NSU CDM Lasting Impressions Fall 2018

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 41 Members of the NSU chapter of the Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity (AO) run for their patients. Of course, some also walk. But no matter how they reached the finish line during the Sixth Annual Oral Cancer Awareness 5K Run and Walk-a-Thon, the goal was the same—to raise money to help support care for a patient. This year, AO raised more than $12,000 during the 5K held on NSU’s Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus. That’s more funds than the organization expected it would raise toward patient treatment. AO initially printed an oversized check for $10,000, but ended up receiving a larger turnout than anticipated, resulting in unforeseen funds from registration fees and donations. More than 350 people—and a few canines—turned out for the 5K. The event benefited Samin Nuhin, a 16-year-old girl who visited her local orthodontist for a consultation about getting braces. During her consultation, the orthodontist observed an aggressive lesion in her lower right mandible. She eventually was referred to the NSU CDM oral and maxillofacial department, where a biopsy report revealed her diagnosis of ameloblas- toma. She underwent a series of surgical procedures to eradicate the disease and reconstruct her tissues. Members of the NSU Alpha Omega Executive Board met with the patient several times during her treatment. They were inspired by her calm collectedness and firm resolve to pursue surgical treatment. “She and her family were ecstatic when they learned of Alpha Omega’s annual OC5K community initiative,” said Jiten Solanki, a member of the class of 2019. The 5K began at the Alvin Sherman Library with a welcome from Christopher Robertson, representing the event’s title sponsor, Aspen Dental. At the finish line, participants were cheered on by leaders of AO and the HPD Asian Student Association, which helped organize the event, and mascot Timmy the Tooth. The 5K concluded with a brief ceremony featuring congratulations from the event’s key sponsors, includ- ing Allen Ressler from the Alpha Omega Foundation, Gabi Cabrera from Henry Schein, and Christopher Robertson from Aspen Dental, as well as from Linda C. Niessen, D.M.D., M.P.H., M.P.P., dean and professor of the NSU CDM. Nuhin, the patient beneficiary, presented the gold and silver medals to 5K champion Luis F from Brazil, who finished in 17 minutes, and to class of 2020’s Rafael Martinez, who came in a close second. In addition to the 5K, oral cancer screenings, performed by dental students and oral surgery residents, were offered during the event. Alpha Omega, the oldest international Jewish medical organization, was founded in 1907 by dental students at the University of Maryland to fight discrimination. Today, the organization has more than 100 alumni and student chapters in 10 countries, and welcomes members of all religions and ethnicities. The CDM’s AO chapter is a tight-knit group of dedicated dental students, instructors, and profession- als who promote oral health, networking, activism, and academics through community-based activities. Projects the AO’s 120 members have worked on during 2018 include collecting and coordinating 400 cans of food to benefit the victims of the volcano eruption disaster in Guatemala, visiting schools to teach children the importance of brushing their teeth, and hosting periodic tutoring sessions to help CDM students succeed in the dental education curriculum. In spring 2016, the CDM’s chapter had 30 members who graduated, making it one of the organization’s largest graduating classes in the country. “Many of the CDM faculty members belonged to the AO when they were in dental school,” said Solanki, who also worked on the 2016 and 2017 5Ks. “Common ground like belonging to the same fraternity helps us to engage with the professors and other professionals on a deeper level.” u BY OLINE H. COGDILL for Treatment ALPHA OMEGA DENTAL FRATERNITY CONTINUES 5K FUND-RAISER