The American Dental Association has selected two Dugoni School alumni for a national award that honors dentists who are making an impact on the profession less than 10 years after graduating from dental school.

From more than 120 impressive nominations, the ADA's New Dentist Committee selected Dr. Dan Hammer '11 and Dr. Brian Hathcoat '12 as part of its "10 Under 10" awards.

According to the ADA, the winners are driving dentistry forward and inspiring their colleagues through their work in science, research and education, practice excellence, philanthropy, leadership and advocacy.

A diplomate for the American Board for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, a Maxillofacial Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery fellow, and a Navy officer, Dr. Hammer is not only a teacher, but a lifelong learner. Through grant funding, he is currently researching a clinical trial to evaluate a non-operative treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). He was the 2017 recipient of the Most Outstanding Resident Teaching Award from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as well as the recipient for Stephen L. Milam Award from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation for submitting the foundation's best research grant. Additionally, he has received several military awards, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal in 2018.

His nominator described Dr. Hammer as a "humanistic leader" who "leads with vision, compassion and tenacity" and embodies "high standards in serving our Wounded Warriors." Dr. Hammer embraced organized dentistry early on as an ASDA leader, and continues his involvement as a 2018-2019 member of the ADA Council on Dental Education and Licensure and in various leadership roles in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS).

Driven by a promise to give back, Dr. Hathcoat began volunteering at the Berkeley Free Clinic in 2012, the same year he graduated from dental school. Offering pro bono dental care for homeless and underinsured patients, he volunteered bi-weekly for the next six years, eventually taking over as Dental Director. During his time as a general dentist at Contra Costa Public Health, he developed and implemented administrative and clinical systems for the inaugural school-based and mobile dental clinics.

More recently, he co-founded "Just Health 510" in Oakland, whose mission is to empower people every day to live happy and healthy lives by providing complete oral health care regardless of ability to pay. Beyond treating patients in need, Dr. Hathcoat was described as "invaluable" to Just Health by securing equipment donations and developing protocols. In addition to serving on the Board there, he owns his own dental practice in Pinole, California. Dr. Hathcoat does not just talk about making a difference: he lives and breathes his words.

"Congratulations to Dr. Hammer and Dr. Hathcoat for their commitment to the profession and for making a difference in the lives of so many other people," said Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi, Dean of the Dugoni School. "They display some of the very best qualities that we aim to instill in our students and graduates. It's exciting to see this recognition for them and to the other young professionals who were nominated and recognized."

Learn more about the 2018 "10 Under 10 Awards" on the ADA's web site.