Final Class of Dual-program Residents Celebrate Commencement

June 10, 2024 By Marie Schildknecht

After 35 years of hard work, the College of Dental Medicine's AEODO Class of 2024 earned their dual postdoctoral program in orthodontics and business administration.

On the evening of June 7, 2024, Roseman University’s resident Class of 2024 gathered at the Anthem Country Club to celebrate the completion of their dual postdoctoral program in orthodontics and business administration.

“This event was particularly significant because our cohort was the final group to complete the dual MBA and orthodontics residency program,” shared graduate and emcee, Dr. Ryanna Robinson (Class of 2024).

In the future, this program will continue as an Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Residency program. Dr. Glenn Roberson, the program’s director explained, “The AEODO program is a 35-month dental residency to become specialty certified in Orthodontics, one of the 12 recognized dental specialties.”

After sharing a meal with their faculty and families, each resident was granted both a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and a Master of Business Administration.

Then the graduates took a few minutes to honor Dr. Glen Roberson, Dr. Kimberly Jones Rudolph, and Dr. Rick Stevens for their crucial role in guiding and shaping the residents’ professional paths.

This ceremony was especially meaningful for several of the residents who were unable to attend commencement events in 2020. “The banquet honored our residents’ successful transition into the orthodontic workforce and provided a long-awaited opportunity to celebrate our achievements,” explained Dr. Robinson. “The COVID-19 pandemic deprived many of us of traditional dental school graduations, including the ceremonial hooding that marks the transition to doctor.”

“We are profoundly grateful to the many donors and sponsors who supported this memorable event, and to Roseman University for bringing together such a dynamic and exceptional group,” Dr. Robinson continued. “The banquet was a fitting tribute to our collective resilience and success, marking a remarkable conclusion to our unique educational path.”

For Dr. Roberson convocation is a proud moment. He enjoys “being the first to be able to call the new graduates ‘Orthodontist’.”

When asked what guidance he had for the departing residents, Dr. Roberson advised, “Use your training to the best of your ability, but never stop learning.”