FALL 2024
4 President's Message 10
President Report
Members are invited and encouraged to contribute to the CSPD Bulletin. Articles of general or specific interest, Letters to the Editor, and commentary on issues of public policy and matters of pediatric oral health are welcome. Items intended for publication may be submitted to Managing Editor Dr. Chanel McCreedy at chanel.mccreedy@gmail.com or to admin@cspd.org
The mission of the Bulletin of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry is to communicate with members on issues affecting the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry and the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents. The Bulletin will provide information on Society activities, initiatives, governance, and member services, as well as information and notice of the accomplishments and actions of its members.
The views and opinions expressed by individual members in articles and commentaries are those of the author and do not necessarily represent policy or viewpoint of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry.
WELCOME AND THANK YOU
Dr. Mitch Poiset - CSPD President
As I am writing this letter, it is the end of June, and I am looking out the window of my office at the beautiful blue skies of San Diego. My hope is that all of my pediatric dentistry friends and colleagues are able to take some time away from their busy summer schedules and enjoy the wonderful weather we (mostly) enjoy in California with their friends and family. The theme of this President’s letter is Welcome and Thank You.
First, I would like to welcome Elizabeth Lipke, our new Executive Director, to the CSPD team. Elizabeth has a bachelor’s degree in communications and an MBA in marketing. She is also a Certified Association Executive, a designation awarded by the American Society of Association Executives. Recipients of the certification must be well versed in all aspects of running an organization including accounting, marketing and communications, event planning, governance and compliance, and technology and social media. In her role as Executive Director for her previous association, she maintained two websites and the primary tech stack, so she will be of great assistance to Letitia Edwards in creating our new website. Elizabeth was also the CEO of a Credit Union for 10 years, so she brings extensive experience in budgeting, bookkeeping and finance. Please welcome her personally when you meet her at our annual meeting in Seattle in April 2025.
Next, I would like to thank Paul Reggiardo. As you all know, Paul is a legend in our profession, well known at the State and National levels. He has held every position of leadership imaginable, including President of the CSPD and AAPD. Paul
created the Public Policy Advocate role decades ago, and this is now the model used in every AAPD State Chapter. Paul has continued to serve the CSPD as our Executive Director for 5 years, and his role is now transitioning to that of Special Advisor to the CSPD. We hope to continue to benefit from his extensive knowledge and experience in the workings of the CSPD, CDA, AAPD, Dental Board, and our State Legislature for years to come. Thank you, Paul, for your decades of service to the CSPD and our profession.
I am ending this letter with quotes from one of my favorite books on leadership: Colin Powell’s autobiography “My American Journey”. Colin Powell was raised in the South Bronx by parents who immigrated from Jamaica. He was educated in New York City public schools, was a professional soldier for 35 years, eventually rising to become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and then, United States Secretary of State. He held the distinction of being the first Chairman to have attained his commission through the ROTC. I’ll start with his formula on decision making, then end with his rules of leadership.
“Use the formula P = 40 to 70, in which P stands for the probability of success and the numbers indicate the percentage of information acquired. Once the information is in the 40 to 70 range, go with your gut.
Don’t take action if you have only enough information to give you less than a 40 percent chance of being right, but don’t wait until you have enough facts to be 100 percent sure, because by then, it is almost always too late. Procrastination in the name of reducing risk actually increases risk.”
Colin Powell’s Thirteen Rules of Leadership
1. It ain’t as bad as you think! It will look better in the morning.
2. Get mad then get over it.
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done.
5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of good decisions.
7. You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision. Be demanding.
12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is force multiplier.
CALLING FOR PEARLS
Dr. Chanel McCreedy - Bulletin Managing Editor
Ahhh, the days of residency. The days when clinical pearls were dropped on you like golden treasures to be tucked away and safe guarded. Many of these clinical pearls have stayed with me, some woven into my clinical practice as my own process while others stick out in my memory and are still connected to the faculty member who shared them with me. To this day, this pearl phrase handed down to me by Dr. Philip Trask at UCLA can be used in any and all situations with patients, parents, my kids (and my spouse!) — “I hear what you’re saying, and you might be right.” Oh, the power. What a pearl.
