On May 3rd the UConn School of Dental Medicine celebrated the accomplishments of the graduating Class of 2023 with the annual farewell and awards ceremony before UConn Health’s 52nd Commencement ceremony on May 8th.
The event at the Pond House in West Hartford allowed the students to gather with their classmates one last time before heading off to their residencies. The ceremony included faculty well-wishes as well as the announcement of faculty and student awards.
Dean of the School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Steven Lepowsky, opened the ceremony by congratulating the class on completing the most challenging and rigorous dental educational programs.
“I congratulate you on all your achievements and accomplishments that have brought you to this point, which are even more impressive considering the incredible impact that COVID-19 had on your education and your life,” said Lepowsky. “There will be a time when you will be able to look back and reflect upon the past few years and realize that this experience will have had a life-changing impact on who you are, as a person, as a dentist, and as a member of society.
The students heard inspiring remarks from Kathlene Gerrity, executive director of the CT State Dental Association as well as UConn Alum and president of the UConn Dental Alumni Board, Dr. Ron Birmingham ’10.
Dr. Sarita Arteaga, associate dean for students, kicked off the awards portion of the ceremony by applauding the students for their hard work and achievements.
“We are here to recognize and applaud you,” said Arteaga. “You have been resilient and now ready for many of your future challenges. The individual disciplines have submitted nominations and you have been selected by the Awards Committee to acknowledge your accomplishments.”
Students from the commencement committee, Caroline Wilson, Madeline Montenegro, Natasha Patel, and Basant Sallam announced the faculty awards. Dr. Thomas Taylor received the South Park Inn Dental Clinic Award for his outstanding service to the community. Dr. Shivani C. Suvarna received the Kaiser Permanente Faculty Award for excellence in teaching in the clinical sciences.
The student awards were selected by the senior awards committee, a committee made up of a diverse group of faculty, with nominations from faculty from each of the School’s disciplines. The full list of awards and award winners is below.
ENDODONTICS
American Association of Endodontists Student Achievement Award
Demonstrates a skill level in endodontics that is above average.
Edward Amelemah
GENERAL DENTISTRY
Academy of General Dentistry Senior Student Dental Award
Student who exhibits potential for becoming an outstanding General Dentist
Addison Vitols
Academy of Operative Dentistry Award
Exemplifies outstanding achievement in operative dentistry.
Johnathan Leonard
American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Student Award of Merit
Student who has demonstrated the highest level of clinical proficiency and greatest interest in esthetic dentistry.
Brianna Alves
The Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry
Presented to a student for achievement in Restorative Dentistry
Christopher Allen
Olmstead Prize in Geriatrics
To recognize outstanding achievement in Geriatric Dentistry
Lauren Gross
Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry (SCAD)
Awarded to a dental student who demonstrates the highest level of clinical proficiency with a great interest in color and appearance, either through esthetic clinical dentistry or research
Carlos Cardenas Peralta
OMF PATHOLOGY
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Dental Student Award
Demonstrates exemplary aptitude and achievement in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Jonathan Leonard and Madeline Montenegro
OMF RADIOLOGY
Allan B. Reiskin Award
For outstanding achievement in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Laura Doherty and Emma Warren
ORAL MEDICINE
American Academy of Oral Medicine Award
For developing and maintaining high standards for excellence, interest and achievement in oral medicine
Elyse Estra
OMFS
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Student Award
To recognize a dental student who has shown outstanding performance in the area of dental implant placement.
Catherine Florentine
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Award
To recognize a dental student with high academic standing for outstanding performance in undergraduate student and clinical training in the area of oral and maxillofacial surgery and anesthesiology
Kyle Grabowski
American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Award (2022)
For outstanding achievement in Oral Surgery
Catherine Florentine
Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Award
To a student who has excelled in activities at the SDM related to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Flaviah Muchemi
HEALTH CAREERS OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM
Health Careers Mentorship Award
Serves with distinction as a mentor.
