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BULLETIN CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

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President's Message

Annual Meeting News

Financial Report of the CSPD

CSPD BULLETIN 1

FALL 2026 | Volume 54 – Number 2

FALL 2026

TABLE of CONTENTS

Volume 54 | Number 2

DR. CHANEL MCCREEDY - BULLETIN MANAGING EDITOR

IN THIS ISSUE

President's Message

Annual Meeting News

Lobbiest Report

Financial Report of the CSPD

Legislative Advocacy

AAPD Western District Trustee Report

Public Policy Report

WSPD President Report

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

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

CONTINUING OUR GOOD WORK Dr. Natalie Vander Kam – CSPD President As we head into the Fall and our patients head back to school, I find it only natural to pause and reflect on where things are for the year as well as find gratitude for all the things around me. I am thankful for the beauty we live in, in the state of California. For me, on the Central Coast, the end of summer into fall is the best time of year with beautiful beach days and less tourists as well as mild temperatures for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. In San Luis Obispo, it also means the return of the college students, which provides a fun energy and vibrancy to the town and the office as we have eager students frequently coming to shadow and observe. I am thankful to be a pediatric dentist and involved in organized dentistry. There is truly no greater satisfaction than making a difference in the life of a child and their family. We are blessed to be able to educate people daily and have a positive effect on their experience at a dental office. No day is truly ever the same and the things that kids say will keep me laughing every day of my career. In addition, we have the opportunity to serve with and for our colleagues through organized dentistry and make a difference for all the children in our state as well as for small business owners.

I am thankful for the entire CSPD team of volunteers. As with everything, it takes an entire village to keep things moving and I am so grateful for everyone who uses some of their time to contribute to CSPD. We have volunteers on our 11 committees and sub committees to help carry on the objectives and agenda of the CSPD as well as plan for our annual meeting and great continuing education. I am also grateful for Zoom and email so that we can all meet and discuss regularly without extra travel. I am appreciative for all your help and support as we lead the way for many other states! I am thankful for our team at Smith Moore and Associates for helping manage and organize our Society as we continue to grow in our numbers and our needs. Thank you to Catherine Smith, Andrea Elliott, Janelle Mollgaard, Che Munoz and Audie Whitt for managing our meetings, projects, website links, and everything administrative. You are life savers! I am thankful for our Advocacy Team. Thank you to the CDA as our advocacy partner, who work hand in hand with Evelyne Vu Tien, our Public Policy Advocate, and Chad Mayes, our legislative advocate to make sure that the children’s voices in our State are being heard. As you will see in every Bulletin’s Advocacy section, this team is working daily to make sure we have a seat at the table in all conversations regarding children’s dental health in California. Finally, I am thankful for our Communications and Publications Team! Thank you for working so hard across all the platforms: print, email, social media and the website to keep our members informed and involved. Catherine Pham and Chanel McCreedy lead the way in this time-consuming process. Thank you! We have a wonderful Annual Meeting to look forward to March 11-14, 2027, in Monterey, please save the date! Thank you again for allowing me the privilege of serving as your President.

I am thankful for CSPD and our members. Although I am a California native, I did not complete my pediatric dental residency in California, nor did I experience the leadership development or opportunities that a statewide society can offer to residents and dentists. CSPD found me once I returned to California and the friendships, mentors, job opportunities, leadership development and all-around fun has made the best impact on my life! Thank you to all of you who continue your membership and see the value of CSPD. We can all benefit in various ways at different times in our careers, but none of it could happen without a solid membership base and I hope I will continue to lead our society in a way that all our members see value in CSPD.

4 FALL 2026

ANNUAL MEETING NEWS

MONTEREY, HERE WE COME! Dr. Leslie Butler – Annual Meeting Chair

We’re thrilled to introduce the CSPD Annual Meeting 2027, taking place March 11–14, 2027, at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course in Monterey, California! Get ready for an incredible few days filled with outstanding continuing education, unforgettable events, time with friends and colleagues, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy everything beautiful Monterey has to offer. WE’RE KICKING THINGS OFF IN STYLE! Our conference begins with a special pre-conference course presented by NuSmile, followed by an epic Welcome Reception hosted by NuSmile. It’s the perfect way to reconnect, meet new colleagues, and start an amazing weekend together! OUR ROCKSTAR SPEAKER LINEUP INCLUDES: Marielle Pariseau: Nutrition in Patient Care

