Dental Digest

2026 Second Quarter

LADS Events

CDA News

ADA.org

 

A Message to Our LADS Community


Dear Colleagues,


With a blink of an eye, half of my term as the President of your society has passed. Happy 4th of July to everyone and Happy 250th Birthday to this amazing country that we all call home. I am truly grateful for all the opportunities that have been granted to me in this wonderful country.  


As we reflect on yet another successful quarter, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. Our educational and social events, such as the pickleball event and the AI lecture by Art Curley, have shown outstanding attendance and engagement, reaffirming the strength and spirit of the Los Angeles Dental Society members.

First and foremost, on behalf of myself and all our members, I would like to send my sincere appreciation to Dr. Scott and Susie Kim on their extraordinary $100,000 donation to the CDA Foundation’s new Dental Student Food Insecurity Program to fund the establishment or support of emergency aid pantries on California dental school campuses. Their generosity and commitment to our profession are truly inspiring. Dr. Kim has devoted so much of his time, energy, talent, and wisdom to our profession, and I'm truly honored to call him a friend. Please see Dr. Kim's article in the June Leadership Brief to learn more about the foundation and how to contribute.

I also want to recognize the dedication of our advocacy team. During our recent visit to Sacramento, my colleagues and I joined to advocate for our profession and our patients. I am pleased to share that the state legislature has voted to protect Medi-Cal Dental funding for another 12 months – delaying the cuts until July 1, 2027 —a meaningful victory that allows us to continue caring for California's most vulnerable patients while we keep fighting for a long-term solution.

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We have more excellent topics and lecturers for the upcoming months. As always, thank you for your continued support of LADS. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming meetings and events as we continue to build an even stronger future together.


I would like to thank all of our sponsors, Gregg (our Executive Director), and my dedicated board.  I wish everyone a safe and fun summer.


Warm regards,

Parvaz Mizrahi, DDS, MPH

President, Los Angeles Dental Society

 

Recent Events

 

Dinner with Docs


On April 16, LADS members gathered at the home of Dr. M. Navid Mapara in Encino for our members-only Dinner with Docs. The evening offered great conversation and company for all who attended.


Thank you to Dr. Mapara and his wife Hawa for graciously hosting the dinner and making this event a success.

Senior Swag Day


It was a joy to see all the USC Dental School seniors at Senior Swag Day. As the students prepared to finish their dental school studies, we had an opportunity to wish them well with a bag full of swag.


Thank you to CDA and TDIC for helping make this event possible and a great success. We appreciate the collaboration.

 

Responsibilities and Requirements of Prescribing Schedule II Opioid Drugs


On April 22, LADS co-hosted this mandatory CE course with the American Iranian Dental Association (AIDA) at the IMAN Cultural Center. The class focused on safer prescribing, compliance and patient-centered care in regards to opioid drugs.


Thank you to Dr. Alon Frydman for an insightful presentation. A special thanks to AIDA for the continued collaboration and all of our sponsors for their support.

USC ASPID Orientation


On April 29, it was great to connect with the ASPID Class of 2028 at their Orientation at USC. We're excited to support these students as they begin their American dental journey.


Thank you to CDA and TDIC who helped make the program a success. And thank you to Dr. Parvaz Mizrahi for your touching words to the students.

Polished Partners Industry Dinner


On May 7, LADS business partner Polished Legal hosted an Industry Dinner at the Penthouse Restaurant in Santa Monica. We're grateful for opportunities like these to strengthen relationships across the dental community.


Thank you to Levi Barlavi for hosting and your continued support of LADS. 

CDA Presents


It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces at CDA Presents in May. We are so glad that our members connected with colleagues and celebrated being a part of the dental community.


Thank you to CDA for once again organizing a fabulous event. We look forward to seeing everyone at next year's event.

 

USC Dental School Graduation


Congratulations to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Class of 2026. It was an honor to celebrate this exciting milestone alongside the newest generation of dentists.


