Q&A: 10 Under 10 honoree uses leadership, advocacy to help advance profession
‘The most rewarding opportunities come from remaining open to new experiences’
Joseph Anthony Manzella-Kane, D.D.S., of Ivoryton, Connecticut, one of this year’s recipients of the ADA 10 Under 10 Award, is passionate about the role of organized dentistry in advancing the dental profession.
Dr. Manzella-Kane currently serves as the president-elect of the Connecticut State Dental Association and a member of the ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs. He is also a past national speaker of the House for the American Student Dental Association.
A general dentist in both Connecticut and Rhode Island, Dr. Manzella-Kane graduated from Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine in 2021 with both his dental degree and a master’s degree in public health.
The ADA New Dentist Committee chose each of the 10 Under 10 awardees for demonstrating excellence and inspiring others in science, research and education; practice excellence; philanthropy; leadership; and advocacy. All 10 are ADA members who graduated from dental school less than 10 years ago.
Below is a Q&A with Dr. Manzella-Kane on his inspirations, future plans and more. He will receive a commemorative plaque and be recognized Oct. 9 at the ADA 2026 Scientific Session’s Changemakers Celebration in Indianapolis.
ADA: What inspired you to choose dentistry as your career, and what continues to motivate you today?
Dr. Manzella-Kane: I chose dentistry because it combines science, hands-on problem-solving, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives through both oral health and personal relationships. Early in my career, I discovered that my impact could extend beyond clinical patient care through leadership, advocacy and service to the profession. Today, I am motivated by the opportunity to grow as a professional; build lasting relationships with my patients; improve access to care, particularly for individuals with disabilities; support my colleagues; and help shape the future of dentistry for the next generation of dental professionals.
ADA: You were nominated by a peer for your contributions to the profession. Which accomplishment or impact are you most proud of, and why does it matter to you?
Dr. Manzella-Kane: The accomplishment I am most proud of is the culmination of the opportunities I've had to serve and lead at the local, state and national levels of organized dentistry, leading to my election as president-elect of the Connecticut State Dental Association and my recent appointment to the ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs. Having graduated from dental school during the COVID-19 pandemic and begun my residency amid a period of tremendous uncertainty, a time where I was uncertain of what my future would hold, these milestones are especially meaningful to me.
Throughout my education and career, I have worked to create opportunities for students, new dentists and colleagues to become engaged in organized dentistry and develop as leaders themselves. What makes this work so rewarding is knowing that the relationships, mentorship and advocacy efforts extend far beyond my own career and have the potential to strengthen the profession for years to come. Whether connecting with predental students at state dental meetings or mentoring dental students during advocacy and lobby day events, seeing others become involved, grow into leadership roles and discover their own passion for service has affirmed that I am on the right path.
ADA: Looking ahead, what are you most excited to pursue or work toward in your career or within the dental profession?
Dr. Manzella-Kane: Looking ahead, I am most excited about the opportunity to serve the profession as president-elect of the Connecticut State Dental Association and help usher in a new era of transformative, innovative and relevant member engagement. At the same time, I am pursuing practice ownership and look forward to building a practice that reflects my values of exceptional patient care, lifelong learning and service to the community. I am energized by the challenge of helping dentistry evolve while creating a lasting impact on both my patients and the profession.
ADA: How has being an ADA member supported you — professionally or personally — throughout your career so far?
Dr. Manzella-Kane: The ADA has played a transformative role in both my professional and personal development throughout my career. Through the ADA, I have found mentors, developed lifelong friendships, gained invaluable opportunities for growth, and built a nationwide network of colleagues whom I can turn to for advice, support and collaboration. Perhaps most importantly, the ADA has reinforced my belief that dentistry is more than a profession; it is a community of like-minded individuals committed to serving patients and advancing oral health together.
ADA: Looking back, what is something you wish you had known when you graduated from dental school?
Dr. Manzella-Kane: Looking back, I wish I had known that there is no single "right" path in dentistry. Early in my career, I often felt pressure to have every step of my future planned out before it even happened, but I have learned that some of the most rewarding opportunities come from remaining open to new experiences, relationships and unexpected challenges. Growth in dentistry is about committing to be on a lifelong journey of learning and collaboration, not a race to the top.
ADA: What message or encouragement would you share with a new dentist or dental student just starting their journey?
Dr. Manzella-Kane: My advice to a new dentist or dental student would be to say yes to opportunities — even when they seem outside your comfort zone — and to recognize that imposter syndrome is common, but it should never prevent you from pursuing new challenges or exciting opportunities. Some of the most meaningful experiences and relationships in my career have come from taking chances, getting involved and remaining open to paths I never expected to pursue. You do not need to have your entire career mapped out on day one; just stay curious, keep learning and trust that growth will come with experience.
ADA: In one sentence, how would you describe what dentistry means to you?
Dr. Manzella-Kane: Dentistry to me is an opportunity and a calling that allows me to serve others, build meaningful relationships and make a lasting impact.
ADA: What does being recognized as an ADA 10 Under 10 Award recipient mean to you?
Dr. Manzella-Kane: Being recognized as an ADA 10 Under 10 Award recipient is an incredible honor and a meaningful affirmation of the path I have forged in dentistry. It further strengthens my resolve to serve my patients, my colleagues and the profession while striving to make an even greater impact in the years ahead.
