As IUSD’s 180 graduates processed into the Murat Theatre, they carried pride in their achievement and their soon-to-be alma mater. Distinguished guests and speakers praised the program’s rigor, student growth, and success, while honoring the families, friends, and faculty who supported them. A unifying message emerged—the heart of dentistry lies in human connection.
Dean Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch introduced the theme in her opening remarks by recognizing graduates who helped one another as peer mentors, teaching assistants, and study coaches. She applauded students’ skills, leadership, and academic excellence, then commended their self-care, public service, and compassionate patient care.
“We entered dental school to learn how to fix teeth,” said DDS Class of 2025 speaker Chloe Morris. “But we’re leaving having learned how to care for people. The technical skills are important, but it’s the human connection—the ability to ease someone’s pain, restore their confidence, and improve their health—that makes our profession truly meaningful.”
Keynote speaker Dr. Jeff Steele echoed these sentiments. “Your profession, your life, will be spent helping people… But the joy in your life—the reason you will be proud of your profession, the reason you will want to keep working as you get older, [and] the reason you want to go to work each morning—will be the people you interact with.”
The message resonated with the 16 dental assisting certificate honorees, 19 Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene recipients, 112 Doctor of Dental Surgery graduates, and 33 postgraduate degree earners.
Dean Murdoch-Kinch closed the celebration with a heartfelt reflection on the power of human connection. “Wherever you are, you will make a positive impact on people’s lives through your healing touch and compassion—relieving pain, restoring smiles, and providing hope. You will make a real difference in the world, and we cannot wait to see what you will do!”
