“The world needs healers, not just clinicians. Compassion, not just competence.”

Wise words from Hans Malmstrom, DDS to the Eastman Institute for Oral Health Class of 2025. The chair of General Dentistry was the featured speaker at the recent graduation ceremonies for students earning master’s degrees and certificates in 10 specialty and advanced training programs.

“Success is not a title behind your name or a trophy on your shelf,” he said. “It is a sum of small choices. To care deeply, to learn relentlessly and to serve with a purpose.”

More than 300 people gathered in the beautiful Memorial Art Gallery for the ceremony honoring the 75 graduates, and to support faculty and staff who were presented with awards.

“Every year we have many things to celebrate and many things that challenge us,” EIOH Director Dr. Eli Eliav told the audience. “This year is no different. Our profession is facing big challenges-- a shortage of providers, rising costs, and lowering reimbursement issues.”

But during their time at Eastman, he encouraged the graduates to reflect on the many people who would not receive care without their help and without Eastman.

“Always do what you can to improve access for all people, everywhere,” he emphasized. “That is the basis Eastman Institute for Oral Health was founded on, and it continues to be one of our primary missions today. It’s up to each one of us to work together for solutions.”

By working with legislators, participating with professional associations and oral health research, he said these efforts will advance the understanding of dental diseases and treatments, to provide the knowledge and tools that will improve access and dental care around the world.

“Many of you have had the opportunity during your programs to learn alongside EIOH faculty members who are actively involved in all these areas, and they are truly making an important difference,” he added.

Dr. Eliav also addressed the shift in patient demographics. People are living longer and often retain their natural teeth and dental implants.

“We should take into consideration our patients physical, social, mental and medical conditions to be able to treat them the best way possible,” he advised. “Better understanding patients’ chronic conditions and comorbidities requires integrating primary care medical education into our curriculum, research, and community practice.”

During his remarks, Dr. Malmstrom, a leader at EIOH for more than 33 years, asked the graduates—as they step into the next chapter of their careers—how they define success?

“While living a successful life is a deeply personal journey and shaped by individual values, goals and circumstances,” he said, “if we do not have a clear definition, we are most likely going to be very disappointed in life.”

Under Dr. Malmstrom’s leadership, the General Dentistry department has grown significantly and has expanded to include a comprehensive faculty development program, preceptors, fellowships, and a dental assistant training program. Last year, he succeeded at fulfilling one of his lifelong dreams through rigorous training and preparation. Accompanied by his son, he completed a nine-day trek in Nepal to reach the base camp of Mount Everest at an altitude of 5,335 meters, or 17,300 feet.

As a role model who has experienced much success professionally and personally, Dr. Malmstrom offered five points to consider:

Success is excellence, not perfection

Dentistry demands meticoulous skills, but perfection is an illusion. Success lies in continuous learning, humility in the face of challenges and the courage to grow from mistakes.

Winston Churchill stated: “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.”

Success is impact, not necessarily income

While financial stability matters, the legacy of a great dentist is remembered in lives transformed and influenced. It is in the child who smiles confidently for the first time, the patient freed from pain, or the community you uplift through pro bono care or the mission trip you take.

Success is adaptability, not stagnation

Dentistry is evolving rapidly – new technologies, materials, and research emerge daily. Success means staying curious, embracing change and innovating. Whether it is digital dentistry, AI, or holistic care, let adaptability be your compass.

Growth is not a phase; it is a lifelong romance. The best clinicians are eternal students.

Success is balance, not burnout

Residency has trained you to push limits, but true success requires sustainability. Prioritize your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Cherish time with loved ones, nurture hobbies and remember you cannot pour from an empty cup. The most enduring careers are built on resilience not exhaustion.

Success is integrity, not shortcuts

In an era of quick fixes, your integrity is your signature. Uphold ethics even when no one is watching. Treat every patient as family, honor your team and let professionalism be your brand. Reputation outlasts revenue. Success without integrity is hollow.

“As you shape your definition of success, I hope in part you let it be the joy in a patient’s smile and eyes, the gratitude of a community, and the pride of knowing you used your gifts to leave people -and this profession – better than you found them,” he said in closing. “Eastman Institute for Oral Health is truly a unique place thanks to all of you, our residents. I hope you will never forget this.”

