Richard A. Litt, D.D.S., M.S. Founder

Dr. Richard A. Litt received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Detroit in 1965 and his Masters degree and certificate in Orthodontics from Northwestern University in 1969. Dr. Litt was Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Detroit from 1969 - 1980, and Clinical Professor and Director of Postdoctoral Orthodontics at the University of California, San Francisco, from 1980 to 1986.

Dr. Litt practiced orthodontics for over 40 years and treated thousands of orthodontic patients. His clinical excellence and the clinical aspect of his F.O.R.C.E. programs reflect that experience. In 1985 he founded the Faculté for Orthodontic Research and Continuing Education with the goal of providing the finest continuing education opportunity in orthodontics anywhere in the world. He retired in 2023.

Dr. Litt published numerous articles and lectured extensively throughout the world on orthodontics. He was a member of the European Orthodontic Society, the Societe D’Orthopedie Dentofaciale in France and the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists. He has been the orthodontic consultant to the Cleft Palate Center at Children's Hospital of Michigan and the Director of Orthodontics in the Pediatric Dental Residency Program, also at Children's Hospital.

Timothy G. Shaughnessy, D.D.S., M.S. Clinical Director

Dr. Tim Shaughnessy received his DDS degree from the University of Michigan in 1983 and his Master of Science degree in Orthodontics form the University of North Carolina in 1986. At UNC, he was the recipient of a National Research Fellowship awarded by the National Institute of Dental Research. He earned an Award of Special Merit from the American Association of Orthodontists in 1987 for his research and Master’s thesis.

Dr. Shaughnessy was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthodontics, Emory University School of Postgraduate Dentistry from 1986 to 1992. He became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics in 1990. He is a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the American College of Dentists, and the International College of Dentists.

Dr. Shaughnessy practiced orthodontics in suburban Atlanta, Georgia for 35 years. He currently practices part-time, in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, at the American Dental Clinic. Dr. Shaughnessy has been part of the faculty of FORCE, International since the late 1980’s. Tim is a frequent speaker and has developed a reputation for his clinical photography and documentation of well-treated cases. He contributed numerous cases to the 6th edition of Contemporary Orthodontics by Drs. Proffit, Fields, Larson, and Sarver.

Manuel González, D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Min González earned his dental degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dentistry in 1974, and Pediatric Dentistry in 1976. He has been Associate Professor at the University of Puerto Rico School of Dentistry since 1976. Dr. González has been a member of AAPD since 1974, and has been in private practice since 1976.

Suzanne M. Johnson, R.D.H., M.S.

Suzanne M. Johnson received her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Michigan. She earned her Masters of Science Degree in Health Administration, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from Wayne State University. She is a Registered Dental Hygienist and a Certified Gerontologist.

Ms. Johnson administered the private practices for Dr. Richard Litt, and the Pediatric Dental Residency Program at Children's Hospital of Michigan. She teaches our "Orthodontic Practice Management" course and coordinates and facilitates programs in Assertiveness Training, Conflict Resolution and Listening Skills. She has also lectured with Dr. Litt in Europe and North America.