Contact Point Spring2026

contactPOINT

UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC ARTHUR A. DUGONI SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY | VOL 106 • NO 1 | SPRING 2026

San Francisco rising

WANT TO ENHANCE YOUR DENTAL PRACTICE? Enroll your dental assistant in our RDAEF program today!

The premier RDAEF program in Northern California NEXT SESSION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 This eight-month, in-depth program satisfies the Dental Board of California’s requirements for preparing RDAs and existing RDAEFs for the new extended functions licensure.

“I have three RDAEFs in my practice and all of them went through the program at the Dugoni School. They were very well trained and do a lot of the procedures that I used to do. It has increased our production and reduced my stress, and our patients are happy with the results. We have a great team and I enjoy being a mentor for the EFs and watching them grow.”

— Dr. Alan Limbird, Fort Bragg, CA

“I’ve sent several assistants through the RDAEF program at the Dugoni School, and I honestly can’t imagine practicing without them. They have dramatically improved our doctors’ efficiency and productivity, and I love being able to tell patients they trained under the same instructor, Dr. Kenyon, that I had in dental school.”

— Dr. Irving Chao ’09, Salinas, CA

Application deadline: August 10, 2026 For more information and to enroll visit dental.pacific.edu/RDAEF Division of Continuing Dental Education | cedental@pacific.edu | 415.929.6486

CONTENTS

CONTACTPOINT SPRING2026

ON THE COVER

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Rising street sign emerge through the clouds.

From the Dean

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Current Issue

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Around Campus

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University News

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Alumni Profile

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Alumni Scene

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Alumni Profile

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Philanthropy

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Old School

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Staff and students celebrate the Pacific-49ers partnership during the Super Bowl Experience, a fan event at Moscone Center in February before Super Bowl LX.

REBIRTH OF A CITY

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INNOVATION IN DENTISTRY

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CAMPUS IMPROVEMENT

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San Francisco is undergoing a vibrant renewal with encouraging changes taking shape across the city. Discover how the dental school community—students, faculty, staff and alumni—is playing a meaningful role in driving these positive transformations.

Technology is rapidly evolving and continues to reshape daily life and dental practice. Writer Kirsten Mickelwait explores how the Dugoni School prepares its graduates to evaluate and implement emerging dental innovations to improve patient care.

Take a look at the latest enhancement to the San Francisco campus.

The newly renovated sixth floor is now home to the audiology program with new lecture, study and shared spaces designed to support students, faculty and staff across the campus.

Alumni Association Alumni Association President Dr. Marc H. Lai ’13 Director Kimberly LaRocca ’06 DH (415) 929-6423 klarocca@pacific.edu

contactpoint.pacific.edu

Dugoni School Foundation Call (415) 929-6406 or visit dental.pacific.edu Foundation President Dr. John Kim ’04 Associate Dean for Advancement Eric Dumbleton (415) 929-6422 edumbleton@pacific.edu

Practice Listings and Dental Opportunities To register your listing online contact Andrea Davis at (415) 351-7108 or awoodson@pacific.edu Continuing Dental Education For complete CE course listings, visit dental.pacific.edu/CDEclasses (415) 929-6486 or cedental@pacific.edu

FORMERLY MITCHELL & MITCHELL INSURANCE AGENCY

CA License #0D79653

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CONTACT POINT

H E LPIN G P E O P LE LE A D H E A LTH Y LI V E S

Elisa M. Chávez, DDS | Interim Dean San Francisco, California Vol. 106 Number 1 2026 dental.pacific.edu •

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INTERIM DEAN Elisa M. Chávez EDITOR Kara A. Sanchez EDITORIAL BOARD David W. Chambers Elisa M. Chávez Stan Constantino Eric Dumbleton Joanne Fox Eddie K. Hayashida Cindy Lyon Kara A. Sanchez Dan Soine CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christina Boufis Jennifer Langham Kirsten Mickelwait Ashley Musick Dan Soine ART DIRECTION / DESIGN Brian Blanchard Benjamin Levy Margaret Wylie PHOTOGRAPHY Jon Draper Eduardo Soler Chris Woodrow Guest contributors as credited ADVERTISING Benjamin Levy

Contact Point is published biannually by the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.

Eighteen-time winner of the International College of Dentists Journalism Competition and winner of the Gies Award for editorial content. Readership consists of 10,000 alumni, parents, friends, faculty, students and members of the professional community. Material included herein does not necessarily represent the official position of the school. All inquiries regarding advertising should be directed to Design and Photo Services, University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, 155 Fifth St., San Francisco, CA 94103 or contact Benjamin Levy at blevy@pacific.edu.

Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

With spring in full swing, we have much to celebrate across the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry—on our campuses, throughout our alumni family and in the communities we are proud and privileged to serve.

This season has been filled with meaningful traditions and milestones, including our 127th Annual Alumni Meeting, community outreach efforts serving children and seniors and the continued excellence of our academic programs and clinical care. Other special events such as the Asilomar Retreat for reunion classes and the Class of 2026, Over the Hump Party for the Class of 2027, OKU-Sutro Excellence Day and our first-ever AI in Oral Health Care: From Innovation to Access Symposium have brought our community together in inspiring ways.

Thank you to everyone who planned, participated in and supported these important activities.

In this issue, we highlight San Francisco’s momentum as it emerges from the challenges of the pandemic and how fortunate we are to be part of its fabric. We are also pleased to share news of the renovated area on the sixth floor of our San Francisco campus, creating additional academic spaces for students, faculty and staff in both the dental and audiology programs.

You will also find thoughtful perspectives on clinical technologies—an increasingly important topic for individual practitioners and for us as an institution committed to innovation grounded in evidence and patient-centered care.

PHOTO BY CHRIS WOODROW

Serving as interim dean of the Dugoni School and helping to navigate our course through this important chapter has been my honor, and it has been rewarding in so many ways. We will continue to leverage our strong commitment to excellence for the benefit of students, residents, faculty, staff, alumni and patients as we reinforce and build upon our foundation, grounded in our commitment to one another and the values we hold close. I am grateful for this unique opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated and inspiring group of people—administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the Dugoni School.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Contact Point and take pride and joy in the many ways our school and alumni continue to make a positive impact on those we have served locally and beyond for 130 years as a school and 175 years as a university.

Warm regards,

Elisa M. Chávez, DDS Interim Dean

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CURRENT ISSUE

AI Symposium Explores New Frontiers in Oral Health and Medicine Leaders in artificial intelligence, clinical care, education and research gathered January 16, 2026 at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry for the inaugural AI in Oral Health Care: From Innovation to Access Symposium.

Co-hosted by the Dugoni School of Dentistry’s Center for Innovation and Translation and the Pacific Center for Equity in Oral Health Care, the event brought together leaders from Hippocratic AI, 2-Sigma AI, PathAI, OraQ, Overjet, VELMENI, Stanford Health Care and Stanford Arise, along with faculty experts from the Dugoni School. The symposium focused on how AI can responsibly advance patient care, research, education and access across oral health care and the broader healthcare ecosystem.

