By McKenzie Kupchik, Jerilyn Forsythe, and Elizabeth Dilts Marshall
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Dentistry isn’t just the practice of medicine. These days, increasingly, it’s even more about running a business, with all the paperwork and administrative responsibilities that entails. It can be daunting. How have this year’s batch of talented young doctors dealt with it all? They have thoughts—and plenty of advice to share.
COUNTLESS 40 UNDER 40 honorees over the years have told us that they were drawn to dentistry by the fact that it is, perhaps uniquely among medical disciplines, an elegant blend of art and science. It is also, however, a business—and that aspect of the profession can be vexing. It’s often not emphasized in dental schools, and new practice owners often find themselves unexpectedly in over their heads. That in part explains the spectacular growth of DSOs in recent years. As such, in addition to our usual mix of personal and professional nuggets about each honoree, we’ve asked many of them this year to talk about the business side of being a dentist—how to attract and retain great team members, what their biggest surprise was about practice ownership, whether they’ve yet embraced 3D printing and much more.
MEET THE JUDGES
ELIZABETH “BETSY” CARMACK, DDS, a member of the Incisal Edge 40 Under 40 in 2019, is also a member of the American Dental Association, the Vermont State Dental Society and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE). She is skilled in full-mouth extractions, wisdom teeth extractions and cosmetic dentistry.
BANSI MITHANI DOESCHER, DMD is the head dentist and owner of Smile Team, with four practices in the greater Philadelphia region. She graduated in 2009 from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Doescher is a three-time recipient of Philadelphia magazine’s Top Dentist award and was a 2021 Incisal Edge 40 Under 40 honoree.
SHARON SHIVETTS is a National Sales Trainer, Sales Operations, at Benco Dental, focusing on helping doctors and their teams achieve peak performance through staff mentoring and well-rounded coaching. She has more than 30 years’ experience in dentistry, with degrees in dental hygiene, education, statistics and research methods. She has been with Benco for 17 years.
GENERALISTS
Nicolas Aguilera
Age: 32
City: New York
Name of Practice: Apa Aesthetic
Education: DDS, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
Why He Was Nominated: After earning a DDS in his native Ecuador, Dr. Aguilera completed specialty training in implant and cosmetic dentistry on a full academic merit scholarship in Brazil, after which he moved to the United States and completed his DDS at the University of Rochester. After his residency, Dr. Aguilera joined the practice of his mentor, Dr. Michael Apa, at Apa Aesthetic, a renowned group with practices in New York, Los Angeles and Dubai. Once a year, Dr. Aguilera does pro bono dental work.
Why He Became a Dentist: “A doctor in my home country was on TV showing a cosmetic procedure, porcelain veneers, on a patient. I was amazed by the results and wanted to do it too—then, during dental school, I shadowed in his office.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Show them how much you care about the office and the patients, and they’ll follow that. Team members need to feel appreciated and valuable. Communication is always fundamental.”
3D Printing? “We use it. It’s a great tool.”
Arsh Ahuja
Age: 38
Cities: Culver City, Santa Monica, Northridge, Long Beach, Rialto, Irvine, Huntington Park and Rancho Cucamonga, California; Garden City, Manhattan and Queens, New York
Names of Practices: Fuller Smiles and Zen Dentistry
Education: DDS, University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Why He Was Nominated: In just under a decade, Dr. Ahuja has opened 15 successful practices, employs more than 200 people—and has no plans to slow down any time soon. He, his sister (Dr. Taran Reynolds) and his cousin (Dr. Tandeep Malhotra) have joined forces to create this burgeoning group. He and his sister followed their late father’s footsteps into the profession; their five offices in New York and 10 in Southern California are equipped with the latest technology, including a SprintRay 3D printer and Glidewell mills. Dr. Ahuja is active in his community, is a member of dozens of professional associations and was the youngest Fellow ever elected to the International Congress of Oral Implantology.
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “After opening multiple practices, your success lies in how good your team is.”
Most Memorable Patient: “One who made Chewbacca noises every time he would walk into my practice. It was his way of letting me know that he was there—and he’d start again if we kept him waiting more than 10 minutes. We would all rush to get him in so patients wouldn’t get startled.”
Joke Alesh
Age: 34
City: Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Name of Practice: Marigold Dental Studio
Education: DMD, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Why She Was Nominated: Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Alesh, in practice for eight years, was the first black woman from Rhode Island to own a dental practice—to which she recently added biometric dentistry—in the Ocean State. She’s also an entrepreneur who runs an event management company and e-commerce apparel business. A board member at Tufts Dental, she works with students from groups who are underrepresented in dentistry.
First Job After Dental School: “In a private practice serving primarily Medicaid beneficiaries in Dorchester, Massachusetts.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I’m active on Instagram showing my journey in dentistry and practice ownership. I retain my team members by being transparent about the startup process and giving them grace to learn and grow.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “I thought I’d be able to focus on my clinical growth right away, but my main focus is growing as a manager and systematizing my practice operations. I can’t do good work in chaos, so operational organization has to happen first.”
Exciting New Trend: “Shifting focus from retentive dentistry to adhesive dentistry.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I have 10 siblings.”
I can’t do good work in chaos, so operational organization has to happen first.
Dalal Alhajji
Age: 33
City: New York
Affiliation: New York University College of Dentistry
Education: DMD, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Alhajji is a catalyst for systemic change in health care’s approach to cancer patients. She noticed care disparities in this population while working in general practice, so she returned to school to earn an MS in dentistry with a focus on oral medicine, then pursued a fellowship in dental oncology at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She’s a faculty member in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Medicine and Radiology at New York University; thanks to her efforts, NYU’s Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities has seen a remarkable increase in treating cancer patients.
Inspiration: “My students. I want them to see that someone close to their age is aspiring to a career in dental academics.”
Most Memorable Patient: “A middle-aged woman who had a history of oropharyngeal cancer and underwent radiation therapy. She had a chronically infected tooth that was contraindicated for extraction due to her cancer treatment, yet that was the only means of definitively treating it, according to her insurance company. I intervened, and the company approved a root canal instead, ultimately saving her jaw. She later emailed me, ‘Insurance has approved my root canal. They said on the phone that it was due to your letter—so could you do something about gun violence now?’ ”
Muhalab Al Sammarraie
Age: 37
City: San Diego
Name of Practice: AltaMed Health Services
Education: DDS, Universidad de la Salle Bajío (Léon, Mexico)
Why He Was Nominated: In under two years, Dr. Al Sammarraie turned his clinic location, one of 10 in a group, into a well-oiled machine. His management style has enabled him to train and prepare 15 staff members, an office manager, a back-office supervisor and three dentists, and he was swiftly promoted to director of the largest clinic in the group. He leads the team and oversees an externship program in which he clinically supervises and trains students to provide quality care. A believer in data-driven dentistry, he regularly shares management tips with students interested in operations. He’s a subject matter expert for the Dental Board of California for law and ethics and a mentor for many foreign dentists seeking U.S. accreditation; he also teaches a leadership and practice management course at the International Dental Program in Mexico. In addition, he works with Iraqi nonprofit organizations focusing on young people seeking education.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Honesty, care and respect. The experience I gained working in every position at the dental office has allowed me to understand each position’s challenges. Therefore, the team can see that I am not asking for impossible things to be done.”
Most Memorable Patient: “One of my first patients in dental school back home in Iraq—an old guy coming from far away using public transportation, but he never missed an appointment. He needed complete dentures, but he couldn’t afford them—so without him knowing, I paid for them and told him they were free to avoid embarrassing him. He always gave me a piece of traditional candy or fruit after each visit.”
Michelle Ament
Age: 34
City: Bothell, Washington
Name of Practice: Michelle J. Ament DDS Bothell Family Dentistry
Education: DDS, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry; general practice residency, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, Michigan
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Ament bought her first private practice during the pandemic. The previous owner had been there for 30 years, and the patients stayed with the practice. She is taking advanced training at the Kois Institute and pursuing a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry. She’s an active member of the ADA, Seattle–King County Dental Association and Washington Academy of General Dentistry. She has volunteered in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.
Why She Became a Dentist: “In middle school, I knew I wanted to be either a dermatologist or dentist. I felt connected to both fields on a personal level; I struggled with acne and was embarrassed about my smile. Now I’m able to incorporate Botox into the way I practice—the best of both worlds!”
Inspiration: “My husband. He is my coach and biggest supporter.”
First Job After Dental School: “I was a dental resident. Forty percent of my patients had special needs, and I provided care in a hospital setting.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “We do team activities outside the office. Next month we plan on hiking in Mount Baker National Park.”
Most Memorable Patient: “Nancy, who had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and was my patient during residency. No matter how much discomfort she was in, she had a positive attitude and always had the best jokes.”
Tool She Can’t Live Without: “My Primescan and iTero.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I have a miniature husky named Koda who is the office therapy dog. He has the biggest smile! He will lie on our patients’ laps and plays an integral role in calming dental anxiety.”
Develop a network of people who share your vision early in your career. They will help make your vision a reality.
Ron Ayzin
Age: 30
City: Laguna Hills and Costa Mesa, California
Names of Practices: Laguna Dental Center, Dentistry @ Its Finest
Education: DDS, University of the Pacific School of Dentistry
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Ayzin owns two practices in Southern California. Joining his mentor, his father, in the profession, he focuses on cosmetics and oral surgery in addition to general dentistry. He has completed an AEGD residency at UCLA and earned implant certification from the Texas Implant Institute. A former lecturer at UCLA Dental School, he still mentors young dentists-as they begin their journey.
First Job After Dental School: “Working at Aspen Dental as a managing clinical director.”
Inspiration: “My dad. His thirst for knowledge and continued improvement drive me to better myself.”
Sage Advice: “Do what makes you happy. Life is too short not to enjoy what you do. Work hard toward your goal but make sure to balance your life with people, things and experiences that bring you happiness.”
Something People Don’t Know: Dr. Ayzin is a passionate taco enthusiast who hasn’t missed a “Taco Tuesday” in 292 weeks—nearly six years.
Reshma Baddaloo
Age: 33
City: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Name of Practice: Smile Studio
Education: DMD, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
Why She Was Nominated: “Dr. Resh” is a native of Trinidad and Tobago. After moving to South Florida, she began her study of dentistry, inspired by a pediatric patient’s front tooth restoration while shadowing a doctor. Her practice offers comprehensive treatment, including fixed and removable prosthodontics, implants, extractions, endodontic treatments, cosmetic treatments and pediatric dentistry. She’s Botox-certified, offers fillers, CAD/CAM restorative and more, and is an Invisalign and SureSmile provider. Passionate about the advancement of women, she’s active in her community and travels worldwide on mission trips.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I encourage my staff to give input and feedback. I’ve also implemented incentives to reward performance and appreciation.”
3D Printing? “Yes—I currently use the SprintRay 3D printer.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “Hiring. Evaluating résumés and interviewing candidates in person has been interesting.”
Most Memorable Patient: “Heather, a female police officer who had teeth knocked out while making an arrest. Her situation reminded me of the dangers and challenges police officers and women face. When things seem challenging as a dentist, I remember Heather—it gives me perspective.”
Sage Advice: “It’s OK to question yourself after graduation. Each day should be a learning experience, and even the most experienced dentists are still fine-tuning their craft.”
Kekul Bharucha
Age: 36
City: Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Name of Practice: Pristine Smiles
Education: DDS, Indiana University School of Dentistry
Why She Was Nominated: Comfort and exceptional care were the watchwords when Dr. Bharucha and her husband, Dr. Deepak Mehta, also a 40 Under 40 honoree, began planning their practice. It features massage chairs, massaging smart goggles, ceiling-mounted TVs, noise-canceling headphones and customized care. Dr. Bharucha’s office also boasts a well-appointed studio with professional lighting for before-and-after photos. She served as a national leader on the American Student Dental Association’s Advisory Committee for International Dentists’ Programs in the U.S. She has mentored dentists from Egypt, India, Poland, Jordan and others, assisting them with licensing and accreditation.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Create a positive work environment, foster professional growth and opportunities for advancement and prioritize employee well-being. Transparent communication is key.”
Most Memorable Patient: “One who went from covering her mouth when smiling to proudly showing us her pictures of family events and trips every time she comes in. It’s heartwarming.”
Inspiration: “My father, who taught me to be a critical thinker, and my mother, for teaching me the importance of keeping a positive attitude in the toughest times.”
Exciting New Trend: “AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment planning, and the scope of digital dentistry.”
Tools She Can’t Live Without: “My loupes, massaging dental chairs and CBCT machine.”
Nicholas Bottorff
Age: 36
City: Charlottesville, Virginia
Name of Practice: Elevated Dentistry
Education: DDS, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry
Why He Was Nominated: During the pandemic, Dr. Bottorff seized the opportunity to acquire a tech-barren practice that provided only bread-and-butter dentistry, and in just two and a half years increased monthly new patients by over 200 percent while thoroughly modernizing the practice. Elevated Dentistry now features iTero 3D scanning technology, CBCT and the Glidewell.io same-day crown mill. Dr. Bottorff offers Invisalign clear aligner therapy, implant placement, root canal therapy and same-day crowns. The practice also offers a comfort menu including aromatherapy, ad-free streaming and Beats by Dre headphones. Outside of his practice, Dr. Bottorff is active with several philanthropic organizations that provide care and oral supplies to communities in need.
Inspiration: “I’m fortunate to have worked for two great dentists: Dr. Chad Kasperowski as an assistant prior to dental school and Dr. Damon Thompson, my first associateship. It has been years since I worked for either, but both have been incredibly encouraging and have always made themselves available to answer any questions I’ve had on my entrepreneurial journey.”
Exciting New Trend: “Digital integration is revolutionizing the profession, giving dentists the ability to educate and treat more effectively and efficiently.”
Tool He Can’t Live Without: “My iTero scanner. I use it in virtually every facet of my practice.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I’m a guitarist, and during my time in dental school I formed a band with our dean, who was on bass guitar.”
Dannica Brennan
Age: 31
City: Lutz, Florida
Name of Practice: Flossologie
Education: DMD, UNLV School of Dental Medicine; AEGD, U.S. Air Force
Why She Was Nominated: Passionate about biometric dentistry, Dr. Brennan adheres to a philosophy of conservative and functional dentistry, paying special attention to those with dental anxiety. Aroma-infused air conditioning and visually stimulating wall murals help place patients in a positive frame of mind. She and her husband are animal enthusiasts, active in fostering creatures in need, and she offers a discount specific to animal foster parents. She’s active in her community, offering free education on oral health.
First Job After Dental School: “I did an AEGD with the Air Force, then completed two and a half more years with the Air Force, stationed at MacDill Air Force Base [near Tampa, Florida].”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I built an office that people are proud to work in. I put in a family room next to our break room that’s designed for sick kids, sick animals and naps during lunch. We don’t have an office manager—everyone is cross-trained, including our hygienist. Everyone works the back and the front.”
Most Memorable Patient: “One who had been to four other offices that year for a cleaning and had never finished. He decided to give us a try. He not only finished the cleaning pain-free but also came in for a few fillings as well. He told us we changed his whole perspective on going to the dentist.”
Exciting New Trend: “We practice biomimetic/minimally invasive dentistry. This is moving away from your traditional resistance/retention dentistry, enabling us to do partial coverage onlays, restorative work without post-op sensitivity, saving teeth from needing root canals and more.”
Robert E. Brown III
Age: 39
City: Viera, Florida
Name of Practice: Smile Design & Wellness Center
Education: DDS, University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Brown owns a busy fee-for-service three-doc practice, which uses the latest technology and employs cutting-edge biological practices: Biological extractions, in which a patient’s stem cells are harvested for a bone graft for socket preservation, are a common treatment. He established a dental assisting school, Brevard Dental Assisting Academy, which will train expanded-functions dental assistants to enter the workforce. Cofounder of a Spear Study Club, he’s a National Health Service Corps scholar and has provided care for underserved communities up and down the coasts of Florida.
