We look forward to honoring the following individuals at Bright Smiles, Brighter Futures on March 14th:
Dr. Joel Adler - Longest Serving Volunteer
DR. JOEL ADLER has been volunteering at the Ben Massell Dental Clinic since 1966, after being introduced by Irving Goldstein, and is the longest serving, living volunteer of the clinic. A Mississippi native, Dr. Adler knew he wanted to be a dentist from the time he was a teenager. He attended Emory University then University of Maryland for dental school. He served for a few years doing dentistry overseas in the military. After returning and doing an oral surgery program, he started his dental practice in Atlanta, providing care to the underserved South side of the city. He served as President of the Georgia Society of Oral Surgery and gave back to many, many other charitable organizations in both leadership and volunteer roles. He’s been a testament to the commitment of so many of our volunteers, who are truly passionate about the clinic’s mission. Dr. Adler has given back to so many throughout the entire course of his career.
Dr. Stephen Bankston - Chief of Staff
DR. STEPHEN BANKSTON began his career in dentistry after receiving his undergraduate degree and Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. He embarked on a residency at UNC Chapel Hill, then an assistant professorship at University of Miami School of Medicine, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and is now a Fellow of the American Society of Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry (ASIRD) where he is committed to improving the quality of care for dental implant patients. Dr. Bankston currently serves as Chairman of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Northside Hospital and works at Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery. Dr. Bankston began volunteering at BMDC in 2004 and has been serving as its Chief of Staff since 2012. He leads the volunteer staff and helps to advise and direct the clinic in its operations.
Dr. Michael Chalef - Philanthropic Champion
DR. MICHAEL CHALEF graduated from Emory University School of Dentistry in 1982. When one of his mentors, Dr. David Zelby suggested spending some time at the Massell Clinic, the clinic became a second dental home. With Barbara’s and Deborah’s familiar faces from student days giving further continuity, followed by a board position to help shape the clinic’s future, and having the opportunity to teach dental students and later dental residents from NYU Langone, Massell became part of the fabric of his life. The smiles and gratitude of all of the patients treated through out the years was the best compensation anyone could receive
Dr. Jonathan Dubin - Distinguished Liaison to Dental College of Georgia
DR. JONATHAN DUBIN grew up in Teaneck, NJ moving to Atlanta in 1973. He worked in his Aunt, Uncle, and cousin’s bagel bakery helping to put himself through UGA, then the Medical College of GA. He has always been active in organized dentistry (using Richard Weinman as a role model) with stints as editor of the GDA 2007-2012, the chairs of the Hinman Dental Society culminating in President and General Chair and now Trustee. He co-chaired and planned Georgia’s 4 Missions of Mercy. Honors include Fellowship in Academy of General dentistry, The Pierre Fouchard Academy, The American College of Dentists, The International College of Dentists, Alumni of the Year for the Dental College of GA, The Dentist of the Year for the Northern District of the GDA, Point of Light Award, Healthcare Georgia Foundation Community Service Award, GDA Community Service Award , Chairman of the Year Award, and President’s Award. He currently serves on the boards of the BMDC, The Fisher Foundation for Dental Education, and the GDA Foundation for Oral Health. He is married to Traci Leong-Dubin and they have 3 children, Dr. Zachary in Atlanta, high school junior Mylee, and Seth Dubin living in the Netherlands. Dr. Dubin oversees our partnership with Dental College of Georgia, where 4th year dental students complete externships at the clinic.
Grady Health Systems - Outstanding Community Partner
GRADY HEALTH SYSTEMS is a long time partner in working to expand access to quality healthcare. The Oral Health Center of Grady‘s Ponce Program for patients with HIV shares a dental residency program with BMDC, which greatly expands the number of patients seen at each clinic. Both the Center and the residency program were started by Dr. David Reznik who has a life-long passion for providing care for those with HIV. The residency program has been a successful addition to both clinics for 11 years.
Dr. David Kurtzman - Distinguished Liaison to the Dental Residency Program
DR. DAVID KURTZMAN became involved with the clinic when he was a Junior in dental school and has been a volunteer since 1981. He has a life long passion for education and giving back, which makes his work at the Ben Massell Dental Clinic and on the Executive Committee extremely rewarding. When he’s not volunteering, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. As our Liaison to the Dental Residency Program, he oversees the progress of our four dental residents and coordinates with Grady’s Ponce Program and Dr. Reznik to ensure the development of the residents and quality of the patients’ care.
Mike McDaniel - Philanthropic Champion
MIKE MCDANIEL was invited to serve on the Executive Committee of the Ben Massell Clinic after working in the dental field for 50 years and found it to be a great honor and privilege to help guide the clinic forward. Over the years of seeing so many “Bright Smiles" change people’s futures has been a real joy. He is happy to serve as an Event Chair for Bright Smiles, Brighter Futures and was a true leader in making this event a success. When not serving, he enjoys tennis, kayaking, reading and spoiling his grandkids.
Dr. Richard Weinman - Distinguished Liaison to Dental College of Georgia
DR. RICHARD WEINMAN graduated from the Medical College of Georgia school of dentistry in 1976. The next year he began his volunteer experience with the Ben Massell Dental Clinic. After a number of years, he joined the Executive Board of the clinic, and the volunteer faculty of the Dental College of Georgia as a clinical instructor for students that rotate to the Massell Clinic. He has been fortunate to be able to practice dentistry with family members from the very beginning. His uncle, Dr. Melvin Weinman, took him into his practice, and after he retired, Dr. Weinman was able to practice with his wife, Dr. Becky Weinman, and then his son, Dr. Paten Weinman.
Dr. David Zelby - Immediate Past Chief of Staff
DR. DAVID ZELBY a transplant from New York City, began volunteering at Ben Massell in 1978. He has served as Director of Prosthetics from 1978 until now. He was Chief of Staff of the Clinic from 2000 to 2012 and was instrumental as the voice of the clinic in soliciting contributions for the beautiful 5 million-dollar building we now enjoy. He was awarded Senator for a Day by the State of Georgia for his service to the clinic. He continues to volunteer and specializes in treatment for challenging prosthetic cases.