Roseman University spectRUm magazine

INSIDE: State of the University PG. 4 Leslie Asanga PG. 8 Women in Dental Medicine PG. 12 Roseman University of Health Sciences A Nevada Non-Profit Corporation 11 Sunset Way Henderson, NV 89014-2333

FALL 2020 • Publishing Semiannually | VOLUME 4 • Issue 1

S T A T E of the UNIVERSITY

ROADRUNNER Resource Series Lifelong Learning for Alumni

Join your fellow Roseman University graduates for quick takes on timely topics through this new online lecture series. Register today!

Have ideas for future topics? Reach out to alumni@roseman.edu!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 6PM CBD Oil: Research, Risks, and Benefits Timothy Le, PhD Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences

Register at roseman.edu/alumni or by calling 702-802-2830

PUBLISHER Jason Roth

DESIGNER Eric Jones

GUEST CONTRIBUTORS

EDITORS Jason Roth

PHOTOGRAPHERS Loretta Campbell Francia Garcia Jennette Mann

Brenda Griego Joslyn Hatfield

spectRUm is published two times per year by Roseman University of Health Sciences, A Nevada non-profit corporation.

11 Sunset Way, Henderson, NV 89014 | roseman.edu | 702.968.1633 | © 2020

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Letter from the PRESIDENT It’s hard to believe that 2020 is drawing to a close. It has been quite a memorable year, as we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic together, and found new ways to overcome the many challenges it caused in our personal lives. From cancelled vacations, limited in-person socializing with friends and family, to enjoying our favorite restaurants in new ways, and going to school virtually or socially distanced, we’ve had to adjust the way we live, work, play and learn.

For Roseman, the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted what was supposed to be the culminating events of our 20th Anniversary year-long celebration. We looked forward to bringing our students, employees, alumni and friends together in April for the final two events commemorating this important milestone. After weeks of adapting to a new normal, we made the decision to proceed with planning and presenting our 20th Anniversary “State of the University” in a virtual format. I want to thank everyone who joined us last month for the presentation. For those of you who missed it, this month’s issue of spectRUm offers an overview of the economic impact data shared during the presentation. Compiled by Tripp Umbach, a nationally recognized firm that produces economic impact reports for academic medical centers, colleges and universities, and other institutions, the data demonstrates the important role of Roseman in strengthening the economies of not only Nevada and Utah, but the communities across the country where our alumni work and live.

In this issue of spectRUm, you’ll find articles on the growing number of women pursuing careers in dentistry, an area of healthcare long dominated by men. You’ll also read articles on two extraordinary alumni who, like many before them, have found success in their careers after graduating from Roseman. These stories are always a joy to read, as they are outstanding examples of Roseman fulfilling its mission to educate current and future generations of health professionals. I, along with everyone at Roseman, am proud of each of their accomplishments.

I want to close by inviting you to join us for our Week of Thanks(Giving), November 16-20. Each year, this important week offers Roseman alumni, employees and friends the opportunity to support scholarships for students in the Dental Medicine, MBA, Nursing, Orthodontics, or Pharmacy programs. Information about this year’s Week of Thanks(Giving) is on the back page of this issue of spectRUm. I want to thank everyone who has participated in the past and look forward to your support this year. Your generosity helps our ambitious students realize their goals of becoming confident healthcare professionals.

Thank you for your continued support of Roseman University, and I wish you a happy Holiday Season.

Renee Coffman President

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Roseman University’s State of the University Showcases Economic Impact in

NEVADA & UTAH

By Jason Roth

It all started with a need. In 1999, a shortage of pharmacists in Nevada was occurring at the very same time a groundswell of demand for pharmacy education was growing. Three founders, each coming from healthcare, contributed $5,000 to start what is now Roseman University of Health Sciences. Originally the Nevada College of Pharmacy, the University was the first and remains the only institution to offer a doctoral pharmacy program in the state of Nevada. Much has changed in the 20 years since the private, not-for-profit University was founded in Henderson, Nevada.

