Dr. Benjamin Wall
American Board Of Dental Examiners
Sr. Director of Examinations
Dr. Benjamin E. Wall became Director of Examinations in 2021 having previously been associated with the American Board of Dental Examiners as both an educator and examiner. Dr. Wall received his DDS degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He previously served as an Associate Professor at Roseman University College of Dental Medicine in South Jordan, Utah filling roles as a course director and clinic manager while still practicing general dentistry one day a week in a private office outside of the dental school.
American Board Of Dental Examiners
Sr. Director of Examinations
Dr. Benjamin E. Wall became Director of Examinations in 2021 having previously been associated with the American Board of Dental Examiners as both an educator and examiner. Dr. Wall received his DDS degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He previously served as an Associate Professor at Roseman University College of Dental Medicine in South Jordan, Utah filling roles as a course director and clinic manager while still practicing general dentistry one day a week in a private office outside of the dental school.
Ms. Amber Moran
American Board Of Dental Examiners
Assistant Director of Examinations
Amber Moran is the Assistant Director of Examinations for the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), where she supports multiple committees, including Assignments, OSCE, Ad Hoc Chief and Grading Team Lead, and ADEX Dental Hygiene. A former WREB clinical examiner, she has extensive experience in examiner calibration, competency assessment, and committee leadership, including service on the Appeals, Process of Care, and Dental Hygiene Committees.
A dental hygienist with 25 years of clinical practice in Nevada, Montana, and Oregon, Amber graduated from Colorado Northwestern Community College and has advanced training in perioscopy, diode lasers, myofunctional therapy, and nutritional therapy. She has also held leadership roles with the Montana Dental Hygienists' Association, reflecting her longstanding commitment to clinical excellence, education, and professional service.
American Board Of Dental Examiners
Assistant Director of Examinations
Amber Moran is the Assistant Director of Examinations for the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), where she supports multiple committees, including Assignments, OSCE, Ad Hoc Chief and Grading Team Lead, and ADEX Dental Hygiene. A former WREB clinical examiner, she has extensive experience in examiner calibration, competency assessment, and committee leadership, including service on the Appeals, Process of Care, and Dental Hygiene Committees.
A dental hygienist with 25 years of clinical practice in Nevada, Montana, and Oregon, Amber graduated from Colorado Northwestern Community College and has advanced training in perioscopy, diode lasers, myofunctional therapy, and nutritional therapy. She has also held leadership roles with the Montana Dental Hygienists' Association, reflecting her longstanding commitment to clinical excellence, education, and professional service.
Shayna Overfelt
American Board Of Dental Examiners
Sr. Director, Educational Programs and Exam Quality Administration
Shayna Overfelt serves as Senior Director of Educational Programs and Examination Quality for the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX). With over three decades of experience in dentistry, she has worked in clinical practice, dental sales, practice management, consulting, and licensure administration. Shayna collaborates with dental and dental hygiene programs nationwide to support examination readiness, educator engagement, and candidate success. She frequently presents on licensure, assessment, and educational best practices and has assisted hundreds of programs in implementing effective examination preparation strategies.
American Board Of Dental Examiners
Sr. Director, Educational Programs and Exam Quality Administration
Shayna Overfelt serves as Senior Director of Educational Programs and Examination Quality for the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX). With over three decades of experience in dentistry, she has worked in clinical practice, dental sales, practice management, consulting, and licensure administration. Shayna collaborates with dental and dental hygiene programs nationwide to support examination readiness, educator engagement, and candidate success. She frequently presents on licensure, assessment, and educational best practices and has assisted hundreds of programs in implementing effective examination preparation strategies.
Dr. Robert McNeill
Dentist (member state)
Robert G. McNeill, DDS, MD, MBA, is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, current board member with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, ADEX examiner, educator, and JD candidate at Northeastern University School of Law. He holds an executive MBA in healthcare management, where his capstone examined the integration of the DLOSCE and the ADEX hands-on manikin examination as a path forward for the profession. He also participates in Brown University’s CNTR AISLE project, analyzing emerging AI governance and regulatory frameworks. His teaching and presentations integrate clinical experience, regulatory leadership, and legal training to help strengthen public protection and professional trust.
