Inspiring others and making an impact

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry – 2014

Dr. Zerita C. Buchanan is a fourth-generation dentist and a proud HBCU graduate. Her commitment to health equity led her to be recognized as a "Healthcare Hero" by her alma mater Spelman College. Dr. Buchanan is highly regarded for her expertise in workforce diversity, health policy, and healthcare innovation. Dr. Buchanan uses her platform to address oral health inequities and to mentor the next generation of culturally competent and diverse dentists. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry and her Master’s in Public Health in Health Policy from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her public health research is focused on the enduring impact racism has on the American healthcare system and how it relates to current-day oral health disparities. While at Harvard, Dr. Buchanan was awarded the prestigious Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in honor of Dr. Joseph L. Henry. Her private practice, Dental Dreams, LLC, serves as a vocational training school and innovation hub for HBCU students interested in the STEM sciences. Troubled by the statistic that African-Americans make up 13.6% of the US population but only 3.8% of the dental workforce, Dr. Buchanan launched the "Dental Dreams, LLC - Dental Assisting School" to further diversify the dental workforce. The school's mission is to increase diversity within the dental profession and provide students at HBCUs with the economic means to pursue their dreams of entering dental school. Dr. Buchanan also serves as the Assistant Director of The Increasing Diversity in Dentistry (IDID) pipeline program that addresses workforce disparities by cultivating, nurturing, and mentoring underrepresented pre-dental students. In 2023, Dr. Buchanan formalized a groundbreaking national partnership with Listerine aimed at diversifying the dental workforce. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and The Dogwood City (GA) Chapter of The Links, Inc. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Morehouse School of Medicine in the Department of Medical Education.

Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry – 2015

After earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in 2015, Dr. Brittaney Hill then completed a Pediatric Dentistry Residency at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she earned her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry, a Master of Science in Oral Sciences, and a Master in Public Health in Health Policy and Administration. Upon completion of her residency program, Dr. Hill immediately transitioned into a full-time faculty position at the University of Illinois Chicago, teaching and training pre-doctoral and post-doctoral students in the pediatric clinics. She is currently a Clinical Associate Professor and serves as Pediatric Dentistry Post-Graduate Residency Program Director at UIC. Dr. Hill has participated in numerous leadership programs both at the local and national level, including the American Dental Education Association’s Emerging Leaders Program in 2022, completed the American Dental Association’s Institute for Diversity in Leadership in 2023, and is currently enrolled in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Leadership. In 2022, Dr. Hill was awarded the American Dental Association Foundation David Whiston Leadership Award. In her academic career, Dr. Hill has been the principal investigator on numerous research projects and has published numerous manuscripts in peer reviewed journals. In organized dentistry Dr. Hill has served as President of the Kenwood Hyde-Park branch of the Chicago Dental Society, is a trustee for the Chicago Dental Society Foundation, and has served as the New Dentist Director for the Chicago Dental Society.

Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine – 2016

After receiving her DDS from the Universidad Metropolitana in Barranquilla, Colombia, Dr. Ana Keohane moved to the United States and continued her dental studies at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA, earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine. Following graduation, Dr. Keohane became a faculty member at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine where she currently serves as the Director of Urgent Care, all while providing general care at Everett Family Dental in Everett, MA. Dr. Keohane received the Certificate of Appreciation for valuable contribution to the Massachusetts Hispanic Dental Association in 2018, was the recipient of the “10 under Ten Award” by the Massachusetts Dental Society in 2020, received the HDA/Colgate Faculty Award in 2021, received the Alumni Award for her long service in the dental community from her Alma Mater, Universidad Metropolitana, in 2022, and in 2023 she was the recipient of the 2023 Journal of HDA HECHOS Award as the best group publication within the other articles in the Journal. Passionate about organized dentistry, Dr. Keohane is the 2021 past President of Massachusetts Hispanic Dental Association, was the 2023 Treasurer at the Hispanic Dental Association, and is currently the Chair of the Boston District Dental Society Executive Committee, Medical Dental Society.

University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine – 2019

Dr. Roopali Kulkarni is a board-certified oral medicine specialist. She is an Assistant Professor of Oral Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and serves as the Assistant Director of the postgraduate oral medicine residency program. She graduated from Northwestern University (Go ‘Cats!) in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology and a minor in Classics. She then pursued both her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) and Master of Public Health degrees (M.P.H.) and graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania in 2019. She completed her postgraduate residency training in Oral Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, serving as Chief Resident her second year. She currently teaches predoctoral and postdoctoral students clinically and didactically. She was the 2022 recipient of the Penn Dental Medicine Earle Bank Hoyt award for dedication and excellence in teaching. Her scholarly activity focuses on research within oral medicine and public health. She is an active researcher in the World Workshop on Oral Medicine and is a Senior Fellow at the Penn Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics. In addition to her faculty responsibilities, she treats patients within the University of Pennsylvania Health System and is the Section Chief of Oral Medicine at the Christiana Care Hospital System. Dr. Kulkarni has maintained active involvement in organized dentistry. She currently serves as a national media spokesperson for the American Dental Association, on the Philadelphia County Dental Society board, and on multiple councils and committees in the Pennsylvania Dental Association, American Dental Education Association, and the American Academy of Oral Medicine. She was a 2023 inaugural recipient of the Pennsylvania Dental Association “10 Under 10” Award. She travels across the country providing continuing education lectures on topics in oral medicine, public health, and leadership development. Her passions lie in community service, wellness, advocacy, dance, and music.

