ABOUT US
Founded in 2011, Avalon Biomed pioneered the first pre-mixed bioactive bioceramic technology manufacturing in the U.S under an approved patent, reshaping the category with solutions designed for performance, reduced waste, and exceptional value. Our bioceramic products including NeoSEALER® EZ Flo, NeoSEALER® Flo, NeoPUTTY®, and NeoMTA® 2 were developed by listening closely to clinicians and addressing real clinical needs.
As our portfolio expanded, we partnered with Zarc4Endo, a company created by endodontists for endodontists. Together, we introduced Avalon Biomed by Zarc to the U.S. market, bringing rotary and reciprocating file systems, matching obturation materials, cordless devices, and essential endodontic accessories.
Our growing file portfolio continues to gain recognition among clinicians, including those advancing minimally invasive endodontics. We remain committed to delivering reliable, high-quality solutions that support predictable clinical outcomes.
HISTORY
Avalon Biomed was originally founded in 2011 by Dr. Carolyn Primus who currently has 10 patents in dentistry including three for MTA-based products. In 2016, Dr. Primus and Avalon Biomed joined the NuSmile family in Houston, TX. Combining Dr. Primus’s focus on developing state-of-the-art bioceramic dental materials with NuSmile’s extraordinary customer care, Avalon Biomed strives to provide the great products and great service to dental clinicians. Avalon Biomed is headquartered in Houston, Texas and its products are sold in over 50+ countries around the world.
MISSION
Avalon Biomed's mission is to improve oral health worldwide by providing state-of-the-art advanced bioactive dental materials to dental professionals.
SUPPORTS
THE TEAM
MARK BINFORD - PRESIDENT
Mark brings 30-plus years of corporate experience in operations, product management, business development, marketing, and sales working across a variety of industries including medical devices, enterprise software, specialty chemicals and oil & gas. Mark holds a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife Susan live in Houston and have three children and nine grandchildren.
DR. CAROLYN PRIMUS – FOUNDER AVALON BIOMED
Carolyn Primus, founder of Avalon Biomed, has developed over 100 medical devices in her 30 years in the dental industry. With a PhD in materials science & engineering, Carolyn has eleven patents in dentistry including bioactive dental materials. She founded Avalon Biomed Inc. with the goal of manufacturing affordable bioactive cements to benefit patients around the globe. She partnered with and then sold her business to NuSmile Ltd whose goals were aligned with hers. Carolyn is an adjunct associate professor at Dental College of GA and Texas A&M College of Dentistry. She lives with her husband in Florida, is chair of the ADA and ISO committees on endodontic materials and continues to serve as a consultant to the executive team at NuSmile.
MIKE LOESSBERG – Chief Revenue Officer
Mike Loessberg began his journey with Avalon Biomed in 2016 and has worked in the Dental Industry for the last 10 years. Having worked for companies like Dentsply, Carestream Dental and Henry Schein, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge to the Avalon Biomed team. In his role, Mike manages the Avalon Biomed Sales and Customer Service team for the United States and Canada. In addition, Mike works hand in hand with the Avalon Biomed Executive team on developing and executing our overall sales and marketing strategies. Originally from Kingsville, TX and a graduate of Texas A&M University at Kingsville, Mike spends his free time traveling and visiting friends and family.
Mike Braun - Director of Sales North America
Mike was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has never left. He started a 19-year career in the Endodontic industry at Dentsply in 2003 and has spent the last two years on the private equity side. Mike has a passion for building successful teams and fostering relationships. He played baseball and football in college and is a dedicated - albeit often disappointed - Minnesota sports fan. Mike is married with two children, ages 15 and almost 9. When we're not at a dance competition or baseball game, our family loves to be on the boat or vacationing on one of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes.
Gabriela Bratten – Director of Operations
Gabriela (Gaby) is the Director of Operations, she joined the company in 2014 as a QA/RA specialist, eventually leading the QA/RA department and the manufacturing department. As the company grew, she focused on managing the manufacturing department. Gaby develops and implements plans strengthening the operational infrastructure of systems, processes, and personnel to accommodate the rapid growth objectives of the organization and oversees all manufacturing, purchasing, manufacturing engineering projects, contracts, and QC. She works closely with the COO and VP of Product Development to achieve new products’ goals. Gaby has an MBA from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a BA in Economics from the University of Texas Pan American.
