Why He Was Nominated

Dr. Appelsies and his wife, Dr. Alexandra Kantor moved to Orange County, California, to be close to Camp Pendleton, where he provides dental care to U.S. Marines. After buying a failing practice a year ago, the two have turned it around with energy, gumption and creature comforts for their patients.

Tool He Can't Live Without

The V3 ring system by Ultradent. “I’ve always had a difficult time getting a good contact when using the traditional Tofflemire bands. Since switching over to the V3 system, I’ve been able to create a contact with ease and achieve a better restoration.”

Something People Don't Know

“In addition to working in private practice, my full-time commitment is to the U.S. Navy,” says Dr. Appelsies, a Naval Dental Corps lieutenant. “Our main objective is to make sure the Marines are healthy enough, from a dental standpoint, to deploy at a moments notice.”