Learning and Leading

Leadership, as one of the Dugoni School’s core values, is a central theme of our programs and people. Opportunities abound to build leadership skills, get involved in the community and make an impact on the profession.

My time at the Dugoni School has significantly changed my career and education in unprecedented ways. While I can vouch for the strong academic and clinical education, my involvement in organized dentistry has shifted my perspective on the future of this profession. As one of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) district trustees, I have the privilege of expanding my dental network, collaborating with all dental schools in California, and advocating for dental students on the national level.

Robert Zhou

Doctor of Dental Surgery Class of 2024

Hometown: Moraga, CA

When I first speak to students, I ask them where they see themselves 20 years from now. I encourage them to envision a future that is more expansive than the clinical practice of dentistry. We aim for our students to graduate believing “I’m Possible,” that each of them can make an important difference as leaders in their communities, organized dentistry and health care.

Dean Nadershahi –

Helping Others Reach their Full Potential

Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi ’94 — an alumnus of the Dugoni School — brings out the best in others through his supportive and encouraging style, reflecting our approach to humanistic education. In addition to his role as dean, he has served at all levels of the profession, including as national board chair of the American Dental Education Association (2022-23). He holds or has held other leadership roles at organizations including California’s Health Workforce Education and Training Council, American Dental Association, California Dental Association and Santa Fe Group, and locally serves on the boards of the Bay Area Council and San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.

I feel that the Dugoni School family actually enjoys going the extra mile. The greatest strength is how supported we students are. We have access to so many amazing staff and faculty who genuinely care about our wellbeing and success. Some are even so interested they'll wave you down while you're walking through the school. What's even better is that this genuine support continues outside the school through the Alumni Association.

Arlen Downing

Doctor of Dental Surgery Class of 2025

Hometown: Vallejo, CA

There is nothing quite like being among peers who, having come from wildly diverse walks of life, merge together on the same path to a unifying goal. The Dugoni School family holds an irrevocable space in my life. Every day, I am happy to find myself among, and have the chance to get to know, some of the friendliest, most intelligent and most interesting folks in the field. I think it’s made extra special by the diversity of our group, the varying backgrounds and perspectives everyone brings and the supportive environment everyone has created.

Dr. Mirna Merhi-Boghossian

International Dental Studies Class of 2024

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon