Michael Truhlar began running marathons in 2019, before he’d ever applied to UConn’s School of Dentistry. The mental fortitude cultivated by 26-mile runs in Hartford, Philadelphia, Boston, and New York City has helped him as a researcher, as a dental student, and now as a future prosthodontist. All that running also gave him a reason to get out and about in the beautiful central Connecticut region, and he encouraged his fellow students to stay active, too. It helps to maintain perspective. When he addressed the incoming class of dental students this year, he said that even when it all feels like too much, they should remember they are capable, and they are here for a reason. Good advice for us all.

Why did you choose UConn?
Unlike selecting an undergraduate school, choosing a professional school is more about reputation, the interview experience, and practicality than campus setting or student body. For me, UConn was the perfect choice for several reasons. It was close enough to my wife’s workplace that we wouldn’t have to relocate, had a strong reputation for matching students into top residency programs nationwide, and, as a state university, provided an excellent education at an accessible cost. Additionally, UConn’s smaller class sizes foster a more personal learning experience, allowing for better feedback and more meaningful connections between students and faculty.

What’s your area of specialization, and what attracted you to it?
This July, I’ll be starting a prosthodontics residency at Stony Brook University, which I’ll complete in June 2028. My interest in prosthodontics was sparked early on at UConn, particularly during the complete dentures course. While some found setting denture teeth into wax tedious, I found it both relaxing and engaging. That initial interest, combined with a growing desire to manage complex restorative cases, solidified my path.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?
It’s difficult to single out just one professor from UConn’s dedicated faculty. Many go above and beyond the minimum requirements, ensuring that students don’t just cross the finish line but develop critical thinking skills for independent practice.

Drs. Touloumi, Arteaga, Agar, Levinbook, Sobue, Freilich, Paolino, Patch, Dhingra, and Suvarna—just to name a few—have all played a major role in shaping my education. I’ll always remember Dr. Freilich’s “whiteboard sessions” in clinic, where he would gather students to reinforce preclinical concepts in a practical clinical setting. Another standout experience was attending the Greater New York Prosthodontics Conference this past year, thanks to the incredible efforts of Drs. Touloumi and Agar. It was an invaluable opportunity to engage in continuing education outside of dental school, something that students hadn’t had access to in recent years.

What activities were you involved in as a student?
I made it a priority to stay involved both within UConn Health and in my own passions outside the walls of the school. At UConn Health, I was a member of ASDA and served as a sustainability chair, working to increase awareness of environmental practices in dental offices. I collaborated with the school to explore unconventional ways to enhance sustainability in clinical settings while maintaining infection control standards.

During my third and fourth years at school, I consistently communicated with the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach to coordinate student participation in the Connecticut Mission of Mercy’s annual free dental clinics. Every year, dozens of UConn students volunteer to provide care to underserved communities across the state—a cause I was proud to support.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
I was surprised by the strong sense of community at UConn. Despite the demands of dental school, we consistently came together to study, share notes, and help each other tackle tough exams. That collective support truly set UConn apart.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’ll be attending a three-year prosthodontics residency at Stony Brook University on Long Island. There, I’ll focus on managing complex restorative cases and refining the aspects of dentistry I enjoy most.

I am also looking forward to a delayed honeymoon with my wife in Portugal the week after commencement! After we get back, we’ll be packing for our move to Long Island and looking forward to catching up with friends in the Stony Brook area.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
UConn places a strong emphasis on evidence-based dentistry, ensuring that students graduate with a deep understanding of the science behind clinical decision-making. This foundation allows for growth in clinical skills with purpose and understanding.

Many dental schools highlight the sheer number of procedures their students complete before graduation, but UConn prioritizes mastering fundamental principles over just repetitions. Hand skills improve with time and practice, but critical thinking and treatment planning are what truly set a great clinician apart. By surrounding us with faculty who exemplify advanced knowledge and expertise, UConn has taught me not just how to perform dentistry, but how to think like a health care provider.

Any advice for incoming students?
Make the most of your time here. Dental school is unique in that, after completing most of your didactic coursework, you still have a year and a half of clinical experience ahead of you. How much you learn during that time is largely up to you.

Ask extra questions—understand why faculty members approach cases the way they do. Spend additional time with lab technicians and take advantage of the resources around you. These opportunities won’t be as easily accessible once you graduate, so take full advantage while you can.

What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
Get outside and explore! We’re all incredibly busy during these four years, but it’s important to take a step back and enjoy the area around us. Take walks around the reservoirs, hike up Heublein Tower, or head into downtown West Hartford for dinner or happy hour. It’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of school, but there’s so much right at our doorstep—make time to enjoy it!

What will always make you think of UConn?
I will always think of UConn when I see the friends I made during dental school. The ups and downs we faced together—late-night study sessions, shared challenges, and celebrating victories—remind me of the strong bonds we formed here.