Meet the faculty of the Bitonte College of Dentistry
This week, NEOMED welcomed its first class of 52 students in the Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) program of the Bitonte College of Dentistry. Several new faculty members have also joined the University to guide these future healthcare professionals on their journeys to becoming transformational leaders in dentistry.
Meet the faculty of the Bitonte College of Dentistry:
SORIN TEICH, D.M.D., M.B.A.
Dean
Dr. Teich is a visionary dental educator, clinician and administrator whose career spans continents and disciplines. He came to NEOMED from the Medical University of South Carolina School of Dental Medicine in Charleston, where he served as a professor and the associate dean of clinical affairs.
Dr. Teich has also held adjunct academic appointments at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry - University of Southern California, and the School of Dental Medicine - University of Pennsylvania. He previously was a professor and an associate dean at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland.
Known for his analytical mind and collaborative spirit, Dr. Teich is a frequent speaker at national and international dental conferences. He has published over 70 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals focusing on evidence-based dentistry and dental materials, and is a scientific associate editor of Quintessence International Journal, Journal of Dental Traumatology, and a former member of the editorial review board of the Journal of Dental Education.
KRISTIN VICTOROFF, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Education and Academic Affairs; Associate Professor, Department of General Dentistry
Dr. Victoroff is a nationally recognized dental educator and academic leader with over two decades of experience in curriculum innovation, faculty development and student leadership training.
Dr. Victoroff earned her D.D.S. from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada, and holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges clinical dentistry with organizational psychology, allowing her to pioneer transformative approaches to dental education.
Prior to joining NEOMED, Dr. Victoroff served as associate dean for education and associate professor of community dentistry at CWRU School of Dental Medicine, where she led two successful accreditation site visits and launched a groundbreaking leadership training program for dental students. Her research on emotional intelligence and leadership development has been widely published, including an award-winning article in the Journal of Dental Education.
A graduate of the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program, Dr. Victoroff is also a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society.
JEAN FOX, D.D.S.
Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs; Associate Professor, Department of General Dentistry
Dr. Fox is a distinguished dental educator, clinician and administrator with over three decades of experience in private practice and academic leadership. Known for her commitment to clinical excellence and student-centered education, Dr. Fox oversees clinical operations, curriculum development and quality assurance for the College.
Previously, Dr. Fox served as assistant dean for clinical education and quality assurance at the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry and associate professor in the Department of Comprehensive Care at Case Western Reserve University. Her research interests include improving standards of care and compliance, in concert with preparing students to manage patient expectations. Dr. Fox is a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honor society.
RENATO ROPERTO, D.D.S., M.SC., PH.D.
Chair, Department of General Dentistry and Associate Professor; Interim Chair of Specialty Dentistry Department.
Dr. Roperto is a globally trained dental educator and researcher whose career has spanned Brazil, Canada and the United States. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Dr. Roperto earned his D.D.S. from the University of Ribeirão Preto, followed by a master’s degree in operative dentistry from the University of São Paulo. He later completed a Ph.D. in restorative dentistry through a joint program with the University of Toronto (Canada) and São Paulo State University (Brazil).
Prior to joining NEOMED, Dr. Roperto was chair of Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry (the school’s largest department) and Associate Professor Dentistry at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He served as division head of operative dentistry at his alma mater in Brazil; assistant professor at the University of Manitoba, Canada; and associate professorship and interim chair of the comprehensive care department at Case Western Reserve University.
His research focuses on advancing adhesive technologies and improving clinical outcomes in restorative procedures.
STACY SOLOMON, D.D.S.
Assistant Dean for Clinical Operations and Assistant Professor, Department of General Dentistry
Dr. Solomon is a passionate dental educator and clinician whose career bridges private practice, academic leadership and advocacy for inclusive care. She comes to NEOMED from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, where she served as assistant professor and team lead.
A Nebraska native, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, along with a teaching certification in secondary science education. After teaching high school biology and chemistry, her path took a transformative turn when, as a patient at the UNMC College of Dentistry, she discovered her calling in dentistry.
She earned her D.D.S. from UNMC in 2000 and spent over two decades as a solo practitioner in rural communities across Nebraska and South Dakota. Her commitment to comprehensive care and community service laid the foundation for her transition into academia.
AHMED ABDELKARIM, D.D.S., M.SC., M.S.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Specialty Dentistry
Dr. Abdelkarim is a dedicated dental educator and oral radiologist whose career bridges international training, advanced research and clinical excellence. Prior to joining the Bitonte College of Dentistry, he was assistant professor – clinical in the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry.
He earned his dental degree from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, and pursued further specialization in oral and maxillofacial radiology is residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he also earned a Master of Dental Science degree. He also holds a Master of Science in Clinical Research degree from the John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Dr. Abdelkarim’s research interests include advanced imaging techniques, radiographic diagnosis of complex craniofacial conditions, and integration of machine learning and augmented reality in dental diagnostics
CHRISTINE BAVOLA, D.D.S.
Assistant Professor, Department of General Dentistry
With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Bavola has built a trusted reputation for delivering high-quality, compassionate dental care to families in Howland and Warren, Ohio. A native of Brookfield, Ohio, Dr. Bavola completed her D.D.S. degree at Case Western Reserve University.
At her practice, Dr. Bavola offers a full spectrum of dental services. She is member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Ohio Dental Association (ODA), Corydon Palmer Dental Society and the Cleveland Academy for Advanced Dental Education.
In addition to her private practice, Dr. Bavola has been an instructor at the CWRU College of Dentistry.
STEVEN FOX, D.D.S.
Associate Professor, Department of Specialty Dentistry
Dr. Fox is an accomplished dental educator and clinician, who specializes in restorative dentistry and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Prior to joining NEOMED, he was an associate professor at the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry.
Dr. Fox worked as a laboratory technician for nine years, before he discovered a deep passion for dentistry. He eventually joined his father’s practice, where he worked for 25 years before transitioning to academia.
RICHARD GUSTAFERRO, D.D.S.
Assistant Professor, Department of General Dentistry
Dr. Gustaferro is a dedicated general dentist serving the Willoughby, Ohio, community with over two decades of experience in preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Known for his compassionate chairside manner and meticulous attention to detail, Dr. Gustaferro provides personalized care to patients of all ages.
BHAVINKUMAR PATEL, B.D.S., M.S.
Assistant Professor, Department of Specialty Dentistry
Dr. Patel is a compassionate and skilled prosthodontist practicing in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he provides comprehensive dental care with a focus on affordability and patient comfort. He is known for delivering personalized care in prosthodontics, implant dentistry and digital dentistry.
In addition to a general dentistry degree, Dr. Patel received specialty training through residency and a master of science degree in prosthodontics from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, where he later served as an instructor in preclinical teaching.
Licensed in the state of Michigan and in Ohio, Dr. Patel combines evidence-based techniques with a gentle chairside manner, helping patients achieve confident smiles and long-term oral health.
ALEXANDRA UKMAR, D.D.S.
Assistant Professor, Department of General Dentistry
Dr. Ukmar is a highly respected general dentist practicing in Willoughby, Ohio. She is known for her compassionate care, clinical excellence and dedication to patient education. She serves patients of all ages and provides a wide range of dental services including preventive care, restorative treatments and cosmetic procedures.
In addition to her private practice, Dr. Ukmar has served been an instructor at the CWRU College of Dentistry.