Inspirational Stories
Discover how our graduate programs have transformed careers and enhanced patient care through the inspiring stories of our alumni. From expanding practice capabilities to building specialized expertise, our graduates share their journeys of professional growth and the real-world impact of their USC Ostrow Online education.
Dr. Silvina Rajschmir
Master of Science in Geriatric Dentistry
“After completing the Geriatric Dentistry MS program, I feel so strong that I was able to run my own mobile unit. Everything that I studied in the program, I’m using from my practice to the community, everything.”
Dr. Silvina Rajschmir holds a DDS from the University of Buenos Aires with 15 years of general dentistry experience. After completing AEGD training at the Florida Institute for Advanced Dental Education, she earned her MS in Geriatric Dentistry from USC's Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Since 2014, she has maintained a private practice in Florida and is an active SCDA member, focusing on specialized care for older adults and patients with complex needs.
Dr. Silvina Rajschmir
Dr. Silvina Rajschmir holds a DDS from the University of Buenos Aires with 15 years of general dentistry experience. After completing AEGD training at the Florida Institute for Advanced Dental Education, she earned her MS in Geriatric Dentistry from USC's Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Since 2014, she has maintained a private practice in Florida and is an active SCDA member, focusing on specialized care for older adults and patients with complex needs.
Dr. Theresa Cleary
“The best thing was being able to be part of this online/hybrid Geriatric Dentistry MS program but also live and work in our own communities, treat patients in our own communities and still be able to work.”
Dr. Theresa Cleary earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She also has a Master of Science Degree in Geriatric Dentistry from the University of Southern California.
Dr. Theresa Cleary
Dr. Theresa Cleary earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She also has a Master of Science Degree in Geriatric Dentistry from the University of Southern California.
Dr. Joyce De Lima, DDS
“The Oral Pathology and Radiology Program offered a great way to refresh the knowledge that I learned in the first year of dental school in Brazil and to learn about the standards of care in the United States. Theis program also helped to improve my overall GPA which helped me demonstrate to dental schools in the US that I was capable of achieving good grades in an advanced graduate level program and participate in case discussions that improved my critical thinking skills when dealing with critical care patients and patients with special needs.”
Dr. Joyce De Lima graduated as a dentist in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2016 from Universidad Santa Amaro - Unisa. In 2018. She moved to the U.S. to continue her professional development in the dental field. She recently completed her Certificate in Oral Pathology and Radiology (2023) and she is currently pursuing the Advanced Standing for International Dentists Program (ASPID) at The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC.
Dr. Joyce De Lima, DDS
Certificate in Oral Pathology and Radiology
Dr. Joyce De Lima graduated as a dentist in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2016 from Universidad Santa Amaro - Unisa. In 2018. She moved to the U.S. to continue her professional development in the dental field. She recently completed her Certificate in Oral Pathology and Radiology (2023) and she is currently pursuing the Advanced Standing for International Dentists Program (ASPID) at The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC.
Dr. Andrea Santacruz, DDS
“The online/hybrid format was really terrific; I didn’t have to leave my family and kids and move to a different state. The ability to learn online gave me the knowledge and power to feel comfortable again after having completed dental school many years ago. The summer bootcamp experience was an amazing opportunity to see each other in person after getting to know one another in our virtual classrooms for the previous 12 months.”
Dr. Andrea Santacruz graduated dental school in El Salvador and completed her post-doctorate certificate program in Oral Pathology and Radiology at Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. She has worked for non-profit organizations and has a strong passion for working with underserved populations. She is currently pursuing an Advanced Education General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency at The University of Rochester – Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Her dream is to become a part of academia and teach future generations of dentists.
Dr. Andrea Santacruz, DDS
Certificate in Oral Pathology and Radiology
Dr. Andrea Santacruz graduated dental school in El Salvador and completed her post-doctorate certificate program in Oral Pathology and Radiology at Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. She has worked for non-profit organizations and has a strong passion for working with underserved populations. She is currently pursuing an Advanced Education General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency at The University of Rochester – Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Her dream is to become a part of academia and teach future generations of dentists.
