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CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 4 President's Message 8 Annual Meeting Agenda 16 Patient Safety and Access to Care SPRING 2026 | Volume

PEDODONTIST

(Pediatric Dentist)

Columbia Valley Community Health (CVCH) is growing! CVCH is a dynamic, progressive community health center with locations in Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, and Chelan. We have an excellent opportunity for a Pedodontist (Pediatric Dentist) at our Wenatchee location.

The Pedodontist (Pediatric Dentist) provides professional dental care, emergency dental treatment and oral hygiene to the patients of Columbia Valley Community Health (CVCH), including all relevant and required chart documentation.

Must Apply at CVCH.ORG

Position Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited dental school with a DDS or DMD degree, and/or completion with a certificate from a CODA accredited dental residency program.

• Graduation from an accredited pediatric dental residency program.

• Washington State Dental License or eligibility to obtain licensure in the state of WA and current DEA with no restrictions and in good standing. Maintain documentation of all WAC requirements including continuing education and any other requirements accordingly. Pediatric Advanced Life Support, “PALS” certification.

• Providers must be eligible for enrollment in Medicare and must not be currently opted out of the Medicare program.

• One or more years of experience as a clinical dentist preferred, especially in a community or public health setting.

We are located in the heart of Washington State where we enjoy abundant recreational opportunities, 300 days of sunshine and a family friendly environment with good schools and opportunities for the entire family to be involved in culture and arts.

CVCH offers:

• Competitive Compensation

• Up to $50,000.00 sign on & relocation bonus

• Flexible schedules

• Generous paid leave/holidays

• Health insurance stipend offered for employee and dependents

• Gym/fitness stipend

• Retirement with 150% employer matching

• A cultural immersion program in a predominantly Spanish-speaking country

• This position is eligible for student loan repayment programs

Why Work at CVCH:

CVCH staff are more engaged in their work than 95% of similar organizations across the country. We are proud to have such dedicated staff serving patients, day in and day out.

To learn more about the position, salary, full details on benefits, and to apply, visit us at www.cvch.org and click on the Employment and Training tab and find the position you are interested in learning more about.

SPRING 2026

TABLE of CONTENTS

Volume 53 | Number 4

DR. CHANEL MCCREEDY - BULLETIN MANAGING EDITOR 20

4 President's Message

8 Annual Meeting Agenda

Dr. Ray StewartMember Spotlight 14

AAPD Western District Trustee

6 Annual Meeting News

Dr. Steven ChanMember Spotlight Patient Safety and Access to Care 16

22 Board Motions

23 Elected and Appointed Leadership

Members are invited and encouraged to contribute to the CSPD Bulletin. Articles of general or specific interest, Letters to the Editor, and commentary on issues of public policy and matters of pediatric oral health are welcome. Items intended for publication may be submitted to Managing Editor Dr. Chanel McCreedy at chanel.mccreedy@gmail.com or to admin@cspd.org

The mission of the Bulletin of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry is to communicate with members on issues affecting the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry and the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents. The Bulletin will provide information on Society activities, initiatives, governance, and member services, as well as information and notice of the accomplishments and actions of its members.

The views and opinions expressed by individual members in articles and commentaries are those of the author and do not necessarily represent policy or viewpoint of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry.

BIG CHANGES. BOLD MOVES. BRAVE HOPES.

Dr. MyLinh Ngo - CSPD President

It has been a monumental year of operational transformation for the CSPD. We celebrated many ‘firsts’ during the 50th anniversary and I’m happy to share that because of the wisdom of leaders before us who detailed society policies and procedures, along with the tremendous effort and resilience of our board, we have emerged with efficient systems and processes that will take us well into the next chapters of this great Society. One of the big challenges of nonprofit organizations is recruitment of new volunteers. Time and again, members say the biggest obstacle to volunteering is the lack of time due to increasing pressures to maintain work-life balance. These concerns were heard and the BIG changes enacted in 2023 to reduce these barriers came into full effect this year:

1. Fewer board meetings. The 4 in-person Board of Director meetings were reduced to 3, ensuring flexible and timely decision-making. We subsequently held 3 Electronic board meetings to deliberate and approve: the administrative change to Smith Moore and Associates (SMA), an annual budget increase for a new Website-Online education platform, and the election of a Lobby firm.

2. Leaner executive committee. Once composed of 8 members, is now a nimble group of 6 (Immediate Past President, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Administrative Director) who meet every month to guide initiatives that align with the Society’s mission.

