Tuesday Speakers:
LTC Jesse A. Thietten, DDS, MS, ABGD, FAGD
“Operational Dentistry in Future Conflict. Applying Lessons Learned from Caring for Ukrainian Special Operation Forces.”
LTC Jesse Thietten serves as the Dental Surgeon for the 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Carson, Colorado. Since 2022, he has provided expeditionary dental care to U.S. and allied Special Operations Forces across Europe and Eastern Europe. A former enlisted soldier, LTC Thietten deployed to Kosovo and Afghanistan in specialized airborne roles before earning his dental degree through the HPSP scholarship. He later completed a comprehensive dental specialty at Fort Hood’s AEGD2 program. Prior to his current role, he was Chief of Operative Dentistry at the Pentagon. An endurance athlete, LTC Thietten has completed multiple Ironman triathlons and ultramarathons, embodying his philosophy: “You can’t support your soldiers if you can’t keep up with them.”
LTC Andres Mendoza, DDS, MS
“Ukrainian Dental Emergencies During Large-Scale Combat”
LTC Andres Mendoza is the Officer in Charge of the Preventive Dentistry Course at the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. A Diplomate of the American Board of General Dentistry, he has held leadership roles in combat casualty care, business development, and professional education. His deployments include Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve, where he supported U.S. and allied forces. LTC Mendoza is an accomplished researcher and author, with publications on expeditionary dentistry, dental forensics, and combat medical logistics. He is also an adjunct assistant professor at the Uniformed Services University and a recognized speaker at international dental conferences.
Dr. Takeo Kurihashi, MD, DDS, PhD
“The Role of Dentists as Primary Care Physicians.”
Dr. Takeo Kurihashi is a professor at Kanagawa Dental University Yokohama Clinic, specializing in internal medicine. With dual degrees in dentistry and medicine, he has extensive experience in nephrology and hemodialysis, having worked at Tokai University Hospital and other medical institutions. Dr. Kurihashi established the Kurihashi Dental Clinic and Medical Corporation Kenseikai, contributing significantly to patient care and medical education. His multidisciplinary expertise bridges dentistry and internal medicine, making him a leader in integrated healthcare.
Professor Yoshihide Ota, DDS, PhD
“Clinical Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Oral Cancer”
Professor Yoshihide Ota is the President of the Japan Society of Oral Oncology and a professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Tokai University School of Medicine. A board-certified trainer in oral oncology and maxillofacial surgery, he specializes in surgical oncology for advanced oral cancer cases. With decades of academic and clinical experience, Professor Ota has held leadership roles in multiple professional societies, including the Japanese Society for Head and Neck Cancer. His research focuses on innovative cancer treatments and surgical techniques, advancing the field of oral oncology.
LTC Joseph Capetillo, DMD, MS
“Preserving Natural Architecture through Partial Extraction Therapy (PET)”
LTC Joseph Capetillo is the Chief of Periodontics at the Carius Dental Clinic, USAG Humphreys, South Korea. A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, he completed his residency in periodontics and earned a master’s degree in oral biology at Augusta University. LTC Capetillo has served as a mentor for advanced education in general dentistry and is an adjunct professor at the Uniformed Services University. His research and publications focus on periodontal and implant dentistry, with presentations at international conferences such as the Indo-Pacific Military Health Exchange. He is dedicated to advancing periodontal care and education within military and civilian settings.
Wednesday Speakers:
Maj Yangdi Zhou, DMD, MS
“Dental Trauma”
Maj Yangdi Zhou is an endodontist stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan, specializing in complex endodontic cases and evidence-based patient care. A graduate of Temple University and the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Center Endodontic Residency, he holds a Master’s degree in Oral Biology and is board-eligible with the American Board of Endodontics. Maj Zhou’s research on endodontic irrigation earned recognition at the 2025 American Association of Endodontists Annual Meeting. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, photography, and snowboarding, embracing the cultural richness of living in Japan.
CAPT Casey J. Burns, DDS, MS
“Interceptive Orthodontics: How Biological Timing Influences Clinical Treatment Options.”
CAPT Casey Burns is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists and a Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer. She serves as a clinical orthodontist at NMRTC Yokosuka, Japan, and previously held the role of Specialty Leader for Navy Orthodontics to the Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. CAPT Burns earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska and a Master of Science in Oral Biology from the Uniformed Services University. Her career includes deployments, leadership roles, and humanitarian missions, with personal awards such as the Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Commendation Medal.
LtCol Ryan R. Sheridan, DMD, MS
“Atypical Uses of CAD/CAM for the Military Dentist”
LtCol Ryan Sheridan is the Program Director of the USAF Prosthodontics Residency at the Air Force Postgraduate Dental School, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. A Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, he holds a Master of Science in Prosthodontics and has extensive experience in clinical education, research, and leadership. LtCol Sheridan has served in key roles, including Military Consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General for Dental Laboratories and Director of Surgical Prosthodontics. He is a recognized innovator, educator, and researcher, with numerous publications and awards, including the Air Force Medical Service Dental Educator of the Year. His expertise spans advanced prosthodontics, digital dentistry, and interdisciplinary care.
Dr. Mary Sturgeon, DMD, RDH
“Taking a Bite of of Simulation”
Dr. Mary Sturgeon is a dentist and educator at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, specializing in simulation-based residency education and operational readiness training. She holds certifications in healthcare simulation and clinical research and has extensive experience in interprofessional education, including roles at the Veterans Health Administration and Naval Medicine Readiness Training Command. Dr. Sturgeon is a published researcher and presenter, with contributions to improving surgical emergency response and dental readiness. Her work integrates simulation-based training to enhance patient safety and clinical outcomes across DoD and VA healthcare teams.
