Indiana University School of Dentistry

05/29/2026

Class of 2026 receives fitting sendoff before beginning careers of service

The 148th graduating class of Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) took to the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre for the School Recognition Event on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Students from the certificate of dental assisting, doctor of dental surgery, master of science in dentistry, and doctor of philosophy in dental science degree programs gathered one last time to punctuate their academic careers.

“As Indiana’s only dental school, we are responsible for providing the state of Indiana with a highly trained, essential oral healthcare workforce,” said Dean Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch. “Indiana University School of Dentistry is ‘Where Clinical Excellence Meets Statewide Impact.’ Today, graduates, you join this legacy of excellence in service to the people of Indiana, and beyond!”

Along with Dean Murdoch-Kinch, attendees heard from IUSD Alumni Association President Dr. Karen Ellis, Indiana Dental Assistants Association President Ashley Anglin, DDS Class President Jose Salcedo Hernandez II, and Dr. Jeffrey Platt, keynote speaker.

Platt’s speech centered on three areas: to increase the odds that you are right and in control, always remember to humble yourself and read and follow directions; the skills you’ve gained are a foundation, and never stop trying to build upon that foundation by connecting with those who will further your lifelong learning journey; and challenge yourself to develop an attitude of gratitude over greed to fuel your ability to serve those in your life now and in the future.

“Do not see that patient as teeth and supporting structures that need fixed,” said Platt as he finished his speech. “See that patient as a holy cathedral that you are privileged to help build and maintain.”

This year’s DDS class included two students who will enter the U.S. Armed Forces. Sean Chasney will serve as a captain in the U.S. Army and complete a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Ft. Carson in Colorado, while Maxwell Woods will serve as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, completing a general practice residency at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia.

After Dr. Laura Romito presented the graduates and pledges were read, Dean Murdoch-Kinch concluded the celebration by inviting students to keep in touch.

“Please continue learning, upholding the highest ideals of the profession, advocating for patient care, and aspiring for excellence in all that you do,” Murdoch-Kinch said. “You will make a real difference in the world! Congratulations, and we’ll see you again soon as IU School of Dentistry accomplished alumni!”

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

Class of 2026 receives fitting sendoff before beginning careers of service
The 148th graduating class of Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) took to the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre for the School Recognition Event on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Students from the certificate of dental assisting, doctor of dental surgery, master of science in dentistry, and doctor of philosophy in dental science degree programs gathered one last time to punctuate their academic careers.

“As Indiana’s only dental school, we are responsible for providing the state of Indiana with a highly trained, essential oral healthcare workforce,” said Dean Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch. “Indiana University School of Dentistry is ‘Where Clinical Excellence Meets Statewide Impact.’ Today, graduates, you join this legacy of excellence in service to the people of Indiana, and beyond!”

Along with Dean Murdoch-Kinch, attendees heard from IUSD Alumni Association President Dr. Karen Ellis, Indiana Dental Assistants Association President Ashley Anglin, DDS Class President Jose Salcedo Hernandez II, and Dr. Jeffrey Platt, keynote speaker.

Platt’s speech centered on three areas: to increase the odds that you are right and in control, always remember to humble yourself and read and follow directions; the skills you’ve gained are a foundation, and never stop trying to build upon that foundation by connecting with those who will further your lifelong learning journey; and challenge yourself to develop an attitude of gratitude over greed to fuel your ability to serve those in your life now and in the future.

“Do not see that patient as teeth and supporting structures that need fixed,” said Platt as he finished his speech. “See that patient as a holy cathedral that you are privileged to help build and maintain.”

This year’s DDS class included two students who will enter the U.S. Armed Forces. Sean Chasney will serve as a captain in the U.S. Army and complete a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Ft. Carson in Colorado, while Maxwell Woods will serve as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, completing a general practice residency at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia.

After Dr. Laura Romito presented the graduates and pledges were read, Dean Murdoch-Kinch concluded the celebration by inviting students to keep in touch.

