As a CWRU School of Dental Medicine alum, Morgan Celistan, DMD (DEN ‘20) now serves as Predoctoral Director of Endodontics at Harvard, where she mentors students and advocates for diversity in dentistry. In honor of Women’s History Month, we celebrate her journey from student leader to educator and advocate.
Morgan S. Celistan, DMD (DEN ‘20)
Predoctoral Director of Endodontics, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA
Associate Endodontist, Merrimack Valley Endodontics, North Chelmsford, MA
What are the most valuable skills you learned during your time at CWRU that you use in your professional life OR can you describe a significant accomplishment in your career that you attribute to your education at CWRU?
My education at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine provided me with a strong foundation in clinical excellence, leadership, and research. One of the most valuable skills I developed was the ability to critically evaluate patient care from an evidence-based perspective, which is a key tenet in the field of endodontics. This skill was instrumental in my thesis research at Harvard, which investigated racial disparities in post-endodontic pain treatment. Additionally, the leadership roles I held at CWRU helped shape my ability to mentor students and advocate for curriculum improvements in my current role as Predoctoral Director of Endodontics at Harvard.
How do you see the role of women evolving within dentistry, and how have you personally helped foster that change?
While the role of women in dentistry continues to evolve significantly -- with more women entering the profession and assuming leadership roles in clinical practice, academia, and organized dentistry -- challenges remain. There are notable strides that need to be made, particularly for women of color, who continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions and specialty fields like endodontics.
I have actively worked to foster this change by mentoring young women through organizations like the American Association for Women Dentists and Diversity in Dentistry. As a woman of color in a specialty field, I recognize the importance of visibility and representation. Through mentorship, I provide guidance to students navigating the profession, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Additionally, my leadership roles in organized dentistry allow me to advocate for initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. By creating opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, and equitable access to specialty training, I aim to help shape a more inclusive and supportive environment for future generations of women in dentistry.
What advice would you give to young women who aspire to make a positive impact in the field?
My advice would be to seek out mentors, build a strong support network, and never shy away from leadership opportunities. Dentistry is a dynamic and evolving field, and having a mentor can help navigate challenges, whether in academia, clinical practice, or research. Additionally, staying involved in professional organizations can open doors to opportunities that can shape your career. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and others—your voice and contributions matter in shaping the future of the profession.
How has your perspective on the overall field of dentistry changed since graduating?
Since graduating, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the impact of mentorship, education, and policy in shaping the future of dentistry. As a student, I understood the gaps in access to care and health disparities, but as a practitioner and educator, I now see the broader challenges the field faces and the need for stronger advocacy to effectively bridge these gaps. My work in organized dentistry and academia has reinforced the importance of continuous learning and collaboration—across specialties, institutions, and professions—in addressing these challenges to best serve our communities.
From where do you draw your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration comes from the mentors and educators who have supported me, the students I have the privilege of mentoring, and my family—particularly my parents and grandparents. Their work ethic, perseverance, and commitment to excellence instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and purpose. Seeing how they navigated challenges with resilience has shaped my approach to both my career and personal life. Their influence, combined with my passion for mentorship and education, drives me to create opportunities for others and to contribute meaningfully to the field of dentistry and my endodontic community.