Faculty

Hala Abutineh is an Assistant Professor in Clinical Dentistry. She received her BDS from Al Quds University in Palestine in 2019. After working as a general dentist, she returned to her home in Memphis and began working in administration and clinical operations at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She received her Advanced Education in General Dentistry certification from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2024. Dr. Abutineh joined Lincoln Memorial University in August of 2024. She teaches dental students in both preclinical and clinical settings. 

DMD 733 - Comprehensive General Dentistry, Seminar I

DMD 701 - Foundations of Modern Oral Healthcare I

Dr. Mahdieh Alipour is an Assistant Professor of Dental Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) College of Dental Medicine, holding a dual DDS and PhD degree. Her expertise lies in regenerative dentistry, with a focus on regenerative endodontics, dental biomaterials, and stem cell research. As a clinician, scientist, and educator, Dr. Alipour advances innovative dental treatments and educates future dental professionals. She actively collaborates on endodontics research and teaching at LMU, contributing to the field through her work on tissue regeneration and biomaterial development.

Dr. Ehsanul Hoque Apu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Dental Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU-CDM). He also holds a Co-Appointment with LMU DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. Before joining LMU-CDM in October 2023, he completed his postdoctoral training at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and Michigan State University. In 2020, he worked in a joint sabbatical position between Oslo University Hospital, Norway, and the University of Oulu, Finland, funded by the European Research Council. He completed his Ph.D. in Dentistry 2018 from the University of Oulu, Finland. He completed an MSc in 2013 from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom. In 2010, Dr. Hoque Apu completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.  At LMU-CDM as course director, Dr. Hoque Apu teaches pathophysiology courses for the renal, respiratory, integument, hematology, and lymphatic systems. As an instructor, he teaches reproductive pathophysiology and evidence-based dentistry courses.

DMDSYS 755 - Renal Pathology

DMDSYS 757 - Respiratory Pathology

DMDSYS 751 - Heme and Lymph

Dr. Brown comes to East Tennessee from Northern Virginia, where she practiced as an owner provider for 25 years. Dr. Brown graduated from the Medical College of Virginia/VCU in 1998 and completed her undergraduate degree at James Madison University. She has extensive training in pediatric, orthodontic and cosmetic restorative procedures. Dr. Brown regularly attends the Spear Education center in Scottsdale, Arizona as part of her commitment to continued higher education and excellence in patient care. She is a member of the American Orthodontic Society, the American Dental Association and the Tennessee Dental Association. She joined the faculty in 2023, as a part time clinical instructor overseeing students delivering patient care. Dr. Brown maintains a private practice in Maryville, TN.

Mark was born in Washington DC and raised on his grandfather's farm for a short time.  His family then moved to Clinton, TN where he graduated from Clinton High School.  He earned his BA degree from Duke University and entered the University of Tennessee Dental School where he earned his D.D.S. degree. After graduation, he served in the US Army at Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital.  There he served in the Facial Trauma and Oral Surgery Department.  After leaving Camp Lejeune he returned to Clinton and started his dental practice. While in private practice he volunteered for Remote Area Medical traveling to Guyana SA and to several of the Indian Reservations here in the US to serve the native people.  Mark was a founding member of the East Tennessee Implant Study Group and lectured extensively at various meetings.  He pioneered some of the procedures for subperiosteal implants. In 2004 he invented and patented a depth-cutting bur that was produced here in the US.  In 2012 he was contacted by the Roane State Community College and taught in the Dental Hygiene Department until May of 2015.  Mark is happily married with 5 children and 7 grandchildren.

