UCSF SNDA Newsletter Fall 2022

NEW BEGINNINGS

Brian Hoang and Shervin Sorooshian

Editor's Note

Greetings,

With the continued change that dental care professionals have in our society, it has never been more critical to continue the mission of SNDA - inspiring younger generations and increasing diversity in dentistry. In this 2022-2023 Fall Edition of the UCSF SNDA Newsletter, we hope to provide students with a glimpse into how our organization continues to impact our healthcare community at UCSF and the community as a whole. With many things returning to a sense of normalcy, we are delighted to demonstrate the full scope of what SNDA offers to our community and a little background into the lives of the people that are able to make all these events possible. We hope that you will find the mentioned reflections about our organization insightful about what SNDA represents.

As we move into the new year, take stock of your short and long-term goals, and don't forget that you're never in this alone SNDA is an all-encompassing community and we wish to learn and grow alongside with you because together we can be more than the sum of our parts. We look forward to collaborating with you all this year and strive to make better changes for a more diverse and inspired future of dental care providers.

If you have any ideas and want to be featured in our next newsletter, please reach out to shervin sorooshian@ucsf edu or brian hoang@ucsf edu Follow us on Instagram @ucsf.snda and facebook.com/ucsfsnda.

Warm Regards,

Brian Hoang '23 and Shervin Sorooshian '25

2022-2023 UCSF SNDA Senior and Junior Newsletter Editors

Letter from the President

Dear UCSF Family,

The UCSF SNDA Chapter is ecstatic to have a more in-person event program for the school year. Our various graduating classes have gone through Covid, online classes, not being able to have events in person, and also losing the sense of family that our organizations have experienced in the past.

Although the last few years have been a very trying time for SNDA, I am proud of our Board for making every effort to ensure that this year is a success We are making this school year one that is focused on leadership, camaraderie, and support, even though nearly none of us have had prior experience with in-person events!

One of our key objectives as we transition to in-person events is to solidify our connections with other UCSF school of dentistry organizations we have previously collaborated with as well as other campus-wide organizations such as SNMA and BESTEM. The GBADS alumni chapter, which has supported our organization during COVID, Zoom events, and other activities, has also been a focus of ours. We have only met GBADS members once or twice in person since 2020. Consequently, we are appreciative that we can now finally interact with those who have paved the way for us and are steadfastly striving to ensure the success of our SNDA Chapter.

Many of us have experienced great uncertainty over the past few years, but we are optimistic that the coming months will be incredibly empowering for all of us. Since the beginning of 2020, SNDA has had limited in-person events; therefore we are eager to host our well-known Impressions Conference in the upcoming two months The Impressions conference is the largest pre-dental event held at UCSF, for those of you who are unaware This is how we reach out to people from underserved and minority populations who may not otherwise have any access Our UCSF family usually helps make this event a big success, so we are counting on each one of you to show pre-dental students what UCSF is all about!

Warm Regards, .

Fatima Kamara '24 2022 – 2023 UCSF SNDA Chapter President

2022 NDA CONVENTION

REFLECTION About the NDA National Convention

DR. PAMELA ALSTON

UCSF DDS '82, 97TH NDA PRESIDENT

My husband has a saying when he initially encounters what seems to be a negative situation or outcome. He steps back and says, “Bad luck, good luck. Who knows?” I have adopted that same lens when I perceive what initially seems negative For example, I thought it was negative that the SNDA decided to hold its 2022 National Convention in Florida apart from the National Dental Association (NDA) and in a state to which UCSF students could not travel. I am grateful to Dr. George Taylor and Eunice Stephens for obtaining approval and travel funds to make it possible for UCSF Chapter SNDA members to attend the NDA Convention in Phoenix. It turned out to be good luck.

The opportunities for the SNDA members to network with UCSF alumni and NDA members was much greater than if the SNDA and NDA had held concurrent conventions at the same site. The students were able to have the experience of attending the NDA convention! The Annual UCSF Breakfast for students and alumni gave everyone the opportunity to become acquainted. It was also a wonderful opportunity for everyone to socialize with Dean Reddy I hope students followed up on his invitation to meet with him on campus. Dean Reddy is very well-connected nationally and wants UCSF students alumni. I hope students kept in contact with alumni throughout the convention and afterward. Students had the opportunity to attend alumna Dr Lesley Latham’s course, “Management of Pediatric and Special Needs Patients in the General Practice” and alumnus Dr Oscar Alonzo’s course, “Medical Emergencies in the Dental

