Enroll your dental assistant in our RDAEF program today!
The premier RDAEF program in Northern California NEXT SESSION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 13, 2025
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
“Having an RDAEF is invaluable because it frees me up to do more of the dentistry that I really enjoy doing. It can enhance your practice and allows you to concentrate on the dental procedures that are more technically difficult. We’ve had an RDAEF in our practice for a few years and could never imagine not having one.”
— Dr. Barry Kami, Berkeley, CA
Application deadline: August 8, 2025
dental.pacific.edu/RDAEF
Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi ’94, dean and vice provost, will be leaving the dental school at the end of the academic year. This article highlights Dean Nadershahi’s numerous accomplishments and how he has moved the dental school forward during his tenure.
HYGIENE LEADERS
Several of our dental hygiene alumni and faculty are active in organized dentistry at the state and local levels. Learn how some of these individuals are making an impact at the California Dental Hygienists’ Association and the San Francisco Dental Hygiene Society through their leadership roles.
Wesley E. Wong ’98
929-6422 edumbleton@pacific.edu
FORMERLY MITCHELL & MITCHELL INSURANCE AGENCY CA License #0D79653
CONTACT POINT
San Francisco, California
Vol. 105 Number 1 2025
dental.pacific.edu
Pride and Gratitude
DEAN AND VICE PROVOST
Nader A. Nadershahi
EDITOR
Kara A. Sanchez
EDITORIAL BOARD
David W. Chambers
Eric Dumbleton
Joanne Fox
Eddie K. Hayashida
Cindy Lyon
Nader A. Nadershahi
Kara A. Sanchez
Dan Soine
Craig S. Yarborough
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Eric K. Curtis
Jennifer Langham
Kirsten Mickelwait
Ashley Musick
Dan Soine
ART DIRECTION / DESIGN
Angelique Bannag
Brian Blanchard
Benjamin Levy
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jon Draper
Eduardo Soler
Chris Woodrow
Guest contributors as credited
ADVERTISING
Angelique Bannag
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 Angelique Bannag at abannag@pacific. edu. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission
As I conclude my role as dean at the end of this academic year in June, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey we have shared together at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. It fills me with immense pride to witness the collective achievements that have defined our institution over the years. Together, we have not only upheld the highest standards of dental education but have also taken significant strides in redefining the future of oral health. Our commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, dental/medical integration, community service and research has set us apart, creating a legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire the next generation.
I am particularly grateful for the strong, humanistic culture that continues to permeate the Dugoni School. This culture, rooted in compassion and understanding, has fostered an environment where we can thrive, even with any challenges we may face. It has been heartening to see our graduates carry these values into their practices, positively impacting the lives of countless patients and communities. Our reputation within the dental profession remains strong, reflecting the hard work, leadership and dedication of each member of our school family, from students, residents, staff, faculty and alumni.
Financially, the Dugoni School is at its strongest point in our history, allowing us to pursue new initiatives that will further elevate our school’s purpose. As we look ahead, I am confident that the foundation we have built together will support new opportunities that advance oral health care and education.
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to our shared vision over the last 10 years during my time as dean, and for all your support for 20-plus years before that in my other roles at the school, including as a student.
Together, we have accomplished so much, and I am excited to see how the future unfolds. I am filled with gratitude for our entire Dugoni School family!
Nader A. Nadershahi ’94, DDS, MBA, EdD Dean and Vice Provost
PHOTO BY CHRIS WOODROW
CURRENT ISSUE
Center for Innovation and Translation Expands Research Partnerships
Over the past year, the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry’s Center for Innovation and Translation has significantly expanded its clinical research and technology-driven innovation initiatives, strengthening collaborations with more than 20 industry partners. These partnerships are advancing AI-powered diagnostics, precision medicine and emerging healthcare technologies.
In 2024, the center completed two successful projects and is currently managing 16 active studies, spanning genetic testing, AIenhanced imaging, bioelectronic therapies and digital education tools—each designed to improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. These programs are supported by a team of 23 dental school faculty members who serve as principal and coinvestigators, leading research that addresses pressing challenges and opportunities in oral health care.
Additionally, the center is proud to collaborate with University of the Pacific and Dugoni School of Dentistry alumni who are at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Many of these alumni are now industry leaders and startup founders, working alongside faculty members to develop and test cutting-edge solutions.
The center’s partnerships include Overjet, OraQ AI, Vigilant Biosciences and Straumann, among others.
The center also plays a leading role in the Pacific-Stanford PRIMED program, a collaboration between the Dugoni School of Dentistry and Stanford University School of Medicine funded
by a five-year, $3.8 million grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. PRIMED focuses on training the next generation of clinical oral health researchers by providing formal education, mentorship and handson research opportunities to students, residents, faculty and alumni.
“Our mission is to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world clinical practice by fostering partnerships that drive meaningful innovations,” said Dr. Rebecca Moazzez, professor and chair of the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry and director of the center. “Through our collaborations, we are shaping the future of oral health care, ensuring that the latest research findings translate into improved patient outcomes.”
Alumni can apply for training and participate in practice-based research networks. To learn more, contact Dr. Rebecca Moazzez, director, at rmoazzez@pacific.edu or Dan Abrahams, associate director, at dabrahams@pacific.edu.
Pacific Center Symposium Focuses on Aging and Oral Health
The dental school’s Pacific Center for Equity in Oral Health Care hosted a symposium, focused on a wide range of issues impacting older adults and their oral health, on February 8, 2025 at Pacific’s Sacramento campus.
Experts from USC, UCLA, Harvard, the Dugoni School of Dentistry and Pacific’s School of Health Sciences presented at the symposium. Representatives from organizations that advocate for and support the needs of older individuals across the region were also on hand, including the Agency on Aging Area 4, RDHAP Connect, McGeorge’s Elder and Health Law Clinic and the Center for Oral Health.
Older adults have the lowest rate of dental insurance of any demographic and many struggle to access dental care. Presenters spoke about the exclusion of dental benefits in Medicare, variable access to oral health care through Medicare Advantage plans and the most recent changes to the Medicare program to provide coverage for medically necessary dental care. Experts also shared insights about aging in modern society, erosive tooth wear, endodontic considerations for older adults, bone density implications for oral health and other topics.
“Many people are diagnosed with chronic systemic diseases when they are 40 or 50 years old, so waiting to focus on oral health to support systemic health at older ages is too late,” said Dr. Elisa Chávez, professor of diagnostic sciences and director of the Pacific Center for Equity in Oral Health Care.
The Pacific Center also announced that it has formed an internal advisory panel with the goal of ensuring that its programs positively impact students, patients and all those served through the Dugoni School of Dentistry. Each advisory panel member has deep expertise and commitment to dental education and oral health that will help guide special projects and initiatives for the Pacific Center. The center is a resource for those who want to create new opportunities and initiatives, to facilitate partnerships that advance ideas into action and to highlight activities on and off the school’s campus that increase access to oral health education, care and resources for both the general public and the dental profession.
New Interns and Fellows Join the Dugoni School
In the last two years, several departments at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry have expanded opportunities for those looking for additional education and clinical training by launching new internships and fellowships.
The Department of Orthodontics recently launched a Dental Sleep Medicine Fellowship program in collaboration with Stanford University’s Sleep Medicine program and the San Francisco VA Hospital’s Sleep Surgery program. The Dugoni School’s fellowship program was created in 2023 and currently accepts one fellow per year.
This year, the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is launching a one-year Anesthesiology Internship program for dentists who are seeking to become dentist anesthesiologists and want to gain an additional year of education and experience in anesthesiology and perioperative care prior to beginning a dental anesthesiology residency program. One intern will start in this program in June 2025. In 2021, the department launched a oneyear internship position for dentists interested in gaining an additional year of education and experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery beyond that which is taught during dental school and who are preparing to apply to OMFS residency training programs. The current class includes two interns.
Last year, the Department of Endodontics created a one-year Endodontics Internship to provide expanded endodontic knowledge and learning experiences beyond those of predoctoral education and introduce interns to the expectations of specialty residency training. The program runs from January to December.
To explore more details about these programs, visit pacific.edu/dental/academic-programs.
A Spring Break with Purpose: Volunteers Provide Care to Underserved Communities in Guatemala and the Philippines
During spring break, students and faculty dedicated their time and skills to help underserved populations through the school’s global service learning initiative. Volunteer teams went to Guatemala and the Philippines, where they provided essential dental care, gained hands-on experience and deepened their commitment to community service and global oral health.
Some students traveled to a dental clinic in Santo Domingo Xenacoj, located just outside Antigua, Guatemala—a site familiar to school volunteers from past service trips. Established by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation in 2015, the clinic serves local patients year-round with the help of volunteer dental professionals, including Dugoni School students and residents.
“Taking part in the dental service trip to Guatemala was an eye-opening experience,” shared Ruth Rauca, Class of 2025. “It was incredible to see the impact we could make by providing care to underserved
communities, and it truly reinforced my passion for dentistry and the power of giving back. This trip has been one of my favorite experiences from my time at the Dugoni School.”
“I believe that the value of human interaction lies in empathy, care and patience,” added Jane Yu, Class of 2025. “Our dental service trip to Guatemala embodied this, and I’m truly grateful to have been a part of the school’s team, making dental care more accessible to underserved communities. Thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable experience possible.”
In the Philippines, students headed to the province of Cebu for the school’s first return to the region since 2019. They delivered critical dental services to communities with limited access to oral health care and renewed the school’s commitment to global outreach.
“During our trip, we had the opportunity to meet with the vice principal of Guadalupe Elementary School, who personally thanked our team and shared the sobering reality of dental care access in the region,” said Bianca Bondoc, Class of 2025. “With only one community dentist serving 127 schools and limited free clinic availability, many children wait years for an appointment— impacting their ability to learn and thrive. Hearing this reinforced the significance of our mission, the lasting impact of our work and the power of empathy in patient care.”
GLOBAL SERVICE LEARNING
AROUND CAMPUS
CAVANAUGH SERVICE AWARD VOLUNTEERING AT MUTTVILLE
HYGIENE PINNING CEREMONY
OVER THE HUMP PARTY
DUGONI DISCOVERY DAY
ASILOMAR
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
UNIVERSITY NEWS
Heart Disease Drug Discovered by Pacific Professor Receives FDA Approval
A breakthrough drug discovered by a University of the Pacific professor to treat a progressive and life-threatening type of heart disease has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The treatment, called Acoramidis, was discovered by Dr. Mamoun M. Alhamadsheh, a professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at Pacific’s Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, in collaboration with physician-scientist Dr. Isabella A. Graef, who is CEO of Shenandoah Therapeutics and a former Stanford University faculty member. The drug is used to treat transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, a disease in which a protein in the bloodstream becomes misshapen and builds up in the heart, which can cause heart failure. Until now, people with the disease have had limited treatment options.
Acoramidis has shown remarkable efficacy in clinical trials, with the potential to improve survival rates and quality of life for thousands of patients worldwide. “This achievement is the result of years of dedication, collaboration and a shared commitment to alleviating human suffering,” Alhamadsheh said. “Acoramidis represents a beacon of hope for patients. I am honored that Dr. Graef and I have contributed to a solution that can truly make a difference in patients’ lives. I hope this success also serves as an inspiration to the scientific community, symbolizing what is possible through collaboration and perseverance.”
Acoramidis is among those drugs to emerge from the innovative work of an academic lab. Graef and Alhamadsheh co-founded Eidos Therapeutics in 2013 to support the drug’s commercial clinical development. The corporation went public in 2018, accelerating Acoramidis’s path to the market. It merged in 2021 with BridgeBio Pharma, which shepherded the FDA approval process.
“Dr. Alhamadsheh is the first Pacific faculty to oversee a drug from the design stage to market approval,” said Dr. Bhaskara R. Jasti, chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. “We are proud of his accomplishments at Pacific over the years.”
Left to right: Drs. Mamoun M. Alhamadsheh, Dengpan Liang and Tariqul Haque Tuhin in the research lab
The approval of Acoramidis, which is currently sold under the brand name Attruby,™ signifies a new chapter in the treatment of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, transforming the therapeutic landscape and underscoring the power of academic-industry partnerships in driving innovation.
“The groundbreaking discovery of Acoramidis by Dr. Alhamadsheh is a testament to the growing research impact at University of the Pacific,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Gretchen EdwaldsGilbert. “It not only reflects our commitment to advancing knowledge but also demonstrates the critical role that academic institutions can play in solving real-world problems. The approval of this life-saving treatment underscores the importance of fostering a collaborative research environment that has the potential to transform lives.”
““
Alhamadsheh also recently published research on a breakthrough discovery in treating opioid overdoses. The revolutionary drug delivery system, which repurposes a derivative of Acoramidis, provides extended protection against fentanyl and other opioids by steadily releasing naloxone for up to one week.
Alhamadsheh joined Pacific in 2011 and was awarded the Distinguished Faculty Award, the university’s highest honor, in 2024 recognizing his exemplary accomplishments in the areas of teaching, research and service. His research focuses on the development of innovative technologies to extend the in vivo half-life of therapeutics, improving drug targeting and delivery. Alhamadsheh has received the New Investigator Award from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and holds multiple publications and patents.
DR. ALHAMADSHEH IS THE FIRST PACIFIC FACULTY TO OVERSEE A DRUG FROM THE DESIGN STAGE TO MARKET APPROVAL.
