Lasting Impressions | Fall 2015

18 © NSU LASTING IMPRESSIONS has donated more than $150,000 to local schools and has treated hundreds of children who, otherwise, could not afford orthodontic treatment. In doing so, Idiculla has formed partnerships with Kids in Need of Dentistry, The Colorado Orthodontic Foundation, TeamSmile, and others. He is also a clinical instructor at the Uni- versity of Colorado Health Science Center, Department of Orthodontics. Idiculla said small business owners such as himself, who by virtue of their hands-on contact with the com- munity, are uniquely qualified to set the example. “Any small business owner has a team, a team of 10, a team of 20, whatever it is,” Idiculla said. “And we can be invalu- able as coaches.” This kind of coaching has made an indelible mark on those with whom he works, according to Amanda Grenfell, 32, who has been on his team for seven years and is now one of his treatment coordinators. She first asked for a transfer from another dental office when she saw how much fun her patients were having whenever the orthodontist came in. He had a “very bubbly and positive personality,” she said, noting that he made the patients “feel special.” That was of course “Dr. I,” as they call him. In seven years, Grenfell found there was yet more to Dr. I’s philosophy. “In addition to the fun and hard work—Dr. I lectures around the world—what I take most from the experience is to have more of a philan- thropic heart,” she said. “It was something I didn’t grow up with.” As Idiculla said, “When we think back to a job or a team we were a part of, do we remember what we were paid? Or should we remember something else? I always want to inspire my team to do bigger and bet- ter things. It’s the magic of our practice. Teeth, to me, are just the medium, my ship to something greater,” he added. The ship he guides at i-Orthodontics includes dental assistants, clinical assistants, and clerical staff for the five locations. In 2011, the Denver Business Journal , included him in a “40 Under 40” list. Then 33, he told them that when he interviews job candidates, he focuses on personality as well as skill level. As for his own know-how, Idiculla credited it to growing up in Philadelphia, where he said he learned to walk fast, talk fast, and work fast. It’s not difficult to see why people consider this an exceptional practice. The city magazine in Den- ver— 5280 (named for the city’s elevation)—has chosen Idiculla “Top Orthodontist” every year since the prac- tice started. He was chosen by a vote of his peers, both dentists and orthodontists. Idiculla said he looks forward to seeing NSU alumni in Denver at a gathering at the upcoming American Dental Association (ADA) convention in 2016. And, he also looks forward to this year’s service in Kolkata. On his last trip, he said they went to five different slums to treat the untouchables. “It was incredible. Never underestimate the power of physical touch in this world,” Idiculla said. “Just imag- ine if you were never allowed to be touched by someone else?” Certainly something to ponder. “I cannot wait to return and hug every one of them.” u Anil J. Idiculla was hon- ored with NSU’s prestigious Alumni of Distinction Award In 2011. He believes in a commitment to com- munity service. Alumni Impressions