J.R. Franco, DDS

Dr. J.R. Franco is a pediatric dentist in the Denver metro area. Spending most of his life in Tennessee, J.R. moved to Colorado in 2011 and has served many children facing challenging situations. As an immigrant and refugee, J.R. hopes to serve as an inspiration to all children regardless of their background. Dr. Franco currently serves on the MDDS Member Services Committee and has served 2.5 terms as a director. When not at work, you can find him chasing after his two young boys, playing video games and spending time at the gym.

Dr. Brian Furgason, DDS

Dr. Brian Furgason graduated from the University of Nebraska Dental School and has been in private practice in Lakewood, CO since 1993. He has been involved in numerous educational organizations, study clubs and charitable groups throughout his career, including KIND, NFDH, Smile Again (Volunteer of the Year award), Dental Lifeline, Colorado Prosthodontic Society and several others. With the outstanding guidance, information and services provided by the MDDS during the pandemic, Dr. Furgason realized how important this group is to the profession. He would like to continue this work and help to improve the dental profession. This will be Dr. Furgason’s second term as a director.

Artemis Khazaie, DDS

Dr. Artemis Khazaie completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Colorado and pursued her General Practice Residency at Denver Health. While not a Colorado native, after multiple moves, nationally and internationally, she has found her home in this beautiful state. Dr. Khazaie believes in constantly improving her practice and clinical skills to provide the best and most up-to-date care for her patients. She feels strongly about community and believes dentists need to support one another to strengthen our voice as medical professionals. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Khazaie loves the outdoors, traveling and baking for friends and family, especially her son, Sotelo. This will be Dr. Khazaie’s second term as a director.

Deborah Michael, DDS, MS

Dr. Deborah Michael attended dental school at the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental Branch Houston. Organized dentistry has always been important to her, and she belonged from her first year at The University of Texas Health Science Center Dental Branch Houston. Upon graduation, she was commissioned with the Army and served in the U.S. Army Reserves until she retired with 30 years of service in 2017. Dr. Michael owned a private orthodontic practice in Colorado until 2022 and now practices independently part-time.

She has been a member of organized dentistry since she graduated from dental school. Dr. Michael volunteers as a speaker host at the Rocky Mountain Dental Convention (RMDC) each year. And, since 2022, she has been an MDDS delegate to the CDA House of Delegates. In addition, she served five years as an alternate delegate for the Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists and seven years as a board member and officer with the Colorado Orthodontic Association.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Michael enjoys kayaking, snow skiing, hiking with her husband, Jim, and visiting their grown children.

Joel Small, DDS, MBA, PCC, FICD

Dr. Joel C. Small is a retired endodontist, speaker, author and a board-certified executive leadership coach. Dr. Small completed his endodontic residency at the University of Texas Dental Branch. He has an MBA, with an emphasis in healthcare management, from Texas Tech University. His certification as a professional and executive coach is from the Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas.

Dr. Small served on the Dallas County Dental Society Board of Directors and as President of the DCDS Foundation. He served on the American Association of Endodontist’s Foundation Board of Trustees and was Chair of the AAE Symposium on Endodontic Surgery. He has served as a volunteer clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M Dental School and the University of Texas Dental Branch. This will be his first term as a director.

Patrick Prendergast, DDS

Dr. Patrick Prendergast is originally from central Nebraska and attended the University of Notre Dame, before completing dental school at Creighton University School of Dentistry. He has maintained a private practice in Centennial, CO since 1982. Dr. Prendergast has always been a member of the ADA, CDA, and MDDS, and has served those organizations in many positions. He was chair of the CDA Council on Peer Review; chair of the MDDS Peer Review Committee; served on the Board of Directors and as Past President of MDDS; has been an Ambassador, Speaker Host and Panel Speaker for RMDC; was Section Chair of the Colorado Section of the Pierre Fauchard Academy; served through the chairs of Rocky Mountain Dental Study Club; is a fellow in the International College of Dentists; and was a board member for the Colorado Section of the American College of Dentists. He is a long-time COMOM volunteer and served as Vice President of the Board of Directors. His life away from dentistry centers on family, friends, fishing, learning, and traveling.