Lasting Impressions | Fall 2017

The CDM’s emphasis on cutting- edge technology inspired Theodore Chamberlain to expand the digital dentistry technology at his own office. NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE © 47 The CDM’s annual White Coat Ceremony officially welcomes new dental students to the college. This year, the CDM welcomed 125 students to the incoming class of 2021 and 8 international dental graduates to the class of 2020. The students accepted their white coats as a symbol of the dental profes- sion and recited the oath that defined their new professional responsibilities to enter NSU’s College of Dental Medicine. Ceremony 2017 White Coat 46 © NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Facebook contact with his “little brother,” who is now in his late teens. During his postdoctoral general practice residency at The Ohio State University, Chamberlain took part in the Special Olympics Dental Workshop, providing dental screenings and treatment to special needs patients. “There were 16 residents, plus faculty members. People would come from all around the state for treatment, because there aren’t many dental offices that have general anesthesia widely available for patients who need it,” he said. Chamberlain also participates in The Arc Tampa Bay— an organization dedicated to serving people with intellec- tual and developmental disabilities—and the Skip Cline Society, which is made up of professionals who share an interest in advancing the future of health care through support for the not-for-profit hospitals of Morton Plant Mease in the Tampa Bay area. In addition to his busy practice and community involve- ment, Chamberlain and his wife, Lauren, who owns several Pure Barre fitness studios, have two children—Elle, 2, and Steele, 1. For fun, Chamberlain enjoys exercise and golf. He still keeps his connections to the CDM. His practice and community involvement earned Chamberlain the NSU 2016 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. The honor recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to their professions and communities and are committed to advancing the university’s values and goals. The award is the most prestigious honor NSU presents its graduates. “Ted was a first-rate student from the first day of classes. His warm personality and eagerness to learn was always welcomed in the lab and clinics,” said Harvey A. Quinton, D.D.S., professor in the CDM’s Department of Cariology and Restorative Dentistry. When he looks back on his time at the College of Dental Medicine, Chamberlain remembers a school with cut- ting-edge technology and recalls the college getting its first CAD/CAM (computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing) technology during 2010. His own office added one this year, expanding the digital dentistry technology world and allowing him to make in-office crowns, skipping the “yucky impressions” and two-week waits for a finished crown. For current CDM students, he recommends cultivat- ing a love for the profession and a passion for the field. “But, also remember to enjoy every minute with your classmates. I have forged my strongest friendships with my dental classmates and talk to them on a daily basis,” he said. “I think there is something to be said about overcoming a challenge, such as dental school, and then receiving the satisfaction of graduating together in the end. It makes your friendship that much stronger and meaningful.” u Alumni Impressions