Bedford resident Matthew J. Backs took a permanent place in the history of the IU School of Dentistry as the school celebrated its 133rd graduation this year.
Backs was awarded the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree May 12 during Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis commencement ceremonies.
Backs graduated with high distinction and was inducted into Theta Theta Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honor society.
The IU School of Dentistry Classes of 2013 were composed of 229 students from 19 U.S. states and territories and 14 nations. Students have graduated from Indiana’s dental school every year since 1880 except for 1920, the year the school’s predecessor, the Indiana Dental College, transitioned from a three- to a four-year dental program.