John C. Comisi, DDS, MAGD, is a 1983 graduate of Northwestern University Dental School. He began his career in the dental profession that same year in Ithaca, N.Y., as an associate dentist, ultimately becoming a solo practitioner. Dr. Comisi successfully operated that way until November 1989, when he was diagnosed with cancer and was unable to practice for six months. During that time, a group of fellow dentists in his area kept his practice viable until he could return to work. Dr. Comisi has been cancer-free since May 1990, and his practice continues to flourish. Dr. Comisi has been involved with the AGD in numerous ways since September 1990. He previously held many positions with the New York State AGD, including president. He has served as a delegate and alternate to the AGD House of Delegates since 1991, and was a member of the AGD Group Benefits Council, chairman of the Internet Task Force—which was responsible for the development and implementation of the AGD website—and chairman of the subsequent AGD Internet Council. He recently received the New York State AGD’s Meritorious Service Award for his “dedication and service to (his) peers and his patients by setting high standards in dentistry.†Dr. Comisi was first elected Region 2 trustee in 2007 and is currently in his second term, which will end in 2013. He is a member of the Budget & Finance Committee and the IT Oversight Task Force, and previously served as board liaison to the former AGD Technology and Web Use Council and the Annual Meetings Council. Dr. Comisi also has served as chair or member of many other AGD Board committees during his tenure, and currently he is an AGD spokesperson. Dr. Comisi is a fellow of the Academy of Dentistry International, the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He is a member of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, a research group sponsored by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. He is also a member of the American Association for Dental Research, the International Association for Dental Research, and the American Institute of Parliamentarians. Dr. Comisi is a member of The Catapult Group, a consortium of respected and influential key opinion leaders in dentistry, including leading clinicians, researchers, and educators who speak on many cutting-edge techniques and topics making headlines in dentistry. In his role as a key opinion leader, Dr. Comisi investigates the practical applications of current dental products and services available and helps his dental audience gain a better perspective on what works and what needs further improvement in the field of dentistry. During the last 10 years, he has lectured both nationally and internationally and contributed to dental literature in such publications as General Dentistry, Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, Dental Product Shopper, Dental Economics, Mentor Magazine, Dental Products Report, Oral Health Journal, and Inside Dentistry.