DMD 733 - Comprehensive General Dentistry, Seminar I

DMD-730 - Comprehensive Patent Care with Case Studies, II

Just after high school, Dr. Clark was a respiratory therapist at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN. Dr. David Clark got his Bachelor of Science at Memphis State University in 1965 and went straight on to dental school at the University of Tennessee Memphis where he graduated in 1969. After completing his Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dr. Clark was commissioned into the United States Army, where he served for 38 years and active in reserve duty. He retired as a Colonel. While in service, he went into an endodontics residency at Walter Reed Medical Center, graduating in 1975, while earning a Master of Science degree from George Washington University where he graduated in 1975. Dr. Clark served as chief of endodontics at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Upon leaving active duty, he moved to Knoxville, TN where he had an endodontic private practice while still on reserve duty. As a reservist, he occupied an IMA slot in Redstone Arsenal, AL, and graduated from the Industrial College of Armed Forces in logistics in 1985. During his career in Knoxville, he served on the State Board of Tennessee in the field of endodontics.  He retired from the Army in 2003 and from private practice in 2009. He served as a firefighter and EMT in Knoxville from 2001-2013.  He taught at Hiawassee College in the Department of Dental Hygiene for two years. Dr. Clark came to LMU CDM in 2022 as an Associate Professor. He serves as an instructor to both dental hygiene students and dental students, teaching Head and Neck Anatomy, Body Systems, Dental Materials, Pharmacology, Oral Pathology, and Endodontics.

DH 202 - Head and Neck Anatomy and Human Systems

In his role at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU), Dr. Cottam directs the development of the Community Based Dental Education program.  Dr. Cottam graduated from the University of Utah in 1990 and attended dental school at the Oregon Health Sciences University, graduating with honors in 1993.  In 1998 he received a Master’s Degree in Anatomy from the University of Utah Medical School.  Dr. Cottam was one of the founding administrators of A.T. Still University’s (ATSU) Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH).  Among other duties, he oversaw the external clinical and community partnerships for the school developing an extensive external rotation program, partnering with over 70 community and safety net clinics for ASDOH 4^th year clinical rotations. Dr. Cottam has extensive experience in Community Dentistry, anatomy education and Public Health.  Dr. Cottam and his wife Marie have three daughters, one son and three grandchildren.

Ph: 480-600-5890
Email: wayne.cottam@lmunet.edu

Gerald Davis II is a part-time Associate Professor in Clinical Dentistry. He received his DDS from Meharry School of Dentistry in 2011. He also graduated from: Meharry’s GPR program in 2012, University of the Pacific in 2015 with a Master of Arts in Educational Administration, and University of Southern California in 2019 with a Master of Science in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine. He served as full-time faculty at Meharry for 10-years and Academic Dean from 2016 to 2022. He served at Founding Academic Dean for Lyon College of Dental Medicine in Little Rock, Arkansas from 2023-2025. He currently practices clinical dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee.

Coming Soon

Vivian Diaz is an assistant professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. She received her BDS from Universidad de Montemorelos in Mexico in 2010 and a certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology from the University of Florida in 2022. Dr. Diaz joined Lincoln Memorial University in March of 2023. She teaches the acquisition and interpretation of radiographs to dental and hygiene students. She serves on multiple committees and is a faculty advisor for the Spanish club and the Christian Medical and Dental Association club.  

DH 203 - Dental Radiology

DMD 700 - Oral Health Science Radiology

F DENT 803 - Radiology

Dr. Jim Erpenbach graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Health Sciences Memphis in 1982. He had been in a solo private practice in Knoxville for 40 years until becoming a full-time faculty member at Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine in 2022. Teaching areas include pre-clinical operative, morphology, and Evidence-Based Dentistry. Areas of specialized knowledge are Minimal Invasive Preventive Dentistry including Air Abrasion, tooth conserving Biomimetic Dentistry, and occlusion using T Scan computerized diagnostic systems.

DMD 715 - Oral Health Sciences with Case Studies

DMD 702 - Oral Health Sciences operative

Derek Gaudry, DDS - Dr Gaudry graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2005. He was the recipient of a US Army health professional scholarship.  He practiced as a general dentist in the US Army until 2012. He served a one-year tour of duty in Afghanistan with the 101^stAirborne Division as a Brigade Dental Surgeon.  Dr Gaudry continued his military career during an endodontic residency at Fort Eisenhower in Augusta, GA and served as a staff endodontist at Fort Sam Houston, Tx until 2017.  Following his military career, Dr Gaudry entered endodontic private practice in the Knoxville, TN area.  Dr Gaudry joined the faculty of the LMU College of Dental Medicine in 2025.

