In April , PDA announced our inaugural 10 Under 10 winners . We are excited to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of these new dentists . Each of them has made significant contributions to the profession , their communities and organized dentistry .
Dr . Kenton Andryc
Dr . Kenton Andryc is a 2015 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine ( where he served as his class president ) and currently president of the Ninth District Dental Society . He has previously served as Erie County Dental Association president , vice president , secretary and treasurer . He has also been a clinical instructor dentist and lecturer at Fortis Institute Dental Hygiene in Erie .
“ Receiving a 10 Under 10 award is an incredible honor that humbles me and fills me with a sense of pride . It is a recognition of my hard work , dedication and passion for my craft . To be ranked among the best in my field is a testament to my unwavering commitment to excellence ,” Dr . Andryc said . “ This award inspires me to continue pushing boundaries , innovating , and striving for greatness in all that I do .
“ Organized dentistry allows me to be part of a community that shares my vision for advancing oral health and promoting the highest standards of patient care . It is an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of others . Being part of organized dentistry inspires me to continuously learn , grow , and give back to the profession that has given me so much .”
Dr . Varun Arya
Dr . Varun Arya graduated from Boston University School of Dental medicine in 2013 , ranking No . 1 in his class , and was also awarded the best dental student award in undergraduate Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery by American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2013 . He then graduated from Boston University ’ s Oral and maxillofacial Surgery program in 2017 . In addition to his work at a Harrisburg-area oral surgery practice , Dr . Arya continues to volunteer
at Community Volunteers in Medicine , having begun volunteering there in 2011 while still in dental school . He has published numerous pieces of dental literature , including papers in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and also been recognized for his research .
“ I am so very honored to receive this award from the PDA with both my heart and my mind . It is a privilege and I am certain that I am no more worthy for this award than my peers and colleagues ,” Dr . Arya said . “ My inspiration came from my volunteer services at Community Volunteers in Medicine in West Chester . I feel that I have a responsibility as a health care provider to give back to society . It is a partnership that every doctor must have with their community to increase the quality of life for low-income residents across all American geographies - urban , suburban and rural – to reduce the barrier to access oral health care . I want people to be smarter , cleaner , healthier and more equitable , and my contributions are only a drop in the ocean .”
MAY / JUNE 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 25