DEIC Member Spotlights
To build community and engagement , DEIC is highlighting diverse dentists , as reflected in PDA ’ s Definition for Diversity , in PDA social media and publications . DEIC encourages members to become familiar with PDA ’ s Definition for Diversity and assist PDA by identifying members to feature in the Member Spotlight . Please contact Mary Donlin at med @ padental . org to share the name of a member to be featured in the spotlight .
Jessica Yi , DMD Dr . Yi is a 2018 graduate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and she completed the University of Pennsylvania ’ s Pediatric Dentistry program in 2020 .
Adriana Modesto-Vieira , DDS , DMD , MS , PhD Dr . Vieira is Vice Chair of PDA ’ s DEIC and a pediatric dentist and the First Assistant Dean for Diversity , Inclusion and Social Justice at the University of Pittsburgh .
What do you consider to be your greatest career accomplishment ? Being able to give back via missions and volunteer projects ; looking forward to MOM this year !
Where do you aspire to be in five years ? Being board certified , teaching part time , still involved in organized dentistry
Who has been your biggest inspiration and why ? My residency director has been an amazing source of strength and inspiration , especially during early 2020 when I was in my last semester of residency . She handled it all with positivity and grace .
What advice do you have for dental students ? Learn how to learn in dental school . Take care of patients as you would your family . Find ways to relieve stress early on and make it a routine .
What do you think is the biggest challenge that dentistry is facing ? With patients , it ’ s increasing awareness of oral health and its importance . Also , advocating for patients in the political arena for access to care is a challenge as well .
What do you consider to be your greatest career accomplishment ? Participation in outreach community programs with perinatal and infant oral health care to prevent oral diseases among underrepresented minorities .
Where do you aspire to be in five years ? Successful in obtaining financial support to reduce inequities and disparities in oral health care .
Who has been your biggest inspiration and why ? My mother . Because she has taught me so much about kindness , respect , acceptance , hope and positivity .
What advice do you have for dental students ? Always treat your patients with respect and compassion . Walk in your patient ’ s shoes and think how you can make an impact in their oral and systemic health . Look for and / or create learning opportunities for yourselves and others . Be an instrument of change in dentistry .
What do you think is the biggest challenge that dentistry is facing ? Lack of a dental workforce to meet the needs of underserved communities and no support from insurance companies to allow dentists to provide patients with a personalized plan to meet their oral health needs .
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 27