Born and raised in New Delhi, India, I obtained my Bachelor's in Dental Surgery (B.D.S.) in 2008. Subsequently, I pursued my passion for studying aesthetics and malocclusion by completing a Master's in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics (M.D.S.) in 2017. Following this, I worked as a Consultant Orthodontist in various dental clinics for a year and a half until the onset of the pandemic. In late 2020, I got married in Nashville, Tennessee, and relocated to the United States to continue my career as an Orthodontist. To familiarize myself with the U.S. healthcare system and managerial responsibilities within the healthcare industry, I pursued a Master in Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.), which I completed in May 2024, demonstrating my commitment and ability to achieve goals.

My professional journey in the United States led me to begin a role as an Assistant Professor in administrative Affairs at L.M.U., allowing me to integrate my dental expertise with healthcare management responsibilities at this esteemed institution. It is a great pleasure to contribute to L.M.U. in this capacity and to leverage my skills for the benefit of the institution and its stakeholders.

Dr. Hurt is native to East Tennessee having grown up in nearby Oak Ridge. After graduation from Oak Ridge High School, Dr. Hurt earned his Bachelor’s degree in biology from Baylor University and then entered Baylor College of Dentistry where he received his DDS in 1983. After completing his DDS Dr. Hurt was commissioned, as a Captain, into the United States Air Force where he served in all capacities as a general dentist for three years at Langley Air Force Base, Virgina. Following his active-duty service Dr. Hurt owned and operated a general dental practice for six years in Seymour, Tennessee before deciding to specialize in orthodontics. Dr. Hurt was accepted into the orthodontist program at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Texas where he graduated with a post doctorate certificate in orthodontics in 1994. He returned to Oak Ridge where he has owned and operated an orthodontic practice for over thirty years. During his career in Oak Ridge, he continued his military service in the Tennessee Army National Guard. After twenty years of service, including a tour of duty in Iraq in 2005, Dr. Hurt retired as a Colonel. Dr. Hurt loves East Tennessee and spending time with his family in the outdoors. You can often find them on the lake or hiking in the mountains.  
 

Dr. Candice Johnson received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2001. After UCLA, she provided treatment to veterans while completing her General Practice Residency at the VA Healthcare System in Long Beach, California. Last year, Dr. Johnson decided to take time off from her private practice to pursue a Master of Science degree in Forensic Dentistry at LMU, College of Dental Medicine. Besides furthering her forensic education, she is also Course Director of Operative Dentistry, Course Director in Foundations of Modern Oral Healthcare, and Course Director of Oral Health Science.

DMD 715 - Oral Health Sciences with Case Studies IV

DMD - 701 - Foundations of Modern Oral Healthcare I

Dr. Johnson is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a B.A. in Biology, and a graduate of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry with a D.D.S. After graduation, Dr. Johnson returned to the East Tennessee area where he has practiced for over 30 years. As an educator, Dr. Johnson has been an interim director of Dental Hygiene at Roane State Community College, adjunct associate professor at Tennessee College of Applied Technology, associate professor at Tennessee Wesleyan University, and currently associate professor at Lincoln Memorial University-College of Dental Medicine providers.

DMD 730 - Comprehensive Patent Care with Case Studies, II

DMDSYS 701 - Medical Gross Anatomy

DMD 715 - Oral Health Sciences with Case Studies IV

Dr. Sonia Kherani is the lead dentist at Choto Family Dentistry, bringing over 16 years of experience and passion for creating healthy, beautiful smiles. Originally starting her career in dentistry while pursuing a degree in business administration, Dr. Kherani quickly discovered her love for hands-on patient care. She made the bold decision to transition into dentistry, taking additional courses and completing her dental education with a focus on providing compassionate and comprehensive care. Today, she is known for her warm approach, meticulous attention to detail, and her commitment to making each patient's experience comfortable and personalized. Outside of the office, she enjoys connecting with her community and spending time with her family.  Dr. Kherani completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree in 2008.  Finished General Practice Residency Program at University of Tennessee Medical center in 2009. Since then, she has invested hundreds of hours of advanced clinical education in all disciplines of general dentistry.  She is a member of American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry and American Academy of Facial Esthetic and is certified for TMJ Therapy (including Trigger point injections and Botox).

