CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY SUMMER 2025 | Volume 53 – Number 1
AAPD Western Trustee Report
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SUMMER 2025
TABLE of CONTENTS
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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.
STAY VIGILANT AND PROACTIVE FOR OPPORTUNITIES
Dr. MyLinh Ngo - CSPD President
It is a great honor to serve as the 2025-2026
CSPD President during the year that marks CSPD’s 50th anniversary.
On May 22, 1975, this organization was officially founded by a dedicated group of pediatric dentists on a mission to organize and solve problems that were critical to their practice. I am committed to ensuring that the exceptional work of the society continues for many more generations to come, by amplifying our voices on behalf of the children we treat. I will kick-off this Summer Bulletin with a brief recap of the Annual meeting as well as outline our plans for this year and beyond, as we continue to set our sights on maintaining relevance, connection, and value to our membership.
CSPD member attendees brought the warm California sunshine and their bright spirits for the 2025 Annual Meeting in Seattle this past April. We enjoyed a stellar program of education, social activities, and camaraderie among many WSPD member states; even international attendees from as far as Singapore! Our incoming board of directors and officers were installed by past president Sharine Thenard during the Saturday luncheon. The board is made up of a collaborative group of individuals who will take thoughtful and decisive actions to enhance oral health education, advocacy, and patient safety for all children. The greatest member benefit is the culmination of efforts to put on the Annual Meeting which has grown to be THE premier event to receive live CE on the West coast. The success of the Annual Meeting has been a testament to the leadership of Dr. Ora Lowe, who received the Distinguished Service Award this year for her tireless efforts in planning over a dozen excellent meetings. With the increasing complexities of planning the annual meeting, three standing committees along with the Chair are now responsible for creating a fantastic line-up of speakers, sponsors, vendors, and activities for members. Thank you Dr. Lowe for all these years of care and creativity to create these valuable events.
The goals for this year’s CSPD board include:
1. Codify Operational Excellence: Create a centralized library of documents for leadership to reference and archive.
2. Embrace Technology: Unveil CSPD’s new website with a learning hub and access to high quality pediatric dentistry online CE.
3. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the CSPD: Highlight the history and people in the organization who have all made an impact through volunteerism and advocacy.
Future administrative support for the CSPD will undergo a permanent change. Historically, the Executive Director role has been held by a pediatric dentist with experience and institutional knowledge of the board. The increasing complexity and needs of the organization necessitate more robust administrative support through an Association Management Company. The AMC will work closely with an appointed Special Advisor to the board to provide future stability an structure for the CSPD.
Along with these organizational goals, there are three major issues affecting the practice of pediatric dentistry that will likely dominate the landscape: community water fluoridation, access to care under sedation, and certification of graduating pediatric dentists.
• The debate over Fluoride in the water may be decided at the local level during the present administration, and we will partner with CDA and local health departments to guide decision-making within their respective communities.
• Studies have been conducted this year to understand the repercussions of SB501. Preliminary data have revealed a precipitously low number of sedation permit holders. Adding to this reduced access to care, the repercussions from the recent tragic death of a pediatric patient in Vista after a dental visit under general anesthesia will likely reignite speculation over sedation safety.
• Pediatric dentistry is facing a crisis in California. Residency programs are currently in danger of being unable to fulfill graduation requirements for their residents due to the stringent sedation regulations brought about by SB501. We plan to work closely with the Academic Programs Advisory Committee to find solutions for this issue.
JFK was inspired by the translation of the two Chinese brush strokes used to write the word, ‘crisis’: one brush stroke 危 (wēi) means “danger” and the other 机 (jī) represents “a crucial point of change.” He said, “In a crisis, be aware of the danger--but recognize the opportunity.”
In the face of these deepening crises, we must remain vigilant and proactive to seize opportunities and shape this inflection point in history.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Elizabeth Lipke, MBA CAE
NEW WEBSITE AND MEMBER PLATFORM SCHEDULED TO GO LIVE IN AUGUST
This coming summer will be consumed with our primary digital transformation project – a new website and association management system conversion. We have selected a partner (Novi AMS) that provides a state-of-the-art solution which gives you:
• A mobile friendly platform
• Open architecture for better interfaces with other platforms
• Single sign-on support to minimize your need for multiple passwords
This means that the website will look different and feel different to you. We know that this will be an improvement over the current systems.
We will begin the conversion process later this month and are targeting August as our launch period. We appreciate your patience as we devote considerable time and attention to this endeavor. We will work to keep you updated through email, so we would appreciate your acceptance of those through Constant Contact.
We also need your assistance. Please take some time to ensure that the information we have in the database is up to date: email addresses, mailing addresses, and other contact information that you share with us. It should all be reviewed for accuracy.
Thank you for your membership and everything you do to make the association strong.
SAILING TOWARDS HEALTHY SMILES!
Dr. Oariona Lowe - Past Annual Meeting Chair
Dr. Leslie Butler - Annual Meeting Chair
Greetings!
It was great seeing many of you in Seattle at the recent CSPD Annual Meeting!
I would like to share some exciting news regarding CSPD’s Annual Meeting leadership. At the Seattle meeting, I stepped down as the Annual Meeting Chair, a position that I have cherished and worked tirelessly at for many years. The relationships I’ve developed along with the work completed with a wonderful team of supporters, have been rewarding. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate and work with Teri Anticevich, our meeting planner, and her Meetings and Association Management Services (MAMS) team.
