The Next Chapter for the Class of 2026
Graduates of the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine’s Class of 2026 are stepping into careers across private practice, specialty training, research, academics, and community care. During their time at CDM, many found mentors, discovered new passions, and developed a clearer vision for the kind of clinicians and leaders they hope to become.
For Dr. Noemy Espinal, graduation marks the continuation of a journey that began long before residency. After participating in CDM’s SHPEP program as an undergraduate student, she said the experience helped her see a future in dentistry for the first time. Years later, she recently returned to the Dominican Republic as faculty on CDM’s World of Smiles outreach trip, an experience she described as a "full-circle moment."
"Returning two years later as faculty, especially as a first-generation Dominican American myself was incredibly meaningful,” she said. “It reminded me how far I have come, from being a student searching for direction to now mentoring students and helping provide care to my community."
Following graduation, Espinal will enter private practice in pediatric dentistry. Looking ahead, she said she hopes every child she treats "will feel safe, cared for, and genuinely excited to come to the dentist."
Dr. MJ Kang, who completed both dental school and pediatric dentistry residency at Columbia, reflected on the impact of remaining at CDM throughout his training.
"I’m proud to be a Columbia Dental lifer," he said. "CDM has given me a strong foundation not only clinically, but also in how to think critically, communicate effectively, and approach patient care with empathy."
Kang credited pediatric dentistry program director Dr. Ricahrd Yoon as one of his most influential mentors and said working with him shaped the kind of clinician and mentor he hopes to become. After serving as chief resident, he will enter private practice where he will continue to emulate Yoon's compassionate, patient-centered care. "Pediatric dentistry is such a unique field because we have the opportunity to shape a child’s relationship with healthcare at an early age," he said.
For Dr. Matthew Yee, graduation marks the next step in a long-standing interest in research and interdisciplinary care. Throughout dental school, Yee conducted research with Dr. Millie Embree focused on minimally invasive treatments for TMJ and knee osteoarthritis, including stem-cell-based approaches for cartilage regeneration.
Yee will continue his training in an orthodontics residency at the University of Connecticut, where he also hopes to pursue research, and ultimately build a career in dental academics.
"Orthodontics and research have a unique way of blending technical knowledge with adaptive problem-solving," Yee said. "As cases progress, there’s an ever-present question of where you are versus where you’d like to be. Procedural expertise is needed for progress, but equally important is long-term management and vision. This spirit of creativity, which I enjoyed a lot in research, is what drew me to orthodontics."
During dental school, Dr. Dashaun Smith spent time mentoring pre-dental students whose experiences reminded him of his own path into the profession. As he prepares to begin a general practice residency at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Smith reflected on the importance of mentorship, community, and representation.
"I hope to demonstrate and reassure others, especially those who share similar backgrounds, that no goal is unattainable when you consistently put your best foot forward," said Smith. "In my community, I aspire to be both a clinician and a mentor who not only provides high-quality care but also serves as a source of guidance and representation in the field of dentistry."
Dr. Mark Park, a former U.S. Army dentist stationed in Germany prior to residency, will enter private practice. He reflected on how Columbia’s diverse community helped shape his approach to patient care and leadership.
"Being stationed in Germany exposed me to many different cultures and perspectives. However, being at Columbia and in New York was truly special because it allowed me to meet individuals from all walks of life and learn from such a diverse community."
He also pointed to Dr. Sahng Kim as a defining mentor during residency.
"He constantly challenged us to not accept facts at face value and encouraged us to always seek the rationale behind our decisions,” Park said. "He helped me become a strong thinker and clinician, but more importantly, his kindness, humility, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on me."
Looking ahead, he hopes to eventually return to Columbia in a teaching role to help mentor future residents.
For many members of the Class of 2026, the next chapter is not only about beginning a new career, but also about carrying forward the mentorship, community, and sense of purpose they found at CDM.