ZEINA HANNOUN – Director of Product Marketing
Zeina received her bachelor’s degree in Finance & Management from the American University of Beirut (AUB). She started her career at Ernst & Young in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as a Financial Analyst. Her most recent working experience was with Johnson & Johnson in Dubai as a Product Manager for Trauma and prior to that as the Pricing Lead for Orthopedic products.
Steve Walsh - Director of Product Development
Steve joined NuSmile in May 2026. He is an accomplished medical device executive and PhD-trained polymer and materials scientist with over 25 years of experience leading new product development across biomaterial, surgical system, and implantable device platforms. He has been directly involved in FDA 510(k), PMA, and CE Mark clearances for multiple Class II and III devices. Steve holds 8 patents and has co-authored multiple publications in leading peer-reviewed materials and medical technology journals. He holds a BS in Plastics Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and MS and PhD degrees in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University.
BJ Lundsten- National Account Mgr
BJ, a National Account Manager at Avalon Biomed since March 2023, specializes in expanding Endodontic relationships and managing accounts. His dental industry experience, beginning with Dentsply Sirona in 2008 and further honed at Air Techniques, has been instrumental in fostering strategic partnerships. His work contributes to Avalon's growth and strengthens its industry standing. A proud resident of Rockford, IL, BJ leverages his expertise to further Avalon's vision. He and his wife feel blessed to have created a strong family… from coaching soccer, and basketball or being a douting dance dad; he supports their children’s aspirations.
JASON BUDREAU – EASTERN REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Jason Budreau brings nearly 22 years of experience in the dental industry, including a long-standing career with Dentsply Sirona as both an Individual Contributor and People Manager in Endodontics. Originally from Indiana and a proud graduate of Purdue University, Jason relocated to Sarasota, FL, in 2004, where he enjoys the vibrant beach life of Siesta Key. In his role at Avalon Biomed, Jason oversees the Eastern Region, bringing his extensive expertise to support and grow our customer relationships. Outside of work, Jason loves spending time with family and friends, exploring new destinations, and cheering on Purdue and Auburn University in college sports.
LIZ TYNDORF – WESTERN REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
Liz Tyndorf started a career in medical sales in 2002 with Stryker Orthopedics as a Biologics Specialist. She transitioned to the dental industry in 2007 at Dentsply Sirona where she specialized in endodontics and dental implants serving Southern California and Arizona territories until 2019. Before coming aboard at Avalon Biomed in 2026, she was the Director of Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine at Medical Sales College and worked as a marketing consultant while helping launch her twin sons into the University of Utah. She and her husband Tim, a Captain at American Airlines, love to travel. When they aren't exploring new destinations, they can be found skiing in Utah's Rocky Mountains, attending University of Utah sporting events, cheering on Chicago Sports Teams and volunteering for numerous non-profits.
KIMBERLY GRAVES – Inside Account Manager
Kimberly Graves joins Avalon Biomed with over 30 years of experience in the dental industry, including a distinguished tenure in Dentsply Sirona’s Endodontic Division as an Executive Inside Territory Manager. Most recently, Kimberly worked with Young Innovations, mastering the introduction and implementation of new products in dental practices. Based in Broken Arrow, OK, Kimberly is excited to return to the endodontic space, bringing her depth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the Avalon Biomed team. Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys reading, training her two Golden Retrievers and two Yorkies, solving puzzles, and traveling with her husband of 24 years.
CAPY CATTERTON – SALES OPERATIONS SPECIALIST
Capy Catterton brings more than two decades of hands-on experience in the dental industry, having grown up immersed in her family’s dental lab in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Over the years, she advanced from working in the model and die room to becoming a skilled ceramist and later owned and operated her own dental laboratory. Capy has since expanded her expertise through roles with leading companies including Dentsply, Benco Dental, and DEXIS. A self-described dental enthusiast, she brings a deep passion for the industry and a commitment to excellence in every role she takes on. Outside of work, Capy enjoys shopping, reading, cross stitch, and movies. She is excited to contribute her knowledge and enthusiasm to the Avalon Biomed team.
LAYNE INGRAM - INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER
Layne Ingram is the International Account Manager for NuSmile and Avalon Biomed, where she provides excellent customer service to international distributors in over 50 countries. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Supply Chain Management from the Mays Business School and has experience working in Sales, Account Management, and Supply Chain. When not at work, Layne enjoys travelling the world, scuba diving, and spending time with her friends and pets!