NYSDA's Member Spotlight
Would you like to be featured in NYSDA's member spotlight? Nominate yourself or a fellow member for a chance to be featured in the NYSDA monthly newsletter, social media, and website.
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Dr. Mona A. Haleem
Years in dentistry:
21 years
Dental School: SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Practice: Mona A. Haleem, DDS, PLLC -Rochester
Background: I recently opened a private practice in Rochester, NY to manage Orofacial Pain Disorders. It is the newest specialty recognized by the ADA. The field works to manage conditions such as TMJ disorders, neuropathic pain, headaches, and sleep conditions. Often, we collaborate with physicians, other dentists, and additional healthcare providers.
My interest in this field extends back to my time in dental school. I graduated from SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2003, where I minored in Oral Diagnostic Sciences, the department committed to addressing orofacial pain. I also earned the American Academy of Oral Medicine Award.
Although I was interested in dentistry since high school, I was not quite sure in which type of setting I would ultimately practice. This has led to a career pathway that is different than most.
After completing a GPR program at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center in 2004, I worked at the Department of Community Dentistry and Oral Disease Prevention, at the Eastman Institute of Oral Health (previously the Eastman Dental Center), in Rochester. This experience sparked my interest in dental public health.
I earned a Master of Public Administration degree and completed a dental public health residency at the New York State Department of Health. I have presented at national conferences on dental public health matters. I am also a co-author for an article published in the New York State Dental Journal. I continued to work in public health, most recently at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center where I served as the Dental Director for 6 years. I noted so many patients had multiple co-morbidities, including chronic pain.
To better educate myself, I completed advanced training in orofacial pain at the University of Southern California, and in 2021 passed the board exam, becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain. Many suffering from facial pain also suffer from sleep breathing disorders, commonly sleep apnea. In order to become the best clinician I can be, I trained with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. In 2022, I became a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Holding the diplomate status with both organizations makes me uniquely qualified to help patients. I am the only woman in the state to be recognized as a diplomat by both boards. So many have been suffering for so long. In fact, I too, have suffered from TMD since dental school. I feel a kinship with my patients.
My goal is to be a partner with my patient’s during their journey to better health. Whether it is coordinating with other members of their healthcare team, providing custom-fabricated appliances to address their facial pain or sleep breathing disorders, injection therapy, medication management, or even laser treatment, I am here to help.
Why did you join NYSDA?
To become engaged with my colleagues and stay informed about trends in dentistry in the state. NYSDA works on behalf of its members to support the profession. I feel it is my ethical responsibility to be a member of the organization.
How long have you been a NYSDA Member?
Since 2004
What advice do you have for dental students or new dentists?
It is a privilege to become a dentist. We have a duty of care towards our patients – so stay current in the field. Continually educate yourself so you can be the best dentist you can be. But it’s okay not to know everything, so if you need to, don’t be afraid to refer out to other providers. Putting the patient first is always the best practice. Be proud of your work and your education. You have worked hard! But equally important, pay it forward. None of us gets to where we are on our own. So don’t forget to reach back and pull others up with you.
Dr. Taylor Squires
Years in dentistry:
3 Years
Dental School:
University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, 2019
Eastman Institute for Oral Health for Orthodontics, 2021
Practice:
Bateman Orthodontics and University Pediatric Dentistry
Background:
Dr. Squires was born and raised in Rochester, NY, and is excited to be practicing orthodontics in the community he grew up in.
His interest in orthodontics developed from his personal experience as a young patient in braces. He found the positive atmosphere, the friendly staff, and the overall fun experience unique from any other dentist visit he had been to. Experiencing the confidence boost of a new beautiful smile truly inspired him and sparked his aspiration to become an orthodontist.
Outside of orthodontics, Dr. Squires enjoys playing guitar and performing on stage as a member of a local 90s alternative rock cover band called Glass Cannon.
Why did you join NYSDA?
Dr. Squires joined NYSDA as he has always enjoyed being involved in organized dentistry even as a dental student. He loves the opportunity to network with his peers, gather as a community, and work together towards a common goal. As the President of the Monroe County Dental Society, he enjoys organizing local events and serving as a mentor to pre-dental students in the Rochester area.
How long have you been a NYSDA Member?
5 years
What advice do you have for dental students or new dentists?
His advice for new dentists would be to seek out mentorship from an experienced clinician whose expertise and passion inspire you to grow professionally and personally. A strong mentor can provide invaluable guidance, helping navigate each step of your career as you develop and refine your clinical skills. Additionally, active involvement in your local dental society opens up networking opportunities and enables you to stay connected with peers, fostering professional growth and collaboration in your dental community.
Dr. Parul Dua Makkar
Years in dentistry:
20 Years
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Dental School:
University
of Oklahoma
Practice:
PDM
Family Dental, Jericho
Background:
I
am a General Dentist. I grew up in 4 different countries and now call NY my home.