In fact, there was plenty of socializing and I also observed plenty of networking between the students and oral health professionals That is great because the NDA is a draw for dentists who are committed to the NDA mission. As the NDA states on its website, it is “ an organization comprised of a racial minority population within the dental profession who have frequently faced discrimination and bigotry.” The NDA stands “in solidarity with all other populations that have historically suffered similar indignities and recognize that a broad diversity of experience, perspective and identity across race, gender, sexual orientation is essential to establishing an equitable healthcare system and a just society ”

During the NDA Convention, attendees had the opportunity to come together to learn more about how we can promote justice in the dental profession and in health care generally. The President’s Symposium’s theme was “Transforming Health Through an Equity Driven Approach.” The Civil Rights Luncheon featured Daniel Dawes, JD, the author of The Political Determinants of Health I was pleased to see him seated between two UCSF students at the luncheon. The keynote address was riveting.

UCSF Students with Drs Taylor, Okeke, Alston, and Alonzo.

UCSF Students with Drs. Taylor, Okeke, Hall, Latham, and Alston.

It was also wonderful to see UCSF students with the book, Undaunted Trailblazers; Minority Women Leaders for Oral Health. They received the book at the Colgate Palmolive Bright Smiles Bright Futures President’s Luncheon. I observed the students getting autographs from the women featured in the book and engaging them in conversation

The 2022 NDA convention provided the opportunity for dentists, registered dental hygienists, dental assistants and UCSF dental students to come together for continuing education not only on topics that will help us become better oral care providers but also become change agents promoting equitable health care. When I observed the UCSF students’ efforts to experience all that they could at the NDA convention and their enthusiasm, I mused to myself that it was turned out to be good luck for the students and all who encountered them

Dr. Woolfolk, Dr. Alston, and Paola.

2022 NDA CONVENTION

BY JONATHAN CHESTNUT '23

Being at the conference was great. I was able to meet and network with dentists across the US. I was also able to meet dental students on the same path as I am. The chance to be in the space with such black excellence was amazing I was able to do community outreach. I learned a lot from the CE courses and was able to experience the future of dentistry.

2022 NDA CONVENTION

BY BRIAN HOANG '23

Attending the 2022 NDA Convention was a great experience for me. With a full schedule for the three-day long convention, I was very excited for what was ahead during my flight from San Francisco Airport to Phoenix in the hot July weekend.

On the first day, I was able to join the breakfast organized by Dr. George Taylor, Dr. Pamela Alston, and Dean Reddy. We discussed various ways to improve the quality of dental education and patient-centered care at UCSF School of Dentistry. It was very insightful to hear perspectives from faculty members, as well as other students from different cohorts.

Throughout the convention, I attended various CE events and learned so much more about practice management and patient care. I really enjoyed the lecture "Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office" by Dr. Oscar Alonzo, DDS, MD who graduated from UCSF and I was truly amazed at how he showed the attendees different ways to prevent as well as to manage patients if these emergencies occur.

The convention also hosted the studentmentor networking reception where a group of students would go around each table and learn more about each mentor and their background/specialty. It was an eyeopening experience to be able to form connection with these mentors.

Overall, I was able to see and learn so much about what the future has for our profession and what we can do to drive dentistry forward and continue to improve patient care.

SNDA X ASDA MIXER

I really enjoyed organizing this event with ASDA and loved seeing the two orgs come together for lunch. It was super helpful to learn more about the resources that are available to dental students at UCSF, from Maria S. Jaochico I look forward to working with other orgs throughout the year!

Natalie Khalili '24

We got to hear from Maria, the director of the office of resotrative justice practices and get to know more of the ASDA peeps.

Liza Megally '24

LNL WITH DR. BENJAMIN

Dr. Benjamin is the founder and CEO of Marina Tooth Fairy Dental, Benjamin Dental Group Inc. Born and raised in Ethiopia, she migrated to San Francisco at age 13. She is a graduate of University of San Francisco and completed her DDS at UCSF. Dr. Benjamin specializes in comprehensive interdisciplinary dental care, including full mouth rehabilitation, terminal dentition involving complex implant surgeries, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. She teaches part-time as a clinical assistant professor in the School of Dentistry, and serves on the dental alumni board and the Dean’s Council. When she is not seeing patients, mentoring or teaching, Dr. Benjamin enjoys spending time with her husband Jeffrey and her son Cobe

SNDA had the honor to invite Dr. Benjamin to our lunch-and-learn to share her invaluable experiences as a dentist and practice owner in the Bay Area. We had more than 30 student attendees who learned so much about her inspiring journey. We greatly appreciate your insight and dedication to helping student dentists and hope you will continue to be a part of our UCSF dental community and pre-doctoral clinic

It was great to hear from Dr. Benjamin, who is very invested in our growth, learning about her motivations for helping us students

Merril Mathew '24

We got to hear from Dr Benjamin and learn more about her journey.

