Why He Was Nominated

Dr. Huerta’s approach is to manage patients’ comfort before treating them. He does so in a luxurious Manhattan practice in which patients are invited to enjoy refreshments at an iPad bar before moving on to an operatory where they can choose their own music. He also gives out high-end lotions and lip balms.

Inspiration

When Dr. Huerta, who grew up in Oklahoma, was in eighth grade, he was asked to research potential careers, and chose architecture and dentistry. “I realized that dentistry is much like architecture, but adding the human element and medicine to it,” he says. “I knew then that I wanted to become a dentist.”

Tool He Can’t Live Without

“My dog, Luna,” Dr. Huerta says of his spaniel mix — who, he jokes, might do more for his business than his own dental expertise. “People have sought me out and referred my practice simply based on Luna,” he says. “I guess that makes us a team. Now I’ll have to cut her in for shares.”