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Dr. Makepeace Charles

Elite Credentials. Surgical Mastery. Relentless Mentorship.

Education &
Academic Journey
Licensing &
Certifications
Awards &
Recognitions
Research &
Publications

Dr. Makepeace Charles

Elite Credentials. Surgical Mastery. Relentless Mentorship.

Education &
Academic Journey
Licensing &
Certifications
Awards &
Recognitions
Research &
Publications

Great surgery doesn’t start in the operating room. It starts with education, mentorship, and a commitment to doing it right.”

– Dr. Makepeace Charles

🧠 Education & Academic Journey

Dr. Makepeace Charles brings an exceptional academic foundation to his surgical practice, shaped by top institutions across North America.

He began with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from the University of Toronto, followed by a Bachelor of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education—a rare combination that reflects his commitment to both science and teaching.

Pursuing a deeper understanding of how people learn, Dr. Charles earned a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from the University of Victoria while simultaneously attending the University of Maryland Dental School, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).

He then completed a rigorous four-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Toronto, earning a Master of Science in Anatomy, and a Certificate in both Oral Surgery and Anesthesia.

To further specialize in advanced cases, Dr. Charles completed a fellowship in Facial Cosmetics and Reconstruction at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri. His academic journey culminated in a teaching role as Assistant Clinical Professor in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Saint Louis University Medical School, where he helped train future surgeons in advanced techniques.

University of Saint Louis Logo

🏅 Licensing & Certifications

Dr. Charles’s qualifications extend far beyond the classroom. His licensure and certifications ensure that he practices at the highest level of surgical care across multiple states and clinical settings.

He is currently licensed as an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon in:

  • Florida

  • Virginia

  • Arkansas

  • Missouri

In addition to his surgical licensure, Dr. Charles holds a Certificate in General Anesthesia in the state of Florida, allowing him to perform complex surgical procedures under deep sedation in both hospital and outpatient settings.

He maintains active hospital privileges at several of Florida’s top medical institutions, including:

  • Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center

  • Lawnwood Regional Medical Center

  • St. Mary’s Medical Center

  • Wellington Regional Medical Center

  • Palms West Hospital

Dr. Charles is also certified in:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)

  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

His licensing and certifications allow him to perform advanced surgical procedures few others in Florida are qualified to handle.

🏆 Awards &
Recognitions

Dr. Makepeace Charles’s career is defined not only by his skill, but by the professional recognition he’s earned at the highest levels of surgical medicine.

In 2024, he was named a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) — one of the most distinguished honors in surgical healthcare. This fellowship represents a surgeon’s commitment to excellence, ethics, and continuous advancement in the field.

His peers have long recognized his leadership in dentistry. In 2002, Dr. Charles was inducted into the International College of Dentists, a global organization that honors only the top 2% of dental professionals worldwide.

Locally, he has been named one of Palm Beach Illustrated’s “Top Dentists,” reflecting his status as a trusted oral surgeon in the region.

These honors speak to a lifetime of surgical excellence, mentorship, and a dedication to elevating the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

🛠️ Surgical Specialties & Accomplishments

With thousands of procedures performed, Dr. Makepeace Charles is one of the few oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Florida with hospital privileges for full facial reconstruction and cosmetic surgery.

His core specialties include:

  • Dental Implantology (single & full-arch solutions)

  • Wisdom Teeth Extractions

  • Orthognathic Surgery (jaw repositioning)

  • Facial Trauma Repair

  • Cosmetic Facial Surgery

  • Complex Jaw & Facial Reconstruction

His additional fellowship training in facial aesthetics allows him to deliver results that are not only functional—but truly life-changing in appearance and confidence.

Over nearly two decades, Dr. Charles has built an extensive case volume and reputation for taking on high-difficulty cases, particularly those involving both surgical precision and cosmetic refinement.

📚 Research & Publications

In addition to his clinical expertise, Dr. Charles has made meaningful contributions to academic research in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

His peer-reviewed work includes complex and rare case studies that continue to guide surgeons and educators in the field. Selected publications include:

  • Malignant Odontogenic Cyst in a Child
    Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
    — A critical case study highlighting early diagnosis and intervention for pediatric jaw cancers.

  • Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Maxilla in a 10-Year-Old Girl
    Journal of the Canadian Dental Association
    — A rare report bringing national attention to pediatric oral cancer cases.

  • Fat Embolism Following Jaw Bone Grafting
    — A cautionary study with best-practice guidelines for managing risk in reconstructive surgeries.

Dr. Charles continues to share his knowledge through presentations at regional and national conferences, and his expertise has been featured in media segments focused on advanced surgical care.

