Dr. Messina has received extensive subspecialty training during clinical rotations in anesthesiology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and head-and-neck surgery. He regularly participates in trauma call and maintains staff privileges in local hospitals. At Hackensack University Medical Center, the largest provider of in- and outpatient services in New Jersey, he trains postgraduate general-practice dental residents.

“When researching careers, I looked to my own health-care experiences, and I always enjoyed the patient- doctor relationship that I had with my own dentist.”

“My former chief of service at Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Leonard B. Kaban, a role model in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.”

Molt #9 Periosteal Elevator. “The workhorse of oral surgery.”

His first extraction in dental school. “The first of any procedure is always interesting, but this patient was the most pleasant and understanding person. It made the extremely stressful experience that much easier.”

“Work hard, but don’t let academics hinder you from experience. In the end, the dental field is a business, and to succeed involves troubleshooting, creativity and the ability to keep up with the ever-evolving field.”

“I’m an extreme-sports enthusiast. Wakeboarding, snowboarding, surfing, whitewater rafting, you name it.”