CDM Alumni Return to Campus for Reunion Day 2026

On April 17, 2026, more than 100 alumni of the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine returned to campus for Reunion Day, reconnecting with classmates, faculty, and friends while celebrating the lasting relationships and shared experiences that continue to connect them to CDM.

The day began with a series of educational workshops, offering alumni the opportunity to learn about new treatments and technologies. The workshops encouraged discussion among alumni while showcasing the expertise of CDM faculty and graduates across a range of clinical and practice areas. Topics included “How Neuromodulators and Dermal Fillers Can Enhance Both Your Patient’s Outcomes and the Success of Your Practice,” presented by Artem Krutyansky, MD, DMD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; “What We May Not Have Learned in Dental School but Should Know Now,” presented by David Alfi, DDS ’06, OMFS ’09, MD ’12, oral and aesthetic surgeon in Houston; and “The Gateway Effect - The Role of Biologic Dentistry in Restoring Systemic Health,” presented by Alex Volchonok, DMD, Perio ’15, founder of TetraHealth Dentistry in New York City.

During the faculty presentations that followed, Dean Mitchell shared updates on the College, highlighting faculty achievements, student success, and academic innovation, along with investments in CDM’s clinical and research infrastructure.

Among the updates, Dean Mitchell spotlighted the launch of the AI Fellows Program, developed in partnership with the Columbia University Center for Teaching and Learning, which brings together faculty leaders to guide the responsible integration of artificial intelligence into dental education and clinical training. He also highlighted the new Master of Science in Oral Sciences, a research-oriented program providing students with expertise in oral and craniofacial biology.

“Our strength as a college comes from investing in our people—our faculty, our students, and our alumni—while continuing to evolve how and where we teach, learn, and deliver care,” Dean Mitchell said.

Dr. Aaron Myers, senior associate dean for clinical affairs, shared progress on the Vanderbilt Clinic Capital Plan, including upgrades designed to modernize clinical spaces, expand digital dentistry capabilities, and improve the patient and student experience.

Additional presentations included “Digitally Fabricated Dentures” by Dr. Seung Song, director of predoctoral prosthodontics, and “Evolution of AI in Dentistry” by Dr. Steve Erde, chief information officer.

Reunion Day also recognized alumni celebrating milestone anniversaries, honoring graduates from class years ending in 1 and 6. Attendees represented classes ranging from 1961 and 1976 through the most recent reunion cohort, the Class of 2021. Class Chairs were recognized for their efforts in bringing classmates back together and helping make the day a success. The lasting connection alumni maintain with CDM continues to strengthen the College’s community across generations.

Distinguished Alumni Recognition

A highlight of the Reunion Luncheon was the presentation of the College’s Distinguished Alumni Awards, recognizing alumni whose careers reflect CDM’s commitment to service, leadership, advocacy, and advancing oral health.

The Award for Service to the Profession was presented to Adele Della Torre, DDS ’81, in recognition of her lifelong dedication to improving children’s oral health, particularly for communities facing the greatest barriers to care. In addition to her work in the profession, Dr. Della Torre remains closely connected to CDM as a Class Chair and supporter of the CDM Scholarship Fund. Read more about her recent recognition, the Betty Hubbard Maternal and Child Health Leadership Award, and her work with Ready, Set, Smile here. 

Two awards for Outstanding Service to the School were also presented. Renuka Bijoor ’03, Peds ’05, MPH ’15, was honored for her longstanding commitment to CDM through volunteer leadership and mentoring roles across the Admissions Committee, pediatric dentistry faculty, Mobile Dental Van, Alumni Executive Committee, and Columbia Alumni Association. Dr. Bijoor also continues to advance the profession as immediate past president of the Ninth District Dental Association.

The second award was presented to Aaron Myers, DDS ’12, Peds ’14, MPH ’21, associate professor of dental medicine and senior associate dean for clinical affairs. In his current role, Dr. Myers oversees all clinical operations at CDM while teaching both predoctoral students and postdoctoral residents. His leadership continues a family legacy of service to dental education. His father, Ronnie Myers, DDS ’79, Peds ’80, previously served as associate dean for clinical affairs, vice dean for administrative affairs, and interim dean at CDM before becoming dean of Touro College of Dental Medicine.

The day concluded with a reception where alumni reconnected with classmates and colleagues and celebrated their reunion milestones together.

Reunion Day 2026 reflected the enduring strength of the CDM community and the lasting connections alumni continue to share with the College and one another. The event served as a celebration of those relationships and the shared experiences that continue to connect generations of CDM alumni.