Dr. Ethan Goh of Stanford University gave the keynote address, “AI Is Better Than Doctors (at Some Things), Now What?” He highlighted emerging evidence on where AI is demonstrating measurable improvements in accuracy, efficiency and scalability and discussed how clinicians and health systems can thoughtfully integrate these tools while preserving trust and accountability.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Throughout the day, panelists explored a wide range of topics, including the use of AI in clinical decision support and workflow transformation; lessons from medical AI that can be applied to dentistry; responsible and ethical use of AI in health professions education; and the growing role of AI in research, diagnostics, evidence generation and precision medicine. Speakers emphasized the importance of aligning innovation with equity, safety and real-world clinical needs.

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89 TH Annual Alumni/Graduate Banquet Friday, June 12, 2026 The Ritz-Carlton, SF

2026 Dental Hygiene Symposium Saturday, November 7, 2026 Dugoni School of Dentistry, SF

Commencement Sunday June 14, 2026 The Masonic, SF

Dugoni Dental Symposium Friday, January 29 – Saturday, January 30, 2027 The Fairmont, SF

White Coat Ceremony Saturday, July 18, 2026 The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, SF Taste of Pacific — Homecoming Weekend Saturday, October 10, 2026 University of the Pacific, Stockton campus

Dugoni School Gala Saturday January 30, 2027 Location TBA Explore more news and events at dental.pacific.edu

CURRE NT IS S U E

Faculty Members Step into New Roles Dr. Kavitha Parthasarathy was appointed chair of the Department of Periodontics, following the retirement of Dr. Bill Lundergan ’81.

Parthasarathy, a faculty member at the school since 2015, currently serves as an associate professor in the department. Prior to joining the Dugoni School of Dentistry, she held key faculty and leadership roles at University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston, where she served as director of predoctoral periodontics.

She is a diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology and maintains a private periodontal practice in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Dr. Rebecca Moazzez recently accepted the role of associate dean for research. As the principal research officer for the school, Moazzez will provide strategic leadership for research activities. She also serves as professor and chair of the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry—the Henry Sutro Family Endowed Chair in Restorative Dentistry—and director of the Center for Innovation and Translation. She is co-chair of University of the Pacific’s Institutional Review Board. Moazzez brings an impressive record of biomedical and clinical research achievement, grant funding and academic leadership to this new position.

Dr. Kavitha Parthasarathy

Dr. Bernadette Alvear Fa ’06 has stepped into the role of director of the Center for Success, following the retirement of Dr. Craig Yarborough ’80. Fa is a professor in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, director of the local anesthesia curriculum and chair of the Health and Wellness Committee. She has also assumed the role of lead faculty member for the Pacific Summer High School Institute Future Dentists program. Fa is the American Dental Education Association faculty representative, president-elect of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Delta Delta chapter and was recently inducted into both the American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists.

Dr. Bernadette Alvear Fa ’06

Dr. Rebecca Moazzez

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CU R RE NT I S S UE

Outreach Efforts in Coachella Valley Three faculty members—Drs. Ned Nix ’95, Rick Chelemedos ’87 and Bardia Farahmand ’98—and more than 20 students continued a recent tradition of volunteering with California CareForce during the 2026 Coachella Valley Healthcare Clinic held February 27 – March 1, 2026 at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California.

Free dental services, including extractions, root canals, fillings and cleanings, were provided to local community members in need along with vision and medical services.

California CareForce is the charitable arm of the California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Volunteers from the Dugoni School of Dentistry have also participated in the organization’s previous community outreach events held in both Northern and Southern California in recent years.

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CURRE NT IS S U E

Nadershahi Named ADA Executive Director The American Dental Association (ADA) named Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi ’94 as its new executive director effective March 23, 2026, following a robust search process.

“His leadership style is defined by a profound commitment to mutual respect, attentive listening and collaborative decision making, while his long-term outlook for the association centers upon unifying generations to solve for today’s challenges while also planting seeds of opportunity for our future generations of dentists,” said Dr. Richard J. Rosato, president of the ADA. Nadershahi assumed the role of senior vice president of education and professional affairs at the ADA in June 2025. He is dean emeritus of the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and recently received the university’s Order of the Pacific award.

“The greatest institutions thrive not by the isolated brilliance of one mind, but by the unified heartbeat of its people moving forward together,” Nadershahi said. “Together, we will be good ancestors for future generations in our profession.

I look forward to collaborating across our profession, shaping our future growth, building trust and prioritizing organizational clarity, financial and cultural strength, measured outcomes and ADA member value.”

ABO Honors Dr. Steven Dugoni Dr. Steven A. Dugoni ’81 Ortho, adjunct professor in the Department of Orthodontics and secretary of the Alumni Association’s board of directors, received the American Board of Orthodontics’ Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard Distinguished Service Award.

Presented in May during the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session in Orlando, Florida, this honor recognized Dugoni’s exceptional dedication to advancing the ideals and mission of the American Board of Orthodontics.

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AROUND CAMPUS

CAVANAUGH SERVICE AWARD

PHILIPPINES OUTREACH GUATEMALA OUTREACH

HYGIENE PINNING CEREMONY

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PHOTOS BY EDUARDO SOLER AND CHRIS WOODROW

DUGONI DISCOVERY DAY

ASILOMAR RETREAT

OVER THE HUMP PART Y

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UNIVERSITY NEWS

Pacific and San Francisco 49ers Forge New Partnership

This partnership is a statement of belief in our students and in the transformative power of education.

University of the Pacific and the San Francisco 49ers have launched a multi-year partnership focused on expanding access to higher education and strengthening community engagement across Northern California. The partnership makes Pacific the Official Higher Education Partner of the San Francisco 49ers. Through the agreement, Pacific will become the presenting partner of the 49ers Internship Program, providing students from across the country with year-long opportunities for hands-on experience in the sports industry.

“This partnership is a statement of belief in our students and in the transformative power of education,” said Christopher Callahan, president of University of the Pacific. “Our two organizations share a common goal—to build champions on the field, in the classroom and throughout our communities—and we’re proud to stand alongside the 49ers as we work together to shape the future of California.”

Pacific students will benefit from direct access to internships and learning experiences within the 49ers organization. Students will participate in the team’s annual Students at the Stadium event at Levi’s Stadium, which brings Bay Area college students together to learn from 49ers staff, participate in career workshops and network with peers.

Bridging the gap between education and professional sports, Pacific and the 49ers will support K–12 education initiatives across Northern California, offering learning resources, networking opportunities and college-readiness programs that will inspire the next generation to pursue higher education.

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UNIVE RSIT Y N EWS Pacific will also support the 49ers Foundation through multiple annual initiatives, including Foundation for Success and STEAM Champions. Both events inspire youth to engage with science, technology, engineering, arts and math concepts through interactive lessons and problem-solving activities.

Staff members at the 49ers organization will also benefit from the partnership, with opportunities to enroll in Pacific’s nationally ranked degree programs and professional development courses.

“We are pleased to begin this partnership with Pacific and to extend the positive impact that the 49ers have across California,” said Christina Jefferson, senior director of inclusion and culture for the 49ers. “The holistic development of students across the Bay Area is central to the 49ers’ mission, and this partnership goes one step beyond, providing additional opportunities for our staff to further their educational pursuits.”

