Advisory Board Biographies:

Denise Merdich, MSN, ARNP, National Injectable Trainer

Denise is a National Injectable Trainer to physicians in advanced techniques for Botox and all dermal fillers. Denise also acts as a Clinical Trainer for Radiesse dermal filler for BioForm Medical, and has a previous history of teaching for Allergan (Botox) for seven years. Her primary goal is help others to achieve a "radiant more dynamic and fresher look for their age." Her love for beauty and facial rejuvenation in an attempt to achieve a "youthful appearance" lead her career focus in non-surgical medical aesthetics for the past 15 years. Denise's experience is vast in non-surgical procedures which include the following: Certified Laser Instructor for Skin Rejuvenation, Laser Hair and Vein Removal and non-surgical Facial Rejuvenation using Botox combined with dermal fillers.

Denise pursued her undergraduate studies in Nursing at Walsh University in Canton, OH. Most of her 20+ years in Nursing have been as an Operating Room Nurse in various specialties with a primary focus in Plastic and Cardiothoracic Surgery. She furthered her Nursing degree and completed her Master's in Nursing at the University of Florida and University of South Florida. She published a thesis on the use of Complementary Alternative Therapy with primary focus on herbal medicine in surgical patient population.

One of DentaSpa's leading trainers, Denise has specialized in Dermal Fillers years before they attracted the attention of the mainstream. She is an active member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner Association, Tampa Bay Nurse Practitioner Association, Sigma Theta TAU Honor Society, and member of Strathmore's Who Who.

Natausha E. Spears, RN, BS

Natausha is a national certified trainer that has successfully trained hundreds of practitioners to perform Botox and dermal filler treatments. She has been in the cosmetic industry for 12 years and is the owner of Injectable Aesthetics. Her practice is considered one of the largest practices for injectables in the state of Oklahoma. She has alone performed more than 10,000 Botox procedures during her career in non-surgical aesthetics. Natausha has been an ACE certified speaker and trainer for Allergan (the maker of Botox) for the past 5 years. She also is a national educator and trainer to multi-specialty physicians, nurses, and physician assistants, as well as dentists and specialty dentists, educating in both beginning Botox and Dermal Filler techniques as well as advanced techniques. She is one of DentaSpa's top trainers and teaches 12 times a year to groups of dental practitioners looking to incorporate facial aesthetics into their practice.

Natausha's experience is not only vast in non-surgical facial rejuvination procedures using botox and dermal fillers, but also in non-surgical laser procedures, which include laser hair removal, vein removal (of which she spent 3 years traveling for Dornier Med Tech, training doctors on spider vein treatments and reimbursements), as well as Foto Facial, Fraxel, and Thermage skin rejuvenation treatments.

Natausha graduated from the University of Oklahoma with her Bachelor's degree in Biology. Her desire to enter the field of aesthetics came when she was an office manager at a dental practice that offered aesthetic procedures. After graduating from nursing school she trained under the leading practitioners in the world of aesthetics. Natausha did her injection training in Canada, under leading Canadian Botox injectors, Dr. Braun and Dr. Bailey. She also trained extensively with California renowned plastic surgeon, Steven Mulholland, MD. However, Natausha attributes most of her success and knowledge in the field of injections, to have come from years of working for multi-specialty physicians, of whom she has picked up several "tricks of the trade" throughout the years. She believes experience is invaluable, and it is what has allowed her to truly become an artist when it comes to injections.

Jacqueline Russo, RN, DDS

Dr. Jacqueline Russo graduated Indiana University in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in Nursing.  She went on to graduate in the top of her class at Baylor College of Dentistry in 1985. She worked as a facial aesthetic and reconstructive dentist changing her patient's smiles and lives for over 16 years. She was a founding member of the Seattle Study Club of Brevard County, a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry and was active in of the local, state and national dental associations in Florida. She is currently a founding member of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health.

