MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS...

Sander Polanco is the owner of FMR Digital Center in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. He is a specialist in Implant & removable prosthetics and expert in the planning and development of high-end prostheses for many dental implant treatments, utilizing some of the most advanced equipment available in the dental field to provide his clients a full digital workflow. He also is the oral architect for fixed treatments and full mouth rehabilitation applying CAD/CAM technology and Digital Smile Design. He is one of the few technicians fabricating telescopic implant bridges such as the Deutsch Telescopic Bridge. Sander is also one of the founders of Chairside Solutions helping dentists with solutions to the challenges in incorporating digital systems for data acquisition and dental laboratory CAD/ CAM technology in their clinics.

Sulay Cardona has 16 years of experience in the crown & bridge and ceramics. After graduating from New York City College of Technology. She began her career with Dr. Jonathan Ferencz at NYC Prosthodontics. For 8 years, she trained in treatment planning and development in dental prosthesis. With her intense studies in CE accredited courses. She is also a master ceramist in customs shade matching techniques and full arch implant prosthesis.

Ricardo graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry of Buenos Aires in 1992. He is a proud receiptient of the “Roberto Carullo” Award and has been a member of the Association of Prosthetists of the City of Buenos Aires since 1992. Schafer is also a professor at the Universidad de Desarrollo in Chile in the Ceramics and Digital Development Laboratory Area. Ricardo is proud to be lecturer of International Hands-On Conferences and Courses and a leader for the Company M.P.F. BRUSH from Greece, Since 2017. He also leads for the Swiss Rotating Elements Company Jota, Since 2016 and the Exocad Company for Latin America Since 2019. Finally, Ricardo is the Director and president of Schäfer Dental+Lab. Laboratory where he specializes in oral rehabilitation, implant rehabilitation and high complex cases.

Juan Carlos Palma is the manager of the Digital Training Center “DentalCAD Academy” and an official certified trainer for exocad and exoplan software. With over 10 years of experience, he holds a Diploma in Dental Prosthetics and is an expert in CAD-CAM technology. He directs “The CAD-CAM Master” program and actively participates as a speaker in numerous national and international courses, demonstrations, and conferences. Additionally, he collaborates as a researcher and writer on clinical R&D projects and doctoral theses in Spain and America

Rick Ferguson has been involved in teaching implant dentistry for the last 20 years and has lectured in every major city in the United States as well as internationally in Saudi Arabia, UK, India, Argentina, Taiwan, South Korea, Jamaica, Antigua, China and the Bahamas. These lecture topics have included treatment planning, case selection, simple and complex surgical placement and restoration, advanced bone grafting and bone graft materials, use of Computed Tomography and surgical guides, hygienic maintenance, management of complications and failures. Dr. Ferguson has placed and restored over 5000 dental implants and maintains a private practice with his wife Dr. Katherine Ferguson in Davie, FL emphasizing dental implants and where they also teach a live surgery course. Dr. Ferguson has mentored over 100 doctors on all phases of implant dentistry by traveling to their offices to give them and their staff personalized training. This training has included sedation techniques, sterile protocol, patient management etc. Dr. Ferguson has been instrumental in implementing implant training programs and hands on bone grafting courses which have been attended by thousands of dentists.

Cecilia, born in Mendoza, Argentina, forged a path from electrical engineering in Argentina to owning a dental lab in NY for 15 years. After relocating to NC and becoming a Master Dental Technologist, she moved to Colorado, working with the University of Colorado dental school. Since2019 she has been part of the developing of protocols in Digital Dentistry through her consulting for Drs, Corporations and DSOs, currently being the COO & Director of Prosthetic Development at FMR Digital Center. Passionate about helping others, her ultimate goal is to use her dental experience to create programs for aspiring professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds and establish a children's home. Her guiding quote: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

Anthony Ramirez is an aesthetic and reconstructive dentist who specializes in cosmetic smile design and digital implantology. Practicing in Brooklyn, NY since 1983, he is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, a Dentsply Sirona key opinion leader, a Vita key opinion leader, a Komet key opinion leader, a CEREC Doctors mentor and a CEREC trainer. Former Chief of Implantology at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, teaching guided implantology and digital dentistry. Instructor of The Digital Implant Experience at the DS Academy facility in Charlotte NC and a member of Dentsply Sirona Implants PEERS of North America. He has performed live implant surgeries at Dentsply Sirona 3D Summits since 2011, and his work's been featured in Dentistry Today, CEREC Doctors magazine, Compendium and Dental Tribune CADCAM International among other prominent dental publications.

Fer Griffon has more than 30 years of experience as a dental technician. He is a lecturer and instructor who has spoken at various national and international conferences and courses and author of published articles in different magazines in the national and international sector. He also won the European Forum's Gold medal for Professional Excellence in 2017.

Carlos Ayala Paz is a distinguished surgeon and dentist with postgraduate degrees in Orthodontics and Stomatology. Honored with an Orthodontics award from Cayetano Heredia University in Lima, Peru, and the 2003 ALADO Award, he excels in macrophotography, studying dental morphology, and the colors and textures of biological forms and prosthetics. Passionate about dental ceramics and materials, he delves into orthodontic biomechanics and digital prosthetic treatment. Carlos’s fascination with microscopy began in childhood, influenced by his physiology professor mother, and his love for dentistry was nurtured in his father's clinic. As an educator, Carlos has traveled extensively, teaching workshops on dental photography techniques, particularly his signature course "From Macro to Micro," which focuses on mastering macro lenses and lighting. His work aims to bridge the gap between observation and education, inspiring others with his unique insights into dental aesthetics.

Dr. Anshul Mel, founder of Dr. MEL Digital Dental Academy and a specialist in prosthodontics, is committed to educating dental professionals on advanced prosthetic solutions and CAD/CAM technology. With extensive clinical and laboratory experience, he guides dentists and technicians to achieve success using cutting-edge digital methods. A Key Opinion Leader for Exocad, Dr. Mel also serves as a digital expert for renowned companies like Bredent, Ruthinium Group, and Bioline Implant. He collaborates with universities as a guest faculty member, contributes to research and development, and has a portfolio of copyrights and patents.