Lasting Impressions | Fall 2014

NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE © 33 seeing the great impact you can have on their quality of life,” he said. “A patient came in with excruciating pain, due to an abscess. The pain was not only affecting his eating, but was severely impacting his confidence levels as well,’’ said Dale. “The problem with an abscess is that it is very acidic in nature, and lidocaine … has little effect. This patient endured his medical treatment with no assistance from painkillers. He only had the hands of two volun- teers to hold to get him through the pain. After the surgery, he expressed his joy for what we did, and said that it has helped him get back to a normal life.” For students, it’s this connection with patients that’s every bit as important as learning the dental techniques. “The first thing the students think when they enroll for the mission trip is about what they are going to gain expertise-wise,” said Antonio Godoy, D.D.S., assistant professor of prosthodontics at the CDM. He helped lead the recent trip to the Dominican Republic. “Once they realize the human component of the patient-dentist relationship (that they are reducing pain in these people) and that they need their classmates for their knowledge and expertise,” Godoy said, “then a change begins to occur in their conduct, professionally as well as personally… . They realize they must function as a team.” Godoy added, “[students then] feel more mature, they discover that soon they will be health professionals; that they can cure and produce an effect on the community.” The medical trips can teach all of that, he said, and help students find a direction to pursue after graduation. The students agree with Godoy’s assessment. “When I was working in our clinic in Jamaica, I saw so many children,” said Dale. “Children whose parents could not provide them with a toothbrush, children whose parents couldn’t take care of them, and children with mental disabilities who had been dropped off at a day care for others to watch. The experience not only solidified my desire to pursue pediatrics, but also to find a way to care for those children with disabilities.” Pan added, “I learned that I’m in the right profession. That beyond the rigorous and tough curriculum at my dental school, all of that hard work pays off when I see my patient’s joyful reaction.” Aylmer had a similar experience. “Although I vol- unteered in high school and as an undergraduate for different organizations, it wasn’t until this mission trip to the (Dominican Republic) that I felt like I had some- thing that not many other people could offer. As we started the planning of the trip, I realized how significant an impact we would have.” Soni said he is even more invested in his future career. “The satisfaction of knowing you’re providing a much-needed service is very comforting, and reassures me that I chose a good profession. I plan to continue to do these types of trips throughout my career and en- courage others to do so as well.” As an educator, Ede-Nichols believes these students’ experiences are proof that these trips solidify their learn- ing experiences. “I’m always amazed and pleased by how the students step up and you don’t have to push or instruct them to do so,” said Ede-Nichols. “They step up and do the right thing. They’re willing to work very hard; it’s really impressive. You find out about their true grit. You don’t do these kinds of missions if your heart’s not in it. It’s too hard.” u CDM students Melissa Smiley, left, and Chelsea Sands assist a patient.