Diversity, equity, and inclusion. Fostering community culture through events for the student body and more. Read about the ASDA DEI committee. > p. 2
We all start somewhere. Get to know the incoming D1 students as they reflect on what it means to join the BU dental community and the road to DMD. > p. 4
Around the world and back! The International Exchange Program brought D4's to new destinations while exploring dentistry in India and Thailand. > p. 8
Behind the scenes with Central Sterilization Staff > p. 12
Out in the wild.
D4s returning from externship share the highlights of life as a student dentist as they inch closer to finishing their DMD journey. > p. 18
The One Big Beautiful Bill: Does recent legislation impact dentistry? Learn more about recent changes to federal student loans that take effect in 2026. > p. 20
Putting it into practice... The D2 class reflects on their APEX experience and what they learned upon entering the clinical setting at the end of their first year. > p. 22
The Newsbite
Meet The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
Looking ahead, the DEI Committee is working hard to further its mission through a cultural literacy project in collaboration with the Affinity Groups in order to provide an accessible resource for all students and staff to better serve the diverse patient population at GSDM.
The core mission of ASDA DEI at BU Dental is to foster a culture of belonging, cultural awareness, and advocacy within the dental community. One of the committee’s hallmark events is Multicultural Night, an annual celebration that highlights the diverse backgrounds and traditions of the GSDM community. The event brings together students, faculty, and staff to share food, music, performances, and stories from cultures around the world. Each year, the program features a keynote address from a faculty member. Last year, Dr. Reboucas spoke on the importance of cultural literacy, highlighting how his clinical practice as a pediatric dentist in Boston has been enriched by cultural competence and the privilege of caring for a diverse patient population.
Another highlight of Multicultural Night is the participation of the many Affinity Groups at GSDM including but not limited to the Asian Dental Student Organization (ADSO), Middle
Eastern Dental Student Association (MEDSA), and Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA). Each organization hosts a booth at the event to showcase their culture’s food, games, and music allowing attendees to experience handson and interactive ways to engage in the respective cultures. For example, last year ADSO invited students to play “Ddakji” (딱지) a traditional SouthKorean game played with two folded paper tiles, which has gained global recognition in recent years thanks to the popular Netflix series “Squid Game”.
We hope to see you all at the next Multicultural Night in 2026!
The ASDA DEI Committee consists of Chloe Choe, DMD 27, Saher Arora, DMD 26, David Jung, DMD 27, and Ryanne Soriano, DMD 29.
Written by: David Jung, DMD 27 DEI Committee Co-Vice Chair
5 MEMBERS OF GSDM'S CLASS OF 2029
Share their
Hailing from across the US and different countries, the D1 Class of 2029 has started their journey through dental school and are off with a bang! This transition to Boston and professional school is a big one and comes with excitement and challenges. Now that matriculation week is a distant memory and they’ve made it through their first sets of exams, we invited D1s Meijia Li, Linda Lam, Maleah Mckinley, Brooke Roberts, and Miriam Youhanoun to share their perspective on the start of their most exciting chapter yet.
Born and raised in China, then living in Canada for many years before moving to Boston, Meijia Li is most impressed with the rich history and beauty as she walks around the city. Many of our D1 panel noted how “fast paced” Boston feels compared to their home cities: ranging from the Midwest to Southern California.
Coming from the heat and wide open spaces of Texas, Linda Lam thinks it’s “exciting to live in a city with so much culture, innovation, and education right at your doorstep,” but the weather has felt cold as she experiences the start of New England Fall– We’ll check back with you in February, Linda!
…The D1 Curriculum
Physio, Biochem, Anatomy – oh my! Learning more than they thought was possible and getting very well acquainted with Lecture Hall G170, our D1s have hit their stride with the fall semester courseload. Juggling seven courses at a time is no easy feat, and our panel of D1s shared their biggest adjustments to the D1 curriculum.
As “a very routine-oriented person”, Maleah Mckinley found the biggest adjustment was adapting to the everevolving schedule – learning that no two days at GSDM are exactly alike. With so much to absorb across all their classes, the D1s are laying the foundation of their dental knowledge at a relentless pace.
The Fan Favorite? General Preclinical Dentistry 1 (GD1) led by Dr. Mcmanama. Just 5 weeks after starting courses at BU GSDM, the D1s dove into the Simulation Center (SLC) and quickly proved that dental school is where they’re meant to be. Brooke Roberts shares, “I love being able to learn about dentistry [in GD1] and being able to apply those techniques and practice those skills in the SLC with our hands… I can tell that I am growing with each session.” There’s much to learn still, but it’s an exciting milestone.