Dr. Gerald Kim, MS, BA
Master of Science in Community Oral Health
“Through the Community Oral Health program at Herman Ostrow, I gained the knowledge and experiences that shaped my path toward dentistry. The program emphasized the importance of public health and gave me a deeper understanding of how prevention, education, and research can improve access and equity in oral health. I am especially grateful to Dr. Mulligan, Dr. Habibian, Dr. Padilla, Professor Sumi, Professor Brookman, and Professor Sanchez, whose mentorship and guidance prepared me for the next step as a member of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Class of 2029.”
Chaeho (Gerald) Kim recently earned his Master of Science degree in Community Oral Health from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, building upon his Bachelor of Arts in Public Health from the University of California, Irvine (2017) and his experience as a dental assistant at Smilee Dental. His master's program focused on addressing oral health disparities through prevention, education, and research-based approaches to improve access to care for underserved communities. Chaeho has been accepted into the Doctor of Dental Surgery program at Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry as a member of the Class of 2029, where he will combine his public health expertise with clinical dental training to continue serving diverse populations.
Dr. Gerald Kim, MS, BA
Chaeho (Gerald) Kim recently earned his Master of Science degree in Community Oral Health from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, building upon his Bachelor of Arts in Public Health from the University of California, Irvine (2017) and his experience as a dental assistant at Smilee Dental. His master's program focused on addressing oral health disparities through prevention, education, and research-based approaches to improve access to care for underserved communities. Chaeho has been accepted into the Doctor of Dental Surgery program at Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry as a member of the Class of 2029, where he will combine his public health expertise with clinical dental training to continue serving diverse populations.
Maya Fulcher, RDH, MS
“The highlight has really been making connections with mentors and people in my field who are encouraging me to expand my career and helping me find different directions. That never would have happened if I wouldn’t have joined this program.”
Maya obtained her bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from the USC School of Dentistry in 2003. After graduation, she worked as clinical faculty for dental hygiene, PBL and traditional dental students. She returned to Ostrow in 2023 to pursue a master’s degree in the Community Oral Health. With her master in hand, Maya currently works in a private periodontal practice, is active in leadership for the Los Angeles Dental Hygienists’ Society and serves as the Los Angeles Trustee for the California Dental Hygienists’ Association.
Maya Fulcher, RDH, MS
Maya obtained her bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from the USC School of Dentistry in 2003. After graduation, she worked as clinical faculty for dental hygiene, PBL and traditional dental students. She returned to Ostrow in 2023 to pursue a master’s degree in the Community Oral Health. With her master in hand, Maya currently works in a private periodontal practice, is active in leadership for the Los Angeles Dental Hygienists’ Society and serves as the Los Angeles Trustee for the California Dental Hygienists’ Association.
Dr. Jane Wrinch
“I've started to have people referring patients to me mainly endodontists, orthodontists and like before they even walk in the front door, I've been able to diagnose it (things like TMD, osteoarthritis, myofascial pain). That has been really gratifying, because every time I have a patient booked, I'm a little bit stressed out that I'm not going to be able to figure it out, and so far, I've been able to diagnose everything, which has been like very empowering.”
Dr. Wrinch graduated from the University of British Columbia with her and completed a multi-disciplinary hospital residency at Montreal General Hospital through McGill University. She gained advanced training in oral surgery, anesthesia, and treatment of medically compromised patients. In Ottawa, she worked as an associate dentist with staff positions at Ottawa Civic and Queensway Carleton Hospitals, where she chaired the startup of a hospital-based geriatric specialty clinic and owned her own practice. Dr. Wrinch is currently completing her Master of Science degree in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine.
Dr. Jane Wrinch
Dr. Wrinch graduated from the University of British Columbia with her and completed a multi-disciplinary hospital residency at Montreal General Hospital through McGill University. She gained advanced training in oral surgery, anesthesia, and treatment of medically compromised patients. In Ottawa, she worked as an associate dentist with staff positions at Ottawa Civic and Queensway Carleton Hospitals, where she chaired the startup of a hospital-based geriatric specialty clinic and owned her own practice. Dr. Wrinch is currently completing her Master of Science degree in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine.