Each year, the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Dental Medicine (SDM) Excellence Awards recognize individuals whose dedication, leadership and innovation strengthen our mission of advancing oral health through education, research, patient care and service. These awards celebrate individuals who go above and beyond in their roles, making a meaningful impact on our school, our profession and the communities we serve.
The 2026 Excellence Award recipients represent the best of SDM, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in the classroom, clinic, laboratory and beyond. Join us in celebrating this year's honorees.
Faculty Awards
Faculty Excellence in Teaching AwardKenneth Peters, DDS, Associate Professor, Restorative Dentistry Students value the depth of knowledge and clinical experience he brings to the classroom, especially his ability to make complex concepts practical and relevant to patient care. He challenges students to think critically, holds them to high standards and gives clear, honest feedback that helps prepare them for the realities of clinical practice. |
Faculty Excellence in Student MentoringTimothy Luke Wezeman, DDS, MAT, Associate Professor, Restorative Dentistry Students repeatedly describe him as approachable, positive and deeply invested in their success, whether he is helping with a patient case, a residency application or simply a difficult day. From his fourth-floor team huddles and words of encouragement to the time he spends giving individual feedback, he has created an environment where students feel supported, challenged and excited to grow. |
Excellence in Faculty Research AwardShahbaz Katebzadeh, DMD, MS, Assistant Professor, Pediatric Dentistry In just over two years at the school, he has built an impressive body of research that includes eight peer-reviewed publications and recognition from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He has also brought students and residents into his work and successfully launched a clinical trial studying the airway and oral microbiome of children with chronic lung disease. |
Faculty Award for Excellence in Service to the CU Anschutz School of Dental MedicineKunjan Kakar, DDS, MS, BDS, Associate Professor, Restorative Dentistry, and Assistant Director, Advanced Standing International Student Program Students describe her as an exceptional teacher and mentor who supports their success in the classroom, lab and clinic, making challenging concepts easier to understand and creating an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions. She has also played an important role in preparing students for major milestones like the ADEX exam, consistently making herself available for guidance, feedback and support whenever students need it. |
Faculty Award for Excellence in Service to the Dental ProfessionKrithika Baskaran, DDS, BDS, Professor, Restorative Dentistry, and Director, Advanced Standing International Student Program This year, she devoted significant time to the DORA revisions to the Sunset Dental Practice Act, providing lawmakers with information about the education and licensing of internationally trained dentists. She repeatedly made herself available to testify at the state Capitol, sometimes on very short notice, and her expertise helped support the Colorado Dental Association’s work on the legislation. |
The Michelle Brichacek Generalist Faculty Award for Excellence in Clinical DentistryGary Andreoletti, DDS, Clinical Assistant Professor, Restorative Dentistry Students describe him as a thoughtful clinician who takes the time to explain not just what to do, but how to think through complex treatment decisions, consider different options and keep each patient’s individual needs at the center of care. Even when the clinic is busy or appointments run long, he remains patient and engaged, giving students the opportunity to learn while making sure patients receive the attention they need.
