Dental Education News: 
November 2019
Highlights
Eastman Institute For Oral Health, University of Rochester: New Dental Clinic for Medically Complex Patients Now Available at Eastman Institute for Oral Health

A new multi-million-dollar dental clinic is now available for people with medically complex conditions who have faced barriers to dental care for years. This first-of-its-kind dental clinic in the region will serve adult patients with medically complex conditions and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at Eastman Dental, part of UR Medicine's Eastman Institute for Oral Health. Children with medically complex conditions are seen by pediatric dentists at Eastman's various locations and SMILEmobiles.   Read more.

University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine: A Chat With Dean Zambon

As part of a new series of interviews with UB's deans, UBNow sat down with Joseph Zambon, dean of the School of Dental Medicine, to learn more about the school's community service efforts, recent renovations and the future of dental education. Read more.

Diversity in Dentistry
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine: HEED Award Recognizes College of Dental Medicine's Commitment to Diversity

For a sixth consecutive year, the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (CDM) received a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. Back in 2014, CDM was the first school at Columbia University and the only dental school in the nation to receive a HEED award.   Read more.

University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine to Welcome First Female American Indian Dentist

Jessica Ann Rickert, DDS, will visit the University at Buffalo to share her journey in becoming the first female American Indian dentist in the world. During the event, "Change Perceptions... Go Beyond Expectations," Rickert will also address the alarming shortage of American Indians in dental schools across the United States.   Read more.

Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College  Partners With Colgate to Launch Cultural Awareness Podcast Series

Students and faculty from Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) collaborated with Colgate to produce a series of podcasts designed to promote cultural awareness among future and current dental professionals across the world. The idea for this informational podcast series was born when Golda Erdfarb, D.D.S., Associate Professor of Dental Medicine, and one of her students recognized first-hand the cultural stigmas that exist in the dental profession.   Read more.

Oral Health Care Access
University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine to Offer Free Care to WNY Vets in Honor of Veterans Day

The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine will host the fifth Dentistry Smiles on Veterans, an annual program that welcomes local veterans to receive a day of free dental screenings, cleanings, extractions, restorations and denture repairs. The program - a partnership between UB Dental, the New York State Dental Association, the New York State Dental Foundation and the Eighth District Dental Society.   Read more.

Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College Hosts 2nd Annual Smiles for Veterans Event

More than 60 participants turned out for the festivities, which kicked off with a heartfelt performance of the national anthem by TCDM's acapella group, the Chromatic Scalers. Veterans and their families enjoyed a breakfast reception with entertainment, giveaways and student-led educational activities aimed at encouraging good oral health practices.  Read more.

Research
NYU Dentistry: Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Provides Pain Relief and More Effective Opioid Alternative in Animal Study

An international team of researchers has used nanoparticles to deliver a drug-one that previously failed in clinical trials for pain-into specific compartments of nerve cells, dramatically increasing its ability to treat pain in mice and rats. The findings are published Nov. 4 in Nature Nanotechnology.   Read more.

Student News
NYU Dentistry HSDA Students and Faculty Advisors win 1st Place in the Colgate-Palmolive Nuestros Niños Competition From the Hispanic Dental Association

Vanessa Mancuso, '20, president of the Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA), Stephanie Aya, '20, HSDA vice president, Dr. Rose Amable, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, and Dr. Cheryline Pezzullo, clinical instructor in the Department of Cariology and Comprehensive Care, received first place in the Colgate-Palmolive Nuestros Niños Competition from the Hispanic Dental Association Read more.

NYU Oral Cancer Walk Raises Over $30,000 to Support Research and new Patient Care Initiatives at the NYU Oral Cancer Center

More than 500 people participated in the College's annual Oral Cancer Walk on Sunday, October 6, 2019. The walk, which raised over $30,000, began at NYU Dentistry then made a loop around the East Village and ended with a family-themed reception on East 25th Street featuring donuts, pumpkin decorating, and free oral cancer screenings. The College plans to use the funds raised to support research and a wellness center to combat pre-surgery anxiety in patients. Read more.

Faculty News
Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine: Dr. Ifeyinwa Onyenekwu Joins Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine to Lead Student Affairs 

Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine has welcomed Dr. Ifeyinwa (Ife) Onyenekwu as Director of Student Affairs. Dr. Onyenekwu joined the School of Dental Medicine from Rutgers University where she served as Assistant Professor of Practice in the College Student Affairs Program. Throughout her tenure at Rutgers University, she served as a faculty advisor, supported diverse student populations, planned essential programs, and provided career advisement.   Read more.

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