I am excited to announce that Dr. Leslie Butler is stepping in as the new Chair of the Annual Meeting. Her inaugural meeting will be the 2026 Annual
I am confident that her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to pursue our mission of hosting renowned speakers and topics for a great educational experience and bringing our members together to meet, mingle, and renew relationships. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Leslie Butler as the new AM Chair. She is ready and committed to continue our journey to host exceptional, first-class annual sessions.
Thank you all for your past and continued support as we embark on this exciting new chapter.
Mark your calendars now and join us in San Diego, March 12-15, 2026, at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Mission
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 this year. We will continue to monitor bills and issues that come up with the new legislative session and keep our members up to date.
AB 350: (BONTA) FLUORIDE VARNISH COVERAGE
Summary: This bill will require health insurance plans and Medi-Cal to cover fluoride varnish application for children under 21, expand Medi-Cal coverage for fluoride varnish treatments in a variety of settings to ensure more children receive preventive dental care, and direct the Medi-Cal Dental Program to establish clear billing and reimbursement policies so that providers can efficiently offer these treatments.
CSPD POSITION: SUPPORT
Status: Awaiting Hearing in Appropriations Committee
Comment: By making fluoride treatments more accessible, AB 350 helps protect children from cavities, reduces the need for costly dental procedures, and improves overall health outcomes.
SB 386 (LIMON) VIRTUAL CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS
Summary: This bill will be requiring that the default payment method must be one that does not include a fee. If a dentist would like to use VCCs as their primary payment method, SB386 requires plans to provide a permanent opt out process for VCC payments and requires plans to notify dentists of alternative payment methods, how to select a payment method, and any fees associated with each payment method.
CSPD POSITION: SUPPORT
Status: 3rd reading in Appropriations Committee
Comment: This is a follow up bill to SB 1369 which would have prohibited 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. The bill passed both houses last year and had overwhelming bipartisan support. CSPD also wrote a letter of support for this previous bill. The bill was ultimately vetoed by the Governor. With the previous bill, SB 386 would not apply if a contract between a plan and dentist specifically addresses the type of payment methods for services rendered.
AB371 (HANEY) DENTAL PLAN ACCOUNTABILITY
Summary: This bill requires dental insurance companies to report provider network information to the state for all dental plans they sell. This establishes new “time and distance” standards for dental plans to reduce the time patients must wait for an appointment or distance they must travel. It also requires all dental plans to comply with patient’s “assignment of benefits” (AOB) requests.
CSPD POSITION: SUPPORT
Status: Re-referred to Appropriations Committee after amendments made.
Comment: This bill is intended to have insurances provide a better network of providers that patients will have access to receive care. Also, it will make the insurances send payments directly to out of network dental providers rather than having the patient pay out of pocket and await reimbursement from the insurance company.
AB 873 (ALANIS) 8 HOUR INFECTION CONTROL REFORM
Summary: This bill repeals the immediate timing requirement and establishing a 90-day window for completing the eight-hour IC course, and directs dental board to approve virtual course formats, making the training more accessible and flexible for new hires statewide.
CSPD POSITION: SUPPORT
Status: Awaiting Hearing in Appropriations Committee
Comment: AB 873 is intended to help dental offices hire and onboard new staff more efficiently while maintaining patient safety and infection control standards. This reform ensures that unlicensed dental assistants can receive timely training without unnecessary delays that impact both dental teams and the patients they serve.
SB 351 (CABALDON) PRIVATE EQUITY IN HEALTH CARE
Summary: This bill strengthens the existing ban on the corporate practice of dentistry and medicine by explicitly barring private equity groups or hedge funds from influencing the clinical decisions of dentists and physicians.
CSPD POSITION: SUPPORT
Status: Sent to Appropriations Committee
Comment: Addresses the growing consolidation in the state’s health care system and the increasing role of private equity interests. The incentives driving private equity decisions may not always be aligned with the health care needs of patients or the clinical recommendations of providers, and the growing role of private equity in dentistry raises concerns about possible interference with dentists’ professional judgement.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Dr. Bri Butler - AAPD Western District Advocacy and Legislative Liaison
As the Western District’s Advocacy and Legislative Liaison, I want to keep your membership up to date on legislative successes and failures from your neighboring states in our district. Awareness of neighboring states’ legislative agendas can help you to enhance your own legislative positions and make you aware of possible bills that may come in your state. Here are a few vital pieces of legislation from throughout the Western District for you to be aware of:
UTAH BECOMES FIRST STATE TO BAN FLUORIDE:
As you may already be aware, Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water (HB81), which took effect in May of this year. Utah lawmakers cited personal health choice and the expense of adding fluoride to the water as their main reasons in advocating for the bill. While fluoride continues to get attention in mainstream media, it will be important to monitor fluoride legislation both on the community and the state levels of legislation. In related news, Calgary (also in Western District) is still trying to put fluoride back in the water after electing to remove it in 2011.
With the passage of SB1124, Arizona became the third state to allow oral preventative assistants. Oral preventative dental assistants, or OPA’s, have expanded duties to include removing plaque, calculus and stains with scalers or ultrasonic scaling devices on patients who are periodontally healthy or with localized mild gingivitis under direct supervision of a dentist or hygienist. The hope is OPA’s can address access to care and workforce issues in the state as well as allow for another career path in dentistry. Other similar bills have been introduced in other Western District states.
