Graduating DDS learners gathered for an awards celebration on Thursday, May 11, on the eve of their commencement ceremony. 

The annual event honors and celebrates graduates who have achieved special recognition for their dedication to excellence in specialties, clinical care, research, patient care and more. 

“We are very proud of our graduates and their commitment to excellence,” reflected Karl Self, DDS, MBA, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in his remarks at the ceremony. “Their service on behalf of the school, the community, and the profession has shown brightly on this university.”

Shivan Nelson, DDS ’11 and president of the School of Dentistry Alumni Society Board, offered her congratulations on behalf of the board and the society, and invited learners to remain connected with their alma mater. “Let me be the first to welcome you as our newest alumni,” she said. “Your learning doesn’t end as you cross the stage; in fact, it’s just beginning. I encourage you to lean on our alumni network for support.” 

Following the presentation of the awards, the Class of 2023’s officers—president Rachel Pfahning and vice presidents Margaret Klein and Joshua Wright—gave remarks reflecting on their experience as they looked toward graduation before showing a video memorializing their school experience and featuring messages from faculty and staff.

“As we reach our final destination, we are able to reflect on the amazing memories, friendships and experiences we’ve had over the last four years,” Pfahning said. “We’ve supported one another through tremendous challenges, loss and hardships, and we’ve celebrated each other’s successes—no matter how big or small. This trip that started with over one hundred strangers quickly turned into a journey with countless friends who have turned into family. The road to graduation had plenty of bumps and detours along the way, but I’d choose to go on this trip with you all again in a heartbeat.” 

Congratulations to this year’s awardees, and the entire DDS Class of 2023 on their graduation!

 

 

 

2023 DDS Awards

Academic and Student Affairs

American Association of Women Dentists Eleanor J. Bushee Senior Dental Student Award

The American Association of Women Dentists holds a strong tradition of having, in its membership, high-profile professionals who are known for their leadership, mentoring, successful practices, and commitment to the field of dentistry. The Eleanor J. Bushee Senior Dental Student Award honors a student who has achieved academic excellence and has demonstrated outstanding leadership.

Isabella Christianson Galina

American College of Dentists Outstanding Senior Leader Award

The American College of Dentists is the oldest major honorary organization for dentists. Its members have exemplified excellence through outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to dentistry and society. The Outstanding Student Leader Award recognizes a senior dental student whose dental academic record most exemplifies a combination of outstanding scholastic performance, demonstrated leadership, and potential for impact on the profession of dentistry.

Joshua Wright

American Dental Education Association Dr. Jeanne Craig Sinkford Student Leadership Award

Dr. Sinkford, ADEA Senior Scholar Emerita, is an icon, trailblazer and visionary in dental education; a life-long supporter of dental research; and a steadfast advocate for diversity and social justice. As the first woman and African American dean of a U.S. dental school, Dr. Sinkford’s pioneering efforts empowered women and men from all backgrounds to advance to the pinnacle of their careers in dentistry, including in deanships, research, service and academia. Dr. Sinkford’s academic, research and service leadership is the hallmark of her professional career. She is a persistent advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in dental education and the dental professions and a champion for access to oral health care and health equity. Her long career as a leader for change has had a resounding impact on and helped transform the dental education community. We are grateful to be the beneficiaries of her selfless life of interprofessional service, mentorship and leadership.

Arpun Johal

American Student Dental Association Award of Excellence

The American Student Dental Association Award of Excellence honors the spirit of volunteerism. The award recognizes one student member from each dental school for achieving superior levels of participation or leadership in service to other students, their school or local community, and who is in good academic standing.

Kevin J. Marzolf

International College of Dentists Student Humanitarian Award

The International College of Dentists is a worldwide honorary organization. One of its objectives is to recognize meritorious service and significant contributions to our profession. This award honors a graduate who not only exemplified and demonstrated passion for altruistic humanitarian service as a student, but has great potential to continue to do so.

Abigale Rae Enrici

International College of Dentists Student Leadership Award

This award is to a graduating student who has demonstrated leadership in some of the following categories: dental school class, ASDA, SNDA, research, student government, committees or activities, has demonstrated potential to continue leadership roles after graduation, and is ranked in upper third of class, and participated in international opportunities in the School of Dentistry.

Isabella Christianson Galina

Mellor R. Holland Student Achievement Award

In honor of the former Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs, Dr. Mellor R. Holland, the School of Dentistry Alumni Society is delighted to present the annual Mellor R. Holland Student Achievement Award. This certificate of achievement includes a monetary award of $1,500, in recognition of a senior dental student who exemplifies outstanding leadership, scholarship, and personal character.

