About Us

Dr. Ryaz Ansari is a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with a profound commitment to delivering exceptional quality and service in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Implant Dentistry. He is the founder of JawFixers, a pioneering brand developed to bring proven, cutting-edge, technology-driven oral surgery to Greater Hartford’s growing population.

Dr. Ansari’s journey began with a degree in Molecular Genetics from the University of Toronto. He then pursued four years of dental training at the University of Western Ontario in Canada, followed by a one-year General Practice Residency at the University of Toronto. His passion for surgery led him to the Residency Training Program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Brooklyn Hospital Center, an affiliate of Cornell University. To further refine his surgical skills, Dr. Ansari completed a fellowship in Cosmetic/Maxillofacial Surgery at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis.

Under his leadership, JawFixers was one of the first practices in Connecticut to adopt cone beam technology for oral surgery, setting the stage for guided surgery, which has become a cornerstone of their implant practice today. Dr. Ansari, along with his partner Dr. Joel Rosenlicht, has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation in the field. Their practice was among the first to implement navigational systems for implant surgery, including the X-nav. Most recently, Dr. Ansari made headlines as the first surgeon in Connecticut to place a dental implant using advanced robotic technology(YOMI), an achievement that earned him a feature in Hartford Magazine’s Top Dentists issue.

In addition to his clinical expertise, Dr. Ansari has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, which has fueled the growth of the JawFixers brand. Over the past few years, the practice has expanded to five locations around the Hartford area, supported by a team of five surgeons. Dr. Ansari credits this success to his interest in the entrepreneurial mindset and his decade-long affiliation with the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO). Dr. Ansari’s practice philosophy is deeply rooted in interdisciplinary care and continuing education. JawFixers runs two affiliate Spear Study Clubs and a Seattle Study Club for dentists and specialists, fostering a collaborative environment for professional growth. He has delivered educational content to local hygienists for over a decade through interdisciplinary programs.

Dr. Ansari currently resides with his wife, son, and daughter in West Hartford, CT.

To learn more about Dr. Ansari and his practice, please visit www.JawFixers.com.

Dr. Bernstein is certified in the administration of IV conscious sedation and offers this service for the patients at the Perico Group. He was an advisor to the Massachusetts State Board of Dentistry in developing the regulations for administering intravenous, conscious sedation in dental offices.

Dr. Bernstein is a key opinion leader for Solea Laser in the development of protocols for minimally invasive techniques using lasers to treat periodontal disease and peri-implantitis. He leads several Spear Education groups as well as multiple Mini-Residency Programs, both of which are designed as small group learning forums for local dental professionals. Dr. Bernstein lectures locally, nationally and internationally and maintains membership in the American Academy of Periodontology.

Dr. Bernstein grew up in New Jersey (go Yankees!) and met his wife while attending school in New York. Today, he and his family reside in Marblehead.   Dr. Bernstein can be found cruising around town in his classic Ford Bronco, coaching youth lacrosse, refining his pit-master skills and challenging his friends at the nearest trivia competition.

Driven by the purpose of helping people experience dental surgery in a positive way, Team Perio has grown into three locations.  Locations are currently in Redding CA, Stockton CA, and Reno NV.  With more locations to come!

Dr. Blasingame has enjoyed leading several associate doctors and team members through a systematic approach to patient care and the patient experience.  In his play time he enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids, skiing, mountain biking, playing pickleball, and flying his airplane.  

Dr. Gallardi’s expertise spans the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including dentoalveolar procedures, implants, reconstruction, corrective jaw surgery, trauma management, and pathology. She is widely respected for her surgical skill, commitment to patient outcomes, and dedication to advancing the profession.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Gallardi has held numerous national and international leadership roles. She currently serves as President of the Illinois Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ISOMS), a member of the Membership Board of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and is a Delegate for AAOMS.  She contributes to the specialty through editorial and advisory work as an Editor for the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ACOMS), a board member of the Development Committee of the OMS foundation, a member of the Advisory Board for OMSNIC, and as a board member of the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.

As one of the few women in her specialty she has always been a strong advocate for increasing diversity and leadership opportunities for women in surgery. Her professional contributions extend beyond the operating room, with involvement in academic teaching, professional study clubs, and in women’s leadership initiatives.

