NSU, Patel Family Celebrate International Dental Program

Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) College of Dental Medicine on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, thanks to the continued support of Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel, unveiled its expanded International Dental Program at its Tampa Bay Regional Campus.

“Nova Southeastern University’s relationship with Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel continues to grow, with our students and communities being the biggest beneficiaries,” said Dr. George Hanbury, NSU’s President and CEO. “Expanding and basing our International Dental Program to the Tampa Bay/Clearwater area is just the latest example of that thriving partnership.”

The Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel International Dental Program at NSU Tampa Bay Regional Campus means the university is the only one in Florida with a “stand-alone” program.

To celebrate, NSU held a special dedication celebration has been planned with about 200 attendees, including Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel, NSU President and CEO Dr. George Hanbury as well as special invited guests, including local and statewide elected officials and business and community leaders.

 We’ve all heard stories of people moving to the United States who have advanced degrees but cannot get a job in their chosen profession because they lack degrees/licensing/certifications needed in our country.

NSU’s Dr. Kiran and Pallavi Patel International Dental Program is designed to address that very issue – many of these students are working in the dental field, but just not as dentists (they are working as dental assistants, etc.) This program is specifically designed to help these students obtain the needed degrees and certifications so they can begin practicing dentistry in the U.S.

“Providing a second opportunity for international dental students is something I’ve wanted to do for many, many years” said Dr. Kiran Patel.

NSU’s International Dental Program began in 1997 at its Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus. In the past, NSU, like other colleges and universities, found a spot for international students in their dental program when space became available.

Now, thanks to the financial support from the Patels, this program will be based at NSU’s Tampa Bay Regional Campus and is expanding to provide space for even more students. When fully enrolled, the Drs. Kiran C. and Pallavi Patel International Dental Program will provide instruction for more than 100 students.

The Business Observer was on hand to cover the occasion. Read the full story!

Posted 11/06/22