Past 10 Under 10 Award Winners

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio – 2011

Holding three Bachelor’s degrees, two Master’s degrees, two Doctoral degrees, and currently working on his third, Dr. William Arden’s dental career is just as robust as his academic. Currently in the US Navy FAP program as a Lieutenant Commander, Dr. Arden has both years of private practice and military experience, and has also taken his dental talents internationally. He initiated and planned the first dental summit in Vietnam and spent two months in Rwanda as an Endodontics expert, teaching dental students and implementing a new endodontic curriculum. Dr. Arden is also an avid philanthropist, taking on an almost year-long humanitarian effort where he led a team that treated over 4,000 dental patients and performed 12,000 dental procedures valued at over $1.2 million. Award recipient, publication contributor, and lover of both international and cultural experiences, Dr. Arden is best described as a mentor, pillar in his community, and all-around genuine human being.

Western University of Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine - 2014 

Armed with a passion for individuals with special needs and those who reside in underserved communities, Dr. Wade Banner is the proud owner of a house-call dental practice, In Motion Dentists. Through his practice, Dr. Banner is able to travel to and administer services to those who are unable to be seen in traditional dental offices due to physical and/or mental limitations. Dr. Banner contracts with several Regional Centers in California to provide his house-call dental services in order to reduce the need for IV/GA sedation. He also work with multiple senior living facilities and memory care facilities as well as sees patients in private homes.  All of this enables him to continue his work with patients who have special needs or are medically compromised. When Dr. Banner isn’t practicing, he is an active volunteer at the tri-partite levels, mentor, Board member of the Tri-County Dental Society’s New Dentist Committee and Board of Directors, and enjoys golf, tennis, triathlons, hiking and spending time with his 1-year-old son and his wife, Krystal.

Boston University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts - 2011 

Director of the Samuels Sinclair Dental Center at Rhode Island Hospital, Program Director of the Joseph S. Sinclair General Practice Residency, and International College of Dentists Fellow are just some of the titles used to describe Dr. Elizabeth G. Benz. Dr. Benz teaches dental residents, physicians, nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants in the ER, as well as medical residents in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, ENT, and Plastics departments at Rhode Island Hospital. In addition to her work at the hospital, Dr. Benz manages a multi-million dollar hospital-based practice specializing in intellectually disabled individuals and medically complex patients.  She has procured two grants from Delta Dental of Rhode Island for charitable dental care, equipment, and technology upgrades.  When Dr. Benz is not teaching or practicing, she provides service to an area predental club, volunteers with local elementary schools, acts as ambassador for the Providence College Alumni, and volunteers with the Allyson T. Gibree Foundation and Tomorrow Fund Organization.

University of Detroit-Mercy School of Dentistry – 2014

Dr. Gabriel B. Holdwick is an inspiring example for all dentists. Immediately following his residency, Dr. Holdwick purchased his dental practice, where he leads a team of four employees that sees approximately 1,700 patients. Dr. Holdwick has also introduced surgical implant placement as a new service and has increased collections of the practice by 30% during his first year of ownership. While building his practice, Dr. Holdwick has served at all three levels of the American Dental Association’s tripartite, continued his leadership involvement with the American Student Dental Association, and is the recipient of the Michigan Dental Association’s New Dentist Leadership Award. As a leader, Dr. Holdwick has positioned himself as an example to all dentists. He is active in his community, volunteering with the Grice House Heritage Association and The Harbor Beach Rotary Club, and holds professional affiliations with the American Dental Association, including serving as an ADA Success speaker, and affiliations with the Academy of General Dentistry.

University of Illinois – College of Dentistry - 2012  

Private practice owner, adjunct professor at University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, husband and father of three, Dr. Brian Homann has seen his practice grow by 200% in only five short years. Together, with his eight member staff, Dr. Homann has expanded and modernized his clinic to include a total of six treatment rooms, which has improved the overall patient experience and allowed for the creation of a Free Dental Day for those in need. In addition to managing his practice, Dr. Homann created a mobile dentistry set-up that serves elderly and disabled patients that cannot leave their homes. He also volunteers to help UIC College of Dentistry students administer free services to underserved populations, and mentors fellow dentists on practice purchase and ownership. Dr. Homann is also a current dental team leader for Refugee One, where he was tasked with starting a dental clinic that serves new refugees from Burma, Bhutan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Iraq, Somalia, South Sudan and Syria, as they enter the U.S.  

Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health - 2014

Dentist and Public Health advocate, Dr. Scott Howell began his academic and public health career in 2015 at A.T. Still University, Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health. Dr. Howell went on to complete a dental public health residency at UT Health San Antonio in 2019 and is currently working to attain specialty status in dental public health. Educator and mentor to many, Dr. Howell has created a teledentistry curriculum for dental students to work with individuals with special needs, the elderly, and those currently in juvenile detention centers. Described as someone “who genuinely cares for his students and community”, Dr. Howell oftentimes stays after hours to meet with students, complete treatment plans for teledentistry patients, and establish partnerships. In addition to his work in the classroom, Dr. Howell is also a member of multiple academic committees and organizations, holds numerous awards, and has lent his time and talents to service initiatives on the state and national level. 

Columbia University, College of Dental Medicine – 2010

With a focus on general and esthetic dentistry, it’s no surprise that Dr. Mina C. Kim was the recipient of the Esthetics Dentistry Award while completing her studies at Columbia University, College of Dental Medicine, and later went on to receive the Prosthodontics award while completing her residency at New York Methodist Hospital. Since completing her studies, Dr. Kim has gone on to become a dentist at Bryant Park Dental Associates, is the Secretary at New York County Dental Society, co-founded the Woman to Woman Dentist Network, was a previous Fellow of the American Dental Association Institute for Diversity and Leadership, and serves on the Dean’s Strategic Advisory Committee at New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Kim has also guest lectured at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine, been an executive board member on Columbia’s Alumni Association, the founder of the NYCDS Give Kids A Smile Day event, mentor, and has made appearances on daytime talk show, The Dr. Oz Show in 2016 and 2017. Dr. Kim also gives back by providing pro bono dental services to sex trafficking victims, distributes toiletries to the homeless, and more.

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine – 2011

Endodontist, Dr. Rebekah Lucier-Pryles, co-founded Pulp Nonfiction Endodontics, an educational collaborative that provides cutting edge, evidence based endodontic continuing education. Additionally, she is a Postgraduate Department Assistant Clinical Professor at her alma mater, a partner in the Endodontics group practice Upper Valley Endodontics, and teaches at the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine. She has co-written a textbook entitled, Endodontics: A Review, and has been published in Inside Dentistry and the Journal of Periodontics. Dr. Lucier-Pryles has been serving on the Vermont State Dental Society Board since 2016, and is the current Vice President, was an alternate to the American Dental Association House of Delegates in 2019, volunteers her time by providing free dental services in her hometown, holds numerous honors, and lectures nationally and internationally.  

University of Missouri-Kansas City - 2012 

Dr. Ashley Popejoy has made it her mission to use her gifts in a way that serves those who need it most.  Serving as the Director of Pediatric Dentistry at the Jordan Valley Community Health Center in Springfield, Missouri, Dr. Popejoy provides dental services to those from underserved backgrounds, manages staff, develops training protocols, and serves as a liaison and mentor. In addition to her role at the Community Health Center, Dr. Popejoy is the Associate Director of Pediatric Dentistry for NYU-Langone, Board Member and Co-Chair of Programs for the Greater Springfield Dental Society, and current Clinical Director of Special Smiles for Special Olympics of Missouri’. When Dr. Popejoy is not caring for her pediatric patients, she is an avid philanthropist and mother of three.

University of Missouri-Kansas City – 2013

Dr. Nathan Suter, CEO of Access Teledentistry and owner of Green Leaf Dental Care, is a leader and problem solver. After serving as dental director at an FQHC in Jefferson County, Dr. Suter opened his own private practice where he splits his time with his teledentistry consulting company.In partnership with the Missouri Dental Association (MDA), Dr. Suter worked to pass legislation on teledentistry in 2016 and in 2017 started the first teledentistry pilot in Missouri. He has replicated this work with clients that want to utilize teledentistry in private practice, government, non-profit, and group practices. In addition, he has developed a teledentistry training workshop and has spoken nationally on the topic of teledentistry. Dr. Suter is the Board Chair of the Missouri Coalition for Oral Health, is the recipient of the MDA 2019 Dentist of the Year and the ADA Foundation’s Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award. In order to help increase access to dental care for his community he wrote and developed grant projects totaling over $2.8 million and reaching over 9,500 under-served Missourians each year. 

Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry - 2012

Dr. Burrill is inclusive and inspiring in her work in organized dentistry. When she first moved with the military to Alaska she took the initiative to get involved in the Alaska Dental Society and didn’t stop there—she invited her peers from the U.S. Air Force to join her, a group that had not been actively engaged in the past. She arranged CE lectures from her military colleagues and engaged others to participate in the inaugural Mission of Mercy in Alaska in 2014. She separated from active duty Air Force and transitioned to private practice in 2017, and continues to serve in the Alaska Air National Guard. During this time of change in her own life, she initiated the University of Alaska pre-dental program. She is a 2018 graduate of the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership and embodies the core values of diversity and inclusion.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Dental Medicine – 2011

Dr. Capurro is a leader in dental education and advocacy in Nevada. She has impacted the community by successfully authoring grants to help the underserved populations in Nevada gain access to oral health care. She also created the enterprising Medical Miles for Rural Smiles program to provide medical and dental services in rural Nevada. At UNLV, she partnered with multiple colleges to design the DMD-Master in Public Health Fast Track program. In the 80th Session of the Nevada Legislature, she co-authored and presented AB223 to expand Medicaid dental benefits for adults diagnosed with diabetes. In addition to forging positive change, Dr. Capurro is known for offering knowledge, skills and genuine kindness to the students at UNLV and to state departments throughout Nevada. She serves as the Nevada State Dental Health Officer within the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, and holds an MBA and an MPH in addition to her DMD. In July, she will begin a Dental Public Health Residency Program at A.T. Still University.

University of Missouri of Kansas City – 2009

With a quiet leadership style and reputation for getting things done, Dr. Fitzpatrick has become the go-to organizer in Missouri. She served as co-chair for a local Mission of Mercy and teamed up with the county health department to conduct annual school screenings and fluoride treatments for children in 8 area schools. Prior to graduating from dental school, she participated in a dental mission trip to Guatemala. And in her first 10 years as a dentist, she has served in numerous high profile leadership positions, including as a delegate to the ADA House of Delegates, a board member at the Missouri Dental Association as well as president of her local component. Not to mention community involvement outside of dentistry as treasurer on her local library board and other activities. Dr. Fitzpatrick is a private practice dentist in Missouri and a rising star in dentistry.

University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry – 2011

A diplomate for the American Board for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a Maxillofacial Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery fellow, and a Navy officer, Dr. Hammer is not only a teacher, but a lifelong learner. Through grant funding, he is currently researching a clinical trial to evaluate a non-operative treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). He was the 2017 recipient of the Most Outstanding Resident Teaching Award from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as well as the recipient for Stephen L. Milam Award from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation for submitting the foundation's best research grant. Additionally, he has received several military awards, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal in 2018. His nominator describes Dr. Hammer as a “humanistic leader” who “leads with vision, compassion and tenacity” and embodies “high standards in serving our Wounded Warriors.” Dr. Hammer embraced organized dentistry early on as an ASDA leader, and continues his involvement as a 2018-2019 member of the ADA Council on Dental Education and Licensure and in various leadership roles in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS).

University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry – 2012

Driven by a promise to give back, Dr. Hathcoat began volunteering at the Berkeley Free Clinic in 2012, the same year he graduated from dental school. Offering pro bono dental care for homeless and underinsured patients, he volunteered bi-weekly for the next six years, eventually taking over as Dental Director. During his time as a general dentist at Contra Costa Public Health, he developed and implemented administrative and clinical systems for the inaugural school-based and mobile dental clinics. More recently, he co-founded “Just Health 510” in Oakland, whose mission is to empower people every day to live a happy and healthy life by providing complete oral health care regardless of ability to pay. Beyond treating patients in need, Dr. Hathcoat was described as “invaluable” to Just Health by securing equipment donations and developing protocols. In addition to serving on the Board there, he owns his own dental practice in Pinole, California. Dr. Hathcoat does not just talk about making a difference: he lives and breathes his words.

Arizona School of Dental and Oral Health – 2014

In addition to giving back at Mission of Mercy and community events, Dr. Patel has stepped into the legislative arena, impacting decision-making in dentistry in her home state of Arizona. She testified before the Arizona State Legislature, representing the perspectives of new dentists during discussions on dental therapy, braving withering questions from Senators and Representatives. Advocacy is not her only leadership forte—she has long-been involved, serving as a national and local leader as a student in ASDA. Today, she is a member of the ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs, an ADA alternate delegate and has also held various positions with the Academy of General Dentistry. Her work in advocacy, her community and organized dentistry is a shining example of how new dentists make an impact in the profession.

