Lasting Impressions | Summer 2016

NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE x 33 students. “I have always been drawn to teaching. Teach- ing is an exciting opportunity to continue learning and another way to give back,” she said. LENDING HER LEADERSHIP In addition to her thriving practice and teaching stints, Marron-Tarrazzi lends her voice and expertise to multiple dental organizations that develop policy for the profession. She believes that being active at all levels of the organization in the early stages of her career has provided her with a broad-based and grassroots perspective. “I have been a big advocate about the role of the students in the future of the professional associations and the fact that we need to mentor them and work directly with their dental schools and faculty members,” Marron-Tarrazzi said. Her list of contributions is substantial. She has served as president of the Greater Miami Dental Society, been involved with the South Florida District Dental Associa- tion, served as treasurer of the Florida Dental Associa- tion PAC, and has volunteered her time as a representa- tive in many other councils and committees, including her new role with the ADA. “American dentistry is the gold standard for the world. But it doesn’t happen by accident,” Marron-Tarrazzi said. “The reason why standards are high is because the ADA maintains those high standards— for the dental commu- nity, manufacturers, education, and research. Globally, these standards reach over a million dentists and billions of consumers. Our job at the ADA is to support our members, but also to build up all of dentistry.” And she has a message for those just getting started in the profession. “I encourage all recent graduates to not only become part of their profession, but to get involved in our boards, councils, and committees and to lead our profession toward the future. It’s our choice to make the most of our profession, and to a large extent, this choice is within our control,” Marron-Tarrazzi said. Being involved helps everyone, she said. “Our associa- tion is critically analyzing and responding to the challenges facing dentistry today through the work of its councils and committees. Our role is to anticipate and identify issues before they become problems. We lead advocacy efforts for professional dentistry, protect- ing the profession and ensuring its future.” Marron-Tarrazzi’s advocacy work extends to her alma mater as a part of the NSU CDM Alumni Advisory Board. “This is a new project. The CDM is a relatively new dental school, and most of the alumni have been out less than 15 years,” she said. “I’m new to the alumni advisory board, but I believe it is important to create a sense of community among the CDM alumni. I believe we can help the CDM achieve its goals in becoming one of the best dental schools.” ◆ CDM alumna Irene Marron-Tarrazzi is now making her contributions on a national scale as second vice president of the American Dental Association.