Meet the doctors and faculty who help deliver comprehensive, specialist-led dental care at AIDM. Our collaborative team works together to make high-quality dentistry more accessible, comfortable, and coordinated for patients and families.
Ravikumar Anthony
Chair and Program Director
Ravikumar Anthony, B.D.S., M.D.S., M.S.
Chair and Program Director of Orthodontic Residency Program
Ravikumar Anthony – Chair and Program Director
Dr. Ravikumar Anthony doesn’t simply create beautiful, lasting smiles—he trains the next generation of top orthodontists to do the same. As a nationally recognized educator, researcher, and clinician, he leads the orthodontic residency at the Austin Institute of Dental Medicine, guiding top-tier residents and board certified faculty. This unique academic environment ensures that every patient benefits from a level of collaboration, precision, and advanced care rarely found in private practice.
Dr. Anthony is a board-certified orthodontist known for delivering highly refined, detail driven results. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in creating sophisticated, natural looking smiles that enhance facial harmony while maintaining long term function and stability.
He completed his orthodontic training at UT Health San Antonio and holds advanced degrees in orthodontics and cellular biology. His clinical excellence has been recognized by leading institutions across the profession, including honors from the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation and the prestigious Vondrak Clinical Dentistry Professorship.
Dr. Anthony’s work has received national and international distinction. His cases have been featured five times on the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics—a rare achievement that reflects exceptional precision and outcomes. He has also authored multiple clinical publications in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, where his treatment philosophies help guide orthodontists worldwide.
His commitment to excellence extends to mentorship and clinical leadership. A case under his supervision received the Best Treated Case award in the nation from the American Association of Orthodontists, and in 2022, another supervised case helped a resident earn JCO Student of the Year, demonstrating a consistent standard of elite-level outcomes.
Whether you are seeking early orthodontic guidance for your child or a discreet, highly customized solution for yourself, Dr. Anthony offers a level of expertise, precision, and care that places your family in the very best hands.
Ahmed Sabbah
AEGD Director
Ahmed Sabbah, DDS, PhD
Advanced General Dentist | Implant & Esthetic Dentistry
When considering a significant investment in your smile, you deserve a dentist who combines advanced clinical expertise with a personalized approach to care. Dr. Ahmed Sabbah is committed to helping patients achieve healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles through comprehensive treatment planning, advanced technology, and evidence-based dentistry.
Dr. Sabbah believes exceptional dentistry goes beyond treating individual teeth. Every treatment recommendation is designed with the bigger picture in mind—how your smile looks, how your bite functions, and how your oral health will be maintained for years to come. Whether you are considering dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, full-mouth rehabilitation, or complex restorative treatment, he takes the time to help you understand your options and make informed decisions with confidence.
Dr. Sabbah earned both his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees from UT Health San Antonio. He also completed a two-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency, receiving advanced training in implant dentistry, restorative dentistry, oral surgery, esthetics, and comprehensive treatment planning. His doctoral training in microbiology and immunology provides a unique understanding of healing and long-term treatment success, particularly for medically complex patients.
His clinical interests focus on implant dentistry, esthetic dentistry, digital dentistry, and full-mouth rehabilitation. By combining advanced surgical and restorative principles with state-of-the-art digital workflows, Dr. Sabbah develops treatment plans that are precise, predictable, and tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
In addition to patient care, Dr. Sabbah is an internationally recognized lecturer, a Fellow of the International Team of Implantologists, published author, and academic leader. He has presented nationally and internationally on implant dentistry, digital dentistry, esthetics, and interdisciplinary treatment planning. His commitment to education and research allows him to remain at the forefront of modern dentistry and bring the latest evidence-based techniques to his patients.
As Director of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Program at the Austin Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM), Dr. Sabbah trains the next generation of dentists in comprehensive care, implant dentistry, and digital treatment planning. Patients benefit from the same advanced technologies and treatment philosophies taught within the program.
Dr. Sabbah’s philosophy is simple: every patient deserves comprehensive, honest, and individualized care. Whether restoring a single tooth, replacing missing teeth with implants, or transforming an entire smile, his goal is to deliver results that are functional, natural-looking, and built to last.
