July 2026

Hope your July 4 was great! Here's your dental news:

FIND FULL DETAILS AND MORE IN THIS NEWSLETTER

• WCDDA leaders were installed at the Florida Dental Convention. Congratulations to all and thank you for your leadership.
• Interested in leadership? Apply or nominate for open positions to represent the WCDDA at the FDA House of Delegates.
• WCDDA's NEW Clinical Lecture Series kicks off with a seminar on Aug 29.
• WCDDA Summer Meeting is Aug 21-23 in Naples. Registration is open.
• Nova has an open position for adjunct faculty. Details below.
• The ADA published this guide to help navigate changes in student loans.
• What do YOU smile about? Let us know!
• Follow the WCDDA on Instagram! @WCDDA

Photos of Fun at FDC

WCDDA Leaders Installed for 2026-2027

During the Florida Dental Association House of Delegates Second Session on Saturday, June 27, the West Coast District Dental Association and its Affiliates officially installed their 2026–2027 officers. Congratulations to our incoming leaders and thank you to those who completed their terms for their service and leadership.

WCDDA Officers

• President: Dr. Stephanie Mazariegos
• President-Elect: Dr. Sanjie Jackson
• First Vice President: Dr. Billy Truax
• Secretary: Dr. Barbara Quintero Chong
• Treasurer: Dr. William Layman
• Immediate Past President: Dr. Robin Nguyen
• Editor: Dr. Jimmy Wilson

Affiliate Presidents

• Collier – President: Dr. Rosalie Brao
• Hernando – President: Dr. Eric Strouse
• Highlands – President: Dr. Dalton Helvey
• Hillsborough – President: Dr. Arina Doroshenko 
• Lee – President: Dr. Shadae Person
• Manatee – President: Dr. Maksym Ruzanov
• Pasco – President: Dr. Olivia Rosato
• Pinellas – President: Dr. Nancy Montgomery-Easley
• Polk – President: Dr. Geoffrey Rintel 
• Sarasota – President: Dr. Sharon Colvin 
• Upper Pinellas – President: Dr. Nicole Hernandez

We look forward to a successful year of leadership, collaboration, and service to the dental profession. Congratulations to all 2026–2027 officers and affiliate presidents.

TAKE THE LEAD

Apply for 2027 WCDDA At-Large Delegate and Alternate Delegate Positions to the FDA House of Delegates

Are you interested in shaping the future of organized dentistry? We are excited to announce the opportunity to represent the West Coast District Dental Association (WCDDA) at the Florida Dental Association (FDA) House of Delegates.

The House of Delegates (HOD) is the Florida Dental Association’s (FDA) legislative body. It includes 100 certified delegates from six components and one student delegate from each Florida dental school. The HOD can advise the Board of Trustees through resolutions, hear matters from the Board, and is responsible for electing six at-large trustees, FDA officers, and delegates to the American Dental Association. The HOD meets twice a year: in January and during the Florida Dental Convention in June.

Click here to learn more about the HOD.

Why Apply?

• Influence & Impact: Play an active role in guiding decisions that affect the dental profession across the state.
• Professional Growth: Expand your leadership skills and connect with colleagues across Florida.
• Diverse Representation: Ensure the delegation reflects the wide range of voices and experiences within our membership.

Upcoming 2027 Meeting Dates:

• FDA House of Delegates Meeting, Orlando – January 23 and June 25-26.
• WCDDA Zoom Caucus Conference Calls - TBD

How to Apply or Nominate:

Submit your application or nominate a colleague who exemplifies dedication and leadership by August 1. If you have questions, please contact the WCDDA Central Office at 813-654-2500 or lissette@wcdental.org.

Thank you for your commitment to advancing our profession

and your association!

New Clinical Lecture Series

We’re launching a seminar series to help members enhance clinical decision-making and expand their treatment offerings in tooth replacement. The first seminar takes place Saturday morning, August 29, presented by the WCDDA in partnership with Cadmus Dental Labs. Click the link below to register for the first event.

Session 1: Now Open for Registration -- Limited to 25 Dentists

Removable Prosthodontics: Denture & Partial Solutions

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Time: 8:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

CE Credit: 3 CEUs

Location: Cadmus Dental Lab, 5701 E. Hillsborough Ave. #2120, Tampa, FL 33610

Cost: WCDDA Member $60, Non-Member $120, breakfast included

Registration is Open for the Summer Meeting!

Learn more and get registered at the meeting registration site. The hotel is actively managing the room reservation waitlist in real time, so if a room becomes available, you’ll be well positioned to book it. Since rooms are likely to open up, we encourage you to complete the reservation process and join the waitlist. Don’t miss the opportunity - add your name to the waitlist today. Register for the meeting to access the hotel link. 

Summer Meeting Party Theme for

Officer Installation & Reception

Saturday, August 22 from 5-7:30 pm

At the Summer Meeting, we honor the incoming officers and their commitment to advancing the organization’s mission with a special WCDDA Officer Installation & Reception. This year's event theme is “I Have Nowhere to Wear This,” a fun opportunity to wear something bold, elegant, or uniquely you, whether it’s a ballgown, tuxedo, or statement piece. Let’s toast new leadership and enjoy a stylish, memorable evening.

Support the WCDDA Fund Raffle Fundraiser!

One of the most anticipated traditions at our Summer Meeting is the West Coast District Dental Association Fund’s annual raffle fundraiser. This event brings attendees together for a great cause while raising critical funds that support local dental health education, access-to-care initiatives, careers in dentistry, and disaster relief efforts throughout the West Coast District.