Drs. Mamoun M. Alhamadsheh and Hala Aldawood
Dr. Paul Chu ’02 | A Compassionate and Selfless Educator
By Jennifer Langham
Dr. Paul K. Chu ’02 can quickly name many people who have mentored him along his career path. His childhood dentist in Houston, who excelled at positive reinforcement, and his orthodontist in San Francisco, who clearly explained the mechanics of braces, were early mentors. His friend and colleague Dr. Parag Kachalia ’01 told Chu he should try a dental internship when Chu was an undergraduate student at University of California, Davis. Dr. Alan Gluskin ’72 and Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi ’94 demonstrated great teaching at the Arthur A. Dugoni School for Dentistry and gave Chu his first teaching opportunities. Chu can cite many more classmates, colleagues and students who have influenced him.
But Chu is emphatic that the real inspiration for his love of pediatric dentistry is his late younger brother Pius, who died at age 17 of muscular dystrophy.
“He just enjoyed so many things in life, especially the San Franciso Giants and the 49ers,” Chu reflects. “I see that energy, that love of life, in all kids, but it’s those kids with special needs who have my heart. Making sure that those patients feel there’s a place that cares for them and makes them feel safe, that’s the passion my brother left with me.”
For the last 20 years, Chu has been in private practice in pediatric dentistry in Rye, New York, and has been program director for the Pediatric Dentistry Residency program at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, New York. It’s a combination he didn’t anticipate when he moved to New York for his specialty training.
“I was in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at Columbia and they said, ‘You seem to be outspoken, so we’re going to have you teach the third- and fourth-year dental students,’” he recalls. Then in Chu’s final year of his pediatric residency at St. Barnabas Hospital, he was asked to take over and lead the program. He laughs now. “I asked if they were desperate, and they said, ‘No, we can tell you just love teaching.’”
As program director, Chu sometimes teaches fellow Dugoni School of Dentistry alumni who have been accepted into the pediatric dentistry program. “I love Dugoni School graduates because they really know how to connect with people,” he says.
One of the most recent alumnae is Dr. Christine Tsang ’21, who is in her first year in the residency program at St. Barnabas. She appreciates Chu’s care for the residents and his commitment to fostering a positive culture in the group, and she’s amazed by his way with patients. “His chairside manner is the best I’ve ever seen,” Tsang says. “With even the most challenging kids, somehow Dr. Chu works his magic so they’re a little more cooperative.”
For Chu, leading the residency program isn’t just about the wisdom he imparts to future pediatric dentists. “The residents don’t realize how much they teach me,” he says. “They stimulate me to learn more and work harder, keeping me up to date on the latest research and methods. It’s energizing.”
This is a philosophy he learned from the late Dean Arthur A. Dugoni ’48. “I’ll always remember the brown bag lunches he held where we could talk with him about anything,” Chu says. “That just inspired me as a great role model for instruction.”
As class president in dental school, Chu’s goal was that all his classmates would graduate on time. Marietta Daniel, a recently retired group practice coordinator in the Main Clinic, remembers that she hadn’t seen this kind of cooperation before. “Paul just was so organized finding ways for students who needed certain required procedures, like doing a crown, to switch with students who had already done those procedures, as long as it was okay with the patient and faculty,” she says. The goal was met, and 100% of the class graduated together.
Daniel and Chu have remained close. He was one of the dental school alumni and staff who worked secretly to raise money for the school and surprise Daniel in May 2024 with an event and plaque naming the Marietta Daniel Group Practice Office—the first staff member to be honored in this manner.
“ I LOVE DUGONI SCHOOL GRADUATES BECAUSE THEY REALLY KNOW HOW TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE. “
Chu has been thoughtful like this since dental school, says Dr. Ashish Vashi ’02, his roommate from that time. “Paul is one of the most generous, selfless people I have ever met,” he says. “He is always looking to help others—his mentors, his peers and now his residents.”
Chu credits the collaborative teams at his private practice and the residency program for his ability to juggle work responsibilities, as well as find time to contribute to the community. He is a research reviewer for the journal Pediatric Dentistry, he was recently named the vice chair for the New York State Dental Board and he volunteers at the NYC Shiba Rescue for dogs.
Chu is clear about his overriding aspiration for the future: “I just want to keep taking good care of kids and teaching pediatric dentistry, graduating some of the best pediatric dentists I can. That will be a blessing for me.”
Jennifer Langham is a contributor to Contact Point and other University of the Pacific publications.
Dean Nader A. Nadershahi
AN ADMIRED LEADER
By Dr. Eric K. Curtis ʼ85
WE ARE WHAT WE REPEATEDLY DO. EXCELLENCE, THEN, IS NOT AN ACT BUT A HABIT.
– Aristotle
AN EXCEPTIONAL INSTITUTION
demands exceptional management, and Nader A. Nadershahi ’94, DDS, MBA, EdD, the Dugoni School of Dentistry’s ninth dean, comes to the decision-making table prepared with a strong will to excel. For an institution to thrive, of course, the desire for excellence must be shared across the entire community. “I’ve learned this about service,” Nadershahi says. “A leader must have humility. It’s not about you as a leader, or your legacy. It’s about the organization and the people you serve.”
Nadershahi likes to quote an African saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Profoundly reflective, Nadershahi knows his values and has developed a strong vision. He reads widely. He listens carefully. He asks a lot of questions. He appreciates the perspective of history, both his own and the school’s. During the past 30 years, he has absorbed the dental school’s systems, its administrative tics, its program quirks and its traditions. He has imagined a bright, tight future, a future of innovation and creativity, of enhanced technologies and refined efficiencies, of strengthened scientific agility and soaring clinical excellence and of seamless commitment to humanism—the institutional culture built on kindness, mutual respect, dignity and collegiality.
Nadershahi has developed plans for how to make that future happen. But he doesn’t make decisions in a vacuum. Refusing the luxury of isolation, he networks across his various constituencies, soliciting input, weighing counsel and gathering stakeholder opinions. He’s aware of the agreement required to reach critical mass for change. Just as he envisions dentistry and medicine as siblings needing integration for everyone’s good, he understands that the Dugoni School is a family—counting more than 500 students and residents, more than 500 employees, a patient base north of 20,000 and 8,600 alumni—whose branches must be unified and reunified according to shifting circumstances. His is a faith that, to be fruitful, must be shared—and embraced. “He comes around and talks to people,” observes Nick Salameh, Class of 2025, Associated Student Body president.
IF YOU WANT TO GO FAST, GO ALONE.
IF YOU WANT TO GO FAR, GO TOGETHER.
I WAS SURPRISED AT HOW IMPORTANT IT BECAME FOR MY LIFE TO BE PART OF STUDENTS’ JOURNEYS, GROWTH AND LIVES.
