District 13 - ICD Newsletter Winter 2025

District XIII –California Newsletter

INSIDE

Photos of Events from this past year

Noteworthy Events for the Calendar

Where Fellowship Meets Purpose: The ACD/ ICD Breakfast at CDA Presents “Better-Know-AMember”

Each newsletter, we are going to feature a member and shine a spotlight on their achievements

Class of 2025 – Welcome!

Please join in welcoming the newest class of Fellows for 2025 Dr Nova Aghbashian, Dr Muhalab Al Sammarraie, Dr Jorge A Alvarez Gomez, Dr Feleshia L Apps, Dr Marc Anthony Bernardo, Dr Mark Thomas Booth, Dr Michael Boyko, Dr Nicolas L. Bronzini, Dr Alice Chan, Dr Kaushal Chaudhari, Dr Elisa M. Chavez, Dr Alexandra B Choi, Dr Kelvin C Choi, Dr Philip Kelvin Choi, Dr Joshua M Connolly, Dr Ryan Courtin, Dr Shireen Dejbakhsh, Dr Jeffrey A Delgadillo, Dr Benjamin M Dickson, Dr Regina Espinoza, Dr Bernadette Alvear Fa, Dr Jesse Michael Fa, Dr Omar Faridi, Dr Thomas Fitzpatrick, Dr Reginald L Fulford, Dr Maria C Galdiano, Dr Ryan Grier, Dr Rishi Jay Gupta, Dr Bharat Ram Chowdry Guttikonda, Dr Krishna Veni Guttikonda, Dr Daniel Hammer, Dr Heather Hawkins, Dr Gregory James Heise, Dr Mark H Holt, Dr Kurt Hummeldorf, Dr Allen J Job, Dr Shivani Karre, Dr Michelle Marie Kelman, Dr Akshita Khode, Dr Kent L Knoernschild, Dr Michael Huan Le, Dr David W Lee, Dr Cherish K Leung, Dr Filipe S Lima, Dr Bernardita N Lizan, Dr Kenneth G Louie, Dr. Darwin F. Lum, Dr. Pamela A. MacPherson, Dr. Jasjeet S. Malli, Dr. Timothy S. Martinez, Dr. Fatima Mashkoor, Dr. Brandon McCullough, Dr. Nish Mehta, Dr. Maria N. Mella, Dr. Philip R. Melnick, Dr. Leticia Mendoza-Sobel, Dr. Simon P. Morris, Dr. Rahul Nagda, Dr. Diana Nguyen, Dr. Michael Sitai Nguyen, Dr. Susan T. Nguyen, Dr. Sandra Nnodim, Dr. Didem Ozdemir Ozenen, Dr. Patrick Renan Vicencio Pansoy, Dr. Pankaj K. Patel, Dr. Lindsay Pfeffer, Dr. Mahek Pipalia, Dr. Parvathi Pokala, Dr. Mark D. Porco, Dr. Ella Saeed, Dr. Suzanne Saidi, Dr. Mariechris Sapinoso, Dr. Donald C. Schmitt, Dr. Eric Zane Shapira, Dr. Mohita Sharma, Dr. Darce A. Slate, Dr. Richard S. Sobel, Dr. Rubin Sorrell II, Dr. Brett Michael Springer, Dr. David Steinberg, Dr. Sue Suh, Dr. Portia Turner, Dr. Mary Turoff, Dr. Ram Mohan Vaderhobli, Dr. Tamir Wardany, Dr. Dina Wasileski, Dr. Carl D. Werts, Dr. Joel Whiteman, Dr. Lynne MyLinh Wong, Dr. Lesa R. Woodson, Dr. Arthur Wu, and Dr. Karisa Kimi Yamamoto.

Whether virtual or in person, 92 of California’s finest dentists were inaugurated into the College so many, in fact, that we quite literally outgrew the black backdrop! A testament to the remarkable talent and dedication in our state!

“Better-Know-A-Member” - Dr Karin Irani

A Tireless Advocate for Veterans

In the world of dentistry, we all thrive to blend clinical excellence, leadership, and social responsibility.With over two decades of service to her patients, profession, and community, Karin Irani stands as a shining example of what it means to lead with integrity and compassion.

A Career Defined by Dedication and Excellence

Dr. Irani’ s journey began in Southern California, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from the University of Southern California. Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to attend the ADA/Kellogg Executive Management Program and recently, a Juris Doctor from Glendale University College of Law.

