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WINTER 2024
4 President's Message
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.
THE BEST OF TIMES AND THE WORST OF TIMES
Dr. Mitch Poiset - CSPD President
As I was bringing down the Halloween decorations from our attic this week, I was reminded of the opening line from “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. For me, Halloween means the start of the best of times, the Holiday Season. Cooler weather, time with friends and family, Holiday parties, travel and winter sports. I also see wonderful events in the lives of our colleagues.
Three CSPD Directors just welcomed new babies into their families: Cat Pham, Evan Chang and Ella Saeed.
CSPD Treasurer, Shan Girn, and CSPD Graduate Student Legislative Advocacy intern, Ava Arshadi, just celebrated their wedding. Now I know what you are thinking, but rest assured, the CSPD Human Resource Department thoroughly vetted the marriage! Congratulations to you all!
Sadly, you don’t need to look far to see how the worst of times have affected friends in our profession. Hurricanes Helene and Milton have devastated many states in the Southeast Society of Pediatric Dentistry (SSPD). To aid colleagues who’s personal and professional lives have been turned upside down, the SSPD has created a relief fund. If you would like to help, contributions can be made at aapdfoundation.org/donate/. Select SSPD Hurricane Helene Relief Fund in the drop-down menu.
Back to the best of times in our Society. All the CSPD Committees have been busy acting on behalf of our membership. Vice President MyLinh Ngo and I attended the joint CSPD/CDA Advocacy Day. We called on members of the State Legislature, lobbying on bills that affect the CSPD’s Mission and our practices. The CSPD and the CDA are well aware of the negative impact SB501 has had on our ability to provide sedation to our patients. The CDA has created an SB501 Task Force, and the CSPD Public Policy Advocate, Andrew Tong, and the entire PPA committee are actively engaged in the effort. Progress has been made, such as graduates of a pediatric dentistry residency are now eligible for both pediatric and adult minimal sedation permits. However, CSPD Leadership is well aware much more needs to be done.
Under the direction of Carolynn Vuong Schultz and the Leadership Development Committee, every residency in California has been visited by someone in CSPD leadership, and the lunch and learn presentation about the CSPD were very well received by the residents. Applications are coming in for next year’s Warren Brandli and Graduate Student Legislative Advocacy Internship Programs. We greatly appreciate the financial support the CSPD Foundation has given the CSPD internship programs over the years. Many of the current leaders in our Society started as interns.
The four committees involved in creating the Annual Meeting are also very busy. Jean Star and Laura McCormack have put together an excellent line up of speakers. Leslie Butler has organized another symposium on Thursday by LightScalpel, with a lecture on the use of lasers in dentistry by leaders in the field. Jungsoo Kim, Lynn Fujimoto, and Evan Chang
are arranging another great poster competition, and the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry has generously agreed to sponsor the poster awards this year.
The relationship between the CSPD and the WSPD is very important. The WSPD supports our annual meeting both financially and through the attendance of our Western District colleagues. We are looking forward to an especially robust turnout of WSPD members since our annual meeting will be in Seattle this spring. The WSPD does a great deal of important work on behalf of our specialty, including electing our current Western District Trustee, Don Schmitt. Please stop by the Western District booth at our Annual Meeting and say hello to their Executive Director, Christine Roalofs.
I am ending this President’s letter with quotes from two of my favorite books on leadership by John Wooden, “Pyramid of Success” and “Wooden on Leadership”. John Wooden is the legendary basketball coach who led UCLA to 10 NCAA National Championships. Honestly, there were so many great quotes, I could not list them all. Here are my favorites:
It is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit.
A strong leader accepts blame and gives the credit. A weak leader gives blame and accepts the credit. Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.
Go out of your way to praise those “quiet performers” who make things happen.
(Please note our Society is filled with quiet performers who make the CSPD what it is.)
Listen if you want to be heard.
There is no education like adversity. However, to gain this education you must be tough enough to overcome adversity rather than allowing adversity to overcome you.
Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.
Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who’ll argue with you.
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
Seek opportunities to show you care. The smallest gestures often make the biggest difference. Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day.
HAPPY WINTER!
Dr. Oariona Lowe - Annual Meeting Co-Chair
Dr. Mylinh Ngo - Annual Meeting Co-Chair
Winter is coming and it’s time to cuddle up and start planning your holiday festivities and future 2025 meetings. Make sure you have the CSPD Annual Meeting and Academic Session on your agenda. Pencil in the dates---April 24-27, 2025. The CSPD and WSPD will be in Seattle, WA at the Westin Hotel on 5th Avenue. If you reveled at our last two annual meetings, you will truly enjoy this meeting in Seattle as we welcome all WSPD members to join us! The weather in Seattle is just lovely at that time albeit a bit cool for the Californians! Come to socialize and network with friends and colleagues while meeting new ones. Plan some side trips into Vancouver, Victoria Island, and Whistler. Enjoy yourself!
Prepare yourselves for a great educational experience from a fantastic line-up of speakers. Earn up to 16 CE units. The lecture topics should not be missed. Listen and learn about Pediatric Restorative Dentistry from Dr. LaRee Johnson. Dr. Setareh Lavasani will discuss radiography in children as well as how to discern possible airway problems. Dr. Philip Milgrom will speak on caries and prevention. Get energized by Dr. Ann Bynum on Saturday afternoon who will give us a dynamic presentation on “Practice Management”. Her unique and invigorating session should not be missed! On Sunday morning, Dr. Christine Quinn is scheduled to lecture on Safe Sedation, followed by a special presentation by Dr. Cameron Randall on “Pediatric Dental Anxiety”.
The Annual Poster Presentation session will take place on Friday and Saturday. Residents from CSPD and WSPD Pediatric Dentistry Post-Doctorate Programs will be presenting their research and cases studies. A special “Leaders of Today and Future Leaders of Tomorrow” luncheon is planned
for Saturday which will provide a PowerPoint presentation featuring our residents.
We are happy to continue to provide both BLS and PALS full and recertification courses on Thursday, April 24th. Sign up early as these classes tend to fill up fast!
Finally, Foodies won’t be disappointed in Seattle as a variety of food from the many restaurants and eateries within walking distance from the hotel await their insatiable appetites. Walk to Pike’s Market for a cup of coffee from the ‘original Starbucks’. Other amenities and fun adventures await you and your family including a tour of the Space Needle and the Glass House. Our Saturday night cocktail party will take place at MoPOP, the Museum of Pop Culture.
