NSU CDM Lasting Impressions Spring 2019

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 17 The William J. Gies Awards for Vision, Innovation, and Achievement honor individuals and organizations that exemplify the highest standards in oral health and dental education, research, and leadership. Heller said he is ready for the hard work—and future career benefits—the D.O./D.M.D. degrees will bring. “I am pursing a dual degree to become the most self- sufficient medical and dental practitioner possible. Having a dual degree will allow me to draw from a greater foundation of knowledge, which allows me to recognize and prevent complications before they arise,” said Heller, who plans to pursue postgraduate educa- tion, possibly in oral and maxillofacial surgery. “The oral cavity is the gateway to the body. Whether I choose to practice medicine or dentistry, everything starts in the oral cavity,” Heller added. “By having an understanding of both oral and systemic diseases, I will be able to provide a greater quality and more comprehensive level of care to my patients.” The William J. Gies Awards for Vision, Innovation, and Achievement are named for William J. Gies, Ph.D., who is considered the Father of Contemporary Dental Education and Research, according to the ADEA. The Gies Awards honor individuals and organizations that exemplify the highest standards in oral health and dental education, research, and leadership. u Four graduates of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine had a mini reunion at the ADEA Gies Awards: CDM Dean Linda C. Niessen with Richard Valachovic, left, James Mulvihill (who received the Dental Educator Gies Award), and Bruce Donoff, far right.