3. Trimmed down standing committees. The 22 committees which spread people across many groups, were reduced to 11 for maximum impact of volunteer time.

These changes approved by membership at the Annual Meeting in San Francisco reduce the time required of volunteers by streamlining priorities. This reorganization will help the Society continue to build a sustained pipeline of future leaders.

“Volunteering is an act of heroism on a grand scale. And it matters profoundly. It does more than help people beat the odds; it changes the odds.” – William J.

The first day of this board’s term involved a BOLD transition away from the Executive Director (ED) structure established in 1990. The CSPD thrived for decades under the guidance of Drs. Tom Barber, Mel Rowan, Ray Stewart, Andy Soderstrom, Lonnie Lovingier, and Paul Reggiardo. Without the support of a full-time ED this year, we worked hard to navigate legal contracts, pay bills, curate webinars, field member concerns, keep membership informed with the Bulletin managed by Dr. Chanel McCreedy, Eblasts and CSPD Connect digital newsletters by Dr. Cat Pham, and plan a world class research and education meeting - all while onboarding a new team of administrative staff. I remain forever grateful to the board, chairs, and volunteers for pulling through

CDA House, Sacramento

this challenging moment in time for the organization. A special thank you to the CE committee with Drs. Laura McCormack and Helen Mo who negotiated all speaker arrangements, and the Annual Meeting committee with Dr. Leslie Butler chairing her first conference. We are thrilled to invite you to experience a spectacular Annual Meeting in San Diego!

The grave unknowns in the near future appear completely out of [anyone’s] control. Yet in times of chaos, the BRAVE actions of the Society will propel our hopes to champion a revised sedation bill and secure more Medi-Cal funding for the underserved. We have intelligent and collaborative leaders in Drs. Natalie Vander Kam, Pardis Farhadian, Shan Girn and Dr. Evelyne

Vu-Tien - serving her first year as Public Policy Advocate (PPA) - who will rally to fulfill our vision of optimal oral health for all children. We have never faced this many collective threats to our ability to care for kids. To this end, CSPD has chosen to partner with a professional Lobby for the first time in 50 years, to support the PPA and bolster our legislative strategy. Together with the Board of Directors, they will advocate on behalf of our members’ ability to practice the full scope of pediatric dentistry to improve health outcomes, patient safety, and access to care in California.

It is the Golden age to be a volunteer with the CSPD. I urge you all to join this incredible group of humans and do more good for our profession and patients.

I thank you for the honor to serve. This has been the most expansive and wonderful experience of my life.

ADA House, Washington D.C.

CSPD 2026 ANNUAL MEETING

Dr. Leslie Butler - Annual Meeting Chair

Join us in Mission Bay, fun for the whole team and for the family! March 12–15, 2026, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, San Diego, CA

The clock is ticking, and the CSPD Annual Meeting is right around the corner—set against the stunning backdrop of sunny San Diego! Join us at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay for a one-of-a-kind educational and social experience from March 12–15, 2026.

Kickoff Events & Social Highlights

We’re thrilled to kick off the conference with a blowout Welcome Reception hosted by NuSmile! Dress in your best yacht chic attire and enjoy delicious bites and refreshing drinks. Friday night, unwind with Movies Under the Stars at the Hyatt pool, hosted by D4C. Be sure to stop by the D4C booth to grab your wristband so you can grab your treat bag before the movie. The fun continues with the social highlight of the weekend—our Saturday Night Carnival, co-hosted by CSPD and WSPD! Enjoy whimsical games, magicians, a tarot card reader, amazing food, drinks, and fun for the whole family.

Pre-Conference Hands-On Workshop

Exclusive Zirconia Workshop with Sprig Oral Health Technologies. We’re excited to offer an exclusive preconference hands-on zirconia workshop, in partnership with Sprig Oral Health Technologies. Space is extremely limited, so be sure to sign up early for this unique opportunity!

• Choose a morning or afternoon session

• Includes group lunch

• Learn from expert clinicians who have placed thousands of zirconia crowns

• Earn 4 CE units

Educational Program Highlights

We kick off our educational program on Friday with an allday Restorative Dentistry lecture by Dr. Joshua Solomon. On Saturday, our outstanding academic lineup continues with Dr. Audrey Yoon – Adolescent Growth modification, Dr. Andrew Young – Adolescent smoking and vaping, and Dr. Zameera Fida – Endodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. On Sunday, we’ll hear from Alex Otto – AI and Dentistry, as well as Dr. Jamil

Jivraj – What’s Behind That Smile: What Every Parent and Caregiver Should Know About Today’s 13-Year-Olds.

Resident Symposium

Thursday, March 11 | 1:00–5:00 PM

Calling all residents! Don’t miss our Resident Symposium, sponsored by Trelor and Heisel, designed just for you.

• Lunch will be provided prior to the symposium

• Educational, engaging, and tailored to resident needs

Resident Poster Session

Resident posters will be displayed in the Sponsor Exhibit Hall on Friday and Saturday.

• Judging takes place on Friday

• Awards will be presented during the Saturday afternoon dessert break, sponsored by WSPD

Dental Team Day

Friday, March 13

Bring your team for a full day of education designed specifically for dental professionals! Lunch included for all team members. These speakers offer a valuable and engaging day for your entire practice: Ashley Adams – Dental team communication, Mitch Lunn – LGBTQ considerations in adolescence, and Stephanie Botts – Dental Ergonomics.

• Earn up to 5.5 CEUs

Exhibit Hall & Networking

Visit our epic exhibit hall with breathtaking ocean views! Meet and connect with our incredible sponsors. Relax in the new exhibit hall lounge, sponsored by Elite Sedation. Take advantage of conference-only specials on supplies and office needs. Stop by the WSPD table near registration for membership information and networking opportunities. Don’t forget to get your passport stamped at every booth for a chance to win prizes announced during the final dessert break and at the end of the conference in the lecture hall! Some sponsors will also be hosting their own raffles—be sure to enter!

Explore San Diego

San Diego has so much to offer for the entire family and team when you’re not in the lecture or the exhibit hall.

• Paddleboarding or kayaking in Mission Bay

• Belmont Park, SeaWorld, USS Midway

• San Diego Zoo or Safari Park

• Nightlife in the Gaslamp District or a stroll along the promenade Fun for the whole team—and the whole family!

Registration & CE Information

• Earn up to 16 CEUs

• One-day registration options available

• BLS and PALS recertification or full provider courses offered Thursday afternoon Register now and view the full meeting lineup at www.cspd.org

We can’t wait to welcome you to beautiful Mission Bay for an unforgettable educational experience filled with learning, connection, and fun.

See you in San Diego!

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MEETING PROGRAM

Schedule Updated 1/17/2026. Schedule subject to change. For the most up to date schedule, view on the Guidebook app on your mobile device: Link coming soon!

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2026

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

CSPD Volunteer Dinner

Location: World Famous Board Members and Invited Guests Only

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sprig Pre-Conference Course

Registration Available at CSPD.org while registering for the Annual Meeting

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Workshop #1

Location: Palm Ballroom

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch

Location: Palm Terrace Course Attendees ONLY

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Workshop #2

Location: Palm Ballroom

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

CSPD Board of Directors Meeting

Location: Mission I

Board Members and Invited Guests Only

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch with Residents

Location: Red Marlin

Dental Team Day

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Dental Team Communication

Speaker: Ashlee Adams

1.5 CE Units

Location: Mission II/III

Course Description:

It would be easy to communicate in a dental office if it wasn’t for the people in it! Just kidding… sort of… Humans are complex individuals that require unique communication approaches to reach maximum understanding and harmony. This presentation will work through various office scenarios and teach how to apply tools that create predictable outcomes when it comes to communicating with patients, parents and the team.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Current Topics in LGBTQIA+ Youth and Young Adult Health

Speaker: Mitch Lunn

2.0 CE Units

Location: Mission II/III

Course Description:

This course will provide attendees with a thorough overview of current issues impacting the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQIA+) youth and young adults.

In addition to the current political climate, this course will discuss recent research on relevant issues impacting the dental health along with ways that all members of the dental care team can create supportive, affirming environments for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults.

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Insurance and Billing

Speaker: Dr. Colleen Huff, FAADOM

2.0 CE Units

Location: Mission II/III

Course Description:

Whether your practice is in-network or out-of-network, dental insurance has a profound influence on your success. Yet, mastering its nuances is often one of the most underestimated parts of running a thriving pediatric dental office. This interactive seminar reveals how understanding insurance intricacies directly impacts your bottom line — from proper documentation and coding to claim submission and denial management.

