5 questions with dental medicine’s Lauren Tipping, Class of 2026

People | April 24, 2026
Story by: Michelle Kolk

When students arrive at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, they each bring their own motivations and aspirations to the journey. No matter how these differ, each student approaches graduation equipped with the same things: not just the clinical skills required of the profession, but the adaptability, empathy and innovative drive that will shape their dental careers.

As they prepare to take their next steps—whether entering practice, pursuing advanced education, or serving communities in other ways—we sat down with several graduates from the School of Dental Medicine’s Class of 2026.

Read on to learn about Lauren Tipping, a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) candidate from Bedford, New Hampshire.

Answers have been lightly edited.

Tipping (second from left) and her peers celebrated 100 days until their graduation at an event hosted by the alumni association.

Dental students hold "My future plans are" signs at the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) signing day.

At the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) signing day, students enjoyed a lunch celebration for those who participated in the dental match process.

Luaren Tipping and other students take a group photo at a School of Dental Medicine formal.

Dental formals are one of the many ways students relax together. The 2024 event took place at Windows on the River.

Lauren Tipping and her clinic group dress up as their dental school preceptors.

April Fools Day doesn’t go unnoticed at the dental school. In this shot, Tipping and her clinic group surprised their preceptors by dressing up as them—the women as Dr. Jenkins and the men as Dr. Daoud.

School of Dental Medicine students at Case Western Reserve University

Dental students bond in and out of the classroom throughout their time in the DMD program.

1. What initially drew you to CWRU?

I was initially drawn to [Case Western Reserve] because of the extensive clinical skills students develop throughout the program, especially in the later years. I was also really impressed by the beauty of the campus and the dental school, an environment that felt both inspiring and supportive for learning. The study rooms with huge windows and full whiteboard walls were a big help in studying for didactic courses.

2. What course or campus experience shaped your education most?

The [DENT 513]: Head and Neck Anatomy course had the biggest impact on my education. It was definitely a challenging course, but it truly forms the foundation of our profession.

What made the experience so meaningful were our incredible professors—Dr. Newcomer and Beck Enterline. Their passion for teaching and dedication to student success made the class genuinely enjoyable. They even offered an optional weeklong dissection lab over the summer, which gave us the chance to deepen our understanding and really solidify the material.

3. What is your favorite memory as a student at CWRU?

As I look back on my time at [CWRU], my favorite memories are the moments I’ve shared with friends, classmates, and mentors. From spending long hours at school and supporting each other through challenging days, to going to sports games together, and celebrating holidays and birthdays with my clinic group, those experiences made my time here truly special.

Some of my favorite moments were the simple ones like unwinding after clinic with friends in Little Italy. The relationships I’ve built here have made the experience truly meaningful and are what I’ll cherish most moving forward.

4. What’s next for you after graduation?

I will be heading to a one-year general practice residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

5. What advice would you give to new students in your program?

Take advantage of every opportunity to get involved in student programs and activities. The more you engage, the more you’ll learn. Being proactive and open to new experiences can really enrich your time in school and help you grow into a well-rounded clinician.