Innovation Faculty Alumni Students
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) introduced a set of 12 awards to recognize excellence among its faculty, staff, students, residents and alumni. During the ceremony, Dean Denise Kassebaum, DDS, MS, expressed her gratitude and pride: "It is our people who make this school what it is today. Your enthusiasm and dedication drive all of our achievements and make the SDM a special, thriving community."
Oral health in a person’s golden years is a numbers game. The more natural teeth people retain – ideally at least 20 – the greater their quality of life and the lower their risk of chronic disease. For the 51% of Americans on Medicare who lack dental care, the odds are stacked against them.
Innovation Faculty Alumni Students
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) introduced a set of 12 awards to recognize excellence among its faculty, staff, students, residents and alumni. During the ceremony, Dean Denise Kassebaum, DDS, MS, expressed her gratitude and pride: "It is our people who make this school what it is today. Your enthusiasm and dedication drive all of our achievements and make the SDM a special, thriving community."
For dental students, there are many exciting milestones to celebrate, from getting into dental school to seeing their first patient to graduation day. The white coat ceremony is one of these momentous occasions, signifying the transition from student to patient care provider.
For one dental student, dentistry is a perfect blend of math, science, art and creativity. Suramya Sharma, MDS, BDS, is a second-year student in the Advanced Standing International Student Program (ISP) at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM). She was born and brought up in Delhi, India. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in dentistry before practicing as a general dentist and periodontist for four years in New Delhi.
Colorado dentists, alumni and faculty of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) are invited to a free continuing education (CE) program on September 15, 2023, at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Three (3) CE credits are offered, and early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Research Innovation Community Alumni Students Clinics
As with all forms of healthcare, dentistry is changing rapidly. Factors such as new technologies, higher-quality data and a wider adoption of person-centered care models make our healthcare systems more cost-effective while delivering better outcomes.
When alumni and students are asked about the Advanced Clinical Training and Service (ACTS) program, many share that it was one of the most memorable experiences in the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) curriculum at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM).
Research Patient Care Dental Medicine
Trevor Williams, PhD, spent decades studying the genetic underpinnings of craniofacial anomalies. Without treatment, which typically involves surgery, the birth defects can leave children with breathing and eating problems and make them the targets of bullies.
“As far back as my first filling I have wanted to be a dentist,” Robert Lembke wrote in a 1968 letter to then-dean of the University of Colorado School of Dentistry, Leslie R. Burrows, DDS, PhD. Lembke was 12 years old, in seventh grade and already looking to the future. The dental school wouldn’t open for another five years.
Imagine having the opportunity to join a multi-dentist practice during your first days in dental school. Imagine that within that practice, you are able to establish a long-term relationship with a patient whose evolving case and progress is your responsibility throughout your entire dental education. Now imagine that your patient is an avatar with a complex mixture of social, medical and dental histories and challenges that develop in response to your treatment decisions.
Written by Clare Houliston (DDS '26). Edited and inspired by Jillian Desmond (DDS '25).
Meet Clare Houliston, a rising second-year student at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM). Houliston was inspired to pursue dentistry by her countless visits to the dentist as a child in Albuquerque, New Mexico; her passion to serve others; and her older sister who is now a practicing dentist. Although school takes up most of her time, she has spent the past year traveling, snowboarding, picking up pickleball and getting to see more of her new home state.
Now that she's finished her first year at the SDM, she's come up with the following advice for incoming students as they begin their dental education this fall.
At the Colorado Dental Association (CDA) Annual Meeting in Snowmass Village, the newest slate of CDA officers was installed. The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) is proud to have such impactful representation at the state level with four alumni in leadership positions.
Students at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) are immersed in a collaborative environment where faculty, staff and peers are incredibly supportive, and everyone wants to see you succeed... but a little competition never hurt anyone.
At her white coat ceremony in 2012, Leah E. Schulz, DDS ’14, said, “Listening to leaders from the dental community talk about our future patients and the ethical standards that will guide us resonated with me more than ever." Eleven years later, the roles were reversed.
Research Innovation Patient Care
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus this week announced the Anschutz Acceleration Initiative, a program to advance cutting-edge healthcare innovations that are poised to reach patients within the next three to five years.
