Lasting Impressions | Winter 2014

NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE x 3 Linda C. Niessen , D.M.D., M.P.H., M.P.P., became the third dean to helm NSU’s College of Dental Med- icine when she assumed the office last year. During her tenure as professor and chair of the Department of Public Health Sciences at Baylor Col- lege of Dentistry at Texas A&M University, Niessen initiated advanced education programs in dental public health and geriatric dentistry as part of the Baylor partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the University of North Texas Health Sci- ence Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Niessen received her bachelor’s degree in chem- istry (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of New Mexico. She received her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.), Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), and Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) degrees from Harvard University. What attracted you to NSU? Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine, in its short, 17-year history, has developed an excellent reputation as an innovative dental school that graduates students with strong clinical skills in a student-friendly environment. It was that reputation, initially, that was an attraction. The col- lege was founded with a mission to improve the oral health of underserved populations in South Florida and is part of a health professions campus that includes medical, dental, pharmacy, optometry, and nursing. This enables interactions across health professions to facilitate team learning and interpro- fessional education and practice. That was a plus. I also was interested because the faculty members serve as leaders in the profession, the students are incredibly talented, and the applicant pool is robust. What goals do you want to achieve as dean of the College of Dental Medicine? George L. Hanbury, NSU president, has outlined an exciting Vision 2020 for Nova Southeastern Uni- versity. The College of Dental Medicine’s vision “to become the acknowledged leader in dental educa- tion” aligns well with Vision 2020. My goals are consistent with the College of Dental Medicine’s Strategic Plan (Innovations—2012–2017) and include expanding our research activities, continuing our curriculum innovation, strengthening our clinical program, and engaging our alumni to share their expertise with our current students. NSU’s planned Center for Collaborative Research (CCR) is key. As the university increases the research that it conducts, the College of Dental Medicine will play a key role in participating in this impor- tant activity. The college has been known for curriculum inno- vation since its founding. Faculty members report that our graduates have a competitive advantage Q A & Linda C. Niessen WITH