Natasha Lee, DDS, an assistant professor and course director of practice management and jurisprudence at University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, has received the CDA Foundation’s 2024 Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni Faculty Award.
The late Dr. Dugoni’s lifetime of selfless service and achievement in dentistry is the inspiration for this distinguished honor. The award acknowledges and supports eligible faculty affiliated with California’s dental schools for their exceptional leadership, innovation, collaboration, compassion, philanthropic spirit and integrity in dental education. Recipients of the award are nominated by CDA members, including students, and the state’s dental school faculty.
A leader in organized dentistry
Dr. Lee’s affinity for leadership and community service were evident early on. As a dental student, she began participating in organized dentistry through the American Student Dental Association and as a student guest of the San Francisco Dental Society’s board of directors.
She has since sustained an impressive array of volunteer and leadership roles as a practicing dentist. Lee mentors and serves colleagues and community members while balancing the responsibilities of owner and clinician at Better Living Through Dentistry in San Francisco and faculty member at UOP Dugoni School of Dentistry. Just a few of her leadership roles include ADA Committee on the New Dentist, the Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery, President of the San Francisco Dental Society and UOP’s Strategic Planning Oversight Committee.
Lee has also supported fellow members in many capacities at CDA, most notably on the Board of Trustees and as president of the organization in 2018. She is currently chair of the TDIC/IS Board of Directors. “Her dedication to leadership over the course of her career has positively influenced countless students and young dentists, helping them recognize the value of service to their profession,” said her colleague Judee Tippett-Whyte, DDS.
Commitment to student success
Lee’s colleagues point to her admirable focus on positioning new dental school graduates for success throughout the many years of her leadership and teaching experience. “She always has the mind of the student and new dentists at the forefront of her actions,” Tippett-Whyte said.
This focus is evident in her innovative approaches to teaching. In her role as course director for Practice Management and Jurisprudence, Lee has implemented creative learning models to motivate students. For some, studying practice management can seem like a distraction from clinical dentistry, so Lee utilizes a practice simulation model to bring the business of dentistry to life and engage the students in learning essential leadership skills. Under her direction, students work in small teams to learn the business aspects of developing and running a successful dental practice.
Additionally, Lee successfully introduced CDA benefits into the UOP dental school experience, employing member resources for the business side of practice and participation in CDA Presents courses and networking as part of the curriculum.
Contributions to the future of dentistry
Familiarizing students with the strength of organized dentistry is one of many ways that Lee works to ensure their bright future. Colleagues say that Lee reaches beyond the classroom to create partnerships that strengthen dental students’ experience and involve others in the future of dental education.
Among her colleagues, Lee is recognized as a role model for students to follow in leadership and community service. Outside the classroom, she has served as the SCOPE Faculty Advisor, joined students on dental missions to Fiji and the Philippines and volunteers with students at RAM and CDA Foundation clinical events.
“By leading students in these community experiences, she reflects the importance of giving to one’s community and to those that need assistance outside our dental offices,” said Tippett-Whyte.
UOP students recognize Lee as an instructor who is dedicated to their success. They appreciate her organized approach to teaching and her support of their goals to become successful practitioners upon graduation. She is known for her willingness to assist students even after graduation. For example, she collaborated with student leaders to host a speed-networking event that provides opportunities to meet dentists who may be seeking associates. “Contacts” is held each spring to connect students and UOP Dugoni School of Dentistry alumni as prospective employees/employers.
“Lee walks the CDA mission daily,” Tippett-Whyte observed, “and in doing so, reflects her passion for our profession and the success of students and new dentists.”
The CDA Foundation will accept nominations for the 2025 Dugoni Faculty Award beginning Jan. 1. Learn more about the award and see a list of past recipients.
The CDA Foundation offers financial support to dental professionals and community-based organizations statewide that provide dental care to underserved communities. Visit the Foundation website to learn about other grants, awards and programs.