Mapping out the next steps in their professional journey

Excited cheers filled the lobby of the Research Education Building at Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) as DMD students who will graduate in May celebrated finalizing their postgraduate plans. Students in the Class of 2026 recently learned of matches to residency programs across the country—from California and Florida to Illinois and New York.

“On behalf of your faculty and mentors, and our entire HSDM community, we are so proud of your accomplishments! You all have very bright futures ahead,” said Dean William Giannobile.

The Class of 2026 graduates will pursue a wide range of postgraduate opportunities that reflect both the breadth of dental medicine and the individualized paths they have chosen.

Michael Babikian, DMD26, will pursue a residency in orthodontics at the University of Texas in San Antonio after graduation and is eager to begin the next phase of his career. 

“My long-term goal is to combine patient care with education by serving as an orthodontic instructor and working with future predoctoral students and orthodontic residents. Through teaching and mentorship, I hope to play a role in shaping the future of orthodontics,” he said.

While at HSDM, Babikian participated in the Scholars in Dental Education Program, working closely with the Office of Dental Education on projects focused on dental education and preparation for a career in academic dentistry. He was also active in the predoctoral orthodontics society and the student chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, experiences that closely aligned with his clinical interests.

Matthew Watt, DMD26, who matched in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, is looking forward to staying in the Boston area after graduation. Watt came to HSDM with a strong interest in surgery, medicine, and how dentistry fits into the broader healthcare system.

“This pathway aligns closely with my long-term goal of becoming an academic surgeon who practices at the intersection of surgery, medicine, and technology-driven innovation,” he said. “The additional medical training at Harvard Medical School will allow me to approach complex surgical problems holistically, contribute meaningfully to interdisciplinary care teams, and continue developing research that bridges dentistry, medicine, and emerging technologies.” 

While many DMD grads will be going to other universities and medical institutions across the country, nine students will stay in Boston to pursue programs at HSDM or an HSDM-affiliated residency program. Ten will pursue either a General Practice Residency or an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency; seven will enter Orthodontics; six will go into Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residencies; five will pursue Pediatrics; two will enter Endodontics; one will pursue Prosthodontics; one will go into Orofacial Pain; one will join the U.S. Military; and one will pursue Periodontology.

As the graduates snapped photos with each other and celebrated with their peers and mentors, they reflected on the memories and achievements that defined their four years at HSDM.

“Looking back on my time here, it’s the people who have meant the most to me—my classmates, faculty, sterilization technicians, assistants, front desk team, administrators, and so many others," said Babikian. “Together, they created something really special, and HSDM has truly felt like a home and a family.”

The Class of 2026 will graduate on May 28, and their achievements will be recognized at Harvard University’s Commencement Ceremony and at HMS/HSDM Class Day.