Nadershahi has approached his responsibilities with the conviction of a minister and the open-mindedness of a therapist. He speaks precisely, and softly, in velvety tones, cadenced and calming as a meditation coach and smooth as chocolate. His demeanor is warm, his smile radiant. He carries himself with the quiet assurance of an attentive listener.
Loyal, committed and principled, Nadershahi is evenhanded in his judgment. He has reconciled the contrasting demands of his position with aplomb— vision with inclusivity, decisiveness with collaboration, confidence with conciliation.
“I appreciate how ridiculously difficult his job is,” Salameh says. “He has to represent so many people. But he stays composed under pressure, which shows that he loves what he does and the people he works with.”
“Nader recognizes, respects and values others,” says Dr. Cindy Lyon ’86, former associate dean for oral health education. “He knows how to create a shared vision and lead change but, more importantly, he appreciates and brings out the best in others, challenging us to be creative and innovative without losing sight of what defines us.”
The dean has a knack for cultivating long-term relationships. “Having known him since he was a first-year student, I’ve considered it a joy to observe him moving up through administrative positions and additional degree programs,” Alumni Association Director Joanne Fox says. “I have always appreciated that Nader acknowledged Art Dugoni’s mentorship and guidance while creating innovations and moving the school forward during his own tenure as dean.”
Peter DuBois, JD, executive director of the California Dental Association, met Nadershahi more than 20 years ago, when former Dean Arthur A. Dugoni asked DuBois to meet with the dental school’s leadership development program participants. “We had a very engaged discussion,” DuBois remembers, “and many years later we are still having great discussions and working together to accomplish all that we can. These days, we serve together on the CDA Board of Directors and in the Santa Fe Group (founded by Dean Dugoni and four other colleagues 25 years ago).”
I HAVE ALWAYS APPRECIATED THAT NADER ACKNOWLEDGED ART DUGONI’S MENTORSHIP AND GUIDANCE WHILE CREATING INNOVATIONS AND MOVING THE SCHOOL FORWARD DURING HIS OWN TENURE AS DEAN.
– Joanne Fox, Alumni Association Director
Nadershahi’s proclivities and strategies have emphatically paid off—in the design and rollout of an integrated Helix Curriculum and competencies; in the comprehensive fundraising campaign that netted more than $69 million (more than any other dental school); and more than doubling school endowments, which now represent a market value above $102 million. Nadershahi’s team has expanded the dental school’s revenue budget from $73 million to almost $100 million, while boosting technology, creating unique fellowships and internships, preserving low tuition increases and maintaining a positive net reserve. Not coincidentally, the school’s debt of $45 million—to support its move to the Fifth Street campus—will be retired this year.
HIS STEADY DECISION- MAKING AND THOUGHTFUL MORAL COMPASS HAVE BEEN INVALUABLE TO THE SCHOOL. AS THE ADAGE GOES, HE DOES THE RIGHT THING, EVEN WHEN IT’S HARD, EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING, EVEN AT PERSONAL RISK.
– Dr. Cindy Lyon ’86
The dental school, in fact, is humming. Nadershahi directed the creation of designated reserves to cover his original goal of going from zero to more than 50% of operating budget to offset future emergencies. He helped nurture the most diverse and inclusive leadership team in the school’s 129-year history, drawing from a complete range of race, gender, identity and experience. The school sees as many as 100,000 patient visits per year, enjoying a cumulative 94% satisfaction rating.
To improve productivity, Nadershahi, a tech savvy leader, helped evolve a culture of data-informed decision-making. He established an outcomes team to track data in every area of the operation. He conceived, orchestrated and polished management systems, some of which he channeled through a series of centers of excellence, including the Pacific Center for Equity in Oral Health Care, the Center for Success and the Center for Innovation and Translation. The results are consistent. The school has sponsored and hosted national meetings on complex and special care. Research has risen, and the school’s annual number of publications have more than doubled during his tenure.
Nadershahi has also served as a vice provost of the university, which means his responsibilities include oversight of other operations on Pacific’s San Francisco campus, including the doctor of audiology, MS in data science and MA in music therapy programs. He also helped guide the accreditation process for Pacific’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree. External institutions have noticed Nadershahi’s accomplishments. Last year the American College of Dentists recognized him with its highest honor, the William John Gies Award, named for a seminal early 20thcentury educator. The American Dental Education Association also presented him its own William J. Gies Award for Vision and Leadership, making Nadershahi the only person to have collected both Gies Awards in the same year.
Those who work with him are not surprised. “Dean Nadershahi is an extraordinary leader,” DuBois says. “The quality of his contributions to dental education and the profession is exceeded only by his grace and humanity.”
“Throughout his 10 years as dean, Nader has not just maintained, but increased the reputation of the school as one of the finest in the country as evidenced by application numbers, praise by deans and faculty members from other institutions, event attendance and philanthropic growth,” Fox says.
“Nader is strong, courageous, authentic and humble,” Lyon says. “His steady decision-making and thoughtful moral compass have been invaluable to the school. As the adage goes, he does the right thing, even when it’s hard, even when no one is looking, even at personal risk.”
YOU WILL NEVER HAVE
TO QUESTION
IF HE CARES ABOUT US—NOT JUST AS STUDENTS, BUT AS REAL HUMANS.
– Nick Salameh, Class of 2025
For Dean Nadershahi, the professional is, on a very real level, personal. Nadershahi honors the influential people in his career: his wife Dr. Nilou Nadershahi ’91 and his brother Dr. Navid Nadershahi Knight ’89, both dentists; his mother, an English teacher who impressed on him a love of learning; Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni; and Dr. Ron Borer, the beloved former associate dean of clinical services who recruited Nadershahi—who had never considered education his calling—from private practice to fulltime teaching. “It’s always like that,” Nadershahi says. “Someone taps you on the shoulder and changes your life.”
He feels genuinely blessed by his unexpected turn as an educator. “I was surprised at how important it became for my life to be part of students’ journeys, growth and lives,” he says, “and to indirectly touch the lives of all those patients. I didn’t expect my passion to grow so much.”
The administration senses his solicitude. “Nader has taken such incredible care of our Dugoni School family in all of his roles here,” Lyon says. “We’re never far from his heart and mind. The depth of his commitment is hard to express fully.”
Students also feel it. “You will never have to question if he cares about us—not just as students, but as real humans,” Salameh says.
Nadershahi points to the sudden challenges of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic as proof of what the school is made of. “We had already established clear values and priorities, and we had a team willing to step up and implement systems to keep the family safe while maintaining the same high quality of education and patient care. We didn’t furlough anyone, so we didn’t have to rehire later.” As a result, the Dugoni School was one of the first schools to get back up and running. “We made it through the pandemic,” Nadershahi says, “stronger, more smoothly and more safely than any other dental school.”