Award Presentations

The Bejan Iranpour Award for Excellence in Clinical Education recognizes faculty members for demonstrating excellence in clinical education. Winners spend significant time providing clinical education with an emphasis on patient advocacy and high-quality care. They exhibit a high standard of ethics and integrity and have excellent communications skills.

Dr. John Vorrasi earned his DDS, magna cum laude, from the University of New York at Buffalo before completing an internship and residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center. He joined Eastman Institute for Oral Health in 2016 and was named chair of the OMFS department in 2022.

His leadership has helped shape a rigorous, compassionate and comprehensive training experience. Residents routinely praise his ability to purify complex surgical procedures into teachable, relatable steps while maintaining the highest clinical standards. His publications and book chapters on TMJ disorders, facial trauma and orthognathic surgery demonstrate his commitment to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning. He is a valued mentor and guides the next generation of oral surgeons in academic development.

He is highly respected by residents, who value his strong presence in both didactic and surgical settings. He created a culture of camaraderie, professionalism, collaboration, and excellence. Colleagues in plastic surgery and ENT often invite him to contribute to complex cases, providing valuable learning opportunities for the residents.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Bejan Iranpour Award,” he said. “To be recognized in association with Dr. Iranpour’s name—a clinician, educator, and humanitarian of such lasting impact. He exemplified compassionate care and academic rigor. He believed in raising the standards of dental education and expanding access to care for those who needed it most. I am humbled to accept this award in honor of such a great individual.”  

Dr. Basir Barmak earned his MD degree from Kabul Medical University (KMU) in 2008 and attended a 1-year postgraduate certification in advanced clinical research and statistical techniques provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Kabul, Afghanistan.

He came to Rochester as a Fulbright scholar for Graduate Medical Education in 2016, received his master’s and doctorate in Health Professions Education. In 2022 he received his MSc in Applies Statistics from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and currently pursuing his PhD in big data science.

As the assistant program director for the Master of Science in Dental Science program and the primary instructor for six required MS courses, Dr. Barmak is an active member of the EIOH Ethics Board and contributor to the Global Rounds lecture on Ethics in Dentistry.  

His students consistently remark about his courses’ depth of content and his effective, practical and impactful teaching. Dr. Barmak excels in fostering critical thinking and developing students’ research skills. He is known for his kindness, approachability and personal investment in each student’s success.

“I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious Award and grateful to my students and colleagues who inspire me every day,” he said. “This recognition is a testament to the shared journey of learning and growth that we have achieved together. I dedicate this award to my students, whose accomplishments fuel my passion for teaching.”

The Part-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching honorees exhibit a high quality of clinical supervision or research mentorship, show leadership in conducting courses and have a positive overall impact on student learning.

Dr. James Infantino represents the highest standards of dental education, clinical supervision and mentorship. He has dedicated his career to advancing Periodontology and implant dentistry.

For more than 36 years, Dr. Infantino taught at EIOH until he retired late last year.

Residents say his teaching left a lasting impact. He provided clinical supervision that was both demanding and compassionate. He had the ability to translate complex periodontal concepts into practical, real-world applications that promoted both comprehension and confidence.

He actively encouraged and guided students and fostered intellectual curiosity and professional growth. His enthusiasm for teaching and genuine concern for students’ professional development made him an invaluable asset to Eastman Institute for Oral Health.

Upon accepting the award, he told the audience about a church sign that he thinks about daily. It said, A student is not a vessel to be filled but a lamp to be lit.

“I’m happy to say I’ve lit a few lamps these past few years,” he said.

Dr. Gabriela Carranza, a graduate from the Gerald Graser Fellowship and our AEGD residency program, fosters an environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking and a commitment to excellence in patient care.

Residents greatly appreciate her ability to communicate complex prosthodontic concepts in a clear and engaging manner. Her mentorship extends beyond clinical training, as she actively supports research initiatives and fosters scholarly development, helping residents contribute meaningful advancements to the field of prosthodontics. Her seminars are highly regarded for their depth, relevance, and engagement. Colleagues say her restorative, teaching and people skills are truly exemplary.

