Introducing the 2023 10 under 10 winners

Dr. Muhalab Al Sammarraie, El Cajon, California
Universidad De La Salle Bajio – Mexico 2019

Described as a leader by example, Dr. Muhalab Al Sammarraie grew up in Baghdad, where he earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the University of Baghdad before receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Universidad de la Sale Bajio in Guanajuato, Mexico. Coming to the U.S.  as a foreign-trained dentist, Dr. Al Sammarraie continued his education and strived for development. While working towards his dental license, he accrued leadership experience in public, private, and nonprofit sectors through leading teams and overseeing process improvement in education, social service, and health care. Dr. Al Sammarraie is currently a Site Dental Director at AltaMed Health Services, one of the nation's largest FQHCs, is also a subject matter expert in law and ethics for the dental board of California, and is an international lecturer at the Universidad de la Sale Bajio, where he teaches practice management, considering dentists as true leaders. He is passionate about providing quality care without limits, including advocating for patients' and dentists' rights through promoting the educational and healthcare system. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Al Sammarraie supports groups that help Iraqi war victims and displaced people find education and access to healthcare.

Dr. Stephanie Ganter, Dallas, Texas
Texas A&M University College of Dentistry – 2016

Co-creator of the YouTube channel ‘Between Two Teeth’, which has a global purpose to connect, discover and inspire life within and beyond dentistry and co-owner of the first of its kind combined periodontics - oral & maxillofacial surgery practice in Garland, Texas, Dr. Stephanie R. Ganter was described as cutting-edge dentist and “taking positivity to new heights”. Dr. Ganter graduated from Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in 2016 earing her Doctor of Dental Surgery and again in 2019, completing her periodontal and implant surgery residency. Following dental school, Dr. Ganter completed a two-year Integrative Medicine Fellowship with the University of Arizona School of Medicine and is currently enrolled in an international surgical leadership program through Harvard Medical School, where she is completing a one-year capstone project on access to care issues in dentistry. Dr. Ganter recharges her passion for dentistry on mission trips through Texas Missions of Mercy along with international relief programs. Her next goal is to coordinate a group of dentists to complete a mission trip in Poland as part of the international aid campaign for Ukrainian refugees. In her free time, you can find her playing ice hockey, riding her motorcycle, or embarking on her next adventure.

Dr. Adam E. Saltz, South Portland, Maine 
Nova Southeastern University – 2017

Dr. Adam Saltz graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2017, where he simultaneously earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees. He served as editor-in-chief to the American Student Dental Association and student consultant to the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention during dental school. Dr. Saltz went on to receive his Certificate in Periodontics and Master of Science degree from the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio. He actively publishes and reviews for several scientific journals on periodontal and peri-implant disease, digitized implant workflows, and immediate implant placement and loading protocols in the esthetic zone. Dr. Saltz has a passion for education and lectures nationally on these topics as well. Dr. Saltz is Vice President of the Maine Dental Association and chairs multiple committees at the state and district levels. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Saltz is an assistant clinical professor at the University of New England and faculty consultant at Kansas City University. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and recipient of the 2020 Dr. and Mrs. Gerald M. Kramer Scholar Award for Excellence, which is presented to the nation’s top overall graduating resident for outstanding character, service, leadership, and academic achievement.

Dr. Aaron Bumann, Gladstone, Missouri
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry – 2013

Passionate for advocating for oral health issues of infants, children, adolescents and patients with special health care and developmental needs, Dr. Aaron Bumann currently serves as a Public Policy Advocate for Missouri at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and as an Action Team Leader for the Missouri Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Dr. Bumann graduated in 2013 from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery. Following dental school, he went on to complete his Pediatric Dental Residency at Geisinger Medical Center in 2016. Dr. Bumann’s service on the Medicaid Subcommittee at the Missouri Coalition for Oral Health, where he worked with dental stakeholders throughout the state to improve the effectiveness of the Missouri dental Medicaid system, significantly contributed to Medicaid policy change, which increased Medicaid dental provider rates from extremely low to commercial level rates. Dr. Bumann currently serves as a pediatric dentist in Kansas City, Missouri and regularly lectures at the University of Missouri, Kanas City to dental students about pediatric dentistry, personal finance, and advocacy.

Dr. Sable Anne-Marie Muntean, Saint Louis, Missouri 
LECOM School of Dental Medicine – 2018

Co-founder of ignitePreDent®, a mentorship organization that assists pre-dental students through their journey into dental school and an active mentor in igniteDDS®, Dr. Sable Muntean is a role model who “truly shines.” Also passionate about research and organized dentistry, Dr. Muntean has been published in national journals, including Compendium and CRANIO: The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice for her research on dental implants and the temporomandibular joint. She currently serves as Chair of the New Dentist Committee and will serve as Chair of the Council on Scientific Sessions for the Greater St. Louis Dental Society in 2026, in addition to being a member of the New Dentist Committee and House of Delegates for the Missouri Dental Association. In 2020, she was inducted into the Pierre Fauchard Academy for her many accomplishments and contributions to the profession. Dr. Muntean graduated from LECOM School of Dental Medicine in Florida, earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and a Master's in Health Services Administration simultaneously. She continued her training at Southern Illinois University’s School of Dental Medicine, where she completed a year-long Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency, followed by another year in the Implant Fellowship. Dr. Muntean currently proudly serves as the first full-time female staff dentist at the St. Louis VA Medical Center providing care for local veterans.

