Tag: College of Dental Medicine

2nd Annual Honorable Esthetic Achievement Poster Student Award Competition at the College of Dental Medicine

Second Annual Honorable Esthetic Achievement Poster Student Award Competition at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. Simulation laboratory. March 10, 2021. Ambar Pagani, D.D.S. M.S; Arya Amini, D.D.S; Peter Pugliese, D.D.S; Elaine Lara, D.D.S.; Sharon Siegel, D.D.S, M.B.A; Sami Sheikh, student candidate c/o 2021; Christine Monir, student candidate c/o 2021; Ingrid Simon, student candidate c/o 2021; Duc Lee, student candidate c/o 2021; Steven Milhauser, D.D.S.; Liliana Mosquera, D.D.S., M.B.A.

The College of Dental Medicine held their Second Annual Honorable Esthetic Achievement Poster Student Award (HEAPS) Competition during the 2020 American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Day on March 10, 2021 in our simulation laboratory at the Davie main campus.

The poster competition was sponsored by the Department of Prosthodontics in coordination with the Cosmetics Club, under the leadership of Sharon C. Siegel, D.D.S, M.S, M.B.A, Professor and Chair; Liliana Mosquera, D.D.S, M.B.A, Assistant Professor, Faculty advisor for the Cosmetic Dentistry club; Steven Milhauser, D.D.S Adjunct Faculty and Cosmetics Club president, Mehrshad Yousefi, class of 2021 student candidate. The panel of judges included: Sharon Siegel, D.D.S, M.B.A; Ambar Pagani, D.D.S. M.S; Peter Pugliese, D.D.S; Arya Amini, D.D.S and Elaine Lara, D.D.S. There were 4 posters presented according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) Guidelines. After judging was completed, the selected poster presented by Duc Lee, class of 2020 student candidate, was selected as winner.

NSU College of Dental Medicine host Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awareness Week

Steven Kaltman, MD., dean of College of Dental Medicine, Hal Lippman, DDS., Executive Associate Dean of Operations and the Aryia Amini, DMD, Chair for Humanism and Diversity Community at College of Dental Medicine present the check to D3 Student, Krisha Amin for winning the Diversity Essay Competition

Last month, the NSU College of Dental Medicine’s Humanism and Diversity Committee honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and dedicated January 18-22, 2021 to “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awareness.” The goal of this week was to help emphasize the importance of maintaining and enhancing humanism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to provide educational information and opportunities for students, faculty, and staff members to get involved.

As part of this initiative, the Committee released its first eNewsletter and hung a “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” pledge banner at the entrance to the College of Dental Medicine. The banner was signed by students, faculty, and staff including Steven I. Kaltman, D.D.S., dean of the College of Dental Medicine. Signatures demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and a humanistic environment.

The Committee also held a Diversity Essay Contest, to increase awareness, promote understanding, and engage students in a discussion about how to foster diversity and inclusion within the dental community. This year’s essay winner was Krisha Amin, a third-year dental student. She was presented with a $500 check from Dean Kaltman, Hal Lippman, D.D.S., executive associate dean of operations for the College of Dental Medicine, and Aryia Amini, D.M.D., chair for the Humanism and Diversity Committee at the college.

The College of Dental Medicine also sponsored three students to participate in the annual ADEA Virtual Student Diversity Leadership Program (ADEA SDLP): Soline Pierre-Gilles, a first-year student, Zan Chaudhary, a second-year student, and Farina Shariati, a third-year student. As stated on their website, the ADEA SDLP “assists participants in the development of leadership skills so that they can better serve as leaders of inclusive excellence within their dental schools and allied programs and engage fully in a culturally competent complex global society.”

 

 

 

 

 

2020 Robert A. Uchin Award

Recently, two of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) past presidents had the opportunity to present an achievement in excellence award for the best postgraduate resident during his time at NSU College of Dental Medicine. Ironically, the award named the “Robert A. Uchin Award” was given to Alex Mehler, DMD by Robert Uchin, DDS himself (right), former dean at the college, joined by James L. Gutmann, DDS (left), present chair and postgraduate program director of endodontics at the college — both being past presidents of the AAE. Over the years, multiple past presidents have been involved with or are teaching at NSU, including the late Dr. Philip W. Cohen, and Drs. Samuel O. Dorn, Harmon R. Katz and Shep Goldstein, in addition to Drs. Uchin and Gutmann.