Anthony
Patel
Orthodontics Faculty
Anthony Patel | DMD, MS Ed
Director of Orthodontic Clinical Operations
Dr. Anthony Patel understands that the foundation of exceptional orthodontic care isn’t just advanced technology—it is clear communication, absolute precision, and unwavering patient trust. At the Austin Institute of Dental Medicine, Dr. Patel combines his elite clinical expertise with a passion for education, ensuring every patient and parent feels fully confident and informed before treatment even begins.
A unique leader in the dental field, Dr. Patel concurrently earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. What does this mean for his patients? It means he doesn’t just dictate a treatment plan; he expertly guides you through it, making complex orthodontic care accessible, understandable, and stress-free.
Dr. Patel’s commitment to excellence was forged in the United States Navy Dental Corps, where he served as a Lieutenant and Division Officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The rigorous discipline, adaptability, and leadership he demonstrated as a decorated Surface Warfare Officer now drive his clinical philosophy at AIDM, ensuring every procedure is executed with military-grade precision and the highest standards of safety.
As a Top 1% Invisalign® Diamond Plus Provider and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Patel is recognized among the absolute best in the nation at delivering discreet, highly predictable results for both teens and adults.
Whether transforming a teenager’s smile or executing a complex, invisible alignment for an adult professional, Dr. Patel delivers world-class, patient-centered care built on trust, transparency, and proven expertise.
Edgar O’Neill
Clinical Mentor, Prosthodontics
Edgar P. O’Neill, DDS, MS, FACP
Board-Certified Prosthodontist & Clinical Mentor
Complex dental needs: Whether you require full-mouth rehabilitation, implant dentistry, advanced restorative care or complete dentures; you need an architect for your smile. Dr. Edgar P. O’Neill has dedicated his career to helping patients restore their function, confidence, and quality of life through highly customized, carefully planned treatment.
As a board-certified prosthodontist, Dr. O’Neill is a specialist in designing and fitting implant-supported prosthesis to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. He approaches every patient’s care with precision, discipline, and a deep understanding of how teeth, implants, bone, soft tissue, bite function, and facial esthetics must work seamlessly together.
Education:
- Doctorate of Dental Surgery: Loyola University Chicago College of Dental Surgery
- Master of Science: George Washington University
- Certificate in Prosthodontics: U.S. National Naval Dental Center
Educator:
Dr. O’Neill has previously served as the Prosthodontic Program Director at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, shaping the minds of residents in advanced prosthodontics for 17 years.
Experience:
United States Navy – 26 years
University of Florida – 17 years
ClearChoice implant center – 3 years
At AIDM, Dr. O’Neill serves as both a seasoned prosthodontist and an academic mentor. When you sit in his chair, you benefit directly from his advanced restorative training. Behind the scenes, our residents gain invaluable knowledge from his interdisciplinary planning and careful execution of sophisticated care.
Dr. O’Neill’s treatment philosophy is simple: patient focused, he emphasizes thoughtful sequencing, durable outcomes, and prosthetic designs that restore not only your smile, but your long-term comfort and confidence.
Brandon Comella
Orthodontics Faculty
Brandon Comella, D.D.S., M.S.
Director of Professionalism, Continuing Education and Practice Management – Orthodontics
At the Austin Institute of Dental Medicine, Dr. Brandon Comella brings a highly unique, analytical approach to patient care, drawing on over 25 years of private practice experience. Uniquely trained with advanced graduate degrees in both mechanical engineering and dentistry, he doesn’t just straighten teeth—he engineers perfectly customized, predictable smiles. His background reflects a powerful integration of engineering principles with clinical orthodontics, specifically focusing on biomechanics, appliance customization, and treatment efficiency. For our patients, this means every treatment plan is mathematically precise and designed to optimize your results with the absolute most benefit to you.
Dr. Comella’s dedication to his craft started from the ground up. He began his career serving in the United States Air Force as a dental laboratory technician. His drive for excellence led him to own and operate his own dental laboratory, gaining extensive, hands-on expertise in appliance fabrication and materials science before ever sitting in the doctor’s chair. He earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology , followed by his Doctor of Dental Surgery and Orthodontics certificate from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Today, Dr. Comella is an internationally recognized educator who consults with orthodontists worldwide on space-creating techniques and treatment mechanics. He serves as a Key Opinion Leader and product design advisor for American Orthodontics, directly contributing to the development and refinement of the very technologies used in the industry today.
