PerioDash Spotlight: L.A. Team

PerioDash Multi-Program Spotlight: L.A. Team

Drs. Flavia Pirih & Beatriz Bezerra of UCLA organizing a city-wide periodash including UCLA, West L.A. VA and USC

What first inspired your program to take part in PerioDash?
We saw PerioDash as an opportunity to bring our residents, faculty, and friends together while supporting the AAP Foundation. It combines wellness, fun, and advocacy in a way that really resonates with our program. We have been doing it since its inception and has grown significantly over the years

What will your 2025 event in Santa Monica look like?
We’re planning the “L.A. Team” PerioDash 5K for Sunday, November 2, at Palisades Park in Santa Monica. Registration will include a t-shirt, medal, and breakfast. We’re also adding a raffle and prizes for the top finishers to make the day even more engaging.

How has the L.A. Team grown its presence year after year?
We invite everyone—faculty, residents, dental students, alumni, family, and friends—and make it a tradition that people look forward to each fall. Each year builds on the last, and the energy continues to grow.

What strategies have helped make you one of the largest teams and top fundraisers?
Keeping the event fun and welcoming is key. We encourage wide participation, highlight the AAP Foundation’s mission, and make sure people feel proud to be part of the effort. That combination has helped us grow both participation and support. Some of the things we do are: we sponsor part of the registration of dental students and residents, faculty help us with donating items for our raffle (at the end most people end up winning something), we have prizes for the fastest runners, amongst other things.

How do residents and students contribute to the team’s energy and success?
Residents and students bring enthusiasm and help rally their classmates and friends. Their involvement adds momentum and ensures strong student turnout, which energizes the whole group. The Periodontal Study Club is instrumental in engaging the dental students.

What impact has PerioDash had on your team morale and community spirit?
It’s a morale booster every year. Running, walking, and celebrating together outside of the clinic strengthens our sense of community and pride in the specialty.

Has participating opened doors to connect with patients, referring dentists, or the broader community?
Yes. The visibility of a large, enthusiastic group gathering for periodontal health sparks conversations and helps us connect more broadly — with colleagues, patients, and community members alike.

How does your team use PerioDash to help educate others about periodontal health?
PerioDash is a natural platform to highlight the importance of periodontal and peri-implant health. We take the opportunity to explain the event’s purpose, connect oral health to overall wellness, and point people to the resources of the AAP Foundation.

What advice would you give to other programs or practices thinking about hosting their own PerioDash?
Keep it simple. Pick a location and date, invite your group, and add one or two fun touches like breakfast or prizes. The most important part is gathering together to celebrate periodontics and support the AAP Foundation.