First Job After Dental School: “Brevard Health Alliance—a public health position to provide care to underserved and uninsured communities.”
3D Printing? “We currently have dental labs 3D-print surgical guides and dental models for us. We plan to incorporate 3D printing into our office in the near future.”
Inspiration: “Dr. Chris Edwards was the first private practitioner I worked for; his dentistry is exquisite and inspiring. ‘How you do anything is how you do everything’ is one of his favorite phrases, and he instilled in me a drive for excellence. I was his associate for two years. He mentored me in dental treatment techniques, patient communications and practice administration.”
Exciting New Trend: “How artificial intelligence will shape our profession. From diagnosis to delivering treatment, AI will have a huge impact.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I lived in Italy for a summer experimenting on whether Italian garlic has greater health benefits than other types of garlic.”
Dean Chencharik
Age: 38
City: Somerset, New Jersey
Name of Practice: The Art of Dentistry and Spa
Education: DMD, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey; FICOI, New York University
Why He Was Nominated: In just six years as owner, Dr. Chencharik took a practice from “restoration-only” to levels of epic luxury. Doubling gross revenue, his high-end fee-for-service boutique dental spa now boasts six doctors, two phlebotomists, a nutritionist, an aesthetician and a massage therapist. The 12-operatory Spa is in an 8,000-square-foot facility boasting 20-foot ceilings, waterfalls, a garden and a business center. He has donated time and implant services on mission trips to the Dominican Republic, is a multiyear participant in Give Kids a Smile Day and supports local charities through his office.
3D Printing? “Of course! We pride ourselves on offering the best care, and part of that is having the most advanced equipment.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “Finding out how a positive culture is not demanded but nurtured. That this positive environment can help lift anyone up through tough times.”
Exciting New Trend: “Digital Smile Design. I love the increased communication between doctor and lab. It helps the lab bring the dentist’s vision to life.”
Most Memorable Patient: “Too many to discuss: from my office manager who I did my first cosmetic case on, to the single mother who saved for a decade to get her missing front teeth restored, to a multi-unit implant case on a musician who travels the world, to a senator who needed full-mouth rehabilitation.”
Something People Don’t Know: “My earliest dental award came in the second grade, when I won a dentistry-themed art award sponsored by the local county dental association.”
Christopher Clark
Age: 34
City: Barrow, Alaska (also known as Utqiagvik)
Affiliation: Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital/Arctic Slope Native Association
Education: DDS, University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry
Why He Was Nominated: Practicing in America’s northernmost city, Dr. Clark and his wife, fellow honoree Dr. Kristen Howard (see page 42), provide care in extremely challenging conditions. The facility at which they work, Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital Dental Clinic, part of a Level IV trauma center, operates under the auspices of the Indian Health Services and provides support to Barrow as well as the villages of Atqasuk, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Point Lay and Wainwright. Dr. Clark formerly practiced in Tennessee. Dr. Howard, his then-girlfriend, expressed a desire after dental school to move to Alaska. The two sold nearly all their possessions, moved to the top of the U.S. and eloped.
Most Memorable Patient: “An elderly woman who needed 7-10 crowned. During shade match she said, ‘I don’t care what color they are—make them purple if you want as long as they last.’ When she returned for crown seat, her eye was red. I said ‘your eye is red’ to open the conversation and she replied, ‘No shit, Sherlock.’ Great patient—didn’t like the dentist but did what needed to be done.”
Exciting New Trend: “3D printing and digital are coming along nicely. Hopefully soon we can get rid of the ‘goopy stuff’ altogether.”
Sage Advice: “Dentistry has changed and will keep changing. There are many models out there now on the business side of things. It used to be you’d set up shop and you were stuck somewhere for your career. Take chances while you’re young like we’re doing right now by exploring options. You’ll make the money eventually. Time is the real currency. It’s a hard balance sometimes. As the old saying goes. ‘talk is cheap; it takes money to buy whiskey.’ ”
Albert Coombs III
Age: 38
City: Washington, D.C.
Name of Practice: Smile Services DC
Education: DMD, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Coombs has been on a decade-long mission to improve access to care in the nation’s capital and to improve the overall mental and physical health of the community through dentistry. He is one of the only providers in his area who places and restores implants for Medicaid patients. A Diplomate of the International Dental Implant Association, he has made multiple mission trips with the group to the Dominican Republic, offering advanced implant and bone-grafting surgeries. He’s a participant in Remote Area Medical dental community service trips in the United States and abroad and also donates time through his church and fraternity.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Focus on improving quality of life with work/life balance. Set clear goals for the year with financial awards.”
Most Memorable Patient: “My father, Albert Coombs Jr. I did my first root canal on him in 2009 while I was in dental school. He was so supportive every step of the procedure. Gave me the confidence to keep going even though I was nervous.”
Inspiration: “Dr. Kevin Granger. Kevin gave me my first job out of dental school—he took a chance on me knowing I was a new doctor. He would spend time going over dental procedures, explaining how an office is run, and would offer great advice anytime I had questions. He wakes up, works hard and goes home to his amazing family. He really inspires me.”
Sage Advice: “Find a mentor, someone who you can lean on for advice on all aspects of dentistry, who will make sure you don’t get too high or too low emotionally. My second piece of advice: Become a mentor to a young doc as you get older.”
Exciting New Trend: “Robots! Robotic-assisted dental implant surgery is making for more predictable surgeries for complex cases.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I’m an avid watch collector. My grandfather and father were both collectors, and now my son is also passionate about it.”
Ryan Coulon
Age: 39
City: Midland, Texas
Name of Practice: Coulon Dental
Education: DDS, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry
Why He Was Nominated: Coulon Dental is a hub of excellence and education. Dr. Coulon, a Pankey- and Spear-trained dentist, built a 32,000-square-foot office with 25 operatories, seven consult rooms and a separate cosmetic and TMD practice. Coulon Dental is fee-for-service and operates on the principles of relationship-based dentistry focused on total health—spending time with patients to get to know them as people and friends, and helping them move forward on their health journey. These are also the fundamental elements of what Dr. Coulon brings to Inspero, his forward-thinking coaching, consulting and strategic planning company, whose goal is to breathe hope into dentistry.
First Job After Dental School: “I bought my first practice from an amazing prosthodontist in Midland, my hometown. I immediately found out that what I didn’t know about the business of dentistry could fill an ocean—but also learned that’s what makes it so fun.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I believe in values-based hiring, which means I’m always looking for superstar team members who fit the culture. I believe in hiring for the person and training for the skill. We also try to create a culture of accountability and self-leadership. We don’t have an office manager because I want team members who can think for themselves.”
3D Printing? “Yes. Prosthetically driven digital design is the future.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “How little they teach you in dental school about leadership, personal growth and communication.”
Sage Advice: “Be vulnerable, courageous and kind to yourself and others as you discover who you are.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I started collecting whiskey during the pandemic and probably have close to 300 bottles in my collection. I even have a whiskey lounge in my office.”
Tony Cruz-McLeod
Age: 37
City: Wappingers Falls, New York
Name of Practice: Bright Smiles of the Hudson Valley
Education: DMD, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Why He Was Nominated: Brooklyn native “Dr. Cruz,” as he’s known,is owner-operator of his practice an hour and a half north of Manhattan, where he focuses great attention on patients suffering from dental anxiety. He attends the Pankey Institute and trains with Molis Coaching to strengthen his Invisalign talents. Currently, heis pursuing FAGD certification, hoping to complete it in 2024. Active in his community, he coaches local football and basketball teams, hosts clothing drives and collects toys for Toys for Tots. He’s also a supporter of the Alzheimer’s Foundation, among others.
First Job After Dental School: “A residency at Kings County Hospital Center in Brooklyn. It’s one of the bigger Trauma I centers in the NYC area. I placed, like, 40 implants, did a sinus lift and a bunchof cool stuff. It was a great hands-on experience but a lot of work. Working at a Trauma I center is no joke. It was a long, challenging year, but definitely worth it.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “We have a warm andfun atmosphere. We’ve been together long enough that we know how to work very cohesively. Lots of laughs and inside jokes have accumulated over the years.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “Oh, I’m responsible for everything? As an associate, I took a lot for granted. As an owner you have to make sure the lawn looks good, the bills are on autopay, the supplies needed are in stock, everything. I was naive—I thought I’d buy a practice, do dentistry and go home. I also found it surprising how many decisions you have to make daily.”
Daniel Duffy
Age: 39
City: Wilmington and Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Name of Practices: Live Oak Dental
Education: DMD, East Carolina School of Dental Medicine
Why He Was Nominated: Just eight months out of dental school, Dr. Duffy was determined to purchase a declining dental practice. Despite rebuttals from financiers, he worked hard to make it happen. Today, he owns two successful locations focusing on dental occlusion, cosmetics, implants, Invisalign and sleep apnea. His office launched Project Smile in 2017 and has since donated more than $100,000 worth of life-changing dental services locally; this July he earned Fellowship status with the Academy of General Dentistry.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Our practices have a great office culture. We make sure to plan fun team activities, have an annual team meeting, attend CE meetings and just spread good vibes all the time. We also have an amazing HR coordinator who does a great job finding and onboarding the best team members.”
3D Printing? “This is the next big thing for my offices. I think it’s about to grow exponentially in dentistry, and I want to be prepared for when it does.”
Why He Became a Dentist: “To help people feel more confident in themselves. I also wanted to own my own business so I could make my own schedule.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I have traveled to and been surfing in 13 countries.”
Gabriela Flores
Age: 30
City: Miami Beach, Florida
Name of Practice: Miami Beach Dental Solutions
Education: DMD, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine; BS in microbiology and cell science, University of Florida
Why She Was Nominated: In February 2022, just a year after graduating from Tufts, Dr. Flores bought an established three-generation dental practice and has since seamlessly maintained its sterling reputation. A member of the Academy of Biometric Dentistry who is passionate about preventative care and minimally invasive procedures, she also offers nutritional counseling and innovative techniques such as saliva testing and oral flora balancing products; she also devotes time to local school districts offering dental screenings and preventative care.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Believe it or not, I hired only one of my team members off a job portal. The rest all reached out to me or chose me because they were looking for work in a positive environment and my online persona emitted that feeling to them.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “The cost of materials, supplies and subscriptions.”
Inspiration: “I’m inspired by professionals all over the world. I’d say the doctors at Facial Academy in Brazil are my favorite.”
Tool She Can’t Live Without: “Dryshield.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I grew up training in jiu-jitsu, which is why I love working with and sponsoring athletes, especially those in mixed martial arts.”
Jenny Hong
Age: 34
City: Morgan Hill, California
Name of Practice: Timeless Smiles Morgan Hill
Education: DDS, University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry
Why She Was Nominated: Having been a scientific researcher before falling in love with dentistry, Dr. Hong brings a multifaceted approach to operating her from-scratch office in Morgan Hill, just south of San Jose. She is a firm believer in the Kois methodology, using it to gauge every patient’s risk factors. Her practice was the first in Morgan Hill to offer EMS AirFlow technology and to incorporate 3D printing. Just three years out of school, she is an AGD and ICOI Fellow, and has completed a mastership in biomimetic dentistry.
First Job After Dental School: “Associate dentist working in Salinas, California.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Creating a healthy and supportive work culture and environment for team members. Having a systemic protocol can help streamline workflow.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “I built my practice from scratch and was surprised by the cost of construction and how long it takes.”
Tool She Can’t Live Without: “No. 2 Goldstein Flexi-thin composite instrument.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I play both the cello and piano. I’m also a Lego collector.”
Kristen Howard
Age: 30
City: Barrow, Alaska (also known as Utqiagvik)
Affiliation: Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital/Arctic Slope Native Association
Education: DMD, ATSU Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Howard does not shrink in the face of a challenge. After spending her final year of dental school during the pandemic, facing life in northernmost Alaska is par for the course. She and her husband, Dr. Christopher Clark, also a 40 Under 40 honoree (see page 38), often have to travel by plane to reach patients. The couple were able to secure jobs at Samuel Simmonds Hospital at the same time; now they help prevent disease and improve access to care across Alaska’s Northern Slope. Dr. Howard completed her master’s practicum in public health through the Navajo Nation Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment organization, where she provided hours of service at the Gallup Indian Nation.
3D Printing? “Not yet. For denture cases, we have a tabletop scanner that we use to scan traditional arch impressions, which can be sent as a digital file to labs. A 3D printer would allow for possible printing of dentures at our office, but for now, we’d rather have lab-fabricated ones for their strength and durability.”
Exciting New Trend: “It’s not new for the rest of the world, but we are thrilled to offer digital radiography to the remote Alaskan villages we serve.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I fell asleep at my first concert! It was the summer of 2017, one of my first dates with my now-husband. We saw Tom Petty in Nashville. Luckily, my husband didn’t hold the night’s snooze against me, and we still laugh about my tendency to sleep through concerts.”
William Jacobson
Age: 36
City: Columbus, Ohio
Name of Practice: Southeast Healthcare
Education: DMD, MPH, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine; GPR certificate, University of Southern California
Why He Was Nominated: As a practitioner treating low-income patients in need, Dr. Jacobson spends his time in service—and not only to those in his chair. While teaching at the University of California, San Francisco, from 2019 to 2022, he realized his dental students could benefit from a book addressing clinical questions—and decided to write it himself. He then documented and photographed cases, collaborated with specialists, generated diagrams to simplify procedural steps and demystified medication dosing in Clinical Dentistry Daily Reference Guide, published in 2022 with Wiley Publishing.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I believe in being approachable, incorporating humor, encouraging desirable behaviors, supporting the team’s interest in furthering their education and educating them in areas where I identify gaps or needs in their knowledge.”
3D Printing? “There is a role for it in community clinics, such as printing dentures and same-day crowns. However, as the dental director of a Federally Qualified Health Center, where my focus is on patients experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder and mental illness, we invest most of our resources in the prevention and treatment of acute illness. 3D printing technology is not currently economically feasible in this setting, but should it become more affordable it would be a great asset.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I write, draw and paint, and I plan to make a thought-provoking independent film one day with my art.”
Samantha Jette
Age: 33
City: Bridgeport, West Virginia
Names of Practices: Bridgeport Family Dentistry, Clarksburg Family Dentistry
Education: DDS, West Virginia University School of Dentistry
Why She Was Nominated: After graduating from West Virginia University in 2015, Dr. Jette enlisted in the Navy, where she served until 2020. She then spent two years as the assistant program director of the general practice residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia. She worked in general practice for a year before purchasing her own practice in April 2021; she offers general and pediatric services, cosmetic procedures, Botox and fillers.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I try to foster a positive office culture by using positive reinforcement as much as possible and rewarding my staff any chance I get.”
Most Memorable Patient: “During my GPR, a 12-year-old boy was riding his bike fell face-first over the handlebars. He was in braces. Tooth 8 and 9 were avulsed and held in his mouth only by the brackets.”
Inspiration: “My aunt, Susan Bauer. She was an attorney, and I wanted a professional job just like her when I grew up. I’ve always gone to her for advice about anything in life.”
Exciting New Trend: “Cuter and comfier scrubs on the market.”