With such a fantastic variety of speakers and topics, there will be something to pique everyone’s interest and plenty of opportunities to bring new ideas back to your practice. AND THE FUN DOESN’T STOP WHEN THE CE ENDS! After spending your days learning from our incredible speakers, get ready to experience the special events CSPD has planned throughout the weekend. Thursday Night: Welcome Reception at our beautiful Monterey resort. Saturday Night: An unforgettable CSPD bash at the Monterey Bay Aquarium! That’s right—we’ll have exclusive access to one of the world’s most renowned and spectacular aquariums for an incredible evening with our CSPD friends and families. And we may still have a few more surprises on the horizon… This annual meeting is about so much more than CE. Bring your family, reconnect with colleagues, make new friends, explore Monterey, and create lasting memories together. SAVE THE DATE: MARCH 11–14, 2027 Registration will be opening in the next few months, so keep an eye out for updates and be ready to register when it goes live! We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Monterey in March 2027 for another amazing CSPD Annual Meeting!

Ryan Nolan: Cariology/PoviOne Glenn Canares: Kindness

Come for the CE. Stay for the connections. Leave with memories that last long after the weekend is over.

Bobby Thikkurissy: Sedation Daniel Stoeckel: Oral Pathology

I N P E D I AT R

IC NTI

MAKING

ES V A

Mary Anne Melo: Dental Materials

ST R Y

MONTEREY CALIFORNIA

CSPD BULLETIN 5

LOBBYIST REPORT

CSPD’S GROWING VOICE IN SACRAMENTO Chad Mayes, Managing Partner, Genesi LLC

In Sacramento, influence is built long before the vote is called. Over the past year, CSPD has become a more visible, credible, and consistent presence in the Capitol community in Sacramento. Legislative leaders, committee staff, administration officials, and health care stakeholders increasingly know who we are and understand that pediatric dentistry deserves a voice when decisions are being made. We have met directly with the Senate President pro Tempore, key budget leaders, Governor Newsom and members of his administration, while helping lead the broader dental coalition working to protect and extend Proposition 56 funding for Medi-Cal Dental. The value of those relationships is not simply access. It is being part of the conversation early enough to shape the outcome. That is the work I do for CSPD every day in Sacramento. Most of it happens well before there is a bill alert or a call to action. It is knowing what is coming, understanding who is driving it, and making sure CSPD is in the right conversation at the right time. On any given day, that may mean sitting down with a committee consultant about legislation, talking with budget staff about MediCal Dental funding, reviewing amendments before they move, coordinating with our partners in the dental community, or raising a concern with a policymaker before it becomes a larger problem. Some of the most

important advocacy never makes a headline. It may be language changed before it is introduced, a proposal redirected before positions harden, or a relationship built today that becomes critical six months from now. The goal is simple: CSPD should never be learning about an issue affecting pediatric dentistry after the important decisions have already been made. This fall, that work continues on two important fronts. We were successful this year in securing a one-year extension of Medi-Cal Dental supplemental payments, but our work is not finished. We now need to build the case for making that funding permanent and ongoing, providing greater certainty for providers and helping preserve access to care for children enrolled in Medi-Cal. At the same time, CSPD is beginning to turn its growing presence into a more proactive policy agenda. One example is the work underway around SB 501 (Glazer), the 2018 law that significantly changed California’s dental anesthesia and sedation framework. CSPD has begun developing potential cleanup legislation and has already met directly with the chairs and members of the Legislature’s Business and Professions committees. This fall, we will continue developing a legislative proposal and identifying an author to work with in 2027. It is an important next step for CSPD: not simply responding to the policy agenda in Sacramento, but bringing the experience of pediatric dentists directly into the policymaking process and helping shape that agenda ourselves. The relationships are being built. Our voice is being recognized. Increasingly, CSPD is positioned to turn both into results for pediatric dentists and the children and families they serve. The foundation is in place. The momentum is building. And the work continues.

