Native American Health Center (NAHC) is excited to announce Dr. Benjamin Lee as our first-ever Chief Dental Officer (CDO). This new role marks an important step in strengthening NAHC’s integrated approach to whole-person care and expanding access to high-quality, community-based dental services.
Dr. Lee holds a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from UCSF and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. He brings over 16 years of experience at NAHC, where he worked closely with longtime Dental Director Dr. Alfonso Galindo. Since joining as a staff dentist in 2008, Dr. Lee has provided exceptional care in both general and pediatric dentistry and was promoted to Associate Dental Director in 2017. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the structure, sustainability, and innovation of NAHC’s dental services.
“I’ve had the privilege of watching Dr. Lee grow as a professional over the years,” said Michelle Shawnego, NAHC Chief Administrative Officer, “and I’ve always been impressed by his deep love for our community and commitment to effective, compassionate care. We’ve grown together as leaders, and I’m excited to see him step into this new role with the same dedication and heart he’s shown throughout his time at NAHC.”
As CDO, Dr. Lee will provide executive leadership to dental services across all NAHC sites, working in close collaboration with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure clinical excellence by strengthening operations, improving care delivery, and increasing access for members in Oakland and San Francisco.
During his tenure at NAHC, Dr. Lee has led the department through major transitions, including:
- Guiding the successful implementation of the EPIC system into NAHC’s dental services without reducing access to care—an uncommon accomplishment among partner clinics.
- Supporting continuity of care during the COVID-19 pandemic by helping develop and implement new infection control protocols, communication tools, and operational workflows.
- Helping maintain operations during a cyber incident by quickly adapting workflows to minimize service disruption.
- Strengthening workforce development by leading the NYU Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program and mentoring incoming dental residents.
Dr. Lee’s vision as Chief Dental Officer centers on improving the dental department’s impact while upholding NAHC’s values of cultural humility, equity, and whole-person wellness. He remains focused on expanding services, eliminating barriers to care, and continuing to build a strong, collaborative team rooted in service to the community.
“As the inaugural Chief Dental Officer, I consider it a true honor to have been given the chance to take on increased responsibilities at NAHC,” said Dr. Lee. “To the dental team, my heartfelt thanks to each and everyone of you. I have witnessed the transformations of many of our members who have regained their self-confidence through dental care—a direct result of our compassion, commitment, and collective efforts. I am excited for what’s to come and look forward to our continued partnership.”
When he’s not helping build brighter smiles and supporting the community, Dr. Lee enjoys traveling—especially to Japan—and exploring new places that offer fresh perspective and inspiration.
Please join us in celebrating Dr. Lee’s appointment and in welcoming this exciting new chapter for NAHC Dental!