Historic All‑Female Cohort Graduates from CU Anschutz Orthodontic Residency

The Graduate Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Residency Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Dental Medicine celebrated a landmark moment as it graduated its first all‑female class: ten residents who have spent the past two and a half years learning, growing and shaping each other into clinicians ready to transform smiles and lives.

This milestone reflects a broader national shift in orthodontics, where women now make up more than 70% of practicing U.S. orthodontists, a proportion that has steadily grown over the past decade. The pipeline is just as strong, with women now leading enrollment in orthodontic residency programs.

The midday ceremony unfolded with heartfelt remarks, laughter, and shared admiration for this exceptional group of graduates.

Celebrating a Transformative Journey

In written reflections submitted by some of the graduates, stories emerged of why they chose the specialty and what kept them motivated through long treatment days, research projects and complex cases. 

Meet the 2026 graduates and see where their careers in orthodontics will take them next.

Graduates from the first all‑female class of the CU Anschutz School of Dental Medicine Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Residency Program stand for a celebratory group photo after receiving their certificates. Scroll to see more about each graduate.

Mehak Baig, DMD: “I chose orthodontics because I was drawn to the fast-paced environment and the opportunity to work closely with kids and adolescents during such an important stage of their lives. The biggest lesson I’ll carry with me is patience and trusting the process. Orthodontic treatment takes time and careful planning, and residency taught me to stay detail‑oriented while always keeping the bigger picture in mind.” Dr. Baig will begin an associateship at a private practice in Denver, Colorado. 

Sydney Bichey, DDS, grew up in Indiana and graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry. She will now remain in Colorado, joining a group practice in Westminster. 

Samantha Brown, DDS: “I chose orthodontics as a specialty because of the life-changing results you can make in people's lives. Being able to see confidence blossom with the change of a smile is truly so rewarding.” Dr. Brown will start an associateship in Denver, Colorado. 

Shan Cen, DDS, originally from Naples, Florida, graduated from Touro College of Dental Medicine. She will soon begin an associateship in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Sarah Coghlan, DDS: “I was originally drawn to orthodontics because I had a fun experience with braces as a kid. In residency, I have loved seeing how orthodontics can change people’s lives and improve their confidence.” Dr. Coghlan will return to Indiana to practice alongside her father.  

Nhuy Do, DMD, is from Fort Worth, Texas. She earned her DDS degree from Western University of Health Sciences. She’ll be returning to Texas to work at a private practice in Austin.  

Madison Hobbs, DMD, is an alumna of the CU Anschutz School of Dental Medicine’s DDS program. She will be returning to her home state of Florida for an associateship.  

Elisabeth Mauro, DDS, will be moving to Port Saint Lucie, Florida, for an associateship. She is originally from Springboro, Ohio, and earned her DDS degree from Loma Linda University. 

Tessa Patterson, DMD: “I wasn't sure what I wanted to do for my career. I found a part-time job as an orthodontic assistant and fell in love with the field. I love being able to build relationships with and inspire confidence in people.” Dr. Patterson will start an associateship at a private practice in Florida.  

Menaka Tandon, DDS: “My ‘this is the right specialty’ moment came when a patient returned from orthognathic surgery absolutely thrilled to finally see the results they had dreamed of their entire life. That experience solidified my commitment to the field. Now, each day I'm energized by the opportunity to tackle complex cases with creative problem-solving, apply evidence-based care through research, and contribute to advancing the field through innovation.” Dr. Tandon will start an associateship in Boardman, Ohio.  

Recognizing Excellence in Scholarship and Teaching

During the ceremony, Residency Program Director Gerald Minick, DDS, MS, announced the two recipients of the Rocky Mountain Orthodontics Resident Scholarship: Elisabeth Mauro, DDS, and Tessa Patterson, DMD. 

Chosen by the full-time orthodontic faculty, both residents were recognized for going above and beyond, each receiving a $4,000 award to support continued educational pursuits.

The graduating class also honored faculty members who shaped their training:

• Outstanding Didactic Faculty Award: Gerald Minick, DDS, MS, MSD
• Outstanding Full-Time Clinical Faculty Award: Pramod Philip, BDS, MDS, MSD
• Outstanding Part-Time Clinical Faculty Award: Stephen Andrews, DMD, MS

The Power of Community in Residency

In her address, Class President Madison Hobbs, DMD, highlighted the strength and individuality within their cohort. She named each classmate, illustrating the mosaic of personalities that made their time together unforgettable: 

“May we carry forward Sydney’s work ethic, Sam’s conviction, Elle’s loyalty, Tess’s generosity, Sarah’s laughter, Mehak’s confidence, Winnie’s sense of adventure, Nhuy’s steadiness, and Menaka’s joy. And may we never forget that what made this residency extraordinary were the people beside us.” 

A Bright Future Ahead

Closing remarks from Dr. Minick honored the resilience, compassion and professionalism that defined the Class of 2026: “You’ve transformed not only smiles, but also the lives of the patients who trusted you… You have the privilege of giving people confidence, comfort and joy. That is no small thing.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. May your futures be as bright as the smiles you create. 

View all event photos in our Orthodontics Class of 2026 Graduation image gallery.