CSPD Spring Bulletin 2024 by CA SPD

4 President's Message

6 Annual Meeting Program

14 Bills of Interest

CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY SPRING 2024 | Volume 51 – Number 4

BULLETIN

Join us for an exclusive walkthrough of Dr Ozzie Jafarnia's thriving pediatric dental office Learn firsthand from Dr Jafarnia about the strategies that have made her practice a success, and gain insights from industry leaders to help kickstart your journey to practice ownership Don't miss this chance to take the first steps towards your own flourishing pediatric dental practice! Limited space is available, so register to secure your spot!

Ozzie Jafarnia

Danville Pediatric Dentistry

Ali Oromchian

Dental & Medical Counsel

Forrest Wiederman

Bank of America

Mike Smith

ROAM Commercial Realty

Foad Ahmadi

ROAM Commercial Realty

Gene St. Louis

Dental Practice Consultant

Saturday, April 20, 2024

8:30am - 11:30am

Check-in/Breakfast: 8:30 AM

Danville Pediatric Dentistry Orthodontics

4135 Blackhawk Plaza Cir #260, Danville, CA 94506

More information:

Direct Link:

https://www cspd org/event/From OfficeToOpportunity

Please reach out to CSPD directly for any questions

Email: admin@cspd org

B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y :

F r o m O f f i c e t o O p p o r t u n i t y : L a u n c h i n g Y o u r F i r s t P e d i a t r i c D e n t a l P r a c t i c e S t e p i n s i d e a t h r i v i n g p e d i a t r i c d e n t a l p r a c t i c e , g l e a n i n s i g h t s f r o m t h e o w n e r , a n d d i s c o v e r t h e k e y s t o h e r u n p a r a l l e l e d s u c c e s s , g u i d e d b y i n d u s t r y e x p e r t s .

o m p l i m e n t a r y E v e n t & B r e a k f a s t I N D U S T R Y E X P E R T S :

SPRING 2024

DR. CHANEL MCCREEDY - BULLETIN MANAGING EDITOR

4 President's Message

11 Executive Director's Report

16 Board Interns

WSPD President's Message

5 Annual Meeting News

14 Bills of Interest

Annual Meeting Program

AAPD Western Trustee Report

CSPD Foundation

Dr. Steven J Niethamer

24 Board Motions

Elected and Appointed Leadership

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.

CSPD BULLETIN 3

TABLE of CONTENTS

IN THIS ISSUE Volume 51 | Number 4

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

I'LL SEE YOU IN PALM DESERT!

Dr. Don Schmitt - CSPD President

As you read this, the Annual Meeting Team, led by the amazing Ora Lowe, is hard at work finalizing details for another great meeting. This year we will be at the beautiful JW Marriott in Palm Desert, CA. There is a fantastic lineup of speakers including James Coll, Brian Novy, and, from all the way across the pond in Ireland, Anne O’Connell speaking about traumatology. If you have not yet registered, there is still time to join us!

We are all looking forward to being together again enjoying informative lectures, fun social events, and catching up with friends and colleagues. There will, however, be one very important piece missing from this year’s meeting. After a long and brave battle, the CSPD has lost a truly wonderful, caring, and dedicated member of our family in Steve Niethamer. Steve’s title of Website Editor did not even begin to cover the myriad of duties large and small that he handled for many, many years for the CSPD. In recognition of his immense devotion to the CSPD, the upcoming annual meeting, which is in Steve’s hometown, will be dedicated to his memory. There is also a lovely tribute to Steve later in this bulletin written by CSPD Past President and former CSPD Bulletin Editor, Dr. Lonnie Lovingier. I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation for all that Steve did for the CSPD and for me personally. Steve and I had many wonderful conversations over the years about the CSPD, about life, and about family. I feel very fortunate to have known and worked with Steve and I will dearly miss him.

At the January CSPD Board meeting our three Santos Cortez Graduate Student Legislative Advocates (GSLA) delivered an impressive presentation regarding efforts by Nurse Anesthetists to receive legislative approval for independent practice. This effort by Nurse Anesthetists is in the very early stages and there is not currently a bill before the legislature. However, it’s clear

the Nurse Anesthetists are laying the necessary groundwork to achieve their goal. Our Public Policy Advocate, Amber Nierode, and all the CSPD leadership will be closely monitoring the situation as it develops. Increasing the number of available anesthesia providers will likely lead to an increase in access to care which is generally beneficial. The quality of that care though must be at a very high level especially when general anesthesia or intravenous sedation are involved. When it comes to pediatric cases, the level of training for nurse anesthetists is not nearly at the same depth that medical anesthesiologists receive.

In addition to our three Cortez GSLAs (Drs. Nisha Choksi, Rand Khasawneh, and Shelly Xuerui Wu), one of our Warren Brandli Interns (WBI), Dr. Marivic DeLeon, also presented her project. Dr. DeLeon’s project detailed the CSPD Foundation (CSPDF) sponsored Lunch ‘n Learns which inform residents about the activities of the CSPD and the CSPDF and the benefits of being a member of organized dentistry. Dr. DeLeon’s presentation was equally impressive and informative for the board. Our other WBI, Dr. Angela Navas, will present to the board in March. I mention these interns and their projects both because of the quality and importance of the information delivered and because it’s another example of the benefits of supporting the CSPD Foundation. Neither the WBI nor the GSLA program would likely exist without the support of the Foundation. Both programs serve to link residents to the CSPD and to develop their leadership skills. The importance of these intern programs is further highlighted by the fact that two of the people put forward for director positions by the Nominating Committee this year are former WBIs. I urge members to donate to the CSPD Foundation and thank the Foundation for its continued commitment to supporting these vital programs.

