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Blogs

Dental Medicine News and Stories

By Author

Debra Melani


Alumni    Students

The DDS Class of 2023 Shines Bright

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. 


Author Jaidaa Elbezry | Publish Date May 25, 2023
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Alumni    Students

Leaders in Dentistry Share These Five Qualities

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.


Author Jaidaa Elbezry | Publish Date May 16, 2023
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Faculty    Alumni   

CU Anschutz Faculty Honored for 25 Years of Service

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.  


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date May 11, 2023
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Research    Faculty

CU Faculty Earn National Recognition in Oral Health Research

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. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date March 21, 2023
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Faculty

Faculty Feature: Meet Tanya Wright, DDS

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date February 23, 2023
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Research    Faculty    Students

The Future of Oral Health on Display at 38th Annual Research Day

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. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date February 17, 2023
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Education    Community    Students   

Poverty Simulation Teaches Empathy and Person-Centered Care

“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.” 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date February 13, 2023
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Patient Care    Students    Clinics

Routine Dental Exam Catches Critical Heart Issue

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date February 06, 2023
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Patient Care    Clinics

'It feels like you’re the only one. They (CU Dental providers) care.'

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.


Author Kathy Michel | Publish Date January 30, 2023
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Alumni    Students

A Time to Celebrate: 40 International Dentists Earn DDS Degrees in the US

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date December 21, 2022
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Faculty

Faculty Feature: Meet Susan Somerset, DMD, Pharm D, MS

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date December 19, 2022
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Research    Innovation    Faculty    Students

CU Dental Top Stories of 2022

From groundbreaking research to composting on campus, here are some of our favorite stories from 2022.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date December 15, 2022
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Students

"Is there a doctor on board?"

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?”


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date December 07, 2022
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Innovation    Patient Care    Education    Students    Clinics

CU Dental Student’s Innovative Treatment Plan Advances Dental Education

“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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date November 02, 2022
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Faculty

Faculty Feature: Meet Sarah Dirks, DDS

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date October 20, 2022
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Students

World Smile Day 2022: What Makes You Smile?

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.”


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date October 06, 2022
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Students

White Coat Ceremony Welcomes CU Students into the Dental Profession

"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. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date October 04, 2022
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Research    Faculty

University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine report finds medical-dental integration models can improve overall health care outcomes in vulnerable populations

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date September 20, 2022
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Education    Students

Top Six Tips For Gum Care Month

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. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date September 07, 2022
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Faculty

Faculty Feature: Meet Thomas Fry, DDS

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date August 19, 2022
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Community    Students    Public Health   

The Battle Against Isolation Continues: How CU Students Are Making an Impact

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).  


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date August 04, 2022
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Students

Four Types of Mentors and the Importance of Each

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. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date August 02, 2022
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Faculty

Faculty Feature: Meet John Kharouf, DDS, MS

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date July 28, 2022
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Faculty   

Faculty Feature: Meet (Flora) Monique M. Phipps, DDS

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date July 21, 2022
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Faculty

Faculty Feature: Meet Karo Parsegian, DMD, MDSc, PhD

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date July 07, 2022
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Innovation    Faculty   

CU Dental Senior Associate Dean Awarded Prestigious ELAM Program Fellowship

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date June 27, 2022
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Community    Faculty    Students

First-Year Dental Student Brings Composting to CU Anschutz Medical Campus

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date June 06, 2022
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Alumni    Students

DDS Class of 2022 Award Recipients

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. 


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date May 25, 2022
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Students

Advice for Future Dental Students from the DDS Class of 2022

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date May 23, 2022
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Students

What does it mean to earn your white coat? 2022 dental student recipients share their stories.

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).


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date May 16, 2022
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Students

2022 Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Inductees

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date May 12, 2022
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Patient Care    Students    Clinics   

Navy veteran, former Douglas County sheriff’s deputy credits CU dental student for his renewed faith in dental medicine

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date May 02, 2022
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Faculty

Faculty Awards Honor Superior Accomplishments

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.


Author CU Anschutz News | Publish Date April 25, 2022
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Students

Building a Diverse Public Health Workforce – Without the Fear of Debt

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.


Author CU Anschutz News | Publish Date April 18, 2022
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Press Releases    Students

CU Anschutz and CU Denver Honored to Receive Military Friendly Schools Gold Award Designation

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.


Author CU Anschutz News | Publish Date March 16, 2022
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Research    Faculty

CU Dental Team Creates First, Targeted Antibacterial and Regenerative Coating in Dentistry

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date March 09, 2022
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Innovation    Faculty    Students

CU School of Dental Medicine Recognized as an Apple Distinguished School

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date January 26, 2022
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COVID-19    Students

The Class of 2021, A Journey through a Pandemic

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.


Author Nitika Rohilla | Publish Date December 07, 2021
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Research    COVID-19    Faculty

Recipients of the 2020-2021 University Research Awards

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.