Join us, have fun, and just relax! Meet and Mingle with our Western District colleagues!
BOARD MEETING REPORT
MEETING OF THE DENTAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
Dr. Andrew Tong - Public Policy Advocate
The dental board met in Sacramento, CA on August 15, 2024. The following report summarizes actions and issues coming before the Board pertinent to pediatric oral health and practice delivery.
AB 2860 Licensed Physicians and Dentists from Mexico Programs - This is a bill that was passed and signed into law by Governor Newsom on 9/14/24. This is a follow up to AB 1045 that was signed into law by Governor Gray Davis on September 30, 2002. This bill aimed to temporarily increase the amount of Spanish speaking medical providers in the state because certain areas were having a hard time finding providers that knew Spanish or understood the culture in the area. This bill allowed for 30 physicians and 30 dentists from Mexico to participate in a program for 3 year periods. It was not until 2021 when physicians from Mexico started seeing patients under this bill, and, to date, no dentists from Mexico have been able to participate in the pilot program (due in part to funding), with supporters of the program prioritizing physicians in the early stages of implementation.
The intent of the author and sponsors of this bill is to begin the process of allowing dentists to participate in a recodified pilot program within the Dental Practice Act.
With the above provisions, among other less significant changes, the pilot program will be significantly expanded from its inceptive form under AB 1045. The dental board is in the process of discussions on how to fund and what to do to implement this program.
SB 501 Dentistry: Anesthesia and Sedation - For practitioners applying for a moderate sedation permit, an on-site evaluation is needed in the first year of obtaining the permit and then every six years there after. If there is a failure of the on-site inspection, there must be a re-evaluation, and the practitioner must pass within 30 days or else the permit becomes suspended. If the failure is only on a simulated emergencies portion, then they only have to re-take that portion of the inspection. If there is a 2nd on-site inspection failure, then it is brought before the Board on whether to grant or deny the permit or request further evaluation with a board appointed representative. One of the issues that has come up on the enactment of SB 501 is the difficulty in scheduling on-site evaluations as part of the requirement of the moderate sedation permit. The Board has been continuously recruiting and reviewing applications for general anesthesia and moderate sedation permit on-site evaluators to hopefully improve the accessibility of on-site inspections for people applying for moderate sedation permits.
BILLS OF INTEREST
Dr. Andrew Tong - Public Policy Advocate
As the legislative year comes to an end, these are the bills that CSPD has been following throughout the year. We will continue to monitor bills and issues that come up with the new legislative session and keep our members up to date.
SB 1453 (SENATOR ASHBY AND ASSEMBLY MEMBER BERMAN) SUNSET REVIEW BILL
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), clarifying and technical “cleanup” 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 to 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
Status: SB1453 was passed and signed into law by the governor.
Comment: It is this last provision that would facilitate the permitting of pediatric dentists wishing to minimally sedate adolescents with disabilities and heightened anxieties.
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: SUPPORT
Status: AB 2630 was approved and signed into law by the Governor.
Comment: Legislation (AB1433 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.
SB1369 (LIMON) DENTAL PROVIDERS 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
Status: Despite passing both houses and CSPD submitting a letter of support directly to the Governor’s office, SB 1369 was vetoed by the Governor.
Comment: This 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. CSPD wrote letter of support to the Governor’s office.
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
Status: AB2701 Stalled in the Senate committee on appropriations.
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 1290 (ROTH) HEALTH CARE COVERAGE: 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
Status: SB1290 was ordered inactive by Assembly Member Bonta.
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.
AB 2028 MEDICAL LOSS RATIOS
Summary: This bill would require a dental plan issued in California to attain a medical loss ratio (MLR) of 85% and to provide a specified rebate to an enrollee or insured when that ratio is not reached.
CSPD POSITION: WATCH
Status: AB 2028 was in the committee on health, but the first hearing was cancelled at the request of the author. Comment: Requires dental plans to attain a Medical Loss Ratio of 85% and to provide a rebate when that ratio is not reached.
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SB-1067
(SMALLWOOD-CUEVAS) HEALING ARTS:
EXPEDITED LICENSURE PROCESS.
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
Status: SB 1067 passed out of legislature but was vetoed by the Governor.
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 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
Status: SB 980 was stalled in the committee on appropriations.
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 Medic-Cal Dental Program coverage of alternative fixed or removable dental prostheses is questionable.
CSPD MEMBER
PAIRING PROGRAMSIGN UPS NOW!
Dr. Natalie Vander Kam - Chair of Membership Services Committee and Secretary
The Member Services and Credentials Committee is proud to launch the second year of our Member Pairing Program. With over 50 pairings made last year, we are excited to expand our ever-growing network of pediatric dentists within the CSPD! Don't miss out on this awesome and free member benefit! I have had the pleasure of hearing several great stories of the connections that have been made, including my own new friendship with my mentee. Sign up before the end of the year so that we can find you a pair before the CSPD Annual Meeting in Seattle. Thank you!
HIGHLIGHTS OF SB 1453 SUNSET REVIEW BILL - CHANGES COMING SOON
Dr. Andrew Tong - Public Policy Advocate
On September 22, 2024, Governor Newsom signed into law SB 1453 the Sunset Review Bill. The dental board regularly undergoes reviews of its policies and procedures that affect the practice of dentistry in California and with this review brings several changes to the Dental Practice Act. Here are some of the highlights of the changes happening with this bill.
One change that CSPD worked hard with the CDA to advocate for is that it corrects the mistake that prevented pediatric dentists from obtaining an adult minimal sedation permit to treat patients 13 years old and older. This was an error that made it more difficult to provide care for our older pediatric population and is now corrected in the new bill.
One change that should help alleviate the workforce shortage struggle that many have faced will be that dental assistants will now be able to begin coronal polishing under the supervision of a dentist. The requirements for dental assistants to begin to be able to perform coronal polishing duties are:
1. Completion of a board approved coronal polishing course.
2. Be BLS trained.
3. Take the 8-hour infection control course as required by the dental board.
4. The permit of the dental assistant will also have to be displayed in the office.
Changes for orthodontic dental assistants include the following:
Permit applications will no longer require work experience to begin an orthodontic assistant permit (OAP) course or take the OAP exam (previously 6 and 12 months of work experience were needed, respectively). They will also now be able to prepare teeth for provisional and bonded attachments, buttons, connections, brackets and appliances, and remove brackets and attachments under direct supervision.