CDR Tracy A. D’Antonio, DDS, MS
“And then…. You Light Cure: Updates on Light Curing.”
“Evidence-Based Treatment of Carious Lesions.”
CDR Tracy D’Antonio is the Commander of the 11th Dental Company, 3D Dental Battalion, 3D Marine Logistics Group in Okinawa, Japan. She leads a team of 65 personnel across multiple clinics, focusing on operational readiness and providing dental care to over 10,000 active-duty service members and their beneficiaries. A graduate of the University of Southern California and the University of Iowa, CDR D’Antonio specializes in Operative Dentistry and Preventive Dentistry. She has held leadership roles in high-tempo regions such as Naples, Italy, and Parris Island, SC, and is an editorial reviewer for the Journal of Operative Dentistry. Her personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal.
Thursday Speakers:
Maj Loc V. Tran, DDS, MS
“Fitting Perio Into the Orthodontics Puzzle.”
Maj Loc Tran is the Chief of Periodontics at Yokota Air Base, Japan, where he provides advanced periodontal care, including implant therapy and treatment of hard and soft tissue defects. A graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Maj Tran completed his Periodontics residency at the Air Force Post-Graduate Dental School. His research focuses on innovative materials for alveolar ridge preservation. Maj Tran collaborates with dentists across USFJ bases to ensure comprehensive care for active-duty service members and their families. His dedication to evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration defines his approach to periodontal health.
Maj Daigo Okamoto, DDS, PhD
“Our Initiatives for Dental Emergency Care, Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital.”
Maj Daigo Okamoto serves as a Dental Officer at the Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital in Japan. A graduate of Meikai University and Tohoku University, he holds a PhD in Dentistry and has completed advanced military training courses. Maj Okamoto has held key positions in field hospitals and medical sections, contributing to the dental readiness of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force. His expertise in general dentistry and leadership roles in military healthcare underscore his commitment to advancing dental care within the armed forces.
CDR Karsten J. Hain, DDS, MMS
“Sharpening Both the Scalpel and Sword: The Strategic Value of PME for the Military Healer.”
CDR Karsten Hain is the Officer in Charge of the 11th Dental Detachment, 3rd Dental Battalion, stationed in Iwakuni, Japan. A graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy, he completed a General Practice Residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and an Advanced Clinical Practice in Exodontia Residency. CDR Hain holds a Master’s degree in Military Studies from Marine Corps University, where he focused on warfighting and international relations. His career includes deployments with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and leadership roles in patient safety and Fleet Marine Force Warfare Officer qualifications. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Dr. Masateru Anzai, DDS, PhD
“The Clinical Consideration of Papilla Reconstruction.”
Dr. Masateru Anzai is the Chair of the Board at OHP Medical Corporation Anzai Dental Office. He earned his DDS from The Nippon Dental University and his PhD from Kanagawa Dental University. Dr. Anzai specializes in advancing dental care and management, contributing to the development of innovative practices in dentistry.
Dr. Mark Sweet, DDS
“Endodontic Access: Safe and Effective.”
Dr. Mark Sweet is a Board-Certified Endodontist and the Chief Dental Officer for Defense Health Network – Indo Pacific. A former Colonel in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, Dr. Sweet served for 32 years in global assignments, including command roles in Italy and Korea. He earned his DDS and Certificate in Endodontics from the University of Iowa and served as the Endodontic Consultant to the Army Surgeon General. Dr. Sweet is a mentor and leader, recognized for his contributions to military dentistry and inducted into the Army’s Order of Military Medical Merit.
Capt Kevin Wang, DDS
“Influence of Primary and Secondary Closure of Surgical Extractions.”
Capt Kevin Wang is a General Dentist in the United States Air Force, currently serving at the 374th Medical Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan. He has a distinct passion for continuous learning and professional growth, demonstrated by his pursuit of advanced training, including multiple Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery externships and a specialized exodontia short course. Beyond his clinical duties, Capt Wang is dedicated to mentorship and has been involved in multiple outreach programs.
Friday Speakers:
LTC Takashi Komabayashi, DDS, MDentSc, PhD
“Vital Pulp Therapy and Endodontic Care for General Dentist.”
LTC Takashi Komabayashi is an Endodontist and mentor at the AEGD-2 Residency Program at Fort Hood Dental Health Activity, Texas. A Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, he holds advanced degrees in dentistry, including a PhD from Tokyo Medical and Dental University and an MDentSc from the University of Connecticut. LTC Komabayashi has extensive academic and clinical experience, having served as a professor and program director at multiple universities. His research focuses on innovative endodontic materials and techniques, with numerous publications and presentations in the field.
COL Paul M. Colthirst, DDS, MS, MSS, FICD
“Operational Dentistry: Analyzing the Why Behind Military Dentistry.”
COL Paul Colthirst is the Assistant Chief of Staff for Dental Integration and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health. He holds advanced degrees in Dental Public Health and Strategic Studies, with extensive experience in military leadership, research, and education. COL Colthirst has served as a commander at multiple dental health activities and contributed to global health strategy and policy development. His awards include the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal, and he is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists.
CAPT Gregory L. Koontz, DDS
“Nonsurgical Peridontal Maintenance of the Compromised Periodontium in Operational Environments.”
CAPT Gregory Koontz is the Chief Dental Officer at Medical Forces Pacific and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he completed his residency in Periodontics at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School. CAPT Koontz has held leadership roles across Navy Medicine, including command positions at 1st Dental Battalion and NMRTU Norfolk. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.