Our Instructors
Melissa Masters BS, LDH
Melissa worked in EMS for 10 years as a firefighter/paramedic, CPR instructor and Primary Instructor before attending Indiana University School of Dentistry to become a Dental Hygienist, graduating in 2001. After 14 years as a dental hygienist she entered the world of continuing education and founded Dental CE Masters an ADA CERP Recognized Provider of Dental Continuing education and a non-profit organization.
Dr. Liza Minovi
Dr. Liza Minovi
Dr. Minovi is originally from Iran and migrated to the United States and in 1983, she decided to make Washington, DC her home.
She is a proud alumna of Howard University with a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Georgetown University School of Dentistry.
Dr. Minovi is an expert clinician and successful business owner for more than 33 yrs and is actively licensed in DC, MD and VA. Speaking four languages(Farsi, English, French and Spanish), she is able to easily communicate, connect and serve her diverse community.
She respects and believes in the power of continued education and is dedicated and excited to share her knowledge.
Dr. Liza Minovi is a Dental CE Masters ADA CERP providing courses designed to educate, reinforce and inspire you..
Michelle L Brown, RDH
Michelle L. Brown is a native Washingtonian and Howard University alumna and class president of 1990. As a practicing Dental Hygienist for over 33 years, she is passionate about dentistry and Ergonomics and has a zest for learning. Michelle has served as a Dental Assistant educator and is currently a Dental Hygiene Clinical Instructor at Fortis College. AKA "The Ergo Coach", she is is also the owner and operator of Smile Salon & Spa, LLC, a teeth whitening spa. As a Dental Continuing Educator with Dental CE Masters, an ADA CERP, she is committed to providing comprehensive courses that engage, educate, and empower the attendee.
Dr. Angela Balaba
Dr. Angela Balaba is British by birth and of Ugandan heritage.
She’s the eldest of three siblings and
a proud alumna of London University, Queen Elizabeth College, now merged with Kings college London, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She earned a Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from Washington University School of Dentistry in St Louis Missouri,.
Dr. Balaba’s mother, a well-respected and excellent retired nurse and her uncle, a well-respected and successful retired dentist, inspired, grounded and guided her pathway to oral health care prevention.
As an expert and compassionate clinician for 37 yrs, Dr. Balaba is actively licensed in DC and MD. She is dedicated to and passionate about the prevention and treatment of oral health disease. She is a committed advocate for underserved communities and her dental missions here and abroad have prevented and healed dental disease, in addition to sustaining dental health, inspiring and changing lives, one smile at a time.
As a Dental Hygiene Educator for 5yrs, and a Dental CE Masters Instructor, ADA CERP, Dr. Balaba’s expectation for excellence is driven by her respect and appreciation for education.
She loves to travel and on any given Sunday, you may find her in a sunny nook reading the books she loves.
RaeAnn Nethercutt
RaeAnn Nethercutt RDH
RaeAnn has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for the last 18 years, practicing in general dentistry for most of her career. Her passion for dentistry lead her to become an instructor for continuing education courses for dental professionals for the last 7 years. Currently teaching OSHA, HIPAA, Indiana Ethics Law and Jurisprudence and is an AHA CPR instructor.
Hope Loyd, RDH, BSDH, MAADH
Hope Loyd RDH, BSDH, MAADH, graduated from Texas Woman's University in 1996 and has spent the last 27 years actively involved in the dental industry as an author, speaker, podcaster, and clinician focused on periodontics and patient care.
Hope is an accomplished dental hygienist and thought leader. She helps professionals and patients understand each other through her unique focus on hope and heart skills to reduce patient fears and create retention. Her extensive experience in the dental hygiene industry has given her invaluable insights into the crucial role that communication and empathy play in achieving success and building long-lasting relationships with patients.
In addition to her work as a dental hygienist, Hope is also a successful podcast "Gum Goddess" host of the Gums&Gossip Podcast, where she shares her expertise and insights with listeners. She is a common contributor to numerous publications focusing on soft skills and has been a guest speaker at BrownGirlRDH on diversity and inclusion, demonstrating her passion for creating an inclusive and diverse environment in her profession.
Hope's commitment to mentoring young professionals is evident in her role as a college mentor, where she helps students navigate the challenges of launching their careers. As a single mom, she understands the importance of balancing personal and professional commitments, and her unwavering dedication to her work and her family has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and colleagues.
Hope's exceptional communication and patient care skills, coupled with her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and mentoring, make her an inspiring and highly sought-after expert in her field. Her personal interests in traveling, yoga, and gardening reflect her love for personal growth and nurturing, which she brings to her work and those around her.