UCLA Endodontics Shines at AAE Annual Meeting

The UCLA School of Dentistry’s Section of Endodontics had a strong presence at the recent American Association of Endodontists (AAE) Annual Meeting, April 2 to 5 in Boston, celebrating achievements in research, education, and alumni engagement.

Second-year resident Dr. Ryan Needle (mentor: Dr. Insoon Chang) earned third place in the AAE Resident Awards poster competition for “Biological Effects of Root Canal Sealers on Pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 Cells,” marking a proud moment for the program.

Other second-year resident presenters included Dr. Abigail Baldwin (mentor: Dr. Nadia Chugal), Dr. Julia Jeong (mentor: Dr. Reuben Kim), Dr. Pornchanok Jiramahapoka (mentor: Dr. Denny Chao), and Dr. Hsiang-Ming Wang (mentor: Dr. Sanjay Mallya).

Three international Endodontic alumni received their pins as new Diplomates of the American Board of Endodontics: Dr. Chia Chin-Chen, E ‘22, Dr. Hira Assad, E ‘19, and Dr. Abdulah Alshaikh, E ’22.

The festivities continued at a well-attended alumni and friends reception, organized by administrative assistant Dominick Zesati.

“It was a joyful and successful gathering that reflected the strength and spirit of our UCLA Endodontic community,” said Dr. Nadia Chugal, section chair and the Jack A. Weichman Chair in Endodontics. “We are incredibly proud of our residents, alumni, and the camaraderie that continues to grow year after year.