Class of 2023 Spotlights

On May 15, about 164 students will be awarded their degrees at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine’s (RSDM) convocation ceremony in the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Five of those students from the traditional and internationally educated DMD programs have reflected on their RSDM journeys as they prepare for their next steps.

Maha Ibrahim, Internationally Educated DMD Program, from Lebanon

What was the highlight of your time here at RSDM? 

As an international dentist, I was fortunate to be accepted to Rutgers in my first application cycle. During my senior year at RSDM, I had the privilege of participating in two special programs: the Community Oriented Dental Education (CODE) Program at the Northfield clinic and the NJ Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities program, where I was one of the first dental students to be involved. Furthermore, I’m extremely grateful and pleased to have been featured in this year's annual report and RDSM news in 2022.

What will you miss the most? 

The aspect I will miss the most about my time here is the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with friends from diverse cultural backgrounds and meet new people in a welcoming and adaptable environment. Additionally, I will miss working alongside my mentors on various projects and the invaluable experiences they provided.

What are some takeaways from your RSDM journey? 

Finding a community and group of people who share similar values, beliefs, and interests, which can lead to a sense of acceptance, understanding, and validation.

Any leadership roles, awards, or achievements you'd want to share from your 4 years? 

I participated and presented my poster at Balbo research day 2023. I was awarded Justin H. Stone, DDS, and Robert G. Kroll, DDS, Endowed Scholarship. They founded the special needs clinic at Rutgers and, I will be receiving recognition for my achievements during the student awards ceremony on May 10.

What are your next steps? Future aspirations? 

My aspiration is to be a dentist working with special needs patients, and my next steps are applying for a pediatrics residency next year besides working in a pediatrics clinic in Los Angeles, California.

Jonathan Vacca, Traditional DMD Program, from Wayne, NJ

What was the highlight of your time here at RSDM? 

During the summer break after my third year of dental school, I joined a mission trip to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota to treat Native Americans from the Lakota tribe. This outreach opportunity allowed me to provide essential treatment to a population that lacks access to care. Utilizing my education and training to render care for those in need is an opportunity all health care providers should experience. 

What will you miss the most? 

Since Rutgers takes students from across the country, many graduates migrate back to their home state following graduation. Plenty of my peers made an impact on my life and seeing them leave the state will be a difficult transition. 

What are some takeaways from your RSDM journey?

The major takeaway from my time in dental school is the impact that we can have on the life of our patients. Whether it is improving their oral health, nutrition, or esthetics, patients really appreciate when you can take them out of pain or help improve their confidence. As I look forward to my years of private practice, I will cherish the doctor-patient relationship and look to build connections with my future patient pool.  

Any leadership roles, awards, or achievements you'd want to share from your 4 years? 

My leadership roles at school consisted of honor council member, foresight leader, NJDA board of trustees member, research, and SGA vice-president. My awards include the Stanley S. Bergen, Jr. Endowed Scholarship, the Michael T. McCormack, Jr. Endowed Scholarship, the Oral Health Foundation Pierre Fauchard Academy Scholarship, the Dr. Carmine LoMonaco Student Leadership Fund Award, and the Rosemary and Todd Bryan Endowed Scholarship. These awards validated the effort I put into my academics and extracurricular activities. 

What are your next steps? Future aspirations? 

My next step is to attend a general practice residency at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey. In looking at my long-term plan, I intend on practicing as an associate for a few years before ultimately opening my own practice somewhere in the state. I look to my experience in dental practice and dental school as a foundation to build on in providing comprehensive care to my patients. 

Khrystyna Hrebeshchenko, Traditional DMD Program, from Ukraine

 What was the highlight of your time here at RSDM? 

The highlight of my time in RSDM is the transition to the clinic when we were finally able to meet our family of patients and take on our important roles as future dentists.  

 What will you miss the most? 

As the Vice President of the class of 2023, I feel a great relationship with the student body, faculty, and administration at RSDM. I will miss all my dear friends that have supported me these four years.

 What are some takeaways from your RSDM journey?

Dental school is a very difficult journey, yet it is also one that is most rewarding. I’m beyond blessed to be graduating from such a renowned dental school. Our clinical skills are recognized nationwide and for that, I feel very proud.

What are your next steps? Future aspirations? 

I will be joining an advanced education in general dentistry program with a surgical emphasis in Bessemer, Alabama.  

Stalin Borges, Internationally Educated DMD Program, from Brazil

What was the highlight of your time here at RSDM? 

The highlight at RSDM is the clinic, the clinical training, especially the restorative portion is definitely life changing.  

What will you miss the most? 

Definitely the people. That makes RSDM what it is. The patients, the students, and the faculty.  

What are some takeaways from your RSDM journey?

The biggest takeaway is people respect diversity and equality. RSDM is an extremely diverse and equal place.

Any leadership roles, awards, or achievements you'd want to share from your 4 years? 

I was awarded a clinical award and a spotlight along with my brother which was incredible not only for him and me but also for the whole family.  

What are your next steps? Future aspirations? 

I definitely want to start my own practice with my partner and brother Yuri, where we could transform people’s lives with dentistry, preferably in an underserved community. 

Yuri Borges, Internationally Educated DMD Program, from Brazil

What was the highlight of your time here at RSDM? 

The highlight at Rutgers University that impacted my life was learning teamwork. I learned how to work in a such diverse environment and extract different opinions to raise the standard of care for patients. 

What will you miss the most? 

I will miss the most my professors, the friends I made at Rutgers for the rest of my life, as well all the Rutgers employees who were essential for all my journey to achieve my DMD.  

What are some takeaways from your RSDM journey?

The takeaway from my RSDM journey was to learn how to be more flexible in a huge university where hundreds of patients are seen daily and be part of this huge team—it is just fascinating.

Any leadership roles, awards, or achievements you'd want to share from your 4 years? 

I had a student spotlight and received clinical award together with my brother. It was an incredible satisfaction for my family and me.  

What are your next steps? Future aspirations? 

I would like to treat underserved communities to give back to society. I would like to start my own practice in the future with my brother Stalin.