Why He Was Nominated:

The son of immigrants, Dr. Vakil knows firsthand the difficulties associated with scarcity. He is a strong advocate for access to quality oral-health care. He views practicing dentistry as a “gift,” one nearly taken from him after a severe reaction to a prescription medication in his early thirties. Now, three years into running his own pediatric practice, Dr. Vakil continues to volunteer with children’s-health programs and plans to volunteer this year as an adjunct professor at the UNC School of Dentistry’s residency program in pediatrics.

Philosophy:

“Empowering our patients to grow not just in their oral health, but in their personhood. Listening to my patients’ stories and truly understanding their walk of life allows me to partner with them to elevate their oral health.”

Exciting New Trend:

“Dentistry is becoming more accessible and less intimidating to the public because of technology and teledentistry. People can become comfortable with the dental setting without setting foot in a dental office now.”

Something People Don’t Know:

“I can play the saxophone— Bill Clinton style!”