The sixth class of graduates from Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) celebrated their commencement with a live Awards Ceremony followed by the Hooding and Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.At the Performing Arts Center on the SUNY Purchase campus, an audience full of friends, family, and peers gathered to honor the 113 graduates with the tradition of hooding, representing the passage from student status to graduate status.
“The Class of 2025 has made their mark on TCDM, and we are proud to see them translate their skills and achievements learned here and move on to make successful strides in oral health care,” said Ronnie Myers, D.D.S., Dean at TCDM. “Over the past four years, this group has grown from first year dental students to caring professionals. This was all made possible thanks to our incredible faculty and staff who worked with Touro’s innovative curriculum and state of the art clinical facilities.”
The keynote speech was given by Susan Fox, BS, MSEd, MA, PhD, President & CEO, at the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD). Dr. Fox provides leadership and direction to achieve the Institute’s mission and strategic goals. She has led WIHD for the past nine years, including the challenging years through COVID. Under her leadership, WIHD has increased its community presence, developed new service offerings to support young adults with developmental disabilities, and grown its programs and services.
Cory Golden, the President of the Class of 2025 also addressed his fellow graduates:
“We may forget the exact details of histology slides or the perfect matrix band placement—but what we won’t forget is how to think, how to adapt, and how to care. That’s the real education we’ve gained here at Touro College of Dental Medicine.”
TCDM’s graduating military student, Dr. Ruyu Ning, Captain in the U.S. Army was also formerly sworn in by Mill Etienne, M.D., M.P.H., FAAN, FAES, Vice Chancellor for New York Medical College and Captain in the U.S. Navy.
Among other honored guests and speakers were Alan Kadish, M.D., President of Touro University, Rabbi Moshe Krupka, Executive Vice President of Touro University, and Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of New York Medical College.
“One of the things that is unique at the Touro College of Dental Medicine is that we think of ourselves as family,” said Dr. Kadish. “We really believe we are in this together, to try and build a better world. We hope you continue to see us as family and continue your commitment to proudly serve your community.”
TCDM’s distinguished graduates of the Class of 2025 completed a rigorous four-year dental education rooted in harnessing advancements in digital dental technology to better serve communities. They have put in many community hours; provided oral health care to the population of the Lower Hudson Valley, attained a 100% pass rate on the Integrated National Board; and have been accepted into some of the most prestigious residency and specialty programs in the country. Following commencement, students will begin their residencies or join private practices across the country. TCDM is proud to be sending students to fulfill their residencies at top programs across the country.