To date, the WCDDA Fund has contributed more than $49,000 in scholarships and grants to support a variety of organizations and programs that strengthen our communities and profession.

We invite our members to help make this year’s raffle a success by donating an item, basket, gift certificate, experience, or service. Donations of all sizes are greatly appreciated and help create an exciting raffle experience for attendees.

Popular raffle donations include:

• Gift cards

• Restaurant and entertainment packages

• Themed gift baskets

• Sporting event tickets

• Vacation accommodations or getaway packages

• Electronics and gadgets

• Sporting goods and outdoor equipment

• Spa, wellness, or self-care experiences

• Unique specialty items and local favorites

Interested in donating?

SPREAD THE SMILES

We Want to Hear About Your Moments of Joy

Use this link to share something that made you smile, such as a personal win, a practice milestone, a personal milestone, an inspiring story, etc. You get it!

Adjunct Faculty Position Open at Nova

The Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine, in Clearwater, has positions available for Adjunct Faculty in the Student SIM Labs. These are part-time positions for one to three days per week. If you have an interest in teaching part-time, please send a resume or descriptive history of your experiences and abilities to Dr. Augusto Duarte, the Nova College of Dental Medicine Clinical Director, to the email Aduarte1@nova.edu.

We would like to spotlight dentists from all specialties so members can get to know other members! Reach out to us at admin@wcdental.org to get on the schedule!

Member Benefit Guides

Tripartite membership through ADA, FDA, and WCDDA gives you access to valuable resources! Check out the Resource Guides:

WELCOME TO OUR NEW WCDDA MEMBER!

JULY 2026

Dr. Mina Abdelmalek

Lutz, FL

Dr. Shaheer Ahmad

Tampa, FL

Dr. Carla Al-khouri

Safety Harbor, FL

Dr. Noor Alrawi

Tampa, FL

Dr. Jose J Alvarez

Bonita Springs, FL

Dr. Morgan Bennett

Saint Petersburg, FL

Dr. Adrian Blanco Rodriguez

Brandon, FL

Dr. Daria Borisova

Odessa, FL

Dr. Sydney C Cabrera

Lakeland, FL

Dr. Maitê André Camargo

Clearwater, FL

Dr. Brandon Tyler Cartran

Bradenton, FL

Dr. Brooke A Cary

North Fort Myers, FL

Dr. Anthony Choueifati

Dunedin, FL

Dr. Ruth Delli Carpini

Sarasota, FL

Dr. Bassant E Estfanous 

Clearwater, FL

Dr. Mera Girgiss

Palm Harbor, FL

Dr. Jonathan Steven Gomogda  

Palmetto, FL

Dr. Amber Hartley

Sarasota, FL

Dr. Samira Heeren

Fort Myers, FL

Dr. Madison Hook

Tampa, FL

Dr. Leah J Hopson

Sarasota, FL

Dr. Matthew Cameron Le

Clearwater, FL

Dr. Camille P. Marques

Lehigh Acres, FL

Dr. Jamie McGuire

Fernandina Beach, FL

Dr. Caridad T Mijares Rodriguez

Tampa, FL

Dr. Angelo Mariano Jesus Milli Hernandez

Brandon, FL

Dr. Yoelin Mohip

Brandon, FL

Dr. Ernesto Morales Gonzalez

Naples, FL

Dr. Lovell Jason Morris

Naples, FL

Dr. Aaron Jacob Nowak

Clearwater, FL

Dr. Maria Isabel Orta Rumbos

Davenport, FL

Dr. Landy Pacheco Chaviano

Naples, FL

Dr. Aarti Patel

Valrico, FL

Dr. Nicholas Pustam

Land O Lakes, FL

Dr. Ellen Shabo

Palm Harbor, FL

Dr. Suhayb Syed

Tampa, FL

Dr. Gabriela M. Torres Santana

Ruskin, FL

Dr. Mariam Youssef

Palm Harbor, FL

Dr. Carolina Zuleta

Tampa, FL

FDA Honors Dr. Liddell and Dr. Paul

Congratulations to Dr. John Paul who received the FDA Presidents Award, and to Dr. Rudy Liddell, who received the J. Leon Schwartz Lifetime Service Award, at the 2026 Florida Dental Convention.

FDA Hurricane Guide for 2026

Each year the FDA publishes a Stormproof Hurricane Guide with tips to prepare your practice for hurricane season, and resources for after the storm, should your practice be affected. We hope everyone has a safe season and is well-prepared.

Florida Dental Chatter: The FDA's Private Facebook Page

Be part of the conversation by joining this private Facebook page for ADA/FDA member dentists and staff by clicking here or click the Facebook symbol to the right! The page is designed for dentists to interact with other members, receive the latest updates and information, and engage with FDA leaders and staff. This is the place to be in the know!

CLICK HERE for a complete list of all of the Florida Dental Association's social media sites. Stay up to date on all the happenings and benefits of membership!

New ADA Student Loan Resource Guide

Effective July 1, 2026, the federal landscape for student aid is changing after the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. For dental students, the elimination of Grad PLUS and new borrowing caps may create a significant funding challenge. The ADA and partners have created new tools to help students understand the changes and navigate the path forward. Review this guide or visit our website for any questions.

The WCDDA E-Checkup is published ten times per year. The Editor of the association and staff organize and e-mail to the membership. The position of the Editor is elected by the Executive Cabinet and does not have a specified term. The E-Checkup may publish signed articles relating to all phases of dentistry, but assumes no responsibility for opinions expressed by the contributors. The views expressed in editorials, columns, and articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, staff, or members of the West Coast District Dental Association.

Editor: James G. Wilson, DMD

Managing Editor: Lissette Zuknick