A new standard
of excellence
The Institute Built for Dentists by Dentists
When you're responsible for patient outcomes, you can’t afford guesswork. You need advanced training that’s proven, practical, and rooted in real clinical experience.
At Stanley Institute, we don’t just teach dentistry—we practice it every day. Founded by Dr. Robert Stanley (a Ph.D. engineer turned dentist) and Dr. Bobbi Stanley (a leader in full-scope care), we bring decades of hands-on knowledge directly to you.
Thousands of dentists trust us to guide their next step. If you’re ready for clear, evidence-based education that makes a measurable impact on your practice—this is the place.
What Sets Us Apart
When you walk into a Stanley Institute course, you’re not just another seat in a lecture hall. We believe learning should be personal, immersive, and immediately applicable.
That’s why our classes are intentionally small. You’ll train shoulder-to-shoulder with practicing dentists who’ve been in your shoes—and get direct access to expert instructors during live procedures, real-time coaching, and case-based discussion.
We don't just teach. We mentor. Long after the course ends, we’re still here to support you with guidance, case reviews, and collaboration when you need it most.
Real training. Real connection. Real results.
More Than CE—It’s a Career Catalyst
Stanley Institute was founded on the belief that continuing education should actually continue—not just check a box.
Dr. Robert and Dr. Bobbi Stanley created a learning environment that reflects the way modern dentists actually grow: through hands-on experience, feedback, and mentorship. That passion for education drives every course we teach and every relationship we build.
You already worked hard to become a dentist. Our goal is to help you keep advancing with purpose, precision, and support.
We’re educators—but more importantly, we’re your colleagues.
Training Your Whole Team—Not Just You
Excellence isn’t a solo effort. Your clinical success depends on the people beside you—your assistants, your hygienists, your treatment coordinators. That’s why we offer training for your entire team.
From front-office communication to surgical assistance protocols, we equip your staff with the tools they need to confidently support your vision. Whether you're taking à la carte courses or progressing through our Continuum, you'll walk away with real strategies your team can put into action on Monday morning.
When your team grows, your whole practice rises.
Lecturers
Lisa originally hails from South Carolina and moved to North Carolina nearly 30 years ago. After a successful career in retail management, she has spent the last 18 years in dentistry in a variety of roles including dental assisting and treatment coordination. She joined the Stanley team in 2021 as the lead treatment coordinator for their large Cary, NC based practice, and helps to manage the process of getting treatment started administratively, from scheduling to financing. Lisa loves getting to help patients find their dream smile at the practice!
At Stanley Institute, Lisa loves to help doctors and financial coordinators learn financial presentation, financial options for patients and more. She is passionate about equipping teams so that patients can get the treatment they need!
When she’s not in the office, Lisa loves to try new restaurants, spend time with her two teenage boys, and play cards with friends! You can often find Lisa on the beach in the summertime!
Sarah Bridgers is a Assistants Instructor at Stanley Institute and the Lead Implant Coordinator at Stanley Dentistry. Interestingly, she actually joined the team before she graduated from school. She completed her clinical rotation under the supervision of Drs. Stanley. After rotating through a variety of dental specialty offices, she decided that assisting the doctors at Stanley Dentistry was her dream job!
Prior to enrolling at Wake Tech, she enjoyed a career in website design with a local Inc 500 company in Raleigh, NC. She decided that her passion was to help people, which led her to the local Dental Assisting program. Upon graduation from the program, Sarah began working full-time at Stanley Dentistry and quickly became the lead implant coordinator and digital designer for the practice. She brings all of these skills and more to Stanley Institute.
Sarah is originally from upstate New York but moved around the United States during her childhood. She is the youngest of four children and the only girl. Her extended family currently lives in Tennessee and she is lucky to visit often. Sarah has been in North Carolina for over 15 years and enjoys the mild weather. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time at the North Carolina beaches and lakes, and experimenting with new recipes.
Susan has been in healthcare since 1993 and joined the team at Stanley Dentistry in 2002. She is passionate about embracing new technology to promote better systemic health through optimal oral hygiene. Susan often meets with industry representatives to learn about and consult on emerging dental tools and trends. At the institute, she works with doctors and hygienists to educate them on the vital role oral maintenance appointments play in the recognition of treatment opportunities and long-term implant vitality.
Originally from New York, Susan has been in the local area for so long she claims North Carolina as her home and enjoys visiting the state’s natural beauty. When she is not in the dental clinic or the classroom, she enjoys visiting the beach, traveling, and spending time with her three children.
