OUR TEAM
Meet the faculty behind The Alpha Institute.
Dr. Tasos Belegratis
Program Director & Founding Member
Dr. Tasos Belegratis is a highly experienced clinician and educator specializing in advanced surgical dentistry, dental implantology, and bone regeneration. His career has been distinguished by extensive postgraduate surgical training, a commitment to continuing education, and an international reputation for teaching advanced implant and bone reconstruction techniques.
Dr. Belegratis completed his undergraduate education at the University of Denver before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Colorado School of Dentistry in 2005. During dental school, he was recognized as the top Advanced Clinical Training and Service (ACTS) Program student in his graduating class, reflecting his exceptional clinical skills, dedication to patient care, and commitment to advanced surgical dentistry.
Following dental school, Dr. Belegratis completed a two-year General Practice Residency (GPR) from 2005–2007, serving as Chief Resident during his second year. The program provided intensive training in the surgical aspects of dentistry, with particular emphasis on dental implant placement, guided bone regeneration, sinus augmentation, intravenous sedation, and third-molar extractions. His training environment included extensive collaboration and interaction with board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons and periodontists, providing a strong foundation in complex surgical care.
In 2007, Dr. Belegratis entered private practice and developed a unique concierge surgical service, providing in-office advanced surgical procedures for dental practices throughout Colorado. His practice has focused on bringing complex surgical procedures directly to referring offices, allowing patients to receive advanced care in a familiar clinical environment while supporting general dentists and specialists in comprehensive treatment planning.
Continuing education has remained a cornerstone of Dr. Belegratis' professional philosophy. His pursuit of advanced training has taken him internationally, including a highly specialized two-week, one-on-one advanced bone grafting program with the prestigious DL Oral Surgery Group in Madrid, Spain. Following completion of this intensive program, he was invited to join the faculty of the Master in Surgery and Modern Implantology program in Madrid, where he has contributed his clinical expertise to the education of advanced dental professionals.
Dr. Belegratis has also taught live surgical implant and bone reconstruction courses in Buenos Aires, Argentina, sharing his clinical experience with dentists seeking advanced training in implantology and regenerative procedures.
In addition to his clinical and academic work, Dr. Belegratis serves as the North American Director of Bone Course USA, an internationally recognized intensive continuing education program focused on advanced bone regeneration, complete implant cases, and mastery of the split-block Khoury technique. Through this role, he continues to mentor clinicians and provide hands-on education in some of the most technically demanding areas of modern implant dentistry.
Throughout his career, Dr. Belegratis has remained committed to the pursuit of clinical excellence, surgical innovation, and education. His combination of extensive surgical experience, international teaching appointments, and dedication to advanced continuing education has established him as a respected clinician and educator in the fields of dental implantology and bone regeneration.
Dr. Alex Cain
Clinical Instructor & Founding Member
Dr. Alex Cain is from Baltimore, Maryland and earned his undergraduate degree in Health Sciences from James Madison University. After college, he was granted the Intramural Research Training Awardee position at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and published several articles in respected scientific journals. This research focused on immunological research through several different disease models to help identify possible treatment for immune mediated diseases.
After his research training, Dr. Cain enrolled at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry; the first dental school in the United States, where he graduated with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS). He was accepted into the Oral Surgery Clerkship, which focused on complex extractions, bone grafting, implant placement, and management of medically complex patients.
Upon graduation, Dr. Cain completed a postgraduate residency at Denver Health Hospital, where he focused on serving vulnerable medical populations and treating dental trauma and infections. Through this residency, Dr. Cain had thorough training in surgical extractions, 3rd molar removal, complex implant placement, and guided bone regeneration.
Dr. Cain now focuses on the removal of 3rd molars under IV sedation, implant placement, digital implant planning, and autogenous bone grafting. He is also a founding member and clinical instructor of Alpha Institute; training doctors from across the country on how to do surgical procedures safely and efficiently.
Dr. Scott Ganz
Clinical Instructor
Dr. Ganz completed a three-year Maxillofacial Prosthetics program at the prestigious MD Anderson Cancer Center and UT Dental Branch in Houston, Texas. He was one of the first surgical prosthodontists placing implants and other procedures for the past 40 plus years.
Dr. Ganz has published in many scientific journals over five decades (Over 150 articles) and has contributed to 23 professional textbooks. Dr. Ganz has lectured in over 40 countries around the world and continues to deliver presentations both nationally and internationally as a featured speaker on the Prosthetic and Surgical phases of Implant Dentistry and is considered one of the world's leading experts in the field of Computer Utilization for Diagnostic, Interactive Treatment Planning, Digital Workflows, CBCT 3-D imaging, Photogrammetry, and CAD CAM Applications in Dentistry.