Join this fast-paced, information-rich session where administrative and clinical excellence meet financial strategy. Discover actionable insights that empower every team member — from front desk to operatory — to strengthen your revenue cycle and secure timely reimbursement.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2026

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m

Program Director Breakfast

Location: Mission I

7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Registration Open

Location: Grand Registration

7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

Location: Exhibit Hall

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

The Mystique of the Frenulum:

Cutting Through the Confusion

Speaker: Dr. David Rothman

1.0 CE Units

Location: Bayview Ballroom

Course Description:

Airways and infant feeding difficulties have taken center stage in the dental network. This course looks at the current controversy about the effects of a tethered tongue in the newborn and discusses the evidence-based literature for the pros and cons. We will review grading systems, tongue and frenulum function, and alternative therapies to surgical release.

7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m

Exhibit Hall Open

Location: Exhibit Hall

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Adolescent Growth

Modification

Speaker: Audrey Yoon

2.0 CE Units

Location: Bayview Ballroom

Understanding Youth Mental Health in Pediatric Dentistry

Speaker: Dr. Jamil Jivraj

1.5 CE Units

Location: Bayview Ballroom

Course Description:

This talk empowers pediatric dentists to recognize early signs of mental health challenges in children, understand emerging mental health trends, and adopt actionable strategies that foster emotional well-being. Participants will leave with tools to make a lasting impact on the health of their young patients and their own children.

11:30 a.m.

Closing Remarks

Location: Bayview Ballroom

DR. RAY STEWART - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Interviewed by Dr Pardis Farhadian, CSPD Secretary

1. When did you join CSPD?

I joined CSPD in 1977, two years after its founding, at the encouragement of Dr. Thomas K. Barber who was one of the founding members of the organization. Dr. Barber was my mentor and Chair of Pediatric Dentistry at UCLA. He recruited me to join the faculty at UCLA in 1971, following completion of my residency training program in “Pedodontics” and fellowship in Medical Genetics at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon. I remember vividly a sit-down conversation around that time with Dr. David Good who, in no uncertain terms, informed me of “the absolute necessity of every pediatric dentist to maintain an active participation in organized dentistry, particularly within our specialty, in order to assure our voice and influence in all matters which pertain to the guidelines and scope of practice within which we are expected to operate”, with the alternative of having others decide our role for us.

2. Favorite aspect of CSPD membership

It is difficult to pick one aspect of CSPD that I find to be my “favorite” or most important. Suffice it to say that CSPD has played a pivotal role in my professional development as a practitioner, teacher, mentor, leader and advocate for the health and well-being of the children we are privileged to serve. CSPD’s influence extends, as well, to my personal development engendered by the lifelong friendships and associations which would never have occurred had it not been for my active participation in CSPD.

As the President of CSPD (1997-98), I was privileged to meet and become acquainted with most of the 800+ pediatric dentists practicing in California at that time.

Similarly, as the third executive director of CSPD (following in the footsteps of my close friends and mentors Tom Barber and Mel Rowan) beginning in 2008 through 2015, I witnessed the expansion and development of the CSPD Foundation with corporate sponsorship under the leadership of Mark Lisagor and Steve Gross, the enhanced working relationship with the California Dental Association (CDA), guided by Paul Reggiardo as the newly created Public Policy Advocate, and the development of the robust Online Continuing Education programs pioneered by Steven Niethamer. It was also the time in which the Santos Cortez Child Advocacy Internship positions were created and funded by the CSPD Foundation.

3. What initially drew you to Pediatric Dentistry and what keeps you passionate about working with children?

As a second-year dental student at the University of Oregon Health Science Center, I spent the summer of my sophomore year as a research fellow working with Don Porter (Chair of Pediatric Dentistry) and Dick Matthewson who was the Pediatric Dentist on the OHS Cleft Palate team (and later Chair of Pediatrics at Oklahoma). This opportunity turned out to be a life changing experience for me and set the stage for what became a career defining interest in medical genetics and craniofacial anomalies which continues to be a focus for my professional activities today. Following that summer, I knew that Pediatric Dentistry would be my career path and eventually led to my application and acceptance to an advanced specialty training combined with a fellowship in Medical Genetics and Craniofacial anomalies. Following completion of my training programs in 1971, I joined the faculty at the UCLA School of Dentistry with a joint appointment in the Department of Pediatric Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics where I had the pleasure of working with Henry Kawamoto (Plastic Surgery), Jim Mulick (Orthodontics), and David Rimoin (Medical Genetics) in establishing the UCLA Craniofacial and Orofacial Genetics Fellowship programs.