Now, as a practicing pediatric dentist and former full-time academician, I have been reflecting on my own clinical pearls. You know, the little things we do in practice that we have found or created along the way. Who are we sharing these clinical pearls with now? Maybe you are teaching and sharing with residents or dental students? Maybe you share with your study club? Maybe you post and share with iPedo colleagues?
Today, I am calling for pearls.
Do you have any pearls from residency that have stuck with you? Send them to me for my next article and be sure to credit your faculty and university.
Do you have any clinical pearls that you would like to share with our CSPD community? Is there something you are doing in your practice that has solved a problem or enhanced your clinical care? I would love to hear about it!
To start off, I will share a clinical pearl that we recently incorporated with success. Previously, I saw on iPedo that some colleagues were using a magnetic acupressure patch to help patients with their strong gag reflex. In 2006, Rosted et al. published The use of acupuncture in controlling the gag reflex in patients requiring an upper alginate impression: an audit in the British Dental Journal. They found that “acupuncture of point CV-24 is an effective method of controlling severe [gag reflex] during dental treatment including impression taking,” and this gave me confidence to try the magnetic acupressure patch on point CV-24 to help with controlling the gag reflex (Figure 1). We ask permission from parents before applying the patch, which looks like a band-aid, and we always remove the patch before the patient leaves the office. We have seen great success in lowering the gag reflex, and some parents have started to ask for the patch to be placed because they remember how well it worked at their child’s last visit. It does not seem to work for everyone, but it works well enough that we are definitely keeping this as a clinical pearl in the office.
Let’s talk soon! Email a pearl to me at chanel.mccreedy@gmail.com
Location of acupuncture point CV-24.
Rosted, P., Bundgaard, M., Fiske, J. et al. The use of acupuncture in controlling the gag reflex in patients requiring an upper alginate impression: an audit. Br Dent J 201, 721–725 (2006).
Let’s talk about your future. Contact us to learn more about career opportunities or how to transition your practice with D4C Dental Brands. D4CDentalBrands.com
Figure 1.
Figure 2. Magnetic acupressure sticker.
WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!
Dr. Oariona Lowe - Annual Meeting Co-Chair
Dr. Mylinh Ngo - Annual Meeting Co-Chair
The CSPD Annual Meeting Committee, personally invites you to the 2025 CSPD/WSPD Annual Session in Seattle, WA at the Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle. Exhilarating academic sessions and great social events are being planned and designed especially for you.
The annual meeting program commences on Thursday afternoon with a special symposium for Residents as well as BLS and PALS courses. Our daily academic sessions will begin with Breakfast in the Exhibitor Hall where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite breakfast drink networking with friends and colleagues. Have an early discussion, chat, and mingle with our sponsors and exhibitors to hear about their special pricing for our meeting attendees.
Each day, after breakfast, head over to the lecture hall to listen to presentations on Pediatric Restorative Dentistry, Caries Prevention and Early Intervention, Practice Management, CBCT imaging in Radiology, AI and its application in dentistry, Sedation Safety, and Pediatric Dental Anxiety.
Residents and fellow pediatric dentists will present Posters on various research topics and case reports related to our specialty.
Join us for up to 14 CEUs!
Book your hotel room directly with the Westin using the CSPD code for a special room rate. Its address on 5th Avenue makes it equally if not more appealing than the name itself. The hotel is within a 10-minute walk to Pike Place Market. It is less than a mile away from the Space Needle and 1.1 miles from Seattle Center. Within the hotel is a 24 hour fitness center and an indoor pool. Pets are allowed but the hotel has a special policy. Please go to their website to familiarize yourself with their restrictions.