Liza Megally '24

SOCIAL ESCAPE

ESCAPE SF, SABOTAGE SPY CASE GAME

Once upon a Spooktober, the SNDA board members were trapped in an escape room with only one way out! They entered a world of secrets and puzzles attempting to get out of multiple tricks and traps Do you think they managed to escape in time? Of course, This group of people can do anything!

After the Escape Room, they also had a great time bonding with each other over lunch at a favorite, Chipotle The social escape was a way for new and incoming members of SNDA to get to know each other on a personal level before beginning the tasks of the future

This was a great way to start the school year, I really enjoyed working with my team and seeing the collaboration and friendly competition amongst the members.

Natalie Khalili '24

I loved team building/competing and getting to know each other.

Liza Megally '24

FATIMA KAMARA

SNDA PRESIDENT '22-'23

Undergrad: UC Berkeley

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD?

My favorite thing about UCSF SOD is feeling supported by my peers and faculty members! Dental school can be difficult no matter which school you attend, so knowing that you have people to turn to during those difficult times is so relieving.

What are your goals for this school year?

I started my journey as a dental provider this school year, so one of my goals is to become a better provider as I progressively see my own patients. My goal as President of SNDA this year is to make an impact in the lives of pre-dental students.

Throughout my years as a Board member of SNDA, I have seen the impact that our events have had on the lives of pre-dental students, so being able to witness that through in-person events this year is so rewarding.

Why did you join SNDA?

I joined SNDA because I wanted to ensure that I am a source of support for pre-dental students like myself who are figuring their dental journey out one day at a time.

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

I absolutely love Beach Chalet, Kevin’s Noddle House, and Underdogs.

What do you do for fun in your free time?

During my free time, I love going to the gym, hiking, watching tv, exploring new restaurants and catching up with my loved ones.

Favorite Color? Red

SNDA VP '22-'23

Undergrad: UC Irvine

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD? Location and the people!

What are your goals for this school year? Learn as much as I can in the clinic and enjoy SF as much as I can.

Why did you join SNDA?

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

Boudin, Dim Sum in Chinatown, Seafood at Fisherman's Wharf.

SNDA has allowed me to be myself and thrive as both a student dentist and leader in my community. As a VP of SNDA , I have made lifelong friendships, gained mentors, and developed professionally in more ways than I ever could have imagined. When I joined SNDA I was given a voice, and I had a chance to develop the leadership skills that will benefit me throughout my dental career.

What do you do for fun in your free time?

Play and watch soccer, run, and the beach.

Favorite Color?

Light blue!

MERRIL MATHEW

SNDA VP '22-'23

Undergrad: CSU Stanislaus

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD?

The low-stress environment that the school fosters.

What are your goals for this school year?

To grow as a provider and to be confident in my clinical abilities.

Why did you join SNDA?

As a pre-dent, SNDA was integral in providing me with a strong foundation on which I could build my application and gain confidence in myself with applying to dental school.

What do you do for fun in your free time?

Exploring the city, hanging out with friends, and going home to see my family.

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

Tonga Room

Favorite Color?

Red!

OSAGIE EKUE

SNDA SECRETARY '22-'23

Undergrad: Howard University

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD?

One thing that I love about UCSF is how supportive the students are and how passionate the faculty are!

What are your goals for this school year?

My goal for school this year is to learn as much as I can while assisting in my faculty group practice so I am as prepared as possible for clinic.

Why did you join SNDA?

I joined SNDA because while I was a pre-dental student SNDA hosted several events that gave me a great deal of exposure to UCSF program and dentistry in general. This organization does a great job of showcasing and educating minority dental students on things that will make us not only well rounded clinicians, but well rounded people as well My goal is to inspire and pre-dental students towards dentistry as I was.

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

I'd have to say Fog Harbor Fish House!

What do you do for fun in your free time?

