Caitlin Darcey, Co-Chair

Dr. Darcey holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Pratt Institute, a Doctor of Dental Medicine from Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, and a Masters in Oral Biology from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Dr. Darcey completed her periodontics residency at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School in 2011. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, a member of the AAP LEAD class of 2019, and has served on the AAP Continuing Education Oversight Committee since 2017. As a Navy Periodontist, she has been stationed in Bethesda, MD; Norfolk, VA, Annapolis, MD and has returned to NPDS at Bethesda to serve on the faculty of the Naval Postgraduate Dental School.

In her current assignment to NPDS, she is the Program Director for the Navy Periodontics Residency and the Course Director for the Periodontics Long Course.  Additionally, she is a learner in the Masters of Health Professions Education program at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

Sejal Thacker, Co-Chair

Dr. Sejal Thacker is a board certified Periodontist and a Master of Dental Science. She directs the post-graduate Periodontology program at UConn Health and maintains a private clinical practice in Connecticut.

She received an award for Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring in Periodontics in 2015 and 2019 by the AAP and is also the 2020 Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellow. Thacker is a ITI fellow and also has participated in clinical trials at the University of Connecticut.

Mia L. Geisinger, President-Elect (current President)

Mia L. Geisinger, DDS, MS is a Professor and Director of Advanced Education in Periodontology in the Department of Periodontology in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry. Dr. Geisinger received her BS in Biology from Duke University, her DDS from Columbia University School of Dental Medicine, and her MS and Certificate in Periodontology and Implantology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Geisinger is a Diplomate in the American Board of Periodontology and a Fellow in the International Team for Implantology. She has served as the President of the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, as the Chair of the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs, and on multiple national and regional organized dentistry committees.

;She currently serves as the AAP Secretary-Treasurer, as a Board member for the ADA’s Science and Research Institute, and on numerous AAP, AADOCR and ADA committees and task forces. She has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and serves on the editorial board of several publications. Her research interests include periodontal and systemic disease interaction, implant dentistry in the periodontally compromised dentition, and novel treatment strategies for oral soft and hard tissue regeneration. She lectures nationally and internationally on topics in periodontology and oral healthcare.

Liliana Aranguren

Dr. Aranguren is a Board Certified in Periodontics and Dental Implant Surgery practicing at the South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Boca Raton, Florida. She completed residencies at the University of Connecticut in Advanced Education in General Dentistry in 2013, Periodontics and Masters in Dental Sciences in 2016. Originally from Venezuela, she graduated from University of Zulia, in Maracaibo in 2002 with highest honors. Before completing her residencies, she practiced as a dental hygienist. Current practice interests include the full range of periodontal and implant procedures with an emphasis on regenerative, minimally invasive and esthetic periodontics, immediate loading implant dentistry, accelerated orthodontics and dental technology applications including robotics. She is certified in conscious sedation, Yomi® (Neocis Robotic Implant Surgery) LANAP®, Invisalign®, DSD® and conscious sedation.

She is an active member of the AAP, Member of the AAP task force for Dental Hygienist Engagement, Academy of Osseointegration, ITI fellow and is involved with the leader development the AAP, Young Clinicians Committee with the AO.

Dr. Aranguren has lectured on Periodontal Regeneration at the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, Nova Southeastern University, American Academy of Periodontology and local study clubs.

Dr. Aranguren can be found running, biking or enjoying the ocean when not focused on professional activities.

Shayan Barootchi

Dr. Shayan Barootchi, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity, Division of Periodontology, at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Barootchi is an internationally recognized expert in periodontal and peri-implant plastic surgery, immediate implant therapy, and implant disease management. His research spans basic, translational, and clinical trials, with over 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications in top journals. He has pioneered minimally invasive microsurgical techniques, novel diagnostic technologies for implant diseases, and the development of specialized surgical instruments and approaches for soft tissue grafting.

His work has earned numerous prestigious awards, including the AAP Foundation Balint Orban Clinical Research Award, the Schoor Research Award, and the Best Clinical Innovations Award by the Academy of Osseointegration. He serves as the Associate Editor of the Journal of Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, as well as the Journal of Periodontal Research. Dr. Barootchi lectures internationally, advancing the future of esthetic implant therapy and soft tissue regeneration.

Suheil Boutros, Consultant

Dr. Boutros received his dental degree from University of Detroit, Mercy School of Dentistry, Detroit, MI, and a Masters of Science and Certificate in Periodontics from University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN. He is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontics, University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI.

