CSPD Spring Bulletin 2025 by CA SPD

BULLETIN

CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

4 President's Message

7 Annual Meeting Agenda 16 Pacific Palisades Pediatric Dentistry

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SPRING 2025

TABLE of CONTENTS Volume 52 | Number 4

DR. CHANEL MCCREEDY - BULLETIN MANAGING EDITOR

4 President's Message

5 Annual Meeting News

7 Annual Meeting Agenda

Dental Board of California Meeting: Pediatric Dental Implications

14 Executive Director 2025 Updates

WSPD President Report

15 Fluoride Fact Sheet

16 Pacific Palisades Pediatric Dentistry AAPD Western District Trustee Report

23 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.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

SAY IT NOW

Walter Green, a former CEO living in San Diego, started a movement called Say It Now. A close friend asked Walter to organize a celebration of life after his friend’s passing. Walter declined. Instead, he convinced his friend to have a living tribute for his next birthday, where his friends and family gathered to celebrate how much he’d meant in their lives. This event grew into the Say It Now movement where people are encouraged to express gratitude to those around them and to make living tributes a normal part of our daily lives. That is what I would like to do in my last letter as President.

First, I would like to thank the CSPD membership for allowing me to serve as the 50th President of our Society. It has been the honor of my professional career.

Second, I would like to thank the 49 men and women who served as CSPD President before me. It is a rewarding and engaging position, but it can be stressful and time consuming. Our Society is respected nationally and internationally for the work we do and the example we set as a State Component of the AAPD. The pressure of upholding the high standards that Past Presidents have set is a daunting task. I hope I have lived up to expectations and fulfilled the duties and responsibilities entrusted to me.

Next, I would like to thank my Pedo Brothers and Sisters who have supported me over the past four years. John DeLorme, Greg Rabitz, Eric Dixon, Mark Bayless, Ray Ramos, Chris Wacker, Cheryl Willett, Stephanie Dixon, Natalie Vander Kam, Rita Daghlian and Suzy Tavana. I love all of you, thank you for being my friend.

I am leaving our Society in good hands. MyLinh Ngo will make an excellent President. Natalie Vander Kam as Vice President, Pardis Lipkin as Secretary, Shan Girn as Treasurer, and the eight Directors on the CSPD Board are all accomplished, competent and hardworking, and will give MyLinh all the support she will need for a successful Presidency.

I will end with an ancient Greek proverb: “A society becomes great when old men plant trees in whose shade they will never sit.” Three years ago, Don Schmitt enacted structural changes to make our Society more efficient and effective. In my 12 months as President, I have endeavored to continue those changes so our Society will continue to be great. My hope is the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry will continue to grow and prosper for the benefit of the children we serve, and for the benefit of young pediatric dentists I will never have the pleasure of knowing.

Thank you all.

Dr. Mitch Poiset - CSPD President

A MESSAGE FROM THE ANNUAL MEETING CHAIR

Dr. Oariona Lowe - Annual Meeting Chair

The clock is ticking. The CSPD Annual Meeting and Continuing Education Conference is around the corner. Pack your bags and meet us in Seattle at the Westin Hotel, April 24-27, 2025.

We’re so excited to meet and greet you at the Thursday night Welcome Reception. The social highlight of the meeting is the private Cocktail Party on Saturday night which will be at the MoPop Museum!

Highlights of this year’s annual meeting include the Thursday pre-conference workshop and lecture sponsored by Light Scalpel. The morning “handson” workshop is a “Complete Guide on Treatment of Tongue-Ties.” The afternoon session discusses “Airway Management.” The full academic session commences on Friday with a lecture by Dr. LaRee Johnson on “Pediatric Restorative Dentistry.” Presentations on Saturday morning include lectures from Dr. Setareh Lavasani on “CBCT and Radiology Imaging” and Dr. Philip Milgrom who will speak on “Caries Prevention.” The education momentum continues into Saturday afternoon with Dr. Ann Bynum who will share “Practice Management” success. Sunday is reserved for presentations on “Sedation Safety” by Dr. Christine Quinn and “Treating the Anxious Pediatric Patient” by Dr. Cameron Randall.

Poster presentations will again be displayed in the exhibit hall. They will be available for viewing on Friday and Saturday. Join us to congratulate the winners of

of the exhibit hall for membership information and networking. Stop by the Sponsor tables to see what’s new: visit Elevate Oral Care, NuSmile, SPRIG, Fortune Law, and many others. Hover around your favorite companies, place your supply orders, and receive special discounts offered during our meeting!

