Roopali Kulkarni, an assistant professor in Penn Dental Medicine’s department of oral medicine and assistant director of the postgraduate oral medicine program, was recently recognized with two awards—the 2024 10 Under 10 Award presented by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the 2024 Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) Recognition Award.

Developed by the ADA New Dentist Committee in 2017, the ADA 10 Under 10 Award recognizes 10 dentists nationwide who graduated from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation within the last 10 years. Winners are selected for demonstrating excellence in their work and inspiring others in science, research & education, practice excellence, philanthropy, leadership, and advocacy. This year’s awardees were chosen from over 145 submissions reviewed by the ADA.

“Being a national ‘10 Under 10’ Award winner is a dream come true,” said Dr. Kulkarni. “It is such an honor to be recognized alongside so many inspiring new dentists who have already influenced the landscape of our profession.”

Last year, Dr. Kulkarni was recognized with a similar award at the state level, receiving the inaugural 10 Under 10 Award from the PDA. The PDA award highlights and celebrates the outstanding contributions of new dentists who have made significant contributions to their professions, their communities, and organized dentistry.

Dr. Kulkarni was honored again by the PDA this year with the 2024 PDA Recognition Award. Each year, this award is given to a member of the PDA who has contributed original research, whose achievements and high standards have aided and advanced the science and art of dentistry, or whose public life and activities reflect great credit upon the health profession.