School of Dentistry alumna honored with two major professional awards

The UT San Antonio School of Dentistry proudly shares that Michelle Zhou, DDS, Class of 2022, has been recognized with multiple professional honors reflecting her outstanding contributions to the field of dentistry.

Zhou was selected as the recipient of the Hawaii Dental Association’s (HDA) Young Dentist Award for 2025. This award celebrates rising dental professionals who demonstrate leadership, dedication and excellence early in their careers, and recognizes a young member who has made exceptional contributions to the Association's affairs. She received the honor during the HDA Awards Ceremony held at the members‑only Pau Hana event in January at the HDA Convention at the Alohilani Resort in Waikiki.

Adding to her accomplishments, Zhou was also chosen by her peers for inclusion in HONOLULU Magazine’s “Best Dentists for 2026” list, which appeared in the magazine’s February 2026 issue.

The peer‑review selection process for the Best Dentists list is conducted by Professional Research Services (PRS), which distributes an online survey to all certified dentists practicing in Hawaii. Thousands of votes are cast each year, with selections made solely on peer assessment, a testament to Zhou’s strong professional reputation and standing within the dental community.

As part of the recognition, honorees are also given the opportunity to commemorate the milestone with an official award plaque provided by PRS.

These dual achievements mark a significant career milestone for Zhou and reflect the dedication and excellence she has carried forward from her education at the UT San Antonio School of Dentistry, highlighting the growing influence of UT San Antonio School of Dentistry alumni across the country and reinforcing the school’s commitment to preparing compassionate, skilled and service‑oriented dental professionals.