Dr. James (Jim) Burden

Dr. James C. Burden is a leader in microinvasive and biomimetic dentistry, dedicated to redefining the “life cycle of a tooth.” A 1999 graduate of Temple University Dental School, Dr. Burden completed his GPR at Virtua Health Systems before embarking on a career-long mission to bridge the gap between advanced technology and patient accessibility.

Driven by his early research into healthcare barriers for seniors, Dr. Burden founded his first private practice in 2000, pioneering home-based dental care for patients with special needs. This evolved into an office-based practice within a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in 2002, where he specialized in treating “super seniors” with complex medical and dental profiles.

In 2007, he launched New Paradigm Dentistry, a practice centered on early diagnosis, effective caries management, and microdentistry. By focusing on preserving natural tooth structure, he provides patients with long-term, sustainable health outcomes.

In 2025, Dr. Burden expanded his impact on the profession by co-founding Rising Tide Dental Partners. The organization serves as a platform for the next generation of clinicians, ensuring they achieve professional success while keeping clinical decisions in the hands of dentists.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Burden has completed over 2,500 hours of continuing education. He earned his Mastership (MAGD) in 2021 and received the Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition (LLSR) in 2025—the Academy of General Dentistry’s highest honor. A published author and frequent lecturer, Dr. Burden shares his expertise on disease management and biomimetic techniques with clinicians across the country.

In his free time, he is passionate about travel, time with his family, and the outdoors.

Dr. Anthony Couzo

A native of New Jersey, Dr. Antonio (Tony) Couzo’s journey into dentistry began early, inspired by his mother’s career in the field. This lifelong interest led him to the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, where he earned his degree before embarking on a career that now spans over a decade.

As a general dentist, Dr. Couzo is known for blending clinical excellence with a gentle, patient-first approach. He joined New Paradigm Dentistry because of the team’s shared commitment to combining high-tech innovation with a genuinely comfortable atmosphere. For Dr. Couzo, clear communication is the foundation of a great visit; he ensures every patient feels heard, informed, and confident in their care.

When he isn’t perfecting smiles, you’ll likely find Dr. Couzo outdoors with a fishing rod in hand or in the kitchen, where he enjoys the chemistry of perfecting new recipes.

Dr. Najwa Jaber

Dr. Najwa Jaber is a distinguished dental health expert and a pioneer in the vital connection between oral health and systemic wellness. With over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Jaber has evolved her practice from comprehensive family dentistry into a specialized focus on sleep apnea, breathing disorders, and TMJ dysfunction.

A graduate of New York University, Dr. Jaber is recognized for her integrative methodology. She views the mouth not in isolation, but as a gateway to overall health. Her clinical work is deeply rooted in the belief that proper dental intervention—particularly oral appliance therapy and early airway development in children—can mitigate serious risks like cardiovascular disease and chronic fatigue.

Dr. Jaber is a co-author of the wellness guide, Healthy For Life. In her transformative chapter, “Breathless – Recapturing the reflex of nasal breathing,” she empowers families to reclaim their vitality through better breathing and targeted oral health strategies. Her commitment to patient education is the heartbeat of her practice, ensuring every patient understands the link between their dental health, nutrition, and long-term resilience.

Driven by a multicultural background and a deep-seated mission to serve underrepresented communities, Dr. Jaber offers a unique, global perspective. She is a true polyglot, fluent or conversant in seven languages—English, Arabic, French, Farsi, Spanish, and Wolof—allowing her to provide compassionate, personalized care to a diverse patient base.

When she isn’t advancing the field of airway health, Dr. Jaber is a devoted mother and grandmother. She finds balance through the simple joys of nature: hiking, beach visits, dancing, and hosting vibrant family gatherings where her love for cooking takes center stage.

Maribeth Cain

Practice & Financial Coordinator

My favorite part of this job is being able to help people achieve the smile they have always wanted. Usually, finances hold people back from doing the treatment they really need and deserve. Once we figure out a way they can do it financially, and they see the finished product, it’s very rewarding. You don’t realize how much it can change someone’s life until you see the patient smile and be proud of their smile.

I have been with Dr. Burden since the very beginning, and I’m glad to be part of his team.

Outside the office, I love to garden, ride my motorcycle, go to the beach, and spend time with my husband and daughter.

Shameka Glover

Dental Assistant RDA

Everyone knows me as Mickey. I enjoy working with New Paradigm because it allows me to grow professionally while being part of a supportive team. On my downtime, I enjoy listening to jazz and spending time with my loved ones.

What I appreciate most about dentistry is the continuous digital advancement, which makes treatments more efficient, precise, and enhances the overall patient experience.”

Veronkia Mendez

Dental Hygienist RDH

Being a dental hygienist lets me do what I love while really making a difference in my patients lives. I feel so lucky to work in an office where the team genuinely supports each other, cares about every patient, and makes the whole environment feel warm and welcoming. We also have cutting-edge dental technology that helps me provide the best care possible. I’m most passionate about patient education and helping people feel confident about their oral health because I know how much a lack of guidance can affect someone’s smile and confidence. I always try to meet patients where they are, keep things simple and realistic, and make sure they feel comfortable and never judged. Watching my patients improve over time and knowing I played a part in that is honestly the most rewarding part of what I do. Outside of the office, I love wellness, Hot Pilates, and spending time with my husband, my family, and my beautiful cat Oliver.

Kassie Kluin

Practice & Financial coordinator

There are so many reasons to be passionate about dentistry, especially when you get to see firsthand how much of a difference it makes in people’s lives. Dentistry isn’t just about teeth—it’s about confidence, health, and human connection.

Working in a dental office that you love makes that passion even stronger. A supportive team environment, where everyone works together and genuinely cares about one another, turns a job into something much more fulfilling that you’re proud to be part of every day.

When i’m not at the office, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, going on drives locally to different restaurants, taking my dog for walks at the beach and cooking some of my favorite dishes.

Deanna Shafran

Dental Hygienist RDH

My name is Deanna, and I have over 20 years of experience in the dental field. I am truly thrilled to be part of such an amazing team of skilled and kind professionals—it really is a special place to work. What I enjoy most about our office is the supportive, positive environment and the shared commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients. Being surrounded by a team that genuinely cares about one another and our community makes every day rewarding.

Dental hygiene has been such a fulfilling career for me. I am especially passionate about building meaningful relationships with patients and helping them achieve not only a healthy smile but also overall wellness. I love the personal connections that form over time and the trust that grows as we work together toward better health.

Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband and raising our two kids. We love making memories together—whether it’s traveling, celebrating special moments, or exploring the outdoors. Family time is incredibly important to me, and it brings balance and joy to my life.

Rachel Sastre

Dental Assistant RDA