The unqualified success of the Lucy Hobbs Project since its inception is proof that driving dentistry forward is critically important—and, equally, that the work is a task without end.

By Julie Radzyminski

FOR A MOMENT, I worried she wouldn’t show. Academy Award–winning actor Helen Hunt was scheduled to keynote our inaugural Lucy Hobbs Awards in Costa Mesa, California—and she was running late. No one else seemed concerned, but I was in charge: It was my job to worry. Back in 2013, women were much more underrepresented in dentistry—not just in numbers but in influence beyond the operatory. Our fledgling project to advance gender equality, inspire leaders and build community felt ambitious, and I wanted it to matter.

I needn’t have worried. Hunt not only showed up but also delivered a keynote so powerful, people still mention it to me today. That night proved something important: Inspiration is contagious. People from every profession and walk of life are drawn to ideas like the Lucy Hobbs Project, which pays tribute to the first American woman to earn a dental degree. Since then, we’ve welcomed voices such as Emmy-nominated TV journalist Poppy Harlow, endurance athlete Robyn Benincasa and dental icon Rella Christensen, Ph.D. They’ve appeared alongside countless doctors, hygienists, assistants, nonprofit leaders and executives whose names you might not always know but whose stories we make it our mission to share. Those relationships and stories have been the most meaningful part of my career.

Which brings me to this year’s Lucy Hobbs Awards edition of Incisal Edge, which celebrates honorees whose impact on dentistry spans technology, leadership, clinical excellence and advocacy. Wardah Inam isn’t a dentist, but the founder and CEO of Overjet is the O.G. of dental AI, and her company’s groundbreaking work is transforming diagnostic accuracy and practice efficiency. Dr. Jarrett L. Manning somehow balances three professional lives: one as a practice owner, another as a nonprofit leader empowering minority girls in STEM and still another as a personal care entrepreneur (page 34). Former hygienist Anne Duffy didn’t just build a media company; she sparked a movement that took on a life of its own in the form of Dental Entrepreneur Woman (DeW), which continues to grow through its publications and regular events. And those are just some of this year’s honorees.

Bookending our slate of Lucy Hobbs recipients is an entire issue celebrating achievements and insights from female leaders worldwide. Our 2026 Dental Assistant of the Year, Angelica Rivera, is a shining example of someone redefining her profession and making dental assisting an even more indispensable part of cutting-edge care. At the nonprofit Hope Clinic in suburban Detroit (page 18), we meet two leaders who demonstrate that purpose, not profit, can be the most universal driver of practice success. Plus, R&D executive Emma Liu (page 14) takes us inside the development of the new DEXIS Imprevo scanner.

As I think back on 2013, conversation around women in dentistry was still gaining momentum. Today, women’s voices are stronger and more influential—but that progress was built on determination, courage and, often, personal sacrifice. Now that women outnumber men in dental schools and continue to gain ground in adjacent roles, the Lucy Hobbs Project transcends mere statistics. Representation matters more than ever, and sharing these stories has taken on new urgency as dental professionals step up to guide our future. As you read this issue, we invite you to celebrate how far we’ve come—and imagine what’s possible if we keep driving dentistry forward together.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Julie Radzyminski, Benco Dental’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Partnerships and Branding, is standing in for founders Rick Cohen and Chuck Cohen in this special Lucy Hobbs Awards issue of Incisal Edge.