2026 Board of Directors

Dr. Pani has been involved in both clinical dental care and research on the oral health status of individuals with special healthcare needs in several countries including India, Saudi Arabia and Canada.

Sharat is a member of the executive committee of the International Association of Disability and Oral Health and has authored several papers on the oral health of individuals with special health care needs. He is also the chair of the disability and oral health working group of the Network for Collaborative Oral Health Research (NCOHR) .

Dr. Smith has served in multiple leadership roles in various professional associations over the past twenty-eight years.  Most recently (2023), he completed a Master of Arts degree in bioethics from The Ohio State University and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Society for Dental Ethics.

She was Vice President and Director of the Developmental Disabilities Association and served on the BC Cancer Agency Research Ethics Board. She is a former UBC Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Law. She has received merit awards from the Canadian Association of Public Health Dentistry and from the American College of Dentists, which granted her Honorary Membership, in recognition of her advocacy for inclusive access to the highest quality of oral health care for persons with disabilities.  Joan’s adult son lives with autism. 

Jennifer currently practices pediatric dentistry in Kingston, Ontario, and continues to integrate clinical care with public health advocacy. She recently earned her Master of Public Health from Harvard University while working full time. She is the current president of the Kingston & District Dental Society, an also serves as the Ontario Dental Association’s political contact dentist for her region where she advocates for improved access to oral health care.

Relatedly, Shauna’s research interests include the integration of oral health professionals in primary healthcare and the integration of oral health into the education and practice of health professionals. As well, Shauna is passionate about oral health policy to improve the oral health of priority populations who are at an increased risk for oral disease and experience barriers to care. Shauna has completed a Diploma in Dental Hygiene (2004) and a Bachelor of Dental Hygiene (2012) at Dalhousie University. She obtained a Master of Health Studies degree from Athabasca University in 2017. As well, Shauna has completed the McGill Faculty of Dentistry Summer Institute in Mixed Methods in Health Research and the TUTOR-PHC (Transdisciplinary Understanding and Training on Research in Primary Health Care) program at Western University. Shauna lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia with her husband Jordan. When not working, she likes to spend time with family and friends at their cottage, traveling and tackling home projects.

With over 17 years of experience in clinical practice, higher education, and public health, she focuses on Special Needs Dentistry, Dental Ethics, and Geriatric Oral Health. She has collaborated with leading institutions, such as the University of the West Indies and NYU Langone Health, to educate the next generation of dental professionals while advancing research that addresses critical gaps in oral healthcare. She is driven by a deep commitment to providing accessible, inclusive, and compassionate care to individuals who need it most. 

Passionate about equitable and accessible oral health care, she is never afraid to speak up for improved access for underserved populations and individuals with disabilities. At the British Columbia Dental Hygienists' Association, she oversees and integrates multiple portfolios— Member Benefits, Finance, Events, Operations, Sponsorship —strengthening continuity, growth, and the collective impact of dental hygienists across BC.

After obtaining his Canadian dental license in 2025, he joined Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry as an Adjunct Clinical Professor. His practice includes providing care at Bayview Glen Dental Clinic in Toronto and The Wright Clinic in London, a not-for-profit, community-based facility serving individuals facing barriers related to income and housing insecurity. Through this work, he has gained meaningful experience treating patients with disabilities and developed a strong commitment to promoting awareness about equitable and respectful dental care.

She champions a person-centred approach, ensuring dignity and customized treatment for every individual. This passion for inclusion is reflected in her other academic roles, where she guides clinical instruction in inner-city community clinics and long-term care facilities.

In 2023, she earned a MSc DHyg and Sociology, focused on access to oral health and dental services for underserved and vulnerable communities. This drive for equity extends beyond the university through her sustained volunteer service as an RDH in Edmonton and internationally. Professor Arntson’s unique blend of clinical leadership, academic rigour, and dedication to underserved populations underpins her keen interest in serving on the CSDH Board of Directors.

With over a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Pradhan shares his expertise and inspires future dentists to provide compassionate, inclusive care for patients with diverse needs as Visiting Faculty at the University of British Columbia and globally through his education platform, Simpli Boards, where he has delivered over 800 live lectures and mentored 3,000+ dentists. Since 2019, he has supported Special Olympics BC, advocating for equality and dignified oral care for all.

As the owner of In Path Dental, she has built one of the only fully integrated dental environments in Canada designed specifically for patients with Special Health Care Needs. Her practice embodies compassion, innovation, and interprofessional collaboration, ensuring every patient receives personalized care.

A dedicated educator and advocate, Dr. Salome leads webinars, workshops, and multidisciplinary sessions for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and family members, promoting inclusive, evidence-based oral health practices. She is deeply committed to improving access to dental care for individuals with medical complexities, developmental disabilities, and neurodiverse conditions. Her goal is to raise awareness, reduce barriers, and make dental care more gentle and inclusive.Description text goes here