Sara Mahmood
Age: 33
City: Frisco, Texas
Name of Practices: brush365
Education: DDS, Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry
Why She Was Nominated: To say Dr. Mahmood is motivated would be a vast understatement. The night she graduated from dental school, she began her studies at the Naveen Jindal School of Management in Dallas and earned her master’s in health care management a year later. She has received her Fellowship in the International Implant Association, as well as a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. She completed a two-year residency through the Academy of GP Ortho and is a key opinion leader, curriculum developer and international speaker for clear aligners. She is on schedule to receive her Mastership of General Dentistry in 2024. Her growing company now encompasses four offices in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
First Job After Dental School: “I was a full-time associate dentist at FLOSS—a small local DSO at the time—and a full-time student in business school.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “You can’t fake a good culture. From the moment anyone walks into any of my offices they feel the difference. My tagline and promise is to provide ‘dentistry with integrity.’ Right off the bat, this attracts a certain type of candidate who knows this is a company with strong ethics. My team knows we’re invested in their growth and happiness for the long haul, and in return, we get an engaged group of high-performing individuals who play a vital role to our overall success as an organization.”
3D Printing? “Yes—I’ve been Team CEREC in all my offices from the start. I initially incorporated CAD/CAM back in 2017 when I opened my first practice. I knew back then that technology is the way to stay ahead in dentistry and to make it more fun and rewarding. I’m looking into different options right now and have every intention to have 3D printing in all my offices before the end of the year.”
Something People Don’t Know: “My ultimate dream is to be in the C-suite at Colgate. If anyone at Colgate sees this, call me! I’ve got ideas.”
You can’t fake a good culture. From the moment anyone walks into any of my offices they feel the difference.
Paul Mannia
Age: 39
City: Three Oaks, Michigan
Name of Practice: Three Oaks Dentistry
Education: DDS, Indiana University School of Dentistry
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Mannia, whose practice is the only one in Three Oaks, a town in far southwest Michigan just north of the Indiana border, was founded more than 40 years ago by his mother. A captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, he manages both a civilian and a military career, seeing patients a few days a week and flying for the Air Force as well. He has flown more than 80 combat sorties, earning honors including the Air Force Commendation Medal. He volunteers at local schools, educating students about dentistry and aviation. He has participated in Give Kids a Smile programs, taught at Indiana University South Bend Dental Hygiene Clinic and provided care to underserved areas in Honduras.
Most Memorable Patient: “When I saw my 2-year-old son as a patient for the first time. During the appointment, he told me he wanted to be a dentist like me. It was a very special moment.”
Sage Advice: “Prioritize relationships—whether it’s with your patients or your staff, it’s always beneficial to take care of the people around you.”
Exciting New Trend: “The use of robotics in clinical settings is very promising.”
Tool He Can’t Live Without: “My loupes.”
Vasiliki Maseli
Age: 37
City: Boston
Affiliation: Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Education: DDS, University of Athens School of Dentistry; MS and certificate in restorative dentistry, University of Michigan School of Dentistry; EdM, Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Maseli is a clinical associate professor, course director and group practice leader at BU’s Goldman School; she previously spent three years as a faculty member at the University of New England College of Dental Medicine in Maine. She has presented at national and regional dental meetings, often gives CE lectures and earned her master’s in education while teaching full-time. She also serves as the director of member benefits for the American Association of Women Dentists and as vice-chair of the Boston District Dental Society. She has traveled to Guatemala for mission trips, and for the last four years has volunteered for the Boston Marathon’s Jimmy Fund Walk and Boston University’s Global Days of Service.
Exciting New Trend: “AI in dentistry and dental education. A promising technology that can improve not only patient care but also teaching and learning.”
Why She Became a Dentist: “My experience with orthodontic treatment as a teenager inspired me to pursue the profession. It’s rewarding to see patients’ happiness after the completion of treatment.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I collect Christmas ornaments from destinations I travel to.”
Deepak Mehta
Age: 37
City: Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Name of Practice: Pristine Smiles
Education: DMD, Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry
Why He Was Nominated: Alongside his wife, Dr. Kekul Bharucha, also a 40 Under 40 honoree, Dr. Mehta has created a luxurious, tech-forward, comfort-driven practice, where he provides implant dentistry and Invisalign along with general dentistry and is always current with his knowledge of advancing technology. He’s passionate about wildlife, volunteering with local animal shelters and donating to organizations committed to boosting the population of orca whales around the world. He also visits local schools and partners with the Women’s Christian Alliance to provide oral-health education to students and their teachers.
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “The amount of nonclinical work and responsibilities that come with running a business. Even with the added administrative burden, though, owning a practice has been very fulfilling.”
Most Memorable Patient: “My mother! She has the most difficult mouth to work on but has been the most patient patient ever.”
Exciting New Trend: “Robotics in dentistry and facially driven treatment plans using face-scanning technology.”
Tools He Can’t Live Without: “CBCT and ergonomic loupes.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I love animals, especially dogs and killer whales. I have been following the journey of Tokitae, the second-oldest orca in captivity. I’ll be there cheering her on when she is released to the wild where she belongs.”
Exciting new trend: robotics in dentistry and facially driven treatment plans using face-scanning technology.
Ronak Parikh
Age: 34
City: Wesley Chapel, Florida
Name of Practice: BayBreeze Dental
Education: DMD, Roseman University College of Dental Medicine
Why He Was Nominated: Having endured an excruciating root canal without proper anesthesia as a young child, Dr. Parikh never considered dentistry—until he was in med school and his father suggested he shadow someone in the field. He was hooked. Today, he owns a practice in a growing Tampa suburb and is lauded by patients for his kindness and sense of humor. He’s a Muscular Dystrophy Association supporter, volunteers monthly for mobile dental services and offers financial support to Mission Smiles.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I try to keep the environment light and fun. I want every team member to feel valued, so I compliment them when they make good decisions or show my gratitude when they go the extra mile. If I can make them feel like they are a part of the office, not just an employee, then they feel vested.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “The easiest part of my day is performing dentistry. The hardest is HR and paperwork.”
Most Memorable Patient: “One who was a former human trafficking victim who struggled to stay clean from drugs and alcohol. She had severe pain from being beaten and would abuse drugs to relieve it. One of her neurologists recommended she see a dentist, and sure enough, she had an infected tooth from the trauma of pistol-whipping. The minute I extracted her tooth she felt relief she had not known for years. Last I heard she was still free from drugs and alcohol.”
Tool He Can’t Live Without: “ErgoPrism loupes—a game changer for my back and neck. In this profession, it’s important to maintain not only your mental health but also your physical health.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I constructed our office playlist of over 1,000 songs. It reflects my love for Motown, classic rock, blues, jazz and so much more. It’s called ‘Dr. P—Movin’ and Groovin’.’ I quiz my staff and patients on who the artist is, what their inspiration for the song was or what hardship they endured. It’s my passion project.”
Ellen Paulisick
Age: 39
City: Charleston, South Carolina
Name of Practice: Longboard Dental
Education: DDS, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore
Why She Was Nominated: With 12 years of professional experience, Dr. Paulisick has held numerous leadership roles. She is currently the lead dentist at the East Cooper Community Outreach Dental Health Clinic near Charleston; she has also served as an Albert Schweitzer Fellow, developed health-based educational programs for women and children in Baltimore and is a past representative of the American Association of Women Dentists. Trained in oral surgery, endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics and cosmetic dentistry, she’s creating a dental assisting school with the hope of providing tuition-free training to aspiring assistants through a certification program.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “It’s all about creating great energy. I wanted to create a dental space that I personally enjoyed coming to every day, and if you can’t find that, build it.”
3D Printing? “Yes—I also will be using Glidewell.io solutions.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “The support from my community has been amazing. My practice area is generally oversaturated with dentists, but people are really starting to migrate away from corporate offices and are seeking out the boutique experience.”
Sage Advice: “Life isn’t linear. You’re going to have a million victories and what seem like a million defeats. Remember that you always learn something along the way.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I used to lifeguard Michael Phelps.”
Alex Planes
Age: 39
City: Palm City, Florida
Names of Practices: Planes Dental Arts, Implants 4All
Education: DDS, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Planes is the owner and operator of one of the largest DSOs in Florida. It was evident he was destined for dentistry when, at age 6, he started pulling the wiggly teeth of his friends. His exposure to the field came from the women in his family, his mother and two aunts having been dental assistants. His first job, at 13, was in a dental lab. Now his DSO has eight locations throughout Florida, with four more slated to open this year. Every year, he donates one complete smile makeover for a person in need. He’s a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Dawson Academy.
3D Printing? “We already have 3D printing and our own lab.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “Realizing the need for dental care. When I opened my first practice in 2014, I saw 50 to 60 new patients each month for 90 days, and 10 years later the practice still averages over 60 new patients a month.”
Most Memorable Patient: “The first full arch I ever completed, and it was the day I delivered the teeth, he couldn’t believe the smile transformation. It made years of sacrifices worth it and filled me with joy.”
Inspiration: “To continue to serve my community and become the best clinical leader and CEO of a dental organization. My mentors are people like [entrepreneurs and motivational speakers] Andy Frisella, Ed Mylett and Tony Robbins.”
Sage Advice: “Start self-development early and focus on leadership instead of the next fancy piece of equipment.”
Daniel Rome
Age: 39
City: Kansas City, Missouri
Names of Practices: Rome McClellan Dental Group, Grain Valley Dental
Education: DDS, University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Rome is cofounder of Dynamic Dental Services Group, a fast-growing dental partnership organization that oversees 10 practices. He also teaches and mentors aspiring dentists, and is a Dawson Academy Scholar who has completed more than 1,300 hours of CE training. He also volunteers with the Veterans’ Dental Network.
First Job After Dental School: “After my GPR at New York–Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist, I worked in three offices between Brooklyn and Manhattan.”
Why He Became a Dentist: “I don’t have any dentists in my immediate family, but I loved biology and was always good at using my hands to fix and build things. Oral health was interesting to me. Dentistry was and still is a great fit.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “Dentists are primarily focused on being technicians. At first, I fell into this category while investing only in clinical CE. Clinical skills are paramount to building your reputation but will take your business only so far. We are in the people business. You need to focus on being an entrepreneur, manager and technician equally.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I’m a big tennis fan. I’ve been to the U.S. Open 12 times. I’m excited to make it to the other three Grand Slams in the near future.”
Maria Serrano
Age: 40
City: Petaluma, California
Name of Practice: Alma Dental Care
Education: DDS, the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Serrano made the decision of a lifetime when she followed her now-husband from her native Spain, where she was a dentist, to San Francisco in 2015. After working for a time in Napa and Sonoma Counties, she saw a great need for a Spanish-speaking dental practice and decided to open her own. Her fully digital office offers X-rays, intraoral cameras, intraoral scanners, CEREC same-day crowns and CBCT for endo and extractions. Having previously spent a few years as a flight attendant, she developed a keen sense for people’s discomfort and is driven to alleviate patient anxiety. She participates in Homeless Connect in San Francisco and contributes to programs in Spain to help the underprivileged.
First Job After Dental School: “I worked in a family dental practice in Santa Rosa, California. I will be forever grateful to them, and I’m still in contact since we all work in the same dental community.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I try to be personal and approachable. I want them to know that I am a member of the group and I will always support them. Not everyone is the same, and that’s fantastic, because that way we have different things to offer.”
3D Printing? “It’s an awesome addition, and I plan to use it soon.”
Sage Advice: “No matter how good or bad they tell you you are, keep going and don’t give up. Learn from your mistakes and move on. You can be the next 40 Under 40!”
Saniya Setia
Age: 33
City: Marysville, Pennsylvania
Name of Practice: Marysville Family Dentistry
Education: DDS, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
Why She Was Nominated: Born and raised in India, Dr. Setia received the International Certificate of Merit—an honor given to just one dentist in the country each year. After graduating, she moved to the U.S. to attend the University of Colorado. Early in her career, she served the underprivileged at an FQHC in Georgia, which inspired her to run programs to educate OB/GYNs and the community on oral health, sleep-disordered breathing, lactation and child jaw development. She’s currently the only dentist in her town, in a practice staffed entirely by women. An expert in esthetics, fixed prosthodontics and full-mouth rehabilitation, she runs free clinics for kids and adults. Her husband, Dr. Varun Arya, is a 40 Under 40 honoree this year as well.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I’ve implemented an open-door policy and eliminated the top-down approach. I hire individuals who may not have the highest qualifications but are driven and motivated to grow. I further encourage them by providing scholarships to pursue specialized training and enhance their skill set.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I love to create large paintings using acrylic or oil mediums. I find tremendous joy in donating my artwork to organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Unicef and the Humane Society. I recently completed a piece that was put up for auction and fetched $350 that will be used for cancer research.”
Palak Shah
Age: 38
City: Columbia, Maryland
Name of Practice: Woodside Dental
Education: DDS, University of Maryland Dental School
Why She Was Nominated: During the pandemic, when many were downsizing and closing doors, Dr. Shah decided to open hers. After a decade in different clinical settings, she returned to the Maryland city in which she spent her childhood. Born in India, she maintains deep roots in her home country, where she spent summers volunteering in her youth and now participates in mission trips to provide dental care, health and hygiene, and nutrition. In Maryland, she volunteers at local fairs and Mission of Mercy programs and participates in Give Back a Smile.
First Job After Dental School: “I worked in a small general practice office with two dentists who were wonderful mentors and gave me a great introduction to private-practice dentistry. One of them was the Maryland State Dental Association president—he introduced me to organized dentistry, which has been a huge asset throughout my career.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Transparency and humility. We’ve created a collegial environment—the positive energy is contagious, improving the patient experience. Lastly, we have fun! We love catching up with patients, spending time with each other in and out of the office and being active on social media.”
Sage Advice: “Invest in yourself. If I could go back, I’d take all the CE I could. Young dentists are so overwhelmed with debt that it’s hard to justify the expense of CE. But it’s the best gift you can give yourself.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I’ve been dancing since age 3, I was the undergraduate speaker at my college graduation and I’m a dentist with a major sweet tooth.”
Nicole Shinkawa
Age: 29
City: Fresno, California
Name of Practice: Shinkawa Dental
Education: DDS, University of the Pacific School of Dentistry
Why She Was Nominated: Whether donating inches of her hair to charity in honor of her aunt, running food, clothing, and toy drives in her local community, volunteering her time in mobile dental clinics, supporting a local homeless shelter, participating in efforts to beautify Fresno or choreographing TikTok dances for her family to perform, it’s clear Dr. Shinkawa is a go-getter. She joined her father and older brother (both of whom graduated from Pacific) and mother in practice in 2020 and has completed courses including Western Surgical and Sedation’s Impaction Course and the AIC Education Hiossen Implant Master Course.
Most Memorable Patient: “On a mission trip in Jamaica, a 6-year-old girl got hit in the face with a ball and her lower baby incisor became loose. She was scared and crying hysterically when her mother brought her into the clinic. After calming her down with Tooth Fairy stories and using the tell-show-do technique, she allowed me to wiggle the baby tooth out. After the appointment, she gave me a big hug and thanked me.”
Tool She Can’t Live Without: “An attitude of gratitude. Appreciate the strength it took you to get where you are today.”
Exciting New Trend: “The power of social media to help educate the community about oral health in a fun way. It puts a face to dentistry and makes the experience of going to the dentist a little less daunting.”
Margaret Spargimino
Age: 39
City: Hooksett, New Hampshire
Name of Practice: Hooksett Family Dental
Education: DMD, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Why She Was Nominated: Though her father never pressured her, Dr. Spargimino followed in his professional footsteps. Her entire life, her father’s practice was located within a mile of her home; she spent a few summers as his assistant while in high school. Now practicing in New Hampshire, she averages 60 to 90 CE hours per year and provides care packages for local foster parents to encourage good oral care and early intervention. She is a New Hampshire Make-a-Wish supporter, offers outreach education at her local library and provides Christmas gifts to hospitalized children.
3D Printing? “At some point it will be commonplace to do 3D printing in every practice. We haven’t started it yet, but I think we will within five years.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “It was similar to having a child! The first year there were many sleepless nights, but as time goes on and you learn, things get easier. Some things don’t, but you learn how to handle them better.”