It's a bit hard to believe that a year has gone by, but this marks my final message to you as CSPD President. Serving as your 49th President has been an honor and a privilege. I’d like to thank outgoing Treasurer Gary Sabbadini (who has also served as a Director, Editor, and on a myriad of committees), and outgoing Directors John Guijon, Dora Lee, and Michael Suh for their dedicated service to the CSPD. I know the CSPD is in good hands with incoming President Mitch Poiset and an amazing team of Officers, Directors, Committee Chairs and members, and support staff. I wish the Poiset Administration calm seas and fair winds.

Mahalo nui loa to all of you for your continued support of the CSPD. Aloha until we meet in Palm Desert!

4 SPRING 2024

ANNUAL MEETING NEWS

GREETINGS!

Dr. Oariona Lowe - CSPD Past President and Annual Meeting Chair

Dr. Mylinh Ngo - CSPD Vice President and Annual Meeting Co-Chair

Our annual meeting is around the corner, March 21-24 at the luxurious JW Marriott Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, CA.

Join us for some great continuing education, warmth, and relaxation. Our renowned speakers include Dr. James Coll who will be speaking on the latest guidelines in Pulp Therapy. Dental Traumatology will be addressed by Dr. Anne O’Connell, and Dr. Donald Chi will speak on Parental Refusal of Fluoride. Dr. Brian Novy will enlighten us with “Nobody Caries” and Dr. Norman Tinanoff will present on Fluoride Efficacy and Clinical Applications. Poster presentations are scheduled on Friday and Saturday, and you’ll earn continuing education credit for viewing the posters. Resident posters will be available for viewing Friday 8am5pm and Saturday until 3pm. The poster award ceremony is planned for Saturday afternoon at 1:30pm.

When not attending a lecture session, visit the Exhibit Hall and your favorite exhibitor. Take advantage of show specials and place your orders onsite!

Be a tourist… Enjoy the Desert and its surroundings, go on a shopping spree or just hang out with old and new friends and colleagues poolside, or relax at one of the beautiful JW Marriott lounges. Take a gondola ride and enjoy the flamingos!

Alumni receptions are planned for Saturday evening along with the WSPD reception. Be prepared to mingle and network! Find a new Associate or a future partner.

Let’s meet up for camaraderie, good food, entertainment, and education! Be entertained by local artists at our Thursday night Welcome Reception and Saturday night cocktail party. Return home with updated knowledge in pediatric dentistry that can be used in clinical practice daily.

Register online through our website: www.cspd.org. Take advantage of Early Bird registration or sign up on-site. We can’t wait to see you!

Don’t miss the fun and excitement of the Desert! Earn up to 18CE units.

See you all soon!

CSPD BULLETIN 5

MEETING PROGRAM

Bring this Bulletin to the meeting! Use the following printed program along with the digital app so you don’t miss a beat.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

CSPD Volunteer Dinner

Location: Restaurant to be announced

CSPD Board Members and invited guests

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024

8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Registration Opens

Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

CSPD Board of Directors Meeting

Location: Director A

For CSPD Board of Director Members and invited guests

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

NuSmile Pre-Conference Program - Restore

Location: Pavilion

Special Course presented by NuSmile for a discounted fee.

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

CSPD Board and Foundation Trustee Lunch

Location: TBA

For CSPD Board Members, Foundation Trustees and invited guests

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

"Basic Life Support (BLS) Course"

Presented by: Jeff Laabs, RCP

Location: San Jacinto

For Dentists and Dental Auxiliaries

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Resident Conference

Location: Santa Rosa

For Residents and invited guests

2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

"PALS Re-Certification Provider Course"

(For those with current certificate)

Location: San Jacinto

For Dentists and Dental Auxiliaries

2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

"PALS Full-Certification Provider Course"

(Course is for new providers or those with expired certificates)

Location: San Jacinto

For Dentists and Dental Auxiliaries

6 SPRING 2024

2024 CSPD ANNUAL MEETING - MARCH 21-24, 2024 | PALM DESERT, CA

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception

Location: The Grove

This is a ticketed event for All Meeting Registrants

Reconnect with friends you’ve missed over the past year! Immerse yourself in an evening of camaraderie among the scenic beauty of Palm Dessert. You’re invited to join everyone at the Welcome Reception located on the Springs Patio at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. Celebrate reconnecting with colleagues in an evening filled with laughter and shared experiences. Light hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided.

7:30 p.m.

Dinner on Your Own

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2024

6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

CSPD Past Presidents' Breakfast

Location: Director A

CSPD Past Presidents and invited guests only. A virtual option may be available for those Past Presidents who are not able to join us onsite. Zoom connection information coming.

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Sponsor Breakfast

Location: Springs D/E

Enjoy breakfast while listening to a sponsor's promotional program. Participants must sign up for breakfast.

7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Open

Location: Springs Salon A-F

This year promises to have some of our best and most loyal exhibitors. Attendees should plan to save your orders to purchase during this meeting.

7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Registration

Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

Location: Commercial Exhibits Hall

"Fluoride Hesitancy in Practice: How to Spot and Manage It"

Presented by: Donald Chi, DDS

Location: Springs Salon A-F

MEETINGS OF THE DENTAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

Dr. Paul Reggiardo - Executive Director

The Dental Board of California met in Sacramento, CA, November 8-9, 2023. The following report summarizes actions and issues coming before the Board pertinent to pediatric oral health and practice delivery.