The University has grown from a small, start-up pharmacy school nestled atop Whitney Mesa, to a healthcare industry-recognized leader in educating new generations of not only pharmacists, but nurses and dentists at campuses in Henderson and South Jordan, Utah.

On September 30, Roseman employees, students, alumni and the public from Nevada and Utah came together online as President and Co-founder Dr. Renee Coffman presented the University’s first-ever a virtual “State of the University,” the culminating event of the institution’s year-long commemoration of its 20th Anniversary. Originally scheduled as an oncampus event in April and postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event shared the remarkable growth of the University and revealed new economic impact data compiled by the nationally recognized consulting firm Tripp Umbach.

“Despite two decades of creating new programs to build and strengthen the healthcare workforce in our region, much of the public is unaware of our true impact on communities in not only Nevada and Utah, but across the country,” said Dr. Coffman. “The State of the University provided an opportunity to showcase to everyone the important role Roseman has and continues to play in educating highly skilled, competent

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healthcare professionals, as well as providing high-quality, affordable medical and dental care in our communities, and providing valuable community service. Further, we demonstrated Roseman’s economic value to our communities, bolstered by the fact that we are not taxpayersupported like public institutions.”

In its report, “2019 Economic and Community Impacts of Roseman University of Health Sciences,” Tripp Umbach measured the effect of direct and indirect/induced business volume and government revenue impacts for all of Roseman University’s operations in Clark County, Nevada and Salt Lake County, Utah for fiscal year 2019.

“Primary data utilized to conduct the analysis were collected from Roseman University. Data included capital expenditures, operational expenditures, number of employees, payroll and benefits, taxes paid to local and state governments, visitation numbers for events on campus, number of students all of whom live off campus to accurately measure their spending in the local area,” the report stated. “The approach taken on this study was decidedly conservative.”

According to Tripp Umbach, the total economic impact of Roseman generated $258.6 million, supported and sustained nearly 2,392 jobs, while producing $13.4 million in government tax revenue for Nevada and Utah in 2019. Focusing solely on Clark County, Nevada, the University generated $143.4 million in economic impact, supported and sustained more than 1,206 jobs, while producing nearly $6.6 million in state and local tax revenue. Roseman employs 262 faculty and staff and enrolls more than 700 students and residents on its campuses in Henderson and Summerlin.

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In Salt Lake County, Utah, where Roseman employs 236 faculty and staff and enrolls more than 800 students, the University generated $115.2 million in economic impact, supported and sustained more than 1,186 jobs, while producing nearly $6.8 million in state and local tax revenue.

growth of Nevada and Utah, both of which have attracted new residents from across the country,” said Dr. Coffman. “Rapidly growing communities create demand. Since our inception we’ve listened to the needs of healthcare, business and community leaders and developed programs to meet these needs.”

In addition to the $258.6 million in annual impact that Roseman generated, employees at the University generated nearly $1.2 million in charitable donations and volunteer services in its local communities.

Looking ahead, Roseman is carefully planning for its next 20 years and beyond. During the State of the University presentation, Dr. Coffman shared the University’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, which disaggregates Roseman’s mission statement to create six Operational Areas – educating current and future generations of health professionals, conducting research, providing patient care, pursuing complementary partnerships and affiliations, fostering internal and external collaboration, and responsible fiscal management.

Roseman’s reach spans beyond Nevada and Utah. Numbering nearly 5,500 in 2019, The University’s alumni generated a combined annual economic impact of nearly $2.5 billion annually throughout the United States and supported nearly 30,395 jobs. “While large numbers of our alumni live and work in Nevada and Utah, many have returned to their hometowns and contribute to improving healthcare and generating economic activity there,” said Dr. Coffman who also noted that Roseman has a diverse student body drawing from 43 states and 16 countries.

