CLINICAL OBSERVERSHIP
PROGRAM
Osteo Science Foundation’s Clinical Observership Program is an innovative program offering intensive training for residents interested in a private practice experience.
This unique opportunity matches residents with senior clinicians for a two to four week assignment, offering intensive, individualized training with leading practitioners in the field of Oral and CranioMaxillofacial Surgery.
The Clinical Observership Program is specifically designed to help residents get a jump start through a one-on-one training experience in a private practice setting. We recognize that smart training today yields better patient care tomorrow. And it’s for this reason that we remain committed to providing the right professional development to the next generation of clinicians.
Senior Clinician Mentors
Experience is the best teacher and, because of this, Osteo Science Foundation is grateful to the following Clinician Mentors for donating their time to this important program.
Edmond Bedrossian
DDS
San Francisco, CA
Michael S. Block
DMD
New Orleans, LA
Vincent DiFabio
DDS
Washington, DC
Andrew C. Hartwig
DDS, PhD
Iowa City, IA
John J. Lytle
MD, DDS
La Canada, CA
Jay P. Malmquist
DMD
Portland, OR
Craig M. Misch
DDS, MDS
Sarasota, FL
Peter K. Moy
DMD
Los Angeles, CA
Anthony G. Sclar
DMD
Miami, FL
Daniel B. Spagnoli
DDS, PhD
Southport, NC
Guidelines and Policies
Process and Timeline
Applications for the Clinical Observership Program must be submitted using the online form. Applications will be reviewed quarterly:
- April 1
- June 1
- October 1
- January 1
Applicants will be notified within one month of the review date if they are accepted into the program.
Please keep in mind that the longer lead time you give, the greater flexibility we will have with assigning mentors; in addition, if you wish to pursue licensure in the state where you will be doing your observership, it is good to start the process six months before your observership.
Duration of Observership
- 2 - 4 weeks
- Specific time period will depend on resident and clinician availability, and may not take place until the next calendar year.
- Licensure is optional (Non-licensed residents may only observe)
Renumeration
All travel and living expenses are covered by Osteo Science Foundation, including transportation during the observership (rental car or public transportation). Per diem rates for food and housing are as per the GSA Travel rates. Residents will be provided with a pre-paid debit card, so that no out-of-pocket expenses will be incurred, though receipts must be provided after the observership to support each expense. Housing and fights will be booked directly by OSCF, once arrangements have been made with the resident.
If preferred by the resident or program, an educational grant can be made to the department, instead of reimbursing or pre-paying expenses. If you wish to pursue this option, please indicate as such on your application.
Application Review Process
Applicants must apply between April 1 and June 1 in order to be considered for funding. The Education Committee will thoroughly review each application, and will consult with the senior clinician mentors before recommending placements. The Board of Directors will then discuss the evaluation results and decide about possible acceptance. The selected applicants will be informed about the Board’s decision on or before August 1.
Applicants for the Clinical Observership Program will be evaluated with respect to:
- Year in residency and length of their program
- OMS rotations and months on service completed
- Off service rotations completed
- Primary clinical area of interest
- Primary reason for pursuing externship-brief explanation
- Specific goals for experience
- Essay explaining why the resident wishes to learn from the specific senior clinician mentor requested
- Letter of support from program director or department chair (required).
Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in an OMS residency program in the United States or Canada in order to be eligible for the Clinical Observership Program.
Resident Participants
2018
Diego Hurtado, DDS, MD
Diego Hurtado, DDS, MD - University of Kentucky
Observership with Anthony G. Sclar, DMD
February 2018
Miami, FL
Bio:
Dr. Hurtado is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry, where he completed his DDS degree. After dental school, he was accepted into the University of Kentucky Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program where he is currently training and also where he received his Medical Degree. In his free time, Dr. Hurtado enjoys scuba diving, spending time with his family, and ranching on the family farm in Holman, New Mexico.
Brent Newby, DDS, MD
Brent Newby, DDS, MD - University of Kentucky
Obsesrvership with Edmond Bedrossian, DDS
April 2018
San Francisco, CA
Bio:
Dr. Brent Newby is a Kansas native where he grew up working on his family’s 3,000 acre farm. Dr. Newby attended Kansas State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. After graduating from Kansas State, he moved to Kansas City where he attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. Dr. Newby graduated top of his class with a special interest in oral surgery. After dental school, Dr. Newby was brought to the Bluegrass state by the University of Kentucky where he was accepted into the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery program. Dr. Newby is a graduate of the University Of Kentucky College Of Medicine and is currently in his Chief year in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Matthew Pham, DMD
Matthew Pham, DMD - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Obsesrvership with Craig M. Misch, DDS, MDSOctober 2018
Sarasota, FL
Bio:
Dr. Pham obtained both his BS and DMD from the University of Pittsburgh. Upon graduating, he received the AAOMS senior dental student award and his school’s research achievement award. He subsequently matched into the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at the University of North Carolina and will be graduating from medical school there in 2018. He is very much looking forward to gaining more experience in complex reconstructive and implant surgeries during the observership. Outside of OMFS Dr. Pham enjoys eating out, spending time with his dog Tori, and traveling with his wife Linda.
