Dr. Suzie Bergman is President-elect of the American Association of Women Dentists. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Bergman is a Fellow of the TMJ Foundation, a global consortium and online fellowship program for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, where she serves as Selection Chair, Advisor and Honorary Program Faculty. She is a Visiting Research Scholar at Oregon Health Science University in the Department of Neurological Surgery as a Co-investigator in research surrounding the differential diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia and temporomandibular disorders. Dr. Bergman serves as a subject matter expert and consultant for Academic Health Associates, an Execudent Company. She is the U.S. Director of Dental Education for Immersify Education, an EdTech platform delivering education to dental and nursing schools through immersive experiences and augmented reality. She is a thought leader in the interprofessional education space with a focus on medical, dental and behavioral health integration and Dr. Bergman speaks internationally on this topic.

Dr. Bergman received her D.D.S. degree from West Virginia University School of Dentistry and holds advanced certificates in Orthodontics and Orofacial Pain.

Dr. Hiroe Ohyama is an Associate Professor and the Predoctoral Director of Operative Dentistry at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM). Dr. Ohyama earned her D.D.S. degree from Tohoku University, School of Dentistry in Japan. After graduation, she completed clinical and research training at HSDM, where she obtained both a certificate in general dentistry and an M.Sc. degree. She then returned to Japan to pursue a Ph.D. in oral biology from Tokyo University, Faculty of Medicine.

Dr. Ohyama joined the faculty of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences at HSDM in 2000, where she discovered a passion for teaching alongside her research endeavors. Her passion led her to pursue a D.M.D. at HSDM. This enhanced her ability to educate future dental professionals with a deeper understanding of the dental curriculum in the U.S., further advancing her career as a dental educator.

Dr. Ohyama is a dedicated educator and an accomplished clinician-scientist, serving as a role model in both domains. Dr. Ohyama has made substantial contributions to student-centered scholarly activities, with over 60 publications in peer-reviewed journals. She has received numerous awards for her excellence in research, teaching and patient care, including the HSDM Distinguished Faculty Award, the HSDM Outstanding Faculty Award and the Excellence in Cosmetic Dentistry Award. Dr. Ohyama is nationally recognized as an excellent educator and received the ADEA/Colgate-Palmolive Co. Excellent Teaching Award, the ADEA Project Pool Grants and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Stephen H. Leeper Teaching Award.

Dr. Margaret Scarlett is a dentist, futurist and health outcomes leader. Dr. Scarlett transitioned to private practice and consulting after 23 years as a dental officer in the US Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and US Army. Her last assignment was to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Department of Health and Human Services, addressing the use of big data for health. 

A member of the American Dental Association Standards Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Dentistry, Dr. Scarlett was a leading contributor to the December 2022 ADA Whitepaper, “Overview of Artificial and Augmented Intelligence Uses in Dentistry.”  She continues to evaluate the scientific and ethical uses of AI, lecturing around the globe.  

Her career focus has been on health and overall health outcomes through health data to reduce the impact of chronic and infectious diseases. 

Sara Bendoraitis is the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Learning at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). In this role, Sara champions the importance of a diverse and inclusive environment and leads the creation of strategies to foster a strong sense of belonging and create a welcoming, safe, equitable, and inclusive culture in academic dentistry. 

Sara was formerly with OPTICA, where she was Director of Membership Program Development. From 2011 to 2018, she was Director of Programming, Outreach and Advocacy at American University’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion. She began her work at American University as Director of their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Resource Center in 2007 till 2011. Sara has an M.S. in Education Administration from Texas A&M University and a BA in Women’s Studies and Political Science from the University of Rhode Island. 

Sara has presented at national conferences on student identity support and advocacy, gender-neutral housing best practices, academic and student affairs collaboration, assessing Safe Zone programs, leadership, unconscious bias and women’s and gender centers. Sara also been a consultant for various federal government agencies, national and international non-profits, higher education institutions, and the United States Naval Academy. 

She has served as a board member the NASPA Center for Scholarship, Research, and Professional Development for Women, a NASPA Regional Representative, the Education, Advocacy, and Outreach Chair and Co-Chair for the Consortium of Higher Education Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally Resource Professionals, and a member of the Council on the Advancement of Standards (CAS) in Higher Education Board of Directors. In her spare time, Sara can be found spending time with her family as well as running the HY-Swap, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing and circulating items in good condition within the community, providing savings for local families and reducing waste.

Prof. Brandy Cowen is a Clinical Assistant Professor and DH1 Clinic Coordinator at Texas A&M College of Dentistry's Dental Hygiene Department. She has a decade of experience as a registered dental hygienist and has been a dental hygiene educator since 2016. She is the course director for Preclinical Dental Hygiene, Clinical Dental Hygiene I, Health Education & Behavioral Sciences, and co-course director for Local Anesthesia & Nitrous Oxide Conscious Sedation.

