The GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board serves an important advisory role to GSDM.

The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Dean’s Advisory Board met on Friday, April 19, 2016, in the Dean’s Conference Room on the fourth floor of 100 East Newton Street. The Dean’s Advisory Board is comprised of volunteer leaders, philanthropists, friends, and corporate partners of GSDM.

After a brief breakfast, the chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board, Dr. David Lustbader DMD 86, welcomed all the attendees to the meeting.

After Dr. Lustbader’s welcome, Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter delivered a school update through which all the attendees were informed of the latest developments at GSDM.

Six presentations followed Dean Hutter’s update: Mr. Kevin Holland, Assistant Dean for Development & Alumni Relations presented on GSDM’s successful Giving Day 2016; Dr. Johnathan Levine DMD 81 presented an update as to new products being introduced by his company GLO Science; Dr. Belinda Borrelli, Professor in the Department of Health Policy & Health Services Research and Director of Behavioral Science Research, gave an update on research projects that she is currently working on—a large randomized clinical trial on motivating smoking cessation in parents of children with asthma, and a separate study that is funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR); Dr. Athanasios Zavras, Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, delivered an update on several projects that the department is working on, including its participation in a project in Ethiopia; Ms. Catherine Sarkis, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy & Health Services Research, presented on the status of the DMD Class of 2020 and Advanced Standing (AS) DMD class of 2018; Dr. Uday Reebye DMD 98 presented on the creation of a dental ambulatory program in North Carolina. The presentations were followed by closing remarks from Dr. David Lustbader.

In between the presentations, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Dr. Louis Brown, Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry, gave all of the attendees of the Dean’s Advisory Board meeting a riveting tour of GSDM’s Simulation Learning Center (SLC) demonstrating the CEREC machine use of digital dentistry (CEREC) and ‘Prep Check’ software, and the milling process as important elements in his pre-clinical Prosthetics course.

A dinner was hosted the night before the Dean’s Advisory Board meeting—Thursday April 18, 2016—by Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter and Mrs. Kathleen Hutter at the Algonquin Club of Boston on Commonwealth Avenue for all the attendees of the meeting. Many members of the Dean’s Advisory Board also attended the 2016 Goldman Gala, which took place on Friday, April 29, 2016. Read about that here.

Dean’s Advisory Board members in attendance: Dr. David Lustbader CAS 86, DMD 86; Dr. Donald Booth; Dr. Jonathan Levine; Dr. Bing Liu DMD 03; Mr. Tim McDonough; Mr. Thomas Olsen; Dr. Mina Paul; Mr. Richard Soden; and Dr. Uday Reebye DMD 98.

GSDM students take a selfie on the red carpet

A record 575 students, residents, faculty, staff, and alumni from Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) attended the seventh annual Goldman Gala at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel on Friday, April 29, 2016. The 2016 Goldman Gala was called the “Goldman Globes,” as it was themed after “Old Hollywood.”

See yourself on the red carpet! (Photos from the 2016 Goldman Gala can be found on Facebook and Flickr.)

The 2016 Goldman Gala began with the attendees and their guests strolling down a red carpet to take photos with four celebrity impersonators: Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Joan Rivers, and Jack Nicholson. Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter greeted the many attendees as they made their way from the entrance of the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel to the special red carpet. Many were dressed to the theme of “Old Hollywood.”

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter and Mrs. Kathy Hutter with celebrity impersonators Humphrey Bogart, Joan Rivers, Jack Nicholson, and Marilyn Monroe

After taking photos with their friends, family, and the special “celebrity” guests, attendees mingled and reconnected over cocktails in a lounge area next to the red carpet.

After drinks, at 8 p.m., Dean Hutter welcomed the 575 attendees to their seats in the Grand Ballroom of the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel. Once the attendees had all made it to their seats, “Joan Rivers” took to the stage and delivered an introduction for Dean Hutter. After the comedic introduction, Dean Hutter formally welcomed all the 575 attendees to the Goldman Gala.

“The Goldman Gala is truly for our students, especially for those who will graduate and become our newest alumni,” said Dean Hutter. “Mrs. Hutter and I are absolutely delighted to once again have the honor and privilege of hosting you this evening and so pleased that we have such a wonderful turnout of students, residents, faculty, staff, alumni, guests and Hollywood stars.”

Dean Hutter then asked attendees from each of the four DMD and two Advanced Standing (AS) DMD classes to—one at a time—make their presence known and show pride for their respective classes.

Guests hit the dance floor

After this, Dean Hutter recognized the following special guests:

• Steve Hall, Boston University Vice President for Alumni Relations; and his wife Mrs. Diane Hall;
• Adam Wise, Associate Vice President for School Development; and his wife Mrs. Ann Wise;
• David Lustbader DMD 86, Chair of the GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board, Vice President of the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), and Clinical Instructor in the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery; and his wife Mrs. Wendy Lustbader, who is an alumna of BU’s Sargent College;
• Bing Liu DSc 99 DMD 03, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of General Dentistry, President of the GSDM Alumni Board, and member of the GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board; Ms. Betsy Ashworth, Academic Relations & CAD/CAM for Institutions at Sirona Dental; and her niece Ms. Samantha Clarke, who was celebrating her birthday. Ms. Ashworth was representing Mr. Michael Augins, President of Sirona Dental and a member of the GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board, who was not able to attend;
• Jonathan Levine DMD 81, Founder and CEO of GLO Science and member of the GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board; and his wife Mrs. Stacey Levine CAS 79;
• Geoffrey Ligibel, CEO of Gentle Dental; and his wife Mrs. Heidi Ligibel. Mr. Ligibel was representing Dr. Ronald Weissman PROS 77, Founder of Gentle Dental and member of the GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board, who was not able to attend;
• Uday Reebye DMD 98, member of the GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board; and his wife Mrs. Laura Reebye, who was celebrating her birthday
• Nazila Bidabadi DMD 87, member of the GSDM Alumni Board; and her husband Mr. Alireza Hakimi;
• Shervin Tabeshfar AEGD 10 PROS 13, member of the GSDM Alumni Board; and his wife Mrs. Marieh Tabeshfar; and
• Katie Haltom DMD 79 OMFS 82; and her husband Dr. Larry Joyce.

GSDM DMD students at the 2016 Goldman Gala

Dean Hutter also thanked and recognized the members of the 2016 Goldman Gala Committee: Matt Mara DMD 16; Hilary Reiter DMD 16; David Lane DMD 16; Ryan Vaughn DMD 16; Pardis Koleini DMD 17; Andrew Grinsell DMD 17; Lauren Liebman DMD 18; Michael Nardi DMD 18; Erica Janik DMD 19; Gabriela Gomez Espinoza AS 17; Bruna Rossi Hoffman AS DMD 17; Dr. Joseph Calabrese, Assistant Dean of Students; Ms. Erica Manczuk, Associate Director of Student Affairs; Ms. Leslie Caiola, Development Program Officer; Ms. Diane Dougherty, Administrative Assistant for Meetings and Events; and Ms. Amy Nelson, Student Affairs Coordinator.

Dean Hutter then made a special acknowledgement of the efforts of Director of Meetings and Events Mrs. Lindsay McHugh and accompanied by her husband, Lindsay was presented with a bouquet of flowers, by Tim McDonough, GSDM Executive Director of Finance & Operations.

After dessert the attendees filled the dance floor, had fun at the photo booth, mingled with the Movie Stars and enjoyed the rest of what turned out to be a truly wonderful and memorable event.

(l-r) Dr. Silvia Allegrini ORTHO 91; Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter; Dr. Leslie Will; Dr. Jean-Marc Retrouvey ORTHO 93

Editor’s note: On Thursday, May 12, 2016, at 2:07 p.m. the caption for the photo on the right was changed, as an incorrect caption was featured due to a reporter error.

On May 1, 2016, the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GDSM) newly established Orthodontic Alumni Association held its inaugural Orthodontic alumni reception at the Hyatt Regency Orlando during the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Annual Session, which took place in Orlando, Florida, from April 29 to May 3, 2016. The reception was hosted by Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter and Dr. Leslie Will, Anthony A. Gianelly Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics.

The reception began with brief remarks by Dr. Will, in which she talked about the crucial role that GSDM’s orthodontic alumni will continue to play in the future of the Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics at GSDM. Dr. Will also thanked all the alumni that have volunteered their services in support of the Orthodontic Alumni Association as it continues to organize itself.

Dr. Will then introduced the orthodontic residents who were present attended the meeting: Dr. Martha Neely, Dr. Najla Alrejaye, and Dr. Frank Schiano.

