Lasting Impressions | Summer 2016

NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE x 13 Award. The CDM program was the only such event to win a $5,000 award. Additionally, CDM graduate Jason Watts (’15) was selected to serve on the ADA Foundation’s national Give Kids A Smile Advisory Committee. “The faculty members and students at Nova South- eastern University’s College of Dental Medicine are dedicated to making a tremendous impact not only in their own community, but on a national level,” said Ralph C. Attanasi, Jr., D.D.S., M.S., a prosthodontist who practices in Delray Beach, Florida, and serves as president of the Florida Dental Association. “The Give Kids A Smile program is influential in addressing children’s oral health issues.” According to Gordon-Brown, the event is a “great learning experience” for the dental students. “Faculty members all participate in supervising the students while they are working on patients,” she said. “First-year dental students helped with the mechanics of the event, second-year dental students did cleanings, and third- and fourth-year dental students performed fillings and extractions. The dental students learn about treating patients, and the patients learn about essential oral care.” “This program engages faculty and staff members, as well as community members who serve as volunteers,” said Linda Niessen, D.M.D., M.P.H., M.P.P., dean of the College of Dental Medicine. “It enables our students to realize their leadership potential. Give Kids A Smile day also teaches our students the power of giving back to the community, which is a core value of Nova South- eastern University.” This year’s Give Kids A Smile program continued its partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County and other community organizations that reach out to families. Additionally, the CDM went a step further this year by teaming up with Broward County Public Schools, which sent students and teachers from eight elementary schools, including Pompano Beach Elemen- tary School and Park Ridge Elementary School in Pompano Beach. Both schools were chosen because a high percentage of children from low-income families attend them. The schools were able to transport the children to the event. What made the day magical was just the right touch of fantasy. Several student volunteers dressed up like Left: Linda Niessen, CDM dean; Steve Kess, vice president, Global Professional Relations, Henry Schein; Carol Gomez Summerhays, president of the American Dental Association; and Peter Keller, NSU-CDM executive associate dean, celebrate Give Kids A Smile at the reception the night before the event, which had a definite party atmosphere.