Featured Speakers

Obad Alshamma

Obad Alshammaa

Dental Laboratory Technologist

Meet Abbad Alshammaa, a talented Dental Laboratory Technician, and the proud founder of Shama Dental Lab. After receiving his Dental Lab Certification from Bates Technical College, Abbad began his professional journey in 1993. Passionate about his work, he obtained his CDT in 1996. He is driven by a particular interest in All-on-X implant cases, constantly seeking opportunities to expand his knowledge and expertise in this specialized field.

Since 2017, Abbad has been an esteemed partner of the Washington Academy of General Dentistry, contributing his knowledge and skills to a variety of courses, especially the Implantology course. Additionally, he has been an active member of the Washington State Dental Laboratory Association, staying abreast of the latest industry advancements.

Michi Katafuchi

DDS, PhD, MSD

Dr. Michi Katafuchi was born and raised in Nagasaki, Japan. He graduated in 2003 from Dental School in Fukuoka, Japan, where he received the Dentsply Honor Student Award for Dentistry.

From 2003-2007, Dr. Katafuchi pursued his Ph.D. thesis both at the Department of Prosthodontics at Fukuoka Dental Collage as well as The Dental Research Center of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

After receiving his Ph.D., Dr. Katafuchi joined the faculty at the Department of Prosthodontics of his alma mater in Fukuoka, where he taught the next generations of dentists and maintained his private faculty practice until 2013.

Dr. Katafuchi completed his postdoctoral training in Periodontics / Implants at the University of Washington in Seattle. He has authored several articles on bone biology and dental implants and has been invited to present in national and international meetings such as;

Recently, his case report was selected as one of the top three reports out of over 130 reports internationally, and he was invited to the EuroPerio9 conference in the Netherlands for the final presentation. He has contributed as a reviewer to scientific journals in periodontics and prosthodontics. He currently serves on the research submission committee for the Academy of Osseointegration and the board of trustees for the Pierce County Dental Society.

Dr. Katafuchi encourages his team’s growth as well as an individual’s development, striving to create a better environment for the patients and the office. He is focused on providing an enjoyable workplace and psychological safety for his team. He is approachable, humble, and sometimes funny! Besides his passion for dentistry, he enjoys hiking, camping, and playing with his kids. He likes coffee and any kind of food to eat. He loves living and exploring the Pacific Northwest with his wife, son, and daughter.

Timothy A. Hess

DDS, MAGD, LLSR, FACD, FICD, FPFA

Dr. Timothy A. Hess is a graduate of the University of Alberta and earned his DDS degree from the University of Washington in 1994. He is an Affiliate Assistant Professor Restorative Dentistry, Affiliate Assistant Professor Oral Medicine, and the former Director of the Tucker Institute at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Dr. Hess is known for his expertise in the topic of implant failures due to restorative techniques, operative dentistry, zirconia restorations, and facial aesthetics, including the use of Botulinum toxin and dermal fillers.

In addition to his academic role, Dr. Hess maintains a private restorative practice in Auburn, WA. Much of his practice focuses on advanced prosthetic procedures including implant support complete dentures. He is an accomplished author, with publications in respected journals such as The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, International Journal of Oral Maxillofacial Implants, International Journal of Prosthodontics, Canadian Journal of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics, Decisions in Dentistry, and Operative Dentistry.

Dr. Hess is an active lecturer, having presented at numerous prestigious events, including the ADA Annual Meeting, the AGD Annual Meeting, the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference, Canadian Academy of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics, Operative Academy, the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, and the International Academy of Gnathology. He is also a Past-President of the Seattle-King County Dental Society and a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, American College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He has received the Lifelong Service Recognition from the Academy of General Dentistry three times.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Hess enjoys time with his wife, Lisa, and their six nieces and nephews. When not lecturing or teaching, Dr. Hess enjoys photography, traveling, and attending junior hockey games. His favorite films are Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star Wars, and his favorite book is Great Expectations. Passionate about his work, Dr. Hess is committed to educating others and advancing the field of dentistry.

Headshot of Dr. Leroy Horton

LeRoy Horton

DDS, MS, DICOI

LeRoy Horton, DDS, MS, DICOI is the Director of the Periodontal and Implant Curriculum at Pacific Northwest University (PNWU). Originally from Athens, Greece, Dr. Horton moved to the United States as a teenager and settled in the Tacoma, WA area. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Pacific Lutheran University before attending the University of Washington School of Dentistry, where he graduated in 2007.

After 14 years as a private practice owner, Dr. Horton sold his practice and pursued specialty training in periodontics at Oregon Health Sciences University, where he also obtained a master’s degree in Periodontal Science.

Dr. Horton is board certified in Periodontics and Dental Implant Surgery as a Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology and also earned his  Diplomate in the International Congress of Oral Implantology (DICOI). He maintains a busy lecturing schedule nationwide. He currently serves as the Chair of the Scientific Committee for the National Dental Association and is an active leader in his local dental community, having previously served as Treasurer and currently as President of the Seattle King County Dental Society. 

A passionate educator, Dr. Horton believes that excellence in any field stems from a deep love for it, and he is truly dedicated to teaching.

He is a strong believer that to be great at something you must love it, and he absolutely loves teaching.

Dr. LeRoy Horton DDS, MS, DICOI
Dual Board Certified Specialist in Periodontics and Dental Implant Surgery
Associate Professor & Director of Periodontics
PNWU School of Dental Medicine

Robert J. Timothy

DDS, MS, Board Certified ABOMR

Embark on this educational journey with Dr. Robert Timothy, a distinguished professional with a wealth of experience. After completing dental education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, Dr. Timothy served in the US Army dental corps and furthered his expertise through a one-year AEGD residency in general dentistry.

With 19 years of private practice in southeast Idaho, Dr. Timothy’s commitment to excellence led him back to academia. He pursued studies in Oral Maxillofacial Radiology at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, where he graduated and commenced his academic career at East Carolina School of Dental Medicine.

Currently a part-time clinical instructor at the University of Utah School of Dentistry, Dr. Timothy also maintains a thriving private practice in oral radiology. As a fellow of the American Board of Oral Maxillofacial Radiology, his expertise and dedication make him a valuable guide in navigating the transformative landscape of 3D imaging in general dentistry. Join Dr. Timothy on this enlightening journey to redefine the future of your dental practice.