Winnie Wong, DMD (DEN '16), receives Ohio Dental Association N. Wayne Hiatt Rising Star Award

Winnie Wong and group

Dr. Winnie Wong has served in many leadership roles within organized dentistry. In recognition of her efforts, she received the Ohio Dental Association N. Wayne Hiatt Rising Star Award on Friday, Sept. 22, at the Callahan Celebration of Excellence, held in conjunction with the 157th ODA Annual Session.

“Over the past several years, I have witnessed Dr. Wong’s commitment, growth, and understanding as a servant leader in organized dentistry and the profession,” wrote Dr. Kari Cunningham in her nomination letter. “Dr. Wong wasted no time getting involved in leadership when she returned to Northeast Ohio upon completion of her residency program years ago. She serves alongside me as an active member of the alumni association board of directors of CWRU School of Dental Medicine and is supportive of the programs and activities of the association as we have begun to host more in-person events. Outside of our alma mater, Dr. Wong has served in many leadership roles in organized dentistry at the local, state, and national levels. She possesses all the qualities that a recipient of this illustrious award should have.”

Wong earned her DMD from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in 2016 and then went on to complete a General Practice Residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. She then moved back to Cleveland where she worked as an associate dentist, and last year became co-owner of a dental practice.

With the Greater Cleveland Dental Society, Wong serves as president-elect and chair of the New Dentist Committee. She has also served as chair of the Membership and Communications Committee. With the ODA, she serves on the Subcouncil on Diversity and Inclusion and as vice chair of the ODA Leadership Development Committee. She has served as a delegate to the ODA and alternate delegate to the ADA.

Wong also actively gives back to the community, and serves as a volunteer at the Open M Ministry of Faith, Harry and Fran Donovan Dental Clinic in Akron, Give Kids A Smile Day, Cleveland Asian Festival Health Pavilion, Medworks, Safe Smiles and as a clinical student tutor through the mentorship program at CWRU School of Dental Medicine.

Wong also serves on the CWRU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

The Rising Star Award recognizes a young leader in dentistry with outstanding leadership and initiative and a strong commitment to volunteerism within the community and the profession. This person must demonstrate promise for continued and future accomplishments within the dental profession, and must have been in practice for 10 years or less.