6 FALL 2026

FEATURED ARTICLE

CSPD ADVOCACY IN ACTION: ADVANCING ACCESS, WORKFORCE, AND CHILDREN'S ORAL HEALTH Evelyne Vu-Tien, DDS, MBA – Public Policy Advocate CSPD Celebrates a Momentous Win to Delay Prop 56 Cuts until 2027 The California Dental Association formed a 150-group coalition called “Save Our Dental Care,” of which CSPD was a member. This coalition exemplifies the significant influence on public policy. Our lobbyist, Chad Mayes, played a pivotal role in organizing two pediatric dental advocacy days at the state capitol, during which current President Dr. Natalie VanderKam, CSPD board members, and invited guests traveled to Sacramento to educate legislators about the urgent state of pediatric oral health and its link to overall health. Reducing reimbursement rates could result in the catastrophic withdrawal of 50% of providers from the Denti-Cal program, according to a survey by the CDA. Approximately 7.5 to 8 million children depend on Denti-Cal services, yet only 4 million have received care, leaving another 4 million children without a dental home. This year, CSPD intends to enhance its advocacy efforts to educate legislators on the critical importance of pediatric oral health and its connection to systemic health. Considering the threats posed by the potential removal of fluoride from water supplies, the decreasing number of licensed providers capable of administering minimal and moderate pediatric sedation, and the extended waitlists for hospital-based care, our public policy initiatives have become more essential and timelier than ever before. CSPD Represents Pediatric Dentistry at the Dental Board of California The California Society of Pediatric Dentistry (CSPD) has persisted in its advocacy efforts to diminish barriers to acquiring moderate sedation licenses following the enactment of SB 501. There has been a two-thirds reduction in the number of dentists obtaining this license, resulting in many practitioners opting for in-hospital sedation or in-office deep anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist to serve their patients with special needs and/or advanced decay. As immediate past-president, Dr. MyLinh Ngo, stated, “the board has specified that the practicing dentist with the moderate sedation license and one personnel member shall maintain certification

in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and airway management, or other board-approved training in pediatric life support and airway management, we will propose the PEARS (Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization) equivalent to expand access to care and increase the number of licensees”. The PEARS certification was developed by the American Heart Association with an emphasis on early airway assessment and stabilization, while allocating less focus to critically ill patients. Conversely, PALS encompasses pharmacology, defibrillation, recognition of abnormal heart rhythms, and post-resuscitative care, which extend beyond the scope of an RDA. A letter was sent on behalf of CSPD, stating that while patient safety remains paramount in the treatment of patients, the recently implemented standards may inadvertently diminish access to dental care for children with dental decay. These children could potentially be treated more promptly with moderate sedation instead of experiencing prolonged delays and undergoing deeper sedation procedures. Work is ongoing as CSPD’s task force collaborates with other specialists and the California Dental Association to develop a unified effort to increase the number of qualified practitioners. During the discussion of AB 1952 (Berman), a bill that would have permitted internationally trained dentists to apply for a dental hygiene license, thereby expanding the dental workforce and alleviating the shortage of dental hygienists, the potential benefits were highlighted. Since numerous pediatric dental practices employ dental hygienists for anesthesia or subgingival scaling, this legislation would have had a positive impact on our profession. This CDA-sponsored bill would have continued the legacy of many states that have already created this hygiene licensure pathway. Among those are Florida, Massachusetts, and Virginia, which have already established pathways for foreign-trained dentists to acquire hygiene licensure. Additionally, New Hampshire and Utah are in the process of solidifying their licensure pathways for foreign-trained dentists. The Board ultimately supported the legislation, recognizing workforce shortages as an ongoing challenge throughout California; however, the bill did not progress during this legislative session.

8 FALL 2026

Other Current Bills of Interest Address Workforce Shortages and Insurance Out-of-Network Challenges AB 1629 (Haney): Dental Insurance Access & Accountability Assembly Bill 1629 (Haney) proposes reforms to enhance transparency in dental provider networks and mitigate barriers to accessing covered dental benefits. Sponsored by the California Dental Association (CDA), the legislation addresses longstanding concerns regarding dental insurance networks. Patients report difficulty finding dentists who participate in their dental plans, resulting in delayed care, longer travel distances, or the need to seek treatment from out-of-network providers. Dental insurance companies are governed at the national level and fail to report complete information regarding their state network adequacy, frequently inflating their provider-to-member ratios. Many patients receiving treatment from out-of-network dentists typically pay the full cost of care upfront and subsequently wait for reimbursement from their dental plans. This process can impose financial hardship and create additional barriers to care. Such a system discourages patients from seeking dental care for families with multiple children. Another key trait of this bill concerns the Assignment of Benefits (AOB) request, which directs insurance payments to the treating dental office rather than to the patient. This change would reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients, foster renewed trust between providers and patients, and decrease administrative staff costs. As of early August, the bill has passed the Assembly and is in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