The Tripp Umbach report also analyzed the economic impact of Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, an independent division of Roseman University housed at its Summerlin campus. In 2019, Cure 4 The Kids generated $43.4 million in economic impact, supported and sustained 285 jobs, while producing nearly $5.3 million in state and local tax revenue in Clark County, Nevada. The amount of economic value to Nevada’s economy in 2019 from keeping children in Nevada for their specialty care totaled $461.4 million in economic impact, supported 4,007 jobs, and generated $6.8 million in state and local tax revenue. These are dollars that would be lost to the state without Cure 4 The Kids and are in addition to its $43.4 million in operational impact.

Dr. Coffman emphasized that it’s important to recognize that Tripp Umbach offered just a one-year snapshot of Roseman’s economic impact. If added together, Roseman’s 20 years of operations would be in the billions of dollars.

Further, the University’s annual contribution to Nevada and Utah economies is poised to grow substantially.

When compared to most colleges and universities across the country, Roseman has experienced rapid growth in a very short amount of time. “Our growth is not unlike the rapid

“These Operational Areas serve as areas of focus with specific goals that will drive annual strategic initiatives via implementation plans,” said Dr. Coffman. “Faculty and staff from across all units of the University are involved in creating these operational areas and the 2020-2021 implementation plans addressing 12 initiatives.”

An important initiative shared at the State of the University was the development of Roseman’s College of Medicine. Dr. Coffman introduced Dr. Pedro “Joe” Greer, Jr., dean of the College, appointed in June.

A Presidential Medal of Freedom awardee and MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, Dr. Greer and his team of College of Medicine executive leadership, joined Roseman from Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (FIU HWCOM) in Miami, Florida. There Dr. Greer served as professor of medicine, founding chair of the Department of Humanities, Health, and Society, and associate dean for community engagement.

Dr. Greer was one of the first to recognize the importance of training physicians in the social determinants of health, and he developed a unique educational program to address a critical gap in medical education.

Dr. Greer shared the College of Medicine’s plan to create a new model of medical education, stating that in a relatively young and diverse community like Las Vegas and at an institution like Roseman, both known for doing things different, the College of Medicine has the opportunity to be truly transformative when it comes

to educating future generations of doctors and the way they deliver care in their communities.

“The College of Medicine will start by leveraging the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Roseman. Innovation will be at the heart of what the College of Medicine does -- from advancements in teaching using the Roseman University Six-Point Mastery Learning Model® to interprofessional, early experiential and design studio learning” said Dr. Greer. “The College of Medicine will seek to cultivate the skills in students to facilitate development of clinical excellence and research, inclusive communication, empathy, interprofessional collaboration, cultural humility, and critical and creative thinking skills.”

Dr. Greer accentuated that it is critical that in order to improve health outcomes of patients, today’s medical students must understand the context that exists around each patient and household. With a team-based interprofessional approach, household-centered care, and deep understanding of the social determinants of health, through a new endeavor, Genesis, the College of Medicine will train our medical students to understand the factors that influence the health of the household such as policy, social norms and attitudes, safe housing, access to public transportation, healthcare systems and health insurance, education, healthy food, job opportunities and composition of that household.

“I invite everyone to envision what Nevada’s future can be with Roseman University College of Medicine. If we can improve the health outcomes of a household, the members of that household will spend less on medical care,” said Dr. Greer. “They will have less absenteeism from their work or school. They will be better positioned to not just survive but thrive.”

Dr. Coffman says that Roseman's past and future success are not without the hard work and dedication of its administration, faculty, staff, students and alumni, as well as its large number of healthcare and community partners, that embrace the University’s mission.