Dr. Boutros has numerous publications and is in private practice in Grand Blanc, Clarkston, and Dearborn Heights, MI with an emphasis on periodontics, implants, intravenous conscious sedation and regenerative therapy.

Janie Lee Boyesen, Consultant

Dr. Boyesen graduated from Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery in 2003 with a DDS degree. She completed her Periodontology Certificate and Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMSc) degree at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine in 2007. Along with clinical training in all aspects of Periodontology, Dr. Boyesen has conducted basic science research in Oral Immunology for her doctoral thesis. She was nominated as one of the four basic science finalists in the Balint Orban Memorial Competition at the 2007 annual American Academy of Periodontology meeting. She has published several peer-reviewed papers and abstracts on both basic science and clinical applications of periodontics. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Dr. Boyesen is a past president of the Metro Denver Dental Society, is a current board member of the Colorado Dental Association Foundation, and a current member of the Continuing Education Oversight Committee of the American Academy of Periodontology.

Jennifer Doobrow

Dr. Jennifer Hirsch Doobrow, a Board-Certified Periodontist, is the Owner and CEO of Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. located in Cullman, AL. She earned her DMD at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2007 and received her certification in Periodontics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2010. She serves, as the President for the Southern Academy of Periodontology (SAP), Vice-President for the Alabama Dental Association (ALDA), a faculty member for the Pikos Institute and Chair of both WISE- Women in Implantology Supporting and Empowering Advisory Board and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Dental Hygiene Subcommittee. Dr. Doobrow is a UAB Alumni Executive Council District Representative and on the Executive Committee for the International Society of Periodontal Plastic Surgeons. She currently serves on the Continuing Education Oversight Committee for the American Academy of Periodontology and holds Past-President positions in the Alabama Society of Periodontists and the Wilson Chenault Dental Study Club and is a Director for a Seattle Study Club located in Cullman, AL.

In 2012, Dr. Doobrow was recognized as one of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) prestigious 40 Under 40. Most recently, Dr. Doobrow was selected as the 2021 Most Excellent Fellow for the Alabama Dental Association, one of the Top 10 Young Educators in America for 2017 by The Seattle Study Club, was inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, American College of Dentists and International Society of Periodontal Plastic Surgeons. She was also awarded the MUSC School of Dentistry Young Alumnus Award, the UAB School of Dentistry Outstanding Young Alumnus Award and was featured on Lifetime Network’s “The Balancing Act” as well as on the “Dentistry Uncensored Podcast”. She has published articles in Compendium, Inside Dentistry, Dental Economics, DentistryIQ, Surgical Restorative Resource and Perio-Implant Advisory, and lectures Internationally on dental implants, periodontal hard and soft tissue regeneration, and perio-plastic therapies.

Bryan Frantz

Dr. Bryan J. Frantz received his DMD from the Temple University School of Dentistry in 1985 graduating with honors. He received his specialty certificate in Periodontology from the Eastman Institute for Oral Health in 1987. While at Eastman he completed a masters degree (NIH training grant) from the University of Rochester.

Dr Frantz is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and is a former examiner for the American Board of Periodontology. He holds faculty positions at Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa and the Eastman Institute for Oral Health in Rochester N.Y. He is Past President of the American Academy of Periodontology and a Past President of the AAP Foundation and is currently serving as a Director of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr Frantz serves on the Editorial Boards of the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry and Decisions in Dentistry. Dr Frantz Lectures on Digital Implant Dentistry, Management of Complex Implant and Periodontal Cases, Regenerative Periodontal Therapy, & Interdisciplinary Management of Complex Cases.

Dr Frantz is owner of Perio Health Pros, is in private practice with Dr. Kristen Frantz in Scranton, Pa. His wife Linda is an MD and they have three daughters Andrea, Kristen, and Gretchen.

Purnima Kumar, Consultant

Dr. Purnima Kumar is the William and Mary K. Najjar Endowed professor of Dentistry and Chair of the Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan. She received her dental degree from Annamalai University in India, and her Masters in Periodontology and PhD in Molecular Microbiology from The Ohio State University. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a Fellow of the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program and the International College of Dentists.

Dr. Kumar is the Principal Investigator of Oral Microbial Ecology Laboratory at the University of Michigan that is funded through the NIH, NCI, and oral healthcare industry. She has authored over 100 papers and book chapters and serves as the Co-Editor of Clinical Advances in Periodontics, and Associate Editor of the Journal of Periodontology, Periodontology 2000, Nature Scientific Reports and Microbiome.