I am a dual citizen.
Why did you join NYSDA?
I
believe that Dentistry can be isolating and we need a community to uplift each
other. Being part of NYSDA gives me that. I meet amazing people and I know
NYSDA keeps our profession safe.
How long have you been a NYSDA Member?
18 years
What advice do you have for dental students or new dentists?
Find
a mentor early. It's ok to make mistakes, don't let them define you, learn and
move on. Be open to learning, stay humble, and give back. Make sure the path you
choose in life brings you joy.
Dr. Ashleigh Robinson
Years in dentistry:
4 Years
Dental School:
University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Practice:
AccommoDental, Buffalo, NY.
Background:
I am a house call dentist and owner of my practice, AccommoDental. Many dentists have reached out to me to learn more about house call dentistry, so I started the ResiDENTAL Movement podcast, website and trainings to help dentists learn more. We were not presented with this career option during school.
Why did you join NYSDA?
My inspiring faculty were members of NYSDA. From a young age, I knew the value in organized dentistry for education and advocacy.
How long have you been a NYSDA Member?
5 years
What advice do you have for dental students or new dentists?
Avoid the common career traps. You are a talented professional capable of changing the industry for the better. Follow the career path, or create one, that makes you happy. This is what is best for your patients and the field of dentistry. Find a way to meet the needs of patients and you’ll be successful! If systems get in your way, make new systems!
Dr. Sambhavna D. Khanna
Years in dentistry: 
8 years (including 3 years of global clinical work experience)
Dental School:
School of Dental Medicine, SUNY Buffalo
Practice:
1st Advantage Dental - Bethlehem
Background:
I am a patient focused clinical dentist practicing in Upstate NY. I hold a double masters degree MDS Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry and Masters in Public Health (MPH). Due to this background I hold a special interest in preventive public health dentistry. I strongly believe that prevention is better than cure and am a strong proponent of fluoride, community water fluoridation, Minimally Invasive and reparative Dentistry, Arestin, night guards apart from the restorative part of dentistry. I've researched on adhesive dental materials and the effect of microleakage on the success and longevity of restorations.
Why did you join NYSDA?
I joined NYSDA seeking mentorship, networking, continuous learning and advocacy and guidance. I have been fortunate to be serving on the council of dental practice.
How long have you been a NYSDA Member?
7 years
What advice do you have for dental students or new dentists?
NYSDA offers immense opportunities and mentorship for new dental graduates. Patience, practice and persistence will help and hone your skills over time. We're extremely fortunate to be part of a profession that is gratifying and humbling at the same time and entails ongoing learning for a lifetime.
Being connected to other members, colleagues enriches a clinician both at a professional and a personal level. Being a part of NYSDA will instill a sense of connectedness with our fraternity and enable us to work together and build a stronger professional network and serve our patients and communities better.
8 years (including 3 years of global clinical work experience)
Dental School:
School of Dental Medicine, SUNY Buffalo
Practice:
1st Advantage Dental - Bethlehem
Background:
I am a patient focused clinical dentist practicing in Upstate NY. I hold a double masters degree MDS Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry and Masters in Public Health (MPH). Due to this background I hold a special interest in preventive public health dentistry. I strongly believe that prevention is better than cure and am a strong proponent of fluoride, community water fluoridation, Minimally Invasive and reparative Dentistry, Arestin, night guards apart from the restorative part of dentistry. I've researched on adhesive dental materials and the effect of microleakage on the success and longevity of restorations.
I joined NYSDA seeking mentorship, networking, continuous learning and advocacy and guidance. I have been fortunate to be serving on the council of dental practice.
How long have you been a NYSDA Member?
7 years
What advice do you have for dental students or new dentists?
NYSDA offers immense opportunities and mentorship for new dental graduates. Patience, practice and persistence will help and hone your skills over time. We're extremely fortunate to be part of a profession that is gratifying and humbling at the same time and entails ongoing learning for a lifetime.
Being connected to other members, colleagues enriches a clinician both at a professional and a personal level. Being a part of NYSDA will instill a sense of connectedness with our fraternity and enable us to work together and build a stronger professional network and serve our patients and communities better.
Dr. David Miller
Years in dentistry: 39 years
Dental School:
Georgetown School of Dentistry
Practice:
David J Miller, DDS in East Meadow and One Brooklyn Health (Brookdale, Interfaith, Kingsbrook Medical Centers in Brooklyn)
Background:
I am a general dentist that has had the privilege of owning my own practice and at the same time having a career in hospital dentistry training residents and treating special needs patients. I am currently the Chairman Department of Dental Medicine at One Brooklyn Health, a new health career system in Brooklyn. Many of our patients oral and medical health have been impacted negatively by the social determinants of health.
I am proud to have had the privilege to have served as a President of NYSDA.
