Dentists recognized for excellence in ethics, leadership and professionalism

Two local dentists were recently recognized for excellence in ethics, leadership and professionalism when they were invited to become Fellows of the American College of Dentists (ACD). This singular honor is bestowed upon just three percent of practicing dentists in the United States. Longtime Fremont dentist Bernard Stewart, D.D.S., and Ruchi Sahota, D.D.S., who has been a dentist in Fremont for the past six years, were inducted into the ACD last October at the organization's 2010 meeting in Orlando, Florida.

“They also help the public become more aware of what to expect from a professional dentist.”

"The exciting thing about being part of the ACD is that it is dedicated to promoting the value of ethics and leadership among dentists," said Dr. Stewart, who has practiced in Fremont for the past 40 years. "They also help the public become more aware of what to expect from a professional dentist."

The process for becoming an ACD Fellow is quite rigorous. A dentist cannot apply but must be nominated by a sponsor, who is required to provide documentation about the nominee's merits and accomplishments.

"I am very humbled to be among such a respected group of peers," commented Dr. Sahota who, at age 28, was the youngest person ever to be inducted into the ACD. "As dentists and ACD Fellows, there is so much we can do for our profession and our communities."

Both dentists are involved in family-based dental practices. Dr. Stewart practices with his son Mark Stewart, D.D.S., and Dr. Sahota practices with her mother, Maninder Nijjar, D.D.S., who has been a dentist in Fremont for the past 30 years.

In addition to his dental practice, Dr. Stewart has been an elected member of the Washington Township Health Care District Board of Directors for the past eight years and is currently the board's outgoing president. In November, he was re-elected to another four-year term on the board.

Dr. Sahota has been active in the community and has represented the dental profession on the local, state and national level. She is currently in her second year as president of the Southern Alameda County Dental Society. The organization supports local dentists in improving the public's oral health and maintaining the highest standards of care and ethics.

"I attribute most of my leadership experiences and opportunities in the community to the support of my mother," she says.

While in dental training, Dr. Sahota completed a residency at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto and later served on its staff. She also taught at the University of Pacific Dental School after graduating from there. She is currently on the medical staff at Washington Hospital, providing patient education and consultations about dental disease.

"There is much more to dental health than just brushing," she says. "One of my passions is to help people understand how a person's dental health is closely related to the overall health of their body. In my office, we enjoy teaching entire families about the importance of good oral health."