At this year's DDS graduation banquet and awards ceremony, we recognized each member of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) Class of 2023 for their incredible efforts, accomplishments and perseverance. As is tradition, we presented a number of individual awards established by specialty groups and community partners. Faculty members also received awards, selected by the graduating class. At the commencement ceremony, speaker Leah E. Schulz, DDS ’14, was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
The next generation of dental professionals at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) receive more than an education; they are molded into leaders, ultimately shaping the future of the medical field.
Thirty-eight faculty members from schools across the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus were recognized at a reception on May 10, 2023. University leadership, deans and directors were in attendance along with many of this year’s honorees. Each faculty member received a commencement medal, emblazoned with the seal of the University of Colorado, in appreciation for their service.
Sometimes serendipity has a wagging tail.
When Lexi Dunnells looked to build a project for the School of Dental Medicine’s Research Day, she knew she wanted to study how to reduce barriers to care in the dental clinic.
Three faculty members from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine were awarded for outstanding research in oral health equity, public service and oral health. They were recognized and honored at the 52nd American Association of Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research's (AADOCR) Meeting & Exhibition in Portland, Ore. The AADOCR is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research to advance health and well-being.
Dr. Wright earned her dental degree from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee. She completed her oral and maxillofacial pathology residency at the New York Hospital of Queens (New York-Presbyterian Queens) in Flushing, New York. She became a board-certified oral and maxillofacial pathologist and began her tenure in academia at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in 2004. She served as a consultant with OralDNA labs to help with the promotion and understanding of the human papillomavirus salivary test. Prior to her arrival at the University of Colorado, she worked at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where she was involved with the biopsy service and teaching dental students and residents.
Dental caries (tooth decay) is a widespread public health issue, especially prevalent in under-resourced communities across the country. Through extensive research, esteemed keynote speaker Carmem Pfeifer, DDS, PhD; professor at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Dentistry aims to improve dental restorations by developing stronger materials that will last longer and perform better than current materials used to treat dental caries.
“During the next hour, you’re going to be participating in a simulation of what it might be like to be part of a family with low-income trying to survive month to month.” Assistant Professor (C/T) Deidre Callanan, RDH, DC, MPH, introduced the afternoon’s interactive lesson. “This is not a game or a competition; rather it is a shared learning experience meant to educate and elevate patient care.”
When dental student Mohita Sharma, BDS, (ISP ’23), noticed her patient’s heart rate was higher than usual, neither of them expected it would save his life.
What happens in the mouth doesn’t always stay in the mouth. That’s the mantra for many dental experts today, as research into connections between gum disease and systemic disorders – from strokes and rheumatoid arthritis to diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease – becomes more prominent.
When Lise Gresock, 88, came to the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM), she was hesitant and nervous. For decades, she had not had a great experience going to the dentist. While Gresock liked her previous dentist, she wanted a more conservative treatment option. When she met the CU Dental team of Sarah Dirks, DDS, and Elena Ciobanu, DDS (ISP ’22), BDS, Gresock was immediately at ease.
The Advanced Standing International Student Program (ISP) at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) brings dentists from around the world to Colorado to earn their Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees and practice in the United States. This December, celebrations in honor of the ISP Class of 2022 included a banquet and awards ceremony, flag ceremony, and commencement ceremony.
Dr. Somerset attended dental school at the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and completed post-doctoral residency with the Christiana Care Health System in Wilmington, Delaware. Prior to dental school, Dr. Somerset earned a Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and an MS degree in Biomedical Science at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Research Innovation Faculty Students
From groundbreaking research to composting on campus, here are some of our favorite stories from 2022.
Sondus Alkadri, BDM, M.Dent, a student at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM), was studying for an exam on her flight home when she heard the captain make this announcement: “is there a doctor on board?”
A fine, black powder emergency room physicians sometimes use for treating patients with overdoses, has entered the health and beauty world in the form of shampoos and soaps to deodorants and toothpaste.
Innovation Patient Care Education Students Clinics
“You don't realize how important your back teeth are until they’re not there,” said fourth-year dental student Minh-Tom Van (DDS '23) as he reflected on a recent case. His patient had been experiencing pain in his back molars, unable to chew or eat properly for eight months. While this is not an unusual situation, Van was inspired by a faculty member to present an exceptional idea for treatment.
As a practicing dentist for more than thirty years, Dr. Dirks brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM). She joins the faculty in the department of community dentistry and population health with a focus on senior care, and is assistant director of the ACTS program. Her passion lies in geriatric dentistry and connecting dental care with overall health care.
