It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a remarkable individual who made a significant impact on the Ehlers-Danlos community, Dr. John Mitakides.
Dr. Mitakides, DDS, DAACP, dedicated his career to understanding and improving the lives of individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders. He was a beacon of hope and knowledge for countless patients, tirelessly working to advance the understanding and treatment of neck, craniofacial pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
Dr. Mitakides was a Diplomate of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, the highest level of achievement awarded by AACP, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Mitakides was a member of the Professional Advisory Network of the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation, the only dentist to be so recognized. Dr. Mitakides’ work continued in support of The Ehlers-Danlos Society, and in 2021, he was presented with The Ehlers-Danlos Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Mitakides was the founder of the TMJ Treatment Center, where he led a highly trained and qualified team of professionals, with advanced TMJ certification. He was a frequent lecturer at national and international conferences in TMJ and Craniofacial Pain diagnosis and treatment techniques and has done so much to advance understanding in this area for the community.
He played a vital part in bringing about change and raising awareness about EDS and HSD. He helped connect individuals with the resources they needed, offering support, education, and a compassionate ear to anyone who reached out.
Dr. Mitakides’ work not only impacted the lives of those living with EDS and HSD but also inspired a new generation of medical professionals to explore these often-overlooked conditions. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
