Dr. Tingling received his predentistry education at the University of Oregon. He then enrolled in the School of Dentistry at the University of Michigan, graduating with a D.D.S. in 1977. He received a Master of Science in Orthodontics in 1979.

Dr. Tingling maintains a private practice limited to orthodontics in Southfield, Michigan, and teaches in the Graduate Orthodontic Clinic on Wednesday afternoons.