As our Continuing Education & Clinical Director , he frequently hosts in-office courses focused on efficient treatment planning and implementing unique mechanical solutions. His vast clinical expertise ensures he can approach any case with the perfect tool, backed by experience in traditional methods, clear aligners, and lingual orthodontics (including past integration with the International Lingual Fellowship program).
When you sit in Dr. Comella’s chair, you are getting the precision of an engineer, the discipline of a veteran, and the ultimate care of an industry leader who is completely dedicated to your smile.
Steven Katz
Master Clinician, Endodontics
Steven J. Katz, DDS, MS
Board-Certified Endodontist & National Leader in Tooth Preservation
Steven J. Katz, DDS, MS
Board-Certified Endodontist & National Leader in Tooth Preservation
When you are told you need complex dental care—like a root canal—it is completely normal to feel anxious. Dr. Steven J. Katz is here to change that experience. As a board-certified endodontist, Dr. Katz is a highly specialized expert with one core mission: relieving your pain and saving your natural teeth whenever possible.
With over 35 years of clinical experience, Dr. Katz brings a rare level of expertise, precision, and compassionate communication to his patients.
The Dentist Who Leads Other Dentists: Dr. Katz’s credentials place him at the very top of his field. He recently served as the President of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) for the 2025–2026 term, leading his specialty at the highest national level before transitioning to immediate past president. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, he has proven a lifelong commitment to meeting the absolute highest standards of knowledge, skill, and evidence-based treatment.
He has also held prestigious leadership roles as president of the Greater Cleveland Dental Society, alternate delegate to the American Dental Association, and delegate to the Ohio Dental Association. When you sit in Dr. Katz’s chair, you are being treated by an expert trusted to guide the entire dental profession.
A Unique Background in Patient Safety: What truly sets Dr. Katz apart is his foundation in healthcare. Before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (1986), Certificate in Endodontics, and Master of Science degree (1988) from The Ohio State University, he earned a pharmacy degree from The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. This unique background gives him a profound understanding of science, patient safety, and clinical decision-making, ensuring that your care—and your comfort—is managed with the utmost expertise.
A Master Educator at AIDM: Dr. Katz is not only a master clinician but a dedicated teacher and mentor. At AIDM, he contributes the perspective of a national specialty leader to our clinical team. Whether he is treating a complex root canal or advising on a diagnosis, our patients and our dental residents benefit every day from his deep knowledge, modern techniques, and unwavering dedication to advancing patient care.
Maria Eduarda Duarte
Orthodontics Faculty
Maria Eduarda Duarte, DDS, CAGS, MSD
Director of Research – Orthodontics
For Dr. Maria Eduarda Duarte, healthcare isn’t just a career; it is a family legacy and a lifelong calling. Inspired by her physician father and nurse mother, she always knew she wanted to dedicate herself to a profession that makes a profound difference in people’s lives. At the Austin Institute of Dental Medicine, Dr. Duarte brings this deep-rooted compassion to every single patient, ensuring that your orthodontic journey is not only clinically flawless but also deeply personal and supportive.
Her passion for orthodontics began firsthand during her own treatment growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she realized how completely a healthy, confident smile can empower a person to pursue their dreams. That realization drove her early on to volunteer alongside her parents and her own dentist, providing essential medical and dental care to underserved populations in Rocinha, Rio’s largest slum. That same spirit of service defines how she approaches patient care today: with a genuine desire to uplift everyone who sits in her chair.
Clinically, Dr. Duarte’s expertise is world-class. She graduated second in her dental school class with high honors from the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. After completing an initial orthodontic residency and earning a Master’s degree in Brazil, she moved to the United States in 2019 to complete an additional, rigorous Orthodontics Residency at Boston University. There, she graduated with exceptional praise from her clinical directors, and her research thesis won the Oral Presentation Award at the AADOCR Boston Section in 2022.
