DR. SHELDON WINKLER is Professor Emeritus at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He served previously as Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Prosthodontics and Dean of Research, Advanced Education, and Continuing Education at the School of Dentistry. Dr. Winkler is an educator, author, editor, researcher, and national and international speaker on prosthodontics, implant dentistry, dental materials, and geriatric dentistry. He founded the journal Implant Dentistry, which he edited for six years, and is currently Editor Emeritus of the Journal of Oral Implantology and Editor of Implant Prosthodonics Monographs. Dr. Winkler's textbook, Essentials of Complete Denture Prosthodontics, now in its third edition, has been one of the most popular and widely used dental textbooks in the world and is well established as a standard reference. Dr. Winkler received the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He received his advanced certificate in prosthodontics in May of 1971 while serving as an Associate Professor at the Buffalo School of Dentistry. Edit DR. SOMPOP BENCHARIT is Professor and Assistant Dean for Innovation at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Dental Medicine, where he is also the Founding Chair of the Department of Reconstructive and Rehabilitation Sciences. Dr. Bencharit previously served as the Founding Director of Digital Dentistry Technologies and Director of Clinical Research at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Dr. Bencharit's educational background includes a DDS and Diploma in Prosthodontics from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. He furthered his studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), where he obtained a Certificate and Master's Degree in Prosthodontics, a PhD in Oral Biology, and a Certificate in Clinical Research. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and holds fellowship memberships in prestigious organizations such as the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the International College of Dentists. Dr. Bencharit was honored with the 2021 ACP Distinguished Researcher award. He has an extensive publication record, with over 90 peer-reviewed articles and more than 100 published abstracts.
