Class of 2023 Moves Tassels to Left
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) held its convocation on May 15 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
One hundred and twenty-five students earned their degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and 30 students obtained postgraduate certificates with some also receiving Master of Dental Science degrees. This ceremony, including the hooding of DMD recipients, symbolizes graduates’ entry into the profession. The lilac hood represents dentistry, and the scarlet inner lining denotes Rutgers University.
"During your time at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, the world has dramatically changed,” said Dean Cecile A. Feldman to the graduates in her speech. “While your first thoughts may be of the hundreds of virtual online learning hours, the thousands of textbook pages and the journal articles you have read, and what seems to be endless axiUm entries, my first thought, however, is how you've transformed.” Feldman stressed the 100 percent pass rate of the class in the new Integrated National Board exam as well as their 95 percent match rate, which is about 30 percent above the national average. She also offered guidance to the class in leading successful careers as healthcare providers.
Rutgers School of Biomedical Sciences (RBHS) Chancellor Brian Strom also commended the class for persevering during the pandemic with such success. “You adjusted to new modes of learning and longer hours as didactics and exams moved to seven at night, all while juggling the unpredictable health, financial, and family issues during the crisis,” he said. “But you forged ahead and demonstrated tremendous resilience and grit.”
The event also recognized the achievements of individuals. Assistant Professor of Oral Biology Carla Cugini received the New Jersey Health Foundation, Inc., Excellence in Research Award. A microbiologist, Cugini’s expertise was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. She and RSDM researchers, in collaboration with other schools, developed antibody tests for COVID-19. She was also part of an RSDM study that showed anti-microbial mouth rinses, such as Listerine, disrupted the COVID-19 virus.
The Excellence in Teaching Award was given to Hind El-Hammali, who has received this award for the third time–an unprecedented record. El-Hammali is an assistant professor in the Restorative Dentistry Department. She teaches preclinical and clinical courses. For several years, she led fourth-year students to over 96 percent pass rate on the CDCA Prosthodontic Licensing Exam.
Class of 2023 member Irene Kontogiannis received the Stanley S. Bergen, Jr., MD, Medal of Excellence, given to one graduating student from each RBHS school who best exemplifies outstanding academic accomplishments. At RSDM, Kontogiannis showed stellar academic performance—maintaining the highest GPA for all four years—took on many leadership roles, and received numerous prestigious scholarships.
The ceremony ended with remarks from the President of Class of 2023 Jasmine Renee Lopez, who recapped highlights and challenging times from the past four years. “As we part ways, there is a piece of advice I want to share,” she said to her classmates. “Take up space. Be a leader in a field, even if it means working behind the scenes. … After we move our tassels, after we get our diplomas, you will be known as a doctor. Use this title to make a difference in the profession and more importantly, in your patients’ lives.”