Prof. Cowen earned her Associate of Science from Grayson County College, a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and a Master of Science in Health Studies with an Emphasis in Dental Hygiene from Texas Woman’s University.  She is trained through the Mental Health First Aid course through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and recently received her Dental Infection Prevention & Control Certification through the Association for Dental Safety and Dental Assisting National Board.

Prof. Cowen’s professional interests include infection prevention and control, workplace safety, quality assurance and fostering a sense of belonging in dental hygiene education. She has presented many safety and infection control topics at the local, state and regional levels. She is passionate about empowering dental hygiene students to cultivate and lead a culture of safety, asepsis and accountability throughout their education and professional careers.

Prof. Cowen currently serves as Chair for the Texas A&M School of Dentistry Infection Control Committee, Dental Hygiene Clinic Coordinators of Texas, Educational Programs for Texas Dental Hygiene Educators and Past-Chair of the ADEA Clinical Coordinators Special Interest Group. Additionally, she is an active member of the American Dental Education Association, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, the Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association and the Association for Dental Safety.

Dr. Harrison is an Associate Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He currently serves as the Group Manager (Team Leader) in the comprehensive care clinic where he co-manages forty dental students  

Dr. Harrison earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2004. Following dental school, he completed a one-year AEGD residency at the University of Cincinnati Hospital. He spent 10 years in private dental practice before returning to academics.
In 2015, Dr. Harrison joined the faculty at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He is responsible for the practice management curriculum at his school, where he uses Dental Simulation.  The students get to run a virtual dental practice to help them understand the relationship between management decisions and practice outcomes.  He serves as a faculty advisor for the local chapters of the American Student Dental Association and American Dental Education Association student group.  
Dr. Harrison has published research on factors affecting dental students’ career plans, helped develop personal financial planning online competency modules and recently edited a book entitled “Business Basics for Dentist”. He is actively involved with ADEA, having chaired the Section on Practice Management, and currently serving as chair to the council of sections. Dr. Harrison has received multiple teaching awards and recognition for his service and leadership contributions to the advancement of dental education.

Dr. Antanious White is an educator, researcher and ADEA Senior Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) with over a decade of experience advancing equity and inclusion in education and professional organizations. As a scholar, his work explores the intersectionality of race, gender and place-based identities, examining their impact on educational outcomes and health disparities while highlighting pathways of resilience.

Committed to advancing DEI, Dr. White has led innovative initiatives aimed at dismantling systemic barriers and promoting social justice in education. His teaching philosophy emphasizes racial equity, critical thinking and collaboration, fostering an inclusive classroom environment where students are encouraged to engage deeply with complex social issues.

Dr. White continues at ADEA to lead transformative efforts that advance diversity and inclusion in higher education. With a collaborative and solutions-driven approach, he is dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities and inspiring systemic change through education, research and DEI leadership.

Sara Bendoraitis is the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Learning at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). In this role, Sara champions the importance of a diverse and inclusive environment and leads the creation of strategies to foster a strong sense of belonging and create a welcoming, safe, equitable, and inclusive culture in academic dentistry. 

Sara was formerly with OPTICA, where she was Director of Membership Program Development. From 2011 to 2018, she was Director of Programming, Outreach and Advocacy at American University’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion. She began her work at American University as Director of their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Resource Center in 2007 till 2011. Sara has an M.S. in Education Administration from Texas A&M University and a BA in Women’s Studies and Political Science from the University of Rhode Island. 

Sara has presented at national conferences on student identity support and advocacy, gender-neutral housing best practices, academic and student affairs collaboration, assessing Safe Zone programs, leadership, unconscious bias and women’s and gender centers. Sara also been a consultant for various federal government agencies, national and international non-profits, higher education institutions, and the United States Naval Academy. 

She has served as a board member the NASPA Center for Scholarship, Research, and Professional Development for Women, a NASPA Regional Representative, the Education, Advocacy, and Outreach Chair and Co-Chair for the Consortium of Higher Education Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally Resource Professionals, and a member of the Council on the Advancement of Standards (CAS) in Higher Education Board of Directors. In her spare time, Sara can be found spending time with her family as well as running the HY-Swap, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing and circulating items in good condition within the community, providing savings for local families and reducing waste.