WASHINGTON PASSES DENTAL INSURANCE REFORM:
Washington’s Dental Association introduced a dental benefits bill to tackle unfair dental insurance practices in Washington State (SB5351). This signature piece of legislation prohibits same day denials, restricts insurance companies from requiring dental offices to accept virtual credit cards, and requires the start of a mediation process with stakeholders to look at a minimum dental loss ratio and creating nonnetwork reimbursement fairness. Our membership believes these results will help further the case for even more dental benefit reforms in the future.
As other vital legislation or advocacy efforts take shape around our district, I will keep your membership informed. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or if I can be of any help in other advocacy efforts for you in California.
CONGRATULATIONS LOMA LINDA RESIDENTS
Dr. Berenice Cheng hails from Melbourne, Australia where she completed dental school before practicing in both Australia and Canada for 10 years. Before commencing residency, Dr Cheng completed a Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. During her time at Loma Linda, Dr. Cheng had the privilege of attending the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy Conference with the support of the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry's Student Advocacy and Mentoring Program in her first year. In her second year of residency, she served as CSPD's Graduate Santos Cortez Legislative Advocacy Intern and was recognized as with a Resident Recognition Award (Honorable Mention) by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is grateful for the training Loma Linda has provided - both clinical and nonclinical and plans to continue pursuing a blend of clinical practice and advocacy work in the future.
Dr. Yu-Chen Cheng was born and raised in Taiwan and graduated from the dental school at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan in 2011. After graduation, she practiced at the Veteran General Hospital in Taiwan for four years, specializing in Periodontology. Then, she worked in private practice as a periodontist. Because of her husband, she moved to the United States and attended Loma Linda University with her kids in 2017. As a mom of two kids, she loves and wants to help more kids. This is what encouraged her to pursue a residency in pediatrics. After graduation, she plans to continue her journey at Loma Linda University, hoping to apply what she has learned to inspire and influence others. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Dr. Farin Ezzati was born in Iran and worked as a dentist there for 10 years. Wanting to grow in her career, she moved to the United States and joined the International Dentist Program (IDP) at Loma Linda University. After graduating, she discovered her passion for working with children and started her pediatric dentistry residency at Loma Linda University. During her residency, Dr. Ezzati enjoyed learning new skills and helping young patients feel comfortable at the dentist. She loves spending time with her family and has three children. Traveling and exploring new places with her loved ones is one of her favorite things to do. After graduation, Dr. Ezzati is excited to move to Georgia, where she will begin her new job as a pediatric dentist. She looks forward to starting this new adventure and making a positive difference in her community.
Dr. Esther Lee was born and raised in San Jose, CA. She completed her BA in Psychology at the University of California, San Diego. She moved on to earn her DDS from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, where she served the pediatric population through USC Mobile Dental Clinic collectively for six years prior to and during dental school. Dr. Lee then served a rural California population through an AEGD program at NYU Langone Hospitals in Eureka, CA. She returned to Southern California to work as a general dentist serving both adult and pediatric populations. These unique experiences solidified her pursuit for pediatric dentistry, and she is now completing her pediatric dental residency at Loma Linda University. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Lee enjoys cooking, growing her plant collection, and spending time with her baby nephew. Upon graduation, Dr. Lee looks forward to continuing to be a compassionate and impactful presence in the oral health journeys of children throughout Greater Los Angeles.
CONGRATULATIONS
NYU LANGONESAN DIEGO RESIDENTS
Dr. Daniel Aclan was born and raised in the Bay Area and earned his dental degree from Western University of Health Sciences in Southern California. After graduation, he practiced general dentistry in Sacramento for two years before pursuing specialty training at NYU-Langone's pediatric dental residency in San Diego. During residency, he was selected as the Warren Brandli Leadership Intern for the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, actively participating in advocacy events in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C. His experiences have shaped a strong commitment to pediatric oral health and organized dentistry. Upon completing residency, Dr. Aclan plans to remain in San Diego and work in private practice.
Dr. Diana Luc was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i. She completed her undergraduate education at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota followed by a gap year as a pediatric dental assistant back home in Hawai’i. She went to dental school at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas and is a recipient of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) scholarship. She aims to help underserved communities and change the stigma that going to the dentist is scary. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, playing video games, enjoying the outdoors, and watching movies. After residency, Dr. Luc plans to spend some time at home with her family and hopes to practice in Hawai’i, Southern California, or Washington state.
Dr. Ava Arshadi was born in Southern California, and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. She obtained her DDS degree at the University of California, San Francisco. Eager to expand her skill set, she completed a general dentistry residency on the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Arshadi went on to serve as a general dentist in the National Health Service Corps for several years afterwards, where she treated primarily children in underserved communities at federally qualified health centers in the Bay Area. She has enjoyed her time in residency, which has given her the privilege to treat the most vulnerable and medically complex children in the county. After graduating from residency, she plans to continue serving the children of San Diego.
Dr. Surisadai “Suri” Aquit was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She received her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College in Massachusetts and graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York. She is a recipient of the National Health Service Corps scholarship, and she has always had a goal of working with low-income families to better their oral health condition. She served as chief resident at NYU Langone-San Diego, where she has also gained experience working with medically compromised children. In her free time, she enjoys salsa dancing, cooking, and spending time with her dog. After graduating, Dr. Aquit will be remaining in San Diego County and working in community health.