Through her leadership, advocacy, and mentorship, Dr. Gallardi continues to shape the future of oral and maxillofacial surgery, championing excellence in patient care and the growth of the profession worldwide.

Dr. Faustino Garcia is a second-generation dentist whose passion for people, precision, and progress has shaped one of Miami’s most trusted specialty practices. Born in Boston and raised in South Florida, Dr. Garcia brings a rare blend of technical excellence, authenticity, and vision to his work. After earning his dental degree from the University of Florida, he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) and later received his specialty training in Endodontics at Nova Southeastern University.

Driven by a deep commitment to clinical excellence and collaboration, Dr. Garcia has built a thriving practice centered on relationships and continual growth. Through years of thoughtful leadership, he has cultivated a culture defined by mutual respect, learning, and compassion for both his patients and his team. Following a major renovation, he expanded his practice, added two associates, and strengthened his reputation as a trusted partner to referring doctors across South Florida.

Dr. Garcia’s philosophy of practice growth centers on connection—he believes that every great practice is built through trust, communication, and shared purpose. His ability to foster meaningful relationships has been key to his success and continues to inspire others to elevate their practices through teamwork and intentional leadership.

Outside of dentistry, “Fausti” is fueled by his love of surfing, fitness, and music. Whether in the ocean or the operatory, he brings a mindset of focus, discipline, and curiosity—always seeking to learn, grow, and help others do the same.

We are committed to a CANI way of living and believe that the secret to our continued growth and success is built around our core values of community, mentorship, service, leadership and respect.  In support of these values, we’ve always taken the position that we all drink from a well which we did not dig. As a result, true sharing is giving that which one might normally keep only for themselves.  Through this approach to life (and practice) with the belief that there is abundance we continue to grow our circle in the community.

My education has consisted of the University of Washington (BS), University of the Pacific (Dugoni)(DDS), University of Pittsburgh (Perio) and returned to UW for completion of the Executive Development Program in Leadership at the Foster School of Business.  In addition to being a periodontist I am also a consultant, entrepreneur, angel investor and real estate investor.

My greatest pride is my family. My father was a US Army Veteran and came to the United State with my mother in search of a better opportunity. They raised my brother and I in Issaquah, Washington.  I loved being a high school wrestler and found as a captain of my football and wrestling teams growing up that I loved being in a position of leadership where I could positively influence the team around me.  Watching my children grow into young adults has been especially rewarding.

As I am now in my late forties and I see the seasons of life changing before me I am invigorated to take part in the Leadership Thread’s pilot program and hope to give at least as much I as receive to this group.

In her practice, Dr. Kennedy is dedicated to delivering compassionate, individualized care and fostering a team culture centered on excellence. Her leadership extends beyond the practice to various professional organizations through her service as Vice President of the East Texas Dental Society, membership chair of the Southwest Society of Periodontists, and recent involvement on the American Board of Periodontology’s Job Task Analysis Steering Committee.

Originally from Indianapolis, Dr. Kennedy and her husband, Kyle, have made East Texas their home. Outside of her practice, she enjoys traveling internationally, cooking, skiing, football, and spending time outdoors with their rescue dog, Ranger.

Renowned for her expert care and empathetic approach, Dr. Mancini is a respected figure both in her practice and within the broader dental community. She actively enhances her professional practice by integrating education, teaching at several Montreal hospital residency programs, and leading Spear Study Clubs to promote collective growth and knowledge exchange.

Her leadership extends beyond her clinical and educational roles; Dr. Mancini has also served as president of various dental clubs, profoundly influencing dental practices across Montreal. Her personal life is as vibrant as her professional one, filled with arts and outdoor activities that she shares with her husband and twin children, reflecting her commitment to a balanced life.

Dr. Mancini’s philosophy is founded on creating an environment where patients receive the highest quality care and where her team is empowered to excel. This vision continuously shapes her approach, aiming for a seamless integration of patient care and professional education.

After completing his residency in periodontics, Dr. Nicholson established Sundance as a de novo specialty practice. What began as a single location has evolved into a multi-doctor surgical center.  His surgical expertise focuses on full-arch immediate implant rehabilitation, advanced regeneration, and digital workflows, areas in which he is recognized for his precision, speed, and commitment to innovation.