“Just one day in the simulation lab reminds me how much I enjoy dentistry, and reminds me how grateful I am to be in dental
school…I can always look forward to the SLC because I know it will be so much fun!”
~Miriam Youhanoun
…New Friendships
An energetic group of 117 students, the D1’s are already showing the teamwork and camaraderie that will carry them through their time at GSDM. As Maleah Mckinley puts it, “I wasn't expecting for everyone to be so welcoming and excited to make new friends. I am so grateful for all the connections I have made so far, and can't wait to meet more of our classmates!”
With friends, the trials and tribulations of dental school are made sweeter: “ little moments of joy—like bonding with classmates over late-night study sessions” and having the “ best group of friends that have the sweetest hearts and are always so motivating!” make dental school much more fun for Linda and Miriam.
…Balancing Life and Dental School
It’s only been a couple months, but the D1 class has already learned that dental school is a marathon, not a sprint. “Burnout is real”, some say, as there are always exams to study for, and it’s always better to be ahead. The D1s have already learned to balance that pressure with exploration, such as trying different pasta dishes in the North End, spending time outside in the Esplanade and Public Gardens, and going to Farmers’ Markets in different parts of the city. They’ve fought homesickness with FaceTime calls and restaurants that remind them of home cooking. Some of them have even become more active since starting dental school, working out in the mornings before class and playing Ultimate Frisbee on the weekends.
ADVICE TO FUTURE STUDENTS
“I would tell myself to relax and to know that it will all work out eventually. Getting into dental school can feel like a monumental task, but it is so worth it to be one step closer to accomplishing your goals! Work hard, enjoy the process, and don't put too much pressure on yourself.”
~Brooke Roberts
“You don’t need to have everything figured out right away. Take things one day at a time, ask for help when you need it, and remember that your classmates are in the same boat—you’re not alone.”
~Linda Lam
"Know what to prioritize. Schedule ahead and start ahead... Mental health is as important as grades. If you feel like you need to take a break, take it.”
~Meijia Li
“It is okay to say no to some things… I am not as productive studying in groups or at coffee shops, but noticed I was doing that a lot to get to know people even though I wasn't getting much done. I've had to learn to say no and just study at home where I can be the most productive.”
~Maleah Mckinley
PHOTOS
MIRIAM Y., LINDA L., & MEIJIA L., DMD 29
The days are long &
the years are short
GSDM's International Exchange Program
Written by: Zoha Durrani, DMD 26 Newsletter Committee Vice Chair
It isn’t exactly breaking news to state that dental school can be hard, with long hours spent in lab or clinic, and weekends spent studying or practicing. After all these sacrifices in the name of personal and professional development, the idea of an international getaway certainly becomes more appealing. Boston is a fantastic city, sure, but have you ever been curious about how dental students learn in other areas of the world?
Luckily, some members of the GSDM community have done so and are here to report back, having had the unique opportunity to participate in the GSDM International Exchange Program. This program is offered to fourth year students as an opportunity to both teach exchange students about student life at GSDM as well as learn about our partnering dental schools. Students apply during the second semester of their third year and then interview if invited to do so. Each group is composed of four students and one faculty member, who then work together to host the incoming exchange students in Boston during the summer. Then, the group departs on their own exchange adventure to their awarded destination. Partnering programs can vary, and this year’s students were offered the opportunity to go to Thailand, India, China, or the United Kingdom.
We spoke to two of them, Lade Adeniyi and Nicole Cheng, about their experiences.
Photos courtesy of Lade Adeniyi, DMD 26
Q: Where did you go, and why were you interested in that destination?
LA: I went to Thailand! I was interested in going there because I had never been to Asia, but I always have been fascinated by the culture, food and traditions of different Asian countries. I had also heard a lot of great things about Chulalongkorn University and the amazing dental facility that is located in Thailand.
NC: I had hoped to go to India because a lot of my patients are from the country, so I really wanted to gain more context about the culture and perspective on their backgrounds. The Indian dental schools participating in this exchange are incredible programs that have produced such strong faculty, so I knew I would be able to meet a ton of inspiring people and learn a lot about new processes and technologies. I also have never been, so was excited for an adventure filled with bucket list sights and fun new foods!
Q: Part of the program is hosting exchange students here in Boston. What were some of the places you took your fellow exchange students to?
LA: We took the students to a Red Sox game, adventured around the North End, and we hosted a barbecue! We also showed them around the Boston Commons and Newbury Street, as well as Brookline and some of the restaurants in that area too. Finally, we took them to the SoWa art district since summer is the season of many outdoor markets here in Boston.
