For the School of Dental Medicine’s Class of 2026, their future came into focus with another strong showing in the Postdoctoral Residency Matching Program. This summer, the soon-to-be dentists will continue on to residencies in five states, training in general dentistry, dental anesthesiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics. Additionally, two graduates are excited to begin their careers in private practice.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the Class of 2026 and the dedication it has shown in preparing to take this next step,” said Patrick Lloyd, dean of the School of Dental Medicine. “Our school has a proud legacy of training compassionate, highly skilled dental professionals, and I am confident this year’s class, too, will thrive in residency.”
Many graduates will remain in New York, with 34 entering residency programs in 11 cities and towns statewide. Among those who will continue their training in-state is Steffanos Selearis, who called matching into New York University’s oral and maxillofacial surgery program at Bellevue Hospital “an absolute honor.”
“After externing, interviewing and returning for a second visit with NYU/BHC, I felt I had truly understood what the program had to offer and that I would be a great fit with their team,” Selearis said. “I am eager to become a part of a specialty that can provide life-changing care to patients in need, often in a single treatment encounter."
Stony Brook’s DDS program has long been a reliable feeder of its advanced dental education programs. Six Class of 2026 graduates matched into residency positions at the SDM, including Amaris Han, who will join its periodontics program this summer.
“I am thrilled to continue my perio journey at Stony Brook, where I’ve found exceptional mentorship and the opportunity to pursue both my periodontics residency and PhD degree,” Han said. “I look forward to working alongside distinguished attendings and, most importantly, providing continuous, comprehensive care to the Long Island population and even continuing to see my own GPP patients.”
In addition to residency placements in New York, this year’s class will also complete their residency training in Colorado, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Established in 1973, Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine has educated more than 1,600 general dentists and specialists. One of only two state dental schools in New York — and the only one on Long Island — the school offers a comprehensive dental curriculum and seven advanced dental education programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.