Dr. Helina Tessema, a native of Los Angeles, CA, is a dedicated and compassionate dentist. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology & Human Biology with a minor in Chinese Studies from Emory University, followed by her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Tufts University.
During dental school, Dr. Tessema held leadership roles such as Vice President of the Tufts American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD) chapter and served as a Teaching Assistant in several courses. She also contributed as an Admissions Ambassador, conducting interviews and leading campus tours for prospective students.
Passionate about teaching and mentorship, Dr. Tessema values the impact of mentorship in her own life, and strives to guide the next generation of healthcare leaders. Currently, she is completing her pediatric dental residency at UCSF alongside pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at San Jose State University, focusing on health education, disease prevention, and global perspectives. Dr. Tessema is fluent in Amharic (official language of Ethiopia) and proficient in Mandarin Chinese.
In her leisure time, she enjoys cooking, event planning, boxing, and is thrilled to be back on the West Coast closer to her family.