CSPD BULLETIN 9

SB 1311 (Wahab): Dental Assistant Infection Control Newly hired, unlicensed dental assistants are required to complete an 8-hour infection control course before commencing work in a dental setting. There exists a workforce shortage for dental assistants across California, and having an assistant travel to an in-person 8-hour infection control course in remote areas can create a substantial additional barrier to being hired or beginning work promptly. This challenge often leads dental assistants to pursue other professions, reducing access to care in remote areas. This bill will allow a dental assistant to fulfill the 8-hour infection control course requirement by permitting substitution of an online version approved by the state dental board. As of early August, the bill has passed the Senate and now sits in the Assembly. CSPD is joining CDA’s support by writing a formal letter. AB 350 (Bonta): Health Care Coverage: Fluoride Treatments Fluoride treatment is a covered benefit only in specific settings. This bill would expand the setting for reimbursement of fluoride application for children and increase the age of coverage to 21, allowing many adult special-needs patients still being cared for in our profession to receive this preventive care. Expanded settings would include school-based programs, well-child medical visits, community health center visits, and home visits. The bill would apply to both private insurance and Denti-Cal, seeking to cover the fluoride treatment service without additional barriers such as deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing. The fluoride varnish would be deemed a covered preventive service, whether billed as a medical or dental benefit, depending on the plan. In early August, the bill has passed the Assembly and is being read the third time on the Senate Floor.

California Partnership for Oral Health – Emergency Department/Urgent Dental Care (EDUDC) Ad Hoc Committee Update The California Partnership for Oral Health (CPOH) and Emergency Department/Urgent Dental Care (EDUDC) Ad Hoc Committee met several times over the last few months to review new statewide emergency department (ED) utilization data from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) and to advance strategies aimed at reducing preventable emergency department visits for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs). The committee reviewed HCAI's recently released emergency department data portal, which demonstrates that California experiences more than 50,000 emergency department visits yearly for non-traumatic dental conditions, resulting in approximately $120 million in annual health care expenditures. The data also highlight significant geographic disparities, with the highest rates occurring in rural northern counties, while Medi-Cal remains the primary payer for dental-related ED visits statewide. California Dental Association’s Senior Public Policy Analyst and Committee Chair, Tooka Zokaie, was instrumental in creating this California map. Some of these disparities are attributed to the shortage of DentiCal dentists in areas of need, and the introduction of dental telemedicine visits has alleviated some of this crisis. Increasing access to timely, definitive dental care remains the committee's primary long-term strategy to reduce unnecessary emergency department utilization.

Input from CSPD has led to recognition of the need to better understand pediatric trends; the committee agreed to request age-stratified pediatric data from HCAI and the Office of Oral Health (OOH) to identify the most common diagnoses and procedures that lead children to seek care in emergency departments. This information will help guide targeted prevention and intervention strategies. Several statewide recommendations were discussed, including mapping Denti-Cal providers around hospitals with high utilization of non-traumatic dental codes, strengthening referral pathways through an online referral system for dental home establishment, and developing county-specific community healthcare workers to address these challenges. To further support this work, any pediatric dental attending involved in resident research and education is asked to explore opportunities for pediatric dental residents at their respective training programs to participate in research on emergency department utilization for dental conditions so that we may address these startling access to care issues and reduce the overwhelming burden of emergency departments’ dental utilization

