College of Dental Medicine Lasting Impressions Magazine

COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE © 3 Third-year student Karen Ben-Elazar thinks she has found the perfect career fit in dentistry. “I can’t think of a better way to spend my career than helping people look and feel better,” said Ben-Elazar, who plans to graduate with her D.M.D. in 2019. “As a dentist, you get instant gratification when you see a patient smile with confidence after receiving a treatment.” She is especially intrigued by the different aspects of practicing dentistry. “I once heard dentistry described as the perfect blend of art and science, integrating the wisdom of a doctor, the aptitude of a surgeon, and the creativity of an artist, and that resonated very strongly with me,” she said. Ben-Elazar plans a career in pediatric dentistry. “I want to apply these skills by working with children to help instill good oral health habits and preventive techniques for a healthier future and a friendlier, more comfortable dental experience.” During the past year, she received several awards and scholarships. These honors include • GREAT EXPRESSIONS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP $5,000 award to third-year students for academic excellence and leadership achievement; Ben-Elazar submitted a paper titled “The Ethics of Dental Overtreatment on Patient Care” • ADEA/GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER HEALTH- CARE PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY SCHOLARSHIP supports predoctoral dental students who have demon- strated academic excellence in preventive dentistry • DENTSPLY-SIRONA STUDENT CLINICIAN RESEARCH AWARD recognizes a student’s dedication to research The honoree receives an invitation to present research at the American Association for Dental Research meeting. Umadevi Kandalam, Ph.D., nominated Ben-Elazar for the award. • 2017 AAWD/COLGATE RESEARCH AWARD Ben-Elazar was honored for her research titled “A Study to Measure Awareness of Prenatal Dental Development in Expectant and Current Mothers.” Sharon Crane Siegel, D.D.S., M.S., M.B.A., was the project’s principal investigator. STUDENT HONORED WITH SCHOLARSHIPS CDM IMPRESSIONS A career in pediatric dentistry is the plan for Karen Ben-Elazar, top,and above (right) with Harvey P.Gordon,professor,and a fellow student during the Give Kids A Smile event.