Carl Gugino, retired orthodontist, lecturer, and Great Lakes’ founder died on Monday, August 4, 2025. Carl, who served as a member of Great Lakes’ Board of Directors, was known for his intellectual approach to dentistry and was highly respected in the dental profession for his pioneering and progressive contributions to the field.
Dr. Gugino, along with lab technician Peter R. Breads, founded Great Lakes Orthodontics in 1965. Carl served as an advisor and mentor in the early years of Great Lakes and then as an original member of the board when Great Lakes established itself as a corporation in 1967.
“Dr. Gugino was a true visionary.” said John Ende, president and CEO. “His genius was the ability to see and forecast the future of dentistry, while nurturing a worldwide network to help achieve that future. His relentless passion for driving our profession forward never waned. He continually worried that the profession of orthodontics wasn’t progressing fast enough. He was singularly focused on improving outcomes for patients. In every conversation he demanded that we always put patients first, while using his wry sense of humor to soften the message. Great Lakes will miss his mentorship and guidance.”
Dr. Gugino received his dental degree in 1953 from the University of Buffalo in the state of New York. He served as Lt. Commander in the United States Navy from 1953-1957 and maintained a large dental practice before obtaining his orthodontic degree from the University of Buffalo in 1961.
While in private practice, Dr. Gugino became more actively involved as an international teacher and lecturer. In recent years, his primary focus has been coaching, lecturing, and integrating advanced orthodontic concepts into leading orthodontic practices around the world.
Dr. Gugino, along with Dr. Robert Ricketts and Dr. Ruel W. Bench, developed the first computerized cephalometrics and visual treatment objective program in orthodontics. Dr. Gugino’s extensive experience and studies led to the development of The Zerobase Orthodontic Philosophy. Dr. Gugino, Dr. Hito Suyehiro, and Dr. Frank Edwards formed The Millennium Society in 1969, a practice management group that developed a total management concept for orthodontic practices. Many of these original management principles and concepts continue to be applied in orthodontic practices today.
Dr. Gugino conducted ongoing Contemporary Zerobase Bioprogressive Philosophy courses in the United States, Japan, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and other various countries, and he established Bioprogressive Study Clubs in Japan, Italy, and France and served as honorary president for each club.
Great Lakes Dental Technologies is an employee-owned company with over 200 employee-owners who design, develop, manufacture, and market appliances and products for use in the orthodontic, dental, and sleep and airway markets worldwide. Great Lakes is located in Tonawanda, near Buffalo, New York, USA.
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