Nadershahi departs as dean in summer 2025. “I’m so lucky to be in both health care and education,” he says. As his deanship winds down, he contemplates his journey: “I’m incredibly proud of our school family and our culture, especially how we’ve been able to elevate humanism as a defining characteristic,” he says.
“I’m proud we’re on the leading edge of technology. I’m proud of our curriculum, our teaching and our scholarship. I’m proud that we have empowered research, getting the right people into the building to create an atmosphere of support and to attract grants. I’m proud of our strongest-ever leadership team. I’m proud of our fundraising and the generosity of our donors. I’m proud of our financial stability, as strong now as it ever has been. I am proud that we attract some of the best and brightest students and residents.”
Such success, as everyone knows, hinges on practice. Lyon notes, “Nader’s e-signature includes a quote from Aristotle that I think aptly animates and grounds his commitment to leadership, vision and his sincere desire for the Dugoni School: ‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.’”
Nadershahi often thinks about what’s over the horizon for the school he loves. “I want us to be the premier oral healthcare organization in the world,” he says, both for a sense of stewardship satisfaction and for the good of those who will come later.
“We must be good ancestors for our future students, dentists and dental hygienists.”
“This is about all of us,” he says. “We are all part of the fabric that defines the Dugoni School.”
THIS IS ABOUT ALL OF US, WE ARE ALL PART OF THE FABRIC THAT DEFINES THE DUGONI SCHOOL.
Dr. Eric K. Curtis ’85, of Safford, Arizona, is a contributor to Contact Point and is the author of A Century of Smiles, a historical book covering the dental school’s first 100 years.
Community, Engagement and Advocacy:
Dental Hygienists Reflect on the Value of Professional Organizations
By Kirsten Mickelwait
It’s no secret that alumni, faculty and students of the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry are leaders in their respective professional communities. One of the most important ways this leadership is demonstrated by dental hygiene alumni and faculty members is through involvement in local and statewide organizations such as the California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA) and its local component, the San Francisco Dental Hygiene Society (SFDHS).
“Here at the Dugoni School of Dentistry, we teach the need for lifelong learning and continuous career growth,” says Lory Laughter, associate professor and director of the Dental Hygiene program. “Nothing in health care is stagnant, so our growth and learning must keep pace. One of the best ways to achieve those goals is to be active in our professional organizations. By doing so, we’re kept informed of important legislative actions impacting our careers and can work with colleagues to ensure the growth of the profession.”
At the state level, the California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA) provides a hub for dental hygienists to meet their professional colleagues through common interests, activities and education. Its mission is to advance the art and science of dental hygiene; to promote the highest standards of dental hygiene education, licensure, practice and research; and to advocate for the welfare of dental hygienists. It currently has more than 2,600 members. CDHA has also been active in the legislative process, advising legislators and policymakers about the critical role that dental hygienists play in our state’s healthcare delivery system.
Naturally, the school’s dental hygienist community has long been active in state and local organizations. We spoke with a few alumni and faculty recently about what inspired them to become involved, the benefits they’ve experienced and why it’s important to stay engaged.
“Once you begin working, you’re pretty much in your little office bubble so having a network of professionals to relate to and learn from has been invaluable,” says Angela Gomez ’14 DH, RDHAP. Gomez is CDHA’s current president-elect and will serve for the next two years. “Although we’re all in different phases of our lives outside of work, this group has provided a dental hygiene family for me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the support and inspiration I’ve received from my peers. It’s a space where we can uplift each other and come together to grow in our profession and further the field of dental hygiene.”
CDHA’s vice president of membership and professional development is another Dugoni School graduate, Tiffany Mosqueda ’13 DH, MPH, RDHAP. “Those who want to make a difference are the true professionals of the dental hygiene community,” she says. “By becoming involved, you’re striving to be the best clinician you can be.”
Dalia Lai ’14 DH has held a variety of positions with the CDHA during the past 12 years. Today, she serves as vice president of administration and public relations. “Necessity, duty and an immeasurable sense of pride in my profession keep me dialed in as a leader with the CDHA,” she says.
Once you begin working, you’re pretty much in your little office bubble so having a network of professionals to relate to and learn from has been invaluable.
Advocacy is a compelling inspiration for Michael Long, BSDH, RDHAP. Long, a parttime dental hygiene faculty member at the Dugoni School, is active in both SFDHS and CDHA, where he is chair of the CDHA Foundation, the organization’s 501(c)(3) fundraising arm. With SFDHS, he’s worked closely with the San Francisco Department of Public Health to improve access to oral health care for children, expectant mothers and individuals experiencing homelessness. “Through these roles, I’ve been able to help shape policies, advocate for the profession and elevate the role of dental hygienists in public health,” he says.
In 2023, Long was appointed to the Dental Hygiene Board of California, where he contributes to overseeing dental hygiene education, licensing and scope of practice— ensuring that the profession continues to evolve to meet the needs of both providers and the public.
Another Dugoni School hygiene faculty member making a mark on organized dentistry is Michael LaFlamme, who currently serves as president of the San Francisco Dental Hygiene Society. “What students often don’t realize is that after they leave the school’s Dental Hygiene program, they’ll lose the camaraderie and professional connection they currently share with their classmates, dental students and instructors,” says LaFlamme. “It’s rare to find that same sense of community in an office with just a few hygienists—and even less likely if you’re the sole hygienist. The best option is to stay connected to your professional organization and peers. This connection offers valuable networking opportunities and access to seasoned RDHs, who can provide guidance and open doors to opportunities you might otherwise miss.”
Angela Gomez ’14 DH, RDHAP
’13
The CDHA offers members tangible benefits—such as continuing education, symposiums, insurance, financial planning and even W-2 benefits and protections. But the broader advantages of membership are community and professional networking. “Personally, I’ve found that CDHA has been a great launch pad to connect with professionals involved in aspects of dental hygiene other than just clinical work,” says Gomez. “I always tell potential members that you get what you put into it—and the possibilities are endless.”
This connection offers valuable networking opportunities and access to seasoned RDHs, who can provide guidance and open doors to opportunities you might otherwise miss.
The high caliber of students who decide to pursue an education at the Dugoni School of Dentistry are often looking for professional growth opportunities beyond that of basic licensure, observes Lai. Being a part of a statewide organization is the perfect place for those graduates to make themselves into more well-rounded and competitive dental professionals who stand out to employers. “With opportunities to get involved in public health programs, research and policymaking at the local and state levels, Dugoni School graduates will find that they belong anywhere and everywhere, not just in private practice,” she says.
Long agrees. “CDHA offers mentorship and inspiration, connecting experienced professionals with emerging dental hygienists to foster a strong, engaged workforce,” he says. “It also provides continuing education and skill development, granting access to the latest research, best practices and educational resources that help clinicians stay current with evolving standards of care.”
