Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

𝐃𝟐𝟖 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝! 😍 "Determined." "Enthusiastic." "Ambitious." These are the words our TUSDM Admissions team have used to describe the D28 class. We are elated to welcome this year's fresh cohort of TUSDM-dentists-in-the-making with a delicious picnic outside in the Jaharis Courtyard. What's often true about dentists is that they know how to network with each other - but in the buzzing conversations and exchanged smiles, this group feels special. We can't wait to see how D28 makes their positive impact, in the classroom and beyond! Thank you to everyone who made today so memorable and special, including the TUSDM Student Affairs and Admissions Team, the enthusiastic TUSDM student volunteers, TUSDM facilities staff, and, of course, the caterers! 💙 🐘 LET'S GO, JUMBOS! #TuftsDental #D28 #WelcomePicnic #FreshStart

Congratulations 🎉🎊🎈 to our Department of Public Health and Community Service at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine We are thrilled to announce that our new Dental Public Health (DPH) Residency program has achieved accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)! Apart from the exceptional blend of academic coursework, research, and field experiences, our residency offers rigorous clinical training in unique public health settings. A heartfelt thanks to the dedicated program director, Priyaa Shanmugham for her leadership, to our esteemed Department Chair, Dr. Athanasios Zavras and our beloved Dean Nadeem Karimbux for their tremendous support. It has been a joyful journey working with you all and achieving this remarkable milestone together.

Looking back on the past 7.5 months of D2 at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, I am truly astounded by the remarkable progress that my fellow classmates and I have achieved. Being an international dentist pursuing education in the United States, the transition from the foundational stages of our program to the clinical phase in D3 has been filled with immense satisfaction and gratification. As we delve into this new phase, I am eagerly looking forward to utilizing the diverse experiences I have gained and continuing to contribute significantly within the TUSDM community. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our program director, Dr. Ronald Perry whose steadfast support and guidance have been instrumental throughout this incredible journey. Each obstacle we encountered has served as an opportunity for both personal and professional development. I am deeply appreciative of the constant encouragement and assistance from my peers, the esteemed TUSDM faculty, and my family. Venturing into D3, I am overflowing with anticipation for the plethora of new opportunities and experiences that lie ahead. #internationaldentist #tuftsdental #dentalstudent #dentistry #odontologia #somoshda #dentist #firstgenerationdoctor #tuftsdentalgrad #professionals #dentists #boston

Care and Community-TUSDM “Rocket Science Program” As submitted by Dr Jason Cummins, DMD “We welcomed 28 incoming D28 Students to the Rocket Science and Other Experiences Pre-matriculation Program. The program is designed to ease the transition from undergraduate and graduate programs, into dental school. This program introduces Biochemistry, Head and Neck Anatomy, Dental Anatomy, Ethics and Professionalism, Cultural Competency, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Effective Learning Strategies and Study Skills, and Pre-clinical exposure. Students engage in several social activities during this enrichment experience. Although students receive no credit toward the actual classes, they do take exams to give them a real life feel of what dental school will be like. The students are eager now to begin 1st year having had a jump start. Thank you for your continued support! Best, Jason” Thank you to all the faculty and students that run the program-Dr J. Holloway and Yash Brahmbhatt (D27)-your contributions and volunteerism are what makes TUSDM special!

What does baseball have anything to do with dental research? 🔬 Assistant Professor Shruti Jain, Associate Professor Matt Finkelman, and Assistant Professor Sarah Pagni at TUSDM tell all in this fascinating article about their pivotal role in a stats contest from the American Statistical Association - ASA. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g97xc6uB

👏 On June 8th, Tufts Special Smiles and Smile Squad volunteered at the Special Olympics Summer Games at Harvard University! 🥇 D25 students, alongside Boston University and MCPHS, provided over 100 free dental screenings and fluoride treatments at the Special Smiles dental tent. Athletes and families also learned about oral health and practiced brushing on animal puppets! Special thanks to the amazing volunteers: Faculty: Dr. Aikaterini (Katerina) Papathanasiou, Dr. Karen Wallach, Dr. Lee, and Dr. Krishnan Students: Jessica Jordan, Natalie Masone, Sara Naser, Jeancarlos Ferman, Jaela Stith, Erika Magana, Megha Kanabar, and Moses Kim #TuftsDental #SpecialOlympics #SpecialSmiles #SmileSquad #CommunityService #OralHealth

