By Denise Kassebaum, D.D.S., M.S., CU School of Dental Medicine Dean, From the
2024 Summer Journal of the Colorado Dental Association
Congratulations to our Doctor of Dental Surgery Class of 2024! We celebrated 79 graduates on May 20, 2024, surrounded by more than 1,000 family members, friends and alumni.
American Dental Association President-Elect Brett Kessler, D.D.S., gave the commencement address sharing with graduates his personal story about overcoming obstacles. His message was about perseverance, resilience and wellness.
He shared with the graduates: “I know you had a rough go in your personal and academic journeys in the last few years … especially with challenges like COVID-19, that my generation [in dental school] didn’t face. Your resilience in overcoming these obstacles will be a great strength as you move forward in your career. Your career will have its share of challenges too but remember … you are your most valuable asset — take care of yourself as such.”
The School of Dental Medicine (SDM) bestowed upon Dr. Kessler the coveted Honorary Alumni Award for contributing significantly to the “betterment of SDM students and to the advancement of the ideals of the school.”
The dental class of 2024 will go forth to positively impact Colorado communities and beyond. Many will work in private practices and provide care in underserved urban and rural areas. Many will advance their dental education in residencies and others will serve our country by taking military assignments.
The School of Dental Medicine’s partnership with the CDA continues and we are grateful for it. Past CDA presidents have served as community-based mentors as well as full-time members of the CU faculty.
As a partner, the CDA generously sponsors the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) dues for our first-year students. The organization also has an endowed scholarship that allows for a CDA Foundation scholarship to be presented each year.
Through activities such as the Colorado Mission of Mercy (COMOM), a free dental clinic, dental students witness the service and dedication to our profession that CDA dentists demonstrate. By participating in CDA Lobby Day, students see the importance of advocacy in keeping the profession strong.
On behalf of the CU School of Dental Medicine family and these new dentists, I want to express our appreciation to the members of the CDA, its leadership and the CDA Foundation. Thank you in advance for welcoming these new Colorado dentists into the community. We look forward to celebrating more of their monumental milestones in the future.
