I Love My Community: Dr. Rommel Bal
Dr. Rommel Bal is a dentist and an elected member of the Lodi Unified Board of Education representing Trustee Area 6. She has practiced dentistry in Stockton since 2005. A big supporter of the arts, she previously served on the Stockton Chorale Board and sponsors their concerts every year; she has served as president of the San Joaquin Dental Society and is currently vice chair of the SJDS Foundation. Dr. Bal told us a little about her life and what inspires her to give back to her community.
Q: What brought you to Lodi?
A: I grew up in India and moved to San Joaquin County in 2002. My husband and I met in dental school and I decided to move to his hometown, Stockton! We lived in Stockton until 2012 and then found a place between the two cities so we could be close to both.
Q: Tell us about your family!
A: My husband, Shami, is a Stocktonian. Born in Oakland while his parents were graduate students in UC Berkeley, they moved to Stockton in 1973. He graduated from Stagg High and absolutely loves this city with all its good and bad. My boys are both Lodi U08SD graduates. Agam graduated from UC Berkeley last year and hopes to be of service to this community in a healthcare field. Armaan has similar plans with a focus on dentistry. Wherever life takes them, we always talk about returning home to San Joaquin County. Our chocolate lab, Fudge, has so much love to give and take. It’s never enough with cuddles and hugs.
Q: What motivated you to choose dentistry?
A: I don’t have a clear recollection of when I decided, but I’ve always wanted to be a dentist. It began as a fascination and evolved into a passion.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a seat on the Lodi Unified Board of Trustees?
A: One of the biggest strengths of our community is the diversity it holds. People of different ethnic, religious, socio-economic backgrounds make this a loving, accepting, giving community. When the position for the board opened up I felt there was so much I could give back and help with, I didn’t feel any hesitation to apply. It was another of way of giving back to the beautiful community that we have built in the San Joaquin County.
Q: How are you able to help support students, educators, staff and the community as a board member?
A: As a member of the Lodi Unified School District Board of Education, I’m part of the team that represents community decision making for our children’s educational futures. I’m proud to collaborate with passionate professionals as we work on strategic planning frameworks, college and career readiness programs, and weigh options to keep the district fiscally responsible.
Q: What are some ways that you try to make a difference in your community?
A: I’m a big believer in volunteer service. Personally, I am involved in conducting the yearly Give Kids a Smile event in my capacity as a member of the San Joaquin Dental Society. Every February, we gather volunteers and dentists and provide free dental care to children that need it. Another way I try to give back is through my own dental office’s Tooth For Turkey event. Since 2007, we celebrate Thanksgiving by offering dental checkups, X-rays and dental cleaning to anyone that brings in Thanksgiving food items. At the end of the day, we donate all of the collected food to the kitchen at St. Mary’s Dining Hall to help bring Thanksgiving to those in need.
Q: What other ways do you promote positive healthcare outcomes?
A: I have been an active member and donor to Operation Dez Strong, or ODS. Dez is my good friend Kamni Del Barba’s son. He was unfortunately injured in the process of training to be a National Guardsman, which resulted in the loss of his leg due to necrotizing fasciitis, or NF. Operation Dez Strong was created to help kids with missing limbs get the care they need and the prosthetics to help them live active and healthy lives while also working to bring awareness to NF.
Q: What brings you the most joy?
A: Being a mom is my greatest joy. My children bring me peace to the core. Seeing them grow up to be kind, gentle, responsible adults has given me the kind of happiness that words will never express.
Q: If you have free time, how do you most like to spend it?
A: A hot cup of Lavazza coffee and an easy read book.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: “Work hard, Believe in One True God, share with others (your food, wealth and happiness).” ~Nanak.
Q: What’s on your bucket list?
A: I actually have a tub list. This world has shrunk but we have so much to see.
