Dr Carl F. Gugino, co-founder of Great Lakes Dental Technologies and a pioneer in orthodontics, died August 4, 2025, at the age of 95.

Carl F. Gugino, DDS, FACD, FICD, co-founder of Great Lakes Dental Technologies and a retired orthodontist, died on August 4, 2025. He was 95.

Early Role at Great Lakes

Gugino co-founded Great Lakes Orthodontics in 1965 with lab technician Peter R. Breads. He served as an advisor and mentor in the company’s early years and joined the board of directors when the company became a corporation in 1967.

John Ende, president and CEO of Great Lakes Dental Technologies, said, “Dr Gugino was a true visionary. 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.”

Education and Military Service

Gugino received his dental degree from the University of Buffalo in 1953. He served in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1957 with the rank of lieutenant commander. He earned his orthodontic degree from the University of Buffalo in 1961.

Contributions to Orthodontics

Gugino collaborated with Robert Ricketts and Ruel W. Bench to develop the first computerized cephalometrics and visual treatment objective program in orthodontics. His work also led to the creation of the Zerobase Orthodontic Philosophy.

In 1969, Gugino, Dr Hito Suyehiro, and Dr Frank Edwards established The Millennium Society, a practice management group that developed a total management concept for orthodontic practices. These management principles are still in use.

International Teaching and Lecturing

Gugino conducted courses in the Contemporary Zerobase Bioprogressive Philosophy in the United States, Japan, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and other countries. He also founded Bioprogressive Study Clubs in Japan, Italy, and France, and served as honorary president for each.

Photo: Great Lakes Dental Technologies