“The alumni reception at the AAO meeting is always a great time for me to touch base with alumni and share the news of our department,” said Dr. Will.  “It’s also good for our current residents to meet alumni.  This year’s meeting was no exception.  The alumni were very happy to hear what we are doing and voiced their support as we continue to make the program the best it can be.”

Dean Hutter then briefed the guests on several important issues the School is addressing along with updates pertaining to the QS World University Rankings of Dental Schools, the Group Practice Model and implementation and incorporation of Digital Dentistry into the clinical education provided to the pre-doctoral students and post-doctoral residents and the oral healthcare provided our patients.   In closing, Dean Hutter praised Dr. Will, the faculty and the residents for their hard work, dedication and support, and echoed Dr. Will’s sentiments about the important role that GSDM’s orthodontic alumni play in the overall success of the Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics and the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics.

“I would like to thank the alumni for attending today’s Orthodontic Alumni Association Reception,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “I certainly enjoyed being able to connect with our orthodontic alumni, while also speaking to all in attendance about some of the most recent and exciting work being done at GSDM and in the Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics.”

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.

Red and white balloons at another successful BU Night at the Pops!

On the evening of Saturday, May 14, 2016, members of the Boston University community gathered at Symphony Hall for the annual BU Night at the Pops. Among them, Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter and Mrs. Kathy Hutter joined 50 graduates, family, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM).

Concert attendees were treated to a remarkable violin performance by BU College of Fine Arts student Yite Xu, who won the 2016 Boston University Soloists’ Competition.  The winners of this competition are chosen from the instrumental, vocal, and composition departments of the College of Fine Arts. In addition to Xu, the 2016 winners include Hwa Young An and Ha Young Jung.

Photos from BU Night at the Pops can be found on Facebook and Flickr.

Graduating endodontic residents with faculty and staff from the Department of Endodontics at the 2016 graduation dinner

On Thursday, May 12, 2016, residents of the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Endodontics Class of 2016 at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) celebrated their graduation in the Melcalf Trustee Ballroom. They were joined by family, friends, faculty, staff, and alumni of the program, who travelled from as far away as Singapore to attended the celebration.

The celebration was hosted by Director of the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Endodontics Dr. Sami Chogle, along with the support of the GSDM Endodontic Alumni Association. Dr. Chogle welcomed the 125 guests in attendance and introduced all of the faculty and staff—who were instrumental in helping the residents make it to this point. He then took a moment to welcome and introduce each of the residents individually.

Following the introductions, Dr. Chogle presented the class of 2016 and gave each graduating resident a commemorative plaque. He congratulated each of them individually and announced what their plans were after graduation.

Dr. Chogle spoke about how the graduating residents are now part of a much larger “family,” and that they are encouraged to continue to be an active participant in this “family.”

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter spoke next. Dean Hutter congratulated the graduates and echoed Dr. Chogle’s sentiment encouraging the graduates to stay active in GSDM’s Department of Endodontics throughout their professional careers.

Dr. Juan Savelli ENDO 03, President of the GSDM Endodontic Alumni Association, also said a few words to the graduates. In his remarks, Dr. Savelli encouraged the graduates to participate in as many Endodontic Alumni Association events as they can, as the success of the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Endodontics is influenced by the consistent activity of its alumni.

Dr. Nauman Chatha ENDO 16 was elected to speak on behalf of the class. He amused the guests with stories of his class and also spoke about the crucial role that faculty and staff have had in the education of all of the residents.

Dr. Mohamed Ahmed next presented a video that featured comments from all the Department of Endodontics’ residents, faculty, and staff.

“Congratulations to the Class of 2016,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “It is a wonderful achievement to have successfully completed such a prestigious program, and I wish you the best in all your future endeavors.”

Photos from the 2016 GSDM Department of Endodontics graduation dinner can be found on Facebook and Flickr.

Dr. Berokh Bavar presenting a video to the attendees of the Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics graduation dinner

On Thursday, May 12, 2016, residents of the Advanced Specialty Education Program  in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Class of 2016 at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) celebrated their graduation in the penthouse of Boston University’s Student Village 2. They were joined by family, friends, faculty, staff, and alumni of the program.

The celebration began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by a buffet dinner while enjoying some music by the Scarlet Jazz Ensemble. Attendees mingled with each other while watching the sunset over Boston and beyond from the spectacular views offered by the venue.

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter and Mrs. Kathy Hutter attended the celebration as well, appreciating the opportunity to congratulate the graduating residents.

After dinner, Dr. Berokh Bavar played a video for the attendees showcasing the graduating residents and the various things that they took part in during their three years in the program.

Dr. Leslie Will, Anthony A. Gianelly Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, delivered a few remarks by congratulating the graduates and provided them with a list of seven characteristics of successful people. One of these characteristics was a positive mental attitude. “When things aren’t fun and easy, a positive attitude and a good sense of humor can get you by,” said Dr. Will.

She then presented each graduate with a book that was signed by all of the faculty and offered a few words about each of the eight graduates.

Dr. Michael Moynihan ORTHO 00 and Interim President of the GSDM Orthodontic Alumni Association, also said a few words to the graduates. In his remarks, Dr. Moynihan congratulated the graduates on what they have achieved and wished them the best of luck in whatever their next steps may be as he offered them a certificate of membership into the GSDM Orthodontic Alumni Association.

“This was a great venue and a wonderful meal, but the very best part was the fact that we were celebrating eight accomplished orthodontists and lovely people.  We will miss them and hope they will come back to BU to share their accomplishments with us,” said Dr. Will.

Photos from the 2016 GSDM Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics graduation dinner can be found on Facebook and Flickr.

Dr. Stephen Polins speaking at the OKU Awards Dinner

The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Lambda Mu Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society (OKU) held its ninth annual OKU Awards Dinner induction ceremony on Thursday, May 5, 2016, in at the Metcalf Trustee Ballroom. The induction was presided over by Dr. Stephen Polins, GSDM OKU Chapter President, and Professor in the Department of General Dentistry; and Ms. Catherine Sarkis, GSDM OKU Chapter Secretary, and Assistant Dean for Admissions.

The following DMD 16 and Advanced Standing (AS) DMD 16 students were inducted into OKU: William Andres Alvarez; Christopher Matthew Balaban; Sanaa N. Bhimji; Paul Cho; Arielle Brooke Curtis; Jessica Finkielsztein; Vincent Paul Hohreiter; Harith Fahem Kamil; Mira Youssef Albert Khouzam; Jae Kwak; Sandip Ladani; Neemi Lama Sherpa; Luri Lee; Guanghui Ling; Matthew David Mara; Mary Frances Mcclintock; Siddhi Dhirenbhai Mehta; Aaron Zachary Mertz; Lindsey Anne Nowland; Vincent Joseph Raucci; Casey Jeanne Smauder; and Angela Wu.

Students are selected for this honor based on their academic achievement, demonstration of exemplary traits of character, and potential qualities of future professional growth. Two faculty members—Alexander Bendayan, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences & Biomaterials; and Mayumi Onoe-Miyamoto, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry—were also inducted as  honorary members. Faculty are selected for this honor based on their contributions to the profession.

Dr. Polins began the induction ceremony and delivered remarks to those in attendance.

“Each of you is here tonight because of the success you have demonstrated, and, by virtue of that success, you have validated that you possess the criteria essential for induction into this prestigious National Dental Honor Society,” said Dr. Polins. “In addition to scholarship, you have demonstrated exemplary traits of character, and qualities for future professional growth and attainment through act and deed.”

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter then delivered his opening remarks.

“Each of you being inducted into OKU this evening is to be commended for your remarkable academic achievement,” said Dean Hutter. “As your Dean, I take personal pride in your accomplishment and I extend to each of the 22 student inductees and the two faculty inductees my heartfelt congratulations.”

In his remarks Dean Hutter also read the preamble of OKU’s constitution.

Dr. Polins, Ms. Sarkis, and Dean Hutter then presented the awards.

The new members of the Lambda Mu Chapter of OKU received certificates and a symbolic key and stole signifying their election to the prestigious national dental honor society.

Photos from the induction ceremony are available on Flickr and Facebook.

Advanced Standing (AS) DMD Students at a graduation party at Clery’s in Boston.

From Friday, May 6, to Sunday, May 8, 2016, graduating DMD and Advanced Standing (AS) DMD students at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) celebrated their achievements during GSDM’s annual Senior Weekend.

Senior Weekend for the Class of 2016 kicked off on Friday, May 6^th, with an ASDA Hour for the DMD students at Estragon in the South End and a graduation party for the Advanced Standing DMD students at Clery’s in Boston.

Alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and pre-doctoral students gathered the next day, Saturday, May 7, 2016, at Norwood Country Club for the seventh annual ASDA Golf Tournament. GSDM’s ASDA chapter raised more than $13,000 from the tournament. This is the highest amount ever raised at an ASDA Golf Tournament.

