Lasting Impressions | Fall 2016

38 © NSU LASTING IMPRESSIONS Alumni Impressions she explained. “In other countries, it is not as recog- nized. Most people just take their children to a general dentist.” But Rolland-Asensi felt that children with more intensive needs, such as those with autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, or other medical conditions, should be treated by a dentist who had a speci c knowledge of children’s dental medicine. A er she learned about the hospital’s a liation with the University of Florida and its pediatric residency, she was accepted into the program. She graduated from the UF pediatric dentistry residency in 2000. “However, to practice dentistry in the state of Florida and obtain a dental license, you must have a United States degree,” Rolland- Asensi explained. BACK TO SCHOOL If she was going to have to go to dental school all over again, she knew Nova Southeastern University was the perfect choice. “It was super new, and the equipment was modern,” Rol- land-Asensi recalled. She was accepted into the CDM’s International Program for Dental Graduates in 2000 and received her D.M.D. degree in 2003. “It was di cult to go back to dental school, because I had already gone through school and was already a dentist,” she said. “I had also graduated in pediatric dentistry and knew that was what I wanted to do, so having to see adults again and do dentures and all those things was hard for me.” Rolland-Asensi credits sympathetic mentors, such as CDM faculty member Rashondia W. Gaines, D.D.S., for helping her to succeed. “Dr. Gaines made me see the light at the end of the tunnel. Some of my other instructors, who knew I was just there to get my dental degree so I could practice what I loved, were so involved that they made it easy for me,” she said. She gratefully acknowledges the CDM for giving her an opportunity to be “part of the school, let me study there, and let me get an American degree so I could work in this country. I’ll never forget that.” Rolland- Asensi said her husband, who is now the operations manager of her private practice, was also instru- mental in her success. “I couldn’t do what I do without him,” she admitted. In her elected position, she feels that her passion for pediatric dentistry may hopefully inspire others. “ is specialty gives you the chance to be funny all day. Kids are very genuine, and they don’t have lters,” she said. “I feel comfortable working around them. I’d have to be more serious if I was treating adults.” According to Rolland-Asensi, there is another aspect to working with children that adds more to the specialty. “ ere is psychology involved, too. You have to take the time to help children who are afraid and let them know that everything is going to be okay,” she explained. “ e most gratifying part of my job is at the end of a procedure, when the child gets down from the dental chair and gives you a big hug. Adults—well, most anyway—don’t do that.” “This specialty gives you the chance to be funny all day. Kids are very genuine, and they don’t have filters. I feel comfortable working around them. I’d have to be more serious if I was treating adults.” —Gabriela Aurora Rolland-Asensi Continued from previous page