Why He Was Nominated

The inventor of the Ultralight Optics Headlight, Dr. Nguyen believes that curiosity can lead to groundbreaking improvements in any practice. “Explore more than just clinical dentistry, and be innovative,” he tells young dentists. “You never know where even the smallest ideas can lead you.”

Inspiration

“When I was in dental school, I would run a miniature dental-distribution business with my classmates as clients — trying to think of new techniques or fabricate prototype instruments to get the work done better and faster,” he says. “Eventually, I hit a roadblock when I was trying to see hard-to-reach angles with my high-speed, and the solution was better lighting. I explored current lighting systems and asked, ‘Why can’t they make this better?’ That’s when the idea of Ultralight Optics was born.”

Favorite Aspect of Dentistry

 “The business side is what gets me up in the morning. I became financially free at age 26, and now focus on venture capital in dentistry and other industries. Over the years, I’ve evolved from having to work to wanting to work. The business side gives dentistry diversity, and each day is vastly different from the next.”

Tool He Can’t Live Without

“My Ultralight Optics LED Headlight, of course — I’ve had times when my associates asked to cancel their entire morning when they forgot their batteries at home. Good thing I always have extra batteries.”

Something People Don’t Know

“I’m ambidextrous and can practice with both hands, though I haven’t picked up a high-speed in years.”