College of Dental Medicine Lasting Impressions Magazine

COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE © 27 Pugliese teaches in the CDM’s Postgraduate Operative Dentistry Program—a two-year course consisting of four students each year who do more complicated cases and advanced phases of operative dentistry. Pugliese also is involved in the International Dental Graduate (IDG) Program in which dentists from non-U.S. dental schools work to obtain a U.S. dental degree within three years. He said the program accepts five to eight international dental graduates from among dozens who apply, having practiced in their native countries, but desiring to live and practice in the United States. The international dentists are interviewed and must pass a bench test. The few who are chosen then take the summer-term IDG course, which is integrated with their other sophomore courses, before they go into full swing in August, Pugliese noted. Pugliese said he appreciates the efforts the international dentists undertake to reach their goal in becoming licensed U.S. dentists, including working as hygienists or dental assistants for a U.S.-licensed dentist or taking other jobs unrelated to dentistry, such as a valet parking cars. “What a humbling experience after being a dentist in your country and seeing patients in your own practice; it’s very emotional,” he said. “They tell me stories of how they got here. Some had to escape from politically unstable countries and came here by raft or had to go through three or four countries before they could get here.” Not surprisingly, Pugliese’s colleagues notice his work with students. “As director of the International Dental Grad- uate Program, I see his students when they enter the clinic,” said Rick Vogel, D.D.S., assistant professor in the Department of Cariology and Restorative Dentistry. “They all are very well prepared when they start treat- ing patients. Dr. Pugliese is universally respected by faculty and students alike.” Pugliese is dedicated to the students, frequently staying after hours in the CDM’s Simulation Lab and coming in on weekends to help students prepare for upcoming exams, Vogel said. Pugliese also serves on the CDM admissions committee, helping to choose 125 first-year dental students from more than 2,500 applicants. ONWARD AND UPWARD Teaching at the CDM has extended his professional involvement, but also has enriched Pugliese’s social life, because he meets with other NSU faculty members and students who share his passion for fitness, including biking. He pointed to a photograph of NSU faculty members tak- ing him out for his birthday. “You can’t put a value on this,” he added. Vogel noted that as highly as he regards Pugliese on a professional level, “My respect for him personally continues to grow. Despite being at a life stage when most give in to inertia and the mileage of many trips around the sun, soft-spoken Dr. Pugliese seems to get stronger and more vital each year and shows no signs of stopping,” he said. Vogel pointed to Pugliese’s participation in half mara- thons and working out at the RecPlex with students a third his age as he goes through the weight stacks and circuit training. Pugliese also is an avid traveler. Pulling out a photo album in his office, Pugliese pointed to photographs of the Himalayan excursion he did with other faculty members and a 2017 trip to Italy where he cycled 350 miles. “At the CDM, we’re fortunate to have many faculty members with diverse backgrounds and life experiences,” Vogel said. “As someone who respects life experience and regards it as the ultimate classroom, I’ve been enriched by knowing Dr. Pugliese and look forward to the next adven- ture he will share with me.” u Peter R.Pugliese thrives on working with students such as interna- tional graduate students Naye F.Sherhan,seated,and Michelle Felix, left,and third-year dental student Emily Norton, right.