Two dental students will graduate from the University of Dundee this week crowned top of the class after taking honours in their final exams and 18 distinctions and 13 merits between them.
Caroline Graham (23) from Banff and Susan Baines (24) from Broughty Ferry both achieved exceptional results throughout the five years of their dental degrees. Both students were so outstanding in first and second year that they were offered the chance to do an extra year to complete a BMSc and then return to their clinical dental training. Susan took a BMSc in physiology while Caroline studied forensics.
Dean Professor Bill Saunders said: "These students demonstrate the very best of our dental school. We are extremely proud of their efforts. They have been excellent throughout the rigorous dental undergraduate course and we wish them all the very best for the future."
Caroline is moving to Newcastle after graduation to do her general professional training. Before she starts she will travel to Cardiff this summer to present her research on oral cancer with her tutor Professor Graham Ogden to the British Society for Dental Research.
"I'll be sad to leave Dundee which has become home while a student. I'm looking forward to Newcastle, the big city and new challenges and to putting what I've learned over six years into practice."
This is a busy week for Caroline's parents Alastair and Gena who will attend their son James' graduation at Edinburgh University today then make their way to Dundee tomorrow to see Caroline dubbed with her dental degree in the Caird Hall.
Susan is moving over to the west coast to do her general professional training. She will spend one year in a dental practice in Forres, six months in Glasgow's dental school and then six months with the community dental service which could see her treating patients from a roving caravan in rural Ayrshire.
Susan said; "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at University. I found that studying here for six years has allowed me to achieve a great balance between academics and the social aspect of dental school. I am sad to be leaving University but excited to start my career at last. "
Susan's Mum, Dad, one set of grandparents and her brother Colin - who is a medical student at the University of Dundee will be celebrating her graduation with her on Thursday morning.