Perspectives Inaugural Issue (Winter 2013)

PERSPECTIVES • WINTER/SPRING 2013 41 North Miami Beach serves as home to a unique facility that provides spe- cialized dental care for persons with disabilities now that the College of Dental Medicine’s Institute for Spe- cial Needs Dentistry relocated there in October to provide comprehensive dental and oral health care for indi- viduals with developmental or ac- quired disabilities. Populations served at the clinic in- clude: persons with developmental disabilities, such as autism or cerebral palsy; acquired and other types of dis- abilities, such as traumatic brain or spinal-cord injuries and stroke; mental illness and behavioral management challenges; complex medical condi- tions or compromised medical status; significant physical or mobility limita- tions; and the frail elderly. When needed, care may be provided under conscious sedation, and when appro- priate, under general anesthesia in the operating rooms at Broward Health Hospital Systems, Joe DiMaggio Chil- dren’s Hospital, and Memorial Re- gional Hospital by NSU dental faculty and students. The clinic serves a unique role in the health care landscape by focusing exclusively on the care of persons with special health needs. Not only is the clinic a valuable community-based local resource, but it also serves many individuals and their caregivers as well as residents of various group homes for those with disabilities from beyond the local area. In fact, patients travel to the clinic from across Florida be- cause the specialized services and care they need are not available in their area. Last year, NSU’s Institute for Spe- cial Needs Dentistry’s faculty mem- bers, residents, and students cared for more than 1,300 patients with various conditions across the special needs spectrum who visited the clinic more than 7,300 times. Institute for Special Needs Dentistry Relocates to North Miami Beach NSU OVERVIEW: Senatorial Debate, Special Needs Dentistry Institute, Diversity Summit, and More On October 17, Florida’s two U.S. senatorial candidates—incumbent Democrat Bill Nelson and his Republican challenger, U.S. Represen- tative Connie Mack —squared off in their only face-to-face debate at NSU’s Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, which was tel- evised live throughout the state of Florida. NSU undergraduates and community members watched the debate live. In addition, student viewing parties were held on the main campus and at each NSU Student Educational Center. The debate sponsors and partners included Leadership Florida®, the Florida Press Associ- ation, NSU, Florida Blue, Florida Credit Unions, AARP, and the Claude Pepper Foundation. Following the debate, NSU and Florida Blue hosted the inaugural post-debate analysis Webcast featuring moderator Kevin Corke, a for- mer White House correspondent for NBC News. During the Webcast, Corke interviewed a panel of experts that included prominent political leaders, journalists, professors, representatives of both candidates’ campaigns, and star high school debaters. Florida’s Only Decision 2012 Senate Debate Hosted at NSU Representative Connie Mack debates incumbent (and recently reelected) U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (right).