{"id":185677,"date":"2022-05-12T10:40:28","date_gmt":"2022-05-12T14:40:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/?p=185677"},"modified":"2022-05-12T11:13:40","modified_gmt":"2022-05-12T15:13:40","slug":"the-school-of-dental-medicine-celebrates-the-class-of-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2022\/05\/the-school-of-dental-medicine-celebrates-the-class-of-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"The School of Dental Medicine Celebrates the Class of 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

The School of Dental Medicine said farewell to the Class of 2022 and celebrated the student’s accomplishments during their four years in dental school before walking the stage for UConn Health’s 51st<\/sup> Commencement.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

The celebrations kicked off with the annual farewell and awards ceremony, a School of Dental Medicine tradition that typically occurs several days before commencement. The ceremony includes well-wishes from faculty, an announcement of faculty and student awards, and the opportunity for the students to gather and socialize with their classmates before heading to their residency placements.<\/p>\r\n

Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean, opened the ceremony with congratulatory remarks for the graduating class.<\/p>\r\n

“On behalf of the entire School of Dental Medicine community, I congratulate each of our soon to be new graduates for completing, arguably, the most challenging and rigorous dental education program anywhere,” Lepowsky said. “In doing so, we are confident that you are prepared to enter the profession as exceptionally well trained and competent beginning practitioners \u2014 and you are exceptionally well poised to face the challenges of the next phase of your professional careers.”<\/p>\r\n

Lepowsky also noted that this year marks the 50th<\/sup> anniversary of the graduation of the first class, reminding the students that they will be “carrying on a tradition of excellence that makes us who we are as a school.”<\/p>\r\n

Alumni Dr. Bruce Cha, the Connecticut State Dental Association liaison to the School, and Dr. Jonny Feldman, a member of the board of the Alumni Association, also offered remarks to help recognize the Class of 2022.<\/p>\r\n

“The Connecticut State Dental Association and Foundation share this joy with you as they have been a small but important part of your learning experience at UConn,” said Cha.<\/p>\r\n

Dr. Sarita Arteaga, associate dean for students, kicked off the awards portion of the ceremony applauding the students for their hard work and achievements.<\/p>\r\n

“We are here to recognize and applaud you,” said Arteaga. “You have been resilient and now ready for many of your future challenges.”<\/p>\r\n

Before announcing every student and their residency placements, Arteaga remarked, “today we get to celebrate in the accomplishments with all of the students before they receive that D.M.D. degree and be officially called a doctor.”<\/p>\r\n

Students Cameron Christiansen, Kathryn Forth, Sarah Feltz, and the 2022 commencement speaker Robert Violette<\/a> announced the faculty awards. Arteaga received the South Park Inn Homeless Shelter Award for her outstanding service to the community. Dr. Martin Freilich, professor in prosthodontics, received the Kaiser Permanente Faculty Award for excellence in teaching in the clinical sciences. UConn Certified Dental Assistants Michelle Fernandez and Angela Hummell both received the Dr. Goupil Award for their demonstrated interest in professional development and student well-being.<\/p>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

ENDODONTICS<\/p>\r\n

American Association of Endodontists Student Achievement Award <\/strong>
Demonstrates a skill level in endodontics that is above average<\/em>
Gabriella Blazquez<\/p>\r\n

GENERAL DENTISTRY<\/p>\r\n

Academy of General Dentistry Senior Student Dental Award<\/strong>
Student who exhibits potential for becoming an outstanding General Dentist<\/em>
Tyler Guido<\/p>\r\n

Academy of Operative Dentistry Award<\/strong>
Exemplifies outstanding achievement in operative dentistry<\/em>
Sarah Feltz<\/p>\r\n

American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Student Award of Merit <\/strong>
Student who has demonstrated the highest level of clinical proficiency and greatest interest in esthetic dentistry<\/em>
Nanette Rivera Panzardi<\/p>\r\n

The Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry<\/strong>
Presented to a student for achievement in Restorative Dentistry<\/em>
Brenna Frechette<\/p>\r\n

Olmstead Prize in Geriatrics<\/strong>
To recognize outstanding achievement in Geriatric Dentistry<\/em>
Dimitri Adamidis<\/p>\r\n

Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry (SCAD)<\/strong>
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<\/em>
Rebecca Salustri<\/p>\r\n

OMF PATHOLOGY<\/p>\r\n

American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Dental Student Award<\/strong>
Demonstrates exemplary aptitude and achievement in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology <\/em>
Mikayla Moynahan & Nanette Rivera Panzardi<\/p>\r\n

