Commencement is a celebratory event — the culmination of years of study and hard work, commemorating our students' completion of the DDS and DDS/PhD degree programs. This is a special moment, shared in the presence of family and friends: an opportunity to reflect upon one's time in the School of Dentistry, and to look ahead to future endeavors.
Dates and Details
- When: 10 a.m. June 5
- Who: 2021 graduates of the DDS, DDS/PhD and IDP programs
- Premiere: School of Dentistry's YouTube channel
- Share: Include the hashtag #UCSFDent21 in your posts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Presentations
Alumna Pamela Alston, DDS '82, will be the master of ceremonies for this year's commencement ceremony. Alumnus Robert Ho, DDS '91, will be the faculty speaker.
Rear Adm. Timothy Ricks, chief dental officer of the U.S. Public Health Service and assistant surgeon general of the United States, will deliver the keynote address. Rear Adm. Ricks has served in the U.S. Public Health Service for more than 20 years. He serves as the surgeon general’s spokesperson on oral health and interacts with chief dental officers from other countries, with military chief dental officers, with leaders in organized dentistry, with state oral health programs, and much more. Rear Adm. Ricks gave a presentation at the School of Dentistry in September 2019.
The program also will include a special video produced by the Class of 2021, featuring remarks by student speakers Naya Okeke and Nadia Ahmed, and words of thanks from the graduates.