Dentist (member state)
Robert G. McNeill, DDS, MD, MBA, is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, current board member with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, ADEX examiner, educator, and JD candidate at Northeastern University School of Law. He holds an executive MBA in healthcare management, where his capstone examined the integration of the DLOSCE and the ADEX hands-on manikin examination as a path forward for the profession. He also participates in Brown University’s CNTR AISLE project, analyzing emerging AI governance and regulatory frameworks. His teaching and presentations integrate clinical experience, regulatory leadership, and legal training to help strengthen public protection and professional trust.
Ms. Ann-Marie DePalma
Ann-Marie is a graduate of the Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists and a holds a Bachelor of Health Science Degree from Northeastern University. Ann-Marie received a Masters Degree in Education in Instructional Design from the University of Massachusetts and is a Fellow of numerous professional associations. Ann-Marie has been employed as a software trainer, a clinical and business advisor for a national dental consulting company, and a faculty member at a dental hygiene program Ann-Marie is active in the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association, having served in various positions. Ann-Marie was named the Esther Wilkins Distinguished Alumni Award of the Forsyth School for Dental Hygiene/MCPHS and has also received the Massachusetts Dental Society’s Hygienist of the Year Award. Active in her community, she volunteers in varies local activities.
Ann-Marie is a graduate of the Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists and a holds a Bachelor of Health Science Degree from Northeastern University. Ann-Marie received a Masters Degree in Education in Instructional Design from the University of Massachusetts and is a Fellow of numerous professional associations. Ann-Marie has been employed as a software trainer, a clinical and business advisor for a national dental consulting company, and a faculty member at a dental hygiene program Ann-Marie is active in the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists’ Association, having served in various positions. Ann-Marie was named the Esther Wilkins Distinguished Alumni Award of the Forsyth School for Dental Hygiene/MCPHS and has also received the Massachusetts Dental Society’s Hygienist of the Year Award. Active in her community, she volunteers in varies local activities.
Dr. Susan Calderbank
Dr. Calderbank has been a practicing general dentist for over 40 years. She served on the Pennsylvania State Board for 13 years, retiring as the first female chairperson of the board. She has long been proponent for oral care for the cancer patient. In her private practice, a full one third of her patients were cancer patients. She was selected as the dentist for the University of Pittsburgh's first Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Team. She received the Pennsylvania Special Public Service Award for her efforts to raise awareness of the oral complications of cancer therapies. Currently, Dr. Calderbank is a Director at LECOM School of Dental Medicine and is passing her knowledge of Care for the Cancer Patients to the next generation of Dentists. She has served as a dental examiner for 30 years.
Dr. Calderbank has been a practicing general dentist for over 40 years. She served on the Pennsylvania State Board for 13 years, retiring as the first female chairperson of the board. She has long been proponent for oral care for the cancer patient. In her private practice, a full one third of her patients were cancer patients. She was selected as the dentist for the University of Pittsburgh's first Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Team. She received the Pennsylvania Special Public Service Award for her efforts to raise awareness of the oral complications of cancer therapies. Currently, Dr. Calderbank is a Director at LECOM School of Dental Medicine and is passing her knowledge of Care for the Cancer Patients to the next generation of Dentists. She has served as a dental examiner for 30 years.
Dr. Siv Chung Chhay
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Hunt SDM
Siv (Sue) Chung Chhay, DDS, MAGD, is an Associate Professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Hunt School of Dental Medicine and an Examiner for the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX). She has more than a decade of experience as an Expert Witness and Consultant for the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and has served as a test constructor for the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, contributing to the INBDE and ADAT.
