There is a special kind of energy when Fellows gather. On November 30, 2025, that energy was palpable at the Javits Convention Center in New York City as we celebrated the newest additions to our global family. Amidst the bustle of the Greater New York Dental Meeting, the Dr. Herbert and Inez Yee ICD Global Convocation Ceremony welcomed distinguished colleagues from around the world into the College.

United by Service

For us, the motto “Recognizing service and the opportunity to serve” is the thread that connects us across borders. The 2025 NYC class of inductees embodies this spirit perfectly. Hailing from Sections across the globe, these new Fellows were honored not only for their professional achievements but also for their steadfast leadership in the face of adversity and complex global challenges.

Voices from the Class of 2025

While they come from different places, our new Fellows share a common language of service. Hearing directly from a few of the inductees brought the true meaning of Fellowship into focus.

Section XX, Region 32 Fellow Dr. Andrew Phillips reminded us that the ICD isn’t about elevating dentists but rather about the people we serve. “It means a lot to me because the ICD represents looking out for the best interests of patients globally,” he said. “It’s not something set up for dentists to be elevated; it’s something set up to elevate the patients.” This sentiment was echoed by Section XX, Region 29 Fellow Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Mohammed Ibrahim Zaeneldin, who​ noted that the College “represents the soul of contribution to development in the oral care and oral health across the globe.” Section XX, Region 24 Fellow Dr. Gulraiz Zulfiqar added that through this recognition, he will be “able to contribute to the betterment of dentistry and ultimately to the betterment of the patients.”

This dedication to service was reinforced by Section XX, Region 50 Honorary Fellow Anaika Forbes Grant. She views her induction as a mandate to advocate even louder for underrepresented communities. “I plan on doing the things I have already been doing, making sure that I fight for people who look like me, who speak like me, who have disparities that they just can’t overcome,” she shared. “I’m going to continue to do that and probably do it a little bit louder now that I have the ICD’s backing.”

Similarly, Section XX, Region 43 Fellow Dr. Esther Chrysostome highlighted the importance of this platform for her work with Assurdent, noting she was honored “to raise oral health in underserved communities.” Our global infrastructure supports this shared mission. Section XX, Region 50 Fellow Dr. Elham Kateeb noted that Fellowship grants “access to a great community, a great support that can help me in achieving my mission by serving the people, especially the people in marginalized areas.”

The sense of belonging to a worldwide movement was unmistakable. Section XX, Region 24 Fellow Dr. Asad Aizaz Chatha noted that the College “is doing a marvelous job for the betterment of dental care across the world.” For many, the Convocation was also about professional connections. Section XX, Region 24 Fellow Dr. Sadaf Waris shared, “I feel very privileged to be part of this ICD, and it’s great to meet so many renowned dentists and oral pathologists from around the world.”

Finally, the Fellows looked toward future growth. Section XX, Region 32 Fellow Dr. Festina Hamlet expressed her excitement to be “globally involved” to pursue “more knowledge and more education.” Section XX, Region 21 Fellow Dr. Gabriel Flores Abuna reflected on the transformative power of this global exposure. “When you open their minds to the world, to an international setting, it changed their mindset completely,” he observed.

Fellows Teaching Fellows

The celebration of excellence extended into the following day with our Educational Program. True to our commitment to sharing knowledge, Fellows led sessions for the wider dental community.

The laser dentistry session proved to be a major draw. Section XX, Region 24 Regent Dr. Arshad Mahmood Malik described the seminar he co-led with Section XX, Region 24 Vice Regent Dr. Nauman Rauf Khan as a “remarkable” experience, noting a ‘jam-packed hall’ that remained engaged for over two hours. Together, they provided detailed insights into the clinical applications of laser technology. Beyond demonstrating the superior efficiency and comfort of lasers over older methods, they validated the technology’s ability to stimulate cellular repair and support bone regeneration through real-world clinical scenarios.

In a public health session, Section XX, Region 43 Fellow Dr. Natacha Fabien addressed the unique aspects of dental care for low-income populations. Using data from both Haiti and the United States to illustrate the spectrum of dental service needs, she highlighted the specific adaptations required to overcome challenges and deliver effective treatment in these settings. For Dr. Fabien, the session was a powerful reminder of the connection shared by clinicians worldwide. “This experience confirmed to me that when we dentists discuss dental knowledge or dental research, we speak the same language,” she reflected.

Finally, Global Councilor Dr. Martha Mutis addressed the vital need to bridge the divide between medical and dental practitioners. Her session explored how to function effectively within interprofessional teams to create integrative care plans, underscoring that such collaboration is key to reducing errors and prioritizing patient safety.

It is within this thriving ecosystem of mentorship and exchange that we are proud to integrate our newest colleagues. This class of 2025 brings a fresh wave of energy and dedication that will strengthen our ability to foster humanitarian and educational initiatives worldwide. Please join us in congratulating our newest Fellows and welcoming them to our global community.