Less than two years after earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, Mohita Sharma is rising quickly in organized dentistry. The internationally trained dentist has moved from student leadership into influential national roles focused on mentorship and policy.
While at CU SDM, Sharma served on the executive board of the Colorado chapter of the American Student Dental Association and was active in the Student National Dental Association. She also received the Colorado Dental Association Award at CU Dental’s 2023 graduation banquet.
In late 2024, Sharma was one of 40 participants — 32 dentists and eight dental students — selected for the American Dental Association Leadership Institute, a tuition-free program dedicated to leadership development for dentists from diverse backgrounds.
For her capstone project, she created a nationwide mentoring network for current and aspiring dental students. She graduated from the Institute in mid-August 2025 and continues to refine the program.
“Finding the right mentor can change the course of your career,” Sharma said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t have the right mentors.”
Sharma credits ADA President Brett Kessler, DDS, as a key mentor. The two met after Sharma attended a lecture Kessler gave on wellness at a dental conference. Kessler — who received the CU SDM Honorary Alumni Award in May 2024 — later introduced Sharma to Carliza Marcos, DDS, president of the California Dental Association.
Kessler praised Sharma’s potential and leadership. “She’s one of my favorite young colleagues. She’s inspiring and she has a bright future in dentistry,” he said.
At the ADA House of Delegates in 2024, Sharma testified about the obstacles she faced obtaining a license as an internationally trained dentist. Her testimony, Kessler said, prompted shifts in how some ADA policies address international training pathways.
Kunjan Kakar, DDS, associate professor and assistant director of CU SDM’s Advanced Standing International Program, described Sharma as grounded and persistent. “Mohita takes initiative and makes it a point to see things through,” Kakar said, noting her skill in engaging with people at all levels — from faculty to patients.
Kessler recently appointed Sharma to an ADA Reference Committee that reviews proposed resolutions and reports on business, education, benefits and legislative issues. The role places her on a possible national leadership track, he said.
Sharma currently works in a community practice in California’s Central Valley. In addition to her ADA responsibilities, she is set to be inducted into the International College of Dentists in September.