Meet Priya Agrawal, DMD, one of the CDA Foundation’s current board members. Dr. Agrawal has a passion for public health and service.
The CDA Foundation’s board of directors plays a vital role in fulfilling our mission to support dental professionals, reduce barriers to care and improve Californians’ oral health through volunteerism and funding. Get to know Priya Agrawal, DMD, a member of the board.
Public health dentistry fuels her passion for service
After graduating from dental school in India, Dr. Agrawal immigrated to the United States, where she completed the International Dentist Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Following a yearlong residency in New York, she pursued public health dentistry because of its emphasis on service, access and equity.
Now more than a decade later, Agrawal is the dental director for a federally qualified health center in San Francisco.
Recognizing the shared mission between her work and the CDA Foundation, she was inspired to donate her time and talents as a board member.
“I have been a CDA member since 2019,” Agrawal said. “I followed the Foundation’s work and was drawn to its commitment to improving access to oral healthcare for underserved communities—a mission closely aligned with my work in public health.”
Exchanging ideas and shaping programs that make a difference
Agrawal was selected for a Foundation board position in 2020 and, six years later, her passion and commitment to the mission remain as strong as ever.
“I enjoy exchanging ideas with fellow board members and helping shape programs that can make a lasting difference,” Agrawal shared. “I am particularly excited about the CDA Cares Connects clinics and the emphasis on connecting patients with a dental home.”
The skills to succeed
When asked what skill or strength has helped her the most in her role on the board of directors, Agrawal replied,
“Collaboration has been one of my greatest strengths. Working in community dentistry has taught me to listen carefully, appreciate different perspectives and work toward shared goals. Those skills help me contribute thoughtfully alongside fellow board members and Foundation staff.”