Natasha Lee, DDS, has taken the helm as president of the California Dental Association (CDA), succeeding Clelan Ehrler, DDS, MS. A practicing general dentist in the Sunset District of San Francisco, Lee has more than 17 years of experience as a dental educator. She spent more than a decade teaching preclinical restorative techniques and is now an assistant professor and course director of practice management and jurisprudence at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.
“We know that diversity is recognized as a driver of innovation and creativity in successful organizations. And we must consider what we need to do to remain relevant as our practices and our dentists become more diverse,” said Lee, adding that while diversity adds different people to the group, “inclusion is the behavior involved in truly embracing that diversity and making everyone’s perspective feel welcome.”
“While it is important for the future of any association that its leadership reflects the diversity of its membership, I challenge us to move beyond diversity and strive instead for inclusion,” she said.
Lee also has worked at the local, state, and national levels to be an advocate and voice for patients and dental health professionals. She also plans on prioritizing leadership development and organizational health in her role as president. As an active leader in the ADA, CDA, and San Francisco Dental Society, she also has held numerous leadership positions and has served on various councils and committees.
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