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The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) conferred doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degrees on 56 students comprising the Class of 2021 during its commencement ceremony held Saturday, June 5 at the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center on the Edwardsville campus.

“Doctors of the Class of 2021, I understand that this has been a most unusual time for both your education and entry into your profession,” SIU SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, DMD, MS, shared, “but you are bright and ambitious, with great minds and great hearts. Don’t lose sight of that. Celebrate your accomplishments, celebrate your new profession, but mostly celebrate each other and those close to you.”

The Class of 2021 was honored for its 100% first-time pass rate on the new Integrated National Board Dental Exam (INBDE). Students also performed remarkably well on their Clinical Board exams, another strong measure of the School’s outcomes. 

Perry Tuneberg, DDS, delivered the commencement address. Also in attendance were distinguished guests SIU System President Dan Mahony and SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook. They wished graduates great success in the next chapter of their journey, and encouraged them to remain connected and take pride in the institution’s bright future.

The SIU SDM also honored its Class of 2020 with a special hooding ceremony that afternoon. Rotter acknowledged the hard work and accomplishments of those who earned their degrees in the thick of a pandemic. 

“You are a special group of people,” he said. “You put in many hard hours, and distinguished yourselves through your academic achievements, quality dental care, community outreach and service efforts. You also demonstrated your resolve and resiliency, as we all stepped into and negotiated the unknown realm of pandemic.”

Rotter concluded both ceremonies by asking graduates to remember five important things:

• Always strive to perform the best dentistry possible, and to continue a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and excellence
• Treat both your patients and your staff with the utmost respect
• Maintain a moral compass, striving to do what is right
• Maintain a social conscience, share your expertise with those less fortunate who may need your help
• Return the love and support to your family and friends, which they have already given to you through their sacrifices in helping you reach your goals

Recordings of both the 10 a.m. Class of 2021 ceremony and the 1 p.m. Class of 2020 hooding ceremony are available at siue.edu/tv.

Photos: Doctoral of Dental Medicine degrees were conferred on the SIU SDM Class of 2021 during their commencement ceremony held June 5.

The SIU SDM Class of 2020 was celebrated during a special in-person hooding ceremony held June 5.