The SCCDS Annual Gala and Dental Excellence Awards was truly a night to remember. SCCDS welcomed some of the most esteemed leaders and educators in California dentistry for a night of celebration, camaraderie, and recognition.
The night started with the installation of our new President, Dr. Nima Massoomi by 2023 President, Dr. Louis Tieu. Following Dr. Massoomi’s installation, the 2024 Board of Directors was formally recognized.
As the night progressed, Dr. Nick Nguyen, Chief Communications Officer and Editor announced our first Dental Excellence Awards.
And the winners were:
- Educator of the Year: Eloise O’Brien Reed, RDA, CDA, CDPMA, CDPA BA
- Emerging Leader: Erin Beveridge, DDS
- Excellence in Advocacy: Hieu Dang, DDS
- Innovator: Nima Massomi, DMD, MEd, MD
- Partner: Pantheon Wealth Planning
- Philanthropist: John Pisacane, DMD
- Donald R. Call President’s Award: Manuel Bettencourt, DDS
Following our awards presentation, we were joined by Anders Bjork, Vice President of Strategic Intelligence and Analytics at CDA, who provided a thought-provoking presentation on the challenges and opportunities facing organized dentistry in the coming years.
Next, we welcomed Dr. Craig Yarbrough, Associate Dean for Institutional Advancement; Director, Center for Success, UoP, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Dr. Yarborough moderated a special discussion with the deans of three of California’s most prestigious dental schools: Dr. Kevin Keating, Dean of California Northstate University; Dr. Nader Nadershahi, Dean and Vice Provost at Univeristy of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry; and Dr. Michael Reddy, Dean at the University of California San Francisco. The conversation proved to be very illuminating, covering everything from the state of dental education to plans to control skyrocketing costs for that education.
If you couldn’t make it, you missed a truly outstanding event. Take a look at our photos and see for yourself!
