Dental Bruins, Spanning the Globe

Professional Program for International Dentists participants have ventured to Westwood from every inhabited continent. Meet a cross-section of alumni and current students.

a world map showing selected Professional Program for International Dentists students home country.
By School of Dentistry Communications
2 min read

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

Profiles appear west to east across the map.

LUIS ACOSTA, D.D.S. ’26 🇲🇽 TIJUANA, MEXICO 
“I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in advocacy through CDA, witnessing decision-making in legislation to increase our patients’ opportunities for dental care.”

BRYANNA CABARITI HUBBARD, D.D.S. ’19, G.P. ’20 🇧🇷 UBERLÂNDIA, BRAZIL
“My PPID experience equipped me with the clinical skills, cultural understanding, and professional confidence to seamlessly integrate into the U.S. dental workforce, and now thrive as a practice owner.”

JOVANA CANACEVIC, D.D.S. ’26 🇨🇦 TORONTO, CANADA/NOVI SAD, SERBIA 🇷🇸
“Being guided by some of the most respected clinicians and professors in the country has pushed me to raise my standards, stay curious, and continue growing.”

ADEDOYIN MALIK, D.D.S. ’25 🇳🇬 OSOGBO, NIGERIA
“One aspect I love about my experience at UCLA is learning from highly skilled faculty who have greatly influenced my professional growth.

JUSTE RUZELYTE, D.D.S. ’18 🇱🇹 ROKIŠKIS, LITHUANIA
“PPID allowed me to form meaningful relationships with other international and national students, who continue to offer support as we navigate our careers together.”

DELIA TUTTLE, D.D.S. ’09 🇷🇴 TURDA, ROMANIA
“My favorite aspect of PPID training was learning strong periodontal clinical and surgical skills. Few dental schools are teaching students the surgical aspect of gum disease.”

NOHA NOUR, D.D.S. ’14 🇸🇩 KHARTOUM, SUDAN
"PPID connected me with mentors, colleagues, and professional networks that were instrumental in my transition to practice ownership in the U.S.”

SINA REFOUA, D.D.S. '22 🇮🇷 TEHRAN, IRAN
“PPID was a key milestone in my education, preparing me for further training in my desired specialty, oral surgery.”

NIDHI TANEJA, D.D.S. ’14, P.D. 🇮🇳 NEW DELHI, INDIA
“Activities organized on campus made me feel welcomed as an international student, and made it a rich experience while establishing a new home in the U.S.”

THEODORE KAO, D.D.S. ’25 🇹🇼 TAIPEI, TAIWAN
“I have received invaluable exposure to diversity and techniques, strengthening my confidence and efficiency in this profession.”