ELMHURST: The Indian Dental Association (IDA) elected its new board members at the Annual Formal Dinner held on February 9, at Waterford banquets, in Elmhurst, a west side Chicago suburb .
Dr Vishruti Patel was elected its first female President. Dr Patel is a 2002 graduate of UIC – College of Dentistry. She is a General Dentist, practicing in Plainfield. Dr Patel is excited to take IDA to its new level with the help of this board of enthusiastic professionals.
In her speech at the Annual Formal, Dr Patel expressed how Dentistry has given her the freedom to find the right balance between her profession and raising her family. She emphasized that being part of organized dentistry like the IDA is important to protect the interests of dentists and also moving the profession forward.
Dr Patel also focused on giving back to the profession by helping patients. “I believe dentists have big hearts”, she said, and that is what makes “Mission of Mercy successful.” Last July Dr Patel led the very first Free Clinic initiative for the IDA. Several volunteers delivered free dental treatment to 135 patients over two days. The event was held in an Indian American community of Chicago near Devon Avenue and California. She promised to make this an annual event.
Dr Patel is currently enrolled in the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership Program. Her leadership project focuses on raising Oral Health Awareness through Education.
Babu Tangewala