4. Is there a particularly memorable or rewarding moment that illustrates what you love most about your career?

I am truly blessed to be able to say that there has not been a “single event” that stands out as being the most important or memorable in my career. Rather, these “rewarding” and “memorable” moments are multiple and occur for me on a weekly, if not daily, basis! Words cannot express the satisfaction and exhilaration that comes from successfully coaching a child through a particularly difficult dental procedure or seeing and feeling the joy experienced by an ectodermal dysplasia patient who has his first denture delivered which restores congenitally missing or hypoplastic teeth to “give them a smile like their friends have”. Similarly, it is equally gratifying to experience the satisfaction of knowing that we are playing a pivotal role in shaping the careers and lives of students and residents whom we have the privilege of mentoring. These relationships often extend well beyond graduation from a program and frequently result in lifelong friendships and relationships as colleagues.

It is my sincere hope that each and every one of my students will venture forth and have the pleasure and satisfaction of experiencing a career which provides the sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, and love for the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry as I have.

DR. STEVEN CHAN - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Interviewed by Dr Pardis Farhadian, CSPD Secretary

1. What has been your favorite aspect of your CSPD membership?

Relationships

2. What initially drew you to pediatric dentistry, and what keeps you passionate about working with children?

Through lots of life’s lessons and experience I learned about myself.

I trained in a trauma center. It’s a different slice of life. I learned about my humanity.

In my postgrad training, I rotated through a Children’s Hospital – in the genetics team, special care nursery, internal medicine and the specialized E.R. The detective research associated with dental trauma and pediatric medicine such as learning to “see”, putting a “name” to it, and learning how to solve the “problem” was fascinating.

But seeing the baby’s face before, then seeing the face after, turned on that light bulb above my head. In selfdiscovery you learn what you’re really good at.

I considered redirecting my path to surgery and then to medicine. But I discovered the limits of my personality. I had a hard time seeing someone hurt or even dying. It was tougher for me - to see a baby hurt or dying. Our specialty is the most human of all the specialties. In pediatrics, we touch lives. We touch people more than the dentistry.

I’m in that part of my career where I see my babies who once were patients now bringing in their babies for dental visits. They could take their kid somewhere closer to where they live. Why do I still get college graduation notices, wedding announcements, career milestone letters, even funeral notices? Why do they come back and feel the need to tell me their story when they were a kid? I feel blessed for all of these special moments with long standing families in the practice.

When I’m asked, “How many children do you have?”

My response: “Thousands . . .”

And they are my babies.

3. Can you describe a particularly memorable or rewarding moment that illustrates what you love most about your career?

Untold times, I’m in Wal Mart or Costco or just around town – and one of my babies will come up to me – “I was one of your kids . . .”

At large community events – a kid, a parent, a grandparent, a hospital colleague – in a crowd of thousands . . . will find the need to come over and smile.

I’m on the governing board for our regional hospital – and a nurse or a doc or management staff person – “My kids grew up – and they still talk about you.”

I was on the COVID vaccination team for our hospital –when hundreds of cars lined up down the main street. When a former parent or now grandparent or one of our babies who grew up were in line to get vaccinated. We held up that mile long line just to catch up with each other.

Nearly a dozen (maybe more) of our babies – will come back – and ask to do an internship in our office – and tell us, “I want to do what you do!”

I’ve been fortunate to have been chosen in leadership roles in our profession . . . as Presidents of the California Dental Association, the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, the American College of Dentists (this nation’s honor society for dentistry), the Dental Board of California.

Relationships never go away.

Over and over – someone found the need to come up to tell me: “Once you told me – what I could do to reach my goal . . . “

And time and time again . . . they needed to come back and share . . . “I did it!”

4. Which cartoon character would make the best dental assistant and why?

Mickey Mouse’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

In the day in the life of a pediatric dentist’s schedule, only magic can help . . .our assistants provide that magic.

Let me paint the scenario:

Mrs. “A” comes late with her 2 kids – and needs to get to another appointment. Family “B” – ages 3, 7, 13 are seated and anxious to get started. Patient “C” just fell at preschool and is on their way.

A pharmacy is on the phone – and needs clarification on an Rx for patient “V”.

Baby “D” is screaming in mom’s arms. Special needs patient “E” is getting antsy. Pediatrician “F” is returning your call about patient “G.” Patient “H” is numb and ready for restorative. Patient “I” needs urgent attention for a recurring nighttime pain. Parents ”J” are bringing their baby for their first dental appointment.

Patient “K” – a referral from a GP - looks like he/she needs a lot of treatment – and will need the detailed lengthy informed consent discussion.

Sometimes . . . only magic helps . . .