He has been a featured speaker for most major dental organizations including the Academy of Osseointegration (AO), the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), the European Academy of Osseointegration (EAO), Greater New York Dental Meeting, Digital Dental Society (DDS), Philippine College of Oral Implantologists (PCOI), and many more. Dr. Ganz has been a KOL and Consultant for many companies in the dental industry for over 35 years.
Dr. Ganz has served as Past President of the N.J. Section of the American College of Prosthodontists, Past Board of Directors of MINEC, Digital Dentistry Society, and the ICOI, Past President of the Computer Aided Implantology Academy (CAI) and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Clean Implant Foundation. Dr. Ganz is a Fellow and Surgical Diplomate of the Academy of Osseointegration, Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), Fellow of the International College of Dentists (ICD), and co-Director of Advanced Implant Education (AIE). He currently serves as Editor-n-Chief of the Dental Tribune’s International Magazine, “digital”, and serves on the editorial staff of several other publications.
Dr. Ganz maintains a private practice for Prosthodontics, Maxillofacial Prosthetics, and Implant Dentistry in Fort Lee, N.J. USA, and served as the Director of Full Arch Implant Reconstruction, a facility dedicated to full-arch dental implant surgery and restoration in the heart of Manhattan, New York USA. Dr. Ganz was recently honored for his lifetime achievements in implant and digital dentistry by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the Digital Dentistry Society.
Dr. Jose L Mompell
Clinical Instructor
Dr. Jose L. Mompell is an oral surgeon and implantologist whose clinical practice focuses exclusively on oral surgery, implantology, advanced bone regeneration, and the reconstruction of complex bone defects. He earned his degree in dentistry from Complutense University of Madrid before completing a three-year hospital residency and Master’s degree in Oral Surgery and Oral Implantology through the University of Alcalá and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service at Hospital Príncipe de Asturias.
It was during his hospital residency that Dr. Mompell began his longstanding professional collaboration with Dr. Juan Lara, with whom he later founded DL Oral Surgery. Following his residency, he continued teaching at Hospital Príncipe de Asturias for four years and subsequently joined the faculty of Rey Juan Carlos University, serving as a professor in its Master’s program in Oral Surgery and Implantology for an additional four years.
Over more than a decade of clinical practice, Dr. Mompell has performed oral surgery and implantology across more than 40 clinics throughout Spain while maintaining an extensive role in postgraduate education. He has trained thousands of dentists in advanced implant and bone-regeneration techniques and has taught and lectured internationally through universities, professional associations, private courses, and dental congresses across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Dr. Juan Lara Chao
Clinical Instructor
Dr. Juan Lara Chao is an oral surgeon and implantologist specializing in advanced implant surgery, bone regeneration, and the reconstruction of complex bone defects. He earned his degree in dentistry from the European University of Madrid before completing a three-year hospital residency and Master’s degree in Oral Surgery and Oral Implantology through the University of Alcalá and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service at Hospital Príncipe de Asturias.
Following his residency, Dr. Lara Chao remained at Hospital Príncipe de Asturias as a clinical educator before joining the faculty at Rey Juan Carlos University, where he served as a professor in the Master’s program in Oral Surgery and Implantology. He has also collaborated with numerous universities and postgraduate programs in Spain and internationally, combining an active surgical practice with a longstanding commitment to clinical education.
With more than a decade dedicated to oral surgery and implantology, Dr. Lara Chao has practiced across more than 40 clinics and developed particular expertise in advanced bone regeneration and reconstructive procedures. He has trained thousands of dentists through hands-on courses, university programs, conferences, and professional organizations across Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Dr. Adriana Castro Calderón
Clinical Instructor
Dr. Adriana Castro Calderón is a clinician, educator, and researcher specializing in oral surgery, implantology, endodontics, and restorative dentistry. Her extensive postgraduate training includes advanced degrees in Oral Surgery and Implantology from Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Endodontics from Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, as well as specialized training in oral medicine, periodontology, implantology, and restorative dentistry.
Her clinical approach combines biological principles with digital innovation, incorporating CBCT imaging, 3D intraoral scanning, and customized surgical guides to create precise, predictable, and minimally invasive treatment plans.
Dr. Castro Calderón is a professor at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos and was selected as an ITI Scholar at UNAM in Mexico. She is also an international speaker, published author, and reviewer for the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry and Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research. As a Clinical Instructor with the Alpha Institute, she brings an innovative, evidence-based perspective grounded in the intersection of science, technology, and clinical practice.
Dr. Michael “Mike” Norouzinia
Clinical Instructor
Dr. Michael Norouzinia is a board-certified periodontist, educator, and practice owner with more than a decade of clinical experience in periodontics and implant dentistry. He earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry and completed his specialty training in Periodontics at the University of Missouri–Kansas City.