Dr. Chhay earned her DDS from Texas A&M College of Dentistry and holds a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. She has held faculty appointments at New York University, Southern Illinois University, and Texas A&M, with expertise in curriculum innovation, digital dentistry, competency-based assessment, and faculty calibration. A published author and national lecturer, she is recognized for her work in operative dentistry, dental materials, and evidence-based dental education.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Hunt SDM
Siv (Sue) Chung Chhay, DDS, MAGD, is an Associate Professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Hunt School of Dental Medicine and an Examiner for the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX). She has more than a decade of experience as an Expert Witness and Consultant for the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and has served as a test constructor for the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, contributing to the INBDE and ADAT.
Dr. Chhay earned her DDS from Texas A&M College of Dentistry and holds a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. She has held faculty appointments at New York University, Southern Illinois University, and Texas A&M, with expertise in curriculum innovation, digital dentistry, competency-based assessment, and faculty calibration. A published author and national lecturer, she is recognized for her work in operative dentistry, dental materials, and evidence-based dental education.
Susan Cotten
Susan Cotten, BSDH, RDH, is a nationally recognized speaker, educator, and founder of Oral Cancer Free™, Oral Cancer Consulting, and the Screen the Screener™ campaign. Having performed more than 60,000 oral cancer screenings, she developed The Cotten Method™ of Screening, a science-based approach to comprehensive oral cancer screening and team calibration.
With more than 30 years of experience in private practice and public health, Susan trains dental professionals and faculty nationwide to improve screening confidence, patient outcomes, and risk management. She is a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and serves on the advisory boards for RDH Magazine and the Oral Cancer Foundation, as well as an instructor for the National Network of Healthcare Hygienists.
Susan Cotten, BSDH, RDH, is a nationally recognized speaker, educator, and founder of Oral Cancer Free™, Oral Cancer Consulting, and the Screen the Screener™ campaign. Having performed more than 60,000 oral cancer screenings, she developed The Cotten Method™ of Screening, a science-based approach to comprehensive oral cancer screening and team calibration.
With more than 30 years of experience in private practice and public health, Susan trains dental professionals and faculty nationwide to improve screening confidence, patient outcomes, and risk management. She is a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and serves on the advisory boards for RDH Magazine and the Oral Cancer Foundation, as well as an instructor for the National Network of Healthcare Hygienists.
Anita Gohel
Dr. Anita Gohel is Professor and Chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where she also serves as Program Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. A diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, she is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Jordan School of Dentistry.
Dr. Gohel earned her BDS from Calcutta University and her PhD in Oral Biology and certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology from the University of Connecticut. An award-winning educator, author, and international lecturer, she has held numerous leadership positions, including President of both the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. She continues to serve in national leadership roles advancing dental education, specialty accreditation, and imaging standards.
Dr. Anita Gohel is Professor and Chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where she also serves as Program Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. A diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, she is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Jordan School of Dentistry.
Dr. Gohel earned her BDS from Calcutta University and her PhD in Oral Biology and certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology from the University of Connecticut. An award-winning educator, author, and international lecturer, she has held numerous leadership positions, including President of both the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. She continues to serve in national leadership roles advancing dental education, specialty accreditation, and imaging standards.
Dr. Daniel Boden
Dan Boden, DMD, is the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. With nearly 30 years of experience in clinical dentistry and dental education, he has held leadership roles at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine–Arizona and St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and previously maintained a private practice. Dr. Boden earned his DMD from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed a General Practice Residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. His interests include digital dentistry, faculty development, and clinical competency assessment. He serves as a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) site visitor and as an examiner and consultant for the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), where he is dedicated to advancing dental education and preparing students for licensure and professional practice.
Dan Boden, DMD, is the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. With nearly 30 years of experience in clinical dentistry and dental education, he has held leadership roles at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine–Arizona and St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and previously maintained a private practice. Dr. Boden earned his DMD from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed a General Practice Residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. His interests include digital dentistry, faculty development, and clinical competency assessment. He serves as a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) site visitor and as an examiner and consultant for the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), where he is dedicated to advancing dental education and preparing students for licensure and professional practice.