Dental licensure is also addressed in this bill and it will now allow out-of-state public health dentists who use their dental license to practice non-clinically to receive a California license through licensure by credential, similar to clinical practice dentists.
All of the above changes take effect January 1, 2025. The following portions of the bill will not take effect until July 1, 2025.
A new preceptorship pathway will be available which will allow for work hours under a supervised dentist to count towards the requirements for RDA licensure.
Certified dental assistants who hold certificates from other states will now be able to apply for RDA licensure in California without having to undergo new training.
CSPD LEADERSHIP ASSESSING AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENTS
Elizabeth Lipke, MBA CAE - CSPD Executive Director
Thank you to the CSPD leadership for this opportunity. I am pleased to be a small part of the important work you do to support the oral health of California’s children.
Our primary management focus in these early days has been three-fold:
1. Organizational assessment – reviewing operations and administration to identify areas where we can make improvements (in some cases, taking immediate action), assessing organizational processes with an eye to strategic priorities of increasing member value, improving organizational efficiency and ensuring strong financial performance.
2. Cost containment – identifying how we are spending money and if there are ways that we can reduce or contain costs to ensure that CSPD is resilient.
3. Digital transformation – improvements in member value, organizational efficiency and financial performance can be dramatically improved through digital transformation. The CSPD board has already recognized this and made it a priority. Management is dedicated to seeing that the promise of digital transformation is realized.
Organizational Assessment
• Finance and Accounting – The IRS website tells us that our tax advantaged position requires that we respect the public responsibility that we have and ensure that we are operating in a way to conform with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and adhere to standards for financial reporting as set forth by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). This means that we must report financial results using an accrual method of accounting. This will begin as of July 1, 2024.
• Operational Efficiency – The organization relies extensively on manual processes. Systems aren’t integrated and resources are not centralized and easily accessible to volunteer leaders.
• Tech Stack Inventory – As part of our assessment, we have identified all the technical resources we have available. This is the first step to determining if the resources are optimal to support strategic and operational endeavors.
Cost Containment
• Management identified a couple of ways that the association could enjoy some savings and has taken steps to realize those savings in full no later than January 31, 2025.
Digital Transformation
• Enterprise software selection – Management selected Microsoft 365 & Teams as our preferred partner for enterprise solutions. Teams provides us with the ability to collaborate with each other even though we do not share a workplace.
• Phone service – Teams also supports phone service. This means that we can support member phone service from our separate workplaces.
• Digital Collaboration – Microsoft Teams also provides chat features that we plan to integrate into volunteer committees and structures, reducing the reliance on email.
• CSPD File Repository – Microsoft 365 provides a solution – SharePoint – that can be used as a central online file repository for CSPD. With the help of previous administrators, we have populated the repository and will continue to build it with volunteer leaders going forward.
• QuickBooks Online (QBO) – we have made the switch to QBO and are working in it to bring accounting and financial reporting in-house. We have plans to integrate QBO with other systems to improve efficiency and increase internal controls.
• CSPD Website Improvements – working alongside the CSPD Website Editor and current IT support tech, we have assessed the possible paths that we could take to modernize web member support. As a result, we have developed a recommendation that we will submit for committee review later this fall.
FEATURED ARTICLE
A STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF NEW CA SEDATION LAWS: WE NEED YOUR INPUT!
Dr. Esther Lee and Dr. Jung-Wei Chen
Oral conscious sedation for pediatric patients has been a great tool in advanced behavior modification techniques for uncooperative children. Recent changes to California’s minimum and moderate sedation permit in January 2022 via Senate Bill 501 (SB501) has implemented new rules and regulations. These include new categories in sedation permitting, eligibility, pediatric endorsements, monitoring requirements, costs and onsite inspection/evaluation.2,3
Prior to SB 501, the sedation permit was called “oral conscious sedation.” Now, with SB501 changes, it is categorized as minimum sedation and moderate sedation for different ages of less than 7, 7-12 and 13 & above. Some of the notable changes include:
• Minimum Sedation Permits: limited to administering a single medication with adjunctive medication or nitrous oxide that are unlikely to produce a state of unintended moderate sedation.
• Moderate Sedation:
1. Requires two additional pediatric endorsements that pediatric dentists have to opt in for their patient population.
2. A PALS-trained operator, an assistant, and a separate PALS-trained monitoring personnel.
Many pediatric dentists in California have given up their moderate sedation permit due to these changes. Dr. JungWei Chen and Esther Lee from Loma Linda University would like to hear from you! They are conducting a research survey to investigate the impact of the new sedation permit requirement in California on current pediatric dentists. The goal is to provide insight into current attitudes of pediatric dentists towards providing advanced behavioral guidance techniques with sedation after the new sedation requirements took effect in California after January 2022.
The survey consists of 18 questions catered to pediatric dentists currently practicing in California. If you choose to participate, it should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. This survey is voluntary, and you may choose not to participate. Completion of the survey will indicate your consent to participate in this research. Once you submit your responses, you will not be able to withdraw since there will be no way to identify your response.
To access the consent and survey, please click on the following link: https://llu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_8Ghe6Y0TYRWMqFw
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact myself at (408) 892-3684, elee@students.llu.edu or the Principal Investigator, Dr. Jung-Wei Chen, at (909)5584690, jwchen@llu.edu
Thank you in advance for your participation in the study. Your involvement is greatly appreciated!
Also, we would like to thank CSPD for helping us to distribute the survey to our fellow pediatric dentists in California!
WELCOME LOMA LINDA RESIDENTS
Dr. Ellen Chun was born in South Korea and was raised in Nashville, TN. She obtained her Chemistry degree from Southern Adventist University and graduated with her DDS degree from Loma Linda University. After working for private dental offices in California and Washington, her experience in working with the pediatric population convinced her to pursue further education and return to Loma Linda University to begin her pediatric dental residency program. Dr. Ellen enjoys outdoor gardening, hiking in the mountains, reading on her Kindle, traveling with her husband, and convincing her friends (and especially their babies) to do photoshoots with her.