Dr. Trang Pham was born and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam, where she experienced firsthand the lack of pediatric dental health and education, motivating her to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry. At the age of 17, she ventured away from her home country and family, moving to Colorado to complete high school. She then moved to Berkeley, CA with her family. She completed her undergraduate education at UC Berkeley with a major in Environmental Molecular Biology. Upon graduation, she worked as a chemist for three years before obtaining her Master’s degree. She received her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in Florida. She is currently a second-year pediatric dental resident at NYU Langone-San Diego where she has enjoyed working with other medical professions and serving the medically complex and special needs patients. After completing residency, she plans to return to the San Francisco Bay Area to serve her community.
Dr. Anmol Gill was born in Canada and lived there until the age of 12 when she moved to Washington State with her family. She graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 2019 and then went on to work in a pediatric-heavy dental practice in Yakima, WA for four years. In Yakima, she realized her passion for pediatric dentistry and chose to pursue specialty training in a pediatric dental residency program. She served as chief resident at NYU LangoneSan Diego and has been able to expand her skill set and comfortability with medically complex patients. She will be moving to Sacramento, CA after graduating as that is where her husband’s family lives. In her free time, Dr. Gill likes to travel, bake, and spend time with family and friends.
CONGRATULATIONS UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES RESIDENTS
Dr. Shaylan Vanmali is a SoCal native born and raised in the San Fernando valley. After high school, he attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he developed a love for the environment and learning about sustainability which led him to pursue his BS in Environmental Studies. From a young age, Shaylan knew he wanted to pursue a profession in healthcare and continued to shadow and volunteer in various health care fields until he discovered dentistry through his sister, who practices general dentistry. His interest in dentistry was piqued on four different volunteer missions to Mexico through the Thousand Smiles Foundation, which provided free dental care to pediatric residents of Ensenada Mexico. After completing undergraduate studies at UCSB, Shaylan moved to New York City to begin dental school at Columbia University. His passion for working with the underserved pediatric populations in New York City pushed him to pursue various outreach positions in the Hispanic Student Dental Association as well as a teaching position at Columbia University through a Pre-College Enrichment Program. After obtaining his DDS, Shaylan pursued additional training at a General Practice Residency Program at New York Presbyterian - Weill Cornell. He has now returned to his home city of Los Angeles and is excited to serve the city that he calls home. Outside of dentistry, Shaylan enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends, outdoor activities, making TikTok videos, and traveling.
Dr. Karolina Brzyska was born in Poland and grew up in (arguably) one of the most diverse areas in the world: Astoria, New York! After graduating from LaGuardia High School as a Visual Arts major, Dr. Karolina studied both Biology and Psychology at the City University of New York: Hunter College. During this time, she shadowed in a variety of healthcare settings (i.e., in an ophthalmologist’s office, in an emergency room in a hospital, etc.) in pursuit of finding an exciting and fulfilling career. Over time, she realized that the dental profession offers the perfect blend of healthcare, interprofessional collaboration, and it may even serve as a creative outlet: the provider must be both strategic and innovative when addressing each patient’s particular needs! Dr. Karolina attended the UCSF School of Dentistry and was highly involved in a variety of clubs, research, and volunteer work; during this time, she learned to appreciate the power of mentorship, the joy of volunteering with children, and very much looked forward to the annual “Give Kids a Smile Day!”
Dr. Karolina is grateful for the opportunity she has had to learn from her UCLA family as well as from her wonderful patients. Dr. Karolina strives to educate families on the importance of practicing optimal oral hygiene as well as the benefits of establishing a dental home to help maintain healthy smiles, which come in all shapes and sizes.
Dr. Bernadita Manglona was born and raised in the Mariana Islands. She ventured across the Pacific Ocean to study Public Health and Biology at the University of Washington in Seattle. After years of soul searching, she made the dive into the world of dentistry at the University of California San Francisco. During her time there, she was exposed to many communities across Northern California that experienced similar health inequities that her island community faces. After dental school, Dr. Bernie headed east to New York City to pursue a General Practice Residency at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist. During her time as chief resident, she continued to serve the Brooklyn population through the pandemic when dental offices were closed. She continued to work in family practice in Brooklyn and Queens, where her love for serving the pediatric population unfolded. She has loved being a part of the Bruin community while serving the greater Los Angeles community. Dr. Bernie believes in creating a dental sanctuary for children to receive quality, comfortable, and compassionate care. She believes in empowering patients and their caregivers with a strong foundation for their oral health and overall well-being.
Beyond her professional endeavors, she loves frequenting markets to experiment in the kitchen, indulging in pottery and jewelry making, and going on nature walks.
Dr. Jade Christensen is a born and bred Los Angeles native, hailing originally from Pasadena. She relocated not far from home to the West Side where she attended UCLA for all of her academic career. Jade's academic journey began at UCLA, where she pursued her passion for understanding the human mind and body. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology. After earning her B.S. in Psychobiology, Jade continued her education at UCLA by enrolling in the School of Dentistry. During her time at UCLA, Jade has actively participated in community outreach programs like "Give Kids a Smile," where she volunteered her time and expertise by providing dental care to underserved children. Her time at UCLA not only provided her with a strong scientific foundation, but also instilled in her the values of empathy and kindness that would later shape her career. She is currently pursuing an advanced degree in pediatric dentistry, also at UCLA. All of her experiences up to this point have reaffirmed her commitment to pediatric dentistry and her dedication to improving the oral health of young patients. Outside her academic and professional pursuits, Jade finds solace in spending her free time by the ocean. She is an avid paddle boarder and enjoys swimming in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. She also takes joy in teaching her friends how to swim, sharing her love for the water and promoting water safety.