The collaboration will be prominently featured across both Pacific and 49ers channels through digital and printed signage, social media, gameday coverage and more. Pacific students, alumni and community members can look forward to a wide range of special events at Levi’s Stadium and on the Pacific campus, including viewing parties and co-branded experiences.

PHOTOS BY JASON MILLNER

“Our commitment to equity and inclusion means ensuring all students have meaningful opportunities to succeed,” said Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Pacific. “Partnering with the 49ers helps us respond to the growing demand for skilled talent in innovative fields while expanding access to education. What we accomplish together will echo for generations to come.”

This collaboration reignites a historic relationship between the 49ers and Pacific. From 1998 to 2002, the 49ers held training camps on Pacific’s Stockton campus, creating strong ties between the franchise and Central Valley community.

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San o c s i c n a r F e c n a ss i a Ren

By Jennifer Langham 12

With instantly recognizable landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street, San Francisco—one of the world’s most iconic cities—is experiencing a post-pandemic revitalization that has enhanced its appeal to locals and visitors alike.

The city shined during the recent Super Bowl LX in February 2026 and the NBA All-Star Game in February 2025, drawing visitors and worldwide attention to San Francisco as well as $500 million and $325 million, respectively, in economic impact to the region. In addition, crime has fallen below pre-pandemic levels, more workers have returned to offices and the city’s retail market is significantly more robust than in previous years.

At the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Stan Constantino, associate dean for admissions and student affairs, says that recently accepted students looked beyond the previous narratives about San Francisco. “They all made a decision to attend school here because they considered not only the educational program as beneficial to them but also the community and especially the patients that they will serve,” he says.

San Francisco is on the rise. And the dental school’s students, faculty, staff and alumni are not just appreciating the positive changes to San Francisco; they are helping to make them happen.

They all made a decision to attend school here because they considered not only the educational program as beneficial to them but also the community and especially the patients that they will serve.

Building Opportunities for Service to the Community For decades, outreach into the community of San Francisco has been an essential part of the culture at the Dugoni School of Dentistry. For staff and faculty, the Employee Volunteer Opportunities Committee (EVOC) organizes volunteer activities with local nonprofit organizations outside of dentistry, such as Habitat for Humanity, SF/Marin Food Bank, St. Anthony’s Dining Room and Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. Dental school employees are given two paid days per year to participate in volunteer work.

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“It was a rewarding experience to serve at St. Anthony’s and an opportunity to support people in need throughout the city,” said Danielle Lee, human resources generalist. “The Dugoni School has always been an integral part of the community.”

Dental students provide treatment at local clinics such as On Lok’s Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and La Clinica de la Raza as part of their extramural rotation experience. Many students also choose to participate in citywide events such as Bay to Breakers and the Pride Day Parade.

Student Community Outreach for Public Education (SCOPE), now in its 35th year, is a student-directed, peer mentorship community service organization where students and faculty members lead volunteer efforts in the city and beyond.

Christine Miller, RDH, MHS, MA, director of community health programs, associate professor in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences and founder and faculty mentor for SCOPE, notes that 50% to 60% of each graduating class participate in one of the many volunteer community service options.

“More importantly, we’re providing students with leadership experience in organizing health risk assessments that link the most vulnerable citizens in our community to services, and that triage and referral model is essential,” Miller says.

In April 2025, SCOPE celebrated its 30th Annual Senior Smiles and Wellness Health Fair, which served nearly 150 attendees. In November, the group organized a wellness event for Bay Area veterans, attended by nearly 40 community members who have served in the military.

For Brendon Lowder, Class of 2026 and president of SCOPE, serving the San Francisco community has been an invaluable part of his education. “The most underrated factor in choosing the best dental school to attend is the amount of exposure to and leadership opportunities students will have in a community health setting.

Helping foster student engagement through community health care outreach is a unique service-learning opportunity at the Dugoni School.”

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Above: Dreamforce, one of the world's largest and most prominent annual tech conferences, at Moscone Center Below: An aerial view of Salesforce Park, a 5.4-acre public park with a living roof, curved walking trails, lawns, fountains, children’s play area and an amphitheater

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Building a Network of Care in the Community In addition to educating future dental professionals, the Dugoni School of Dentistry also serves as an important healthcare provider for residents of San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. Last year, more than 17,000 patients were seen during 90,000 visits to the school’s dental clinics.

These numbers will soon grow with the opening later this year of the Multidisciplinary Advanced Care Clinics and Ambulatory Surgery Center, which will significantly expand the clinical services the school can provide to pediatric and adult patients with complex medical conditions or special health care needs. The new clinical and surgical spaces will also bring opportunities for the dental school to partner with other Bay Area dentists, specialists and physicians across the healthcare community, building on its legacy in San Francisco.

Dr. Elisa M. Chávez, interim dean and professor in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences, says, “We have always shared mutual patients with local hospitals and other healthcare providers, but this will be very different because the new clinics will be equipped and designed to care for patients with special healthcare needs, so we can provide a broader range of care right here on our campus.”

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She adds, “These clinics will also be additional resources for dentists in the area who may want to refer patients to us for specialty services while their patients stay with them for routine dental care. With these facilities, we hope to create a broad network and partnerships with local dentists and specialists, as well as our colleagues in medicine.”

Chávez says that the dental school is also implementing a new electronic health record system, the PDS Health Technologies™ instance of Epic®, at the end of this year. “Many of our medical partners use Epic® already, so this will be another tool that facilitates care and connects us and San Francisco with the wider dental and medical communities in the Bay Area.”

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Building a Practice in the Community Dr. Marc Lai ’13, president of the dental school’s Alumni Association, is a fourthgeneration San Franciscan whose family first came to the city from China in 1894.

When Lai graduated from Dugoni School of Dentistry, he went into practice on Montgomery Street with his father, Dr. Ross Lai ’85, and they were later joined by Marc’s brother, Dr. Grant Lai ’19.

“I feel I have significant stock in the city, and I’m very proud to be Chinese American and a native San Franciscan. These things define who I am,” Lai says.

Lai and his brother are also fourthgeneration small business owners in the city.

Their great-grandfather Ralph started a family business specializing in wholesale tobacco and candy on the same block of Montgomery Street where Lai Dentistry is now located.

Lai likes what he has seen from the new mayor, Daniel Lurie, who has made supporting small businesses a key part of his platform, for example with ordinances aiming to cut permitting red tape and grants allocated specifically to small businesses.

“It feels like we’re moving in a positive direction,” says Lai. One example is the city’s Vacant to Vibrant program, designed to help small businesses—by transforming empty storefronts into thriving local businesses and cultural destinations—through popups and long-term lease opportunities.

This economic development program is led by SF New Deal, in partnership with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, and began under former Mayor London Breed. The program has activated 30 storefronts across downtown San Francisco since launching in 2023, with more planned to open in the future.

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Drs. Marc Lai ’13, Ross Lai ’85 and Grand Lai ’19

I feel I have significant stock in the city, and I’m very proud to be Chinese American and a native San Franciscan.

To alumni who have not visited the city in a few years, Lai would encourage them to come back and revisit dental school sights and restaurants, and try some of the new experiences San Francisco has to offer.

