Donor Spotlight: Karen Becerra, DDS New Dentist Friend

The CDA Foundation knows the transition from dental student to new practitioner is an exciting, yet financially challenging, time.  In order to address the needs of new dentists who want to make a difference, we created the New Dentist Friend of the CDA Foundation gift club. 

Dentists in their first ten years of practice are eligible to become a New Dentist Friend of the CDA Foundation by giving a smaller initial amount ($100 for each year in practice) and gradually increasing the amount of their contribution each year.  This gives new dentists the benefit of having a voice in enhancing access to care and expanding their community involvement, while managing their financial resources.

Karen Becerra, DDS is the Foundation’s first New Dentist Friend. “It was an easy decision to become a New Dentist Friend,” said Dr. Becerra. “I am so excited about what the Foundation is doing and I feel so blessed and fortunate to be a dentist, that I consider it a privilege to give back.” Dr. Becerra gives philanthropically with her time, talent as well as resources. Since she has become involved with CDA, she has volunteered for Give Kids A Smile and has participated in the Foundation’s pediatric oral health training, Pediatric Oral Health Access Program (POHAP) and is currently fulfilling her commitment to treat 20 kids pro bono.

Originally from Columbia, Dr. Becerra graduated from dental school with a degree in public health. After moving to the United States, she worked quickly to get her license and shortly, very shortly, after that called the San Diego Dental Society and asked, “How do I join and get involved?” She soon connected with Carol Summerhays, DDS, CDA president-elect, Foundation Board member and Friend of the CDA Foundation, who guided her in areas to get involved and make a difference. Dr. Becerra jumped in quickly and the word got out. “I received a phone call from CDA President Dr. Brian Scott who asked me to represent new dentists on the state level. I was thrilled! My involvement blossomed from there.” Dr. Becerra currently serves on the Committee on the New Dentist, Recruitment and Retention Committee and is a guest on the CDA Foundation Board.

“There is so much need in California. It feels great to be involved,” she says, “Giving to the Foundation assures me that more people will be helped than just what I can personally do. Becoming a Friend of the Foundation was an easy decision for me. I would ask that my fellow colleagues consider becoming a Friend. I am not going to ask others to do something that I am not willing to do.”

To learn how to join Dr. Becerra in becoming a New Dentist Friend of the CDA Foundation, visit our Web site or contact Jennifer Stolo, Associate Executive Director at 916.554.5374 or jennifer.stolo@cda.org