E-8 PANEL: Practice Model Trends for Associates (DSO, Private Practice, Multi-specialty Practice, Traveling Endo)

Dr. Helen Yang Meyer received her BA and DMD degrees from Harvard University. She practiced general dentistry in Singapore for a year before returning stateside to pursue specialty training in endodontics at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. She practices in beautiful Colorado Springs at Colorado Endodontic Group, which is co-located with an oral surgery practice and an prosthodontic/ implant practice.

Dr. Yang contributes to her profession and the community by volunteering on AAE committees, on the local dental society board, and at annual Colorado Mission of Mercy clinics. She formerly chaired the AAE Residents and New Practitioners Committee and has presented to endodontic residents at the APICES conference. She co-authored and edited the book “Your Essential Guide to Dental School Admissions" to help aspiring pre-dental students find their home in the dental profession. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking mountains and scouring local used bookstores in search of books to add to her award-winning collection of Sherlock Holmes mysteries.

Dr. Vicky Nguyen is a private practice endodontist in Seattle, Washington who works full time as an associate in downtown Seattle and teaches part-time as an affiliate faculty member at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. She graduated from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry and the University of Washington's Endodontics residency program. She has served as an ad hoc member of the AAE Foundation's Access to Care Committee and is a current member of the AAE's Corporate Relations Committee. 

After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dr. Nabeel Atassi attended Indiana University School of Dentistry where he received his DDS. He followed that with a 1 year GPR at the Indianapolis Roudebush VA Hopsital and received his Certificate in Endodontics from the University of Illinois-Chicago College of Dentistry. In 2022, he partnered with US Endo Partners (now Specialized Dental Partners). 

Dr. Atassi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. He currently sits on the board of the Chicago Dental Society’s Northwest Suburban Branch and the Edgard D. Coolidge Endodontic Study Club. He is also an active member of the American Association of Endodontists, the Illinois Association of Endodontist,  the American Dental Association, and the Illinois State Dental Society. He is always seeking to learn more about all aspects of dentistry and is a member of the Northwest Clinical Seminars-Seattle Study Club. Additionally, he is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Endodontics at the University of Illinois-Chicago College of Dentistry.

When not working, Dr. Atassi enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife Kelly and his two daughters. Staying active is very important to him and he tries to find time to travel as much as possible.

Dr. Zaid Hadi, a dedicated endodontist, pursued excellence throughout his dental career. After earning his initial dental degree, he furthered his education in the United States, graduating from the esteemed University of Pennsylvania with a D.M.D. and an award for his exceptional endodontic skills.
Driven by his passion, Dr. Hadi deepened his expertise at the University of Michigan, completing a rigorous postgraduate program in Endodontics and earning a Master of Science in Dentistry. He is committed to providing the highest quality care to his patients and is actively involved in professional organizations like the American Dental Association and the American Association of Endodontists.

Dr. Frick began his academic career at UMKC in 2013 after 25 years of private practice. He is currently the Director of the Advanced Education Program in Endodontics. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and holds dental licensure in Arizona, Kansas, and Missouri. He graduated from the University of Missouri-School of Dentistry in 1986 and then completed three years in the USAF as a Dental Officer, receiving advanced training in general dentistry. In 1997 he graduated from Marquette University with a Certificate in Endodontics and a Master’s Degree in Oral Biology. From 1997 to 2012 he practiced as an endodontist in Scottsdale, AZ. His research interests are in clinical teaching methodologies and biomaterials.