Dr. Nicholson is passionate about building a practice model that supports patients, referring doctors, and young specialists alike. Through mentorship, structured growth pathways, and a referral concierge model, he and his team are redefining what specialty collaboration can look like. This vision continues to guide the expansion of the practice

A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, Dr. Nicholson is also an active participant in the Moonshot Practice Program and Leadership Thread, where he is committed to contributing his knowledge, vision, and leadership to the broader profession.

He lives in Utah with his wife and children, where family, growth, and contribution remain at the center of his life. Outside the practice, he enjoys traveling with his family, coaching youth athletics, investing in real estate and entrepreneurial ventures, and pursuing health, fitness, and personal development.

Dr. Alfred Penhaskashi, affectionately known as “Dr. P,” is a respected periodontist, educator, and leader whose career has been defined by his commitment to excellence, communication, and compassionate care. A graduate of the UCLA School of Dentistry, he went on to complete his specialty training in Periodontics and Implantology at the University of Southern California. Known for both his clinical precision and his deep appreciation for the human side of dentistry, Dr. Penhaskashi has built a reputation as a trusted clinician and mentor dedicated to helping others grow.

Throughout his career, Dr. Penhaskashi has combined academic teaching with private practice innovation. As an associate professor at USC and a longtime advocate for continuing education, he has helped shape the professional development of countless clinicians. His focus on mentorship and collaboration has made him a catalyst for growth—not only in his own practice, but across the broader dental community.

At his practice, Dr. Penhaskashi leads a team driven by empathy, excellence, and education. His philosophy centers on open communication—with patients, staff, and referring doctors alike—as the cornerstone of lasting health and trust. Through personal outreach, study clubs, and ongoing educational events, he continues to strengthen relationships with his referral network and raise the standard of care in his community.

Dr. Penhaskashi has worked throughout his career to improve his practice, bringing in numerous consultants and continually refining his approach to leadership and growth—even working with Imtiaz prior to joining Moonshot.

When he first considered joining Moonshot, Dr. Penhaskashi felt he had reached his practice’s capacity for growth. By recommitting to his team and his referring doctors, he discovered new potential within his existing structure—ultimately expanding by more than 25% while maintaining the exceptional quality of care his office has long been known for.

After completing his residency in 2012, Dr. Caesar Sweidan took a leap of faith and started a de novo periodontics and implant practice in the Greater New Orleans area. Even though starting from the ground up was daunting, his commitment to building a practice of his vision drove him to pursue this challenging path. The first few years were both exciting and challenging, allowing him to shape the practice according to his vision.

Dr. Sweidan quickly became the specialist of choice for comprehensive periodontal and implant care in the region. His curiosity to learn, grow, and excel both clinically and as a leader made him realize that continuous learning was the key to every successful practice. This commitment led him to found multiple study clubs for doctors and hygienists and become an active member of the local dental community. Recognizing the need for collaborative growth, he expanded his practice in 2018 to accommodate a growing patient base, opening two new facilities—one with a dedicated continuing education room that can fit more than 40 people.

Just a few years later, Dr. Sweidan further expanded his reach by acquiring two existing specialty practices. Today, with a team that includes four full-time specialists, he remains focused on providing exceptional periodontal care through a culture of patient-centric collaboration, where every team member is committed to delivering personalized, top-tier treatment.

Dr. Sweidan is married to Dr. Britney Beard from Baton Rouge, and they live in Mandeville, Louisiana, with their four children—Summer, Ellen, Michael, and Grace. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing soccer, grappling, and engaging in outdoor activities.

After earning her Doctorate from NYU College of Dentistry, Dr. Teel practiced as a restorative and cosmetic dentist in Greater New York City and completed a General Practice Residency at Beth Israel Medical Center. She then earned a Master of Science and a Specialty in Periodontics from Oregon Health and Sciences University. Dr. Teel has ​served as clinical faculty at the V.A. Portland Health Center and Marquette University’s Surgical Services Department.

Dr. Teel has presented on global stages, continually pushing the boundaries of excellence through interdisciplinary treatment planning and clinical care. Her passion for mentoring led to the formation of Meridian Education, an innovative surgical center and operating theater that provides digitally focused educational opportunities to dental professionals and their teams. In recognition of her contributions to the field, Dr. Teel received the 2024 Outstanding Leadership in Mentoring Award from the Wisconsin Dental Association.

