10 April 2026

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AGD Announces its 2026 “10 Dentists to Watch”

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The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) recently announced its 2026 “10 Dentists to Watch.” This annual recognition highlights emerging leaders whose work is shaping the future of general dentistry.

Selected for their clinical excellence, commitment to community care, innovative approaches to patient treatment and contributions to advancing the profession, this year’s honorees represent a diverse cross-section of clinicians making meaningful impact across the country. Their stories reflect dedication, resilience and a shared passion for improving oral health outcomes and training the next generation of general dentists in the communities they serve.

Meet the 10 General Dentists Recognized This Year

Soham Apte, DMD, BDS–Beloit Wisconsin, Community Health Systems

Dr. Apte is the sole full-time dentist at a federally qualified health center in Beloit, where he provides essential care to one of the state’s most underserved regions. He delivers comprehensive care ranging from extractions to dentures and serves as an extramural adjunct clinical professor at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, mentoring future dentists and encouraging careers in community health. 

Akanksha Baheti, DDS–Chicago, Illinois, Perfect Smiles

Dr. Baheti brings a global foundation to aesthetic and restorative dentistry, shaped by training and practice in both India and the United States. An Honorary Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy and recipient of the 2025 Global Excellence Award in Esthetic Dentistry, she pairs technical innovation with community-focused oral health education. 

Maritza Flores, DDS, FAGD, FICD–San Antonio, Texas, City of San Antonio Metro Health Department 

Dr. Flores is recognized for her leadership in clinical practice, public health and dental education. Her experience across public and private settings enables her to bridge access gaps and mentor emerging dentists. She also volunteers with Smiles of Hope, Sirviendo a Nuestros Heroes, San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic and the Texas Mission of Mercy. Her dedication to community outreach and public service is rooted in her own journey. 

Yelisey Gurzhuy, DMD–Gresham, Oregon, Gresham Dental Group

Dr. Gurzhuy has been actively involved in organized dentistry during his student years at Oregon Health & Science University, where he worked behind the scenes as an assistant for the Oregon AGD MasterTrack program. Now serving as president-elect of Oregon AGD, Gurzhuy continues to champion lifelong learning and professional growth for young dentists. His passion for continuing education (CE) guides both his practice philosophy and his leadership approach. 

Sarah Hardin, DDS, FAGD–Little Rock Arkansas, Lyon College School of Dental Medicine

Dr. Hardin, serves as the founding chair of clinical sciences at Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, Arkansas’ first dental school, where she is helping build a curriculum designed to expand both dental education and access to care. Through her leadership, she aims to bridge academic training with real-world patient needs and strengthen the pipeline of future dentists in Arkansas. 

Anthony L. Jaramillo, DDS–San Antonio, Texas, All Smiles Dental Center 

Dr. Jaramillo is recognized for his blend of clinical skill, empathy and leadership in the San Antonio dental community. Known by mentors for his technical mastery and compassionate approach, Jaramillo exemplifies a new generation of dentists dedicated to service, leadership and helping patients regain comfort and confidence. 

Maj. Jae Lim, DDS, ABGD, DC–Fort Meade, Maryland, Epes Dental Clinic 

Maj. Lim is a board-certified comprehensive dentist in the U.S. Army Dental Corps known for his precision, leadership and commitment to developing future military dentists. Selected for Iron Majors Week, an honor awarded to the top 3% of Dental Corps officers, Lim has led multidisciplinary teams of more than 30 providers while upholding rigorous clinical standards. 

Hieu Pham, DDS–New York, New York, ORAL Dental Studio

Dr. Pham isco-founder of ORAL Dental Studio in New York City. He is recognized for integrating advanced digital technology with design-driven, inclusive patient care. Before establishing ORAL Dental Studio, Dr. Pham taught at New York University College of Dentistry and practiced in underserved communities, shaping his commitment to equity and representation. Read more.

Maj. Jake Schisler, DMD, DC–MiArng, Grandville, Michigan, Infinity Dental Grandville

Maj. Schisler bridges clinical innovation with military leadership as commander of the Michigan Army National Guard Medical Detachment and owner of Infinity Dental Grandville. He has advised commanders on the dental readiness of 5,000 soldiers after joining the U.S. Army Dental Corps at age 26. Clinically, Maj. Schisler specializes in full-arch implant dentistry and values the immediate impact it has on patients’ confidence. 

Maj. Austin Stubbs, DDS, MS, DC–Fort Sam Houston, Texas, U.S. Army Dental Corps

Maj. Stubbs serves in the U.S. Army Dental Corps as an executive fellow in the Office of the Chief, Dental Corps, where he blends clinical excellence with operational leadership to support military readiness and patient care. Maj. Stubbs aims to continue advancing military dentistry by mentoring the next generation of Army dental professionals. Read more.

The AGD first announced its 2026 “10 Dentists to Watch.” in the January issue of AGD Impact.

Source: https://www.agd.org/