Changemakers Celebration

These dentists change more than smiles; they change the way we think about oral care. Join us Friday, Oct. 24 to honor them.

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Be the change you wish to see in the world - Unknown

They elevated our profession. Now, we elevate them.

SmileCon is all about ushering in the future of dentistry, and these are the people making it a reality. The 2025 Changemakers Celebration will honor this year’s recipients of our annual awards, including:

  • ADA Distinguished Service Award
  • ADA Humanitarian Award
  • Evidence-Based Dentistry Faculty and Practice Awards 
    supported by Colgate
  • Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research 
    supported by Kenvue
  • 10 Under 10 Awards*

*The 10 Under 10 Awards were presented in March 2025 at the Elevate Conference. The recipients will also be recognized during the Changemakers Celebration.

Bill Clayton, D.D.S.
Bill Claytor, D.D.S.
ADA Distinguished Service Award
Nicole McGrath-Barnes
Nicole McGrath-Barnes, D.D.S., FACD
Evidence-Based Dentistry Practice Award
Bill Kane, D.D.S.
Bill Kane, D.D.S.
ADA Humanitarian Award
Chenshuang Li
Chenshuang Li, D.M.D.
Evidence-Based Dentistry Faculty Award
Craig Miller, D.M.D.
Craig Miller, D.M.D.
Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research
Parish P. Sedghizadeh
Parish P. Sedghizadeh D.D.S., M.S.
Evidence-Based Dentistry Faculty Award

ADA New Dentist Committee 10 Under 10 Awards

Sara Ehsani, D.D.S.
Adam Lowenstein, D.M.D.
Craig McKenzie, D.M.D.
Kathryn Pawlak, D.D.S.
Eddie Ramirez, D.M.D.
Allison C. Scully, D.D.S.
Lyubov Daniilovna Slashcheva, D.D.S.
Akshay Thusu, D.D.S.
Yi-Chu Wu, D.D.S.
Lauren C. Yap, D.M.D.

Event details

Come together to acknowledge those who have made significant contributions to dentistry, from our newest dental colleagues to those who have served the profession for decades.

Changemakers Celebration
Friday, Oct. 24
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
WEWCC, West Salon
Cost: $75 per person (includes lunch)

Purchase your ticket when you register for SmileCon 2025. 

 
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Award descriptions

ADA Distinguished Service Award
The highest honor given by the ADA Board of Trustees, this award acknowledges the lifelong contributions of a member dentist.
ADA Humanitarian Award
This award recognizes a member dentist who has distinguished themselves by giving a minimum of 10 years to improving the oral health of underserved populations in the United States.
ADA New Dentist Committee 10 Under 10
Each year, the ADA New Dentist Committee recognizes 10 dentists within 10 years of graduating dental school who demonstrate excellence and inspire others in science, research and education, practice excellence, philanthropy, leadership and advocacy. Learn more about this year's winners.
Evidence-Based Dentistry Faculty and Practice Awards
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Colgate, these awards honor educators and clinicians who have made significant contributions to implement and advance evidence-based dentistry in research, practice and the classroom. Includes the categories of Accomplished Faculty Award, Mid-career Faculty Award and Practice Award. 
Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research
This award honors an individual who has made significant contributions in clinical investigations that have advanced the diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of craniofacial-oral-dental diseases, as well as outstanding research endeavors in other areas.

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