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The Snohomish County Dental Society is delighted to announce that Dr. Ivy Lin has been selected as one of the 2026 ADA 10 Under 10 Winners. The ADA 10 Under 10 Award shines a light on ten of the brightest new dentists who demonstrate excellence and inspire others in the areas of science, research & education, practice excellence, philanthropy, leadership and advocacy.  Developed by the ADA New Dentist Committee in 2017, this award celebrates new dentists who demonstrate excellence and inspire others.  The requirements are: graduated dental school between 2016-2025; an ADA member in good standing; and someone who inspires others through their work in one of the aforementioned areas. Dr. Lin was nominated for her contributions in leadership and advocacy.

Ivy F. Lin, DMD is a 2017 graduate of McGill University. She is the assistant director of the general practice residency program at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and an advocate for climate action and sustainability within dentistry.

She was nominated because of her strong commitment to volunteerism and her unique expertise in the field of environmental sustainability in healthcare.  Dr. Lin’s list of credentials is long but a few areas that stand out are her leadership role as volunteer Dental Director for the Seattle/King County Clinic and her passion for sustainability in dentistry.

Dr. Lin has volunteered her time with the Seattle/King County Clinic for seven years. Each year she has accepted more responsibility, and, in 2026, she served as Dental Director. Julia Colson, clinic founder and Project Executive, says “Ivy Lin exemplifies exceptional leadership as Dental Director of Seattle/King County Clinic, guiding a large-scale, volunteer-driven operation that delivers critical dental care to thousands of underserved patients. She skillfully collaborates with and manages hundreds of dental professionals, fostering a coordinated, quality clinical environment under complex conditions. Equally notable is her deep compassion for patients, ensuring dignity, respect, and excellent care for those who need it most. Ivy’s dedication and impact make her highly deserving of recognition.” 

In the area of advocacy, Dr. Lin’s commitment to climate action also extends far beyond Seattle. She is a recognized leader in environmental sustainability in dentistry at both the state and national levels. Through numerous lectures on climate action in dentistry, she has worked hard to raise awareness in the dental community. Currently, she serves as the chair-elect for the American Dental Education Association’s Special Interest Group on Sustainability, uniting educators nationwide who are passionate about this topic. Her influence also reaches the legislative sphere as a member of the Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility Climate Taskforce, where she advocates for climate-friendly policy at the state capital. Dr. Lin doesn't just envision a greener future; she is a trailblazer who works to actively turns those dreams into reality.

Additionally, she is the current President for the Snohomish County Dental Society.

The nine other recipients include:  Dr. Monique R. Belin, of Florida; Dr. Andrew Fraser, of Massachusetts; Dr. Megan Krohn, of Missouri; Dr. Joseph Anthony Manzella-Kane, of Connecticut; Dr. Jessica Sliger, of Arkansas; Dr. Hitesh Vij, of Massachusetts, Dr. Jonathan Vogel, of Texas, Dr. Dylan J. Weber, of Massachusetts, and Dr. ArNelle Wright, of Florida.

Past winners from Washington State have included Dr. Sampada Deshpande, of Seattle, in 2021 and Dr. Harlyn K. Susarla, of Seattle, in 2022. 

I have to confess to making a mistake on the video. I thought Dr. Greg Fjeran has been a Foundation Board member since its inception, 30 years ago. Turns out that is not true. He has been on the Foundation board for 8 years, which is fantastic. But the reason I made this inaccurate assumption is because Dr. Fjeran has been actively involved with raising money for access to care in Snohomish County for a very long time.  I dug deep into the Society records, and I discovered that in 1987 he started a Society event called Dentists with a Heart to provide access to care for those less fortunate in our area. This initiative provided free services to low-income residents. It was done in February and continued for at least 12 years. Dr. Fjeran and many other SCDS dentists participated providing a day of free dentistry.  Some of his additional contributions have included: 1989 - Dr. Fjeran lead the organization in a fun run served as a fund-raiser for CHC of Everett, 1991 - he served as SCDS Executive Committee President, 1993-94 – He was one of the leaders in planning the Foundation and organizing the initial gala event to raise start-up funds; Foundation Board member since 2017. As you can tell, he is a person with a lot of passion and the will to see a project through to completion. More the just committed, he is a happy, positive person who is supportive and always one of the first to “yes” when asked. As you see in the video, he has volunteered with numerous Snohomish County organizations providing free dental care.  From working with MTI in Darrington to teaching dental assisting classes at Sno-Isle Tech, Greg is a person who walks the walk.  It is with sincere gratitude and appreciation that I present this award on behalf of the entire Snohomish Dental Society, to Dr. Greg Fjeran.

Congratulations to all of the SCDS previous Special Recognition Award recipients.

Nominate an SCDS member dentist for this award by April 1st each year.

2025 - Dr. Greg Fjeran

2024 - Dr. Dan Shaw 

2023 - Drs. Sonu Lamba & Dr. Paul Kahlon

2020-2022 - No Awards presented

2019 - Dr. Michael Karr

2018 - Dr. Gary Heyamoto

2017 — Dr. Nhi Pham
2016 — Dr. Loree Bolin
2015 — Dr. Olga Ortuzar
2014 — No Award Presented
2013 — Dr. Ross Haddow
2012 — Dr. T. Kevin Dang
2011 — Dr. Frederick “Ric” Prael
2010 — Dr. Casey Culberson
2009 — Dr. Joseph Albert
2008 — Dr. Patti Kashiwa
2007 — Dr. Shengyi Teng
2006 — Dr. Keith Leonard
2005 — Dr. Eric Bowles
2004 — Dr. James Plihal
2003 — Dr. Gordon Hungar
2002 — Dr. Michael Karr
2001 — Dr. Stephen Grindall
2000 — Dr. George Holdeman