Fighting child abuse; overcoming chronic pain; and the strange artifacts in our dental museum

Helping Patients Overcome Chronic Pain

After decades of hurting, finding relief at RSDM

Dr. Gary Heir, left, and patient Jerry Williamson

For more than half his life, Jerry Williamson endured excruciating pain in his right jaw that was repeatedly misdiagnosed as a dental issue. But after treatment at RSDM's Center for Temporomandiublar Disorders and Orofacial Pain, the hurt has gone away. "Other people weren't listening. But Dr. Heir asked a lot of questions,'' says Williamson. "He knew where the pain was coming from. He understood.'' LEARN MORE

Dental stereoscope circa 1930s

Dentistry Throwbacks

Tour RSDM's Dental Museum

When he started at RSDM, fourth-year student Peter Paradiso was mystified by the school's dental museum -- three glass display cases filled with antique equipment. "They looked like props from a sci-fi movie,'' he says. Find out what's inside the museum. LEARN MORE

ALUMNI NEWS

Child Safety

Dr. Larry Dobrin

Teaching others to recognize signs of abuse

In his long career in dental forensics, Larry Dobrin has seen many heart-wrenching cases. That's why he has spent more than three decades teaching healthcare professionals how to spot the difference between accidental injuries and child abuse. LEARN MORE

Program Shares Keys to Success

SMDEP provides role models, inspiration

SMDEP students with Dr. Rosa Chaviano, center, and Dr. Herminio Perez, right

As a child growing up in the Congolese city of Kinshasa, Manu Kazadi had severe dental problems that his family could not afford to fix. In the U.S., he received treatment at Boston University's dental school and began to consider a career in dentistry. Last month, he joined Rutgers' Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP). LEARN MORE

Why NJ Needs Fluoridated Water

Dean Feldman's response to anti-fluoride groups

Dean Cecile A. Feldman

Once regarded by some as a Communist plot, fluoridated community water programs are the focus of a new wave of distrust. Read Dean Feldman's Star-Ledger op-ed on why we still need fluoride in our water -- especially in New Jersey. LEARN MORE

Dean Cecile A. Feldman presents a certificate to Dr. Asha Samant.

Leading Edge

Program helps develop women leaders

The Rutgers Office for the Promotion of Women in Science, Engineering and Mathmatics helps women succeed in academic fields traditionally dominated by men. Congratulations to Dr. Asha Samant, associate professor of restorative dentistry, for completing the office's leadership and professional development program.