Fourth-year students celebrate their residency placements
The School of Dental Medicine Celebrates Match Day, January 28, 2026 (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo)
Watch the video of the Match Day celebration.
The UConn School of Dental Medicine is celebrating the Class of 2026 as they receive their residency placements.
Known as "the Match," the fourth-year students were full of excitement as they shared where they will be continuing their training after they graduate from UConn in the spring.
"Our soon-to-be graduates will be entering some of the most competitive and desirable residency programs across the country," said Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine. "This achievement should not be taken for granted, but rather should be viewed as a reflection of hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence.
"While I am excited to see what the Class of 2026 will accomplish during this next phase of their professional career, I am absolutely confident that they will be exceptional ambassadors of UConn nation."
"There's so much excitement each year when the Match results are revealed," said Dr. Sarita Arteaga, associate dean for students. "The results confirm the diligence and commitment that the students have invested in their education."
"A special thank you to the faculty who have fostered the students' knowledge, the staff who have supported them daily, and the loved ones who have encouraged them throughout their journeys," Arteaga continued. "The strength and consistency of our Match results over the years is evident."
Out of the 51 students, 19 are staying in Connecticut, with five staying at UConn. Fifty-two percent placed in general dentistry residency programs, while the remaining placed in specialties including endodontics, oral pathology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatrics, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Five students will head to private practice.
The students will be traveling to Florida, Oklahoma, New York, Maine, South Carolina, Colorado, Massachusetts. Washington, California, Delaware, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio for their residency programs.
Suzanne Margaret Allen, of Rowayton, feels ready and prepared for her next adventure as she will be heading to a general practice residency at Danbury Hospital.
"I am beyond excited for the opportunity to continue my growth as a clinician at the Danbury GPR program," said Allen. "My time at UConn Dental has prepared me well. I feel very lucky to be supported by incredible faculty and classmates who have become lifelong friends. As I eagerly look forward to residency, I know the connections I have built at UConn Dental will stay with me throughout my career."
Samuel Majek, of Brooklyn, Connecticut, is one of the five students staying at UConn. Majek looks forward to continuing his training in oral and maxillofacial surgery here in Connecticut.
"UConn's value of education and student development allowed me to find and pursue my passion in dental school. I am beyond thrilled to have matched into UConn's six-year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program. My experience at UConn Dental has prepared me well to continue to serve the people of Connecticut, my home state, as a resident. Go Huskies!"
Jaelon Blandburg, heading to Massachusetts General Hospital's oral and maxillofacial surgery program, reflects on the support he's received as a dental student at UConn.
"My time at the UConn has been incredibly formative," said Blandburg, a California native. "What made my experience truly special was the unwavering support of my faculty and classmates, who helped me reach my goals throughout dental school. These experiences were invaluable in preparing me for my future career, and I'm excited for the next chapter of my training."
