29 August 2025

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The right place at the right time

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In early August, a new cohort of Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) students arrived on the Longwood campus to begin their educational journey. Alongside incoming medical students, the dental students gathered for the first time to take part in a weeklong Introduction to the Profession, marking the beginning of their first year together, immersed in the medical curriculum.

The Class of 2029 began their first day with a Welcome Ceremony featuring remarks by HSDM Dean William Giannobile and HMS Dean George Daley, followed by a White Coat Ceremony, where they received their white coats from their academic society directors. This year’s ceremony was held in smaller gatherings organized by academic society, creating a more intimate setting for students to celebrate the milestone with family, friends, faculty, and advisors.

“Whether you come from the U.S., or from halfway around the globe, you’ve come to Harvard for all the right reasons. You’ve chosen a path that is both demanding and highly rewarding,” said Dean Giannobile. “Here, you’ll find others who share your passion and determination. You’ll be supported by dedicated faculty, staff, and classmates who will become your trusted friends, advisors, mentors, and role models.”

The 35 talented dental students in the Class of 2029 hail from 17 U.S. states and 2 foreign countries. They come from 29 different undergraduate institutions where they consistently performed at the top of their class with an average GPA of 3.94. 

As undergraduates, many were involved in global and community outreach; worked in research laboratories; contributed to shaping healthcare policy; and helped underserved communities access care. 

“My interest in dentistry began while volunteering at a pop-up free dental clinic held in a high school gym. Many patients arrived with visible tooth decay or in significant pain, and I was inspired by how quickly dental providers were able to relieve their discomfort through treatment,” said Eric Njoroge, an incoming DMD student from Georgia. “Witnessing the deep gratitude of the Savannah residents gave me a firsthand understanding of the impact dentistry can have, not just on an individual’s health, but on an entire community.”

Some students, including Isabella Dobrinksi, DMD29, were motivated by personal experiences and a deep understanding of systemic barriers to care.

“As the fifth generation of a North Dakota farming family, my home county was recently classified in a study by HSDM professor Dr. Elani as a dental care shortage area, and my house is exactly one mile from a dental desert,” said Dobrinski. “My familiarity with dental inequity and unique barriers that rural populations routinely face inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry. It is my hope that after HSDM I can become a practitioner who both understands and works on mitigating these inequalities.”

To help students gain a broader understanding of healthcare equity and the communities they will serve, the weeklong Introduction to the Profession includes community-based activities across Boston neighborhoods. Students have an opportunity to meet patients and connect with members of the local Boston community, laying the foundation for a patient-centered approach to care. 

The Class of 2029 arrives on campus at a pivotal moment when the nation needs more healthcare professionals to fill workforce shortages and serve in areas of the country that lack access to care.

“We are fortunate to have young, inspiring minds like yours to carry our mission forward,” Dean Giannobile told students. “I assure you that you have come to the right place at the right time to make a difference.”

Source: https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/