Lasting Impressions | Fall 2014

2 © LASTING IMPRESSIONS W hat do an oral surgery resident, a class president, a general dentist turned ortho- dontics resident, and the American Student Dental Association vice president have in common? They are all profiled in this issue of Lasting Impressions . These individuals represent dentistry’s next generation of leaders. The best predictor of future leadership is current leadership. So, it is critical that Nova Southeastern University and the College of Dental Medicine provide sufficient opportunities for our students to develop their leadership skills. During the annual NSU/CDM alumni reception at the Florida National Dental Congress, I asked several former students what they believed contributed most to shaping their success as clinicians, scientists, educators, and leaders. Our alumni identified three key issues. First, the collegial rela- tionships between faculty members and students helped them develop confidence in both their dental and leadership skills. Second, the many dental student organizations provided them with experiences to practice their leadership skills and required them to work together as a team to accomplish a shared goal. Third, the many community service opportunities offered perspective on the great need for oral health care that exists in our community and the world. The Give Kids A Smile Day, the NSU Day for Children, the foreign and domes- tic mission trips, and the Special Smiles-Special Olympics, all contrib- uted to changing their perspective on the importance of giving back. They recognized their professional responsibility to reach out to those who do not come to their dental offices, but still need dental care. We are pleased to share the stories of just a few of our amazing students and alumni and how NSU’s College of Dental Medicine contributed to developing and nurturing their professional dreams, aspirations, and leadership. Linda C. Niessen, D.M.D., M.P.H. Dean and Professor College of Dental Medicine Nova Southeastern University Unleashing the Potential to Lead Lasting Impressions is produced by Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine 3200 South University Drive Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2018 DEAN Linda C. Niessen , D.M.D., M.P.H., M.P.P. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Bart Whitehead , D.M.D., M.Ed., e M.B.A. Assistant Dean, Professional Development MANAGING EDITOR Oline H. Cogdill ART DIRECTOR Susan Tischenkel-Hayward , Associate Director/ Senior Graphic Designer, Office of Publications CDM Alumni Society Advisory Board Amir Akhavan , 2014; Timothy Case , 2001; Daniel Crossen , 2011; Karen McKenzie , 2007; Ashley Millstein , 2011; Liz Montero , 2011; Chris Phelps , 2003; Pamela Steiger , 2012; Chris (Steven) Villanueva , 2004 OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS Ron Ryan , Director Sheryl Koral , University Editor Carol Reynolds-Srot , Associate Editor/Copywriter Roberta Harris , Graphic Production Manager Impressions lasting F o l l o w N S U Lasting Impressions welcomes your letters, comments, and suggestions. Please send them to Bart Whitehead at walbert@nova.edu . Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, doctorate, and professional degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Nova Southeastern University. Nova Southeastern University admits students of any race, color, sex, age, nondisqualifying disability, religion or creed, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school, and does not discriminate in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, schol- arship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. 05-076-14sat