2024 Alumni of Distinction
Fall 2024/2025
Dr. Nehal Al Tarhuni, DDS’09
Young Alumni – Dentistry
Dr. Nehal Al Tarhuni’s journey in humanitarian dentistry began early during her dental school years from 2007 to 2010 when she dedicated herself to providing dental care in a challenging Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon. This experience revealed her unwavering commitment to helping those in need and showcased her resilience and compassion in the face of adversity.
One of Dr. Al Tarhuni’s significant contributions has been organizing annual “Free Community Day” events at her clinics from 2010 to 2020, offering essential dental care to underserved populations. Her dedication to accessibility and quality care shines through these initiatives, highlighting her lifelong commitment to ensuring everyone can access dental health services. Throughout her career, Dr Al Tarhuni actively advocated access to care for Syrian and Afghan newcomer refugees. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Al Tarhuni’s leadership extends to her role as chair of the non-profit human rights organization Canadian Palestinian Social Association London, & Run For Palestine, where she spearheads efforts to provide support, solidarity and advocacy for newcomer refugees and community members including advocating for global health equity, healthy living, access and human rights as well as fundraising for hospitals locally and abroad. Her impact also resonates within the dental community, where she actively mentors and inspires future dental professionals at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry and Western University, embodying the spirit of service and excellence in dental care.
Dr. Keyvan Abbaszadeh
Honourary Alumni of Distinction - Dentistry
Dr. Keyvan Abbaszadeh, an Magna Cum Laude graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, embarked on a distinguished career that included an internship at Brigham and Women's/Harvard University Hospital and a residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Since 1999, he has dedicated himself to private practice in London, Ontario, where he has become a respected Fellow and examiner for the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. Additionally, Dr. Abbaszadeh holds the esteemed title of Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, showcasing his expertise and commitment to excellence in his field. He is a Fellow-designate of the American College of Surgeons. A designation that few oral and maxillofacial surgeons hold; it is awarded to practitioners dedicated to teaching and advancing the field.
As an adjunct clinical professor at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Dr. Abbaszadeh excels in practice and contributes significantly to dental education and training. His impressive credentials and dedication to mentoring future dental professionals make him a deserving recipient of this honorary dentistry award.
Dr. Carolyn Mason, DDS’85
Alumni of Distinction – Dentistry
Dr. Carolyn Mason is a highly respected periodontal specialist who has significantly advanced the dental profession locally and nationally. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree with Distinction from the University of Western Ontario in 1985 and completed her specialty training in Periodontics at the University of Toronto in 1990. Dr. Mason returned to Western University as a part-time clinical instructor and later opened her periodontal specialty practice in Windsor. She became deeply involved in the local dental community, serving on the Board of the Essex County Dental Society and becoming its president. Nationally, she served as chief examiner in Periodontics at the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, where she implemented significant examination changes. In 2016, she was elected director of the Royal College, becoming the first female Board Chair of a National Dental College, leading significant governance changes that impacted the dental specialty profession across Canada.
Dr. Mason’s commitment to advanced education and community involvement is equally impressive. She earned an Executive MBA from Ivey Business School and became a Fellow of the International College of Dentists (FICD). Though retired from private practice, Dr. Mason continues contributing to the field as an adjunct clinical professor at Western University.
Dr. Joel Rosenbloom, DDS’83
Community Service
Dr. Joel Rosenbloom earned his DDS degree in 1983 and has since dedicated his professional career to serving those in need through various community programs in Canada and abroad. He currently serves as a staff dentist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, ON and is an assistant professor in the Teaching Stream and Director of Student Life at the University of Toronto. Additionally, he is an adjunct assistant professor at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia.
Dr. Rosenbloom’s passion for global health has taken him on numerous lengthy live/work experiences across Africa, including Ethiopia, Mozambique and Sudan. His extensive work living in Mozambique as a government dentist has made him very knowledgeable about noma, a little-known disease, and led him to co-found the Noma Action Group (NAG), which educates and raises awareness about the disease. Through NAG’s advocacy alongside global efforts, the World Health Organization has officially recognized noma as a neglected tropical disease.
Click here to find out more about the other winners of the 2024 Alumni Awards of Distinction.
