NSU CDM Lasting Impressions Fall 2018

48 | COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE Two CDM alumni were honored by the Florida Dental Association (FDA) during the 2018 Florida Dental Convention in Orlando. Irene Marron-Tarrazzi, D.M.D., M.S., a 2003 alumna, was named 2018 Dentist of the Year, while Jordan Harper, D.M.D., a 2015 graduate, was awarded the New Dental Leader Award. Marron-Tarrazzi was recognized for her commit- ment and leadership to the dental profession. In her 14 years of membership, she has served as second vice president of the American Dental Association (ADA), president of the South Florida District Dental Associa- tion, treasurer of the FDA Political Action Committee, and as a member of the ADA New Dentist Committee. She also is an alumna of the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership and a speaker for the ADA Success Program. “Dr. Marron-Tarrazzi is a true professional,” said Drew Eason, executive director and CEO of the FDA. “She has served as an excellent leader in serving her profession at every level and promoting oral health in Florida.” In 2017, Marron-Tarrazzi won the Women to Watch Award from the Lucy Hobbs Project. She also is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. A native of Venezuela, Marron-Tarrazzi studied dentistry at the Universidad Central de Venezuela and earned her dental degree from NSU’s College of Dental Medicine. She completed her postdoctoral training at the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, where she earned her Certificate in Periodontology and Master of Science degree. Marron-Tarrazzi serves as an adjunct faculty member at NSU and the University of Florida Hialeah Dental Clinic and owns a private practice in Miami. She was featured in a profile that ran in the spring 2015 issue of Impressions . Harper, a native of Niceville, Florida, is the vice chair of the FDA Council on the New Dentist, which repre- sents dentists who have been practicing for 10 years or less. In this role, he helps the FDA identify and imple- ment opportunities to engage and serve new dentists. The CDM alumnus also is a member of the Niceville- Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and an honorary commander of the Air Force 58th Fighter Squadron. As the state’s premier professional organization representing Florida-licensed dentists, the FDA serves as Florida’s advocate for oral health. A constituent society of the American Dental Association, the FDA was established in 1884 to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care from dental professionals. The FDA is the leading expert and advocate on issues affecting Florida dentists and the oral health of Floridians. To learn more, visit floridadental.org . u CDM Alumni Honored by Florida Dental Association FDA immediate past president Michael Eggnatz presents the New Dental Leader Award to Jordan Harper (left) and the Dentist of the Year award to Irene Marron-Tarrazzi. CDM Impressions CDM IMPRESSIONS