Dr. Patty Xirau-Probert is the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Involvement for the University of Florida College of Dentistry. With a Ph.D. in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy, she has expertise in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, emotion regulation and community engagement initiatives. She has developed programs at the University of Florida related to well-being, resiliency, effective communication, leadership development and stress management. She supports curriculum development, strategic planning, community outreach and other initiatives focused on student success and the institutional mission. Her teaching experience includes an inter-professional biopsychosocial education course for health professions, wellness practices and crisis intervention/suicide prevention for University of Florida health faculty, staff and students. She is trained as an educator in Implicit Bias and Crucial Conversations. Along with colleagues from other health science center colleges, she facilitates a course on the science of well-being and happiness among health professionals- we call it the Happy Course, and it is one of her favorite projects to date!

Dr. Isabel Rambob is the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, the Immediate President of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) and a Career Development Strategist. She is also a prolific speaker who has lectured in the USA, Europe, Asia and South America. 

Dr. Isabel Rambob received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of Feira de Santana, Brazil. She completed a one-year program in advanced education in comprehensive dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry then completed a one-year residency program in advanced education in general dentistry at Howard University College of Dentistry. Dr.Rambob moved to University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry after 15 years at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry where she served in innumerous roles including Co-Director of Interprofessional Education, Vice-President of the Faculty Senate, Behavioral Dentistry Course Director and Assistant Director of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program. 

Dr. Isabel Rambob is very passionate about teaching, mentoring, coaching, collaborating, and volunteering. She is an avid knowledge seeker who believes that commitment to professional development is one of the keys to professional success. 

Dr. Perez serves as the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Diversity & Inclusion, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. 

In addition to his academic and administrative responsibilities, He is a member of the Diversity Leadership Council at Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences and Member of the American Dental Association Board of Trustees' Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Dr. Perez has been an active member of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and has served as Chair of the ADEA Section on Student Affairs and Financial Aid. Currently, he holds the position of Councilor for the ADEA Section on PRIDE, Promoting Respect for Identity Dignity and Expression, and Chair-elect of the ADEA Leadership Institute Alumni Association Board. Dr. Perez has several research interests related to improving dental students' experience during their academic years.

Dr. Nolan Cabrera is a nationally recognized expert in the areas of racism/anti-racism on college campuses, Whiteness and ethnic studies. He has given hundreds of lectures, keynote addresses and trainings, throughout the country on challenging racism/Whiteness, working through unconscious bias, creating inclusive college campuses and the expansion of ethnic studies programs.

He is currently a Full Professor in the Center for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Arizona, and was the only academic featured in the MTV documentary White People. He completed his graduate work at University of California, Los Angeles in Higher Education & Organizational Change and earned his B.A. from Stanford University in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity (Education focus).

His book, White Guys on Campus, is a deep exploration of White male racism and occasional anti-racism on college campuses. Jeff Chang, author of We Gon’ Be Alright, described White Guys on Campus as “A timely, provocative, even hopeful book.” 
Additionally, Dr. Cabrera was an expert witness in the Tucson Unified School District’s Mexican American Studies case (Gonzalez v. Douglas), which is the highest-profile ethnic studies case in the country’s history.  

Dr. Cabrera is an award-winning scholar whose numerous publications have appeared in some of the most prestigious journals in the fields of education and racial studies. He is also a former Director of a Boys & Girls Club in the San Francisco Bay Area, and is originally from McMinnville, Oregon.

Sara Bendoraitis is the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Learning at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). In this role, Sara champions the importance of a diverse and inclusive environment and leads the creation of strategies to foster a strong sense of belonging and create a welcoming, safe, equitable, and inclusive culture in academic dentistry. 

Sara was formerly with OPTICA, where she was Director of Membership Program Development. From 2011 to 2018, she was Director of Programming, Outreach and Advocacy at American University’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion. She began her work at American University as Director of their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Resource Center in 2007 till 2011. Sara has an M.S. in Education Administration from Texas A&M University and a BA in Women’s Studies and Political Science from the University of Rhode Island. 

Sara has presented at national conferences on student identity support and advocacy, gender-neutral housing best practices, academic and student affairs collaboration, assessing Safe Zone programs, leadership, unconscious bias and women’s and gender centers. Sara also been a consultant for various federal government agencies, national and international non-profits, higher education institutions, and the United States Naval Academy. 

She has served as a board member the NASPA Center for Scholarship, Research, and Professional Development for Women, a NASPA Regional Representative, the Education, Advocacy, and Outreach Chair and Co-Chair for the Consortium of Higher Education Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally Resource Professionals, and a member of the Council on the Advancement of Standards (CAS) in Higher Education Board of Directors. In her spare time, Sara can be found spending time with her family as well as running the HY-Swap, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing and circulating items in good condition within the community, providing savings for local families and reducing waste.

