DMD Class of 2024

MUSC dental medicine graduates share future plans

The 76 graduates of the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine’s Class of 2024 reported their future plans, as of May 1. A record number of graduates were commissioned into the U.S. Armed Forces.

Residency – 34*
General practice residency – 7
Pediatric dentistry –2
Advanced education in general dentistry – 15
Orthodontics – 2
Periodontics – 1
Oral and maxillofacial surgery – 3
Prosthodontics- 2
Endodontics – 1
Oral and maxillofacial surgery Internship – 1

Private Practice/Associateship - 38
In-state – 20
Out-of-state – 18

Public Health Service- 3

U.S. Armed Forces – 8*
Air Force – 4
Army – 3
Navy – 1

*Five commissioned officers will also complete a residency program.

A time of rapid change in dentistry forges strong future leaders

The Class of 2024 entered dental school in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic had already begun to disrupt everything in healthcare around the world. This class will always stand out for choosing to pursue their degree despite the uncertainties that surrounded that time. These graduates embody a deep commitment to improving oral health, providing quality patient care, and collaborating through unprecedented challenges.

The Class of 2024 achieved a first-time pass rate above the national average on the Integrated National Board Dental Examination. They also performed exceptionally well on the ADEX exam under the guidance of Raymond Kessler, D.M.D., who earned a 2024 MUSC Teaching Excellence Award after being nominated by his students.

When the college transitioned patient health records to a new system in the fall of 2023, class officers stepped up to help their peers and communicate with college leadership through the change.

Colleen Behan, D.M.D., (2023-2024), Madison Sharp, D.M.D. (2021-2023) and Spencer Barnes, D.M.D., (2020-2021), each served as class president. Emma Hughes, D.M.D., served multiple terms on the university’s Student Government Association Executive Board. Kayla Schell, D.M.D., served as the vice president of MUSC’s Honor Council. Adam LeBlanc, D.M.D., served as the president of the American Student Dental Association chapter. Behan and CJ Correia, D.M.D., who was the class social chair, cemented their class’ legacy by establishing the college’s first Field Day, sure to become a favorite tradition of faculty, staff, residents, and students alike.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024 on earning their D.M.D. degrees!

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