Restoring Smiles, Advancing Technology: The Work of Dr. Raymond Kessler
A proud MUSC graduate (D.M.D., 1983), Dr. Raymond Kessler brings more than four decades of clinical experience to the classroom, specializing in restorative dentistry and digital workflows.
Before joining MUSC, he spent 30 years in private practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, focusing on comprehensive restorative care and innovative treatment planning. At MUSC, he has gained national recognition for his expertise in CAD/CAM dentistry, seamlessly integrating advanced digital technology into patient care, research, and education.
A passionate teacher, Dr. Kessler finds his greatest satisfaction in helping students grow. “The main reason I love teaching is that I enjoy watching students develop, become more skilled with their hands, and see the didactic information improve overall. I also love to see students succeed,” he explains. He especially enjoys guiding students through scanning, designing, and delivering restorations in a single patient visit.
His commitment to innovation has influenced MUSC’s curriculum and clinical training. As he states, “CAD/CAM dentistry innovations really evolve over time, improving every few years, and now they are changing so quickly that it's pretty exciting to keep up.” He also highlights that innovation at MUSC goes beyond technology: “Innovations at CDM are not just the things we work with, but also the faculty we have.”
Dr. Kessler has published extensively on digital dentistry and restorative care, with research appearing in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry and the Journal of Prosthodontic Dentistry. He also serves as Visiting Faculty with cdoc.com, mentoring dentists nationwide on digital integration.
His teaching excellence has earned him numerous awards, including the MUSC Outstanding Clinical Professor Award, the South Carolina Dental Association Meritorious Achievement Award, and five consecutive American College of Dentists Outstanding Faculty Awards (2021–2025).
Reflecting on his lengthy career and connection to MUSC, Dr. Kessler says what makes the College truly special is its people: “The students are always excited, and I feel that they are well-prepared when they graduate. I know this firsthand because I graduated from here in 1983. When I left, I was already ahead of the game in private practice. So, what makes CDM special is that I believe the students are well-prepared and carry a lot of new, modern expertise with them.”