Dr. Pooja Katira was born and raised in Mumbai, India, where she completed her B.D.S. and M.D.S in Pediatric Dentistry. While in India, she participated in numerous oral health initiatives in rural areas, which highlighted the critical need for pediatric care and education. These experiences inspired her to become a dedicated advocate for pediatric oral health. After graduation, she moved to the United States and spent a year in Boston, where she gained valuable experience through preceptorship programs, shadowing, and assisting dentists. Now, as a pediatric dental resident at Loma Linda University, Dr. Katira is excited to further her training and support underserved pediatric patients, including those with special healthcare needs (SHCN). Outside of her residency, she enjoys traveling with her husband, exploring new cafes, dancing, reading, and cooking Indian dishes.
Dr. Valerie Penarubia was born and raised in the Philippines, where she completed her first DMD degree. Driven by a passion for helping others, she practiced at a private clinic for six months and organized her own dental missions to provide care for children in the suburbs of Cavite, Philippines. Her commitment to pediatric dentistry and her desire to expand her expertise led her to the United States, where she joined her family and enrolled in the International Dentistry Program at Loma Linda University, graduating in 2024. Fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a pediatric dentist, Dr. Penarubia is dedicated to making dental visits a positive experience for children. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Penarubia loves traveling and taking road trips with her husband and their corgi, who is being trained as a therapy animal for her future practice. She is an avid foodie and enjoys trying new restaurants, especially Michelin-starred ones. She also has a passion for film photography and enjoys capturing landscapes during her travels.
Dr. Rata Rokhshad is a first-year pediatric dentistry resident at Loma Linda University. She completed her DDS training in Iran. Dr. Rokhshad loves practicing yoga and ballet, and she enjoys teaching yoga and flexibility as well. She has been doing research on artificial intelligence. She hopes to continue providing high-quality care to children with special needs after becoming a pediatric dentist, combining her skills and compassion to make a meaningful impact.
Re-shaping palatal expansion
Rooted in years of research and clinically-proven1 , the Invisalign® Palatal Expander System delivers a revolutionary approach to skeletal expansion2 .
1 Based on data from n=49 patients, ages 7-11 years old for which initial and post-expansion intraoral scans were received for expansion treatment with Invisalign®️ Palatal Expanders. Data on file at Align Technology, as of February 5, 2024.
2 Based on data from n=49 patients, ages 7-11 years old for which initial and post-expansion intraoral scans were received for expansion treatment with Invisalign®️ Palatal Expanders.
Scan or click the QR code to learn more.
NYU LANGONESAN DIEGO RESIDENTS
Dr. Therese Abely was born and raised in San Jose, California, and spent a portion of her childhood living in Clanfield, England. Living in a different country at such a young age sparked Therese’s lifelong love of travel and learning. While Therese enjoys the quiet peace of the British countryside, she is a California girl at heart.
Dr. Therese graduated with honors from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a Bachelor of Sciences in Biology. From the age of ten, Therese knew she wanted to be a dentist. Therese was lucky enough to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps and attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston to achieve her dental dreams. While in dental school, Therese soon came to realize that her happiest moments were working in the pediatric clinic, and she wanted to continue to dedicate her time to working with children of all needs and backgrounds. Dr. Therese is a big fan of the ocean and an avid traveler. One of Therese’s lifetime goals is to go to all 50 states before she is 50, and she is ahead of schedule with only 16 more to go! Therese enjoys spending time with her parents, two brothers, and young niece, and hopes to travel around with them more in the future.
Dr. Jody Chiang was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, where she cherished her summers by the beach. As per her parent’s arrangement, Dr. Chiang would live with her mother in Taiwan and her father in America for a year and a half at a time, fostering her fluency in Mandarin Chinese. In addition to spending time with her grandparents and numerous cousins, Dr. Chiang developed a passion for hands-on activities, learning to knit from her grandmother and play guitar from her brothers.
Dr. Chiang pursued her dental training at Roseman University College of Dental Medicine where she was granted the National Health Service Corps Scholarship for dental school. She held various leadership positions with the American Student Dental Association, Patient’s Assistance Fund, and was published in various research articles focusing on oral health. Dr. Chiang was deeply involved in community service initiatives, including providing oral health screenings at Give Kids a Smile Day, volunteering at soup kitchens with the Geraldine E King Women’s Center, and organizing oral health activities for special needs children at Smile Station.
Aside from dentistry, Dr. Chiang loves spending time with her partner of 8 years, Chili, and their two beloved cats, Fredo and Marcus. Together, they enjoy watching UFC fights at home, trying new all-you-can-eat restaurants, discovering new music, and sampling local coffee shops. She is thrilled to complete her pediatric residency training in San Diego, where she looks forward to revisiting cherished memories of her childhood spent by the beach.
Dr. Jessica Diaz was born in Upland, CA and raised in Franklin, TN. She was first exposed to health disparities when she went on a mission trip to Guatemala in high school. This inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. She returned to the West coast to continue her education at the University of San Diego, where she majored in Biology and double minored in Chemistry & Biomedical Ethics.
Dr. Diaz earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis, TN. She was the president of her ASDA chapter and worked on ASDA’s District 4 Cabinet. She was an active member of UT’s AAPD club and volunteered in the pediatric section of Mission of Mercy. Dr. Diaz chose to specialize in pediatrics to learn how to mitigate dental trauma. She is passionate about caring for underserved and special needs populations. In her free time, she enjoys reading at coffee shops, spending time with her family, and exploring new cities and cultures through their food. She is excited to be closer to her extended family as she continues her training at NYU Langone’s pediatric dental residency in sunny San Diego.
Dr. Sabrina Fan was born and raised in San Jose, California. Despite all being from San Jose, CA, she was not acquainted with Drs. Abely or Nguyen until residency! She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a B.S. in Biology and completed her dental training at Loma Linda University in 2024.
Sabrina’s time at Loma Linda gave her the opportunity to participate in various mission trips and service-learning experiences where she had the chance to work with children all over the world. Although her passion to serve the younger generation had already started in middle school, dental school really solidified her conviction after seeing the need for dental care and especially dental education. Sabrina is excited to work with joy and energy that comes with the pediatric population.