Melissa Calhoun, MSDH, RDH
American Academy Of Dental Hygiene (AADH)
President
Provides strategic leadership focused on advancing dental hygiene education, mentorship, and professional engagement nationwide. A dedicated educator and clinician, she brings a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to strengthening academic excellence, supporting faculty development, and elevating the voice of dental hygienists across the profession.
American Academy Of Dental Hygiene (AADH)
President
Provides strategic leadership focused on advancing dental hygiene education, mentorship, and professional engagement nationwide. A dedicated educator and clinician, she brings a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to strengthening academic excellence, supporting faculty development, and elevating the voice of dental hygienists across the profession.
Michelle Klenk RDH, EdD
In addition to serving the dental community through professional development opportunities, Michelle served as Department Chairperson of the BridgeValley Community and Technical College Dental Hygiene program for a total of 24 years. She completed 3 years of service on the West Virginia Board of Dentistry and also continues to serve as a dental hygiene member/examiner for the Commission on Dental Competency Assessment/Western Regional Examining Board. She serves as the District VI representative to the American Board of Dental Examiners. Her American Dental Association appointments include service on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination Test Construction committee and as a site visitor for the Commission on Dental Accreditation. She is a past-president and active member of the West Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association.
In addition to serving the dental community through professional development opportunities, Michelle served as Department Chairperson of the BridgeValley Community and Technical College Dental Hygiene program for a total of 24 years. She completed 3 years of service on the West Virginia Board of Dentistry and also continues to serve as a dental hygiene member/examiner for the Commission on Dental Competency Assessment/Western Regional Examining Board. She serves as the District VI representative to the American Board of Dental Examiners. Her American Dental Association appointments include service on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination Test Construction committee and as a site visitor for the Commission on Dental Accreditation. She is a past-president and active member of the West Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association.
Leanne Higa, RDH
As Program Coordinator of the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Dental Hygiene Program, Leanne has demonstrated exceptional leadership in education, community outreach, and improving access to oral healthcare throughout Hawaii. She also brings an important perspective representing the Pacific region.
As Program Coordinator of the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Dental Hygiene Program, Leanne has demonstrated exceptional leadership in education, community outreach, and improving access to oral healthcare throughout Hawaii. She also brings an important perspective representing the Pacific region.
Mr. Salim Rayman
Salim is a respected dental hygiene educator and ADEX examiner, bringing valuable insight into educator preparation, candidate readiness, and the clinical examination process. His dual perspective as both an educator and examiner adds an important dimension to our discussion. Salim Rayman is a former member of the New York State Board for Dentistry. In his official capacity, he advised the New York State Education Department's Office of the Professions and the Board of Regents on professional regulation, licensing requirements, and practice issues.
Salim is a respected dental hygiene educator and ADEX examiner, bringing valuable insight into educator preparation, candidate readiness, and the clinical examination process. His dual perspective as both an educator and examiner adds an important dimension to our discussion. Salim Rayman is a former member of the New York State Board for Dentistry. In his official capacity, he advised the New York State Education Department's Office of the Professions and the Board of Regents on professional regulation, licensing requirements, and practice issues.
Dr. Elmer Gonzalez, MBA, PhD, RDH, CDA
I'm especially excited to welcome Dr. González to this year's panel. Just last week he was recognized with the 2026 World Dental Hygienist Award for Academia, an international honor recognizing excellence and innovation in dental hygiene education. As Professor and Department Chair at New Mexico State University Doña Ana Community College, his work focuses on transforming lives through education, expanding access to care for underserved communities, and preparing future dental hygienists to lead with compassion and purpose.
I'm especially excited to welcome Dr. González to this year's panel. Just last week he was recognized with the 2026 World Dental Hygienist Award for Academia, an international honor recognizing excellence and innovation in dental hygiene education. As Professor and Department Chair at New Mexico State University Doña Ana Community College, his work focuses on transforming lives through education, expanding access to care for underserved communities, and preparing future dental hygienists to lead with compassion and purpose.