Dental Missions Treats over 1,000 Patients Abroad

While the summer season may call for time off from classes, labs and the daily view of teeth, members of the dental mission’s organization at the College of Dental Medicine spent the months of May and June providing oral care in underserved areas of the Caribbean.

The first trip of the year took place in May in the Dominican Republic where the elementary school, Ramon Matias Mella in Santo Domingo served as the practice location for our students and faculty. Check-ups, cleanings and extractions were led by our faculty with our students taking part under supervision.

For nearly a week our faculty and students were split into teams as they not only provided oral care but instructed the community on proper oral hygiene practices for long term health. Though the days were long and full of many responsibilities, students enjoyed not only providing care but seeing the beauty of the island. From interacting with the locals in and out of the practice to spending time at the beautiful Boca Chica beach the experience was one to remember as it concluded with CDM being able to provide care for over 531 patients, an experience that second year student Laura Suris will always be remembered.

“One of the best decisions was to go on this mission trip to the DR! We had an incredible group of passionate and dedicated professors and soon to be dentists! Thank you to the incredible people of the DR that trusted us and put in our hands their oral health care needs,” wrote Suris.

In the same way, the June mission trip to Jamaica was full of hard work, challenges and a chance for our students to get hands-on experiences. Our dental teams spent the week in Ocho Rios, Kingston and in local and historic places such as Saint Mary Parish in Port Maria.

While several students have previously been to the island on previous trips, second year dental student Darren Morgan has a special connection with the island as it has been a decade since last seeing his family in Jamaica. Morgan took to heart the chance to not only reunite with his grandmother and aunt but to have them see him in action performing dental work.

“I am beyond humbled by my time in Jamaica on our 10-day Mission Trip. In total, we treated 665 dental patients, including my grandmother and aunt. It had been over 10 years since I had last seen them. Having them see me in action was emotional on so many different levels. I am grateful to all who helped make this mission trip possible. Giving back to the country that my family calls home was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life thus far,” said Morgan.

CDM aims to continue its active tradition in participating in its yearly mission trips. Fundraisers, donations and our dedicated students and faculty continue to provide us with the tools and resources to give back in the best way possible, providing healthy smiles for those in need.

NSU American Student Dental Association Hosts Pre-Dental Weekend

Group photo the simulation lab as the weekend wrapped up with our participants.

The NSU chapter of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) hosted its annual pre-dental weekend giving aspiring dental students a glimpse of life in dental school.

As part of the many programs ASDA hosts, the pre-dental weekend aims to educate students in undergrad from the admission process to the daily routine of attending classes and labs. The weekend begins with tips on performing one’s best in mock interviews done by our faculty and event participants. Meeting the admissions committee, dean and a tour of the college wraps up the didactic portion of the event.

For many students it’s the hands-on session that gives them a feel of what dentistry is all about. Participants get a chance to enter our simulation lab where they get to make impressions, restorations and wire bending as they are assisted by ASDA members and faculty. The sessions allow students to test their skills and see if dentistry, especially NSU Dental is a right fit for them. For Bruna Garbin Paes de Barros a biomedical sciences major at the University of Central Florida the experience was one that made her never want to leave.

“Going to the pre-dental weekend at NSU was a memorable experience! Not only we got to meet dental students and the faculty, but we also got hands on some dental related projects in the Sim Lab. It was an excellent opportunity to grow and learn about this incredible profession we want to pursue,” said
Garbin Paes de Barros.

The pre-dental weekend is one of the many ways NSU ASDA gives back to the community. The organization takes pride in partaking in philanthropy events, advocating for dental causes in Tallahassee and hosting lunch and learn events furthering their dental knowledge. To see what the organization has been up to the past semesters check out their bi-annual magazine, NOVAcaine News.