No matter how much change there has been, he concludes, “The overall spirit of San Francisco has never left.”

Believe in San Francisco The marketing slogan launched by SF Travel in 2025, “Believe in San Francisco,” reflects the optimistic signs on the horizon for the city. The San Francisco Bay Area will host six matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in June and July. There are 38 conventions and events scheduled for the Moscone Center for 2026, up from 25 in 2024 and 36 in 2025. These numbers are lower than before the pandemic but on an upward trajectory.

Large retail stores have also been coming back to Union Square— The RealReal flagship store, AT&T and Zara returned to the neighborhood and Nintendo opened a flagship store. And plans are in the works for a brand-new, multi-story Chanel boutique along with a Uniqlo store. “Through our Heart of the City plan, our administration is accelerating San Francisco’s downtown recovery by prioritizing safe and clean streets, supporting small businesses and activating our public spaces,” says Lurie.

As one of several initiatives to foster downtown development, Mayor Lurie recently announced the launch of the Third Coast Foundry, which brings branches of eight Midwestern universities— including University of Chicago and Carnegie Mellon University— to the city in a 3,500-square-foot innovative hub for students, researchers and entrepreneurs.

With yet another investment from leading institutions of higher education, we are accelerating our city’s recovery and strengthening our city center as a place where people live, work, play and learn.

“With yet another investment from leading institutions of higher education, we are accelerating our city’s recovery and strengthening our city center as a place where people live, work, play and learn,” says Lurie.

For Lai, whose two young boys are the fifth generation of his family to live in San Francisco, believing in the future of the city isn’t difficult. He says, “It’s an honor and a privilege to raise my family and practice in my hometown.”

Jennifer Langham is a contributor to Contact Point and other University of the Pacific publications.

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TRANSFORMING the level of care New Technologies in Dental Practice

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By Kirsten Mickelwait

oday, the field of dentistry stands at a remarkable inflection point. From AI-powered diagnostic imaging to 3D printing that enables same-day treatments, novel technologies are fundamentally reshaping what is possible in oral health care and paving the way for graduates of the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry to perform at even higher levels in their practices.

Dr. Daniel Hammer ’11 is a leading expert—a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and fellow of the American College of Dentists—who speaks and publishes nationally and internationally on the integration of dentistry and reconstructive surgery with advanced technologies and techniques. He currently serves as program director of the Maxillofacial Restoration Program at the U.S. Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California, as well as vice chair of its Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Hammer says that in-house 3D printing and virtual surgical planning (VSP) have transformed his clinical workflow— making complex reconstruction faster, less expensive and often better for patients. “This ‘good, fast, cheap’ triad is increasingly achievable in modern biomedical and dental practices,” he says.

“Improving upon the engineering credo that ‘you can only pick two,’ recent evidence and digital workflows show that you can increasingly get all three. This mirrors value in the healthcare field: better outcomes plus a faster pace while at a lower cost.”

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“This shift toward new tech is due to several drivers,” he says. “Consumerism, economics and profit margins, public policy, even social media activities. But the ideal drivers continue to be patient outcomes and the high quality of novel products. This is linked to the concept of near-zero marginal cost— after fixed costs, each additional printed part is extremely inexpensive relative to hospitalscale expenses.” A legitimate, entry-level lab can be built for under $4,000, he notes, making adoption feasible in private practice, schools and hospitals.

Hammer simplifies the digital workflow framework into four basic steps: Capture: CT/CBCT (DICOM) and dental surfaces (STL) via intraoral scans, scanned stone models or impressions (Hammer now prefers intraoral scanning for speed, accuracy and tolerance).

Design: Virtual surgical planning with engineers or on personal licensed software.

Since 2011 and the birth of commercial 3D printing, there has been an enormous leap in technologies applicable to the dental field, Hammer says. Compare the early bulky, slow consumer printers to today’s reality, when you might find a 3D printing lab in someone’s home—that’s how accessible the technology has become.

Print: Using different printing modalities such as liquid crystal display, fused deposition modeling, digital light processing and stereolithography, plus metPal printing like powder-bed fusion for titanium.

The time and cost benefits of such new devices are dramatic.

Traditional labs and outsourced workflows used to take three to six weeks, while current protocols can deliver 3D-printed teeth or guides within a day (often two to three hours after seeing the patient), with any remaining delays mostly from third-party hardware logistics. For example, a vendor model for a full-arch prosthesis might be 25% of the cost from a lab, while in-house printing could make the item for 1-2% of the lab fee.

Process: Cleaning, curing and finishing with an alcohol bath, cure box, gingiva characterization and sealing to reduce porosity and colonization.

“The challenge is scaling these technologies and techniques as medical and dental healthcare deliveries continue to run adjacent

“ This shift toward new tech is due to several drivers.

But the ideal drivers continue to be patient outcomes and the high quality of novel products.”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARGARET WYLIE

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“ Technology should support clinicians, but the human must always remain in command.

This ‘human-in-the-loop’ framework is central to our philosophy—AI should never replace clinical judgment.”

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to each other rather than integrated in most healthcare settings,” Hammer says. “We understand the predictable technology available and improved outcomes, but the healthcare delivery and economic engine are still being designed.”

The Human Must Always Be in Command A good example of innovation in dental education can be found within the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry’s Graduate Orthodontic Program. Emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) are incorporated into lectures, case discussions and clinical training throughout the curriculum.

Orthodontic residents are encouraged to think critically about where innovations originate, how different technologies compare and what roles researchers, clinicians and industry play in bringing innovative solutions to patient care. They learn to evaluate new tools through an evidence-based lens, considering their scientific support, limitations and potential clinical impact. Through this approach, residents develop the ability not only to use modern technologies, but also to thoughtfully assess and integrate them into orthodontic practice as the field continues to evolve.

Dr. Jonas Bianchi, associate professor and director of research in the Department of Orthodontics, agrees that the dental school’s graduates must become technologically proficient clinicians in an era of rapidly advancing digital dentistry and AI. But while AI plays an important role, he says, the school’s broader focus is on digital workflow integration, innovation, ethical responsibility and preparing future practitioners to critically evaluate—not blindly adopt—new technologies. Its curriculum includes many of the technologies and skillsets mentioned earlier by Hammer, including intraoral scanning, digital radiography and 3D imaging (CBCT), facial scanning and “digital twins”—a comprehensive digital version of the patient that enables advanced planning visualization.

“Technology should support clinicians,” he says, “but the human must always remain in command. This ‘human-in-the-loop’ framework is central to our philosophy—AI should never replace clinical judgment.” Bianchi is clear that artificial intelligence can be helpful in diagnosis or treatment planning, may flag issues such as caries or periodontal disease and might generate summaries or predictions. But the final decision must always be made by the clinician, an approach known as human in command (HIC).

Here are a few specific examples of technologies currently used in the orthodontic program: Training in Digital Orthodontic Workflows Orthodontic residents gain hands-on experience with intraoral scanning and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) as core components of contemporary clinical practice. Through this training, they develop the ability to synthesize imaging data to assess tooth alignment, jaw relationships and upper airway

anatomy, ultimately applying these findings to diagnosis, treatment planning and custom appliance fabrication. These same digital models support downstream applications such as 3D printing of study casts and the in-house production of retainers and clear aligners.

