Alumni and Friends
This is the summary for Alumni
Run for Fun ... and Periodontal Health
The running conditions were great, as was the cause…
On a cool, cloudy Sunday morning, the UCLA School of Dentistry periodontics community gathered at Palisades Park in Santa Monica for PerioDash 2022. This virtual 5K organized by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation raises funds for and awareness about periodontal health.
Meet an Alum: Dr. Bruce Molen, Class of 1968
Dr. Bruce Molen, Class of 1968, was born in Great Falls, Montana, and grew up in North Hollywood, California. He was selected from among hundreds of applicants to become part of UCLA’s first dental class of 27 students. Following his dental education, Dr. Molen served as a captain in the dental branch of the U.S. Air Force. During his service he treated servicemen and servicewomen at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota for two years. It was during that time that he made the decision to continue his education and specialize in orthodontics.
Practicing Gratitude: Dr. Hedi Kermani, Class of 1995
Bruin Optimist with an appreciation for giving back
Dr. Hedi Kermani’s drive, paired with her entrepreneurial spirit, are the characteristics that have helped her build a successful orthodontics and pediatric dentistry practice in Orange County. From acquiring the latest technology and equipment down to choosing the colors for the interior, hiring top associates and even designing the website, she has dedicated her career for the past two decades to perfecting a practice that her patients can rely on for quality care.
From Geology to Dentistry: Dr. Stevan Dumas, Class of 1980
Pivoting to dentistry after undergraduate degree brought joy and fulfillment
2021 Alumni of the Year Award Recipients
The UCLA School of Dentistry is proud to relaunch its tradition of recognizing distinguished alumni who have made sterling contributions in the advancement of dentistry, education, leadership, and public service.
Meet an Alum: Dr. Michele Frawley, Class of 2006
Dr. Michele Frawley, Class of 2006, is a comprehensive cosmetic dentist at Beverly Hills Dentistry. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Loyola Marymount University in 2001 and went on to receive her doctorate of dental surgery at the UCLA School of Dentistry, where she graduated fourth in her class.
Meet an Alum: Dr. Mark Ortega, Class of 2015
Dr. Mark Ortega, Class of 2015, is a Southern California native who was born and raised in Montebello. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA and went on to receive his doctorate of dental surgery at the UCLA School of Dentistry, where he graduated with honors. During dental school, Dr. Ortega found he enjoyed the interaction and unique experience of treating children.
Meet an Alum: Dr. David Avenetti, Class of 2010
Alumnus Dr. David Avenetti found his calling in public health while he was still an undergraduate at USC. Faced with the inevitable question of what’s next, he applied to both dental schools and master’s degree programs in public health, knowing he eventually wanted to pursue both. When UCLA Dentistry accepted him into their Class of 2010, he knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
Meet an Alum: Dr. Malieka Johnson, Class of 2011
Dr. Malieka Johnson, DDS Class of 2011, is a San Diego-based private practice dentist focusing on general and adult special needs dentistry. Prior to UCLA Dentistry, Dr. Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC San Diego in 2003. During dental school, she heard the call to specialize in caring for people with special needs. Following the completion of her DDS degree, she completed a general practice residency at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, CA.
Meet An Alum: Dr. Kris Mendoza, DDS ’15, A ’18
Dr. Kris Mendoza, DDS Class of 2015 and dental anesthesiology certificate holder ’18, knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue a career serving others. Influenced by his parents’ commitment to the community, he chose to pursue the field of dentistry where he could fulfill his calling.