Lasting Impressions | Winter 2014

NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE x 21 “was fascinated with all the facets of dentistry, of being a business owner and entrepreneur,” he said. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Florida, Villa- nueva began searching for a dental school. NSU’s dental school was just three years old at the time, but Villanueva was intrigued with the possibilities it promised. “I liked the idea of a newer school,” Villanueva said. “I always felt like they were at the forefront of technology and edu- cating students.” He also relished the idea of being one of the school’s first students. “I had the ability to make more of an impact,” he said. After a visit, he was con- vinced NSU was the place for him. “I felt like the professors were very amicable,” he said. “In contrast with some other schools, it was very friendly when it came to interacting with stu- dents. I felt they were rooting for you to succeed.” His initial impressions of the school were confirmed during his four years of study. Villanueva said he appreciated the support the faculty gave him and the will- ingness of the administration to listen when he had concerns. “I always felt the administration had my best interest in mind,” he said. “If I had an issue, I felt very comfortable going to the dean…I wasn’t intimidated. That’s not normal in the academic world.” That’s the type of atmosphere that the College of Dental Medi- cine always has encouraged. “The philosophy from day one was encouraging an open-door policy from students, faculty members, and administrators,” said Abby Brodie, D.M.D., asso- ciate dean for curriculum and educational affairs, who has taught at NSU’s dental school from its inception. Students in the first classes were especially important in establishing the program, Brodie said. “They gave us a lot of feedback on things to fix.” The faculty and administra- tion commitment to students remains the same, said Niessen. “All of the faculty members are committed to the students’ suc- cess. Students are a high priority. That’s a cultural aspect of NSU that will continue.” After he graduated in 2004, Villanueva accepted an associate dentist position in Dallas. After a year, he became the dental direc- tor of several dental practices, managing, recruiting, and train- ing other dentists. In 2007, he purchased three dental practices and soon realized that a success- ful practice depended on provid- ing excellent patient care, as well as efficiently managing the office. In 2009, he founded Dental Professionals of Texas. Three years later, when the business expanded to other states, he changed the company’s name to MB2 Dental Solutions. While those outside of the profession don’t recognize the significance of the name, dentists know MB2 is a kind of root canal. “It’s one of those things that stick out in your mind when you study,” Villanueva said. Having a name that only other doctors would understand also reflects his busi- ness model, Villanueva said. “It’s always going to be doctor-centric.” Despite overseeing a growing company, Villanueva still finds time to practice dentistry, mostly caring for friends and family. “I want to continue using my skills,” he said. “In order to lead doctors, you need to know what they are going through.” In addition to his growing company, Villanueva stays busy with his family. Villanueva’s wife, Carol, also a Nova Southeastern University graduate, is a primary care physician. She received both her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) and her Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from NSU in 2006. The two met during an NSU-sponsored medical/ dental mission to Jamaica, where they worked in churches and community centers in the coun- try’s rural areas. They have three children ages 11 months, 3 years, and 4 years old. Although he went into den- tistry against his father’s advice, it all has worked out for the best. “He concedes I made the right decision,” Villanueva said. ◆ “I want to preserve the integrity of our profession.” —Chris Steven Villanueva