“Please continue learning, upholding the highest ideals of the profession, advocating for patient care, and aspiring for excellence in all that you do,” Murdoch-Kinch said. “You will make a real difference in the world! Congratulations, and we’ll see you again soon as IU School of Dentistry accomplished alumni!”

05/28/2026

Congratulations to rising fourth-year DDS student Bhakti Patel, who was selected from a nationwide pool of applicants to attend the American Academy of Orofacial Pain clinical and scientific meeting in Orlando, Fla., on April 30–May 3, 2026. Patel received a scholarship for her participation and was mentored by Dr. Massimiliano Di Giosia and Neetha Santosh.

"Beyond the lectures, I participated in a highly practical, hands-on workshop focused on TMJ injections," Patel said. "Using ultrasound technology, I learned exactly how to visually differentiate a healthy, normal TM joint from one with an underlying pathology. This practical experience, combined with the cutting-edge research presented, made this conference an invaluable milestone in my journey toward providing comprehensive, whole-patient care."

05/18/2026

After graduation, the next biggest thing in the month of May is the Indianapolis 500. The School of Dentistry has multiple ties to this historic event, none stronger than being the dental school of "The Racing Dentist," Dr. Jack Miller (DDS '92).

Miller began meeting his need for speed in 1988, competing on the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) circuit, eventually moving up to Formula Ford and Super Vee cars. He drove in Indy Lights (today's Indy NXT), the junior series below Indy 500 cars, from 1992–1996.

At this time, his dental and racing careers converged when Proctor & Gamble came on board as his primary sponsor. Driving cars carrying the branding of Crest Toothpaste (which was developed at IUSD), Miller set out on a highly visible dental health education program at racing events across the country.

In 1997, he qualified 17th for his first Indianapolis 500, finishing in 20th position. His dental health awareness campaign now reached a massive audience as he participated in the largest single-day sporting event in the world.

He continued to drive in the next two seasons of INDYCAR as well as the 1998 and 1999 runnings of the Indianapolis 500, reaching out to millions of children and adults with his message of the importance of dental healthcare.

Miller founded the Indy Dental Group along with his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Lewis (DDS ’92), and currently practices dentistry in Carmel, Ind.. He maintains the oral health promotional campaign he started in his racing days, and gives practice management lectures at dental schools across the United States. In 2016, Miller co-founded Miller Vinatieri Motorsports with former Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri. Miller’s son, Jack William Miller, is also a racing driver and has driven for the Miller Vinatieri team since 2018.

Currently a collection of memorabilia and ephemera from Miller's racing career is on display in the School of Dentistry Library.

05/16/2026

Watch today's Class of 2026 Graduate Recognition Ceremony live at noon at https://go.iu.edu/iusd-sre

05/11/2026

Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) recently received the Family Development Services (FDS) Making a Difference Award—recognition of a 15-year partnership that has expanded access to oral health education for thousands of Head Start children while shaping the next generation of dentists through service learning.

The partnership began when Dr. Stuart Schrader and retired colleague Dr. Joan Kowolik worked with FDS to take first-year dental students into a local Head Start school. More than 100 students participated in that inaugural visit, providing oral health education to children ages 2 to 6. Over time, the initiative evolved from a one-day experience into a sustained partnership serving four schools, with expanded support that includes dental supplies, parent education, and Head Start advocacy.

“It has taken a village of students, faculty, and administrators to build the capacity of this community relationship,” said Schrader, IUSD’s Head Start program coordinator. Among many faculty and staff, as well as FDS colleagues, he credits Drs. Kowolik, Odette Aguirre, and Armando Soto Rojas for the school’s consistent contributions to the partnership’s growth and success.

“Service to others defines who we are as dental professionals,” said IUSD Dean Dr. Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch. “Preparing students to serve communities with compassion and skill is central to our mission. Partnerships like this one allow our students to learn in meaningful, real-world settings while creating a lasting impact for our community’s children.”