RESUMPTION OF DENTAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA NEWSLETTER

In May, the Board resumed, after a two-decade hiatus, production of a semi-annual newsletter containing licensing, regulatory, disciplinary, and related information governing the practice of dentistry within the state. Titled Board Matters, it may be accessed for viewing or download by a link on the Board’s website at www.dbc. ca.gov.

COMMENT: The November 2023 issue contains information on 2023 legislation, recent streamlined licensing procedures, an explanation of the Board’s complaint, investigation, and disciplinary action process, best practice recommendations from the Enforcement Division, and a depiction of the Board’s Diversion Program for licensees dealing with alcohol or drug addiction or abuse.

2023 BOARD-RELATED LEGISLATION

During the 2023 legislative year, the Dental Board tracked 28 bills potentially impacting the delivery of dental services, dental licensees, and healing arts boards in general. Of these, 14 became law January 1, 2024. A summary of the chaptered legislation is compiled into a report titled Legislative Summary for 2023 Legislative Session and posted on the Board’s website.

COMMENT: In the realm of access to care for underserved populations, notable is the passage and signing of AB 986 (Wood) which authorizes dental school students who have started clinical training to practice dentistry at free health care events without being licensed. It further specifies that a designated supervising faculty member will be responsible for assessing the patient treated by the student and determining if the assigned student has the skill level necessary to provide that patient care.

CSPD BULLETIN 11

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

SCAN HERE to learn more Las Vegas, Nevada Friday, April 19th, 2024

The Premier Pediatric Zirconia Crown Workshop

MEETINGS OF THE DENTAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA

Dr. Paul Reggiardo - Executive

Director

The Dental Board of California met in Sacramento, CA, February 9, 2024. The following report summarizes actions and issues coming before the Board pertinent to pediatric oral health and practice delivery.

REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SB 501 (GLAZER 2018)

In September of 2018 then Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 501 (Glazer), which became effective January 1, 2022. Among its provisions, SB 501 significantly changed requirements for existing anesthesia and sedation permits, created new permits and pediatric endorsements, and changed patient monitoring requirements. As a result of the legislation, the Dental Board no longer issues or renews Conscious Sedation (CS) or Oral Conscious Sedation for Minors (OCS-M) permits or certificates and new patient monitoring requirements were established for the administration of general anesthesia or sedation to pediatric patients.

To replace the CS and OCS-M permits, the Board (1) created a new Moderate Sedation (MS) permit for the administration of what was formerly commonly known as conscious, intravenous, or parenteral sedation, (2) created a new Pediatric Minimal Sedation (PMS) permit to administer or order the administration of what was formerly commonly referred to as oral sedation for patients under 13 years of age, and (3) created new pediatric endorsements under General Anesthesia (GA), Medical General Anesthesia (MGA) and Moderate Sedation (MS) permits necessary to allow these permit holders to administer sedative regimens to pediatric patients.

Following a lengthy regulatory process, the Board finally began processing applications for these new permits in August of 2022. To date (2/8/24), the Board has received the following number of completed applications for each permit category:

To minimize the immediate impact of SB 501, the Board has been able to implement these permit changes gradually. Existing permits were not immediately cancelled January 1, 2022, but, instead, are being allowed to remain in effect until the next scheduled renewal date. Permit holders whose existing permits were to expire in 2022 were allowed to renew before December 31, 2021 (i.e. before the permitting changes became effective), thus enabling them to practice under the existing terms of their renewed permits until their next renewal in 2024. Of 1,414 permit holders eligible to take advantage of the early renewal process, 1,107 (78%) did so successfully.

Existing permits will continue to expire steadily in 2024, including 251 Conscious Sedation (CS) permits and 500 Oral Conscious Sedation for Minors (OCS-M) certificates.

COMMENT: It will be important to monitor the rate at which expiring pediatric oral conscious sedation (OCS-M) certificates are replaced by the new pediatric minimal sedation (PMS) permits. In 2020, the Board reported 1,226 active OCS-M certificates. The current PMS permit holders and applicants (246) and expiring OCS-M certificate holders (500) together do not approach this number.

12 SPRING 2024

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Permit/Application Type Number Received General Anesthesia Permit Pediatric Endorsement 67 Medical General Anesthesia Permit Pediatric Endorsement 50 Moderate Sedation Permit 367 Moderate Sedation Permit Pediatric Endorsement 25 Pediatric Minimal Sedation Permit 246

CSPD BULLETIN 13

BILLS OF INTEREST

It’s a new legislative year! Here’s a recap of what happened last year: CSPD supported three bills and one resolution. Two of the three bills we supported, AB 952 Dental Coverage Disclosures and AB 1040 Dental Benefits and Rates Review, were both chaptered by the Secretary of State. The resolution we supported, ACR 10 Children’s Dental Health Month, was also chaptered by the Secretary of State. We held a watch position for SB 525 Minimum Wage: Health Care Workers that was also chaptered by the Secretary of State. Unfortunately, AB 481 Dental Assistants stalled in the process of its passing, even though it was passing with high numbers of support and no opposition. We hope to see AB 481 Dental Assistants reappear and pass in 2024 through an alternative route, with the assistance of CDA. This year we will pay close attention to the activity of nurse anesthetists. Over the years, nurse anesthetists have pushed to become independent and perform general anesthesia without a supervising physician. Their activity is increasing. Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen introduced a resolution on January 3, 2024 designating the week of January 21, 2024, to January 27, 2024, inclusive, as “Nurse Anesthesiologist Week.” It’s interesting to note the title “Nurse Anesthesiologist” is used in this proposal.