Michael LaFlamme, RDH, BA
CDHA members celebrate Dental Hygiene Month in San Francisco
Michael Long, BSDH,RDHAP
Getting and staying involved in these organizations isn’t just about advancing one’s own career however; it’s about protecting and enhancing the future of the profession. “We put so much time and money into our education that we must protect what we’ve worked so hard for,” says Mosqueda. “Many states are allowing dental assistants or foreign-trained dentists to provide the care we’ve spent years studying for. If this continues, the dental hygienist’s role might cease to exist and our patients won’t receive the high level of care they deserve. CDHA also works to expand our profession, such as creating the Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) license.”
CDHA offers mentorship and inspiration, connecting experienced professionals with emerging dental hygienists to foster a strong, engaged workforce.
In addition to its Dental Hygiene program, the Dugoni School offers an RDHAP virtual program approved by the Dental Hygiene Board of California where RDHs can receive the 150-hour educational training required to apply for the RDHAP license in California.
“No one handed us the RDHAP licensure, the CDHA had to work for it,” says Lai. “No one was going to advocate for the student-faculty ratio to be codified to promote the competency of our future hygienists. The CDHA had to work for it. No one is going to hand us fair pay and benefits, we have to communicate our value and advocate for it. And while we could pursue this on an individual level, we can go farther together!”
“Staying involved and demonstrating leadership in the broader dental community is essential to ensuring the profession continues evolving safely, effectively and with a vision toward the future,” says Long. “Visibility plays a crucial role—whether through in-person engagement, social media advocacy, attending meetings or contributing to professional journals. By actively participating, we can help shape the future of dental hygiene while strengthening our collective voice.”
California Deputy Attorney General Brian Gerard Armstrong, Michael Long, chair of the CDHA Foundation, State Senator Scott Wiener, Allison Wagstaff ’18 DH, CDHA Government Relations Council member and Angela Gomez ’14 DH, CDHA president-elect
Clearly, for the individual, for the dental school and for the profession at large, these organizations serve a higher purpose. “One of the most surprising and inspiring aspects of my involvement with CDHA has been witnessing its members’ incredible passion and dedication,” says Long. “The dental hygiene professionals within this organization are deeply committed to advancing the profession, often going above and beyond to advocate for positive change.”
“I’ve met some of the brightest minds in dentistry through the CDHA,” says Laughter. “The benefit to our alumni is the availability of affordable continuing education. The benefit to the organization is a line of succession to leadership positions of graduates who understand collaboration and teamwork. Dugoni School graduates possess those skills.”
Kirsten Mickelwait is a San Francisco-based copywriter, content provider and professional storyteller.
Angela Gomez ’14 DH volunteers at a community outreach program
Michael Long and Michael LaFlamme at the Dugoni School
Tiffany Mosqueda ’13 DH demonstrates proper brushing technique to children
SF Dental Society and CDHA members during Legislative Day at the State Capitol in Sacramento
Alumni Association Members Recent Dugoni School Graduates
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 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
ALUMNI SCENE
PHOTOS BY EDUARDO SOLER AND CHRIS WOODROW
ALUMNI
Dr. Erin Shah ’14 | Transforming Dentistry Through Involvement and Innovation
by Ashley Musick
Once told by a middle school teacher that she “had no aptitude for science,” Dr. Erin Shah ’14 exemplifies how challenging perceptions can open doors—not only for oneself, but for an entire profession and the patients it serves. From establishing an innovative pediatric dentistry practice to driving policy changes that expand access to care, Shah has built her career by transforming obstacles into opportunities for meaningful change.
Growing up in South Dakota and Wisconsin, Shah earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration/management from Columbia College Chicago before searching for a career that truly inspired her. Fate intervened when she began to manage oral certification exams for the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, where surgeons suggested she might excel in dentistry—a pivot that reshaped her career trajectory. “I’d never considered being a dentist, not in a million years,” Shah recalls. “But then I started thinking, if I put my mind to it, I could probably do it.”
This openness to opportunity became a defining characteristic of Shah’s career. Her first experience with pediatric dentistry came while working for Dr. Mary Tierney at City Kids Dental in Chicago as Shah was completing her post-baccalaureate science prerequisites. Drawn by its exceptional reputation and community, she then set her sights on the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.
“The Dugoni School always came up in a very positive light—I just kept hearing about it,” she remembers. “It stood out to me as the place most in line with the kind of dentist I wanted to be, the kind of professional I want to be and what my personal goals were.”
During dental school, Shah became a catalyst for change. She served as a California Dental Association (CDA) student representative, and with two other first-year students—Drs. Laura (Stewart) Kadillak ’14 and Keon Ahghar ’14— participated in an initial CDA Cares event in Modesto in 2012. “As first-year dental students, the experience in Modesto was so enlightening for us,’’ said Kadillak.
As chair of the Student Volunteer Committee for CDA Cares, Shah helped reimagine student participation in the initiative. Having attended a previous Mission of Mercy event while working for Dr. Tierney in Chicago, she was eager to share the experience with fellow dental students. When faculty and the administration hesitated due to safety concerns, Shah helped develop protocols to protect patients while ensuring valuable student experiences. Her approach enabled 86 students to participate in the two-day event in Sacramento, in 2012, with attendance growing significantly in following years.
After graduation, she served as an adjunct faculty member at the Dugoni School and worked as a general dentist in the San Francisco Bay Area. She then earned a master of science degree in oral sciences and a certificate in pediatric dentistry at University of Illinois at Chicago in 2017. She maintained connections with the CDA by joining the CDA Committee on Volunteer Placement and would fly back to California to attend meetings.
Shah’s involvement in organized dentistry expanded when she became a member of the CDA Government Affairs Council in 2017. Throughout her tenure, she contributed to key achievements including securing silver diamine fluoride as a Medi-Cal dental covered benefit, long-term protection of the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act and new student loan repayment programs under the Prop 56 Cal Health Cares program.
She has also been active in the San Francisco Dental Society for the past 10 years and served as president in 2024.
A notable conversation with a colleague about dental assistant duties inspired Shah to propose legislation allowing dental assistants who have their coronal polishing certificate to perform coronal polishing without having an RDA license. “I testified for the bill at the Capitol in Sacramento, which was exciting and nerve-racking because I don’t really view myself as a public speaker. But I knew what I wanted to say about the issue and that it was important.”
Effective January 2025, the new legislation (SB1453) allows properly certified dental assistants to perform coronal polishing without an RDA license—significantly increasing access to care, particularly in public health clinics and pediatric dentistry practices across California.