Schrader noted that the collaboration allows dental students to translate classroom concepts, such as cognitive development and social determinants of health, into practice. The experience also helps students become more effective communicators, strengthening their abilities to understand and care for pediatric dental patients, as well as communicate with their parents. As an unintended outcome, many students have organized fundraisers to provide Head Start children with winter clothing and other essentials, meeting their needs beyond dentistry.

“I’m incredibly proud of our students, faculty, and staff for the dedication it takes to build and sustain a program like this,” Murdoch-Kinch added. “We’re grateful to our partners at FDS for their collaboration, their trust, and this meaningful recognition.”
“This award was unexpected,” Schrader said. “I sincerely thank FDS for recognizing the nearly 2,000 IUSD students, faculty, and staff who have helped build a deeply engaged partnership—one that continues to inspire positive action beyond the classroom.”

Photo courtesy Willow Marketing

05/08/2026

IUSD OKU induction honors best and brightest of graduating class:

As graduation draws closer each day, the DDS Class of 2026 are given their flowers for their last four years of hard work and perseverance. The Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) chapter held its annual induction ceremony at Main Street on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Drs. Allison Scully, president, Sylvia Frazier-Bowers, secretary, Michele Kirkup, president-elect, and Lisa Willis were on hand to induct 13 outgoing DDS students.

After being welcomed by Dr. Scully and hearing a brief history of OKU from Dr. Frazier-Bowers, Dr. Kirkup called each inductee up for a photo, before they received a commemorative key and a stole to wear at the school graduation recognition event on May 16, 2026.

“We are proud of each one of you and look forward to seeing what you accomplish as future alumni of IUSD!” Dr. Scully said. “As G.V. Black, often regarded as the father of modern operative dentistry, once said, ‘The professional person has no right other than to give their best.’ Your achievements today reflect that commitment to excellence, and we are excited to see how you will continue to give your best in the years ahead.”

Congratulations to the newest members of the IUSD OKU chapter!

05/08/2026

05/04/2026

The end-of-year Awards and Appreciation Reception serves as one of the last milestones before fourth-year DDS students complete their education at Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD). This year’s reception was held Monday, April 20, 2026, at Hine Hall on the IU Indianapolis campus, providing a familiar backdrop for the soon-to-be dental professionals it celebrated.

The dynamic duo of Dean Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch and Dr. Laura Romito, associate dean of education and academic affairs, divvied out dozens of distinctions and honors with the assistance of several program-specific faculty members.

“We gather this evening to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students,” Murdoch-Kinch began, “as they approach the finish line of their dental education journey—and begin the next exciting phase of their careers and their lives.”

Romito recognized the family members and loved ones of the fourth-year students, as well as the faculty and staff members, for all their work supporting the DDS Class of 2026, and invited them to share in celebrating the culmination of the past four years.

“This evening is a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and passion of each honoree throughout their academic journey,” Romito proclaimed. “Tonight, we recognize those who have gone above and beyond, setting a standard of excellence that inspires us all. Congratulations to all the honorees and thank you for making this evening so special.”

04/27/2026

The Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) community converged on the top floor of the IU Indianapolis Campus Center for the 34th Annual Research Day on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

After playing a pivotal role in securing IU Indianapolis’ designation as an R1 university last year, IUSD followed that feat with a record-breaking number of posters at this year’s Research Day.

“In this past year, our faculty secured 40 funded research projects, totaling more than $6 million in research support,” said Dr. Tien-Min Gabriel Chu, associate dean for research. “This achievement keeps us firmly within the top one third of all U.S. dental schools in NIH funding. I want to express my deep appreciation for our faculty’s dedication and perseverance in advancing their research programs.

This year saw 144 abstract submissions, something Chu credits to not only the intellectual curiosity, dedication, and collaborative spirit of IUSD’s academic community, but also the collaborative spirit of our mentors, students, and staff as they tackle issues across the spectrum of oral health.