Youth, societies, communities benefit from Institute programs

Projects associated with the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership provide class members with hands-on experience in identifying and taking action on a civic or professional issue of personal importance.

“The leadership project is key to the success of the program, because it allows our participants to hone their leadership skills with support and guidance,” said Dr. Ray Gist, ADA 9th District trustee and chair of the ADA Board of Trustees Diversity Committee. “I am very impressed with the dedication, enthusiasm and talent of our classes, which underscores their commitment to their communities and the dental profession.”

In addition to the two mentioned above, current projects include:

• Dr. Karen Becerra, San Diego鈥擠eveloping a childhood obesity curriculum for dental and medical residents.
• Dr. Ruth Bol, Marina Del Ray, Calif.鈥擠eveloping a sustainability strategy for the Society of American Indian Dentists.
• Dr. Sheila Dobee, Fremont, Calif.鈥擱evitalizing Give Kids A Smile using feedback from stakeholders, including a hospital service.
• Dr. Rachael Hogan, Bellingham, Wash.鈥擨nvolving community health center dentists with the component society and developing new mobile dental services and a preschool program.
• Dr. Viren Jhaveri, Old Westbury, N.Y.鈥擯roducing a dental society CE program for outreach to diverse dentists.
• Dr. Timothy Kinnard, Oklahoma City鈥擶orking with stakeholders for the Oklahoma Medicaid program to identify ways to improve the program.
• Dr. Irene Marron, Miami鈥擠eveloping a leadership program with the Miami and Florida dental societies to serve members and attract potential members from diverse backgrounds.
• Dr. Lauro Medrano, Brooklyn, N.Y.鈥擯roducing a dental society CE program for outreach to diverse dentists.
• Dr. Cesar Otero, Elk Grove Village, Ill.鈥擯roducing a presentation to help legislators understand the need for adequate Medicaid funding and help dentists see how Medicaid care can be financially viable.
• Dr. Alyssa York, Phoenix鈥擱evitalizing the Phoenix chapter of the National Dental Association.