Past 10 Under 10 Award Winners

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.

 

University of Maryland, 2009
Dr. Benavent is the 2017-2018 president of the Maryland State Dental Association and teaches at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in addition to her practice. She has testified numerous times before state legislators on behalf of the dental profession and her passion for dentistry is an inspiration to her colleagues and students. Dr. Benavent received an ADA Foundation Dental Student Scholarship in 2007.

University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2009
Dr. Copeland is an active leader in the Missouri Dental Association as well as local civic organizations and has been instrumental in securing donations for charities he supports. He is a key organizer of the MDA’s annual Connect4Success Conference for new dentists and colleagues say he “elicits hope for the future of organized dentistry.”

Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, 2011
Dr. Davis has demonstrated incredible dedication to dental education through his work as the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and an assistant professor at Meharry Medical College and as a member of the ADA Test Construction Committee. At Meharry, he worked with Microsoft to make the college a development site for innovative new dental student training technologies.

A. T. Still University, 2012
Dr. Duong demonstrates an inspiring passion for philanthropy through the establishment of an annual oral cancer walk to raise awareness and funds for research, as well as her leadership in organizing the annual Day for Special Smiles at ATSU providing free dental care for patients with special needs. She is also a volunteer consultant supporting the ADA Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry, Arizona AGD President-Elect and active in humanitarian volunteer missions.

Case Western University, 2011
Dr. Kroll is a major in the U.S. Army, where he molds dentists straight out of dental school into Army officers and thriving, confident providers as assistant director of the dental residency program at Fort Sill. He also serves as Deputy Consultant to the Army Surgeon General for Comprehensive Dentistry.

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 2010
Dr. Meiners’s passion for serving the underserved in her community goes beyond her full-time position at Communicare Health Center, as she also offers free dentistry, oral health screenings and oral health education at charitable events each year. She’s an active leader in the San Antonio District Dental Society, National Hispanic Dental Society and Texas AGD boards.

Tufts University, 2011
Dr. Park is dedicated to community service and organized dental student participation in the Tufts Sharewood Free Medical Clinic while in school. He has also provided care to needy patients in Boston, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Kenya and Zambia, as well as being an active leader in the Massachusetts Dental Society.

Louisiana State University, 2010
Dr. Rappold is extremely active in local dental associations and was one of the youngest presidents of the New Orleans Dental Society. He founded RappGuard, a company that makes custom athletic mouthguards which he has provided for free to high school sports teams, and has served as team dentist for high school and college teams, as well as in the U.S. Olympic Committee Volunteer Dentist Program.

University of Colorado, 2015
In addition to her passion for dentistry, Dr. Singh has an impressive entrepreneurial spirit. She speaks five languages, owned and managed a convenience store while in dental school to pay for her education and is a licensed real estate agent in addition to being a practicing dentist and active leader in dental organizations.

Ohio State University, 2008
Dr. Vincer Sears runs two dental practices in underserved rural areas catering to patients on Medicaid and encourages other dentists to help low-income patients by also accepting Medicaid. She also works with a number of local, national and international charities to provide care to those in need and participated in a World Health Organization mission to Kenya to provide dental care.