Gayle Banic is a native of Indiana and relocated to the Research Triangle Park area in 2002. Ms. Banic graduated from the Indiana University of South Bend where she completed the School of Dentistry’s Certified Dental Assisting Program in 1995. She is a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and Expanded Functions Dental Assistant with over two decades of experience.
Gayle is certified by Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) in aesthetics and TMJ disorders. She is Invisalign® certified and has held a CEREC certification since 1995. She is a Fellow of the Association of Dental Implant Auxiliaries (ADIA) and a member of the American Dental Assisting Association (ADAA).
At Stanley Institute, Gayle’s focus is on best practices for digital technology and team dynamics when placing dental implants. She presents lectures on digital workflow using CBCT and digital impressions with CEREC and Trios Digital Scan for both dentists and auxiliaries. Additionally, she mentors Institute attendees through the entire dental implant process including initial consult through treatment planning and acceptance and delivery from the Auxiliary perspective.
When she steps away from her roles in dentistry and dental continuing education, Gayle enjoys gardening and exploring new places.
Dr. Bobbi Stanley is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, but education has been a mainstay of her 25-year career. As owner and principal dentist of one of the largest comprehensive dental practices in North Carolina, her goal has been excellence in patient care through continuing education, the latest dental equipment and technology, and superior materials. Dr. Bobbi Stanley reinforces these guiding principles with her team members and offers a myriad of opportunities for dental continuing education for associate dentists, auxiliary clinical team members, and dental office team members.
Dr. Bobbi Stanley is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), Diplomate in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (DICOI), a Fellow with the International Association of Orthodontics (IAO), and a Fellow at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI).
Additionally, she is a Sustaining Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO), the International Association of Orthodontics (IAO), and is a Qualified Member of the Crown Council, the American Dental Association (ADA), the Raleigh-Wake County Dental Society (RWCDS), the North Carolina Dental Society (NCDS), the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD), and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS).
Dr. Bobbi Stanley is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. She is Co-Founder and Senior Instructor at Stanley Institute for Comprehensive Dentistry in Cary, NC, as well as a Senior Instructor at the International Association of Orthodontics in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Dr. Bobbi Stanley strives for excellence inside and outside of the clinic and classroom. She and her husband completed the City of Oaks Half Ironman Triathlon in Raleigh, NC, and in October 2017 competed in the Ironman Triathlon in Louisville, Kentucky.
Dr. Robert Stanley’s professional career began as a Mechanical & Aerospace engineer. After receiving his BS, MS, and PhD from North Carolina State University in engineering with a concentration in control theory, he enjoyed almost a decade with a telecommunications company in Research Triangle Park. To pursue his passion for dentistry, he returned to school and earned his dental degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, where he became Smile Engineer™.
As a dentist and an engineer, Dr. Robert Stanley has the unique ability to master and share his understanding of biomechanics as it applies to the daily implementation of dental implants. Dr. Stanley has extensive experience in implant surgery, as well as advanced bone and soft tissue grafting. His implementation of 3D CBCT technology with guided dental implant surgery and guided sinus lift surgery makes planning and placing dental implants predictable and successful.
He is a Diplomate with the American Board of Oral Implantology (ABOI) and the International College of Oral Implantologists (DICOI), certified in Oral, IV, and Conscious Sedation, and is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the American Dental Association (ADA), the Raleigh-Wake County Dental Society (RWCDS), the North Carolina Dental Society (NCDS), the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS), and the International Association of Comprehensive Aesthetics.
Due to his uncommon depth of knowledge, Dr. Stanley— Smile Engineer™ is frequently called upon to consult with dental industry manufacturers, suppliers, and laboratories on product and process creation and improvement. Dr. Stanley is available for consultations in the biomedical engineering field. Learn more about professional consultations.
Dr. Robert Stanley is a lifelong learner and enjoys sharing his passion for engineering and dentistry as the co-founder and continuing education (CE) instructor at The Stanley Institute. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at his dental alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry.
When he is not in the clinic or the classroom, Dr. Robert Stanley is an avid athlete and enjoys CROSSFIT training, weightlifting, swimming, biking, and running. In October 2017 he completed his first Ironman Triathlon in Louisville, Kentucky. When time allows, he is an accomplished carpenter and uses his carpentry skills to build fine furniture. He and his wife and business partner are parents of four children.
