Why She Was Nominated

Dr. Petroff, who teaches at the Case Western School of Dental Medicine, has developed a family-friendly practice that includes Invisalign braces and a “cavity-free corner,” where she posts photos of children to encourage good hygiene.

Inspiration

One of her earliest memories is waxing up teeth at her mother’s lab bench. She also makes use of her master’s degree in psychology: “Taking the time to talk patients through their visit decreases anxiety.”

Tool She Can't Live Without

Nobel Biocare torque wrench. “I love to restore edentulous areas with an implant.”

Something People Don't Know

She and her husband — who met doing triathlons — own an indoor spinning studio. “Most days before our first patient, I’ve already taught a class there,” she says.