Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) Class of 2024 students took the next step in their careers this week after learning of matches to residency programs around the country. Surrounded by their peers and mentors, the DMD students who will graduate in May celebrated their future plans.
Out of the 33 graduating students, 26 have chosen to pursue post-doctoral residency programs. Seven will go into Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, four into General Practice Residencies, four into Orthodontics, three each into Pediatrics, Periodontology, and Endodontics, one into an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, and one into Prosthodontics. Other students will go on to private practice and into military service.
“No matter the path they have chosen, we are immensely proud of them,” said Dean William Giannobile to those gathered in the crowded lobby of the Research Engineering Building.
Matched and Ready
Dahee Chung, DMD24, originally from South Korea, will head to New York after graduation to pursue periodontics at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.
“My interest in periodontics stems from its holistic approach to patient care, its intrinsic connection to systemic health, and the long-term patient relationships it fosters,” said Chung. “Also, I believe that periodontics is at the forefront of incorporating new technologies and techniques.”
Chung hopes to pave the way for a new era of periodontology, using advanced technology to enhance the care of patients. She’s no stranger to new advances in artificial intelligence applications for dentistry, having immersed herself in innovative research and earning a Scientific Poster Award during HSDM’s inaugural Global Symposium on Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry.
“My goal is to leverage these tools to provide a comprehensive approach to patient care that includes prevention strategies, early detection, precision in interventions, and personalized aftercare plans,” she said.
Sapna Nath, Class of 2024 President, will take the skills she’s learned to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine where she will pursue a residency in orthodontics. While at HSDM, Nath served as president and co-founder of the Harvard Dental Innovation Society, president of the Harvard Dental Chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists, and vice president of the Harvard Dental Business and Practice Management Club.
“I hope to leverage my orthodontic training with my background in business and policy to drive innovation and become a leader in improving patient care through innovations in care delivery systems,” she said.
For Joe Montesano, DMD24, Boston will continue to be home for now, as he pursues the periodontology residency program at HSDM. Already establishing his roots in the community by helping pre-dental students as senior advisor of the HSDM ASDA Pre-Dental Committee and participating in research at Boston Children’s Hospital, he looks forward to using what he learns next to become a researcher and mentor for others.
“My goal, much like many of my mentors, is to become a clinician-educator-scientist, engaging in clinical practice, treating patients, teaching dental students or others whenever I can, and performing research that aims to help improve treatment outcomes or the understanding of disease progression for my patients—all of which I believe HSDM periodontology is incredibly well-poised to help me achieve,” said Montesano.
As one chapter closes and another begins, students in the Class of 2024 reflect on their last four years spent at HSDM.
“This experience has expanded my academic and professional boundaries and has been a profound personal growth journey,” said Chung. “The varied experiences at HSDM have enriched me both personally and professionally, laying a strong foundation for my future endeavors.”
The Class of 2024 will commemorate their accomplishments during Harvard’s 373rd Commencement and HSDM/Harvard Medical School’s Class Day ceremony on Thursday, May 23.
