Milestones and Moments
Alumni making waves over the past year
The photography of Jack Kurtz ’76, M.P.H. ’80, (pictured, left) was selected for display at the UCLA Simulation Center, which is dedicated to advancing healthcare education through the use of innovative medical simulation technologies and resources. A reception and tour of his works (Icelandic Rivers Captured at 1,200 feet, and Hidden Wonders of the American Southwest) was held in Rosenfeld Hall on Dec. 9, 2025.
Joan Otomo-Corgel ’76, M.P.H. ’80, was awarded the 2025 American Academy of Periodontology Gold Medal at the annual meeting on Oct. 16. The academy’s highest honor recognizes contributions to the field over a career of 25 years or more.
Samira Shafaee ’01 introduced a resolution to the ADA House of Delegates in Oct. 2025 to recognize children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes as a distinct high-risk patient group, potentially paving the way for professional guidance. Report to be given to the House of Delegates in Oct. 2026.
Shukan Kanuga ’06 was installed as president of the San Fernando Valley Dental Society on Jan. 24, 2026.
Eric Cheung ’08 serves on the California Academy of General Dentistry’s Continuing Education Committee and is helping to start a chapter in the San Joaquin Valley.
Noha Nour ’14 (pictured, center) was installed as president of the Orange County Dental Society on Sept. 27, 2025.
Kevin Seto ’14 currently serves as the West Los Angeles Dental Society vice president and will assume the presidency in 2027.
Sara Ehsani ’16 was named to “10 Under 10” lists in 2025 by both the American Dental Association and the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry.
Nicole Lee '19, (pictured, right) graduated from a six-year, M.D.-integrated Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at UC San Francisco in June 2025 and began working as an associate at Santa Clara Oral Surgery and Dental Implants.
Layla Fijani ’20, O. ’23, celebrated the opening of her private practice in Laguna Beach, Calif. – Crafted Orthodontics – on March 26, 2026.
Shahe Dishakjian ’21 completed a four-year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in D.C. and returned to Los Angeles, joining the Encino office of George Maranon ’83 as an associate.
Michelle Chiang ’25, P.D. ’27, earned the American Student Dental Association’s District 12 and 13 Trailblazer of the Year award on Jan. 24, 2026.
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