“Roseman University’s past and present are all truly remarkable,” said Dr. Coffman. “Countless individuals and organizations play an important part in the University’s ongoing success. On our campuses, we promote the mantra that together we are ‘Roseman Strong’ and I truly believe that our strength will continue into the future.” roseman.edu/spectrum | 7

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

LESLIE ASANGA ’17 The Founder of Pills2Me

By Brenda Griego FROM CAMEROON TO ROSEMAN UNIVERSITY AND THE CLEVELAND CLINIC There’s an adage that every cloud has a silver lining, and Dr. Leslie Asanga can share that sometimes that silver lining is more of a Roseman gray. Dr. Asanga moved to the U.S. from Cameroon in 2010, after several years of working to save enough money to attend college following the passing of his grandmother.

She was a nurse, and her love and legacy continue to inspire him. It was her legacy in part that led him to become a pharmacist, which he characterizes as “a profession where you’re helping people every day.”

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Dr. Asanga chose Roseman for his PharmD degree because of its three-year program, the innovative block curriculum, and the option to also get an MBA degree. He also loved how the university was small and friendly, and he appreciated caring faculty members like Dr. Helen Park and Dr. Tom Metzger.

He was part of the “first batch” students selected for an internship at the Cleveland Clinic.

“I learned from some incredible pharmacists and top-level management at that world-class facility, and I am grateful to Roseman for giving me that opportunity.” He earned his degree in 2017, and that was just the start.

THE YALE CONNECTION Dr. Asanga shares, “I loved helping people as a pharmacist, but there were obstacles preventing me from providing the type of care I wanted to deliver.” He pondered next career steps, including returning to Cameroon. That proved not feasible because of the differences in the pharmacy industry there, but he notes, “I realized I needed another tool, and that tool was a degree in public health.” Researching programs and taking the next steps was “a tough journey,” Dr. Asanga says with a smile.

“It was a test of my resilience.”

As often happens, more hard work opened up additional opportunities, and Yale was the perfect fit because of the Public Health program’s connection to the School of Management. “I concentrated on global health with a focus on social entrepreneurship,” he shares, and cites the Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking at Yale (Tsai CITY) as an incredible resource, where real-life entrepreneurs contribute to “an incredible start-up ecosystem.”

When he was getting his master’s at Yale, Dr. Asanga was also working as a pharmacist part-time. “Right before the pandemic hit, there was talk about COVID-19 because Yale researchers were already looking into it. It sounded at first like a deadly virus in China, but not a threat to America.” Then in March, it hit the U.S. At work, Dr. Asanga saw “lots of people who were elderly and immunocompromised crowding into the pharmacy to get their medications. I felt so bad for them, so I talked with patients and started brainstorming.”

“I saw an opportunity to help vulnerable populations, and recruiting young, healthy volunteers to pick up medications for these people came to mind.” He vetted the idea with one of his Yale professors and advisor Dr. Kaveh Khoshnood, who immediately connected him with other resources, as universities are key players in fostering innovation.

“Yale’s volunteer services office sent out emails and within three days, we were flooded with volunteers.”

Soon thereafter, Dr. Asanga had help from his classmate Leonardo Lizbinski and other Yale College students building a website where patients could request prescription delivery, and Pills2Me was born.

PILLS2ME Word spread fast, from the Yale Daily News to News 8 New Haven and beyond. Then requests began coming in from younger and healthier people who also wanted their prescriptions delivered – and who were willing to pay for it.

Dr. Asanga is thankful for his Roseman family including his advisor Dr. Christina Madison and Yale colleagues and advisors, because their advice and resources “brought Pills2Me to where it is today.” He is also grateful for his family, including his siblings (his brother Ngwa Standly is also a Roseman Alum), his wife Atong Taku and his four-year-old daughter Kate. “I strive to be a role model for my daughter,” he notes.

“I want to show her that she can achieve anything. I came from a disadvantaged background, but that’s not an excuse to not succeed in life.”

THE IMPACT OF PILLS2ME “Telehealth has expanded about five years in a few months,” he continues, “but pharmacies are still lagging.” Clearly, if there is a reason why patients need virtual doctor visits, those reasons still apply to accessing their medication.