Wishing the graduates continued success as they begin the next chapter in their professional journey.


All the best from LADS!

Shred & E-Waste Disposal Event


On May 30, LADS hosted its popular Shred & E-Waste Disposal Event. Thanks to everyone who attended and took advantage of this complimentary membership service.


Thank you to Paper Cuts for their exceptional customer service. We look forward to seeing you at the next Shred & E-Waste Disposal Event on Saturday, September 19.

Harassment Prevention Webinar February, 2026

Pickle Ball Social Event


On June 14, LADS hosted a Pickle Ball Social Event at PIKL Los Angeles. It was a great way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon networking and playing pickle ball with fellow LADS members.


Thank you to our sponsors for making this event a great success. We look forward to seeing you at our next LADS social event.

AI in Dentistry: Insights, Challenges and Best Practices


On June 17, LADS co-hosted this informative CE course with the American Iranian Dental Association (AIDA) at the IMAN Cultural Center. The class helped our members identify best practices for documenting AI use in patient care, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.


Thank you to Arthur Curley, Esq. for a terrific presentation. And a special thanks to AIDA for the collaboration and all of our sponsors for their continued support.

 
Refunds and Dismissal Webinar March, 2026

CPR/BLS Certification Course


This quarter, LADS hosted two CPR/BLS Certification courses. Our members' commitment to patient safety and preparedness is essential for delivering high-quality care. 


A special thank you to our instructor, Alex Enriquez, for leading clear, hands-on training courses. We look forward to seeing you and your staff at an upcoming class.

Radiation Safety Certification Courses


LADS hosted two Radiation Safety Certification courses this quarter. Our attendees gained the knowledge and skills to navigate radiation safety effectively.


Thank you to our instructor, Kristi Gallo, for leading these courses. We look forward to seeing your staff members at our upcoming classes.

 

LADS News

 

Welcome New Members!


LADS proudly welcomes our newest members. We are thrilled to have you join our growing community of dedicated dental professional and look forward to supporting your journey, sharing resources, and seeing you at upcoming events.

Andres Almora, DDS

International, 2022


Esther Bak, DDS

University of Maryland School of Dentistry, 2023

UCLA School of Dentistry, General, 2024


Albert Cohen Sedgh, DDS

Creighton University School of Dentistry, 2023


Brenda Aceneth Escamilla, DDS

Universidad De La Salle School of Dentistry, 2026


Jasmin Ghasemi, DMD

University of Illinois Chicago School of Dentistry, 2024


Aaron Hakakian, DDS

NYU College of Dentistry, 2022


Jihun Han, DDS

UOP Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, 2025

Belgica Juarez Dardon, DDS

Universidad De La Salle School of Dentistry, 2026


Vanessa Mahrou, DMD

Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dentistry, 2023


Benjamin Maryamian, DDS

UCLA School of Dentistry, 2025


Houman Moghtader, DDS

Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, 1999


Brandon Pham, DDS

Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, 2024


Bahareh Pouya, DDS

UCLA School of Dentistry, 2025


Nicolette Sameyah, DDS

UCLA School of Dentistry, 2025

Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Periodontics, 2028

Classified Ads

Whether you are searching for job opportunities, dental equipment, or looking to hire, LADS Classifieds connect you with the Los Angeles dental community.


Have something to share? Submit your classified ad here.

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A well-established, doctor-owned general practice in the desirable Lakewood area... MORE INFORMATION

 

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CDA Foundation

Health & Wellness


Substance Use Disorder amongst the general population is 10-15%. Amongst Health Care Professionals, recent studies have shown this figure to be up to 5 times higher! If you know of any fellow dentist or staff member struggling, please reach out for confidential assistance.

Steven Goldy, DDS

Chair: Southern California Regional 
Wellness Committee

Smgdds@aol.com

310-487-5040

 
TDIC The Dentists Insurance Company
 

Los Angeles Dental Society

(213) 380-7669

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