UCLA Orthodontics Shines at National Conference, Celebrates Graduating Residents

Dr. Sunil Kapila earns AAO’s Inclusion & Engagement Award in Orlando, followed by on-campus events for alums and grads.

Large group of people in front of blue backdrop and graduation balloons
By School of Dentistry Communications
2 min read

Spring was a season of celebrations for the UCLA School of Dentistry’s Section of Orthodontics, highlighted by a national recognition for its chair and three years of rigorous training culminating for the 2026 resident cohort.

The Section was prominently represented at the 2026 American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Annual Session in Orlando, where Sunil Kapila, B.D.S., M.S., Ph.D. – the Dr. Thomas R. Bales Endowed Chair in Orthodontics – received the organization’s inaugural Inclusion & Engagement Award, recognizing his leadership in fostering a more inclusive and collaborative orthodontic profession. Learn more about this prestigious honor and see Dr. Kapila’s tribute video screened during the AAO ceremony below.

Dr. Kapila also delivered a main-stage presentation at the Orange County Convention Center, titled "Harnessing Technology and AI to Improve Treatment Success of Impacted Teeth," showcasing advances in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and treatment planning.

Additional UCLA Orthodontics highlights during AAO included:

  • Mehdi Peikar, O. ’19, received the Market Impact Innovation Award for his work in AI-facilitated customized bracket fabrication. 
  • Second-year residents Dr. Ranran Huang and Dr. Megan Haug presented cases in the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontists program. 
  • Third-year resident Dr. Shilpa Upadhyay presented research titled Investigating the Genetic Signaling and FGFR-Dependent Regulation of Meckel’s Cartilage Development,” conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Jimmy Hu. 
  • Dr. Yi Lin served as a moderator for a scientific session during the annual meeting. 
  • Faculty, residents, alumni, and friends of the program gathered at a UCLA Orthodontics alumni reception at Cuba Libre, celebrating the section’s achievements and strengthening connections within the orthodontic community.

Festivities resumed on May 29 with the second annual UCLA Orthodontics Alumni Day, leading into a reception for the eight departing residents. Cohort members presented their case studies during the morning session, while the afternoon’s keynote speakers were Dr. Will Andrews, D.D.S. ’89 – Co-Director of the L.F. Andrews Foundation for Orthodontic Education and Research – and Dr. Ahmed Ghomeima, the Section’s residency program director. CE credits were available to attendees.

Congratulations to the program’s newly minted orthodontists, who also participated in the School of Dentistry’s commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 31:
Dr. Kamron Call*
Dr. Emily Duong,* chief resident
Dr. Ausama Gargoum*
Dr. Jiaxin (Joy) Geng*
Dr. Monica Glavin*
Dr. Rachel Jackson*
Dr. Navid Kerayehchian
Dr. Shilpa Upadhyay*
*Concurrently earned a Master of Science in Oral Biology

“It’s important not only for our residents to complete three years of rigorous training, but learn from successful alumni as they embark on their careers,” Dr. Kapila said. “Our events in Orlando and on campus serve to develop life-long connections and inspire these new practitioners to give back to the profession, and to future generations of UCLA orthodontists.”