Sights and Sounds: GSDM Predoctoral Matriculation Week 2026
GSDM welcomed students in the DMD Class of 2030 and DMD Advanced Standing Class of 2028 during the 2026 Predoctoral Matriculation Week from Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31.
Students jumped into a full week of lectures and activities designed to prepare them for a successful dental school journey. Here are a few “sights and sounds” from the week.
(Photos taken by Dan Bomba, GSDM or Dave Green.)
Monday, July 27 – Day 1
The DMD Class of 2030 and DMD AS Class of 2028 arrived to the Boston University Medical Campus early Monday morning, eager to start their programs. After checking in, the students were greeted with a welcome speech from Dean Cataldo Leone, an introductory presentation from Student Affairs, and various lectures from key GSDM faculty and staff. The busy day ended with “The Scoop,” the GSDM Student Life Fair, where students ate ice cream while learning about student organizations/clubs, and exploring campus resources.
“I firmly believe that what sets us apart from other schools is our learning environment that actively seeks to be safe, supportive, and respectful. Our culture centers around helping ourselves and each other achieve our mutual goals.”
Dean Cataldo Leone
Tuesday, July 28 – Day 2
The two classes spent most of the day being fitted for quintessential dental equipment–loupes (dental magnifying glasses), white coat, and reusable gowns for the Simulation Learning Center.
The DMD Class of 2030 also went on campus tours and attended lectures on compliance and quality and global and population health. The DMD AS Class of 2028 began their instrument kit pick-up in the Simulation Learning Center, seeing the tools and the pre-clinical educational space for the first time.
“When we share our time, expertise and balance, we can also help solve problems both here in the community, strengthen the communities, improve the lives, the overall health of our patients in the community, connect with others, build and foster relationships, and transform our own lives.”
Dr. Joseph Calabrese, associate dean of students
Wednesday, July 29 – Day 3
The DMD Class of 2030 attended a panel discussion with first-year course directors moderated by Dr. Gail McCausland, GSDM associate dean for academic affairs.
The DMD Class of 2030 also received their instrument kits in the Simulation Learning Center. Meanwhile, the DMD AS Class of 2028 went on campus tours and attended a variety of lectures covering academic essentials.
Despite the rain, a handful of students participated in the first university-wide Student Wellbeing Terrier Pursuit Scavenger Hunt. The activity encouraged new students to work through clues to find Boston landmarks. A team of DMD AS Class of 2028 students (Ozoda Aripova, Alona Orekhova, Happy Shah, Shivani Patel, Yanhong Huan, and Lana Velikava) were one of the winning teams after successfully visiting all 10 sites.
“Our philosophy is that the most important way of learning is to take control of your own education.”
Dr. William Lehman, professor and vice chair of pharmacology, physiology & biophysics
“The idea of this curriculum is to help you in your practice to think about what is actually happening under the tools that you’re using on the patients that you’ll be serving.”
Dr. Jamie McKnight, associate professor of pharmacology, physiology & biophysics
Thursday, July 30 – Day 4
Both classes attended student wellbeing workshops led Beverly Chen, wellbeing education and training director, and Pedro Falci, managing director, both from BU Student Wellbeing. Chen and Falci discussed resources and practical strategies to support the students’ health, school-life balance, and success throughout their programs.
Five current DMD students—Hassan Hamede DMD 29, Yousef Al Naseri DMD 29, Victoria Pinarreta DMD 29, Bianca Mango DMD 28, and Suleman Shaikh DMD 27—spoke during a student panel about the challenges, accomplishments, and growth they have experienced in their time at GSDM. Arnel Agas DMD 28 acted as a moderator.
Both classes unwound at the end of the day by mingling on Talbot Green during the Dean’s reception.
“Surrounding yourself with the right people, whether that’s a friend group or getting involved on campus is a success.”
Victoria Pinarreta DMD 29
“The community here is honestly amazing. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to be involved on campus and I think that was my biggest success. I got involved in campus and [now] I’m here talking to a bunch of D1s that are getting ready to start their own journey.”
Yousef Al Naseri DMD 29
Friday, July 31 – Day 5
The day began with official class photos and the GSDM “Letters to Future DMD” tradition in which students write letters to their future selves to read in the days leading up to their commencement ceremonies.
Then, the two classes were formally welcomed to GSDM and the field of dentistry during the school’s annual Professional Ceremony. After all the students received their Boston University pins and recited the professional oath for the first time, the students celebrated with their loved ones, new classmates, and GSDM faculty/staff during the outdoor Professional Ceremony reception.
