EIOH Celebrates Class of 2026 and the Power of Service, Leadership and Compassion

University of Rochester Medicine Eastman Institute for Oral Health celebrated its Class of 2026 during a ceremony that honored the graduates’ academic and clinical achievements, as well as the people, purpose and values that shaped their journey.

This year’s graduating class included 76 graduates from 27 countries and 14 states, representing 20 master’s degrees, 52 post-doctoral certificates, and 19 fellows, interns and preceptors. Together, they reflect Eastman’s global reach and enduring mission to improve oral health through education, research, patient care and community service.

EIOH Director Dr. Eli Eliav opened the ceremony by asking graduates to stand, then turn toward the families, friends, mentors and loved ones who supported them. It was a fitting beginning to a ceremony centered on gratitude, remembrance and responsibility.

Dr. Eliav also paused to honor three faculty members EIOH lost this year: Dr. Walt Psoter, Dr. Ralph Saunders and Dr. Yanfang Ren. Each, he said, left a powerful legacy through scholarship, education, mentorship and service. “The best way we can honor all those we remember today,” he told graduates, “is to carry their work forward.”

That charge resonated throughout the ceremony.

In his remarks, Dr. Eliav reminded graduates that they are entering the profession at a time of profound need and change. Today’s patients are older, more medically complex and increasingly affected by the connection between oral health and overall health. He noted EIOH’s continued work to expand access to care across New York State, including new clinics, growing services for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, interdisciplinary education, digital dentistry, music therapy and research that advances the future of oral health.

“You are now ready to take the lead wherever you go,” he said.

Keynote speaker Dr. Cynthia Wong, chair of Pediatric Dentistry and an EIOH alumna, delivered a warm, deeply personal address that challenged graduates to define success not only by expertise, but by humanity.

She recalled being called to the emergency room at 3 a.m. as a resident, exhausted and unsure of herself, when a frightened four-year-old patient looked up and quietly asked, “Are you going to be nice?”

That question has stayed with her for 13 years.

“Your patients will not remember your board scores, where you trained, or even your full name,” she told graduates. “They will remember how you made them feel.”

Her message centered on grit, leadership, service and empathy. Residency, she said, does more than build clinical skill; it forges character. Leadership, she reminded graduates, is not status but accountability. And service, she said, is what gives a career lasting meaning.

Dr. Wong also welcomed the graduates into the worldwide Eastman alumni community, describing it as a shared bond shaped by the same standards, mission and commitment to care.

“You are the newest link in a very long chain of over a century,” she said. “Carry it with pride, and welcome to the family.”

Outstanding faculty and staff whose work strengthens Eastman’s educational mission were also recognized during the ceremony.

The Bejan Iranpour Award for Excellence in Clinical Education recognizes faculty who spend significant time providing clinical education with an emphasis on patient advocacy and high-quality care. They exhibit a high standard of ethics and integrity and have excellent communications skills. The award was presented to Dr. Alexandra Tsigarida, Dr. Maricelle Abayon and Dr. Konstantina Tzouma.

Alexandra Tsigarida, DDS, MS, chair of Periodontology, earned her dental degree from the University of Patras Medical School in Athens, Greece, before completing a residency at Ohio State University College of Dentistry and a fellowship at EIOH. She has been an associate professor of Periodontology since 2022 and has led the department of Periodontology since 2025.

A devoted mentor to students and junior faculty, Tsigarida is known for her ability to clearly communicate complex concepts with enthusiasm and clinical relevance. She creates an intellectually rigorous learning environment but remains approachable, supportive, and invested in each trainee.

She devotes extensive time to direct clinical supervision, didactic instruction, interdisciplinary education, and curriculum development. She has served as course director, lecturer, instructor, and examiner across numerous postgraduate and interdisciplinary courses in periodontology and implant dentistry. She is a steady presence in the clinic, mentoring residents through treatment planning, surgical execution, complication management, and patient-centered decision making.

“I’d like to share this award with my amazing colleagues, with all my past and current residents, and my amazing family,” Dr. Tsigarida told the audience. “You are the ones who inspire me to do what I do every day and make me love what I do on a daily basis.”

Associate Professor Maricelle Abayon, DMD, MS, joined the EIOH faculty in 2010 and is program director of the General Practice Residency program. She earned her DMD from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, where she also completed a fellowship. She subsequently completed a fellowship and two residencies at EIOH.

Dr. Abayon is known for her ability to create a supportive learning environment in which trainees feel comfortable asking questions and developing skills. She inspires them to pursue excellence and leads by example as she emphasizes compassionate, patient-centered care. She is known among trainees for her patience, clarity, and encouragement as she guides them through the management of urgent dental cases.

Trainees say she doesn’t just give an answer: She walks them through every aspect of a case, imparting both knowledge and confidence. Abayon is also credited with significant improvements to the General Practice Residency Program, including curriculum enhancements and engaging teaching strategies, such as case-based seminars.

