This October, the American Dental Association (ADA) SmileCon in New Orleans honored an exceptional group of young dental professionals with the prestigious "10 Under 10" Awards, celebrating their remarkable contributions to the field within their first ten years of practice. Recognized at the Dental Changemakers Celebration, these rising stars of dentistry were celebrated alongside other award recipients, acknowledging their dedication to advancing dental research, community service, education, and practice innovation.
Event Highlights and Honoree Achievements
The Changemakers Celebration was part of a broader initiative by ADA to spotlight dentists who are making a transformative impact within the profession. Through this event, the ADA recognized young leaders who exemplify excellence, forward-thinking practices, and a commitment to improving patient care.
The honorees, including Dr. Ana Keohane from Boston and Dr. Brianna Muñoz from Avon, CT, represent a diverse group of dental leaders who have implemented advanced treatment techniques, led community health initiatives, and advocated for greater accessibility in dental care. Their achievements underscore ADA's commitment to nurturing the next generation of dental leaders. These professionals have used their platforms not only to treat patients but also to raise awareness and actively engage in organized dentistry, aligning with ADA's goal to build a community-focused profession.
Additional Prestigious Awards Presented
In addition to the "10 Under 10" recognition, the celebration also honored recipients of other notable ADA awards, including:
Distinguished Service Award
Humanitarian Award
Evidence-Based Dentistry Faculty Awards
Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Dental Research
Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research
These awards emphasize the ADA's comprehensive approach to celebrating dental professionals who contribute to the profession in various ways, from direct patient care to academic and research advancements.
Key Takeaways and Impact on the Dental Community
The 2024 "10 Under 10" honorees demonstrate the power of young professionals in shaping the future of dentistry. Their work illustrates how early-career dentists are making a tangible difference by integrating new technologies, advocating for underserved communities, and fostering greater inclusivity within the dental industry. The ADA SmileCon event served not only as a celebration of their achievements but also as a beacon of inspiration for peers and aspiring dental students who look to make their mark in the field.
These young dentists are proof that the future of dentistry is in capable hands, with a new generation eager to lead with compassion, innovation, and a patient-first approach. Through their collective accomplishments, these leaders remind us of the importance of continuous professional growth, community involvement, and the lasting impact a dedicated dentist can have on society.
Honorees of the 2024 ADA "10 Under 10" Award:
Dr. Ana Keohane, Boston, MA
Dr. Austin Lee, San Antonio, TX
Dr. Brianna Muñoz, Avon, CT
Dr. Brittaney Hill, Chicago, IL
Dr. Jessica C. Williams, Nashville, TN
Dr. Joseph Samona, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Dr. Martin Smallidge, San Antonio, TX, U.S. Army
Dr. Roopali Kulkarni, Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Rubin A. Sorrell II, San Francisco, CA
Dr. Zerita Buchanan, Lithonia, GA
These honorees and their contributions are a testament to the ADA's mission of advancing the profession through dedicated service and forward-thinking innovation, inspiring the entire dental community to push the boundaries of patient care.
Looking Ahead: Podcast Series Announcement
At Global Dental Media (GDM), we are excited to congratulate the 2024 "10 Under 10" award winners for their extraordinary achievements. To further highlight their contributions and share their stories, we will be launching a podcast series dedicated to introducing each of these remarkable dentists. Stay tuned for insightful discussions that delve into their journeys, experiences, and visions for the future of dentistry!
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