The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) announced the installation of new board officers and trustees during the 2026 AAPD General Assembly held in Las Vegas.
2026–2027 Officers
Carlos A. Bertot, DDS — President
Dr. Carlos “Charlie” Bertot, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and Fellow of the AAPD, begins his term as President. He earned his dental degree from the University of Florida and completed pediatric dentistry training at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Bertot is a graduate of both the AAPD Leadership Institute at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and the Advanced Leadership Institute at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
A longtime leader in organized dentistry, Dr. Bertot is a past president of the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and previously served the AAPD as Parliamentarian and Trustee. He practices in the Orlando, Florida area.
Jacob K. Lee, DDS — President-Elect
Dr. Jacob Lee earned his DDS and pediatric dentistry training at the University of Toronto. His academic appointments have included leadership roles at Loma Linda University, the University of Minnesota, University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, and the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry.
Dr. Lee has contributed extensively to AAPD committees, councils, and educational programming, including service on the editorial board of Pediatric Dentistry. He is a Fellow of the AAPD, American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, and Pierre Fauchard Academy, and received the 2024 AAPD Merle C. Hunter Leadership Award.
A Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, Dr. Lee practices in San Clemente and Rancho Mission Viejo, California.
Angela M. Stout, DMD, MPH — Vice President
Dr. Angela Stout is a pediatric dentist in private practice in Pennsylvania and Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry. She completed her dental degree at Temple University and pediatric dentistry residency at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, later earning a master’s degree in public health from the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Stout is recognized for her advocacy in child abuse prevention and neglect awareness through organized dentistry initiatives in Pennsylvania. She has held leadership roles within the AAPD, including Northeast District Trustee and Parliamentarian, and received the 2023 AAPD Merle C. Hunter Leadership Award.
James R. Boynton, DDS — Secretary-Treasurer
Dr. James Boynton is Clinical Professor and Pediatric Dentistry Program Director at the University of Michigan and maintains a private practice in Ann Arbor. A board-certified pediatric dentist, he has authored more than 50 publications and contributed to federally funded initiatives supporting pediatric dental education.
His national service includes roles with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, the Commission on Dental Accreditation, and the AAPD Board of Trustees.
Jessica L. Robertson, DMD — Parliamentarian
Dr. Jessica Robertson is a board-certified pediatric dentist and founder of Around the Mountain Pediatric Dentistry, serving communities throughout Northern Arizona. She earned her dental degree from Oregon Health & Science University and completed pediatric dentistry training at UCLA.
Her leadership roles have included President of the Arizona Dental Association and Chair of the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention. Dr. Robertson also previously chaired the AAPD Council on Government Affairs and has participated in numerous outreach programs, including Give Kids a Smile and Mission of Mercy.
Trustees and Additional Leadership
Ronald H. Hsu, DDS, MS — Federal At-Large Trustee
Dr. Ronald Hsu is owner of Storybook Dental in Camas, Washington, and serves as Chair of the AAPD Council on Continuing Education. An Affiliate Assistant Professor at the University of Washington, he lectures nationally on minimally invasive dentistry, trauma management, and practice leadership.
Elisa Velazquez, DDS — Northeastern District Trustee
Dr. Elisa Velazquez is owner of Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates in New Jersey and Immediate Past President of both the New Jersey Dental Association and the New Jersey Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She currently serves as President of the New Jersey Hispanic Dental Association.
Reza Ardalan, DMD — Southeastern District Trustee
Dr. Reza Ardalan is owner of Ardalan Pediatric Dentistry in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He is a past president of both the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry and has served on multiple AAPD committees and councils.
Homa Amini, DDS, MPH, MS — ABPD Director
Dr. Homa Amini is Professor-Clinical in Pediatric Dentistry at The Ohio State University and an attending pediatric dentist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Her work has focused on oral health equity, prevention of early childhood caries, and integration of oral health into primary and prenatal care settings.
Continuing Members of the Board
The newly appointed officers and trustees will serve alongside current members of the AAPD Board of Trustees for the 2026–2027 term, including Drs. Scott B. Schwartz, Katherine Chin, Donald C. Schmitt, Jennifer L. Cully, Elizabeth S. Gosnell, John Blake, Warren A. Brill, Jade Miller, Noel K. Childers, Tom G. Ison, and Jessica Y. Lee.
The AAPD represents pediatric dentists dedicated to improving oral health for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs through education, advocacy, research, and clinical care.
