{"id":64699,"date":"2026-05-11T10:40:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T14:40:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/?p=64699"},"modified":"2026-05-12T09:56:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T13:56:43","slug":"news-2026-commencement-advice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/2026\/05\/11\/news-2026-commencement-advice\/","title":{"rendered":"Parting Wisdom from GSDM Faculty, Staff, and Alumni for the Class of 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Successfully completing a dental degree is an extraordinary feat<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>that should not be viewed lightly.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>But the learn<\/span>ing\u00a0<\/span><\/span>doesn\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>stop on graduation day: Oral healthcare professionals embrace\u00a0<\/span><\/span>a<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>lifetime<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>commitment<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>learning and growing.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>We asked\u00a0<\/span><\/span>GSDM<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>faculty, staff, and alumni to share\u00a0<\/span><\/span>inspiration<\/span>al\u00a0<\/span><\/span>advice\u00a0<\/span><\/span>to<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Class of<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>2026<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Here\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>what they had to say.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Meredith Bailey,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>clinical assistant professor of general dentistry and director of education support & performance evaluation<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are stepping into a rewarding profession full of possibility at an incredibly exciting time. There are many paths ahead, more than you can even see right now. Stay curious, take advantage of opportunities as they come, and trust that you are well prepared to make a meaningful impact. It has been a privilege to be part of your journey.<\/span>\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Emma Paolella DMD 25<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMore often than not, patients will remember you by your kindness. Good service is never forgotten. Be an attentive listener and keep your focus on doing right\u00a0<\/span>by<\/span>\u00a0your patients. Give them your best efforts, keep your ethics about you,\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>go<\/span>\u00a0get<\/span>\u00a0\u2018<\/span>em<\/span>.\u201d<\/span> <\/span> <\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Vikki Noonan,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>clinical professor of oral & maxillofacial pathology and director of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>D<\/span>ivision of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>O<\/span>ral &\u00a0<\/span><\/span>M<\/span>axillofacial\u00a0<\/span><\/span>P<\/span>athology<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAs you begin your profession, remember that every lesion has a story and that every patient carries context behind the clinical presentation. Slow down, describe what you see, and never ignore a red, white, ulcerated, or persistent change. Biopsy early, communicate clearly, and document thoroughly. Trust patterns but respect the outliers–they teach us the most. Maintain and build relationships with oral pathologists; we are here to provide support throughout your career and are partners in diagnosis, not the last step. Lead with curiosity, humility, and compassion. Stay teachable, stay kind, and never stop looking closely.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Alma Jori,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>treatment center coordinator<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Today, your formal education ends, but your greatest adventure<\/span>\u2014<\/span>life<\/span>\u2014<\/span>truly<\/span>\u00a0begins. Filled with challenges and endless possibilities, the future is yours to shape. You are remarkable,\u00a0<\/span>talented<\/span>\u00a0and full of potential. Never let anyone convince you otherwise. Dream boldly of the stars, then roll up your sleeves and work relentlessly to reach them. Stay true to your values, lead with kindness, and\u00a0<\/span>treat<\/span>\u00a0others with the respect you wish to receive. Hold your heroes to the highest standards and strive to become your own. The world needs your light.\u00a0<\/span>Go shine<\/span>\u00a0brightly.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Cristina Lino DMD AS 24 PROS\u00a0<\/span><\/span>28<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations\u00a0<\/span>on<\/span>\u00a0achieving this milestone! Remind yourself every day why you choose this profession and make the best of it. Be the best dentist you can be for your patients and remember to stay updated with the\u00a0<\/span>literature,<\/span>\u00a0this is just the beginning!<\/span>\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dr.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Reem Al\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Shaltoni<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>PROS 23<\/span>, clinical assistant professor of restorative sciences & biomaterials<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAs you step into the next chapter of your career, remember that excellence is not defined by perfection, but by consistency, integrity, and a commitment to growth. Stay curious, embrace challenges, and never underestimate the value of collaboration and mentorship. The knowledge and skills\u00a0<\/span>you\u2019ve<\/span>\u00a0gained are only the foundation; your impact will be shaped by how you apply them with compassion and purpose. Be confident in your\u00a0<\/span>training, yet<\/span>\u00a0humble enough to keep learning. Most importantly, take care of yourself along the way. A sustainable career is built not only on achievement, but on balance, resilience, and meaningful connections.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Janine Boudrot,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>treatment center manager<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDear Graduates, as you\u00a0<\/span>enter into<\/span>\u00a0the next chapter of your\u00a0<\/span>journey<\/span>\u00a0the most valuable things you leave with are the relationships\u00a0<\/span>you’ve<\/span>\u00a0built. Stay connected with your classmates and\u00a0<\/span>mentors,<\/span>\u00a0they will become your support system and your sounding board. Lean on them and grow alongside them. Dentistry is a lifelong journey that is not just about skill, the people that you surround yourself with and work with can\u00a0<\/span>greatly impact<\/span>\u00a0the trajectory of your career. Having a network makes\u00a0<\/span>all of<\/span>\u00a0the difference. Your community will always be one of your biggest strengths. These relationships will not only support you\u00a0<\/span>professionally, but<\/span>\u00a0will ground you during challenging moments and celebrate with you during your success.\u201d<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jayesh Patel<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>SAR 12<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>DMD 18,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>clinical assistant professor of general dentistry<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAs you transition to practice, remember dentistry is about people. Cultivate an empathetic chairside manner to build lasting trust.\u00a0<\/span>Above all, practice<\/span>\u00a0ethically; prioritize\u00a0<\/span>appropriate treatment<\/span>\u00a0over financial gain, as your integrity is your most\u00a0<\/span>valuable asset<\/span>. Clinically, focus on accuracy over speed and commit to lifelong learning. Crucially, protect your physical and mental well-being to prevent burnout. Your license\u00a0<\/span>represents<\/span> a hard-won victory. Maintaining it and elevating our profession to the highest standards is the lifelong mission you now share with thousands of colleagues. Treat the whole patient, lean on your peers, and celebrate your success.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

To read our full commencement coverage, please visit\u00a0our\u00a0<\/span><\/i>Commencement 2026 page.<\/span><\/i><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By Rachel Grace Philipson<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We asked GSDM faculty, staff, and alumni to share inspirational advice to the Class of 2026. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21998,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[13911,13840,13890,13839,13894,13891],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64699"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21998"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=64699"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64699\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":64703,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64699\/revisions\/64703"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=64699"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=64699"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/dental\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=64699"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}