NSU Horizons Fall 2017

43 NSU HORIZONS U she became a resident in the general practice residency from 1997 to 1998. While she always had a desire to work with children, it was only when she arrived in the United States that the reality of becoming a pediatric dentist really took hold. “Pediatric dentistry is a true specialty in the United States,” she explained. “In other countries, it is not as recognized. Most people just take their children to a general dentist.” But Rolland-Asensi felt that children with more intensive needs, such as those with autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, or other medical conditions, should be treated by a dentist who had a specific knowledge of children’s dental medicine. After she learned about the hospital’s affiliation with UF, and its pediatric residency, she applied and was accepted into the program. She graduated from the UF pediatric dentistry residency in 2000. “However, to practice dentistry in the state of Florida and obtain a dental license, you must have a United States degree,” Rolland-Asensi explained. If she had to go to dental school all over again, she knew Nova Southeastern University was the perfect choice. “It was super new, and the equipment was modern,” Rolland- Asensi said. She was accepted into the CDM’s International Program for Dental Graduates in 2000 and received her D.M.D. degree in 2003. ACKNOWLEDGES INFLUENCES Rolland-Asensi credits mentors, such as CDM faculty member Rashondia W. Gaines, D.D.S., for helping her succeed. “Dr. Gaines made me see the light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. She gratefully acknowledges the CDM for giving her an opportunity to be part of the school. “[They] let me study there, and let me get an American degree, so I could work in this country. I’ll never forget that.” Rolland- Asensi also credits her husband, now the operations manager of her private practice, as being instrumental in her success. “I couldn’t do what I do without him,” she said. In her elected position, she feels that her passion for pediatric dentistry may hopefully inspire others. “This specialty gives you the chance to be funny all day. Kids are very genuine, and they don’t have filters,” she said. “I feel comfortable working around them. I’d have to be more serious if I was treating adults.” According to Rolland-Asensi, there is another aspect to working with children that adds more to the specialty. “There is psychology involved, too. You have to take the time to help children who are afraid and let them know that everything is going to be okay,” she explained. “The most gratifying part of my job is at the end of a procedure, when the child gets down from the dental chair and gives you a big hug. Adults—well, most anyway—don’t do that.” n Gabriela Aurora Rolland-Asensi maintains her own practice while continuing as chief of the dentistry department at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami.