Embracing Challenges, Celebrating Successes: Annual GSDM Professional Ceremony Welcomes DMD 28 and DMD AS 26 Classes
Check out our Professional Ceremony 2024 album on Flickr to see more photos.
The temperature in Boston on Friday, August 2, soared above 90 degrees, but that didn’t prevent the newest members of the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine community from celebrating the official start of their dental educational journey during this year’s Professional Ceremony.
During the ceremony, students from the Doctor of Dental Medicine Class of 2028 and the Doctor of Dental Medicine Advanced Standing Class of 2026 recited the professional oath for the first time and received a Boston University pin to commemorate their entry into the school. The annual ceremony is the culminating event of the school’s predoctoral matriculation week, which introduces new students to GSDM and sets them up for a successful academic experience.
In his opening remarks, GSDM Dean Cataldo Leone said the incoming classes are an “impressive” cohort with strong academic credentials and prior life experiences.
Students in the DMD Class of 2028 come from six countries, including the United States, and from 24 states. Almost a third of the DMD Class of 2028 are first generation college students. Students in the DMD AS Class of 2025 come from 30 different countries, including the U.S. The average age at application for the DMD AS students was 34 years, which, Leone noted, signals the time they have already devoted to a dental career.
“You have done very well in your educational careers to date and passed a rigorous admissions process, during which thousands of applications from highly qualified individuals are reviewed,” Leone said. “Only one out of 20 applicants actually make it to the seats you are now in. That means you are the most highly qualified among the highly qualified. Congratulations!”
Dr. Calabrese, GSDM associate dean of students, said the incoming students set a record for being the most engaged group during GSDM’s Predoctoral Matriculation Week. He said that he hopes to see this early enthusiasm remain throughout the academic year.
“I wish you all my heartfelt congratulations on your matriculation and the best of success in your journey through your dental education at the Goldman School of Dental Medicine,” Calabrese said.
Dr. Karen Antman, Boston University Medical Campus provost and Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine dean, welcomed the students and their loved ones to Boston, the Boston University Medical Campus, and the study of dental medicine. She said GSDM is an integral institution of the Boston University Medical Campus, collaborating closely with the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and School of Public Health.
“We have about 4,000 faculty and about 4,000 students in the schools of Dental Medicine, Medicine and Public Health. That’s a one-to-one ratio, so there’s lots of people to help you along,” Antman said. That doesn’t mean that it’s going to be easy. If it was easy, anybody could do it. Dental medicine is a very exact discipline, but you’ll have plenty of places to go if you need help and please ask for help if you do.”
Dr. Christine Chiao, GSDM clinical assistant professor of pediatric dentistry, delivered this year’s keynote address. Chiao has been a member of the GSDM community since 2015—first as a student, then a postdoctoral resident, and currently as a faculty member. Chiao is a quintuple Terrier, holding an undergraduate degree Master of Public Health, a DMD, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Dental Public Health, and a second CAGS in Pediatric Dentistry, all from Boston University.
Chiao told the students that they are entering the field of dentistry at a time of “remarkable change” in the midst of a rapid evolution in healthcare delivery, technology, and artificial intelligence. These innovations will heavily influence the next generation of dentists, including those in the crowd, she said. Chiao urged the students to approach these changes with curiosity, adaptability, and tenacity.
“As you start this new chapter, remember that you are joining a community of passionate and dedicated professionals who are here to support you,” Chiao said. “While you are here, embrace the challenges and celebrate the successes. Be thoughtful, be engaged, [and] make the most of every day here.”
In Leone’s closing remarks, he said success in any professional school–including dental school–requires commitment, diligence, and hard work. He added that he and his fellow GSDM faculty have grand expectations of the incoming students and are eager to begin a promising academic year.
“Whether you realize it or not, you have entered into a contractual relationship,” Leone said. “The faculty pledge to teach you all that they must, and you are pledging to learn all that you can, all in a collegial, respectful, and supportive environment. Let’s go on this incredible journey together.”
For photos from the event, see our Professional Ceremony 2024 Flickr album.
Want to know more about Predoctoral Matriculation Week? Check out our “Sights and Sounds: GSDM Predoctoral Matriculation Week 2024” photo essay and our “’Behind the Scenes’” of Predoctoral Matriculation Week” article with Erica Stocks, GSDM student affairs director.