PATIENT SAFETY AND ACCESS TO CARE AT THE FOREFRONT

Dr. Evelyne Vu-Tien, DDS, MBA, CSPD Public Policy Advocate

Highlights from the November 2025 Dental Board of California Meetings

Recent proceedings of the Dental Board of California (DBC) on November 6-7, 2025, underscore a period of heightened regulatory attention, particularly in anesthesia and sedation oversight, infection control standards, and workforce sustainability. The DBC discussions emphasized patient safety through stricter evaluation of sedation permits and emergency preparedness, as well as ongoing rule-making to update minimum infection control requirements. At the same time, the Board engaged in dialogue on legislative proposals addressing licensure pathways and access to care, reflecting the growing recognition that regulatory policy and workforce constraints disproportionately affect children, underserved communities, and practices providing care to patients with complex cultural, behavioral, and medical needs.

The DBC devoted significant attention to anesthesia and sedation oversight, including review of inspection and evaluation data. The Board emphasized deficiencies in emergency management during sedation as incompatible with patient safety expectations and as the primary cause of failures. This signals the dental board’s continued focus on patient safety and ensuring high levels of sedation competency, documentation, emergency preparedness, and permit renewal standards.

There ensued some discussion on AB 966, which would extend Board approval to any foreign dental school whose program was approved by the Board before January 1, 2024, while they pursue CODA accreditation. Board members and public commenters discussed this as an access-to-care issue, noting that many foreign program graduates care for underserved and Denti-Cal populations—groups heavily represented in pediatric dentistry. The Board acknowledged persistent shortages, linguistic barriers, and the slow pace of CODA accreditation, all of which have deleterious effects on pediatric dental access, especially in community clinics.

The Board reported stable but constricting finances, staff position eliminations, and an 8% vacancy rate. This reduced staffing shortage may affect licensing timelines, permit processing, inspections, and enforcement, which hopefully will be ameliorated once vacancy rates are filled.

Recent proceedings of the Dental Assisting Council of the Dental Board of California on November 6, 2025, focused on proposed changes to dental assisting education and licensure pathways, including outsourcing the credentialing of dental assisting in-office and private dental school programs due to the DBC’s lack of background in education and credentialing. The move would also free up the workforce to focus on ensuring timely license processing and on oversight of public safety and dental law enforcement. In-office training pathways for dental assistants would remain untouched. The need to calibrate and maintain a consistently trained and proficient dental workforce was one of the reasons the DBC decided to outsource credentialing. DBC’s foundation is not in education or credentialing; thus, seeking a third-party specialist to oversee this would benefit all stakeholders. Tooka Zokaie, MPH, MAS, CPH (CDA Senior Health Policy Analyst), asked the DBC to consider the financial implications and burdens that selecting a third-party credentialing firm would impose on in-office and private institutions, and the potential challenges schools and in-office programs would face in adopting greater administrative and financial hurdles.

Access to care and financial attainability of all dental assisting programs remain a concern in our profession, and the DBC is cognizant of dental practice and organizational staffing challenges. There is an ongoing review of infection control regulations, and the DBC is still reviewing online versions of the infection control course for acceptance in implementing AB873. These deliberations were framed within the context of persistent workforce shortages and access-to-care challenges, while simultaneously emphasizing the Board’s mandate to protect patient safety.

California Oral Health Developments Focuses on Access to Care and Public Health

CSPD’s active engagement with the California Partnership for Oral Health stakeholders has focused on defending public oral health infrastructure while efficiently using remaining public funds. The 2025–2028 California Oral Health Plan priorities are ensuring healthy environments and habits, linkage to clinical care, infrastructure and payment reform, communication and health literacy, and strengthened surveillance through statewide school district data collection.

Key 2025 initiatives include protecting baseline funding for the Office of Oral Health, expanding school-based dental programs, reforming the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA), and integrating Community Health Workers into Medi-Cal oral health delivery. CSPD President, Dr. MyLinh Ngo, has reached out to AAPD to establish a school-based dental program policy that ensures dental care is delivered with follow-up and emergency care in mind, as well as to establish a dental home.

A recent win with AB 350 extends fluoride varnish coverage through age 21. It broadens its reach through public health programs, supporting caries prevention across adolescence during a time when water fluoridation is at risk. Ongoing efforts to modernize KOHA reimbursement and authorize tele dentistry aim to improve access to care, particularly in areas where emergency departments are inundated with dental emergencies, such as in Siskiyou County, due to a dearth of dental providers.

