Lasting Impressions | Summer 2017

24 © NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY His research led to a better understanding of all these issues, which have helped dentists improve their techniques. Stahl also became one of the first dentists to apply the cytology techniques that were used for Pap smears to help diagnose oral cancer. “I asked myself, ‘Why can’t we scrape surface cells out of the mouth to test for cancer?’ ” he said. “In the 1960s, that was a novel technique to discover oral cancer. Now, it’s fairly common. The earlier you diagnose oral cancer, the better your chances are.” Stahl also studied how the lack of protein, through malnutrition, would affect bone and gum tissues. When patients are not well nourished, he said, their gums and bones may take longer to heal after a dental procedure. “Because of his research, he has been an icon in the world of periodontology,” said William Parker, D.D.S., asso- ciate dean for advanced education at NSU’s College of Dental Medicine. Fatemeh Gholami, D.D.S., M.S.D., said she had the privilege to work with Stahl on developing her master’s thesis, “Histologic, Radiographic, and Clinical Evaluation of Osteotome Site Development Technique for Maxillary Sinus Augmentation.” “He is an incredible professor, but an even better men- tor,” said Gholami, who was a resident in the Department of Periodontology and former CDM adjunct faculty member. “Whether or not he is their adviser, he is always willing to go above and beyond for his students. He’s such an asset to the dental school.” Stahl said he’ll keep inviting students for class, coffee, and doughnuts as long as he can. “In a sense, the students are doing me a favor; I’m not doing them a favor. I feel so lucky, because I trained with one of the top dental patholo- gists and periodontists, Balint Orban, at the University of Illinois 50 years ago. To be able to continue that tradition is a good feeling.” u Faculty Impressions A portion of this story previously appeared in NSU’s Horizons magazine. Sigmund Stahl likes meeting with students, often inviting them for coffee and doughnuts. Continued from previous page