AGD’s 2026 10 Dentists to Watch
Date(s)Description
Each year, AGD Impact recognizes 10 dentists at the start of their careers who are already making a mark in the world of oral healthcare. As rising leaders, these dentists offer a unique perspective, understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by current students and recent graduates. Join us to hear these new dentists’ stories, gain valuable advice and have the chance to ask them questions about their dental careers.
Learning Objectives
- Gain insights into the career paths of rising dental leaders.
- Learn how to set meaningful career goals.
- Learn how to shape your own career path.
- Gain diverse perspectives on navigating the ever-evolving dental field.
Moderator
Mary L. Quilici, DDS, graduated from the University of the Pacific (UOP) Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 2025 and is a dental resident at Shingle Springs Health & Wellness Center. She became involved with AGD through UOP’s mentorship program and served as president of her student AGD chapter in 2024. Quilici has a strong commitment to lifelong learning and continuing education through AGD and deeply values the mentorship and support she has received from its members. Her clinical interests include comprehensive care, advanced endodontic therapy, implant placement and evidence-based treatment-planning, with a focus on lifelong learning through AGD.
Panelists
Akanksha Baheti, DDS, is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles’s Advanced Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry Program. Baheti quickly stood out for her precision, curiosity, and early adoption of digital tools like CAD/CAM systems and smile design workflows. She has authored 10 peer-reviewed publications, serves as editor-in-chief of Transforming Dentistry: Technology Meets Care, and holds two design patents: an automated dental radiograph analysis system and a pediatric syringe designed to ease children’s anxiety.