Community water fluoridation remains a critical pediatric oral-health priority following recent rollback attempts in several California communities. Organized advocacy efforts have begun at the state and local grassroots levels, mobilizing professionals and residents in areas such as the Olivenhain Water District (San Diego) and Oroville. Efforts, including proposals for early-notification requirements and a planned statewide fluoridation summit, underscore the continued need to protect population-level caries prevention strategies. Collectively, these policy actions reflect coordinated engagement by CSPD, the California Dental Association, and statewide oral-health partners to safeguard equitable access, provider sustainability, and preventive care for California’s public health amid an evolving fiscal and legislative landscape.

Policy discussions also addressed broader workforce challenges affecting pediatric access to care. Updates included the implementation of AB 341, which establishes a statewide technical assistance center for individuals with disabilities, and early conversations about future dental therapy legislation. Additionally, leaders stressed the pivotal role of community health workers (CHWs) and the need for standardized training pathways as Medi-Cal begins reimbursing CHW oral health services.

These initiatives signal a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary and community-based solutions to narrow health care access gaps—areas where pediatric dentists will play a central leadership role in collaborative care and educating other disciplines on community oral health. CSPD and CDA have been working on behalf of all stakeholders to promote the continued success of our profession and champion oral health for our community. The success would not be possible without the tremendous work and advocacy of our local grassroots members.

The CDA House of Delegates Meeting Brings Awareness

to the Importance

of Specialty Pediatric Dental Knowledge

At the November 2025 House of Delegates meeting of the CDA, delegates deliberated and acted on a range of governance, advocacy, and policy resolutions. Several measures focused on organizational operations, including officer elections, bylaw updates, dues adjustments for 2026, and membership recruitment initiatives.

The House adopted a resolution recognizing children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) as an oral health at-risk population. Dr. MyLinh Ngo spoke about the importance of integrating medical and dental knowledge and working as a multi-disciplinary approach to yield the highest level of care for all medically complex patients. Regarding diabetes, a CDA member and general dentist’s daughter was afflicted with T1D, and proposed a bill to usher in greater dental and medical knowledge, as well as awareness for those diagnosed with diabetes. With amendments supported by the CSPD, the resolution was referred to the AAPD to develop guidelines and policies for caring for the growing number of pediatric patients diagnosed with Type I and Type 2 diabetes, using a multidisciplinary approach between hospitalists, endocrinologists, and dentists. This action reflects growing awareness of the oral–systemic health needs of medically complex pediatric populations.

SPRING REPORT

Dr. Donald Schmitt - AAPD Western District Trustee (2024-2027)

All trustees on the AAPD Board serve as board liaisons to multiple committees. The assignments vary somewhat by year and are set by the incoming President. Currently, I serve as liaison to the PAC and the Constitution and Bylaws and Awards Committees, and the Committee on Dental Benefit Programs.

The Committee on Dental Benefit Programs is led by Past AAPD President Dr. Jim Nickman. Pending approval of the AAPD Board at its January Winter Planning meeting in Scottsdale, the name may change to the Committee on Dental Insurance and Coding. Dr. Nickman and the committee spend many hours each year reviewing the proposals for new and revised CDT codes. After review and ratification of the committee’s recommendations, Dr. Nickman and others from AAPD will attend the ADA coding meeting to agree upon code changes for the following year. In December, Drs. Nickman and Chelsea Fosse (Vice President, Research and Policy Center) hosted a webinar

focusing on pediatric related changes to the CDT for 2026. The webinar recording can be found at https://www.aapd.org/research/policy-center/ webinars/

The committee also works with groups such as American Association of Dental Consultants, the National Association of Dental Plans, and America’s Health Insurance Plans, among other similar groups. This ongoing effort is to communicate AAPD members’ perspective on appropriate oral health benefits for children and the concerns with third party reimbursement programs with the dental benefits industry and major dental benefit purchasers.

This year’s Chapter Leadership Summit and PPA Workshop will be held on September 25th and 26th at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago. The Chapter Leadership Summit will take place on Friday and the PPA Workshop will take place on Saturday. Attendees will be encouraged to participate in both days. This summit allows State and District Leaders to network and learn from each other. The AAPD will be at its best when its component chapters are at their best. Participation at the Chapter Leadership Summit / PPA Workshop is a great way to elevate your state chapter or district.