In 2007, she redirected her love for aesthetics and started EnviroMed Design Group, a dental and medical office design company committed to creating stunning and profitable dental/medical facilities. Her dedication to her client's success lead her to NuSkin Enterprises, the world's most innovative anti-aging company where she became a global executive and trainer. She recently joined the DentaSpa faculty where she teaches the latest science in anti-aging skin care technologies to complete the package of aesthetic treatment with Botox and dermal fillers. Her aspiration is to empower dentists to achieve their dream of financial freedom, physical and spiritual abundance while improving the lives of their patients in a beautiful, healthy, state of the art dental spa facility.

Marianne Azneer, PA-C, National Injectable and Laser Trainer/Aesthetic Consultant

Marianne graduated from Mercy College of Detroit and has 23 years of experience as a Physician Assistant. Marianne has certification and training in microdermabrasion; medical chemical peels; IPL, laser, radiofrequency, and fractional laser resurfacing; sclerotherapy; cosmetic Botox; and dermal fillers. In addition, she is also a National Laser Trainer and Aesthetic Consultant. Her passions are optimizing a patient's skin health and complimenting their natural beauty.

Marianne graduated from Mercy College of Detroit and has 23 years of experience as a Physician Assistant. Marianne has certification and training in microdermabrasion; medical chemical peels; IPL, laser, radiofrequency, and fractional laser resurfacing; sclerotherapy; cosmetic Botox; and dermal fillers. In addition, she is also a National Laser Trainer and Aesthetic Consultant. Her passions are optimizing a patient's skin health and complimenting their natural beauty. Marianne's expertise in treating skin conditions include acne, rosacea and melasma, and treatment for ethnic skin care. She joined the DentaSpa team as a facial injectables trainer in 2010.

Dr. Eustorgio A. Lopez M.D., D.D.S., Professor

Dr. Lopez is a board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with an extensive clinical and academic background and career. He has been practicing and teaching expanded scope Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery including Cosmetic Surgery and Maxillofacial Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery for more than 15 years. Over the last 6 years a focus on Botox and dermal filler facial aesthetics has been an integral part of his practice, complementing the expert care her delivers to patients.

Dr. Lopez initially obtained his D.D.S. degree in the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. He then pursued training in Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Dental Oncology at UTHSC in San Antonio, Texas and M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas. Not satisfied with what he had to offer his patients he began his training in Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery for 4 years during which he received training in Anesthesiology also. This was then followed by additional subspecialty education in Maxillofacial Oncology and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami.

He then went on to obtain an M.D. (Medical Doctor) degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. This was followed by additional years of General Surgery and Hyperbaric Medicine and Healing of Problem Wounds fellowship training, also at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami School of Medicine.

He joined the faculty of the Department of Surgery University of Miami School of Medicine with appointments as Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery in the Divisions of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry and Hyperbaric Medicine and Problem Wounds through 2006.

Dr. Lopez now has the position of Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Residency Program Director with Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. He embraces his clinical and academic endeavors with passion ranging from the simplest surgical procedures to the most complex of surgical reconstructions.

His patients' well being remains the focus of his daily practice, research and ongoing teachings. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

William J. Carroll, DDS, MSD, FADI

Dr. Carroll earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Molecular Biology at the University of Toledo. He continued graduate studies, and upon graduation from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1975, he practiced general dentistry for thirteen years. As a restorative dentist, Dr. Carroll had a special interest in full mouth reconstruction and treating patients with head neck, and TMJ pain and dysfunction. Dr. Carroll completed his specialty training periodontics in 1990 and also earned a post-doctoral Master of Science Degree.

Dr. Carroll is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and is Board Certified in Periodontics. He is also Board Certified or a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a Diplomate of The American Dental Implant Association. In addition, Dr. Carroll has published several original research reports, technique papers, and concept articles in journals such as: The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, The Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Compendium, The International Journal of Implant Dentistry, and The International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry.