NC: Everyone loved the cannolis, so we based a lot of our planning on food—we did food tours of the North End, Quincy Market, Back Bay, and Seaport. The visiting students also loved checking out classical art and architecture, which was so different than what they saw at home, so we spent lots of time at the BPL and MFA.
Q: What were some similarities and differences you noticed between BU’s program and your exchange school?
LA: The similarities I found were that we both struggle with dealing with patients that no-show, challenging coursework, and the didactic courses that must be passed before we enter the clinic. One big difference is that they do not go to undergrad. They enter dental school straight from high school, and their dental program is six years rather than four. They also have larger laboratory space, and each student is dedicated a laboratory bench. They allow their students to complete surgical extractions, and they have a very extensive prosthetic clinic with extra laboratory space to facilitate the many different prosthodontic treatments that are going on at the school.
NC: The volume of patients the students in India saw daily was really astonishing. The kinds of cases they see also vary from what we have, especially the pathologies that are more common to South Asia due to differences in culture, habits, norms, etc. The one thing that didn’t feel too different was how welcoming and accessible all the students and staff were to us. I’d always forget that we were at school in a brand-new place, entirely because of the way we were treated, as if we belonged there. My peers back at BU very much emulate this energy as well, and I’m grateful to feel supported no matter where I am!
Q: What was your favorite part of this experience?
LA: That’s such a hard question to answer! There are so many amazing things about this trip that has changed my perspective. First and foremost, it was amazing to see how dentistry is done halfway across the world. I was most fascinated by how beautiful the country is, how much shopping there is, as well as the amazing temples and rich history of Thailand.
My favorite trip was taking the long boat to visit the islands off the coast of Phuket. The water was so clear—I got to snorkel and happen to see a reef shark. Also, we got to see their teacher appreciation day, which is something that they take very seriously, and all schools around the country dedicate a day to appreciate their faculty and staff. It was a ceremony of beautiful flowers, bouquets, music and amazing speeches to appreciate those who support them along their educational journey!
NC: One memorable and funny moment was when an excited monkey, perched outside the Taj Mahal, ripped open a package of biscuits it had found, and the food went flying as it watched in dismay. I would have looked just as upset as it did! Some experiences really are universal.
Q: If you could recommend one change to the program for the future, what would it be?
LA: honestly, there isn’t much that I would change. The experience was life-changing, and it was well-organized by faculty and staff. I think the only thing that truly comes to mind is having more funding so we can take the students on more excursions when they visit Boston.
NC: I wish I had more time there! India is such a vast and diverse country, and it felt like we only just scratched the surface. I’d love to spend more time with our amazing host students and explore more of the country and all its different topographies and cultural regions.
Q: It seems like this was overall a really great experience for you! If you could go on an exchange to a different country, any country at all, where would you like to go and why?
LA: I would like to go to any South American country. I’ve never been to South America, but appreciate the amazing culture, food and traditions that come with it. The region is a huge destination for dentistry, so that’s something that I would be very fascinated and eager to learn about.
NC: Going anywhere in South America would offer such a unique and eye-opening perspective. I have a lot more to learn about the culture, their rich heritage, and very different dental/healthcare systems. These experiences would make me a better, more empathetic and understanding provider for my diverse patient pool—I’d be very eager to immerse myself in any new destination!
The International Elective Exchange Programs offers our students international cultural interests in addition to enhanced clinical training.
& Life Abroad Dentistry
Behind the scenes with...
Photos courtesy of Jennifer Méndez Alba, DMD 27
Central Sterilization Staff Members
Perhapsone of the busiest departments that students at GSDM know the least about is Central Sterilization. To most, it may seem almost magical: the same handpiece used at 10 a.m. somehow reappears, perfectly cleaned and packaged, at the dispensary window by 4 p.m. But behind that seamless turnaround is a hardworking team whose precision, dedication, and attention to detail keep BU’s clinical operations running smoothly.
Since the dental school's major renovations in 2021, each clinical floor now has its own dispensary window for instruments and materials, along with storage areas and drop-off mailboxes for used cassettes. The basement, meanwhile, serves as the department’s beating heart, where instruments are sterilized, packaged, and sorted with clockwork efficiency.
Written by: Jennifer Méndez Alba, DMD 27 Newsletter Committee Chair
To better understand the people who make all this possible, we sat down with members of the Central Sterilization team — and discovered a group whose warmth and pride in their work reflect the very spirit of the GSDM community. Their work deserves praise, after all they ensure that every student, faculty member, and patient at GSDM can rely on the tools of modern dentistry being clean, safe, and ready to use.
Sose “Noshi” Dacaj
Favorite Albanian Word?
Faleminderit | Thank You
Favorite Albanaian Food?
Byrek - savory spinach, cheese, and leek pie.