What does adventure mean to you? Does it mean braving the depths in a submarine to uncover the marine life that resides far beneath the ocean surface? Perhaps a cultural immersion down the Silk Road or taking a private jet journey is more to your liking. Whatever you seek, this year’s annual meeting in Seattle will give you some of that adventure. When not attending an academic session or making a purchase in the exhibitor hall, venture into Canada and do some hiking, cross over the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver, visit Victoria and enjoy ‘high tea’ at the elegant Fairmont Empress Hotel. Take a day off and visit Steveston, the picturesque fishing village outside of Vancouver in Richmond, BC. It’s a popular film location Once Upon a Time… If going to Canada, Don’t forget your passport! More of a city dweller? Enjoy Seattle’s downtown. Wander down Pike’s Place market. Have a coffee at the “‘original” Starbucks…you may need to stand in line for that opportunity…but it’s worth the wait!
The entire CSPD and Western District leadership and membership welcomes you to come and enjoy our hospitality. Relax with us and learn from pediatric dentistry experts! Join us in Seattle, April 24-27, 2025. We can’t wait to see you!
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE REPORT | PREPARED - JULY 11, 2024
BILLS OF INTEREST
Dr. Paul Reggiardo - Special
Advisor to the CSPD Board of Directors
CSPD follows a number of bills under consideration by the state legislature which potentially impact pediatric oral health and care delivery. Members having questions or wishing to comment on these, or other legislative matters, should contact CSPD at admin@cspd.org
AB 2630 (BONTA) KINDERGARTEN ORAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Summary: Existing law requires a pupil at initial public school enrollment in either kindergarten or first grade to receive an oral health assessment by a qualified dental health professional no earlier than 12 months prior and no later than May 31 of the school year. This bill would define “kindergarten” for this purpose as including both traditional and newer transitional kindergarten.
CSPD POSITION: SUPPORT
Comment: Legislation (AB 1433 of 2005) established the current oral health assessment requirement at a time when transitional kindergarten in public schools was neither mandatory nor widespread. Whether initial enrollment in transitional kindergarten is covered under present law is open to interpretation. The legislation would remove this ambiguity.
AB 2701 (VILLAPUDUA) MEDI-CAL: DENTAL CLEANINGS AND EXAMINATIONS
Summary: This bill would expand California Medi-Cal Dental benefits to include a second yearly cleaning (dental prophylaxis) and dental examination for adults aged 21 and over.
CSPD POSITION: SUPPORT
Comment: Medi-Cal currently covers one prophylactic cleaning and periodic dental exam per year for adults over age 21. The generally accepted standard of care is a minimum of two dental examinations and cleanings a year, or every six months, to ensure maximum prevention against dental diseases.
SB 980 (WAHAB) MEDI-CAL: DENTAL CROWNS AND IMPLANTS (SMILE ACT)
Summary: Provides Medi-Cal Dental Program coverage of dental implants at any age if removal of the corresponding permanent tooth is medically necessary or otherwise missing and authorizes laboratory-processed crowns on anterior teeth after age 13.
CSPD POSITION: NO POSITION TAKEN
Comment: Dental implant coverage would be subject to the condition that no other covered functional alternatives for prosthetic replacement would correct the dental condition, as determined in consultation with an oral surgeon or periodontist. Medi-Cal adult benefits limited to $1,800 a year (although exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis). As a policy matter, requiring broad coverage of dental implants without considering or expanding Medi-Cal Dental Program coverage of alternative fixed or removable dental prostheses is questionable.
SB 1067 (SMALLWOOD-CUEVAS) EXPEDITED DENTAL LICENSURE: UNDERSERVED AREAS/POPULATIONS
Summary: The bill would require medical arts boards under the jurisdiction of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) to give priority consideration to licensure applicants who demonstrate an intent to practice in a medically underserved area or serve a medically underserved population. The bill would remain in effect from January 2025 to December 2029.
CSPD POSITION: OPPOSE UNLESS AMENDED
Comment: The DCA currently requires (1) members of the Armed Forces who have served on active duty and were honorably discharged, (2) spouses or domestic partners of active-duty military members assigned to a duty station in California, and (3) refugees granted asylum or those with a Special Immigrant Visa receive priority review for licensure. It is unclear what actual effect passage would have on dental licensure or delivery capacity in the state.
SB 1290 (ROTH) ADULT DENTAL CARE – ESSENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS
Summary: This bill would sunset the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Small Group HMO 30 as California’s Essential Health Benefit benchmark for individual and small group health plans and insurance policies after the 2026 plan year and allow the legislature to adopt a new benchmark plan for the 2027 plan year.