Her approach to patient care is marked by her dedication to utilizing the most advanced technologies and minimally invasive procedures. Her commitment to periodontal and surgical excellence is matched by her ability to alleviate patient apprehensions, creating a soothing environment for comprehensive care.

Dr. Teel remains an active participant in the dental community, recently holding leadership roles such as President and Continuing Education Coordinator of the Greater Milwaukee Dental Association, while maintaining memberships with the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the Academy of Osseointegration. Her dedication to advancing the field and her ongoing mentorship continue to impact the lives of colleagues and patients alike.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Teel finds inspiration in her family and ​a​dventure pursuits. She enjoys traveling, skiing, diving, and exploring nature with her husband and children.

Dr. Temple’s professional path has been guided by a deep belief in excellence, collaboration, and the transformative power of dentistry to improve lives; she cares deeply for her patients, dental team, and the community in which she lives.  In addition to private practice, she serves as adjunct faculty at Tyler Junior College, teaching periodontics to future dental hygienists, and has contributed research to leading journals in periodontology. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, a Fellow of the American and International Colleges of Dentists, and a leader in multiple state and national dental organizations.

Service and leadership are at the heart of her work. Dr. Temple currently serves on committees for the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Board of Periodontology, while also leading locally as President of the Junior League of Tyler. Internationally, she has directed mission teams in Cambodia and Cabo Verde, reflecting her conviction that service to others is key to personal fulfillment and creating positive, long-lasting impact.

At the core of her vision is the belief that growth happens when specialists invest in each other and in their communities—by elevating standards of care, fostering mentorship, and creating space for others to collaborate and thrive.

Away from the profession, Dr. Temple and her husband, Zach, are raising two young children. Together, they are active in their local community, and they find joy in giving back through service, faith, and family life.

Dr. Tulkki earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a Master of Science in advanced endodontics from the renowned University of MN School of Dentistry. This rigorous training has equipped him with a deep well of knowledge and expertise that he brings to every aspect of his work.

Dr. Tulkki is a trailblazer in dental innovation. He is the founder of Clinic Shield Scrubs, a company dedicated to designing high-quality, functional scrubs specifically for dental professionals. His role as a clinical consultant for various companies in product design and 3D microscopy further underscores his influence in shaping cutting-edge dental technologies. Dr. Tulkki’s insights and forward-thinking approach have made him a key player in driving advancements within the industry.

His commitment to improving lives extends beyond his professional sphere. He is a co-founder of the Cancer Care Foundation of MN, an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients. His active involvement with the foundation highlights his dedication to broader healthcare and community service, reflecting his deep-seated belief in making a positive impact on society.

Outside of his professional and philanthropic endeavors, Dr. Tulkki enjoys a vibrant personal life in Orono, MN with his wife, Amy, a dedicated veterinarian, and their three energetic children. The family actively participates in youth sports, skiing, and traveling, embodying a well-rounded and active approach to life.

Dr. Tulkki’s blend of clinical expertise, innovative spirit, and community commitment uniquely positions him to lead with vision and enthusiasm within the Leadership Council. His proven track record and dynamic approach promise to drive forward-thinking solutions and meaningful progress in his new role.

As the author of Oral Fitness: How Complete Health Dentistry is Revolutionizing America, Dr. Ueno is a passionate advocate for the oral-systemic connection, helping patients understand the crucial link between dental health and overall wellness. He leads multiple study clubs and teaches hands-on and live surgery courses on full arch procedures, sharing his expertise with peers and advancing the field. His influence extends far beyond the clinic; he is a sought-after speaker who regularly lectures nationally and internationally on the latest trends in periodontology and implantology. His recent presentation in Tokyo on full arch procedures is poised to revolutionize the practice in Japan, where the technique is just beginning to gain traction.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Ueno is deeply committed to philanthropy. He has participated in numerous dental mission trips to El Salvador and Guatemala, providing essential care to underserved communities. Inspired by his son Riley’s journey with moderate-functioning autism, diagnosed in 2018, Dr. Ueno has become a passionate advocate for autism awareness and support. He co-chairs the annual Starry Foundation Luncheons in San Francisco and has organized multiple fundraisers within the dental community to support charities like Autism Speaks and Parents Helping Parents.

With a boundless energy and dedication to excellence, Dr. Ueno continues to inspire and lead in both his professional and personal endeavors.