Following another successful year for those entering the Postdoctoral Residency Matching Program, the course is set for Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine’s Class of 2025. All 47 students successfully secured placements in a wide array of residency programs in New York State and around the country, including one soon-to-be graduate who will begin his service in the United States Navy Dental Corps this summer.
This year’s class will embark on their careers across 11 states, joining residency programs in general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics.
“I am incredibly proud of the members of the Class of 2025, who are more than ready to take the next step in their journey,” said Patrick Lloyd, dean. “Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine has a strong tradition of educating compassionate and highly skilled dental professionals. I look forward to watching these students thrive as they move into residency.”
Starting this summer, many graduates will continue to serve New York State, with 33 entering residencies in 10 cities and towns across the state. Lauren Mistretta is one of five graduates who will continue their education at Stony Brook as she’s set to join the Advanced Dental Education Program in orthodontics. Four of her classmates were selected for the school’s General Practice Residency program.
“I am incredibly grateful to have matched into Stony Brook’s orthodontics program and couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter,” Mistretta said. “Stony Brook has been instrumental in shaping my dental journey over the past four years, providing me with invaluable knowledge, mentorship and hands-on experiences that have shaped me into the clinician I am today. I look forward to building on this strong foundation, diving deeper into orthodontics, and working alongside incredible mentors and peers.”
Beyond New York State, graduates obtained positions in California, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. For some, like fourth-year student Ajaypal Panesar, who matched into the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Togus, Maine, it’s an opportunity to return home.
“I'm incredibly excited to be joining the Togus VA AEGD program as it offers a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive care to a diverse population of veterans,” Panesar said. “Having been born and raised in Maine, this opportunity is especially meaningful to me, as it allows me to return to the place where I grew up while continuing my clinical training. The program’s strong emphasis on complex case management, advanced procedures, and interprofessional collaboration aligns with my goals of becoming a well-rounded clinician.”
By matching to the University of Texas Health Houston General Practice Residency program, his classmate, Aabir Aslam, expressed excitement about joining the largest medical complex in the world – Texas Medical Center.
“Training in such a dynamic environment with amazing faculty, advanced technology and a diverse patient population will help me grow as a clinician and prepare me for complex cases,” Aslam said. “I can't wait to expand my skills in comprehensive dentistry and be part of such a well-respected institution.”
Established in 1973, Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine has educated over 1,600 general dentists and specialists, leaving a lasting impact on their communities. As one of two state dental schools in New York — and the only school on Long Island — Stony Brook offers a comprehensive dental curriculum and seven advanced education programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
