WesternU CDM Commencement 2026: Changing lives through dentistry
Western University of Health Sciences celebrated 87 Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) graduates at the College of Dental Medicine’s (CDM) Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 18, 2026. The Commencement ceremony provided graduates an opportunity to reflect on their experiences and the lessons learned during their time in dental school.
CDM’s ceremony kicked off three days of Commencement celebrations at Sheraton Fairplex Suites & Conference Center in Pomona, California. WesternU conferred degrees on 950 graduates May 18-20, 2026, in eight ceremonies presided over by President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA.
Sara Fayad, DMD ’26, was chosen by her classmates to deliver the graduate address at Commencement. In her speech, Fayad reflected on the experiences and insights that shaped her journey through dental school.
“We are far more capable than we ever believed ourselves to be. There were moments when failure seemed closer than success, and when giving up felt easier than pressing forward. Yet, time and time again, we proved our capabilities,” said Fayad. “This journey has shown us that our limits are often self-imposed, and that growth begins the moment we choose to push past them.”
The Class of 2026 started their journey at WesternU the same time CDM Dean Elizabeth Andrews, DDS, MS, assumed her role as dean. Andrews told graduates that their shared beginning and watching the Class of 2026 evolve from new dental students into confident clinicians has been the privilege of her tenure.
“As you stand here as new oral health professionals who will soon be taking the oath, reflect on the rigorous journey that you embarked on to reach this milestone. Throughout your journey, you’ve exhibited resilience, surmounting personal and professional hurdles with much spirit. In the face of clinical adversities, you’ve shown remarkable adaptability and organization. You’ve optimized every patient interaction while upholding our profession’s respected values,” Andrews said. “As a class, you’ve provided over 50,000 patient treatments. That is just one of your accomplishments. Your innovative spirit has shone through in research endeavors, community outreach, externships, and all extracurricular pursuits. Your advocacy has brought us closer to where we need to be, and the future is in your hands.”
In the Class of 2026, 20 CDM graduates participated in the International Dentist Program (IDP), designed to educate students who have graduated from dental schools outside of the U.S. or Canada. The accelerated program introduces students to U.S. dental standards while providing hands-on training and opportunities to connect with peers in the field. One IDP graduate is Saranya Adimoolam Chinnadurai, DMD ‘26, who was a dentist in India before she immigrated to the United States. She was eager to explore new systems and technology through WesternU.
“Here at WesternU, I loved the standard of care,” said Adimoolam Chinnadurai. “There’s more emphasis on infection control, more emphasis on patient management, and more emphasis on digital dentistry. We didn’t do much with digital dentistry softwares back in India, but here we have more. That’s what I wanted to learn because that is what the future is all about.”
CDM graduate Mohammad Abdel Jabbar, DMD ‘26, had the unique experience of walking across the commencement stage on his 30th birthday. He is eager to use his education to provide accessible dental care to his community. Originally drawn to WesternU because of the University’s commitment to community and clinical excellence, Abdel Jabbar decided to pursue dentistry when he noticed a gap in his sister’s care.
“I have a special needs sister who has all the doctors that she can. She has a full care team, except for dental. It was very difficult for us to find a dentist that’s willing or equipped to be able to deliver care for her while accommodating her special needs. The closest dentist that we were able to find was about 200 miles away, so that was a road trip for my family, just to get her a dental exam or filling or something,” said Abdel Jabbar. “That is kind of what took me away from the medical and made me want to go into dental, so I could be able to take care of her.”
Abdel Jabbar has three siblings currently in dental school. Together, they plan to open a community-focused practice that prioritizes accessibility for patients with special needs.
Prior to the ceremony, CDM graduate Luna Gonzalez reflected on why she chose dentistry. After seeing firsthand how proper dental care can improve a person’s self-esteem, she became inspired to help others through oral health care. During dental school, her aunt and uncle also received major dental treatment through WesternU Health.
“I chose dentistry because it changes the person’s way of viewing themselves. It can change their whole lives. Working with my aunt and uncle really emphasized that for me. It changed the way they function and the way they see themselves,” said Gonzalez.
