Let's meet another outstanding member of the inaugural class of NJDA Member Recognition Award Recipients. The next member-dentist we’re spotlighting is Dr. Matthew Sones from the Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society.

Before embarking on his career in organized dentistry, Dr. Sones distinguished himself as an honors graduate in Clinical Dentistry and Pharmacology from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He then completed a General Practice Residency (GPR) at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ, where he forged a lasting partnership with Dr. Elisa Velazquez. Building on his foundational experience, Dr. Sones pursued a specialized pediatric dental residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, where he served as Chief Resident.

Returning to New Jersey, Dr. Sones brought his expertise to Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates while also contributing to the dental community through active roles on the Board of Trustees for both MOCDS and the New Jersey Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. His leadership within MOCDS became quickly apparent, especially as he took on the role of sponsorship liaison, strengthening partnerships with key vendors and sponsors. During his tenure as MOCDS president, Dr. Sones was instrumental in securing renowned speakers for continuing education programs and in innovating the organization’s events. Among these, his creation of the black-tie Staff Appreciation Night, featuring casino games, door prizes, and a grand prize trip for two to the Dominican Republic, set a new standard for the component.

A board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Sones has earned ongoing recognition as a Top Dentist by NJ Monthly Magazine since 2019 and as one of New Jersey’s Favorite Kids Docs by New Jersey Family Magazine since 2016. His inclusion in Incisal Edge Magazine’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list in 2022 further underscored his impact on the field. Dr. Sones attributes his achievements most importantly to his family, but also the mentors, business partners, teachers, and colleagues in organized dentistry who continually inspire him to excel and to prioritize compassionate patient care.