Why She Was Nominated

Dr. Nguyen is one of the youngest faculty members at the University of California– San Diego School of Medicine, where she provides treatment to underserved populations and supervises pre-dental students. She also volunteers with CDA Cares, which provides free services and education to Golden State residents who have little or no access to dental treatment.

Inspiration

Seeking career balance, Dr. Nguyen looked to her father, an anesthesiologist. “I grew up with tremendous respect for medicine, but I knew I wanted a profession that would allow me to have more flexibility. None of this would have been possible without the unconditional love of my family.”

Hidden Talent

A regular contributor to the Academy of General Dentistry’s official blog, The Daily Grind, Dr. Nguyen writes about “my experiences as a young dentist navigating the search for employment, gaining the trust of my patients and exploring my identity as a health-care provider, a female doctor and an ethnic minority.”

Advice To Aspiring Dentists

“A strong background in the natural sciences is excellent preparation for dental school, but be sure to take classes in the humanities and social sciences as well.”

Something People Don't Know

“Dr. Joseph Dehmer, another doctor featured in this year’s 40 Under 40,  is my husband.”