Dental School Deans DEANS from 49
Innovation Continues By Linda C. Niessen, DMD, MPH DEAN, NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE
Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine (CDM) was founded in 1997 with a number of firsts. It was the first new dental school to open in the U.S. in 25 years, it was the first College of Dental Medicine to be affiliated with a College of Osteopathic Medicine and it was the first private dental school in Florida. The CDM’s vision is “to be the acknowledged leader in educating students for an enriched career in general or specialty practice, academia and/or research with special emphasis on underserved populations.” From a pool of more than 2,500 applicants, 126 dental students entered the Class of 2019, which included 66 female students and 60 male students. Fifty-seven percent are Florida residents. The last two months in 2015 saw a total renovation of the 19-year-old Dental Simulation Laboratory. The simulation units were designed by the Italian design firm, Pinon Ferrari (designer of Italian sports cars), and have a unique round footprint. While the D1 and D2 students enjoy working in the new simulation laboratory, it’s also proving to be a recruiting device for the future students when they tour the facility. Our dental students have a strong commitment to community service, with many who volunteer in charitable events. Nova was honored to be selected by the American
Dental Association Foundation (ADAF) as the national kickoff location for the ADAF’s Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) event. The event is student-run and this year included the College of Pharmacy and College of Osteopathic Medicine students. There were clowns, face painting and a DJ at the event to create a fun atmosphere for the children. Leaders from the ADA and the Florida Dental Association (FDA) joined our students and dental industry leaders that morning for the ribbon cutting. The CDM partnered with Broward County Public Schools and the Boys and Girls Clubs, and more than 700 children received treatment. For many of the children, this was their first visit to the dentist. Following the GKAS event, the Broward County Public School Board recognized Nova’s dental students for their efforts to improve access to oral health care for the children. Besides GKAS, our students participated in the Florida Mission of Mercy in Jacksonville, and found it to be an incredible event that truly made a difference for the 2,800 patients who received care. Students often don’t realize the gifts they have until they care for people who have so much less. The CDM students also held the “Swinging for Smiles Charity Golf Tournament,” an “Aceing Autism” tennis event and an Oral Cancer Awareness 5K, to name a few. This last event resulted in more than $8,000 raised to help a patient. This year, we participated in the new “patient-centered” Commission on Dental Competency Assessment Board Examination, nicknamed the “Buffalo model.” Nova was one of six dental schools in the nation to implement this new format, in which students take the board exam during a regular clinic session. Faculty and board examiners are on the clinic floor together. If the student does not pass the examination, the examiner informs the student, explains why the student failed the examination, advises the student to work with their faculty to correct the problem and provide the ap-
propriate care to the patient. The students’ feedback on this format was favorable and they found it was less stressful. The class achieved a success rate for this format that was about the same, if not a little higher, than the traditional format (more than 90 percent success). As a new dental school, Nova continues to grow its research enterprise and had many research successes this year. These include: an HRSA grant to improve education for dentists caring for autistic children and adults; an American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Foundation grant for stem cell research in cleft lip/palate; research funding to support clinical trials for various consumer oral health products; grants to support bone growth, stem cells and dental implant improvements; and, grants from several community foundations to support school-based oral health prevention programs in elementary schools in South Florida. Nova appreciates our partnership with the FDA and looks forward to continuing to work together to support the next generation of dentists. Each year, Nova’s American Student Dental Association (ASDA) student leaders participate with the FDA at Dentists’ Day on the Hill (DDOH). Dr. Laurie Gordon Brown serves as the faculty sponsor for this activity. The 2016 Legislative Session included the student debt issue, which enticed more students to participate in DDOH. ASDA members were engaged in the FDA’s legislative efforts, as this was one of the FDA’s key issues. The ASDA leaders also organized the FDA Signing Day event in which students meet with FDA leaders, network and learn more about the value of FDA membership. These events support FDA membership by demonstrating the benefits of organized dentistry. Dr. Niessen is the dean of the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and can be reached at lniessen@nova.edu.