NSU Endodontics Receives Diplomate and Research Awards

From left: Kenneth M. Hargreaves, D.D.S., Ph.D., editor of the Journal of Endodontics presenting the award for Basic Research: Biology to Taner C. Sayin, D.D.S., Ph.D., chair and associate professor at the NSU Department of Endodontics

The 2019 American Association of Endodontics (AAE) was one to remember as the Department of Endodontics at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine received awards for their new endodontic diplomates and biology research paper.

Montreal served as the hosts for the annual meeting where professionals in the field took part in four days of networking, seminars and interactive workshops showcasing the best in the field.

From left: Jason Foreman, D.D.S., Taner Sayin, D.D.S., Ph.D., chair and associate professor at the NSU Department of Endodontics, Mary E. Sorrentino D.M.D., and Geoffrey Sas, D.D.S.

As part of many events, one of the annual highlights included the pinning of the new diplomates. To receive diplomate status participants must complete written, case history and an oral examination.  This year marked a new record as 150 diplomates were inducted in the largest class size to date. NSU Endo is proud to have four members represented: Jason Foreman,D.D.S., Geoffrey Sas,D.D.S, Mary Sorrentino, D.M.D., and Department Chair Taner Sayin, D.D.S., at the Louis I. Grossman Ceremony.

The success carried over as the department achieved another win at the AAE with a Journal of Endodontics Award. The monthly publication aims to show the latest changes in the field with new practice methods, technology and case studies being a part of its monthly content. NSU Endo collaborated with peers, and current faculty including endo Post-Grad Director Michael Flax, D.D.S., M.S. and Endo Department Chair Taner Cem Sayin, D.D.S., Ph.D.

The department earned the award for their research biology paper in “Culture-Independent Characterization of the Microbiome of Healthy Pulp.” The research aims to test if healthy pulp lacks bacteria in which 10 patients took part in the study. DNA and RNA samples were taken from the pulp of each tooth resulting in evidence that bacteria DNA can still be detected in healthy teeth.

The NSU Endo Department continues to make great strides in the field from hosting its annual alumni congress in the spring, performing dental work abroad in Barcelona, Spain and launching its upcoming global project aiming to bring in several continuing education courses during the year to NSU.

Photos from left to right show steps taken to retrieve pulp sample. For step-by-step description see page three of the research report.

NSU Dental Congratulates its Student Life Achievement Awards winners

College of Dental Medicine celebrates its college student of the year and American Association of Women Dentists chapter for being honored at the 21st annual Student Life Achievement Awards (STUEYs).

Held every spring, the award ceremony aims to honor those who further a sense of campus community focusing on the best in academic excellence, student centered, integrity, innovation, opportunity, scholarship/research, diversity, and community.

From Left: Linda C. Niessen, D.M.D., M.P.H., dean and professor, College of Dental Medicine with CDM 2019 student of the year, Francesca Pietri.

The award for CDM 2019 student of the year went to fourth-year dental student Francesca Pietri for her great representation in what the college stands for in its goal of creating outstanding clinicians and leaders in their communities.

Pietri’s academic excellence is no stranger to NSU as the graduating fourth year carried the same work ethic when earning her bachelor’s in biology and master’s degree in biomedical sciences from NSU. Pietri was considered a top student in her classes as she developed the strong work ethic with the goal in mind of being a dentist.

Being a leader in the classroom, Pietri took on roles by serving on executive boards, college ambassador, class representative and giving back to the community in the annual Give Kids a Smile event and dental mission trips outside the country in which she provided dental care to those in need.

“I feel privileged to have been nominated by faculty, staff and peers to receive such recognition. However, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have been selected amongst all the students at CDM to receive the award! With graduation coming up, the STUEY has added even more excitement and gratitude to my family and I during this time…. without doubt, I’ve given it my all during my time at NSU, and really appreciate the recognition! I personally want to thank all those who took the time to submit my name for consideration, and especially to the committee for selecting me— I’m honored. Thank you!”

Members of the NSU Student Chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists receiving their award for Graduate Organization of the Year given by President George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D.

The second award received by the college went to the NSU Student Chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists for graduate organization of the year. The organization made up of predoctoral, postgraduates and faculty aims to advance, connect and enrich the lives of women dentists as stated in their mission.