In her free time, Sabrina enjoys skiing and snowboarding with her family and friends. When not participating in extreme sports, she loves curling up at home binge watching movies and TV shows.
Dr. Regina Javier was born and raised in the sunshine state in Tampa, Florida. She attended the University of Florida where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Sciences. After graduation, her first experience with pediatric dentistry was at her internship at a pediatric dental office back in her hometown. Since then, she knew that working with kids would be her ultimate motivation during dental school. Regina completed dental school in Arizona at Midwestern University where she learned to love the desert and outdoor activities such as camping, running, and biking. Her first job was as a general dentist in Tucson and Yuma until moving to San Diego with her husband and miniature schnauzer. Regina looks forward to advancing her career and education in pediatric dental residency, while enjoying all that San Diego has to offer.
During her free time, Regina coordinates plans to see her family back in Florida or her sisters in Texas and San Francisco. Her long distance family creates opportunities for travel and vacation throughout the year between residency hours!
Dr. Kenna “Thi” (pronounced: tea) Nguyen was born and raised in San Jose, California where she attended Leland High School. She then went on to study Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles as a Presidential Scholar. During her time at USC, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Galway, Ireland at the National University of Ireland, Galway. After graduating in 2020, she moved to New York City to attend dental school at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (CDM). While at CDM, she pursued her DDS/MA in Science and Dental Education dual degree at Teachers College, Columbia University, receiving the Melvin L. Moss Scholarship in recognition of her dedication to a career in teaching. Dr. Thi’s interest in the specialty of pediatric dentistry grew from her passion for teaching. As she learned more about dentistry, she felt that the keys to oral health are prevention and education, two things that are key in the role of pediatric dentists.
Outside of residency, Dr. Thi spends most of her free time outdoors (especially after being cooped up in NYC). She loves to run, hike, and one of her favorite childhood memories is visiting Yosemite with her family every summer. She hopes to eventually visit all 63 US National Parks, of which she has been to over half.
WELCOME UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES RESIDENTS
Dr. Stephanie Cho is a proud Bay Area native, born and raised in San Jose, CA. She completed her undergraduate studies at UCLA, earning a B.A. in English. Driven by a passion for equity in education, she initially pursued teaching, focusing on supporting low-income populations and inspiring students to follow their dreams. She then broadened her experiences by transitioning into the tech industry, where she wanted to heed her own advice to her students to embrace their interests fearlessly. During this time, a personal experience with a root canal procedure—without dental insurance—sparked her desire to bridge gaps in healthcare. Inspired to make a difference, she decided to pursue a career in dentistry to offer quality care to underserved communities.
Dr. Cho went on to earn her DDS from UCSF, where she furthered her commitment to community service in her work with UCSF’s student-run free dental clinic, providing essential care to vulnerable populations in San Francisco. Her love of working with children led her to specialize in pediatric dentistry, a field where she can advocate for young patients, particularly those who might otherwise lack regular dental care, along with patients with special healthcare needs.
Dr. Cho’s dedication to empowering and teaching young patients is central to her approach, and she is committed to creating a compassionate environment for every child she treats. Outside of dentistry, she enjoys exploring the city with her husband and her dog, Doori, and is excited to be back at UCLA where she and her husband first met (Go Bruins!).
Dr. Danny Do was born and raised in Southern California (Anaheim). His early commitment to community outreach, service, and passion for working with children began in his local neighborhood non-profit learning center, where he found joy in mentoring and tutoring youth and helping others realize their potential. Danny received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences at UC Santa Barbara (UCSB), after which he worked in a private dental practice, where his love for dentistry blossomed. Danny then attended UC San Francisco where he completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Upon graduation, he was honored as a National Health Service Corps Scholar and inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) dental honor society. His dedication to treating young patients deepened through his leadership at UCSF’s Community Dental Clinic, which
provided free dental care to underserved communities and his pediatric-focused experiences, which included UCSF’s Children’s Night Clinic and Give Kids a Smile Day. Dr. Danny is now thrilled to continue his training as a pediatric dentistry resident at UCLA, where he looks forward to building a career dedicated to children’s oral health, advocacy, and community service. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys concerts, having dinner parties with friends, running clubs, basketball and football.
Dr. Serena Hsin received her dental degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Following an advanced education in general dentistry residency at the Hudson Valley VA Medical Center, she served as a full-time general dentist at her local community dental clinic for 8 years. While there, she played an integral role in establishing the patient-centered dental home for the young children of her community. She also developed her interest in treating young children and improving children's access to care. Dr. Hsin is thrilled to broaden her pediatric dentistry education at UCLA and is looking forward to returning to her community and continuing to improve children's access to quality dental care.
Dr. Megan Maher-Sandstrom was born and raised in Long Beach, CA. She completed her undergraduate education in Biochemistry at Occidental College, where she also was a preschool teaching assistant for 4 years. Once she graduated, she worked as a dental assistant in a pediatric practice in her hometown. After two years as a dental assistant, she attended Western University of Health Sciences where she earned her DMD degree. During her time at WesternU, she fell in love with volunteering and was co-coordinator of the student run Riverside Free Clinic, providing free health services to the underserved population in the Inland Empire. She also consistently volunteered at the Special Olympics events, providing dental screenings, oral hygiene instruction, fluoride varnish application, and fabricating mouth guards for all the athletes. The culmination of those educational experiences inspired her passion for teaching children about their oral health and providing dental care for the pediatric population. In her free time, she likes to play soccer, go snowboarding, or be outside doing any activity. She is excited to join the UCLA family and start her career as a pediatric dentist!
Dr. Kayley Neukam was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, where her passion for healthcare and serving others first took root. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Baylor University in Waco, TX, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Child and Family Studies. During her time at Baylor, Dr. Neukam was actively involved in leadership roles within the American Student Dental Association chapter, where she developed a strong commitment to dental advocacy and professional growth.
Dr. Neukam went on to start her dental training at the University of Utah School of Dentistry. Her dedication to pediatric dentistry led her to specialized training as a pediatric dental resident at UCLA. Dr. Neukam has a particular interest in treating children with special healthcare needs.
Now, as she continues her journey in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Neukam feels privileged to join the vibrant community of pediatric dental professionals in California. Outside of dentistry, she finds joy in spending quality time with her family and friends, baking up sweet treats, exploring new hiking trails, and discovering hidden gem coffee shops in the area.