The winners of the cart decorating/best dressed contest were David Lane DMD 16, Alyssa Mazzoli DMD 16, Mike Mayr DMD 16, and Sloane Kaminski-Dietzel DMD 18. Katie Quan DMD 19 won the Ladies’ Long Drive contest. Patrick Shea from Patterson Dental won the Men’s Long Drive contest. Dr. Scott Goldberg OMFS 17 won the putting contest. The winning team members were Justin Choi DMD 19; Patrick Richard DMD 19; Mr. Joe Richard; and Mr. Charlie Capps.

The festive weekend wrapped up on Sunday at the BU Pub on the Charles River campus, where Student Affairs and Development & Alumni Relations hosted the Senior BBQ. Each member of the Class of 2016 received a commemorative engraved glass stein as a gift from the Alumni Association.

“Senior Weekend is always a great time,” said Dr. Joseph Calabrese, Assistant Dean of Students. “It is a wonderful way for us celebrate our graduating students. They dedicate so much while they are students here and it is great to have a little fun before Commencement weekend.”

Photos are available online:

ASDA Golf Tournament: Facebook, Flickr.

Senior BBQ: Facebook, Flickr.

DMD 16 student Dr. Andrea Lam receiving the DentaQuest Foundation Award with Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter, Ms. Kathy Lituri, and Ms. Kathy Held.

On Saturday, May 14, 2016, Faculty, staff, and the families of graduating pre-doctoral students at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine celebrated graduates at GSDM’s annual Senior Awards Brunch, held at the Fuller Building on the Charles River Campus. Dean and Mrs. Jeffrey W. Hutter host the event annually to celebrate graduates and recognize those who have excelled in their dental education.

After a brunch buffet, Assistant Dean of Students Dr. Joe Calabrese delivered an introduction to all the attendees.

Next, Dean Hutter delivered welcoming remarks in which he congratulated all the graduates on what they have achieved and wished them all the best in their future endeavors.

In his remarks Dean Hutter recognized the following DMD students, Advanced Standing (AS) DMD students, and staff members who were instrumental in the production of GSDM’s Class of 2016 yearbook.

DMD 16: Dr. Assal Abdossalehi; Dr. Luri Lee; Dr. Matt Mara; Dr. Alyssa Mazzoli; Dr. Mona Najafi; Dr. Hilary Reiter; and Dr. Hasti Sabbaghan.

AS 16: Dr. Mohammed M. Ahmed; Dr. Ramy Allam; Dr. Rizwan Baig; Dr. Anthony Kofoworola-Kuti; Dr. Alex Okoye; and Dr. Nehar Serry.

Staff Members: Alex Singer, Graphic Designer in the Office of Communication & External Relations; and Leslie Caiola, Development Program Officer in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, who chaired the Class of 2016 Yearbook Committee

“Class of 2016, you have worked extremely hard during your years at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, and during yesterday’s Commencement Convocation, your hard work was rewarded as you received your Boston University Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees at our Convocation ceremony, and took a most important step toward entering your chosen profession of dentistry,” Dean Hutter told the graduates.

Dean Hutter also acknowledged several staff members who planned the 2016 Senior Awards Brunch: Ms. Erica Manczuk, Associate Director of Student Affairs; Ms. Amy Nelson, Student Affairs Coordinator; Ms. Diane Dougherty, Administrative Assistant for Meetings & Events; Ms. Alexandra Singer; Graphic Designer in the Office of Communications & External Relations; Ms. Lindsay McHugh, Director of Meetings and Events.

Dean Hutter expressed special thanks to Ms. McHugh, Ms. Nelson, and Ms. Manczuk.

Students then made their way onto the stage as Dean Hutter, faculty members, and special guests, presented them with their awards.

Award winners:

Omicron Kappa Upsilon Awards: Dr. William Andres Alvarez, Dr. Christopher Michael Balaban, Dr. Sanaa N. Bhimji, Dr. Paul Cho, Dr. Arielle Brooke Curtis, Dr. Vincent Paul Hohreiter, Dr. Jessica Finkielsztein, Dr. Harith Fahem Kamil, Dr. Mira Youssef Albert Khouzam, Dr. Jae Kwak, Dr. Sandip Ladani, Dr. Neemi Lama Sherpa, Dr. Luri Lee, Dr. Guanghui Ling, Dr. Matthew David Mara, Dr. Mary Frances McClintock, Dr. Siddhi Dhrienbhai Mehta, Dr. Aaron Zachary Mertz, Dr. Lindsay Anne Nowland, Dr. Vincent Joseph Raucci, Dr. Casey Jeanne Smauder, Angela Wu

American College of Dentists Award: Dr. Matthew David Mara

Gentle Dental Award for Clinical Excellence and Chairside Manner: Dr. Hilary Samantha Reiter

American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award: Dr. Courtney Sanders Knapik

International College of Dentists Award: Dr. Akram Sannaa

American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Award: Dr. Casey Jeanne Smauder

Brasseler USA/Department of General Dentistry Division of Removable Prosthodontics Award: Dr. Kayla Marie Cuddy

Brasseler USA/Department of General Dentistry Division of Fixed Prosthodontics Award: Dr. Courtney Sanders Knapik

Department of General Dentistry Excellence in Digital Dentistry Award: Dr. Vincent Joseph Raucci

Department of General Dentistry Implantology Award: Dr. Daniella Christina Rizzo

Hanau Best of the Best Prosthodontic Award: Dr. Olga Spivak

American College of Prosthodontists Award: Dr. Christopher Michael Balaban

Department of General Dentistry Division of Fixed/Removable Prosthodontics Dr. Remo A. Sinibaldi Memorial Award: Dr. Matthew David Mara

American Association of Women Dentists Eleanor Bushee Award: Amanda Wai-Kan Yip

American Association of Endodontists Award: Dr. Vincent Joseph Raucci

American Equilibration Society Award: Dr. Mohamed S. Bayoumy

Department of General Dentistry Excellence in Occlusion Award: Dr. David Simpson Lane

American Association of Public Health Dentistry Award: Dr. Ana Keohane

DentaQuest Foundation Award: Dr. Andrea Lam

International College of Dentists Student Humanitarian Award: Dr. Matthew David Mara

American Academy of Oral Medicine Award: Dr. Mohamed S. Bayoumy

American Association of Orthodontists Award: Dr. Kelsey Ann George

American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award: Dr. Anna Komnatnaya

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (Dental Implant) Award: Dr. William Andres Alvarez

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (Dental Student) Award: Dr. Anthony Kofoworola-Kuti

American Dental Society of Anesthesiology Horace Wells Senior Student Award: Dr. Jessica Finkielsztein

Academy of Osseointegration Award: Dr. Li Zhong

International Congress of Oral Implantologists Award: Dr. Amrit Singh Basi

Quintessence Award for Research Achievement: Dr. Richa Wahi

Predoctoral Research Award: Dr. Mohamed S. Bayoumy

Academy of General Dentistry Award: Dr. Lindsay Anne Nowland

Academy of Operative Dentistry Award: Dr. Casey Jeanne Smauder

Department of General Dentistry Division of Operative Dentistry Award: Dr. Mary Frances McClintock

Department of General Dentistry Lloyd B. Chaisson Memorial Award: Dr. Vincent Joseph Raucci

Department of General Dentistry William Cummings Award: Dr. Michael Anton Mayr

Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry: Dr. Neemi Lama Sherpa

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Award: Dr. Ana Keohane

Department of General Dentistry Didactic Excellence in Dental Practice Management Award: Dr. Andrea Lam

Pierre Fauchard Academy Award: Dr. Jae Kwak

Department of General Dentistry Oral Diagnosis Award: Dr. Nicolas Robert Branshaw

American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Award: Dr. Helga Idrizi

Department of General Dentistry Joseph P. Speranza Memorial Award: Dr. Kelsey Ann George

American Association of Oral Biologists Award: Dr. Minh-Phoung Mong Le

American Academy of Periodontology Award: Dr. Jessica Finkielsztein

Northeastern Society of Periodontists Student Award: Dr. Mira Youssef Albert Khouzam

Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Periodontics: Dr. Sandip Ladani

Dr. Thomas Anderson Armstrong Memorial Award: Dr. Mitali Hariawala

Department of General Dentistry Excellence in the Basic Sciences Award: Dr. Vincent Paul Hohreiter

Student Government Certificates of Achievement: Dr. Mohammed Murtuza Ahmed, Reza Alavi, Christopher Michael Balaban, Nicolas Robert Branshaw, Arielle Brooke Curtis, Mira Youssef Albert Khouzam, Jae Kwak, Sandip Ladani, Luri Lee, Matthew David Mara, Akram Sannaa

Proctor and Gamble Outstanding Faculty Award: Basic Sciences: Dr. Monica Pessina

Proctor and Gamble Outstanding Faculty Award: Clinical Sciences: Dr. Heshem Nouh

Staff Recognition Award: Dr. Sylvia C. Ruffin

American Student Dental Association Faculty Award: Dr. John Guarente

American Student Dental Association Advocate Award: Mrs. Michele Calabrese

American Student Dental Association Award of Excellence: Dr. David Simpson Lane

Department of General Dentistry Division of Geriatric Dental Medicine Award of Excellence: Dr. Jennifer Allison Ng, Dr. Michelle Christina Prieto

Department of General Dentistry Steven R. Gordon Memorial Award: Dr. Alyssa Michelle Mazzoli

Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine Richard Forcucci Alumni Award: Dr. Michael Anton Mayr

Alpha Omega Award: Dr. Neemi Lama Sherpa, Dr. Lindsay Anne Nowland

Photos from the Senior Awards Brunch can be found on Facebook and Flickr.

Graduates at GSDM’s 2016 Convocation Ceremony

On Friday, May 13, 2016, 190 pre-doctoral students and 82 post-doctoral residents received their degrees and Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) at the 2016 Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Convocation, held at the Walter Brown Arena.

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter began the Convocation Ceremony by introducing Reverend Dr. Robert Allan Hill, Dean of Marsh Chapel, who delivered an inspiring invocation.

Dean Hutter then continued the ceremony by introducing himself and welcoming graduates, family, friends, faculty, staff, alumni, and other distinguished guests.

“I have watched you and your classmates grow into confident, competent dental and oral healthcare professionals, and I am delighted to share this special occasion with you,” Dean Hutter told the graduates as family and friends looked on.

Dean Hutter took care to highlight several notable accomplishments that the Class for 2016 achieved during their time at GSDM: providing the highest quality oral healthcare to diverse populations; participating in GSDM’s International Elective Externship Program; playing crucial roles in hosting students from international dental schools that GSDM partners with; receiving awards from several American and international dental organizations; attending professional meetings; lobbying the United States Congress and the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and several other meritorious activities that members of the Class of 2016 took part in.

“You have experienced both challenging times and exciting times, and I know that when you look back on your experiences at the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, it will be these good times and the superb education that you received that will stand out in your minds,” said Dean Hutter.

Dean Hutter then acknowledged several special guests:

Dr. Shadi Daher DMD 90 OMFS 94, Past President of the GSDM Alumni Association; Past member of the GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board; Past President of the Boston University Alumni Counsel; and current member of the Boston University Board of Overseers; Dr. Suneel Kandru ENDO 07, member of the GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board; Dr. David Lustbader DMD 75, Chair of the GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board and Vice President of the Massachusetts Dental Society; Dr. Bing Liu DSc 99 DMD 03, President of the GSDM Alumni Association and a member of the GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board; Ms. Madalyn Mann PHD 76, Founding Director of GSDM’s Applied Professional Experience (APEX) program and member of the GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board; and Dr. Mitch Sabbagh DMD C87, Immediate Past-President of the GSDM Alumni Association; member of the GSDM Dean’s Advisory Board; and GSDM representative to the Boston University Alumni Counsel.

Dean Hutter then introduced the valedictorian of the Advanced Standing (AS) DMD Class of 2016, Dr. Neemi Lama Sherpa, and the valedictorian of the DMD Class of 2016, Dr. Lindsey Nowland to deliver their respective Student Speeches.

In her address, Dr. Nowland talked about the shared experiences that members of the DMD Class of 2016 have had over the past four years.

“We spent four years together, four years of growing, and learning, and exploring this beautiful city,” said Dr. Nowland. “We made lifelong friends. Some of you became married. A few even started families. And through all of the little moments that have defined our last four years—the day to day struggles, the occasional moments of doubt—here we stand today. Today we become doctors.”

A short video of Dr. Nowland’s speech can be found on Facebook.

Dr. Lama Sherpa spoke about the incredible influence that the love and support of family and friends has on dental students.

“The days are very long but, amazingly, looking back, the years have been short. Today is as much about gratitude as it is about celebration. I know that I only stand here today because of the love and support I received from family and friends,” said Dr. Lama Sherpa.

A short video of Dr. Lama Sherpa’s speech can be found on Facebook.

The Spencer N. Frankl Award for Excellence in Teaching was then presented during the ceremony by Dean Hutter to two recipients: Dr. Louis Brown and Dr. Barbara M. Schreiber. Dr. Brown serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry at GSDM. Dr. Schreiber serves as Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Biochemistry at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM).

The award honors Dean Spencer N. Frankl who, for more than 40 years—30 of which he served as Dean—provided the leadership and vision that shaped GSDM. Each year, this award recognizes faculty member(s) who have shown similar dedication to supporting the School’s mission.

To watch a piece of Dr. Schreiber’s and Dr. Brown’s speeches, click here and here.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Mina Paul, a GSDM alumnus and former faculty member, who is currently the Dental Director at the Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center in Boston, Massachusetts.

“The biggest lesson I learned,” said Dr. Paul speaking to the graduates about the wisdom gained over her career and specifically as a member and Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry, “is that we are our own regulators and are held to that standard. We are unusual—our profession is unusual; every day we are trusted by our own patients to critique our own work and uphold a standard of care which no one checks. That is scary and a huge responsibility, and very unusual among all professions.”

Dr. Paul told the graduates that they are “guardians” of the profession of dentistry.

“As guardians do not forget who will be following in your footsteps and that it is your duty and responsibility as graduates of Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine to make it a better place than when you left it, to give back, however much or little you can,” said Dr. Paul.

“Today you are now our guardians,” said Dr. Paul.  “Embrace the full breadth of all that this great profession has to offer you and you will find passion and fulfillment.”

To watch a piece of Dr. Paul’s speech click here.

DMD Class of 2016 President Dr. Nicolas Branshaw and AS Class of 2016 President Dr. Akram Sannaa then presented the 2016 Class Gift to Dean Hutter. The Class of 2016 reached 81 percent participation and a Class Gift totaling $3,195.

Dr. Joseph Calabrese, Assistant Dean of Students; Dr. Celeste Kong, Professor and Chair of the Department of General Dentistry; Dr. Michelle Henshaw, Associate Dean for Global & Population Health; Dr. Bing Liu, Alumni Association President and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of General Dentistry; and Dr. Carl McManama, Professor in the Department of General Dentistry, generously donated $1,520 in support of the DMD students’ share of the Class Gift.

Dr. Sepideh Novid, member of the GSDM Alumni Board and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry, generously gave $1,800 in support of the Advanced Standing DMD students’ share of the Class Gift.

Collectively, the Class Gift totaled $6,515.

“Words cannot describe the significance of this gift and what it means to me and our School’s future,” said Dean Hutter. “You have now set a precedent for future classes to emulate and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The 2016 pre and post-doctoral / post-graduate graduates each then made the momentous march across the stage to receive their diplomas, degrees, and Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS). Each of the students and residents were greeted on the stage by Dean Hutter who presented them with their much coveted degree.

Several GSDM alumni came on stage as well to present degrees and diplomas to their loved ones. Farah T. Khatoon DMD 14 presented a degree to her spouse, Mohammed M. Ahmed DMD 16; Shravan Kumar Renapurkar DMD 10 presented a degree to his spouse, Lavanya Tortiker DMD 16; Khamir Patel DMD 14 presented a degree to his spouse, Setu Choksi DMD 16; Rekha Hariawala DMD 96 presented a degree to her daughter, Mitali Hariawala DMD 16; Raymond George ORTHO 66 presented a degree to his granddaughter, Kelsey A. George DMD 16; Alanna I. Yip DMD 14, AEGD 15 presented a degree to her sister, Amanda W. Yip DMD 16; Grace Eunhye La DMD 10 presented a degree to her sister, Naomi Omi La DMD 16; Nathan A. Ng DMD 14 presented a degree to his sister, Jennifer A. Ng DMD 16; Steven Faigan AEGD, PERIO 93 presented a degree to his son, Zachary Loomer DMD 16; Ralph Hawkins ENDO 89 & Harold Goodis ENDO 63 presented a degree to Mohamed Jamal Ahmed ENDO 16. Hawkins and Goodis were Dr. Ahmed’s teachers; Mounir Doumit, Professor of Public Dental Health and Former Dean of Lebanese University School of Dentistry in Beirut, Lebanon presented a degree to Carmen Doumit ORTHO 16; Shereif Y. Zareif Tawfik PERIO 75 presented a degree to his son Yousri Z. Said Tawfik PERIO 16; Rayan Kafri DMD 08 ENDO 11 and Shayan Kafri DMD 12 presented a degree to their brother, Peyman Kafri DMD 16; Ravi Patel DMD 14 presented a degree to his spouse, Mansi Chokshi DMD 16; Nandini Malghan presented a degree to her sister, Tulsa Patil DMD 16; Jack Xu (presented a degree to his son, Zhe Xu DMD 16.