Exciting New Trend: “My amazing hygienists are about to start a new caries susceptibility program in our office. They will be testing the pH of patients’ saliva and recommending products and routines that can help guide our high-risk caries patients.”
Most Memorable Patient: “Bev. She’s amazing and brings nothing but love and positive energy when she comes into the office. She’s over 90 years old, and when I ask her how she’s doing her response is always ‘not bad for an old broad.’ She makes everyone smile when she comes in.”
Shannon Thorsteinson
Age: 39
City: Atlanta
Name of Practice: Wellspring Dental
Education: DMD, Medical College of Georgia
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Thorsteinson opened her functional family dentistry practice, Wellspring Dental, as well as the MyoGrow Airway Center, focusing on tongue-tie releases and myofunctional orthodontics, in 2023. Wellspring offers a sophisticated approach to dental and airway health, using microscope analysis and saliva testing. She’s passionate about lowering the risk of heart attack, Alzheimer’s, cancer and diabetes, and focuses intensely on decreasing sources of oral inflammation. She’s the co-leader of the networking and community group Mommy Dentists in Business for her region, as well as the local liaison for the American Academy of Physiological Medicine & Dentistry; she’s also a Pierre Fauchard Academy Fellow.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I try to create an environment where we all come together for a common purpose. Our aim is to help patients lead a long, healthy life, which makes our work fulfilling and keeps us focused. It’s also important to me to help my team accomplish their goals outside the practice so we can lead balanced lives.”
3D Printing? “Yes, we have an Einstein printer. We print models now and are beginning to print splints. With our expanded-field CBCT, we can use measurements from that image to set the condylar width and virtually articulate the models to really dial in the occlusion.”
Most Memorable Patient: “One who had a lump on his neck that I encouraged him to get checked out. It turned out to be a rare type of operable tumor with a genetic link. He traveled to a world expert for his surgery, and now his children are screened regularly. Everyone is doing great!”
Inspiration: “Dr. Katie To and Dr. Todd Davis. My goal is to bring high-level restorative dentistry with a solid foundation of TMJ, facial muscle and occlusion analysis in combination with biocompatibility as a central focus of the mouth-body connection. These mentors have gone above and beyond to help me as I develop that vision, and I am so grateful for them.”
George R. Williams
Age: 35
City: Canton, Ohio
Name of Practices: Williams & Johnson Family Dental
Education: DDS, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Why He Was Nominated: In 2020, a few years after graduating from Ohio State Dental, Dr. Williams purchased his father’s practice with his partner, Dr. Tony Johnson. The duo continue the tradition of dentistry established back in 1982 when his father opened the practice. The next year, they added a second location; they offer implant restorations, TMJ therapy, dermal fillers and more. Dr. Williams is a lector at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, a director for the Lebanese American Association and serves on several committees for the Stark County Dental Society and Ohio Dental Association. He also teaches weekly as an attending faculty member at nearby Mercy Medical Center.
First Job After Dental School: “Personally, husband. My wife and I were married three weeks after graduation. Professionally, GPR and then an associate with my dad, George Sr.”
3D Printing? “Hopefully in the next year or two.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “My partner and I bought my dad’s practice in January 2020. Need I say more?”
Most Memorable Patient: “My aunt volunteered to be my first patient in dental school for a three-hour cleaning. She said it was like a day at the spa—the first and last patient to describe a three-hour appointment as such.”
Inspiration: “Both sets of grandparents. They emigrated from Lebanon and Italy, instilling in us the values of faith, family, unparalleled work ethic, higher education and to live with intention.”
Exciting New Trend: “We bought an intraoral scanner about a year ago. It has reinvigorated my passion for dentistry.”
Sana Yusuf
Age: 32
City: Wesley Chapel, Florida
Name of Practice: Sana Dental Studio + Spa
Education: DMD, Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine–Illinois
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Yusuf is among the younger members of this year’s 40 Under 40, but she’s used to that sort of thing. She got her undergraduate degree when she was 20, her DMD at 24 and then, as a single mother, joined the Army as a general dentist. Her practice features top technology, including a recently purchased 3D printer. She serves as president of the board for Sunrise of Pasco County, which provides services for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault, and, through Angels for Humanity, helps provide dental care for children in Central America.
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “You think about the office even when you’re not there. You have to wear so many hats—admin, clinical, HR—on top of the hats you wear in your personal life.”
Most Memorable Patient: “My dad. He needed a wisdom tooth extracted. I was nervous, but it went smoothly. Of course, he didn’t listen to post-op instructions and got dry socket, but it was nice to show him what I was capable of.”
Inspiration: “Dr. Meredith Gantos, a part-time clinical faculty member when I was in school. Watching her practice thrive and seeing her accomplishments still motivates and inspires me to be the best dentist I can be.”
John Zalesky
Age: 37
City: Aurora, Colorado
Name of Practice: Aurora Hills Dental
Education: DMD, MBS, FICOI, FAGD, Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine
Why He Was Nominated: After completing his year as chief resident at the University of Colorado, Dr. Zalesky accepted a position with a surgical and cosmetic dental practice. Six years later, he took over an existing practice. He added much-needed technology upgrades, increasing patient volume by 20 percent and overall revenue by 30 percent in the first year. He’s the current president of the Colorado Academy of General Dentistry, and has created a CE course, “Head and Neck Radiation: The Collaborative Relationship for Patient Treatment Between General Dentists and Radiologists.” He’s working toward earning his Diplomate certification with the ICOI.
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “I was surprised by the many hidden inadequacies in equipment and operating systems that needed to be revamped. However, I came to realize it allowed me to make the practice my own.”
Most Memorable Patient: “I performed reconstructive surgery on a patient who had a horrific baseball injury and was without front teeth for five years. After completion of the case, his children were able to see their father with teeth and a smile for the first time in their life.”
SPECIALISTS
Cyrus Aghdam
Age: 31
City: San Diego
Name of Practice: Happier Smiles Orthodontics
Education: DDS, University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Specialty: Orthodontics
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Aghdam met his wife, Dr. Neelab Anwar, during his residency in upstate New York; the two relocated to Southern California together to start Happy Smiles Orthodontics. (Dr. Anwar is a fellow honoree this year; see below.) Among his educational bona fides: He earned an orthodontics certificate from the University of Rochester’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health and completed the Spark Clear Aligners Master Course. He’s a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and regularly provides free dental care to the underserved at mobile clinics. He specializes in treating complex cases with clear aligners and has been at the forefront of the push for customized 3D treatments by bringing LightForce braces into his practice.
3D Printing? “Yes—we’re all about 3D printing and customization. We are fully digital, have a 3D scanner and printer, and we use 3D-printed braces and custom clear aligners.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “How important marketing is.”
Sage Advice: “Find good mentors and learn as much as possible. And open your own practice as soon as you can.”
Tool He Can’t Live Without: “3D intraoral scanner. I hate impressions—I’m a gagger!”
Find good mentors and learn as much as possible—and open your own practice as soon as you can.
Cyrus Aghdam
Age: 30
City: San Diego
Name of Practice: Happier Smiles Orthodontics
Education: DDS, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of the University of Southern California; orthodontic residency, University of Rochester Eastman Institute for Oral Health
Specialty: Orthodontics
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Anwar started her practice, Happier Smiles, alongside her husband and fellow honoree, Cyrus Aghdam (see above); the two have cultivated a practice where patients and staff alike are treated like family and individual treatment plans are a priority. Dr. Anwar couples a uniquely positive and compassionate bedside manner with a fully digital practice stacked with new technologies including 3D scanning, 3D-printed braces and 3D-printed custom clear aligners, as well as Spark clear aligners.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I ensure that we have an amazing team and office culture. We make sure to spend time with our team outside the office, and we value each of their concerns and feedback.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “Having your own practice is like having a child. Accepting that there will be good days, slow days and ups and downs is crucial. Staying positive has been so important.”
Sage Advice: “Don’t compare yourself to others. Stay true to yourself; everyone has their own journey.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I love playing tennis, playing the piano and working out. I’m fluent in Spanish and Farsi. Also: I married my best friend, who also happens to be an orthodontist.”
Sarmad Alyas-Askar
Age: 39
City: Troy, Michigan
Name of Practice: Everest Endodontics
Education: DDS, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry; MSD, Indiana University School of Dentistry
Specialty: Endodontics
Why He Was Nominated: Nominated in conjunction with his business partner, Dr. Carolin Ibrahim, Dr. Askar is an exceptional practitioner and researcher. During his two-year endo residency at Indiana University, his research topic—direct and indirect antibacterial effects of various concentrations of triple antibiotic pastes loaded in a methylcellulose system—was published in the National Library of Medicine. In 2020, he was named a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, and he’s a part-time faculty member in the Graduate Endodontic Department at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.
3D Printing? “It doesn’t apply to an endodontic practice much, but if there is a predictable and continuous need, then definitely yes—we love technology.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “How the days, weeks and months feel shorter and shorter, yet your to-do list grows longer and longer.”
Inspiration: “My parents. My father is an endodontist and my mother is a prosthodontist. They are the living example of compassion, love, care, dedication and commitment—values I live by and practice daily.”
Something People Don’t Know: Dr. Alyas-Askar enjoys tennis, piano and community service.
Ray Arjang
Age: 39
City: Los Angeles
Name of Practices: Ray Orthodontics of Montebello, Ray Orthodontics of Palmdale, Ray Orthodontics of Huntington Park
Education: DDS, University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Specialty: Orthodontics
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Ray’s three Ray Orthodontics locations have received multiple awards from local publications. He brings superb clinical skills, a keen chairside manner and impeccable medical care to the office every day—he’s a platinum provider of Invisalign, has a 3D printer in each office and gives his patients free retainers for life—including a same-day fabrication if one is lost or damaged.
First Job After Dental School: “Associate at Pacific Dental Services.”
Why He Became a Dentist: “The relationship you get to build with people over a long time. I have families where I’m treating the fourth child and have known them for almost 10 years. The bond created is priceless. I help make smiles—it’s the best job in the world.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “The amount of work is never-ending. When you’re an associate, you go home and leave it at the office; when you’re a practice owner, there’s always something to do. However, since I own the practices, there is joy in doing the work, knowing that it is going toward building something great.”
Sage Advice: “Do not nickel-and-dime your patients. Having the best technology in your office makes practicing easier. Have an
office setup where your patients look forward to seeing you—and are always happy when they leave. Get to know your patients as people, not just a set of teeth.”
Varun Arya
Age: 37
City: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Name of Practice: Wood & Myers Oral Surgery
Education: DMD, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Specialty: Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Arya is a stellar oral surgeon who combines an infectious enthusiasm for dentistry, business strategy and philanthropy. He’s the only staff oral surgeon with Community Volunteers in Medicine, a nonprofit that provides dental care and social services support to underserved communities, and continues to research, write and lecture on TMJ, orthognathic surgery and dental implants. He is among the 1 percent of oral surgeons to have received honorary Fellowship from the American College of Surgeons and was recently selected by the ADA for the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations Committee for 2023. His wife, Dr. Sania Setiya, is a 40 Under 40 honoree this year as well.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Good leadership is the key and realizing that, as my favorite author and speaker, Simon Sinek, says, ‘leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.’ ”
3D Printing? “Absolutely—we have an in-house lab with a 3D printer used by the GPs and our referrals for temps, crowns and more. For oral surgery, I incorporate 3D printers to print maxillary and mandibular models to do initial planning for orthognathic surgery.”
Sage Advice: “It’s OK not to know everything. Take time to learn, understand your limitations and don’t be afraid to refer out or ask for help. Patients are smart and know when something is wrong.”
Michel Azer
Age: 34
City: Houston
Name of Practice: Texas Dental Implant Center
Education: DDS, Misr International University (Cairo, Egypt)
Specialty: Periodontics
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Azer grew up in Egypt, where at just 16 he began dental school in Cairo. He has continued to stay involved in academia, including stints as a full-time assistant professor at Boston University’s Goldman School and as a “core faculty” member in the Australasian College of Dental Practitioners. He gives annual lectures in Sydney and Cairo about cosmetic implant dentistry, technology and surgical techniques. In 2021, he started his clinic and lab simultaneously; he also provides pro bono treatment for underserved communities in Egypt and the United States.
Why He Became a Dentist: “I was the patient! At 9 years old, I broke my two central incisors while playing with friends. It affected my self-esteem; I hid my face and didn’t want to go out. Then I saw a dentist and was amazed by what they’re capable of doing for someone’s confidence. The art, the science and the patient management—I fell in love with it all.”
3D Printing? “Yes, we have 3D printers and milling machines in the office. They are all operated by our dental assistant and lab technicians.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “It takes a lot of work to design and build your dental office. Then, once you think you’re done with the biggest task of your life, you realize that it’s only the beginning.”
Inspiration: “Dr. Thomas Kang, a periodontist in Seattle. He’s an excellent clinician and possesses leadership qualities that make him the best dental office owner I have ever seen.”
Sage Advice: “Realize that your career is a journey. It’s not a race where we compete to see who gets to the finish line first. After graduation, take your time to practice as an associate. Explore a little of everything before you make a decision that you commit to for a lifetime.”
Susan Blair
@LOMBARDPEDIATRICDENTISTRY
@HINSDALEORTHO
Age: 38
City: Hinsdale, Lake Zurich and Lombard, Illinois
Names of Practices: Children’s Dentistry Group, Hinsdale Ortho
Education: DDS, University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry; pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center
Specialty: Pediatrics, orthodontics
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Blair is the rare dual-trained and board-certified orthodontist and pediatric dentist who serves patients with complex interdisciplinary cases at her orthodontics practice, which she co-owns with her husband, as well as her pediatric practice. A Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, she is uniquely capable when it comes to working with complex craniofacial abnormalities, especially those that require long-term interdisciplinary collaborative treatment.
First Job After Dental School: “Working in Brooklyn at a very busy pediatric dental office.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “A lot of work upfront in hiring. I ask for a video interview, send personality assessments and then bring them in for the team member interviews.”
3D Printing? “Yes, certainly in the near future for printing models and making retainers.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “The stress never ends, but the rewards and being able to control your future also never end.”
Sage Advice: “Work hard to become excellent at clinical dentistry—it is extremely important, and training in dentistry is changing rapidly.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I’m a huge advocate for animal rescue and adoption. I try to contribute as much as I can financially and by raising awareness and fostering. There are so many great pets that need homes and are being euthanized. I can’t believe people are still getting dogs from breeders and pet stores.”
Russell Choy
Age: 38
City: Dallas
Education: DDS, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
Names of Practices: Rio Dental & Orthodontics, OPD Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry
Specialty: Pediatrics
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Choy is not just a superb clinician but an exceptional businessman and humanitarian. He opened his first de novo dental practice in 2015 and has since scaled it to five locations. He has hospital privileges at the world-renowned Children’s Medical Center Dallas and DFW Children’s Surgery Center to take on full-mouth dental rehabilitation cases for children in need. He is a firm believer in giving back to the community; every year he provides pro bono treatment to those without dental insurance and organizes fundraisers and events to raise awareness of oral health.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Celebrate all accomplishments collectively, no matter how big or small. Your staff will appreciate the recognition, and new employees will want to be part of that.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “Dentistry is the easy part. Everything that you don’t learn in school—marketing, HR, billing, systems development, accounting— you have to at least familiarize yourself with on your own.”
Tool He Can’t Live Without: “DryShield. Across the chair, our assistants probably would say the same thing.”
Sage Advice: “There are dentists out there who have achieved what you are trying to accomplish—learn from them. Listen to podcasts, go to conferences, attend CE courses, find mentors and leverage their experiences to incorporate into your life both professionally and personally.”