Providing safe treatment under general anesthesia or sedation is an incredibly important and necessary treatment option for many of our pediatric patients. I know I can speak for all of us when I say the safety of our patients is our utmost priority. We will continue to follow the activity of nurse anesthetist legislation and evaluate the effect of any proposals they may impact, negative or positive, on pediatric dentistry.

Lastly, I will be attending The Pediatric Oral Health and Advocacy Conference March 2 – March 5, 2024 in Washington D.C. Attending with me will be CSPD’s President, Dr. Don Schmitt; Executive Director, Dr. Paul Reggiardo; Western District Trustee, Dr. Jacob Lee; Dr. James Crall, Dr. Oariona Lowe, and our five wonderful CSPD interns. Updates to come!

I’m excited for what 2024 will bring us. I’ll continue to track new and previous legislation that can or may impact pediatric dentistry. Through CSPD’s proactive efforts, we will continue to represent the voices of our members, while we help shape the laws that may impact the children of California and our profession.

SB525 (DURAZO)

MINIMUM WAGE: HEALTH CARE WORKERS

Summary: This bill would require a health care worker minimum wage of $25 per hour for hours worked in covered health care employment, as defined, subject to adjustment, as prescribed. This bill would require, for covered health care employment where the employee is paid on a salary basis, that the employee earn a monthly salary equivalent to no less than two times the health care worker minimum wage for full-time employment in order to qualify as exempt from the payment of minimum wage and overtime.

CHAPTERED: OCTOBER 13, 2023

CSPD POSITION: WATCH

14 SPRING 2024

Dr. Amber Nierode - Public Policy Advocate

PUBLIC POLICY REPORT | PREPARED - JANUARY 28, 2024

AB 1048 (WICKS)

DENTAL BENEFITS AND RATE REVIEW

Summary: Would prohibit dental plans from imposing waiting periods or exclusions for specific services at initial enrollment and require that dental premium rates be reviewed by the appropriate supervisory agency (the Department of Managed Health Care or the Department of Insurance).

CHAPTERED: OCTOBER 8, 2023

CSPD POSITION: SUPPORT

AB 952 (WOOD)

DENTAL COVERAGE DISCLOSURES

Summary: Would require dental insurance plans to disclose both to enrollees and providers whether a dental benefit plan is governed by and subject to state (California DMHC or CDI) or federal (ERISA) law and regulation.

CHAPTERED: JULY 27, 2023

CSPD POSITION: SUPPORT

AB 481 (CARILLO)

DENTISTRY: DENTAL ASSISTANTS

Summary: It is widely recognized there is a dentistry workforce shortage in California. AB 481 intends to address this ongoing and very concerning shortage. AB 481 aims to create a new preceptorship pathway for assistants training on-the-job. This bill will increase educational components required for on-the-job licensure, while also reducing the timeline to licensure. Reducing the on-the-job hours, while maintaining educational structure through a preceptorship pathway, will ensure RDAs are receiving quality on-the-job training while also addressing California’s RDA shortage. Ultimately, if RDAs obtain their license through this new preceptorship pathway, dentists will be able to provide more care to more children. AB 481 will also create a new pathway to recognize alternative education programs (i.e., apprenticeships, adult education, and ROP programs). Alternative education programs will open additional options to becoming licensed. Another goal of the bill is to update and increase dental assistant, RDA and RDAEF scope of practice duties (such as placing clear aligner buttons), and clarify unlicensed dental assistant duties. Finally, AB 481 will streamline the licensure process for out-of-state dental assistants moving to California by recognizing the Dental Assistant Board (DANB) certification. This will breakdown the barrier for out of state RDAs who wish to be employed in California during our workforce shortage.

STALLED

CSPD POSITION: SUPPORT

ACR 10 (WEBER)

CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Summary: By proclamation, this measure would recognize and declare the month of February 2023 as Children’s Dental Health Month in California. The purpose of recognition is to raise oral health awareness.

CHAPTERED: MARCH 28, 2023

CSPD POSITION: SUPPORT

CSPD BULLETIN 15

2023-2024 WARREN BRANDLI LEADERSHIP INTERNS

Dr. Angela Navas

Dr. Angela Navas was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, but her family’s history is rooted in California. Her Dad was born and raised in San Francisco and her Mom in Los Angeles. Following in her parents’ hometown footsteps she attended UCLA for her undergraduate degree, UOP for dental school, and USC for her pediatric dental residency. After spending almost a decade in California, she’s grown to love everything that Los Angeles has to offer and has decided to make Southern California her home. She loves exploring the many hikes, food spots, and activities Los Angeles has to offer. There is never an end to the opportunities for adventure in this golden state!

Dr. Angela appreciates her experience working with CSPD and the CSPD Foundation, learning how each board functions to produce high quality programming, educational opportunities, and access to information for its membership. As a resident attending board meetings, she was asked to provide her own insight on advocacy topics, event planning, and resident perspectives. The connections she made with her fellow WBI/GSLA interns and the board members have made her experience, in her words, “irreplaceable!”

As a graduating resident come June 2024, Dr. Angela will fall into the category of early career dentist. She had the opportunity to work with CSPD board member, Dr. Evan Chang, on developing an exploratory survey for the CSPD membership. This survey aimed to identify and understand what programming and services would add value to CSPD for our early career dentists as well as residents joining the workforce. The findings will help focus CSPD’s Early Career Dentist Committee in efforts to engage with and provide member services for early career pediatric dentists.