Dr. Payton Richardson, originally from the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, has a strong background rooted in healthcare and community health awareness. She attended the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, where she interned at the Champaign Urbana Public Health District's Dental Clinic, primarily serving pediatric patients. This experience ignited her interest in pediatric dentistry. After obtaining her degree in Community Health at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dr. Richardson relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue her DDS at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. Alongside her DDS, she earned a public health certificate from Meharry, further emphasizing her commitment to community well-being. Being a true water enthusiast, Dr. Richardson's affinity for swimming is part of her nature. She started swimming competitively at nine years old and loves taking a relaxing dip in the pool, snorkeling, and jumping over waves in the ocean. She enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and watching movies in her free time. Dr. Richardson's career journey led her to specialize in pediatric dentistry, driven by a deep-seated passion for the well-being of young patients. Her commitment to improving pediatric oral health was underscored by her research and involvement in numerous professional and service organizations in dental school. Currently a passionate resident at UCLA, Dr. Richardson continues to positively impact the well-being of children and their families.
Dr. Eunice Hahm was born in Los Angeles and was raised in Lexington, Massachusetts. She completed her undergraduate education in Human Development at Cornell University. She then moved back to Boston to work as a clinical research coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital as she prepared for dental school. After two years, she attended Tufts University School of Dentistry and received her D.M.D. in May 2023. Over the course of her education, she built her love for mentorship and volunteering that continued through dental school. This love led to her passion for children’s oral health and her pursuit of pediatric dentistry. Aside from the dental clinic, you can find her trying out new cuisines and restaurants, hiking trails, and hitting balls in the tennis court. Aa a graduating resident, she is incredibly thankful to be a part of the UCLA Pediatric Dentistry family and looking forward to starting off her career as a pediatric dentist.
Dr. Alexander Han was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from University of California, Irvine with a degree in Biology and earned his DMD from Western University of Health Sciences. After dental school, he moved to rural New Mexico serving the underserved population for six years as a general dentist. During these years, he saw firsthand the lack of access to care in these rural populations and realized his passion for working with children. He also worked part time at a correctional facility, where he recognized that humans should treat everyone with the same level of respect no matter the background. He is excited to begin his career as a pediatric dentist and be a part of the Bruin alumni family! In his free time, he enjoys golfing, checking out new restaurants, and hanging out with his family and friends.
CONGRATULATIONS UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
SAN FRANCISCO RESIDENTS
Dr. Rand Khasawneh is a graduating resident of the University of California, San Francisco. She earned her DDS and undergraduate degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and holds a Master of Public Health degree from San José State University.
Originally of Palestinian and Jordanian background and raised in North Carolina, Dr. Khasawneh brings a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and a strong commitment to health equity. She will be practicing in the Bay Area, where she looks forward to providing compassionate, community-centered care to children and families.
Her professional goals include integrating public health principles into pediatric dentistry, advocating for accessible and equitable oral health care, and mentoring the next generation of dental professionals. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Khasawneh enjoys hiking, discovering the best sunset views, and spending quality time with her loved ones.
Dr. Elena McCormick was born and raised in the Boston area. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard College before she moved to New York City to study dentistry and public health at Columbia University. During her time in the dual degree DDS-MPH program, Dr. McCormick was active in leadership roles as a part of Class Council, ADEA, AAPD, and the Student-Run Free Clinic in Harlem. She is very interested in health policy, prevention, and interprofessional collaboration to improve oral health. Dr. McCormick is graduating in June from the two-year pediatric dentistry program at UCSF in Oakland. During residency, her research project focused on assessing and improving dental knowledge in pediatric medicine residents at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland. Outside of dentistry, Dr. McCormick enjoys spending time with her husband and practicing high fives with their cat Tortilla Chip, as well as hiking, Pilates, and yoga. While she absolutely loved her "West Coast Adventure", Dr. McCormick will be moving back home to Massachusetts this summer where she will be working in private practice on the South Shore.
Dr. Sara Simanian will complete her pediatric dental residency at the University of California, San Francisco this summer and is excited to bring her clinical expertise, warm demeanor, and deep commitment to patient-centered care to a like-minded practice. Throughout her training, she has strived to turn dental visits into moments of confidence and connection—where children feel seen, supported, and even a little proud of themselves. Her professional goals include expanding access to pediatric dental care, building lasting relationships with families, and delivering care that is both clinically excellent and emotionally attuned. While she has strong roots in the East Bay, Dr. Simanian is open to opportunities beyond the region that align with her values and long-term vision for impact. She’s also working on a personal goal: convincing her husband that life (and their toddler’s childhood) would be even better with a Goldendoodle.
Dr. Jonathan Wong grew up in sunny San Diego, California. He received his bachelor's degree in Chemistry at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, before attending the University of Southern California for his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. After graduation, Dr. Jon moved to New York City to complete a General Practice Residency at Montefiore Medical Center. He is currently pursuing his dream of being a pediatric dentist at the University of California-San Francisco, where he is honing his skills in order to provide the highest level of care for children. Dr. Jon’s experiences working with underserved communities have shown him the underlying need for care and education in the pediatric population, and he aspires to be an advocate for their oral health. His passion for pediatric dentistry stems not only from the impact it imbues on the well-being of its recipients, but also from his fundamental love for the innocence, energy, and joy that children bring to the world. Dr. Jon’s practice goals are to practice in Southern California. When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Jon enjoys surfing, skiing, hitting the gym, playing the violin, and going to music festivals.