TBA

Dr. Kathryn Lefevers is a 1995 graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. In 1995, she opened a solo dental office in her hometown of Pineville, Ky.  She practiced there until June of 2018. She started her teaching career as a Clinical Instructor here at LMU in July 2023. Dr. Lefevers enjoys interacting with patients and students on a daily basis and passing on what she learned in private practice to her students.  She is currently working in the Dental Hygiene clinic here at LMU CDM.

Dr. Undral Munkhsaikhan is an esteemed medical professional specializing in cardiology and medical research. She obtained her M.D. from the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences and worked as a cardiologist at the First Central Hospital of Mongolia. After that, she pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), focusing on the genetic mechanisms underlying cardiomyopathy. In 2023, Dr. Munkhsaikhan joined the Department of Biomedical Sciences at LMU-CDM as an Assistant Professor and course director for the Cardiovascular system and Reproductive/Genital Urinary system. She is involved in teaching Molecular Biology, Cardiovascular Pathologies, and Reproductive/Genital Urinary Pathologies. Dr. Munkhsaikhan is actively involved in several administrative capacities, including Curriculum, Student Progress Committee, and Research Committee.

 

DMDSYS 753 - Cardiovascular

Dr. Katherine Parfomak graduated summa cum laude from New York University with a B.A.S. majoring in Biology and with minors in Chemistry and Classics in 2015, and from New York University College of Dentistry in 2018 as a member of the accelerated 7-year BA-DDS program at NYU. She was presented the Dr. Bernard E. Rudner Memorial Award for excellence in the clinical setting and in patient care. Following that, she completed a voluntary one-year residency through NYU Langone at the NYU College of Dentistry in 2019 to successfully earn a certificate for Advanced Education in General Dentistry where she received recognition for being that year’s top resident. From that point, she worked in a private family dental practice until moving from NJ to Knoxville, TN, in 2022. She has currently an Adjunct Professor and Faculty Member at the LMU College of Dental Medicine since the summer of 2023 and has fulfilled roles in the clinical and preclinical settings to help guide dental students in modern dental care methods. She also works in her private practice in Knoxville and is comfortable with comprehensive dental needs with a strong focus on prevention and evidence-based dentistry.

DMD 715 - Oral Health Sciences with Case

DMD 702 - Oral Health Sciences operative

DMD 730 - Comprehensive Patent Care with Case Studies, II

Dr. Mirosława M. Parfomak first graduated from the Akademia Medyczna in Białystok, Poland, before coming to the U.S. and graduating from the New York University College of Dentistry in 1999, earning the privilege to practice dentistry in the States of New Jersey, New York, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Since then, she has been practicing general dentistry for over 22 years in Wallington, New Jersey, before moving to Knoxville, TN, in 2023. Dr. Parfomak has been an Assistant Professor and Faculty Member at the LMU College of Dental Medicine since the summer of 2023. She enjoys sharing her experience from over the years in helping the local dental school take off and helping the local communities of East Tennessee. She is enjoying her role in guiding students in the clinical and preclinical settings. She has always focused on tailoring patient care to create long-term outcomes and has focused on preventive and conservative care modalities combining tried and true modalities with new, evidence-based techniques and methods.

DMD 715 - Oral Health Sciences with Case

DMD 702 - Oral Health Sciences operative

DMD 730 - Comprehensive Patent Care with Case Studies, II

Dr. TR Patel received his BDS in Indore, India, and advanced training from the University of Pennsylvania.  After graduation, Dr. Patel served for 5 years in the U.S. Army.  He now resides in Johnson City, TN where he still works part-time at his family-owned dental practice.  He has been with LMU since 2022.

Dr. John Pryse, Obtained his dental degree from the University of Tennessee in 1974, and then his certificate in orthodontics from the University of Louisville in 1977. Dr. Pryse was in the private practice of orthodontics in Oak Ridge, Clinton, and LaFollette, Tennessee for 48 years. Now his new passion is to teach student doctors the intricacies of orthodontics from his experiences learned from a lifetime in the field of orthodontic practice.

