Why She Was Nominated:

As an adjunct professor at her alma mater, Dr. Desai encourages a commitment to the academics of dentistry. Originally a Registered Dental Hygienist, she was driven to pursue her DDS degree. While others may have spent the quarantine months mostly watching Netflix, Dr. Desai used the time to complete online clinical course work, even converting her dining room to a makeshift lab to refine her aesthetic dentistry skills.

Sage Advice:

“Never stop learning. I’ve taken over 1,000 hours of continuing-education courses, and I’ve implemented every aspect of my education into my daily practice.”

Impact of the Pandemic:

“Walking into my office on Monday, March 16, and telling my team, ‘This is our last day until further notice,’ will be an experience I will never forget.” Over the next two months, Dr. Desai purchased HEPA filters with large suctions, a defogging machine, a large UV light system, extra personal protective equipment and plexiglass shields for her front desk. “We have adapted well,” she says, “and will continue these protocols.”

Something People Don’t Know:

Dr. Desai was a child model until age 4. “My mother would take me to photo shoots—and once they could no longer afford the talent-agency fees, that was the end.”