Lasting Impressions | Fall 2016

NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE © 9 e purpose of the Periodontics Honors program is to provide select students with more advanced knowledge and clinical experience in periodontal surgical therapy.” During the honors program experience, the students perform various resective and regenerative surgeries. “ ese surgeries are procedures residents usually perform,” said Saltz with pride. “It’s a very special honor I have strived for since my rst year.” POSTGRADUATE PROCEDURES Ambrose agreed that it is a one-of-a-kind learning experience to be part of the honors program. “Periodontists are surgeons, but they are still very much involved with everyday dentistry,” she explained. “By o ering students the chance to take part in the honors course, students have the opportunity to perform procedures that would otherwise be done in a postgraduate setting.” Students in the Department of Periodontology are also given the opportunity to participate in research projects. In some cases, they work with faculty members spearhead- ing clinical trials. Currently, eo los Koutouzis, D.D.S., is working on two clinical trials, one of which is evaluating the e ect of abutment macro-design on so - and hard-tissue responses, while William Parker, D.D.S., serves as principal investigator for a multicenter study that involves evaluating abutments on implants from four manufacturers. “ ree projects are usually the average number we are working on,” said Hernandez. “We are always looking for an opportunity for research.” While not all faculty members in the department do research, Hernandez said about 50 percent are actively involved in research-related endeavors. “Every single resident we have enrolled in our program is paired with a mentor,” she said. “Between the resident and the mentor, they usually design a research project that the resident implements. We’ve been presenting these projects in national and international meetings with much success.” Hernandez believes that residents who enter the eld a er being part of the CDM’s Department of Periodontology have a well-rounded education, which makes them better prepared to become periodontics specialists. “While the school is strong on academics, the student-centered approach to the department, in tandem with how the faculty members interact as team players, sets an example for students,” she said. “ ey see how we help and respect each other, and they follow that lead.” e students agree. “Faculty members and residents are highly approachable and actually engage students in various discussions about cases of interest,” Ambrose said. e triple-threat approach is what DeLuca found the most valuable. “Some periodontal programs focus on academics, research, or clinical practice. We have highly knowledgeable and accomplished faculty members for our literature and academics, as well as internationally respected and talented clinical faculty members. e culture of the program fosters a sense of mutual learning among residents and creates an encouraging educational environment. NSU was my number one pick for dental school, and I am glad it was.” Opposite page: CDM professor Isaac Garazi, D.M.D., left, discusses a patient’s oral health with second-year periodontics resident David Garazi, his son. Left: Second-year periodontics resident Dana Al-Hashimi examines a patient.