The Pankey Institute

Our small student-to-faculty ratio assures you receive the same close, individualized attention you give your patients.

A resident chairman of the Department of Education, a large visiting faculty, and guest presenters team to provide their talents in the classroom, clinic, and labs. Those presenting and facilitating our courses are selected for their expertise and ability to motivate and facilitate learning.

Dr. Kessler earned his D.D.S. degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry in 1977. He entered practice as an associate and taught part time in the department of endodontics at the University of Oklahoma, as well as teaching in the General Practice Residency at Children’s Memorial Hospital. When offered a position to teach full time in the Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, he joined the faculty and taught for the next seven years attaining the rank of Associate Professor with tenure. Continuing his career in academics, Jim accepted an appointment at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine as a tenured Associate Professor in the Crown and Bridge Department. At South Carolina, he lectured in advanced laboratory techniques, ceramics, fixed prosthodontics, and occlusion.

After ten years in dental education, he transitioned into private practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he remained for the next eighteen years. There, he continued to remain active in teaching, lecturing to groups of dentists, dental laboratory technicians and students. In addition he was active in three study clubs, including the Tulsa Seattle Study Club. In 2007, the opportunity presented for Jim to return to dental education. He was named the Herbert T. Shillingburg Professor of Fixed Prosthodontics and Chair of the Division of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.

Dr. Kessler co-authored a textbook with Dr. Herbert T. Shillingburg and has been a contributor to other textbooks, as well as published articles in the dental literature. He has presented over 300 lectures to dental and dental laboratory groups, residencies, and study clubs across the United States, Canada, Europe and parts of Asia.

He is a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, American College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy, Academy of General Dentistry, and Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry. He was the 2004 President of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, currently serves on its Foundation and Finance Committees, and has provided the Academy with over 20 years of service.