Our Surgeons + Our Staff

John Tanner DDS MD

Oral Surgeon, Senior Partner

Dr. John Tanner is a board certified Oral, Maxillofacial and Facial Cosmetic surgeon who has been practicing in the Kansas City area for over twenty-five years. He holds degrees from Northwestern University in both dentistry and medicine. His post-graduate training includes fellowships in Beverly Hills and in Strasbourg France, Emanuel Hospital & Health Center in Portland, Oregon and at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chicago, Illinois. He is in the endless pursuit of new information and knowledge. Dr. Tanner has been named a “fellow” by numerous prestigious organizations. His accomplishments and academic achievements are nearly endless.

“Oral and Maxillofacial surgery is a specialty that allows me to pursue my surgical passion in a number of ways, every day. It’s very satisfying to see a once anxious and fearful patient leave our office pleased with the care that they received.”

Dr. Tanner is dedicated to a healthy, active lifestyle. In addition to choosing foods wisely, Dr. Tanner is an avid swimmer. When we manage to get him away from the office, Dr. Tanner enjoys travel, boating, fishing, and hiking. Dr. Tanner is a devoted KC sports fan. He and wife Dana are proud parents of two adult children.

Zachary L Brown DDS MD

Oral Surgeon, Partner

Dr. Brown was born and raised in Jefferson City, Missouri and knew early on that he would follow a path to medicine. His dedication to achieving excellence in mind, body and in spirit has been a lifetime pursuit. Dr. Brown completed his undergraduate studies at UMKC in 2010 with honors. His determination and pursuit of academic excellence, naturally, manifested is his admittance into UMKC’s accelerated dental program. This was followed by a dental degree from UMKC in 2014 and a medical degree from UT Health San Antonio in 2017. Dr. Brown completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency at University Hospital in San Antonio where he has served as Chief Resident in his program. At UTHSCA he gained experience in the full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery including benign pathology, obstructive sleep apnea and cleft and craniofacial reconstruction. There he had focused surgical training in both open and minimally invasive TMJ surgery, orthognathic surgery and in facial trauma. In his spare time, he has coauthored multiple peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on TMJ replacement, dynamic guided dental implants and orthognathic surgery.

Dr. Brown’s high standards for patient care and his passion for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery make him a perfect fit for Facial Surgery Group.

Dr. Patrick Christopher

Oral Surgeon, Associate

Dr. Christopher obtained his Bachelor’s of Biology degree at the University of Sioux Falls, SD and then earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington DC. Following dental school, Dr. Christopher received his Medical Degree from UMKC School of Medicine in 2017. At UMKC, he also completed his training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2020 where he gained exceptional training in full scope Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery with a focus in office anesthesia and sedation, wisdom tooth extractions, implants, benign pathology, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathics), TMJ surgery and trauma.

Dr. Christopher furthered his education by accepting a Fellowship in Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery at Charleston Area Medical Center where he gained experience in treating pediatric patients with cleft lip and palate, craniofacial and congenital deformities.

Dr. Christopher has a passion for mission work and is the President of a non-profit organization, Dental Helping Hands. He has traveled to Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, Jamaica, Haiti, Tanzania, Guatemala, and South Africa to provide surgical care to under- resourced and underserved communities.

Brenda Quinonez

HR Manager/Operations Manager

Brenda has been with Facial Surgery Group for nearly 20 years and knows all the ins and outs of how things operates. A Kansas City Native, Brenda has been married to husband, Tony for nearly 50 years. She has 3 adult sons and 10 grandchildren. Brenda’s background is in corporate benefits and HR. She has been employed by FSG for over 15 years. When she is not working, Brenda enjoys gardening and exercise. Nothing makes Brenda happier than when she is surrounded by family. They kinda like her too. Brenda is a Cancer Warrior and our hero!

Sarah Panis

Implant Coordinator

Sarah is a 20-year Facial Surgery Group vet and has worn a lot of different hats. When Sarah isn’t at work, making sure that everything is just right, she’s busy being mom to kids, Samuel and Sally and cooking something fabulous.”

Vanessa Galvan

Treatment Coordinator

Vanessa is testimony to the fact that good things come in small packages. She is knowledgeable, experienced and ready to roll.