June 2019   Visit our website!  
 

Dr. Glenn Rosivak, chair of the Pediatric Department, which oversees special needs treatment. PHOTO: John Emerson
A Special Need
Parent, Assemblyman Advocate for Dental Patients With Disabilities 

It was a routine check-up for Peter Barnosky, and his dentist found a few cavities. But because Barnosky is on the autism spectrum, his provider didn't have the skills or resources to help.
He became a patient at RSDM's Delta Dental of New Jersey Special Care Center. His father, John Barnosky, is now raising awareness of a nationwide shortage of dentists who treat patients with disabilities."There are many barriers to receiving dental care for special needs patients,'' says Dr. Glenn Rosivack, interim chair of the Department of Pediatrics, which oversees the school's special needs clinic. Both John Barnosky and Assemblyman Dan Benson (D-14) are advocating for accessible oral healthcare for patients with disabilities, including expanded resources for RSDM, which has the state's only special needs dental clinic. Read this Rutgers Today story to learn more.  The Barnoskys were also featured in this New Jersey 101.5 piece. 

The Graduates
RSDM's Class of 2019 say Farewell

The graduates, plus three
The class of 2019, which totaled 121 members, said goodbye at RSDM's May 20 convocation ceremony, held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark.  Among the graduates were these three students, who become moms during dental school -- and still managed to earn their DMDs! Congrats to them and their classmates. In the photo at right are Lismary Sagarduy, Rochelle Farberov, Alexa Mendes, and their babies.
Scholarship Spotlight
Student Recipient Puts Patients at Ease

Jonathan Matute. PHOTO: John Emerson
RSDM has kicked off its year-long Chancellor's Challenge, which offers matching funds for all scholarship donors. Gifts benefit students like Jonathan Matute, a third-year student who was awarded last year's Professionalism Scholarship, funded by Alumni and Friends of RSDM. Read our Q&A with Jonathan to find out why his fear of dentists inspired him to become one -- and his tips on making patients feel comfortable. LEARN MORE 
Focus on Donors
Faculty Alumnus Creates Scholarship for Student Mentors

Dr. Mitch Gardiner PHOTO: John Emerson
Every student admitted to RSDM has had some share of academic success, observes Dr. Mitch Gardiner. But not everyone can be a mentor to classmates. It's a quality Gardiner wanted to recognize when he established an endowment as part of RSDM's 2019 scholarship match campaign. "Everyone who gets in here is a high achiever. I wanted students to be rewarded for mentoring and supporting their classmates and fellow students,'' says Gardiner, a member of the Class of '77. "We aren't here to compete with each other, we're here to help each other.''   LEARN MORE
Open for Business
D South Clinic Renovations Near Completion

D South Clinic after its makeover
RSDM's D South clinic was partially reopened last month after receiving a much-needed makeover. 
Eighty operatories, dating back to RSDM's opening in the 1970s, will be  replaced when the work is done. Renovations also include the addition of a new dispensary, and radiography resources. One side of the clinic has been completed and is now back in use. The new D South clinic will maintain the same footprint but will be outfitted with new furniture, equipment and ceilings and floors. Renovations are scheduled to be complete later this summer.  
ALUMNI NEWS
Classmates Rock at RSDM Reunion

A few members of the Class of '79

The Class of '79 reconnected for some reminiscing -- and rock n' roll -- at the annual RSDM Alumni Reunion held on May 3 at the Marriott at Newark Airport. The highlight of the event was a performance by Elektrosurge, RSDM's very own student cover band, led by faculty member Dr. Peter DeSciscio. In the picture at right are Jack Moran, Joe Battaglia, Dennis Dussman, Mary DeCicco, Carlos Meulener, Tim Tuttle and Cheryl Moccio.

Submit a Listing to Our Job Openings Page

Are you looking to hire an RSDM student for your practice? Do you have another job opportunity available? Create a listing on the RSDM website, where students can connect with employers. Submit a listing here. 



Scholarship Challenge Offers 2-1 and 1-1 Matches

Students in pre-clinic
You can multiply your support for RSDM students by giving to our scholarship fund. This year, the Chancellor's Challenge is offering $500,000 in matching donations toward any RSDM scholarship received until December. All scholarship donations will be matched 1-1 or 2-1. By giving to any RSDM scholarship, you can make dental school education more affordable. Help our hard-working, dedicated students follow their dreams. Learn more here. You can also give here.

Welcome, New Employees! 
                                                                    
Brian Vega, Post Doctoral Fellow, Department of Oral Biology

Nicole McCutcheon, Secretary II, Office of Student Affairs

Yolanda Easterling, Dental Assistant III, Office of Clinical Affairs

Gladys Villa Lata, Receptionist/Patient Scheduler, Office of the COO