![group](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2026-08/Lipofskyphotodotcom%2028642%20%281%29.jpg?h=38d9e436&itok=jUpU11zN) # Taking their first steps toward careers dedicated to care and service New DMD students begin their journey at Harvard School of Dental Medicine August 06, 2026 With white coats draped over their shoulders and family and friends cheering them on, students in Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s (HSDM) Class of 2030 took their first steps toward becoming the next generation of oral health leaders. Over the first week of August, the 36 incoming dental students joined their Harvard Medical School (HMS) classmates for a weeklong Introduction to the Profession (ITP), which begins their dental and medical education. During ceremonies held on the first day, students were welcomed by the school’s deans, and received their white coats, symbolizing their commitment to entering careers dedicated to service, compassion, and patient care. "You’re beginning your journey at an extraordinary moment in medicine and dentistry," said HSDM Dean William Giannobile. "Both fields are advancing at a remarkable pace, creating new possibilities for improving health in ways that previous generations could hardly imagine.” This year’s entering DMD class comes from 15 U.S. states and two countries. Before arriving at HSDM, they dedicated their time to research, mentorship, healthcare advocacy, volunteerism, and expanding access to care in rural and underserved communities. ![Students in filled amphitheater](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-08/Lipofskyphotodotcom%2028755-Pano.jpg) Students gather in their white coats after being welcomed by the school’s deans and receiving their coats, symbolizing their commitment to careers dedicated to service, compassion, and patient care. ## Class by the numbers 36 incoming DMD students 15 U.S. states represented 2 international countries represented For Nellie Vorakarn, DMD30, a commitment to serving others shaped her journey to dentistry. During a visit to a rural province in northern Thailand, she met children who traveled hours each day to attend school despite experiencing poverty and family hardship. Inspired by their determination, she founded the Rural Health and Education Service Program, which has spent the past eight years providing free health science education to students in underserved communities. ![headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-08/Nellie%20Vorakarn.jpg?itok=Zq9KORtR) Nellie Vorakarn, DMD30"Building trust with patients is incredibly meaningful to me, and I hope to use my education to serve communities wherever I practice,” she said. Kwame Amoako-Boadu, DMD30, found his inspiration for dentistry close to home. Growing up, he accompanied his mother, a dental hygienist, to her clinic, where he was introduced to the profession at an early age. Seeing the transformative impact restorative dental care had on a close relative solidified his decision to pursue dentistry. As an undergraduate at New York University, Kwame volunteered with Bringing Smiles, providing dental care to elementary school students in underserved New York communities. Back home in Kingsbridge, New York he also partnered with a local nonprofit to organize youth-focused community events. "Service is my way of giving back to the communities that have poured so much into me," he said. "I'm excited to join a community at HSDM that will help me become the best dentist I can be." Students began putting those values into practice where they explored the foundations of patient-centered care and professional identity while gaining an introduction to the coursework, clinical experiences, and research opportunities that will shape their education over the next four years. ![student](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-08/Kwame%20Amoako-Boadu.jpg?itok=mLym23jr) Kwame Amoako-Boadu, DMD30One of the week's first experiences was meeting patients and hearing firsthand about their healthcare journeys. Through observed patient interviews, students learned about communication, empathy, and the importance of building trust in the doctor-patient relationship. "Meeting our first patients showed me how powerful trust is between a clinician and a patient," said Steve Bella, a first-generation college student. "Despite the complex medical histories they shared, the comfort they had with their doctors was evident and inspiring." The orientation also introduced students to the communities they will serve through neighborhood-based experiences across Boston, helping them better understand healthcare equity and the social factors that influence oral and overall health. ![Student in white coat waving](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2026-08/Steve%20Bella.jpg?itok=Cs3_37p8) Steve Bella, DMD30, a first-generation college student, celebrates with classmates following the White Coat Ceremony.Throughout orientation, faculty also introduced students to the resources and support systems available to help them thrive personally and professionally, emphasizing that caring for themselves is an essential part of caring for others. The first-year dental students will study alongside their medical school classmates, in an integrated medical curriculum that emphasizes the connection between oral and systemic health. Medical students, in turn, will receive foundational training in oral health, reinforcing the holistic nature of patient care. "I hope to learn how to become a dentist who makes patients feel heard, comfortable, and confident in their care, especially when they are anxious or uncertain," said incoming dental student Allen Tang, DMD30. As the Class of 2030 begins its education, the new students arrive at HSDM united by a shared commitment to improving health and making a lasting difference in the lives of their future patients. "Take advantage of this unique moment in time, and this unique place. You’ll have incredible opportunities here to explore, collaborate, and shape a career that fulfills your passion to help others," Giannobile said. --- *Images: Gretchen Ertl, Steve Gilbert, and Steve Lipofsky* See also:- [ Students ](/news-categories/students)