Dr. Abou-Arraj is a 2003 graduate of the Université Saint Joseph School of Dentistry, Lebanon. Holder of two Periodontology Certificates (Lebanese University and University of Alabama at Birmingham-UAB) and a MS degree (UAB), Dr. Abou-Arraj is a Professor and Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at UAB. He is a Diplomate and Examiner of the American Board of Periodontology and the recipient of several teaching and service awards. He maintains an active practice of periodontology and implant surgery.

Dr. Yonca Korkmaz Ceyhan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics. She teaches Dental anatomy, Operative dentistry, Biomaterials and Esthetics. Dr. Ceyhan is also Course director of Dental Anatomy. 

She is principal investigator/collaborator/mentor in several research projects in the field of Dental materials. She has published more than 40 peer-reviewed papers, and she received the Kuraray Young Investigator Award in 2004. Dr. Ceyhan continues to be active in peer-reviewed publications, both as an author and a reviewer. Dr. Ceyhan lectures nationally and internationally on various topics associated with restorative materials and teaching in operative dentistry. She also serves in UTSD senate as a vice chair and is a member of UTHealth Interfaculty Council. Dr. Ceyhan is currently doing both the ADEA Leadership Institute and the UTHealth Health Educators Fellowship Program. 

Leticia Chaves de Souza is an associate professor of the Department of Endodontics and the director of predoctoral Endodontics. She earned her dental degree and certificate in Endodontics from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She also obtained a certificate in Endodontics from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She has a Master’s degree in Endodontics and a PhD degree in Materials Science. 

Her research focuses on the physical-chemical, mechanical and biological properties of endodontic materials and instruments, as well as on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying apical periodontitis. She has published almost 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts in Endodontics and one book chapter in endodontic filling materials.

Dr. Milda Chmieliauskaite is an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and the Graduate Program Director of the Oral Medicine MSD/residency program.She obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degrees, and Oral Medicine residency training from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Chmieliauskaite currently teaches predoctoral and postdoctoral students on topics within research, oral medicine, and orofacial pain. Her scholarly work focuses on orofacial pain and Burning Mouth Disorder, along with oral cancer, and public health topics.

She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Medicine and an active member of the American Academy of Oral Medicine chairing a committee and serving as a board member.

Dr. Lindsey Hamil is Assistant Dean of Student Success and Associate Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina’s James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine. She has a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and an M.S. in Communications. In addition to her administrative roles, Dr. Hamil directs courses for the predoctoral and postdoctoral programs at MUSC. 

Dr. Hamil has published several articles in The Journal of Dental Education focused on predoctoral dental and interprofessional education. She has served on the ADEA Council of Faculties since 2019 and received MUSC’s Earl B. Higgins Leadership in Diversity award in 2021. Dr. Hamil is an advocate for case-based learning and writing. In 2013, she was named as a Fellow of the Southeast Case Research Association (SECRA).

Dr. Karo Parsegian is an Associate Professor and Predoctoral Periodontics Program Director in the Department of Surgical Dentistry at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He received his DMD degree at the First Tashkent Medical Institute (Tashkent, Uzbekistan), completed Ph.D. in Biomedical Science, Master of Dental Science, and Certificate in Periodontology at the University of Connecticut Health (Farmington, CT), Health Educators Fellowship Program and Certificate in Clinical Research at the McGovern Medical School (Houston, TX), and Certificate in Quality and Safety from the University of Colorado (Aurora, CO). 

Dr. Parsegian is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, a CDCA-WREB-CITA site examiner, and an AADOCR Ambassador. He is a peer reviewer and a member of the editorial board for several journals, including the Journal of Dental Education. Dr. Parsegian received the American Dental Education Association Colgate Junior Faculty Award, the AAP Award for Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring, the Dean’s Excellent in Teaching Award, the AAP Award in Leadership, Engagement, Action, and Development, and other recognitions. He has an extensive track of conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and book chapters on periodontics, educational technology, dental pulp, and kidney diseases.

Dr. Kecia Leary is the Associate Dean for Clinics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Clinical Professor in Pediatric Dentistry.  She is a 2004 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. In 2007 she obtained a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and a Master's in Dental Public Health. She then obtained her Diplomate status from both the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Dental Public Health. Before her academic position she was the Pediatric Dental Director in a Federally Qualified Health Center.  

Dr. Adriana Semprum-Clavier is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the College of Dentistry. Her expertise lies in the early management and treatment of dental caries, and she instructs various technique courses in operative, restorative, and digital dentistry. Her research at the College focuses on the remineralization and demineralization of hard tissues in a high-risk population for dental caries.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Semprum-Clavier serves as the Director of the Advanced Standing DMD Program, where she oversees curriculum development, design, implementation, and evaluation of student outcomes, among other duties. 

She earned her D.D.S. degree from Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas in 1996, followed by her U.S. DDS from the University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Semprum-Clavier completed post-graduate training in Advanced Restorative Dentistry at the University of Michigan in 2001 and holds a Master’s in Clinical and Translational Sciences from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Furthermore, Dr. Semprum-Clavier is the Faculty Advisor for the Hispanic Dental Association Student Chapter.

Dr. Dan Burch is a Clinical Associate Professor, Director of Special Care Dentistry Fellowship, and the Associate Department Head in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Since 2015, he has taught didactic and clinical courses in Pediatric and Special Care Dentistry. He has published several articles and presented at several local and national conferences. He is a member of numerous professional organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Special Care Dentistry Association and is Vice President of the Academy of Dentistry for People with Disabilities. He is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He has consulted for several organizations including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Health Resources and Services Administration, the Special Care Dentistry Association, and several dental schools. He serves as an attending staff at the Children's Medical Center- Dallas and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. He currently holds medical staff privileges at Baylor University Medical Center, HHM Health, and Los Barrios Community Clinic. He has served as an expert consultant for more than a dozen academic and federal institutions in the areas of primary care dentistry, pediatric dentistry, faculty development programs, and community-based programmatic implementation/evaluation. This has allowed him to foster duplicate efforts in other communities and academics centers across America. He previously served as Chief Dental Officer in private practice, managing roughly $58 million annually. His research interests focus on reducing oral health disparities, health service research, oral health policy, and educational training in the area of special health care needs management. These interests have led to $17 million in successfully funded institutional grants and expanded external clinical services for TAMSOD. Dr. Burch received his DDS from UTHSC-Memphis, Residency Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Howard University, and Fellowship Certificate in Special Care Dentistry from Texas A&M School of Dentistry.

Dr. Roopsi Kaur is a globally recognized educator, clinician, and leader in dental education, with a career that spans continents and disciplines. After earning her dental degree in India and completing an advanced internship, she pursued a master’s degree and certificate in operative dentistry from the prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Since 2012, Dr. Kaur has been a cornerstone of East Carolina University’s School of Dental Medicine, serving as Assistant Dean for Engagement and Clinical Associate Professor of Operative Dentistry. Through her leadership in administration, teaching, research, and patient care, she continues to shape the future of dental education.

Dr. Kaur chairs several committees at ECU and holds positions on national boards, including National CAMBRA, National CODE, and the North Carolina Dental Society's DEBI Taskforce. Her exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the ECU Health Sciences Author Recognition Award, Colgate Oral B Scholar, and the ADEA Minority Dental Faculty Development Grant. She is also the recipient of the inaugural ADEA Leadership Institute Award and a Fellow of the ADEA Leadership Institute, Class of 2024-2025. Her research focuses on caries risk management and innovative teaching and mentoring methodologies.

Dr. Salwa Mekled is an Associate Professor and Clinic Director at Kornberg School of Dental Medicine, Temple University. In this capacity, she provides restorative dentistry to dental students, and coaches them to become more familiar with CAD/CAM technologies. Dr. Mekled received her dental degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Dr. Mekled had one year of general practice residency, and one year of orofacial pain residency at the University of Kentucky School of Dentistry. Dr. Mekled is member of American Dental Educator Association, and a fellow of American College of Dentists.

Madhu Mohan is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM). She has a DMD from RSDM and a certificate in Pediatric Dentistry also from RSDM. She is board certified in Pediatric Dentistry and is a fellow of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is currently Program Director of the Pediatric Dentistry residency program. She is currently also serving as undergraduate clinical director in pediatric dentistry. She participates in all aspects of clinical care with the residents and dental students. She is involved in many resident research projects. Her recent research focus has been on uses of AI in pediatric dentistry and the evaluation of the oral microbiome in the pediatric patient population. 

Dr. M. Teresa Pulido, D.D.S., M.S., is the Associate Dean for Preclinical Education at Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine in Arizona, with over two decades of academic and clinical experience. A specialist in operative dentistry, she holds advanced credentials including a Master of Science and Certificate in Operative Dentistry from the University of Iowa and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Universidad Europea de Madrid.

Dr. Pulido is a leader in curriculum development, faculty calibration, and innovative teaching strategies, enhancing student learning outcomes. Her research spans over 50 abstracts in refereed journals, focusing on materials and technologies for clinical applications, including adhesives, bleaching treatments, and universal shade composites. A recognized speaker and mentor, she actively contributes to professional organizations and advances dental education and practice globally.

