On April 11, the Class of 2029 at UAB School of Dentistry sank their teeth into their new journey during a Welcome Day filled with laughter, excitement, and new friendships. As the day progressed, the soon-to-be UAB DMD students participated in a series of activities designed to break the ice and build camaraderie. From warm introductions to social media moments, these future dentists were already making memories that will last a lifetime.

Tamara Montes, a rural dental scholar, was all smiles as she mingled with her new classmates. "Meeting people. I love people. That's one of the reasons why I did teaching and why I want to do dentistry," she said.

Growing up in Calera, Montes always felt a strong connection to Birmingham. "I'm Birmingham’s biggest fan. I went here for undergrad, did my master’s here, and now dental school. Birmingham just has so much charm," she added, her love for the city evident in every word.

Hunter Freed said his journey to UAB from his home in Houston, AL and undergraduate studies in Tuscaloosa was influenced by the phenomenal dentists he met while shadowing in Alabama. "They were all UAB alums, and seeing how they worked with patients made me trust and want to go to UAB's dental school," he explained.

Freed couldn't wait to dive into the day's activities. "Getting the composite done and the scrub fitting. It's exciting knowing I'm taking that next step closer to getting started," he shared enthusiastically. He added, “Meeting the entire class and getting to know everyone I will see for the next four years is exciting. It's almost our little family, so I am looking forward to that.”

Katie Wolf also took note of the family atmosphere.

Originally from Jacksonville, FL, Wolf found herself drawn to UAB for its welcoming environment. "I went to Auburn for undergrad, so I'm kind of familiar with Birmingham. My husband is from here originally, so it just made sense," she said. Wolf appreciated the family-like atmosphere at UAB. "Everyone seemed very welcoming and friendly, and it felt like a family of people, not just a school," she noted.

Welcome Day was the first taste of a new chapter for these future dentists. With their scrubs in hand and composites prepared, the Class of 2029 is poised to begin their journey as D1 students in July. They will embark on an unforgettable adventure, united by shared dreams and the connections forged on their momentous day.