhardt places great emphasis on continuous education, regularly attending lectures and conferences to stay abreast of the latest advancements in dentistry. Operating a comprehensive practice in Augsburg, Dr. Leonhardt offers a full spectrum of dental services, reflecting his commitment to providing comprehensive care to his patients. Additionally, his practice serves as a teaching practice- affiliated with DTMD University in Luxembourg, highlighting his dedication to academic collaboration. Dr. Leonhardt's involvement as both a graduate and mentor at the Kois Center is a testament to his passion for sharing knowledge and promoting evidence-based teaching methodologies within the dental community. His understated yet profound impact on the field is evident in his dedication to advancing professional standards and fostering ongoing learning among his peers.

Dr. Stanley Y.C. Liu, a distinguished Associate Professor renowned in the fields of Otolaryngology and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. In addition to his esteemed roles, Dr. Liu serves as the director of the Stanford Sleep Surgery Fellowship, mentoring aspiring professionals, and guides as a preceptor to the Stanford Oculoplastic Surgery Fellowship, shaping the next generation of specialists. Notably, he is a respected Stanford Biodesign Faculty Fellow Alumnus, reflecting his commitment to innovative medical advancements. Dr. Liu is at the forefront of sleep apnea surgery, offering expertise in a comprehensive range of procedures, from nasal to maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), including pioneering techniques such as adult maxillary expansion (DOME), which he developed alongside Professor Christian Guilleminault in 2015. Continuously refining the sleep surgery protocol at Stanford, Dr. Liu's dedication to enhancing patient outcomes is evident. His research endeavors encompass diverse areas, from clinical phenotyping to optimize sleep surgery outcomes to virtual surgical planning for facial skeletal surgery and neuromodulation of the upper airway, demonstrating his multifaceted approach to advancing medical knowledge. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Liu has delivered keynote addresses both nationally and internationally at prestigious conferences spanning various specialties. His contribution to scientific literature is extensive, with over 100 published articles and medical texts, highlighting his significant impact on the field of sleep surgery with original scientific insights. In summary, Dr. Stanley Y.C. Liu's illustrious career is marked by a tireless commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and research, positioning him as a leading authority in Otolaryngology and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Björn Ludwig is an orthodontics specialist who operates his private office in a small village in Germany. He holds positions at two universities: the University of Homburg/Saar in Germany and the Department of Orthodontics, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. While his primary focus is on clinical work, he has a strong affinity for technology, which consistently sparks his interest. He is dedicated to advancing as a researcher and writer, actively participating in a variety of research projects and taking on editorial roles for academic journals. Furthermore, he serves as an editor for several books and is the author of numerous book chapters in classic orthodontic texts. In addition to his passion for orthodontics, he also takes pleasure in cycling as a means tounwind.

Dr. Claudia Pinter is a distinguished figure in the field of orthodontics, particularly renowned for her expertise in the aligner technique. Graduating from the esteemed University of Vienna, Austria, she embarked on a dedicated journey focused on invisible orthodontics with clear aligners. Internationally sought after as a speaker, Dr. Pinter possesses a unique talent for elucidating complex concepts into practical, everyday principles. Her ability to distill intricate information has earned her widespread appreciation among peers. Dr. Pinter's commitment to excellence serves as a beacon, inspiring fellow professionals to delve deeper into the aligner technique. Known for her transparent approach, she generously shares her protocols, fostering a culture of openness and collaboration within the field. Passionate about fostering meaningful connections with colleagues, Dr. Pinter thrives on the exchange of knowledge and ideas. Her dedication to advancing the field of orthodontics through education and collaboration underscores her status as a leading authority in the aligner technique.

Irena Sailer, Prof Dr med dent, is chair of the Division of Fixed Prosthodontics and Biomaterials at the University of Geneva and adjunct associate professor in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. In 2019, she received an Honorary Skou Professorship of digital dental technologies, fixed and implant prosthodontics, and biomaterials at Aarhus University, Denmark. Dr Sailer is editor-in-chief of The International Journal of Prosthodontics and coauthor of over 150 peer-reviewed publications as well as the books Fixed Restorations: A Clinical Guide to the Selection of Materials and Fabrication Technology (Quintessence, 2021) and Color in Dentistry (2017). She holds several patents on esthetic coatings of dental/medical devices and a digital dental splint.

Diana Tadros, DDS is a board-accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (the ONLY one in Fort Lauderdale), a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. She maintained a premier private practice in Manhattan for numerous years prior to moving down to South Florida. Dr. Tadros is a firm believer in conservative esthetic outcomes and has dedicated her time outside of practice to help educate colleagues in her profession by being a keynote speaker and lecturer frequently at national and international Dental Conferences and meetings. She is a trailblazer in her profession on Digital and Cosmetic Dentistry and owns her own training institute and hosts workshops numerous times a year, where she teaches other Cosmetic Dentists how to utilize cutting-edge technology to provide Conservative care and improve Esthetic Results.

Dr Van Dooren attended the Katholieke University in Leuven, Belgium, where he received his degree in dentistry in 1982. After graduation, he opened a private practice in periodontics, fixed prosthodontics, and implants in Antwerp, Belgium. He is an active member of the European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Dr Van Dooren lectures nationally and internationally mainly on esthetics, implants, and esthetic periodontal surgery.

Internationally renowned for his achievements in the fields of periodontal and peri-implant diseases as well as esthetic periodontal soft tissue corrections, Dr. Zuhr is one of the world's leading oral surgeons. Together with Prof. Dr. Hürzeler, he wrote a specialist book in 2011 which, according to his colleagues, is "without doubt one of the most important oral surgery publications of recent years and a must-read for every periodontist and implantologist." Dr. Zuhr studied dentistry in Aachen and in the USA. He is a specialist in Periodontology and has been a board member of the German Society of Periodontology since 2007.