World Smile Day is celebrated on the first Friday in October in honor of the creator of the smiley face image, Harvey Ball. He wanted to dedicate one day each year to “smiles and kind acts throughout the world.”
"Today, we celebrate and mark the symbolic transition from dental student to dental care provider."
Dean Denise Kassebaum, DDS, MS, opened the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine White Coat Ceremony with congratulations, appreciation and support for the DDS Classes of 2025 and 2026. One hundred sixty first- and second-year dental students, accompanied by family and friends from around the world, gathered on Boettcher Commons at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus to partake in this momentous occasion on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.
AURORA, CO and WASHINGTON, DC (SEPTEMBER 20, 2022) – Increasing communication between dental and medical providers reduces barriers to care. According to a new report from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, Medical-Dental Integration (MDI) improves positive health outcomes in vulnerable populations, such as at-risk children, pregnant women, seniors, and those in need of chronic disease management.
To help commemorate National Gum Care Month this September, the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine’s Graduate Periodontics Program residents are sharing their advice on how to take care of your oral health.
Thomas Fry, DDS, is a Colorado native and a 2019 graduate of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He readily admits that he is overjoyed to be back in his home state and his home institution. From 2019-2022, he completed General Practice and Oral Medicine Residencies at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC, with a special interest in the clinical treatment of oral mucosal lesions and orofacial pain. As one of only a few oral medicine specialists in the state of Colorado, Dr. Fry is excited to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of dentists.
Community Students Public Health
A dental student and a retired lawyer may seem like an unlikely pairing, but through the COVID-19 pandemic, John Gavel (DDS ’24) and Bill Nagel have shared countless conversations. They were introduced as part of an outreach program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus: Connecting Older Adults and Students Through Interprofessional Telecare (COAST-IT).
You may find people at different stages in life who serve as mentors, both professionally and personally; some you seek out and some that catch you by surprise. Some may be obvious like parents, coaches or professors, and some may emerge in unexpected ways. For Malik Jackson, DDS ’25, it was a few key individuals who each played a part in the journey that has led him to the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) and a future in dentistry.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Kharouf graduated from Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1985, completed a general practice residency in the U.S. Air Force at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, in 1986, and a graduate orthodontics programs at the University of Iowa in 1992. He practiced with the USAF in Germany (general dentistry) and Tokyo (orthodontics), then owned a private practice in South Dakota for 24 years. Dr. Kharouf has held various state and regional positions with the American Association of Orthodontics and received board certification in 2003. He has taught at the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry (2008-2009), the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (2019-2021), and now the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine since January 2022.
Dr. Phipps graduated from Hampton University in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in biology, then earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2004. After dental school, she attended an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program for one year before heading west. She moved to Las Vegas in 2005 where she practiced part time before transferring to the University of Nevada School of Dental Medicine and has been in dental education ever since.
Dr. Parsegian is a practicing periodontist and an award-winning educator. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) at First Tashkent State Medical Institute in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. After relocating to the United States in 2006, Dr. Parsegian completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Science, Master of Dental Science (MDSc), and Clinical Certificate in Periodontology trainings at the University of Connecticut Health in Farmington, CT. In 2017, Dr. Parsegian joined the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry (UTSD) as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene and served as a program director of Predoctoral Periodontics in 2020-21. In early 2022, Dr. Parsegian joined the CU School of Dental Medicine as an Associate Professor and the Program Director of Predoctoral Periodontics in the Department of Surgical Dentistry, Division of Periodontics, pursuing a tenure-track, clinical educator position.
Aurora, Colo. (June 27, 2022) – The Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine® (ELAM®) Program announced its 2022-2023 class of fellows, featuring University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine’s Tracy de Peralta, DMD, PhD, MClinEd.
When Maiti Grabow (DDS ’25) moved to Colorado for dental school, she hoped that composting would be more accessible here than in her home state, Arizona. Unfortunately, she was surprised to learn that the city of Aurora does not provide public compost, trash or recycling – residents must use private services.
May is a truly special time for our graduating students and the families, friends, faculty and staff who have supported them. At this year's DDS Graduation Banquet and Awards Ceremony, we recognized each member of the Class of 2022 for their incredible efforts, accomplishments and perseverance. As is tradition, we also presented a number of individual awards established by specialty groups and community partners, listed below. Congratulations to all.