“People need the option to consult with their doctor virtually,” he stresses, “and the same applies to pharmaceutical consultations. Customers constantly grab several OTC options, and stand in line to ask their pharmacist which is the best for them. We’re building Pills2Me to provide remote access to those services. From your phone or computer, you will be able to get recommendations from a licensed pharmacist, and have those items delivered.”

That service has already been expanded in Nevada for those who wish to consult a doctor – Pills2Me has partnered with the physicians at the Roseman Medical Group, and already has partners including Vesper Specialty Pharmacy (founded by fellow Roseman alumnus Joshua Koroghli) and officially participating pharmacies including Vons, Safeway, Albertsons, and Jewel Osco.

“That’s when the lightbulb went off for me, and this new market came about. We’ve piloted the service and it's very promising, so we’re looking to build it out so anyone can go to the website, call, or use the app to get the service,” he notes.

Dr. Asanga sees Pills2Me as the future leader on all OTC items. He feels strongly that people should not be going to an e-commerce site or a convenience mart for over-the-counter items. His team is making Pills2Me a trusted source for OTC items so customers can access products from verified manufacturers with ensured quality, and with advice from a licensed pharmacist. “Just because an over-the-counter item is on a pharmacy shelf doesn’t mean it’s OK for you to take. For example, some types of cough and cold medicine can be dangerous for people who have uncontrolled hypertension,” says Dr. Asanga.

The concept of social entrepreneurship changed Dr. Asanga’s outlook.

“As a pharmacist, I was helping patients individually, but now as a social entrepreneur, I am able to offer a service that helps exponentially more people than I could as just one person.”

Having this service can affect many different parts of our society’s healthcare, explains Dr. Asanga. “Medication non-adherence relates to patient health, which relates to hospitalizations, which translates into increased healthcare spending, etc.”

THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH In his journey to social entrepreneurship, Dr. Asanga has gained knowledge that has changed his perspective. “I studied the social determinants of health. Before I had wondered – if a prescription’s co-pay is zero dollars, why aren’t they picking up their medicine? Now I understand there are so many different reasons people can’t get to a pharmacy. Pills2Me will have wide-ranging impact, including on prescription abandonment,” he continues.

The future of Pills2Me is bright, and Roseman applauds Dr. Asanga for his years of hard work and vision to enable people to receive the expert advice, care, and medications they need.

Dr. Asanga continues to strive for ever greater positive societal impact.

“We’re also looking at ways to partner with organizations to offset copays. For some people, a $10 copay may be too much, so we’re researching how to bridge that gap.”

EMAIL info@pills2me.com TOLL-FREE 800-475-7488 roseman.edu/spectrum | 9

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Q&A with Nursing Alumni

LINDSAY RICHARDSON Roseman is proud to share the stories of alumni who are making a positive difference in their fields.

Below, please enjoy the latest news from Lindsay Richardson, a 2016 graduate of the College of Nursing.

Following her demanding Roseman experience (which included work-study experience with Vice President Dr. Tom Metzger and Roseman’s former Registrar, Ms. Angela Bigby), Ms. Richardson became an emergency room nurse and later joined the Air Force. Read more about her experiences, her pride in serving our country’s military heroes, and her advice for future nurses.

What is your home town and undergrad school, and can you please share any family info / history you feel is pertinent?

My hometown is Los Angeles, and I went to Cal State Northridge. My mom pushed me to be my best and work hard in school. She made sure I never gave up on my dreams of becoming a nurse.

Why did you want to become a nurse?

I was in Kindergarten when I decided I wanted to become a nurse. I wanted to help people in some way, and I have always been drawn to nursing. Nursing is a special profession, because you touch the lives of people who are sick. You help them cope and heal.

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It is the most rewarding experience to be the person who helps patients and their families through difficult times.

Why did you enroll at Roseman to get your BSN? The program at Roseman aligned with my values by preparing exceptional nurses for their future careers. Additionally, the accelerated program allowed me to reach my goals much faster than traditional schooling.

What was your Roseman experience like?

