HIV Not a Risk Factor for Dental Caries in Children
Dr. Modupe Coker
Although children infected with HIV have a higher prevalence of dental caries, RSDM researcher Dr. Modupe Coker found evidence that it's not HIV infection or exposure that increases the risk for caries but an underlying weakened immune system, which could be due to other causes and illnesses. Dr. Coker, an epidemiologist and professor in RSDM's Department of Oral Biology, has been studying the link between dental caries and HIV for about five years, drawing samples from Nigeria, which is among the sub-Saharan Africa nations with the highest prevalence of HIV-infected individuals. It also has a high rate of perinatally infected children. LEARN MORE
Rhyme and Reason
George Floyd Protests Inspires RSDM Student's Rap Song
Franco Obour
As a rapper, Franco Obour has worked with some big-name artists and producers. But when he enrolled at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) last year, he put the rhymes on hold.That changed after George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer in May, leading to an international wave of demonstrations that have become the largest civil rights protest movement in U.S. history. Obour teamed up with a friend to write a song that earned more than 30,000 social media hits when it was released last month. LEARN MORE
Alumni News
Dean to Present Webinar Update on RSDM on July 9
Dean Cecile A. Feldman
Join us July 9 at 7 p.m., when the RSDM Alumni Association will host a discussion with Dean Cecile A. Feldman, who'll give an update on the school's response to the pandemic. The Alumni Association officers will also share their insights on the year ahead. Register here.
With Honors
Dr. Nicholas DePinto and Dean Feldman Receive ADEA Awards
Dr. Nicholas DePinto
Congratulations to Dr. Nicholas DePinto and Dean Feldman for their recent honors from ADEA (American Dental Education Association). Dr. DePinto was the recipient of the Jack Bresch Award for advocacy in dental care and education. It was awarded by ADEA's Leadership Institute and Alumni Association. Dean Cecile A. Feldman was honored with a
Chair of ADEA Board of Directors citation, which is presented to leaders who have demonstrated exceptional service to the association and the dental education community.
Support RSDM
Help Students Facing Hardship During Pandemic
RSDM Foresight Leaders, Class of 2020
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many RSDM students are struggling. They face transportation problems, housing issues, lost income, food insecurity, health insurance complications and more. To help relieve these strains, dental students have been applying directly to Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) student emergency funds, which provides immediate support for those facing serious problems. You can help RSDM students in need by donating. Make your contribution to the RBHS Student Emergency Fund specifically to reach our dental students. To give, click
here.