After four years of classes and clinical training – through a global pandemic no less – the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine DDS Class of 2022 is ready and eager to embark on the next step of their careers. But before they leave these harrowed halls, CU SDM Communications Manager Laura Ramsey asked some graduates to reflect on their time here, what led them to dentistry, and what advice they have for the next generation of students. Three common themes stood out: community, balance and believing in yourself.
The White Coat Ceremony is a respected tradition for dental, medical and other healthcare students that signifies the transition from preclinical studies to clinical care. At the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM), students earn their white coats at the end of their second year of the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program or their first year of the Advanced Standing International Student Program (ISP).
The national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), represents and promotes the highest standards of scholarship, professionalism and ethics in the dental profession. Membership in OKU has come to represent one of the highest honors attainable within the profession. Each year, Colorado’s Pi Rho Chapter invites new members from the top of their graduating class to join the organization.
Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine are exploring a new frontier in 3D printing – developing new and more durable materials designed specifically for inkjet printing that can be made quickly and customized for each patient.
Ronnie Chavez, a Navy veteran and former Douglas County sheriff’s deputy, has had dental problems his entire life. Even as a child, he was ridiculed for his teeth. “Kids can be ruthless,” he said. Not only that, but his childhood dentist was stern and unfriendly.
Each year we honor one of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus’s greatest assets – our remarkable faculty – with the faculty awards. These accolades recognize superior accomplishments in teaching and leadership. Among the 2022 recipients are Dr. Thomas Greany and Dr. David Gozalo of the CU School of Dental Medicine.
The Colorado School of Public Health’s scholarships focused on advancing equity, diversity and inclusion have seen an increase in support from the philanthropic community and from faculty, staff and alumni. Here, students Tara Sou and Gilbert Fru share their appreciation for the generosity.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the University of Colorado Denver have received the Military Friendly Schools: Gold Award designation, officials announced Monday.
A CU Dental trio nicknamed as the “Dream Team.” Of course, they are not to be confused with the 1992 U.S. Olympic basketball team of legends, like Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Magic Johnson, or Michael Jordan. The researchers’ “court” is in the lab.
Digital Education at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) blends the sustainable, best-practice use of existing tools and workflows while bringing in the latest innovative technology to amplify education from all sides. Supported by the faculty and the CU SDM leadership team, Apple products have been incorporated as a significant element of our learning culture to meet students and faculty where they are and beyond.
Tears still cloud Patrick Brenner’s eyes when he recalls childhood. Even now, as a father of three, memories of middle-school bullies and biased looks throughout adulthood darken his outlook on a life spent hiding his smile.
Is it the end of a journey, or the beginning of the next exciting phase? Graduation brings with it a bunch of bittersweet memories. There is still one thing that each one of us has in common. We are proud of each other and ourselves.
Congratulations to all those nominated for the 2020-2021 University Research Awards focused on our response to COVID-19. There are countless members of the research community who have contributed to our research mission over the last 18 months. We had more than 100 nominations and the selection of these awardees was a very challenging task for the review committee.
Known for his extensive research and work at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), Dr. Bruce Dye, will begin a new chapter at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Dye now serves as the Department Chair for Community Dentistry and Population Health and the Delta Dental Endowed Chair of Early Childhood Caries Prevention.
Campus Life Community Faculty Students
On an undeniably STEM-oriented campus, the AMC Orchestra offers a unique opportunity for artistic release. The group is part of the ‘Music and Medicine Initiative’ in the University of Colorado Center for Bioethics and Humanities and, as of fall semester, has a new director, Jeremy D. Cuebas.
Celebrating exceptional women on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus? No problem.
Celebrating exceptional women on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus? No problem.
When Natalie Newton was a dental student on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, she worried about damaging her hearing as she and other students operated high-pitched handpieces (often referred to as drills) while they practiced fixing teeth.
Patient Care Community Faculty
When Natalie Newton was a dental student on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, she worried about damaging her hearing as she and other students operated high-pitched handpieces (often referred to as drills) while they practiced fixing teeth.
From migrant and refugee oral health to preventive dental visits, here are some of the latest publications from our esteemed faculty and residents:
Taking time off and building a dental practice is on the lists for two of CU School of Dental Medicine’s periodontics graduates. The two students earned their certificates in Periodontics and Masters of Science in Dentistry in June.
Growing up, Dalal Alnassar rarely smiled. Behind her seemingly sad demeanor was the immense weight of embarrassment due to her imperfect smile. But after receiving dental care, the Kuwait native felt her shame evaporate and her confidence and happiness grow. Now she could unabashedly smile, a feeling that would ignite her passion for dentistry.
Despite our world having to change and some courses being remote, the CU School of Dental Medicine’s Class of 2021 continued to achieve major milestones and were able to pursue their passions in dentistry.
When Mohammad Alshemali witnessed a near-fatal accident as a teen in Kuwait, his decision to work in the healthcare field was solidified. He was playing soccer with his family, and his cousin ran into the road after a ball and was hit by a car.
Dental students stuck off-campus – because of a pandemic or any reason – can soon log in to their laptops or tablets and rotate, maneuver and inspect the shiny tools of their trade from their homes.
If this past year during the COVID-19 pandemic, could be summed up in one word—distance comes to mind. The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine’s Class of 2021 learned that space could mean the linear extension between patients. It can mean being six feet apart from a peer. It can also be miles apart from family, friends, or loved ones.
Patience. It's something most researchers need when it comes to discoveries. For Jamie Nichols, CU Dental craniofacial biology assistant professor, and his team, it took eight years to understand how genes impact a crucial component in our facial structures.
Editor’s note: “Our COVID-19 Fighters” is an occasional series highlighting the ways the CU Anschutz Medical Campus community is helping patients and the wider community in the fight against the pandemic. We welcome your story ideas; please share them here.
Do you want a career, or do you want kids?
Many women in academia face this question at some point. And it doesn’t always come from nosy outsiders.
The CU School of Dental Medicine is closely monitoring the guidance from the CDPHE, CDC, U.S. Department of State. The CU Anschutz Medical Campus also has additional COVID-19 resources online.
Patient Care Community COVID-19
Marcus’s mouth was a mess.
Our CU Dental research teams received more than $1M in grants from top-tier organizations like the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and the National Institutes of Health. Their exceptional work deserves recognition, along with the mentees, who have helped spearhead these latest developments. Congratulations to the awardees!
CU is one of the Stansbury family’s top philanthropic priorities. Jeffrey Stansbury, PhD, and his wife, Audrey, believe that the CU School of Dental Medicine went above and beyond in supporting Jeff, professor and associate dean for research at the school. Now, they are honoring the dental school for that support in their estate plans, as well as encouraging philanthropic support for other researchers at the school.
During her first year of dental school, Sheaffer Skadsen, DDS ’21, thought about running for class president. When the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis hit in the middle of her third year, she decided to turn those thoughts into action.
Dentists are in the top five percent of health professionals in the high-risk category for becoming infected with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This new reality is causing the dental profession to rethink how it keeps its members and patients safe by focusing on public health.
As the only African American woman in her class, Kasey Jones knew that when she left the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, she had a job to do, one that went beyond fixing jaws and extracting teeth.
The Commencement Ceremony, and the festivities surrounding it, annually provide us with the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates in pursuit of their degrees. Although we have had to cancel our in-person ceremonies this year, I invite you to join me in congratulating the Dental Class of 2020 for a job well done.
The Pi Rho chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) has invited nine students from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine's DDS Class of 2020 to become members. OKU, the national dental honor society, invites new members who are graduating academically at the top of their class.
The 2020 inductees are Kara Arceneaux, Evan Entze, Kyra Garrison, Jordan Henke, Crispin Herrick, Sam Lynass, Matthew Melcher, Matthew Michelotti and Jennifer Terrio. Communications Manager John Brunelli asked each of them about their experience at CU Dental.
Teams at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine are part of the community of healthcare workers on the frontline during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
A University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine faculty member is using his background in engineering to help alleviate the country’s shortage of ventilators in light of the COVID-19 crisis.
“Sew with love” is the slogan of the Thimble Army, a group of CU Dental students who have dedicated their free time away from remote learning to sewing masks for local healthcare workers.
With a rush to stay safe during the COVID-19 global pandemic, students and faculty at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine had just a week’s notice that classes would go from in-person to remote delivery.
