Graduates were thrilled to have the opportunity to return to a fully-in-person Awards Ceremony and Hooding and Commencement Ceremony. Under the Sunshine Tent on New York Medical College’s campus, an audience of more than 600, consisting of friends, family and peers gathered to honor the 104 graduates with the time-honored tradition of hooding, representing their passage from student status to doctor. Recognized at commencement were the twelve inductees into the dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon. The honor society recognizes scholarship and character of those selected from the top 20% of the graduating class.

“The Class of 2022 has weathered a storm like no other and done so with the utmost professionalism, perseverance and fortitude.” said Ronnie Myers, D.D.S., Dean at TCDM. “Over the past four years, this group has grown from fresh and eager dental students to compassionate, driven and thoughtful healthcare providers. They have made their mark on TCDM and will now move on to make incredible strides for the betterment of oral healthcare and the patients they will personally treat.”

Sherlita Amler, M.D., M.S., FAAP, Commissioner of Health for Westchester County and Adjunct Professor of Public Health, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, and Senior Fellow in the Center for Disaster Medicine (CDM) at New York Medical College, was the distinguished keynote speaker for the ceremony.

“In my own field of public health, we recognize the vital role of dentistry, helping us lead better lives as well as longer lives. Oral health affects every aspects of our lives, from diet to sleep to mental health. The future health of our people will depend in part on you and your colleagues. Some of you will go on to develop new procedures, treatments and preventive strategies. As you move ahead in your profession, always remember to treat the whole patient and recognize the value of every human being. Look beyond the oral cavity, because a tooth never walks in by itself! Many people have poor access to healthcare, so you may be their only doctor,” said Dr. Amler. 

“You have so much to celebrate in your academic and clinical achievements at Touro. Be proud of where you came from. Show gratitude to those who have helped you reach this milestone, and thank the supporting players throughout your life. My wish for all of you is that you find professional and personal fulfillment using the tools you have acquired here, while making this world a healthier place,” concluded Amler.

Edward F. Farkas, D.D.S, M.A., Vice Dean at TCDM, congratulated the Class of 2022, “It is with great pride and joy, that we send the Class of 2022 into the world. Our hope is that they participate fully in the mission of the TCDM, and not only provide excellent healthcare service to future generations of patients, but that they grow into leaders of their communities, and make the world a better place.”

TCDM’s distinguished graduates of the Class of 2022 completed a meticulous four-year dental education rooted in harnessing advancements in digital dental technology to better serve communities. Following commencement, students will begin their residencies or join private practices across the country.