Work out or watch motivational/self-help videos.

Favorite Color?

Emerald green!

MARY ABDELNOUR

SNDA HISTORIAN '22-'23

Undergrad: UCLA

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD?

It’s pass/fail, free food events, a close-knit feel, and having an amazing family line in my fraternity!

What are your goals for this school year?

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

Ushi Taro, Yuanbao Jiaozi, Yummy Yummy, Rose, Peasant Pies, Kogi Gogi, Dragon Beaux, New Eritrea

This year, I hope to continue meeting other D2D4s and absorb their wisdom. I hope to get closer to my classmates as we take on these next challenging quarters and explore the city together. I also hope to meet other pre-dentals through SNDA!

Why did you join SNDA?

What do you do for fun in your free time?

I crochet, binge Netflix, cook (and eat), hang out with friends, talk to family, decorate my room, attempt to learn the Kalmiba

In my undergrad, I was a part of an organization that reached out to high school students to encourage them to pursue dentistry. I want to continue with that mission — to inspire many others to consider dentistry as a career, to demystify dental school for them, and to support those on the pre-dental journey!

Favorite Color?

I Like All of Them!

SEAN GANTHER

SNDA SOCIAL CHAIR '22-'23

Undergrad: California State University, San Bernardino

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD?

I love that UCSF thrives being on the edge of various fields and disciplines. UCSF is truly a unique place to be if you want to think outside of the box.

What are your goals for this school year? Finish my Ph.D., finish boards and meet my fitness goals.

Why did you join SNDA?

I knew about SNDA when I was in Undergrad and knew it was a community that would help me acclimate to the campus.

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

Mexican food

What do you do for fun in your free time?

Lift Weights, read books, listen to audibles, and cook

Favorite Color? Blue!

NATALIE KHALILI

SNDA EXTERNAL SOCIAL CHAIR '22-'23

Undergrad: UC Irvine

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD?

I love the community and how supportive everyone is UCSF fosters a very collaborative environment and I am so grateful for all the friendships I have made here.

What are your goals for this school year?

I hope to continue expanding SNDA's network and planning more events with other organizations on campus, allowing members to meet and learn about topics pertaining to dentistry.

Why did you join SNDA?

I attended the SNDA impressions conference when I was an undergraduate student and it left quite the "impression" on me. I enjoyed the experience so much and it further reaffirmed my decision to come to UCSF So, when I finally started school here I applied to join SNDA and help plan the conference myself as one of the outreach coordinators, first serving as the junior and then transitioning to the senior outreach coordinator position.

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

I love a chocolate croissant from Arsicault :)

What do you do for fun in your free time?

I really enjoy exploring new nature areas in SF and going to the movies

Undergrad: UC Berkley

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD?

What I like the most about UCSF SOD is the student culture. The collaborative and supportive environment made me feel at home very quickly once I started dental school which made all the difference as beginning a new journey can be intimidating. Everyone is eager to be a resource to you and to encourage you to pursue your career and non-career-related interests here at UCSF.

What are your goals for this school year?

My goals for this school year are to adjust to dental school, form meaningful relationships with my UCSF classmates, become a part of student-run organizations that align with my career goals and explore the city of San Francisco!

Why did you join SNDA?

I joined the SNDA community to inspire and encourage Black pre-dental students to join this profession as well as promote diversity on UCSF's campus. As a pre-dental student, I attended an SNDA student panel, and at this panel I saw the representation I was always lacking and recognized how important it is to create spaces for those who are underrepresented in dentistry Additionally, after attending the Impressions Conference as a pre-dental student, I wanted to give back by helping plan conferences for underrepresented pre-dental students as a dental student myself. I also joined SNDA to connect with Black dental professionals and become a part of the SNDA community at UCSF.

BETTY BIRBO

SNDA JR. OUTREACH COORDINATOR '22-'23

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

My favorite restaurant in SF is Kitchen Story! They have a location in Oakland as well! The best chicken and waffles in San Francisco and I love a good brunch.

What do you do for fun in your free time?

I really enjoy hiking, going on walks, doing yoga, reading, and spending time with family and friends!

Favorite Color? Green!

Undergrad: UCSD

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD?

One of the things I like the most about UCSF SOD is the people- how friendly my class is

What are your goals for this school year?

My goals for this school year is to pass the board exam :') but really just continuing to grow and have fun in clinic.

Why did you join SNDA?

