![smiling grads in cap and gown holding the HSDM tooth brush](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2026-05/IMG_36371.jpg?itok=qfxUfBOZ) # Celebrating a milestone moment for HSDM’s graduates Reflections on a memorable Commencement and Class Day for the Class of 2026 May 29, 2026 ## Honoring the Class of 2026! On Thursday, May 28, Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) graduates in the Class of 2026 joined fellow grads from across Harvard in Tercentenary Theatre for the University’s 375th Commencement ceremony. The Harvard School of Dental Medicine awarded a total of 52 degrees: 35 Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), 13 Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc), and 4 Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMSc). In the afternoon, the DMD graduates then took part in Class Day with their MD classmates on the Harvard Medical School Quadrangle. Here are highlights from the day in words and pictures. ## Bringing humor and perspective to commencement Conan O'Brien, a 1985 graduate of Harvard College, delivered laughs along with a message about humility and lifelong learning during Harvard's 2026 Commencement exercises. He encouraged graduates to look beyond credentials, grades, and achievements as they begin the next chapter of their lives. ### Conan O'Brien **1985 graduate of Harvard College, 2026 honorary degree recipient** "Your real education starts now, with friends you've made and friends you get to meet, with stunning successes and miserable defeats, and with a humble acceptance that your greatness comes from the mess around you, not despite it." ![Conan](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-05/IMG_3711_0.JPG?itok=3UDZN_cp) Today the university honors 13 esteemed colleges and I salute all of you, each and every one. Now of course, this includes the Harvard School of Dental Medicine... When Harvard dentists say you may rinse and spit, they say it in Latin. I wasn't going to do that joke, but the dental school said they'd give me free veneers if I gave them a shout out. Conan O'Brien ## Class Day traditions and celebrations A brief Class Day downpour gave way to celebration as HSDM’s newest DMD graduates received their diplomas. Surrounded by cheering friends, family, and faculty, the Class of 2026 marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. ![students in cap in gown on the steps in front of Gordon Hall](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2026-05/IMG_37711.jpg?itok=lsQ0ppsJ) ![graduates throw caps in the air ](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_3_4__480x640/public/2026-05/IMG_02741.jpg?itok=hLw5ZEKp) Graduates mark the end of their HSDM journey with the traditional cap toss in front of Gordon Hall. ![selfie](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-05/IMG_0283.JPG?itok=o1Nl7cE3) Members of the Class of 2026 gather for a Class Day selfie. ![Deans Giannobile and Daley in the quad](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-05/Lipofskyphotodotcom-2618.jpg?itok=j5W8dtFu) Graduates and faculty process behind HSDM Dean William V. Giannobile and HMS Dean George Q. Daley. ## Words of wisdom and reflection ### Chris Xu **DMD26, HSDM co-moderator** “Today is not simply the end of a program. It is the beginning of something greater—a profession that calls on us to care deeply, to listen attentively, and to lead with both knowledge and compassion.” ![headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-05/Lipofskyphotodotcom-3221_0.jpg?itok=VZvcWbZD) ### Aryeh Iosif **DMD26, HSDM Class Day speaker** “...impact is not always measured in the size of the procedure, but rather in how people leave the dental chair feeling. It’s found in the extra moments we take to listen to our patients, the patience we show to ease someone’s nerves, and the trust we can build in one single appointment.” ![headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-05/Lipofskyphotodotcom-3306.jpg?itok=43WlWYHV) ### Dr. Monica Bharel **Class Day Speaker, physician and Clinical Lead for Global, Public and Public Sector Health at Google** “Consistently making your patients feel seen and valued in a system that feels like it prioritizes speed over presence is not easy. What I am asking of you for the future of medicine and dentistry and what I am asking for you in your daily work will take fortitude, optimism, and resilience.” ![Monica Bharel](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-05/Lipofskyphotodotcom-3707.jpg?h=fc762b70&itok=oi_bst-S) ### Dean William Giannobile **Dean, Harvard School of Dental Medicine** “You are entering a profession that urgently needs thoughtful clinicians, scientists, educators, innovators, and advocates. We need professionals who will stand for science, defend public health, advance prevention, and fight for equitable access to care. And I believe you are ready for that responsibility." ![Dean Giannobile](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-05/Lipofskyphotodotcom-2-4.jpg?h=3a60fd58&itok=s6ZwdNEe) --- ## Student awards and recognition The day before Commencement, Harvard School of Dental Medicine honored students, faculty, and community members during a special awards ceremony recognizing excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, research, and clinical achievement. [View awards and honorees east](/2026-commencement-awards-and-honors) See also:- [ Commencement ](/news-and-events/commencement) - [ Students ](/news-categories/students)