Caring for a litter of puppies is the last thing Kara Arceneaux (DDS ‘20) thought she’d have time to do. Being in her final semester of dental school, she expected long days in the clinic. But that was before coronavirus, social distancing and global pandemic became common, everyday terms.
As the number of COVID-19 cases rises in Colorado, medical providers are looking for more personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep them safe while treating patients. The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine has donated thousands of PPE to CU Medicine to help those on the frontlines.
Second-year dental student Dijana Elmejdoubi (DDS ’22) was ten years old when civil war tore through her home country of Bosnia ripping families apart and leaving her community shattered. But, instead of allowing her early life experience to defeat her, she overcame the darkness she had seen in the war and emerged with a deep appreciation for life and commitment to helping build community.
In 2016, Lucinda Lewis (DDS ’92) decided it was time. Time to sell her successful Aurora-based dental practice. Time to move closer to her elderly parents. Time to, as she likes to say, punctuate the end of her career by returning home.
The Advanced Clinical Training & Service (ACTS) Program is comprised of nearly 40 clinical sites across Colorado and a team of more than 70 community dental preceptors (experienced clinicians).
A visit to the dentist can leave you with a case of sensory overload, but the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine is calming patients’ fears with the help of a new dental therapy dog. Lucy, a five-year-old golden retriever, roams the clinic halls—easing patient’s anxiety and providing them comfort during routine cleanings and procedures.
Faculty of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine recently recognized outstanding members of the 2019 Class of the Advanced Standing International Student Program.
Ama Boateng (DDS ’19) was eating breakfast in a hotel lobby in Aurora when she struck up a conversation with a woman named Gina.
John Berdeaux came up with a simple solution to his complex dental problem: chew a Chiclet and put it where his front tooth should be.
Thirty first-year students from a variety of schools at CU Anschutz attended the third annual CU School of Dental Medicine Interprofessional Open House on a recent evening. Attendees enjoyed an exclusive look into the lives of CU dental students. They toured the expansive dental facility and even drilled fake cavities.
The CU Anschutz Student Senate recently presented 10 awards to students and organizations, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the campus community.
In Chase Lewis’ first semester at the CU School of Dental Medicine, he dug deep into human anatomy on his school-provided iPad. He used a state-of-the-art dental trainer that simulates drilling on an actual tooth. He even explored new worlds, including a land of dinosaurs and the surface of Mars, in the new Immersive Learning Suite.
A pair of words — beautiful smile — are heard all the time in dental and orthodontic clinics. These days, it’s practically an expectation for teenagers to, after wearing braces, end up with sparkling and picture-perfect teeth.
Congratulations to Courtney Johnson, CU Dental DS1, for winning first place in the Hatton Competition (Junior Division) at the American Association of Dental Research (AADR) 47th Annual Meeting, held on March 21-24, 2018 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
This year, the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine is proud to honor an outstanding dental graduate with our CU Dental Distinguished Alumni Award. Eric Van Zytveld, DDS Class of 1979, is a great example of what a talented and compassionate dental professional can do with his passion and skills.
American Dental Association (ADA)
October 04, 2023
Dental schools are more diverse than they have ever been, but there is still work to do before the dental workforce reflects the diversity of the overall U.S. population. Here, the American Dental Association (ADA) takes a closer look at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, which have made strides in diversifying their student bodies.
Metro Denver Dental Society
September 20, 2023
By: Amisha Singh, DDS '15, CU School of Dental Medicine assistant professor and director of diversity programming
Community. When you read this word, what do you think about? Some of us imagine our families, the hands of our loved ones, the eyes of our children. Some of us think about the people in our neighborhood, the smiles of old acquaintances, the sounds of the homes we grew up in. Some of us think about our peers, the people we work with, the team that helps us grow in our professional lives.
US News
September 15, 2023
Good oral health is one of the keys to healthy aging, but a sobering new study shows that many U.S. nursing home residents have significant dental issues. Professor and Chair of the Department of Community Dentistry and Population Health Bruce Dye, DDS, MPH, wrote an editorial accompanying the JAMA Network Open study.
JAMA Network
September 12, 2023
Author Bruce Dye, DDS, MPH, wrote this editorial to accompany a recent study from the Journal of the American Medicine Association (JAMA) Network Open. He said, "...the prevalence of untreated oral diseases has remained high among older adults, with substantial disparities persisting, especially among older adults living in poverty."
Chris Casey
