Linda Thornton, DDS, MS, FACP with Don Tass, DDS

Visitors to the Holistic Health Expo will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Linda Thornton, a board-certified prosthodontist, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, educator, and inspiring advocate for healthcare education whose remarkable life story has inspired audiences across the country.

Dr. Thornton is one of the nation's pioneering prosthodontists and is recognized as the first Black woman formally trained in the specialty of prosthodontics. Throughout her distinguished career, she has combined clinical excellence with a passion for education, leadership, and service. During her military career in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, she served in leadership roles including Director of Dental Services and Director of Postgraduate Training, where she coordinated multidisciplinary patient care, educated patients, mentored healthcare professionals, and oversaw advanced clinical training programs. She later served as an associate professor of prosthodontics and continues to mentor future healthcare providers through her work with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM).

Dr. Thornton's extraordinary journey began in humble circumstances in New Jersey as the youngest of five daughters. Determined that each of his girls would receive a college education and pursue careers in medicine, her father worked multiple jobs while the family performed together as The Thornton Sisters, a singing group that earned national recognition and shared stages with legendary performers including The Supremes. Their inspiring story—of perseverance, sacrifice, and faith—was chronicled in the bestselling book The Ditchdigger's Daughters, later adapted into a feature film, and brought the family national attention through appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Featured on The Mark Howley Show, Dr. Thornton continues to inspire audiences with her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. Today, she is developing DanTass, an initiative named in honor of her parents, dedicated to helping aspiring healthcare professionals navigate the financial and educational challenges of pursuing medical careers.

Stop by Dr. Thornton's booth to hear her remarkable story, learn from her decades of experience in dentistry and healthcare leadership, and discover how purpose, perseverance, and service can transform lives. Her enthusiasm, compassion, and lifelong dedication to helping others make her one of the expo's most inspiring exhibitors.