Dr. Angela Suryakusuma grew up in Austin, Texas, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from The University of Texas at Austin. During those college years, she participated in a medical brigade to Nicaragua, where she shadowed a dentist for the first time. This experience ignited her passion for dentistry and solidified her desire to become a dentist.
Before entering dental school, Angela worked as a registered dental assistant in a mobile clinic that provided free dental care to elementary school children across Austin. It was here that she discovered her love for working with kids and recognized the importance of educating both children and their parents about oral health and nutrition. As she progressed through dental school, her interest in pediatrics was deepened. In 2024, Dr Angela graduated from The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston, and was thrilled to match with UCLA Pediatric Dentistry, bringing her one step closer to her dream of becoming a pediatric dentist.
Dr. Angela looks forward to her residency as an opportunity for ongoing learning and professional growth. She aims to deepen her expertise in pediatric dental care, mastering behavior management techniques, sedation methods, and emergency response skills. Ultimately, she is dedicated to ensuring that no child in need of dental care is ever turned away.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Angela enjoys watching sunsets at the beach, going on hikes, and playing volleyball with her friends.
Dr. Carly Tse was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. She completed her undergraduate education at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, where she majored in Psychology and worked as the lead research manager for the Psychology Department. Following her passions for creativity, global health, and medicine, she entered dental school at ATSU, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health where she graduated with honors as a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. Dr. Carly’s commitment to the field of dentistry extended beyond clinical practice into impactful leadership roles. While in dental school, she served as the National Student Liaison for the Special Care Dentistry Association and aimed to expand access to care and resources for individuals with special healthcare needs. In addition to her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, she also obtained her Master of Public Health from A.T. Still University. The master’s practicum taught her how to produce evidencebased findings and propose new tools to help assess caries risk. After graduation, Dr. Carly practiced as an Associate Dentist at Lollipop Dental Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Orange County, California for two years before entering residency at UCLA. During her free time, you can most likely find Dr. Carly painting or working out in the gym. She is so excited to be a Bruin and looks forward to following in her mom’s footsteps as a pediatric dentist.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
SAN FRANCISCO RESIDENTS
Dr. Julian Boykins was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. After graduating from Amherst College with a bachelor's degree in Economics, he moved back to Atlanta where he briefly worked in the music industry. He then moved to New York City where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry. While in dental school, Dr. Julian was active in leadership roles as a part of Class Council and as treasurer for NYU’s Student National Dental Association chapter. Dr. Julian remains passionate about research and the importance of diversity within the field of research. During his time in dental school, he was the lead student mentor for a R25 Summer Research Education Experience Program, which is funded by the NIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, created to provide undergraduate students that are underrepresented in the biomedical workforce.
His interest in Pediatric Dentistry was reinforced during time spent in community clinics providing direct dental care. While at NYU, Dr. Julian participated in research projects exploring clinician decision-making for the endodontic treatment of permanent teeth in pediatric patients. His interest in research underscores his belief in the importance of advocacy in Pediatric Dentistry and multidisciplinary care for patients experiencing nuanced and complex cases. Outside of residency, Dr. Julian enjoys collecting vinyl, DJing, and trying new foods around the Bay Area.
Dr. Erick Leyva is a pediatric dental resident at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He grew up in Southern California in Lancaster, CA, where he received his bachelor's degree in biology at California State University Northridge. During dental school, Erick was a part of the Provider's Pathway Program (PPP), working with children with special health care needs to gain experience working with this population. There he learned the need for dental providers, including the need for Hispanic dentists. He specializes in providing dental care for children, focusing on preventive treatments, addressing dental anxiety in young patients, and managing complex oral health issues in children. He is passionate about helping Spanish-speaking families and uses his background to help those in need. In his free time, he enjoys being with his dog, playing soccer, bouldering, and spending his time with loved ones.
Dr. Aurora Su Sin was born and raised in Yangon, Myanmar, where she spent the first 10 years of her life. Her family then migrated to Singapore to pursue a better life and educational opportunities, where she spent her next seven years. After moving to the United States at age 17, she attended college at the University of Utah and graduated with an Honors degree in Psychology.
Dr. Aurora obtained her DDS at UCSF where she was heavily involved in organizations such as the American Dental Education Association, Children's Health Hut, and California Public Health Association- Northern Chapter. She also enjoyed leading extracurricular activities like Climbing Club, Ergonomics Club, and Delta Sigma Delta.
Growing up in different countries and later understanding that the health disparities she witnessed largely stemmed from a lack of education, inspired Dr. Aurora to become a health educator. Her desire to bridge gaps in healthcare led her to specialize in pediatric dentistry, where she will play an important role in instilling healthy habits in children from a young age.
When not in the clinic, Dr. Aurora enjoys karaoke, bouldering, watching sitcoms and K-dramas, and going to music festivals.
Dr. Helina Tessema, a native of Los Angeles, CA, is a dedicated and compassionate dentist. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology & Human Biology with a minor in Chinese Studies from Emory University, followed by her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Tufts University.
During dental school, Dr. Tessema held leadership roles such as Vice President of the Tufts American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD) chapter and served as a Teaching Assistant in several courses. She also contributed as an Admissions Ambassador, conducting interviews and leading campus tours for prospective students.
Passionate about teaching and mentorship, Dr. Tessema values the impact of mentorship in her own life and strives to guide the next generation of healthcare leaders. Currently, she is completing her pediatric dental residency at UCSF alongside pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at San Jose State University, focusing on health education, disease prevention, and global perspectives. Dr. Tessema is fluent in Amharic (official language of Ethiopia) and proficient in Mandarin Chinese.
In her leisure time, she enjoys cooking, event planning, boxing, and is thrilled to be back on the West Coast closer to her family.
Dr. Elisa Wang was born and raised in San Francisco, California. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, as part of the 3+3 Pre-Dental Program. During her time as an undergraduate, she worked as a chemistry workshop leader, which sparked her interest in teaching as every session was a chance to help students succeed, whilst showing them how to have fun and enjoy their learning.
After receiving her bachelor’s, she returned home to San Francisco and completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, as a first-generation doctor in her family. During her time in dental school, she followed her passion for community involvement as a volunteer in children's health fairs and outreach events in the Bay Area, such as Give Kids a Smile.
