Members of the UCSF School of Dentistry Class of 2024 celebrated the completion of their dental school journeys at the school’s annual commencement ceremony on June 7.
Graduates were cheered on by family and friends as they graced the stage with joy and pride at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, marking UCSF School of Dentistry’s first graduation at the historic San Francisco landmark.
Michael Reddy, DMD, DMSc, school dean, presided over the event. He began by acknowledging the graduates' numerous achievements and expressed gratitude to those who supported them throughout their journey.
“The journey you have all been on is about to end. You’ve done something remarkable, all of you, and you did it together,” said Dean Reddy. You can be very proud of what you have accomplished. Never forget that.”
Special guests at the commencement included: Dr. Sam Hawgood, chancellor, UC San Francisco; Dr. Catherine Lucey, executive vice chancellor and provost; Dr. Nicquet Blake, dean of the Graduate Division, Dr. Carol Dawson-Rose, dean of UCSF School of Nursing; Dr. Kathy Giacomini, dean of UCSF School of Pharmacy; Dr. Ted Wong, president of the UCSF Dental Alumni Association; and keynote speaker Dr. David Rubin, executive vice president of UC Health. Jack Gormley, EdD, served as Grand Marshall while Dr. Eva Bender, Dr. Natalie Hastings and Dr. Diana Nguyen led the hooding ceremony.
Dr. David Rubin delivered the keynote address while Liza Harutyunyan was the student speakerDr. Rubin opened his keynote speech with humor before transitioning to discussing the importance of dentistry in health care. “You will play a special role in your communities, in the state, and in our world, as dentists trained in a world-leading University and instilled with an ethic of whole-person health,” he said. “You will have the privilege to serve as a unique nexus in the lives of your patients and their larger communities.”
He shared how, as a pediatrician, he has seen firsthand the difference dentists make in the lives of patients. His advice to graduates was to practice self-compassion as they make the next step into their career.
“Being generous to yourself as you advocate for and support your patients is what makes a career in health care sustainable. Don’t forsake the small talk that binds you with your patients,” he said. “Add a touch of self-compassion, and yes, self-deprecation, and you will become more approachable and relatable. You will become a better dentist.”
Following the keynote, Class of 2024 member Dr. Liza Harutyunyan delivered the student address. Her speech encapsulated the journey of each graduate and the potential of this graduating class. “The knowledge which you have acquired over the past four years at UCSF, coupled with your level of talent and altruism, will change the world. Your brains, hearts, and two hands have the power to provide human beings with the greatest, most priceless gift in life: their health,” she said.
In total, 109 students received their DDS degree and two students, Dr. Sean Ganther and Dr. Ida Shaffer, also received a PhD degree. The virtual commencement program showcases where each graduate is heading next, including residencies, community practice and the military. A recording of the entire celebration is also available. Congratulations to the Class of 2024 on a job well done!