OMF RADIOLOGY<\/p>\r\n

Allan B. Reiskin Award <\/strong>
For outstanding achievement in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology<\/em>
Madison Cohen<\/p>\r\n

ORAL MEDICINE<\/p>\r\n

American Academy of Oral Medicine Award <\/strong>
For developing and maintaining high standards for excellence, interest and achievement in oral medicine<\/em>
Kathryn Forth<\/p>\r\n

OMFS<\/p>\r\n

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Student Award <\/strong>
To recognize a dental student who has shown outstanding performance in the area of dental implant placement<\/em>
Paul Nwojeki<\/p>\r\n

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Award\u00a0 <\/strong>
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<\/em>
Cameron Christiansen<\/p>\r\n

American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Award (2021)<\/strong>
For outstanding achievement in Oral Surgery<\/em>
Breanna Irizarry<\/p>\r\n

Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Award <\/strong>
To a student who has excelled in activities at the SDM related to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery<\/em>
Breanna Irizarry<\/p>\r\n

HEALTH CAREERS OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM<\/p>\r\n

Health Careers Mentorship Award<\/strong>
Serves with distinction as a mentor <\/em>
Paul Nwojeki<\/p>\r\n

Health Careers Mentorship Award<\/strong>
Serves with distinction as a mentor in the Bridge to the Future Science Mentoring Program<\/em>
Joshua Kwolek<\/p>\r\n

ORTHODONTICS<\/p>\r\n

American Association of Orthodontists Award <\/strong>
Demonstrates exceptional interest in the development of the Oro-Facial Complex<\/em>
Alexandra McKenna<\/p>\r\n

Dr. Surender Nanda Memorial Award <\/strong>
For exceptional interest in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics<\/em>
Lauren Cardarelli<\/p>\r\n

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY<\/p>\r\n

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Certificate of Merit<\/strong>
For outstanding promise in the field of Pediatric Dentistry <\/em>
Rachel Patenaude<\/p>\r\n

Special Care Dentistry Association\/Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities Award <\/strong>
For Outstanding contributions in the delivery of oral health care to patients with special health care needs<\/em>
Michaela Matos<\/p>\r\n

PERIODONTOLOGY<\/p>\r\n

American Academy of Periodontology Award<\/strong>
For outstanding achievement in Periodontics<\/em>
Chloe Broquet<\/p>\r\n

Northeastern Society of Periodontists Award <\/strong>
Excellence in the field of periodontics<\/em>
Vlad Kiveliyk<\/p>\r\n

The Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Periodontics <\/strong>
Achievement in Clinical Periodontics<\/em>
Mikayla Moynahan<\/p>\r\n

ASDA<\/p>\r\n

2021 ASDA Award of Excellence <\/strong>
Student who honors the spirit of volunteerism and recognizes student participation or leadership in service to their school or local community<\/em>
Alexandra McKenna<\/p>\r\n

PROSTHODONTICS<\/p>\r\n

American College of Prosthodontists Achievement Award <\/strong>
To a student who excelled in Prosthodontics<\/em>
Kathryn Forth<\/p>\r\n

American Prosthodontic Society Award<\/strong>
Awarded to a student with the highest level of clinic proficiency and greatest interest in prosthodontic dentistry<\/em>
Tyler Guido<\/p>\r\n

Hanautm Best of the Best Prosthodontic Award <\/strong>
To a student who has demonstrated excellence in Prosthodontics<\/em>
Victor Munoz<\/p>\r\n

Kohrman Award <\/strong>
To a student who has demonstrated excellence in removable Prosthodontics<\/em>
Mikayla Moynahan<\/p>\r\n

IMPLANT DENTISTRY<\/p>\r\n

American Academy of Implant Dentistry Student Award <\/strong>
For outstanding achievement, academically and clinically, in implant dentistry<\/em>
Diana Keder<\/p>\r\n

Academy of Osseointegration Outstanding Dental Student in Implant Dentistry<\/strong>
Given to a student to support and expand their interests, education and research in dental implants<\/em>
Tyler Guido<\/p>\r\n

International Congress of Oral Implantologists\/Dentsply Student Achievement Award <\/strong>
Student who has demonstrated the most interest in and enthusiasm for dental implantology<\/em>
Vishaben Patel<\/p>\r\n