Craniofacial Analysis Supported

by Artificial Intelligence Residents are introduced to emerging AIdriven technologies capable of evaluating craniofacial images to detect asymmetries and structural patterns that are challenging to quantify through conventional manual methods—a particularly valuable capability when working with orthognathic surgery patients. Because the manual identification of three-dimensional craniofacial landmarks is inherently time-intensive, AI-assisted localization enables residents to complete this process more efficiently while remaining under direct clinical supervision, freeing them to devote more attention to interpretive and planning responsibilities.

Automated Tools for Orthodontic Evaluation Within research and academic settings, residents are also familiarized with automated orthodontic evaluation systems, including those designed to perform image segmentation for enhanced visualization of anatomical structures. Exposure to these technologies helps residents understand how AI and automation can contribute to clinical documentation, outcome assessment and quality review. Ongoing research in this area encompasses automated extraction of clinical notes, predictive modeling using 3-D datasets and tools aimed at visualizing treatment progression, evaluating skeletal maturation and enriching the overall treatment planning process.

Another tech advancement—particularly helpful in orthodontics—is remote monitoring, in which patients can scan their teeth at home using a smartphone app and scanning device. AI is then used to analyze movement, hygiene and risk of white spots or caries. Such innovation allows clinicians to monitor their patients between visits.

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How the dental school trains students and residents to be technology proficient: • Digital workflow integration • Data literacy • Critical appraisal skills • Evidence-based technology adoption • Understanding limitations (not black-box thinking) • Clinical relevance over novelty • Responsible AI implementation • AI as decision support, not decision maker • Lifelong adaptive learning mindset • Translational thinking (bench to chairside)

Examples of novel technologies used by the program: • Fully digital orthodontic workflow • 3D imaging integration • AI-driven craniofacial analysis • Automated American Board of Orthodontics Discrepancy Index and Objective Grading System tools • Machine learning for asymmetry assessment • NIH-supported AI research • Clinical decision-support systems • Predictive modeling • Learning platforms with integrated AI

The process for evaluating new technologies at the dental school: • Evidence-based validation (peer-reviewed data) • Reliability and reproducibility • Clinical relevance • Outcome improvement • Educational value • Ethical oversight • Data security/HIPAA compliance • Bias assessment (AI tools) • Cost-benefit analysis • Pilot testing before full adoption • Faculty consensus

Core themes that define the school’s approach: • Innovation with responsibility • Digital integration across all disciplines • AI literacy—not blind adoption • Human in Command • Validation before implementation • Ethical and secure data usage • Preparing students for a competitive future 24

For professional clinicians wondering about how and when to incorporate these new tools into their practices, Bianchi says there are three types of technology adopters: early adopters, mid-adopters and late adopters. His advice: “Don’t be the very first, and don’t be the very last. Try to get the technology while it’s still new but wait a bit to see how well it works. Because if the tool is validated and it saves clinical time, you don’t want to be lagging behind.”

Bianchi’s view is, “AI will never replace dentists or orthodontists.

But dentists who understand and responsibly use digital technology will replace those who do not.”

A Rigorous Assessment Process To assess upcoming technologies and their applications, the dental school has a Center for Innovation and Translation (CIT) and an Educational and Information Technology Advisory Committee.

CIT engages in partnerships with new companies seeking product validation. In addition, in January 2026, the school held the firstever AI in Oral Health Care Symposium, which brought together industry partners, clinicians, researchers and educators to discuss the responsible, evidence-based use of AI in oral health and integrated medical–dental care. The program focused on what it takes to move promising technologies into real-world practice, including clinical workflow integration, validation, guidelines for ethical use, implementation challenges and workforce readiness.

In order to train its students and faculty in responsible AI use and policy development, the dental school has developed a Generative AI Responsible Usage Guide. This guide outlines appropriate and ethical uses of AI in education, provides recommendations for course directors, allows individual instructors to establish coursespecific AI policies and aligns with broader institutional guidelines being developed by the university. The goal is not just exposure to AI tools, but literacy—helping students understand what AI is, how it works and where its limitations lie.

According to Dr. Sinky Zheng, director of educational innovation and assessment and professor of learning science, the dental school integrates several contemporary platforms to support in-person and online education, including Nearpod, SoftChalk and ThingLink. “Now, with AI becoming more integrated into higher education, these learning platforms are also adding AI features to further support teaching and learning at our school,” she says.

For the educational technology she oversees, Zheng conducts initial research to explore the tool’s capabilities and does a literature review to see if there is any reported evidence of the effectiveness of the technology. “The next step is to pilot the tool with faculty leaders,” Zheng says. “The outcomes from these pilots guide our decision making on whether this is a valuable tool for our program.

We look at how it can enhance teaching and learning, how it can

“ Innovation must always be patient-centered and grounded in humanism.”

help address educational challenges and how easy it will be for faculty and students to learn. We also work with IT to ensure that data privacy and security protection are sound.”

In the context of dental education, Hammer says, “A central question for educators is what students should be taught now— terminology, exposure, workflows and resources—so they can lead the next 10 years of patient-care advancement. As new tools and frontiers emerge—think face transplants or bio-printed bone with stem cells—innovation must always be patient-centered and grounded in humanism.”

Such ideas and advances are not distant promises—they’re tools already in the hands of forward-thinking clinicians and educators today. As dentistry looks ahead, the integration of robotics, teledentistry and machine learning into everyday practice signals not just an evolution, but a revolution in the way that dentists and specialists teach, learn and deliver quality dental care.

Kirsten Mickelwait is a San Francisco-based author, copywriter, content provider and professional storyteller.

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6

FLOOR E N H A N C E D The San Francisco campus

has enhanced its resources and support for audiology students, along with dental students, through a new

teaching and learning hub on the sixth floor. The Doctor of Audiology program previously operated on the first floor of the building which is being transformed into the dental school’s Multidisciplinary Advanced Care Clinics and Ambulatory Surgery Center slated to open later this year.

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The newly renovated sixth floor opened to students, faculty and staff on January 5, 2026.

Designed for integrated learning and early clinical immersion, this purpose-driven environment brings lecture, simulation, patient care and study spaces together in one beautiful setting.

A ribbon-cutting celebration was held on April 2, 2026 to unveil this new Department of Audiology space for didactic and clinical education. Guests had the opportunity to tour the facilities and experience studentled demonstrations. In addition to daily academic use, the sixth floor will serve as a venue for smaller school events and continuing education programs.

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Ribbon Cutting Celebration

Join us for a special ribbon cutting celebration to unveil the cutting-edge facility for University of the Pacific’s Audiology Department.

Thursday April 2, 2026 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

6th Floor

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Multidisciplinary Advanced Care Clinics and Ambulatory Surgery Center Project Advances Construction is now underway, marking an exciting milestone for the Multidisciplinary Advanced Care Clinics (MDAC) and Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) project on the first floor of the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. As building progresses, fundraising efforts continue in support of bringing this vision to life.

