Awards

W. George Pinnell Award for Outstanding Service - 2025

About Armando Soto-Rojas

Dr. Armando Soto-Rojas is a dedicated dental public health professional, educator, and advocate committed to improving oral health access for underserved and vulnerable populations. As an Associate Professor at the Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) and Director of the Seal Indiana/Health Promotion Program and the Office of Civic Engagement, Dr. Armando Soto-Rojas has led numerous community-based initiatives aimed at expanding preventive dental care and health education across Indiana.

With a dental degree from Universidad Intercontinental in Mexico City and a Master of Science in Dental Public Health from King’s College London, Dr. Armando Soto-Rojas has dedicated their career to reducing oral health disparities through education, policy advocacy, and hands-on community service. Since joining IUSD in 2003, he has been at the forefront of service-learning programs that integrate public health principles with practical outreach, ensuring that students gain invaluable experience while making a tangible impact in local communities.

Dr. Armando Soto-Rojas has played a pivotal role in the Seal Indiana mobile dental program, which provides preventive oral health services to underserved children across the state. Additionally, as a faculty mentor to emerging dental professionals, and interprofessional collaboration, he has shaped the next generation of socially responsible dental practitioners. Community engagement efforts include leadership roles in initiatives such as the Indiana Department of Health’s Strategic Plan, the Indiana Oral Health Coalition, and various public health advisory committees.

Beyond local efforts, Dr. Armando Soto-Rojas has been actively involved in national and international public health initiatives, including collaborations with organizations like the Special Olympics, the American Association of Public Health Dentistry, and cross-border partnerships with institutions in Mexico and Latin America. Through these efforts, he has contributed to the development of policies and programs aimed at reducing barriers to oral health care for diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities, rural communities, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

Dr. Armando Soto-Rojas’s commitment to service has been recognized with a Boyer Scholarship award and the IDA Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year Award. Through ongoing research, grant-funded projects, and advocacy work, Dr. Armando Soto-Rojas continues to be a driving force for equity in oral health, ensuring that high-quality dental care is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location.