When not in the exhibit hall or attending a lecture presentation, be a tourist and visit the Space Needle or the famous Chihuly and Glass House. Take a stroll along the Seattle waterfront and shop at the Pike Place Market and meet up at the “Original Starbucks” for a Frappuccino or a latte. Venture into Canada and enjoy “high tea” at the Fairmont Hotel in Victoria. Take a drive to Steveston, a quaint fishing village outside of Victoria - It’s a lovely place with a lot of history. Don’t forget your passports!

Again, an exciting educational experience awaits you! Take home up to 14 CE units. Consider joining us for a one-day lecture series: Friday, Saturday or Sunday. BLS and PALS recertification or full provider courses are available

MEETING PROGRAM

Schedule Updated 3/2/2025. Schedule subject to change. For the most up to date schedule, view on your mobile device: Link coming soon!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2025

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

CSPD Volunteer Dinner

Location: TBD

Board Members and Invited Guests

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025

6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Registration Open

Location: Grand Registration

7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Light Scalpel Pre-Conference

Course: Pediatric Airway. How to Tongue Tie It All Together

Registration Available at CSPD.org while registering for the Annual Meeting

7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

Location: Puget Sound Course Attendees ONLY

8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Part 1

Location: Elliott Bay Course Description:

Part 1 - Hands-on Workshop

• Presentation on laser physics and surgical application of lasers

• “Wet Lab” on-site will be set up for demo and handson experience

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Lunch

Location: Puget Sound Course Attendees ONLY

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Part 2

Location: Elliott Bay

Course Description:

Part 2 – Lecture Presentation

• Learn how to recognize and diagnose airway problems in children and how tongue ties contribute

• Learn how pediatric dentists can help relieve the burden of our medical colleagues through airway management.

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

CSPD Board of Directors

Meeting

Board Members and Invited Guests

Location: Grand Crescent

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch

Location: Fifth Ave

Open to CSPD BOD and Residents attending the Resident Pre-Conference Course

12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Registration Open

Location: Grand Registration

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Registration Available at CSPD.org while registering for the Annual Meeting

Location: Pine

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Resident Pre-Conference Course

Location: Vashon

Registration Available at CSPD.org while registering for the Annual Meeting

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Registration Available at CSPD.org while registering for the Annual Meeting

Location: Pine

This course is for both initial and re-certification participants.

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception

Location: Fifth Ave

Welcome Reception sponsored by NuSmile

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025

6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Past Presidents Breakfast

CSPD Past Presidents and Invited Guests

Location: Grand Crescent

7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Registration Open

Location: Grand Registration

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Exhibitor Hall Open

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

Location: Exhibit Hall

Continental Breakfast Sponsored by Cain and Watters

7:50 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

CSPD Annual Meeting

Welcome and Featured

Speaker on Restorative Dentistry

DENTAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA MEETING: PEDIATRIC DENTAL IMPLICATIONS

Dr. Evelyne Vu-Tien, DDS, MBA, Member of the CSPD Public Policy Committee

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 vedentistry in California and with this review brings several changes to the Dental Practice Act. Here are some of the highlights of the changes

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

One change that should help alleviate the workforce shortage struggle that many have faced will be that assistants will now be able to begin coronal polishing

dental assistants to begin to be able to perform coronal

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.

2025 UPDATES

Elizabeth Lipke, MBA CAE - CSPD Executive Director

I’m looking forward to meeting many of you in Seattle in a few weeks at the Annual Meeting & Continuing Education Conference (#CSPD2025)! We are busy with our preparations and working with volunteer leaders, speakers, and sponsors to ensure that we provide you with another great event! The Annual Meeting Committee headed up by Ora Lowe, along with the Continuing Education Committee, headed up by Jean Star and Laura McCormack, have assembled a great program with excellent speakers. If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time! Sign up today!

The Seattle Westin is located in the heart of Downtown Seattle with access to so many great restaurants and evening hotspots. It’s home to the world famous Pike Place Market which isn’t far and it’s also within 2 blocks of the light rail station so you can pick that up at the airport and avoid the need for a shared ride (it’s a 15-mile drive) or the cost of renting & parking a car.

By way of expectation setting, please note that Seattle is preparing to host the 2026 World Cup, so plan a little extra time for yourself as you are coming and going regardless of which mode of transportation you choose.

