I was admitted to dental school on the strength of my conviction to return to my underserved community.  The Student National Dental Association (SNDA) was my support system and outlet for community outreach during dental school.  I kept my promise and dedicated my career to treating the low-income, people of color, marginalized and vulnerable for 37 years in safety net settings.  The SNDA was my pipeline to NDA membership.  Over many years, the NDA groomed me by honing leadership skills, clinical skills through continuing education, and giving me community outreach opportunities.   

In 2021, I will lead the NDA gratefully--representing my colleagues, working with our NDA Family organization leaders, and promoting the NDA mission in partnerships that will improve health equity and elevate the oral health status of those with the greatest disparities.   I want our oral health professional and dental auxiliary students to have the same opportunities in the future.  They are taking on great educational indebtedness in order to pursue a career of addressing the oral health needs of those at greatest risk.  

Please support the financial sustainability of the NDA and its pipeline through your donation. Please be generous and inspire your peers to donate too.