10 FALL 2026

Supporting Community Water Fluoridation Community water fluoridation remained a significant topic during both the California Partnership for Oral Health Policy Committee and the CDA Interdisciplinary Affairs Forum. CSPD continues to participate in statewide coalition efforts supporting evidence-based community fluoridation and monitoring systems where fluoridation status may change. Because of local and state grassroots efforts, CDA, CSPD, and the San Diego County Dental Society celebrated an achievement: the Olivenhain Municipal Water District paused water fluoridation rather than removing it. The reintroduction will take effect in 2027, after infrastructure improvements are installed to enhance the safety of water workers and engineers. Had the Olivenhain Water Board voted to remove fluoride from its water source, it would have signaled the first county in San Diego to remove this public health benefit and could have set off a domino effect in other counties. Additional monitoring efforts include Sacramento-area water systems with expiring First 5 funding agreements, Liberty Utilities' previous cessation of fluoridation, Huntington Beach advocacy efforts, and interconnected Southern California water systems supplied through regional water agencies. Participants emphasized the importance of early notification, coordinated communication among public health agencies, and rapid response whenever fluoridation programs are threatened. Coordinating State and National Advocacy CSPD remains engaged in national discussions regarding Medicaid, insurance coverage, pediatric sedation, workforce development, and federal regulatory activity. AAPD's highest federal legislative priority remains the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA), which would require private health insurers to provide medically necessary treatment for children with congenital anomalies. Approximately 120,000 children are born with birth defects or craniofacial anomalies, and 40,000 of these children require reconstructive surgery as part of their medically necessary treatment. Passing ELSA would remove barriers to care for essential function, speech, and growth. National advocacy also emphasized the continued funding of Title VII under the Public Health Service Act. This fund supports pediatric dental residencies through grants. Leadership also proposed pediatric sedation guidelines and Medicaid reimbursement developments occurring across multiple states. Throughout these discussions, AAPD emphasized the importance of coordinated advocacy among state chapters, organized dentistry, and federal partners, while encouraging continued grassroots participation by pediatric dentists. Title VII funding has dramatically increased the nation's pediatric dental training capacity. Since the late 1990s, the number of first-year pediatric dentistry residency positions has grown from approximately 180 to more than 500 annually, helping to address the national shortage of pediatric dentists and improve access CSPD BULLETIN 11

to specialty care for children. About 70% of pediatric dentists treat children enrolled in Medicaid, CHIP, or both. Our profession encompasses the majority of primary providers for children with complex medical conditions, developmental disabilities, and behavioral challenges. California has led the way and been at the forefront of public policy change. Other states will look towards California for direction and growth. Evelyne Vu-Tien will be presenting the collaborative work of CSPD’s executive board and administrative partners at the Fall AAPD Leadership Public Policy Summit, the background and process of hiring our lobbyist, Mr. Chad Mayes, and how this step was paramount in addressing specific pediatric dental state hurdles.

A Catalyst for the Future of Pediatric Dental Education The CSPD Foundation is the Charitable arm of the CSPD whose mission and purpose are dedicated to supporting pediatric dental education and research for all pediatric dentistry residency programs in California. The Foundation, alongside the CSPD, has cultivated a growing network of professionals committed to service, leadership, mentorship, and lifelong learning in California. Reflecting on the long journey to be-coming a pediatric dentist, pursuing this specialty has proven to be a rewarding course that is well worth the challenge. The path from an undergraduate institution through dental school is demanding, yet it of-fers valuable opportunities to network with like-minded peers, engage in community service, and form lifelong friendships. Whether entering general practice or choosing to specialize, we are proud of our col-lective decision to become pediatric dentists and remain dedicated to making a difference in children’s oral health. This summer has been a period of relaxation following graduation. Our recent residents have embarked on diverse paths, with some relocating out of state to begin working as associates or partners in existing practices, and others pursuing academic careers. Additionally, our 2025/2026 Warren Brandli Leadership Interns, Carly Tse Goldstein and Aubrey Morrone, have joined private practices. They recently reflected on their experience as interns with the CSPD Foundation and the CSPD. Carly Tse Goldstein “Serving as a Warren Brandli Intern on the CSPD Foundation Board taught me the importance of support-ing education and advocacy for residents and pediatric dentists across California. Our success as a special-ty starts at the beginning, in residency. Encouraging residents to advocate for policy and pursue research lays the groundwork for a state full of engaged, experienced pediatric dentists. I'm grateful for the oppor-tunity to have served on the Foundation Board and look forward to watching the board's future success." Aubrey Morrone “Serving as Warren Brandli Intern on the CSPD Foundation was an incredibly rewarding experience. It gave me the opportunity to learn more about the Foundation's important work in supporting pediatric dental education and professional development throughout California, and I am so appreciative of every-thing the Foundation does to invest in the future of our specialty. I especially valued the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated leaders, and the experience has strengthened my commitment to staying involved in organized dentistry and leadership. I look forward to seeing all that the Foundation will con-tinue to accomplish in the years ahead.”