SENIOR AWARDS COMMITTEE AWARDS<\/p>\r\n

American College of Dentists Outstanding Student Leadership Award (Yankee Dental Congress) <\/strong>
To a student who has demonstrated leadership and outstanding scholastic performance<\/em>
Mikayla Moynahan<\/p>\r\n

Dr. Robert G. Levine Award<\/strong>
Presented to an outstanding student continuing in an Advanced Education in General Dentistry or General Practice Residency program<\/em>
Brenna Frechette<\/p>\r\n

Dr. Richard G. Topazian Prize <\/strong>
Awarded to a student who demonstrates volunteerism and service to Humanity<\/em>
Gabriella Blazquez<\/p>\r\n

The Dr. Loeb Prize<\/strong>
Awarded to a student who is a resident of Connecticut and has been selected for qualities of leadership<\/em>
Robert Violette<\/p>\r\n

Friends of the School of Dental Medicine – Fox Award<\/strong>
Awarded to the student judged to the best all-around in the class <\/em>
Mikayla Moynahan and Tyler Guido<\/p>\r\n

International College of Dentists Student Humanitarian Award<\/strong>
Awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated exemplary character traits when participating in humanitarian service or projects
Paul Nwokeji<\/p>\r\n

International College of Dentists Student Leadership Award <\/strong>
Awarded to a graduating student who has demonstrated significant leadership traits when participating in humanitarian service or projects<\/em>
Gabriella Blazquez<\/p>\r\n

The Brian D. Stone Student Memorial Award<\/strong>
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<\/em>
Sarah Feltz<\/p>\r\n

The Pierre Fauchard Academy Award <\/strong>
Presented to an outstanding and deserving student who has exhibited leadership and <\/em>
whose accomplishments have demonstrated dedication to the advancement of the dental <\/em>
profession and literature<\/em>
Madisen Cohen<\/p>\r\n

The Quintessence Award for Research Achievement <\/strong>
Presented to a student for research achievement<\/em>
Michelle Spoto<\/p>\r\n

University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine Professional Development Award<\/strong>
To a senior student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in professional development over the four years of the curriculum<\/em>
Robert Dubois<\/p>\r\n

Academic Achievement Award 2022 Sponsored by the Provost’s Commission on the Status of Women, the UConn Alumni Association, and the Women’s Center <\/strong>
Excelled academically and demonstrated high achievement in research and service to the University community<\/em>
Gabriella Blazquez<\/p>\r\n

American Association of Women Dentists Eleanor J. Bushee Senior Dental Student Award<\/strong>
The recipient of this award should demonstrate enthusiasm in her career in dentistry <\/em>
and in her life as a colleague, friend and mentor<\/em>
Courtney Regan<\/p>\r\n

The Alumni Relations Award <\/strong>
Appreciation of student leadership and commitment to the UConn School of Dental Medicine <\/em>
Alumni Advisory Board <\/em>
Diana Keder<\/p>\r\n

The South Park Inn Homeless Shelter Award<\/strong>
For long standing service to the South Park Inn Homeless Shelter Dental Clinic<\/em>
Lauren Cardarelli<\/p>\r\n

The Dr. Jeanne Craig Sinkford Student Leadership Award sponsored by ADEA<\/strong>
Given to a student who demonstrates leadership, advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion and a commitment to community service <\/em>
Paul Nwokeji<\/p>\r\n

Phi Chi Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon 2022 Inductees<\/strong>
Inducted into the Phi Chi Chapter of OKU National Honor Dental Society with a focus on scholarship and character<\/em>
Gabriella Blazquez, Tyler Guido, Mikayla Moynahan, Paul Nwokeji<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cOn behalf of the entire School of Dental Medicine community, I congratulate each of our soon to be new graduates for completing, arguably, the most challenging and rigorous dental education program anywhere,\u201d Dean Dr. Steven Lepowsky said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":136,"featured_media":185784,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_crdt_document":"","wds_primary_category":0,"wds_primary_series":0,"wds_primary_attribution":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2166],"tags":[],"magazine-issues":[],"coauthors":[2177],"class_list":["post-185677","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sdm"],"pp_statuses_selecting_workflow":false,"pp_workflow_action":"current","pp_status_selection":"publish","acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-30 15:10:28","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/posts\/185677","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/users\/136"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=185677"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/posts\/185677\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":185825,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/posts\/185677\/revisions\/185825"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/media\/185784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=185677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=185677"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=185677"},{"taxonomy":"magazine-issue","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/magazine-issues?post=185677"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-rest\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=185677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}