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Pivoting to dentistry after undergraduate degree brought joy and fulfillment 

CRANIOFACIAL SURGEON, DR. WAYNE OZAKI, MAY BE NEW TO THE UCLA SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY, but he’s been a UCLA Health surgeon and professor for almost a decade. In January, he joined the dental school as the new chair for oral and maxillofacial surgery and also became the chief of dental services for the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge about the crossover between medical surgical services and dental services, and the dental school welcomes his outside perspective.

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.

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. 

Please join us as we celebrate the graduation of the UCLA School of Dentistry, Class of 2021!

Due to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention related to the COVID-19 outbreak, this year our graduates are honored in an online commencement ceremony to recognize and celebrate the individual and collective accomplishments.

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.

Students are working with faculty and staff to make sure everyone can see themselves in the profession

For UCLA dental students, Isaiah “Izzy” Sampson and Ryan Davis, entering the dental field was in one word — perplexing.

Research on mouse models targets new ‘checkpoint’ that enables cancer stem cells to evade immune system

Researchers from the UCLA School of Dentistry have discovered a key molecule that allows cancer stem cells to bypass the body’s natural immune defenses, spurring the growth and spread of head and neck squamous cell cancers. Their study, conducted in mice, also demonstrates that inhibiting this molecule derails cancer progression and helps eliminate these stem cells.  

Interview with D3 Student Doctor, Kristen Horstmann

View the English Version.