CDM Alumni Celebrate at the 2024 Class Reunion Day

More than 100 alumni from  the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine classes of 1959, 1964, 1974, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019 gathered on June 7, 2024 for CDM's annual Class Reunion Day. The event, held at the Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center, began with several educational workshops, providing opportunities for attendees to obtain continuing education credits. Courses included "Virtual Surgical Planning for Orthognathic Surgery," taught by David Alfi, DDS ‘06, MD ’08, OMFS ‘12; "Implant Supported Provisionalization in the Aesthetic Zone," taught by Seung Song, DMD, MS Prosth ‘19; "Endodontic-Implant Pathology," taught by Harold Sussman, DDS ‘64; and "History of Dentistry in Art," presented by Letty Moss-Salentijn, DDS, PhD.

Faculty presentations focused on enhancements to CDM's educational program. After welcoming remarks by Dean Roseanna Graham '05, Drs. Laureen Zubiaurre and James Fine made a presentation on the new student learning experience at CDM including the adoption of pass/fail grading beginning with the Class of 2021, which has led to reduced anxiety and competition and an increased sense of camaraderie and collaboration among students. Dr. Ezzard Rolle described a Master’s program collaboration with Université de Genève, which provides five CDM faculty members with the opportunity to learn modern digital diagnostic techniques, preparing them to implement digital technology into CDM’s academic and clinical curriculum. Dr. Seung Song introduced the new in-house digital laboratory, training students in intraoral scanning and crown design. He suggested that future technologies at CDM could include 3D printed dentures.

During lunch two alumni received the College's Distinguished Alumni Award, which is given to those alumni who have demonstrated outstanding service to the school; notable achievement in the profession; notable achievement in academics; and/or notable accomplishment in research or scientific achievement. This year's honorees were Julie Connolly ’01, MS Perio ’05 and John Evans, Prosth ’94.  Scholarships were awarded to Kamilla Azbel ’26 and Brianna Margulis ‘25, generously supported by Dr. Hao Kha '04.

Next year's Class Reunion Day will be held on Friday, June 6, and will celebrate classes ending in “5” and “0.”  To volunteer as a class chair please email Melissa Welsh, Senior Alumni Director.