Alumni Perspectives

Neha Mithia, D.M.D.

It is truly an honor to have been a part of the Periodontology Department at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH). The periodontics residency program at EIOH has been ranked #1 in the country due to its comprehensive curriculum, extensive clinical training, cutting-edge research, and distinguished faculty. Whether pursuing a career in private practice, academia, and/or research, residents before me have expressed that their training in this program prepared them for success. This is a testament to the well-rounded nature of this program and the support of all the part-time and full-time faculty. From the day of my interview to now, this department has felt like family. I am thankful to Dr. Jack Caton and Dr. Alexandra Tsigarida, for allowing me to be a part of this family. If I were to do it again, EIOH would still be my top choice.

Linda Wang, D.D.S.

I chose the University of Rochester because of its highly regarded reputation and the opportunities it offered in terms of education and clinical experience. The Periodontics program is well balanced , with emphasis on both didactic and clinical training. I also enjoy the small size of the program which allows more individual attention.

Leandro Carneiro, D.D.S.

The periodontal program at Eastman was a very exciting and fulfilling experience.  It by far exceeded my expectations in terms of how much I learned and how to apply the knowledge I learned to treat patients and not just cases.  It was an adventure/experience that I will never forget, never take for granted and always cherish.  I will forever be thankful to Dr. Caton for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Eastman perio family and for preparing me to do what I love to do.

Georges Jammal, D.M.D.

My experience at Eastman Institute for Oral Health, and more particularly in the periodontics program has been life changing. EIOH has done so much for me to shape me as a person and a clinician. It gave me the tools to strengthen and broaden my knowledge. Clinical cases were various, and the interaction with the prosthodontics department was a great added value to the program. Faculty members and Dr. Caton were dedicated toward my education, and not hesitating to share their clinical experience. 

EIOH will always have a big place in my heart.

Dimitrios Papadimitriou, D.D.S.

My name is Dimitrios Papadimitriou and I had the chance to join the program of Periodontology at the Eastman Institute of Oral Health, in June 2008 and become a graduate of University of Rochester, in June 2011.

The program was under the directorship and supervision of Dr. Jack Caton who still is the Chairman of the Department. Dr. Alexandra Tsigarida, a very talented colleague was a recent addition to the Periodontology Department and currently serves as the Program Director.

Only good memories come to my mind when I think of my 3 year residency program.

Dr. Caton has established a specialty education with a lot of didactic courses who aim to provide a broad perspective of the Dental field, besides the in depth Periodontology related classes.

What is unique about the program?

An important asset of the program is the presence of different part time faculty, from whom the residents benefit daily their knowledge and different individual clinical approaches.

The clinic time was more than enough needed and I was able to be exposed to different kind of Periodontal and Implant related treatments that gave me the confidence to apply them in my private practice as soon as I graduated with great success.

In addition, the unique collaboration with the Prosthodontics department gave me the opportunity through the didactic courses and the interaction with the residents and faculty to have a deep knowledge and understanding of the Prosthodontics field and this way to become a better Periodontist with a uniform knowledge of both surgical and restorative aspects of Dentistry.

Finally, Dr. Caton and his program not only influenced me as a Dentist and scientist, but had a tremendous effect to my personality, by helping me to mature and prepare me for the battle of the "real life" after the residency.

For the above reasons Rochester will always be in my mind and my heart as one of the most important chapters of my life.