“This recognition means more to me that I can fully express,” she said. “Teaching you is one of the joys of my career. Your questions, passion and your growth constantly inspire me and remind me why I love what I do.”

The Shaffer-Devries Award recognizes significant contributions made by a full-time staff member. Honorees demonstrate excellence in operations, employee and patient interaction. They are very knowledgeable in his or her area of expertise, is respected by all, and demonstrates a high standard of ethics.

Carletta Carter has represented Eastman in our community for more than 22 years. Her enthusiasm, smile and positivity are contagious. She brings her skills as a registered dental assistant to demonstrate excellence in employee and patient relations, and institutional knowledge. With kindness, high ethical standards and respect for all, patients and staff appreciate that she’s very approachable. She is dedicated to health equity while developing a culture where everyone feels seen and supported. She has also done an outstanding job cultivating community partnerships and is she is adored and respected by all.

Melody Jones, program coordinator and administrative assistant for Prosthodontics, has a wonderful work ethic and interpersonal skills. Her organizational skills are thorough and contribute to an efficient workflow throughout the clinic.

She is committed to supporting residents, faculty and fellow staff. She exceeds the expectations of her role, frequently taking initiative to support other areas and taking on extra duties when needed. She is always flexible and willing to pitch in. She keeps operations running smoothly and does so with professionalism and a calm, friendly attitude.

“It is a great honor to have received the Shaffer-Devries Award because it comes from my fellow faculty and residents,” she said. “They make it enjoyable to come to work every day.”

“The moment you were accepted to one of our programs, you became part of the Eastman Family,” Dr. Eliav said as the ceremony came to a close. “As you leave today with your certificates and degrees, please remember you will always be an important part of this family. Stay in touch and come back to visit.”

The Stanley L. Handelman Fellowship Award, which recognizes graduating general dentists who demonstrate academic excellence, clinical proficiency and interest in pursuing an academic career, was given to Dr. Gasser Ibrahim.

Earlier in the month, the Rochester chapter of the American Association of Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research held its annual conference which included 13 verbal presentations and 26 poster presentations.

Lanie Friedman Ross, MD, PhD, Dean's Professor and Chair, UR's Department of Health, Humanities and Bioethics, presented a lecture, Clinical and Translational Dental Research Ethics.

The Basil G. Bibby Award, given for outstanding scientific merit among oral and poster presentations by non-degree candidates was presented to Dr. Rebecca Vignogna for poster presentation “Effectiveness of Second Molar Sealants in Preventing Cavities”, Dr. Parnia Salehi for oral presentation “Comparing Dental Needs in Sickle Cell Disease and Healthy Children”, and Dr. Sanjana Santhosh Kumar for oral presentation “Alveolar Bone Defects with Non-extraction Clear Aligner Therapy in Adults”.

The Michael G. Buonocore Award, given for outstanding scientific merit among oral and poster presentations by degree candidates was presented to Dr. Qianqian Li for oral presentation “Titanium Particles Pathologically Affect Peri-implant tissues in Peri-implantitis,” and Dr. Abdallah Michail for oral presentation “Mucogingival Conditions Associated with Previously Impacted, Permanent”.

The Gerald N. Graser Award, recognizing outstanding clinical case series and/or case reports that describe original, innovative and/or evidence-based clinical treatments was given to Dr. Gasser Ibrahim for poster presentation “Different Applications of Guided Endodontics,” and Dr. Ethan Barkin for poster presentation “From Bumps to Benefit: Mandibular Tori for Implant Site Development (Case Series)”.

Dr. Lidiya Leshchuk received the Judge’s award for three-minute thesis presentation “Assessing the Diagnostic Feasibility of Intraoral Scanning with Near-Infrared Imaging for Caries Detection” and Dr. Mark Nitikultanon received the People’s choice award for 3-minute thesis presentation “Assessing Patient-Reported Oral Health Outcomes and Dentist-Patient Communication among Pregnant Women in Teledentistry program”.