Francesco Sebastiani, DMD
Francesco Sebastiani, DMD - Brooklyn Hospital Center
Observership with Daniel B. Spagnoli, DDS, PhD
May 2018
Southport, NC
Bio:
Dr. Sebastiani is completing his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery training at the Brooklyn Hospital Center. He has served as chief resident at affiliate Geisinger Medical Center and Bronx-Lebanon hospitals. Dr. Sebastiani is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Hard work on the basketball court and in the classroom earned Dr. Francesco Sebastiani a full athletic scholarship and Academic All-American honors at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Sebastiani presented his research titled Dynamic Navigation: Accuracy and Reproducibility in Dental Implant Placement at the 2016 AAOMS annual meeting. Dr.Sebastiani has presented his original research on the precision of virtual surgical planning during orthognathic surgery outcomes and bispectral index monitoring at both national and international meetings. He was awarded the Straumann USA Scholarship Award, which is given to residents actively engaged in implant and regenerative research. Dr. Sebastiani is the primary author on book chapters on topics ranging from oral sedation to infection control. Dr. Sebastiani has recently authored a book chapter on surgical management and antimicrobial therapy of odontogenic infections. His clinical interests include reconstructive surgery, implants, maxillofacial trauma, and orthognathic surgery. He is excited to participate in the Osteo Science clinical observership program.
Wade Barker, DDS, MD
Wade Barker, DDS, MD - Texas A&M University
Observership with Jay P. Malmquist, DMD
Bio:
Dr.Dr. Barker obtained his B.S. degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University and his DDS degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. Upon acceptance to the Baylor Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery program, he completed his MD degree at Texas Tech School of Medicine in Lubbock, Texas. Dr. Barker is currently a fifth year resident at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. In his spare time, Dr. Barker enjoys travel, outdoor cooking, technology and golf.
Jennifer Paress Caroline, DDS
Jennifer Paress, DDS - University of Pennsylvania
Observership with Anthony G. Sclar, DMD
John J. Costandi, DMD, MD
John J. Costandi, DDS, MD - Columbia University
Observership with Peter K. Moy, DMD
Bio:
Dr. John Costandi was born and raised in Egypt. He moved to the United States upon graduating from Cairo University with a Bachelor in Dental Surgery. He was enrolled in Boston University’s Advanced Program for international dentists where he earned his DMD degree and was inducted into OKU national dental honor society. He subsequently matched at Columbia University/New York Presbyterian Hospital Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery training program where he is currently one of the chief residents. During his time at Columbia University, Dr. Costandi has earned his medical degree and has been involved in several academic pursuits, some of which include research in alveolar cleft reconstruction with BMP-2, which he presented at the AAOMS annual meeting and coauthoring a book chapter on peripheral nerve blocks in the head and neck. He is currently investigating the regeneration of TMJ discs using 3D-printed scaffolds in animal models. He has also received interdepartmental recognition for his outstanding patient care and has been titled Resident of the Month. Upon graduation, he hopes to maintain a practice in full scope oral and maxillofacial surgery while dedicating some of his time to research and teaching. His clinical interests include orthognathic surgery, complex implant treatment, soft and hard tissue augmentation, virtual planning and digital dentistry.
Patrick Gaus, DDS, Capt, USAF
Patrick Gaus, DDS, Capt, USAF - San Antonio Military Oral and Maxillfacial Surgery Program
Observership with Craig M. Misch, DDS, MDS
Bio:
Captain Patrick Gaus attended the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Dentistry as part of the Health Professions Scholarship Program. After earning his DDS degree, he entered active duty with the United States Air Force and completed a one-year AEGD program at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. He spent the next two years in general practice serving the Airmen of Beale AFB in northern California. In 2015, he entered the San Antonio Military Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency program in San Antonio, TX where he is currently finishing his third year of residency. When not occupied by the duties associated with residency, Dr. Gaus enjoys spending time with his family. He is supported by a wonderful wife of nearly 15 years and is a proud father to four incredible children.
Timothy Kunckle, DDS, MD
Timothy Kunckle, DDS, MD - Columbia University
Observership with Michael S. Block, DMD
Bio:
Dr. Timothy Kunkle is a chief resident at Columbia University Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital. After growing up and completing post-secondary education in West Virginia, he completed both his dental and medical degrees at Columbia University in New York City. He presented a poster at AAOMS and is currently involved in research investigating the resection and reconstruction of minipig ramus-condyle units with anatomically shaped autogenous tissue engineered bone grafts. He has provided treatment to underserved populations on a dental service trip to Cambodia and a cleft mission to Colombia. Dr. Kunkle’s clinical interests include dental implant and dentoalveolar surgery, orthognathic surgery, and virtual and 3d planning in implant and maxillofacial surgery. His post residency plans are to move to Washington D.C. and transition to private practice. In his free time, Dr. Kunkle enjoys hiking, traveling with his wife Kristin, photography, and music.
