About

Bylaws

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is to serve the needs and represent the interests of general dentists, to promote the oral health of the public, and to foster continued proficiency of general dentists through quality continuing dental education in order to better serve the public. From continuing education to government relations to networking opportunities, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is the only organization that exclusively represents the interests and serves the needs of the general dentist.

AGD LICENSING BOARD

The AGD takes the pressure of organizing CE off the general dentist. The AGD Licensing Board Transcript is customized to show the specific requirements a member needs to renew their license in their state/province.

AWARDS

The AGD offers the only achievement-based awards in general dentistry—the prestigious Fellowship (FAGD) and Mastership (MAGD) awards. You can also track your progress toward the FAGD or MAGD with the AGD Award Transcript.

ADVOCACY

The South Carolina constituent of the AGD is the voice of general dentists in our state. It is the only organization committed to representing exclusively the concerns and interests of general dentists. Because even a seemingly insignificant change in law or regulation can have a major impact on patient treatment and management of a dental office, it is crucial that general dentists have input regarding legislative policies that affect their profession.

STUDENT AGD

From continuing education (CE) opportunities to networking events and career advice, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is the only organization that exclusively represents the interests and serves the needs of future general dentists like you. Join the AGD today, and let us guide you toward success throughout dental school, graduation, and beyond!

Learn about the MUSC Student Chapter

Leadership

Amanda Komisarow, DMD

President

Dr. Amanda Komisarow is from Atlanta, Georgia and currently owns and practices at Pleasant Smiles Cosmetic and Family Dentistry.

She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Komisarow is passionate about continuing education (CE) and helping bring high quality CE to SC AGD’s members. Dr. Komisarow also serves as faculty for Molis Coaching. In her free time Dr. Komisarow enjoys spending time with her family (husband, daughter, and two dogs) and running.

Lina A. Miraziz, DDS, FAGD

President Elect

Dr. Lina Miraziz is from Spartanburg, SC and currently practices in Cowpens.

She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland, and completed her General Practice Residency at Palmetto Health Richland. Dr. Miraziz earned her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2020, and Fellowship in the American College of Dentists in 2025. She is an active member of SCDA and AGD. She enjoys spending quality time with her family, cooking and playing tennis.

Fun fact: Dr. Miraziz has a mini golden doodle named Lucy. Lucy is a therapy dog and comes to work with Dr. Miraziz to help patients relax during their treatment.

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Past:
SC AGD Secretary/ Treasurer
SC AGD Editor

Geng Tian, DMD, FAGD

Vice President

Dr. Tian is originally from Jinan, China and is currently practicing in the greater Columbia area.

After finishing his undergrad studies at the University of Minnesota, he earned his DMD degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and then completed a general dentistry residency at the Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. Dr. Tian has been an AGD member since 2014 and is proud to join the leadership team to better serve the members. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Brandi Hair, DMD, FAGD

Editor

Dr. Brandi Hair is a passionate clinician with a strong dedication to diversity, community health, and education.

Dr. Hair earned her degree in Secondary Mathematics Education at the College of Charleston. She continued her education in Charleston by matriculating into the Medical University of South Carolina’s James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine, where she obtained a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Following completion of dental school, Dr. Hair traveled to New York City for general practice residency. She later returned to South Carolina to provide mobile dental services to underserved communities. Now, Dr. Brandi Hair pursues her passions through general dentistry, organized dentistry, and social media. A member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) since 2018, she is excited to actively contribute to South Carolina AGD’s Board of Directors as Editor, encouraging fellow dentists to embrace a career of lifelong learning.

Vatsal Suthar, DMD

Treasurer/Secretary

Dr. Vatsal Suthar grew up in West Columbia, SC and is currently practicing in Swansea.

After finishing his undergrad studies at the University of South Carolina, he earned his DMD degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, and then completed a one year GPR at Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, SC. Dr. Suthar’s proudest professional accomplishment came in 2019 with obtaining his Fellowship for the AGD. He is proud to help the SCAGD leadership team to better serve its members. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys watching Gamecock sports, reading and spending time with his wife and three children.

Bethany A. Herbert, Ph.D., DMD

Immediate Past President

Dr. Bethany A. Herbert earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

after graduating from the College of Charleston where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology and received the Presidential Scholarship. While attending dental school, she was awarded a fellowship from the National Institutes of Health for her research, which focused on the science of gum disease.

Dr. Herbert’s background in education makes her extremely interested in furthering her dental training by attending continuing education meetings and participating in local study clubs. Dr. Herbert is a member of the South Carolina Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). She currently serves on the board of directors for South Carolina AGD to help bring continuing education to dentists in the area. Dr. Herbert also volunteers as a Donated Dental Services provider for patients with disabilities.