Cohort VII recently wrapped up an amazing leadership journey at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Business in Chicago. Thirty AAPD members from across the country gather for four days every December for three years to enhance their leadership abilities under the guidance of Kellogg’s world renowned professors. The program is supported by both the AAPD Foundation and the AAPD and was recently renamed The John S Rutkauskas Leadership Institute in honor of our retiring CEO. Dr. Rutkauskas was instrumental in the founding of the Leadership Institute over 20 years ago with significant support from Ultradent. It’s truly an inspiring experience that enriches all aspects of participants’ lives. Invaluable knowledge is gained and lifelong friendships are fostered. Applications are currently being reviewed for Cohort VIII which starts in December 2026.

I look forward to seeing you all very soon at the CSPD Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Mission Bay. The Idaho Society of Pediatric Dentistry will be holding its annual state meeting at 11:30am on Friday March 13th in Mission 1 room at the Hyatt. In addition, WSPD will hold its Spring Board Meeting also at the Hyatt on Saturday March 14th at 2pm.

BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2025

MOTION 2025. 11.15.01: Approval of the Agenda. MOTION CARRIED

MOTION 2025. 11.15.02: Approval of the Minutes of August 2, 2025, Meeting of the CSPD Board of Directors. MOTION CARRIED

MOTION 2025. 11.15.03: Approval of Consent Reports & Submissions. MOTION CARRIED

MOTION 2025. 11.15.04: Send CSPD support letter for AB 873 to State Assembly. MOTION CARRIED

MOTION 2025. 11.15.05: Send CSPD support letter for AB 350 to State Assembly. MOTION CARRIED

MOTION 2025. 11.15.06: CSPD Policy Regarding Annual Meeting Sponsor Advertisements in the Bulletin. MOTION CARRIED

CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

ELECTED AND APPOINTED LEADERSHIP

A complete listing of committee appointments may be found at www.cspd.org

OFFICERS

Immediate Past President: Mitch Poiset

President: MyLinh Ngo

Vice President: Natalie Vander Kam

Secretary: Pardis Farhadian

Treasurer: Shan Girn

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

North 2024 – 2026: Cheryl Willett

South 2024 – 2026: Laura McCormack

At Large 2024 – 2026: Ella Saeed

North 2025 – 2027: Helen Mo

North 2025 – 2027: Jean Star

South 2025 – 2027: Evelyne Vu-Tien

South 2025 – 2027: Maryam Meschi

At Large 2025 – 2027: Rita Daghlian

APPOINTED OFFICERS

Web Site Editor: Leticia Edwards

Bulletin Managing Editor: Chanel McCreedy

Public Policy Advocate:

Evelyne Vu-Tien

CONTACTS AND LIAISONS

AAPD District V (WSPD) Trustee:

Don Schmitt

AAPD Liaison (Board Member): Cat Pham

WSPD Liaison (Board Member): Ella Saeed

CSPD AAP Chapter Liaisons:

Chapter 1 – Jonathon Lee

Chapter 2 – Reem Kabbarah

Chapter 3 – John Guijon

Chapter 4 – Wai Yin Chan

Annual Meeting Sponsor Relations Liaison: Ora Lowe

California Dental Society of Anesthesiology Liaison:

David Rothman

CSPD Foundation Liaison (Ex Officio

Immediate Past President): Mitch Poiset

Advisor to the Public Policy Advocate –Legislative Affairs: Santos Cortez

Advisor to the Public Policy Advocate –Dental Board of California: Paul Reggiardo

CSPD REPRESENTATIVES TO THE WSPD BOARD

CSPD President (Ex Officio): MyLinh Ngo

CSPD Vice President (Ex Officio): Natalie Vander Kam

CSPD Liaison to the WSPD Board: Ella Saeed

CSPD Representative to the WSPD Board: Rita Daghlian

BOARD MEMBER – LEADERSHIP INTERN

Warren Brandli Internship (WBI) Interns:

• Aubey Morrone (UCSF)

• Carleen Tse (UCLA)

Santos Cortez Graduate Student (GSLA) Interns:

• Maile Osborne (USC)

• Helina Iyob-Tessema (UCSF)

• Jody Chiang (NYU Langone)

STAFF

Administrative Director: Andrea Elliott

Administrative Assistant: Delicia Beltran

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 11-14, 2027

2027 CSPD

March 23-26, 2028

2028 CSPD

CSPD PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Have you been thinking about hiring an associate, but just aren't sure where to look? Or are you finishing your residency soon, and aren't sure where you'd like to live and practice?

The answer is right on the CSPD website. To look at these opportunities and others, go to www.cspd.org

• Opportunities Wanted

• Opportunities Available

• Faculty Positions Available

• Practices for Sale

CALIFORNIA SOCIETY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

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