Dr. Sam Alborz attended undergraduate school at the University of Houston majoring in Biology. He completed dental school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, graduating with highest honors (Magna Cum Laude). He then worked as a general dentist for two years before entering the endodontic residency program at Boston University.
Dr. Alborz is a member of the American Association of Endodontists, American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, Second District Dental Society. Dr. Alborz is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. He has given numerous presentations both nationally and internationally to dentists on various topics relating to the field of endodontics.
Susan J Baker, DMD, D-ABFO, attended dental school at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. Following graduation, she completed a residency, specializing in Periodontics, also at MCG. Following a successful career in north Atlanta with her own periodontal practice, Dr. Baker pursued her interest in Forensic Odontology, completing a Fellowship in Forensic Dentistry at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. In 2022, she joined the faculty of LMU-CDM and also serves the residents of East Tennessee by doing forensic dentistry work at the Knox County Regional Forensic Center. Dr. Baker also serves as a consultant to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Fulton County Morgue, consulting on NCIC coding for the FBI. Her volunteer efforts in the area have been with Miles for Smiles and RAM clinics.
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.
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 joined the LMU-CDM faculty in 2022.
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Email: wayne.cottam@lmunet.edu
Vivian Diaz 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-College of Dental Medicine in March of 2023. She serves on multiple committees and is a Faculty Advisor for the Spanish Club, Christian Medical and Dental Association Club, American Academy of Women Dentist Club and the Digital Dentistry Society Club.
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 faculty member at Lincoln Memorial University-College of Dental Medicine in 2022.
Derek Gaudry, DDS 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 101stAirborne 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, Dr. Gupta obtained her Bachelor's in Dental Surgery (B.D.S.) in 2008. Subsequently, she pursued her passion for studying aesthetics and malocclusion by completing a Master's in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics (M.D.S.) in 2017. Following this, she worked as a Consultant Orthodontist in various dental clinics for a year and a half until the onset of the pandemic. In late 2020, she got married in Nashville, Tennessee, and relocated to the United States to continue her career as an Orthodontist. To familiarize herself with the U.S. healthcare system and managerial responsibilities within the healthcare industry, she pursued a Master in Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.), which she completed in May 2024, demonstrating her commitment and ability to achieve goals.
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. 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.
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, before joining the faculty at Lincoln Memorial University-College of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Kassan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the Lebanese University in Lebanon, where he built a strong foundation in cellular and molecular biology. Dr. Kassan then pursued a Master's and Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Physiology at Salamanca University in Spain, exploring the intricate mechanisms of drug actions and physiological responses within the body.
Dr. Kassan's academic journey took him to renowned institutions in the USA, including Tulane University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Iowa University, and UT Memphis, where he engaged in collaborative research projects and gained valuable insights into diverse research methodologies and scientific approaches. Dr. Kassan’s research was funded by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In August 2022, Dr. Kassan joined Lincoln Memorial University-College of Dental Medicine.
Dr Stacy Larsen is originally from Nebraska where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology while on an Army ROTC scholarship. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) while attending the University of Nebraska Medical Center - College of Dentistry in the Army's Health Professions Scholarship Program. She then served her country from 2000 - 2020 as an Army dentist at various assignments around the globe, including as a resident in both the 1- and 2-year Advanced Education specialty training programs, as Officer-In-Charge at three different dental clinics, as Program Director of the 2-year AEGD at Ft Bragg, and as Commander of the 257th Medical Company - Dental Area Support field unit. Dr Larsen retired from the Army as a Colonel and relocated to Knoxville with her husband and family where she enjoys providing conservative, state-of-the-art dental care to local residents in the community. She is an active member of the ADA, a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, and Certified by the American Board of General Dentists. Dr Larsen has joined the LMU College of Dental Medicine eager to share her vast experiences with the next generation of dentists.
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. Dr. Munkhsaikhan joined the faculty at Lincoln Memorial University-College of Dental Medicine in 2023.
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 joined the faculty at LMU-CDM in the summer of 2023. She also works in her private practice in Knoxville.
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 joined the LMU-CDM Faculty in 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 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.
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-CDM since 2022.
Dr. John Pryse, obtained his dental degree from the University of Tennessee in 1974, and 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.
Dr. Charles Mark Russell obtained his D.D.S. from the University of Tennessee in 1979. After graduating, he served in the United States Air Force Dental Corps for three years before starting his private practice in Harrogate, TN, where he practiced for 38 years. He now lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with his wife JoAnn. They enjoy spending time with their 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
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 faculty at Lincoln Memorial University-College of Dental Medicine where she is involved in teaching, research, and service.
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 joined the faculty at Lincoln Memorial University-College of Dental Medicine in 2024.
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. She is a former member of the American Dental Association and the Illinois Dental Society. While living 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.
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.
Michelle Walker MPH, RDH, graduated from the University of South Florida, is a hygienist with over 20 years’ experience, and has worked in dental and dental hygiene education for 13 years. She previously taught at the LSU School of Dentistry and Pasco Hernando State College. She is dedicated to enhancing community engagement and outreach, forging vital connections between the university, local healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to improve access to care.
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.
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.
Thomas J. David, DDS, D-ABFO Thomas J. David, DDS earned his dental degree from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1977. He has maintained a dental practice since that time in the Atlanta metropolitan area. He is a member of the American Society of Forensic Odontology (ASFO), a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) and a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO). He has served as Chair of the Odontology Section of AAFS and President of the ABFO and has also served on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Forensic Sciences (JFS). He has authored articles in various periodicals, including the JFS. He has also authored chapters in a number of textbooks, including multiple editions of the “Manual of Forensic Odontology” as well as the 2nd Edition of “Forensic Dentistry”. In addition, along with Dr. Jim Lewis, he has recently co-edited a textbook on Forensic Odontology entitled “Forensic Odontology: Principles and Practice”.
Dr. David is a Consultant in Forensic Odontology to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Division of Forensic Sciences and the State of Georgia Medical Examiner’s Office as well as Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office. He also held a faculty appointment as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry of the Graduate School of Medicine of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center at Knoxville. He provided instruction for the Forensic Odontology Fellowship program, the Master’s program and the University of Tennessee biennial Symposium “All That Remains”. He is also on the faculty of the Forensic Odontology Fellowship program at Lincoln Memorial University.
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.
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.
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-College of Dental Medicine.
With over 25 years of experience in the dental field, Ange brings a rich background in clinical practice and higher education. Her career spans roles as a dental assistant, dental hygienist, and educator, reflecting a deep commitment to advancing oral health and patient care.
Ange earned her Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene and her MBA in Healthcare Management from Herzing University. Her dual expertise allows her to bridge clinical excellence with strategic insight into healthcare systems and education.
Throughout her career, Ange has been passionate about partnering with patients, students, and fellow professionals to share knowledge and inspire growth. She is especially dedicated to fostering a supportive, engaging learning environment that empowers students to thrive in their careers and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Ange's passion for oral health and patient education drives her mission to elevate the next generation of dental professionals.
Jessica Lovely-Bullock is the Director of the Dental Assisting Course 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.
