MARVIN FISK HUMANITARIAN AWARD: DR. HOMA AMINI
Dr. Homa Amini is the 2026 winner of the Ohio Dental Association Marvin Fisk Humanitarian Award.
Dr. Homa Amini has been devoted to improving access to care for children and vulnerable populations throughout her career. In recognition of her efforts, she will receive the Ohio Dental Association Marvin Fisk Humanitarian Award on Friday, Sept. 18 at the Callahan Celebration of Excellence, held in conjunction with the 160th ODA Annual Session.
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Dr. Homa Amini for many years, and in all that time I’ve never stopped being impressed by her devotion to her patients and to our profession,” said ODA President Dr. Kyle Bogan. “She gives her time, her skill and her heart to the people and communities who need it most, never for recognition but simply because it’s who she is. Ohio dentistry is better, and kinder, because of her.”
Amini said she feels honored, humbled and grateful to receive this recognition.
“It’s a privilege to be part of a profession that can do so much good and make a real difference in people’s lives and our communities,” she said.
Amini said that when she started college, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in the health care field.
“After shadowing and exploring different professions, I was drawn to dentistry,” she said. “I chose this path because it gives me the opportunity to help people, while combining science, art and technical skills to enhance patients’ quality of life.”
Amini earned her DDS from The Ohio State University in 1993 and went on to receive a Maters in Public Health from Ohio State in 1996. She earned her M.S. in pediatric dentistry in 1997 from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
“During dental school, my interest in pediatric dentistry really took shape,” she said. “I had the privilege of learning from a wonderful pediatric dental faculty member, Dr. Paul Casamassimo, who inspired in me a strong passion for caring for children. He was an incredible role model, and his focus on providing compassionate care, advocating for children, improving access to care, and serving those most in need truly resonated with me.”
Amini currently serves as an attending pediatric dentist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and professor of pediatric dentistry at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry.
“My favorite part of being a dentist is training the next generation of pediatric dentists and oral health advocates,” Amini said. “I find it incredibly rewarding to help shape future leaders who are passionate about improving care and making a meaningful impact in the lives of children. I enjoy guiding them in developing both their clinical skills and a strong commitment to serving their communities.”
Improving access to dental care has been a cornerstone of Amini’s career. She has secured multiple grants to expand access to dental care for vulnerable populations, including low-income families, immigrant communities, Head Start programs, individuals experiencing homelessness and pregnant teens.
She has also participated in many community outreach activities including Give Kids A Smile and Head Start events, where she has helped provide dental care and oral health education to underserved children.
Amini also serves as the advisor to a student organization at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry that organizes and participates in oral health fairs for underserved children, helping to engage students in service early in their training.
“Access to care is very important because it directly impacts overall health, quality of life, and long-term outcomes,” she said. “In dentistry, lack of access often means that preventable conditions go untreated, leading to pain, infection and more complex health issues down the road. Access to care is about ensuring every patient has the opportunity for good oral health.”
Amini said she thinks organized dentistry is important because it provides a unified voice to advocate for patients and the profession.
“It helps shape policies that improve access to care, reduce disparities, and maintain high standards of practice,” she said. “It also provides valuable opportunities for professional growth through education and mentorship.”
She has served as a delegate to the ODA House of Delegates, on the ODA Dental Education and Licensure Committee, as a subdistrict representative to the ODA, on the Medicaid Advisory Work Group and on the ODA Council on Access to Care and Public Service, among other roles.
She has served on many councils and committees with the Columbus Dental Society, including as president, as secretary, on the Membership Committee, as chair of the Award Committee and chair of the Central Office Committee.
She is also very involved with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, among many other professional organizations.
“A highlight of my involvement in organized dentistry has been advocacy work,” she said. “I have contributed to successful efforts to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental services in Ohio, helping to expand access to care. I have also participated in federal advocacy efforts to secure funding for pediatric dental training programs, benefiting children in Ohio.”
Amini has received many honors and awards, including the ADEA LIAA Award to Honor Jack Bresch (Advocacy), Ohio State University Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Lewis A. Kay Excellence in Education Award, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry – Jerome B. Miller for the Kids Award, Ohio Department of Health Quilty Award – Oral Health Champion, among others. Earlier this year, Amini received the AAPD Pediatric Dentist of the Year Award.
Outside of dentistry, Amini enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles, spending time outdoors and visiting metro parks, traveling, trying new restaurants and spending time with friends and family.
“Overall, my family’s support has been invaluable throughout my journey,” she said.
The Marvin Fisk Humanitarian Award is given to dentists who are working to improve the oral health of people in need, of all ages and from all walks of life. The award winners give of their time and energy overseas or closer to home, spending hours and personal resources to help fight illnesses.