Why did you join NYSDA?
Wanted to be involved in my profession. To have a voice at the “table”. To learn. To give back. The camaraderie.
How long have you been a NYSDA Member?
39 years
What advice do you have for dental students or new dentists?
Dentistry is a noble profession. Treasure it.
This is your profession, be part of it, have a voice. Your involvement can make a difference.
Dr. Payam Goudarzi
Years in dentistry: 27
Dental School: University at Buffalo school of Dental Medicine
Practice: Goudarzi Dental in Johnson City, NY
Background: I am a general dentist practicing family dentistry for the last 27 years in southern tier of New York State. After graduating from dental school and a completing a one year AEGD at Syracuse Community Health Center I returned to my home town and started to practice as an associate in a private practice and eventually opened my first practice 2000.
Why did you join NYSDA?
After conversations with number of colleagues I realized the importance of organized dentistry and the value of speaking as one voice when it comes to issues that are important to our profession and our future.
How long have you been a NYSDA Member?
26 years
What advice do you have for dental students or new dentists?
I think we are at a point where our profession and colleagues are facing many challenges. Whether it is insurance companies, government agencies, staffing shortages, or the changing landscape of dental practices, such as the growth of large group practices and DSO's. Our younger colleagues are also facing financial burdens from student loans and starting or joining a practice.
I encourage our dental students and our new dentist to get involved in organized dentistry and to join ADA, NYSDA, and their local dental society to become the voice and leaders of our profession and address the various challenges facing dentistry today.
Dr. Delaney Acosta
Years in Dentistry: 17 years
Dental School:
Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine/ Columbia University Pediatric Dental Residency
Practice:
Dr Delaney Pediatric Dentistry Mahopac
Background:
Pediatric Dentistry is important to me because it sets up a foundation for future dental health.
I grew up in Puerto Rico and had the opportunity to attend dental school in Boston, MA. I enjoy all the opportunity in the Northeast.
The importance of culture/Hispanic representation in Dentistry?
Growing up people will visit the dentist only when teeth hurt. Representation of my culture means people will feel comfortable with someone who they can relate, gain trust to go to the dentist and prevent painful experiences.
Why did you join NYSDA?
To stay connected with other professionals and learn about how the future of dentistry is evolving.
What advice do you have to dental students or new dentists?
Find a balance in your career. Find a place where your dental morals and ethics match.
Dr. Aia Shalan
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Years in Dentistry: 3 years
Dental School: NYU college of Dentistry
Practice: NYU Langone Family Health Centers in Brooklyn, NY
Background: My name is Aia Shalan, I am originally from Egypt but grew up in Bayridge Brooklyn. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a dentist. Every day is different and the feeling of giving a patient back their smile is enough gratitude to keep me going. I’ve completed my residency at NYU Langone Brooklyn and continued on to work as an attending and a provider within the family health Center sites. Public health in dentistry is very dear to me. Hospital dentistry is often pushed to the side, however the work we do here changes lives. Seeing patients from diverse backgrounds, you are constantly educating yourself. Learning that not one method fits all. It keeps you on your toes- eager to learn more and to be the best version of yourself and to help those in need.
I’ve taken a new interest in organized dentistry. A section that is not highlighted much in dental school. I’m an active board member with the second district dental society and hope to extend my work in NYSDA!
Why did you join NYSDA?
Organized dentistry has become an important aspect of many key changes in our dental field. As a recent dentist, NYSDA is an amazing tool in my growth as a dentist from CE, to job opportunities and even updated on more recent changes to the field including COVID guidelines, and innovative research and technology!
What advice do you have for dental students or new dentists?
You will always be on the path of learning. Being a good dentist doesn’t consist of having perfect hand skills, rather it’s humbling yourself with the opportunities in front of you and learning from them. Confidence is a person’s greatest quality. By pushing to become a better version of yourself, you become a vital part of every great experience a patient has a positive steps towards improving oral health!
Dr. Raquel Rozdolski
Years in Dentistry: 11 years
Dental School: Tufts University
Practice: Touro College of Dental Medicine - Hawthorne, NY
Background: I am a board certified Dentist Anesthesiologist and an Assistant Professor at Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM), director of anesthesia and co-director of special care dentistry fellowship at TCDM.
Why did you join NYSDA?
For continued professional development, the benefits of organized dentistry, networking, policy, change, advocacy.
What advice do you have for dental students or new dentists?
To get involved in organized dentistry while you're in dental school and continue your involvement post dental school. The benefits of organized dentistry are endless. Change, improvements, policy advancement, occurs only when we work together and have an understanding of trends within practice and the effects they may be having on our practice. Without networking and communication with other dentists you end up working in a silo and may get stuck in a rut. We are more powerful when we band together and use our voices for change!