Whenwe met Sose, she was quick to clarify that she goes by Noshi, a nickname her father gave her in memory of her grandmother. Originally from Albania, Noshi radiates the hospitality her culture is known for. She told us, “If someone ever gets lost in an Albanian town, a local wouldn’t just give directions—they’d invite the person in for coffee first, and then personally walk them to their destination.” She enjoys working with her fellow Albanian colleagues, like Mark K. and Mirela.
Noshi has been part of BU for 15 years, and she treasures the sense of purpose her work provides. “I love helping others and working with students from around the world— It keeps me feeling young!”
One aspect of her role that she especially appreciates is how open the team is to feedback and innovation. “If we see a better way to do something, we can share it directly with Ms. Dorothea or Ms. D., our department head,” Noshi explained. That flexibility, along with the variety of tasks— from working on different floors to assisting with new projects—keeps every day dynamic.
Bharti Khattri Thapa
Bharti
has worked at BU for 8 years, and in that time she’s become a familiar, friendly face at the dispensary window. “Students are like butterflies in a garden,” she said with a smile. “Every interaction is different and beautiful. It makes me happy when I can help.”
Having witnessed the school’s major renovations, Bharti has seen firsthand how much Central Sterilization has evolved. She’s particularly proud of the new self-service garages, which she describes as “a great upgrade.” Before, students had to wait in line even for simple items like burs or articulating paper. Now, they can access supplies independently, which both saves time and helps them learn more about the tools they’re using.
For Bharti, one of the best parts of working at BU is being part of a diverse, collaborative team. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring New England with her family, especially Rockport, where they love seaside walks and fresh lobster in the summer.
Favorite Nepali Dish?
Momo - dumplings filled with spiced vegatables served with a tangy onion chutney.
Group Interview with Mark K., Mohammed C., Thi N., Mirna H., and Sayed M.
Thisgroup interview with the central sterilization staff revealed just how close and special this team is. Some members have joined recently, while others have been here for many years, yet their respect and camaraderie is unmistakable. Thi linked arms with Mirna as we stood in a circle, taking turns answering my questions about their time on the job. Thi had only started earlier that month, whereas Mirna has been with Boston University for nearly 15 years. Mark and Sayeed described this as a “wonderful place to work” that felt like “family.” As we stood in the basement, the larger-than-life sterilization equipment hummed while completing its cycle. Mirna explained that 2021 facility renovations had particularly affected their department. Central sterilization autoclaves used to be on most clinic floors, but now they have been centralized in the basement, improving efficiency and consolidating maintenance. Mirna added, “The autoclaving machines we used to work with were hard to use. Now we have these enormous machines that work so well; it's really impressive.”
Getting to know everyone’s background, I realized how international the team is—not just the students, but the staff too. Mohammed moved here two years ago and now loves hiking and spending time in nature, especially in New Hampshire during autumn for peak leaf-peeping. Thi said, “People are very friendly in Boston, which is very helpful and fun.” Mirna lives in Malden, but she enjoys visiting Boston Commons when she’s in the city. Mark noted that his favorite things about Boston are not only the high quality of life offered by the jobs and education, but also the city’s winning sports teams! He tries to go saltwater fishing every weekend, and his favorite catch is “striper” or striped bass.
Curious about their cultural backgrounds, I asked each person to share something they love about their culture—whether a word, a food, or a tradition. Mirna said her favorite dish from El Salvador is pupusas, thick corn or rice flour tortillas traditionally stuffed with cheese, beans, and chicharrón, served with salsa and curtido (a cabbage slaw). She also shared that one value she made sure to teach her son is: “Everything we do in life, you should act as though you are receiving that action yourself.” Mark explained that in Albania, “your word is your bond” is very real. Even for business agreements, there is usually nothing written down—people talk, agree, shake hands, and keep their promises. He added that during the Second World War, many Albanians helped protect and hide Jewish families. After the war, there were more Jewish people in the country than before it began. Mohammed offered the Bengali phrase "
," meaning "Man is for man, life is for life." He explained that life is short, so everyone should look out for and support one another.
Yolanda Cuevas & Ferdy Montoya
Inmy next interview with Yolanda Cuevas and Ferdy Montoya, I learned more about the department’s interactions with faculty and staff. Yolanda has happily worked at Boston University for 21 years and enjoys seeing how the school has evolved. When asked about their favorite parts of the job, Ferdy said, “The real joy of working in sterilization is the sense of accomplishment we get every day. As soon as we receive items from faculty or students, we know they need them right away. So we work at a fast pace to get things done.”
