Indiana University School of Dentistry

Class of 2026 receives fitting sendoff before beginning careers of service The 148th graduating class of Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) took to the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre for the School Recognition Event on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Students from the certificate of dental assisting, doctor of dental surgery, master of science in dentistry, and doctor of philosophy in dental science degree programs gathered one last time to punctuate their academic careers. “As Indiana’s only dental school, we are responsible for providing the state of Indiana with a highly trained, essential oral healthcare workforce,” said Dean Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch. “Indiana University School of Dentistry is ‘Where Clinical Excellence Meets Statewide Impact.’ Today, graduates, you join this legacy of excellence in service to the people of Indiana, and beyond!” Along with Dean Murdoch-Kinch, attendees heard from IUSD Alumni Association President Dr. Karen Ellis, Indiana Dental Assistants Association President Ashley Anglin, DDS Class President Jose Salcedo Hernandez II, and Dr. Jeffrey Platt, keynote speaker. Platt’s speech centered on three areas: to increase the odds that you are right and in control, always remember to humble yourself and read and follow directions; the skills you’ve gained are a foundation, and never stop trying to build upon that foundation by connecting with those who will further your lifelong learning journey; and challenge yourself to develop an attitude of gratitude over greed to fuel your ability to serve those in your life now and in the future. “Do not see that patient as teeth and supporting structures that need fixed,” said Platt as he finished his speech. “See that patient as a holy cathedral that you are privileged to help build and maintain.” This year’s DDS class included two students who will enter the U.S. Armed Forces. Sean Chasney will serve as a captain in the U.S. Army and complete a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Ft. Carson in Colorado, while Maxwell Woods will serve as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, completing a general practice residency at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. After Dr. Laura Romito presented the graduates and pledges were read, Dean Murdoch-Kinch concluded the celebration by inviting students to keep in touch. “Please continue learning, upholding the highest ideals of the profession, advocating for patient care, and aspiring for excellence in all that you do,” Murdoch-Kinch said. “You will make a real difference in the world! Congratulations, and we’ll see you again soon as IU School of Dentistry accomplished alumni!”

Class of 2026 receives fitting sendoff before beginning careers of service

The 148th graduating class of Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) took to the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre for the School Recognition Event on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Students from the certificate of dental assisting, doctor of dental surgery, master of science in dentistry, and doctor of philosophy in dental science degree programs gathered one last time to punctuate their academic careers.

“As Indiana’s only dental school, we are responsible for providing the state of Indiana with a highly trained, essential oral healthcare workforce,” said Dean Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch. “Indiana University School of Dentistry is ‘Where Clinical Excellence Meets Statewide Impact.’ Today, graduates, you join this legacy of excellence in service to the people of Indiana, and beyond!”

Along with Dean Murdoch-Kinch, attendees heard from IUSD Alumni Association President Dr. Karen Ellis, Indiana Dental Assistants Association President Ashley Anglin, DDS Class President Jose Salcedo Hernandez II, and Dr. Jeffrey Platt, keynote speaker.

Platt’s speech centered on three areas: to increase the odds that you are right and in control, always remember to humble yourself and read and follow directions; the skills you’ve gained are a foundation, and never stop trying to build upon that foundation by connecting with those who will further your lifelong learning journey; and challenge yourself to develop an attitude of gratitude over greed to fuel your ability to serve those in your life now and in the future.

“Do not see that patient as teeth and supporting structures that need fixed,” said Platt as he finished his speech. “See that patient as a holy cathedral that you are privileged to help build and maintain.”

This year’s DDS class included two students who will enter the U.S. Armed Forces. Sean Chasney will serve as a captain in the U.S. Army and complete a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Ft. Carson in Colorado, while Maxwell Woods will serve as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, completing a general practice residency at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia.

After Dr. Laura Romito presented the graduates and pledges were read, Dean Murdoch-Kinch concluded the celebration by inviting students to keep in touch.

“Please continue learning, upholding the highest ideals of the profession, advocating for patient care, and aspiring for excellence in all that you do,” Murdoch-Kinch said. “You will make a real difference in the world! Congratulations, and we’ll see you again soon as IU School of Dentistry accomplished alumni!”