Dr. Shelly Wu will be completing her pediatric dental residency at the University of California, San Francisco. She plans to practice in the San Francisco Bay Area, working in both private practice and community health clinic settings. Her professional goals include providing compassionate, evidence-based care to diverse pediatric populations and staying engaged in continued learning and advocacy for children's oral health.
Dr. Miranda Yip was born and raised in Hawaiʻi. She pursued her dental education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and will be completing her pediatric dental residency this summer from the University of California, San Francisco. With a deep-rooted commitment to her community, she hopes to return home to serve the keiki of Hawaiʻi and to provide compassionate pediatric dental care. Her practice goals include building trusting relationships with children and families, promoting healthy smiles through early education and preventive care, and reducing oral health disparities in underserved populations.
Dr. Katherine Tse will be completing her pediatric dental residency this summer from the University of California, San Francisco. She would love to start her professional career as a pediatric dentist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her professional goals are to continue expanding her skills in evidence-based dentistry and empathetic care to provide individualized, high-quality treatment for every patient.
CONGRATULATIONS UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
Dr. Hayley Botwin was born and raised in Southern California. Her drive for adventure led her to move across the country for college where she earned her first Bachelor’s degree at Boston University. Upon graduating, Hayley accepted a position as Camp Director at a residential summer camp for kids. She returned to the LA area to begin her dental school journey and earned her second bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene. She then continued at USC and earned her DDS degree while also working part-time as a dental hygienist. Combining her love for dentistry with her passion for working with children, Dr. Botwin is working to complete her advanced specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at USC. In her free time, Dr. Botwin loves to hike with her rescue dog, Bronx. Nothing makes her happier than being an auntie and spending time with her nieces and nephew. Dr. Botwin plans to stay local and work in the greater LA area.
Dr. Aida Dadashzadeh was born in Tehran, Iran and moved to the US when she was five years old. She is currently finishing up her second year as a Children’s Hospital of Orange County resident at USC. Dr. Dadashzadeh is seeking associateship opportunities in Orange County with the goal of owning a practice one day. Outside of dentistry, she enjoys hiking under the California sunshine, Pilates, water coloring, baking, and ceramics.
Dr. Hailey Yoo is a graduating pediatric dental resident from USC / Children Dental Health Clinic in Long Beach. She loves working with children and making dental visits a positive experience. Outside of dentistry, she enjoys visiting cute coffee shops, doing Pilates, and exploring new places with her husband. After graduation, Dr. Yoo will be practicing in Long Beach, and she is excited to serve the local community and continue growing as a pediatric dentist.
Dr. Anais Olivares was born and raised in Santa Paula, California, and she is excited to return to the community that shaped her. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UC Merced and went on to receive her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from UCLA. Following dental school, she is currently completing her pediatric specialty training at USC and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she discovered a deep passion for caring for children with medical complexities and special needs. Dr. Anais is looking forward to moving back home to serve the families of Ventura County. She will be practicing at Sunny Smiles in Ventura and Thousand Oaks Children’s Dental Group. Outside of dentistry, she loves starting her day with a warm cup of coffee and ending it with a warm cup of tea. She also enjoys spending quality time in the kitchen cooking with her family and staying active by playing tennis together.
Dr. Shauna Shafai was born and raised in Los Angeles. She went to UCLA for dental school and graduated in 2023. Dr. Shafai is a 2nd year pediatric dental resident at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California. Currently, she is a full-time dental resident at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Shafai is seeking associateship opportunities in and around LA county. Outside of work, she likes going to movie screenings, playing with dogs, and listening to podcasts about world news.
Dr. Grace Kim was born and raised in Pullman, Washington. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Washington State University before spending a year in Connecticut as a research fellow on Plum Island. She later moved to California to pursue her dental degree at the UCLA School of Dentistry, where she met her husband, who now practices as a general dentist. Driven by a love for dentistry and a passion for working with children, Dr. Kim went on to Pediatric Dental Residency at the University of Southern California and Long Beach Memorial/Miller Children’s Hospital. In her free time, she enjoys golfing with her husband, playing board games with friends, and Face Timing with her nephew. Dr. Kim plans to remain in Orange County, where she looks forward to continuing to serve families throughout Southern California.
Dr. Jamie Chang is a second-year pediatric dental resident at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, in partnership with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Originally from Merced, California, she is committed to improving oral health outcomes for children and families in both urban and underserved communities. Upon completing her residency, she plans to practice in Merced and Los Angeles – giving back to the communities that have shaped her personal and professional journey.
Dr. Najwa Howard was born in Virginia into a military family, She was raised in California and calls Temecula home. She received her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and her dental degree from UCLA. She is currently completing her pediatric dental residency at USC through Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Dr. Howard is also a proud mom to her spirited 3-year-old daughter, Ezrin, who inspires her daily to bring compassion, creativity, and patience to her care. In her free time, she loves running, spending time outdoors, traveling, enjoying live music, and making memories with her family and friends. After residency, she plans to return and work in her hometown of Temecula.
Dr. Simrun Sandhu was born in Merced, California and lived in central California for most of her childhood. Her family now lives in Reno, NV. Dr. Sandhu is currently finishing her second year of residency as a LBMCC resident and is excited to begin working soon. Although she has not finalized her career plans after graduation, she is open to looking at opportunities in and out of California. Dr. Sandhu enjoys hiking, painting and beading during her free time. She is so grateful to USC for providing her with so much knowledge and experience over the last two years that she will carry throughout her life and career!