Rachel Pfahning

MN Academy of General Dentistry Larry Squillace Senior Masters Award

Selected by the Minnesota Academy of General Dentistry Masters, this student has exhibited the greatest leadership, interest, knowledge, and proficiency in the field of general dentistry during their senior year.

Lauren Moe

MN Academy of General Dentistry Senior Student Dental Award (SSDA) from the Academy of General Dentistry

The Senior Student Dental Award from the Academy of General Dentistry is presented by the Minnesota Academy of General Dentistry. This student was selected as having exhibited the greatest leadership, interest, knowledge, and proficiency in the field of general dentistry during their senior year.

Riley Schulz

Minnesota Dental Association Board of Trustees Award

This award is given in appreciation for the gift of time, talent and energy in service to the Minnesota Dental Association.

Kevin Marzolf

Minnesota Dental Association Student Appreciation Award

Colton Cannon

Office of Admissions and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Recognition of Service

In recognition of services to the Office of Admissions and Diversity, this senior student was not only an Admissions Ambassador, but also served on the Admissions Committee and reviewed applications from prospective students. The Admissions Committee serves a critical role in selecting the student population who will become the next generation of dentists. This student will receive a special gift from the Office of Admissions and Diversity for their service on the DDS Admissions Committee.

Erik Skoe

Omicron Kappa Upsilon Membership Award

Each year, the national dental honor society Omicron Kappa Upsilon Beta Beta Chapter, selects into its membership a limited group of senior students. Eligible students include the top 20% of the class, from which only 12% of the class are elected. These students have distinguished themselves by excellence in scholarship, while demonstrating exemplary traits of character and potential qualities for future professional growth and attainments. Their certificate of merit includes distinguished regalia worn at commencement, including an OKU stole, gold tassel, and signet.

Rana Alsharif
Kayla Blanek
Isabella Christianson Galina
Lillian Rose Cregan
Luc Rene de la Villefromoy
Madison M. Fox
Emerson Gonyea
Rachel Limmex
Rachel Pfahning
Emily M. Raven
Joshua Wright

Park Dental “Quality Care in a Caring Manner” Award

This award is presented to students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in patient care as determined by a faculty committee of color group leaders.

Luc Rene de la Villefromoy
Carter F. Lukenda
Tyler Misko
Erik Skoe

Office of Admissions and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Recognition of Student Ambassadors

This award is presented in recognition of services to the Office of Admissions and Diversity.

Abigale Enrici
Arpun Johal
Carter Lukenda
Ciara Houser
Emerson Gonyea
Erik Skoe
Isabella Christianson Galina
Jose Gigato Gonzalez
Kevin Marzolf
Khaled Daifallah
Kristelle Yewah
Mahmoud Mire
Meera Damodaran
Randi Johnson
Sam Hanson
Simran Baath

St. Paul District Dental Society Monson Grant

Colton Cannon
Madison Fox
Jacob Jordan
Kevin Marzolf

Division of Biomaterials

Academy of Dental Materials Award

The Academy of Dental Materials is a consortium of dental professionals interested in the development and application of new materials for dental care. This award honors a graduating dental student who has demonstrated excellence in the field of dental materials science.

Luc Rene de la Villefromoy

Division of Dental Public Health

American Association of Public Health Dentistry Award for Achievement in Community Dentistry and Dental Public Health

This award is presented by the American Association of Public Health Dentistry, in partnership with Procter & Gamble Professional Oral Health and Crest Oral B. The dental student receiving this award has demonstrated a special interest and achievement in community dentistry, reducing health disparities, and providing oral health care access to underserved communities.

Colton Cannon

Brian D. Stone Memorial Award from Dental Lifeline Network

Through the awards program established by Drs. Joy and Justin Stone of New Jersey, the Dental Lifeline Network is pleased to present the Brian D. Stone Memorial Award. This award recognizes a graduating dental student who has demonstrated commitment to volunteerism or to outstanding clinical care of special needs patients.

Meera J. Damodaran

Special Care Dentistry Association Student Award

The Special Care Dentistry Association Student Award goes to a student who demonstrates a sincere interest in and concern for the needs of patients with special needs.

Kinsley Jane Kehlenbeck

Dental Research and Oral Biology

Pierre Fauchard Senior Dental Student Certificate of Merit

The recipient of the Pierre Fauchard award is a graduating senior who has excelled in research and the academic and clinical aspects of the dental program. Particular emphasis is placed on the student's contributions to dental literature and outstanding and dedicated service to the profession.

Rachel Limmex

Quintessence Award for Research Achievement

This award recognizes outstanding achievement in dental research as determined by Dental Research Institute Support Committee and based on students’ summer project report & poster presentations.

