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The West Virginia University School of Dentistry welcomed its newest class of Doctor of Dental Surgery students to campus with a full slate of orientation activities. From protocols and resources to advising and wellness activities, the Class of 2028 connected with fellow students and faculty members as they began their journey to clinically excellent, service-oriented practitioners.
At the conclusion of their orientation activities, the class of 48 students participated in a Professionalism Assembly attended by family and friends. The annual ceremony includes a written and oral oath of professionalism and commitment to service.
Students were addressed by WVU Health Sciences Chancellor and Executive Dean Dr. Clay Marsh, School of Dentistry Dean Dr. Stephen Pachuta, School of Dentistry Associate Dean Dr. Shelia Price and School of Dentistry Alumni Association President Dr. Moe Momen. Professor Dr. Elizabeth Kao and Associate Dean Dr. Valerie Perrine led them in the professionalism pledge.
Dr. Pachuta thanked the students for choosing WVU and the profession of dentistry, sharing insights from Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre, dean of faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy, about military insight for academic excellence and culture of character.
“There's no light switch for character,” he said. “Professionals consistently exhibit these qualities – respect for human beings, competence, integrity and a commitment to service, not prestige or profit. We must remain cognizant and committed to our professional code of ethics, professionalism, leadership, excellence and service.”
“The root word of community means together and service, it really means service to yourself and service to each other,” Dr. Marsh said, echoing Pachuta’s remarks about the importance of service. “My hope for all of you is that you find meaning and purpose and community in all you do. Service is the greatest privilege we have. One of my favorite poets, Rabindranath Tagore, said, ‘I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.’”
Dr. Momen (’91) reflected on his dental school experience and offered advice for the exciting and challenging journey ahead.
“You all are here today because you have a dream, a dream to become dental professionals who make a difference. Let me assure you that that dream is not only possible but within your reach as long as you stay committed and passionate.
“As you move forward in this journey, remember that the only limits are the ones you place on yourself. You have the potential to achieve greatness, to innovate and to lead. Believe in yourself. The world needs your brilliance, your compassion and your skill.”
Selected from hundreds of applicants, the newest class of D.D.S. students hail from two countries, 12 states and 12 West Virginia counties. The majority of students have a background in biology, while others earned an undergraduate or graduate degree in 16 other fields, including exercise physiology, biochemistry, psychology and nutritional science. A slight majority – 52% – of incoming students are female, which is representative of a growing trend across the United States.
“In the spirit of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, each member of the class has earned a WVU gold medal,” Dr. Price said. “As was the case with the Olympian athletes this summer, you had to qualify to represent not only WVU, but all dental students that are coming into the profession this year. You victoriously competed in a robust application pool, winning this seat in the class, representing the top 6% of applicants to the program. The competition is over. Now you are part of a community. A community that is marked with teamwork, synergism and mutual respect.
“You are the banner carrier from this day forward. You are forever linked as a Mountaineer, a Mountaineer who represents this great school of dentistry and the wonderful clinicians that are educated here.”
Over the next four years, the dental students will complete intense academic study, preclinical training and direct patient care as they develop into competent oral health professionals capable of practicing safely, ethically and independently.
A reception sponsored by the WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Association followed the ceremony.
The Doctor of Dental Surgery Class of 2028 includes:
- Cooper Albright of Roanoke, Virginia
- Ghadeer Alqallaf of Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Hazem Attal of Charleston, West Virginia
- Trip Barkley of Williamstown, West Virginia
- Daniel Bethers of St. George, Utah
- William Bowen of Scott Depot, West Virginia
- Naomi Conger of Grove City, Pennsylvania
- Kacey Costlow of Windber, Pennsylvania
- Josie Crawford of Saint Albans, West Virginia
- Kansas Crean of Tarpon Springs, Florida
- Kaitlyn Crist of Short Gap, West Virginia
- Jacob Estep of Wheeling, West Virginia
- Riley Ferguson of Rivesville, West Virginia
- Ellora Foggin of Belleville, West Virginia
- Zachary Friend of Deep Creek, Maryland
- Alexx Grady of Oakland, Maryland
- Nathan Hazel of Columbus, Ohio
- Noah Hunter of Union, West Virginia
- Sheherbano Hussaini of Baltimore, Maryland
- Camryn Irvin of Williamstown, West Virginia
- Sidney Karnes of Lindside, West Virginia
- Nate Kazienko of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
- Madelyn Lalama of Bridgeport, West Virginia
- Megan Mathes of Charlottesville, Virginia
- Grace McCusker of Morgantown, West Virginia
- Ameer Menwer of East Meadow, New York
- Adam Michalski of Deford, Michigan
- Sage Neidbalson of Cleveland, Ohio
- Matthew Newton of Fort Collins, Colorado
- Nader Nilforoushan of Lorain, Ohio
- Lucas Pintirsch of Saxonburg, Pennsylvania
- Jason Plants of Charleston, West Virginia
- Mary Porter of Wheeling, West Virginia
- William Pugh of Winchester, Virginia
- Kaitlin Santmyers of Middletown, Virginia
- Abigail Serwinski of Murrysville, Pennsylvania
- Matthew Skarzynski of Norridge, Illinois
- Lauren Snedeker of Massillon, Ohio
- William Steen of Bemus Point, New York
- Lindsey Suter of Bridgeport, West Virginia
- Jackson Taylor of Berryville, Virginia
- Blake Tilley of Barboursville, West Virginia
- Madalyn Valoroso of New Albany, Pennsylvania
- Casey Washington of Tupelo, Mississippi
- Rouba Wehbi of Harouf, Lebanon
- Christopher Whyte of Ripley, West Virginia
- Maredith Williams of Charleston, West Virginia
- Kaitlin Yealy of Littlestown, Pennsylvania