Dr. Kumar C. Shah is a Professor of Clinical Dentistry and a Board-Certified Prosthodontist & Maxillofacial Prosthodontist in the Section of Prosthodontics at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). He received his dental degree from The National University of Singapore and earned his Master of Science degree and a certificate in Prosthodontics at The Ohio State University. He completed Maxillofacial Prosthetics fellowship training at UCLA thereafter. He also completed a Certificate Training Program in Translational Science through the UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute. He recently completed his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Illinois. Dr. Shah is Director of the Graduate Prosthodontics Residency Program at UCLA, Advanced Prosthodontics and Implantology Preceptorship Programs for international dentists as well as Previous Director of the Faculty Group Dental practice at UCLA. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, a Fellow of the Academy of Prosthodontics, Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists and Fellow of the International Team for Implantology (ITI). He has been on Board of Directors for several non-profit organizations within Dentistry. In addition to being a co-editor of this textbook in Dental Implant therapy released in 2015 and 2022 and is a member of the Editorial Review Board of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry and has been an ad hoc reviewer in multiple peer-reviewed journals in Dentistry. Dr. Shah currently practices in the UCLA Faculty Group Dental Practice. He practices all areas of restorative and esthetic dentistry (fixed and removable prosthodontics), including full mouth rehabilitation/reconstruction with a special emphasis on implant prosthodontics.

Dr. Campos graduated Dental School in 2001, obtained her M.Sc. in Biological Sciences in 2004, Ph.D. in Oral Pathology in 2008 and Certification in Oral Pathology in 2010, all from Brazil. She worked as a general dentist and oral pathologist for 10 years in her private practice and was also teaching and doing research in three different Universities in Brazil. She has experience supervising undergraduate and graduate students (M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels), and had received awards for her teaching and mentoring throughout her career. She also actively serves as a reviewer for a number of important journals. Dr. Campos did a post-doctoral training at the University of Michigan in 2008-2009 where she gained experience with cancer stem cells and returned to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences (CRSE) and Endodontics years later as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor until 2016. She then joined the University of Iowa and continued teaching Treatment planning and Comprehensive Care for 4 years. Dr. Campos moved back to the University of Michigan in 2020 rejoining the Department of CRSE as a Clinical Associate Professor. She actively participates in Committees and Initiatives related to IPE, DEI, Global Health Initiative Programs at regional, national and international levels and has been leading the Mental Health Program at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. In the past, her research involved oral biofilms, oral diseases and oral cancer and has shifted to cariology, mental health and dental education fields. She is graduating from the ADEA Leadership Institute class of 2025 and was elected the 2025 Class representative on the ADEA Leadership Institute Alumni Association.

Hanann Tomeh is a Clinical Associate Professor and supervises oral healthcare in one of the four main comprehensive care units at ASDOH. As a comprehensive care unit director she mentors one quarter of the D2 - D4 students. She also serves as the Faculty Development Director improving faculty growth opportunities at ASDOH including a more robust CE program. She completed EBD training through the ADA and has been involved in EBD seminars around the country and is lead instructor of the Evidence-based Dentistry module at ASDOH and has been improving the student learning experience since 2017. She is passionate about EBD and using evidence to inform good clinical decisions for patients and has completed four years of service in the ADEA EBD SIG/Section in March 2023 from Secretary to Chair (served twice as chair). Her research interests include student motivation in learning, student perception of faculty and its effect on learning and clinical outcomes, and patient education. She now serves as Chair-elect of the Educational Research and Curriculum Development Section. She was previously highly involved in pre-clinical simulation instruction and curriculum at ASDOH. She was awarded a university scholarship at AT Still to pursue an MPH which she obtained in 2020. She has enjoyed tremendous growth and personal exchange with vibrant ADEA Leadership Fellows from around the country.

Dr. Seok Hwan (Aaron) Cho currently serves as the Department Chair of Prosthodontics and as an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics. Prior to his current role, from 2017 to 2022, Dr. Cho held the position of Associate Professor and Program Director of Graduate Prosthodontics. He also directed the Post-Doctoral Implant Placement Program at Texas A&M University School of Dentistry (Texas A&M Dentistry). Dr. Cho is a board-certified prosthodontist and a certified master ceramist, demonstrating his exceptional expertise in prosthodontics and dental ceramics. He completed his Advanced Specialty Program in Prosthodontics at the Texas A&M Dentistry (formerly Baylor College of Dentistry).  He received the Robert S. Staffanou Memorial Graduate Prosthodontic Award upon graduating, in 2010, from the prosthodontic program at Texas A&M Dentistry. In 2011, he won first place in the Stanley D. Tylman Research Awards from the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics. One of Dr. Cho’s most notable accolades is the Claude R. Baker Faculty Award from the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, which he won in 2017. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions as an exceptional junior faculty member in predoctoral fixed prosthodontic teaching.

Dr. Sarah Lowman is the Associate Dean for Admissions, Recruitment, & Engagement at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. She earned a DDS and MPH from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed the Dental Public Health Residency Program at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Lowman joined the UNMC faculty in 2020. She directs three courses, including an introduction to geriatrics for dental and dental hygiene students. She serves as the Principal Investigator for multiple projects that aim to strengthen the dental workforce and increase access to care for underserved populations. Prior to joining the UNMC faculty, she held an adjunct appointment at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry and managed research teams in the Duke Department of Medicine and the UNC Center for Aging and Health. Dr. Lowman earned a BA in art history from Vassar College.  

Dr. Jorgelin Rodriguez has been an Assistant professor of the Restorative Sciences and Public Health Dentistry Department at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine (NSU CDM) for nearly 15 years. He graduated from Cuba and completed his D.M.D. at NSU CDM in 2006. Dr. Rodriguez also pursued a Master's Degree in Medical Education and is the Director of Predoctoral Restorative Dentistry and Co-clinic Director for the predoctoral clinic. Dr. Rodriguez enjoys academics with the same enthusiasm he has enjoyed in his private practice in Miami since 2006. During his tenure at NSU CDM, Dr. Rodriguez has served in several roles and has received several teaching and service awards. He maintains an active practice in general and cosmetic dentistry.

In 2008, Dr. Wilson received her D.D.S. degree from the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica. After graduation, Dr. Wilson worked in private practice as a general dentist in Costa Rica. In 2010, she completed a Prosthodontic Preceptorship in UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (UT Health SA SOD). In 2014, she graduated from the Postgraduate Prosthodontics Program at the Louisiana State University Health New Orleans School of Dentistry (LSUSD). Dr. Wilson has been a faculty member in the Department of Prosthodontics since 2015. She is currently an Associate Professor of Clinical Prosthodontics and past Director of the IED Program. Since 2015, she has taught and directed several prosthodontic courses. She has been awarded the Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award on numerous occasions. Additionally, she has received the 2018 ADEA/AAL Faculty of Color Tuition Scholarship for Professional Development: ADEA/AAL Compass Program for Academic Advancement. Moreover, she earned the Research Excellence Award in 2017 for her efforts in clinical research at LSUSD. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Wilson serves as a member of the Predoctoral Education Committee for the American College of Prosthodontics (ACP). She is the Treasurer of the Louisiana Chapter of the ACP and a member of the International Association for Dental Research.

Kim Lucas Benton received her D.D.S. from Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry, and her M.P.H. from Capella University.  She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences and currently serves as the Director of the Pacific Health Care Collaborative and Sacramento Programs at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.

Dr Benton’s Capstone while in graduate school focused on Diabetes and the Oral Health Connection.
Professionally, Dr Benton presented this information virtually with the San Mateo County Dental Society in August 2021 and in-person in San Francisco at the California Dental Association meeting in September 2021.  Locally, Dr Benton gave talks at Pacific Dugoni Lunch n Learns, the Coalition of Black Excellence (CBE) addressing Wellness and Oral Health, The San Francisco Chapter of Links, Inc., Black Women Investors LLC and Hope Is on The Horizon Health Fair.
Dr Benton is passionate about “spreading the word” to know your numbers and get screened or tested for Type 2 Diabetes. She encourages others to share this message. Type 2 Diabetes is completely preventable and, in some cases, reversible.

Dr. Upoma Guha is an Associate Professor at University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. She earned dental degree from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. She completed a Master of Science and Clinical Certificate in Operative Dentistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry. Dr. Guha served as the Director of Clinics at UNMC College of Dentistry overseeing all clinical operations at the UNMC COD facility in addition to her teaching and research contributions. Dr. Guha is the director of Cariology teaching at UNMC COD. She is also involved in numerous continued education programs at the local and national level for educating dentists and dental auxiliaries.  Dr. Guha is a fellow of American Dental Education Institution’s Leadership Institute. She is also a fellow of 2020 ADEA Emerging Leaders Program and the 2020 recipient of ADEA Faculty of Colors award. Before joining UNMC COD, Dr. Guha served as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo and later at the University of Florida. She serves as the Executive Councilor at the Academy of Operative Dentistry. She leads UNMC COD at the Consortium of Operative dentistry Educators (CODE) annual conference. She has been actively involved in research activities in dental education, digital dentistry, and dental materials. Her research was published in many prestigious journals, including the Journal of Dental Education, Archives of Oral Biology, and Journal of Nanoparticle Research. Dr. Guha has presented her research work in numerous national conferences. Dr. Guha is active in patient care providing General Dentistry treatments to the community of Lincoln and extended Nebraska.

Dr. Julie A. Gray is the Associate Dean of External Affairs, Associate Professor in Restorative Dentistry and Course Director for the Expanded Function Auxiliary Course in Restorative Function at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry.  She earned her D.D.S. from Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry and a Master of Art in Education at the University of Pacific Gladys E. Benerd School of Education.