Dr. Sara Ardehali is a pediatric dental resident at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles through the University of Southern California. She will obtain her advanced certificate in pediatric dentistry in June. She is deeply passionate about preventive care and fostering positive dental experiences that help children transform into confident and healthy patients. Her training at CHLA has provided invaluable experiences in treating infants and children with complex special health care needs. Dr. Ardehali earned her undergraduate degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Barnard College of Columbia University. She then obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she dedicated much of her clinical work to caring for children and adolescents in underserved communities. Beyond her dental career, Dr. Ardehali is committed to leadership and community engagement. She served as the co-chair of the IAW Los Angeles Rising Leaders and remains an active member. Additionally, she contributed to her undergraduate alumni organization as a class correspondent, assisting in the publication of its quarterly magazine. Dr. Ardehali resides in Brentwood, Los Angeles, with her husband. She is trilingual, fluent in Farsi, English, and Spanish.
Dr. Linda Truong is from sunny San Diego, California. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a BS in Biopsychology and later attended the University of the Pacific for dental school. Through her experiences caring for patients thus far, Dr. Truong formed her mission statement: to serve those in greatest need, and to treat each human as an individual, compassionately, and with excellence in care. She believes there is no better place to accomplish this goal than in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Truong is currently a Pediatric Dental Resident at USC, where she is devoted to honing her skills in treating, connecting with and educating children. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends! Some of her favorite activities are doing yoga/ meditating on the beach, singing karaoke, dancing, or playing board games with loved ones. As an NHSC Scholar, Dr. Truong plans to practice in a Community Health Clinic as well as a private practice setting in Southern California!
WSPD PRESIDENT REPORT
Dr. Robert E. McAlpine - WSPD President
Fellow WSPD Members,
First, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve as President over the past year. This is likely to be the final occasion in which I address the membership until the conclusion of my term in May. Therefore, I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks; it has truly been an honor.
What is the WSPD up to? What does the WSPD do? While there is much that occurs behind the scenes in our business meetings and in our committee Zooms, what I want you to understand in my final WSPD Report is that the WSPD focuses on communication and connection.
We want to work with our member States and Provinces to ensure that state legislation and other enacted policies are in the best interest of the children we serve.
So how do we hope to accomplish this? Once again, it’s through communication and connection.
At our Fall meeting, we selected Dr. Bri Butler from Washington State as our first Advocacy and Legislative Liaison. By connecting with state Public Policy Advocates (PPA) and assisting smaller states that may lack a PPA, we view this position as a bridge to foster greater collaboration between our member organizations.
You may have noticed the resurrection of the Odontoblast, the WSPD NEWSLETTER (if you haven’t, please check your spam folder).
We want to be visible, accessible, and keep the membership informed about critical issues affecting pediatric dentistry in our district. Providing this newsletter will keep you updated on the exciting developments happening around us. The Odontoblast has been managed by Oregon’s shining star, Dr. Natasha Bramley. She has worked very hard on this project and has done an amazing job.
Continuing Education is an important part of our connection with member states and provinces. Although we may not directly provide CE, offering sponsorships can significantly benefit our member associations. The joint Alaska-Hawaii meeting last winter in Oahu was an incredible event, and we were glad to be a part of it. It is also a great example of what happens when we work together. Supporting these endeavors fosters a connection with our members and allows smaller states to hold events that may otherwise not be possible.
Finally, I want you to know that our work is never finished. Our organization intends to grow and maintain the momentum we’ve built. If you have any questions or comments for the WSPD, please reach out. Once again, thank you, and I hope to see many of you in Denver.
WSPD SPRING BOARD MEETING
Dr. Donald Schmitt - AAPD Western District Trustee (2024-2027)
The WSPD Board held it’s Spring Meeting at the Westin in Seattle in conjunction with the CSPD Annual Meeting. The Western District was well represented with Directors from most of the states and provinces present. AAPD President Elect Tom Ison and Secretary-Treasurer Jacob Lee were also in attendance. I particularly want to commend Natasha Bramley for her excellent work on the Odontoblast, the WSPDs bulletin. Congratulations also go to Rob McAlpine for a job well done as WSPD President this past year and welcome to Harlyn Susarla as she assumes the reigns at the WSPD Caucus at the AAPD Annual Session in Denver. I encourage you to go to https://wspdonline.com/ to catch up on all the latest news from the WSPD.
The
AAPD PAC
Given the tumultuous times in which we live, the AAPD PAC needs your help more than ever. Thanks in part to AAPDs lobbying efforts, Dr. Natalia Chalmers, Chief Dental Officer at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and her team were spared during the recent government wide downsizing. Dr. Chalmers has been a tremendous friend and ally to pediatric dentistry and is this year’s recipient of the AAPDs Pediatric Dentist of the Year. This year’s Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy Conference in Washington DC was vattended by over 400 residents, faculty, mentors, and AAPD leaders and is one of the most impactful of AAPD’s advocacy efforts.