CSPD POSITION: SUPPORT
Comment: The Biden Administration released a final rule in April giving states the option of adding adult dental care as an Essential Health Benefit. EHBs are services health plans are required to cover under the Affordable Care Act. Pediatric services under the ACA include oral and vision care. Each state selects a health plan as the “benchmark” that identifies the minimum services health plans must offer in the state, which may go beyond mandated federal EHBs. California now has the option of requiring health plans offered in the individual and small group markets to provide adult dental services. California cannot change or select a new EHB benchmark plan without this legislation.
SB 1369 (LIMON) DENTAL SERVICES: FEE-BASED PAYMENTS
Summary: This CDA-sponsored bill would require that payments made directly or through a contracted vendor to a dental provider have a non-fee-based default method of payment.
CSPD POSITION: SUPPORT
Comment: The bill would prohibit mandatory fee assessments with virtual credit card (VCC) payments by requiring dental plans and VCC companies to provide a straightforward process for opting in and out of VCC payments and thereby ensuring dentists receive full payment for dental services.
SB 1453 DENTAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA SUNSET
REVIEW PROVISIONS
Summary: This bill makes various changes to the operations of the Dental Board and to the Dental Practice Act. Included are changes to the education, scope of practice, and regulation of dental auxiliaries (including dental assistants, orthodontic assistants, and registered dental assistants), clarifying and technical “clean-up” alterations to SB 501 sedation regulations; minor modifications to continuing dental education requirements to qualify courses in provider mental health and wellness, and changes in dental license display requirements. It further eliminates the portfolio pathway to dental licensure and makes substantive revision of the Elective Facial Cosmetic Surgery permitting process to allow for faster processing of applications. The bill would replace the Registered Dental Hygienist on the Board with a second Registered Dental Assistant (in addition to the existing eight practicing dentists and five public members) and would qualify completion of a pediatric dental residency as meeting the educational requirement for issuance of the adult Oral Conscious Sedation certificate.
CSPD POSITION: SUPPORT
Comment: It is this last provision that would facilitate the permitting of pediatric dentists wishing to minimally sedate adolescents with disabilities and heightened anxieties.
2024 WARREN BRANDLI LEADERSHIP
INTERNS
Dr. Daniel Aclan
Dr. Daniel Aclan, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, pursued his Doctor of Dental Medicine at WesternU College of Dental Medicine in Pomona, California. It was here that his passion for organized dentistry took root. Actively engaged with grassroots initiatives through the California Dental Association, he participated in state and national lobby days to enhance access to dental care and advocate for reducing health disparities among at-risk populations.
Dr. Aclan’s dedication to community outreach is exemplified by his coordination of events such as Healthy Smiles at the Special Olympics. These events provided services including oral health screenings, fluoride treatments, and the fabrication of mouth guards for athletes with special needs.
Dr. Aclan’s internship project aims to educate CSPD members about the latest regulations surrounding minimal and moderate sedation for pediatric dentists. This initiative will provide comprehensive resources, including updated guidelines and best practices to ensure that pediatric dentists are well-informed and compliant with new laws. The project will focus on simplifying complex regulatory language and offering practical examples to best treat the pediatric population. By enhancing the understanding of sedation protocols, this project seeks to improve patient safety and care quality in pediatric dentistry.
In recognition of his clinical skills and commitment to leadership, Dr. Aclan was honored with the East West Scholarship of clinical excellence during his dental education. His career is marked by a profound commitment to improving oral health and making a tangible difference in his community. He is a current resident at NYU Langone Health - San Diego and plans to finish June 2025. When he is not treating or advocating for patients he loves working out, golfing and busting a groove on the dance floor!