The following faculty members participated with Dean Hutter in the granting of degrees to GSDM’s pre-doctoral students: Dr. Stephen DuLong, Clinical Professor in the Department of General Dentistry; Dr. John Guarente, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of General Dentistry; Dr. Cataldo Leone, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Professor in the Department of Periodontology, and Professor in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology; Dr. Janet Peters, Faculty Liaison to the Advanced Standing Program and Clinical Professor in the Department of General Dentistry; and Ms. Catherine Sarkis, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy & Health Services Research.

The following faculty members participated with Dean Hutter in the granting of CAGS to GSDM’s post-doctoral residents: Dr. Woosung Sohn, Director of the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Dental Public Health and Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy & Health Services Research; Dr. Sami Chogle, Director of the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Endodontics and Associate Professor in the Department of Endodontics; Dr. Pushkar Mehra, Associate Dean for Hospital Affairs and Professor and Chair of the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery; Dr. Leslie Anne Will, Chair & Anthony A. Gianelly Professor in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics and Director of the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics; Dr. Athanasios Zavras, Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry; Dr. Serge Dibart, Professor and Chair of the Department of Periodontology and Director of the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Periodontology; Dr. David Levin, Professor and Chair of the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology; and Dr. Dan Nathanson, Professor and Chair of the Department of Restorative Sciences & Biomaterials.

Dr. DuLong announced each of the names of the students and residents receiving degrees and diplomas.

Following the 2016 Convocation Ceremony, a reception took place in a tent adjacent to the Walter Brown Arena during which the graduates, family, friends, faculty, and staff could pose for photos and congratulate each other on all they have achieved.

Photos from the 2016 Convocation Ceremony and the reception that followed are available on Facebook and Flickr.

(l-r) Dr. Donald F. Booth, Dr. David Lustbader, Dr. Thomas Kilgore, and Dr. Pushkar Mehra

The Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) hosted the Seventh Annual Donald F. Booth Education Day on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, in the Bakst Auditorium in Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM). The event honors Department Chair Emeritus Dr. Booth.

The guest speakers were Dr. Michael Miloro, Professor and Department Head of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, and Dr. Douglas Smail who is in private practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery in Troy, New York.  After breakfast and opening remarks from Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter, three feature presentations were the highlights of the morning session. Pushkar Mehra: “Challenges Facing an Academic OMS Department Today.” Dr. Michael Miloro: “Management of Trigeminal Nerve Injuries.” Dr. Douglas Smail: “Increasing Implant Referrals: Why you MUST use Digital Dentistry in your OMS Practice.”

After the morning session, the following third year oral and maxillofacial surgery residents presented their ongoing research projects: Layeeq Ahmed, OMFS 17: “Gingival Cancer-Trends in Incidence, Mortality and Survival Rate Among Different Age Groups and Ethnicities. A 35-Year SEER Analysis in the US Population.” Varun Arya, OMFS 17: “A Prospective Observational Study to Assess Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Orthognathic Surgery in Individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders.” Scott Goldberg, OMFS 17:  “Impact of Maxillomandibular Advancement on Health Related Functional Outcomes in OSA Patients.” Mikhail Kobakov, OMFS 17: “The Prevalence of Cervical Spine Injuries Associated with Maxillofacial Trauma in an Urban Level 1 Trauma Center.”

These presentations were followed by updates by all residents regarding their individual research projects. The final evening session involved a dinner in the GSDM cafeteria followed by combined Grand Rounds between the faculty and residents from all three Boston-based oral and maxillofacial surgery residency training programs: Boston University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Tufts University.

Photos from the Seventh Annual Donald F. Booth Education Day can be found on Facebook and Flickr.

Current first and second-year Endodontic Residents at the 2016 American Association of Endodontists Annual Session

Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) residents and alumni were a strong presence at the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) Annual Session, held April 6–9, 2016, in San Francisco.

On April 7, 2016, a total of 125 alumni from GSDM’s endodontic programs, as well as their family and friends, attended a special Alumni reception at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis.

At the reception, Dr. Sami Chogle, Director of the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Endodontics, welcomed all the attendees and introduced the 13 current endodontic residents. Dr. Chogle also sincerely thanked the alumni for their continued support, with a special thanks going to all of the alumni who helped donate the fund that was used to purchase a Sirona ORTHOPHOS XG 3D CBCT imaging machine. Read about that here.

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter spoke next about the crucial role that GSDM’s alumni have in the continued success of GSDM in working towards its goal of becoming the premier institution promoting excellence in dental education, research, oral healthcare, and community service in order to improve the overall health of the global population.

Dean Hutter was followed by Dr. Cheryl Ullman ENDO 80, President Elect of the GSDM Endodontic Alumni Association, who introduced Dr. Mark Desrosiers ENDO 06, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Endodontics as the new secretary; and Dr. Paul Bianchi ENDO 00 as the new treasurer of the GSDM Endodontic Alumni Association.

Clinical Instructor in the Department of Endodontics Dr. Iman Labib ENDO 01 updated everyone on the upcoming alumni meeting to be held in Boston from October 5-9, 2016.

After the speeches, the attendees and their families mingled with each other and the other alumni, catching up on friendships forged in GSDM’s endodontic program.

Several residents and faculty members also participated in the 2016 AAE Annual Session in a variety of ways.

Dr. Mohmaed Jamal Ahmed 16 was recognized at the 2016 AAE Annual Session General Assembly as a winner of an AAE/DENTSPY Resident Award.

Dr. Peter Morgan ENDO 75 was installed as the new president of the AAE Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of the AAE. The foundation works to provide resources to address needs and meet challenges in the field of endodontics.

Two GSDM Endodontic residents delivered oral presentations:

• Yousef Alnowailaty ENDO 17, “Influence of Surface Coatings on Cutting Efficiency of Nickel-Titanium rotary Endodontic Files in Artificial Canals.”
• Mohmaed Jamal Ahmed ENDO 16, “Directed Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into Endothelial and Neural Crest-Like Cells.”

Two former Endodontic residents delivered a poster presentation together.

• Ashraf Abd-Elmeguid ENDO 14 and Dr. Yarah Beddawi ENDO 13, “Obturation of the Accessory Root Canals: A clinical Descriptive Analysis.”

Also at the AAE Annual Session, Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter recognized Dr. Hongsheng Liu ENDO 12 and Dr. Michael Pauk ENDO 12 for having fulfilled all of their requirements to become  Board Certified specialists in the field of Endodontics by “pinning” on their American Board of Endodontics (ABE) Diplomate pin during the Louis I. Grossman American Board of Endodontics & American College of Endodontists Induction Ceremony.

“It is immensely gratifying to share what the program has achieved and exciting to be able to map our journey forward. As the Director of the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Endodontics, to see how so many of the alumni stepped up to fund the CBCT machine for the endodontic clinic and how on a monthly basis we have alumni requesting to be involved in the education of our residents has been a major source of encouragement.” Said Dr. Sami Chogle.

He continued, “The comradery between the alumni and the current residents is inspirational. For me, this also highlights the appreciation of my efforts and dedication to the program. I would like to give the current and future residents every opportunity to excel as part of the BU family. With our support and dedication to their success and our exceptional faculty, staff and alumni, building and sustaining this sense of achievement and community is a reality. I look forward to seeing all of you and a lot more at this year’s endodontic alumni meeting in Boston.”

Photos from the 2016 American Association of Endodontists Annual Session can be found on Facebook and Flickr.

GSDM’s Chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD)

The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) held its second-annual summer meeting at the home of GSDM AAWD faculty advisor Dr. Kady Rawal. Dr. Rawal is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences & Biomaterials.

At the annual summer meeting, events, outreach, budget, and goals are discussed by the GSDM AAWD Executive Committee, and the minutes of the meeting are shared with the rest of the members at the first official board meeting in August.

This was the second year that GSDM AAWD has held this meeting, which gives the newly elected Executive Committee an opportunity to brainstorm in an informal setting and gives Dr. Rawal a chance to learn more about the students’ plans for the chapter.

“It was a fruitful meeting,” said Dr. Rawal.  “The AAWD chapter at GSDM has very enthusiastic new leadership and they have some amazing plans for the upcoming year.”