Dr. Alex Barrera, Houston, Texas
UT School of Dentistry at Houston – 2017

Dr. Alex Barrera, president and co-founder of the Houston Equality Dental Network, an organization that aims to improve the oral health of the LGBTQ+ through awareness, education, advocacy and service, is a general dentist who practices at Legacy Community Health Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Barrera graduated from the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston in 2017, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. As a graduate of the ADA’s Institute for Diversity in Leadership and currently serving as a Wellness Ambassador for the ADA, Dr. Barrera serves as a peer support contact for dentists struggling with things like burnout, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. He works towards incorporating his passion for yoga with dentistry by providing yoga classes and ergonomic exercises that can help aid in common aches and pains that come with a career in dentistry. Dr. Barrera is a member of various organizations including the American Dental Association, Hispanic Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Greater Houston Dental Association, and the Houston Equality Dental Network and was recognized by Incisal Edge Magazine as one of the Top 40 Dentists Under 40 in 2021 and was awarded the Health Equity Hero award by DentaQuest in 2022.

Dr. Alexandra Fitzgerald, Frederick, Maryland
University of Maryland School of Dentistry – 2018

Currently serving as the youngest President-Elect for the Maryland State Dental Association, Dr. Alexandra Fitzgerald is heavily involved in organized dentistry, having also previously served as the Chair of the New Dentist, Vice Chair of Legislative Affairs Committees, and numerous other committee assignments and positions at the local and state level. In addition to being a member of the ADA the MSDA and her local dental society, Dr. Fitzgerald is a member of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry Alumni Association Board of Directors and a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and the Dental Chapter of the American Institute of Parliamentarians, all while regularly communicating with legislators to advocate for the dental profession and patient care. Dr. Fitzgerald earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Maryland, School of Dentistry. Prior to dental school, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Physiology and Neurobiology at the University of Maryland, College Park. In her free time, Dr. Fitzgerald loves spending time with her loved ones: trying local restaurants with her husband Richard, going for walks and hikes with their dog Sage, and supporting local sports teams.

Dr. Saniya Setia, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine – 2016

A native of Chandigarh, India, Dr. Saniya Setia graduated at the top of her class from Gian Sagar Dental College and Hospital. After being the only student in India to be awarded an International Certificate of Merit for her contributions towards dental literature, academics, and community service in 2013, she moved to the United States to further her education and training, receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Colorado where she graduated with honors and induction into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor society. Dr. Setia’s passion for philanthropy led her to serve in public health and care for the underprivileged. She became one of the youngest recipients to be given an honorary Fellowship in the Pierre Fauchard Academy for her contributions, which is by invitation only. She is actively involved in various roles in organized dentistry with the Pennsylvania Dental Association and Pierre Fauchard Academy. When she is not practicing at Marysville Family Dentistry in Marysville, Pennsylvania where she provides comprehensive dental treatment to patients, she enjoys spending time hiking, golfing, and traveling.

Dr. Sapna Lohiya, Hermosa Beach, California
University of California - Los Angeles School of Dentistry – 2013

Founder and President of Women in Dentistry South Bay Chapter, an organized group that provides social and wellness events and dental practice discussions to better strengthen and empower, Dr. Sapna Lohiya was described as a true servant leader. Dr. Lohiya received her Bachelor’s of Science degree with Honors in Anthropology from University of California, Los Angeles and her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry. During her time in dental school, Dr. Lohiya developed an interest in surgery and participated in volunteer trips to provide dental and medical care abroad. She went on to complete her oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at the University of Washington in Seattle while simultaneously authoring several abstracts, book chapters, and journal articles and is now a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Los Angeles. Dr. Lohiya has been recognized for her commitment to teaching and providing excellent patient care by receiving the Top Dentist Award in 2021 and 2022 and the Southern California Super Doctors “Rising Star” Award in 2021 and 2022, in addition to several other honors. In addition to working in her private practice, she serves as a Clinical Instructor for the UCLA School of Dentistry and is active in local leadership as the President-Elect of the Western Los Angeles Dental Society. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Dr. Andrew Tonelli, North Reading, Massachusetts 
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine – 2014

Throughout the 2022 election season, Dr. Andrew Tonelli served as the primary spokesperson for the ADA and Massachusetts Dental Society for the highly supported Massachusetts Dental Care Providers for Better Dental Benefits campaign committee. As a part of the "Vote Yes on 2" campaign, Dr. Tonelli consistently engaged with radio and written media, including helping to secure a Boston Globe endorsement, and was involved in strategic planning and implementation of the campaign, culminating in November of 2022, when Massachusetts residents voted overwhelmingly in support of a first of its kind law to establish a Medical Loss Ratio standard for Dental Insurers. Dr. Tonelli received his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2014 from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and later completed his General Practice Residency in 2015 from New York Presbyterian, Weill-Cornell. Dr. Tonelli currently serves as the Immediate Past Chair of the Boston District Dental Society and the Co-chair of the Government Affairs Committee of the MDS and continues to participate in the regulatory process for the implementation of the new Dental MLR law while maintaining full time practice at Dental Health Concepts in North Reading, MA.