Lasting Impressions | Fall 2014

NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE © 29 where you practice, when you start a family,” said Watts, who wants to be able to devote part of his professional time to treating low-income patients. The legislation that Watts and his colleagues are advocating would reduce the interest rates on student loans, make interest on educational debt tax deductible, and forgive loans for some dental students and residents working in underserved areas after they graduate. The ASDA also is work- ing with local dental societies to increase the num- ber of scholarships for students. With 21,000 members headed for professional careers, the ASDA is the largest student-run organi- zation in the country and can command a certain amount of attention from legislators. The CDM’s group has 400 members and is one of the largest chapters. Before the Washington trip, fellow CDM student Casey Lynn, who also is president of NSU’s ASDA chapter, visited state legislators in Tallahassee on a similar mission. Legislators made no promises, but Watts came home cautiously optimistic. “We got some positive responses,” said Watts, who received his bachelor’s degree in exercise science and physiology with minors in chemistry and psychology from Florida State University in 2011. His sister supports his political work. “My brother embodies leadership; he is a role model for others. He knows how to uphold high ethical and moral principles and relate them to others,” said Vanessa Watts. “There’s a gap between classes, and he goes to Washington, and takes the time to come back and share these experiences and inform others.” The siblings grew up in Delray Beach with a mother who emphasized health and nutrition. Their mother, Michelle Amiel, the daughter of Moroccan immigrants, works as a treatment coordi- nator/consultant in the Delray Beach dental office of Craig Spodak, D.M.D. From an early age, brother and sister understood the values of family loyalty and hard work. “We never came from wealth. We learned to work for everything we wanted, to provide for our fami- lies,” said Vanessa Watts, 27, who is now gearing up for four more years in her chosen specialty, oral and maxillofacial surgery. The brother and sister joke about which one of them first decided to become a dentist. They recently bought a house together and are best friends. “We always want to be a part of each oth- er’s lives and work together,” said Vanessa Watts. Both have traveled to other countries on mission trips to provide dental care. Each has a strong desire to provide dental education and more care to those who need it most. Vanessa Watts’ plan is to spend part of the year work- ing with her brother and the rest on more mission trips. Her training will allow her to tackle severe problems such as jaw reconstruction for cleft palates, traumas, and other conditions. “I’m a firm believer in using the gifts you have to help others,” said Vanessa Watts, who would like to join, or set up a program similar to, Doctors Without Borders. Like his sister and many of his colleagues, Watts has determined that it is not enough just to be a good dentist. He realizes that his responsibilities extend to improving dental health in the commu- nity, and beyond that, to affecting legislation. “Jason’s really aware of where he fits into the community and that you’re supposed to give back. He has figured out the balance,” said Thomas Dwork, D.M.D., associate professor and Jason Watts’ clinical team leader. “Jason is intense and intentional,” said Craig Spodak, D.M.D., a Delray Beach dentist and his mother’s boss. “He is focused on achieving goals, and not just financial goals, but goals that include love, friendship, and physical health. He has a bal- ance in his life, academically and physically. He’s very generous with his emotions, and he is bright, motivated, and passionate. It will be a pleasure to watch him flourish.” u “[Jason] is interested in having a positive impact on his profession.” —Jeffrey Thompson