On August 18, the East Carolina University (ECU) School of Dental Medicine held its 15th annual fall commencement ceremony at the East Carolina Heart Institute, marking the official start of the new academic year.
The ceremony brought together students, residents, faculty, staff, and parents, with alumni participating remotely from community service-learning centers across the state.
Dean Greg Chadwick, DDS, welcomed the ECU community and emphasized the school’s mission, vision, and values. He emphasized the school’s commitment to improving the oral health of North Carolinians, particularly those in rural and underserved areas.
“We are developing leaders who understand the importance of primary care and who are changing the conversation about the role of oral health in overall health care,” he noted.
Addressing the Class of 2029, Dr. Sarah Lowman, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, reminded the students that their selection reflects their potential to make a lasting impact on communities across the state.
“By choosing East Carolina University, you join a community of professionals committed to service. Now, you are part of that story, and we are honored to be a part of yours,” she said.
Dr. Margaret B. Wilson, Associate Dean, introduced the new faces of the dental community in Ross Hall and across the state: 49 new faculty members, 26 residents, and 54 incoming predoctoral students.
Dean Chadwick also shared the school’s milestones, including nearly 560 graduates to date, 88% of whom are practicing dentistry in North Carolina.
He emphasized the leadership role of students and alumni in professional organizations and noted that the East Carolina University Dental Clinic has served over 112,000 patients from 100 counties across the state. Currently, students come from 89 counties, 67 of which are rural.
Chadwick highlighted innovative outreach services and praised programs such as the Sonríe Clinic, which supports migrant farmworkers, and the Hyde County Outreach Clinic, which provides monthly care in areas lacking licensed dentists or physicians.
Faculty, staff, and student leaders also delivered encouraging speeches during the graduation ceremony. Dr. Abrar Bakhsh, Secretary of the Faculty Senate, described the journey ahead as “one of learning, service, and professional growth.”
Student Body President Salita Greene welcomed the freshmen, saying, “You’ve worked hard to get here, and now you’re part of a community that will challenge and shape you.”
Edith Cowan University President Philip Rogers praised the university’s strong alignment with the university’s mission of serving eastern North Carolina.
Recalling a recent visit to the Ahoskie Community Service Learning Center, Rogers emphasized the important role ECU plays in providing health care to rural communities.
“Here, the value of education is not empty,” he said. “It means a child in a small town getting their first dental checkup, or an elderly person regaining the ability to eat and speak comfortably. That speaks to the impact of East Carolina University (ECU).
At the close of the ceremony, Leslie Bazemore, Executive Assistant to the Dean, received the David L. Sherrill Staff Excellence Award. The award honors the late David L. Sherrill, former Director of Curriculum Administration, who passed away in 2022.
Dean Chadwick concluded the event with a call to action: “Let us begin this new year with renewed energy and commitment to our mission to ensure our dental clinics and classrooms continue to deliver value to our university, our profession, and the people of North Carolina.”