Southeast Michigan is home to a world-renowned medical and dental community, shaped significantly by the academic and clinical rigor of institutions like the University of Michigan. Embedded within this rich tradition of healthcare excellence is Michigan Oral Surgeons, a practice that has grown from these deep academic roots to become a cornerstone of patient care in local neighborhoods. By combining advanced clinical training with a patient-first philosophy, the practice ensures that individuals across the region have access to top-tier surgical care close to home.
The field of oral and maxillofacial surgery requires an exceptional level of dedication, often involving dual degrees in both dentistry and medicine, alongside extensive residency training. The foundation of any leading oral surgery practice lies in the expertise and educational background of its doctors. For the specialists at Michigan Oral Surgeons, the journey from intensive academic training at the University of Michigan to providing community-focused care demonstrates a commitment to improving health outcomes throughout Southeast Michigan.
The University of Michigan School of Dentistry and the University of Michigan Medical School are globally recognized for producing highly skilled, forward-thinking medical professionals. Several of the specialists at Michigan Oral Surgeons honed their craft within these very halls, forming professional bonds and a shared vision for the future of oral health care. This shared educational background fosters a highly collaborative environment within the practice.
During their rigorous residencies, these surgeons trained extensively in complex dentoalveolar reconstruction, facial trauma, corrective jaw surgery, and advanced anesthesia techniques. The transition from the demanding environment of a top-tier hospital system to a community-based practice allows these doctors to deliver hospital-grade surgical expertise within a comfortable, accessible neighborhood setting. This localized approach ensures that patients do not have to travel far to receive care that meets the highest academic and clinical standards.
The strength of Michigan Oral Surgeons is built upon the individual expertise and shared compassion of its highly trained surgical team. Each doctor brings a unique background and specialized skill set, unified by a mission to treat every patient with dignity, respect, and concern.
Dr. Paul C. Lopez was initially inspired to pursue the dental field while working at a neuro-rehabilitation facility, where he recognized the profound impact of restoring both function and aesthetics to the face and mouth. He attended the University of Connecticut for his undergraduate studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Neurobiology. His academic journey then led him to the University of Michigan, where he earned both his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) and his medical degree (MD).
During his time at the University of Michigan, Dr. Lopez distinguished himself through exceptional leadership and patient care. He received the Ida Gray Award for his contributions to fostering a multicultural climate of care and acceptance, as well as the Chalmers J. Lyons Academy Award in Excellence in Oral Surgery. Furthermore, his dedication earned him three consecutive U of M Medical School Bronze Beeper Awards. Specializing in dentoalveolar reconstruction and corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Lopez brings a wealth of specialized knowledge to the local community.
A resident of Michigan since childhood, Dr. Anthony Fasi originally envisioned a career as a science teacher, pursuing a degree in Human Biology at Michigan State University. A chance encounter with a dental student and subsequent volunteer work in an oral surgery office shifted his trajectory, igniting a passion for the immediate, life-changing results that surgical intervention can provide.
Dr. Fasi completed his dental degree and his oral and maxillofacial residency at the University of Michigan. It was during his fourth year as a resident that he met Dr. Lopez, forming a professional connection that would eventually help shape the collaborative team at Michigan Oral Surgeons. Dr. Fasi views oral surgery as an honorable calling, finding profound satisfaction in tangibly improving the lives of his patients throughout Southeast Michigan.
Born in the Detroit suburbs, Dr. Christopher Sanker earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Kalamazoo College. Before entering dental school, he spent a year working in a dental clinic in Ecuador, an experience that solidified his desire to enter the field. He attended the University of Michigan for dental school, where he met Dr. Lopez, and subsequently completed a highly demanding dual oral and maxillofacial residency and medical school program.
Dr. Sanker approaches oral surgery as a complex puzzle, finding immense satisfaction in identifying precise surgical solutions to improve health outcomes. Known for his ability to form genuine personal connections, he operates under the philosophy of treating every patient with the same meticulous care and compassion that he would offer to his own family members.
Dr. Neil A. Thomas is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who discovered his passion for the specialty early in his dental training. He earned his bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in microbiology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He then received his DDS from the University of Michigan before completing his residency at Loyola University Medical Center.
During his academic career, Dr. Thomas published research on craniofacial bone development, authored a textbook chapter on facial soft tissue trauma, and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society. Valuing workplace culture and high morale, Dr. Thomas joined the practice because of its stellar reputation and uncompromising commitment to patient care. He is highly regarded for his ability to guide patients through the surgical process with transparent communication and realistic goal-setting.