His academic work reflects the same mission behind his clinical work: to advance the field through rigorous science, ethical standards, and surgical mastery.

Dr. Melanie Silvestrini, DMD, FICOI

Level 1 & 2 Instructor at NextGen Dental Ed, Dr. Melanie Silvestrini merges advanced implantology with real-world clinical strategies for general practitioners.

Dr. Melanie Silvestrini, DMD, FICOI – Implantologist and Faculty at NextGen Dental Ed

Dr. Melanie Silvestrini, DMD, FICOI is a cosmetic dentist and oral implantologist. She is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Misch Implant Institute. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Tufts University and completed a hospital-based residency at Northwell Health, a Level 1 trauma center in NYC.

With experience across luxury Manhattan practices and high-volume clinics, Dr. Silvestrini understands the real-world challenges general dentists face — especially when adding advanced procedures like implants. Her goal is to make implant dentistry approachable, efficient, and clinically sound for GPs looking to grow confidently.

Dr. Silvestrini is trained in full-arch implant rehabilitation, hybrid prosthetics, guided surgery, and digital workflow integration. She regularly pursues advanced education in soft tissue grafting, ridge augmentation, and regenerative techniques, staying at the forefront of surgical and technological innovations in dentistry.

She also speaks nationally on provider branding and reputation building, bringing a modern, multidimensional perspective to both clinical and professional development.

Dr. Naved Fatmi, DMD, FACD, FICD

Level 1 & 2 Instructor at NextGen Dental Ed, Dr. Naved Fatmi brings nationally recognized leadership, mentorship, and a passion for community-focused dentistry.

Dr. Naved Fatmi, DMD, FACD, FICD - Faculty at NextGen Dental Ed

Dr. Naved Fatmi, DMD, FACD, FICD is a trailblazer in the field of dentistry, earning recognition as the youngest member ever appointed to the Florida Board of Dentistry and later becoming the youngest chairman in its history. A dedicated educator and speaker, Dr. Fatmi has served on the faculty of Larkin Hospital, the University of Florida Dental School, and Palm Beach State College, where he shares his expertise and passion for dentistry with the next generation of professionals.

As the sole owner and CEO of Health and Wellness Dentistry, Dr. Fatmi oversees three thriving practices in South Florida, committed to providing patient-centered, comprehensive dental care. Beyond his professional achievements, he is deeply involved in community service, dedicating his time to initiatives that promote health and wellness in underserved populations.

Dr. Fatmi’s leadership, dedication to education, and commitment to his community continue to set a benchmark for excellence in the dental profession.

Jenna Snow

Director of Education at NextGen Dental Ed, Jenna Snow blends clinical experience with innovative curriculum leadership to empower future dental professionals.

Jenna Snow, Director of Education at NextGen Dental Ed

Jenna Snow brings a dynamic blend of clinical experience, educational insight, and technological fluency to her role as Director of Education at NextGen Dental Education. With a background spanning surgical assisting, digital design, and trauma coordination, Jenna offers a unique, hands-on perspective that enriches curriculum development and enhances learner engagement.

Before joining NextGen, Jenna was an integral part of a leading oral surgery practice, where she played multiple roles that required precision, adaptability, and deep clinical knowledge. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the College of Charleston and is a Certified Medical Assistant through the American Association of Medical Assistants. Her academic and professional foundation gives her a comprehensive understanding of patient care, healthcare systems, and interdisciplinary team dynamics.

Jenna is deeply committed to empowering the next generation of dental professionals through innovative, tech-forward education. Her passion for lifelong learning and advancing clinical excellence ensures that NextGen’s programs remain forward-thinking, inclusive, and aligned with the evolving needs of modern dentistry.

Sarah Grellner

Sarah Grellner, RN, Chief Executive Officer at NextGen Dental Ed, leads with innovation and a patient-centered vision to elevate dental education.

Sarah Grellner, RN, Chief Executive Officer at NextGen Dental Ed

Sarah Grellner, RN is the Chief Executive Officer of NextGen Dental Education, a leader in dental education committed to advancing clinical excellence and professional development in dentistry. With a foundational background in nursing, Sarah brings a unique patient-centered perspective to dental education, blending clinical expertise with a deep understanding of healthcare systems and team-based care.

Before stepping into the executive role, Sarah built a robust career in nursing, where she honed skills in clinical leadership, patient advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This experience has fueled her passion for transforming dental education through innovation, evidence-based training, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes.

Under Sarah’s leadership, NextGen has expanded its reach, modernized its curriculum, and forged strategic partnerships with academic institutions, dental organizations, and continuing education providers. She is a vocal advocate for elevating the standard of care through lifelong learning and interprofessional education.