Graduates

In addition to the Eastman Institute for Oral Health Class of 2021 crossing the stage to mark their many accomplishments, there was much more to celebrate.

After a long and challenging year, the group of 79 graduates was able to enjoy the ceremony together in person, unlike the previous year when graduation fell amidst the peak of the Covid pandemic. In a spacious room, residents and a few faculty from each department were present, while more than 350 friends and family from Greece, Spain, Iraq, Colombia, Brazil, Canada, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, China and many other countries were watching live. “Whether you’ve been here one year or seven years, you and your families should be very proud of all that you’ve accomplished,” EIOH Director Eli Eliav, DMD, PhD, told the Class of 2021, which includes the largest number of residents earning their master’s degree. “You have made many sacrifices. Your time here were not easy years. “The last 15 months were different than anything else we experienced in our lives,” Dr. Eliav continued. “Despite the scientific breakthroughs and all the advances, we are still vulnerable to deadly viruses that can completely shut down economies and disrupt our lives completely.” But advances in science allowed the medical community to develop an efficient vaccine within less than a year, an amazing thing, Dr. Eliav said, crediting the vaccine for being able to be together and mask free for the ceremony. He reminded the audience how history repeats itself, and how the Eastman Dental Dispensary founded in 1917 to help those facing barriers to dental care, stayed open during the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918.

For the first time, EIOH Graduation was held at the UR River Campus in a hybrid ceremony.

“That same dispensary is now called Eastman Institute for Oral Health,” he continued. “While it has changed a lot over the last 104 years, there are many things that remain the same. Among them is our commitment to improve access to care. To provide much needed treatment to those who need it.”

When most dental offices were closed during peak months of Covid, EIOH helped more than 100 patients every day – many who traveled long distances because they could not get care anywhere else. Patients traveled from 42 out of the 62 total New York State counties to receive treatment at Eastman.

“Among the many challenges, you showed great resilience throughout the last year and helped patients when they were vulnerable, scared and in pain,” Dr. Eliav told the residents. “All the while, we were dealing with the lack of clear guidelines, staff shortages, fear and stress.” The impact of Covid will last far into the future, Dr. Eliav cautioned.

“Taking care of patients with infectious diseases is nothing new for dentists,” he reminded the group. “Because dentists have years of experience and knowledge in this area, we can adjust quickly and continue treating patients safely.” The future of the profession is relying on them, concluded Dr. Eliav, who hopes the graduates will carry on the Eastman legacy. “We need your fresh thinking, your unique perspectives and your leadership, and you will need to address the critical issues in front of us,” he added. “As an EIOH graduate, the legacy involves embracing innovation, leadership, and collaboration. And whatever part of the world you choose to work, I hope you continue to improve access, break barriers and provide excellent treatment – without compromise – for all people.” “We need your fresh thinking, your unique perspectives and your leadership to address the critical issues in front of us.”

–Dr. Eli Eliav told the Class of 2021

WINTER CONVOCATION