Graduating from dental school marks the culmination of years of rigorous training, but for many, it’s the patients they’ve cared for and lessons learned in the clinic that leave a lasting impression.
Eighty students from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) will officially become dentists as they cross the stage and recite the dental oath at the DDS Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony. They spent the last four years learning and growing together, and now they will each embark on the next chapter in their careers. Some will work in private practice, others in public health or the military, and 40% will go on to advanced education programs in general dentistry, orthodontics, pediatrics and prosthodontics.
While at CU, students progressed from didactic classes like anatomy and dental materials, to seeing their first patients in periodontics lab, to working in clinics across Colorado through the Advanced Clinical Training and Service (ACTS) program. They worked with faculty, colleagues and patients who helped shape their growth as healthcare providers. The following students shared personal reflections on their most impactful clinical experiences.
Gina Sisk: All in the CU Family
Treating my grandfather in the dental clinic was one of the most memorable experiences of my dental school journey. Over 30 years ago, he was a patient for his son — my uncle, Marc Sisk, DDS ’95 — when he was a dental student at CU. Now, decades later, I had the privilege of caring for him as a patient myself. It was a full-circle moment that connected generations of our family through dentistry. Being able to restore his smile by fabricating and delivering a new partial denture made the experience even more special.
Beyond the clinical aspect, this experience reinforced the deep trust patients place in their providers. Seeing my grandfather’s joy and gratitude after seeing his new smile was incredibly rewarding, and knowing that I could follow in my uncle’s footsteps to provide that care made it even more meaningful. This moment reminded me why I chose dentistry: to make a lasting impact on people’s lives, one smile at a time.
Abel Gaytan: Breaking Barriers, Easing Anxiety
One of the most fulfilling experiences of my dental education was caring for a Spanish-speaking patient who had avoided dental visits for years due to language barriers and dental anxiety. As a bilingual provider, I was able to communicate with her in Spanish, ensuring she fully understood her options and felt comfortable making informed decisions about her care. She shared that my ability to explain everything in a way she could understand significantly eased her anxiety about dental treatment. This experience reaffirmed one of my core reasons for pursuing dentistry — to bridge the gap in care for Latinx patients who have historically faced barriers due to language and access. My upbringing, combined with the skills and training I have received at the CU School of Dental Medicine, has shaped me into a culturally competent provider. I am eager to carry this commitment forward, continuing to break down language and accessibility barriers in oral healthcare.
Marisa Martin-Wegryn: From First Crown to Final Bridge
In the spring semester of 2024, I had the opportunity to deliver an implant-supported bridge utilizing digital dentistry. Following the initial implant placement, treatment was temporarily postponed due to the patient's need for cardiac surgery. After a successful recovery, we were able to proceed with the final restorations just in time for a meaningful celebration the patient had planned. This case was particularly rewarding due to the collaborative nature of the experience, as I worked closely with the prosthodontic faculty and a periodontics resident. The patient was extremely pleased with the final outcome.
This case held personal significance for me — not only was it my first experience restoring implants, but this patient was also the first individual I prepared a crown for during my first semester in clinic. They were consistently supportive of my educational journey, and after navigating several phases of treatment together, it was especially gratifying to conclude our time with the successful delivery of their implant bridge.
Providing patient-centered care throughout this case helped reinforce the importance of empathy, communication and continuity of care for building strong provider-patient relationships. It was a profound reminder of the impact restorative dentistry can have on a patient's confidence and quality of life. Ultimately, this experience played a meaningful role in my growth as a clinician and reaffirmed my dedication to delivering comprehensive, compassionate care.
Daniel McCullough: Human Connection in Healthcare
Healthcare is more than just technical skills and treatments — it is about compassion and understanding. My recent experience with a patient who had avoided dental care for years due to fear and financial hardship reinforced this truth. Her complex medical history, including breast cancer and associated medications, required careful planning and multiple consultations, which only heightened her anxiety. From the beginning, I recognized that my primary role was to listen and reassure her. When I promised we would navigate her treatment together, I saw a moment of relief, reaffirming the importance of trust in patient care. As we proceeded, it became clear that some teeth could not be saved, and extractions were necessary. Her fear of losing normal function and appearance was heartbreaking, and I reassured her that we would find a solution.
On the day of her extractions, her distress was so profound that I skipped class to be by her side, despite another provider performing the procedure. Seeing her in tears, my first instinct wasn’t to diagnose and treat but to comfort her, holding her hand throughout the process. While my presence may not have been clinically necessary, it was emotionally essential. When the procedure was done, she hugged me tightly, expressing gratitude for simply being there. This experience was a profound reminder that my job extends beyond fixing teeth; it is about caring for the whole person. Small acts of kindness — listening, reassuring and showing up — can make a world of difference. This patient taught me that, above all, true healthcare is about human connection.
Commencement Speaker, Longtime SDM Faculty Daniel Wilson, DDS, Announces RetirementAs the Class of 2025 prepares to cross the stage, they will be greeted by a familiar face who has left a lasting mark on the CU School of Dental Medicine. Daniel Wilson, DDS, who is retiring this June after more than two decades of service to the school, will deliver this year’s commencement address. Wilson, a proud CU Boulder graduate, began his dental career at Northwestern University Dental School, where he earned his DDS in 1984 and later served as a faculty leader before joining CU in 2001. Wilson has chaired the SDM Department of Restorative Dentistry since 2005, guiding curriculum, mentoring faculty and shaping the clinical experiences of countless students. His influence reaches beyond the classroom and clinic; He was named an honorary alumnus of the CU School of Dental Medicine in 2006 and is a respected member of prestigious professional organizations including the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, Omicron Kappa Upsilon and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. His commitment to excellence in education and patient care has inspired many. “Dr. Wilson’s impact on our school is immeasurable,” said Dean Denise Kassebaum, DDS, MS. “Through his leadership, mentorship and unwavering dedication, he has helped elevate our school and fostered a culture of integrity and excellence. His legacy will be felt for many years to come, not only in the school but in the practices and lives of the students he has shaped and patients he has helped.” |
Congratulations to the DDS Class of 2025. We wish you all the best in your careers and welcome you to the CU School of Dental Medicine alumni family.
