CDM Welcomes Class of 2029

On August 4, 2025, Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine welcomed the incoming Class of 2029 at a ceremony during which the future dentists received their white coats. The tradition has deep Columbia roots; Columbia's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons was among the first medical schools in the country to establish the annual tradition to reinforce a strong commitment to humanistic practice.

Dennis Mitchell, DDS, MPH, dean of the College, welcomed the new class via video message. "Today marks the beginning of what I hope will be a remarkable journey," he said. "You have chosen to pursue a profession in the healing arts. Because only the most gifted students can be enrolled with us, I am confident that you will excel here."

Joseph McManus, DMD, senior associate dean of admissions, congratulated members of the class on their impressive resumés. The new cohort of 92 students were selected from approximately 2,000 applicants; hail from 21 states and six foreign countries; and come to the College having attended 59 of the top undergraduate colleges and universities in the world, he said. Their average GPA was 3.84 and their total science score on the DAT exam was twenty-six, placing the group in the top two percent in the country. “You are among the most talented dental classes in the world," he said. 

Mina Kim, DDS'10, president of the CDM Alumni Association, encouraged the class to take full advantage of the events the association sponsors, telling them that being a part of the Columbia network will make their years at CDM better and will serve them in their professional lives as well. "I interact with alumni almost every day," she said. "Whether it's a consultation with a specialist for a referral or for a question that I have about a new regulation that will have an impact on my practice."

Lorna Flamer-Caldera, DDS, FAGD, chair of the American College of Dentists New York section, encouraged students to begin their careers as they mean to finish, by upholding the highest ethical standards.

Also addressing the incoming class were Chloe Stacks and Victoria Kartseva, D2s who are serving as the new class's orientation leaders. "Adjustment to dental school is fast-paced, uncomfortable, and at times discouraging. But that is when growth happens," Stack said. "You will have to grow academically and emotionally and interpersonally," said Kartseva.