We are pleased to offer hard-hat tours of the facility for those interested in seeing the site firsthand and learning more about the impact of this project. For more information, please contact Eric Dumbleton, associate dean for advancement, at (415)-596-3280 or edumbleton@pacific.edu, or visit dental.pacific.edu/ascmdac.

Renderings of the future MDAC and ASC

SAVE MORE $ WITH CDE DISCOUNTS Alumni Association Members Dues-paying alumni and associate members of the Dugoni School of Dentistry are eligible for a 15% discount off regular tuition for most programs sponsored by the Division of Continuing Dental Education.

Recent Dugoni School Graduates Recent graduates of the Dugoni School from the past five years are eligible for a 20% discount off regular tuition for most programs sponsored by the Division of Continuing Dental Education.

Early Bird Tuition Discounts – All Participants Early Bird Tuition is available to everyone and is offered for most handson programs sponsored by the Division of Continuing Dental Education.

The deadline for the Early Bird Tuition is typically 30 days prior to the program start date and a discount code is not needed. Check our website and CDE catalog for specific deadlines. *These discounts do not apply towards travel programs or specially discounted programs, and are non-transferable. The offers cannot be combined with other CDE discounts.

Email cedental@pacific.edu to receive your alumni discount code.

Register online at dental.pacific.edu/CDEclasses

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Dr. Diana Fat ’99: Where Technology Meets Tradition Advancing Prosthodontics Through Innovation and Connection

By Ashley Musick In her Sacramento-based prosthodontic practice, Dr. Diana Fat ’99 employs cutting-edge dental technology in service of a timeless mission: providing personalized, compassionate care while embracing innovations that deliver better outcomes for patients.

“I grew up in a dental office,” Fat recalls. “My dad would take me with him on Saturdays, and I loved watching him interact with patients.” That early exposure to her father’s (Dr. Ken Fat’s) dental practice eventually led her to a post-undergraduate position at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry’s Orofacial Pain Clinic, working with Drs. Peter Chase and Peter Jacobsen.

Witnessing the Dugoni School’s humanistic approach firsthand convinced Fat to apply to the DDS program. She was accepted, and discovered her passion for prosthodontics during her time as a

dental student. “I really enjoyed the artistic, creative side of dentistry,” she explains.

“Prosthodontics combines that creativity with problem-solving for complex cases— it’s like putting together a puzzle.”

After graduating from dental school in 1999, Fat moved to New Orleans to complete an Advanced General Dentistry residency at Louisiana State University, where her interest in full-mouth rehabilitation led her to pursue prosthodontic specialty training under Dr. Gerard Chiche, world renowned for his work in dental aesthetics.

Following her residency, Fat returned to Sacramento in 2006 and joined an established Midtown practice with a fellow Dugoni School alumnus, Dr. Jeff Vernon ’77. “He was a great mentor for me,” Fat recalls.

A 2017 office remodel transformed the space into a state-of-the-art facility, where she now handles everything from full-mouth restorations to complex implant cases.

Fat’s practice exemplifies how technology elevates patient care in prosthodontics through digital tools including intraoral scanners, 3D printing and CAD/CAM systems for in-house restorations. “We can now do things in one appointment that used to take multiple visits,” she notes. “I can share digital files instantly with specialists or labs anywhere in the world—and patients love being able to see their smile design digitally before we even start treatment.”

Yet technology alone doesn’t define her practice philosophy. “At the end of the day, it’s about listening to what your patients want and need,” she reflects. “With technology, you still have to know the fundamentals, but it’s a tool that helps us achieve better results faster.”

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ALUMNI P RO FILE This collaborative mindset extends beyond patient care. Fat remains actively involved with the Sacramento District Dental Society, believing that engagement in organized dentistry is fundamental to advancing the profession. “By sharing knowledge, supporting innovation and learning from one another, we continually elevate how we deliver care,” she explains.

That philosophy shapes her practice culture. Her colleague, Dr. Roman Shvets, observes, “What truly sets her apart is her ability to thoughtfully integrate advanced technology into everyday clinical practice in a way that genuinely improves patient outcomes. It’s rare to see such seamless integration of advanced technology, clinical expertise and patient-centered care in one practice.”

What won’t change is the relationship between doctor and patient—that’s always going to be at the heart of what we do.

in Sacramento. Her brother, Dr. John C. Fat ’88, serves on the Alumni Association board, while her sister-in-law, Dr. Shareen Char-Fat ’86, practices alongside her father Ken at Fat Dentistry.

Her husband, Cy Carpenter, MD, MPH, is the son of the late Dr. William Carpenter, a beloved longtime Dugoni School faculty member and chair. Even the next generation continues the tradition—her niece, Dr. Michelle Fat ’19, graduated from the Dugoni School before pursuing an endodontic residency at University of Washington.

“Being part of this dental family has given me a deep appreciation for what the Dugoni School represents,” Fat reflects. “The humanistic approach, the emphasis on giving back—those values were instilled in all of us.”

Looking ahead, Fat sees endless possibilities in how technology will continue to evolve prosthodontics. “I’m excited about advancements like AI helping with treatment planning and creating better materials,” she says. “But what won’t change is the relationship between doctor and patient—that’s always going to be at the heart of what we do.”

Ashley Musick is a freelance writer from Southern California.

“Dr. Fat stands out for blending technical precision with a strong artistic touch, creating restorations that are both functional and natural looking,” adds Todd Fong, CDT and master ceramist who works in Fat’s in-office laboratory. “She uses advanced technology to improve accuracy, but always prioritizes personalized, patientspecific outcomes.”

Fat’s connection to the Dugoni School runs deep, with extensive family ties spanning three generations. Her father Dr. Ken Fat, a UCSF alumnus, served as president of the Dugoni School Foundation board and was instrumental in supporting the school’s Pacific Health Care Collaborative 31

ALUMNI SCENE

2026 ALUMNI WEEKEND 127 th Alumni Association Annual Meeting January 23 – 24, 2026 Fairmont San Francisco

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PHOTOS BY EDUARDO SOLER AND CHRIS WOODROW

View photo galleries of Alumni Weekend events at dugonischool.smugmug.com

unlock yOUR Potential with KEY OPINION leaders Dugoni School of Dentistry

2 0 2 6 A n n u a l A lu m n i W e e k e n d

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Dr. Craig Yarborough ’80: A Lifetime of Paying it Forward

By Christina Boufis, PhD “Here at Pacific, we grow people, and along the way they become doctors.” This statement by the late Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni ’48 “fits me pretty well,” says Dr. Craig Yarborough ’80, former associate dean for institutional advancement and director for the Center for Success, who retired in December 2025 after more than three decades of service to the dental school.

“First and foremost, I love the profession,” Yarborough says. “When I was in the sixth grade, I decided I wanted to be a dentist someday.

And, to have the opportunity to change my life and become a dentist at the same time, that was pretty cool.”

In addition to a DDS degree, Yarborough earned a bachelor’s degree from University of the Pacific in 1977 and an MBA from Pacific’s Eberhardt School of Business in 1999. “I bleed orange and black,” he jokes.

He and his wife Nancy are parents of two Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry graduates—Dr. Jenna Atwood ’09 and Dr. Matthew Yarborough ’14, who is married to Dr. Amy Au ’12. They also have five grandsons.

Yarborough began his journey with the dental school in 1977 as an incoming dental student. Upon graduation, he immediately started teaching one day a week at the dental school’s extramural clinic at San Joaquin General Hospital in Stockton. In 1993, following 13 years in private practice in his hometown of Lodi, California, he became a full-time faculty member at the dental school in San Francisco. Since then, Yarborough has held many vital roles, including group practice leader, associate dean of admissions, associate dean for student services, executive associate dean, associate dean for institutional advancement and director for the Center for Success. In every position, he has remained steadfast in

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his belief that people come first—always lifting others up and helping them thrive.

“It’s immediately clear how much the Dugoni School means to him,” says Eric Dumbleton, associate dean for advancement and executive director of the Dugoni School Foundation board. “When he’s on campus or at school events, people constantly stop to thank him for what he’s done. He brings a warmth, authenticity and generosity of spirit that truly reflects the humanistic values we hold dear here.”

Dr. Bernadette Alvear Fa ’06, a professor in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, director of the Center for Success and chair of the Health and Wellness Committee, agrees. She first met Yarborough when she was an undergraduate pre-dental student on the Stockton campus and he was associate dean for student services. “He was just so knowledgeable and inspiring,” Fa recalls. “He made us laugh but also made us think about who we are, not as just future dentists but as individuals.”

From this first encounter, through matriculation, and then recently succeeding Yarborough as director of the Center for Success, Fa says, “It’s been humbling getting to know him and now I have the opportunity to build on the great foundation he started

ALUMNI P RO FILE for our students. I’m very thankful to have had the joyful presence of Dr. Yarborough guiding me.”

Indeed, it is Yarborough’s characteristic warmth, good humor and genuine interest in helping others succeed that come through in all he does for the school. “You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give” is a saying that resonates with him.

While this applies to philanthropy, it’s also true for Yarborough as an educator, mentor and role model. “The thrill of teaching is always about lifting students up and helping them see possibilities they might not have seen before,” he says. He believes in giving generously to students.

How does he help them advance? “People tell me I’m not very good at actually giving them answers,” Yarborough says. “But what I take pride in is asking the right questions to help people find the answers themselves.”

Yarborough has given back to the school generously for decades in the three T’s of philanthropy—time, talent and treasury. Dr. Tom Bales ’74B, with the support from many alumni and friends, led the establishment of the Craig and Nancy Yarborough Family Endowed Scholarship to benefit dental students.

In recognition of his many contributions, Yarborough received the Alumni Association’s highest honor—the Medallion of Distinction—in 2005, recognizing his exceptional service to the school, the profession and the community. In May 2026, he received the prestigious Order of Pacific, the university’s highest honor, and was granted emeritus faculty status.

One of the highlights of his career was serving on the Admissions Committee for a decade and getting to meet with and talk to prospective students. “I’d like to think I had a small hand in convincing many of them to join the Dugoni School family because they were qualified and competitive enough to have gone to any school in the country,” he says modestly.

Yarborough is proud of his work leading the Dugoni School Foundation board during two record-setting capital campaigns.

“Raising $135 million for the dental school, with the support of so many alumni and friends, to help secure the school’s future really stands out,” he says.

What’s next? Retirement means spending more time with his family, including his five grandsons, and focusing on one project at a time. He will continue to serve on the Executive Committee of the Dugoni School Foundation. “My main capacity right now is fundraising for our new Ambulatory Surgery Center,” says Yarborough. The Multidisciplinary Advanced Care Clinics and Ambulatory Surgery Center will serve individuals of all ages with special healthcare needs and is scheduled to open in fall 2026.

“He’s just as committed as ever to helping the school continue to advance and thrive,” says Dumbleton. “I don’t see that ever changing.”

And what would Yarborough like to see from those who’ve known him over the years? “Pay it forward,” he says. “You don’t need to pay me back for whatever I did in your life, just pay it forward to the Dugoni School, the profession, your communities and your families.”

A life lived in helping others succeed is indeed a dividend that keeps on giving.

Christina Boufis, PhD, is a freelance health and medical writer from the East Bay. 35

PHOTOS BY EDUARDO SOLER AND CHRIS WOODROW

PHILANTHROPY

San Francisco City Hall

The 2026 Dugoni School Gala

BRUCIA LEGACY SOCIETY

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CLASS OF 2021

CLASS OF 2006

REUNION CLASSES

CLASS OF 1981

CLASS OF 2001

CLASS OF 1991

CLASS OF 1996

CLASS OF 1986

CLASS OF 1976

CLASS OF 1966

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P H I L ANT H ROPY

In Memoriam Dr. Richard Rutter 1932 – 2025 Dr. Richard Rutter ’58, former professor and founding chair of the Graduate Orthodontic Program at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, died September 20, 2025 in Emerald Hills, California, at age 92.

Rutter graduated from Stanford University in 1954, received a DDS degree from the Dugoni School of Dentistry (previously the College of Physicians & Surgeons) in 1958 and earned a certificate in orthodontics from Columbia University in 1961. He went on to teach at Pacific, his alma mater, for 52 years.

He became the first chair of the Graduate Orthodontic Program in 1971, shaping generations of orthodontists with his vision and leadership. At the time, less than half of the orthodontic programs in the country offered graduate degrees.

“Dr. Rutter’s professional legacy is profound,” said Dr. Heesoo Oh ’01 AEGD, ’05 Ortho, a professor and the Frederick T. West Endowed Chair of the Department of Orthodontics. “As the first chair of the Graduate Orthodontic Program, he created the academic curriculum, recruited outstanding clinical faculty and established the culture of excellence and collegiality that continues to define us today.”

Though Rutter set high standards for his students, he was beloved by those he taught. “He expected you to come to class prepared with an equal passion for orthodontics that he possessed,” said Dr. Craig S. Yarborough ’80, one of Rutter’s former students. “He first appeared very stern and intimidating, but you realized he really did have a heart—though he often played the Tin Man in his fondness for anything related to The Wizard of Oz. He was erudite, witty, dry, flippant and you had to keep up with his humor.”

Rutter was honored three years ago at a 50th anniversary celebration of the orthodontic program where he received a standing ovation from more than 200 graduates, residents and faculty members. After the event, alumni expressed an interest in establishing a fund in Rutter’s honor—the Richard R. Rutter Orthodontic Endowed Scholarship. “I wanted to honor Dr. Rutter because I very much appreciated his efforts to help put me on a career path that I love,” said Dr. Greg Wadden ’77 Ortho.

Outside of the Dugoni School, Rutter maintained an orthodontics practice in Palo Alto, California for 25 years. He was also wellknown for his unique passions. An avid historian and collector of Wizard of Oz memorabilia, he once took off in a hot air balloon dressed as the wizard during the book’s centennial celebration, which was featured in the July 23, 2000 issue of the New York Times. He was also a member of the Redwood City scion of the Sherlock Holmes Society. One of Rutter’s cherished traditions was inviting residents to his home before graduation to share his Wizard of Oz and Sherlock Holmes collections.

He is survived by his wife Joanne, daughter Karen Weber, son Jim Rutter, five grandchildren and one great-grandson.