Left to right: Mohammad Mourad, Sukhmandeep Bhandal, AS 17, Mohit Garge, AS 17, Ziad Al Hennawi, Luis Perez, DMD 18

On Saturday, June 11, 2016, six members of the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) community volunteered at the 2016 Father’s Family Fun Day, which took place at Harambee Park in Dorchester.

The mission of Father’s Family Fun Day is to highlight the importance of fatherhood by attempting to identify, engage, and support fathers’ relationships with their children, as research shows that the positive involvement of a father in a child’s life has long-term benefits.

The event is sponsored by the Boston Public Health Commission and the Family Nurturing Center, a Boston based organization that seeks to work with others to build nurturing communities where children are cherished, families are supported, and healthy human development is promoted.

GSDM volunteers were at the Father’s Family Fun Day from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. conducting dental screenings, providing oral health information, promoting positive oral health habits, and providing interactive age appropriate activities to all attendees.

“The volunteers from GSDM that attended the Father’s Family Fun Day provided oral health support to all the children and other members of local families, especially fathers,” said Oral Health Promotion Director Ms. Kathy Lituri. “I would like to thank all GSDM volunteers for their participation.”

“I am so pleased to see that GSDM students and faculty participated in the 2016 Father’s Family Fun Day,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “Giving back to the community is an important part of our mission and it is truly gratifying to know that our students are regularly engaged in our community.”

GSDM volunteers:

Mohammad Mourad, Clinical Instructor in the Department of Global & Population Health; Sukhmandeep Bhandal AS 17; Mohit Garge AS 17; Ziad Al Hennawi; and Luis Perez DMD 18.

Students Participate in White Coat Ceremony

On Saturday, July 9, 2016, a record number of friends and family members packed into Metcalf Hall in the BU Student Union at 4 p.m. to watch the members of the DMD Class of 2018 and AS Class of 2017 participate in the annual White Coat Ceremony, which marks the midway point of dental students’ education and celebrates their transition from the classroom to the patient treatment center.

After all the 850 students and attendees had taken their seats in Metcalf Hall, the White Coat Ceremony started off with a welcome from Assistant Dean of Students Dr. Joseph Calabrese and opening remarks from Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter.

“Family truly is the most important part of our lives and that your child, spouse, grandchild, mother or father, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew wanted you here with them today for this ceremony speaks volumes to me about our students and the core values that you as parents, siblings, relatives, children, and friends have instilled in them,” Dean Hutter told the students.

The keynote address followed Dean Hutter’s remarks and it was delivered by Ms. Carol Gomez Summerhays, President of the American Dental Association. After the keynote address, the two classes were presented to Dean Hutter by Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Cataldo Leone to signify the beginning of the ceremony.

The students approached the stage four-at-a-time to don their white coats, signifying an important transition in their educational and dental careers. While Dr. Stephen Dulong announced their names, Dr. Joseph Calabrese, Dr. John Guarente, Dr. Cataldo Leone, and Dr. Janet Peters assisted the students in donning their coats.   Dr. Bing Liu and Dr. Tina Valadez served as Marshalls for the Ceremony.  When all the students had their coats on, Dean Hutter, led the DMD Class of 2018 and AS Class of 2017 in reciting the Professional Oath.

Several students were then recognized with awards. The recipients of the Spencer N. Frankl Scholarships, American Dental Association (ADA) Foundation Scholarship, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dr. William S. Kramer Award of Excellence were announced.

The three Spencer N. Frankl Scholarships were awarded to Adela Brodek DMD 18; Mira Daljeet DMD 18; and Alicia Tavares DMD 18, while the ADA Foundation Scholarship was awarded to Adela Brodek DMD 18. The Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dr. William S. Kramer Award of Excellence was awarded to Lauren Lieberman DMD 18 by Dr. Summerhays and Dean Hutter.

Dean Hutter closed the ceremony with a few more remarks to the students and their families and friends.

“I know I speak for all our faculty, staff, students, residents and alumni in saying that we are extremely proud of what you have already accomplished and honored to have the opportunity to mentor, educate, train and provide support to you as you continue on your journey into our profession,” said Dean Hutter.

He continued, “To the family members and other guests who made the special trip here today, thank you and congratulations on raising such fine daughters, sons, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and having such a positive impact on their lives.”

All of the DMD 18 and AS 17 students, now that they officially have their white coats, will be tasked with managing the comprehensive oral health care of their patients, while providing them with needed treatment in the pre-doctoral Patient Treatment Center of GSDM.

Before the ceremony began, students, families, and friends were also invited to participate in special tours of GSDM. These tours provided attendees of the White Coat Ceremony an opportunity to see where the dental students are educated and provide oral healthcare to their patients. Dean Hutter and Dr. Calabrese greeted and took photos with the students, families, and friends on the front steps of the School prior to the tours.

Photos can be found on Facebook and Flickr.

DAY 1

Welcome to DMD 20 and AS DMD 18 Students with a Sweet Introduction to Campus

On Monday, July 25, incoming students were introduced to campus life at The Welcome Lunch. Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter welcomed the students and shared his thoughts with DMD 20 and AS DMD 18 students.

“You are here today because you have chosen dentistry as your career and you are enrolled at Boston University because you have worked very hard in achieving the credentials necessary for acceptance into what is considered one of the finest dental schools in the world. 

The commencement of your dental education at BU also has a special meaning as it occurs as our School enters its 54th year having been founded by Dr. Henry M. Goldman in 1963. GSDM is into the 4th year of a new era, which we declared during the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Founding of our School in 2013, in which we will truly achieve greatness as a School of Dental Medicine and realize our vision of becoming the premier Center of Excellence in Education, Research, Patient Care and Community Service within the United States and throughout the world.

You should be very proud of yourselves and your fellow students who are among a select few to be chosen to pursue their dental education at Boston University!  For those of you enrolled in the four-year Doctor of Dental Medicine Program, you were selected from among 4,000 applicants. For those of you enrolled in the Advanced Standing / Doctor of Dental Medicine Program, you were selected from among 1250 applicants.”

• At the 10th annual Ice Cream Social and Student Information Fair later that afternoon in the Hiebert Lounge, incoming students were able to create their own sundaes, socialize with faculty and staff, and visit various organizations and companies’ information booth.
• DMD 20 and AS DMD 18 students were particularly impressed with a special appearance from Rhett!
• GSDM’s chapter of the American Student Dental Association welcomed new students at Tia’s on the Waterfront later that evening for a party to celebrate their first week on campus.

View all photos from the Ice Cream Social on Facebook and Flickr.

DAY 2

Welcome to Dentistry!

• Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) welcomed new DMD and AS students to the world of dentistry.
  • MDS President, Raymond K. Martin, DDS, as well as Dr. Casey Jones, and ASDA Rep Asia Yip welcomed the students and discussed the importance of the student experience and why it’s integral to have such a strong organization of well-seasoned professionals in organized dentistry to provide the support and guidance needed for the students as they enter the dental profession.
• Office of Global & Population Health presented on Orientation Days of Service.
  • Michelle Henshaw, Associate Dean for Global & Population Health, and Erica Manczuk, Associate Director of Student Affairs, delivered a presentation on GSDM’s Orientation Days of Service program in which, this year, 202 students and 20 ambassadors will participate and volunteer their time at various community non-profit organization.
  • This year, Orientation Days of Service locations will include: Bikes Not Bombs, Community Servings, Pine Street Inn, Cradles to Crayons, ReVision Urban Farm, St. Francis House, More Than Words and multiple Haley House sites.
• Dean’s Receptions
  • Beginning on Tuesday, July 26, Dean and Mrs. Kathleen Hutter generously opened their home to the first two, of six receptions, for the new DMD 20 students as an opportunity for them to socialize, and most importantly, meet their faculty, staff and respective Group Practice Leaders (GPL).

View all photos from the Receptions on Facebook and Flickr.

DAY 3

Receptions Continue at the Dean and Mrs. Hutter’s Home

• On Wednesday, July 27, the Hutter’s welcomed the final two sets of DMD 20 students to their home for more socializing over small bites and drinks, and a chance to meet their Group Practice Leaders, faculty and staff.

View all photos from the Receptions on Facebook and Flickr.

DAY 4

Receptions, Tours, and Scrubs, Oh My!

Thursday, July 28 was a busy day for all students as they participated in campus tours, were fitted for scrubs, attended a welcome social in Fenway, and visited Dean Hutter’s home for a final reception for the AS DMD18 students.

