School of Dentistry celebrates 135th Commencement Ceremony

The School of Dentistry celebrated its 135th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 10, 2024.

Graduates, faculty, staff and loved ones celebrated the 183 graduates with pomp and circumstance.

The Class of 2024 included 121 learners receiving their Doctor of Dental Surgery, 28 who will receive their Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in August and 7 receiving their Master of Dental Therapy. An additional 27 advanced education learners celebrated the completion of their degrees, including four with a Certificate in Endodontics and MS in Dentistry, three receiving a Certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, two receiving a Certificate in Orofacial Pain, six receiving a Certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science in Dentistry, five receiving a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry, two receiving a Certificate in Periodontology and Master of Science in Dentistry, three receiving a Certificate in Prosthodontics and a Master of Science in Dentistry, one receiving a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene and one receiving a Master of Science in Oral Biology.

"Today marks a tremendous milestone for our graduates: the culmination of academic goals and lifelong dreams," said Dean Keith Mays, DDS, MS, PhD, in his remarks. "It is a day to reflect on their hard work and late nights that are now behind you, believing it was all worth this moment." 

Reflecting in particular on the graduates who began their journey as DDS learners in 2020, Mays shared his gratitude for their strength and perseverance. 

"It is remarkable, the way you stepped up," he recalled. "I can't imagine what was going through your minds as you decided to attend school, but you met the challenge. I applaud you for that, and want you to keep that in your hearts. That strength, gift and talent is part of who you are: the ability to persevere through challenging times." 

The ceremony featured a keynote address from Michael Zakula, DDS ’76, past president of the Minnesota Dental Association, Vice President of the Minnesota Dental Foundation Board, secretary on the Stratacor Board of Directors and member of the School of Dentistry Admissions Committee. Zakula, who served in the US Army Dental Corps before attending Emory University School of Dentistry for an Orthodontic Specialty Certificate, maintained an orthodontic practice in Hibbing, MN for 35 years. He has received the University of Minnesota Alumni Service Award, the School of Dentistry Distinguished Dental Alumnus Award and a Minnesota Rural Health Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Department of Health.

Having read the graduates’ personal statements as a member of the admissions committee, Zakula reminded these learners that they shared a common desire to provide care and improve lives for those who might not otherwise receive it.

“If you stay true to what you wrote in your personal statement, I know that you will find what I have found: that dentistry will give you more than you can ever repay,” he reflected. “It gave me a profession, but it also gave me a purpose. It connected me with people that I may never have known otherwise, and provided me with opportunities to help others.”

Zakula explained that dental applicants are evaluated for their head—intellectual capacity—their hands—dexterity and hand-eye coordination—and their hearts. “If you are here today, your heart is just getting started,” he said.

“How and to what extent you look to improve people’s lives will come from what’s in your heart. You won’t have to look for opportunities; they will find you. When this happens, keep an open mind and be prepared to say ‘yes.’”

Reflecting on opportunities in his own experience, Zakula encouraged graduates to meet people where they are, say “yes” to getting involved and give back to their communities.

“Enjoy your day, but after the caps fly into the air and you share congratulatory hugs and dinners with your family and friends, make it a point to re-read your personal statements, and use that as your career compass as you begin sharing the gifts of your head, hands and heart,” he said.

After the conferral of degrees, graduates recited the Oath of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, Minnesota Oath for Dental Therapists and Oath for New Dentists, respectively, before joining in a rousing rendition of Hail, Minnesota.

Congratulations to the 183 newest alumni of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry!