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.
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.
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:
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.”
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.