The newest class of Doctor of Dental Surgery students at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry recently arrived on campus for orientation as they prepare to serve others as competent, compassionate dentists.
Arriving in Morgantown from throughout the state, across the country, and around the world, the Class of 2030 kicked off their dental school experience on Wednesday, Aug. 12, with a three-day schedule of presentations and activities designed to prepare them for success in the classroom and the clinic and to get them acclimated to their new community.
The sessions allowed students to meet faculty, staff, and classmates in person, learn about School and campus resources, check in simulation lab instruments, and review guidelines and protocols. Students also participated in well-being activities to get to know themselves and each other better before beginning classes.
To wrap up Orientation, the class of 48 students was joined by their family and friends for a Professionalism Assembly. The ceremony affirms their commitment to learning, to those they will serve, and to the profession of dentistry and marks the beginning of their dental school education at WVU.
To welcome the students to their dental education, School of Dentistry Dean Dr. Stephen Pachuta, WVU Health Sciences Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Louise Veselicky, WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Association Vice President Dr. Ashley Parker, and Associate Dean of Dental Admissions, Recruitment and Access Dr. Jonathan Abraham spoke during the ceremony.
In his remarks, Dr. Pachuta discussed professionalism and character.
“Today is a significant milestone in your life journey. You are not simply starting a new curriculum of academic study. You are also not starting training for a new ‘job.’ You are joining a profession, and, as such, you are committing yourself to a life of service.”
Reflecting on her dental school experience, Dr. Parker shared her congratulations and advice for the incoming class.
“You are now part of an elite group that gets the privilege to learn and hone your skill with expert faculty and gain the ability to truly serve your future patients. I am so incredibly proud of each one of you. I can remember sitting in your seats to start this incredible and frightening journey, and I felt so overwhelmed. Let me reassure you, you would not be here if you did not earn it.
“I encourage you to find joy in the process. When you look back at your time here, you're not going to remember your performance assessments and your test scores. You're going to remember the purpose that you found, the bonds that you've created, and the lives that you will change. Welcome to this outstanding profession. We are so glad you're here.”
The newest class of WVU dental students was selected from more than a thousand applicants. They represent two counties, 12 states, and 12 West Virginia counties. Their undergraduate majors include biology, exercise science, biomedical sciences, and chemistry, among 13 different fields.
Following the remarks, Professor Dr. Elizabeth Kao led the students in the professionalism pledge.
Throughout the four-year program, the students will complete academic study, preclinical training, and direct patient care as they develop into highly skilled oral health professionals who are prepared to serve their communities.
A reception sponsored by the WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Association followed the ceremony.
The Doctor of Dental Surgery Class of 2030 includes:
- Jenna Abdulrahman, Princeton, WV
- Alrayan Abul, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Essa Ali, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Canyon Alkire, Parkersburg, WV
- Deven Arrigoni, Beckley, WV
- Madelaine Barnes, Fairmont, WV
- Alexandra Barnett, Hurricane, WV
- Abigayle Bedwell, Johnson City, TN
- Alecia Rhae Burgess, Martinsburg, WV
- Lauren Byrnside, Madison, WV
- Carter Cary, Huntingdon, TN
- Rachel Clarke, Charleston, WV
- Adam Criser, Winfield, WV
- Emma Cyrus, Beckley, WV
- Abby Darnley, Eleanor, WV
- Sara Demircan, Morgantown, WV
- Emma Fleckenstein, Huntington, WV
- Annalise Gentilozzi, Clarksburg, WV
- Jack Green, Walker, WV
- Jared Hartley, Nampa, ID
- Dawson Herring, Madison, FL
- Omar Ibraheem, Morgantown, WV
- Tarek Jarrouj, Charleston, WV
- Carson Kirk, Logan, WV
- Sydney Krivonyak, South Charleston, WV
- Jaidyn Lucas, Beckley, WV
- Madison Marks, Parkersburg, WV
- Ian Martin, Hurricane, WV
- Jade Nguyen, Bridgeport, WV
- Jacob Pfab, Powhatan, VA
- Sophia Pinti, Bridgeport, WV
- Sasha Planinsic, Pittsburgh, PA
- Jack Podanoffsky, Penfield, NY
- Mackenzie Pottmeyer, Marietta, OH
- Dylan Raleigh, Pikeville, KY
- Kara Robertson, Morgantown, WV
- Brynn Sandruck, Victor, NY
- Olivia Schmieder, Novi, MI
- Juliette Scott, Leesburg, GA
- Henry Sheils, Huntington, WV
- Tali Sizemore, Morgantown, WV
- Josephine Skinn, Norwalk, OH
- Truman Skoy, Redding, CA
- Victoria Sturm, Clarksburg, WV
- Sutton Taylor, Martinsburg, WV
- Macie Watkins, Parkersburg, WV
- Karsten Wersland, Morgantown, WV
- Brianna Winsett, Williamstown, WV
Watch the full ceremony on YouTube.
For more information about the WVU Doctor of Dental Surgery program, visit dentistry.wvu.edu/students/doctor-of-dental-surgery-dds.
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jw/8/17/26
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