DMD 730 - Comprehensive Patent Care with Case Studies, II

DMD 733 - Comprehensive General Dentistry, Seminar I

Dr.  Rogers graduated from UCLA dental school in 1984. He and his wife moved to Santa Maria California and practiced there for 11 years. In 1993 they were called to East Tennessee, and Dr. Rogers purchased a practice in Greenville Tennessee, a beautiful town at the base of the Appalachian Mountains. Dr. Rogers practiced general dentistry in Greenville from 1995 to 2015. In May 2015, Dr. Rogers received a bone marrow stem cell transplant that took him out of practice for six months. After that, he worked at the VA, Mountain Home in Johnson City, Tennessee and for Aspen Dental. He was the clinical director at Keystone Dental Clinic, which is a nonprofit, in Johnson City, Tennessee serving indigent dental patients. Over the years, Dr. Rogers also practiced for the Bureau of Prisons and participated in many dental mission trips to Mexico in particular. Dr. Rogers’s commitment to being a lifelong student has led to thousands of hours of continuing education. His oldest son is a dentist, and his younger son works in industry.

Coming soon

Coming soon

Dr. Sahyoun earned her Bachelor of Nutrition degree from the Lebanese American University in Lebanon, where she established a strong foundation in nutrition and health. She then pursued a Master’s Degree in food science at McGill University in Canada, where she explored various aspects of the field. Following this, Dr. Sahyoun completed her PhD in Food Science at McGill University, specializing in the biotechnology and enzymatic development of prebiotics and their effects on gut and systemic health. In October 2023, Dr. Sahyoun joined the College of Dental Medicine (CDM) at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) in the USA, where she is involved in teaching, research, and service. She is also an Adjunct Instructor at the Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM). Dr. Sahyoun's teaching responsibilities include Gastrointestinal Pathology, Endocrine Pathology, Molecular Fundamentals of Medicine I, Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Fundamentals of Medicine in Oral Health, and Treatment Planning of Patients with Special Needs. Additionally, Dr. Sahyoun is involved in various service roles at LMU-CDM, serving on several committees including the Research Committee, Faculty Development Committee, and Student Ethics and Honor Code Committee.

DMDSYS 724 - Musculoskeletal

Dr. Alivia Shasteen is a native Tennessean and attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for her undergraduate education with a BS in microbiology and a minor in history. She attended the University of New England College of Dental Medicine in Portland, ME for her DMD and practiced general dentistry before pursuing a specialty education. Having a passion for science and the medical basis of dentistry, she completed a residency program in oral and maxillofacial pathology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Shasteen is a fellow of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and the American Academy of Oral Medicine. She started at Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine in 2024 and teaches oral pathology to students, both through lectures and clinical patient management.

DMD 714 - Oral Pathology

DMDSYS 715 -  Medical Histology

DMD 700 - Oral Histology

Carol is native to East Tennessee, receiving a BA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a DDS from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, Tennessee. She completed a GPR at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and four years in private practice in Tennessee and Kentucky. While practicing in Kentucky, she became clinical faculty at the University of Louisville overseeing student clinical rural rotations, D2 Diagnosis Clinic, and D4 public health rural, federal, and Indian Health student rotations. Carol worked as a civilian contractor at Fort Sam Houston Army Hospital in San Antonio, Texas completing an Infectious Disease Fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center working with dental unit water line research, salivary gland research, HIV dental patient treatment, Lackland Air Force Base HIV dental research, and completed her MPH from the University of Texas School of Public Health. Eventually returning to Tennessee, she worked in several public health locations nationwide. Carol trained at the Summer Institute of Clinical Dental Research at the University of Washington and two ADA Advanced Evidenced-based Dentistry Workshops at NYU School of Dentistry and recently began as a clinical team leader at LMU Dental School. Carol loves hiking and dog training. Carol’s parents, sister, nieces, great nieces, and nephews live in upper east Tennessee and she shares her life with her family, past pet children, Bailey, and rescued Rosie, along with her current pet rescue Gracie.

