Thousands of dentists around the world apply each year to the Advanced Standing International Student Program (ISP) at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM). Forty are accepted. On December 13, the ISP Class of 2024 will graduate with their Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees. This class is full of dedicated individuals who will undoubtedly make a difference in their patients’ lives, and in the dental profession.
Students in the ISP Class of 2024 have come from 12 different countries, with experience spanning public health, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics and more. They have earned prestigious honors, including high-ranking awards from Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), a national dental honor society and accolades for outstanding performance in national and international research presentations. Many are deeply committed to community care, with several having practiced in under-resourced regions and planning to return to those areas post-graduation.
ISP Manager of Admissions and Student Engagement Rana Laouar said, “The diversity of perspectives and passions in this class serves as the foundation for stronger relationships that transcend their differences, fostering mutual respect, deeper connections and a shared commitment to growth and understanding.”
Meet Our Graduates
Gaurij Kapote is from India but also a Canadian national. He graduated from SMBT Dental College & Research Centre and worked as a dental assistant in India until he moved to Canada. While in Canada, he worked in outreach clinics in under-resourced communities. Workingduring the COVID-19 pandemic led him to write an article on infection control protocols that was published in the Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene in October 2022. While at CU SDM, Kapote was involved in student organizations and as a board member of the Dental Lifeline Network and an education chair in the Oral Surgery Interest Group. After graduation, he plans to work as a general provider in Colorado.
Sindhu Devanaboyina is from Hyderabad, India, and studied at Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences where she received her master of dental surgery (MDS) degree with specializations in pedodontics and preventive dentistry. Devanaboyina has received many awards such as the prestigious 2023 Award of Excellence as the highest-ranking student in the Class of 2024 by Omicron Kappa Upsilon, and the Best Paper award in a state dental conference for pedodontics and preventative dentistry. She also secured the seventh rank in the state for her MDS entrance examination. Additionally, she was very involved in student organizations during her time at CU SDM.
Daniel Enrique Aguilera is from Caracas, Venezuela. He graduated in 2006 from the Universidad Santa Maria and Universidad Maimonides with a degree in endodontics. In 2014, he moved to Florida and worked as a dental assistant. During his time at CU SDM, Aguilera was an ISP Class Officer and involved in the Student National Dental Association. After graduation, he plans to work for a dental service organization.
Jaris Tejada-Torres is from the Philippines and graduated from the University of the Philippines Manila. She has worked as a dentist in the Philippines and as a surgical dental assistant and dental assistant in New Jersey. While at CU SDM, Tejada-Torres was involved in the American Student Dental Association, Student National Dental Association, Student Senate, Women’s Dental Club and as an ISP Student Tutor. After graduation, she plans to move to Houston, Texas.
These profiles offer only a glimpse into the exceptional individuals that make up the ISP Class of 2024. All graduates will be honored with their unique stories and career plans during the Banquet and Awards Ceremony, prior to commencement. Graduates will also have the opportunity to place personalized pins representing their home countries on the school's world maps during a celebratory Flag Ceremony on campus.
The CU School of Dental Medicine is proud to be part of these dentists’ stories. Congratulations to all.