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Dr. Derek Cohlmia, DDS
Derek Cohlmia, DDS is a third generation dentist dedicated to his patients' overall health needs. Born and raised in OKC, Dr. Cohlmia began his dental career at the University of Oklahoma for his undergraduate degree. From there he earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Throughout his time in college and dental school, Dr. Cohlmia served within his community and and across the world through mission trips. He is a member of both the American Dental Association and Oklahoma Dental Association.
As an educator, his dental assisting school provides accelerated, hands-on training for individuals seeking a career in dentistry, including pre-dental & pre-hygiene students. Students look forward to an active, yet flexible learning environment for a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience.
When he's not creating smiles, Dr. Cohlmia enjoys traveling, playing tennis, and attending OKC Thunder basketball games.
Melissa Steele, EFDA, Director
With more than 20 years in dentistry, Melissa is a fully devoted dental professional and educator. She has an unwavering desire to create the ideal patient experience and help students become dental professionals. Melissa has served as an expanded functions dental assistant (EFDA), practice manager, insurance and treatment coordinator, educator, and career coach. She commits herself to continuing education and is additionally, both a licensed instructor with the American Heart Association and a massage therapist. Melissa volunteers annually with Remote Area Medical (RAM), Oklahoma Mission of Mercy (OKMOM), and Dentistry from the Heart and is also a member of the American Dental Assistants Association.
As an educator, Melissa believes in providing every student the opportunity to achieve their own success and commits to facilitate this pursuit with high ethical standards of both integrity and excellence each day. Sharing with students the value of putting patients’ needs first is what fuels Melissa to continue training dental assistants.
When she is not serving students, patients, or clients, Melissa enjoys traveling with her husband, going to the movies, and shopping with her teenage daughters.