From her experiences volunteering and working closely with underserved and underrepresented communities in the Bay Area, Dr. Wang pursues a residency in pediatric dentistry at UCSF in conjunction with an MPH degree at SJSU. Her commitment is to address oral health disparities and promote brighter futures for pediatric patients and their families.
When Dr. Wang is not in the clinic, she spends her time with family and friends, cooking different cuisines, going on hikes, crocheting/knitting clothing, and watching movies.
WELCOME UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
Dr. Jessica Chang's interest in pediatric dentistry started when she tutored children on skid row in undergrad. Knowing these children dealt with many stressors, she wanted to do more to help them. As she taught more and more students, she saw their willingness to learn and their resilience, despite changing circumstances. When she entered dental school, she discovered their lack of access to dental care. Since then, she has devoted herself to this community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors. She enjoys hiking, traveling, camping, playing with her family’s five dogs, and spending time with friends and family. Her plans after graduation would be to work in Merced, CA, an underserved community.
Dr. Jessica Ho – From a young age coming from a low socio-economic background, going to the dentist was a rare occurrence. In dental school, Dr. Ho had a chance to go to Jamaica where she taught elementary school children the significance of oral home care and saw firsthand global needs for dental care. Since then, she completed an AEGD at a community health center in San Francisco & Oakland where her passion for treating underserved children was furthered. She has a deep desire to dedicate her life to serving children and instilling lessons to shape their lifelong success. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, being outdoors and finding new restaurants to try. She plans on working at an FQHC and private practice in the future.
Dr. Stephanie B. Lopez- Alvarado – Although Dr. Lopez-Alvarado did not grow up knowing she wanted to be a pediatric dentist, a lot of her experiences throughout her life led her on to this path. Through her community outreach, she realized that working with little ones was something that she really enjoyed and had a strong passion for. She found that she was able to connect in a way that lit her up because of the difference she was able to make and, in those moments, it solidified that all of her experiences meant to lead her to her decision to become a pediatric dentist. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, trying new restaurants and listening to good music. After graduation, she would like to explore the possibility of working in an FQHC, continue to volunteer and possibly even teach.
Dr. Leila Mahmoodi has always loved kids. Growing up in a large family, she grew up with kids of all ages and was always the first to volunteer to babysit or entertain. As her interest in dentistry grew, she was exposed to the field of pediatric dentistry. Her decision to become a pediatric dentist was solidified after a little boy, who was at first had been very anxious, finished treatment by waking up from a nap and stating he had “the best sleep ever” and could not wait to come back. In my spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling and baking. After she graduates, she hopes to work within a community health clinic as well as in private practice.
Dr. Jamilla Monegain fell in love with pediatric dentistry through her community outreach experience at USC. The psychological aspect of pediatric dentistry enticed her in so many ways. She was constantly inspired & intrigued on how to find ways to make the dental chair fun, inviting and a safe space for all children. Changing children’s perspective and outlook towards dentistry to a positive one is what inspires her every day. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors whether that may be hiking or rock climbing. When she is not outdoors, she enjoys spending time with her kittens (Milo & Moca) and reading. After graduation, she plans to work in a private practice as an associate while helping the community through various community outreach opportunities.
Dr. Logan Okawachi – Ever since Dr. Okawachi was a child, pediatric dentistry has been a close part of his life. His father is a pediatric dentist and his mother is the office manager. You can say it’s a mom and pop shop! Being able to work with children and young people, helping them in their dental journey is a unique and noble priviledge. To Dr. Okawachi, this is nothing more gratifying than helping the pediatric patient and creating a long lasting positive impact in their lives. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys surfing, the outdoors, sports (baseball & soccer) and spending time with friends and family. After residency, he hopes to join his dad in private practice and go on mission trips and community dentistry to help share pediatric dentistry to those in need.
Dr. Maile Osborne grew up in Northern California and after high school, she has been fortunate to live in many unique places like Hawaii and Italy. After dental school at USC, she worked at a community clinic and had the opportunity to treat underserved children. She truly enjoyed connecting with her pediatric and special healthcare needs patients to make them feel comfortable and shape their dental future. While working at a community clinic, she noticed the lack of access to specialty care and her plans after graduation are to continue working with underserved communities. In her spare time, she enjoys surfing and spending time with her husband and two rescue dogs.
Dr. Jonathan Plascencia grew up with minimal access to oral healthcare which spiked his interest to go into the health field. Working with children has always been something that he enjoyed, whether it’s coaching, mentoring or doing dentistry. He enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors and cooking while watching new Netflix series. His plans after graduation are to work in a FQHC while completing his NHSC scholarship service.
Dr. Morgan Rogers grew up surrounded by children and always knew she wanted to work with kids in some capacity. After teaching for a year overseas, she knew her love for healthcare could be combined with her love for children. She went into dental school hoping to be able to specialize in pediatrics. After doing her first fillings on a patient in the pediatric clinic, she knew it was for her. She loves reading and hiking in her spare time and hopes to practice in Southern California after graduation. She hopes to show her passion for pediatric dental care throughout my career and make a child’s smile bigger.
Dr. Kaitlyn Savage is from Redlands, CA. Ever since she was a little girl, she has wanted to become a pediatric dentist! She enjoys spending time with family and friends in her spare time. She also loves traveling and trying new food. She has a dog named Paisley that she loves playing with. She plans to practice in Southern California after graduation.
WSPD PRESIDENT REPORT
Dr. Robert E. McAlpine - WSPD President
Dear Esteemed Colleagues,
Allow me to once again express my profound gratitude for the unwavering support from our members and the sustained cooperation from the state/ provincial associations. Your indispensable involvement is the driving force behind the continual successes we experience at the WSPD.
Recently, the WSPD conducted our Fall business meeting on October 4, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. The event was well attended, and we were privileged to have both the President, Dr. Scott Smith, and the Treasurer of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Jacob Lee, in attendance. They were accompanied by an enthusiastic delegation from our state and provincial districts. It was indeed heartening to witness the high degree of enthusiasm and professionalism exhibited.
In accordance with our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, our vision is to ensure optimal oral health for all children. As pediatric dentists, this is the ethos we strongly advocate. However, through the insights gained from the WSPD Leadership Intern project, we have come to realize that our message is not reaching our members or potential new members effectively. Hence, the WSPD is committed to enhancing its visibility, providing valuable services to our members, and striving to be the preferred organization for states and provinces within our district.