Dr. Marivic (Mar) De Leon

Dr. Marivic (Mar) De Leon was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in English. Dr. Mar pursued her dental training at Roseman University of Health Sciences in South Jordan, Utah where she held various leadership positions and was very active in community service. Her passion for service inspired her to become the co-founder of Smile Station, the first ever event in the greater Salt Lake City area aiming to improve the oral health of children with special health care needs. Upon graduation, she earned the Humanitarian Award and Distinguished Advocacy Award. She is thrilled to be completing her residency training at UCSF through the pediatric dental certificate/MPH track and to serve as chief resident in her final year. Apart from her career goals, Dr. Mar loves watching sports, going to concerts, running, cooking, trying new restaurants, and exploring new places. She loves living within walking distance of the Golden State Warriors and SF Giants stadiums, where she always hopes to catch last minute games!

Dr. Mar’s experience as a Warren Brandli Intern this year has been fun and informational. She attended board meetings of both CSPD and the CSPD Foundation in order to learn about the inner workings of both organizations. She witnessed firsthand the collaboration of the board to support members in continuing education, networking, and advocacy both for patients and the pediatric dental profession. This position enabled her to network with other residents and pediatric dentists around the state. She is looking forward to the AAPD Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy and CSPD Annual Conferences coming up in March.

Dr. Mar’s WBI project focused on CSPD Residency Lunch and Learns as well as the implementation of a feedback survey from residents to make improvements for future years. She worked with her CSPD mentor, Dr. Shan Girn, and members of the Leadership Development Committee to gather information regarding how these events are scheduled, presentation content, and fabrication and implementation of a Google forms survey. The results showed the positive impact of lunch and learns on membership and interest in CSPD, both while in residency and as a new pediatric dentist. This project highlighted areas for streamlining the scheduling process, updating the presentation annually, and including additional topics that residents are interested in learning about at future CSPD events.

16 SPRING 2024 BOARD INTERNS

SANTOS CORTEZ GRADUATE STUDENT LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY (GSLA) INTERNS

Dr. Nisha Choksi

Serving as a GSLA Intern this past year has been wonderful. Along with my fellow interns, I presented about nurse anesthetists at the winter board meeting for CSPD. We were able to attain great information about the upcoming meeting and have begun preparation for our AAPD Advocacy Conference in early March. I had the privilege of attending the conference last year and look forward to continuing the work this year as well. It’s humbling and fulfilling to speak with our representatives and their staff on issues concerning children’s oral health and wellbeing. I give many thanks to CSPD for providing this amazing internship position.

Dr. Nisha Choksi grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. She attended the Gies College of Business at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Finance degree. She decided to leave the snow for sunshine and moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA for her Doctorate in Dental Surgery. Through rotations, shadowing, and advocacy, Dr. Choksi realized she had a passion for pediatrics and serving the public as a whole. Dr. Choksi was very involved in the California Dental Association and student leadership throughout her dental school education. This led her to pursue pediatric dentistry and she is so grateful to continue her training at UCLA as a pediatric dental resident. Dr. Choksi is excited to be a clinician and advocate for children all while promoting general health!

Dr. Rand Khasawneh

In dental school, I loved watching my mentors participate in organized dentistry and wanted to emulate them as a practicing pediatric dentist. Seeing my mentors' involvement taught me that we, as primary care providers and specialists, are privy to our patients' experiences as they navigate our healthcare system, so we are in the perfect position to advocate for them as members of organized dentistry. I became a GSLA intern in order to continue learning more about organized dentistry and how to be the best possible advocate for my patients and my colleagues. I have been able to learn more about the scope of our practice and CSPD's legislative process. I've also had the pleasure of meeting many people that I otherwise may not have had the chance to meet, and I am so grateful for my experiences with CSPD this past year. I look forward to working with CSPD in other capacities in the future.

Dr. Rand Khasawneh is a second-year pediatric dentistry resident at UCSF. Originally from North Carolina, she attended University of North California for college and dental school. When she’s not in clinic or taking MPH classes, you can find her exploring the city or looking for new hiking trails around the Bay!

Dr. Shelly Wu

The GSLA internship gave me great exposure to organized dentistry, and it has truly been a year of growth and learning thanks to my wonderful mentors and fellow interns. This year, we attended the board meeting and presented on the topic of nurse anesthetists regarding the bill SB 889. We received amazing feedback from the CSPD board members who did not hesitate to share their knowledge and expertise. In this coming year, I look forward to more exciting opportunities with CSPD, which includes advocacy day in Washington, D.C. I am thankful for all of the support I received as a GSLA intern and I want to continue to grow and be involved in advocating for children’s oral health. I am passionate about improving oral health for children and patients with SHCN.

Shelly (Xuerui) Wu was born in Shanghai, China, and raised in Zimbabwe. She moved to the US for college and received her Bachelor of Science from University of Michigan in 2018 (Go Blue!). She then completed her dental training at University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and obtained her DMD degree in 2022. She is now a secondyear pediatric dental resident at UCSF and she is loving her role in bettering oral health for kids. She is passionate about improving oral health for children and patients with SHCN. Through the GSLA internship, she hopes to gain exposure to advocacy, build relationships with her mentors, and to strengthen her voice in advocating for children’s oral health.