Dr. Mimansa Cholera
Dr. Mimansa Cholera grew up in India. She moved to the San Francisco Bay Area after completing her dental training (BDS) in India. She earned her Master’s in Public Health from UC Davis in 2017. She worked as an Epidemiologist at the San Francisco Department of Public Health focusing on children’s oral health in San Francisco before going to the University of Washington where she earned her DDS in 2021. She loves being able to care for children through her pediatric dental residency at UCSF. She has always been passionate about impacting children’s lives by doing meaningful work that lies at the intersection of clinical and public health. During residency, she was able to conduct a randomized control trial over two years that focused on identifying noninvasive saliva biomarkers of preventable common chronic diseases in children at a larger scale in San Francisco for elementary age school children. Dr. Cholera will continue collaborating with the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) after her residency to further her efforts to reduce barriers to access to care and keep progressing her current research at a much larger scale. She is excited to join the CSPD board as a Warren Brandli Intern where she wishes to advocate for children’s health and for pediatric dentists.
She will be focusing on exploring the understanding of pediatric dentists on “Oral Health Assessment.” This project will bring one of her efforts in the public health domain to a full circle as she started her work in the field of public health by first working on assessing the impact of “AB1433 Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Law” for her MPH practicum thesis under the guidance of Dr. Jay Kumar.
Dr. Cholera is a proud new mommy to a 2-year-old boy! She enjoys spending time with her son playing in the park, and spending time in nature with her husband and her family. She lives by her spiritual practice of seeing divine in everyone and everything and spreading light and joy!
SANTOS CORTEZ GRADUATE STUDENT LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY (GSLA) INTERNS
Dr. Ava Arshadi
Dr. Ava Arshadi was born in Southern California, and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. She obtained her DDS degree at the University of California, San Francisco, and completed a general dentistry residency on the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation in Tucson, Arizona. She went on to serve as a general dentist in the National Health Service Corps for several years, where she treated primarily children in underserved communities at federally qualified health centers in the San Francisco Bay Area. During this time, Dr. Arshadi recognized the socioeconomic and psychosocial obstacles children often face in receiving timely and adequate dental care. Combined with her passion for public health, she chose to pursue a pediatric dental residency to further her knowledge in the specialty so that she can better serve the children of our most vulnerable communities.
Dr. Arshadi is currently a 2nd year resident at the NYU Langone Health – San Diego pediatric dentistry residency program. As a Graduate Student Legislative and Advocacy (GSLA) Intern, she is eager to learn and grow as an advocate for children on the state and national level.
Dr. Berenice Cheng
Dr. Berenice Cheng is from Melbourne, Australia where she completed her dental degree at the University of Melbourne. Whilst practicing as a general dentist in both private and public clinics in Australia and Canada, she developed a keen interest in global health and pro bono care for underserved populations. She completed a Master’s of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University with a Certificate in Global Health and has led aid trips in Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Tanzania, Palau and most recently, Ukraine over the past 15 years. Dr. Cheng served on the Australian Dental Association’s Oral Health Committee for 8 years and enjoyed teaching predoctoral dental students at the University of Melbourne. She will complete pediatric training at Loma Linda University in 2025 and looks forward to a career at the intersection of all her interests: clinical practice, global health policy and education.
Dr. Aubrey Morrone
Dr. Aubrey Morrone was born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Maryland, College ParkGo Terps! Dr. Morrone then went on to complete her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where she was a participant in the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program.
While in dental school, Dr. Morrone was very involved in the Special Care Dentistry Association, serving as the president of her school’s chapter as well as the National Student Liaison. She is passionate about working with patients with special healthcare needs (SHCN) and underserved communities. Dr. Morrone is excited to be completing her residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), while concurrently earning her Master of Public Health.
She hopes to use this advanced training to advocate for underserved pediatric patients and those with SHCN. In her free time, Dr. Morrone enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, exploring national parks, running, and spending time relaxing with her cat, Lily. She is excited to explore the west coast and see as many national parks as possible during her time in California!
