WSPD President’s Report
2025, Dr. Harlyn Susarla
President

Dear WSPD members;

My name is Harlyn Susarla, and I am honored to serve as President the WSPD for the 2025-2026 term. Born and raised in the greater Los Angeles area, my curiosity and sense of adventure led me to the East Coast, where I earned degrees from Wellesley College, Boston University (MPH), and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, followed by a pediatric dental residency at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD). The West Coast has always been home, and I now live in Seattle with my husband and two daughters, practicing at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where I care for children with complex medical, developmental, or behavioral differences, as well as those requiring emergency dental care.

After several years in leadership roles across Washington State, I joined the WSPD Board as the Washington representative—a natural progression that deepened my commitment to district leadership. I also serve as a Trustee of the AAPD Foundation, President-Elect of the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and participate in several AAPD councils and committees.

Two years ago, WSPD finalized a strategic plan to enhance communication, expand member services, and strengthen advocacy and resident support. Since our founding in 2005, WSPD dues have remained at $40, which is minimal compared to other districts. To sustain the initiatives set forth in our strategic plan, a modest increase to $60 will take effect next year.

This increase allows WSPD to maintain its highest-level sponsorship of the Annual CSPD Meeting and continue supporting Resident Poster Awards. WSPD members receive the reduced California member rate when registering for the meeting. For smaller states within our district, dues revenue allows us to support advocacy and leadership development, ensuring equitable benefits across the district. By collaborating and sharing experiences across our district, we strengthen our profession and better serve our patients—an effort I am proud to advance as your president this year.

At our Fall Board Meeting in October, we welcomed Leadership Intern Sandy Huang. In fact, of the five interns selected since the program’s inception, three now serve as state representatives—Aarika Anderson (WA), John Warner (OR), and Nadiene Wu (HI)—a testament to the program’s success in cultivating future leaders. The Board also approved funding for five district residents to attend POHAC Advocacy Days, a cornerstone of resident engagement and professional growth.

I am deeply grateful to both the WSPD Board and the Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for their continued support in my professional development. Leadership is about teaching, sharing, and ensuring future generations have a voice at the decision-making table. WSPD’s recognition as a leading district within AAPD is due in large part to the example set by CSPD, whose strong organizational model continues to inspire us. 

I would also like to thank Immediate Past President Dr. Rob McAlpine (Alaska) for his leadership and mentorship, and our Executive Director, Dr. Christine Roloafs. I look forward to supporting President-Elect Dr. Tom Tanbonliong, currently the Program Director at the University of Washington.

This year, I challenged the WSPD Board with the guiding theme: “How can I help?” I now ask each of you to reflect on the same question. Whether you are a new resident or a seasoned practitioner, your involvement strengthens our profession and benefits the children and families we serve. Together, we can make meaningful progress—not just for our profession, but for the children and families we serve.

Thank you for your dedication. I look forward to all we will accomplish, side by side.

Most Sincerely,

Harlyn K. Susarla, DMD, MPH

President, Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry