Congratulations, Class of 2026
Ernestine Lacy, associate dean of student affairs, and Dr.
Research highlights
Dr. Maddie Young, center, is hooded by Dr. Ernestine Lacy, associate dean of student affairs, and Dr. Jennifer Barrington, associate dean for clinical affairs, during the Texas A&M College of Dentistry’s Commencement Ceremony at Winspear Opera House – AT&T Performing Arts Center on May 22.
All the years of studying and hard work paid off for 177 dental students, dental hygiene students and graduate students who earned their degrees and specialty certificates May 22 from Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, also nicknamed “Aggieland Dallas” by Dr. Lily T. García, the dean.
Dr. McCain “Cain” Kinerd, a new dentist and dental class president, addressed the students and said that commencement is more than a celebration; it reflects what they are prepared to do.
Why it matters
“We leave here not as finished products, but as individuals (who) are well prepared to keep learning, adapting and improving,” Kinerd said. “Whether we choose to excel in general dentistry, continue into residency programs or advanced training, or move forward in the fields of research and academia, we are ready to meet the challenges ahead.”
Dr. Youngju Oh, front, walks with other graduates toward the commencement ceremony.
Dr. Stephen McDonald, clinical associate professor in comprehensive dentistry, and Chelsi Graham, clinical assistant professor in the dental hygiene program, were recognized as Teachers of the Year. They were nominated by the students.
Dental hygiene graduate Karis Ahn, right, hugs fellow graduate Jaylin DeStefano-Malik as they arrive for the commencement ceremony.
Academic context
Drs. Britnie Duffie and Jide Eboh listen during the commencement ceremony.
Dr. Britney Thorpe waves her diploma tube in the air at the conclusion of graduation festivities.
Zoe Spataro, middle, a dental hygiene program graduate, hugs her friends, Aislyn Tully and Breece Cox, after graduation.
Source: https://insights.dentistry.tamu.edu/congratulations-class-of-2026
Related articles
Editorials 29 June 2026
Monday, May 12, 2025, marked Indiana University Fort Wayne’s commencement ceremony, held at Allen County Memorial Coliseum Arena. IUFW’s Allied Dental Program graduated more than 50 students...
Editorials 06 October 2026
Students recently headed back to class for the current academic year, but Texas A&M College of Dentistry is looking ahead as deadlines approach for the dental Class of 2031 and the
Editorials 02 October 2026
Achievement and service take center stage as the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Dental Medicine honors the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Class of 2026.
Editorials 23 September 2026
Students recently headed back to class for the current academic year, but Texas A&M College of Dentistry is looking ahead as deadlines approach for the dental Class of 2031 and the
Read more
Europe 11 October 2026 - 30 November -0001
Scandinavian Dental Fair 2026: Event Preview and Professional Highlights
The Scandinavian Dental Fair 2026 will take place from November 11, 2026 to November 13, 2026 in TBD, Sweden/Denmark, offering dental professionals a focused environment for continuing education,...
Edra Professional Books 10 October 2026
Esthetics and function in complete denture prosthesis is an Edra professional dentistry reference focused on clinical practice, education and treatment planning.
Products 09 October 2026
Oral-B and Crest, Official Oral Care Partners of the NFL, recently announced the launch of new special-edition products, giving fans even more ways to celebrate their love of the g
News 09 October 2026
Apex Dental Partners, a dental partnership organization supporting dentists and affiliated practices, has been named No.
News 09 October 2026
New education website and fully funded Swiss fellowship program debut at the 2026 Orthopaedic Trauma Association Annual Meeting in Nashville
Copyright © 2026 - All Rights Reserved
ISSN 2767-1178