Guest Lecturers
Sebastián Cifuentes
Clinical Photography
Dr. Sebastián Cifuentes is a prosthodontist trained at Mayor University with a specialization in implantology and clinical photography. He serves as a postgraduate professor at Andrés Bello University and has pursued advanced training in dental photography with Mirela Bichacho in Barcelona. His work bridges the clinical and artistic—from micro to macro aesthetics under the mentorship of Carlos Ayala Paz. A key opinion leader for GC, Neodent, and MIS, Dr. Cifuentes is also a guest professor at the University of South Carolina and a sought-after international lecturer known for his expertise in capturing precision through the lens.
Pablo Wilson
Photography, Portrait, and Light
Pablo Wilson is a designer and photographer whose work sits at the intersection of art, fashion, and editorial storytelling. He studied design at Universidad Católica and photography at the California College of the Arts. With a portfolio spanning top publications including Cosas, Caras, Paula Mujer, Vanidades, Casas, and Women’s Health, Pablo brings a distinct eye for portraiture and lighting. He is a founding partner of LA Industria Studio and a photography professor at Natphoto. As a guest professor at the University of South Carolina, he shares his vision for visual storytelling with students and professionals across the globe.
Andrés E. Ponce
Video Editing and Marketing
Dr. Andrés E. Ponce is a prosthodontist and dental marketing expert based in Chile. He earned his degree from Universidad del Desarrollo (UDD), followed by a diploma in administration from UFRO and a marketing and digital media diploma from Adolfo Ibáñez University. A certified Style Italiano trainer and key opinion leader for 3M, Dr. Ponce advises dental practices on brand strategy and patient engagement. He teaches internationally as a guest professor at the University of South Carolina, Nova Southeastern University, and through NYU’s international program, where he combines clinical precision with marketing insight in the digital age.
Dr. Braxton M. Henderson is a native of Memphis, TN. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh with a major in Biological Sciences.
He earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and completed extensive training in a 3-year postdoctoral anesthesia residency program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
After finishing his studies, Dr. Henderson founded Southern Office-Based Anesthesia to increase access to high-quality, comfortable dental care for North Carolina dental patients and is exceptionally well-trained at providing all levels of anesthesia so that dentists can fully focus on your dental surgical procedure. This allows for a safer, more predictable, and comfortable experience for both the patient and the dentist.
Dr. Henderson’s passion is to increase the safety of anesthesia in the field of dentistry. He enjoys educating dental students, residents, and dental providers on all subjects related to sedation/anesthesia. Dr. Henderson has lectured extensively to many dental societies and organizations on topics such as conscious sedation, medical emergencies, office-based anesthesia, management of the medically complex dental patient, and more.
Dr. Henderson and his wife, Chalis, are happily married and have a son named Silas. In his free time, Dr. Henderson enjoys running, playing basketball, traveling, and barbecuing.
Staff
With a passion for leadership, communication, and transformative learning experiences, Nicholas Antenucci serves as Director of the Stanley Institute for Comprehensive Dentistry. In this role, Nick draws on more than a decade of experience in program development, team training, and strategic operations to support the growth of continuing education in implant dentistry.
Before joining the Stanley Institute, Nick led operations and instruction at North Shore Karate Academy, where he directed marketing, managed large-scale events, and oversaw a staff of instructors while building a community-centered learning environment. He brings to the Institute a deep commitment to hospitality, organization, and excellence—ensuring that every educational experience reflects the highest standards of care and coordination.Originally from Massachusetts, Nick holds a degree in Communications from Merrimack College and now lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. Outside of work, he’s passionate about mentoring others, exploring fitness, and finding new ways to foster connection through thoughtful leadership.
Mollie has been a creative marketing and design professional for over seven years as she specializes in graphic design, content creation, and campaign development. Since joining Stanley Institute, she has led efforts in branding, digital marketing, and design strategy. Mollie enjoys collaborating with team members across departments to create engaging material while bonding as a team. Outside of work, she enjoys any and all crafts, and spending time with her loved ones.
“My favorite part of what I do is capturing the process and results of a patient’s smile journey. The emotion, happiness, and life-changing impact it brings is so inspiring."
Margaret Baker joined the Stanley Institute in June 2017 as the Creative Director. She manages the creative process from conception to completion and ensures visual communication and brand standards for the Institute.
Her focuses include producing educational video content for course use and utilizing photography to train other associates on safe dental practices. She oversees the development of visual course content while translating marketing objectives into clear creative strategies for the RDU based Institute.
Before joining Stanley, Margaret freelanced with various organizations, helping clients broaden their communicative reach through digital platforms. She is passionate about connecting others to the world around them by leveraging current digital platforms.
Margaret graduated with a BA in Broadcasting and Electronic Media from Campbell University and an MA in Interactive Media from Elon University. She currently resides in Cary, NC.
Continuing dental education
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