I love the mission behind SNDA and what it is doing on campus as well as nationally, so I wanted to be part of the culture it is cultivating

LIZA MEGALLY

SNDA DENTSTAY '22-'23

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

I like too many places to just narrow it down

What do you do for fun in your free time?

I like to explore, hang with my church fam, and eat out with friends

Favorite Color?

JAMES CHAVRE

SNDA SR. MENTORSHIP '22'23

Undergrad: Columbia University

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD?

I really like the pass/fail curriculum, which eliminates competition between students. The school is also known for its friendly atmosphere and good worklife balance

What are your goals for this school year?

My main goal for this school year is to continue to improve my hand skills before transitioning into the clinic.

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

Fresca(peruvian cuisine), Chez

Maman (French cuisine)

What do you do for fun in your free time?

Cooking, jogging, hiking ,weight lifting, traveling, stock trading.

Favorite Color?

Brown!

Why did you join SNDA?

I joined SNDA because it offers countless opportunities for mentoring and assisting predental students in their journey of pursuing a career in dentistry.

ARDESHIR ADHAMI

SNDA SR. MENTORSHIP COORDINATOR '22-'23

Undergrad: Komitas State Conservatory of Music (B.A. and M.A. in Music)

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD?

It reminds me of kindergarten- a very small community and a family-like atmosphere all around.

Why did you join SNDA?

I'm considered a minority, but that's not why I joined SNDA. I joined SNDA because it's a wellorganized club that holds many events that are actually very relevant to the betterment of the dental community throughout the country.

AMARA BROOKS

SNDA JR. MENTORSHIP COORDINATOR '22-'23

Undergrad: CSULB

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD? Independent study options (ISO)

What are your goals for this school year? Passing all of my courses and volunteering

Why did you join SNDA?

To promote the advancement of minority predental and dental students in dentistry.

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

Haven’t found any yet

What do you do for fun in your free time?

Working out

Favorite Color?

Don’t have one!

ZACHARY BYRGE

SNDA JR. MENTORSHIP COORDINATOR '22-'23

Undergrad: UCLA

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD?

I enjoy working in the simulation lab that allows the students to get a hands-on feel of dentistry.

What are your goals for this school year?

Pass all my classes and shadow more in the clinic to gain more experience relevant to my future as a dental care provider.

Why did you join SNDA?

Because I’m Black and it’s my job to shape the perception of future black men and women.

What do you do for fun in your free time?

Going to the gym and lifting weights

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

Mastros

Favorite Color? Blue!

PAOLA BENEFO

SNDA GBADS '22-'23

Undergrad: Berea College

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD? Getting a doctorate of dental surgery!

What are your goals for this school year?

To do my best!

Why did you join SNDA?

I like being surrounded by a community that is focused on uplifting minority voices.

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF? San Tung

What do you do for fun in your free time?

I do various freelance work

Favorite Color?

Yellow!

GBADS: Greater Bay Area Dental

ROGER KRUPETSKY

SNDA REPRESENTATIVE '22-'23

Undergrad: Skyline College, UC Davis, Cal State East Bay PHAP

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD?

The P/NP Curriculum, and how the school's culture accurately reflects it

What are your goals for this school year?

To get more confident in my clinical skills, as well as to continue exploring specialty options so that I'm ready for the real world once I graduate.

Why did you join SNDA?

SNDA was one of the best resources I had as a pre-dent for networking, information gathering, and motivating myself to keep working hard. Upon being accepted to UCSF, I knew I wanted to continue paying it forward.

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

Food is too varied to have a definitely favorite - find me in person and let me recommend something ~you~ would like

What do you do for fun in your free time?

I love cooking (and eating), reading (mostly fiction), and playing video games competitively. I also love trying to restaurants and bars with friends, and I'll always be down for a spontaneous 2am adventure to the beach or through a park.

Favorite Color?

Black!

SHERVIN SOROOSHIAN

SNDA JR. NEWSLETTER

EDITOR '22-'23

Undergrad: UCSC, (Danville, CA)

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD?

The people are what I've enjoyed about UCSF SOD the most. They all are unique and come from all walks of life and allow me to learn much more and gain different perspectives.

Why did you join SNDA?

IFor the sense of community and helping other prospective dental students navigate their journey to dental school.

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

Italian

What are your goals for this year?

To learn as much as I can before entering the clinic and working on the public.

What do you do for fun in your free time?

Exploring SF Favorite Color?