Celebrate all accomplishments collectively, no matter how big or small. Your staff will appreciate the recognition, and new employees will want to be part of that.
Nicole Deakins
Age: 35
City: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Name of Practice: The Dental Spa Main Line
Education: DMD, MS, FACP, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Specialty: Prosthodontics
Why She Was Nominated: One of the Philadelphia area’s few board-certified prosthodontists in private practice, Dr. Deakins balances co-owning the Dental Spa Main Line, which opened in 2021, with teaching at Penn’s dental school, where she is both program director for the clinical restorative honors program and implant director for predoctoral clinics. She’s passionate about incorporating new techniques, such as digital dental workflows, direct-indirect composite veneers, layered esthetic bonding and closing diastemas.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “We are fortunate to have a team that truly enjoys working together. In addition to hiring team members who have positive energy and a collaborative mentality, we also strive to create an office culture that is centered around appreciation for each other and encouragement of work-life balance.”
3D Printing? “We use it as part of our digital workflows but do not plan to purchase our own 3D printer for use in the office at this time.”
Sage Advice: “As a Philadelphia 76ers fan, my first clichéd piece of advice would be to ‘Trust the Process.’ I often find that my UPenn students cannot wait to graduate and are rushing to start the next step. Going through dental school and having the time to grow both personally and professionally with some of your best friends is a really amazing experience, one that in hindsight is often overlooked.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I love all sports—Notre Dame and all Philadelphia professional teams—and endurance cycling.”
Drew Ferris
Age: 40
City: Santa Barbara, California
Name of Practices: Ferris Orthodontic Group
Education: DDS, University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry
Specialty: Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
Why He Was Nominated:Dr. Ferris is an established educator, lecturer and clinician who runs two ortho practices in addition to a rapidly growing pediatric branch he opened three years ago. He has distinguished himself as a leader in the innovative use of clear aligners and fixed appliances in first-phase, adolescent and complex interdisciplinary treatment. He’s also a faculty member in orthodontics at Loma Linda University and director of the Santa Barbara Dental Study Group.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “We focus on culture while making sure team members are compensated fairly. We have role-specific bonus structures to help them feel like they have control over what they make.”
3D Printing? “Yes, we do quite a lot. We also have all our metal orthodontic appliances 3D-printed. There’s value in providing state-of-the-art technology in place of uncomfortable gooey impressions.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “Whether it’s clinical skills, management, marketing or real estate, there’s so much to know and always more to learn.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I played Division I college golf and thought I was going to be the next Tiger Woods.”
Stephanie R. Ganter
Age: 33
City: Dallas
Name of Practice: Oral Surgery, Periodontics and Dental Implants
Education: DDS, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
Specialty: Periodontal and implant surgery
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Ganter was the only dentist in her recent year-long Harvard Medical School surgical leadership program and was chosen to be graduation speaker. Alongside oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Robert G. McNeill, she co-created a YouTube channel, Between Two Teeth, that pushes a message of connection, discovery and inspiration. She’s also a champion of giving back, having organized a Ukrainian refugee dental mission trip and one to Guatemala, where she provided oral surgical procedures to more than 2,000 people.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “The mission of Between Two Teeth is to connect, discover and inspire through this platform, and our staff love it. We include them by giving them swag—and PTO—from the various branches of this platform, including mission trips to Ukraine, speakership opportunities and team outings.”
3D Printing? “Digital dentistry has been a staple and niche part of our systems, especially when it comes to educating patients about surgical solutions. I’m also excited to incorporate AI diagnostic software into our practice.”
Sage Advice: “Get outside your comfort zone. Last year, I completed a one-year surgical leadership program at Harvard Medical School. I was the only dentist in a room full of accomplished surgeons from all over the world. This innovative group taught me to think big. My hope is to bring positive change and to build a team of dental influencers.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I ride motorcycles, play ice hockey and travel the world. Check out @b2teeth on YouTube to follow the next adventure!”
Nadim Guirguis
Age: 37
City: Las Vegas
Name of Practice: Mountain View Orthodontics
Education: DMD, UNLV School of Dental Medicine
Specialty: Orthodontics
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Guirguis hails from Egypt and prides himself on advancing his education as a practitioner; he has completed advanced functional occlusion training at the Kois Center with Dr. John Kois. At Mountain View Orthodontics, he treats an adult population with complex multidisciplinary cases. He’s one of only two providers in Las Vegas to offer InBrace, and prints custom models to fabricate clear aligners, retainers, night guards and custom athletic mouthguards at his in-office 3D lab. He and his wife, Dr. Megan Tufteland, a pediatric dentist, plan to open a joint office to provide orthodontics and pediatrics to Las Vegas under one roof.
3D Printing? “It’s a big part of our practice. We purchased our first printer in 2020 and have been 100 percent digital since.”
Something People Don’t Know: “Even though I grew up in Las Vegas, where hockey wasn’t popular, I’ve been playing since elementary school. Nowadays, I play in a men’s hockey league and coach my 8-year-old son’s youth hockey team. On top of that, our Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup this year in only the team’s sixth year in existence, so now Vegas is officially a hockey town!”
Sulochana Gurung
Age: 37
City: Queens, New York
Name of Practice: Essence Smiles
Education: DDS, University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine; BDS, People’s Dental College & Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal; general practice residency, New York Presbyterian Queens
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Gurung opened her office during the pandemic in Jackson Heights, one of Queens’ most multicultural neighborhoods. She serves on the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s health care committee and is active and involved with the local Gurung community, a Nepalese people native to the Himalayan foothills.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Having a culture of caring and setting higher goals personally and professionally have been important. Also, having fun as a team. We’re together because we like each other’s company.”
3D Printing? “Yes, I plan to. Everything is digital in our office. Technology is ever evolving, and I would like to keep my practice abreast of all advances.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “The misconception that everyone will walk right in when you open your doors. And the amount of sacrifice you have to make.”
Most Memorable Patients: “My kids! When they first started seeing me in my new office, I had to bring them after-hours, as they would yell, cry and throw tantrums. It took them almost a year to get used to sitting on my dental chair. Now, my 5-year-old assists me.”
Zahra Heidari Zadi
Age: 34
City: Bristow, Virginia
Name of Practice: Symphony Orthodontics
Education: DDS, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; specialty in orthodontics and orofacial orthopedics, University of Maryland
Specialty: Orthodontics and orofacial orthopedics
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Heidari participated with the craniofacial and cleft palate teams at Johns Hopkins University Hospital and Kernan Medical Center during her residency and has since had her research published in three prestigious journals. Her office, which opened in 2022, is fully digital—and beautiful, too: Symphony Orthodontics was a finalist for the 2023 International Contemporary Furniture Fair Interior Awards.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Several strategies: competitive compensation, ensuring professional development and advancement opportunities, a positive work environment and incorporating teambuilding activities.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “It requires business skills, regulatory compliance, financial planning, marketing strategies and effective time management.”
Exciting New Trend: “Dental monitoring, a remote tool that enables me to assess the progress of patients who are not physically present. It’s astonishing that we have patients in New Jersey and London who only need to visit the office three times.”
Zahra Hassantash
Age: 38
City: San Diego
Name of Practice: Luma Orthodontics
Education: DDS, Indiana University School of Dentistry
Specialty: Orthodontics
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Hassantash immigrated to the U.S. from Tehran, Iran, a decade ago with the dream of owning her own practice—a seed planted when she became interested in orthodontics after having braces herself as a teenager. She realized that dream in 2022 when she opened her own office, where she has cultivated a warm, familial atmosphere and made a name for herself as a patient-centric provider throughout the San Diego area.
First Job After Dental School: “I started my residency immediately and afterward worked in northern Virginia as an associate at a private practice. I’m grateful for those two years of associateship because I learned a lot about patient management, effective communication and teamwork.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I prioritize open and effective communication. I foster an atmosphere where everyone’s opinions and ideas are valued, creating a sense of collaboration and empowerment. This encourages team members to contribute their unique skills and expertise, making them feel invested in the success of our practice.”
3D Printing? “Absolutely. It’s the way of the future. We currently have an intraoral scanner and a 3D printer. Our goal is to print our own customized clear aligners soon.”
Inspiration: “The women of Iran. They are fighting for their basic rights and freedom of expression. Anytime I’m going through a hard time, I remember their courage and strength. Their relentless pursuit of justice constantly reminds me that progress is possible even in the face of adversity.”
The women of Iran inspire me. They are fighting for their basic rights and freedom of expression. Anytime I’m going through a hard time, I remember their courage. Their relentless pursuit of justice reminds me that progress is possible even in the face of adversity.
Michael Hosking
Age: 37
City: Viera, Florida
Name of Practice: Space Coast Endodontics
Education: DDS, University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Specialty: Endodontics
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Hosking, who worked in restorative dentistry prior to his focus on endodontics, prides himself on being conservative with diagnoses, prioritizing communication and collaboration with referring doctors to ensure the best clinical outcomes, and taking the time to educate patients about treatment options, procedural ins and outs and post-op care. He partners with his wife, fellow 40 Under 40 honoree Dr. Yoshita Patel Hosking, whom he met in dental school, to treat children who need root canal therapy.
First Job After Dental School: “I was an associate at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio, a private endodontic practice in Texas.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Treat people respectfully and try to create a supportive and caring environment.”
3D Printing? “Not at this time.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “The amount of time required to run the practice.”
Exciting New Trend: “Advanced irrigation in endodontics— i.e., GentleWave.”
Yoshita Patel Hosking
Age: 38
City: Viera, Florida
Name of Practice: Viera Pediatric Dentistry
Education: DDS, University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Specialty: Pediatrics
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Patel Hosking and her husband and fellow 40 Under 40 honoree, Dr. Michael Hosking, have separate practices that collaborate to provide pediatric endodontic care for children. A pediatric dentist with a master’s in public health and specialty training in patients with special needs, Dr. Patel serves her patients and community through pro bono care and public-health advocacy efforts. She started a company this summer, The Hive: A 4th Trimester Collective, with a mission to prepare new families for the postpartum period known as the “fourth trimester.” It’s a collaboration of local female health care professionals who provide postpartum education classes and resources for partners, caregivers and mothers to prepare for bringing mother and baby home.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I treat my team with kindness, respect, appreciation, compassion and empathy. My elementary school had the Golden Rule posted in the cafeteria, and it’s something I wholeheartedly believe.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “Creating a pediatric practice and a collaborative postpartum educational facility from nothing has been an incredible and exhausting experience—especially while pregnant, breastfeeding and raising two small children. After close to five years with the practice, the biggest surprise is that nothing surprises me anymore.”
Tool She Can’t Live Without: “LightScalpel’s Surgical CO2 Laser.”
Something People Don’t Know: Dr. Patel trained and performed classical/folk Indian dance for more than 20 years.
Carolin Ibrahim
Age: 36
City: Troy, Michigan
Name of Practices: Everest Endodontics
Education: DDS, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
Specialty: Endodontics
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Ibrahim’s dream to become a dentist came with her when she immigrated to the United States at 10 years old; she would realize it while working as an assistant for a mobile dentistry practice for the elderly while attending Oakland University in Michigan. Today, Everest Endodontics has two locations, the second of which she opened earlier this year with her longtime friend and fellow 40 Under 40 honoree, Dr. Sarmad Alyas-Askar. She also works as a part-time faculty member at Detroit Mercy.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I build team loyalty by genuinely caring about their lives as a whole. When they see you’re invested in them as people, you can attract and retain great team members.”
3D Printing? “We don’t currently use it in everyday practice in endodontics. However, it could have great application in presurgical planning and educational modeling.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “Just when I thought my profession couldn’t be more fulfilling, opening a practice has opened my eyes to infinite kindness from the dentists and patients in the community.”
Inspiration: “My parents. Being a first-generation immigrant and having achieved all that I have wouldn’t have been possible without my family’s sacrifices and dedication to help me succeed.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I love my plants! Among my collection, I have six citrus and four fig trees that live indoors in the cold Michigan winters and come outdoors for the summer.”
Meyleen Izquierdo
Age: 39
City: Weston, Florida
Name of Practice: Pearly White Dental Spa
Education: DMD, University of Florida College of Dentistry
Specialty: Periodontics
Why She Was Nominated: The first dentist in her family, Dr. Izquierdo completed a residency at a Veterans Administration hospital and worked for several years as a general dentist before specializing in periodontics. She brings extensive surgical training to her practice, which prioritizes same-day dentistry and incorporates the latest technology to administer top-notch care and comfort.
First Job After Dental School: “I completed an AEGD at the VA Hospital in Bay Pines, Florida; afterward, I was an associate at a practice in West Palm Beach.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Maintain a positive atmosphere in which everyone is included and feels like they’re part of a family. In addition, the office is brand-new, beautiful and a real pleasure to be in. The home away from home should feel clean, organized and welcoming.”
3D Printing? “Yes—it’s coming.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “That despite being three times as much work as being an associate, it’s so much more rewarding to manage my own office and operate exactly the way I want.”
Sage Advice: “Strive to learn as much as you can about every aspect of dentistry, regardless of whether you specialize or not. As a GP, it will only make you better and, as a specialist, it will enable you to communicate and understand your referring dentists and their methods.”
Tool She Can’t Live Without: “CBCT. I can diagnose so much more that just isn’t possible with 2D imaging. It is by far what I use the most in my office.”
Josh M. Knowles
Age: 38
City: Temple, Texas
Name of Practice: Smile at the World Orthodontics
Education: DDS, University of Texas School of Dentistry
Specialty: Orthodontics
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Knowles’s career began when he worked for an orthodontist in high school; today, he runs a successful practice whose production he boosted 56 percent with a recent move to a new building. Dr. Knowles prioritizes giving back—both to his community
by volunteering with Feed My Sheep, a local homeless shelter, as well as working abroad with nonprofit organizations that provide safe drinking water for rural communities in Africa.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Honestly, my team has been integral to retention of new team members as we have grown through the years. I can do only so much, and they help cultivate a great work environment.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “The community around us has been really amazing. We feel like we have lived here forever.”
Inspiration: “My orthodontist and friend Dr. J. Moody Alexander.”
Sage Advice: “Make treatment decisions for your patients as if they were your family.”
Exciting New Trend: “3D-printed custom brackets.”
Linda Lam
Age: 32
City: Clifton Park, New York
Name of Practice: Clifton Park Periodontics
Education: DDS, New York University College of Dentistry
Specialty: Periodontics
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Lam took a leap of faith by starting her own practice in 2022 despite residual uncertainty related to the pandemic. She gained experience while working as the sole periodontist for a multispecialty practice and as an associate at an established private periodontal practice, then used what she learned to dive headfirst into personally developing and overseeing the planning and construction of her practice from scratch.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Maintaining a positive work environment and cultivating a culture of support is key. I started my practice from scratch in January 2022, and we have grown from two team members, who are still with the practice, to eight. I believe everyone plays an important role in the practice and that no one is ‘above’ anyone else.”
3D Printing? “I’m definitely looking into it. As a periodontist, I would love to be able to 3D-print surgical guides for implant cases and esthetic crown lengthening, as well as surgical stents for soft-tissue grafting.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “How much I have had to learn outside of dentistry. There are so many moving parts to opening and running a practice. Dental school and residency prepare you to perform clinical dentistry, but they don’t really teach you how to run a business. Regardless, I wouldn’t have done it any other way.”
Sage Advice: “Don’t get too comfortable. Always push yourself to learn more and reflect on how to improve when a case may not go as planned.”
Something People Don’t Know: “Having two rescue cats myself, I would love to open up a bubble tea cat cafe one day to help animals find new homes and also provide a fun space for the community.”
