Why He Was Nominated

Dr. Verdier’s research has ranged from the exotic — a yearlong project studying the craniofacial cartilage of zebra fish — to the more practical, such as research on the effects of Sonicare brushes on the finishes of model teeth. “A fulfilling career as a dentist,” he observes, “requires patient engagement and a practice based on science.”

Tool He Can’t Live Without

“My family,” Dr. Verdier says. “Without them I wouldn’t have the energy to come back every day with the same enthusiasm and dedication I had when I was fresh out of school.”

Something People Don't Know

Dr. Verdier, whose parents were both born in Haiti, has traveled to Trinidad and Tobago for the Caribbean’s largest Carnival celebration four times; he’s planning his fifth trip for 2017.