Why Come to Our Courses
Dentists wanted to learn, and we love to teach, therefore The Nash Institute has become one of the prime destinations for cosmetic instruction in North America! Our instructors, led by Dr. Ross Nash and Debra Engelhardt-Nash, have vast knowledge and experience in their field, and yet are approachable teachers who patiently answer each attendee’s questions in the clearest way possible.
Meet Our Founders
Dr. Ross Nash
A World-Renowned Cosmetic Dentist Committed to Continuing Education
Dr. Nash of The Nash Institute is an iconic authority in cosmetic and esthetic dentistry and has helped pioneer many of the materials and modalities commonly used today.
Author, international lecturer, consultant to major dental product manufacturers, Dr. Nash is the cosmetic dentist who teaches other dentists. He has been on the teaching faculty at the Medical College of Georgia, School of Dentistry and is co-founder and director of the Nash Institute for Dental Learning. Dentists from around the world travel to the Nash Institute to learn the techniques and artistry that set Dr. Nash’s cosmetic dentistry apart.
Dr. Nash graduated from North Carolina State University as a textile engineer and four years later went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his dental degree. He has served as an adjunct faculty member in post graduate training for many dental schools including Baylor, Medical College of Georgia, and NYU.
Debra Engelhardt-Nash
Award Winning Speaker and Trainer Devoted to Empowering Teams
Debra Engelhardt - Nash has been in dentistry since 1985 as a consultant, trainer, author, and speaker. She has presented workshops nationally and internationally for numerous associations and study clubs. She is a repeat presenter for organizations including Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, the Yankee Dental Meeting, The Swedish Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Greater New York Dental Meeting.Â
Debra served three terms as the President of the Academy of Dental Management Consultants who presented her their Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the Charles Kidd Meritorious Service Award. She is the Past President of the Academy for Private Practice Dentistry.
She has been repeatedly recognized as a Leader in Consulting and Education by Dentistry Today and has been listed as top 25 Women in Dentistry. Debra is also the recipient of the Gordon Christensen Lecturer Recognition Award.
 Our Esteemed Faculty
  Joining the Nashes to bring you the highest level of training
Dr. Terry L. Watson, DMD, FICOI
Dr. Watson discovered his calling early on. At 13, he knew that dentistry wasn’t just going to be a career but a lifelong passion. His personal motto, “don’t be a dental dinosaur”, encapsulates his relentless drive to evolve as a dentist. He believes that every aspect of dental care is an opportunity to explore, innovate, and refine his skills.
What truly distinguishes Dr. Watson is his genuine curiosity and devotion to the craft of dentistry. He has pursued advanced continuing education throughout his career, not only to master new techniques but also to share those insights with others.
His experiences at the Nash Institute—where he immersed himself in transformative training and even embraced a full mouth reconstruction during his own treatment— not only sharpened his clinical acumen but also inspired him to give back to the dental community. Today, he teaches at the Nash Institute, guiding EFDA's and fellow dentists in mastering the best direct restorations. This teaching role stands as a testament to his belief in sharing knowledge and continuously elevating the practice of dentistry. He also serves on the board of the Academy for Private Dental Practice.
Outside the dental operatory, Dr. Watson’s vibrant personality shines through. His love for live music, the great outdoors, and even the playful art of making duck calls reveals a creative spirit that informs his approach to dentistry. It is this blend of technical mastery and an adventurous heart that fuels his desire to teach and inspire fellow dentists, motivating them to push the boundaries of what’s possible in dental care.
Dr. Anthony Vocaturo, DDS, AAACD, FACE, FAGD, FIADFE
Dr. Anthony Vocaturo is nationally renowned speaker, published author, and a proud Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AAACD). As a member of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics (ASDA) and a Fellow of both the International Academy of Dental-Facial Esthetics (IADFE) and the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) He is a distinguished leader in the field of cosmetic dentistry.Â
With his career spanning decades, Dr. Vocaturo has earned national and international recognition for his innovative approach to cosmetic dentistry, including being honored as one of the “Top 100 Doctors of 2025” by The Doctors World Gala.
Dr. Vocaturo has built a reputation for crafting smiles that are nothing short of perfection. His expertise is sought after by patients whose professional lives place their smiles in the public eye daily. Whether working with professionals or individuals seeking life-changing transformations, his results are masterpieces – combining artistry, technology, and anatomical precision.
Through his unparalleled ability to balance aesthetic beauty with functional excellence, Dr. Vocaturo has redefined what it means to create confident, head-turning smiles that last a lifetime.
Penny Reed
Penny Reed is the Executive Vice President of Memberships and Events at the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM), where she draws on her deep roots as a former dental office manager to lead with empathy, insight, and a passion for helping managers turn their roles into thriving careers.
After starting her career in IT, Penny was recruited by her own dentist to manage his growing practice—a leap that launched more than 30 years in the dental industry as a coach, speaker, and consultant.
Her hands-on experience managing a practice fuels her commitment to supporting AADOM members through education, community, and growth.
She’s been recognized as a Dentistry Today Leader in Dental Consulting every year since 2007 and is the author of Growing Your Dental Business. Penny continues to speak nationally on topics like leadership, communication, and team development, always championing the vital role dental office managers play in practice success.
She lives in Piperton, TN, with her husband Rob, and loves being “Yaya” to her granddaughter Willow, dreaming up her next Disney trip, and writing parody songs in her spare time.
What Sets Us Apart
These days, there is still no shortage of dental professionals wanting to improve their clinical skills. Even seasoned dental professionals with decades of experience have been excited about and eager to apply what they’ve learned at The Nash Institute. Therefore, to ensure that each person continues to receive the maximum benefit from our comprehensive dental education program, we offer a larger number of classes so that we can keep our class sizes small. These smaller classes promote a better learning experience for our attendees in the following ways:
- Attendees receive more focused instruction, allowing each individual to receive support and feedback.
- Classmates are able to form tighter bonds with each other, creating a more collaborative and pleasant learning environment.
- Questions and teaching opportunities flow more freely, as people are more comfortable in smaller groups and there is more time to answer questions.
- Our intimate, inviting class setting allows a deeper interaction to develop with our attendees, and we get to know each of them on a more personal level.
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