Fort Bragg Dental Residents Earn USU Master's Degrees in Dual Achievement

Dental residents at Fort Bragg celebrated the completion of advanced clinical training and received Master of Science in Oral Biology degrees from the Uniformed Services University Postgraduate Dental College on June 5, 2025.

A dental resident receives her Master of Science in Oral Biology diploma from Dr. Rodney Phoenix during

the Fort Bragg Graduate Medical Education programs graduation ceremony. (Photo credit: Sharon Holland, USU)

June 5, 2025 by Sharon Holland

Dental residents at Fort Bragg achieved a significant career milestone on June 5, 2025, celebrating both the completion of their advanced clinical training and the conferral of Master of Science in Oral Biology degrees from the Uniformed Services University (USU) Postgraduate Dental College. The first of multiple Service postgraduate dental graduations to take place over the next two months, the ceremony marked a new tradition as it was combined for the first time with the Womack Army Medical Center Graduate Medical Education programs graduation.

Twelve residents from the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, led by Army Col. Erik Reifenstahl, and the Endodontics program, led by Army Lt. Col. James L. Phillips, were awarded their USU diplomas. The dual accomplishment highlights the rigorous academic and clinical demands placed upon these military dental professionals.

Dr. Rodney Phoenix, associate dean for Research in the USU Postgraduate Dental College, praised the graduates' dedication. "This achievement reflects the extraordinary commitment these officers have made not only to clinical excellence, but to advancing the science that supports military dental readiness," Phoenix said.

Dr. Rodney Phoenix, Associate Dean for Research in the USU Postgraduate Dental College, addresses

graduates and attendees at Fort Bragg on June 5, 2025. (Photo credit: Sharon Holland, USU)

He further emphasized the difficulty and significance of their work. "Earning a master's degree while completing a demanding residency that includes designing and conducting original research is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about their dedication, intellectual curiosity, and future impact on the force," Phoenix added.

Endodontic graduates included: Maj. (P) Jasmine Im, Capt. Zachary Jackson, Capt. Craig Luskey, Maj. Quinn Lear, Capt. Charles Daniel Northcutt, Capt. Linzi Ralph, Maj. Nicholas Scott, and Maj. Bryan Tappen. 

Advanced Education in General Dentistry graduates included: Capt. Annie S. Alman, Capt. Braxton S. Duncan, Maj. Brandi Gervais, and Capt. John Kendrick.

The ceremony recognized the residents' hard work in patient care, research, and academics, preparing them for future leadership roles in military dentistry.

Residents from the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, led by Col. Erik Reifenstahl (far right), and

the Endodontics program, led by Lt. Col. James L. Phillips (far left), were awarded their USU diplomas. The

dual accomplishment highlights the rigorous academic and clinical demands placed upon these military

dental professionals. (Photo credit: Sharon Holland, USU)