“I would like to say that the NSU-CDM Student Chapter of AAWD is an amazing organization lead by dentistry’s women future leaders of tomorrow, with hearts of gold, a work ethic second to none and a vision of giving that bonds female in the dental profession. I am honored to be their faculty advisor as they inspire me every day,” said Sharon Siegel DDS, MS, MBA, professor, chair department of prosthodontics and NSU AAWD faculty advisor.

The NSU chapter took part in various philanthropic efforts throughout the year with participation in the AIDS Walk, Rock Run breast and ovarian cancer run and Feeding South Florida, an event in which the chapter raised over 883 pounds of food. The organization also lent their dental knowledge by hosting tutorials for predoctoral students and collaborating with brands such as Colgate in hosting oral hygiene events. Aside from an active community involvement NSU AAWD takes time for mentorship and fellowship opportunities to empower and support women in dentistry these efforts were led by Nicole Elia, NSU AAWD president and class of 2020 member.

“I have been a part of AAWD since my first year at Nova CDM. What inspired me to get involved in AAWD was how well rounded the organization was. Being a member of AAWD means taking part in community service activities, fundraisers, academic learning and teaching opportunities, and even much needed social events to take a breather from the busy curriculum of dental school. Being a member means building relationships with other women in the dental field and supporting one another in our endeavors. I’m proud to be a part of AAWD and all of the goals we have accomplished each year. The STUEY award was an incredible achievement and it was an honor to be recognized along with the other wonderful nominees. When people ask me about our organization, I tell them that we may be small (in number) but we are mighty! AAWD will continue to make great strides in the years to come,” said Elia.

 

NSU Dental Fraternity Hosts Seventh Annual Oral Cancer Walk

Members of the NSU Chapter of Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity presenting the check for $8,000 to the recipient of this year’s oral cancer treatment

The NSU Chapter of Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity (AO) concluded its seventh annual Oral Cancer 5K Run and Walk-a-Thon by raising $8,000 towards helping a designated oral cancer patient from the NSU oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic.

The annual event held near the end of March on NSU’s Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus served as a kick off for oral cancer awareness month in April. The public raised funds through donations and fees with those participating in the run/walk along with donations from yearly sponsors including Aspen Dental and Henry Schien. In effort to raise awareness for oral cancer AO offered free public oral cancer screenings performed by dental students and oral surgery residents at the event.

AO’s Oral Cancer 5K Run and Walk-a-Thon event was started by a fellow fraternity member who was diagnosed with oral cancer during dental school. Held every year since 2013 the chapter has raised funds, awareness and provided oral cancer screenings to those in attendance.

NSU Receives National Award For Dual Degree D.O./D.M.D. Program – First In The Country

Accepting the Gies Award are, from left, Delia Celestine, M.P.H. Ed.D., assistant dean, student and alumni affairs, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine; Elaine Wallace, D.O., dean, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine; Aaron Goodwin, D.O., D.M.D., 2015 graduate of the D.O./D.M.D. program; Linda C. Niessen, D.M.D., M.P.H., dean and professor, College of Dental Medicine; Abby Brodie, D.M.D., M.S., associate dean for academic affairs, College of Dental Medicine; and Bruce Donoff, D.M.D., M.D., dean and professor, Harvard School of Dental Medicine who introduced the NSU team

When Zachary Heller graduates in 2021, he will attend two commencement ceremonies—receiving his D.M.D. degree from the NSU College of Dental Medicine (CDM) and obtaining his D.O. degree from NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. These two degrees also will put Heller in an elite group of NSU graduates. Since its inception in 2007, only seven students have completed the D.O./D.M.D. dual-degree program, which is the  only program of its kind in the United States.

The innovative program helped NSU’s Colleges of Dental Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine earn the 2019 American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Gies Award for Innovation—Academic Dental Institution. The award honors individuals and organizations that exemplify the highest standards in oral health and dental education, research, and leadership. The award was presented in March during the annual American Dental Education Association meeting in Chicago, Illinois.