Dr. Norouzinia is the owner of Highlands Ranch Periodontics in Colorado, where his clinical practice focuses on comprehensive periodontal care, dental implant therapy, regenerative procedures, and the management of complex periodontal and peri-implant conditions. His approach to patient care is grounded in honesty, integrity, individualized treatment planning, and a commitment to recommending what is truly in the patient’s best interest.
In addition to private practice, Dr. Norouzinia has served as an educator in the Periodontics residency program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, where he taught clinical proficiency, led a surgical anatomy course for periodontal residents, and played an active role in training residents in surgical techniques, case execution, and clinical decision-making. He has a particular interest in helping young clinicians bridge the gap between academic training and real-world clinical decision-making.
As an educator, Dr. Norouzinia emphasizes sound diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, surgical principles, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical treatment planning, and the practical skills necessary to build trust with both patients and referring clinicians. He is passionate about mentorship and about helping the next generation of dentists develop not only clinical excellence, but also the judgment, professionalism, and leadership required for a successful career in dentistry.
Dr. Norouzinia also lectures to general dentists on periodontal and implant-related topics and maintains an active interest in clinical innovation, practice management, and the development of new technologies and instruments within dentistry.
Dr. Raul S. Molina
Clinical Instructor
Dr. Raul S. Molina is a board certified periodontist specializing in dental implants, periodontal (gum) disease, bone regeneration, and advanced microsurgical techniques. With a strong commitment to precision, innovation, and patient centered care, Dr. Molina combines advanced technology with meticulous surgical technique to provide predictable, high quality outcomes. He was the first periodontist in Jacksonville to offer periodontal microsurgery, reflecting his dedication to advancing the standard of care and bringing the latest techniques to his patients.
Dr. Molina has carefully invested in state of the art technology, premium instruments, and advanced surgical equipment throughout his career. His practice incorporates microscopic surgery designed to enhance precision, minimize tissue trauma, promote more comfortable healing, and optimize surgical outcomes.
His approach is grounded in the belief that exceptional dentistry requires both advanced technology and exceptional attention to detail. As Dr. Molina explains: “My philosophy is that the quality of dental care is directly related to the quality of the tools and materials used.”
Patients value Dr. Molina for his gentle manner, thorough communication, and commitment to understanding their individual needs. While his core expertise was established through rigorous periodontal residency training, he continues to pursue advanced continuing education to remain at the forefront of modern periodontal and implant dentistry. His areas of expertise include dental implants and All-on-X, periodontal disease, maxillary sinus augmentation, ridge bone augmentation, bone regeneration, and microscopic periodontal surgery.
Dr. Molina’s philosophy is simple: combine expertise, precision, advanced technology, and genuine patient care to deliver the highest standard of periodontal and implant treatment.
Outside of his practice, Dr. Molina enjoys spending time with his wife, Dr. Paola, and their three children Gabriella and twin sons Matteo and Milan. He also enjoys cooking, tennis, and traveling with his family.
Dr. Demetrios Syrpes
Clinical Instructor
A Denver native, Dr. Demetrios Syrpes has spent his career combining a strong background in science and engineering with a passion for dentistry. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder before earning his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Colorado School of Dentistry. He went on to complete his advanced degree in Endodontics at Boston University Goldman School of Dentistry, graduating in 2005.
Dr. Syrpes has practiced endodontics in Colorado since completing his specialty training and has owned and operated his own endodontic practice since 2011. He is an active member of the American Association of Endodontists, the American Dental Association and other professional dental organizations. His early work also included clinical research focused on dental materials. This experience continues to complement his interest in the science and technology behind modern dentistry.
Outside the office, Dr. Syrpes enjoys boating, road trips and spending time with his wife, Molly, and their three children. His two boys keep him busy cheering from the sidelines at sporting events while his daughter enjoys horses and ballet. Family, staying active and enjoying the Colorado lifestyle he has called home for most of his life are an important part of who he is.
Dr. Adam Clark
Clinical Instructor
Dr. Clark showed his educational brightness early as he finished his high school studies early & started undergraduate studies at UNLV as a senior in high school (He grew up in Las Vegas, NV). Dr. Clark then attended Brigham Young University (BYU) for his undergraduate education where he had an academic scholarship and graduated with a degree in Zoology (BS—2000).
