Welcoming the World to Westwood

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

Audrey Yoon, D.D.S. ’04, O./P.D./M.S. ’08, and Ausama Gargoum, D.D.S. ’20, O./M.S. ’26, began their journeys in dentistry nearly two decades and thousands of miles apart. Yet both paths led to and even converged at
the UCLA School of Dentistry’s Professional Program for International Dentists (PPID), a rigorous 25-month curriculum designed for foreign-trained dentists seeking licensure and advanced education in the U.S.

Dr. Yoon, from South Korea, was among six students in the program’s inaugural cohort entering in 2002.

Dr. Gargoum, a Canadian with Libyan roots, entered nearly two decades later. Both have embraced the UCLA ethos of leadership, service, and excellence—and both credit PPID with shaping their professional paths.

Raised in a family that emphasized discipline and academic achievement, Dr. Yoon chose to pursue further education in the U.S. to expand on the clinical skills she had developed in Korea. “Orthodontics in America is very advanced,” she said. “I was eager to gain a broader and more global perspective of the field.”

She was accepted into every U.S. dental program she applied to but ultimately chose UCLA with encouragement from Dean Emeritus Dr. No-Hee Park, a fellow Seoul National University alumnus. Even during the program’s four-month intensive “boot camp” of accelerated coursework, she embraced UCLA, her new academic environment, and never felt like an outsider.

“We were fully integrated into the third-year class. It’s why I chose UCLA. There were only six of us, and we fused with the other 100 dental students and became part of a cohesive environment,” said Dr. Yoon, who deepened her immersion in student life as the Associated Student Body’s social chair.

This culture of support between PPID students and their peers on the traditional four-year track continues today. Jay Patel, D.D.S. ’25, a past student body president, said, “PPID students are some of the most impressive people imaginable. They leave everyone and everything they know for a small shot at getting into dental school here.
They bring an inspiring outlook not just on dentistry but also on life.”

Dr. Yoon credits UCLA for strengthening her research foundation and instilling a lifelong commitment to inquiry.

“Dental education in Korea is fast and advanced but a little more segmented,” she explained. “UCLA facilitated such a good environment if you want to ask questions. It’s a good environment to seek answers to your ‘Why?’.”

Today, Dr. Yoon owns three practices in orthodontic and pediatric dentistry. She is widely recognized for her innovative approach to obstructive sleep apnea. A clinical professor at Stanford University and the University of Pacific, she serves as founding president of the World Dentofacial Sleep Society.

Despite her success, Dr. Yoon remains grounded in mentorship and collaboration.

“Innovations, collaboration, and proper mentorship are very important,” she said. “If anyone has a new idea and wants to collaborate, my arms are open. That’s how we advance our field—through interdisciplinary teamwork.”

Reflecting on her UCLA experience, Dr. Yoon remarked, “UCLA gave me everything - dental school, pediatric and orthodontic residencies, sleep apnea research. It’s truly special. I met incredible mentors and colleagues who continue to inspire me.”

Like Dr. Yoon, Dr. Gargoum realized that one UCLA degree wasn’t enough. After practicing dentistry, he returned to pursue a three-year combined orthodontics residency and M.S. in oral biology. But his path to Westwood was anything but ordinary.

Born in Vancouver, he chose to study dentistry in Libya, inspired by the goal of improving oral health infrastructure in his parents’ home country. His education, however, was disrupted by the ongoing civil unrest that stemmed from the Arab spring uprising of 2011, which continued to impact the country for years. He continued treating patients amid the conflict—often studying by candlelight as artillery shook nearby buildings—before completing his degree in Egypt.

“Being there at a heightened time in Libya is something I will always remember,” he said.

It was the success of the Bruin men’s basketball team that first put UCLA on his radar. After learning about PPID, Dr. Gargoum applied with help from program coordinator Genevieve Cedillo. He still vividly remembers the day he got the call from Dr. Steve Lee, D.D.S. ’92, associate dean of student services.

“That was one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever had,” he recalled. “Dr. Steve Lee said, ‘Welcome to L.A. We’re excited to have you.’ Oh, my God, I was on top of the world. I realized all that hard work and struggle to get to your goals and dreams—it all paid off.”

Gaining admission to PPID has become incredibly competitive. The program now welcomes 30 students annually, chosen from nearly 1,300 applicants. Dr. Lee explained, “All applicants are motivated by obtaining licensure in the U.S., but the School seeks foreign-trained dentists who want a comprehensive dental education at UCLA, including the research and community service opportunities available here.”

Dr. Gargoum considers Dr. Lee a mentor, and credits Dr. Diana Messadi—Chair of Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, and Orofacial Pain, and herself a native of Egypt—for paving the path for his success at UCLA. Through school-hosted events, he’s had opportunities to connect with role models like Dr. Yoon, who continues to set an aspirational example for PPID alumni.

“She set the bar very high,” he said. “She made her dreams become a reality. She could have just owned her own practice—but no—she dreamed, and she dreamed big. She’s a prominent figure in the ortho world. She’s definitely an inspiration.”

Dr. Gargoum now hopes to follow in her footsteps.

“I have to say it has been one of the most beneficial and rewarding experiences of my dental journey,” he said. “Mentorship, guidance, and support are in abundance at UCLA. There’s a reason why UCLA is No. 1 in terms of public school rankings—and that’s why it’s one of the top dental schools in the world. They really push that envelope for students, residents, and faculty.”