By Denise Kassebaum, D.D.S., M.S., CU School of Dental Medicine Dean
From the Summer 2018 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association
Thank you to the CDA members and leaders who have contributed to the educational journey of our University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine Dental Class of 2018. Graduation was held on May 25, 2018. During the special commencement ceremony marking this important professional milestone CDA President Dr. Carol Morrow provided inspirational remarks as the commencement speaker (a role she also held as a graduating CU dental student 12 years prior). Executive Director Greg Hill received the CU School of Dental Medicine Honorary Alumni Award for his leadership and support of our student body.
The CDA continues to be a great partner with the school and has been at the side of each student during their rigorous dental education. We take great pride in the fact that current and past CDA leadership consists of some amazing CU alums and honorary alums. We are privileged to have a past president of the CDA on our full-time faculty as well.
Each year, the CDA generously sponsors American Student Dental Association (ASDA) dues for DS 1 students, an annual graduation award, and dental student scholarships to ensure our students are supported by, and understand the value of, organized dentistry. Through activities such as the Colorado Mission of Mercy and CDA Lobby Day, our students are introduced to the great work of CDA dentists and the importance of participating in organized dentistry for a stronger profession. This year, the second annual Beer Garden of Giving at the CDA Annual Session in Crested Butte, was an incredible show of support for the new dentists we will entrust with our profession’s future.
Many of our graduates will serve Colorado communities across the state in a variety of practice settings. Others will participate in advanced dental education programs as GPR residents and dental specialty program residents. A special group of students in this class will answer the call to serve our country as military dentists.
Through participation in the school’s educational programs, student-hosted events, CDA events and patient care activities, CDA members and staff have been a positive and consistent voice for our students. The experiences members contributed to have enriched our graduates’ journey from entering student to productive members of a welcoming dental community. Thank you for welcoming Colorado’s newest dentists to the dental profession.