Thank you for your ongoing support and contributions, no matter how small. Together we can ensure that the legacy of excellence in pediatric dentistry continues to thrive for years to come! We look forward to hearing from you. Please join us to celebrate the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary in Monterey, CA at the CSPD Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, March 11-14th. Let's continue the Spirit together! Oariona Lowe, President, CSPD Foundation

FEATURED ARTICLE

FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE CSPD Rahul Nagda, BDS, DDS, MS – Treasurer

It is my privilege to present the 2026 financial update for the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry. Building upon the strong fiscal stewardship of prior years, CSPD continues to demonstrate financial stability, disciplined planning, and responsible investment management. Our Society remains well positioned to support its mission, expand member services, and maintain long-term sustainability. Overall Financial Health As of July 11, 2026, CSPD’s financial position remains strong:

Financial Measure

As of 07/11/2026

Total Assets

$1,297,731

Operating Funds

$504,592

Reserve Funds

$793,139

These figures reflect continued growth from the prior fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, when total assets were $1,206,589. CSPD’s upward financial trajectory is the result of careful budgeting, consistent non-dues revenue, investment performance and revenue generated from the Annual Meeting. Investment Portfolio CSPD maintains a balanced portfolio of fixed-return products and professionally managed investments. The Finance Committee has strategically invested in laddered certificates of deposit (CDs) to optimize returns, with approximately $20,000 in anticipated interest income. A portion of CSPD’s reserves is managed by the Wealth Management Group, generating dividends and annual returns of approximately 6%–9%. Together, these investments support CSPD’s long-term financial health.

Reserve Fund Status CSPD’s Bylaw’s requires a Reserve Fund equal to the average of the past two years’ operating expenses. With $793,139 currently held in reserves, CSPD is maintaining this requirement which provides a healthy financial cushion. This strong reserve position ensures CSPD can: • Sustain operations despite rising costs along with the addition of legislative advocate. • Support Annual Meeting programming • Invest in technology and communications • Expand Online Continuing Education (OCE) offerings • Maintain high-quality member services Non-Dues Revenue (NDR) Non-dues revenue continues to be an essential component of CSPD’s financial strategy. Under the leadership of the NDR Subcommittee, CSPD has expanded revenue sources through: • Online Continuing Education (OCE) • Annual Meeting • Sponsorships and partnerships With a redesigned OCE platform, we anticipate increased national and international engagement, strengthening CSPD’s financial independence and reducing reliance on membership dues. Conclusion CSPD enters the 2026–2027 fiscal year in a strong financial position, supported by disciplined planning, sound investments, and steady non-dues revenue. However, rising operating expenses require continued caution, careful budgeting, and regular review of spending priorities to ensure the Society can sustain its financial strength while supporting its mission and delivering value to members. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions regarding CSPD finances. It is an honor to serve our members and support the continued advancement of pediatric oral health in California while maintaining a prudent and forward-looking approach to the Society’s financial stewardship.

14 FALL 2026

CSPD BULLETIN 15

WSPD PRESIDENT REPORT

A MESSAGE FROM THE WSPD PRESIDENT Thomas Tanbonliong, DDS – WSPD President

It is my honor to serve as the new President of the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry (WSPD). As a former President of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry (CSPD), I am proud to lead another organization that continues to advance pediatric oral health through professional collaboration, leadership, advocacy and education. Our mission is to provide outstanding membership services an effective communications between and amongst the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, its component districts, and the State/Province Units of WSPD. We are committed to cultivating future leaders, strengthening professional connections, and improving oral health outcomes for children throughout the Western United States and Canada.

to support our members and foster future leaders in the specialty. We are proud of this enduring partnership and look forward to strengthening this bond even further in the years ahead, continuing to work side by side to elevate Pediatric Dentistry and both organizations. As we look ahead, I encourage all members to support the WSPD by maintaining their annual memvbership dues. Membership dues directly support leadership development, resident programs, educational initiatives, advocacy efforts, and the partnerships that strengthen our profession. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant and impactful organization dedicated to improving the oral health of children throughout our region.

The WSPD is a cohesive organization representing members from 11 Western States and three (3) Western Provinces of Canada. Our strength lies in the diversity of perspectives and experiences within our leadership. The current Executive Committee reflects that commitment, with members serving from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alberta, Canada, and Wisconsin (our Executive Director spent many years in Alaska, and relocated to Wisconsin). This geographic diversity helps ensure that WSPD remains responsive to the needs of Pediatric Dentists across the region. A key example of that commitment is the WSPD StAMP Fund, which funds Pediatric Dental Residents attending the Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy Conference (POHAC). By supporting resident participation in advocacy efforts, we are investing in the next generation of leaders who will champion children's oral health at the local, state, and national levels. We are also pleased to welcome our new WSPD Leadership Intern, Dr. Esther Gao. Dr. Gao is a graduate of Oregon Health & Science University and is now in private practice with the Kaiser Permanente Group in Oregon. Her enthusiasm, leadership potential, and commitment to pediatric dentistry make her an outstanding addition to our organization. The WSPD continues to provide integral support for the CSPD through multiple initiatives. The WSPD contributes $13,000, the highest level of sponsorship, to support the CSPD annual session. In addition, the WSPD provides the funds for the resident poster awards and helps provide judges for the poster competition. The WSPD has a membership booth at the meeting where attendees receive the humorous badge ribbons and WSPD souvenirs. We are grateful for the unwavering support, partnership, and collaboration with CSPD. The strong relationship between our organizations has created meaningful opportunities

16 FALL 2026

AAPD WESTERN DISTRICT TRUSTEE REPORT

WESTERN DISTRICT UPDATE

Dr. Donald Schmitt – AAPD Western District Trustee (2024-2027) ADA Sedation Update

As many of you are aware, the ADA House of Delegates directed CDEL (Committee on Dental Examination and Licensure) to develop new Guidelines for the Use of Sedation and General Anesthesia by Dentists for Pediatric Patients. These guidelines would replace the currently endorsed joint guidelines from AAPD and the American Academy of Pediatrics. AAPD and numerous stakeholders submitted extensive feedback during the recent public comment period. Subsequently AAPD received communication from the Chair of CDEL, noting that the Council received more than 450 comments, many of them substantial and highly detailed. Given the unprecedented volume and complexity of the feedback, CDEL has directed its Anesthesiology Committee to resume work on the guidelines, conduct a thorough review of the comments, and continue refining the document. Initially the plan was to have the ADA HOD vote on the new guidelines in Indianapolis in October of this year. Now it will not be sent to the HOD prior to 2027. There will also likely be further public comment in early 2027. This is a significant win for children and our specialty. These guidelines are highly complex with many stakeholders, and the final format should only be released after careful review and extensive discussion of the issues and evidence. AAPD has consistently advocated for policies that promote safe pediatric sedation practices. The AAPD PAC Now more than ever the AAPD PAC needs your help. AAPD PAC advocates in support of the AAPD mission of optimal oral health for all children. In doing so, it provides steadfast support for our members to do what they do best: care for children. AAPD takes a multifaceted approach to advocacy. Much of AAPDs’ efforts are local, in person grass roots style. This type of advocacy is a very effective and important avenue, but, as we all know, it is money that really opens doors. As AAPD PAC Chair, Dr. John Gibbons says, “Money is the language of advocacy.”

CSPD BULLETIN 17

All contributions to the PAC are appreciated, but it’s the hard dollars (money from your personal account) that are necessary for the PAC to truly be successful. Those hard dollars are used to make contributions directly to congressional campaigns and help amplify AAPDs advocacy message. Please give today to assist AAPD in advocating on behalf of our members and the children we serve. https://www.aapd.org/advocacy/aapd-pac/

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NITROUS OXIDE FACT SHEET FOR THE DENTAL PROVIDER How does nitrous oxide work? How does it compare to Sevoflurane and Halothane? ¨ Nitrous oxide has multiple mechanisms of action. The analgesic effect appears to be initiated by neuronal release of endogenous opioids (e.g., enkephalins) with subsequent activation of opioid receptors, descending gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors, and noradrenergic pathways that modulate nociceptive processing at the spinal level. The anxiolytic effect involves activation of the GABAA receptor either directly or indirectly through the benzodiazepine binding site. Antagonism of the Nmethyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors also aids in the anesthetic, analgesic, and amnestic properties of nitrous oxide. ¨ Nitrous oxide is the weakest of all inhalation agents with its low tissue solubility and minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) value of 105.7 COMPARISON CHART: NITROUS OXIDE VS. SEVOFLURANE VS. HALOTHANE Property

Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)

Sevoflurane

Halothane

Strength (Potency)

Weak anesthetic — used for minimal/moderate sedation only.

Strong anesthetic — produces full general anesthesia rapidly.

Strong anesthetic — very potent but slower induction/recovery than Sevoflurane.

Primary Effects

Anxiolysis, mild analgesia, light sedation; maintains reflexes and spontaneous breathing.

Loss of consciousness, deep anesthesia, muscle relaxation; smooth induction.

Deep anesthesia; may cause bradycardia, hypotension, arrhythmias.

Typical Concentration Used (inspired gas)

30–70% N₂O (balance O₂). >70% may cause hypoxia.

