At the age of 11, Dr. Celia Mendoza, complaining of severe tooth pain, was taken to a local dentist who promptly removed two permanent molars. She was so devastated to permanently lose two teeth; she decided to pursue a career in dentistry.

Graduating from USC Dental School left Dr. Mendoza with a large debt load. She thought she was going to have to live and practice out of state that meant she would have to leave family and friends in the East Los Angeles area. A CDA Foundation Student Loan Repayment Grant changed all that. “It has allowed me to be able to work where I want to work and to stay here in this community.” Dr. Mendoza is Dental Director at the Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Clinic in East Los Angeles, which is also the clinic she served in exchange for the loan repayment grant.

“I’m just really grateful. It has changed not just my life, but my family’s life and every kid that comes into this clinic and all the kids in the community that I teach how to brush and floss. In other words,” reflects Dr. Mendoza, “Because of the people generously giving to the CDA Foundation’s Loan Reduction Program, not only are the dentists’ lives changed, but everyone around them.”

Contribute to the Student Loan Repayment Grant Program.

The CDA Foundation Student Loan Repayment Grant Dr. Celia Mendoza received allowed her to work and live in her home community of East Los Angeles. She is currently the Dental Director for the Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Clinic.