NSU CDM Lasting Impressions Spring 2019

10 | COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE The motto of the Faculty Practice Dental Group at the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) College of Dental Medicine (CDM) is “We practice what we teach.” Located on the second floor of the college, the Faculty Practice Dental Group comprises dental professionals who are full-time CDM faculty members. They are given an option to work in the practice as part of their required personal development day. “Some choose to do research in that time, others choose to work with students in the clinics, while there are those who come here because they want to treat patients,” said Rashondia Gaines, D.D.S., M.S., director of the Faculty Practice. “Some are here half a day a week, others do two half days a week, and then there are those who see patients for a full day during the week,” Gaines said. Those who participate are compensated for their work, receiving a percentage of the collections. Gaines, who has served as director since 2005, said patients tell her they like the confidence associated with having a dental professional who has not just been in practice, but is part of a teaching faculty. The Faculty Practice, unlike other dental facilities at the CDM, offers general dentistry and various specialties for adults and children that are provided by faculty members, not students. As Gaines said, “It’s just like going to your neighbor- hood dental office, but it’s inside a university.” It is staffed with faculty dentists and specialists, patient access coordinators, dental assistants, hygienists, and X-ray and CAT scan technicians. Practicing teach what they FACULTY MEMBERS STAFF COMMUNITY DENTAL PRACTICE AT NSU BY MICHELLE F. SOLOMON Above, Rashondia Gaines, D.D.S., M.S., has served as director of the Faculty Practice since 2005. At right, Mauricio Guerrero, D.D.S., assistant professor, is assisted by Mirlande Pierre, left, at the Faculty Practice. continued on page 12