Today, she balances her roles as a practicing dentist, and a licensed attorney. This unique blend of expertise enables Dr. Irani to advocate for both clinical and legal standards in dentistry, further enhancing her impact in the field.

Service Beyond the Chair: Championing Veterans' Oral Health

Perhaps most noteworthy is Dr. Irani’ s unwavering commitment to supporting U.S. military veterans a population that often faces significant barriers to dental care. In 2013, she co-founded Veterans Smile Day, a national initiative that provides free dental services to veterans across the country. The program has grown into a vital source of care, comfort, and community for countless individuals. She says" We can all give one day to those who volunteered to give their lives."

Continuing her mission, Dr. Irani launched Serving Our Smiles in 2021, a nonprofit organization to address the workforce challenges, training dental assistants and help veterans reintegrate into society.

“For many veterans, access to dental care is not just a health issue it’ s a matter of dignity,” Dr. Irani notes. “Serving them is one of the greatest honors of my career. ”

Leadership Rooted in Ethics and Mentorship

Dr. Irani’ s leadership extends well beyond clinical settings. She has held prominent positions including Trustee for both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the California Dental Association (CDA), and chaired multiple ADA and CDA committees focused on membership, leadership development, and diversity.

She is also a longtime speaker with the ADA Success Program, inspiring new dentists through mentorship and guidance. Her passion for inclusive leadership has made her a respected voice in national conversations on dental workforce development and professional ethics.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Purpose

As she continues to serve our profession as the 13th District Trustee on the ADA Board of Trustees, Dr. Irani remains focused on creating meaningful change especially for those most in need. Her mission remains constant: to elevate care, inspire leadership, and serve with heart.

In an era where ethics and empathy are more essential than ever, Dr. Karin Irani exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a dental professional and a humanitarian.

Where Fellowship Meets Purpose: The ACD/ICD Breakfast at CDA Presents

As dawn breaks over Anaheim, the ACD/ICD Fellowship Breakfast glows with more than coffee and conversation it glows with purpose. Each year, before the energy of CDA Presents fills the halls, Fellows of the American College of Dentists (ACD) and the International College of Dentists (ICD) gather to celebrate what unites them: integrity, leadership, and service to humanity.

What makes this breakfast special isn’t just tradition it’s transformation. Around each table sit mentors and mentees, educators and clinicians, past leaders and future ones. The laughter, handshakes, and heartfelt greetings remind us that dentistry is not simply a profession it’s a calling built on relationships and respect. It’s a rare moment where the white coats are set aside and the shared values of the ACD and ICD take center stage.

The morning unfolds as both reflection and renewal. Stories of service, of ethics in action, of courage in leadership, ripple through the room. Here, we are reminded that the greatest measure of a dentist’s success isn’t found in production reports but in the lives, we impact and the trust we build.

In an era where technology and AI are transforming every facet of dentistry, this gathering offers something timeless: human connection. It reaffirms that while machines may analyze, only people can inspire. The breakfast closes not with ceremony, but with resolve to return to our practices, classrooms, and communities carrying forward the same spirit that fills the room.

Because in that shared morning light, the future of dentistry begins together

Catching Up Over Coffee: A Morning with ACD & ICD

There’s nothing quite like starting the day surrounded by colleagues who inspire and uplift. Here’s a look at the moments that made this breakfast one to remember.

Smiles, Sandals, and Service: When the ICD Went Coastal in San Diego

This past September, the California sun outdid itself as the International College of Dentists (USA Section) brought its annual convocation right to our backyard beautiful San Diego. For once, the phrase “see you at the beach” wasn’t just wishful thinking; it was practically the dress code.

From the moment Fellows arrived, San Diego welcomed them with its signature blend of ocean breeze, palm trees, and just enough traffic to remind everyone they were in California. The city’s energy set the perfect stage for a weekend celebrating integrity, leadership, and service the golden pillars of the ICD.

The Convocation itself was nothing short of inspiring. As new Fellows proudly donned their gold keys, you could feel the collective heartbeat of a profession rooted in purpose. Speeches stirred, friendships rekindled, and laughter filled the hallways proof that while dentistry may be a profession, fellowship is the soul that sustains it.

Of course, no San Diego gathering would be complete without its share of fun. Between the ceremonies, many attendees found themselves swapping stories over fish tacos, watching sunsets at Coronado, or debating whether to call it “networking” or simply “vacation with CE credit.”

The ICD Convocation reminded us that while the College may span the globe, its heart beats strongest when Fellows come together in service and sometimes, when they do it within walking distance of the ocean.

