AGD Recognizes Emerging Leaders in Dentistry With 2026 “10 Dentists to Watch”
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) recently announced its 2026 “10 Dentists to Watch,” in the January issue of AGD Impact. 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 dentists 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 who are being recognized this year:
Soham Apte, DMD, BD – Beloit Wisconsin, Community Health Systems
Soham Apte, DMD, BDS, is the sole full-time dentist at a federally qualified health center in Beloit, Wisconsin, 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. Read more.
Akanksha Baheti, DDS – Chicago, Illinois, Perfect Smile
Akanksha Baheti, DDS, brings a global foundation to esthetic 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. Read more.
Maritza Flores, DDS, FAGD, FICD – San Antonio, Texas, City of San Antonio Metro Health Departmen
Maritza Flores, DDS, FAGD, FICD, 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. Read more.
Yelisey Gurzhuy, DMD – Gresham, Oregon, Gresham Dental Group
Yelisey Gurzhuy, DMD, 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. Read more.
Sarah Hardin, DDS, FAGD – Little Rock Arkansas, Lyon College School of Dental Medicin
Sarah Hardin, DDS, FAGD, serves as the founding chair of clinical sciences at Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, Arkansas’s 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. Read more.
Anthony L. Jaramillo, DDS – San Antonio, Texas, All Smiles Dental Cente
Anthony L. Jaramillo, DDS, 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. Read more.
Maj. Jae Lim, DDS, ABGD, DC – Fort Meade, Maryland, Epes Dental Clinic
Maj. Jae Lim, DDS. ABGD, DC, 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. Read more
Hieu Pham, DDS – New York, New York, ORAL Dental Studio
Hieu Pham, DDS, is co-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, 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 Grandvill
Maj. Jake Schisler, DMD, DC, 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, Schisler specializes in full-arch implant dentistry and values the immediate impact it has on patients’ confidence. Read more.
Maj. Austin Stubbs, DDS, MS, DC – Fort Sam Houston, Texas, U.S. Army Dental Corp
Maj. Austin Stubbs, DDS, MS, DC, 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. Stubbs aims to continue advancing military dentistry by mentoring the next generation of Army dental professionals. Read more.
Read all the profiles in the January issue of AGD Impact here.
About the Academy of General Dentistry
Founded in 1952, AGD is the only association that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists. AGD provides its nearly 40,000 members with the resources, support and education to deliver exceptional dental care and oral health education. AGD’s mission is “to advance general dentistry and oral health through quality continuing education and advocacy.”
Visit www.agd.org for more information.
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