The website team has made a lot of resources available online so you can plan for the event. But if you want to see what you and your family might do if you wanted to extend your stay, there are some other resources that you might like. As someone who grew up in the Northwest, I can tell you that it’s beautiful there whether you want to catch a ferry to Victoria and Vancouver Island, visit the national and state parks nearby or see more of the city itself. Some of the great resources for planning more fun is the Visit Seattle website and the Washington State Visitor’s Guide. April is the time for the Skagit Tulip Festival so the fields will be in bloom north of the city. If you’ve never been, and can extend your time, I’d encourage it!

Administrative Availability

Though we don’t take many holidays off with our part-time work schedules, we are planning some administration “closures” this spring where phone and email support will not be as available.

During #CSPD2025, we will not typically be monitoring emails, in favor of in-person service to members there and any response to correspondence at that time will be slow and scant. We will not be providing phone support at all at that time. This will extend to the week following the event as we travel home and get resettled or take some time off after the overtime that we will be working in Seattle. We appreciate your patience during that time.

Digital Transformation

In my last report I mentioned our digital transformation efforts. The website committee submitted a proposal for board review at its February board meeting which was approved. This is more than just a website. It’s the backbone of your member experience where you log-in and keep up your profile for our membership directory called an association management system. The board approved the proposal, so we are slating that work to commence after #CSPD2025!

This transformation will include a new website with a new look and feel. And that means you will notice. But more on that later.

Much of the work to get Microsoft 365, Teams & SharePoint up and running to support administration, member phone & email service, and volunteer work and records has been completed. This means that even though we operate as a virtual organization, we can collaborate as a cohesive team to serve you and share resources more easily.

A Personal Note

Thank you to this year’s volunteer leaders who have devoted so much of their time to ensure that the CSPD continues to be a valuable resource for you and your team. Please take a minute in Seattle and thank them for their dedication and diligence. Their oversight and participation is priceless to the CSPD and they do it with obvious professionalism but also with a respect and warmth that resonates throughout the organization. Special thanks to Don Schmitt as he leaves the ranks of volunteer leadership here at CSPD.

I’m happy to report that Diane is back from her leave and I am doubly happy to be working alongside her as I learn the CSPD ropes. Finally, thank you for your patience as I have slowly been learning my way around.

FLUORIDE: FACTS FIRST

Natalie Vander Kam - Member Service Committee Chair

In light of all of the news recently about fluoride, our Member Services Committee and the CSPD Executive Committee wanted to provide CSPD members with a compilation of fluoride facts and references. In addition, we wanted to highlight some information that is available on Hydroxyapatite as a toothpaste additive. Let’s remember to help our patients maintain their oral health by understanding and presenting the fluoride facts. Also, available for your review is a one hour webinar from the AAPD, “Let’s Talk Fluoride.”

Flouride

• Fluorine is the 13th most common element in the earth’s crust. Fluoride is a negatively charged atom (ion) of fluorine. This ion has always existed in water. Fluoridation is simply a process that raises the level of this fluoride up to that concentration where maximum dental disease prevention will occur, with no adverse effects on anyone. The fluoride ions added are identical to those which already exist in water. Fluoridation fortifies the water and ensures we obtain maximum benefit while so doing.

• Fluoridated water helps protect teeth by remineralizing tooth enamel and making it more resistant to cavities. Water fluoridation has been studied to decrease tooth decay by at least 25%. Studies reporting adverse impacts of water fluoridation have used a dosage almost double the amount used in US water fluoridation.

• Fluoridated water keeps a low level of fluoride in the mouth throughout the day, while toothpaste delivers higher concentrations topically at specific times of the day. Studies have indicated both the use of fluoridated water plus using fluoride toothpaste has the best results for reducing decay.

• Fluoride helps reduce decay but it alone can’t prevent decay. Diet, nutrition, routine dental care and health history are also factors.

• Fluoride levels used and recommended in the US drinking water have not demonstrated a lowering of IQ, nor an increased risk of cancers. The recent studies showing a possible link to lower IQ were completed when evaluating highly fluoridated water with more than twice the level in US drinking water.

• There are many foods that are naturally high in fluoride amounts, most provide more fluoride than that in

fluoridated drinking water. These include brewed coffee and black tea, grape juice, raisins, blue crab and shrimp, cooked oatmeal, chocolate almond milk, boiled potatoes, white rice, cooked spinach and carrots, black bean soup, table wine, many sodas and fruit flavored waters. Hydroxyapatite

• Reference: Chen L, Al-Bayatee S, Khurshid Z, Shavandi A, Brunton P, Ratnayake J. Hydroxyapatite in Oral Care Products-A Review. Materials (Basel). 2021 Aug 27;14(17):4865. doi: 10.3390/ma14174865. PMID: 34500955; PMCID: PMC8432723. Limited research available.

