I suffered from most of the TMJ symptoms as a patient myself. I know what it is like to have constant temporal headaches. I was told by a TMJ professor at a local university that my symptoms were caused by stress, and that I should seek the help of a psychologist to deal with my stress. I went from there to break five teeth from clenching and grinding, the last tooth that I broke put me in constant temporal headache pain for three months.

In finding relief for my own pain, I have established a TMJ practice to help others like myself. I practice Neuromuscular Dentistry, utilizing state-of-the-art computerized technology which allows me to make the appropriate orthopedic correction of the mandible, ultimately improving the quality of life of my TMJ patients. This I find immensely gratifying.

Accomplishments and Memberships, include

1981: D.D.S., UCLA School of Dentistry
1981-present: Member, American Dental Association
1981-1982: Visiting Lecturer, UCLA School of Dentistry, Dept. of Operative Dentistry
1982-present: private practice in West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills
1982-1985: Medical Staff, St. John’s Hospital, Santa Monica, CA
1990-present: Studies in Neuromuscular Dentistry with Myotronics, Inc., Dr. Robert Jankelson, Dr. Norman Thomas, Dr. James Garry, Dr. Greg Bixby, Dr. Jay Gerber, Dr. Michael Mazzacco, Dr. David Hickman
1990-2002: Studied and practiced with Mentor, Dr. John Flocken, Professor Emeritus, UCLA School of Dentistry, a Founder of the UCLA School of Dentistry, Internationally renowned expert in Electrosurgery and Neuromuscular Dentistry
1994-present: Member of the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics (I.C.C.M.O.), a professional educational organization established by Dr. Barney Jankelson, the pioneer of the field of Neuromuscular Occlusion and Dentistry.
1995: Fellowship, I.C.C.M.O.
1996-present: Regent of the Board of I.C.C.M.O.
1996-present: Fellowship Committee, I.C.C.M.O.
1997: Mastership, I.C.C.M.O.
1999: Assistant Editor, Anthology Volume V: Neuromuscular Dentistry, The Next Millennium, I.C.C.M.O., David M. Hickman, Editor, 1999
1999-present: Chair, Fellowship Committee, I.C.C.M.O.
2006-2008: Vice President, American Sector, I.C.C.M.O.
2008-2010: President Elect, American Sector, I.C.C.M.O.
2010-2012: President, American Sector, I.C.C.M.O.

John E. Flocken, D.M.D.

Professor Emeritus, UCLA School of Dentistry, 1918–2003, Founder of the UCLA School of Dentistry. Internationally renowned expert in Electrosurgery and Neuromuscular Dentistry.

From 1994 to 2002, Dr. Flocken was my mentor and practiced with me in my office until his retirement at 83 yrs old. His mentor was the founder of Neuromuscular Occlusion/Dentistry, Dr. Barney Jankelson.

Dr. Flocken earned his D.M.D. at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 1942 and continued his lifelong love of learning by taking courses in such areas as complete and partial prosthodontics, general anesthesia and minor surgery. He studied at the U.S. Army Chemical Corps School on the “Medical Aspects of Atomic, Biological and Chemical Warfare” in 1950, foreshadowing a future of medical vigilance for terrorist events. He served in the Navy for six years and was Senior Dental Officer and Prosthetic Dental Officer after World War II on the USS MARKAB during anchorage in the Philippines, Japan and China.

He was recruited from the Navy by UCLA in 1963 to help found the UCLA School of Dentistry. He wore many hats at UCLA, the last of which was Head of Continuing Education. John was one of the original faculty members at the UCLA School of Dentistry, appointed on July 1, 1964, and he was the founding professor and chair of the Fixed Prosthodontics Division from 1964 to 1968. He also founded Faculty Group Practice at UCLA. He was known as an enthusiastic and passionate teacher, inviting students to his home for social events. He served on every academic committee in the School throughout his lengthy career. He held memberships in numerous professional associations and was frequently honored for his contributions. John retired from UCLA on July 1, 1989. He will always be remembered for his commitment to his profession and his patients as well as his dedication to the UCLA School.

Norman R. Thomas D.D.S., Ph.D. (U. Bris), F.R.C.D. (C), F.A.D.I., M.I.C.C.M.O.

Dr. Thomas was the head of my mastership committee, I.C.C.M.O., 1997


Professor emeritus, University of Alberta, Canada, Anatomy and Physiology.
Currently, full-time instructor at Las Vegas Institute of Aesthetic Dentistry (LVI).

Norman Thomas graduated as a Doctor of Dental Surgery with honors and double Gold Medals in 1957. Dr. Thomas was awarded a Nuffield Fellowship (Oxford) to complete an honors degree in medical sciences in 1960. Between 1960 and 1974, he pursued residency and research programs at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, The Royal College of Surgeons of England, the Medical College of Virginia, USA and the University of Alberta where he is now Professor Emeritus. From 1970 to 2002, Dr. Thomas served on the Medical Research Council of Canada, The National Institute of Health, USA and the Canadian Dental Association gaining a Certificate of Merit from the latter and several Fellowships in the medical sciences and dentistry. He is a Life Member of the Alberta Dental Association and retired from clinical practice in 2002. In 1988, Dr. Thomas was appointed Chancellor of the International College of Head and Neck Orthopedics and in that capacity, has lectured in the USA, Europe, Australia and Asia. He was awarded a PhD degree in Oral Medicine for research on process and mechanism of tooth eruption.