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P HILANT HRO PY Memorial and Tribute Gifts from September 18, 2025 – March 18, 2026 Given By: Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hovden Dr. Caren Hovden Drs. Mark Kizior and Marna Nii

Dr. William Carpenter Drs. Wai Ming Chan and Ruby Yu Mrs. Eleanor Castagna Craig and Nancy Yarborough Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni Diane and Robert Harris Mrs. Kaye Dugoni Diane and Robert Harris Dr. Thomas Fogarty Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hovden Dr. Robert Golden Drs. Wai Ming Chan and Ruby Yu Dr. Eddie Hayashida

Craig and Nancy Yarborough Dr. Richard Jeffery Dr. Mitch and Mrs. Arlene Wakasa Dr. Dianne Philibosian Craig and Nancy Yarborough Dr. Ryle Radke Dr. Eddie Hayashida

Dr. Ryle Radke III Dr. Richard Rutter Jeanne Cox Dr. and Mrs. Larry Doyle Mr. James A. Dugoni Dr. Steven Dugoni Dr. Caren Hovden Dr. William S. Lieber Dr. Scott and Mrs. Martha Milliken Craig and Nancy Yarborough Dr. Edward Leiter Scudder Mrs. Sue Dunn Dr. Stephen Yuen Mrs. Eleanor Yuen

Given To: Dr. Marion Hovden ’52 Scholarship Endowment Dr. Marion Hovden ’52 Scholarship Endowment Ambulatory Surgery Center and Multidisciplinary Advanced Care Clinics Drs. Wai Ming Chan and Ruby Yu Endowed Scholarship Dugoni School Annual Fund Dugoni School Annual Fund Dugoni School Annual Fund Dr. Marion Hovden ’52 Scholarship Endowment Drs. Wai Ming Chan and Ruby Yu Endowed Scholarship Dr. Eddie K Hayashida Student Government Endowed Scholarship Dugoni School Annual Fund Dugoni School Annual Fund Dugoni School Annual Fund Dr. Eddie K Hayashida Student Government Endowed Scholarship Dugoni School Annual Fund Richard R. Rutter Orthodontic Endowed Scholarship Richard R. Rutter Orthodontic Endowed Scholarship Richard R. Rutter Orthodontic Endowed Scholarship Richard R. Rutter Orthodontic Endowed Scholarship Dr. Marion Hovden ’52 Scholarship Endowment Richard R. Rutter Orthodontic Endowed Scholarship Richard R. Rutter Orthodontic Endowed Scholarship Richard R. Rutter Orthodontic Endowed Scholarship Dugoni School Annual Fund Class of 1956 Endowment

In Honor Of: Given By: Dr. Katie Bales Dr. Robert Boyd Mrs. Joanne Fox Dr. Eddie Hayashida

Dr. Craig Yarborough Drs. Amy Au and Matthew Yarborough Dr. Katie Bales Dr. Tom Bales Ms. Marietta Daniel Dr. Albert Dao Dr. Nava Fathi Richard Fredekind and Linn Brown The Hannon Family Dr. Caren Hovden Dr. Jack Ohanesian Mrs. Jana and Dr. Michael Ricupito Dr. Jamie Sahouria Dr. Jenna Yarborough-Atwood and Mr. Tyler Atwood Ruth Howard Dr. Caren Hovden Erlaine Seeger Dr. Caren Hovden

Given To: Dr. Thomas R. Bales Family Endowment Dr. Eddie K Hayashida Student Government Endowed Scholarship Craig and Nancy Yarborough Family Endowed Scholarship Craig and Nancy Yarborough Family Endowed Scholarship Craig and Nancy Yarborough Family Endowed Scholarship Craig and Nancy Yarborough Family Endowed Scholarship Craig and Nancy Yarborough Family Endowed Scholarship Craig and Nancy Yarborough Family Endowed Scholarship Craig and Nancy Yarborough Family Endowed Scholarship Craig and Nancy Yarborough Family Endowed Scholarship Dr. Marion Hovden ’52 Scholarship Endowment Dugoni School Annual Fund Craig and Nancy Yarborough Family Endowed Scholarship Craig and Nancy Yarborough Family Endowed Scholarship Craig and Nancy Yarborough Family Endowed Scholarship

In Memoriam Dr. Richard J. Knorr ’55 Dr. Ronald Brown ’57 Dr. Richard Jeffery ’60 Dr. Edward McCall ’73 Dr. Alan Hiura ’75 Dr. Robert Golden ’79 Dr. Dennis Meade ’86 Dr. Elvira Fiorentino ’98 Dr. John Allan Bier, Associate

If you are interested in making a memorial or tribute gift, contact the Development Office at (415) 929-6406

In Memory Of: Jeanne Ananda Dr. Ronald F. Borer

Dr. Marion Hovden ’52 Scholarship Endowment Dr. Marion Hovden ’52 Scholarship Endowment

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS 39

O L D S CHO O L

818 HOWARD STREET

Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry Celebrates 130 Years On June 22, 1896, Drs. Charles Boxton, Thomas Morffew and a group of physicians founded the College of Physicians and Surgeons (P&S) and elected themselves to the Board of Trustees. Boxton became the school’s first dean and Morffew served as president of the dental faculty. That September, the new college leased the Federation Hall building at 818 Howard Street—now the site of Moscone West Convention Center—just a short walk from today’s dental school campus at 155 Fifth Street. After three years, P&S relocated to 344 Fourteenth Street, the second of four homes for the dental school.

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Alumni Association Your connection to the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry does not end at graduation—­it grows through a lifelong community of colleagues, friendships and professional support.

Alumni dues open on July 1 and include valuable benefits such as:

‣ Complimentary required course webinar: Infection Control and CA Dental Practice Act ‣ 15% off Continuing Dental Education (CDE) Courses

‣ Access to our dental career opportunities job board ‣ Travyly discount travel rates with cash-back rewards ‣ SoFi student loan consolidation platform

Most importantly, your alumni dues and our sponsor support drive student engagement and strengthen scholarships for the next generation of Dugoni School dentists.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

C E L E B R AT I N G 1 2 8 Y E A R S O F E XC E L L E N C E

YOU'RE

S AV E T H E D A T E The Dugoni Dental Symposium Sponsored by the Alumni Association

Friday and Saturday, January 29 – 30, 2027 Fairmont San Francisco

Follow us on Instagram and join our Facebook Group for alumni news, events, opportunities and more! @DugoniFaithful

Dugoni Faithful

155 Fifth Street San Francisco, CA 94103-2919

As co-chairs and proud supporters of the Multidisciplinary Advanced Care Clinics and Ambulatory Surgery Center, we are honored to champion a vision that expands access to compassionate, specialized care. Our commitment is deeply personal and grounded in the belief that every patient deserves dignity and timely treatment. We are excited to help bring this vision forward—advancing a first-of-its-kind model in dental education while continuing the Dugoni School tradition of excellence and innovation. In doing so, we aim to set a standard others can follow and elevate both the student and patient experience for generations to come.

—Dr. Jamie Sahouria ’04 and Brenda Zawatski

PHOTO BY CHRIS WOODROW