17 December 2025

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Journey of Dedication: International Graduates Make Their Mark in Dentistry

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The Advanced Standing International Student Program (ISP) Class of 2025 has reached an incredible milestone, earning their Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Dental Medicine. 

This group of graduates brings global perspectives and exceptional skill to the profession, enriching patient care and advancing oral health. We celebrate not only their academic and clinical achievements but also the leadership, integrity and compassion that define this remarkable class. 

“Graduation represents a celebration of perseverance, resilience, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” said ISP Director and Professor Krithika Baskaran, DDS, BDS. “Each graduate has demonstrated exceptional dedication to mastering their craft, overcoming challenges and upholding the highest standards of patient care. I am honored to congratulate the Class of 2025 and look forward to the remarkable contributions they will bring to the profession and society.” 

This year’s graduates represent 14 countries: Afghanistan, Canada, Egypt, Greece, India, Iran, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, South Korea and Sweden, Venezuela.  

Leading the class is Dr. Saniya Bhusari, class president and recipient of the 2025 School of Dental Medicine Outstanding Contribution by an Advanced Standing Student Award. Originally from Dombivli, India, Saniya holds dual master’s degrees in health administration and health informatics. Her journey to dentistry in the United States was a promise to her parents — a dream 10 years in the making. After graduation, she plans to practice general dentistry and later pursue an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency.  

Academic excellence also shines through the five graduates inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), dentistry’s national honor society: Dr. Sejal Mehta, Dr. Purnima Dagar, Dr. Aditi Desai, Dr. Jihad Ghanim, and Dr. Merna Shamoon. OKU recognizes the top 20% of students who demonstrate not only outstanding scholarship but also exemplary character and professional promise. Induction into OKU is one of the highest honors in dental education. 

The members of the ISP Class of 2025 are excited to continue their journeys and commitment to providing compassionate care across the country. Here are just a few of the new dental graduates and their next stops. 

Dr. Raghav Naidu, from Dubai, UAE, holds master's degrees in oral & maxillofacial surgery and health services management. He is proud of learning digital dentistry and creating comprehensive treatment plans. After graduation, he will join a community clinic in Central Valley, California.  

Dr. Sukanya Nandakumar is from Chennai, India. She completed a post-graduate diploma in clinical cosmetology. She is proud of becoming a holistic dental professional and embracing failure as part of growth. After graduation, she will join a corporate dental practice in Dallas, Texas, as an associate dentist.  

Dr. Karminder Singh, from Haryana, India, takes pride in helping patients in pain, often with limited resources, and being there when they need him most. After graduation, he will move to Seattle, Washington, to start his job as an associate dentist.  

Dr. Cisco Sosa is from Valencia, Venezuela. During his time at CU, he is most proud of improving his clinical skills and forming lifelong friendships. After graduation, he will return to Kansas City to start a general dentistry practice.  

Dr. Adebowale Tade, from Nigeria and Canada, is proud of growing into a confident, thoughtful clinician while forming meaningful friendships at CU. After graduation, he plans to work for a corporate dental practice in Minnesota and eventually transition into private practice in the U.S. or Canada.  

Dean Denise Kassebaum, DDS, MS, said, “Congratulations to the Class of 2025. You join a proud network of CU Anschutz Dental alumni who are making a difference in patients’ lives every day. We look forward to hearing of your future successes as you continue to grow, lead and inspire throughout your careers.” 

Join us in celebrating the Class of 2025 at the ISP commencement ceremony on Friday, December 12. 

Author: Laura Ramsey 

Source: https://news.cuanschutz.edu/