2–8% induction; 1– 3% maintenance.

2–4% induction; 0.5– 1% maintenance.

Onset/Recovery

Very rapid onset & recovery (minutes).

Rapid onset & recovery, slightly slower than N₂O.

Slow onset & recovery.

Odor & Tolerance

Sweet, pleasant odor; well tolerated by children.

Pleasant, nonpungent; excellent for pediatric mask induction.

Distinct sweet odor; may cause mild airway irritation.

Use in Pediatrics

For minimal sedation and anxiety control in dental settings.

For mask induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.

Largely replaced by Sevoflurane due to slower recovery and side effects.

BOARD MOTIONS

BOARD MEETING AUGUST 1, 2026 MOTION 2026 08.01.01: Approve the consent agenda as presented with the Treasurer's report being pulled for discussion. MOTION CARRIED MOTION 2026 08.01.02: Approval of the Minutes of March 12, 2026 meeting of the CSPD Board of Directors. MOTION CARRIED MOTION 2026 08.01.03: CSPD in a position of support of SB 1311. MOTION CARRIED MOTION 2026 08.01.04: Approval of the 2026-2027 Proposed Budget. MOTION CARRIED MOTION 2026 08.01.05: CSPD in a position of support of AB 1629. MOTION CARRIED MOTION 2026 08.01.06: Motion for CSPD to host another infection control webinar for 2026/2027. MOTION CARRIED MOTION 2026 08.01.07: Motion to use proposed performance evaluation form for management company, Smith Moore & Associates as indicated in CSPD’s Bylaws. MOTION CARRIED

22 FALL 2026

CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

ELECTED AND APPOINTED LEADERSHIP A complete listing of committee appointments may be found at www.cspd.org. OFFICERS Immediate Past President: MyLinh Ngo President: Natalie Vander Kam Vice President: Pardis Farhadian Secretary: Shan Girn Treasurer: Rahul Nagda BOARD OF DIRECTORS North 2024 – 2026: Cheryl Willett South 2024 – 2026: Laura McCormack At Large 2024 – 2026: Ella Saeed North 2025 – 2027: Helen Mo North 2025 – 2027: Jean Star South 2025 – 2027: Evelyne Vu-Tien South 2025 – 2027: Maryam Meschi At Large 2026 – 2028: Raj Dail APPOINTED OFFICERS Web Site Editor: available Bulletin Managing Editor: Chanel McCreedy Public Policy Advocate: Evelyne Vu-Tien

CONTACTS AND LIAISONS AAPD District V (WSPD) Trustee: Don Schmitt AAPD Liaison (Board Member): Cat Pham WSPD Liaison (Board Member): Amanda Effat CSPD AAP Chapter Liaisons: Chapter 1 – Jonathon Lee Chapter 2 – Reem Kabbarah Chapter 3 – John Guijon Chapter 4 – Wai Yin Chan Annual Meeting Sponsor Relations Liaison: Ora Lowe California Dental Society of Anesthesiology Liaison: David Rothman CSPD Foundation President: Ora Lowe CSPD Foundation Liaison (Ex Officio Immediate Past President): MyLinh Ngo Advisor to the Public Policy Advocate – Legislative Affairs: Santos Cortez Advisor to the Public Policy Advocate – Dental Board of California: Paul Reggiardo

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 11-14, 2027 2027 CSPD Annual Meeting

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Monterey, CA

March 23-26, 2028 2028 CSPD Annual Meeting Disneyland Resort Hotel Anaheim, CA

CSPD BULLETIN 23

CSPD REPRESENTATIVES TO THE WSPD BOARD CSPD President (Ex Officio): Natalie Vander Kam CSPD Vice President (Ex Officio): Pardis Farhadian CSPD Liaison to the WSPD Board: Ella Saeed CSPD Representative to the WSPD Board: Amanda Effat BOARD MEMBER – LEADERSHIP INTERN Warren Brandli Internship (WBI) Interns: • Angela Angelova (UCSF) • Michelle Chiang (UCLA) Santos Cortez Graduate Student (GSLA) Interns: • Alyssa Nowlen (USC) • Myles Wheeler (UCSF) • Daniel Juarez (NYU Langone) STAFF Administrative Director & CSPD Operations Manager: Andrea Elliott

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

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Opportunities Available

•

Faculty Positions Available

•

Practices for Sale

CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY PO Box 5081 La Quinta, CA 92248

24 FALL 2026