Lasting Impressions | Summer 2017

20 © NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Linda C. Niessen, D.M.D., M.P.H., M.P.P., dean and professor of the CDM, was accorded two recent honors. She received the prestigious Paragon Award from the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) during the group’s annual session held February 22–25 in Orlando, Florida. The Paragon Award recognizes an individual who has significantly contributed to the advancement of the rights, interests, and welfare of dental students throughout his or her career. It is the highest and most notable award given by the ASDA. “In three short years, Dr. Niessen has transformed the dental student experience at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine,” said Adam Saltz, who is sched- uled to graduate from the CDM in 2017 and is the ASDA editor in chief. “Students are actively engaged in organized dentistry and committed to service and academic excellence. She inspires them to think critically about dentistry and seek opportunities for improvement and growth. “As a world-renowned lecturer on public health issues, Dr. Niessen gives voice to the inequalities that exist in the oral health care system for women and the elderly. I proudly consider her my dean, mentor, and friend,” Saltz added. Niessen has been active in dental organizations through- out her career. She has served as president of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, president of the American Association for Women Dentists, president of the American Association of Public Health Dentistry, and president of the Dallas County Dental Society. She is also a member on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medi- cine and Dentistry. “It is an honor to receive the Paragon Award from the American Student Dental Association. This award is a tribute to the entire faculty and mentors in my life who helped prepare me for a career in dental education,” Niessen said during her acceptance speech. “I thank the incredibly talented students, outstanding faculty, and dedicated staff at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medi- cine for their support and my family for their encourage- ment throughout my dental career. I dedicate this award to all ASDA students, with a hope that as you realize your potential as dentists, you pay it forward and consider dental education as part of your career plans.” Niessen is the fifth recipient of The ASDA Paragon Award— and the first female honoree. In addition to the Paragon Award, Niessen was ranked No. 22 on a list of the 32 Most Influential People in Dentistry in the nation by Incisal Edge —a lifestyle magazine for dental professionals. u CDM Dean Receives Two Accolades CDM Dean Linda C. Niessen accepted the Paragon Award from the American Student Dental Association surrounded by several CDM students.