CSPD LEADERSHIP ADVOCACY EFFORTS
CSPD INTERNS JOIN CSPD LEADERSHIP IN SACRAMENTO ADVOCACY EFFORTS
Dr. Santos Cortez - CDAF Board Member and Trinity County Clinic Team Leader
Representatives from CSPD met June 18th, 2024, in Sacramento with state legislators and legislative staff to discuss critical issues affecting children’s oral health, dental care delivery, and state funding of oral health measures. Arranged by CDA in a joint advocacy effort, CSPD elected leaders and postdoctoral student interns together engaged in comprehensive interactive conversations with lawmakers and their administrative staffs on pending legislative issues central to advancing the vision of optimal oral health for all children. The discussions this year centered on securing funding in the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget for the state’s Specialty Dental Clinic Grant Program, providing a technical legislative fix allowing pediatric dentists
holding a pediatric minimal sedation permit to provide minimal sedation to adolescent patients under the adult oral conscious sedation certificate, defining school entrance for the required oral health assessment as including both traditional and newer transitional kindergarten, and establishing expanded pathways to Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) licensing.
Pictured left to right: Past President Santos Cortez, VicePresident MyLinh Ngo, Legislative Advocacy Intern Ava Arshadi, Legislative Advocacy Intern Shelly Wu, Leadership Intern Daniel Aclan, Legislative Advocacy Intern Aubry Marrone, CSPD Executive Director Paul Reggiardo, Leadership Intern Angela Navas, and CSPD President Mitchell Poiset.
CSPD MEMBER PAIRING PROGRAM - SIGN UPS COMING SOON!
Dr. Natalie Vander Kam - Chair of Membership Services Committee and Secretary
The membership services committee is happy to continue our successful Membership Pairing Program for CSPD members. The purpose of this program is to serve as a resource for our members to connect and grow. This program was started in 2023 with the goal to pair pediatric dentists within our membership so that as they develop a relationship, they can learn from one another, providing a path to skill and knowledge transfer in areas such as clinical skills, employee management, business skills, and leadership.
The program may also help to foster a pathway to future associateships or practice transitions. The pairing program will have a one-year commitment once the pairings have been made. New sign-ups for mentees and mentors will be coming in the fall, so be on the lookout!
PRESIDENT REPORT
Dr. Robert E. McAlpine - WSPD President
Dear WSPD Colleagues,
I would like to express my gratitude for your ongoing support of the WSPD. It is through the collaboration of our state associations and societies that our collective community is able to have a strong voice in the advancement of our profession. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our shared goals.
I am pleased to inform you that the WSPD recently held a business meeting during the AAPD Annual session to discuss and finalize the revision of our bylaws and install new officers. I would like to express my gratitude to our immediate past president, Dr. Felicity Hardwick, for her excellent leadership during the 2023-2024 term.
I am honored to be joined by the incoming officers for the 2024-2025 term, including Drs. Felicity Hardwick as immediate Past President, Harlyn Susarla as Vice-President, Patricia Benton as Treasurer, and Sarah Hulland as Secretary.
Our next board meeting is scheduled for October 4th, 2024, in Seattle WA. The WSPD is eager to build upon the strategic planning completed earlier this year and is committed to making a greater impact on oral healthcare for children and meeting the needs of our members.
Best Regards.
AAPD ANNUAL SESSION IN TORONTO
Dr. Donald Schmitt - AAPD Western District Trustee (2024-2027)
What a great time in Toronto! A beautiful city on the shores of Lake Ontario provided a wonderful backdrop for yet another fabulous Annual Session. The Friday night Welcome Reception featured an amazing performance by Bare Naked Ladies that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The exhibit hall was packed with our generous sponsors and the Continuing Education courses were top notch. I hope you will all plan to join us next May in Denver, hometown of AAPD President Scott Smith.
AAPD Board of Trustee’s Meeting
The Board approved the below budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. A loss is projected only due to a very conservative view of revenues and a pessimistic view of expenses. In fact, AAPD is in strong financial shape with healthy reserves.
CORE REVENUES
Membership 4,751,404.00
Annual Session 3,207,077.00
Education 1,562,781.88
Publications 974,308.33
Other 1,095,309.09
TOTAL $11,590,880.30
CORE EXPENSES
In addition, the Board honored AAPD Past President, longtime Congressional Liaison and Special Advisor to the Board, Dr. Heber Simmons. For his decades of service to AAPD and the profession, the Distinguished Service Award, AAPD’s highest honor, has been renamed the Heber Simmons Jr. Distinguished Service Award.