Because clear communication is the foundation of patient trust, Dr. Duarte is proudly trilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and Portuguese. This allows her to connect deeply with a diverse range of families, ensuring that every patient fully understands and feels entirely comfortable with their treatment plan.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Duarte is as vibrant and approachable as they come. Coming from a musical family, she plays the guitar, piano, and is currently learning the drums. She is an avid outdoorswoman who loves kayaking, foot volleyball, and exploring the lakes and rivers around Texas. She even served as a children’s swimming instructor during her time in Boston—a perfect testament to her natural ability to connect with, coach, and reassure kids.
When you choose Dr. Duarte, you are getting an internationally recognized expert who treats you with the warmth of a close friend and the clinical precision of a top-tier specialist.
David Reeves
Periodontics Director
David Reeves
Periodontics Director
World-Class Periodontal Care, Grounded in Service
When it comes to protecting your smile, experience matters. Dr. David Reeves brings decades of elite surgical and periodontal expertise to the Austin Institute of Dental Medicine. As a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, Dr. Reeves didn’t just practice dentistry—he set the standard for it. Serving as the Chief Periodontal Consultant to the Army Surgeon General, he was the primary advisor ensuring our troops received the highest quality of care.
Today, Dr. Reeves brings that same precision, dedication, and leadership to you. Whether you need comprehensive implant dentistry, advanced gum therapy, or simply want to restore your oral health, you are in the hands of a recognized master of the craft. And because your comfort is our top priority, Dr. Reeves is fully certified in Level 3 IV Sedation, ensuring your treatment is as peaceful and pain-free as possible.
Hani Alsibai
Orthodontics Faculty
Dr. Hani Alsibai, BDS
Board-Certified Orthodontist
A truly great smile isn’t just about how beautiful it looks—it is about how perfectly it functions. At the Austin Institute of Dental Medicine, Dr. Hani Alsibai brings a rare, highly specialized perspective to orthodontic care. He understands that a misaligned bite doesn’t just affect your confidence; it can cause real physical discomfort. By combining world-class orthodontic techniques with a deep understanding of jaw function, Dr. Alsibai ensures your results look stunning and feel completely natural.
Dr. Alsibai’s clinical pedigree is exceptional. He earned his certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the highly prestigious Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester. In addition to being a Board-Certified Orthodontist , he also holds a highly specialized certificate in Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) from the same institution. Because of this extensive dual training, Dr. Alsibai is an expert at identifying and treating the root causes of jaw pain, rather than just shifting teeth. He has even conducted advanced research alongside the Hajim School of Engineering to study joint reaction forces in the jaw —meaning every treatment plan he creates is backed by precise, biomechanical science.
While he is highly sought after for complex adult cases involving clear aligners and modern self-ligating brackets , Dr. Alsibai is also deeply passionate about treating children. Drawing on his extensive experience in pediatric dental settings , he specializes in Phase I early intervention for kids. He is an expert at gently guiding a child’s jaw development early on, which can prevent the need for invasive, painful, or costly surgeries in their teenage years.
Whether he is designing a modern, discreet clear aligner plan for an adult , treating a complex bite utilizing advanced techniques , or giving a child an early head start on a healthy smile, Dr. Alsibai delivers care that is incredibly thorough and uniquely tailored.
When you sit in Dr. Alsibai’s chair, you are in the hands of an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists who is dedicated to giving you a smile that lasts a lifetime—and feels as good as it looks.
Dhir Patel
Periodontics Faculty
Dr. Dhir Patel, DDS
Pediatric Dentist | Specialist in Sedation, Airway Health & Anxiety-Free Care
When it comes to your child’s dental care, nothing is more important than their safety, comfort, and emotional well-being. Dr. Dhir Patel is a dedicated pediatric dentist who specializes in turning intimidating dental visits into positive, anxiety-free experiences for children and peace of mind for parents.
Whether your child is coming in for their very first checkup, needs specialized orthodontic guidance, or requires extensive restorative care, Dr. Patel combines elite clinical training with a warm, patient-first approach.
A Master of Safety and Anxiety-Free Dentistry – For children with dental phobias, special healthcare needs, or complex treatment plans, traditional dentistry can be overwhelming. Dr. Patel has dedicated his career to eliminating dental fear. He holds extensive specialized certifications in pediatric sedation, including Level 1 Minimal and Level 2 Moderate Oral Conscious Sedation, as well as hospital-grade Life Support certifications (PALS, ACLS, and BLS).
