The 137 new dentists and dental hygienists represent a blend of backgrounds, experiences, and motivations, from first-generation immigrants to continuing family legacies in health care.
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) graduated what Dean Mark Reynolds, DDS, PhD, MA, called “one of the most diverse and accomplished classes of dental graduates in the nation” during UMSOD’s Honors Convocation at the Hippodrome Theatre on May 23.
The 137 new dentists and dental hygienists represented a blend of backgrounds, experiences, and motivations, from first-generation immigrants to continuing family legacies in health care.
“Faced with unprecedented social and public health challenges over the course of their academic careers, this extraordinary class has contributed thousands of hours of volunteer service,” Reynolds said.
Among the graduates was Jamaica native Alanzo Aris, DDS, who became the first dentist in his family while honoring the memory of his late mother.
“She passed away when I was a junior at Rutgers,” Aris said. “She’s a big influence of why I’m doing this. She gave me the courage and strength to actually come and finish what I said I was going to do.”
His journey from nervous student to confident practitioner exemplified the transformation that many of Aris’ fellow graduates underwent during their four years of dental school.
“I remember shaking the first time I anesthetized a patient,” said Aris, who is headed to a dental practice in Oklahoma. “Now, I’m ready to go. I’m laser-focused and ready to be a super general practitioner.”
Another graduate, Nila Lahijan, DDS, represented the continuation of a family tradition, following her mother’s path at the same dental school from which she graduated nearly 30 years ago.
For Lahijan, watching her mother practice dentistry provided the blueprint for her own career aspirations.
“It’s very emotional,” Lahijan said. “I grew up in her office, sitting in the chair looking up at her.”
In a touching moment during the ceremony, Lahijan’s mother, Mahvash Zulfaghary, DDS ’96, performed the traditional hooding for her daughter.