By Denise Kassebaum, D.D.S., M.S., CU School of Dental Medicine Dean
From the Summer 2019 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association
On May 24, 2019, during a special commencement ceremony that included inspirational remarks by commencement speaker and current CDA President Dr. Jeff Kahl, the University of Colorado Dental Class of 2019 achieved the professional milestone of graduating from dental school and joining the dental community.
Through a great partnership with organized dentistry, CDA members have been at the side of our students during their rigorous dental education programs. We take great pride in the fact that current and past CDA leadership consists of amazing CU dental alums and honorary alums. We are privileged to now have two past presidents of the CDA on our school-based faculty.
Annually, the CDA generously sponsors the 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 professional commitment of CDA dentists and the importance of participating in organized dentistry for a stronger profession. This year, the third annual Beer Garden of Giving at the CDA Annual Session in Estes Park, was a great show of support for the new dentists we will entrust with our profession’s future.
A significant number 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.
By participating in the school’s educational programs, student-run events, CDA events and patient care activities, CDA members and staff continue to be a positive and consistent voice to our students. These collaborations and connections have enriched our graduates’ journey from entering students to new dentists. Thank you for welcoming Colorado’s new dentists to the dental profession.
