Lasting Impressions | Summer 2016

12 x NSU LASTING IMPRESSIONS positive, lasting impression on them about what dentists do and how much they care about children and their health.” Give Kids A Smile day has a party atmosphere for the children, as CDM volunteers turned the dread often associated with dental care into delight with a little help from some popular Disney figures, such as Elsa and Anna from Frozen , Star Wars characters, a deejay, and clowns. “Our day is like a carnival,” said Kelly Cundy, a fourth- year CDM student who coordinates NSU’s Give Kids A Smile program and is president of the pediatric dental club. (A profile on Cundy can be found on page 42.) This year’s event featured face painting, balloon artists, music, and appearances by Miami Dolphins and Florida Panthers players, including former Miami Dolphins player O.J. McDuffie. NSU’s mascot Razor the Shark, the Florida Panthers’ mascot Stanley C. Panther, and Timmy the Tooth also showed up. “The focus on fun and education makes kids feel comfortable,” added Summerhays. “Events like this teach kids how important it is to be comfortable with the dentist, who is there to help you smile.” “It’s like they are going to Disney for the day. The fun factor takes away the fear factor,” said Laurie Gordon- Brown, D.M.D., a CDM clinical professor of restorative dentistry. “It’s a fun experience for them with all sorts of things happening.” NSU’s Give Kids A Smile program has been a standout for the South Florida community since it was launched. In 2015, the ADA Foundation named the CDM program one of only seven national winners of the E. (Bud) Tarrson Dental School Student Community Leadership