• Led by their Orientation Ambassadors, DMD 20 and AS DMD 18 students toured the Boston University Medical Campus to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings in Boston’s South End neighborhood.
• DMD 20 students were fitted for their new scrubs that will be grey this year.
  • AS DMD 18 students were not yet fitted, but it has been decided that their scrubs will be teal (a very popular color this season!)
• In the evening, AS and DMD students attended two different parties!
  • The Hutter’s opened their home, again, to the two sets of new AS DMD 18 students to mingle, enjoy drinks and snacks, and meet faculty and staff members.
  • DMD 20 students attended a social at Cask & Flagon in Fenway to mingle with fellow students, faculty and staff, and enjoy food and drinks.

View all photos from the Receptions on Facebook and Flickr.

DAY 5

The Professional Ceremony

On Friday, July 29 at 11 a.m., the GSDM community gathered together on the Talbot Green to take part in the 2016 Professional Ceremony where DMD 20 and AS DMD 18 students from the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine along with family and friends marked the end of their first week of orientation and one of the most significant events in their educational careers.

WELCOME
Joseph Calabrese, DMD, Assistant Dean of Students welcomed incoming DMD and AS DMD students.

OPENING REMARKS
Jeffrey W. Hutter, Dean, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and Provost of the BU Medical Campus and Dean of the BU School of Medicine Karen H. Antman, MD shared their opening remarks to the incoming students. Dean Hutter shared the following thoughts:

“It is indeed a special honor for me to address you today as members of the Doctor of Dental Medicine Class of 2020 and the Advanced Standing / Doctor of Dental Medicine Class of 2018.

At Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, we are committed, in spirit and in action, to providing an outstanding education to dental professionals throughout their careers.

As the newest members of the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine community, you now have access to world class instruction delivered by a faculty of more than 325 educators, clinicians, and researchers and an outstanding staff, second to none, which is dedicated to supporting you during your tenure at the School.

You are now a member of the Boston University community and will gain the benefit of an outstanding dental education; a collegial, respectful and supportive environment; and a vast network of Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine alumni.”  

KEYNOTE ADDRESS
The keynote address was delivered by Bing Liu, DMD, DSc; President of the GSDM Alumni Association.  Dr. Liu gave an inspirational address to the incoming DMD 20 and AS DMD 18 class, reflecting on his own challenges and experiences at GSDM 20 years ago.  His parting advice to students to embrace challenges and form life-long relationships with fellow classmates resonated with all who attended the Professional Ceremony.

PRESENTATION OF STUDENTS
Catherine S. Sarkis, JD, MBA, Assistant Dean for Admissions presented the entering DMD Class of 2020 and AS DMD Class of 2018 to Dean Hutter.

PRESENTATION OF PINS
Joseph Calabrese, DMD
Assistant Dean of Students

Stephen Dulong, DMD
Associate Professor, Department of General Dentistry

Larry Dunham, DMD
Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs

John Guarente, DMD
Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs

Cataldo Leone, DMD, DSc
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Janet Peters, DMD
Faculty Liaison, Advanced Standing Program

Catherine S. Sarkis, JD, MBA
Assistant Dean for Admissions

Bing Liu, DMD, DSc
President of GSDM Alumni Association

Karen Antman, MD
Provost of BU Medical Campus, Dean of BU School of Medicine

Jeffrey Hutter, DMD, MEd
Dean, GSDM School of Dental Medicine

READING OF THE OATH
Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter lead the students in the recitation of their Professional Oath which reads as follows:

Now being admitted to the profession of dentistry, I pledge myself to the service of humanity,
my patients, my community, and my profession.
I will use my skills to serve all in need, with openness of spirit and without bias.
The health and well being of my patients will be my first consideration.
I will hold in confidence all that my patients entrust to me.
I will not subordinate the dignity of any person to monetary, scientific, or political ends.
I recognize that I have responsibilities to my community to promote its welfare and to
speak out against injustice.
The high regard of my profession is born of society’s trust in its practitioners;
I will strive to merit that trust.
I will conduct myself with the highest ethical and professional behavior in the classroom, the clinic,
and in all areas of my life.
I will promote the integrity of the profession with honest and respectful relations with other health professionals.
I will strive to advance my profession by seeking new knowledge and by re-examining the idea and practices of the past.
I assume these responsibilities knowing that their fulfillment relies on my own good health.
I ask that my colleagues be attentive to my well being, as I will be to theirs.
I will seek to improve my practice by maintaining my skills and addressing my mistakes.
I take this oath freely and upon my honor.

CLOSING REMARKS
Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine provided the closing remarks.

“Doctor of Dental Medicine Class of 2020 and Advanced Standing Doctor of Dental Medicine Class of 2018, you have now officially joined the extended community of dental and oral healthcare professionals.

You have gained colleagues, here at the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, the Medical Campus, the University, and in the profession at large, who share your passion for scientific inquiry, clinical excellence, the ethical and professional practice of health care, and socially responsible community minded practice.

You join this profession at an exciting time.  Always a dynamic profession, dentistry today is on the cutting edge of health care research and technology.

Again, I congratulate you on joining the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and the dental profession and welcome you to Boston University.”

CLOSING REMARKS
“My wife Kathleen and I along with our faculty and staff invite you all to join us for a celebratory reception.  Please enjoy yourselves with your family and friends and feel very proud of the path you have chosen at the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.”

MARSHALLS
Charilaos Asikis, DDS, CAGS, FICD, FIADFE
Group Practice Leader of Group #4, Pre-doctoral Patient Treatment Center

Tina Valades, DMD
Past President, GSDM Alumni Association

View all photos from the Ceremony on Facebook and Flickr.

Congratulations to the DMD Class of 2020 and the AS Class of 2018!

Abdullah Abdelaziz, Naveen Admala, Shilpa Admala, Chetan Agarwal, Shobhit Agarwal, Alexandro Ahmar, Ahad Ahmed, Zohaib Ahmed, Ruchi Ahuja, Vinti Ahuja, Hamza Al Atassi, Omar Adbulrazaq Al-Ani, Safa Alathari, Mahmoud Al-Dajani, Jonathan Alihosseini, Shahil Amin, Yimar Angell, Gaggandeep Atwal, Tarhyn Auger, Karanbeer Aulakh, Selene Ayuso Mayz, Arifa Bakerywala, Andrew Beshay, Allison Billingsley, Stephanie Bont, Marisa Borchardt, Mariana Braga, Ashley Brede, Ashley Brumell, Laura Callan, Robert Cardales-Stearns, Candida Casado, Jaime Casado, Garrett Charette, Priya Cheruvathur, Anusha Chintala, Kasra Dabeshlim, Scott Brendan Daigle, Safa Dalwai, Dhruv Dang, Rosemary Davis, Laura Daza, Ariana dela Cruz, Dennis Dermody, Nidhi Desai, Jayalakshmi Donadula, William Dowling, Hosen Elabdola, Seyede Mahdieh Eshaghi, Kesleigh Eysie, Francesca Failla, Sally Farag, Izzy Fayerman, Oleksandr Fedorenko, Melissa Ferguson, Christian Ford, Anthony Francis, George Galileos, Michael Gallucci, Nidhi Ganatra, Tina K Gendeh, Patrick Gibney, Rebecca Gollub, Christopher Gordon, Muskan Gupta, Dhruva Gurjar, Kerin Gustafson, Hilury Ha, Joseph Hannawi, Haley Harris, Nedda Hifeda, Benjamin Hobaica, Xiaopeng Hu, Zehra Husain, Syed Hussain, Elias Iiyas, Mohamed Ilshahuome, Joshua Insco, J. Scott Jarvela, Mohit Jethani, Carolynn Jewell, Aimee Joyce, Christiana Joyce, Neha Juneja, Hazeka Fatemah Kadri, Jeremy Kamari, Uditi Kapoor, Husam Karzoun, Baljeet Kaur, Amanda Kempainen, Nabeel Khan, Hee-Keun Kim, Sophia Kim, Timothy Kim, Srujana Kraleti, Kevin Kramer, Dennis Kulka, Ray Kuo, Ilya Kvartin, Caixia Lan, Miranda Lee, Youn Ju Lee, Madison Lemmo, Kerry Leonard, Brian Levy, David Levy, Gary Li, Yan Liang, Benjamin Longo, Brandon Lum, Melanie Ma, Anil Kumar Madan, Rashil Madan, Yumi Maeda, Kushbu Malhotra, Chandrika Mallavarapu, Ohan Manoukian, Ana Mateo, Shawn Mathew, Stephanie McCarthy, Hilary McFadden, Arpit Mehta, Faraz Nabi Memon, Ivan Mendoza, Kellie Michaels, Marina Mikael, Padideh Mohammad Alizadeh Chafjiri, Islam Moheisen, Tehani Monrazel, Mackenson Montas, Juan Mora, Miguel Moreno, Hajra Mujtaba, Rupinder Kaur Multani, Haitem Naas, Deepak Nainal, Lucia Najera Bonilla, Daniel Nayebi, Gregory Nielsen, Marjorie Nisenholtz, Jordan Nosis, Chikaodili Obidike, Gokhan Ozdener, Taylor Paek, Larissa Paganini, Anisha Pandya, Gunjanbhai Patel, Kinjalkumar Patel, Maulikkumar Natubhai Patel, Neel Patel, Niral Patel, Shivam Patel, Arya Amol Pathak, Eugene Peng, David Persky, Alina Ploaie, Aldo Profka, Sumit Puri, Benjamin Ramey, Erika Ramos, Shreyas Rana, Sukhpreet Rana, Reynaldo Riboul, Sierra Rubin, Keenan Sandouk, Bernard Sarki, Danny Sarkis, Hirwa Shah, Nikhar Shah, Ashu Sharma, Namrata Sharma, Ritu Sharma, Shuang Shi, Sang-ook Shin, Kent Shirai, Nikhil Sibal, Pamela Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Hannah Slavin, Joseph Somboonthum, Marissa Stein, Parham Tabar, Yangfan Tabesh, Pujitha Talasila, Kevin Truong, Cristian Tudor, Troy Vagianelis, Enkelejda Veizaj, Anchita Venkatesh, Dawn Vinoi, Jinal Vora, Jia Hui Wang, Weihao Wang, Yunzheng Wang, Christopher Webb, Alex Wolbrom, Hannah Wong, Jordan Yee, Shelbi Young, Daniel Zimmerman, Kushal Zinzuvadia

Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Athanasios Zavras

The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) is proud to announce the opening of its new Pediatric Oral Healthcare Center. In support of a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA, HHS) grant from the federal government, the Center will serve children and patients with special needs by providing compassionate care using an innovative, collaborative approach to oral healthcare.

“The entire GSDM community is tremendously proud and excited about the opening of the Pediatric Oral Health Care Center to our School, Medical Campus, and University,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “Dr. Zavras, his colleagues and residents will do a superb job treating the children of Boston.”

The Center will be one of the first to employ a transformative, team-based pediatric dental practice. Teams of healthcare professionals committed to serving children will work together to examine and treat patients, especially those with complex problems. Using their broad expertise, the group will create a navigation plan and comprehensive assessment of what the holistic needs of that child are, and then execute that plan.

“We believe that in the future, healthcare is going to be delivered in teams,” said Dr. Athanasios Zavras, Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at GSDM. “There is a large body of evidence that shows that the collaborative approach is more efficient and more effective. It provides continuity of care.”

The Center will employ a variety of cutting-edge technologies that better serve both the patient and the doctor. Soft tissue surgeries will be performed with minimal discomfort and a faster healing process using an innovative CO2 laser. The dentists can also map children’s airways using a new apparatus that uses sound (rather than x-rays), eliminating unnecessary radiation exposure. Finally, a new project has been launched to reengineer the patient treatment room to create a more child-friendly environment.

With many wonderful healthcare facilities and infrastructures located throughout Boston, the Pediatric Oral Health Care Center aims to satisfy an unmet need in the community, as well as enhance the experience of our students. “GSDM is located in a part of town where many children do not have the resources to seek appropriate care,” said Dr. Zavras, “and we hope that this new child-friendly clinic, with its new technologies, will attract children to visit the dentist as well as stimulate our residents and students to be excited about pediatric dentistry.”

Located on the first floor of GSDM, the Pediatric Oral Health Care Center will hold its opening on Friday, September 30 at 12 p.m.

Dr. Porshe Jumlongras with pediatric patient. Click here to view “Hope: Mary’s Story”

On June 1, 2016, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry welcomed Dr. Porsche Jumlongras to its team as a Clinical Assistant Professor, as well as the Director of the new Pediatric Oral Healthcare Center.

In her position as Clinical Assistant Professor, Dr. Jumlongras will be the course director for craniofacial growth and development for pediatric dental residents. Additionally, Dr. Jumlongras will oversee daily operations of the Pediatric Oral Healthcare Center as well as residents and pre-doc students working in the Center, and will also provide clinical care to patients.

Dr. Jumlongras has been instrumental in the creation of a new series of patient success story videos highlighting the amazing work of our pediatric dentistry department. She worked directly with these children with special cases, ensuring they received high-quality, compassionate care. “It is a great experience in terms of building a story to tell publicly as well as to professionals about our new clinic,” said Dr. Jumlongras. “The story from the point of view of the patient and her/his family, and looking at the emotional well-being of the patient is very important.”

Dr. Jumlongras holds a DDS from Mahidol University in Thailand. She completed her Certificate in Graduate Study in Pediatric Dentistry at Tufts University Schol of Dental Medicine, and received her Ph.D. in Biological Science in Dental Medicine from Harvard University. Dr. Jumlongras completed her post-doctoral training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Prior to coming to GSDM, she worked as an instructor, and pediatric dentist at Harvard University  School of Dental Medicine for seven years.

President of the MSA, Amr Aly DMD 17, speaks at the Eid Al – Adha Dinner

On Tuesday, September 20, 2016, some 70 members of both the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) and Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) communities gathered together for a special Eid Dinner. The event was sponsored and hosted by the Muslim Student Association (MSA) in the Hiebert Lounge at BUSM.

This Eid Dinner was held to celebrate Eid Al-Adha, which means “Celebration of Sacrifice.” This also coincided with the conclusion of Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca expected of all Muslims at some point in their lives. The feast was catered by Black Seed Café, and featured traditional Middle Eastern dishes of Chicken, Rice, Hummus, and everyone’s favorite dessert, Kunafa.

The spectacular view of the Boston skyline from the Hiebert Lounge

Dr. Sami Chogle, Director of the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Endodontics and faculty advisor of the GSDM MSA kicked off the event by welcoming all the guests and introducing the organization. He then handed it off to MSA President, Amr Aly DMD 17, who explained the meaning of Eid and discussed the significance of our understanding of and respect for different cultures and backgrounds.

“Eid is a moment of celebration, so our ultimate goal with these events is to bring our community together – both Muslims and non-Muslims – as a moment of mutual understanding and respect,” said Aly, “It is an awesome opportunity to celebrate and learn about one another.”

Dr. Sami Chogle, Director of the Department of Endodontics and faculty advisor of the MSA

The MSA was reorganized by Aly approximately four years ago, his first year at GSDM. The group is active both on and off campus; they host celebrations of Muslim holidays such as Ramadan and both Eids, as well as perform community outreach. The MSA provides dental screenings throughout the year, with upcoming events in October and December. Aly and the MSA work closely with Oral Health Promotion Director Kathy Lituri and the GSDM Office of Global and Population Health to help serve the underserved in Boston and surrounding communities.

Photos from the Eid-al-Adha Dinner can be found on HERE.

Members of ASDA at Dr. Joe Calabrese’s home for the annual board retreat

On Saturday, September 10, 2016, the annual American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Board Retreat was held at Dr. Joe Calabrese’s home. The committee and Dr. Calabrese and his wife Michele, were joined by Drs. Tina Valades, Bing Liu and Hesham Nouh.

“During this retreat, our organization hashed out the events we plan to host this year and brainstormed for new ideas to implement within our chapter. We were spoiled with excellent food (all prepared by Mrs. Calabrese), some friendly competition in bocce ball, and even enjoyed smores as prepared by bonfire,” said Monica Schmidt, DMD 17, and President/First Delegate of ASDA. “It is events like this that allow our chapter to spin all of our wheels in tandem and implement change not only within our school, but within our profession.”

Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) has a very active ASDA chapter, with over 40 students on their board. Every dental student at the GSDM, both DMD and AS, is a member of our ASDA chapter. Nationally, more than 84 percent of all DMD students join ASDA at their respective institutions.

The ASDA chapter at GSDM is made up of twelve committees; advocacy, community outreach, dental education, diversity and inclusion, ethics and professionalism, fundraising, health and wellness, lunch n’ learn, the newsletter, public relations, pre-dental, and social. The purpose of the retreat is for each committee to lay out their plans and goals for the upcoming academic year.

“The annual ASDA Fall retreat is a great way for the students to collaborate and share all of their thoughts and ideas from all of the committees, said Dr. Joe Calabrese, Dean of Students and the faculty advisor of ASDA. “My wife Michele and I look forward to hosting the meeting and the BBQ every year.”

The mission of ASDA, a nation-wide organization, is to protect and advance the rights, interests, and welfare of students pursuing careers in dentistry. It represents students with a unified voice and provides information, education, advocacy, and services. The association introduces lifelong involvement in organized dentistry, and promotes change for the betterment of the profession.