Ferdy and Yolanda also share a common benefit through their employment at BU: reduced tuition. Ferdy is completing his bachelor’s in business management and will graduate in May 2026. Yolanda’s daughter attended BU for Public Health and now works nearby at Boston Medical Center. Yolanda expressed immense pride in her daughter’s accomplishments while acknowledging her appreciation for BU’s benefits. As we spoke, I noticed Yolanda had clear aligners. She mentioned that another great benefit is receiving orthodontic treatment on the 7th floor. Ferdy, also a patient of the orthodontics department, flashed a big smile to show his metal braces.
Ferdy, who is from Guatemala, went on to add, “another thing I enjoy about working here is that I get to work with people from different backgrounds, people from different countries.” On the topic of favorite foods, he first mentioned garnaches—a crispy, fried corn tortilla topped with beef, cabbage slaw, tomato sauce, and cheese—but then insisted that Guatemalan tamales were truly his favorite. He noted that most people assume he means Mexican tamales, but tamales are not strictly a Mexican dish. Yolanda laughed and said no dish was better for her than a simple plate of arroz con habichuelas (white rice and red beans) – Dominican style. As a fellow Dominican, I was surprised her answer wasn’t one of our more famous dishes, like tres golpes—a three-element plate of mashed plantains, fried salami, and fried eggs.
Ferdy closed our conversation with a reflection that perfectly captured why I wanted to write about this department:
“I just want to say thank you for taking this time to write this kind of article about the people who work really hard here at BU. The people down here put so much time and effort into making sure everything needed is ready every day for the school, and it's important to share that so people understand who we are and how much effort and love we put into supporting the clinical work you all do.”
A special thanks and acknowledgement to all of the Central Sterilization staff:
Ruth Calderón
Mohammed Chowdhury
Yolanda Cuevas
Sose “Noshi” Dacaј
Gail Durant
Mirna Hernández
Bharti Khattri Thapa
Mark Kurbini
Dorothea Martin
Sherryl Mercury
Ferdy Montoya
Sylvie Mwenze
Alix Narisco
Thi Nguyễn
Merita Papa
Sayed Maniruzzaman
Bruce Wall
Sylvie Mwenze
Sylvie, originally from Lyon, France, Sylvie moved to Boston after getting married and now supports dental students as part of the Central Sterilization department. Sylvie said, “My favorite part is meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures.” This interest in cultural exchange extends to her daily work. For example, she described a conversation with her colleague Bharti from Nepal, where Sylvie learned about wedding traditions different from those she knew growing up in an African–French household.
Regarding life in Boston, Sylvie commented on the snowy winters—something she only saw in movies before coming to Massachusetts. “It’s beautiful when you have snow on Christmas Day, but in France, it’s once every ten years,” she observed. At home, Sylvie is a parent to a 13-year-old daughter. In her professional role, Sylvie draws upon her previous experience at Emmanuel College Dining Services, where she also worked closely with students. “Most of them will come in very young, and by graduation, you see them mature,” she said. “For me as a mother, I always see the students like my kids.” Sylvie makes an effort to engage with students, especially when they seem stressed, by making conversation to help them decompress: “You never know what people are going through … My part is just to be a little bit of sunshine that you need.”
Sylvie’s contributions are integral to the supportive environment the clinic strives to provide. Her background, openness to learning about others, and willingness to share her own experiences all play a part in making the clinic community stronger and more connected.
Favorite Food?
Sylvie is a big breakfast person, and is especially fond of croissants and baguettes. She misses the reknown French bakeries back home, as she says "there's something different about the flour they use here in the US."
Oneof the core components of GSDM’s DMD curriculum is the 10-week long externship completed in students’ fourth year. This externship allows students to gain real-world exposure to dentistry in a true practice or community health setting, allowing them to hone their skills both clinically and interpersonally with all members of the dental team. The externship sites available range from areas easily traveled to from Boston, to other states including Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Florida. In fact, I just completed my externship at Blackstone Valley Community Health Care (BVCHC) in Rhode Island, and feel that I walked away with a greater level of skill than I would have gained spending the same amount in clinic. I talked to my classmates Savannah Thaw (externship site: Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program - BHCHP) and Elyse Mansfield (externship site: Holyoke, MA), and we hope that our discussion of our experiences can help other students know what to expect from externship, and how to make the most of it.
The number of patients seen per day varied, with Elyse seeing about 2-3 a day in Holyoke, Savannah seeing 3-5 per day at BHCHP, and me seeing 6-7 patients a day at BVCHC. According to Elyse: “The area of Holyoke I was in was already fairly rural, and combined with the overall lack of healthcare literacy and socioeconomic barriers, it’s not surprising that many people did not schedule with us or were not able to make their appointments. While this made it difficult to get regular opportunities for clinical skill development, it definitely exposed me to some of the challenges faced by both practices and patients.”