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine – 2015

Focusing on Complex, Cosmetic, and Digital Dentistry, Dr. Austin Lee is a restorative dentist in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Lee graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2015 and received his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (AEGD) from Boston University School of Dental Medicine in 2016, where he was presented with the Excellence Award. Committed to direct patient care, education, and organized dentistry, Dr. Lee has previously served as an adjunct professor at Tufts University, Boston University, and Harvard University. As the owner of Orbis Dental Group in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Lee practices full-time while also serving South Texas as Board of Directors, chairing the New Dentist Committee for San Antonio District Dental Society, serves on the Council on Governance and the Peer Review Committee for Texas Dental Association, is the San Antonio Representative for Texas Dental Association Political Action Committee, and is a delegate for the Texas Dental Association and the American Dental Association. In addition, Dr. Lee is a member of Spear Institute, Pankey Institute, International Team for Implantology, American Dental Education Association, and American Dental Association.

University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine – 2016

Dr. Brianna Muñoz, a board-certified pediatric dentist, who recently started her own practice, Twinkle Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Avon, CT. In 2016, Dr. Muñoz received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, at which time she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. Dr. Muñoz went on to complete a residency in pediatric dentistry at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, while concurrently attaining her Master of Public Health degree, with a Certificate of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies. With an avid interest in oral health advocacy, which began after a service trip to Neltume, Chile where she was exposed to the plight of oral health care disparities, it became her goal to impact policy in promoting oral health and preventing disease for all children irrespective of race, ethnicity, or income level. Currently, Dr. Muñoz is the Board President of the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative, a nonprofit organization that promotes access, quality, and equity of oral healthcare at the state level, where she was presented with the COHI Oral Health Champion Award in 2020. On behalf of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), Dr. Muñoz represents the state of Connecticut as a Public Policy Advocate. In addition, Dr. Muñoz is the Legislative Representative for the Connecticut Society of Pediatric Dentists, the Region 1 Representative for the Pediatric Dental Medicaid & CHIP Advisory Committee of the Council on Government Affairs, and Board Member of the Hispanic Health Council, and has also been appointed to the Connecticut Dental Sealant Advisory and the Connecticut Delegation for the American Dental Association House of Delegates. Over the years, Dr. Muñoz has been inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and has received the Connecticut State Dental Association Rising Star Award, the Mulvihill Medal for Academic and Research Excellence, the Pierre Fauchard Academy Academic Achievement Award in Dentistry, and the Special Care Dentistry Award for Achievement with Disabled Persons. When she is not practicing or advocating for oral health, Dr. Muñoz likes to dance, spend time with her nephews, try new restaurants, and partake in Harry Potter marathons.

University of Michigan School of Dentistry – 2020

Dr. Joseph Samona was born with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss but this has not stopped him from pursuing a career as a dentist. He completed his dental degree at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2020. After graduation, he went on to do a one-year AEGD residency at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry and currently practices as an associate in the metro Detroit area. Dr. Samona is committed to increasing accessibility to oral health care in the deaf and hard-of hearing community. He served on the Michigan Dental Association’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and participated in the MDA LEAD program for emerging leaders. As one of the few deaf dentists in the nation, he created a series of videos about oral health education in American Sign Language and co-founded the non-profit organization Michigan Deaf Health. He has given numerous presentations to a variety of organizations to provide an inclusive environment for the deaf and hard of hearing patients.

University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine – 2014

As a Major in the U.S. Army, Dr. Martin Smallidge aims to improve the oral health of U.S. military service members wherever they serve through organizational leadership, programs, and clinical care. As the Army Capability Manager for Dental Services at Army Futures Command (AFC), Medical Capability Development and Integration Directorate, Dr. Smallidge manages and coordinates Army Dental Services capability development for the Operational Force. Before his assignment at AFC, Dr. Smallidge was an Executive Fellow at U.S. Army Medical Command, developing programs and policy for the Army Health System. Dr. Smallidge is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists. He is an assistant professor at the Uniformed Services University for the Health Sciences. He taught at the Tripler Army Medical Center Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Health Activity - Hawaii Comprehensive Dentistry residencies. He published articles spanning topics in material and tissue research, clinical dentistry, and military medical concepts. In 2018, his research on human gingival epithelium and restorative materials received multiple awards and was published in the Journal of Prosthodontics. Dr. Smallidge is a passionate volunteer for organized dentistry, having served on the New Dentist Committee and as the Executive Director for the Academy of General Dentistry Region 17.