“Erin is such a kind individual, and truly abides by the humanistic culture that we hold dear at the Dugoni School,” said Kadillak. “I saw her during the ADA House of Delegates the past couple of years. She shared with me some of the wonderful impact she’s had on California dental regulations that help assistants, which parallels some of the efforts that we are working towards in my own state of Utah.”
This fusion of pragmatism and passion extends to Shah’s San Francisco-based practice, Mission Bay Pediatric Dentistry—a carefully crafted environment reflecting years of thoughtful planning. “As a student, I meticulously collected ‘practice nuggets’ from publications like Dentaltown and Dental Economics,” Shah reveals. “I created folders of tear sheets of unique ideas that would inspire my eventual practice. I was collecting my future blueprint, one page at a time.”
Guided by mentors including Drs. Tierney, Natasha Lee ’00 and Cynthia Brattesani, Shah developed innovations that define her practice—from the specially designed “baby room” to her partnership with the Children’s Book Project, supporting the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Brush, Book, Bed initiative. “Cynthia also inspired my interest in children’s airway and sleep disordered breathing,” says Shah. “We are one of the few area pediatric practices with a rigorous screening protocol, and we are planning on expanding services in this area in the near future.”
Beyond her professional pursuits, Shah enjoys reading, baking and cooking as wind-down activities, and loves traveling with her husband—an interventional radiologist she met in Chicago—and their nine-year-old daughter.
Looking ahead, Shah remains committed to mentoring the next generation of dentists, encouraging them to see their profession not only as a career, but as a platform for meaningful change. “Don’t be afraid to speak up and get involved,” she advises. “You never know
where an idea might lead you, or how you can make things better for your colleagues or patients.” Shah is a compelling reminder of the extraordinary difference one person can make through reimagining possibilities and persistently bringing that vision to life.
Ashley Musick is a freelance writer from Orange, California.
PHILANTHROPY
ARTHUR A. DUGONI SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY
PRESENTS
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
FUNDRAISER
The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry family and generous community supporters gathered on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the InterContinental Hotel in San Francisco to raise funds for the school’s Kids in the Klinic (KITK) program, which provides vital dental care, education and preventive services to underserved children throughout the Bay Area.
The Breakfast at Tiffany’s-themed event, co-chaired by Dr. Michael Fox ’82 and friend of the dental school, Brenda Zawatski, raised more than $1 million for the KITK Endowment—a record-setting amount for a single-day fundraising event by the dental school.
Thank you to our sponsors and all who attended and supported this event so generously.
Memorial and Tribute Gifts from September 13, 2024 – March 4, 2025
In Memory Of:
Dr. Alan Budenz
Dr. Matthew Campbell
Dr. William Carpenter
Dr. Peter Chase
Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni
Dr. George G. Gara
Jean Haet
Dr. Alan D. Hiura
Mrs. Victoria Hoover
Dr. Charles N. Hovden
Lois Kiep
Dr. George A. Louie
Ms. Lynne Matsumoto
Dr. Thomas C. McCain
Ms. Joan Mullen
Dr. DeVan Robins
Dr. Brian Scott
Mrs. Betty Selmer
Dr. Roger C. Spayde
Ms. Yae Wada
Dr. Herbert K. Yee
Dr. Stephen S. Yuen
Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Golden
Dr. Lila Marie Skelley
Craig and Nancy Yarborough
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Bales
Dr. Robert Christoffersen
Dr. Eddie Hayashida
Craig and Nancy Yarborough
Craig and Nancy Yarborough
Dr. Caren Hovden
Dr. Caren Hovden
Robert Matsumoto
Dr. Caren Hovden
Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Golden
Drs. Ann Marie Silvestri and Tom Ellerhorst
Dr. Caren Hovden
Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth F. Hovden
Florence Louie
Andrew Schorr
Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Golden
Dr. and Mrs. Larry Doyle
Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Valentine
Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Golden
Mrs. Ruby J. Robins
Craig and Nancy Yarborough
Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Golden
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Bales
Dr. Lila Marie Skelley
Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Golden
Dr. Ken C. Wong
Mrs. Eleanor L. Yuen
The Alan Budenz Student Scholarship Endowed Fund
The Alan Budenz Student Scholarship Endowed Fund
Dugoni School Annual Fund
Dr. Thomas R. Bales Family Endowment
Dr. Robert H. Christoffersen Endowed Professorship
Dr. Eddie K. Hayashida Student Government
Endowed Scholarship
Dugoni School Annual Fund
Dugoni School Annual Fund
Dr. Marion Hovden ’52 Scholarship Endowment
Dr. Marion Hovden ’52 Scholarship Endowment
Dugoni School Annual Fund
Dr. Marion Hovden ’52 Scholarship Endowment
Dr. Ronald F. Borer Endowment
Silvestri-Ellerhorst Family Endowment
Dr. Marion Hovden ’52 Scholarship Endowment
Dr. Marion Hovden ’52 Scholarship Endowment
Dugoni Alumni Association Scholarship
Dugoni Alumni Association Scholarship
Dr. Eddie K. Hayashida Student Government Endowed Scholarship
Dugoni Alumni Association Scholarship
Dugoni Alumni Association Scholarship
Dr. Dennis Shinbori Endowed Lectureship
Dugoni School Annual Fund
Dugoni School Annual Fund
Soderstrom Family Pediatric Care Fund
Dr. Thomas R. Bales Family Endowment
Dugoni School Annual Fund
Dr. Eddie K. Hayashida Student Government Endowed Scholarship
Oral Surgery Restricted Fund
Class of 1956 Endowment
In Honor Of:
Given By:
Given To:
Dr. Raymond Doumanian Dr. Louis and Mrs. Laura Fleming Dugoni School Annual Fund
Mr. Jon Draper
Dr. Robert Christoffersen
Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Golden Dugoni School Annual Fund
Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Golden Dr. Robert H. Christoffersen Endowed Professorship
Dr. Nader Nadershahi Dr. Benjamin and Mrs. Grace Dickson Dugoni School Annual Fund
Dr. Ariane Terlet
Dr. Craig Yarborough
In Memoriam
Dr. Dermot J. Ornelles ’54
Dr. Julian Singer ’54
Dr. Jack M. Chamberlain ’56
Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Golden Dugoni School Annual Fund
Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Golden Dugoni School Annual Fund
Dr. Eugene F. (Bud) Muehlheisen, Jr. ’59
Dr. Richard S. Fife ’65
Dr. Curtis L. Madding ’68
Dr. Alden J. Hilton, Jr. ’69
Dr. Thomas C. McCain ’69
Dr. Donald A. Palus ’69
Dr. Joe A. Armel ’72
Dr. R. Michael Heneveld ’72
Dr. David M. Gerber ’74B
Dr. Roger C. Spayde ’74B
Dr. Alan D. Hiura ’75
Dr. Don K. Kimball ’75
Dr. Harry Y. Hom ’79
Dr. Thad S. Kawakami-Wong ’79
Dr. Glenn E. Lockwood ’79
Dr. Lee R. Turner ’88
Dr. Ronald F. Borer, Associate/Former Faculty
Dr. William M. Carpenter, Associate/Former Faculty
Dr. Peter F. Chase, Associate/Former Faculty
Dr. Ryle A. Radke, Jr., Associate/Former Faculty
In Memoriam
Dr. Ronald F. Borer 1936 – 2025
Dr. Ronald F. Borer passed away March 9, 2025 at the age of 88. As the former associate dean for clinical services, Borer touched thousands of lives—including students, colleagues, faculty, staff, patients and alumni—during his tenure at the dental school.