On a student’s first few weeks on externship, there are certainly adjustments that come with transitioning from a school’s clinic environment to a real office. “The biggest
adjustment for me was time management with patients, as it’s a lot more fast-paced and you have assistants that help set up and clean up, whereas at school, everything is a solo responsibility,” Savannah says. I agree with this, since at BVCHC we were given 45 minutes to an hour to see patients, but having assistants helped the workflow greatly so it wasn’t too difficult to manage. Fortunately for me, most of the assistants at BVCHC were well-experienced and were fantastic to work with. Building relationships with the assistants was also a key positive aspect of externship for Elyse, who recalls her last day: “The assistants gave me flowers and a card wishing me well on my future endeavors. That was really one of the best parts of my externship experience.”
The stronger time constraints during externship also played a large part in developing our clinical abilities. “It helped me refine my hand skills and learn how to be efficient. It also gave me real-life application of all the knowledge learned in didactic courses, at a much faster pace than the GSDM treatment centers,” says Savannah. Elyse gave a similar opinion, stating that “it definitely exposed me to different ways of doing things in dentistry, and figuring out what treatment modalities I agree with and am more comfortable carrying out.”
The independence gained during externship is something we all agree will help us in clinic, now that we’ve returned to the school, and will no doubt translate into an even better patient experience for those under our care at the school. From speaking with Elyse, Savannah, and other classmates who have completed or who are currently on externship, it is clear that despite the differences in location, practice structure, and patient population, the experience ultimately prepares us further to succeed in the field after dental school.
Written by: Zoha Durrani, DMD 26 Newsletter Committee Vice Chair
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act
THE POTENTIAL FOR A LESS-THAN-BEAUTIFUL OUTCOME
Foreword by: Jennifer Méndez Alba, DMD 27 Newsletter Committee Chair
Written by: Suleman Shaikh, DMD 27
Among the many changes The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings forth, it most notably upends some federal student loan repayment options, limits federal aid borrowing amounts, and even eliminates previous student aid programs.
In July 2025, in response to the OBBBA being signed into law, The American Dental Association released a three-page document outling the effects of the bill on the dental community at large, stating:
"Current and future dental students utilizing the federal student loan system should familiarize themselves with these changes to limit uncertainty during this transition."
In August 2025, The American Student Dental Association, presented a letter to the Department of Education's Negotiated Rulemaking Committee with recommendations in light of the OBBB's impact on dental students. In particular, they urged that:
"... the new caps to federal borrowing fall over $100,000 short of the $312,000 average student debt for new dentists."
For decades, federal graduate lending was limited. The Grad PLUS program, introduced in the mid-2000s, changed this equation by offering loans up to the full cost of attendance. While this promised access, it also created unintended consequences, namely allowing institutional tuition to skyrocket at pace much greater than the rate of inflation.
Now, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 4, 2025, abruptly reverses this policy. Starting July 1, 2026, the act eliminates Grad PLUS for new borrowers and imposes hard caps: (1) $50,000 annually; and (2) $200,000 lifetime limits for professional programs, including MDs, DMDs, JDs, etc. These caps apply specifically to Federal Unsubsidized Loans and the lifetime limit includes any prior undergraduate or graduate borrowing. These limits fall far below the actual cost of a dental education today. Starting with the Class of 2030, these changes will officially become the new policy of financing higher education.
As a member of the Class of 2027, I am one of the last few cohorts to be grandfathered under the current status quo. The more familiar and generous Grad PLUS loan system allowed admissions to be focused on academic merit and not financing qualifications. While relieved, I cannot help but feel as if future dental students are being left in the lurch. These new federal caps are an abrupt reaction that
fails to address the deeper, systemic issue of affordability.
The real crisis for students is instability. Federal loan policies have become a political tool, subject to disruptive whipsaws that make long-term financial planning for a professional degree impossible. This instability is particularly damaging because students are not the drivers of the high cost of these degree. We are answering a call to serve in a critical healthcare profession, yet we are caught in the middle of a broken financing model for a public good, forced to shoulder an unsustainable financial burden while the rules change mid-game.
The old system’s unlimited lending created a feedback loop of misaligned incentives, allowing costs to rise while placing the full financial risk on students. Capping federal loans without addressing these underlying costs doesn't solve the problem, it simply shifts the burden. Future students will be forced into a far more precarious private loan market, which lacks essential borrower protections like income-based repayment. This makes a dental education a riskier proposition that will likely exclude many qualified students from less affluent backgrounds.