Boston University Goldman School of Dentistry – 2010

Dr. Rawal is known for her compassion and leadership in dentistry and in life. She has lectured on geriatric dentistry and on leadership topics across the globe, including at previous ADA & FDI annual meetings. Completing her dental degree in India in 2008, she continued her education at an advanced general dentistry program at Boston University, graduating in 2010. She went on to teach at BU, work in the faculty practice and serve as an attending dentist at long term care centers for older adults. In 2018 she graduated with an MSD also from Boston University. She holds fellowships in the American Society of Geriatric Dentists, the International College of Dentists & the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Rawal has been involved in research like standardizing oral healthcare protocols at long term care facilities, end-of-life dental service utilization and other topics related to geriatric dentistry and its education. Her outreach efforts have spanned senior centers, women’s sanctuaries and public schools in Boston. She also gives back to her home country providing free dental care to women, children and elderly in Mumbai city and also teaches geriatric dentistry to students at dental schools in India. She serves on boards, committees and councils of the American Association of Women Dentists, Boston District Dental Society, Massachusetts Dental Society, Special Care Dentistry Association and American Dental Education Association Special Interest Groups. Named as a “2016 Woman to Watch” by the Lucy Hobbs Project, she has proven it a worthy title. Her nominator describes her as “an amazing woman and dentist … there won’t be another like her.”

University of Missouri of Kansas City – 2010

A natural leader who inspires others, Dr. Riordan is highly respected among her new dentist and established peers alike. Passionate about improving oral health care for the public, she regularly volunteers for Give Kids A Smile, Donated Dental Services and Missions of Mercy. With an inclusive and welcoming style, Dr. Riordan is masterful in her many roles. Working across regional differences in her dental society, she effectively presents and advocates ideas and is known for quickly grasping complex concepts and adapting. Her nominators describe her as “impressive” and a real life wonder woman, stating that she “serves with distinction” and personifies grace and humility even in the face of difficult situations. Awards include Student of the Year in 2008 and 2010, Greater St. Louis Dental Society Distinguished Service Award 2016, Missouri Dental Association Outstanding New Dental Leader 2017, among others. She is a member of the ADA Council on Membership, the 2019 First Vice President Greater St. Louis Dental Society, and is the chair of the Missouri Dental Association Foundation Board.

University of Washington School of Dentistry - 2010 

As a nationally-awarded world-class mountaineer, Dr. Tanguay literally climbs mountains to achieve his goals. He applies the same perseverance in his professional life in dentistry. Only one-year after graduating from dental school, Dr. Tanguay was elected to the board of directors at the Montana Dental Association and in 2018 began his term as vice president at the MDA, which makes him the most junior officer in the society’s history. His nominator describes him as the “visionary leader” behind the Montana Dental Association Medicaid Symposium, funded by the ADA State Public Affairs program. Dr. Tanguay played a key role in passing teledentistry legislation and successfully lobbied on McCarren Ferguson legislation in his state. He maintains a mobile nursing home practice, serves as the Moderate Sedation Anesthesia Inspector for the State of Montana, regularly volunteers at Dental Lifeline Network and mentors students. Additionally, he serves a Clinical Investigator for National Dental Practice-Based Network. The depth and unique perspective gained from experience working in hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Alaskan Native and American Indian health, private practice, plus research and past experience as a high school science teacher makes him a well-rounded and valuable contributor.

Indiana University - 2016

Described as a leader for our future, Dr. Treat has led the way to create a pipeline for future faculty. Serving as Clinical Faculty at Indiana University School of Dentistry since 2017, he quickly made a name for himself as a highly committed individual and positive role model to dental students. In his role as a Comprehensive Care Clinic Director, he works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administrators to develop new pedagogical models that inspire and motivate students in clinical and didactic settings. As a leader in the American Dental Education Association, he has transformed the Council of Students, Residents and Fellows from a small gathering of a few students interested in academic careers to a robust community of hundreds of students looking for a career in academics with chapters in more than 45 schools and leaders in regions throughout the country. Additionally, he is an alternate delegate for the ADA and serves on highly selective and well-reputed committees at the Indiana Dental Association and the Indianapolis District Dental Society. In addition to these national, state, and local leadership roles, Tim is a highly coveted speaker, panelist, and lecturer within the state of Indiana and the dental education community.