Developed by the ADA New Dentist Committee, this award celebrates new dentists who demonstrate excellence and inspire others.
The ADA 10 Under 10 Award shines a light on ten of the brightest new dentists who demonstrate excellence and inspire others in science, research & education, practice excellence, philanthropy, leadership and advocacy.
The 2026 ADA 10 Under 10 Award nomination period will be open from January 7 through March 16, 2026.
Developed by the ADA New Dentist Committee in 2017, this award celebrates new dentists who demonstrate excellence and inspire others. Each ADA 10 Under 10 Award recipient will be honored with a commemorative plaque and featured at an ADA event, as well as across ADA channels. View previous awardees and submit your nominations during the open period using the Nomination Instructions.
View previous awardees
The nomination form will be available on this page during the nomination period. Nominations may be submitted by active ADA members and/or dental associations on behalf of the society.
To nominate a new dentist for this award, you will need:
Nominees who meet the following criteria will be considered:
Please download the 2026 ADA 10 Under 10 Award Nomination Guide for more information on eligibility.
Download the nomination guide
Sara Ehsani, D.D.S., Dallas, Texas
University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry — 2016
Dr. Sara Ehsani is a board-certified pediatric dentist practicing in Dallas, and she is credentialed at Children’s Medical Center Dallas and Plano. She earned her dental degree with highest honors from the University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Connecticut as chief resident. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American College of Dentists and Pierre Fauchard Academy. Outside of dentistry, she enjoys traveling, practicing Pilates, skiing, hiking, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Adam Lowenstein, D.M.D., Framingham and Wellesley, Massachusetts
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine — 2020
Dr. Adam Lowenstein, diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, is a board-certified pediatric dentist and an assistant professor in the Department of Basic and Clinical Translational Sciences at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He received his dental degree and certificate of achievement in pediatric dentistry from TUSDM in addition to his master’s degree from Boston University. He practices pediatric dentistry in Framingham and Wellesley, Massachusetts.
Craig McKenzie, D.M.D., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine — 2021
Dr. Craig McKenzie is an assistant professor of dental anesthesiology and the director of the Center for Patients with Special Needs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. After completing his bachelor's degree at Virginia Tech, he received his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He was a founding member of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and currently serves as a member of the ADA Council on Membership, as well as the Pennsylvania Dental Association’s Membership Committee and New Dentist Committee.
Kathryn Pawlak, D.D.S., Buffalo, New York
University of Maryland School of Dentistry — 2019
Dr. Kathryn Pawlak, a board-certified pediatric dentist, is the founder of Planet Smilez Inc., a global nonprofit organization devoted to advancing dental education and promoting oral health awareness among at-risk populations. Under her leadership, Planet Smilez Inc. has established pathways programs that empower youth from educationally and economically underserved communities. Dr. Pawlak also serves as faculty at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and NYU College of Dentistry, where she provides education and mentorship to students and the broader communities.
Eddie Ramirez, D.M.D., Portland, Oregon
Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry — 2018
Dr. Eddie Ramirez is an advocate for health care access and equitable employment, and for the immigrant community. Born in Tala, Jalisco, Mexico, and raised in the U.S., he became the first undocumented individual to graduate from the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry. His journey fuels his passion for improving oral health and empowering his community. Dr. Ramirez currently serves as a member of the ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs and as a delegate to the ADA House of Delegates.
Allison C. Scully, D.D.S., Indianapolis and Marion, Indiana
Indiana University School of Dentistry — 2015
Dr. Allison C. Scully completed her dental school training at Indiana University School of Dentistry and her pediatric dental residency at the University of Michigan. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist and an assistant professor at Indiana University School of Dentistry and Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, as well as an associate pediatric dentist in Marion, Indiana. Dr. Scully is currently funded by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to innovatively improve access to oral health care for underserved populations in the state of Indiana.
Lyubov Daniilovna Slashcheva, D.D.S., Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Virginia Commonwealth University — 2016
Dr. Lyubov Daniilovna Slashcheva is a dental public health specialist with clinical expertise in geriatric and special care dentistry. She serves as research director for a nonprofit dental organization, Apple Tree Dental, where she also provides dental care. Dr. Slashcheva obtained her dental degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and went on to complete a fellowship in geriatric and special needs dentistry and a residency in public health at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She lends volunteer leadership to numerous professional organizations and tends an urban farmstead with her family of nine.
Akshay Thusu, D.D.S., San Antonio, Texas
UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry — 2015
Dr. Akshay Thusu has experience across all tripartite levels of the ADA, Academy of General Dentistry and International College of Dentists. He holds fellowships in the AGD, ICD and Pierre Fauchard Academy and mentors predental and dental students as well as early-career dentists. He also volunteers with organizations such as the Texas Mission of Mercy, San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic and many others while serving on nonprofit boards.
Yi-Chu Wu, D.D.S., Columbus, Ohio
Taipei Medical University — 2017
Dr. Yi-Chu Wu is a graduate of Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where she received a master’s degree and a certificate in periodontology. Prior to that, she earned a dental degree from Taipei Medical University and completed a General Practice Residency program at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. She is also a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a full-time faculty member at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. She has served on committees at the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, Ohio Dental Association and Columbus Dental Society.
Lauren C. Yap, D.M.D., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry — 2019
Dr. Lauren C. Yap is a clinical associate professor and assistant program director for the Postdoctoral Pediatric Dental Residency Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. She serves as a delegate to the ADA House of Delegates, a public policy advocate for the Pennsylvania Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a representative for the American Dental Political Action Committee. She is a fellow of the International College of Dentists and Pierre Fauchard Academy. Dr. Yap obtained her dental degree and master’s degree in public health from Temple University. She also completed a postdoctoral Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at a federally qualified health center in Hawaii through NYU Langone Health.