Born in Fremont, Ohio, Borer parlayed his love of sports into a college football career at Xavier University. A 1961 graduate of Loyola University Dental School in Chicago, he received his endodontic training while serving in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California. He practiced in Cincinnati, Ohio, and discovered a passion for teaching at University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. Dental school classmate Dr. Jim Pride, an associate dean at the Dugoni School at the time, asked Borer to join him in San Francisco to launch a new strategic teaching initiative. In 1971, Borer became one of the two original group practice administrators and helped implement the comprehensive patient care model. In 1993, he became associate dean of clinical services.
Borer was a fellow of the American and International Colleges of Dentists, served as president of the San Francisco chapter of the Xavier University Alumni Association for 20 years and was a member of the Dugoni School Foundation Board. He received the Alumni Association’s prestigious Medallion of Distinction in 1998 and the university’s Order of Pacific in 2001 for his outstanding contributions. Borer retired to Sonoma in 2000, turning his focus to landscaping, art, wine, his home and spending time with family and friends. He was a special and true educator, administrator, colleague, endodontist extraordinaire, philanthropist, mentor and friend to many. He was also a role model for the school’s defining characteristic of humanism.
Dr. William M. Carpenter 1940 – 2025
Dr. William M. Carpenter passed away on January 24, 2025 in San Francisco at the age of 84. “Carp” was a beloved member of the Dugoni School family for decades, serving as a professor emeritus and former chair of the Department of Oral Pathology
Raised in Pennsylvania, he received a DDS degree in 1964 from University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, earned a master’s degree in oral pathology from George Washington University and trained at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.
He joined the dental school in 1986, dedicating most of his academic career to leading the Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine and co-directing Pacific’s Oral Pathology Lab. His enthusiasm for knowledge, humor and humility left a lasting impression on colleagues and students alike. Carpenter was also a diplomate and an examiner for the American Board of Oral Medicine and served as president of the American Academy of Oral Medicine from 1993 to 1994.
In 2014, he retired and was honored with the Order of Pacific award, the university’s highest distinction. He also received the Alumni Association’s Medallion of Distinction in 2018 for his exceptional contributions and service. Before his tenure at the dental school, he proudly served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years. A commitment to teaching, scholarship and service marked his military and academic careers. He embodied the best in professional learning, humanistic teaching and the joy of life. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dr. Peter F. Chase 1945 – 2025
Dr. Peter F. Chase passed away at the age of 79 on January 16, 2025. He was more than a dentist and educator—he was an innovator and pioneer in the field of orofacial pain, TMD and sleep medicine and a mentor to countless students.
Born and raised in Corvallis, Oregon, he received his DDS degree from Creighton University in 1971. Chase enlisted as a captain in the U.S. Air Force Dental Corps, where he completed a hospitalbased General Practice Residency in 1972. Settling in South Lake Tahoe in 1975, Chase built a thriving private practice and was deeply involved in the community, serving as president of the South Tahoe Unified School District Board and an active member of Toastmasters International.
With a relentless curiosity and a growing passion for airwayfocused dentistry, Chase made a bold decision in 1990—he sold his practice, moved to the Bay Area and joined the Dugoni School of Dentistry. Chase served as director of the Orofacial Disorders Center at the Dugoni School of Dentistry from 1990 to 2010, and pioneered multidisciplinary approaches to treating TMD and obstructive sleep apnea. He earned a master’s degree in educational psychology and counseling in 1994, shaping the way future dentists approached the integration of sleep medicine and oral health. During his tenure, he taught more than 3,000 dental students, many of whom went on to incorporate his progressive airway, sleep and musculoskeletal philosophies into their own practices. He was a founding and credentialing board member of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, and his research and clinical expertise influenced every corner of the field.
These individuals are gone but will not be forgotten, and their impact and legacy will remain in the strength of our Dugoni School of Dentistry family.
OLD SCHOOL
SENIOR SMILES
Saturday, April 26, 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of the dental school’s Senior Smiles and Wellness Health Fair.
Led by Christine Miller, director of community programs, student, faculty and staff volunteers—along with members of the Student Community Outreach for Public Education (SCOPE) organization—have been providing free health screenings and services to Bay Area seniors for three decades. Pacific’s audiology and physical therapy programs are also partners in this effort which aligns with the dental school’s vision of “improving health and wellness through innovations in programs, partnerships and people.”
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Thank you to our dues-payers and to those who send contributions to the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, now totaling over $3M and helping more students with larger amounts. Funding for the events managed by the Alumni Association for students and members occurs only through two outside sources: dues payments and support from companies as vendors/sponsors at our events.
We especially thank Bien Air, Nobel Biocare and TruAbutment for their sponsorships at the Annual Meeting in January. Cheers to TDIC for contributing to the Class of 2025’s Alumni/Graduate Banquet.
Photos from our 2025 Annual Meeting and other school events can be viewed on our website at: dugonischool.smugmug.com
Our online Business Directory entries are growing, but we need more before we can launch the directory on our website. Scan the QR code to enter your office information.
The Alumni Association office team can always help you with referrals as well. Reach us by email at dugonialumni@pacific.edu.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
2026
127th Annual Alumni Association Meeting
Friday and Saturday, January 23 – 24, 2026
Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco
Including 40th Annual Frederick T. West Orthodontic Lectureship & 3rd Annual Alan H. Gluskin Endodontic Symposium
2027
128th Annual Alumni Association Meeting
Friday and Saturday, January 29 – 30, 2027
Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco
Including 41st Annual Frederick T. West Orthodontic Lectureship & 4th Annual Alan H. Gluskin Endodontic Symposium
We support the Dugoni School because of the profound and lasting impact it has had on our lives. The education, mentorship and values instilled by the dental school have shaped our personal and professional journeys in ways we could never have imagined. It is a privilege to stand alongside fellow alumni and supporters in ensuring that the Dugoni School continues its legacy of excellence in dental education. By giving back, we help preserve the unique school culture—one that fosters humanism, innovation, leadership and a deep commitment to patient care. Collectively, everyone’s contributions play a vital role in empowering future generations of dentists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and care.