Blue!

BRIAN HOANG

SNDA SR. NEWSLETTER EDITOR

'22-'23

Undergrad: Portland State University, UNC Chapel Hill

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD?

I really enjoy the collaborative atmosphere that students have for each other, both in sim lab and in clinic. I also admire the faculty who are so dedicated to teaching and mentoring students. Additionally, I love having the opportunity to be involved in numerous student organizations on campus.

Why did you join SNDA?

I have been a part of SNDA since my first year at UCSF. I love being a part of the organization that focuses on helping students from various backgrounds and providing them with the mentorship to achieve their potentials.

What are your goals for this year?

My goals are to finish my requirements for graduation while providing the best dental care for all my patients, as well as improving my clinical skills. I also want to spend more time with my friends before everyone moves onto their next chapter in their career.

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

Thai, Korean, Italian, Japanese, etc. I also love desserts/ice cream like Marco Polo and Pâte à Choux.

What do you do for fun in your free time?

Hiking, camping, painting, cooking, spending time with friends

Favorite Color?

Blue!

KANE JAJIEH

SNDA SR. OUTREACH COORDINATOR '22-'23

Undergrad: UCLA

Hometown: Diamond Bar, CA

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD? My friends here!

Why did you join SNDA?

To connect with other black students.

What are your goals for this year?

Stay on top of classes, learn more about specialties, make time to explore more of San Francisco.

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

San Tung fried chicken wings!

What do you do for fun in your free time?

Workout, Netflix, make IG reels, spend time with friends

Favorite Color?

Orange

LEOPOLD SAMBA

SNDA JR. OUTREACH COORDINATOR '22-'23

Undergrad: University of Michigan

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD? Pass fail curriculum, extensive research opportunities, living in SF

Why did you join SNDA?

I joined SNDA to find a community at UCSF.

What are your goals for this year?

A goal of mine this school year is to become more comfortable doing procedures in sim lab

Favorite Color? Blue!

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF? Golden boy Pizza

What do you do for fun in your free time? Anything

STANLEY ONUEGBU

SNDA TREASURER '22-'23

Undergrad: Texas Christian University

Hometown: Issaquah, WA

What do you like the most about UCSF SOD? UCSF SoD is a school focused on community. Through the various campus organizations and the diverse student body, UCSF has given me a sense of community that helps guide me through the challenges of dental school.

Why did you join SNDA?

What is your favorite food or restaurant in SF?

Penny Roma

What do you do for fun in your free time?

Reading, Fitness, Podcasts

Favorite Color?

I joined SNDA because I am passionate about the mission to serve underrepresented minority dental students Our underserved populations mirror the historically underrepresented minority groups in dentistry and I believe that only through more equitable representation will we have a chance to ameliorate some of the health disparities that we currently see.

What are your goals for this year?

My goal is to gain more comfortability as a provider in the dental clinic and to prepare my application for residency.

Student National Dental Association Chapter at UCSF

The mission of SNDA is multifold. We strive to increase the recruitment, enrollment, and retention of underrepresented minority students in dental school by encouraging undergraduate students and younger from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds to consider dentistry as a profession We provide support and resources to aid these students in achieving their goals of entering dentistry or other health professional fields We are also committed to outreaching to underserved populations and to improving the delivery of dental health to all people.

2022 - 2023 UCSF SNDA Executive Board

FatimaKamara President

Merrill Mathew Co-Vice President

Mario Gad Co-Vice President

OsagieEkue Secretary

Stanley Onuegbu Treasurer

Kane Jajieh Senior Outreach Coordinator

BettyBirbo JuniorOutreach Coordinator

LeopoldSamba JuniorOutreach Coordinator

ArdeshirAdhami Sr.Mentorship Coordinator

JamesChavre Sr.Mentorship Coordinator

AmaraBrooks Jr.Mentorship Coordinator

ZacByrge Jr.Mentorship Coordinator

2022 - 2023 UCSF SNDA Executive Board

SamahAbbaker DentStayCoordinator LizaMegally DentStayCoordinator

MaryAbdelnour Historian

RogerKrupetsky Representative

Natalie Khalili Social Chair

SeanGanther SocialChair

Paóla Benefo GBADS

Shervin Sorooshian Jr. Newsletter Editor

BrianVinhHoang Sr.NewsletterEditor

Photo Credit: Dr Robert Ho (UCSF School of Dentistry Professor)