Dr. Carroll has been pursuing the latest paradigm in dentistry, including expanding the use of Botox, Dermal fillers and volumizers in his practice. His interest in and dedication to facial aesthetics and continuing education within cosmetic dentistry demonstrates his passion for providing exceptional dental care for patients. Dr. Carroll especially enjoys working with and mentoring young dentists. He has a desire to supply guidance and encouragement to dentists, who despite formidable obstacles strive to provide better and more compassionate care for their patients.

CONSULTANTS:

Tikia Dixon, DentaSpa Spa Director & Consultant

Tikia Dixon is DentaSpa's in-house Spa Consultant whose leading role is to help dental practitioners incorporate profitable and comforting spa treatments. She helps you customize not only the patient experience but also finding the best fit in terms of staffing and human resources. Incorporating her firsthand knowledge and familiarity of all things spa, along with her passion for skin health, Tikia illustrates how, with only one room, a dental practice can be transformed into a more lucrative venture.  From retailing to merchandising and even transcending into the treatment room, she has a hand in tailoring your practice to seamlessly incorporate appropriate spa elements. She is trusted to handle the multitude of tasks involved in taking your ideal from a vision to an operationally sound and profitable reality. She has traveled nationally and abroad as a brand representative for many of today's prestigious skin care lines, training estheticians, massage therapists, salespeople and retail clients alike. She has been instrumental in spa building, expanding brand presence and helping newly developed skin care lines to gain international exposure.

   

Tikia studied Marketing at Howard University and is a recent transplant to the Miami area. Since 1997 Tikia has played an active role in the aesthetics and personal care industry. A member of the International Spa Association and Certified Spa Supervisor, Tikia has spent years representing skin care brands as well as running her own mobile spa business. She also holds Esthetician licensure in multiple states. Tikia has mentored and assisted in various spa openings, creating signature treatments, numerous spa menus and training manuals.  Her most recent venture being The Palms Spa, an Aveda concept spa and salon in Miami's prestigious South Beach.

Dawn Buck, Spa Consultant

Dawn Aquila Buck brings more than 13 years experience in the spa industry to DentaSpa Seminars. Dental spas are a growing trend in dentistry, not just because of their profitability, but also because of patient demand for comprehensive treatment. Dawn enjoys and is proud to help dental practitioners incorporate spa concepts successfully into their practices.

Dawn has served as Spa Director at the most prestigious Fisher Island Club, located off of South Beach Miami, Florida. She was responsible for the entire 22,000 sq. ft. facility to include a 13-room spa, 3 pools, a state of the art fitness center, Pilates studio, and a full service salon. Prior to her employment at Fisher Island she was the Spa Director for The Don Cesar Beach Resort in st. Petersburg, FL. During her time at both of these elite facilities Dawn was highly involved in the renovations and consultations of the Spa, fitness and salon areas. She has created and developed new spa menu's and services to accommodate exclusive clientele. Dawn holds a Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Physiology and graduated from Florida Atlantic University. She has since completed several certifications across her field such as: ACSM, ACE, AFAA. Dawn has been a member of the American Spa Association since 2006.  Dawn was featured in an article for Conde Nast and she was asked for her opinion on the book AquaBliss.

 

Liz Lundry, RDH

Liz Lundry has been a practicing Dental Hygienist since 1979.  As a trainer with the JP Institute, Liz works with dental practices all over North America providing hands-on laser training, customized in-office coaching and rigorous post-graduate seminars and workshops. She is a published author, and a veteran clinician. As a speaker she has presented to national study clubs and state meetings. Liz currently works in a boutique practice that offers state of the art cosmetic and laser dentistry.

Liz is also an anti-aging consultant.  As a distributor and trainer for NuSkin/Pharmanex, she has teamed up with DentaSpa to offer a complete program that Dentists can offer their patients to combat aging from the inside, on a cellular level, as well as on the outside with skin care products guaranteed to create immediate visible results.  As a trainer, she can help with in-office implementation of the anti-aging program. Contact: LIZLUNDRY@SBCGLOBAL.NET, CELL: 925.216.6563