HOME /

HSDM 150 Stories

Harvard School of Dental Medicine's 150-year story is best told through the words of its own amazing community–the alumni, faculty, students, staff, and friends around the world who are proud to call HSDM their school. Read some of their stories and personal reflections here. Add your own HSDM story to the collection, or share it through social media by tagging your post with #HSDM150.

  • Stuart L. Fischman, DMD60

    DrFischman

    The class of 1960 was one of the “small ones”—we started with 14 and 11 of us graduated. As a result, we were fully mixed with our medical colleagues; identical curriculum—except for obstetrics, when we had oral microbiology at the Forsyth. Many of us have remained in close contact with our medical colleagues.

    Our...

    Read more about Stuart L. Fischman, DMD60

  • Michelle Copeland, DMD77, MD77

    DrCopeland

    1973 was an important year for Harvard School of Dental Medicine because of the admission of the largest number of women in its history. According to ADA News from October 22, 1973, “Eight women represent 36% of the 22 freshman dental students who recently entered the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine in Boston.... Read more about Michelle Copeland, DMD77, MD77

  • Mortimer Lorber, DMD50, MD52

    DrLorber

    My initial exposure to research was in the lab of Reidar F. Sognnaes, Professor of Oral Pathology and graduate of the University of Bergen, Norway. He taught me to do histochemistry of the cementum and alveolar bone, culminating in my first paper. Lorber, M. Anatomical Record 111, 129-154, 1951.... Read more about Mortimer Lorber, DMD50, MD52

  • Frank Catalanotto, PD71

    DrCatalanotto
    Harvard changed my life! I met my wife Jane, now married 48 years. I was mentored by Dr. Edward Sweeney for many years during my Harvard education and afterwards. Harvard and staff at Children's Hospital exposed me to research, critical thinking, and doing your best.

    ... Read more about Frank Catalanotto, PD71

  • Ashley Amini-Sami, MMSc17

    DrSami
    My time at HSDM has been amazing starting from day one when I was expecting my first child. My twin sister, Ami (on right) and I were both accepted into HSDM the same year, to pursue our lifelong goals in prosthodontics and oral maxillofacial surgery. Throughout the program, I learned, practiced and taught the art and science of prosthodontics with wonderful clinicians and researchers.... Read more about Ashley Amini-Sami, MMSc17

  • Helen Chiao, DMD06

    Dr.Youm

    I would not be where I am today without the great education I received at HSDM. Education is more than just lectures, exams, etc. but about the school community–faculty, staff, fellow students, that make up one’s educational experience.... Read more about Helen Chiao, DMD06

  • Anzir Moopen, DMD03

    DrMoopen

    I almost decided against attending HSDM, because I was worried the tiny class size of 35 would have amplified any tendencies of the class, and I did not want to be in an uber-competitive environment for four years. My fears couldn't have been further from the truth.... Read more about Anzir Moopen, DMD03

  • Leon Dogon, DMD63

    DrDogan

    I initially came to HSDM from the London Hospital to get involved in Salivary Research in 1959, for one year, and then return to the London Hospital Dental School. I have have been at HSDM for the last 58 years. Faculty member since 1963, and still counting. 

     

  • Lonnie Norris, DMD76, MPH77

    DrNorris

    Faculty and alumni of Harvard School of Dental Medicine were inspirational mentors and role models who broadened my awareness of possibilities for a more impactful professional career. Special recognition to Dean Paul Goldhaber and Professor Walter Guralnick.

    As I reflect on my personal academic career, now as Dean...

    Read more about Lonnie Norris, DMD76, MPH77

  • Edward Mopsik, DMD67

    DrMopsik
    From a humble background as a son of an immigrant, the acceptance to the School of Dental Medicine opened the greatest door in my life. The unique education deep-seated in medical education allowed me to advance this approach at Georgetown University and in the city of Washington, D.C.... Read more about Edward Mopsik, DMD67

  • Ladan Basiri, DMD93

    Dr.Basiri

    Happy 150th Birthday HSDM! Harvard has been a life-altering experience for me and for many of my classmates! I vividly remember the humble, cozy interim HSDM building of the 1990s, occupied by a small tight-knit community of only a very fortunate and driven few.... Read more about Ladan Basiri, DMD93

  • Kimberly E. Ritrievi

    KimRitrievi

    Dean Bruce Donoff was looking for new Dean's Advisory Board members in 2001. He wanted someone with experience running a business, and it would be great if she were a woman because at the time there were very few women board members. Dr. Ed Seldin, an HSDM faculty member and friend of mine from MIT, immediately thought of me.... Read more about Kimberly E. Ritrievi

  • Donald Giddon, DMD59, PD62

    DrGiddon

    As I approach the end of my professional career as Professor Emeritus, I truly recognize how much Harvard has meant, professionally and personally, giving me the opportunity to mentor students, research, and teach, both at HSDM and at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

    After receiving the DMD ’59 and a PD training...

    Read more about Donald Giddon, DMD59, PD62

Share Your Story