New dentist nominees sought for ADA 10 Under 10 Awards

The American Dental Association is seeking nominations through Dec. 31 to recognize 10 new dentists who are demonstrating excellence in their work and inspiring others.

Winners of the second annual ADA 10 Under 10 Awards will receive a $1,000 gift card and be recognized in various ADA publications and channels, including the ADA News and the New Dentist Now blog. The ADA New Dentist Committee will choose and announce the winners in early 2019.

“It’s important to recognize the amazing talent that new dentists contribute to our profession,” said Dr. Sara Stuefen, chair of the subcommittee overseeing the selection of the award.

Last year, the ADA New Dentist Committee received more than 200 submitted nominations recognizing new dentists for being entrepreneurs, scientists, founders of nonprofits and leaders in their communities.

Nominations are sought of new dentists who are making a difference in:

• Science/research/education: A dentist who has made substantial contributions to advancing clinical topics by leading, organizing or participating in clinical research or scientifically focused efforts or who significantly impacts students through education and mentorship.
• Practice excellence: A dentist who doesn’t settle for the status quo and has implemented an innovative or more effective way to improve patients’ experience, market or grow their practice or manage their dental team. Their practice methods serve as an inspiration to other dentists.
• Philanthropy: A dentist who has made a difference in the lives of others (in dentistry or otherwise), either by volunteering, leading a philanthropic effort or using their skills to help those in need.
• Leadership: A dentist who serves in leadership, either within or outside dentistry, and has used that position to improve a dental association, another organization or their community at large.
• Advocacy: A dentist who takes a leadership role in advocacy initiatives or legislative activity on behalf of dentists and oral health initiatives.

“The committee looks at several different areas in a nominee’s application,” Dr. Stuefen said. “A standout nominee is someone whose passion for dentistry is evident by their efforts in any number of areas such as leadership, advocacy or research. Their work inspires us all and makes us proud to have them as a colleague.”

Last year’s winners included an entrepreneur who established an athletic mouth guard company, a cancer walk organizer, a founder of a student-run free dental clinic at Tufts University and a deputy consultant to the U.S. Surgeon General for Comprehensive Dentists.

Nominees have to be active ADA members who graduated between the years 2009 and 2018. Unlike last year, self-nominations are not permitted.

For more information or to nominate a new dentist, visit ADA.org/10under10.