Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology Celebrates Graduates

The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology held a reception for 2009 graduates of their department on June 19 at the Hotel Commonwealth. The reception allowed residents to relax and enjoy themselves after spending the day sitting for a mock board exam that was administered by Professor of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry Dr. Michael Bral.

Professor and Chair Dr. Frank Oppenheim and Professor and Director of the Periodontology Research Laboratories Dr. Thomas Van Dyke hosted the event and started things off by welcoming graduates and their guests, as well as faculty and staff, to the reception.

Graduates from the MSD/CAGS program included Dr. Melanie Campese, Dr. Rayyan Kayal, Dr. Seok Yong Kim, Dr. Monika Madan, Dr. Saeid Malboubi, Dr. Anastasios Moschidis, Dr. Jerome Surmenian, Dr. Yaritza Vazquez, and Dr. Charbel Zolloum. Dr. Gabrielle Fredman was also honored for graduating from the PhD program.

Dr. Oppenheim presented graduates with a gift from the department and Dr. Van Dyke handed out the student awards. Dr. Kim received the Excellence Award, Srinivas Ayilavarapu PERIO 10 received the Ruben Scholarship, and Dr. Surmenian received the Stallard Award. In addition to receiving awards, the students also presented one of their own, the Faculty Teaching Award, to Clinical Assistant Professor Dr. Oreste Zanni.

“This reception was truly an enjoyable event,” said Dr. Oppenheim. “It provided us with a wonderful opportunity to recognize the efforts of the graduates who’ve recently completed a complex three-year program. I was pleased to see many of the graduates’ spouses and family members in attendance along with the faculty and staff of the Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology.“ Dr Oppenheim continued, “Without their hard work and dedication, we would not be able to carry out such a complex program.”