• Research has shown nano-Hydroxyapatite (HA) acts by providing a calcium and phosphate reservoir to remineralize enamel and dentin. In dentine, nano-HA penetrates the demineralized collagen matrix, acting as a scaffold for remineralization and providing a calcium and phosphate source locally.

• Both micro and nano-HA are used in oral care products including mouth rinses and toothpastes with various claims, including remineralization, biofilm management, dentine hypersensitivity, and teeth whitening. HA’s effectiveness in reducing dentine hypersensitivity and whitening teeth appears to be promising. Although the evidence for HA is comparable to other substances, its non-toxic and biomimetic property provides an advantage over conventional products.

• Nano-HA has demonstrated significant remineralization effects over micro-HA due to its smaller particle size being able to remineralize nano-sized enamel defects, and this has become the focus of HA research.

• In studies thus far, 10% nano HA has been shown to be equally effective as fluoride toothpaste (500ppm) and there is current research indicating a synergistic effect in a paste that contains both.

Reference: American Academy of Pediatrics, Campaign for Dental Health AAPD Webinar Available Here!

PACIFIC PALISADES PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Carrie Loewen, DDS, Pacific Palisades Pediatric Dentistry

Tuesday, January 7th, 2025, started like every other day: “Good morning” to the dental team, comments on what roadways were closed because of the winds, and greetings to our lovely pufferfish, Ms. Puff. Everyone had returned from their holidays excited to see our adorable patients. We were all ready to help in any way we could, just a regular Tuesday at Pacific Palisades Pediatric Dentistry

The morning progressed and around 10:30am our patient arrived for a limited exam. We were taking X-rays and planning for extractions when my assistant informed me that the patient had to leave due to an emergency situation: their house was on fire. Very quickly phone calls were coming in and all of the patients were cancelling. Amidst the chaos, the team managed to evacuate our office safely, with one staff member, unfortunately, losing their home.

After evacuating, the most challenging phone call I had to make was to the Trask family. His beloved practice had been destroyed, leaving behind a void that could not be easily filled. In their words, his legacy was gone. However, we recognize that we are a team, and we will overcome this adversity by rebuilding and restoring our community spirit. While the building may not be the same, the heart and soul of Pacific Palisades Pediatric Dentistry will endure.

Over the last 14 years, I have been practicing at Pacific Palisades Pediatric Dentistry. In this time, I have cultivated a deep love for our communities’ children and families. Having watched them grow up over the years, they hold a special place in my heart. Pacific Palisades Pediatric Dentistry is a practice where patients can grow and also be treated by our general dentist, Dr. Philip Kamins, a UCLA graduate whom Dr. Trask brought to the practice. This partnership with Dr. Kamins allows us to witness the growth of our patients into responsible and accomplished adults who make a positive impact on society.

We are proud to be Pacific Palisades Pediatric Dentistry and we are proud to represent the legacy of Dr. Phil Trask. If you did not know him, let me explain. Dr. Phil Trask possessed an aura of charisma that captivated everyone around him. His energy was infectious, and I found myself fully engaged in every conversation he had to offer. He would repeat certain points to ensure their comprehension, and his legacy and mentorship have had a profound impact on generations. Dr. Trask had an extensive teaching career at UCLA. I am lucky to say he played a pivotal role in my dental education as he guided me through dental school and residency. Upon graduating in 2011, he welcomed me to join his team in the Palisades. Dr. Trask was a remarkable individual and an active member of our community. He imparted invaluable knowledge in pediatric dentistry during my residency, equipping me with the essential skills to excel in the field, just as he had done with every student and resident. His infectious enthusiasm was truly generational. Patients and parents often fondly recalled his exceptional care from their childhood.

Despite the tragic fire in the Pacific Palisades, Dr. Trask’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations. His impact lives on in the fortunate UCLA students he taught, and his influence will undoubtedly return through me. Because of the invitation from Dr. Trask to join his practice, the Palisades will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a community where everyone knows everyone, and families are known for their kindness, care, loyalty, and exceptional qualities. The children are truly remarkable. When visiting the office, the staff strived to create an environment that fostered love and comfort. From the moment patients enter the premises and are greeted by Ms. Puff, to the final farewell, every aspect of the experience was meticulously planned to ensure a positive and memorable encounter.

The fire came and went. The following week, I started seeing patients with the assistance of Dr. Adi Genish. Dr. Genish and the entire dental community have been truly remarkable. She has extended an offer of complimentary space until I regain my footing. The iPedo Facebook community has been incredibly supportive in numerous ways. Our dental societies, which I hold in high regard, have generously provided grants. My UCLA faculty from dental school and residency have also reached out to offer their support. Additionally, my colleagues in residency and the cleft palate team at St. John’s have been invaluable. Each of these individuals has provided me with the strength to resume my work and assist these remarkable children.