Guided by empathy and kindness, Dr. Karlie Satin knew she wanted to pursue dentistry after shadowing her family dentist. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Michigan State University before receiving her DDS from the University of Michigan. She furthered her expertise by completing her oral and maxillofacial residency and MD program at the University of Florida Health Jacksonville.
Dr. Satin is dedicated to delivering flawless results through life-changing oral transformations. She helps patients overcome chronic pain and rediscover their confidence by utilizing her vast clinical expertise and a deeply compassionate chairside manner. She believes that building genuine connections is essential to ensuring patients feel secure and confident throughout their healthcare journey.
The clinical team performs a broad scope of procedures designed to address the functional and aesthetic needs of patients of all ages. One of the most transformative treatments offered is the placement of dental implants. Implants provide a permanent, structural replacement for missing teeth, preventing jawbone deterioration and restoring full chewing capacity. For patients requiring full-arch restoration, the All-on-4® treatment concept utilizes specialized implant placement to support a complete prosthesis, offering an efficient and highly stable solution.
Routine procedures are handled with the utmost precision. Wisdom teeth removal is a frequent preventative and corrective measure to alleviate crowding, infection, and impaction. Similarly, general tooth extraction is performed when teeth are beyond repair due to trauma or severe decay. To ensure the jaw remains structurally sound following an extraction, bone grafting techniques are utilized to regenerate lost bone tissue, creating a solid foundation for future restorative work.
Beyond these foundational services, the practice is equipped to handle complex diagnostic and preparatory procedures. Services such as oral pathology screenings ensure that abnormalities within the mouth are accurately diagnosed and managed promptly. Additionally, pre-prosthetic surgery is available to reshape and prepare the oral tissues and bone prior to the fabrication of custom dentures or other prostheses.
The philosophy of the practice revolves entirely around the patient. Six fundamental pillars elevate the standard of care provided across the clinics, ensuring a seamless, safe, and positive experience from the initial consultation to the final follow-up.
Accessing specialized medical care should not be a burdensome process. The administrative teams prioritize efficiency, making it incredibly simple for individuals to schedule an appointment. Streamlined online booking and responsive phone support ensure that seeking treatment is a stress-free first step.
Precision is paramount in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The implementation of 3D imaging allows the surgical team to capture highly detailed, multidimensional views of a patient’s craniofacial structures. This progressive technology eliminates the guesswork, allowing the doctors to formulate treatment plans that are exceptionally accurate, highly efficient, and incredibly safe.
High-quality medical care requires attention at every phase of the patient journey. From providing comprehensive instructions before a procedure to consistent follow-ups during the recovery phase, the clinical team ensures that patient outcomes remain the primary focus long after the surgery is complete.
Medical procedures can often feel overwhelming to those unfamiliar with the terminology. During every first visit and subsequent consultation, the doctors dedicate ample time to thoroughly explain the nuances of the proposed treatment. This dedicated time is used to address any questions, clarify recovery expectations, and alleviate concerns.
Healthcare is a collaborative effort. Patients are consistently treated as essential members of their own healthcare team. The medical staff works diligently to ensure individuals feel fully informed, comfortable, and empowered to make confident decisions regarding their oral health.
Surgical anxiety is a common and valid concern. Because of their extensive medical and hospital-based training, the surgeons are uniquely qualified to administer a variety of anesthesia and sedation options safely within an office setting. This capability guarantees that procedures are performed with the highest regard for patient comfort and physiological safety.
Accessibility is a vital component of community health. By establishing multiple state-of-the-art facilities, the practice ensures that top-tier surgical care is continually within reach for residents across the region. Patients seeking consultation or treatment can visit the Ann Arbor facility, which serves as a central hub for specialized oral care. Those residing further west or north have convenient access to the highly equipped Dexter and Plymouth clinics.
Additionally, the Adrian office expands the reach of these dedicated specialists, bringing University of Michigan-caliber expertise directly to neighboring communities. Regardless of the location chosen, patients receive the identical standard of progressive technology, impeccably clean environments, and compassionate care from the surgical and administrative teams.
Michigan Oral Surgeons: Delivering the Highest Standard of Patient Care Across Southeast Michigan. To learn more about the practice, locations, and updates, please visit the Google Share pages for Ann Arbor, Dexter, Plymouth, and Adrian. You can also connect with the clinical team professionally on LinkedIn or follow community updates on Facebook.