CSPD BULLETIN 17 BOARD INTERNS

DR. STEVEN J NIETHAMER

Lonnie Lovingier, Friend, and Colleague

I looked across the lecture hall to Steve and he looked at me, I pushed the microphone button on my headset and said, “Come on Steve; we can do this.” To this, he gave me that earto-ear grin, tipped his head a little downward and to the side, he squinted one eye and shook his head with an absolute “no! nuh uh”. (Has anyone else seen that look?) We were about to record and produce a lecture for the CSPD Online Continuing Education Program. It was the Cancun meeting in 2010, which Dr. Oariona Lowe had set up beautifully. So many Continuing Education Courses, so many recordings, so many memories with Steve.

We all got to know his wife Bounthom (Boun) about 1993. He immediately introduced her to CSPD after they got married. (She is quite the gardener. Once, I was walking up their driveway and she was very high on a ladder, hand-pollinating a fruit tree!) Later, Natasha was born, and I don’t think they ever missed a CSPD Meeting. Natasha is a researcher in London and an incredible, high-level pianist. This is not surprising knowing Steve’s mom was a music director, and Steve could play the piano, flute and guitar. Boun and Natasha became part of our CSPD family.

For Steve, things were never about him; he would rather know about you. He was quiet and humble; he was honest and loyal. He was sincere and devoted to Boun, Natasha, his other extended family members, and of course, CSPD. He was a wonderful husband, father, pediatric dentist, and friend. Steve loved photography and all things IT. His contributions to CSPD were much more than as the Website Editor and OCE Director; these titles alone, only give us a hint of the amount of time he gave. However, the chores and projects and programs he took on had enormous deep roots of aggravation and frustration, to which, he simply smiled and kept going. His wit and humor made us laugh.

Recently, Dr. Oariona Lowe contacted me personally and we shared our sadness. He was an immediate friend to everyone. We talked about how appropriate it was for Steve to receive the Distinguished Service Award. Ora worked closely with Steve for many years, and I know she will miss him greatly. When Steve was given the honor and award of Distinguished Service to the CSPD, Dr. Don Schmitt wrote: “I personally cannot think of anyone who has dedicated more of their time, passion, and talent to the betterment of the CSPD than Steve Niethamer. His title of Website Editor doesn’t even begin to describe the work that he does on behalf of the CSPD. The OCE program, which is a significant source of Non-Dues Revenue as well as a tremendous member benefit would not exist without his dedication and countless hours of work. The thousands of photos Steve has snapped over the years both chronicle the history of the CSPD and bring enjoyment to those in the photos….”

18 SPRING 2024

IN MEMORIAM 4/2/1948-1/7/2024

Steve graduated from UC Riverside in 1970, then undergraduate dental school at the School of Dental Medicine at Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Then he spent 3-years in Nevada and Arizona treating mostly children. He decided to go back to postgraduate school in the pediatric program at Harbor General/UCLA Medical Center and specialize in our challenging field. I think he had a perfect personality for this career, and I am certain he, his staff, patients, and parents had a lot of laughs all day long. Though he graduated from the UCLA program in 1979, he decided to travel and did not set up permanent roots in private practice until 1982. The Palm Springs and Coachella Valley area, and later the Yucca Valley area gained a wonderful community servant. He also became a Diplomate of our ABPD in 1991.

Dr. Steven J. Niethamer, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2024, at his home, surrounded by family, after a brave two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He will be much remembered and greatly missed. A link to the full In Memoriam can be found on the CSPD website at www.cspd.org.

CSPD BULLETIN 19

First photo: Steve enjoyed his Friday Morning cup of coffee and newspaper at Sherman’s Deli in Palm Springs.

WSPD PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

TIME WELL SPENT - MY LAST REPORT

Dr. Felicity Hardwick - WSPD President

As I write this letter, I am at the Hawaii-Alaska Joint Meeting, which is taking place at the Aulani Resort in Kapolei, Hawaii. It is proving to be a fun time connecting with colleagues, while enjoying excellent CE speakers. Drs. Jacob Lee, Lynn Fujimoto & Heidi Ostby have done an excellent job arranging this meeting.

Last October, the WSPD Fall Board Meeting started with a Strategic Planning Session, led by Dr. Paul Amundsen (AAPD Foundation VP for Development and Charitable Programs). The morning was spent identifying who and what we are, as well as what we, the WSPD, do. It was time well spent and the members of the Strategic Planning Committee are putting the final touches on what promises to be an excellent framework for our next three years as the AAPD Western District. The final product will be presented at our board meeting in March, and then submitted for approval by our members at the AAPD meeting in Toronto. WSPD bylaws revisions will also be voted on at the District caucus on May 25, 2024.

Dr. Nadienne Wu (WSPD 2023 Leadership Intern) did a phenomenal presentation to our Board on her project which aimed to determine the feasibility and the establishment/implementation of a position for a WSPD Public Policy Advocate (PPA). Thank you to everyone who participated by completing her survey! Her results were shared with the AAPD and other districts have taken interest as well. Dr. Andrea Akabike is our new WSPD Leadership Intern (WDLI), and her project will be announced shortly.

As I mentioned in my last report, Dr. Ora Lowe, who did such wonderful work with the WSPD StAmp fund, has handed the coordination of the StAmp fund over to our Executive Director, Christine Roalofs. Our future StAmp fund interns will be well taken care of!

Dr. Don Schmitt was nominated and ran unopposed for the position of WSPD Trustee. He will step into that role in May, as our current Trustee, while the esteemed Dr. Jacob Lee, retires from that position. Congratulations to Don! We are looking forward to his enthusiastic representation of and for the WSPD during the next 3 years.

