Dr. Miguel A. Ortiz DMD, Prosthodontist
Harvard Graduate DMD - Surgically Trained Prosthodontist - Global Dental Educator
Education and Early Foundation
Dr. Miguel A. Ortiz began his career in dentistry in 2002 as a dental laboratory technician after graduating from one of only two ADA accredited two-year dental technology programs in California. This early foundation in laboratory science provided him with a deep understanding of materials, occlusion, and restorative precision long before entering dental school.
While working full time in Los Angeles, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with Honors from California State University. His academic performance led to recruitment by Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) and received the prestigious Leo Talkoy Award for Excellence in Clinical Dentistry.
Advanced Specialty Training in Prosthodontics
While most dentists complete their training after dental school, Dr. Ortiz pursued advanced specialization in prosthodontics at the University of Illinois at Chicago. During this full time three year residency, he received extensive surgical and restorative training focused on complex prosthetics, implant dentistry, occlusal reconstruction, and full mouth rehabilitation.
As a surgically trained prosthodontist, Dr. Ortiz integrates both surgical and restorative expertise, allowing him to approach treatment planning comprehensively rather than in isolated phases.
His clinical focus includes:
Advanced dental implants
Full mouth rehabilitation
Complex restorative cases
Smile design and aesthetic dentistry
Digital workflows and adhesive protocols
Global Recognition and Educational Leadership
“With dentistry evolving, Dr. Ortiz is on the front line of change and we need to move forward with him. Apart from being a great dentist, he is very down to earth and friendly.”
Dr. Ortiz is widely recognized within the dental profession as a leader in restorative innovation and minimally invasive treatment planning. He lectures internationally and has become a respected opinion leader among dentists seeking advanced training.
Clinicians from around the world attend his lectures and hands-on courses to study precision driven workflows, evidence based protocols, and modern restorative methodology.
He is the founder of The DentLit Academy, an organization dedicated to advancing evidence based dentistry and highlighting the intersection of art and science in clinical care. His philosophy, “Follow the DentLit, not the dentist,” reflects his commitment to structured thinking and research driven practice.
Publications, Photography, and Thought Leadership
Dr. Ortiz has authored multiple clinical publications and research papers focused on restorative and implant dentistry. His work emphasizes systems thinking, predictability, and minimally invasive principles.
In 2017, he launched highly sought after Dental Photography Courses across North America and internationally. This educational initiative led to the publication of his book “LIT”, which became the number one dental education book sold in North America in 2019 and 2020.
Beyond clinical dentistry, Dr. Ortiz has also written on artificial intelligence and philosophy, reflecting his broader interest in structured systems, disciplined thinking, and innovation.
Awards, Memberships, and Professional Affiliations
Academic and Professional Disticntions
Leo Talkoy Award for Excellence in Clinical Dentistry, Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Visiting Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago
Founder, The DentLit Academy
Author of “LIT,” #1 Dental Education Book in North America (2019–2020)
International Lecturer in Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry
Professional Memberships
PROSEC (Prosthodontic Society)
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
American College of Prosthodontists (ACP)
Harvard Odontological Society