It was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but when you truly want something it is usually never easy. The intense coursework pushed me to recognize my weak areas and

pushed me to become the best nurse. Also, the friends I made while in school are some of the best and to this day we are close and can reach out to each other as colleagues.

What are some of your fondest memories of Roseman?

The relationship I developed with my cohort.

We worked hard with each other and challenged one another to finish the program.

No matter how hard nursing school got we had each other to lean on and reach out too.

Moreover, I had work study with Dr. Metzger and the ladies within the registrar's office who were always fantastic to me. They taught me professional skills that have been valuable to me during my nursing career.

What was a typical week at Roseman like for you as a student?

Why and when did you decide to enlist in the Air Force?

In the ABSN program, my typical week varied between classes and clinical rotations. Usually, my week consisted of studying 6-8 hours per day, work study for four hours 3 days a week, and fitness activities.

The gym was my go to place to unwind and let go of the stress from nursing school. Fun fact: if anyone knew me in nursing school they will likely remember me with my pink helmet and my bike Spartacus.

I biked to school every day (including summer) in order to save on gas money, but also it was a fantastic coping strategy. When nursing school was particularly tough I could get on my bike and ride home, to the grocery store, or to the gym, and I would always feel better.

I wanted to join the Air Force after at least a year of emergency room experience, because I wanted to be able to serve the men and women who risk their lives to keep our country safe.

Who were your role models then, who are your role models now, and/ or who are YOU now a role model for?

When did your COVID deployment begin, and what would you like to share about that experience?

I have many role models/mentors. Some notable staff were Dr. Metzger, Ms. Bigby, Cat, Myra and Nancy. They taught me professional skills and how to be open to different career opportunities. The professors I most enjoyed were Professor Dahlberg and Professor Vergara.

Professor Dahlberg helped me channel my inner empathy for others as well as to always practice nursing safely. Professor Vergara sparked my passion for emergency nursing and would always challenge my critical thinking skills during clinical rotations.

My role models now are Capt. Thompson and Lt Col Higgins.

They both have many years of nursing experience and a breadth of knowledge. I look to them for answers, and I hope to harness some of their best leadership qualities.

Please share any thoughts you wish on your service and experiences in the military.

I go into work honored that I get to provide care to all service members. I meet veterans and personnel from around the world who share their stories and experiences with me. The Air Force has provided me with a family who work together for the greater good.

Over the summer my team responded to COVID. This experience has allowed me to grow my nursing skill set while completing a mission close to home. My involvement has been rewarding; I get to serve the people we have been sworn to protect.

What are you proud of accomplishing or working toward?

After two years of emergency room experience, I tested and obtained my CEN (certified emergency nurse licensure). This certification represents a willingness to pursue knowledge in order to provide the best possible care to my patients. In the future, I hope to pursue my graduate education in nursing.

What’s next for you, post-military?

As an officer in the Air Force, I am a role model for the airmen who work with me. I take pride in showing new airmen how to work within a professional environment and to pursue knowledge within their job field.

Post-military is a long way off for me. I love the Air Force and at this time I do not see a post in my future. As long as I am needed, I will continue to serve.

What would you say to someone who wants to enroll at Roseman?

What are your hobbies, interests, favorite charities?

Nursing school is not easy and be prepared to work hard. Once you graduate you will have the lives of others in your hands. The decision to enter the medical field is not one that should be made lightly, but it is truly rewarding.

When I am not at work, I like to get outside and go hiking, biking, and running. I love going to the gym with my husband, and we try to travel as much as we can. We are currently saving for a hiking trip, and we hope to go whale watching soon.

How has earning your BSN changed your life?

Please tell us a bit about your family, pets and how you prefer to spend any free time you may have.

Earning my BSN has opened up many job opportunities for me and has shown prospective employers that I am serious about my nursing craft. The biggest change toward earning my BSN was being able to join the ranks of my fellow military nurses in the world’s greatest Air Force.

