They’re Not Slowing Down. They’re Just Getting Started.
Celebrating 40 dental professionals over 40 who are still growing, leading, building, innovating, and leveling up.
Self-nominations are welcome.
What is 40 Over 40?
Experience is Just the Beginning.
The Dental Lifestyles 40 Over 40 recognizes dental professionals age 40 and above who continue to push themselves, their profession, and the people around them forward.
This isn’t a lifetime achievement award.
It’s a what’s-next award.
Who We’re Looking For?
We’re looking for dental professionals who are:
Building
Growing a practice, company, organization, team, or new venture.
STILL LEARNING
Pursuing new skills, education, opportunities, and challenges.
LEADING
Creating stronger teams and helping move the dental profession forward.
MENTORING
Sharing their experience and helping the next generation succeed.
REINVENTING
Taking their career—or their life—in an entirely new direction.
MAKING AN IMPACT
Creating meaningful change for patients, teams, communities, or the profession.
INNOVATING
Bringing new ideas, technology, systems, or solutions to dentistry.
REINVENTING
Taking their career—or their life—in an entirely new direction.
MAKING AN IMPACT
Creating meaningful change for patients, teams, communities, or the profession.
INNOVATING
Bringing new ideas, technology, systems, or solutions to dentistry.
Who Can be Nominated?
40 Years or Older
Connected to the Dental Industry
Still Leveling up Professionally
Nominations are open to dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, office managers, executives, educators, entrepreneurs, consultants, dental laboratory professionals, industry leaders, and other professionals making an impact in dentistry.
And yes—you can nominate yourself.
What We Look for in a 40 Over 40 Honoree
Our 40 Over 40 honorees will be selected based on what they’re doing now—and where they’re headed next.
We’ll be looking at:
Growth
How are they continuing to challenge and develop themselves?
Leadership
How are they influencing and inspiring others?
Innovation
What are they building, changing, or doing differently?
Impact
How are they making dentistry, their community, or the lives of others better?
Momentum
What makes you believe their best work may still be ahead of them?
You don’t need to write the perfect nomination.
Just tell us why this person deserves to be seen.
What Happens Next?
NOMINATE
Submit a nomination and tell us why your nominee deserves to be recognized.
REVIEW
The Dental Lifestyles team will review eligible nominations and select 40 professionals whose stories embody the spirit of the award.
MEET THE 40
Selected honorees will be contacted to provide additional information, photography, and answers for their magazine profile.
GET FEATURED
The Dental Lifestyles 40 Over 40 Class of 2026 will be revealed and featured in the October issue of Dental Lifestyles Magazine.
GET RECOGNIZED
Celebrate With Us at Dental Entrepreneurfest
The Dental Lifestyles 40 Over 40 Class of 2026 won’t just be featured in the October issue—we’ll also celebrate and recognize our honorees live at Dental Entrepreneurfest! Selected winners will join us for this special recognition alongside fellow dental professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
Please note: Attendance at Dental Entrepreneurfest is required to be recognized as a 40 Over 40 winner. Nominees should be willing and available to attend the event if selected.
Will multiple nominations increase someone's chances?
No. This isn’t a popularity contest. One thoughtful nomination that clearly tells someone’s story is more valuable than dozens of identical submissions.
What happens if someone is selected?
The Dental Lifestyles team will contact selected honorees for additional information, photography, and materials needed for their October magazine feature. Selected honorees will also be recognized at Dental Entrepreneurfest, and attendance at the event is required to receive the 40 Over 40 award.
Is there a fee to nominate someone?
No. There is no fee to submit a nomination.
Can I nominate myself?
Absolutely. Self-nominations are encouraged. If you’re still pushing yourself, building something meaningful, or entering an exciting new chapter after 40, we want to hear your story.
Does the nominee have to be a dentist?
No. The 40 Over 40 celebrates professionals throughout the dental community.
Does the nominee have to be exactly 40?
No. Nominees must simply be 40 years of age or older by the eligibility date established for this year’s awards.
Can I nominate more than one person?
Yes. Please submit a separate nomination for each individual.
40 Stories
40 Journeys
One Thing In Common
They’re Just Getting Started.
Self-nominations are welcome.