Tag: College of Dental Medicine

Interprofessional Education, Simulation to Open Gateway to Future of Health Care at NSU

For years, NSU has been raising the bar on health care in South Florida through interprofessional education and simulation. Our philosophy and practice have focused on training future professionals to interact with patients and collaborate as members of health care teams before practicing in real-life health care environments.

To enhance and expand our current world-class health care facilities, NSU Health is seizing the opportunity to put them under one roof at the future site of a brand new, standalone Interprofessional Simulation Complex, or SimCom.

This facility – spearheaded by EVP and COO Dr. Harry Moon and NSU Health – will serve as the cornerstone of NSU’s health care footprint on the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus, strategically located near the health care colleges, NSU Health’s clinics, the Center for Collaborative Research, and the HCA University Hospital. The facility’s infrastructure will be used by students on campus as well as all regional campuses virtually. Slated to open in 2025, SimCom will be supported by NSU Health’s new Interprofessional Simulation Institute – led by Executive Director Dawn Wawersik. The Institute – which already oversees the administration and operations of simulation activities for the university.

These cutting-edge endeavors will culminate in a uniquely beneficial asset to NSU students, educators, and researchers across all our regional campuses, as well as the health care community and industry at large. The much smaller former Dolphins training facility building, previously considered to house SimCom, will be repurposed to address much-needed office and classroom space on campus.

Learn more about these exciting endeavors.

Posted 09/26/23

Dental Students from 2 Campuses Deliver Services in Tenn.

Forty-one students from the D-4 Davie campus and D-3 students from Tampa Bay and Davie took the trek to East Ridge Tennessee for an incredible Remote Area Medical Mission on Sept. 9-10.

Our Assistant Dean of Community Programs and Public Health was joined by our amazing faculty Mauro Mesko, Luis Paes de Barros, Augusto Duarte, and our second-year PG oral and maxillofacial resident Alexander Takshyn.

The students and faculty compassion, caring, clinical skills, and understanding of underserved populations were evident throughout the mission. A special thanks to RAM and Dean Steven Kaltman for his unending support and our wonderful celebration dinner.

Together we served almost 400 patients and provided close to $300,000 in donated dental care.

Remote Area Medical is a major nonprofit provider of free pop-up clinics. Their mission is to prevent pain and alleviate suffering by providing free, quality healthcare to those in need. They do this by delivering free dental, vision, and medical services to underserved and uninsured individuals. They have provided care across the world at over 1500 events.

These Outreach experiences provide an opportunity for dental students and reaffirm NSU core value of “Community” and help to:

  • Develop a broad understanding of the community and social responsibilities they will have as Dental Professionals.
  • Treat a diversity of patients with a variety of oral health care needs.
  • Enhance their clinical skills.
  • Participate in inter-professional learning experiences.

In the words of RAM founder Stan Brock, “Never forget the Mission.”

Posted 09/24/23

Couple Establish Community Engagement Scholarship

From left, Mark Schweizer and Robert Voelker

Mark Schweizer and his husband Robert Voelker have established the Dr. Mark S. Schweizer and Robert M. Voelker Community Engagement Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship will be given yearly to the senior dental students who demonstrates an exceptional commitment, compassion, initiative, and engagement that embraces the NSU College of Dental Medicine’s mission to local, national, and community oral health outreach.

With more than one half of the population that does not have the ability to access oral healthcare, engaging in programs that support access oral healthcare is an important portion of Schweizer’s and Voelker’s commitment to community service.

Schweizer is the Assistant Dean of Community Programs and Public health and has developed an extensive program of community service across the globe. Voelker, a licensed architect, is the principal of DM Visualization, LLC, which provides global training on innovative software for architectural interior visualization.

Together, they support many charities that support food insufficiency, animals’ rights, increasing access to oral health care, and LBGTQ+ rights. Schweizer and Voelker encourage all to each day to give at least one random act of kindness.

Posted 09/10/23

Dental Medicine Faculty Gets Special Recognition

From left, Katherine Bridges, Dental Executive Director at Florida Department of Health, and Elias Moron

Elías Morón, received a recognition from Katherine Bridges, Dental Executive Director at the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), on July 25, 2023, during the FDOH Statewide Dental Performance Meeting “Entering a New Era in Dentistry” in Jacksonville, Florida.