DMD 730 - Comprehensive Patient Care/Case Studies

Dr. Nazeeba Siddika joined LMU-CDM in July 2024, before that she completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and Michigan State University. Dr. Siddika received her Doctoral degree in Public Health from the University of Oulu, Finland, and received her Master of Public Health (MPH, major in Epidemiology) in 2013 from the State University of Bangladesh. In 2009, she completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.  At LMU-CDM, Dr. Siddika teaches community outreach and Service-learning courses, Ethics in Dentistry and Evidence-based Dentistry.

 

DMD 703 - Community Outreach and Service Learning

DMD 716 - Community Outreach and Service Learning

Ioana Soimaru has a background in biological sciences, having obtained her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She then pursued dental medicine at the Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine and received her dental license in 2015. She practiced dentistry in Illinois until 2023 when she moved to Tennessee. A former member of the American Dental Association and the Illinois Dental Society, while in Illinois she worked both in private practice and at a Community Health Center. She received the Service Certificate from the National Health Service Corps in recognition of her commitment to serving America’s communities with limited access to care. Since her move to Tennessee two years ago, she has worked as a public health dentist at a Community Health Center in Tennessee. Over the years, she has mentored dental students who participated in community externships. She is joining the Clinical Dentistry Faculty as an Assistant Professor at the LMU College of Dental Medicine, where she will be equipping new generations of dental students to perform general dentistry professionally and effectively, focusing on quality and safety.

 

Coming soon

Dr. Soldano, originally from Oak Ridge, earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology with honors from the University of Tennessee, where he also worked as a student instructor and participated in graduate research. He later attended dental school in Memphis. He has clinical experience and has served as an instructor for general dentistry residents at the University of Tennessee hospital in Knoxville and as a hospital dentist at Columbus Children’s Hospital in Ohio. Dr. Soldano has lectured nationally on prosthetic implant and reconstructive dentistry, as well as on hypnosis in dentistry, and has published articles on crown and bridge fabrication. He also owns a prosthetic lab where he personally creates many crowns, implants, and bridges for his patients.

Dr. Steedley graduated from Georgia Southern University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Business Administration-Finance degree.  He then attended the Medical College of Georgia from 1996-2000, where he graduated with a DMD.  Dr. Steedley practiced in Savannah GA, Vail CO, and Knoxville TN for 22 years before joining the LMU-CDM faculty in September 2022.  He has taught in the pre-clinical skills labs, worked in community outreach, and is currently co-course coordinator for fixed prosthodontics.

DMD 715 - Oral Health Sciences with Case Studies

DMD 702 - Oral Health Sciences operative

Dr. Kyla Swearingen is a board-certified orthodontist with a passion for both clinical practice and education. Her academic journey began with achieving a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology from West Virginia University. She subsequently pursued her dental education at the same institution, earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Dr. Swearingen completed a Master of Dental Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She joined LMU College of Dental Medicine in 2024 and teaches in the orthodontics and pediatric dentistry courses. 

DMD 730 - Comprehensive Patent Care with Case Studies, II

DMD 733 - Comprehensive General Dentistry, Seminar I

Dr. Preeti Verma is a dentist with expertise in anatomy. She received her professional degree in dental medicine (BDS) from India and an MS in Anatomical Sciences from DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harrogate, TN. Dr. Verma joined LMU-CDM in July 2024 and will teach medical gross anatomy and neuroanatomy courses in the DMD curriculum. One of her career goals is to provide high-quality anatomy teaching to dental students and work towards developing better teaching tools by utilizing her background in dental medicine, and anatomical sciences.

DMDSYS 701 - Medical Gross Anatomy

DMDSYS 714 - Musculoskeletal 

Dr. Wesley Whisenant is a general dentist from Fairview, Tennessee. He is a 2-time University of Tennessee alum, with a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. After practicing at the Anderson County Health Department from 2020 to 2022, He joined the LMU College of Dental Medicine in the summer of 2022. His responsibilities have included clinical practice in the Center for Research, Education, and Technology within the CDM and teaching preclinical lectures and labs. His focuses include operative and fixed dentistry as well as outreach to underserved communities.