Eunice Lee
Age: 37
City: Fairfield, Connecticut
Name of Practice: Smile Ark Pediatric Dentistry
Education: DMD, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine; pediatric dental residency, Yale School of Medicine
Specialty: Pediatrics
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Lee strives to practice conservative, pain-free care for children using Solea lasers and anesthesia-free treatment. A member of the clinical faculty at Yale’s pediatric dental residency program, she also mentors up-and-coming dentists.
First Job After Dental School: “I worked at a very busy multidoctor pediatric dental office and helped an FQHC mobile dental van visit schools.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “I opened my own practice about a year ago. Don’t expect to be booming from the beginning. Have patience and focus on providing quality and good care to patients, and they will come find you.”
Most Memorable Patient: “A special-needs patient. That first appointment he was screaming and crying, lying down on the floor. We couldn’t even properly do an exam. However, we offered multiple desensitization visits, and his parents were very compliant. Now the patient can walk into the room, sit in a dental chair comfortably and allow us to clean and examine his teeth.”
Inspiration: “My family. When I was growing up as an immigrant from Korea, I always looked at my hardworking parents, and they motivated me to do better.”
Exciting New Trend: “I’ve been using Solea lasers for a few years now. They’re a game changer. I can do much restorative work without any local anesthesia, meaning it’s less stressful for little ones to go through during and after the procedure. I also provide minimally invasive dentistry for those patients who can tolerate traditional treatment.”
Amandine Para
Age: 40
City: Paris, France
Name of Practice: Cabinet du Docteur PARA
Education: Advanced Diploma, implant surgery and prosthetics, Université Paris VII Denis Diderot, Paris
Specialty: Periodontics
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Para left her native Martinique, the Caribbean island, for dental school in France, where she graduated at the top of her class in 2005 with the highest marks of any dental candidate in the country. She’s an expert in the use of lasers for the treatment of peri-implantitis and is the author of a textbook on the subject that was published in 2019.
3D Printing? “I’ve incorporated 3D printing since 2015. I plan to have a faster machine.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “I became more self-confident, and I still push my limits to the highest level in different fields of dentistry and team management. Opening my practice gave me wings. I also learned to define priorities in life.”
Most Memorable Patient: “Elodie. I helped discover an osteosarcoma when she was 17. This early diagnosis, based on a biopsy made with my laser, allowed her to have a treatment ASAP and to save her life. I now have strong links with her and her family, and I’m so happy to see her doing brilliant studies and becoming a strong and beautiful woman.”
Inspiration: “Dr. Paul Rousseau, the main founder of the International Teams of Implantology movement in France—it’s an association that spreads scientific knowledge in implantology. I learned a lot by his side.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I’ve been playing the piano for 33 years. I have a piano in my dental surgery, and since I have it in the office, I discovered that many of my patients play too. One of them played while I was treating his wife, to comfort her. It was awesome.”
Neelon Patel
Age: 37
City: Naperville, Illinois
Name of Practice: Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry
Education: DDS, MS, University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Specialty: Pediatrics
Why She Was Nominated: A Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Patel leverages Solea lasers and low-radiation X-rays to provide the most compassionate care possible to her young patients, including those with special needs. She owns her practice and has also authored a children’s book, Jaiden & Zatie Visit the Dentist, to ease children’s fears about appointments. It was published last year.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I pay well and have created an environment where employees feel valued and respected and have opportunity for growth. Supporting good work/life balance is also critical.”
Sage Advice: “You can have it all! Achieving a healthy work/life balance is crucial for overall well-being and happiness. It involves effectively managing your time and energy between your professional obligations and your personal life. I absolutely love being a hands-on mom, a supportive wife and a practice owner. I work 8 to 3, Monday through Thursday, and believe in three-day weekends.”
Exciting New Trend: “Frenectomies. I’m able to provide a comfortable experience and faster healing times for frenectomies with my Solea laser.”
Something People Don’t Know: “Jaiden & Zatie Visit the Dentist focuses on each step of a visit to Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry. The main characters are my children; the illustrations are based on the esthetics of my office.”
Joshua E. Perry
Age: 40
City: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Name of Practice: Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry
Education: DMD, University of Florida College of Dentistry
Specialty: Prosthodontics
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Perry was fresh out of dental school when he bought his Florida practice—it was something of a rush job, he says, as the former owner had passed away suddenly. In the intervening decade he has built it into a highly successful family office with prosthodontics services. He is, indeed, the only board-certified prosthodontist in Florida’s St. Johns County.
Why He Became a Dentist: “I suffered trauma to my front teeth as a kid— I wasn’t the best baseball player—so I spent a lot of time in the dental chair. Each dentist and specialist I dealt with was awesome. They all loved their career, so I was exposed to the profession early and fell in love with it.”
3D Printing? “Yes. I print mostly guides, models and some temporary restorative materials. It has been a cool revolution in dentistry.”
Tool He Can’t Live Without: “My steamer in the lab.”
Sage Advice: “Work hard, study a lot and pay your debts fast.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I’m an intense guy and always on the move, but my favorite time of day is sunrise. Whether I’m in the woods, on the water or driving to work, early morning reminds me to slow down and take in how blessed I am to be here for another day.”
Shouvik Ponnusamy
Age: 33
City: Austin, Texas
Name of Practice: Niva Dental Specialists
Education: DMD, University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry
Specialty: Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Why He Was Nominated: “Dr. Samy” aims to disrupt the dental implant industry by building Toothsome.io, a tech-enabled implant marketplace enabling patients to connect with expert implant providers. The ethos of the platform is patient empowerment through transparency, quality and informed choices. He’s a trailblazer in the dental technology space.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “It’s important to connect day-to-day work with a greater cause. Often we’ll reflect on patients’ lives we touched and connect that impact back to the work we do.”
3D Printing? “Yes. In addition to 3D printing, we’ll use facial scanning, photogrammetry, virtual consultations and minimally invasive surgical protocols backed by the latest research.”
Most Memorable Patient: “One who was without all her teeth for a decade and was told by multiple doctors that she was not a candidate for surgery. I performed advanced remote anchorage implant procedures including zygomatic and pterygoid implants, following the PATZI Protocol, which allowed our team to deliver a set of fixed teeth the same day.”
Exciting New Trend: Full-arch implant rehabilitation. “People over 65 will soon outnumber those under 18 in the U.S., and the prevalance of implants is expected to triple. Implants supporting fixed teeth is a life-changing treatment that often involves less time and money than traditional bone grafting. We’re seeing higher demand for these solutions.”
Nick Riccio
Age: 38
City: Hinsdale, Illinois
Name of Practice: Hinsdale Ortho
Education: DMD, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Specialty: Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
Why He Was Nominated: A natural-born leader, Dr. Riccio co-owns and operates a successful practice in the Chicago suburb of Hinsdale and runs his own study club.
First Job After Dental School: “Orthodontics residency at Montefiore Hospital [in the Bronx] was like a full-time job—clinic five days a week, with class before and a full patient load, all to prepare for board certification. After residency, I moved back home and took a full-time associate position in the next town over. The familiar setting made for an easy transition to ‘the real world.’ ”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I make my practice a fun and rewarding place to come to work, psychologically and financially. I coach and train constantly and encourage growth and authority. This leads to better hires, quicker fires and a stronger team overall.”
3D Printing? “Absolutely. We have an in-house lab already, so it makes a lot of sense. We will do it soon.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “I needed to learn a lot very quickly, and the learning doesn’t seem to stop, ever. Clinical skills and even practice management will improve organically, but developing your marketing or business acumen takes initiative to build.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I’m a ‘super-recognizer.’ I never forget a face or voice. I can identify an actor or person I’ve seen only once before, no matter the age, past or present, makeup or costume. It’s a fun party trick. Try me the next time you see me!”
Ryan Robinson
Age: 38
Cities: Newark, Delaware; Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Names of Practices: Pike Creek Dental, Emery Dental, Ruby Dental, Naaman’s Road Dental
Education: DDS, University of Maryland Baltimore School of Dentistry
Specialty: Orofacial pain
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Robinson owns a DSO called the REM Management Team (as in REM sleep). As part of his portfolio he owns four general dental practices and is founder and owner of three specialty practices: the Pain and Sleep Therapy Center (with two locations) and the Center for Airway and Facial Development. He spends most of his time as the CEO of REM as well as chief clinical director for the Pain and Sleep Therapy Centers.
First Job After Dental School: “My first practice acquisition—a beautiful medium-sized practice with an aging team and an aging patient population. We completely reinvigorated it and turned it into the mothership. To this day, I call it my first baby.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Recruit people for their personality and not their experience or skills. Pour so much into them both personally and professionally and train them to be independent, confident and skilled team members who have good core values.”
Most Memorable Patient: “Phyllis, 80, came in with neck, jaw and head pain, and thought she was too old to feel better. We put her through a decompression therapy plan, found out she had obstructive sleep apnea and a tongue tie, fixed her sleep and head pain and then released her tongue tie. She said it was the first time in her entire life where she could drive and turn her neck enough to look into her blind spot.”
Angie Sage
Age: 35
City: San Antonio
Name of Practice: Alamo Heights Pediatric Dentistry
Education: DDS, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry
Specialty: Pediatrics
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Sage immigrated to the United States from Honduras at age 4, and on her first day of college in New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. Yet her clinical skills and resilience helped her succeed through dental school at Louisiana State in Baton Rouge, attributes she shares with her young patients every day.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “One of my mentors taught me the value of ‘train, trust, empower and verify’—you train your team, you trust them to do it, you empower and give them the tools they need and you have systems in place to verify.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “In dental school, I never had any interest in buying or opening a practice. But I purchased mine a year out of residency. The first few years were rough—to be honest, I did not enjoy being an owner. I was not prepared for the challenges of being a new dentist, boss, people manager, wife and mom all at once. But to my surprise—and with some hindsight—becoming a practice owner was the challenge I didn’t know I needed.”
Exciting New Trend: “I have truly found my passion in helping infants and their mothers continue their breastfeeding journey by learning more about how to address tethered oral tissues.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I never wanted to be a dentist growing up. I thought mouths were gross and full of germs, and I didn’t want anything to do with it.”
Zach Saltman
Age: 35
City: Washington, D.C.
Name of Practice: Saltman Implantology and Oral Surgery
Education: DMD, Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry; oral and maxillofacial residency, Georgetown/Medstar Washington Hospital Center
Specialty: Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Saltman is breaking the mold of the oral surgery status quo, having opened a modern, patient-centered practice focusing on dental implantology and tissue engineering in the nation’s capital.
Most Memorable Patient: “A young woman who had trauma resulting in loss of her left upper posterior teeth, nearly all lower teeth and the entire left upper jaw ridge. While I was in residency, we performed orthognathic surgery for her, and I placed five lower implants for an implant-supported hybrid prosthesis. What made this case special is that she found me years later for help replacing her upper left posterior teeth with a fixed solution, where she still had a removable partial denture. I came up with a novel approach to get the implants into the narrow areas of bone, and to this day she wears a beautiful zirconia segmental hybrid prosthesis replacing all of her left upper posterior teeth.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I have an extensive background in amateur screenwriting—mostly comedy in the movie and TV format—and in college considered dropping my goals in health care to move to L.A. and try my luck.”
Adam Saltz
Age: 31
City: South Portland, Maine
Name of Practice: Corey + Then Periodontics and Dental Implants
Education: DMD and MPH, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine; MS, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Specialty: Periodontics
Why He Was Nominated: Starting his career in Maine at the height of the pandemic meant Dr. Saltz had to work overtime—often driving more than three hours to network for referrals, “spending days on the road only to meet another dentist through their window,” he says— to get his start. He was the 2020 winner of the Dr. and Mrs. Gerald M. Kramer Scholar Award for Excellence for outstanding character, service, leadership and academic achievement.
First Job After Dental School: “I joined my current practice in the summer of 2020—an atypical start, to say the least. My dad was a general dentist in the Portland area, so I grew up with the other periodontists, Drs. John Corey and Peter Then. I would shadow them in high school or on college breaks. It means that much more to come full circle and work alongside them now. I’m also on track to become partner.”
3D Printing? “We have integrated a digitized workflow for most of our implant surgeries. We’re fortunate to work with labs that design and print our surgical guides and temporary appliances, like Essix retainers, custom healing abutments or implant provisional restorations.”
Exciting New Trend: “Tooth retention. Implants are not the panacea they were once marketed as. We’ll make greater effort on tooth retention with conventional periodontal surgery.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I’m an indoor cycling instructor. I started teaching last year, and it’s been such a fun and creative outlet.”
Jonathan Scott
Age: 39
City: Lakeland, Florida
Name of Practice: Scott Orthodontics
Education: DMD, University of Florida College of Dentistry
Specialty: Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
Why He Was Nominated: Dr. Scott is known by his staff and patients as a caring and skilled orthodontist—the kind of doctor who calls his patients the first evening after they receive their braces to make sure they’re comfortable. He has also succeeded in taking two practices fully digital and leads their in-house 3D-printing labs.
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “We believe that cultivating a happy, healthy and well-supported team benefits our community and our practice. Our goal is to retain team members for as long as they desire to work in our field. We want to minimize turnover and maximize the value our team receives from a career they can be proud of. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive set of benefits that is unique for our area.”
3D Printing? “We’ve been heavily using 3D printing since 2020. As a completely digital practice, from impression to appliance fabrication, we rely on our 3D printers to run our practice efficiently.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “The gratification I feel when seeing my treatment plans implemented successfully.”
Sage Advice: “Minimize student loan debt as much as possible while in school and find a financial advisor who can help manage it when you enter practice.”
Tool He Can’t Live Without: “Our intraoral scanners play a critical role in creating records, clear aligners, 3D printing, treatment planning and appliance fabrication.”
Something People Don’t Know: “Not many people know that I’m a burn survivor. That experience of survival and recovery profoundly affected my sense of gratitude and my outlook on life.”
Samir Singh
Age: 37
City: Pittsburgh
Name of Practices: North Pittsburgh Oral Surgery
Education: DMD, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Specialty: Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Why He Was Nominated: In addition to being a partner in his busy full-scope private practice, Dr. Singh is an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery. He takes facial trauma calls at UPMC Presbyterian, Mercy and Children’s Hospitals. He also works across the four locations of North Pittsburgh Oral Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In his (mostly nonexistent) spare time, he’s a consultant to the ZimVie Dental implant division.
3D Printing? “We already use it—ranging from orthognathic surgery to pathology and reconstruction to complex bone grafting to implant surgery.”
Most Memorable Patient: “One who had a corrective jaw surgery performed by another provider and ended up having severe post-op complications with an inability to chew and a non-union. I was able to 3D-print cutting guides to recut the mandible and 3D-print a plate to refixate it in the correct position to stabilize his bite. He had spent two years trying to find someone who could help, and it was my honor to do so.”
Sage Advice: “Be patient with yourself when things seem tough, give yourself grace when things don’t go quite as planned—and above all do what’s right for your patients.”
Exciting New Trend: “Digital workflow for implant surgeries.”
Tool He Can’t Live Without: “My Bluetooth speaker.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I enjoy playing guitar. I learned my wife’s favorite song secretly and performed it for her when I proposed.”
Patrice Smith
Age: 36
City: Washington, D.C.
Name of Practice: Infinity Orthodontics
Education: DDS, Howard University College of Dentistry
Specialty: Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Smith’s digital practice offers 3D-printed braces, behind-teeth braces, digital impressions and diode laser treatments, among others, to diagnose with precision and treat patients efficiently.
Why She Became a Dentist: “A confident smile can transform an individual’s self-esteem and overall well-being. One of the most rewarding aspects of being an orthodontist is the appreciation and love patients have for our work. Unlike the typical fear of visiting a dentist, people often seek out orthodontic treatment willingly, knowing that it will enhance their smiles and lives.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “The effort required for marketing and understanding consumer psychology. While I was prepared for the clinical aspects of running a practice, the challenges of effectively reaching and engaging with potential patients took me by surprise.”