Morón presented “An Interprofessional School-Based Initiative to Increase Access to Oral Health Care in Underserved Florida Counties.”

In light of the unmet oral health care needs for children in rural counties, the FDOH and Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine developed and implemented an interprofessional school-based oral health initiative to provide an educational training program for school-based nurses working in public elementary schools located in Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas.

This interprofessional school-based oral health initiative is funded by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and administered by the FDOH. Richard Singer, Associate Professor at the Department of Oral Science and Translational Research, is the Principal Investigator of this oral health initiative.

Moron, D.D.S., M.P.H., M.H.L.  is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Oral Science and Translational Research at the NSU College of Dental Medicine.

Richard Singer, D.M.D., M.S., Ph.D.  is an Executive Director for Master of Science Program, Associate Professor in Department of Oral Science and Translational research.

Posted 09/10/23

Dental Medicine Holds White Coat Ceremony for Class of ’25

NSU College of Dental Medicine White Coat Ceremony for Class of 2025 was held on Sunday August 20, 2023. The White Coat Ceremony holds several meanings, all of which contribute to its significance in the lives of dental students. Here are some of the key meanings associated with the White Coat Ceremony:

  • Symbol of Professionalism: The white coat is a powerful symbol of professionalism and a visible representation of the responsibilities that come with being a Dental Professional. It signifies the transition from a student to a future healthcare provider.
  • Commitment to Ethical Practice: The ceremony emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior in dental practice. Students pledge to uphold ethical standards, demonstrating their dedication to providing patient-centered care with integrity and compassion.
  • Transition to Clinical Care: The ceremony marks the transition from theoretical learning to practical application. It symbolizes the beginning of hands-on clinical experiences where students will directly interact with patients and contribute to their oral health.
  • Patient-Centered Care: Dental care is about more than technical skills; it’s about treating patients with respect and empathy. The ceremony underscores the importance of patient-centered care and reminds students of the human element in dentistry.
  • Connection to Tradition: The white coat ceremony is rooted in tradition and serves as a link between past and future generations of dental professionals. It connects students to a lineage of dedicated healthcare providers.
  • Personal Identity: Donning the white coat can be an emotional moment for students, reinforcing their identity as future dentists. It boosts confidence and reminds them of the journey they’re embarking on.
  • Family and Community Support: The presence of family, faculty, and peers underscores the support network that surrounds students. It’s a celebration of their achievements and the shared commitment to their success.
  • Inspiration and Role Models: Guest speakers and faculty members often share insights and stories that inspire students to excel in their studies and practice. These role models contribute to shaping students’ professional attitudes.
  • Responsibility and Accountability: The white coat symbolizes the responsibilities that dental professionals have towards their patients, colleagues, and the profession as a whole. It’s a reminder of the trust placed in them by society.
  • Mindset Shift: The ceremony encourages a shift in mindset from being a student to becoming a lifelong learner and practitioner. It sets the tone for a lifelong commitment to education and professional growth.
  • Sense of Achievement: The white coat ceremony represents a significant milestone in students’ educational journeys. It’s a moment of pride and accomplishment as they take a step closer to realizing their career aspirations.
  • Unity and Community: The ceremony fosters a sense of community among students, faculty, and practicing professionals. It’s a shared experience that binds individuals who are passionate about oral health and patient well-being.

 

In essence, the White Coat ceremony is a multifaceted event that encapsulates the ideals, values, and aspirations of Dental Professionals. It’s a moment of reflection, inspiration, and commitment that shapes students’ understanding of their future roles and responsibilities.

Posted 08/27/23

Dental Medicine Students Attend Board of Dentistry Meeting

NSU College of Dental Medicine D4 students attended the Florida Board of Dentistry Meeting as part of their Practice Management Course.

Attending a Florida Board of Dentistry meeting provided dental students with valuable insights into the regulatory and disciplinary aspects of the dental profession. These meetings typically involve discussions and decisions related to licensing, regulations, and disciplinary actions for dental professionals in the state.

Here’s how dental students were benefited from attending the meeting:

  • Understanding Regulatory Procedures: Dental students learned about the formal procedures and protocols involved in the regulation of the dental profession. This included how complaints are investigated, hearings are conducted, and decisions are made regarding disciplinary actions.
  • Awareness of Ethical Standards: Witnessing disciplinary actions helped dental students gain a better understanding of the ethical standards and professional behavior expected of them as future dentists. They learned about the consequences of violations and the importance of maintaining a high level of professionalism.
  • Real-world Case Studies: Observing real cases of disciplinary actions provided students with practical examples of situations that can lead to professional misconduct. This can be more impactful than simply studying theoretical scenarios in textbooks.
  • Preventing Mistakes: By learning about the mistakes and violations that led to disciplinary actions, dental students became more aware of potential pitfalls and the steps needed to avoid similar errors in their own practice.
  • Networking and Exposure: Attending these meetings provided students with the opportunity to interact with practicing dentists, board members, and other professionals in the field. Networking can help students gain insights into the industry and potentially open doors for future career opportunities.
  • Insight into the Legal System:Students learned about how regulatory bodies collaborate with the legal system during disciplinary proceedings. This understanding could be valuable in case they ever encounter legal issues in their own practice.
  • Professional Development:Witnessing the gravity of disciplinary actions can emphasize the importance of lifelong learning and professional development. Students learned about the importance of staying motivated to continue their education and stay up to date with best practices and regulations.
  • Personal Growth: Attending board meetings could foster a sense of responsibility and accountability among dental students. It can encourage them to be proactive in maintaining their professional integrity and taking their role as healthcare providers seriously.

Posted 08/27/23

Applications Open for Provost’s Research & Scholarship Awards

Starting August 7, 2023, nominations will be accepted for the annual Provost’s Research and Scholarship Awards. Last year this program was expanded to increase recognition opportunities for NSU faculty, and to improve accessibility to faculty from all academic disciplines and career stages.

The Provost’s Research and Scholarship Awards (PRSA) program now awards up to four awards. The PRSA program has two disciplinary categories and two awards within each category by career stage (one for early career and one for established faculty). Therefore, the below four awards, given sufficient candidates in each category, will be awarded annually:

  1. Assistant Professor in the Arts, Business, Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences
  2. Associate/Full Professor in the Arts, Business, Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences
  3. Assistant Professor in STEM and Health/Medicine
  4. Associate/Full Professor in STEM and Health/Medicine

The purpose of this program is to recognize demonstrated achievement in research, scholarship, and creative pursuits by NSU faculty members. These annual awards recognize distinguished accomplishments in the pursuit of research, creative, and scholarly activities across disciplines and career stages, as noted above.

More information and the link to the application is available here: http://www.nova.edu/academic-affairs/provost-award/index.html.

The deadline to submit a nomination or to self-nominate is September 6, 2023, 5:00 p.m., EDT. The winners of the Provost’s Research and Scholarship Awards will be announced in November 2023.

Posted 08/04/23

NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission Heals Hearts, Smiles

From July 17 to July 22, 2023, a remarkable event took place in St. Mary, Jamaica, as Nova Southeastern University (NSU) embarked on a transformative medical/dental mission. This interdisciplinary mission brought together professionals and students from various healthcare fields, including Medicine, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Optometry, Occupational Therapy, and a host of volunteers. Their collective efforts not only provided much-needed health-care services but also left a lasting impact on the lives of the local community.

The mission was organized by NSU in collaboration with Women of H.O.P.E., a local non-profit organization that provides healthcare and education to women and children. Its primary objective was to extend a helping hand to the underserved population in St. Mary, who faced limited access to medical and dental services. The mission’s diverse team of dedicated healthcare practitioners aimed to address a range of health issues, including dental problems that often went untreated.

The dental component of the mission was particularly remarkable. Three experienced dentists, along with 12 talented dental students, came together to deliver vital dental care to those in need. Over the course of the mission, these compassionate professionals provided dental services to an impressive 275 patients, ranging from cleanings to more complex procedures like fillings and extractions.

What made the NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission even more exceptional was the generosity of the team and their supporters. With more $175,000 in donated services, this mission truly exemplified the power of altruism and the positive impact it can have on underserved communities. The donated services not only alleviated immediate health concerns but also contributed to the patient’s overall well-being and quality of life.

Apart from providing hands-on care, the medical and dental teams also conducted informative presentations on various health-related topics. These presentations covered crucial aspects of oral and general health, including preventive measures, hygiene practices, and the importance of early detection and treatment. The mission aimed to create a sustainable impact by educating the community, and empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.

The NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission was about more than just medical and dental treatments; it was a mission of healing hearts and smiles. The warmth and compassion exhibited by the team left a lasting impression on the patients they served. Beyond the physical healing, the mission also fostered emotional and psychological healing, reminding the community that they were not forgotten and that they mattered.

The impact of this interdisciplinary mission extended far beyond the week it took place. The team not only treated patients but also formed valuable connections with the local healthcare providers and organizations. Collaborative efforts like these can create a lasting change in healthcare infrastructure and access in underserved areas.

The success of the NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission 2023 was a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and the spirit of giving back. By coming together, these professionals and students were able to make a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds of individuals, leaving a legacy of care and compassion that will be cherished by the community for years to come.

The NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission 2023 was a remarkable endeavor that showcased the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. Through the efforts of Medical, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, students, and volunteers, the mission delivered critical services, educational support, and compassion to the people of St. Mary, Jamaica. It was a shining example of how healthcare can be a force for good, transcending borders and bringing healing to the hearts and smiles of those in need.”

Posted 07/30/23

Dental Students Volunteer at RAM Event in Tennessee

Under the supervision of Dr. Mark Schweizer, assistant dean of Community Programs and Public Health and College of Dental Medicine faculty, Dr. Mauro Mesko and Dr. Norberto Coerezza, Dr. Sam Caruso (PG OMFS), more than 50 D4 ,D3, and D2 dental students traveled to Columbia, Tenn., to volunteer at the Remote Area Medical (RAM) event to deliver free dental care to uninsured patients. During this event, about 250 patients were seen and more than $120,000.00 donated dental services were provided.

Special thanks to Dean Steven Kaltman for his leadership and ongoing support and guidance.

Remote Area Medical is a major nonprofit provider of free pop-up clinics. Their mission is to prevent pain and alleviate suffering by providing free, quality healthcare to those in need. They do this by delivering free dental, vision, and medical services to

underserved and uninsured individuals. They have provided care across the world at more than 1,500 events.

These Outreach experiences provide an opportunity for dental students and reaffirm NSU core value of “Community” and help to:

  • Develop a broad understanding of the community and social responsibilities they will have as Dental Professionals.
  • Treat a diversity of patients with a variety of oral health care needs.
  • Enhance their clinical skills.
  • Participate in inter-professional learning experiences.

Dr. Mark Schweizer, Assistant Dean of Community Program has built a long- standing relationship with RAM and NSU-CDM is planning many more events in the future.

Posted 07/30/23

Dental Postgraduate Places First in Poster Competition

From left, Dr. Saynur Vardar-Sengul, DDS, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Periodontology, and Dr. Ovadia Chocron

Congratulation to Dr. Ovadia Chocron, a third-year postgraduate resident from Department of Periodontology at the NSU College of Dental Medicine for a first place showing at the International Team for Implantology (ITI) Congress North America Poster Competition in Miami Beach, Florida, June 15-17, 2023.

 The title of his poster presentation was “Allograft plates for horizontal bone augmentation in the anterior mandible following a traumatic fall: A case report.”

The ITI is a global association of professionals in implant dentistry. The objectives of the ITI are the promotion and dissemination of knowledge about implant dentistry and related fields. They serve dental professionals by fostering learning, networking, discussion, and exchange. ITI provide comprehensive, quality education in implant dentistry and support and facilitate cutting-edge research in this field and to be the authoritative resource on current and emerging issues in implant dentistry for dental professionals globally.

Posted 07/16/23

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