Mel Hawkins graduated from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry, with his DDS degree in 1973 and returned for his formal training in dental anesthesiology at the same university from 1975-1976. He is the founding director of the intravenous sedation, continuing education program at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, and was the founding director of the intravenous sedation program at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry. He has over 30 years of private practice experience in Toronto, Canada, with special emphasis on pain control and patient management and various local anesthesia requirements for the dental patient. In addition to lecturing throughout the U.S. and Europe for over 20 years, Dr. Hawkins is board certified as a diplomate of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiologists and is a fellow of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. Dr. Hawkins holds fellowships with the International College of Dentists and with the Pierre Fouchard International Academy. He has served on the continuing education committee for the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. Additionally, Dr. Hawkins is internationally recognized as an author, lecturer, and clinician on topics concerning sedation and pain-free management of the dental patient.