Parting Wisdom from GSDM Faculty, Staff, and Alumni for the Class of 2026
We asked GSDM faculty, staff, and alumni to share inspirational advice to the Class of 2026.
The Stories They Wear: Four Graduates and their 2026 Commencement Sentimental Statement Pieces
Every GSDM graduate wears similar caps and gowns on their commencement day. But some members of the Class of 2026 are adding a personalized touch to their regalia to make their mark on the momentous occasion. We spoke to four graduates about their fashion choices and the deeper meaning behind them.
Commencement Spotlight: Mother-and-Son Student Duo Reflect on Two-Year Journey
When Fatema Abdo DMD AS 26 matriculated at GSDM two years ago, she joined her son, Mohamed Hussein DMD 26, who was part-way through his own dental education. This month, the mother-and-son duo will reach the finish line together as GSDM graduates.
Tooth Talk: Q&A with Lesly Joseph DMD AS 27
For the next “Tooth Talk,” we spoke with Lesly Joseph DMD AS 27. He discussed when a dental extraction led him to becoming a dentist, the Haitian dental field, and how he balances being a DMD AS student and GSDM graduate research assistant.
Student Spotlight: Two DMD Students Selected for 2026 ADEA Student Leaders for Social Change Program
Mary Catherine Carroll DMD 27 and MarKee Weaver DMD 27 were accepted into the 2026 American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Student Leaders for Social Change program beginning in March.
Dental Adventures Abroad: 2025 International Externship Exchange Program Students Share Their Worldly Experiences
Fifteen students from the DMD Class of 2026 traveled across the globe to gain international dental perspectives during the 2025 GSDM International Externship Exchange Program. Through this program, GSDM has partnerships with four international dental schools: Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University, England’s University of Manchester, India’s Manipal College of Dental Sciences & Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, and China’s Peking University School of Stomatology.
Student Spotlight: Mya Leonardo DMD 29 and Matt Foshay DMD 29 Win 2026 ASDA District 1 Debate
Mya Leonardo DMD 29 and Matt Foshay DMD 29 won first place representing GSDM at the 17th Annual Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) and the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) District 1 Student Debate during the 2026 Yankee Dental Congress.
The Reimagined GSDM at Yankee Experience: 2026 Yankee Dental Congress Round-Up
Members of the GSDM community received numerous honors, learned from dental industry leaders, and reconnected with friends, colleagues, and fellow alumni at this year’s Yankee Dental Congress, held in late January at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center.
Student Spotlight: Two GSDM Student Submissions Win National Oral Health Literacy Video Contest
GSDM students won both second and third place in the 2025 American Dental Association and the National Advisory Committee Oral Health Literacy in Dentistry Video Contest.
Tooth Talk: Q&A with Ali Hadian PERIO 28
For the next “Tooth Talk,” we spoke with Ali Hadian PERIO 28. He discussed moving to the United States from Iran just before the COVID-19 pandemic and his switch from endodontology to periodontology.