In the forthcoming months, the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry (WSPD) will be diligently coordinating within its committee to enhance member awareness and foster communication among state associations. It is our pleasure to announce that the WSPD board has invited Dr. Bri Butler to serve as the inaugural Western District Advocacy and Legislative Liaison. This role has been conceived with the aim of promoting increased collaboration amidst district PPA's and leadership groups.
We are confident that Dr. Butler will employ her leadership skills and enthusiasm to add value to this novel position. She is an ideal advocate for our district and will be instrumental in our endeavors.
In the pipeline are plans to disseminate an updated WSPD newsletter to our members via email and to refine the communication platform on the WSPD website. We anticipate that these initiatives will augment awareness about WSPD and our mission.
In addition to our sustained sponsorship of the CSPD Annual Meeting, this year, WSPD will also lend its support to the resident poster competition. This will provide residents with the opportunity to engage with members of the WSPD board.
It is an honor to announce that the WSPD Board has sanctioned a donation of $10,000 to the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry Hurricane Helene Fund. We believe that this contribution aligns with our vision of optimal oral health for all children and will provide assistance to the pediatric dentists adversely affected by the catastrophic storm.
As we progress, the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry (WSPD) remains steadfast in its mission of ensuring optimal oral health for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs.
Looking ahead, we are pleased to announce that the WSPD Spring meeting will be convened in Seattle, in association with the 2025 CSPD Annual Meeting. The meeting is scheduled for April 26th, commencing at 1:30 pm.
With Regards
AAPD WESTERN DISTRICT TRUSTEE REPORT
Dr. Donald Schmitt - AAPD Western District Trustee (2024-2027)
The WSPD Board Meeting was recently held at the lovely Cedarbrook Lodge in Seattle, and it was my pleasure to attend this meeting. The WSPD meeting brings together states and provinces big and small from throughout the Western District. I commend the WSPD board for its efforts in supporting all of its members. The WSPD board appointed Dr. Bri Butler as the first WSPD Advocacy and Legislative Liaison. This new position will work with members throughout the Western District to assist them in dealing with their state legislatures and advocating on behalf of pediatric dentistry. Dr. Butler is the perfect candidate for this position given her passion and experience as a Public Policy Advocate. I look forward to working with and supporting her in this new role. Congratulations Dr. Butler!
The following day I attended the Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry meeting. The WSAPD recognized Dr. John Gibbons for his long tenure as the Washington state PPA. John is a former Western District Trustee and a tremendous advocate for children’s oral health. Thank you, John, for your many years of service to our profession and the children we serve!
AAPD President Dr. Scott Smith was there as well and commented on how impressed he was with the level of involvement and organization on the part of the WSAPD. The WSAPD ran a very informative and comprehensive business meeting followed by a halfday CE course. Well done Washington state!
Later in October, I attended the CSPD board meeting in Los Angeles. At that meeting, California Dental Association Senior Health Policy Analyst Tooka Zokaie gave a very thorough presentation on a variety of issues facing pediatric dentists in California. Her presentation reminded me of the importance of not only being active in pediatric dental organizations, but also how critical it is to have a strong relationship with our state associations. The CDA has far more resources at its disposal than even a relatively large pediatric specialty organization like the CSPD.
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AAPD WESTERN DISTRICT TRUSTEE REPORT
At the end of October (yes September and October were busy months of travel and meetings!), I spent the day in Mesa at the beautiful Arizona School of Dentistry for the AzAPD meeting. The Arizona chapter is in very good hands with Dr. Abe Itty and incoming President Dr. Dia Haque, along with the rest of the team. Back in September, Arizona member Dr. Jessica Robertson gave a great presentation on dealing with workforce issues at the AAPD Chapter Leadership Summit in Chicago.
AAPD Board of Trustees Ad Interim Meeting
The AAPD Board of Trustees held its ad interim meeting September 12-13, 2024, in Chicago. The after action minutes can be found at https://www.aapd.org/globalassets/202409-12-13-bot-minutes---final.pdf
Below is a brief summary of some of the decisions of the board:
1. Approved Honolulu, HI, to be the site of AAPD 2029.
2. Approved Ricardo A. Perez and Devon V. Shroff to be the Local Arrangement Chairs (LAC) for AAPD 2027, with their term beginning in 2026.
3. Charged the Credential and Ethics Committee to update the complaint process by engaging State Dental Boards to assist in adjudicating complaints of improper advertising on non-pediatric specialists.
4. Allowed for consideration of nominations of researchers who are not members of AAPD for the Suzi Seale Coll Evidence-Based Dentistry Service Award.
5. Directed the Council on Clinical Affairs to review “Oral and Dental Aspects of Child Abuse and Neglect,” for development of a Policy or Best Practice for the Reference Manual.
6. Transferred editorship of the AAPD Handbook for subsequent editions to: Janice Townsend, Travis Nelson, John Liu.
7. Approved Consensus Statement for Org Review: Support “Healthy Beverage Consumption in SchoolAge Children and Adolescents: Recommendations from Key National Health and Nutrition Organizations”.
Upcoming Meetings
AAPD/AAO Joint Winter Conference
From Small to Tall: Nurturing the Growth of Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
January 24-26, 2025, at the JW Marriott at Marco Island, FL Registration is open
AAPD Annual Session
May 22-25, 2025, Denver, CO
AAPD/IAPD/Royal College of Surgeons Joint Meeting
September 19-20, 2025
Edinburgh, Scotland
More information to come!
CSPD BOARD MOTIONS
MOTION 2024.10.19.01: Approval of the Minutes.
MOTION 2024.10.19.02: Approve the Non-Dues Revenue plan submitted by the Non-Dues Revenue Committee.
MOTION 2024.10.19.03: Accept the Treasurer’s report as presented.
MOTION 2024.10.19.04: As soon as feasible, CSPD Board of Directors shall meet in person 3 times per year.
MOTION 2024.10.19.05: CSPD shall pay for one night of lodging at the conference hotel for board members at the annual meeting.
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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
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
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
STAFF
Executive Director: Elizabeth Lipke, MBA CAE
Association Operations: Diane Skullr
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