In other news, WSPD is holding its first annual reception at the CSPD meeting in Palm Springs. Look for the signs leading you to this reception during the well-known alumni reception hour. Many WSPD members did not graduate from California residencies, and this will be a place for us to gather, share a beverage and make new friends. Our Spring Board meeting will be held on Saturday afternoon, March 23 at 1:30pm.

The annual AAPD meeting held this year in Toronto in May is open for registration. As a proud Canadian, I look forward to welcoming many of our WSPD members to Toronto. Our WSPD District Caucus will be held on Saturday May 25 at 1:00 pm.

Dr. Rob McAlpine will step into the President’s role at the end of the meeting so this will be my last report as WSPD President for the CSPD Bulletin. Once again, I’d like to thank the wonderful WSPD Board and our Executive Director, Christine Roalofs, as well as all our members for making my year as President such a rewarding experience.

20 SPRING 2024

AAPD WESTERN DISTRICT TRUSTEE REPORT

GRATEFUL-LEE

Dr. Jacob K. Lee - AAPD Western District Trustee (2018-2021, 2022-2024)

Incoming Western District Trustee:

As was previously announced, Dr. Don Schmitt will be the next Western District Trustee (2024-2027). Although he will officially assume his new office at the AAPD General Assembly on May 26th, he was a guest at the January 25th Board of Trustees Winter Planning meeting in order to prepare for a seamless transition.

AAPD Political Action Committee:

The Western District’s AAPD PAC 2023 Mach 10 campaign set a historic record! There were ten Patriot Level ($1,000 and above) contributors. Profound appreciation is extended to Drs. Joel Berg (AZ), Gila Dorostkar (CA), Hani Eid (WA), Kyle House (OR), Jacob Lee (CA), Natalie Mansour (CA), Jade Miller (NV), Richard Mungo (CA), Mitch Poiset (CA), and Don Schmitt (CA). This is an all-time AAPD PAC record attained by a single district, breaking the 2022 record of seven Patriot Level contributors from the Western District.

Aided by a successful Mach 10 campaign, the Western District won the 2023 AAPD PAC Hard Dollars District Competition. AAPD PAC Hard Dollars support candidates for federal office who have demonstrated a serious commitment to improve children’s oral health. This is the third time during my Western District Trusteeship that we have been awarded this highly coveted award (2020, 2022, and 2023). Congratulations to the Western District!

AAPD Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy Conference

2024:

Once again, the AAPD has sponsored the AAPD POHAC, on March 3-5th, 2024. This is an annual journey for the pediatric dental residents and their mentors to visit the congressional legislators and entreat them to support the AAPD’s vision of optimal oral health care for all children. Hard Dollars that you contribute to the AAPD PAC are instrumental in opening doors and giving us a seat at the table when the legislative healthcare policies are discussed. Your wholehearted spirit of support will cheer on the next wave of pediatric dental advocates on their vital mission.

CE Program of Hawaii and Alaska Academies of Pediatric Dentistry:

With the help of the mothership AAPD, two small and most distant satellite chapters, HAPD (Hawaii) and AkAPD (Alaska), fulfilled their big dream of hosting a joint CE Program in Hawaii on January 26-28th, 2024. This course was sold out in 8 days! This CE was unique in that part of the course included webinars held before and after the in-person meeting so that the attendees could have more time to enjoy a wondrous weekend at the magical Aulani Disney Resort. My deepest gratitude goes to the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry for their educational grant, and to the AAPD for their kind guidance and logistical support!

Lastly, I would like to highly recommend that you attend AAPD Toronto 2024. Excellent CE courses as well as exciting social programs are planned. Also, having grown up in Toronto (pronounced “Trono” by the locals), may I say it is one of the nicest cities in the world!

Now the time has come, really this time, to say goodbye! This is my final report as your AAPD Western District Trustee. It has been an honor to serve you!

Thank you for your continuous support of the AAPD, the Big Authority, the AAPD Foundation, the Big Love, and the AAPD PAC, the Big Advocate for little teeth!

CSPD BULLETIN 21

HAPD-AkAPD CE Program organizers Drs. Heidi Ostby, Lynn Fujimoto and Jacob Lee.

BOARD MOTIONS

BOARD MEETING JANUARY 20, 2024

MOTION 2024.01.20.01 (MO): Move to approve the modified agenda. MOTION CARRIED

MOTION 2024.01.20.02 (VANDER KAM): Move to approve the minutes of the September 23, 2023, meeting of the Board of Directors. MOTION CARRIED

MOTION 2024.01.20.03 (SABBADINI): Move to dedicate the 2024 Annual Meeting and Continuing Education Conference to Dr. Steven Niethamer. MOTION CARRIED

MOTION 2024.01.20.04 (VANDER KAM): Move to approve CSPD endorsement of the Early Career Pediatric Dentist Practice Acquisition and Start-Up event as proposed by the Membership Services and Credentials Committee and to assist in event registration. MOTION CARRIED

MOTION 2024.01.20.05 (TANBONLIONG): Move to accept the recommendation of the Leadership Development Committee for the selection of Drs. Ava Arshadi (NYU San Diego), Berenice Cheng (LLU), and Aubrey Morrone (UCSF) as 2024-2025 CSPD Graduate Student Legislative Advocacy Interns. MOTION CARRIED

MOTION 2024.01.20.06 (TANBONLIONG): Move to accept the recommendation of the Leadership Development Committee for the selection of Dr. Daniel Aclan (NYU San Diego) and Dr. Mimansa Cholera (UCSF) as 2024-2025 CSPD Warren Brandli Leadership Interns. MOTION CARRIED

