Who We Are
The Latinx Pre-Dental Society (LPDS) is dedicated to building a supportive community for pre-dental students, with a focus on addressing oral health disparities in the Latinx community and other underrepresented communities. We work to expand dental services to underserved areas, advocate for equitable dental policies, and collaborate with community partners to eradicate oral health knowledge gaps. Through professional development workshops, peer-to-peer mentorship, and hands-on experiences, LPDS aims to sustain a pipeline for Latinx pre-dental students to become dental professionals, addressing the deficiencies in dental care access and representation.
🦷⚕ LPDS TODAY 🦷⚕
Meet Our 2024-2025 Board
Nicole Oliva
Co-President
"Joining LPDS was my way of connecting with and supporting a community of aspiring Latinx dental professionals. Through this organization, I have been able to gain valuable experiences and resources and have had the opportunity to pass on that information to other pre-dental students."
Kiara Tenorio
Co-President
"LPDS has become a space where I can share my passion for dentistry with those in the Latinx community. I love being around like minded individuals that are driven to help one another and out community. This club has become a family that I hope others will become apart of."
Javier Rodriguez-Rivera
Vice President
"Joining LPDS felt instinctual after my mother's traumatic dental injury in 2018, which resulted in the loss of her upper incisors. Her experience exposed me to the harsh reality faced by millions of Americans who cannot afford quality dental care. LPDS provided me the opportunity to actively engage in the dental profession while using my mother's story to advocate within a community equally dedicated to overturning barriers to dental access."
Nancy Dueñas-Ramirez
Secretary
"I joined LPDS to connect with my Latinx community & find a space where I truly felt welcomed. Having been involved in other dental clubs, I immediately felt at home in LPDS. The support and encouragement from everyone in the club make it a place where we all thrive and succeed together."
Alyssa Sifuentes
Financial Coordinator
"I joined LPDS because they were always welcoming and offered many opportunities that allowed me to gain experience in dentistry. The people in LPDS made my experience very inviting and I have enjoyed all the activities that I have been able to take part in."
Jennifer Rios-Rodriguez
Internal Coordinator
"I joined LPDS to connect with a community of Hispanics who share my passion for dentistry. I was also drawn to the club's mentorship opportunities and strong connections with the UCLA School of Dentistry."
Stefania Ramos
Publicity Coordinator
"I joined LPDS to be a part of a community that shares similar experiences, challenges, and the same passion for dentistry as me. LPDS has provided me with invaluable experiences as well as a supportive and encouraging network of Latinx pre-dents!"
LPDS Dental School Acceptances
