36 Receive DDS Degrees at Dental Medicine Convocation
Stanley M. Bergman, Chair and CEO of Henry Schein, Inc., tells graduates to embrace new technologies in healthcare and look to impact the larger world of oral health care
STONY BROOK, NY, June 5, 2013 – Thirty-six graduates of the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine received their DDS degrees at the School’s 37th Convocation on May 24. Family members, friends, and the School’s faculty celebrated the milestone with the Class of 2013, new dentists who have chosen to enter a General Practice Residency Program or a post-doctoral residency program in Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery or Dental Anesthesiology.
“As compassionate and caring individuals, we are confident that you will work tirelessly for your patients. As life-long learners, you will be teachers who impart new information to others and as leaders you will help to change the destiny of the dental profession,” said Ray C. Williams, DMD, Dean of the School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Williams congratulated the Class of 2013, which he characterized as a talented group of individuals who he expects will rise to become phenomenal clinicians and educators in Dentistry. Also recognized were the 21 dentists who completed their residency programs at Stony Brook and received their post-doctoral certificates.
Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc., a Long-Island based Fortune 500 Company and the world’s largest distributor of dental, medical and animal health products and services to office-based healthcare practitioners, delivered the keynote address.
“Dentists today must not only see their patients in the chair, but look beyond the dental chair to a much larger world of oral healthcare,” said Bergman, who urged graduates to embrace new technologies and look for new and improved solutions to providing comprehensive care to patients. “Orient your practice to your patient’s total health. Be a leader in the larger healthcare team protecting the overall health of your patient and a strong advocate for the important role that dentistry plays in the continuum care by collaborating with dental and medical colleagues.”
The graduates received their DDS degrees during the doctoral hooding ceremony. Following tradition, the Convocation Grand Marshall presented the candidates with their degrees and also led the class in reciting the Hippocratic Oath. Aaron Segal, DDS, Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the School’s newly established Advanced Education Program in Prosthodontics, served as the Grand Marshall.
Selected faculty also participated in the hooding ceremony as Faculty Marshalls. The chosen faculty included Drs. Charles Bythewood, Jimmy Kilimitzoglou, Nora Odingo, Mark Salerno, and Christine Valestrand. Graduate Michael E. Plaut, DDS, delivered the student address.
Photo Caption: Keynote speaker Stanley M. Bergman, left, with Dr. Ray C. Williams, Dean of the School of Dental Medicine.
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To learn more, visit www.stonybrookmedicine.edu.