Class of 2026 receives fitting sendoff before beginning careers of service
The 148th graduating class of Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) took to the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre for the School Recognition Event on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Students from the certificate of dental assisting, doctor of dental surgery, master of science in dentistry, and doctor of philosophy in dental science degree programs gathered one last time to punctuate their academic careers.

“As Indiana’s only dental school, we are responsible for providing the state of Indiana with a highly trained, essential oral healthcare workforce,” said Dean Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch. “Indiana University School of Dentistry is ‘Where Clinical Excellence Meets Statewide Impact.’ Today, graduates, you join this legacy of excellence in service to the people of Indiana, and beyond!”

Along with Dean Murdoch-Kinch, attendees heard from IUSD Alumni Association President Dr. Karen Ellis, Indiana Dental Assistants Association President Ashley Anglin, DDS Class President Jose Salcedo Hernandez II, and Dr. Jeffrey Platt, keynote speaker.

Platt’s speech centered on three areas: to increase the odds that you are right and in control, always remember to humble yourself and read and follow directions; the skills you’ve gained are a foundation, and never stop trying to build upon that foundation by connecting with those who will further your lifelong learning journey; and challenge yourself to develop an attitude of gratitude over greed to fuel your ability to serve those in your life now and in the future.

“Do not see that patient as teeth and supporting structures that need fixed,” said Platt as he finished his speech. “See that patient as a holy cathedral that you are privileged to help build and maintain.”

This year’s DDS class included two students who will enter the U.S. Armed Forces. Sean Chasney will serve as a captain in the U.S. Army and complete a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Ft. Carson in Colorado, while Maxwell Woods will serve as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, completing a general practice residency at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia.

After Dr. Laura Romito presented the graduates and pledges were read, Dean Murdoch-Kinch concluded the celebration by inviting students to keep in touch.

“Please continue learning, upholding the highest ideals of the profession, advocating for patient care, and aspiring for excellence in all that you do,” Murdoch-Kinch said. “You will make a real difference in the world! Congratulations, and we’ll see you again soon as IU School of Dentistry accomplished alumni!”

Congratulations to rising fourth-year DDS student Bhakti Patel, who was selected from a nationwide pool of applicants to attend the American Academy of Orofacial Pain clinical and scientific meeting in Orlando, Fla., on April 30–May 3, 2026. Patel received a scholarship for her participation and was mentored by Dr. Massimiliano Di Giosia and Neetha Santosh.

"Beyond the lectures, I participated in a highly practical, hands-on workshop focused on TMJ injections," Patel said. "Using ultrasound technology, I learned exactly how to visually differentiate a healthy, normal TM joint from one with an underlying pathology. This practical experience, combined with the cutting-edge research presented, made this conference an invaluable milestone in my journey toward providing comprehensive, whole-patient care."

After graduation, the next biggest thing in the month of May is the Indianapolis 500. The School of Dentistry has multiple ties to this historic event, none stronger than being the dental school of "The Racing Dentist," Dr. Jack Miller (DDS '92).

Miller began meeting his need for speed in 1988, competing on the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) circuit, eventually moving up to Formula Ford and Super Vee cars. He drove in Indy Lights (today's Indy NXT), the junior series below Indy 500 cars, from 1992–1996.

At this time, his dental and racing careers converged when Proctor & Gamble came on board as his primary sponsor. Driving cars carrying the branding of Crest Toothpaste (which was developed at IUSD), Miller set out on a highly visible dental health education program at racing events across the country.

In 1997, he qualified 17th for his first Indianapolis 500, finishing in 20th position. His dental health awareness campaign now reached a massive audience as he participated in the largest single-day sporting event in the world.

He continued to drive in the next two seasons of INDYCAR as well as the 1998 and 1999 runnings of the Indianapolis 500, reaching out to millions of children and adults with his message of the importance of dental healthcare.

Miller founded the Indy Dental Group along with his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Lewis (DDS ’92), and currently practices dentistry in Carmel, Ind.. He maintains the oral health promotional campaign he started in his racing days, and gives practice management lectures at dental schools across the United States. In 2016, Miller co-founded Miller Vinatieri Motorsports with former Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri. Miller’s son, Jack William Miller, is also a racing driver and has driven for the Miller Vinatieri team since 2018.

Currently a collection of memorabilia and ephemera from Miller's racing career is on display in the School of Dentistry Library.