NSU CDM Lasting Impressions Spring 2019

30 | COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE Even before she began her dental studies at NSU’s College of Dental Medicine, fourth-year student Stephanie Mendigutia worked to gain the trust of the smallest dental patients. “Show the children which instruments will be used. Tell the children what you are going to do,” said Mendigutia, who, from an early age, observed how her parents, who are both dentists, treated their youngest patients. Mendigutia also keeps up with the latest Disney and cartoon characters as conversation starters with her young patients. “The child likes to feel important,” she added. The way to patients’ enamel and gums, Mendigutia believes, involves touching hearts, a philosophy she put into action as chair of the 2019 Give Kids A Smile (GKAS). The February 2 event was the fourth time Mendigutia was a part of the committee organizing the day of free dental care for children. More than 160 children ranging in age from 2 to 18, including special-needs patients, received free dental care from the more than 200 CDM students and 100 CDM faculty and staff members and alumni. Some of the children experienced a dentist’s touch for the first time in their lives. Bringing oral health to young people is a mission for Mendigutia, who is president of the class of 2019. “Starting kids in prevention is one of the things I’m most passionate about,” she said. “I want to help create these habits early on, which leads to an overall healthy life.” Taking on a leadership role in the annual GKAS appealed to Mendigutia, a first-generation Cuban American. Her parents—both dentists—took her on medical outreach trips to bring oral health to Central America and the Caribbean throughout her youth. During these trips, she discovered a new feeling that compared with nothing else. “There is no present in the world like the feeling you get when you are giving back,” she said, recalling when she gave her favorite Hello Kitty accessories to a barefoot orphan. “It was the first time I realized how fortunate I’ve been,” added Mendigutia, who, in addition to her parents, has eight other relatives who are dentists. Her younger sister is on the same academic path. Mendigutia saw that the family business fit her aspirations when she shadowed an oral surgeon at BY ANNE GEGGIS STUDENT IMPRESSIONS STUDENT Impressions Devoted to Student Leader Steps Up to Give Kids a Smile Stephanie Mendigutia’s commitment to children began by observing how her parents treated their youngest patients.