Dr. Patel brings deep clinical experience in performing comprehensive, full-mouth rehabilitations under general anesthesia and sedation—helping children receive the vital care they need while they peacefully sleep. When your child is in Dr. Patel’s care, their safety and comfort are monitored to the absolute highest medical standards.
Elite Training & Holistic Child Development – Dr. Patel earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the prestigious UOP Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry before completing his specialized Pediatric Dental Residency at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.
He believes that pediatric dentistry is about more than just fixing cavities—it is about guiding a child’s overall healthy development. His advanced clinical skill set includes:
A Master Educator at AIDM: Dr. Katz is not only a master clinician but a dedicated teacher and mentor. At AIDM, he contributes the perspective of a national specialty leader to our clinical team. Whether he is treating a complex root canal or advising on a diagnosis, our patients and our dental residents benefit every day from his deep knowledge, modern techniques, and unwavering dedication to advancing patient care.
- Natural-Looking Restorations: Certified in top-tier esthetic pediatric solutions—including NuSmile, Cheng Crowns, and Kinder Crowns—ensuring your child’s restored smile looks natural and healthy.
- Airway & Growth Guidance: Trained in Vivos pediatric airway protocols to help identify and manage underlying breathing and airway challenges that can impact a child’s sleep, behavior, and facial development.
- Clear Aligner Orthodontics: Certified in Invisalign to provide discreet, comfortable alignment therapy for growing smiles.
Community Connection & Global Compassion – Practicing right here in Austin, Dr. Patel is deeply committed to serving his local community. He is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing him to communicate clearly and directly with diverse families, ensuring parents always feel fully informed and empowered in their child’s care decisions.
His passion for helping others extends beyond clinic walls; Dr. Patel has participated in international humanitarian mission trips with the Christian Medical Dental Association, providing life-changing dental care to underserved children and families in the Philippines.
Your Child’s Dental Home – Dr. Patel’s philosophy is simple: treat every child with the same patience, gentleness, and clinical excellence he would want for his own family. At AIDM, he is here to help your child build a lifetime of healthy habits in an environment built on trust and comfort.
Eliza Jaria
Orthodontics Faculty
Eliza Jaria
Director of Clinical Education – Orthodontics
“I will treat you like my own family member, with utmost care and compassion.”
For Dr. Eliza Jaria, this isn’t just a quote—it is the guiding philosophy of her entire career. At the Austin Institute of Dental Medicine, Dr. Jaria combines world-class clinical expertise with an extraordinary depth of empathy, ensuring that every patient’s orthodontic journey is as comfortable and reassuring as the final result is beautiful.
Dr. Jaria’s perspective on patient care is genuinely global. Since 2010, she has practiced dentistry across three different countries: India, Australia, and the United States. This extensive international experience, combined with a Master of Public Health from Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, means she doesn’t just look at a set of teeth; she looks at the whole person. Her background includes delivering care in mobile dental clinics and volunteering in refugee camps, forging a deep-seated commitment to treating every individual with the highest level of dignity, respect, and evidence-based care.
Clinically, Dr. Jaria represents the elite standard of orthodontics. She earned her specialty certificate in Orthodontics from the highly prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry. Furthermore, she is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics—a rigorous distinction achieved by only a fraction of specialists—and maintains active memberships with the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and the Texas Dental Association.
For patients seeking discreet, modern orthodontic solutions, Dr. Jaria is a recognized expert, having received the Invisalign University Challenge Award. Whether she is designing a complex clear aligner treatment plan for an adult or guiding a teenager through their first set of braces, her approach guarantees predictable, high-quality outcomes.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Jaria brings the same balance and dedication to her personal life as an avid yogi who loves traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family. When you sit in Dr. Jaria’s chair, you aren’t just getting a board-certified specialist; you are getting a dedicated advocate for your health, confidence, and smile.
Allen Honigman
Pediatric Clinician
Allen S. Honigman, DDS, MS
Board-Certified Periodontist | Director of Laser Dentistry & Advanced Faculty
When you are facing complex gum health issues, failing dental implants, or the need for oral surgery, you deserve care that is as gentle as it is precise. Dr. Allen S. Honigman is a board-certified periodontist and a nationally recognized pioneer in laser-assisted dental therapies. He combines three decades of clinical excellence with cutting-edge technology to help patients restore their oral health comfortably and predictably.
