During her time as an international dental student at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM), Mohita Sharma, DDS (ISP ’23), was an executive board member of the Colorado chapter of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA). She was also active with the Student National Dental Association and received the Colorado Dental Association Award at the CU Dental 2023 Graduation Banquet and Awards Ceremony.
Now, less than two years after graduating from CU SDM with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, Sharma’s leadership role in organized dentistry is expanding.
In late 2024, she was one of 32 U.S. dentists and eight dental students chosen to take part in the American Dental Association (ADA) Leadership Institute. The tuition-free program focuses on leadership development and personal growth for dentists of diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
For her capstone project, Sharma has been developing a mentoring network for current and aspiring dental students nationwide. She graduated from the program in mid-August 2025 and continues to refine the mentoring network.
It can be challenging to find the right mentor, Sharma said. But when you do find that person or persons, it can have a significant impact on your career.
“I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't have the right mentors,” she said.
Mentors give back to the dental community
Sharma counts Brett Kessler, DDS, among her mentors. He recently served as ADA president and is a former part-time faculty member at the CU SDM.
In May 2024, Kessler received the CU School of Dental Medicine Honorary Alumni Award, given to individuals who have contributed significantly to the betterment of students and the advancement of the school's ideals.
They met after Sharma attended a lecture Kessler gave on wellness at a dental conference. As a cancer survivor and a yoga instructor, Sharma said the topic resonated with her.
They continued to run into each other on the conference circuit and Kessler became her mentor.
“He was one of the biggest reasons I got more involved in organized dentistry,” said Sharma. “He helped guide me when I didn’t have a specific direction.”
When she moved to the West Coast, Kessler introduced her to California Dental Association (CDA) President Carliza Marcos, DDS, who is also now a mentor. The CDA is the largest state association in the ADA, with over 27,000 members.
When asked how he would describe Sharma, Kessler said, “She's one of my favorite young colleagues. She's inspiring and she has a bright future in dentistry.”
A thoughtful, courageous young leader
In 2024, at the ADA's House of Delegates annual meeting, Sharma testified about some of the challenges that she faced to get her license as an internationally trained dentist.
Kessler said that some existing ADA policies were not reflective of what needs to be happening in that realm, primarily because few dentists speak up about the difficulties.
“Mohita led a discussion and changed the narrative on some of our policies,” he said. “I was proud of her for doing that. Her courage is off the charts and she's very thoughtful about when she exercises her courage,” Kessler said.
Kunjan Kakar, DDS, an associate professor and assistant director of the Advanced Standing International Program, said that as a dental student, Sharma helped organize all kinds of outreach events and workshops. Kakar helped guide her as she took on leadership roles in national dental associations.
“She was very grounded,” said Kakar. “Mohita takes initiative and makes it a point to see things through.”
Kakar said Sharma is also highly skilled in reading the room and others' reactions.
“Mohita shows up at everyone’s level, whether it was for me, a senior faculty member, one of her classmates, a patient or a child,” she explained.
Sharma takes on a new leadership role with the ADA
Kessler recently appointed Sharma to serve on one of four existing ADA Reference Committees, whose members study and evaluate proposed resolutions and reports on business and administrative matters, dental benefits, dental education and legislative issues. This appointment will put Sharma on a potential national leadership track, he said.
“She's one of the best people for the job and her voice needs to be amplified,” he said. “She can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. And if I can help in any way, that's what I’ll do.”
Sharma is currently working at a community practice in the Central Valley in California. In addition to the accolades highlighted above, she was inducted into the International College of Dentists in September.
Learn more about the CU SDM's Advanced Standing International Student Program.