DMD 715 - Oral Health Sciences with Case Studies

DMD 702 - Oral Health Sciences operative

Dr. Addi A. Yin is an Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist who graduated from the University of Florida, where she served as Chief Resident. She holds a Dental Surgery degree from Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and a Dental Technology degree from Universidad de Montemorelos, Mexico. Dr. Yin has experience in diagnostic imaging, including CBCT, ultrasound, and 2D imaging, as well as patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration. She has a strong background in dental technology, including CAD/CAM and analog technologies.

Coming soon.

Dr. Zahran Graduated from Al-Quds University’s Faculty of Dentistry in Palestine and received her dental degree in 2022. Since then, Dr. Zahran has undergone extensive training in American dental offices, utilizing her dentistry knowledge and experience to provide optimum patient care. She brings along her broad experience with 3D intra-oral scanners and printers, CBCT’s, treatment planning, orthodontic appliances,  implants, and general dentistry procedures and techniques. She also completed a mini-residency in Myofunctional therapy and is a Certified Myofunctional Therapist. She is a current member of the Palestinian Dental Association. 

Sharla pursued an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene just out of high school and graduated in 1986. After practicing in private practice for sixteen years, she returned to attain her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. She plans to pursue her Master of Dental Hygiene soon. Additionally, in 2020, she trained and was certified as an orofacial myofunctional therapist at the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy.  After completing her bachelor’s degree and getting a certification in local anesthesia and nitrous administration, she continued to work in private practice. Still, she added a position as adjunct faculty in the Department of Dental Hygiene at East Tennessee State University in the clinical setting. From 2004 to 2009, she taught Pre-Clinic didactically under Dr. Gail Barns and worked as an adjunct in the clinical setting. Depending on life circumstances, she continued intermittently as an adjunct faculty until spring 2023. All the while, working in private practice. She worked in one office for thirty-four years before retiring from chairside in the spring of 2022. In the summer of 2023, Sharla joined the dental hygiene faculty at Lincoln Memorial University. She is an associate professor of dental hygiene and teaches Clinical Theory III, IV, and V and functions as Clinic Coordinator for the Dental Hygiene second-year students.

DH 204 - Clinical Theory IV

Sharla Bush is committed to improving oral health, preventing disease, and creating a positive dental experience for patients. She enjoys volunteering at regional RAM clinics and is a member of Knox Area Dental Hygienists Association. Sharla joined the faculty at LMU College of Dental Medicine in January 2024. Professional degrees include an AAS in Dental Hygiene from Roane State Community College and a B.S. in Education from Tennessee Technological University. She brings 26 years of combined experience in education and dental hygiene. Courses taught include Ethics, Jurisprudence and Practice Management, Periodontology, and Treatment of Patients with Special Needs. Sharla assists with clinic instruction and labs such as pain management and dental materials. She is the coordinator for the Student American Dental Hygienists Association at LMU.

DH 352 - Ethics, Jurisprudence, and Practice Management

DH 200 - Clinic Theory I

DH 350 - Clinic Theory IV

DH 203 - Dental Radiology

DH 200 - Clinic Theory I

DH 350 - Clinic Theory IV

DH 203 - Dental Radiology

Michelle has over 30 years of dental experience, including clinical practice and higher education. She earned her RDH degree from Lake Land College, her Bachelor's in Health Sciences from Nova Southeastern University, and her Master of Science in Administrative Leadership with a concentration in Adult, Continuing, and Higher Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Michelle brings a passion for mentoring future dental professionals, emphasizing evidence-based care, compassionate patient treatment, and lifelong learning. She is dedicated to creating a supportive, engaging environment that empowers students to excel in their careers and positively impact their communities.

TBA

Jessica Lovely-Bullock is the Director of Dental Assisting Program at LMU-CDM. She has a Doctorate in Jurisprudence and an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Certification earned from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Jessica has worked in the dental field for well over 20 years. Jessica is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, and graduated from The University of Tennessee Knoxville. After undergraduate school, Jessica then pursued her legal education at Lincoln Memorial University- Duncan School of Law.  Jessica also attended Lipscomb University where she earned her credentials as a Listed Rule 31 Mediator specially trained in domestic violence. Jessica runs her own law firm along with her husband in LaFollette, Tennessee, and has been directing the Dental Assisting Course at LMU-CDM since October 2022.

DMD 702 - Oral Health Sciences