By Denise Kassebaum, D.D.S., M.S., CU School of Dental Medicine Dean
From the Spring/Summer 2020 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association
On May 22, 2020, during a virtual commencement of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, D.D.S. degrees were conferred for the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine Class of 2020. During these most unprecedented times, this class has shown a resilience that suggests that they have what it takes to contribute to our profession as new dentists across Colorado and beyond.
Through the school’s strong partnership with the CDA, these graduates were guided through their dental educational program with input from CDA members on the faculty of the CU School of Dental Medicine and in the community. We take great pride in the fact that current and past CDA leadership consists of strong CU dental alums and honorary alums. We are privileged to now have past presidents of the CDA on our school-based faculty.
Each year, the CDA generously sponsors the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) dues for DS 1 students and dental student scholarships to ensure our students are introduced to the value of organized dentistry and its positive impact on dentists throughout their dental careers. Through activities such as the CDA Lobby Day and COMOM, our students have seen the dedication to our profession that CDA dentists exhibit.
The new grads will serve the public in a variety of practice venues, and some will participate in advanced dental education programs to include dental specialty programs. A group of students in this class will answer the call to serve our country as military dentists.
On behalf of these new graduates and the CU School of Dental Medicine, let me express our appreciation to the CDA for the positive and consistent voices you have been to these graduates. Your advocacy and information during this pandemic will continue to inform and support them as they enter the dental community. Thank you for welcoming this special group of Colorado new dentists.
