Newsletter: A new life for elderly patients; pre-dental pioneers, innovative research

Starting Over

For low-income elderly, denture program is life changing

Students hold dentures made for the elderly.

For someone who can't afford dentures, a new set can mean th e start of a new life. That's what students and faculty learned from RSDM's Dentures for Seniors program, which provides free dentures for elderly, low-income patients. The program gave many the confidence to finally go on job interviews and even start dating again. LEARN MORE

Research News

Biologists win funds to study bacterial 'communication'

Vijay Parashar

Carla Cugini

Two RSDM researchers won grants last month from the New Jersey Health Foundation for studies that could help efforts to disable the bacteria responsible for a range of illnesses, from gingivitis to Lyme disease. Both study how bacteria cells transmit signals to each other. LEARN MORE

Gateway to a Career

Program provides hands-on experience of dental profession

Learning a new skill in the Gateway program.

RSDM's Gateway to Dentistry, founded 15 years ago, was the first pre-dental program of its kind. For two weeks, undergrads from across the nation immerse themselves in life at RSDM, learning basic dental skills and discovering the many possibilities of the dental profession. LEARN MORE

Spirit of Giving

RU surpasses $1billion fundraising goal

With a little help from RSDM, Rutgers has completed the largest fundraising effort in the university's 250-year history, surpassing its $1 billion goal. LEARN MORE

ALUMNI NEWS

Kids First

Meet a leader in pediatric dentistry

Dr. Velazquez at work.

Running a successful pediatric dental practice means more than stocking your waiting room with the latest video games. "You have to have a true sense of empathy for the child and also for their family circumstances,'' says Elisa Velazquez, who graduated from RSDM in 1999. "Sometimes we're handling the emotions of the parents as well." LEARN MORE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

** Dental Alumni Meeting, February 18, at 6:00 p.m. at McCloones Restaurant in Woodbridge. Alumni will discuss the alumni association as part of Rutgers. For more information, contact Jenny-Ann Kershner at [email protected] or 973-972-0307. All are welcome. Cost is $40 for dinner.

** Dr. Anthony Volpe, Class of '60, has been named as one of this year's inductees into the Rutgers University Hall of Distinguished Alumni. This award is Rutgers University's highest honor for graduates. The awards gala will be held at the Heldrich Hotel on Saturday, May 2nd. For tickets and more information, visit here.

** An Alumni Reception will be held for all attendees of the Garden State Dental Conference and Expo, May 1st at the Princeton Marriot at Forrestal. Room location to be announced.

** Dr. Robert Clapcich, Class of 88, through the Michael Clapcich Fund for CbIC Research, is raising research dollars for this very rare disease. Michael, Dr. Clapcich's son, was diagnosed at birth with Cobalamin Cellular Metabolism Defect Type-C, a disease where patients cannot process vitamin B12. The Clapcich Fund is hosting a benefit concert on Saturday, March 28th at the BB King Blues Club and Grill in NYC. For tickets and more information, visit here.

** We are sad to announce the passing of Dr. Ted Grawehr, Class of '60, on Sunday, December 28th, 2014. Ted was a dentist for 30 years at his practice in Towaco before retiring in 1991.

** Membership has its privileges! Did you know that as Rutgers alumni, RSDM grads are entitled to discounts and special offers on university events and other perks? Learn more here.