Residents Celebrate Program Completion, Drisko Award

The Dental College of Georgia recently celebrated excellence and dedication within its graduating resident class, awarding the prestigious Dr. Connie L. Drisko Dental Resident Professionalism Award to Dr. Joshua Massey from Endodontics.

This highly coveted accolade recognizes a resident who consistently demonstrates outstanding patient service, exceptional clinical productivity, unwavering dedication to community and professional service and remarkable academic excellence.

This year’s nominations showcased a stellar group of future dental leaders, including Dr. Mahmoud El-Khaly from Prosthodontics, Dr. Kevin Shepherd from Periodontics, and Dr. Katlyn Barlowe from Pediatric Dentistry. While all nominees were undoubtedly deserving, Dr. Massey’s consistent quality and focus on the details earned him the top honor.

This year also marked the graduation of 30 total residents from DCG’s advanced education programs. These dedicated individuals completed rigorous training in various specialties, including advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD), endodontics, general practice (GPR), oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics. Their commitment to furthering their expertise will contribute significantly to the future of oral healthcare in Georgia and beyond. See full list of graduates below.

Dr. Brian Bergeron, Professor in the Department of Endodontics and Program Director of the Endodontics resident program, spoke warmly of the Drisko award winner’s contributions. During his residency, Dr. Joshua Massey became known not only for his technical excellence, but also for his patient-first philosophy. He routinely cared for patients that others might turn away, including pediatric patients requiring treatment in operating room settings.

“He delivers high-quality surgical and non-surgical care to some of our most vulnerable patient populations, such as those who are immune-compromised, Medicaid-eligible or medically complex,” Bergeron said.

His kind, respectful manner quickly earned the trust of patients: “He is routinely requested by name, which is reflected by his schedule often being booked a month in advance,” Bergeron said.

Beyond his chairside manner, Massey led his class in clinical productivity, maintained top academic standing and contributed significantly to education and research. His graduate research, “Efficacy of pulpotomy in managing irreversible pulpitis in mature permanent teeth,” was presented at both the 2025 American Association of Endodontists meeting in Boston and the Southeastern Dental Research Symposium.

Massey also gave generously of his time to support dental students by mentoring predoctoral learners, leading lectures and volunteering for educational outreach events.

“Josh is my ‘Go To’ resident whenever I need a delicate patient situation handled in a careful and professional manner, or a particularly challenging ‘outside the box’ case managed well,” Bergeron said.

Massey’s recognition is a testament to his compassionate approach to patient care and his unwavering pursuit of excellence in the field of Endodontics. His achievement not only brings immense pride to the Dental College of Georgia but also inspires his peers and the next generation of dental professionals. The entire community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Joshua Massey on this well-deserved honor, anticipating the positive impact he will undoubtedly continue to make in the lives of his patients and the dental community.

The recipient of the Drisko Award must demonstrate academic excellence and exemplary service to patients, the profession, and the community. They must embody the ideals of compassionate care, exhibit strong patient satisfaction, engage in community service, demonstrate leadership, maintain clinic productivity, adhere to compliance standards, and advance in their careers.

The award includes a blown-glass art piece engraved with the recipient’s name, along with a monetary prize of $2,000.

Full list of 2025 Dental College of Georgia Residency Graduates

Dr. Macarius Abdelsayed, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS)
Dr. Dionne Aikhionbare, General Practice Residency
Dr. Ahmad Azam, GPR
Dr. Katlyn Barlowe, Pediatrics
Dr. Macy Beaman, Prosthodontics
Dr. David Billings, GPR
Dr. Candace Cook, Pediatrics
Dr. Aierress Davis, Periodontics
Dr. Blake Eaton, Orthodontics
Dr. Colin Egan, Endodontics
Dr. Corey Eisner, GPR
Dr. Mohamad Elashiry, Endodontics
Dr. Mahmoud Elkahly, Prosthodontics
Dr. Rachel Elvis, Pediatrics
Dr. Christopher Howard, GPR
Dr. Kristen Kasimati, Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD)
Dr. Maite Lestayo, OMFS
Dr. Joshua Massey, Endodontics
Dr. Miranda Peck, AEGD
Dr. Savannah Price, Pediatrics
Dr. Shazeen Rattansi, Prosthodontics
Dr. Curtis Read, Orthodontics
Dr. Nathan Reisch, GPR
Dr. Christopher Rollins, Periodontics
Dr. Kevin Shepherd, Periodontics
Dr. Dominic Stecklein, AEGD
Dr. Joshua Stewart, OMFS
Dr. Melanee Wang, Orthodontics
Dr. Yasmine Weiss, AEGD
Dr. Phillip Weller, Periodontics