The Santa Clara County Dental Society (SCCDS) is proud to share the exciting news that our esteemed member and past president, Dr. Shakalpi Pendurkar, DDS, MPH, has been appointed as the new State Dental Director for the California Department of Public Health by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Dr. Pendurkar’s career, which spans over two decades, has been marked by a profound commitment to enhancing access to oral healthcare services for residents across California. Her extensive experience in public health dentistry, combined with her dedication to serving underserved populations, makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead the State’s Office of Oral Health.
Within SCCDS, Dr. Pendurkar’s leadership has been invaluable. She has served on numerous committees and task forces including Peer Review, Allied Dental Health Professionals, Dentists With A Heart, Communications, Community Service, COVID-19 Response Task Force, and SCCDS Delegate Development Task Force. Her interests have consistently focused on developing strategies and implementing solutions to improve and safeguard oral health equity and access.
Her contributions extend far beyond clinical practice. Dr. Pendurkar has held several key public health roles, including Dental Health Administrator for the Alameda County Public Health Department, Dental Director of the Health Plan of San Mateo, and Dental Director of the Oral Public Health Program for San Mateo County. In each of these positions, she has driven initiatives to improve oral health outcomes through collaboration with community members, public health officials, dental professionals, and local organizations.
Dr. Pendurkar also dedicates her time to mentoring the next generation of dental public health professionals as the Supervising Field Site Mentor for the Dental Public Health Residency Program at the University of California, San Francisco.
Dr. Pendurkar holds a master’s degree in public health from Emory University and graduated from Nair Hospital Dental College with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in dental surgery, specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery. She is a delegate of both the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association and is a Fellow of the International and American College of Dentists. Additionally, she is an alumnus of Harvard Kennedy School’s Public Leadership Program.
The Santa Clara County Dental Society is honored to have such an accomplished and dedicated professional within our ranks. Dr. Pendurkar’s appointment is a testament to her lifelong commitment to public health and the advancement of our profession. We look forward to seeing the positive impact she will undoubtedly make in her new role as State Dental Director.
Congratulations, Dr. Pendurkar!
