Visionary Local Dentist Is Revolutionizing Dental Field on 3 Continents

Sometimes when an internationally-acclaimed expert is in your own backyard, you fail to notice.

But during the past 20 years, an increasing number of people are noticing Dr. Konstantin Ronkin of Sharon (Mass.), who has earned a reputation as a world-renowned expert in advanced dental technologies and regularly lectures across the U.S., in his native Russia, and around the world.

In February, Ronkin was elected Secretary of the prestigious International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics ( ICCMO ) of North America and Russia (www.iccmo.org). In March, he will be a featured speaker at the ICCMO conference in Kyoto, Japan. ICCMO is a non-profit organization that provides an open forum for the exchange of ideas, practices, and research in the field of neuromuscular dentistry.

In 1989, armed with his dental degree from the former U.S.S.R., Dr. Ronkin came to the U.S. when the emigration floodgates opened. Learning he needed U. S. credentials, undeterred he proceeded to earn his second dental degree, this time at Tufts School of Dental Medicine, where he was a classmate of Dr. Evetta Shwartzman. The pair co-founded Dream Smile Dental (originally Comprehensive Dental Care) in Canton (Mass.) in 1994. The name change reflected the hopes and dreams of their patients.

The dentists wanted their practice to offer more than traditional dentistry. Fascinated with the deluge of new treatments and technologies introduced in the early 1990’s, he committed to be the leader in the developing science and art of cosmetic dentistry – and Dr. Shwartzman and Ronkin’s Dream Smile office quickly earned a reputation for always being on the cutting-edge. Their practice was among the first in the Northeast to introduce laser tooth whitening in 1996, followed by computer-designed ceramic restorations, electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to combat TMJ disorder and sleep apnea, invisible braces and more. Ronkin expanded his training to specialize in a variety of related areas: neuromuscular dentistry, aesthetic reconstructive dentistry, TMJ treatment and sleep apnea, implantology and orthodontic treatment.

“We wanted our practice to reflect our emphasis on the end results of our high-tech cosmetic dentistry. Our results showed we were miles ahead of our colleagues -- and our business grew,” Ronkin says, speaking in the practice’s two-level, state-of-the-art offices and spa. He says, “Nothing less than the best will do for our patients. We pursue every avenue available to give patients beautiful smiles that build self-confidence and achieve the highest possible levels of oral health.”

Ronkin’s chief professional interests include research and development of advanced dental technologies, and introduction of new concepts and techniques that have been proven around the world. He says that among the best qualities of a doctor is empathetically trying to understand what the patient is feeling and experiencing, physically and emotionally, and communicating that understanding. One patient said she “likes the way Dr. Ronkin takes time to listen and communicate honestly and effectively with patients. He treats you with a kind heart.” Dr. Ronkin says, “We need to remain calm and proficient even under pressure and still make clear and timely decisions.”

Today, besides Dream Smile Dental, Ronkin is a founder and President of The Boston Institute of Aesthetic Dentistry (BIAD) with clinics in Canton and Moscow. BIAD is an international center of postgraduate specialization for doctors, dental assistants and dental office staff, focusing on aesthetic and functional dentistry.

Ronkin’s clinic in Boston is one of the most advanced high-tech practices in the U.S. “Our patients benefit from the latest dental technologies available in the U.S. Once a new treatment proves its efficacy, it is also implemented in the BIAD Clinic in Moscow. That’s why, since the clinic’s founding in 2006, we have introduced a host of treatments and technologies that never existed in Russia before.”

He is the author of more than 50 research and practical articles published in American and Russian dental publications, as well as educational manuals and videos on neuromuscular and aesthetic dentistry for doctors and patients. He helped to produce the first animated software on neuromuscular dentistry for the American and Russian markets. Ronkin is the author of the first Russian educational guide in dental whitening. He combines educational activities and practicing dentistry in both of his Boston and Moscow clinics as well as his institute in Moscow.

Among Ronkin’s credentials are: Fellow. The Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies (LVI); Fellow, International Association of Comprehensive Aesthetics; Member, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry; President, International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics, Russian Section – earned ICCMO Fellowship and Mastership; Training by Dr. Gerber in TMJ and occlusal pathology, Center for Occlusal Studies; Member, Mass. Dental Society and American Dental Association. At the California Dental Institute, Ronkin has studied with leaders in the areas of extreme smile makeovers, local anesthesia, esthetic dentistry, sleep apnea, and other topics.

Both Drs. Shwartzman and Ronkin are long-time members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and have trained extensively at the Las Vegas Institute (LVI), attaining the highest levels of advanced levels of training in the art and science of dentistry reached by just one percent of dentists.

Dream Smile Dental is located at 2184 Washington Street, Canton (opposite the Ponkapoag Golf Course and skating rink). For more information: (781) 996-4469 / www.dreamsmiledental.com

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