19 January 2026

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Dental Leaders Discuss Future of Profession, Importance of Advocacy, Value of Membership

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National, state and local leaders in organized dentistry recently visited University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry to inform and inspire dental students during a Tripartite Leadership Panel hosted by the Dugoni School’s California Dental Association Student Chapter.

Dr. Richard Rosato, president of the American Dental Association (ADA), Dr. Robert Hanlon, president of the California Dental Association (CDA), and Dr. Travis Smith, director on the board of the San Francisco Dental Society (SFDS), were among the leaders who participated in the Nov. 24 panel and tour of the school along with ADA Trustee from California, Dr. Karin Irani and SFDS Executive Director, Ms. Deborah Elam.

The event was hosted by CDA Student Chapter President Kyle Koupaie, DDS Class of 2027, and fellow Dugoni CDA student leaders with the support of Dr. Craig Yarborough, director of the Dugoni School’s Center for Success.

The panelists shared remarks about their paths in dentistry, the importance of advocacy for the profession, value of membership and practical advice for getting involved in organized dentistry. They also discussed how their organizations may evolve over the next five years, touching on topics such as mental health and wellness, emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, and long-term initiatives such as the ADA’s new Oral Health 2050 strategic framework.

"I was honored to join our state and local partners for an insightful event at the Dugoni School. It was a shining example of our Tripartite uniting in purpose," said ADA President Dr. Richard Rosato. "Touring the campus and engaging with students made the experience truly special. Their creativity and passion reaffirm my confidence in our profession’s bright future. ADA remains committed to supporting the emerging generation of leaders. I know the next era of dentistry is in great hands."

“One of the most exciting things I get to do as a leader in organized dentistry is engage with dental students,” added CDA President Dr. Robert Hanlon. “I always come away from meeting with them enthused and optimistic about the future of our profession. My hope is that our panel was able to convey to them the importance of organized dentistry and its role in shaping their future. My advice is to get involved with your local society early after graduation and make connections with other early career dentists and mentors who can broaden your professional network.”

During their time in school, Dugoni students receive complimentary membership in the tripartite of organized dentistry through the San Francisco Dental Society, California Dental Association and American Dental Association, opening up many opportunities to network, learn and stay engaged with issues shaping the profession. Several Dugoni School students also recently attended the CDA House of Delegates meeting, held Nov. 21–22 in Sacramento, gaining firsthand exposure to policymaking and leadership within organized dentistry.

“Bringing together these leaders and hosting the panel stands out as one of my most memorable moments at the Dugoni School,” said CDA Student Chapter President Kyle Koupaie. “Given how central leadership is to our school’s mission of cultivating future leaders, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to embrace and embody that culture. The event was a great success — drawing attendees from all DDS classes, hygiene students, and several faculty. My hope is that this experience inspired colleagues to engage with organized dentistry and advocacy in whatever capacity they can in the future.”

Dentists across the United States are part of a tripartite membership system, meaning they complete one application and pay a single set of dues to simultaneously join the ADA, their state dental association and their local dental society.

Source: https://www.pacific.edu/