Most Memorable Patient: “A sweet young boy born with a cleft lip and palate who lives in another country. He required cleft palate repair and orthognathic surgery, but no local orthodontist was willing. Despite the challenges of coordinating with surgeons in another state and managing his travels, the collaboration and communication involved were worth it, and I’m excited about the positive impact the upcoming surgery will have on his life.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I love blogging. For years, I’ve run ‘The Unorthodoc’ blog, theunorthodoc.com. I also create scented candles and started a business called Unorthodoc Candle Company.”
Daniela Toro
Age: 40
City: Burlington, Massachusetts
Name of Practice: Burlington Orthodontics
Education: DMD, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Specialty: Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Toro immigrated to the U.S. from Venezuela at 25, and after dental school, took over the practice of her Boston University professor and mentor. She has since rebranded the 50-year-old practice, moved it to a new facility and expanded its offerings to include the latest technology in aligners and custom 3D-printed LightForce braces.
First Job After Dental School: “I worked in private practice as a general dentist, I was also an orthodontic assistant at a respected orthodontist’s office in Venezuela while applying for my orthodontic residency in the U.S.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “The joy of being able to work and treat every patient as you always dreamed. Also, the amount of administrative work that needs to combine with your clinical and patient time. It’s hard to get everything done—it’s a matter of checking things off a checklist and feeling good about those small victories.”
Inspiration: “Dr. Arthur Fertman. He was on the faculty at Boston University, and later I was able to work in his office and learn from him. He is the kindest, smartest and most incredible orthodontist. Later I was lucky to buy his practice and continue his legacy.”
Exciting New Trend: “LightForce 3D-printed custom braces. It’s great being able to use brackets custom-made for each patient and set up the bite digitally.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I have an identical twin sister and we live five minutes apart, having come all the way from Venezuela. What are the odds?”
Andrea Tory
Age: 39
City: Canton, Michigan
Name of Practice: Parkside Endodontics
Education: DDS, University of Detroit Mercy Dental School
Specialty: Endodontics
Why She Was Nominated: A former commander and executive officer in the U.S. Army, Dr. Tory served four years in Germany and at Fort Knox, Kentucky. She has done research and presented on the apical extent of root filling materials compared to periapical periodontisis using CBCT.
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “I was prepared for how much work went into it, as I was an associate for almost four years before I started my office. My practice is truly my third child, and I put as much passion and effort into it as I do my children. It’s extremely challenging to be a boss and have employees. Many people find endodontics to be a difficult specialty, but the technical skill involved doesn’t even compare to the challenges of managing a team of people. But I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Inspiration: “My endodontic program director, Dr. Stephen Clark. He has inspired me throughout my career, and I’m forever grateful to him for having given me the opportunity to become an endodontist and for training me to become a top-notch clinician.”
Sage Advice: “In an era in which corporate dentistry is trying to take over our profession, make sure you look out for yourself. Don’t sign anything until a lawyer or someone you trust reviews it with you. Look out for each other and keep in contact on social media and other platforms. There are many groups to help young dentists navigate the challenging landscape we live in.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I was an accomplished flutist as a young adult and at one time had dreams of performing in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.”
In an era when corporate dentistry is trying to take over our profession, make sure you look out for yourself.
Nick Valeri
Age: 37
City: Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Name of Practices: Valeri Orthodontics
Education: DDS, MS, Marquette University School of Dentistry
Specialty: Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
Why He Was Nominated: A Badger State native, Dr. Valeri graduated magna cum laude from Marquette’s dental school. An entrepreneur at heart, he now operates two orthodontic centers near Kenosha, Wisconsin, and a children’s dental clinic that he helped place in the office space adjacent to one of his practices.
Why He Became a Dentist: “As a teen, I saw the confidence that straight teeth instilled my peers and me, and I wanted to do something that made people feel better about themselves.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “Hiring slowly to find the best fit is a great way to find the right person for your team and ultimately retain them long-term.”
3D Printing? “We have had 3D printers for seven years and use them for aligners, retainers, braces and appliances.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “That they do not teach you how to run a business in dental school.”
Most Memorable Patients: “Those we treat for our ‘Adopt a Yeti’ program. These are child cancer survivors, and we treat them with braces for free. These families have so much to worry about; we wanted to take one expense off their plate.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I’m a huge Milwaukee Bucks fan, and I snuck onto the court after they won the NBA championship in 2021 and got pictures with several players.”
Jackie Wingate
Age: 37
City: Berwyn, Pennsylvania
Name of Practice: Groovy Pediatric Dentistry
Education: DMD, MPH, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health
Specialty: Pediatrics
Why She Was Nominated: A second-generation dentist, Dr. Wingate is a skilled practitioner who brings state-of-the-art technology and research to treat her young patients. After nine years of associating and being a mom to two young boys, she brings a fresh perspective, focused on education and collaboration with the community. Her dental assistant even moved more than 300 miles to start this journey with her.
First Job After Dental School: “I was an associate at a pediatric practice in Delaware. I had a wonderful mentor who taught me behavior management techniques, helped me learn to talk to parents empathetically and helped me through some tough situations.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “How important digital marketing is. I followed the age-old rules of teaching at preschools, attending health fairs and marketing on foot to local dentists. These methods have had little return. I’ve found the greatest growth in community collaboration—engaging with moms, businesses and providers in different specialties.”
Most Memorable Patient: “A 4-year-old boy, MJ, with a rare genetic disorder. His mother suspected he was in pain, but he was nonverbal. That day we scaled, prophied and examined him; he had multiple teeth that were abscessed and required treatment under general anesthesia. After complete oral rehab, he had major progress with feeding therapy, OT and speech therapy. I had the joy of seeing MJ thrive for seven years. I sponsored an inclusive playground in his honor.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I drew my logo, my front desk rainbow and my operatory mural. My newest project is making colorful teeth models for office decor—a 3D-printed T. Rex and hand-painted animal skulls. I love art.”
Ben Winters
Age: 32
City: Plano, Texas
Name of Practice: Wincrest Orthodontics
Education: DDS, University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
Specialty: Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
Why He Was Nominated: Known by his social media moniker, The Bentist, Dr. Winters posts lighthearted videos about oral health, Invisalign and braces that have attracted nearly 14 million followers. He also has his own oral care line, Something Nice, which aims to sell affordable products that are so good even a doctor would use them at home.
First Job After Dental School: “I got paid very little to be a resident teacher because I got into orthodontic residency.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “It’s pretty simple: Do the right thing in all scenarios, and it’s funny how fast things start to go right for you versus being selfish or in it for the money.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “How much work it takes to run a brick-and-mortar business versus an internet-based business. Social media doesn’t have air-conditioning leaks and pissed-off moms.”
3D Printing: “Yes—we use SprintRay 3D.”
Most Memorable Patient: “A 16-year-old girl with a huge crossbite on both sides and giant overbite. She went to four other orthodontists who said she had to have jaw surgery, and we decided to take on her case using braces only and a lot of crazy rubber bands. We ended up fixing everything in 24 months, and it looked amazing! It required a lot of tinkering and testing out random unorthodox treatments, but it worked—and she never had to have that surgery.”
Sage Advice: “Get good at social media, because that’s the only way in the future you’ll be able to grow your practice.”
Something People Don’t Know: I grew up on the world’s highest hill in Poteau, Oklahoma—it’s one foot short of a mountain.”
Wendy Yang
Age: 39
City: San Diego
Name of Practice: Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
Education: DDS, University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry/University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry
Specialty: Pediatrics
Why She Was Nominated: Dr. Yang is one of the few pediatric dentists in the San Diego area practicing minimally invasive dentistry, using options like silver diamine fluoride and GI strip crowns, which are efficient to place, manage decay and do not require anesthesia. Her practice was supposed to open in spring 2020, but the pandemic pushed it to that September; she now juggles the demands of running it with those of being a mom to her two toddlers.
First Job After Dental School: “After residency there were multiple jobs. That’s the tough part of the real world now: It’s not just about my first job; it’s about the three different offices I worked at to make a whole week’s worth of schedule. The plus side was that I got to experience working with three different populations, offices and staff.”
Exciting New Trend: “Minimally invasive treatment. I’m a big fan of preventive dentistry and being conservative, especially if it preserves the emotional health of my littlest patients. I’ve had to sedate a lot less and still accomplish good treatment.”
Sage Advice: “Be humble. You can always learn more.”
Something People Don’t Know: “I love doing my nails. I think I own enough nail polish and tools to open my own store. Also, I love languages. I speak Mandarin, Spanish and a little Russian and Portuguese.”
Steve Yusupov
Age: 38
City: Roslyn, New York
Name of Practice: Gold Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Education: DDS, New York University College of Dentistry; MD, SUNY Downstate College of Medicine
Specialty: Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Why He Was Nominated: A fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Yusupov is experienced in TMJ surgery, cleft and craniofacial surgery and the Jaw in a Day reconstructive procedure, which involves placing implants in an auto-transplanted bone, often immediately. His practice is focused on head-and-neck surgical oncology and full-arch dental implant rehabilitation.
Why He Became a Dentist: “I was an immigrant kid who had difficulty with English in college. I wanted to be a surgeon. My advisors told me I was nuts, that no med school or surgical residency would accept me. I had to settle on dentistry—which took me into the best health care specialty. I ended up attending medical school and not only training in surgery but also sub-specializing in oncologic surgery.”
First Job After Dental School: “I worked as a general dentist during my oral surgery internship. I can probably still do a molar endo.”
Biggest Surprise About Practice Ownership: “How much I love the practice management aspect. I know there are people who feel completely the opposite.”
3D Printing? “Yes, for years. Love it.”
How to Attract and Retain a Great Team: “I make my team feel comfortable. I mean that in terms of hours, days, lunch schedule and their responsibilities. If you do what you like, it becomes a playground, not work.”
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
The ongoing exploits of 40 Under 40 honorees from years past.
CLASS OF 2021
Dr. Tyler Hanks
Salt Lake City
Growth is often the name of the game for the 40 Under 40, and Dr. Hanks is getting things done. After opening Happy Tooth Pediatric Dentistry mid-pandemic, he’s building up the practice nicely and just brought on his first RDH. In 2022, Dr. Hanks successfully launched the Happy Tooth Foundation and teamed up with the National Basketball Players Association to give back to families in need through dentistry and hoops. He also launched his first product company, offering effective toothpaste alternatives to families and other dental professionals looking for fluoride-free options through hydroxyapatite. See the line at tryhappytooth.com.
Dr. Gabriela F. Lagreca
Boston
Since her appearance in the 40 Under 40, Dr. Lagreca was appointed director of faculty education at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. In 2022, she earned her executive master’s in business administration and was awarded prestigious Fellowship status at the International College of Dentists. More recently, she was promoted to associate professor of prosthodontics at TUSDM and this fall will begin serving Wellesley, Massachusetts, as a prosthodontist at Maria Cardenas, DMD. Dr. Lagreca was a thought leader and advisor for this magazine’s recent Year in Innovation issue (Spring 2023), for which we are grateful.
Dr. Vanessa Peterson
Chandler, Arizona
A big anniversary for Dr. Peterson: Her practice, Synergi Orthodontic Specialists, just celebrated three years in business. Those first few years are always the hardest, but she says she’s “blessed to see the practice continue to grow and to be known as the doctor and team in the area who you can count on to provide the highest level of care and customer service,” crediting her “incredible” team for their support. She recently completed construction to expand by six chairs, is building out a state-of-the-art 3D digital lab and continuing her lecture circuit appearances on 3M’s clear aligner treatment. In 2024, she plans to add Botox and is looking to hire a new associate with a special focus on customer service.
CLASS OF 2020
Drs. Andrew and Joya Lyons
Charlotte, North Carolina
Where to start? Dr. Lyons and his wife and colleague, Dr. Joya Lyons, started a partnership with the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets that includes a digital content series—“we’re one of the few minority-owned small businesses to ink a deal with a major league sports team.” But that’s just for starters. Dr. Joya recently invented a product we think is quite cool: the Enchanted Tooth Box, “a one-of-a-kind tooth keepsake box that automates the Tooth Fairy process, allowing parents to continue the magic of this tradition without the added stress of trying to remember or complete the job,” she tells us. Sounds perfect for the digital age. “I found that 86 percent of American households celebrate the Tooth Fairy tradition, and many of those parents find that the process can be a little stressful,” Dr. Joya adds. “I wanted to create something that could keep the magic of this tradition alive and take away that stress for parents.” There’s even an accompanying children’s book, and the product has already been featured by media including Black Enterprise. Luckily, you don’t have to be tight with the actual Tooth Fairy to bring the magic home; just visit enchantedtraditions.com.
Dr. Tiffanie Garrison-Jeter
Nolensville, Tennessee
Starting with the fun stuff: “I had a beautiful baby boy, Joah, in November 2021. He is a ball of joy, full of energy, and loves teeth like his mommy. I think we have a future dentist on our hands.” (Her daughter, by contrast, “made it clear she won’t be continuing in my footsteps.” Well, they can’t all be dentists, we suppose. Sigh.) She has also incorporated esthetics and cosmetic injectable treatments into her private practice, a “new addition that has been amazing in boosting confidence.” The good doctor has also partnered with Kare Mobile to provide dental treatment to the underserved and dental-desert populations. “Continuing with this mission, I’m also currently a young leader board intern for Interfaith Dental Clinic, a nonprofit organization in Nashville. Having access to quality dental care can be transformational in a person’s life: boosted confidence, job opportunities, being pain-free. I’m honored to be a part of organizations meeting the need.”
Drs. Wendy Lewis and Lee Gary
Brandon, Mississippi
“My partner and I have now expanded to five locations and grown our practice, The Winning Smile, with more dentists as partners and associates, all of whom are local dentists right here in central Mississippi,” Dr. Lewis tells us. That’s up from three locations when they were featured in 2020 as among the most accomplished young dentists in the Magnolia State.
Unfortunately, Dr. Lewis reminds us, she and Dr. Gary missed the annual 40 Under 40 photo shoot in Manhattan due to the pandemic (boo!), but she has an idea to make up for it: “You need to feature our class in an ‘Under 50’ group soon—we’re no longer under 40, but we look forward to continued growth and serving the people of our great state with excellence for years to come.” This power couple, we think, would be a shoo-in for Under 50 honors.
CLASS OF 2018
Dr. Jennifer Mullarkey
Chicago
Typical of our 40 Under 40 alumni, Dr. Mullarkey hasn’t slowed down even a skosh since her appearance in our pages. She now has a 2-year-old son, Jack. She also received her Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry and is in the process of earning her MBA at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. Oh, one more thing: “We relocated our thriving practice, Cusp Dental, to a larger space so we could treat more patients.”
CLASS OF 2017
Dr. Sarah Khan
Seattle
Dr. Khan launched Dentist Protocols, a cloud-based system for acquiring and maintaining records of consent forms and post-op instructions. It includes the most commonly used documents, all of which can be edited; patients can also upload their own forms. Its genesis, she says, came from the unique perspective she gained after being appointed as a commissioner at the Washington State Dental Board. “I noticed that a lot of patient communication errors and eventual board complaints or even lawsuits could be avoided if we had a better system for documentation of informed consent and post-op instructions.”
The concept is similar to that of DocuSign, but keyed specifically to dentistry. Providers add a patient and select a consent form, and patients then sign on to the practitioner’s device or their own phone. The time, signature and PDF upload into the system. Dentist Protocols then downloads a PDF and attaches it to the patient’s chart. The response from users and those in her own practice has been positive. “Our dentists have also noticed that patients appreciate being able to sign on a device and receive post-op instructions digitally,” Dr. Khan says. “They can access it anytime. After all, doing a crown for dentists is an everyday thing, but for the patient, it’s a life event.” Check it out at dentistprotocols.com.