A real solution requires a true partnership. First, the
federal legislative system must end the disruptive policy whipsaws and provide a stable and predictable long term financing framework, rather than swinging between extremes. Paired with this necessary federal stability, our higher education institutions must lead with accountability. This begins with meaningful cost transparency, such as publishing multi-year tuition roadmaps that directly link tuition increases with improved student outcomes. Schools must also provide highly vetted, transparent guidance on the very real risks of private student loans that will now seek to exploit this fundamental change, creating a new unfettered industry of private lending. Finally, sustainable planning must align class sizes and proposed capital projects with faculty and clinic capacity to protect the degree's long term value— which would also bolster student learning and patient-care outcomes.
Future dentists are being caught between political instability and a broken financing model. We need more than abrupt federal caps; we need a sustainable and transparent partnership to ensure this vital profession remains accessible to all who are qualified, not just those who can finance the risk.
SOURCE: ADEA SURVEY OF DENTAL SCHOOL SENIORS 2024, ADEA EDUCATION RESEARCH SERIES
APEX Reflections
Interviews by:
Lillian Griffin, DMD 28
Newsletter Committee Layout Editor
Jillian Earley, DMD 29
Newsletter Committee First-Year Intern
Through the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
APEX (Applied Professional Experience) program students participate in an eight-week internship in a private dental office or public health clinic, at the end of their first year. Through this hands-on approach to dental education, students integrate classroom study with professional experiences in dental offices as dental interns working side-by-side with practicing dentists. The APEX program provides students an opportunity to experience dentistry in a true dental practice environment. The dental practitioners teach students various approaches to the delivery of care, from the business management of a practice to proper biological, psychological, and dental management of a patient, which lay the foundation for more advanced clinical topics they will learn in the second year.
This year the Newsletter Committee put out a survey to learn more about student's perspectives on this unique educational experience.
Student: Elinah Phillip, DMD 28
Site: Private Practice in Miami, FL
What advice did your mentor give you?
Always remember your capabilities. Dental school will challenge you, sometimes in more ways than one on the same day but always remember that you are more than capable.
What's your advice for D1 students?
If you have the opportunity, go to a practice where you and able to observe a variety of specialists during your time there. It will allow you to gain understanding for some of the procedures you’ll learn about in your D2 courses.
Student: Cheyenne Ignacio, DMD 28
Site: DSO in Manahawkin, NJ
What was your favorite part of
APEX?
I completed my APEX at the dental office I used to work at so it was a lot of fun being back there with all of my old coworkers. It was a large multi-specialty office that allowed me to see various types of procedures from composite restorations, to placing braces, to extractions and endo.
What advice did your mentor give you?
Each patient is unique, so while there is an ideal that we learn in school, sometimes we have to deviate from it.
What's your advice for D1 students?
Don’t be afraid to assist your mentor if they allow you to. It is the best way to learn apart from just shadowing.
Student: Emily Chipola, DMD 28
Site: Private Practice in Middletown, DE
What was your favorite part of APEX?
I was fortunate enough to do my APEX in a pediatrics office I used to work at prior to starting dental school and it was truly like I never left. They are like a second family to me and being able to go back and spend time with them was just the break I needed from school. And of course, they gave me such great advice on everything dental related and answered my silly questions about D1 material that I learned. At the end of the day, they are the ones in my corner cheering me on through school and to finish APEX and tell them "I am one-fourth a dentist now" was like a full-circle moment for us all.
What's your advice for D1 students?
Learn all that you can about the behind the scenes of dentistry, school will teach you the hand skills, but APEX will show you the backend of owning a practice and/ or being an associate. Use this experience to get as much knowledge on fee schedules, billing, patient retention, hiring, etc., because it will make your life so much easier when it is your turn to run the show.
What advice did your mentor give you?
The best advice he gave me was that no matter how great your technical skills are, what really makes the difference is the trust you build with your patients. You can be excellent at procedures, but if a patient doesn’t believe you understand them or that you care about their comfort and concerns, they won’t feel safe. Trust makes patients more open about their fears, more willing to ask questions, and more likely to follow through with treatment.
What's your advice for D1 students?
My advice would be to pay special attention to how the dentist communicates with patients, manages their comfort, and addresses concerns. These interpersonal skills are as crucial as technical expertise in building trust and ensuring effective treatment, and it’s something we can’t learn through working on mannequins during D1.
Student: Jennifer Rodriguez, DMD 28
Site: Private Practice in Roxbury, MA
What was your favorite part of APEX?
My favorite part was seeing the direct impact dentistry can have on patients’ confidence and comfort. Observing the way providers built trust and explained treatments showed me how much communication matters in patient care. I also appreciated the chance to get hands on with the daily workflow, preparing operatories, learning instrument setups, and understanding the rhythm of a private practice.