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The Dr. Lonnie Johnson Specialist Faculty Award for Excellence in Clinical DentistryJoseph Parsons, DDS, Assistant Professor, Division of Endodontics Students and residents consistently describe him as calm, approachable and generous with his time, particularly when they are working through difficult endodontic cases. One student summed it up simply: “Endo can be hard and stressful, but Dr. Parsons gives students a roadmap and helps them learn without ever making them feel like they are not capable of succeeding.” |
Staff Awards
Outstanding Clinical Staff AwardCarlos Rios Robledo, 2nd Floor Dispensary Supervisor His colleagues describe him as hardworking, kind and remarkably calm, even when the clinic around him feels anything but calm. Whether supporting the second floor, helping teams on the fourth floor or simply stepping in to get people what they need, Carlos brings a positive attitude that is noticed and appreciated. |
Outstanding Clinical Coordinator or Patient Scheduler Staff AwardBeatriz Mosqueda, CUDT Front Desk Supervisor During a year of staffing challenges, Bea has repeatedly stepped in to keep scheduling and front desk coverage running across all three floors, often covering gaps herself while still managing her responsibilities as a supervisor. Her colleagues also recognize the way she knows students and patients by name, helps with translation whenever needed and manages even the busiest days with a welcoming presence. |
Outstanding Laboratory Research Service Professional AwardLauren Sands, MSc, Professional Research Assistant Since joining the Watt Lab in 2024, Lauren has quickly mastered new research techniques, helped generate data that became the foundation for a manuscript and earned Best Poster Presentation by a Laboratory Professional at her very first School of Dental Medicine Research Day. She has also established new stem cell protocols in the lab and became a trusted teacher and mentor to students joining the research team. |
The Joshua Schwab Outstanding Administrative Staff AwardCallie Duggan, MSA, Revenue Cycle Senior Manager, Patient Accounting Her colleagues recognize the many things she does behind the scenes to support patients, students and staff, often taking on work that may not be visible but makes a real difference in how the school operates. She is known as a thoughtful, quick-thinking leader who brings compassion, good judgment and a solutions-focused approach to challenges while always keeping the needs of others in mind. |
The Staff Customer Service AwardAlondra Gonzalez Vasquez, Sterilization Technician II In the Sterilization Department, Alondra supports faculty, students, patients and staff by making sure instruments are processed carefully, efficiently and according to infection prevention protocols. Even when requests are urgent and the pace is demanding, colleagues say she remains patient, responsive and focused on finding solutions that keep the clinics running smoothly. |
Student and Resident Awards
Outstanding Contribution by a Dental Student AwardEvan Shusterman, Doctor of Dental Surgery Class of 2027 Throughout dental school, Evan has consistently made time for others — mentoring classmates and younger students, helping at the end of clinic and stepping in before anyone has to ask. He brings that same care to his patients, taking time to build trust and seeking opportunities to serve people and communities with limited access to dental care. |
Outstanding Contribution by an Advanced Standing Dental Student AwardSanam Akhavan, BDS, Advanced Standing International Student Program Class of 2026 Sanam is consistently someone her classmates can count on, helping keep her class organized while also supporting and mentoring the people around her. Faculty and patients alike have recognized the care she brings to her clinical work, and she has become a positive example of the kind of student and dentist others want to emulate. |
Outstanding Contribution by an Advanced Standing Dental Student AwardKiranjot Sandhu, BDS, BHS, MPH, Advanced Standing International Student Program Class of 2026 Kiranjot has taken on leadership roles across the school, including serving as president of SNDA, while also contributing to the Women’s Dental Club, the Sustainability Group and research. She has mentored incoming Advanced Standing students, served as a tutor, volunteered at events including the Colorado Mission of Mercy and consistently been one of the first people to step forward when her classmates or the school need help. |
Outstanding Contribution by a Resident AwardRebecca Ivins, DMD, MPH, Graduate Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Residency Program Class of 2029 Her fellow residents describe her as someone they rely on for clinical guidance, mentorship and the everyday work of making their program better, from improving processes to creating tools that help everyone prepare for presentations and boards. She also helped strengthen the program’s cleft lip and palate training by building a connection with a plastic surgeon at Children’s Hospital, extending her impact well beyond her own clinical responsibilities. |
Alumni Award
Alumni Achievement AwardDavid Geck, DDS A member of the Class of 1997, Dr. Geck has spent more than 25 years as a part-time faculty member while also building a successful career in private practice, giving generations of students the benefit of his experience and mentorship. His service to the profession includes years of work with The Dentists Professional Liability Trust and his recent appointment as its executive director, and we are pleased that he has returned to teaching this fall in the Endodontics pre-clinical laboratory course. He has significantly advanced the profession and contributed to the health and wellbeing of the communities he serves. |