During my initial week back, we performed a few extractions, rebonded a broken front tooth, and conducted several cleanings on patients who needed to return to college. There were tears and plenty of hugs. We wanted to provide them with the utmost support and instill a sense of normalcy and love amidst the chaos. I encountered a patient who frequently posts on Instagram and enjoys baking. She shared with me during her dental visit that she was planning to bake and post on Instagram for the first time since the loss of their family home. I encouraged her wholeheartedly. With her teeth cleaned and the encouragement of her childhood pediatric dentist, she posted her first Instagram post since the fire: a chocolate chip heart shaped cookie. Her strength was palpable, and it serves as a constant source of inspiration for me to continue my work and assist our community and their children. I aspire to be a part of their healing journey, just as I am confident that they will contribute to my recovery and return to the Pacific Palisades. California!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-dr-lowens-legacy-practice

WSPD PRESIDENT REPORT

Dr. Robert E. McAlpine - WSPD President

As we approach the Spring season, the WSPD continues to implement the strategic plan established during our October meeting. Our committees are actively preparing for the WSPD Spring meeting, which will take place in Seattle on April 26th at 1:30 p.m., alongside the 2025 CSPD Annual Meeting. With a focus on communication, patient advocacy, and member engagement, we aim to achieve significant progress in 2025.

Our Communication Committee continues to develop plans to send an updated WSPD newsletter to our members via email and to enhance the communication platform on the WSPD website. We anticipate that these initiatives will increase awareness of WSPD and our mission.

We are thrilled to announce that, as part of our initiative to enhance member awareness of the WSPD, we will unveil a new logo at the upcoming CSPD Meeting in Seattle. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit our booth and see the potential designs!

The WSPD extends its heartfelt condolences to our colleagues in California who were impacted by the recent wildfires. Recognizing the challenges posed by such unforeseen tragedies, the WSPD is establishing a California Wildfire Relief Fund to support our colleagues during this trying period.

Finally, I express my gratitude for our members’ unwavering support and cooperation from state associations. Your involvement drives our successes at WSPD. I hope to see you at Seattle CSPD 2025.

AAPD WESTERN DISTRICT TRUSTEE REPORT

Dr. Donald Schmitt - AAPD Western District Trustee (2024-2027)

The AAPD Board of Trustees Winter Planning Meeting

The Winter Planning Meeting occurred at the JW Marriott in Marco Island Florida. Minutes from the meeting are available at https://www.aapd.org/ resources/member/governance/ The board meeting was followed by a joint continuing education meeting of the AAPD/AAO.

AAPD Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy Conference 2025

This year’s meeting is March 16-18 in Washington, DC with over 400 registrants. The meeting has grown so significantly that it had to relocate from its longtime home at the Mayflower to the Marriott Marquis. POHAC is a great opportunity to bring together pediatric dental residents from the across the country to learn about advocacy and gain firsthand experience meeting with Congressional staff and legislators. The personal stories the residents share regarding treating pediatric dental patients with the individuals they meet with on the Hill are particularly important to gaining Congressional support for the key issues AAPD focuses on each year. This year the emphasis will be on Title VII pediatric dentistry appropriations, tax relief for dental faculty loan repayment recipients, and the importance of community water fluoridation and healthy diet/nutrition for optimal children’s oral health.

Annual Session Denver

Registration is open for the Annual Session over Memorial Weekend in Denver. Thursday features the pre-conference course focused on minimally invasive dentistry. Friday’s Welcome Reception will take place at the National Western Complex and is sponsored by the AAPD Foundation. There will be great speakers on a variety of topics throughout the weekend. I look forward to seeing many of you in Denver!

AAPD/AAPD Foundation Leadership Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management

Applications for the next cohort will open in the fall of 2025, and I encourage anyone interested to apply. This program is held on Northwestern’s campus in Evanston, IL for 4 days every December for three consecutive years. I cannot overstate the profound impact this leadership program has on our members. Look for more information this fall.

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

CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

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• Our physicians are all board-certiﬁed and fellowship-trained in Pediatric Anesthesia

• We meet & exceed all the criteria of SB 501 requirements for providing pediatric anesthesia

GROW Your Practice with Mobisurg

• Caring for patients of ALL ages & co-existing medical problems

• We bill medical insurance & are contracted with some major providers