Lasting Impressions | Fall 2016

NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE © 17 CAD/CAM—computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing—is just one of the tools being used now to alter prosthodontics, which Siegel describes as “the eld of replacing missing parts.” Dentures and partial dentures, now called removable partial dental prostheses and xed partial dental prostheses, plus veneers, crowns, implants, and biomaterial, are all part of Siegel’s specialty. “We can now digitize information, and from that produce a crown or a denture. e patient doesn’t need to have an impression made for a crown. You just scan with a machine that takes pictures of the teeth and surrounding tissues, and that information goes to a machine where you mill the crown,” she explained. “We can make them right on-site. Dentistry is going digital; it’s de nitely more precise. To have it done in one appointment, without having a provi- sional or temporary put on your tooth, really is such a convenience. And this is a convenience-oriented society.” LEADING BY EXAMPLE e female dentists and students Siegel has befriended or mentored all warmly cite her support and her gi for leading by example. Wendy Hupp, D.M.D., met Siegel when both were national directors for the AAWD. Hupp, a former NSU faculty member who helped recruit both Siegels to South Florida, now teaches at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. She believes that Siegel has, through her work and leadership, tackled such common issues as the lack of equal pay and opportunities for women in academia, and the need for role models and mentors for younger women. “Her position as adviser to the AAWD student chapter allows the dental students to see that many opportunities are available to them, such as specialty training, research projects and funding, faculty positions, and having chil- dren,” Hupp said. Elaine D. Lara, D.D.S., who is now part of the department’s faculty, met Siegel when she was a third-year NSU prostho- dontics resident. Born in Venezuela, Lara was moved, but not surprised, when Siegel came to her naturalization ceremony— a moment she cherishes. “She once told me that getting to know me made her understand the e ort, and sometimes the struggle, of coming from a foreign country seeking an advanced education and a better future,” Lara said. Hope Marshall, a 2017 D.M.D. candidate at NSU and the past president of the Women’s Dental Society, said Siegel “has high expectations for her students and the quality of work that is submitted in the Simulation Lab and in the clinic with patients. She is passionate about continuing education,” Marshall said. “Dr. Siegel encour- aged me to pursue my dual master’s degree in public health while in dental school.” Htet Bo, D.M.D., also worked with Siegel when she served as president of NSU’s Women’s Dental Society. “She helps others succeed. She helped me apply to my pediatric dental residency and pushed me to believe in myself.” Siegel pointed out that she isn’t all work. She grows orchids, race walks, and loves to read. She and her husband share their home with two rabbits, Chadwick (a black-and- white English Spot) and Roxy (a peach-colored dwarf rabbit), who are litter box trained and have their own room. Life at NSU, she says, is just as satisfying. “Dr. Niessen is taking our school to the next level, with research and making connections with other aspects of dentistry. I see this as a young, forward-thinking institution,” Siegel said. “At NSU, the sky’s the limit.” As for getting a lifetime achievement award when she’s still deeply engaged in her career, Siegel feels honored to receive a national accolade named for Lucy Hobbs Taylor— the rst American woman to graduate from dental school. “When I accepted the award, I said, ‘ is is the greatest honor I could receive, since one of the visions for my life is to li women higher than myself, to have them step on my shoulders so they can rise higher,’ ” she said. “Lucy Hobbs Taylor encountered so many obstacles in reaching her goal. All women have the potential to impact other women in ways we don’t even know.” Opposite page: Sharon Crane Siegel, right, discusses treatment with a patient, assisted by her colleague, Elaine D. Lara.