John C. Comisi, DDS, MAGD

Executive Director

Dr. John Comisi is a highly accomplished dentist and educator with over 40 years of experience in general dentistry and dental sleep medicine.

He practiced in Ithaca, NY, before transitioning to academia at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in 2017. At MUSC, Dr. Comisi served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Reconstructive and Rehabilitation Sciences. He played a crucial role in advancing dental education as the Course Director for the “Airway and Sleep Medicine for Dental and Medical Professionals” elective course, the first of its kind in the U.S., which concluded in December 2024.

At MUSC, he has held several leadership positions, including Immediate Past Course Director for Operative Dentistry II, Immediate Past Chair of the Dental Materials Committee, and former Infection Control Officer at the College of Dental Medicine.

His professional journey continues at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University in January 2025 as a Professor in the Department of General Dentistry.

Dr. Comisi earned his degree in Dentistry from Northwestern University Dental School and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Fordham University. He is a recognized thought leader, speaker, and consultant,having made significant contributions to the field through his work on editorial boards and his active involvement in dental and medical research.

He is a member of the ADA, AGD, the Academy of Dental Materials, the American Academy of Cariology, the American Association for Oral Systemic Health, the International Association for Dental Research, the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Diseases, and the American Dental Education Association. Additionally, he serves on the Advisory Council for the Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Diseases and is a member of the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs.

Dr. Comisi is a Past President of the South Carolina Dental Association, and the New York State Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). He was also Region 2 (NY)Trustee for the AGD and Speaker of the AGD House of Delegates.

He has received numerous honors, including being an Emeritus member and Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. He holds Fellowships in the Academy of Dentistry International, the American College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the International College of Dentists. Additionally, he is certified in Dental Sleep Medicine by the Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Diseases and is a Diplomate of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy.

Previous:
Past President of the New York State Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
AGD Region 2 Trustee
Speaker of the AGD House of Delegates

Christopher T. Griffin DMD, FAGD

AGD Examination Council Chair and AGD Examination Materials Committee Chair

Dr. Griffin is a native of Abbeville, SC. He graduated the College of Charleston in 1989 and the Medical University of South Carolina School of Dentistry (Charleston, SC) in 1993.

Before returning to the Abbeville / Greenwood area, he completed a hospital based general practice residency at Richland Memorial Hospital (now referred to as Palmetto Health Richland Hospital) in Columbia, SC. Upon returning home, Dr. Griffin acquired the dental practice of retiring dentist Dr. Edward “Pete” Petit and has practiced for the last 29 years in Greenwood, SC. He is involved with numerous leadership roles in dental organizations on the local, state and national levels which include the South Carolina Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of Operative Dentistry and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. On the local level his charitable endeavors include programs such as the Greater Greenwood United Ministries, United Christian Ministries of Abbeville County, Healthy Learners, and the South Carolina Dental Association Dental Access Days as well as participation in with international mission teams. His wife of 29 years is Kim McCurry Griffin and they have two boys Taylor (age 25) and Tucker (age 23).

Interesting Facts: Cycling, hunting, fishing, paddling, shooting sports, skiing and family

SCDA / ADA Advocacy Delegate 2013-2017 DENPAC Chair 2023
SC Rural Dentist Program representative (2015-2023)

Previous:
Past President SC AGD

William A. Burn, III, DMD, MAGD

AGD Region 19 Trustee

Dr. William Burn is a semi-retired dentist from Irmo, SC. He graduated from dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina in 1986, then went on to complete general practice residency at Palmetto Richland Hospital. Dr. Burn earned his Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2014.

He is an SC AGD Past President and currently serves on the AGD Board of Trustees as the Region 19 Trustee. Currently, Dr. Burn enjoys woodworking, furniture repair/refinishing, boating, and being “Poppy” to five (5) grandchildren.

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Interesting facts: Semi-retired, but still working – love to do woodworking, furniture repair/refinishing, boating, and being Poppy to 5 grandchildren!

Trustee, Academy of General Dentistry
Fellow, American College of Dentists
Fellow, International College of Dentists
Fellow, Pierre Fauchard Academy
Former Regional Director, Region 19 (AL, GA, NC, SC)

Past:
Past President SC AGD
Past Regional Director for Region 19

Lisa Gushin, DMD, FAGD

AGD Region 19 Director

Dr. Lisa Gushin is a 1994 graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry and currently serves as President of the North Carolina Academy of General Dentistry as well as Regional Director for Region 19.

Known for her leadership, dedication to organized dentistry, and commitment to advancing the profession, Dr. Gushin has been instrumental in supporting continuing education and member engagement throughout her region. Beyond dentistry, she is an avid otter enthusiast and proudly known as “Lulu” to four grandchildren — with one more on the way.

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Past:
Region 19 Secretary/Treasurer
NC AGD Secretary/Treasurer
NC AGD Previous President

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1077 Johnnie Dodds Blvd
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
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