July 18th is Dental Awareness Day! 🦷🪥 We asked some folks in the Tufts Dental community what they wish more people would be aware of during Dental Awareness Day, and their answers didn't disappoint. 👇 Comment below and spread your own dental awareness! What's something you wish others would be more aware of regarding their dental care? #TuftsDental #dentistrystudent #dentistrylife #dentistschool #boston #dentistryworld #college

In recognition of Minority Health Awareness Month, it's crucial to highlight how disparities in access to dental care can significantly impact overall health, particularly within minority communities. 💙 A study led by Associate Professor Yau-Hua Yu sheds light on the strong link between oral health and long-term systemic health outcomes. The research reveals that individuals who report poor oral health are just as likely to face severe health issues as those diagnosed with periodontal disease, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and increased mortality rates. Notably, minority populations often face greater barriers to accessing dental care, leading to poorer health outcomes. 🏥 For Minority Health Awareness Month, let’s emphasize the importance of regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene. Healthcare providers should integrate questions about dental habits into routine check-ups to ensure comprehensive patient care. By addressing these disparities and promoting access to dental care, we can improve the health and well-being of minority communities. Read more about the study here: https://lnkd.in/d3YYenrh #MinorityHealth #OralHealth #DentalCare #HealthEquity #TuftsDental

📢 Mabi Singh, Professor of Diagnostic Sciences - Oral Medicine and Assistant Division Head of TUSDM's Oral Medicine Program, is searching for participants to assist in his team's study! 💵 Compensation includes $200 in Target gift cards for the completion of two visits. Are you eligible? See the below information or contact Dr. Singh's study team at 617-636-3931. You can help forward the field of dental medicine! 🐘

Happy Friday, folks! Meet Samantha Rivera (D24), a TUSDM graduate and the first dentist in her family. 💙 “Since my early childhood, I’ve carried a deep ambition that continues to shape my journey. Becoming the first dentist in my family fills me with immense pride. In just a few days, I’ll be starting as an associate dentist in Orlando, near my hometown of Clearwater, after graduating from Tufts. This opportunity feels like a culmination of all the hard work and dreams I’ve nurtured. I chose general dentistry for its diverse skill set – encompassing implants, endodontics, pediatrics, prosthetics, and more – which captivates me. My ultimate goal is to establish my own practice, but I understand the importance of patience and continuous learning. Beyond my career aspirations, maintaining connections with my closest friends from dental school is a priority. A recent trip back to the Philippines was a profound homage to my roots, shared with my significant other. It reminded me of the journey from humble beginnings, where access to dental care was a luxury. This disparity fueled my desire to make a difference, whether through my future clinic or volunteer work. Reflecting on my time at Tufts, I’ve learned that success in dental school demands resilience and time management—lessons I’ve embraced wholeheartedly. My mantra, “Show up and the magic happens,” (Dr. Trombly) has carried me through long clinic hours and exams. My path to Tufts was guided by a mentor who saw potential in me during my days as a dental assistant. Their encouragement led me to Boston, a place unfamiliar yet welcoming. Tufts’ supportive community and robust resources, like mentorship programs and the American Student Dental Association (ASDA), enriched my experience profoundly. If I could offer advice to underclassmen, it would be to embrace challenges without losing sight of self-care. Stress is inevitable, but finding support among peers is invaluable. As a clinician, I’ve discovered the joy of treating patients not just as cases, but as cherished individuals. Each step of this journey reaffirms my commitment to dentistry and the communities I serve. I’m eager to continue learning, growing, and eventually making my mark in the field soon.” Humans of TUSDM is a new initiative sharing the unique and inspiring stories of the TUSDM community. Through personal interviews and heartfelt narratives, we bring to light the experiences, challenges, and triumphs that shape our vibrant community. Interested in joining the project as a participant? We'd like to interview you! To sign up, email Yenna at [email protected] or go to this Google form: https://shorturl.at/K2Cwe #TuftsDental #DentalSchool #Dentistry #DentalStudent #FutureDentist #DentalEducation #DentalLife #DentistInTraining #OralHealth #DentalCommunity #DentalSchoolJourney