As a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, Dr. Honigman has achieved the highest level of recognition in his specialty—a credential earned by practitioners who demonstrate exceptional knowledge, clinical skill, and a commitment to evidence-based care.
A Pioneer in Gentle, Laser-Assisted Surgery – Anxiety around traditional gum surgery is one of the biggest barriers to care. Dr. Honigman has dedicated his career to changing that experience. He is a recognized authority in LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) and LAPIP™ (Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure)—advanced protocols designed to treat gum disease and save failing implants using minimally invasive laser technology rather than traditional scalpels and sutures.
Dr. Honigman doesn’t just use these advanced laser systems; he teaches the dental profession how to master them. He serves as a certified instructor for the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD), where he has trained practitioners across the U.S. and Canada, and he frequently lectures internationally on laser applications in implant dentistry.
The Doctor Who Educates the Industry – Dr. Honigman brings the depth of an academic medical center to every patient interaction. He is a clinical director of Periodontics at Austin Institute of Dental Medicine, prior to that he served as an Assistant Professor of Periodontics and the Director of Laser Dentistry at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Over his career, he has directed undergraduate clinics and served as clinical faculty at leading institutions, including UCLA and Case Western Reserve University—where he was voted “Clinical Faculty of the Year” by his students.
When you are treated by Dr. Honigman, you are receiving care from a clinician who actively contributes to the textbooks, clinical research, and continuing education courses that guide modern periodontics.
A Unique Scientific Foundation for Superior Outcomes – Before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and completing his specialty residency in Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Dr. Honigman built an extraordinary academic foundation. He earned an Honors Diploma in Genetics, a Master of Science in Microbiology, and completed doctoral research in microbiology and immunology.
For you as a patient, this advanced scientific background means Dr. Honigman understands the intricate relationship between oral bacteria, healing, and your overall systemic health. Every treatment plan he designs is rooted in deep biological science, computer-guided surgical precision, and a comprehensive commitment to your long-term wellness.
Patient-Centered, Built to Last – Whether you are replacing missing teeth with computer-guided dental implants, regenerating lost bone, or seeking a second opinion to save a failing implant, Dr. Honigman’s philosophy remains the same: provide elite, scientifically backed care in an environment of total comfort and clear communication.
Ajay Kubavat
Orthodontics Faculty
Prof. Ajay K. Kubavat, BDS, MDS, FPFA
Adjunct Director of Academic Affairs, AIDM Orthodontic Residency Program
Professor of Orthodontics & AI in Healthcare – IISC
The didactic curriculum at the Austin Institute of Dental Medicine is led by Prof. Dr. Ajay K. Kubavat, who works alongside Program Director and Chair Dr. Ravikumar Anthony to support the academic development of our orthodontic residents. With over two decades of experience in clinical orthodontics and dental education, Dr. Kubavat focuses on the careful, evidence-based integration of Artificial Intelligence into teaching and everyday practice.
Education and Qualifications
Dr. Kubavat completed his orthodontic specialization (MDS) and holds a Digital Health credential from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, which informs his work at the intersection of clinical orthodontics and digital health. He previously served as Professor and Head of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and as Postgraduate Coordinator, at Narsinhbhai Patel Dental College and Hospital, Sankalchand Patel University, before transitioning to focus on his academic work in AI-supported dental education. In June 2018, he served as Adjunct Faculty on a sabbatical exchange at the Department of Orthodontics, University of Adelaide, Australia.
