Dr. Richard Brinker offers the dental knowledge and skill patients trust in Hazleton, PA

Dr. Brinker obtained a Bachelor of Science at the University of Florida and an MBA in Health Administration at the University of Colorado. Dr. Brinker earned a DMD at the University of Pittsburgh Dental School. As an integral member of the Craniofacial Abnormality Diagnostic & Treatment Planning Strategy sessions, he worked with:

• Dr. Tom Starzl and his liver transplant team 
• Dr. Peter Janetta, world-renowned neurosurgeon treating trigeminal neuralgia (Tic Doloreaux)

He worked throughout his training with staff employment at the prestigious Level One, R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Further training included: 

• First assistant to mentors Drs. Halseth and Elliott on an open-heart cardiothoracic team in Denver, Colorado
• A plastic surgery focus with Dr. Paul Manson of Johns Hopkins
• Proficiency in both Macintosh and Miller blade techniques as well as the use of Magill forceps for nasotracheal assist
• Formal USN training in exodontia tooth removal included two months of general anesthesia as well as six months of IV instruction 

A proud veteran who served with leadership in the USAF and USN

A proud veteran, Dr. Brinker served as Lt. Colonel in the USAF and Commander in the USN. He ventured to both polar ice caps to care for remotely assigned civilian scientists and active duty support personnel, where he served as anesthesia support at McMurdo and South Pole Stations with intensive training at Naval Hospital Balboa in San Diego, CA.  His daughter Alyson now serves as LCDR, completing her dermatology residency training. He focused on airway management to establish surgical and nonsurgical endotracheal intubations on more than 250 patients over several weeks.

Dr. Brinker is certified in ACLS, PALS, and BLS.

Over the years, he assisted in OR procedures in the various medical specialties, orthopedic, plastic, ENT, general surgery, vascular and cardiothoracic, ObGyn, urology, and, of course, oral maxillofacial surgical disciplines. His hobbies within dentistry include:

• Precision gold work using the Tucker technique®
• Editor for The American Academy of Gold Foil Operators’ international journal

He is committed to providing advanced dentistry with a personal dedication to the patients and communities he serves

Dr. Brinker offers additional professional and personal expertise as he continues to help patients by being on the cutting-edge of the dental profession.