Touro Alumni Named Smigel Scholars

Touro Alumni Named Smigel Scholars

Seven Touro College of Dental Medicine alumni received the prestigious Smigel Scholarship to attend the American Society for Dental Aesthetics (ASDA) annual conference in Palm Springs, CA, in October. Each of the award winners received the “Smigel Scholar” certificate at the conclusion of the conference, attesting to their attainment of knowledge and education in aesthetic dentistry throughout the three-day conference. They are:

Dr. Margaret (Maggie) Eason (’21); Dr. Si Yeon Kim (‘21); Dr. Aman Kumar (‘20); Dr. Madeline (Maddy) Maas (’21); Dr. Zaid Nesheiwat (‘22); Dr. Troy Neureuter (’21); and Dr. Benjamin Yee (’21).

Dr. Marvin Fier with five of the seven newest Smigel Scholars, all alumni of Touro College of Dental Medicine.

ASDA was founded in 1976 by Dr. Irwin Smigel, now deceased, who also served as its president. Dr. Smigel, dubbed the “Father of Aesthetic Dentistry,” earned his celebratory moniker from his peers for his

work in establishing and contributing to the field of cosmetic dentistry. His leadership began in 1970 when he created the bonding technique and continued when he was at the forefront of numerous significant developments in cosmetic dentistry, including porcelain veneers, laminates, teeth whitening and enhancing patients’ facial structure through dental techniques.

ASDA established a scholarship fund in Dr. Smigel’s memory to mentor dentists in the art and science of aesthetic dentistry and its newest developments. A limited number of scholarships are awarded to encourage young dentists to become involved in aesthetics, modern restorative techniques and implant dentistry by attending and participating in ASDA annual meetings. The conference exposes attendees to world-class lectures on multiple topics, hands-on workshops and the opportunity to meet leading aesthetic dentists and other thought leaders. Potential candidates must be recommended by an ASDA member in order to be considered for the scholarship, and then must apply and be accepted by the ASDA Executive Board.

Present for the awarding of the scholarships was Dr. Marvin A. Fier, ASDA Executive Vice President and clinical associate professor at Touro College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Fier was named ASDA Vice President in the early ‘90s by Dr. Smigel and has held the position since. He is a practicing dentist currently in private practice in Pomona, NY, where he specializes in cosmetic, family, and implant dentistry.