Cover Page Article; "One Man Band". Orthodontic Products Magazine, July 2006

Dr. Shelton completed his DDS degree at Howard University in Washington DC and completed his orthodontics degree at Columbia University in New York City. He did his general practice residency at Veterans Hospital in East Orange, NJ.

A native of West Virginia, Dr. Shelton has lived in the New York City area since 1972. He is currently a member of the New York Academy of Orthodontics, Greater New York Dental Society, American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics and is currently serving as board member of the Hostos College Hygiene Department. He also served as President of Intercounty Orthodontic Coverage Group.

When asked about his practice, Dr. Shelton said, "We use the gentlest miniaturized or invisible appliances, light pressure techniques and in-depth visits for accelerated and comfortable results. This usually eliminates surgery, implants, headgear, palate expanders, bulky braces, and other painful procedures. We improve smiles without compromising appearance and comfort during the process."

Dr. Shelton and his wife Kathleen have a son, Clifford, and a daughter, Leslie. In his free time he is a jazz recording artist and is signed with Summit Records. He is also involved with the NAACP, Jazz Vespers at various churches, and volunteers for public radio, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and other various philanthropic organizations.

Dr. Dan Akkaway, DDS

Dr. Akkaway earned his dental degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.  While at Columbia, he was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honor Society.  Upon graduation, Dr. Akkaway was the Alpha Omega Award recipient for graduating first in his class.  Subsequently, he completed a General Dentistry Residency at Sepulveda VA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.  Dr. Akkaway then returned to New York to complete his training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at St. Barnabas Hospital. 

Dr. Akkaway is well trained in all aspects of Orthodontics.  He ensures that he is at the forefront of new orthodontic techniques with extensive continuing education.  Dr. Akkaway’s special interests include implant-assisted movement of teeth, cosmetic alternatives to traditional braces such as Invisalign, and Orthognathic surgery to correct skeletal jaw imbalances.

Dr. Akkaway grew up in New Jersey where he now resides with his wife Jennifer and daughter Sofia.  He is excited to be a part of the team at Central Park Smile and looks forward to building trusting relationships with his patients while providing orthodontic care in a warm and friendly environment.

Dr Dawn Jones-Sylla DMD

Dr. Dawn Jones-Sylla holds two Bachelors of Arts from North Carolina Central University and a doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Jones has trained in the Differential Straight Arch Technique, an orthodontic discipline that encourages continuous light force(s) to generate optimum results, and continues to receive on going tutelage w/Dr. Shelton in all aspects of orthodontic care.

Entering UMDNJ as an alumni scholar Dr. Jones-Sylla has participated in various research projects and presented one such project at the 2003
American Association of Dental Research scientific meeting: The Effect of Ligand Type and its Concentration on Collagen-Ligaband Binding. Dr Jones –Sylla also has had significant ties with organized dentistry, having attained the position of student representive to the board of trustees for the national Dental Association and
vice-president of the local Student National Dental Association chapter.

Dr. Jones has provided dental services to youths in detention working with the New York City Department of Juvenile Justice and has also practiced general dentistry in private and union organized dental settings.

Dr. Jones constantly volunteers her time and resources to under provided countries and just recently participated in a dental missions trip to Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.