Edward Amelemah, Carlos Cardenas Peralta, Talia Staiger and Flaviah Muchemi
ORTHODONTICS
American Association of Orthodontists Award
Demonstrates exceptional interest in the development of the Oro-Facial Complex
Emma Warren
Dr. Surender Nanda Memorial Award
For exceptional interest in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Julia Witt
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Certificate of Merit
For outstanding promise in the field of Pediatric Dentistry
Carly Ramirez
Special Care Dentistry Association/Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities Award
For Outstanding contributions in the delivery of oral health care to patients with special health care needs
Caroline Wilson
PERIODONTOLOGY
American Academy of Periodontology Award
For outstanding achievement in Periodontics
Evan Jansen
Northeastern Society of Periodontists Award
Excellence in the field of periodontics
Matthew Wittstein
The Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Periodontics
Achievement in Clinical Periodontics
Quinn Kropf
ASDA
2022 ASDA Award of Excellence
Student who honors the spirit of volunteerism and recognizes student participation or leadership in service to their school or local community.
Audrey Brigham
PROSTHODONTICS
American College of Prosthodontists Achievement Award
To a student who excelled in Prosthodontics
Audrey Brigham
American Prosthodontic Society Award
Awarded to a student with the highest level of clinic proficiency and greatest interest in prosthodontic dentistry.
Elyse Estra
Hanautm Best of the Best Prosthodontic Award
To a student who has demonstrated excellence in Prosthodontics
Carlos Cardenas Peralta
Kohrman Award
To a student who has demonstrated excellence in removable Prosthodontics
Addison Vitols
IMPLANT DENTISTRY
American Academy of Implant Dentistry Student Award
For outstanding achievement, academically and clinically in implant dentistry
London Minta
Academy of Osseointegration Outstanding Dental Student in Implant Dentistry
Given to a student to support and expand their interests, education, and research in dental implants.
Kyle Grabowski
International Congress of Oral Implantologists/Dentsply Student Achievement Award
Student who has demonstrated the most interest in and enthusiasm for dental implantology.
Catherine Florentine
SENIOR AWARDS COMMITTEE AWARDS
American College of Dentists Outstanding Student Leadership Award (Yankee Dental Congress)
To a student who has demonstrated leadership and outstanding scholastic performance
Elyse Estra
Dr. Robert G. Levine Award
Presented to an outstanding student continuing in an Advanced Education in General Dentistry or General Practice Residency program.
Lauren Gross
Dr. Richard G. Topazian Prize
Awarded to a student who demonstrates volunteerism and service to Humanity.
Flaviah Muchemi
The Dr. Loeb Prize
Awarded to a student who is a resident of Connecticut and has been selected for qualities of leadership.
Natasha Patel
Friends of the School of Dental Medicine – Fox Award
Awarded to the student judged to the best all-around in the class.
Catherine Florentine
International College of Dentists Student Humanitarian Award
Awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated exemplary character traits when participating in humanitarian service or projects.
Decelia Makera Gen Browne
International College of Dentists Student Leadership Award
Awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated significant leadership traits when participating in humanitarian service or projects.
Talia Staiger
The Brian D. Stone Student Memorial Award
Presented to an outstanding senior dental student who embodies the mission of Dental Lifeline Network by demonstrating exceptional volunteer service or care for patients with special needs.
Ryan Carrera
The Pierre Fauchard Academy Award
Presented to an outstanding and deserving student who has exhibited leadership and
whose accomplishments have demonstrated dedication to the advancement of the dental profession and literature.
Catherine Florentine
The Quintessence Award for Research Achievement
Presented to a student for research achievement.
Matthew Wittstein
University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine Professional Development Award
To a senior student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in professional development over the four years of the curriculum
Samuel Ratcliffe
Academic Achievement Award 2023 Sponsored by the Provost’s Commission on the Status of Women, the UConn Alumni Association, and the Women’s Center
Excelled academically and demonstrated high achievement in research and service to the University community.
Talia Staiger
American Association of Women Dentists Eleanor J. Bushee Senior Dental Student Award
The recipient of this award should demonstrate enthusiasm in her career in dentistry and in her life as a colleague, friend, and mentor.
Addison Vitols
The Alumni Relations Award
Appreciation of student leadership and commitment to the UConn School of Dental Medicine
Alumni Advisory Board
Jacob Burns
The South Park Inn Homeless Shelter Award
For long-standing service to the South Park Inn Homeless Shelter Dental Clinic
Talia Staiger
Phi Chi Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon 2023 Inductees
Inducted into the Phi Chi Chapter of OKU National Honor Dental Society with a focus on scholarship and character.
Audrey Brigham, Carlos Cardenas Peralta, Catherine Florentine, Lauren Gross, Talia Staiger, and Caroline Wilson