Matthew C. Nimmich, DMD
Matthew C. Nimmich, DMD - University of Mississippi
Observership with Daniel B. Spagnoli, DDS, PhD
Bio:
Matthew Nimmich is a current third-year OMFS resident at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He is originally from Sumter, South Carolina and obtained his BS degree from Wofford College. He received his DMD degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2013 and did a General Practice Residency at West Virginia University. Following his GPR, he did a non-categorical OMFS internship at University of Mississippi Medical Center and is currently there completing the remainder of his OMFS residency.
Matthew P. Green, DMD
Matthew P. Green, DMD - Nassau University Medical Center in New York
Bio:
Matthew P. Green, DMD
Nassau University Medical Center in New York
Dr. Green graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2009, obtaining both a Bachelor of Science in Biology and in Nutritional Sciences. In 2011 he obtained a Master of Science in Applied Genomics from the University of Connecticut as well. He completed his dental training at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine in 2015, receiving his Doctor of Dental Medicine; magna cum laude. He is currently a third-year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery resident at Nassau University Medical Center in New York.
Dr. Green has presented his research at the following meetings: 2014 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons national meeting, titled "Disparities Between Populations with Oral Cancer in Low and Middle Income and High Income Countries” and 2016 Post Graduate Assembly in Anesthesiology meeting, titled “Cold Induced Urticaria Considerations Under General Anesthesia." Dr. Green has been published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2017 with his original research titled “Cellular Changes of Stem Cells in Three Dimensional Culture.” He was also awarded the OMS National Insurance Company, OMSNICase Award with his case titled “Bilateral Temporomandibular Joint Pain.”
His clinical interests include reconstructive surgery, maxillofacial trauma, orthognathic surgery, outpatient anesthesia, temporomandibular joint surgery and complex bone grafting procedures in conjunction with dental implants. He is very much looking forward to gaining more experience during the Osteo Science clinical observership program.
2017
Akeyla Brown, DDS
Akeyla Brown, DDS - Howard University Hospital
Observership with John P. Lytle, MD, DDS
November 2017
La Canada, CA
Bio:
Akeyla Brown is a 4th year resident at Howard University Hospital. Akeyla Brown received her Degree in Dental Surgery From Howard University College of dentistry. Dr. Brown spent a significant amount of her academic career volunteering, completing multiple dental missions to Haiti, Jamaica and Cameroon. Dr. Brown is an active AAMOS member and was a recipient of the Philip J. Boyne Memorial Scholarship. Throughout residency Akeyla Brown has also maintained enthusiasm for research and academia, contributing abstracts to ACOMS and AAMOS meetings and presenting educational community presentations to NBC 4 Your Health Symposium. Dr. Brown is extremely about Oral Surgery and contributing to her global community.
Kevin Coppelson, DDS, MD
Kevin Coppelson
Observership with Edmond Bedrossian, DDSNovember 2017
San Francisco, CA
Dr. Coppelson graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts while taking a pre-med curriculum. He went on to graduate from the University of Southern California with a D.D.S. His advanced training began with an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Internship at Louisiana State University. Dr. Coppelson was then accepted into the 6-year dual degree Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery program at the University of Maryland & Shock Trauma Center. During his residency training he received his M.D. from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, completed a 1-year general surgery internship at the University of Maryland Medical Center and R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center and served as chief resident in his final year. His professional interests include sleep apnea surgery, orthognathic surgery, TMJ surgery and implantology.
Daniel Yang, DDS, MD
Daniel Yang, DDS, MD - Parkland Memorial Hospital
Observership with Peter K. Moy, DMD
June 2017
Los Angeles, CA
Bio:
Dr. Yang is a graduate of Loma Linda University, where he completed his DDS degree. He was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society and received the AAOMS senior dental student award. After dental school, he was accepted into the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center/Parkland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program where he is currently training. He also received his MD degree from UTSW. His professional interests include implantology, orthognathic surgery, and trauma. In his free time, Dr. Yang enjoys deep sea fishing, traveling, and reading.
2016
Karin Davis, DMD, MPAS, PA-C
Karin Davis, DMD, MPAS, PA-C – Meharry Medical College
Observership with Jay P. Malmquist, DMD
October 2016
Portland, Oregon
Bio:
Dr. Davis earned her B.S. in Allied Health from the Medical College of Georgia and a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska. She later earned her DMD from Georgia Regents University College of Dental Medicine (formerly MCG.) After dental school, for post graduate training Dr. Davis was accepted into the oral and maxillofacial surgery program at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN which includes rotations with the VA and UT Knoxville Medical Center. She is currently completing the final year of training.