What advice did your mentor give you?
The best piece of advice my APEX mentor gave me was to always focus on building trust with patients before jumping into treatment. They reminded me that dentistry isn’t just about technical skill, it’s about making patients feel heard and understood, which ultimately leads to better outcomes. That perspective showed me how important it is to balance clinical knowledge with compassion and communication.
Student: Caroline Potter, DMD 28
Site: Private Practice in Breezy Point, NY
Student: Lily Griffin, DMD 28
Site: Private Practice in Washington D.C.
What was your favorite part of APEX?
Getting to work in the city I hope to live in after graduating!
What advice did your mentor give you?
Most people who become dentists are perfectionists but this is a hard career for perfectionists- the sooner you learn to do your best without expecting perfection, the better off you will be.
What's your advice for D1 students?
Take 3 minutes on your commute home to write down the procedures you assisted with that day, by the end of APEX you will be amazed at how much you did.
Making strides...
Student: Grace Wang, DMD 28
Site: Private Practice in Boston, MA
What was your favorite part of APEX?
My favorite part of my APEX experience was gaining more hands-on experience as a dental assistant. Since I am licensed in Massachusetts, I was able to take multiple FMX series and radiographs, polish during hygiene appointments, take digital impressions on two different devices, and assist chair-side in a wide range of procedures including restorative, prosthetic, cosmetic treatments, and more. I learned the step-by-step process for whitening procedures (which assistants completed under Dr. Lee's watch). Dr. Lee also gave me the opportunity to practice creating a temporary crown and attaching Invisalign buttons. She maintains an extremely organized office training system and places great trust in her assistants and their ability to learn new procedures. This approach allowed all of her employees to gain new skills in a short period of time.
What's your advice for D1 students?
Try to shadow/assist dental procedures, but also learn how the front desk/office management works! Insurance and office management are often tricky to deal with.
Student: Olivia Konzen, DMD 28
Site: Private Practice in Glendale, WI
What was your favorite part of APEX?
One of the most influential parts of my externship under Dr. Andrew Smith, a private practice owner and my long-time mentor, has been the opportunity to come full circle in my journey toward becoming a dentist. During my gap year, I worked as a dental assistant in his practice, which was my first hands-on exposure to the dental field beyond academics. At that time, I was absorbing everything—watching procedures, learning the rhythm of a successful practice, and seeing how patient relationships are built through trust, empathy, and consistency.
Now, returning to that same practice as a first-year dental student intern, with a foundational understanding of clinical concepts, has been incredibly rewarding. What once felt foreign—like treatment planning, radiographic analysis, and even dental terminology—now connects meaningfully to what I’m learning in school. I’m able to contribute more thoughtfully, ask deeper questions, and even assist in a way that reflects my growth.
Student: Carolina Meza, DMD 28
Site: Private Practice in Miami, FL
What advice did your mentor give you?
Don’t feel discouraged when something goes wrong, because sometimes it will. Be able to learn from your mistakes and try not to do make them again.
What was your favorite part of APEX?
From the office, the doctors, the assistants, the front desk, to the patients... honestly, everything! I really loved how welcoming and supportive they were in helping me learn, and always being open to teaching me. I had such a lovely experience learning the day-to-day of our future profession.
All About Run Club
HOW IT ALL STARTED
The Boston University Dental Run Club was founded in 2024 during my first year of dental school. As running continued to grow in popularity, I wanted to bring that energy and sense of community to our program. For me, running has always been more than just exercise—it’s been a way to clear my mind, manage stress, and stay balanced amidst the demands of dental school.
WHEN WE MEET
We typically meet twice a month—though this year, our growing enthusiasm has led to even more runs.
Our usual meeting time is Sundays at 11:00 AM, right in front of the dental school. Each run varies in pace and distance, making it accessible for runners of all levels. After our runs, we like to meet up and grab coffee at a local shop.
WHY IT MATTERS—AND WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN
Written by: Jonathan Fontana, DMD 28 Health and Wellness Committee - Run Club Chair
Running has been a huge part of my life for nearly a decade, shaping not only my fitness but also my friendships and mindset. Some of the best conversations I’ve ever had happened mid-run, and Run Club is no exception—there’s something about sharing the road that opens people up. Beyond the social aspect, running teaches discipline, resilience, and selfcompassion. Not every run feels perfect, and not every day in dental school does either—and that’s okay!
CONTACT THE NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
We are always looking for content, stories, and candid photos that reflect our BU dental community. Drop us a line!
Jennifer Méndez Alba, DMD 27 Newsletter Committee Chair jmma@bu.edu
