Dr. Gendelman's journey in dentistry began in Brasilia, Brazil where she helped her mother run her Orthodontics practice. After graduating from the University of Brasilia in Dentistry, she ventured to the United States to further her education. At UCLA, she earned her doctorate in Pediatric Dentistry and a master’s degree in Public Health. Her academic and professional achievements are a testament to her commitment to both individual patient care and the broader implications of dental health in public wellness.

While at UCLA, Dr Gendelman worked with nonprofits to help address inadequate access to affordable dental care and supplies. She recognized there was a tremendous need for reducing dental costs and she knew that if she wanted to help
improve public dental health, then she would need to work on the supply side of dental care and that is where the idea of Blue Elemental was birthed.