Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sara A. Alibakhshi, DDS

Boyds,MD

Summary

Compassionate and service-driven dental professional with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University and advanced postdoctoral training from Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Licensed to practice in Maryland and New Hampshire, with clinical experience spanning underserved urban and rural communities. Recognized for academic excellence as a Dental Trustee Scholar and Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society member. Proven leadership as Student Chair of the Admissions Committee, Director of Community Service, and Student Ambassador. Experienced in global outreach through a mission trip to Jamaica, and dedicated to reducing disparities in oral healthcare through both clinical service and advocacy. Committed to delivering patient-centered, culturally competent care with a focus on access and education.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Jamaica Mission Trip

Zion Care International
07.2023 - 08.2023
  • Selected to represent Howard University College of Dentistry in a rewarding global outreach initiative. Provided essential dental care—including extractions, prophylaxis, and oral hygiene education—to underserved communities in Jamaica. This meaningful experience deepened my commitment to service and broadened my clinical and cultural perspective.

Outdoor Education Counselor

Kingsview Middle School
01.2010 - 02.2010
  • Led and educated children on the value of teamwork through hands-on outdoor activities and real-life skill-building exercises. Supported teachers by chaperoning and supervising groups of 15+ children, ensuring their safety and engagement. Provided overnight supervision for two consecutive nights, fostering a positive and supportive environment.

Admissions Committee

Howard University College of Dentistry
08.2023 - 05.2024
  • Appointed Student Chair for the 2023–2024 Admissions Committee at Howard University College of Dentistry. Conduct interviews with prospective dental students, lead campus tours (schedule permitting), and participate in both virtual and in-person recruitment events. Oversee and coordinate the efforts of the Student Ambassador program, serving as a liaison between applicants, students, and administration.

Front Desk Receptionist

Germantown Dental Group
12.2010 - 01.2020
  • Served as the first point of contact for clients and visitors, providing exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment. Managed phone lines, scheduled appointments, and maintained organized records. Assisted with administrative tasks and ensured smooth day-to-day front office operations.

Director of Community Service, Class of 2024

Howard University College of Dentistry
08.2021 - 01.2022
  • Elected by peers to serve as the Director of Community Service for the Class of 2024. In this leadership role, organized volunteer initiatives, coordinated outreach events, and fostered a culture of service within the dental school community.

Logistics Administrator

Amarex Clinical Research
09.2017 - 12.2018
  • Managed logistical operations of clinical trials with a strong emphasis on FDA regulatory compliance, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Maintained and audited Trial Master Files to ensure inspection readiness. Supported study setup, conduct, and closeout activities, including documentation, supply coordination, and regulatory-compliant translations. Collaborated with Clinical Research Associates during monitoring visits and contributed to the development of FDA-compliant study logs, source documents, and patient-facing materials.

Front Desk Receptionist

Gaithersburg Dental Group
11.2010 - 08.2017
  • Provided front-line administrative support in a dental practice, ensuring a smooth and welcoming patient experience. Managed appointment scheduling, patient check-ins/outs, insurance verification, and billing inquiries. Maintained accurate patient records in compliance with HIPAA regulations and supported daily office operations to enhance workflow efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Microsatellite Loci Researcher

Towson University
08.2016 - 12.2016
  • Performed molecular genetics research on wood frog populations, optimizing microsatellite loci characterization via gradient PCR to determine precise annealing temperatures. Executed high-resolution acrylamide gel electrophoresis for fragment analysis, assessing loci polymorphism and allelic variation. Analyzed and interpreted genotypic data to contribute to studies on genetic diversity and population structure. Maintained detailed lab records and ensured protocol adherence for reproducibility.

Special Effects Makeup Artist

Markoffs
10.2010 - 09.2016
  • Worked as part of a dynamic team of 12 artists to bring characters to life by expertly applying special effects makeup, prosthetics, and liquid latex to actors. Transformed faces and bodies into stunning, immersive visuals under tight timelines, helping to create unforgettable storytelling experiences through artistry and precision.

Front Desk Receptionist - University Dorm Housing

Towson University
01.2013 - 05.2013
  • Monitored and verified visitor identification to maintain campus safety and security. Managed key distribution and guest sign-in procedures efficiently. Handled incoming calls, providing prompt and accurate information while directing inquiries to appropriate departments.

Teachers Assistant - Choir Externship

Kingsview Middle School
08.2011 - 12.2011
  • Instructed seventh and eighth grade choir students, applying advanced vocal techniques and musical knowledge to enhance their performance skills. Developed and led engaging rehearsals that fostered both individual growth and ensemble cohesion.

Education

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Dentistry

Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Boston
06-2025

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) -

Howard University College of Dentistry
Washington, D.C
05.2025

Biochemistry Academic Coursework -

Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN
05.2020

Clinical Trial Project Management Certification -

Montgomery College
Germantown, MD
12.2018

Bachelor of Science - Cell & Molecular Biology

Towson University
Towson, MD
05.2017

Skills

  • Clinical Dentistry
  • Patient Care & Communication
  • Leadership & Team Coordination
  • Public Speaking & Recruitment
  • Regulatory Compliance (FDA, GCP, SOP)
  • Clinical Trial Coordination
  • HIPAA Compliance & Records Management
  • Event & Community Outreach
  • Cross- Cultural Communication
  • Front Office Administration

Timeline

Admissions Committee

Howard University College of Dentistry
08.2023 - 05.2024

Jamaica Mission Trip

Zion Care International
07.2023 - 08.2023

Director of Community Service, Class of 2024

Howard University College of Dentistry
08.2021 - 01.2022

Logistics Administrator

Amarex Clinical Research
09.2017 - 12.2018

Microsatellite Loci Researcher

Towson University
08.2016 - 12.2016

Front Desk Receptionist - University Dorm Housing

Towson University
01.2013 - 05.2013

Teachers Assistant - Choir Externship

Kingsview Middle School
08.2011 - 12.2011

Front Desk Receptionist

Germantown Dental Group
12.2010 - 01.2020

Front Desk Receptionist

Gaithersburg Dental Group
11.2010 - 08.2017

Special Effects Makeup Artist

Markoffs
10.2010 - 09.2016

Outdoor Education Counselor

Kingsview Middle School
01.2010 - 02.2010

Bachelor of Science - Cell & Molecular Biology

Towson University

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Dentistry

Harvard School of Dental Medicine

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) -

Howard University College of Dentistry

Biochemistry Academic Coursework -

Tennessee State University

Clinical Trial Project Management Certification -

Montgomery College
Sara A. Alibakhshi, DDS