What advice would you give to nursing students?

There is a lot of diversity in the nursing field. If there is a niche in nursing you truly love then pursue it. Nurses should be passionate about their work not miserable.

Nursing students should embrace failure, because it is an opportunity to learn and grow. When you mess up in nursing school you have seasoned nurses, doctors, professors, etc there to guide you and teach you.

My family includes my mom and my husband who are my biggest supporters. They both have seen me struggle and succeed and have watched me grow as a person. I am forever grateful to have them in my life. I have a huge Air Force family who constantly challenge me to better myself and my nursing craft. I have two cats Lola and Ebony.

Lola is a sphinx and Ebony is a black cat. They are known around my squadron, because I have a portrait of them in my home.

When I have free time, I like to read and continue to study different nursing concepts. If I want to be the best nurse, I have to continue to improve my weak areas.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

I want to thank all my family, friends and mentors for their continued support. My successes are a result of a team effort. roseman.edu/spectrum | 11

WOMEN Breaking the Mold in Dental Medicine

By Joslyn Hatfield

Lucy Hobbs Taylor was the first known American woman to enroll in dental school. The year was 1865 and in the three decades that followed, a yearly average of just six women graduated from dental schools in the United States. A lot has changed since then.

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Dental medicine has seen a gradual but steady increase in female applicants to dental school programs. “For context, my wife Dr. Brenda Harman was one of two females in a class of 160 when she entered dental school in 1971,” said Dr. William Harman, Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Services for the College of Dental Medicine.

In the last 20 years, the number of women practicing dentistry in the United States has more than doubled to the current figure of approximately 60,000. And while women currently comprise just 32% of the active dental workforce, 2018 was the first year in which female dental school enrollees nationwide outnumbered their male counterparts at 50.5%.

In addition, American Dental Association (ADA) statistics show that close to half (49%) of US dentists under the age of 35 are women.

If current trends continue, practicing female dentists will outnumber their male counter parts within the next decade.

Similarly, the first class of dental students enrolled at Roseman University in 2011 was comprised of 22% female students. Today, the current enrollment of female students is 47%. And, the current applicant pool reflects a 50/50 split between male and female applicants.

According to the ADA, female dentists continue to face unique challenges in the profession, but they have found and continue to find opportunities to move dentistry forward, contributing in various fields including academia, science and research, organized dentistry and advocacy.

As male dentists of the baby boomer generation retire, the next era in dental medicine is likely to be led by women. “The boomers are retiring at a high rate of close to 10,000 per year," said Kathleen T. O'Loughlin, DMD, the current (and first female) executive director of the ADA. "We are seeing a significant exodus of white males and a huge influx of women. Diverse women and millennials will become the majority of ADA members in the next five to 10 years," she said. Fourth year dental student and president of the Roseman College of Dental Medicine Class of 2021, Heather Nichols, adds additional perspective, “I have noticed that many of my male classmates have entered the field of dentistry as a second career,” she said. “Whereas many of my female classmates have pursued their doctoral degrees after entering dental medicine as assistants, admins or hygienists,” she continued. “I found the contrast interesting as it occurred to me that women seldom get the luxury of changing careers.”

Dental medicine appeals to women interested in pursuing doctoral degrees for a variety of reasons, but key commonalities have emerged.

For instance, female dentists may choose to work in clinical settings that offer flexible working hours and reduced administrative responsibilities. When you consider that women account for half of the US workforce, yet are still responsible for over 60% of household duties (for married of cohabitating heterosexual couples), flexibility in working hours is a key benefit for female practitioners seeking worklife balance.

Dr. Cherish Dunshee graduated from the College of Dental Medicine in 2020 having served as class president for two years and serving as president of the Dental Student Association. “I am now the breadwinner of the family for the first time in my nine-year marriage,” she said.

“It’s been the greatest joy for me to provide for my family after being in school for so long, and to see my husband be so supportive and helpful with our one-year old daughter. He goes above and beyond what most fathers do.”