She is an active clinician, teacher, researcher and administrator, has mentored several pre-dental, dental, master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral students and junior faculty colleagues and has served on several grant review panels for the NIH. She serves as the Chair of the Continuing Education Oversight Committee for the AAP and is a member of the AAP’s Taskforce for Future Science.

She is a member of the Council of Scientific Affairs of the ADA and is their official spokesperson on e-cigarettes and vaping. Dr. Kumar has served on various committees of IADR and is presently the Vice-President of the Periodontal Research Group. She also serves on several taskforces for women in science, women in surgery and women in STEM and volunteers for groups that empower women locally and nationally.

Joan Otomo-Corgel

Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel is a graduate of California State University, Fresno 1972 (BA, Zoology), UCLA School of Dentistry 1976 (DDS), UCLA School of Public Health 1980 (MPH – Behavioral Sciences and Health Education), West Los Angeles VAMC General Practice Residency 1977 and Postdoctoral Periodontics Residency 1979.  She is currently a Full Clinical Professor in the UCLA School of Dentistry, Department of Periodontics (1980- ), and faculty and chair of periodontal research at the Greater Los Angeles VA Health Care Center Dental Service (1990- ) and past faculty at the WLA City College of Dental Hygiene Department (1990-2010).  She has a private practice limited to Periodontics, oral medicine, and implantology in Los Angeles.

Dr. Otomo-Corgel is the Past President of the following organizations: American Academy of Periodontology, Western Society of Periodontology, California Society of Periodontists, National VA Periodontists, Los Angeles Dental Society and the UCLA Chapter of OKU. She is currently a delegate to the ADA, a member of the ADA Council on Dental Education and Licensure, Chair of the Specialty Recognition and Areas of Interest in General Dentistry Committee for the CDEL, immediate past chair of Dental Anesthesiology for CDEL, Chair of the UCLA School of Dentistry Board of Counselors, chair of the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, Chair of the AO Credential Committee, and member of the AAP CEOC. She is a member of the Academy of Osseointegration (chair of the Credential Committee), LA Dental Society, Western Society of Periodontology, California Society of Periodontists, CDA, Southern California Academy of Oral Pathology, ADA, IADR, AADR, ADEA, and NAVAPD. She is conscious sedation examiner for CALAOMS and is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. She lectures extensively on periodontal medicine, medical emergencies, over-the-counter dental products, and clinical periodontal topics.  She has contributed to over 60+ journals and texts.

Constantine (Gus) Pavlakos, Board Liaison

Dr. Constantine Pavlakos graduated from New York University College of Dentistry in 1989 with a DDS degree and received a certificate in Periodontics. Dr. Pavlakos became a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology in 1998. He has been a member of organized dentistry for over twenty years and has served on the boards and committees of multiple dental organizations. He is past president of the Second District (Kings County) Dental Society and the Northeastern Society of Periodontists. In addition, he is the Second District Chairman to the New York State Dental Association Council of Ethics, a committee member to the Greater New York Dental Meeting, and the Brooklyn director of the New York Dental Forum. Since 1997, he has maintained a faculty position at NYC-Lutheran Medical Center in the general practice and postgraduate periodontal programs where he enjoys sharing his clinical knowledge with his residents and colleagues.

As a Board Certified Periodontist, Dr. Pavlakos prides himself in providing exemplary care and compassion to his patients by attending continuing education courses to keep current with dental advances. He understands that patients may be apprehensive, so he takes the time to explain and perform all procedures skillfully and in a relaxing, comfortable environment keeping the patient’s goals in mind.

Lorenzo Tavelli

Lorenzo Tavelli, DDS, MS, PhD is a periodontist, clinical researcher, and assistant professor at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Tavelli graduated from the University of Milan and then completed his three-year residency in Periodontics and Master of Science at the University of Michigan. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Tavelli’s main focus in clinical research and daily practice is microsurgical and minimally invasive soft tissue grafting procedures around teeth and dental implants, where he has been pioneering in the combined use of High Frequency Doppler Ultrasonography and wound healing biomarkers for assessing graft perfusion and the surgical outcomes.

Dr. Tavelli has been extensively lecturing worldwide on these topics at the main scientific symposia. He has published more than 120 scholarly publications in the main international peer-reviewed journals while serving as an Associate Editor for Journal of Periodontal Research and Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research. He was the recipients of several research awards, such as the 2024 ITI Andre Schroeder Research Prize, the 2023 American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Earl Robinson Regeneration Award, the 2022 AAP Foundation Nevins Clinical Research Fellowship, the 2021 Goldman Clinical Research award from the Italian Society of Periodontology, and the 2020 AAP Balint Orban Research Award, among others.