NSU CDM Impressions Fall/Winter 2019

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 19 WHAT LED YOU INTO DENTISTRY? REACH : Dentistry was a very personal choice for me after seeing the work my own orthodontist and dentist were able to achieve in my mouth to help completely transform my smile and self-esteem. I’ve always enjoyed the instant gratification of seeing an immediate change in my patients and witnessing their own self-esteem and oral health changes. After my first set of braces went on in fourth grade, I knew I wanted to go into this profession to help more kids and adults achieve these same drastic results in life. ETCHEVERRY : At a very early age, I had two experi- ences that put me on the track of dentistry and revealed to me the tremendous impact dentists have over their patients’ lives. The first was my personal battle with my significantly misaligned teeth, requir- ing a series of serious orthodontic procedures before age seven. I look back at my pictures before the procedures and see a little girl lacking confidence and afraid to smile. The second experience was much more traumatic. A friendly game of tag with my older brother turned into a rush to the dentist’s office to save his front teeth after he tripped over a backpack and went headfirst into the bedpost. I remember him covering his mouth, and when he removed his hands, his teeth were gone. To this day, his teeth marks remain in the bedpost. His self-esteem was shattered. It took a long time for my brother to get over this experience. I went with him to the dentist and observed the entire procedure. The dentist’s ability to reattach his teeth fascinated me. I was hooked. I love the responsibility, working with patients, and learning. I didn’t know it then, but that was the start of what will be a lifelong commitment to the profession. BATRES : It is a career that is gratifying and rewarding. Dentistry serves the community and can change many people’s lives by applying medicine and artistic skills. NACHUM : I wanted a profession that combined helping others and being creative. In dentistry, I have the opportunity to promote and improve dental health through assisting patients in sculpt- ing a healthy smile. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE FUTURE OF DENTISTRY REACH : Dentistry is starting to make leaps and bounds into the future with all of the new tech- nology that has come into play. The future of dentistry looks to be more sophisticated— switching alginate impressions to digital scans and microstone models to 3-D printed ones. Even crowns are evolving to be made in office with milling machines vs. sending them out to the lab to be created. ETCHEVERRY : One of the most attractive aspects of the field is that it is constantly evolving. Embracing technology as an integral part of dental care is key to success in the future of dentistry. It is vital to be educated in the latest equipment. Digital dentistry, CAD/CAM (computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing), and im- plants have improved the quality of dental care and product effectiveness. BATRES : With so many technological advance- ments, the dental field is gaining more understand- ing of disease progression. Rather than treating disease, dentistry can focus on prevention. By further understanding the progression of disease, dentistry can develop and implement more evi- dence-based treatments. NACHUM : Dentistry continues to evolve and improve patient care and comfort. Through research and technology, dentistry improves quality of life and aesthetics. u “ I wanted to be an advocate for student needs and concerns, while helping to find solutions to address those concerns.” —MELISSA BATRES