A graduate of the ADEA/AAL Institute for Teaching and Learning, the ADEA Emerging Leaders Program, and the American Dental Association’s Institute for Diversity in Leadership, Dr. Gray is the immediate past Chair of the ADEA Minority Affairs Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She is the current Secretary of the ADEA practice management committee.  She is the current Chair of the Honors and Awards Committee and Administrative Marshall for the College.  She is a member of the American Dental Association, National Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, Pan-Tennessee Dental Association and maintains a private practice in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dr. Gray is a fellow in the American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists, recipient of the Distinguished Exemplary Teacher Award, the St. Jude Dr. Hildreth Service Award and the Meharry Alumnus of the Year Award. Her passion is service to the profession and others. She continues to serve in numerous professional and social organizations and has proven dedication to the community and the greater Nashville area and a long-standing commitment to inspiring others to reach their passion.

Dr. Elías Morón is a dedicated dental public health specialist and educator widely recognized for his commitment to advancing oral health equity and improving access to care in underserved communities. As an Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science program at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine, Dr. Morón’s extensive academic journey reflects his dedication to clinical excellence, public health leadership, and health policy innovation.

Dr. Morón earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Universidad Metropolitana in Colombia and specialized in Health Services Management at Universidad del Norte. His pursuit of excellence brought him to the United States, where he completed a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Science in Health Law (MHL) with distinction from Nova Southeastern University. He further specialized in Dental Public Health at NYU Langone and completed advanced clinical research training at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
A prolific academic contributor, Dr. Morón has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and delivered impactful presentations at national and international conferences. His research focuses on reducing oral health disparities, enhancing access to care for underserved populations, and addressing systemic challenges in hospital-based dental care. His work informs public health policies and fosters more equitable practices in dentistry.
Dr. Morón’s contributions to the profession have earned him numerous accolades, honoring his leadership, service, and dedication to advancing the field. He serves in prominent roles, including on the Board of Directors for the Diverse Dental Society, the Board of Trustees for the Hispanic Dental Association, the Board of the American Association of Hospital Dentistry, and the American Dental Association’s Strategic Forecasting Committee’s Direct to Dentist Action Group, influencing dental health policy and professional development at the national level.
Through his unwavering commitment to improving oral health equity, mentoring the next generation of dental professionals, and leading transformative initiatives in public health dentistry, Dr. Morón continues to be a driving force in advancing the profession and improving the lives of those in need.

Dr. Shankargouda Patil is a distinguished academician and researcher with expertise in oral pathology and medical biotechnology. He earned his B.D.S. degree from PMNM Dental College, Bagalkot, India, and completed his M.D.S. in Oral Pathology from Sree Balaji Dental College, Chennai, India. He pursued his Ph.D. in Medical Biotechnology at the University of Siena, Italy, focusing on cutting-edge advancements in healthcare and biomedical sciences.

Dr. Patil is a Professor at the College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, Utah, where he actively contributes to teaching, research, and institutional leadership. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathology (London, UK), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Glasgow), the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
He holds key leadership roles, including Vice President of the Utah Section of the American Association of Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) and Vice President of the Faculty Senate at Roseman University. Dr. Patil is a full member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, and has been recognized in Who’s Who in American Education.
Dr. Patil is a part of the prestigious Global Burden of Disease (GBD) network, contributing to impactful studies that inform global health policies. His research is regularly featured in top-tier journals, including The Lancet, reflecting his dedication to advancing global health and dental science.
A prolific scholar, Dr. Patil has authored over 300 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, three textbook chapters, and achieved an H-index of 51, with more than 15,000 citations. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice.
Dr. Patil’s interdisciplinary expertise, global collaborations, and commitment to innovation make him a trailblazer in dental education, research, and healthcare.

Dara Rogers, D.M.D., is the Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Care. She is the chair of a TUSDM standing committee, Patient Care Quality Assurance (PCQA). Her past roles have been Director of Student Clinical Integration, the course director of, "Introduction to Clinical Protocols", and a group practice coordinator for Group Clarendon and Group Back Bay.

Dr. Rogers received her D.M.D. at Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine in 1990. Her first teaching role was as an operative instructor. She co-directed the Gold Foil Preparatory Workshop for the NERB exam with Dr. William Macdonald. She then left for several years to raise her three daughters and continue her private practice. Dr. Rogers opened the doors to her own practice shortly after graduation and still maintains that practice with her husband, in Swampscott, Massachusetts. She was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Rogers first came to Massachusetts to swim for the university’s team and attend the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She graduated from UMass with a B.S in Zoology. She is happy to have shared Alma Maters her with so many of her fellow students and colleagues.