Dr. Clark then received his doctorate training (DDS) at one of the nation’s top dental schools: The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center graduating cum laude in 2005. In dental school, he served in various leadership positions and received awards for being the top of his class. Instead of practicing general surgery, Dr. Clark’s passion for surgery led him to pursue further education to specialize in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Upon completion of his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 2005, Dr. Clark was accepted into Loma Linda University’s prestigious program in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
During his 4-year surgical residency Dr. Clark was trained in multiple surgical and medical disciplines including: internal medicine, anesthesiology, pathology, general surgery, vascular surgery, otolaryngology & head/neck surgery, surgical intensive care (SICU), microsurgery (nerve & vessel reanastamoses), head and neck trauma, maxillofacial infections, benign & malignant oncology, craniofacial surgery (clefts), plastic & reconstructive surgery, TMJ arthroscopic/Holmium laser surgery, distraction osteogenesis (DO), orthognathic surgery, dentoalveolar & dental implant surgery, and facial cosmetic surgery (facelifts, eyelid surgery, Botox, dermal fillers). During his final year at Loma Linda University, Dr. Clark served as chief resident in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Dr. Clark is fellow of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Achieving Diplomate status or being “Board Certified” is the highest accomplishment one can receive within the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery specialty. He is also a fellow of the California Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (CALAOMS), American Dental Society of Anesthesiologists (ADSA), American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA) and Orange County Dental Society. Dr. Clark maintains active hospital privileges and takes Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery call at Mission Hospital and CHOC at Mission in Mission Viejo.
Dr. Clark’s clinical interests include the full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with an emphasis on office-based anesthesia, wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, bone graft reconstruction of the jaws, orthognathic (corrective jaw surgery).
Dr. Clark has two children (Sidney and Weston) and resides in Ladera Ranch. He enjoys spending time with his children, family, and friends. In his spare time, he enjoys baseball games (Go Angels!), attending his children’s sporting events, and traveling to new areas.
Dr. Kirk Rathburn
Clinical Instructor
Kirk Rathburn, DDS, has been practicing dentistry since 1989, following his graduation from Creighton University School of Dentistry in 1988 and completion of a General Practice Residency at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry in 1989. He subsequently completed a preceptorship in implantology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, further developing his interest and expertise in implant dentistry and surgical treatment.
Dr. Rathburn has maintained a private practice in Boulder, Colorado, for more than 37 years, with an emphasis on comprehensive care and advanced surgical techniques. He has also completed the Spear Education Core Curriculum, which has significantly influenced his approach to diagnosis, treatment planning, occlusion, and comprehensive patient care.
Dr. Rathburn's clinical practice focuses extensively on implant dentistry and advanced hard- and soft-tissue surgical procedures. He places and restores dental implants and has advanced training in techniques including the Khoury bone-grafting technique, utilization of PRF, sinus grafting, crown lengthening surgery, osseodensification using Densah burs, and socket preservation. His surgical experience also includes advanced autogenous and allograft ridge augmentation and soft-tissue procedures, including connective tissue grafting around both natural teeth and dental implants.
In addition to his surgical practice, Dr. Rathburn provides conscious sedation for appropriate patients, allowing him to deliver comprehensive surgical and restorative treatment in a controlled and comfortable environment. He is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
Since 1993, Dr. Rathburn has also served as an educator in the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine's General Practice Residency program. For more than three decades, he has provided residents with lectures, clinical instruction, and hands-on training, with particular emphasis on implant placement and prosthetic restoration. He works directly with residents in treatment planning, surgical implant placement, bone and soft-tissue grafting, and the restorative aspects of implant dentistry.
His combination of more than three decades of private-practice experience, advanced surgical training, implant expertise, and commitment to graduate dental education has allowed him to bring a practical, evidence-based, and clinically focused perspective to both his patients and the residents he mentors.
Brittany Wilfawn
Clinical Instructor
Brittany Wilfawn has dedicated more than two decades to the field of dentistry, beginning her career in 2003 after completing dental assisting and Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA) training. Having gained valuable experience in private practice, she joined the School of Dental Medicine within the residency program, where she met Dr. Belegratis. United by a shared passion for oral surgery and exceptional patient care, Brittany and Dr. Belegratis transitioned into private practice together in 2007.
Today, Brittany serves as the Clinical Coordinator for their traveling sedation dental group and works as a dental consultant. She is also the coordinator for the Bone Course USA continuing education course, working with international doctors to provide hands-on teaching of Khoury block graft. With a natural talent for organization, clinical efficiency, and hands-on teaching, she plays an integral role in creating a seamless environment for both clinicians and patients.
Passionate about helping dentists translate knowledge into confident clinical practice, Brittany believes some of the most valuable learning happens chairside. Her focus is on practical, real-world education—helping clinicians and assistants refine their skills, navigate complex procedures, and develop the confidence to deliver exceptional patient care. She is specifically focused on teaching how to draw blood and make PRF and sticky bone, split block grafts, and immediate implant provisionals.