Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

A gum graft may be known for improving smiles, but its benefits go far beyond aesthetics.

As more people become aware of the impact of gum recession, gum graft procedures are becoming increasingly common. According to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine’s Dr. Natalie Jeong, gum grafts help protect exposed tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, prevent further recession, and support long-term oral health.

In this interview, Dr. Jeong explains what causes gum recession, how gum grafting works, recovery expectations, and why early intervention can often prevent the need for surgery.

🔗 Read more: https://now.tufts.edu/2026/06/16/getting-long-tooth-maybe-its-time-gum-graft

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine is sad to share the passing or Charles Millstein, D62, A96P, A10P. Dr. Millstein spent his professional career as a practitioner in Cambridge, MA, and as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Endodontics at TUSDM. Dr. Millstein had a real passion for the history of dentistry.

Over his life, he has written over 50 articles, conducted countless interviews and produced many videos on the subject. He served as Historian for the Massachusetts Dental Society and the Tufts University Dental Alumni Association (TUDAA). Dr. Millstein’s contributions to honoring the past of dentistry will serve as foundational work for future historians and practitioners.

Services will be held on Tuesday, June 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Temple Beth El, Concord Ave., Belmont MA.

What if AI could help public health professionals better understand the communities they serve?

That question is at the heart of the upcoming Connecting Sectors, Connecting People: Tufts Public Health for Critical Impact symposium, where experts will explore how artificial intelligence can help identify patterns across health, housing, transportation, nutrition, and environmental factors to support stronger public health decision-making.

For Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, public health has always been about connecting people and building partnerships that improve lives. Led in part by Associate Dean for Community and Global Affairs Thanos Zavras, the symposium highlights TUSDM’s commitment to bringing together diverse voices and disciplines to address complex health challenges and create meaningful impact in communities.

🔗 https://now.tufts.edu/2026/06/01/using-ai-connect-dots-public-health

The D94 legacy is still going strong. 💙🦷

Thirty years after graduation, members of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine’s Class of 1994 are leading organized dentistry at the state, national, and institutional levels—all while staying connected to the classmates who helped them through dental school.

From lifelong friendships to lasting impact, their story is a reminder that the Tufts community extends far beyond graduation.

🔗 Read more: https://now.tufts.edu/2026/06/08/class-leaders-how-friendship-and-tufts-education-shaped-class-1994

Too many good memories not to share. 🎓 Tap to celebrate the brilliant new dentists of TUSDM!

You did it, '26. 🎓🦷💙

You showed up for your patients, your classmates, and yourselves — and now you’re stepping into the future of dentistry with the skills, compassion, and confidence to make a real impact.

The clinic hours, long nights, and hard work led here. ✨

Congratulations, future dentists! 🐘

From identifying victims of disasters to helping solve decades-old cold cases, forensic dentistry is where clinical expertise meets public service.

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine is proud to welcome Dr. Melissa Newman, D08, as the Joan Viantha Qureshi, D85, Professor in Forensic Dentistry. Through teaching, research, and hands-on forensic work, Dr. Newman is helping shape the next generation of dental professionals while bringing comfort and answers to families in need.

Her journey from dental hygienist to dentist, educator, and forensic odontologist reflects the power of lifelong learning — and the impact dentistry can have far beyond the clinic.

🔗 Read more: https://now.tufts.edu/2026/05/07/when-clues-unknown-identity-are-hidden-inside-mouth

Proud to see leaders from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine standing in front of the new Tufts Dental Care Center billboard — a celebration of the care, collaboration, and community that make this work possible every day. 💙

We see you, Hakeem! 🦷✨

D4 student Hakeem Alhady repping Tufts Dental Care Center in downtown Boston —because the work happening here doesn’t stay within our walls.

Every patient served, every smile restored; it all reflects TUSDM’s mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable oral health care while training the next generation of dentists.

Celebrating global impact in dental research 🌍

Pamela Yelick, Ph.D., of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine recently served as President of the International Association for Dental Research, leading its 104th General Session in San Diego.

The event brought together more than 4,300 researchers from 88 countries to share the latest discoveries in dental, oral, and craniofacial science—including work from Tufts students and faculty.

During her term, Dr. Yelick represented the organization at major international meetings around the world, helping to advance research and collaboration on a global scale.

A remarkable achievement and a proud moment for the Tufts community!