Dr. Andy Janiga
Nashua, New Hampshire
Since being lauded here in 2017 as one of the country’s top Army clinic docs, Dr. Janiga moved to New England, becoming a partner at the Center for Dental Excellence in Nashua. “I have continued to lecture and publish articles, and I am excited to continue the journey as a practice owner and an educator,” he tells us.
CLASS OF 2016
Dr. Michael Verber
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Dr. Verber has been passionately pursuing his vision for what he calls a “dental health system” across his 12 distinct practices that addresses gaps in patient care and promotes better continuity of that care. Lately, he’s expanding those efforts beyond his business and into education with the establishment of dental programs at Central Penn College in Summerdale, Pennsylvania, that are set to debut this winter, pending board approval.
“A dental assisting certificate program launched this summer,” he tells us, “and a dental treatment coordination certificate program is set to start in the fall, followed by the winter EFDA program launch. A hygiene program is in the works. The access-to-dental-care crisis in America has motivated me to get more involved.” Central Penn is “a special place,” he says, because “they give a lot of nontraditional students and students who may not have a lot of other opportunities an amazing education.
“Witnessing a commencement where many graduates were the first in their families to go to college was a moving experience,” he adds. “Learning that over 90 percent of Central Penn graduates go on to work in their field of study was amazing to me. That number is below 50 percent at most schools.” He has also been lobbying at the state capitol in Harrisburg, making media appearances and writing opinion pieces to support Central Penn and programs like it where “students can find pathways to wonderful careers with very little student debt. Hygienists can make over $40 per hour now, and EFDAs aren’t far behind.” His fundraising goal: an even $1 million. —Edward Kobesky
Q&A
Style and Substance
Talking sartorial savvy, the art of dentistry and personal branding with 40 Under 40 fashion director Jeffrey Ampratwum.
By Edward Kobesky
INCISAL EDGE’S resident 40 Under 40 style expert almost became a dentist. Maybe that’s why he especially looks forward to producing our annual photo shoot.
Some might say it’s big shift from health care to fashion. How did you make the jump, and what has that journey been like?
I was one signature away from attending a dental school in Nashville. However, the time I spent developing my creative ideas as an undergraduate gave birth to pursuing a career in fashion. I started producing fashion shows and pageants, and also styling students and faculty. I then attended the Fashion Institute of Technology [in Manhattan], where I cemented my path and studied creative direction, womenswear styling and menswear sartorialism. I now also teach menswear [at FIT]. I’ve always had great enthusiasm for dentistry, and still do, but my personal expression of self through style and esthetic was a stronger part of my creative personality.
This is your sixth year working 40 Under 40, and your first as fashion director and producer. Why do you keep coming back, and what do you look forward to most?
Every year, it’s a high point for me to highlight the beauty, delicacy and artistry in the field of dentistry by using fashion and style as a vehicle to tell that story. In 2018, I was given my first opportunity to assist [former 40 Under 40 producer] Joseph DeAcetis. For me, it was the ultimate full-circle moment and the perfect marriage between fashion and dentistry—the two areas that helped to define my character and accelerate my creativity. In both 2019 and 2022, I assumed the role of menswear stylist and assistant creative director, respectively. I became the fashion director and producer for the magazine’s editorial shoot for this year and could not be more pleased with the journey. Instinctually, I have a drive that allows me to bring a great deal of energy to the production and also celebrate our dentists. Elevating our honorees’ personal style and developing the brand voice for each person is very fulfilling.
A lot of our honorees look very comfortable and in their element. What’s it like working with them?
Dentistry is without a doubt an extremely prestigious science, and all our honorees possess a certain level of confidence that’s lovely to work with. Great attitude and good vibes are always welcomed when styling, dressing and shooting close to 50 individuals. I really enjoy elevating people’s personal looks, and it’s especially great to see them continue evolving their personal style beyond the photo shoot. But my favorite part of the shoot is always throwing around dental vocabulary on set to surprise the honorees with my depth of knowledge about the field!
Traditional advertising has lately been overshadowed by digital and social media. Dentists need to work harder than ever to create personal brands that are genuine, because effective marketing isn’t just one Yellow Pages ad or billboard like it was 20 years ago—it’s hundreds of social posts and Google reviews. What advice would you give doctors?
Everyone has a unique story and vision. For example, early on, my goal in dentistry was to become an orthodontist who traveled the world providing free dental care in underprivileged areas. That’s why, during the shoot, I’m always eager to speak with each dentist about their aspirations and practice. Being a great doctor is always their number one priority, but I think it’s imperative that each of our honorees has a creative plan for expressing who they are and what their philosophy is. If you can communicate that more effectively than your competition, you’ll win—and therein lies the value of fully developing a unique, engaging personal brand.
Watch for personal brand development and style advice from Jeffrey Ampratwum in future issues of Incisal Edge. Follow him on Instagram @jeffreyampratwum.
ON NICOLAS AGUILERA: Shirt by Perry Ellis; blazer by Polo Ralph Lauren; pants by Hugo Boss; shoes by Armando Cabral.
ON ARSH AHUJA: Shirt, blazer and pants by Perry Ellis; tie by Jack Victor; watch by Rolex; shoes by Bruno Marc.
On JOKE ALESH: Blazer and pants by Lafayette 148 New York; top by 831 Minhle; earrings, necklace and ring by Mona Jewelry; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON DALAL ALHAJJI: Blazer, top and pants by Lafayette 148 New York; earrings and ring by Soko; necklace by Dragonfly; bracelet by Gorjana; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Ally.
ON MUHALAB AL SAMMARRAIE: Shirt by Perry Ellis; blazer, pants and socks by &Collar; tie by Jack Victor; shoes by Armando Cabral.
On MICHELLE AMENT: Blazer and pants by 831 Minhle; earrings by Mona Jewelry; ring by Aurelia + Icarus; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON RON AYZIN: Shoes by Armando Caruso; All other clothing Ayzin’s own.
On RESHMA BADDALOO: Blazer and pants by 831 Minhle; top by Neiwai; earrings by Lili Claspe; necklace by Mona Jewelry; rings by Mona Jewelry and Lili Claspe; bag by Verafied; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON NICHOLAS BOTTORFF: Shirt, blazer, pants and tie by Jack Victor; socks by &Collar; shoes by Armando Cabral.
ON ROBERT E. BROWN III: Shirt and blazer by Perry Ellis; tie, pants and socks by &Collar; shoes by Armando Cabral.
On JACKIE WINGATE: Blazer by Maison De Hoe; pants by Section 101; top by Lafayette 148 New York; earrings by Aurelia + Icarus; bag by Wen; shoes by Ally.
ON EUNICE LEE: Top by Dragonfly; pants by Nora Gardner; earrings and bracelet by Lili Claspe; ring by Soko; bag by Verafied; shoes by 7or9.
ON DEAN CHENCHARIK: Shirt and jacket by Bozhao; pants by Perry Ellis; shoes by Inkerman.
ON RYAN COULON: Shirt by &Collar; blazer, tie and pants by Jack Victor; shoes by Louis Vuitton.
ON TONY CRUZ-Mcleod: Turtleneck, blazer and pants by Jack Victor; shoes by Stacy Adams
ON DANIEL DUFFY: Shirt, pants and socks by &Collar; jacket by Perry Ellis; shoes by Inkerman.
ON GABRIELA FLORES: Blazer, top and pants by Lafayette 148 New York; earrings by Mona Jewelry; necklace by Lili Claspe; ring by Aurelia + Icarus; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Schutz.
ON JENNY HONG: Suit by 831 Minhle; top by Lafayette 148 New York; earrings by Soko; necklace by Lili Claspe; ring by Helen Ficalera; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by 7or9.
ON WILLIAM JACOBSON: Shirt, blazer, pants and tie by Jack Victor; socks by &Collar; shoes by Bruno Marc.
ON SARA MAHMOOD: Blazer, top and pants by Lafayette 148 New York; earrings and necklace by Dragonfly; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by 7or9.
ON ELLEN PAULISICK: Blazer and top by Lafayette 148 New York; skirt by L2R The Label; earrings and necklace by Lili Claspe; ring by Mona Jewelry; bag by Verafied; shoes by Ally.
ON ALEX PLANES: Shirt, blazer, tie and pants by &Collar; watch Planes’s own; tie bar by Christian Dior; shoes by Louis Vuitton.
ON DANIEL ROME: Shirt and pants by Perry Ellis; jacket by Bozhao; shoes by Louis Vuitton.
ON MARIA SERRANO: Top and earrings by Dragonfly; pants by Lafayette 148 New York; ring by Mona Jewelry; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Ally.
ON SANIYA SETIA: Blazer and top by Lafayette 148 New York; skirt by L2R The Label; earrings by Soko; necklace by Aurelia + Icarus; bracelet by Gorjana; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Ted Baker.
ON PALAK SHAH: Dress by Section 101; earrings, necklace and ring by Mona Jewelry; bag by Verafied; shoes by Ally.
ON NICOLE SHINKAWA: Blazer by Lafayette 148 New York; dress by Nora Gardner; earrings by Mona Jewelry; necklace by Lili Claspe; bracelet by Dragonfly; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON MARGARET SPARGIMINO: Blazer and pants by Lafayette 148 New York; big necklace by Aurelia + Icarus; small necklace by Soko; ring by Lili Claspe; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON JOSH M. KNOWLES: Shirt and socks by &Collar; blazer and pants by Perry Ellis; tie by Jack Victor; pocket square by KenJeffreys; shoes by Armando Cabral; watch Knowles’s own.
ON ANDREA TORY: Blazer and top by Lafayette 148 New York; bra by Neiwai; pants by 831 Minhle; earrings by Soko; necklace by Lili Claspe; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON SAMIR SINGH: Shirt by &Collar; suit by Calvin Klein; pocket square by KenJeffreys; tie by Kabat; shoes by Louis Vuitton; watch and ring Singh’s own.
ON SANA YUSUF: Dress by Nora Gardner; earrings and ring by Mona Jewelry; double bracelet by Soko; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON JOHN ZALESKY: Shirt, tie and pants by &Collar; blazer by Polo Ralph Lauren; shoes by Louis Vuitton.
ON RAY ARJANG: Shirt and tie by Jack Victor; blazer by Armani; pants by Perry Ellis; watch by Tissot; tie bar by Christian Dior; shoes by Armando Cabral.
ON VARUN ARYA: Suit Arya’s own; shirt and tie by &Collar; shoes by Armando Cabral.
ON RUSSELL CHOY: Shirt and pants by &Collar; tie by Jack Victor; sweater by Perry Ellis; shoes by Cole Haan.
ON NICOLE DEAKINS: Blazer by Nora Gardner; top by Lafayette 148 New York; skirt by Dragonfly; earrings by Mona Jewelry; bracelet and ring by Soko; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Ally.
ON DREW FERRIS: Shirt, blazer, tie, pants and lapel pin by Jack Victor; shoes by Stacy Adams.
ON STEPHANIE R. GANTER: Coat and rings by Joya Ma; top and pants by Lafayette 148 New York; earrings by Mona Jewelry; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON SULOCHANA GURUNG: Blazer by Lafayette 148 New York; top and skirt by Dragonfly; earrings by Mona Jewelry; ring by Mona Jewelry and Lili Claspe; bag by Verafied; shoes by Very Lovely Soles.
ON ZAHRA HEIDARI ZADI: Blazer by L2R The Label; top and pants by Lafayette 148 New York; earrings and ring Lili Claspe; shoes by Ally.
ON ZAHRA HASSANTASH: Dress by Nora Gardner; earrings by Mona Jewelry; necklace and bracelet by Lili Claspe; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON MICHAEL HOSKING: Shirt and sweater by Perry Ellis; blazer by Bozhao; pants and socks by &Collar; shoes by Louis Vuitton.
ON YOSHITA PATEL HOSKING: Blazer and top by Lafayette 148 New York; skirt by L2R The Label; earrings and necklace by Aurelia + Icarus; ring by Soko; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON MEYLEEN IZQUIERDO: Dress by Seraphine; earrings, necklace, bracelet and ring by Lili Claspe; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON JOSH M. KNOWLES: Shirt and socks by &Collar; blazer and pants by Perry Ellis; tie by Jack Victor; pocket square by KenJeffreys; shoes by Armando Cabral; watch Knowles’s own.
ON EUNICE LEE: Top by Dragonfly; pants by Nora Gardner; earrings and bracelet by Lili Claspe; ring by Soko; bag by Verafied; shoes by 7or9.
ON NEELON PATEL: Dress by Nora Gardner; earrings by Aurelia + Icarus; bracelet by Soko; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Ally.
ON ROBERT E. BROWN III: Shirt and blazer by Perry Ellis; tie, pants and socks by &Collar; shoes by Armando Cabral.
ON JOHN ZALESKY: Shirt, tie and pants by &Collar; blazer by Polo Ralph Lauren; shoes by Louis Vuitton.
ON RYAN ROBINSON: Shirt by Perry Ellis; pants and socks by &Collar; watch by Tissot; shoes by Bruno Marc.
ON ANGIE SAGE: Dress by Dragonfly; earrings and bracelet by Soko; necklace by Aurelia + Icarus; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON SAMIR SINGH: Shirt by &Collar; suit by Calvin Klein; pocket square by KenJeffreys; tie by Kabat; shoes by Louis Vuitton; watch and ring Singh’s own.
ON PATRICE SMITH: Blazer by 831 Minhle; top and pants by Lafayette 148 New York; earrings by Lili Claspe; ring by Soko; bag by Wen; shoes by Ally.
ON ANDREA TORY: Blazer and top by Lafayette 148 New York; bra by Neiwai; pants by 831 Minhle; earrings by Soko; necklace by Lili Claspe; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON RESHMA BADDALOO:Blazer and pants by 831 Minhle; top by Neiwai; earrings by Lili Claspe; necklace by Mona Jewelry; rings by Mona Jewelry and Lili Claspe; bag by Verafied; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON RYAN ROBINSON: Shirt by Perry Ellis; pants and socks by &Collar; watch by Tissot; shoes by Bruno Marc.
On JACKIE WINGATE: Blazer by Maison De Hoe; pants by Section 101; top by Lafayette 148 New York; earrings by Aurelia + Icarus; bag by Wen; shoes by Ally.
ON WENDY YANG: Dress by Dragonfly; earrings, necklace and ring by Soko; bag by Emm Kuo; shoes by Kara Mac.
ON STEVE YUSUPOV: Shirt and socks by &Collar; blazer, tie and pants by Jack Victor; watch by Rolex; shoes by Armando Cabral.
Fashion Director and Producer: Jeffrey Ampratwum
Womenswear Style Editor: Samia Laaboudi
Menswear Style Editor: Mitchell Mackesy
Womenswear Fashion Stylists:
Zoe Oliver, Ainsley Kiggins, Fabiola Llana, Emily Munster, Noreen Rizwan
Menswear Fashion Stylists:
Arbel Rabi, Luca Castiglione, Hayato Huseman
Modeling Coach: Rebecca Barber
Makeup Artists: Stetson Bryan, Collin Rishell, Nakisha Baron
Hairstylists: Sarita Smith, Haley Osel
Nail Tech: Yara Pena
Tailor: Shanelle Butler
Fashion Assistants:
Stephanie Quito, Isabella Pesina,
Ford Louis, Greta Herrera, Jackie Hayes, Maria Ceravolo, Daniella Blanca, Liya Iva
Photography by Michael John Gentle and June Musto
Shot on location at Jay Suites Fifth Avenue New York, New York
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