D. Grant Lewis

Shelley Grimes Award

This award is presented in memory of Dr. Shelley Grimes, a research colleague who emphasized the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, whether they be from research experiments or life. The recipient has exhibited excellence in student research and committed to pursuing new ideas to advance the field of dental research.

Claire Elizabeth Waldman

Division of Endodontics

American Association of Endodontics Student Achievement Award

The American Association of Endodontists presents this Student Achievement Award to a student who has a broad interest in endodontics, above average skill and proficiency in clinical treatment of endodontic problems, and above average grades in endodontic didactic courses.

Luc Rene de la Villefromoy

Irwin A. Epstein Award for Excellence in Clinical Endodontics

Established by Dr. Irwin Epstein, a 1922 graduate of the School of Dentistry, this award recognizes a fourth-year dental student for achievement and proficiency in the field of clinical endodontics.

Rana Alsharif

James Jensen Award for Excellence in Clinical Endodontics

This award is named after Dr. James Jensen, a 1950 graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Endodontic Graduate Residency program. It recognizes a senior dental student who has demonstrated achievement in the diagnosis, treatment planning and management of the endodontic patient.

Islam Ibrahim

Scott B. McClanahan Award for Excellence in Endodontics

This award is named after Dr. Scott B. McClanahan, a former Program and Division Director, and it recognizes a senior dental student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in Endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning and has shown an interest in the specialty of Endodontics.

Lukas Gillett

Division of Operative Dentistry

Academy of Operative Dentistry Award

The recipient of the Academy of Operative Dentistry Award exemplifies outstanding achievement in operative dentistry. The Academy is an international dental association, and exists to promote excellence in the field of operative dentistry.

Monika Maher Selim Attia

American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Student Award of Merit

The American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Student Award of Merit is given to a dental student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the pursuit of excellence in the undergraduate study of esthetic dentistry.

Luke Banchy

American Academy of Gold Foil Operators Achievement Award

The American Academy of Gold Foil Operators Achievement Award is presented to a fourth-year dental student to recognize professional attitude, didactic achievement, technical skill, and clinical judgment in preventive and therapeutic phases of operative dentistry.

Brock Baade

Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry

This Quintessence Award is given to a graduating dental student who has demonstrated outstanding clinical achievement in restorative dentistry.

Emily M. Raven

Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Award

This framed certificate and one-year membership in the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology is given to fourth-year dental students who have demonstrated exemplary aptitude and achievement in Oral Pathology.

Isabella Christianson Galina
Carter F. Lukenda

Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Student Award

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons provides this annual award to recognize dental students of high academic standing for outstanding performance in their study and clinical training in the area of oral and maxillofacial surgery and anesthesiology.

Isabella Christianson Galina

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Student Award

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons provides an annual award to the graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and performance related to placement and restoration implants. The recipient will also receive a one year complimentary subscription to the Journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and complimentary registration to the annual meeting.

Grace Elizabeth Garry

American Dental Society of Anesthesiology Horace Wells Senior Student Award

The American Dental Society of Anesthesiology is pleased to offer the Horace Wells Senior Student Award. Given to advance the interest in the field of anesthesia and pain control, this award is presented to a senior student who has shown outstanding achievement in the field of dental anesthesiology.

Kevin J. Marzolf

Dedolph Scholarship

The Dedolph Scholarship is awarded to a senior dental student who has exhibited interest in and pursued opportunities for educational experiences related to oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Amirali Behdani

Henry B. Clark, Jr. Memorial Award

The Henry B. Clark, Junior Award is given by the School of Dentistry Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, to a fourth-year dental student who has shown exceptional ability and potential in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Khaled Daifallah

Division of Oral Medicine, Diagnosis & Radiology

American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Achievement Award

This American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology gives this award to a senior dental student who has demonstrated special interest and accomplishment in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.

Luc Rene de la Villefromoy

American Academy of Oral Medicine Certificate of Merit

This certificate of merit and one-year membership to the American Academy of Oral Medicine is given to a senior student who has demonstrated outstanding performance, proficiency and promise in the discipline of Oral Medicine. This student has demonstrated excellence in coursework and superior knowledge and ability to provide diagnostic services to dental patients at an exceptional level.

Colton Cannon

Dennis Theis Memorial Radiology Clinical Achievement Award

The Dennis Theis Memorial Radiology Clinical Achievement Award is given to a senior dental student who has shown exceptional dedication in radiology clinical activities and radiographic interpretation.

Kami Hogan

Ramesh Kuba Radiology Excellence Award

Kayla Blanek 

Division of Orthodontics

American Association of Orthodontists Award

The American Association of Orthodontists is pleased to announce its annual award to the senior dental student who has demonstrated exceptional interest in the study of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. This student has been nominated by faculty to receive this honor.