I want to take a moment to thank Dr. Cliff Hartman for his dedication and success leading the PAC over the last several years and to welcome Dr. John Gibbons as the new leader of the AAPD PAC. Grass roots and in person advocating are very important aspects of AAPD’s efforts but as we all know it’s money that talks. 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 be successful. Those hard dollars are used to make contributions directly to congressional campaigns and help open doors to AAPD’s 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/
AAPD/AAPD Foundation Boards Rename the Leadership Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management
I’m pleased to announce the AAPD and AAPD Foundation Boards voted to rename the Leadership Program in honor of longtime CEO and one of the major drivers behind formation of the program, Dr. John Rutkauskas. The program will now be named the Dr. John S Rutkauskas Leadership Institute. Congratulations John on this very well-deserved honor!
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 had on everyone who has experienced it. Look for more information this Fall.
BOARD MEETING APRIL 24, 2025
MOTION 2025.04.24.01: Approval of the Agenda. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2025.04.24.02: Approval of the Minutes of February 1, 2025, Meeting of the CSPD Board of Directors. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2025.04.24.03: Acceptance of Consent Reports and Submissions MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2025.04.24.04: Approve the Requirements for WBI and GDLS Interns to be included in the Association Policy & Procedures Manual. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2025.04.24.05: Approve the Requirements for Participation of Board Members to be included in the Association Policy & Procedures Manual. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2025.04.24.06: Approve the policy on Distributing Surveys to members to be included in the Association Policy & Procedures Manual. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2025.04.24.07: Accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2025.04.24.08: Approve Anaheim CA & Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa as the location and venue for 2028 Annual Meeting & Continuing Education Conference. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2025.04.24.09: Approve $12,000 budget for the CSPD Reception at AAPD2025 in Denver, CO at the Sheraton Downtown. MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2025.04.24.10: Adopt a position of support for AB 350: Fluoride Varnish Coverage (Bonta). MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2025.04.24.11: Adopt a position of support for AB 371: Dental Plan Accountability (Haney). MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2025.04.24.12: Adopt a position of support for AB 873: 8-Hour Infection Control Reform (Alanis). MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2025.04.24.13: Adopt a position of support for SB 386: Virtual Credit Card Payments (Limon). MOTION CARRIED
MOTION 2025.04.24.14: Adopt a position of support for SB 351: Private Equity in Health Care (Cabaldon) MOTION CARRIED
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: Mitch Poiset
President: MyLinh Ngo
Vice President: Natalie Vander Kam
Secretary: Pardis Lipkin
Treasurer: Shan Girn
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: Evelyn Vu-Tien
South 2025 – 2027: Maryam Meschi
At Large 2025 – 2027: Dr. Rita Daghlian
APPOINTED OFFICERS
Web Site Editor: Leticia Edwards
Bulletin Managing Editor: Chanel McCreedy
Public Policy Advocate: Dr. Evelyn Vu-Tien
CONTACTS AND LIAISONS
AAPD District V (WSPD) Trustee: Don Schmitt
AAPD Liaison (Board Member): Cat Pham
WSPD Liaison (Board Member): Ella Saeed
AAP California Chapter Liaison: John Guijon
AAP Northern California Chapter Liaison: Gila Dorostkar
AAP Los Angeles Chapter Liaison: OPEN
AAP Orange County Chapter Liaison: John Guijon
AAP San Diego Chapter Liaison: Wai Yin Chan
Annual Meeting Sponsor Relations Liaison: Ora Lowe
California Dental Society of Anesthesiology Liaison: David Rothman
CSPD Foundation Liaison (Ex Officio
Immediate Past President): Mitch Poiset
Advisor to the Public Policy Advocate –Legislative Affairs: Santos Cortez
Advisor to the Public Policy Advocate –Dental Board of California: Paul Reggiardo
CSPD REPRESENTATIVES TO THE WSPD BOARD
CSPD President (Ex Officio): MyLinh Ngo
CSPD Vice President (Ex Officio): Natalie Vander Kam
CSPD Liaison to the WSPD Board: Ella Saeed
CSPD Representative to the WSPD Board: Rita Daghlian
BOARD
MEMBER – LEADERSHIP INTERN
Warren Brandli Internship (WBI) Interns:
• Dr. Aubey Morrone (UCSF)
• Dr. Carleen Tse (UCLA)
Santos Cortez Graduate Student (GSLA) Interns:
• Dr. Maile Osborne (USC)
• Dr. Helina Iyob-Tessema (UCSF)
• Dr. Jody Chiang (NYU Langone)
STAFF
Administrative Operations Manager: Diane Skullr
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 12-15, 2026
2026 CSPD Annual Meeting
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay San Diego, CA
March 11-14, 2027
2027 CSPD Annual Meeting
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Monterey, CA
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
808 R Street, Suite 209 Sacramento, CA 95811
The Safest Solution for Pediatric & Adult Anesthesia
Two Patient Care Location Options: In the convenience of your office
1 2 At our state-of-the-art pediatric surgery center, near The Irvine Spectrum
Patient SAFETY is Our Number 1 Priority
• Twelve years and 10,000+ cases with an impeccable safety record & the same safety standards found in Children's Hospitals
• We eliminate the risk of aspiration, enabling you to use water during the procedure
Mobisurg Provides the Highest QUALITY of Care
• 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
• We meet & exceed all the criteria of SB 501 requirements for providing pediatric anesthesia
GROW Your Practice with Mobisurg
GROW Your Practice with Mobisurg
• Caring for patients of ALL ages & co-existing medical problems
• Caring for patients of ALL ages & co-existing medical problems
• We bill medical insurance & are contracted with some major providers
• We bill medical insurance & are contracted with some major providers
