Monique Belin, Tom Brown and Jeff Ottley were honored during the Annual Florida Dental Association Award Luncheon in Orlando, FL.
Monique Belin, D.M.D., M.S., received the New Dental Leader Award for her commitment to education and leadership in organized dentistry, including her volunteer faculty role at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, or UFCD.
Belin graduated with her dental degree in 2017 and her master’s in endodontics in 2019, both from UFCD. Her dedication to education continues through her volunteer faculty roles at UFCD and NOVA Southeastern University, where she mentors the next generation of endodontists. Earlier this year, she was also honored as one of UF’s 2025Gator100.
Beyond her clinical and academic achievements, Belin is a passionate advocate for organized dentistry and community outreach. She has held leadership roles in several professional organizations, including serving as President of the Marion County Dental Association and Secretary of the Central Florida District Dental Association. Known for her patient-first philosophy, Belin continues to inspire peers and uplift her community. She lives her mission to “save the world one tooth at a time.”
Tom Brown, D.M.D., M.S., received the Special Recognition Award.
A Gainesville native and a member of the UFCD Class of 2008, Brown earned both his bachelor’s and dental degrees from UF and DMD before completing his endodontic residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received the Jacob Freedland Scholarship and Advanced Dental Education Fellowship. He has published research in journals such as Infection and Immunity and Federation of European Microbiological Studies. Brown is a dedicated leader, currently serving as president of both the Southern Endodontic Study Group and the Northeast District Dental Association, and as a trustee for the FDA.
Brown is also deeply committed to public service. He provides endodontic care to veterans through Veteran’s Affairs and volunteers with the Dental Lifeline Network, offering free treatment to vulnerable populations. He also served as endodontic department manager for the FDA Foundation’s Florida Mission of Mercy events from 2016 to 2021, helping deliver millions of dollars in donated care. A courtesy faculty member at UFCD, Brown continues to mentor future endodontists.
Jeff Ottley, D.M.D., received the President’s Award.
Ottley’s leadership journey began in 2004 with the Escambia-Rosa Dental Association, where he later served as president in 2008. He went on to serve as a trustee for the FDA and currently represents Florida as a delegate to the American Dental Association’s 17th District. He is also a former chair of the ADA’s Council on Dental Practice. In addition to his professional leadership, Ottley has volunteered for more than two decades with the Florida Baptist Dental Bus, Florida Mission of Mercy and Donated Dental Services. He also serves as Deputy Regent for Florida with the International College of Dentists.
“Dr. Ottley’s commitment and passion for serving others makes him an exceptional leader and for the profession,” said Drew Eason, executive director and CEO of the FDA. “His dedication to improving oral health and mentoring future leaders is exactly what the President’s Award is meant to celebrate.”
A second-generation dentist, Ottley earned his dental degree from UFCD in 1998 and joined his family’s practice, Comprehensive Dental Center, in Milton, his hometown. He is now the sole owner and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
About The Florida Dental Association
As the state’s premier professional organization representing Florida-licensed dentists, the Florida Dental Association, or FDA, serves as Florida’s advocate for oral health. A constituent society of the American Dental Association, the FDA was established in 1884 to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care from dental professionals. The FDA is the leading expert and advocate on issues affecting Florida dentists and the oral health of Floridians.