Dr. Ana Cristina Andrada is an Associate Professor and Director of Predoctoral Endodontics at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. She earned her dental degree and Endodontics certificate from the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil, followed by advanced training at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where she received a certificate in Endodontics and a Doctor of Medical Sciences in Oral Biology. She later earned her U.S. DDS from the University of Detroit Mercy.

A Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics since 2019, Dr. Andrada has published in peer-reviewed journals, contributing meaningful research to the fields of endodontics and dental education. Her dedication to scholarship and teaching was recognized by the American Association of Endodontists through the prestigious Educator Fellowship Award, which highlights the vital role of educators in shaping the future of the specialty. She is actively involved in the AAE, ADEA—serving on the Council of Faculties since 2022—and the Hispanic Dental Association, reflecting her strong commitment to advancing dental education and the endodontic profession.

Dr. Beatriz Bezerra is a Clinical Associate Professor and Predoctoral Director in the Section of Periodontics at the UCLA School of Dentistry (SOD). She also co-directs the Preceptorship Program in Periodontics at UCLA SOD. Dr. Bezerra received her DDS and PhD from Brazil. She earned her certificate in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry from the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Bezerra was the recipient of the 2023 Bud and Linda Tarrson Fellowship and was also recognized by her peers and nominated for the American College of Dentists. Dr. Bezerra currently serves as the chair for both the ADEA Section of Periodontics and the AAP Education Committee.  Her current responsibilities include curriculum development for the section of Periodontics, evaluation of students’ clinical progress in Periodontics, as well as clinical teaching at the predoctoral and post-doctoral levels. She also serves as the faculty advisor for the Periodontics Study Club.

Dr. Esther Ovuworie Kuyinu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics, and Director of Predoctoral Prosthodontics Clinic at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, School of Dentistry, Houston, TX (UTSD). She is an educator and leader with over two decades of experience in academic dentistry and clinical practice. She leads numerous outreach and mentoring initiatives, locally and globally. Dr. Kuyinu earned her B.D.S from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, followed by postgraduate training in London, England and a Master of Science in Prosthodontics from Georgetown University, Washington, DC. She later completed her D.D.S. at New York University College of Dentistry, where she held multiple faculty roles and maintained a private practice in New Jersey.  Her professional service includes leadership roles in the American College of Prosthodontics, the American Dental Education Association, and the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas. She has received numerous honors, including Lifetime Achievement Awards, the UTSD Dean’s Excellence Awards for Teaching, and also Clinical Service. In recognition for her global outreach efforts, she was recently inducted as a fellow in the International College of Dentists.

Dr. Sivaraman Prakasam is Philip A. Lainson endowed Associate Professor in Periodontics and Chair of the department of Periodontics at the college of Dentistry at the University of Iowa. Dr. Prakasam holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from The T.N. Dr. M.G.R Medical University, India; a PhD in Oral Biology and Pathology from the State University of New York, Stony Brook; a Master of Science in Dentistry degree and a certificate in Periodontology from the Indiana University. Dr. Prakasam is a Diplomate of American Board of Periodontology and has been in full-time academics for 15 years, serving on the faculty at Indiana University and Oregon Health & Science University. He is a past recipient of the Balint Orban Award from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and finalist at the IADR Hatton competition. Other honors include AAP foundation teaching fellowship and AAP Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring Award. His educational portfolio includes all levels of dental education and has directed several courses. He has mentored 20 students in research projects including twelve master’s theses. He is a clinical-translational researcher and has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and several private industries and foundations. He has published over 40 journal articles and conference abstracts.