“The dual-degree graduates are truly pioneers with an NSU Edge, integrating oral and overall health. These graduates are developing new types of practices that integrate medical and dental care as they care for their patients. Some are practicing dentistry incorporating medicine into their practices, while others are practicing medicine and incorporating oral health into their practices,” said Linda C. Niessen, D.M.D., M.P.H., M.P.P., dean and professor of the CDM.

“The dual osteopathic medical/dental degree is ideal for our college. Our college mission is to serve the underserved. A high number of our graduates work in rural or underserved areas where knowledge and skill in both disciplines is a tremendous asset,” added Elaine M. Wallace, D.O., M.S.4, dean of the NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. “Our dual osteopathic medicine/dental graduates follow this course. Too few doctors realize the importance of the diseases of the mouth in the patient’s overall health care. Our dual students remind us to remember the importance of dental diseases in a patient’s well-being. We are extremely proud of these students and the work they do.”

The D.O./D.M.D. program launched in the fall of 2007 after 18 months of planning. Among the 35 U.S. colleges of osteopathic medicine, only NSU offers a D.O./D.M.D. program according to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. This unique curriculum enabled the CDM to create a D.M.D. advanced standing program for a physician interested in pursuing an oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) residency. OMFS residencies require a D.M.D. or D.D.S. to matriculate.

“The curriculum was the most challenging aspect for the program to create a role for those who want to go into inter-professional practice,” said Abby J. Brodie, D.M.D., M.S., associate dean for academic affairs and the curriculum architect on the dental degree side of the program.

According to Brodie, the dual-degree program does not favor one field of dentistry or medicine. “There’s much interconnection between oral health and systemic health. Osteopathic medicine treats the entire person, and dental health affects overall health,” she said.

The year-round, continuous program is rigorous, with a heavy course load. The six-year curriculum consists of basic science and dental courses in the first year; the study of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and other systems, as well as clinical practice, in the second year; while clinical rotations continue in year three. The dental curriculum resumes in year four; clinical dental courses, one-month medical electives, and a rotation in rural/underserved medicine make up year five; while year six is devoted to clinical dentistry and medical electives.

“It’s not a program for everyone,” Brodie admitted.

R. Bruce Donoff, D.M.D., M.D., dean, and Walter C. Guralnick, D.M.D., distinguished professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, were among those who nominated NSU for the award. “The (NSU) program is worthy of recognition by implementing change with the highest level of inter-professional education. This program succeeds in adding a new dimension to the education of the oral physician,” wrote Donoff, who added that Harvard is about to implement a dual degree “following the model established at Nova Southeastern University.”

Zachary Heller will be the eighth student to complete the dual degree. Alexander Powell also is enrolled in the program, which will make him the ninth dual-degree student when he graduates in 2023.

Heller said he is ready for the hard work—and future career benefits—the D.O./D.M.D. degrees will bring. “I am pursing a dual degree to become the best medical and dental practitioner possible. Having a dual degree will allow me to draw from a greater foundation of knowledge, which allows me to recognize and prevent complications before they arise,” said Heller, who plans to pursue postgraduate education, possibly in oral maxillofacial surgery.

“The oral cavity is the gateway to the body. Whether I choose to practice medicine or dentistry, everything starts in the oral cavity,” Heller added. “By having an understanding of both oral and systemic diseases, I will be able to provide a greater quality and more comprehensive level of care to my patients.”

The William J. Gies Awards for Vision, Innovation, and Achievement are named for William J. Gies, Ph.D., who is considered the “Father of Contemporary Dental Education and Research,” according to the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).

 

OKU welcomes newest members

 

The CDM’s Chi Psi chapter of the national dental honor society Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) welcomed its newest members: Ashley Beck, Michael S. DiSanto, Andrew M. Falestiny, Kalynn M. Foster, Jamie J. Gonzalez, Tiffany Lu, Brianna Mastrianni, Marjan Mirkheshti, Ashvi Mittal, Lily Nguyen, Kelli Orcutt, Derek S. Stallard, Shelby Willoughby, and Brandon L. Zipper.  Members consist of senior students from the scholastic top 20 percent of the class. The CDM’s Chi Psi Chapter was founded in 2000 as the honor society’s 68th chapter and has 200 members in the categories of alumni, honorary, and faculty.

1 … 5 6 7 8
Skip to toolbar