Ten Dentists to Watch

Jessica L. Gibbs, DDS, is a fourth-generation dentist who considers it “a dream come true” to join her father’s practice. Like the dentists in her family before her, Gibbs believes a dentist’s education continues to evolve beyond dental school.

Murtuza Jaffari, DDS, said taking a one-patient-at-a-time approach has strengthened his connection to the important work of dentistry. When you’re going from appointment to appointment, day after day, it’s easy to lose sight of the individuals in the chair.

From speaking at dental schools across the country, leading dental students on global dental mission trips and welcoming predental students into his office, Daryn L. Lu, DDS, gives back any chance he gets.

Only five years after graduating from the University of Western Ontario in 2011, Sarah A. Mancuso, DDS, purchased her own practice. She first became involved with the Ontario AGD in 2010 as a student liaison. Though the demands of practice ownership are high, Mancuso makes it a point to invest in AGD — in fact, her leadership is making history in Ontario.

Roberto A. Moreno, DDS, MAGD, has had several major accomplishments in his first 10 years of practice, including co-owning two practices and serving as president of the Iowa AGD.

Seonha Park, DMD, makes a difference in dentistry by staying involved with organized dentistry

Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, has clocked more than 1,000 CE hours. This investment in CE is her way of ensuring she gives her patients the most up-to-date treatment options.

Coty M. Shores, DDS, grew up watching his father start a company from scratch and his mother participate in mission work. He carried his parents’ work ethic with him into dentistry.

Sarah Percy Tovar, DDS, FAGD, FICD, makes a difference in dentistry by supporting the newest and emerging members of the profession. “As a leader at the local and state levels, I have had the opportunity to provide impactful CE to practicing dentists — especially new dentists — through study clubs and statewide conferences.”

Chirag Vaid, DDS, has spent his career advocating for high quality care in a variety of dental environments. “As part of organized dentistry, I ask myself if a piece of legislation would allow dentists to provide better care. If it doesn’t, then I try to find a solution that will.”