Here’s to golden keys, ocean breeze, and the kind of fellowship that never fades.

Golden Smiles by the Sea: ICD 2025 Convocation

Where the Pacific breeze met professional prestige and plenty of photo ops.

Thoughts from Two new ICD Fellows

There are few moments in a dentist’s life that truly mark the passage from dedication to purpose walking across the stage on dental school graduation day is one of them. It’s the day we stand as proof that perseverance can indeed build dreams.

But walking across the stage as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists that was different. That day wasn’t just a celebration of what I had achieved; it was a moment of profound arrival. Standing alongside peers who have all worked tirelessly to serve their communities and uplift our profession, I felt a deep sense of belonging. It was as if life was reminding me: you are where you are meant to be.

The ICD Fellowship is not an endpoint; it’s an invitation to greater responsibility. The true reward for doing meaningful work is being called to do even more of it.

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Akshay Thusu, whose unwavering dedication to service and mentorship continues to inspire so many in dentistry. His nomination for this honor was more than an endorsement it was a reflection of shared values and the importance of lifting one another up in our professional journeys.

During the ceremony, listening to Dr. Kenneally speak about his own journey of perseverance and perspective struck a deeply personal chord. As a cancer survivor who once had to pause life and defer a year of dental school to complete treatment, his words felt like they were meant for me. They reminded me that resilience and purpose are born from adversity.

Walking down that stage, holding the ICD plaque, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude not just for what I had endured, but for the opportunity to now give back. It felt as though life had come full circle: I had not just reached a milestone, but found a home within a family of colleagues who believe in service, integrity, and humanity above all else.

That day was not the end of a journey it was the beginning of a new one.

Honored. Grounded. Ready.

Being nominated as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists isn’t a medal. It’s a mirror. It reflects the values I try to live by: service, integrity, and the quiet work of protecting both patients and colleagues. This fellowship reminds me that leadership doesn’t shout. It listens. It teaches. It repairs. And most importantly, it holds the line when no one is looking.

The ICD honor is not an endpoint. It’s a promise to keep choosing substance over spotlight, clarity over jargon, and dignity over speed. I carry this recognition not as a title, but as a compass. To keep doing ordinary things with unusual care.

Grateful for this milestone. Committed to the long walk ahead.

Thoughts from the Editor

Steadfast in Tumultuous Waters

Fellows,

The times in which we practice and indeed, in which we live are nothing short of extraordinary. Society churns with uncertainty, organized dentistry wrestles with evolving demands, and the landscape around us often feels like a sea of constant change. Some days, it is calm sailing; other days, it is more akin to weathering a storm with a leaky umbrella.

And yet, amid all this, there remains a beacon that neither flickers nor fades: the International College of Dentists and its enduring principles of Integrity, Leadership and Service.

These principles are not simply etched on our certificates or recited at ceremonies they are our North Star.

• Integrity reminds us that trust, once earned, is our profession’s most precious currency. It is a treasure harder to come by than gold, and easier to lose than a retainer at summer camp.

• Leadership calls us to be more than spectators. It is not about holding titles, but about shouldering responsibility, inspiring confidence, and sometimes making decisions when no one else dares to step forward.

• Service grounds us in the essence of dentistry. For what is our work, if not the daily act of improving lives, restoring dignity, and yes brightening smiles?

Here in California, we can be proud that these values are not theoretical aspirations; they are lived realities. From mentoring dental students and young professionals, to volunteering in community clinics, to serving as steady voices within organized dentistry, California Fellows exemplify our motto: Serving Others.

But let us not grow complacent. The times ahead will demand even more of us. ICD is not a passive fellowship it is a call to action. A call to raise our hands when others lower theirs, to speak with clarity when the dialogue grows muddled, and to serve without expectation of reward.

So, I ask you, my Fellow Californians: lean into the legacy you hold. Carry integrity into every decision, embody leadership in every gathering, and extend service to every community you touch. Attend the meetings, mentor the next generation, volunteer your time, and champion the values that set ICD apart.

The seas may be turbulent, but we do not drift aimlessly. We are navigators, guided by principles that withstand the storm. Let us show dentistry and indeed the world that here in California, Fellows of the ICD do not merely belong to an organization. We belong to a cause.

We are ICD. We are California. And together we serve. Now let us chart the course forward, with integrity in our sails, leadership at the helm, and service as the wind that carries us.

As per usual, if you have any interest in writing an article or being features – please reach out to me Amir Kazim at amir.e.kazim@gmail.com