Lasting Impressions | Fall 2015

2 © LASTING IMPRESSIONS Community is one of NSU’s Core Values, and a major part of the CDM’s vision statement. So it is no surprise to see our students, faculty members, and alumni focused on improving the oral health of their communities, as illus- trated in this issue of Lasting Impressions . The article on public health shows how students and faculty members apply a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree to their particular field of dentistry. Pursuing an M.P.H. degree along with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree is what I call the “gifted and talented” program for dental students. Our NSU Mission United partnership with the United Way of Broward County led us to discover that many veterans needed dental care. As a result, the Atlantic Coast District Dental Society and the Broward County Dental Society joined with us to successfully improve veterans’ oral health. This program would not be possible without the generous contributions of time and talent by local dentists. We also highlight how our team-leader model of clinical instruction enhances the education and professional growth of third- and fourth- year dental students. Additionally, Lasting Impressions introduces a few of the CDM’s student leaders, alumni, and faculty and staff members—all of whom demonstrate a community approach to their professional roles. Finally, I am saddened to report that Seymour Oliet, D.D.S., found- ing dean of the NSU College of Dental Medicine, died in August. We pay tribute to Dr. Oliet’s dedication and the scholarship created to honor his commitment to dental education. The engagement and enthusiasm of the CDM community provide a sense of energy I feel each day when I enter the College of Dental Medicine. As I complete my second year as dean, I continue to be hon- ored to serve in this role. I am humbled by the accomplishments of our students, faculty members, and alumni as they work tirelessly to improve the health of the people they are privileged to serve. Linda C. Niessen, D.M.D., M.P.H., M.P.P. Dean and Professor College of Dental Medicine Nova Southeastern University Message from the Dean NSU Lasting Impressions is produced by NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S College of Dental Medicine 3200 South University Drive Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2018 HEALTH PROFESSIONS DIVISION Frederick Lippman , R.Ph., Ed.D. HPD Chancellor DEAN Linda C. Niessen , D.M.D., M.P.H., M.P.P. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Bart Whitehead , D.M.D., M.Ed., e M.B.A. Assistant Dean, Professional Development CDM ALUMNI SOCIETY ADVISORY BOARD Amir Akhavan , 2014; Timothy Case , 2001; Daniel Crossen , 2011; Karen McKenzie , 2007; Ashley Millstein , 2011; Liz Montero , 2011; Michelle Palmer-Español , 2010; Chris Phelps , 2003; Pamela Steiger , 2012; Chris (Steven) Villanueva , 2004 MANAGING EDITOR Oline H. Cogdill ART DIRECTOR Susan Tischenkel-Hayward , Associate Director/ Senior Graphic Designer, Office of Publications OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS Ron Ryan , Director Sheryl Koral , University Editor Carol Reynolds-Srot , Associate Editor/Copywriter Roberta Harris , Graphic Production Manager NSU Impressions lasting NSU Lasting Impressions welcomes your letters, comments, and suggestions. Please send them to Bart Whitehead at walbert@nova.edu . Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, doctorate, and professional degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Nova Southeastern University. Nova Southeastern University admits students of any race, color, sex, age, nondisqualifying disability, religion or creed, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school, and does not discriminate in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, schol- arship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. 06-053-15SAT F O L L O W N S U