A Culture of Advocacy

From Washington D.C. to Sacramento, UCLA School of Dentistry students are making waves in the seat of government.

Split screen of two groups of UCLA dental students in business attire, one on steps and the other in front of the California state capitol
By School of Dentistry Communications
1 min read

From Washington, D.C., to Sacramento, UCLA School of Dentistry students are making waves in the seat of government. Many Bruins engage in organized dentistry, with some pursuing regional and national leadership positions.

Among them is Sharen Abi Nader ’27, who joined UCLA’s American Student Dental Association (ASDA) chapter as a D1, participating in initiatives like Mock Lobby Day. Now, as chapter president, she has organized a campus visit from ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler and will serve as the 2026–27 chief of finance for the newly formed ASDA District 13.

Notably, Bruins hold 60% of leadership roles in this district, which encompasses Southern California’s four dental schools.

“The UCLA School of Dentistry fosters mentorship and leadership, encouraging students to pursue advocacy and organized dentistry,” Abi Nader said. “Combined with a highly engaged ASDA chapter and institutional support, this creates an environment where many students pursue district and national roles.”

Luis Acosta ’26, a member of the two-year Professional Program for International Dentists (PPID), has also been a change agent. As UCLA’s international student representative to the California Dental Association (CDA), he has played an active role in advocacy efforts at the state level.

“My public health internship in México after graduating dental school there really opened my eyes as to how much we can help patients beyond our usual clinical approach,” Acosta said. “With CDA, I saw an opportunity to advocate for our patients’ rights and expand our scope of practice as dentists to increase the standard of care, creating a better future for the dental profession.”

Beyond advocacy in Sacramento, Acosta helped organize CDA’s Senior Swag Day at UCLA, where graduating D.D.S. students learned how they are supported through free membership in the organization as they transition to private practice.

In addition, Acosta collected testimonials that supported CDA Foundation Executive Director Mary McCune in her advocacy for a state bill aimed at fast-tracking international dentists for registered dental hygiene licensure.