Fellowships and Memberships
- Fellow, World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO)
- Fellow, Pierre Fauchard Academy
- International Fellow, Società Italiana di Ortodonzia (SIDO), Italy
- Active International Member, American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
- Life Member, Indian Orthodontic Society (IOS)
- Life Member, Indian Dental Association (IDA)
- Cleft Orthodontist affiliated with Smile Train
Leadership in Organised Dentistry and Orthodontics
- Chairman, Academic Council, Indian Orthodontic Society (IOS), 2024
- Chairman, International Affairs, Indian Orthodontic Society (IOS), 2023
- President, Indian Dental Association (IDA), Ahmedabad Branch (2013)
- Vice President, Indian Dental Association (IDA), Gujarat State Branch
- Site Visitor for the Dental Council of India (DCI), with inspection experience at more than 65 dental schools
- Organising Chairman, 61st Indian Orthodontic Conference
- Past Chairman, Trade Committee, 48th IOS National Conference, Ahmedabad
- Convenor, Gujarat Orthodontic Study Group (GOSG)
- Past Editor-in-Chief, Dentimedia and JCDS
Scholarly Output and Innovation
- 56 peer-reviewed publications
- 11 books and book chapters authored or co-authored
- 3 patents in orthodontic innovation
- 3 government copyright registrations, including for novel orthodontic spring designs
- Research grants from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP), supporting work on aligner materials and AI-based clinical tools
Contributions to AI in Orthodontics
Dr. Kubavat has developed a set of orthodontic applications spanning three areas — clinical decision support, AI-assisted cephalometric analysis, and aligner biomechanics calculation. These include AlignIQ Pro, OrthoAI Scholar, Aligner Coach, MOrth Buddy, and the ORTHO4 suite featuring Lenso for clinical imaging. Several of these tools are in active clinical and educational use, and an intellectual property application has been filed for an AI-powered, evidence-based clinical decision support system for orthodontic treatment comparison. These resources are designed to help residents and clinicians evaluate digital workflows and AI-assisted diagnostics as supportive aids — not substitutes — to sound clinical reasoning.
AI in Healthcare Education — Workshops and Mentorship
Dr. Kubavat regularly conducts workshops and structured training programmes on AI in Healthcare Education for dental and medical faculty, postgraduate students, and clinicians. These sessions cover practical AI literacy, prompt engineering for healthcare contexts, the responsible use of large language models in clinical reasoning, integration of AI into didactic curricula, and the design of evidence-based digital learning workflows. The intent of these workshops is to help colleagues build a thoughtful, working familiarity with AI tools — equipping them to teach, evaluate, and apply these technologies responsibly within their own institutions.
Teaching, Speaking, and Community
Dr. Kubavat has contributed to peer-reviewed orthodontic literature, including a recent paper in The Angle Orthodontist on presurgical infant orthopedics in unilateral cleft lip and palate, and to undergraduate and postgraduate orthodontic textbooks and chapters. He has been invited to deliver more than 75 lectures and webinars across five continents, and during the COVID-19 period he convened a series of international webinars with senior orthodontic faculty from around the world. He continues to moderate peer-learning networks — including the World Orthodontic Study Club (11,900+ members) and a dedicated AI in Orthodontics group — together engaging a wide community of orthodontic colleagues globally.
What This Means for AIDM Residents
For our residents, working with Dr. Kubavat offers a balanced learning experience: a careful grounding in core biomechanics, cleft care, and contemporary protocols such as MARPE, paired with a measured, practical introduction to AI tools as thoughtful aids in clinical reasoning. The aim is straightforward — to help residents grow into competent, reflective clinicians who can evaluate and adopt new technologies wisely as the specialty continues to evolve.
Thais Phillips
Director of Academic Affairs & Digital Dentistry
Thais Phillips
Director of Academic Affairs & Digital Dentistry, AEGD Program
Designing Beautiful Smiles with World-Class Precision
Your smile is your signature, and Dr. Thais Phillips treats it as a masterpiece. As a leader in cosmetic and digital dentistry, Dr. Phillips doesn’t just practice advanced dentistry—she teaches it. Serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Esthetic Predoctoral Co-Director, she is responsible for training the next generation of dentists in the art of smile design and complex dental rehabilitation.
For you, this means your care is guided by one of the most respected minds in the field. Dr. Phillips utilizes state-of-the-art digital workflows—including 3D scanning and printing—to ensure your treatment is faster, more precise, and perfectly tailored to your face. Whether you are looking for stunning composite veneers, comprehensive implant rehabilitation, or a complete smile makeover, Dr. Phillips combines her passion for education with a deep commitment to your personal care. And because your comfort is her ultimate priority, she holds a Level 3 Sedation permit to ensure your experience is completely relaxed and pain-free.
