JOSEPH P. CROWLEY DISTINGUISHED DENTIST AWARD: DR. MANNY CHOPRA
Dr. Manny Chopra is the 2026 Ohio Dental Association Joseph P. Crowley Distinguished Dentist Award winner.
Dr. Manny Chopra has been a dedicated leader at all levels of organized dentistry throughout his career. For his efforts, he will receive the 2026 Ohio Dental Association Joseph P. Crowley Distinguished Dentist Award on Friday, Sept. 18 at the Callahan Celebration of Excellence, held in conjunction with the 160th ODA Annual Session.
“Given the significant leadership roles he has undertaken, Dr. Chopra has ample experience, as illustrated on his CV. He is well respected by his colleagues at all levels. His love for organized dentistry cannot be challenged or matched,” wrote the Cincinnati Dental Society in its nomination letter. “Dr. Chopra’s integrity is at the core of everything he does. He consistently stands up for what is right for the profession of dentistry and his community, even when doing so required difficult decisions. He has selflessly given up precious time with his family to meet the extensive obligations required of his ADA leadership role, never losing sight of the values that have defined him and his career.”
Chopra said he is honored and grateful to receive the award.
“This award reflects the years of support and guidance of many mentors, friends, ODA staff members, and family members who have helped me throughout my career,” he said. “It is especially meaningful because it comes from my peers in Ohio, a dental community that I deeply respect. I never pursued leadership roles or volunteer service with the goal of receiving awards; I simply wanted to give back to a profession that has given so much to me. Dentistry has provided me with incredible opportunities to serve patients, build relationships, and make lifelong friendships. I accept this award on behalf of everyone who has worked alongside me throughout the years.”
Chopra said he was drawn to a career in health care because he wanted to focus on helping people.
“Dentistry uniquely combines science, health care, patient interaction, and working with your hands,” he said. “I appreciated the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients and families as a small business owner. I was inspired by family friends who were in the health care field who guided me into dentistry in the late 1970s. They demonstrated how much of a difference a dentist could make in a patient’s life. This has proven so true after over 34 years in private practice. I was also attracted to the idea of lifelong learning and continuous growth. Looking back, it has been even more rewarding than I imagined.”
Chopra earned a BDS Degree from the Government Dental College and Hospital in Bombay, India in 1987, a DMD degree from the Washington University School of Dental Medicine in 1990 and a Certificate of Postgraduate Prosthodontic Study from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1993. Chopra is now in private practice in Cincinnati and Wilmington.
“My journey has been shaped by outstanding dental school teachers, wise mentors, and colleagues who invested their time in me,” he said. “I was exposed to so many people who were able to share their words of wisdom with me; who helped me to focus on excellence in clinical practice, showed me the value of continuing education and in maintaining a high level of ethical standards in managing the needs of my patients. My dental school education provided me with a strong foundation on the fundamentals of prosthetic dentistry with an emphasis on occlusion, gnathology, and attention to detail. This instilled a commitment to clinical excellence and lifelong learning. After years of dental school education, I focused on starting my dental practice centered on patient care, trust, and relationships. Like many dentists, I learned valuable lessons from both successes and challenges along the way.”
Chopra said his relationships with his patients are the most rewarding part of his career.
“I enjoy helping people improve their oral health, function, comfort, and gain confidence in their daily lives,” he said. “It is gratifying to see the positive impact that dentistry can have on someone’s quality of life. Dentistry allows me to make a meaningful difference every day. The trust that patients place in us is something I never take for granted. As a prosthodontist, I have learned that every patient presents a unique challenge and opportunity to help. With my training, I get to enjoy combining science, technology and artistry to solve problems. I enjoy being a solo practitioner and a small business owner. It has never been about the money; it has always been about serving people – that’s why I am a proud Medicaid and Medicare provider. This has made my parents proud. You can’t have a bad day at work, when you love your job and look forward to a full day at the office!”
Chopra has been involved at the local, state and national level of organized dentistry throughout his career.
He currently serves as the 7th District trustee to the American Dental Association. He has served on many councils, committees, taskforces and working groups with the ADA, including chairing the Council on Dental Practice and the Dental Wellness Advisory Committee.
He served as president of the Ohio Dental Association in 2023-24 and has served on many councils and committees with the ODA including as chair of the Council on Dental Care Programs and Dental Practice, on the ODA Foundation Board, Finance Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Ad Interim Committee, Dental Insurance Working Group, Medicaid Working Group and many others.
With the Cincinnati Dental Society, Chopra served as president in 2017 and has served on many council and committees.
“One of the greatest highlights has been the relationships and friendships I have developed with colleagues across Ohio and the country,” he said, “Serving in leadership roles within the Cincinnati Dental Society, Ohio Dental Association, and American Dental Association has been both an honor and a privilege. Having the opportunity to serve as president of the Ohio Dental Association was a particularly meaningful experience. As a first-generation immigrant, that one moment as president of the ODA, was one of the proudest achievements of my life. My family still celebrates this with me! The greatest reward has not been the titles, but the chance to serve colleagues and help make a positive difference for the profession.”
Chopra said he thinks organized dentistry is important for many reasons, including creating a unified voice for the profession and the friendships and support he’s gained.
“Organized dentistry gives the practicing dentist a voice on issues affecting our profession and our patients. It provides us with opportunities for continuing education, leadership development, and professional growth,” he said. “This has helped me as a business owner, and given me the confidence to address difficult situations as they arise. The ODA creates a community where dentists can learn from and support one another. As I was taught, when you are a member of the ODA, you never practice alone. There will always be someone to assist when needed, and to offer guidance when asked. Many of the challenges facing dentistry today are too large for any individual dentist to address alone.”
Chopra is also involved in many access to care initiatives, including the Cincinnati Dental Society’s Leave No Vet Behind program.
Chopra is a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, International College of Dentists, American College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He has served in many professional and community organizations, including the American College of Prosthodontics, American Prosthodontic Society, American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, and many others.
Outside of dentistry, Chopra enjoys playing tennis and community service. He and his wife, Elizabeth have two children, Priya and Matthew.
The Joseph P. Crowley Distinguished Dentist Award is the ODA’s most prestigious award. It is given to a leader in the profession committed to the advancement of dentistry who is dedicated and committed to organized dentistry at the local, state and national level.