University of California-San Francisco School of Dentistry – 2021

Dr. Rubin Sorrell II, a distinguished fourth-generation resident of the Bayview Hunter’s Point community in San Francisco, epitomizes dedication and service in both his military and dental careers. An alumnus of the historically Black college North Carolina A&T State University, Dr. Sorrell commenced his journey in higher education amidst the 2009 recession. This resolve led him to join the Army ROTC program at his alma mater, culminating in a commission as a U.S. Army officer in 2012, armed with a Bachelor's degree in Biology. During his ten-year service in the Army, primarily with the California National Guard, Dr. Sorrell specialized in water purification. In 2016 he completed a Master’s in Public Health, with a thesis focusing on the U.S. Army’s role in water crisis management. That same year, Dr. Sorrell started Dental Robin Hood a non-profit organization that provided oral health resources and dental services to disadvantaged communities, promoting consistent at-home hygiene and preventative care. He went on to attend the University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry, graduating in 2021. Currently, Dr. Sorrell serves his childhood community at the Bayview Health and Wellness Center, bringing his expertise and compassion to those in need. In 2023, Dental Robin Hood was awarded a contract by the San Francisco Department of Public Health, appointing him as the leader of the District 10 Children’s Oral Health Task Force. His leadership extends beyond clinical practice, as evidenced by his roles on several influential boards, such as the San Francisco Bayview Hunter’s Point Citizens Advisory Commission, the San Francisco Dental Society's Board of Directors and Legislative Committee, and as Programs Director for the Greater Bay Area Dental Society. Dr. Sorrell's journey is a testament to his belief in the power of legacy and leadership. His story is not just one of personal achievement, but of a steadfast commitment to enhancing community health and well-being.

University of Illinois - Chicago School of Dentistry – 2018

Dr. Jessica C. Williams is a Dental Public Health specialist, having completed a residency program at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine’s Dental Public Health in 2023 and a General Practice Residency at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in 2024, after receiving her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Illinois-Chicago College of Dentistry in 2018. Dr. Williams strives to address the social determinants of health that impact one’s opportunity for optimal wellbeing on an individual, state, and national level. Prior to dental school, Dr. Williams attended Howard University where she studied Biology and Afro-American Studies and fostered her interest in health justice. While at Howard University, Dr. Williams was exposed to dental public health as an intern at Oral Health America, where she worked to increase access to oral health care for older adults. Dr. Williams learned more about oral health care access barriers for adults during her clinical training at UIC, which drove her to develop and implement an oral health project connecting transient, low-income adults to care as an Albert Schweitzer Fellow and complete a Health Administration and Policy Certificate in Health Disparities Research from the UIC School of Public Health. Following graduation, Dr. Williams worked in rural Iowa as part of the National Health Service Corps and sought opportunities to improve her patients’ health not only through direct service, but also on a statewide and national level, through organizations including the Iowa Public Health Association, American Association of Public Health Dentistry, American Public Health Association, National Coalition of Dentists for Health Equity, and several others. In a few short years, Dr. Williams has shaped her dental career into a multifaceted one that works toward access to quality healthcare for all, especially populations that have been historically excluded from such an opportunity.

Congratulations to all the incredible dentists nominated for the 2024 10 Under 10 Awards.

California
Marc Anthony Bernardo
Kishen Godhia
Jenny Jeon
Amir Kazim
Noha Nour
Asma Patel
Rubin Sorrell
Anthoula Vlachos

Colorado
Manisha Makhija

Connecticut
Brianna Munoz

District of Columbia
Patrice Smith

Florida
Gregory Feldman
Joshua Golden
Toni-Ann Gordon
Stephanie Mazariegos
Bianca Newman
James Nguyen
Jasmine Shafagh

Georgia
Zerita Buchanan
Shaun Bullard

Hawaii
Kandis Carter

Illinois
Brittaney Hill
Edmund March
Michael Schiappa
Bianca Sciarresi-Urzua
Peter Smidt

Indiana
Allison Scully

Massachusetts
Ana Keohane
Adam Lowenstein
Matthew Mara
Samantha Parad
Divya Upadhyay
Hitesh Vij

Maryland
Kelly Betts

Michigan
Joshua Bussard
Joseph Samona
Sarah Tomaka

Minnesota
Kirby Johnson

Missouri
Kishan Patel
Kirthi Tata

Montana
Gregory Seaman

North Carolina
Michael McQuinn
Octavia Miller
Reina Ransom
LaJoi Wiggins

New Hampshire
Tadros M. Tadros
Payal Verma
Brittney Ward

New York
Brittany McCrorey
Ashleigh Robinson

Ohio
George Williams
Yi-Chu Wu

Oklahoma
Mark Gaches
Daryn Lu

Oregon
Eddie Ramirez

Pennsylvania
Kenton Andryc
Janine Burkhardt
Jyoti Dangi
Roopali Kulkarni
Rachel Lewin
Craig McKenzie
Jignesh Rudani
Taylor Sutton
Lauren Yap

Rhode Island
Gayathri Shenoy

South Carolina
Brandi Hair

Tennessee
Jessica Williams

Texas
Gabrielle Dizon
Sara Ehsani
Nathan Flesher
Austin Lee
Shouvik Ponnusamy
Martin Smallidge
Wendy Steger
Akshay Thusu

Virginia
Abby Halpern
Frederica Mackert

Washington
Emily Hobart
Ivy Lin

Wisconsin
Jinesh Shah
Juili Shivde