---

“The education we get in school is just the beginning. If we build our skills and knowledge early in our careers, imagine how many more people we’re able to serve with those new skills.”

---

Gresham Dental Group, Gresham, Oregon

Before even graduating dental school, Yelisey Gurzhuy, DMD, was already making his mark on organized dentistry. As a student at Oregon Health & Science University, he worked behind the scenes as an assistant for the Oregon AGD MasterTrack program, gaining early exposure to advanced clinical education and professional mentorship. That experience set the tone for his career.

“Even during the packed curriculum of dental school, I wanted more,” Gurzhuy said. “I wanted to learn as much clinical dentistry as I could to hit the ground running when I graduated. I wanted to be the best I could be for my future patients.”

Now serving as president-elect of Oregon AGD, Gurzhuy continues to champion lifelong learning and professional growth for young dentists. His passion for continuing education (CE) guides both his practice philosophy and his leadership approach. 

“The education we get in school is just the beginning,” he said. “If we build our skills and knowledge early in our careers, imagine how many more people we’re able to serve with those new skills.”

Through years of hands-on CE and mentorship, Gurzhuy has developed a comprehensive approach to patient care that blends clinical excellence with compassion. 

“When we’re given a gift or talent, it’s our responsibility to practice it to the best of our ability and use it to serve those around us,” he said.

Gurzhuy hopes to inspire more students and new dentists to discover the professional and personal fulfillment that comes from involvement in organized dentistry. 

“I’ve been so blessed by AGD,” he said. “Now it’s my turn to give back by helping others see that there’s so much more to this wonderful profession.”