New Dentists Shaping Smiles, Shaping Lives

The commencement began with an awards ceremony followed by the official hooding, a symbolic rite of passage from student to graduate. Dean Ronnie Myers, D.D.S., reflected on the significance of the moment: "The Class of 2025 has made their mark on TCDM, and we are proud to see them translate their skills and achievements learned here and move on to make successful strides in oral health care," he said. "Over the past four years, this group has grown from first-year dental students to caring professionals. This was all made possible thanks to our incredible faculty and staff who worked with Touro’s innovative curriculum and state-of-the-art clinical facilities."

Fewer S’mores and More Feelings

Class President Corey Golden delivered the student address, reflecting on the intensity and transformation of the past four years. “Dental school has been a lot,” he said. “Some days felt like military boot camp. Other days felt like summer camp—with fewer s’mores and more feelings.”

Golden shared memories of late nights, lab practicals, and the pressures of clinic, where students made the transition to hands-on patient care. He acknowledged the leadership of class vice president Jenna Khan and paid tribute to his late mother, stating, “She would be proud.”

He emphasized the lasting value of the education received at TCDM, beyond clinical technique. “We may forget the exact details of histology slides or the perfect matrix band placement—but what we won’t forget is how to think, how to adapt, and how to care. That’s the real education we’ve gained here at Touro College of Dental Medicine.”

Keynote Address by Dr. Susan Fox

The keynote speaker was Dr. Susan Fox, President and CEO of the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD). Drawing on decades of leadership in health policy and developmental disabilities, Dr. Fox shared insights into the evolution of inclusive care and the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing oral health services.

“Today, we gather to celebrate not just the completion of your academic journey but the beginning of a remarkable adventure in the world of dentistry,” said Dr. Fox.

She spoke about the long-standing partnership between WIHD and TCDM and referenced the third-year rotation program, where students spend time treating patients with special needs. She noted that student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and emphasized how such experiences help shape compassionate, community-focused practitioners.

Her address reinforced the importance of preparing dental professionals to serve diverse populations and underscored TCDM’s commitment to clinical training that prioritizes equity and inclusion.

One Graduate to Serve in the United States Army

TCDM’s graduating military student, Dr. Ruyu Ning, a captain in the United States Army was also formerly sworn in by Mill Etienne, M.D., M.P.H., FAAN, FAES, Vice Chancellor for New York Medical College and captain in the United States Navy. Originally from northeast China, Dr. Ning was drawn to dentistry after shadowing a provider and later joined the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) to fund her studies. “I feel that this country has provided me so much,” she said. “I wanted to pay it back.”

Among other honored guests and speakers were Alan Kadish, M.D., President of Touro University, Rabbi Moshe Krupka, Executive Vice President of Touro University, and Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of New York Medical College.

Graduate Highlights

Graduates from the Class of 2025 are pursuing careers across the country through residencies and private practices. Several students were recognized for entering competitive specialty programs:

• Steven Huerte is the first TCDM graduate to enter the field of oral pathology. “It’s bittersweet to leave TCDM,” he acknowledged. “Oral pathology appealed to me because it combines histology, microscopy, and dentistry.”
• Vasyl Nayda, who matched with NYU’s prosthodontics program, discovered his interest in advanced restorative care during TCDM’s simulation and clinic experiences. “We’re a thriving, state-of-the-art dental school and a family,” he said.
• Maryam Arshad, beginning an AEGD residency with the Hudson Valley Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, stated her goal simply: “To be the reason why people like going to the dentist. Oral health is general health.”