Dr. Alfred Hollis
Years in Dentistry: 24 Years
Dental School: SUNY Buffalo
Specialty: Adult Prevention and Restorative Dentistry
Practice: Alfred W. Hollis, D.D.S., PLLC Saratoga Springs, NY
Background: Dr. Alfred W. Hollis III comes from a strong lineage with deep roots in dentistry. As a third generation dentist, he is extremely passionate and enthusiastic about the profession.
Dr. Hollis trains with many of the nation’s top dental leaders and is an elected Fellow of Pierre Fauchard Academy, an international, honorary organization recognizing outstanding dentists and celebrating their achievements. He has extensive knowledge and training in restorative dentistry with the esteemed Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Florida. Dr. Hollis also trains with the revered Eubank Institute for Advanced Clinical Education.
In 2016, Dr. Hollis completed a one year intensive clinical and didactic continuum at New York University in Full Mouth Reconstruction.
Born and raised in Glens Falls, New York, he studied at the University at Buffalo Dental School and received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 1999. Dr. Hollis completed a general practice residency at St. Clare’s Hospital in 2000. Since then, he has practiced in both Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park, before returning to assume his own practice in downtown Saratoga Springs in 2012.
Dr. Hollis has lived in Saratoga Springs since 2000. When not practicing dentistry, he loves spending time with his wife and their three children. Dr. Hollis enjoys the Adirondacks and Lake George, SPAC and the track with his family and friends during summer months. In the winter, he likes to ski mountains in the area. He collects rare, vintage maps of the area and has a thirst for knowledge about important events that shaped the history of our region. He also enjoys cooking and taking cooking/baking courses at culinary institutes. In addition, Dr. Hollis has attended hundreds of concerts, loves music and has played acoustic and electric guitar for over 30 years.
Why did you join NYSDA?
Camaraderie with local dentists as well as on a state and national level.
Representation of dentists like me in an organized society.
What advice do you have for dental students or new dentists?
I advise that new dentists and dental students take advantage of the resources and camaraderie offered by the Dental Society in order to learn and grow in the same capacity I have been fortunate enough to experience.
Dr. Hinna Chaudhry
Years in Dentistry: 12.5 years
Dental School: New Jersey Dental School (now Rutgers school of dental medicine)
Specialty: I am a general dentist with a passion in periodontics (almost went into a perio residency after school), TMJ/migraines, and sleep apnea.
Practice: Ardsley Dental Spa, Ardsley, NY
Background: Hinna Chaudhry, DMD, provides expert general and cosmetic dentistry services to patients at Ardsley Dental Spa, located in Ardsley, New York. She is highly attentive to detail, and aims to bring a spa-like level of calm to all her patients.
Dr. Chaudhry knew at a very early age that she wanted to be a dentist. Her childhood dentist and orthodontist introduced her to the field, and it immediately captured her attention. With the motivation and drive to reach her dream job, she was accepted into an accelerated dental program during her senior year of high school. This determination is something that still motivates Dr. Chaudhry's practice and everyday life. She is always striving to do more, learn more, and help more.
Dr. Chaudhry obtained a bachelor's degree in Biology from Rutgers University in three years and immediately started dental school at New Jersey Dental School. She received her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry in 2010, graduating with honors. Dr. Chaudhry continues her education to this day by continually learning new technologies, techniques, and procedures. She is always trying to stay ahead of the game to provide a variety of services for her patients.
Dr. Chaudhry maintains memberships with a plethora of dental and non-dental organizations. She continues to perfect not just dental procedures but also cosmetic facial injectable and TMJ/Migraine treatments. She has also been trained to help patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea who are unable to tolerate their CPAP. Dr. Chaudhry is a certified Invisalign provider who continues learning advanced Invisalign techniques and also utilizes the iTero digital scanner in her practice.
In addition to being passionate about dentistry, Dr. Chaudhry is even more passionate about helping others and giving back to the community. She has been volunteering overseas since 2011 and is now clinical co-coordinator for a yearly dental mission trip to Jamaica, where she treats hundreds of children and adults who do not have access to dental care. She is also eager to achieve her dream of beginning her very own non-profit organization here in Westchester County, which will have a focus to help survivors of domestic violence.
During her free time, when she is not seeing patients or working on her charities, you can find Dr. Chaudhry running around the park with her little dog, Floyd. She knows the little things in life are the most important and tries to spend as much time as possible with her family.
Why did you join NYSDA?
To gain relationships and support from other dental professionals. I love mentoring those who are interested in dentistry and NYSDA helps with that.
What advice do you have for dental students or new dentists?
Learn as much as you can. The manager at my first job gave me a piece of advice that stayed with me “no matter where you work and where you go, your education and what you learn can’t be taken away from you”. I learned so much from the doctors I worked with when I got out of school and that knowledge has made me stand out now in my practice. Keep learning and keep growing!
