SASC Leadership
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Dr. Lorne Lavine
Dr. Lorne Lavine, founder and president of The Digital Dentist, has over 40 years invested in the dental and dental technology fields. A graduate of USC, he earned his D.M.D. from and completed his residency at the in . He received his periodontal training at the University of Washington and went into private practice in Vermont until moving to California in 2002 to establish TDD, a company which focuses on the specialized technological and HIPAA needs of the dental community.
Dr. Lavine has vast experience with dental technology systems. He is a CompTia Certified A+ Computer Repair Technician, CompTia Network+ certified, and is a HIPAA Certified Security Professional. As a consultant and integrator, he has extensive hands-on experience with most practice management software, image management software, digital cameras, intraoral cameras, computers, networks, and digital radiography systems.
Dr. Lavine writes for many well-known industry publications and lectures across the country. He was the regular Technology columnist for Dental Products Report. His articles have appeared in Dentistry Today, Dental Economics, Dental Equipment and Materials, Dental Practice Report, New Dentist, Dental Angle Online, and DentalTown magazine, where he was a moderator of ten of their Computer and Software Forums. He has lectured to the Yankee Dental Congress, of Periodontology, of Endodontics, the DentalTown Extravaganza, and numerous State Dental Society and Study Club lectures. In addition, he was a member of the Speaking and Consulting Network. He is also the former technology consultant for the Indian Health Service.
Dr. Minou Karbakhsch
I’m Minou Karbakhsch, Class of ’98, and since last year, the vice president of our Schluger Ammons Study Club. I practice in Tacoma with Dr Michi Katafuchi and Dr. Jo Chiang—two wonderful periodontists and friends. We span generations, with roots in Germany, Iran, Japan, and Taiwan, and share curiosity, ambition, and a commitment to advancing periodontal care and sharing what we know.
My classmates—Dr. Ken Akimoto, Dr Michael Zybutz, and Dr. David Baker—are still my best friends nearly 30 years later. We don’t see each other often, but our roots run deep. What connects us goes beyond three years of residency, the challenges we shared, and the love for bagels, burgers, and pizza we picked up along the way. We share values, a philosophy of care, a thirst for learning and adventure, and plenty of fun. We celebrate our differences, show up for each other when times are difficult, and inspire one another to grow.
One of my first projects is to refresh our website—a place to connect, exchange knowledge, support each other, and share memories and opportunities. Perhaps one day, even a fellow graduate’s vacation home to rent in southern Italy or South Africa. The idea is to make more of the worldwide network we already belong to, bringing together everyone who once shared sweat, blood, and tears on the fourth floor of the University of Washington Graduate Periodontics Clinic.
The ginkgo captures what I hope for our club: strong roots, resilience, and room to keep growing. We have a tradition worth preserving and a next generation worth investing in. Let’s stay curious, stay involved, and pay it forward—and bring periodontology, dentistry’s best-kept secret, to the forefront together
