Lasting Impressions | Fall 2015

16 © NSU LASTING IMPRESSIONS Alumni Impressions One of Colorado’s most recognized and successful orthodontists said, “Teeth are fine, but I love the real meaning that I find in my job.” That may seem a little inscrutable unless you know more about Anil J. Idiculla, D.M.D., who graduated from NSU’s School of Dental Medicine in 2004. If you do, it makes perfect sense. “I was always premed,” he said, “until one summer when I got a chance to shadow my aunt, a pediatric dentist, and my uncle, a periodon- tist.” Idiculla thought at the time: “This is pretty sweet, to get to lead a team of employees.” So now Idiculla has his own teams, and he is elated. He has his team of 13 who staff his five state-of-the-art orthodontic centers in Colorado. He has teams of children (patients), who he coaches about their dental health, and, most importantly, philanthropy. “Teachers get 50 kids for a year, but I’m given 80 kids a day,” Idiculla said. “And it’s not just about their smiles, but it’s the chance to be a true role model, to make an impact on their lives.” There are also the teams from his staff who are going out every month to volunteer at schools. And finally, the Philadelphia-raised orthodontist with Indian roots has the team that he leads to Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India, each year. There, he dispenses free dental care to “untouchables.” The two-week program, organized by his church and for which he raises funds, typically encounters scores of the poorest of the poor who have never been seen by a dentist. For Alumnus, Giving Back Is Part of His Practice BY JOHN DOLEN Anil J. Idiculla’s concern for his patients has earned him the title “Top Orthodontist” by the Denver city magazine 5280 for several years.