A Year of Holistic Student Support

This story appears in the UCLA School of Dentistry's spring 2025 magazine. Click here for all magazine content.

Launched in April 2024, the Integrative Mind-Body Wellness Initiative (IMBWI) at the UCLA School of Dentistry has completed a highly successful first year, becoming a key resource for student well-being and community connection.

Created in response to student feedback, the initiative is spearheaded by Group Practice Director Dr. Sheila Yaghmai with support from Dean Paul H. Krebsbach and Apollonian Society funding. IMBWI quickly took root with weekly yoga sessions, wellness workshops, and on-site counseling services.

“I wanted to bring wellness directly into our environment, rather than expect students to seek out campus services,” said Dr. Yaghmai. “We’ve created a space where students feel empowered to find balance, reconnect with themselves, and support each other.”

Since May 2024, UCLA Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) therapists have hosted twice-weekly drop-in sessions. Wednesday yoga classes through UCLA Recreation often reach capacity. Programming has expanded to include breathwork in the Botanical Garden, reiki healing, mindfulness seminars, and therapy dog visits—especially welcome during finals week. Student clubs like Flossin’ and Fitness and the Healthy Dentist Initiative have partnered on hikes and cooking classes.

“IMBWI showed me that wellness looks different for everyone,” said Ayato Shigihara, D.D.S. ’27. “The mix of offerings lets us explore what feels personally sustainable.”

The first-year D.D.S. class of 2028 is the first to have IMBWI woven into its curriculum through IDS 105: Wellness Practices in Everyday Life, spanning all four years.

“Embedding wellness into our academic framework is a culture shift,” Dr. Yaghmai added. “We’re not just training excellent dentists—we’re nurturing mindful, resilient professionals.”

In early 2025, the Southern California wildfires upended campus life and forced a week of remote learning. As a way to reconnect, IMBWI organized Taco ’Bout Community, serving tacos and fresh fruit in the CHS Courtyard—welcoming students, faculty, and staff alike.

“IMBWI encourages us to connect on a human level, not just through clinical roles,” said Dean Krebsbach. “That shared understanding strengthens who we are.”

With momentum heading into its second year, IMBWI is redefining what it means to thrive as a UCLA dental student.

IMBWI’s First Year, by the Numbers:

• 180 available counseling hours
• 43 yoga classes
• 30 breathwork sessions
• 8 lunchtime lectures
• 3 therapy dog visits