Lillian Rose Cregan

Minnesota Association of Orthodontists Award

Emerson Gonyea

Division of Pediatric Dentistry

Certificate of Merit American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Predoctoral Student Award

This award is given to a single senior dental student who demonstrates the greatest promise in pediatric dentistry and is chosen by the Pediatric Dental faculty.

Alissa Bares

MN Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Community Service Award

The Minnesota Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is a network of dentists dedicated to the oral health of Minnesotans from infancy through the teenaged years, as well as for individuals with special health care needs. The Academy gives two awards to meritorious students. The first award is given to a senior dental student in recognition of outstanding community service primarily for children and adolescents in need of oral healthcare.

Meera J. Damodaran

MN Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Performance Award

The second award from the Minnesota Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is given to a senior dental student or students in recognition of outstanding performance in pediatric dentistry.

Madison M. Fox
Madison Michelle Worke

Division of Periodontology

American Academy of Periodontology Award

From the American Academy of Periodontology, this certificate is presented to a graduating student who has excelled in the field of periodontology, displaying the highest level of academic and clinical achievement.

Jack G. Madsen

Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Periodontics

This award is given by Quintessence Publishing, and includes a subscription to Quintessence International and a certificate of merit. It is given to a graduating student who has shown outstanding achievement in clinical and dental studies in periodontology.

Luc Rene de la Villefromoy

Crest Oral B. Award for Excellence

This award is presented to a dental student who has excelled in the clinical practice and prevention of periodontal disease, maintenance of periodontal health, and the promotion of oral health education with their patients. This award includes a certificate and an Oral B Genius Power Brush & Samples.

Margaret Klein

Division of Prosthodontics

Academy of Osseointegration Outstanding Student in Implant Dentistry Award

The Academy of Osseointegration recognizes a fourth year dental student demonstrating outstanding achievement in their work with dental implants. This student will receive a certificate, a $500 check, a one year membership to the Academy and a subscription to the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants along with complimentary registration at the Academy's next annual scientific meeting.

Madison M. Fox

Allan D. Petersen Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence in Removable Prosthodontics

The Allan D. Petersen Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence in Removable Prosthodontics includes a $1,000 check. It is given to a fourth-year student or students who have demonstrated exceptional clinical ability and an interest in the field of removable prosthodontics, and who are people of high character.

Margaret Klein
Emily M. Raven

American Academy of Implant Dentistry Dental Student Award

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry Dental Student Award goes to the senior student who has demonstrated the most interest—academically and clinically—in implant dentistry.

Meena Chandramouly

American College of Prosthodontists Undergraduate Achievement Award

This award goes to an outstanding undergraduate student who has shown high academic and clinical proficiency in prosthodontics.

Paola Valentina Fermin Vona

Clayton A. Swanson Memorial Award for Prosthodontics

The Clayton A. Swanson Memorial Award includes a $1,000 check and is given to a student who has shown outstanding performance in prosthodontics. There will also be a plaque engraved with their name placed in the Prosthodontics Division conference room in Moos Tower.

Basant Shaheen
Dillon A.K. Wasko

Excellence in Prosthodontics “Hanau™ The Best of the Best” Award

The Excellence in Prosthodontics Award “Hanau The Best of the Best” includes a certificate and a HANAU WIDE-VUE Semi-Adjustable Articulator. There will also be a plaque engraved with the student’s name placed in the Prosthodontics Division conference room in Moos Tower. This award is given to a graduating senior who has excelled in the study and clinical application of prosthodontics.

Islam Ibrahim

International Congress of Oral Implantologists Predoctoral Achievement Award

From the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, this Predoctoral Achievement Award is presented to the senior dental student who has displayed the greatest interest and commitment to oral implant dentistry.

Kinsley Jane Kehlenbeck

J. Raymond Gill Award for Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Prosthodontics

Through the generous endowment of Dr. J. Raymond Gill, this award is given to outstanding fourth-year students for Achievement in Clinical Prosthodontics. Each recipient will receive a check for $1,000 and the students’ names will be inscribed on a plaque housed in the Prosthodontics Division conference room in Moos Tower.

Rana Alsharif
Lillian Rose Cregan
Jenna Johnson
William Lizardo
Ankita Rajpurohit

Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry Senior Dental Student Award

This award recognizes a senior student who has demonstrated the highest level of clinical or research proficiency and greatest interest in color and appearance in esthetic dentistry.

Henry James Schellhorn

Walter S. Warpeha Award

The Walter S. Warpeha Award is given to a fourth-year student, as selected by faculty in the division of Prosthodontics, who has demonstrated outstanding ability in the field of removable prosthodontics. This recipient will receive a check and their name will be inscribed on a plaque in the Prosthodontics Division conference room in Moos Tower.

Angela Sun

 

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