The path to dental school…

This talented and passionate group of future dentists have officially joined the Ramily, bringing with them not only academic excellence and a dedication to oral health, but also a wealth of unique experiences, talents and interests. From world travelers and accomplished athletes to musicians, artists and community volunteers, the Class of 2029 is packed with talent and personality. 

The Class of 2029 includes 95 students, 65 from Virginia and 30 from out of state. We have students from across the United States, such as Florida, New York, Tennessee, and Utah. Some of our students even came to us from other countries, including Pakistan, Kuwait, Germany and Ethiopia. 

The path to VCU School of Dentistry was different for everyone. Getting into dental school is highly competitive and no easy feat; we are proud of all the hard work and dedication that our students have to get here!

Of the 95 students in the class, 17 of them received their undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech, 14 from VCU, and seven from University of Virginia. We have six first generation students and students who joined us from the military or other career paths.

Getting into dental school isn’t just about getting a degree. Our students committed themselves to learning about the field of dentistry and gaining experience long before the start of the application process.

Here’s some quick stats:

• 2161 average employment hours
• 585 average community service hours
• 343 average research hours
• 734 average extracurricular hours
• 217 average shadowing hours
  

“It is my great pleasure to welcome the Doctor of Dental Surgery Class of 2029 to the VCU School of Dentistry. Noted by their hundreds of hours of service and volunteerism, this class is exceptional and committed to being a life-long learner,” said Lyndon Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., Dean of VCU School of Dentistry. “On behalf of the entire SoD Community, thank you for choosing VCU as the next step in your professional journey. We look forward to sharing in your growth, your successes, and yes, even the challenges over the next four years.”

Get to know our new class…

Here are some fun and fascinating facts about our newest dental students—you might just be surprised by what inspires them.

Before attending dental school, our students…

• Competed in the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore as a member of the Bahamas National Swim Team
• First job was a professional Minecraft player
• Played soccer for the VCU Women’s Soccer Team
• Raised two generations of fainting goats
• Completed a cross-country road trip to 12 National Parks and monuments.
• Was a professional water skier
• Visited three of the seven Wonders of the World this year.
• Served as a nutrition intern for the University of Alabama's football team.
• Played ice hockey and was an all-conference player during their senior year.
• Started a baking business in the middle of the pandemic.
• Earned a black belt in karate.
• Visiting children in hospitals while dressed as their favorite Star Wars character

Beyond dentistry, our student’s talents include…

• Making balloon animals
• Sculpting sand castles on a professional level
• Playing the bass trombone 
• Performing and researching aerial circus arts.
• Playing the trumpet without using a trumpet.
• Learning how to speak other languages, such as Marshallese