Lasting Impressions | Fall 2015

NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE © 15 education and learn vital skills, which will be valuable to our students when they reach private practice,” said Verga, a fourth-year dental student set to graduate in May 2016. “The College of Dental Med- icine focuses on teaching students the most relevant technologies available,” added Verga, who is applying for orthodontic residencies. The purchase of DSLR cameras, optimized for den- tistry (with macro lenses and ring flashes), allows stu- dents to obtain images with greater clarity and color accuracy. Furthermore, the new intra-oral cameras are wand-like devices that display a live image on a com- puter screen. This technology can be used to communi- cate issues that are difficult to illustrate to patients. In clinic, CDM third- and fourth-year students are divided into eight teams. Each team is overseen by two faculty leaders, and each of the four intra-oral cameras will be shared by two teams. Amandeep Chadda, a third-year dental student, has a DSLR camera for his personal use and is thrilled that he and his fellow students will be able to use these advanced tools in clinic. “I am excited that we will get to use the skills we will need when we enter private den- tistry,” said Chadda, a native of Daytona Beach, who is set to graduate in May 2017 and hopes to have a career in general dentistry. “This will be so much better for everybody—students and patients. For the students, this will help greatly in the communication of data and the collection of data. Photography is very rich, able to quickly discern subtle differences in tooth color, for example,” said Chadda. “Ultimately, if we take good clinical photos, we can go back and measure things in a more standardized and reliable way. This will help us deliver a better product to our patients.” The technology will help patients manage their own health care. “Instead of telling a patient what is going on in his or her mouth, we can show them,” Chadda said. “Photography is a powerful tool to convey information.” A clinical photography programwill instruct students on using the cameras. Second-year students generally get an online seminar for photography and a PowerPoint presentation from a professor. Hands-on training begins with second-year students taking pictures of each other. Stanley Hack, D.D.S., assistant professor at the CDM and the course director of the clinical photography pro- gram, said the cameras’ costs are often beyond the reach of dental students. “This initiative to obtain modern equipment is to be greatly admired,” said Hack, who has organized large seminars on the subject in his native South Africa. Verga believes students will benefit from Hack, who will tailor his NSU course to the new technology. “Dr. Hack has a passion for photography and a wealth of experience. We will be learning a vital skill, which we will use for years to come,” said Verga. Funding for student organizations and professional development opportunities come from NSU SGA alloca- tions, student-organized fund-raising, and generous donations. To assist CDM student activity fund-raising endeavors, the Pay It Forward Fund was created. A gift to the Pay It Forward Fund assists the college in providing financial assistance for student activities and student travel to professional meetings. The Pay It For- ward Fund is designated only for supporting dental and specialty graduate program student activities. To learn more about the program, contact the CDM Alumni Relations Office at (954) 262-1495; for online donations, visit www.nova.edu/giving . u Opposite page,Alex Verga, president of the CDM’s Student Government Associ- ation, spearheaded the purchase of DSLR cameras for clinical use by third- and fourth-year dental students.Above,Verga demonstrates the camera’s use to dental students Jared Gibby, left, and Kyle Aten.