AAPD Chapter Leadership Summit
TOTAL $12,486,303.19
The board also approved the addition of the AAPD mission (Advance optimal oral health for all children by delivering outstanding service that meets and exceeds the needs and expectations of our members, partners, and stakeholders) and vision (Optimal oral health for all children) statements to the membership renewal statements to remind members of their importance. Both statements are also printed on the back of the name cards that sit in front of each board member during meetings so that the statements are foremost in the Board’s mind as it deliberates.
On September 13-14, AAPD will be hosting Chapter and District Leaders and PPAs in Chicago for a leadership summit meeting, PPA workshops and networking. This biannual event includes topics on ADA CERP rules, chapter dues and budgeting, and a full day covering all aspects of advocacy.
AAPD PAC
It’s membership renewal time and it’s also time to donate to the AAPD PAC. Please give hard dollar donations from your personal account because only hard dollar donations can be sent to political candidates. Soft dollar donations are appreciated but those can only be used for administrative expenses. The AAPD PAC has a goal of $40k in hard dollar donations from each district for a total of $200k. The Western District has been at or near the top of fundraising for all districts over the past several years and I ask you once again to please give your hard dollar donations generously. Thank you for your support!
C S P D F O U N D A T I O N
N S U P P O R T O F P E D I A T R I C D E
N T A L E D U C A T I O N
The CSPD Foundation is delighted to welcome to the Foundation Board the 2024-2025 Warren Brandli Leadership Interns, Drs Mimansa Cholera and Daniel Aclan
In my next year as a WBI, I am looking forward to learning the inner works of the foundation, and to support its growth as it continues to support resident education and research In life, I love practicing Yoga and live by spiritual practice of seeing divine in everyone and everything
~ Mimansa Cholera, UCSF, 2024
I look forward to working with and meeting leaders who dedicate their time and resources to support the CSPD Foundation as an organization that continues to have a valuable and significant impact on the children in California and the pediatric dental community An extracurricular activity I love is dance I used to dance in a competitive dance troupe and have taught dance to inner city youth in the Bay Area
~ Daniel Aclan, NYU Lagone, San Diego, 2026
The CSPD Foundation is thankful for the support of our newest Diamond Life Donors David and Cindy Okuji We asked Dr Okuji to tell us why he and Cindy chose to support the Foundation The valediction to his reply beautifully summarized it all:
“Toward the Best Tomorrow”
"Years ago, as a dental student & pediatric dentistry resident, the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry played a pivotal role in shaping my educational & career path, especially in how to serve & care for society's most precious resource: its children Now, after 45 years of membership with CSPD, my family & I have chosen to give back by supporting the CSPD Foundation This foundation's commitment to enhancing pediatric dentistry education aligns closely with our values & experiences In my role as a residency program director, I have directly witnessed the profound impact of the CSPD Foundation's programs on our residents. These initiatives not only support their professional growth but also contribute significantly to the care & health outcomes they provide to children It is our heartfelt desire that these invaluable programs continue to thrive indefinitely, ensuring a lasting benefit to future generations of pediatric dental professionals & the children they serve ”
CSPD Foundation is blessed to have Thomas Tanbonliong (Dr Tom) on board! With an academic career spanning over 3 decades, Tom has served as clinic & research director at USC, program director at UCSF, and, currently, serves as program director at UW. His academic leadership has shaped the careers of numerous pediatric dentists, fostering a new generation of professionals dedicated to children’s oral health As a Past President of CSPD Tom recognizes the Foundation’s crucial role in supporting pediatric dental education His belief that knowledge and information are transformative powers underscores his commitment to ensuring the Foundation's continued relevance and impact Tom’s unique perspective as an academician enriches discussions within the foundation, contributing to its altruistic and collaborative culture Outside of his professional pursuits, Tom finds joy in exploring the world through its cuisines, embodying his belief in experiencing life one bite at a time
BOARD MOTIONS
MOTION 2024.06.15.01 (VANDER KAM/SCHMITT): Approval of the Minutes. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2024.06.15.02 (SCHMITT/VANDER KAM): To hire Elizabeth Lipke as our next Executive Director. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2024.06.15.03 (GIRN/VANDER KAM): Approve the 2024-2025 budget as presented. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2024.06.15.04 (SCHMITT/GIRN): CSPD take a position of support on AB 2701. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2024.06.15.05 (SCHMITT/WILLETT): CSPD to oppose SB 1067 unless amended. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2024.06.15.06 (SCHMITT/NGO): CSPD take a position of support on SB 1290. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2024.06.15.07 (SCHMITT/NGO): CSPD to take a position of support on SB 1453. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2024.06.15.08 (SCHMITT/VANDER KAM): CSPD to support SB 1369 as amended. MOTION CARRIED
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CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
ELECTED AND APPOINTED LEADERSHIP
A complete listing of committee appointments may be found at www.cspd.org
OFFICERS
President: Dr. Mitchell Poiset
Vice President: Dr. MyLinh Ngo
Secretary: Dr. Natalie Vander Kam
Treasurer: Dr. Shan Girn
Immediate Past President: Dr. Donald Schmitt
DIRECTORS
North (2023-2025): Dr. Evan Chang
North (2023-2025): Dr. Helen Mo
South (2023-2025): Dr. Leslie Butler
South (2023-2025): Dr. Catherine Pham
North (2024-2026): Dr. Cheryl Willett
South (2024-2026): Dr. Laura McCormack
At Large (2024-2026): Dr. Pardis Lipkin
At Large (2024-2026): Dr. Ella Saeed
APPOINTED OFFICERS
Bulletin Managing Editor: Dr. Chanel McCreedy
Website Editor: Dr. Letitia Edwards
Special Advisor to the CSPD Board of Directors: Dr. Paul Reggiardo
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Lipke
WARREN BRANDLI LEADERSHIP INTERNS
Dr. Daniel Aclan (NYU San Diego)
Dr. Mimansa Cholera (UCSF)
UPCOMING EVENTS
SANTOS CORTEZ GRADUATE STUDENT LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY INTERNS
Dr. Ava Arshadi (NYU San Diego)
Dr. Berenice Cheng (LLU)
Dr. Aubrey Morrone (UCSF) CONTACTS & LIAISONS
AAPD Western District Trustee: Dr. Donald Schmitt
AAPD Liaison: Dr. Catherine Pham
WSPD Liaison: Dr. Pardis Lipkin
Annual Meeting Sponsor Relations Liaison: Dr. Leslie Butler
CSPD Foundation President:
Dr. Rebecca Lee
CSPD Foundation Liaison: Dr. Donald Schmitt
Consultant – Legislative Affairs: Dr. Santos Cortez
Consultant – Dental Board California: Dr. Paul Reggiardo
CSPD VOTING MEMBERS TO THE WSPD BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Mitchell Poiset
Dr. MyLinh Ngo
Dr. Pardis Lipkin
Dr. Ella Saeed
STAFF
Administrative Operations Manager: Diane Skullr
April 24-27, 2025
2025 CSPD Annual Meeting Seattle Westin Hotel Seattle, WA
March 12-15, 2026
2026 CSPD Annual Meeting
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay San Diego, CA
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Executive Committee: Dr. Mitchell Poiset
Governance: Dr. Donald Schmitt
Membership Services and Credentials: Dr. Natalie Vander Kam
Nominations: Dr. Mitchell Poiset
Annual Meeting: Dr. Oariona Lowe
Budget and Finance: Dr. Shan Girn
Non-Dues Revenue Subcommittee: Dr. Cheryl Willett
Leadership Development: Dr. Carolynn Vuong Shultz
Communications and Publications:
Dr. Catherine Pham
Academic Programs Advisory: Dr. Nini Tran and Dr. Wai Yin Chan
Continuing Education: Dr. Jean Star, Dr. Laura McCormack
Public Policy and Advocacy: Dr. Andrew Tong
CSPD PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Have you been thinking about hiring an associate, but just aren't sure where to look? Or are you finishing your residency soon, and aren't sure where you'd like to live and practice?
The answer is right on the CSPD website. To look at these opportunities and others, go to www.cspd.org
• Opportunities Wanted
• Opportunities Available
• Faculty Positions Available
• Practices for Sale