The state of our profession has perhaps never been more in flux. Our tenth annual list of the 32 Most Influential People in Dentistry offers a sample of those who will help lead us all forward. And we’ve chosen the moment to share some thoughts, and prescriptions, of our own.

BY RICHARD COHEN AND CHARLES COHEN 

DENTISTRY IN 2026 is at a crossroads. A viral moment—Dr. Katherine Sislow’s 90-minute phone battle with an insurer over emergency care—recently crystallized what many sense: A profession defined by skill and compassion is being strained by forces profoundly detached from the operatory. Addressing them demands something this profession has in abundance: influence.

In this tenth-anniversary edition of Incisal Edge’s 32 Most Influential People in Dentistry, we’re issuing a call to those with the power, platform or passion for transformation. For that, Charles is stepping out from behind the scenes to make the case directly (page 36). Our edi­torial team felt it was time for a clearer expression of where we believe dentistry stands today and suggested it come from Charles, given the decades he has spent listening to dentists across the country.
Consider the American Dental Association, which has faced recent criticism for losing focus and squandering its influence. On page 80, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Jerry Markon examines how the ADA drif­ted—and how, encouragingly, it may be regaining its footing, as a mix of new and legacy leaders from within the ADA rose to the pinnacle of our list for the first time.

That same dynamic—established leaders alongside rising voices with fresh perspectives—runs throughout this year’s 32 Most Influential ranking. Both matter. If dentistry is to regain momentum, it will take those who understand what drove the boom times working alongside those who can help chart a resurgence. This year’s ranking also represents our strongest reporting yet, with contributions from Markon, industry veteran Lisa Randazzo and journalist Novid Parsi.

We also recognize one of our own: Larry Cohen, Benco Dental’s longtime chairman, who celebrated his 90th birthday this year (page 66). He’s a familiar presence in these pages through his “Larry’s Collection” column about dental antiques, and his impact on this company, this magazine and the profession at large has been profound and enduring—and continues to be.

Of course, influence matters only when it’s leveraged. This issue’s guest columnists offer no shortage of practical ideas. Former 40 Under 40 honoree Dr. Adam Lowenstein argues (page 24) that it’s never too early to start teaching. Brand designer Allison Simenkiewicz makes the case for returning practice branding to its roots by putting dentists’ own names front and center. And given the strong opinions about DSOs and independent practice ownership, former operations executive Kristen Jordan unpacks the differences (page 28) between purchase offers from each.

It’s not all headwinds. National Magazine Award–nominated journalist Gloria Liu explores why dentists are suddenly cool (page 90). We highlight Dr. Josh
Parry’s community-driven approach to practice design (page 94) and talk career building with pro-sports dentist and entrepreneur Dr. Jason Schepis (page 16). We also celebrate our 2026 Hygienist of the Year, Charlene Nawara (page 12), whose journey from hiding her childhood smile to inspiring others is a powerful reminder of how dentistry, at its best, changes lives.

This moment we’re in matters. The real challenge isn’t influence, but alignment: agreeing on what’s most important, uniting around shared priorities and using that collective momentum to move the profession forward for everyone. If we’re at a crossroads—and we believe dentistry truly is—then it’s time to focus our energy on what each of us can most influence.