The availability and role of mentors is another key differentiator for women pursing dentistry. Mentorship is an important underpinning of women’s success in dentistry. Mentors don’t just pave the way for mentees’ success at dental school and in practice; they share invaluable wisdom and insights learned through their experiences in a male-dominated profession. “Having female dentists as role models is incredibly important to career decisions at all ages,” said Dr. Harman.

College of Dental Medicine faculty, Dr. Angela Christensen agrees.

“When I ask a little girl if she wants to be a dentist when she grows up, I see the thought has never occurred to her and then I see excitement as she realizes she could be a dentist too!,” she said. “It is rewarding to open minds to see all the options available. Our patients are (about) 50% female and thus 50% of our dentists are also.”

This is not lost on female dental students who are mindful of the work done by those who have come before. College of Dental Medicine alumnus Dr. Nadine El Ayouty, who served as president of the Class of 2020 and is currently in a post-doctoral program at The Ohio State University added, “The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg stated, ‘Women will only have true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.’ I am proud to be part of the next generation of women in dentistry where we are no longer minorities in the field but slowly the majority; becoming leaders in our educational institutions and communities.”

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Roseman University celebrated its 20th Anniversary this year and has growing numbers of accomplished and prominent graduates. Next month, the University is launching a mobile app that will be a one-stop shop for everything burgundy and gray!

ALUMS, GET READY TO DOWNLOAD THE APP SO YOU CAN: • View all Roseman events, news, social media, and videos in one spot.

• Connect with classmates, alumni from all programs, and other graduates in your field.

• Create your own interest group to network with colleagues in specific areas.

• Volunteer as a mentor and engage with student organizations as advisors, speakers, etc.

• Browse job postings, and post your own internship and job opportunities.

• Access Roseman events, and meet up with other Roadrunners at conferences.

• Update your address and alumni record as you earn other degrees and credentials.

• Download ZOOM backgrounds and other RUHS assets.

QUESTIONS? Email alumni@roseman.edu for more information or call Brenda Griego at (702) 802-2830.

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NAVIGATING

By Jason Roth

the COVID-19 Pandemic

While many colleges and universities have been heavily impacted

by COVID-19, Roseman has carefully navigated the pandemic to allow it to carry out its mission while preserving its financial health.

As reported in the “State of the University” presentation, the University experienced no layoffs or furloughs and was able to provide cost-of-living salary increases to all employees. Further, all students scheduled for graduation during the pandemic graduated on time, and all programs continued without interruption. Roseman began the 2020-2021 academic year with no tuition increases and no delays in the start of new programs.

To protect students and employees, Roseman implemented a number of safety measures in line with CDC guidelines. These include frequent, enhanced cleaning and sanitizing throughout its campus buildings, reducing capacity in common spaces, enforced social distancing and wearing of face masks. The University also continues to educate students and employees on COVID-19 precautions, symptoms and the steps to take if exhibiting symptoms or if exposed to the virus.

Today, all programs are back on campus with strategies to protect vulnerable students and employees and to keep students who test positive or who have symptoms off campus without compromising their access to education through hybrid classroom models that preserve the Roseman University Six-Point Mastery Learning Model®.

Since July, at Roseman’s Henderson and South Jordan campuses the College of Nursing welcomed 168 new students, College of Pharmacy 166 students, and College of Dental Medicine 111 students and residents. These students and residents join more than 1,000 returning students who are eager to pursue their chosen healthcare professions.

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On November 16-20, visit Roseman.edu and join other Roseman alumni and friends by supporting scholarships for the next generation of competent and passionate healthcare professionals!

Choose your impact – support scholarships for students in the Dental Medicine, MBA, Nursing, Orthodontics, or Pharmacy programs.

Or, support all students through the Roseman University General Scholarship Fund!

Double the power of your gift through matching gifts from benefactors!

Learn more at roseman.edu/Thanks-Giving-2020