“It’s my profound honor to receive the Bejan Iranpour award,” said Dr. Abayon, who dedicated the award to the late Dr. Yanfang Ren. “My hope is that I will always live in the values of excellences as Dr. Bejan Iranpour did.” She expressed gratitude to her husband and son, and her mentors who guided her with kindness, patience, wisdom and encouragement.

Addressing her colleagues in the GPR Residency program and Eastman Dental Downtown: “You inspire me to be my best every day. This award is as much yours as it is mine.”

Konstantina Tzouma, DDS, associate professor and Clinic Director of Endodontics in General Dentistry, earned her dental degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She completed a fellowship in endodontics and restorative dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry before arriving at EIOH to complete an AEGD and a GPR residency.

A dedicated mentor, she regularly goes above and beyond to support both residents and colleagues. She is known especially for her commitment to endodontic education, and since 2014 has led a semiannual hands-on preclinical endodontic course that provides incoming residents with a strong and reassuring foundation.

Residents appreciate her patience, availability, and genuine interest in their education.

“For 14 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching really truly great educators receive this award,” she shared. “To be standing here today is truly of great significance to me.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been able to create an environment where residents can embrace this challenge and grow their skills, and become exceptional clinicians,” added Dr. Tzouma, whose whole family was present to celebrate this recognition. “Their dedication, compassion and commitment to excellence have made me incredibly proud and it’s what keeps me going year after year.”

Part time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching honorees exhibit a high quality of clinical supervision or research mentorship, show leadership in conducting courses and have a positive overall impact on student learning.

Doron Kochman, DDS, earned his dental degree from McGill University before completing a residency and fellowship at EIOH. He is an associate professor of Community Dentistry and Pediatric Dentistry at EIOH and a clinical assistant professor of Pediatric Dentistry at Eastman Institute for Oral Health.

Through his decades-long service to EIOH, he has had a lasting impact equaled by few individuals. He is deeply involved in the pediatric dental curriculum, and particularly with teaching behavior management. A responsive and knowledgeable teacher, he is deeply invested in meeting learners where they are, and he has only become more invested and involved in education since stepping away from full-time practice. Trainees credit him with a rare combination of respect and humility as he shares his vast experience.

“I’d like to thank the faculty and staff at Eastman. I appreciate the opportunity to share my ideas, which may seem different,” Dr. Kochman said. “I’m glad that these interactions have had a positive impact on people. Thank you for this award, I appreciate it.”

Joseph DiDonato, DDS, MBA, assistant professor, earned his dental degree from New York University before completing a GPR residency at EIOH. He is known for his development of DDS – Dental Decision Systems – a computer simulation of dental practice he uses to teach practice management.

Dr. DiDonato is also known for making himself readily available to support, clarify, and teach trainees. He creates a supportive learning environment and is respected for his clinical expertise, professionalism and ability to lead by example. Trainees say he gives them the autonomy needed to learn while remaining readily available to offer hands-on support.

“Forty-five years ago I was very fortunate that Cyril, Bejan, Mort, Fred and many others were here to mentor me and serve as great role models,” he said. To the graduating residents, he said “I hope your future is fulfilling as my career has been.”

The Shaffer-Devries Award recognizes significant contributions made by a full-time staff member. Honorees demonstrate excellence in operations, employee and patient interaction. They are very knowledgeable in their areas of expertise, respected by all, and demonstrate a high standard of ethics.

Pat Ragusa, a research coordinator, has been with EIOH for more than 40 years. She is an expert juggler of the many components of a research study, from managing data collection and reporting requirements to greeting study patients in the operating room and working with family members.

She works in a calm, confident manner and communicates effectively with researchers, patients, and patient families.

Mrs. Ragusa is known for her high standards, ethical and otherwise, professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine warmth.

“I appreciate being recognized and all the amazing people I’ve worked with over the past 40 years,” she said. “It’s been a pleasure.”

Muzna Bashir, residency program coordinator for General Practice Residency, is known for her exceptional dedication and skill. She engages in continuous learning and is always up to date on the latest guidelines and technologies. Her efforts help keep the program compliant with GME requirements and thriving.

Her accomplishments include developing an automated system that allows applicants to independently schedule interviews, and she works to create an inclusive and welcoming community. Colleagues consider her a backbone of the program.

Mrs. Bashir expressed her gratitude for the award. “I’m both humbled and honored to receive this. I have had the pleasure to work with Dr. Abayon and amazing faculty and residents.”

As the ceremony closed, graduates were encouraged to remain connected to Eastman, share their accomplishments and return often. The Class of 2026 begins their next chapter with hard-earned expertise and a lifelong responsibility to lead with skill, serve with purpose and care with compassion.