MOTION 2024.01.20.07 (VANDER KAM): Move to select the Hyatt Regency Monterey, California, [March 10th – 14th] as the location [and dates] for the 2027 Annual Meeting. MOTION CARRIED

MOTION 2024.01.20.08 (PHAM): Move to adopt the Social Media Posting Guidelines and Procedures as presented in the report of the Communications and Publications Committee. MOTION CARRIED

MOTION 2024.01.20.09 (BY ACCLIMATION): The following dates and locations were agreed upon for 2025 meetings of the Board of Directors:

Winter Meeting | January 18, 2025 | Oakland

Spring Meeting | April 24, 2025 | Seattle

Summer Meeting | June 21, 2025 | Los Angeles

Fall Meeting | September 20, 2025 | Oakland

24 SPRING 2024

CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

ELECTED AND APPOINTED LEADERSHIP

OFFICERS

President: Dr. Donald Schmitt

President-Elect: Dr. Mitchell Poiset

Vice President: Dr. MyLinh Ngo

Secretary: Dr. Natalie Vander Kam

Treasurer: Dr. Gary Sabbadini

Immediate Past President: Dr. Thomas Tanbonliong

DIRECTORS

North (2022-24): Dr. Shan Girn

North (2022-24): Dr. Michael Suh

North (2023-25): Dr. Evan Chang

North (2023-25): Dr. Helen Mo

South (2022-24): Dr. John Guijon

South (2022-24): Dr. Dora Lee

South (2023-25): Dr. Leslie Butler

South (2023-25): Dr. Catherine Pham

APPOINTED OFFICERS

Managing Editor: Dr. Chanel McCreedy

Website Editor: Dr. Letitia Edwards

Public Policy Advocate: Dr. Amber Nierode

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dr. Paul Reggiardo

WARREN BRANDLI LEADERSHIP

INTERNS

Dr. Marivic De Leon (UCSF)

Dr. Angela Navas (USC)

SANTOS CORTEZ GRADUATE STUDENT LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

INTERNS

Dr. Nisha Choksi (UCLA)

Dr. Rand Khasawneh (UCSF)

Dr. Shelly Wu (UCSF) CONTACTS & LIAISONS

AAPD Western District Trustee: Dr. Jacob Lee

AAPD Liaison: Dr. Catherine Pham

WSPD Liaison: Dr. Catherine Pham

Annual Meeting Sponsor Relations

Liaison: Dr. Leslie Butler

California Dental Society of Anesthesiology Liaison: Dr. Dave Rothman

CSPD Foundation President: Dr. Rebecca Lee

CSPD Foundation Liaison: Dr. Thomas Tanbonliong

Consultant – Legislative Affairs: Dr. Santos Cortez

Consultant – Dental Board California: Dr. Paul Reggiardo

CSPD

VOTING MEMBERS TO THE WSPD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dr. Donald Schmitt

Dr. Mitch Poiset

Dr. MyLinh Ngo

Dr. Catherine Pham

STAFF

Diane Skullr, Administrative Operations Manager

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Executive Committee: Dr. Donald Schmitt

Governance: Dr. Thomas Tanbonliong

Membership Services and Credentials: Dr. Natalie Vander Kam

Nominations: Dr. Donald Schmitt

Annual Meeting: Dr. Oariona Lowe

Budget and Finance: Dr. Gary Sabbadini

Non-Dues Revenue Subcommittee: Dr. Michael Suh

Leadership Development: Dr. Ella Saeed

Communications and Publications: Dr. Catherine Pham

Academic Programs Advisory: Dr. WaiYin Chan

Continuing Education: Dr. Jean Star

Public Policy and Advocacy: Dr. Letitia Edwards

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

CSPD BULLETIN 25

Full list of committee members is located at www.cspd.org

• Opportunities

• Opportunities Available • Faculty Positions Available • Practices for Sale UPCOMING EVENTS CSPD PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES April 24-27, 2025 2025 CSPD Annual Meeting Seattle Westin Hotel Seattle, WA March 21-24, 2024 2024 CSPD Annual Meeting JW Marriott Desert Springs Palm Desert, CA

Wanted

26 SPRING 2024 CSPD Complimentary Plated Lunch for Practice Owners Friday, March 22nd 11:45-12:45pm STOP BEING PREYED UPON! B U I L D Y O U R F O R T R E S S O F P R O T E C T I O N Guest Speaker: FBI Special Agent, Art McOmber THE LEGAL SECRETS TO: -Increasing Wealth -Paying Less Taxes -Avoiding Lawsuits Reserve Reserve Reserve your seat! your seat! your seat!

CLINICAL PEARLS: NEURODIVERGENT BEHAVIORS FOR THE PRACTICING CLINICIAN

WEDNESDAY MAY 1, 2024

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician

UC San Diego Health

Jacy Stauffer, DMD

Pediatric Dentist

Oregon Health and Science University

Abbey Hye, MA

Lead Board-Certified Behavior Analyst

CSPD BULLETIN 27 FREE REGISTRATION 6 : 3 0 P M - 8 : 3 0 P M P r e s e n t a t i o n w i t h Q & A Z O O M W E B I N A R L i n k w i l l f o l l o w r e g i s t r a t i o n

Yi Hui Liu, MD, MPH

Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego e a t u r e d S p e a k e r s : P r e s e n t e d b y . . . 2 0 C D E / C M E u n i t s w i l l b e p r o v i d e d

CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

PO Box 5081

La Quinta, CA 92248

28 SPRING 2024