Author CU Anschutz News | Publish Date November 03, 2021
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Faculty

Internationally-Recognized Dental Epidemiologist Joins CU School of Dental Medicine

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date October 31, 2021
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Students   

"Say what?" Dental Students Learn High-pitched Drills Double the Risk of Hearing Loss Among Dentists

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.


Author Deborah Sherman | Publish Date September 01, 2021
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Research

CU Dental’s Publication Roundup

From migrant and refugee oral health to preventive dental visits, here are some of the latest publications from our esteemed faculty and residents:


Author Kathy Michel | Publish Date July 07, 2021
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Students

Periodontics residents start their next adventures after graduation

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.


Author Kathy Michel | Publish Date June 23, 2021
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Students

The DDS Class of 2021: What’s Next

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.


Author Kathy Michel | Publish Date June 17, 2021
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Students

Graduating During A Pandemic

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.


Author Kathy Michel | Publish Date May 05, 2021
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Research   

CU Dental Researchers Make Craniofacial Gene Discovery

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.


Author Kathy Michel | Publish Date April 19, 2021
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Research

CU Dental Researchers, Students and Fellows Awarded Several Grants by NIDCR, NIH

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!


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date August 03, 2020
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Faculty

CU School of Dental Medicine Welcomes New Senior Associate Dean

The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine is pleased to announce the new Senior Associate Dean of Academic Achievement and Innovation, Tracy de Peralta, DMD, Ph.D., MClinEd.
 

Author Kathy Michel | Publish Date July 14, 2020
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Research    Faculty

Dental researcher fuels top talent and innovation in recognition of institutional support

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.


Author Courtney Keener | Publish Date July 13, 2020
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COVID-19    Students

A dental student’s perspective on coping with the COVID crisis

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date June 15, 2020
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COVID-19    Students

Dentistry focuses on public health during the current global pandemic

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.
 


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date June 15, 2020
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Alumni    Students

DDS Class of 2020 Award Recipients

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date May 20, 2020
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Alumni

2020 Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Inductees

​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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date May 19, 2020
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Community    COVID-19

Dental providers are on the frontline of healthcare

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date May 11, 2020
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COVID-19    Faculty

Professor Designs State-of-the-Art Backup Ventilator

​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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date April 17, 2020
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Community    COVID-19    Students

Thimble Army helps workers on pandemic's frontlines

“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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date April 14, 2020
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COVID-19    Faculty    Students

Students, Faculty Adapt to an Online World

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date April 03, 2020
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COVID-19    Students

DDS Student Fosters Puppies During Self-Isolation

​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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date March 31, 2020
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COVID-19    Faculty

CU Dental Donates Personal Protective Equipment

​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. 


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date March 26, 2020
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Community    Students

Former Olympian's Passion for Health Equity Changes Communities

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date March 10, 2020
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Alumni

Lucinda Lewis named CU Dental's Distinguished Alumni

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date January 22, 2020
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Community

ACTS Preceptor Spotlight: Megan Bright, DDS

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).

 


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date December 30, 2019
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Patient Care

Bringing Tidings of Comfort and Joy

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date December 12, 2019
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Faculty    Students

2019 ISP Award Recipients Announced

​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.​


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date December 06, 2019
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Students

Friendships Without Borders

Ama Boateng (DDS ’19) was eating breakfast in a hotel lobby in Aurora when she struck up a conversation with a woman named Gina.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date December 02, 2019
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Community

Thanking our Heroes

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date November 08, 2019
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Faculty

Remembering Dr. Les Burrows, Founding Dean

Leslie “Les” R. Burrows, D.D.S, Ph.D., the founding dean of the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine passed away on December 22, 2018.

Author SDM Comms | Publish Date December 26, 2018
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Students

CU Dental DS1 Wins 1st Place in the Hatton Competition

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date April 06, 2018
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Alumni

2018 CU Dental Distinguished Alumni Award

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date January 08, 2018
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School of Dental Medicine In the News

American Association of Endodontists

May is AAE's Save Your Tooth Month

news outletAmerican Association of Endodontists
Publish DateMay 05, 2023

Tooth pain can bring anyone down. Anyone who's ever felt this debilitating pain -- from the toughest athlete to the everyday citizen -- knows a bad toothache can be the difference between winning the game or falling behind. Cue the root canal treatment to the rescue! That's why endodontists are known as the superheroes of saving teeth. And we're giving them an entire month of recognition.

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Metro Denver Dental Society

A Paw-sitive Dentist Appointment: The Impact of Providing Therapy Dogs

news outletMetro Denver Dental Society
Publish DateApril 17, 2023

"One major barrier to oral healthcare utilization is dental anxiety: the apprehension that occurs in anticipation of a dental situation." Lexi Dunnells, dental student at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, presents research findings on the use of therapy dogs in the dental setting.

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AADOCR

Seven leaders named the 2023 AADOCR Fellows

news outletAADOCR
Publish DateApril 06, 2023

The American Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) announced the 2023 AADOCR Fellows during the Opening Ceremonies of the 52nd Annual Meeting of the AADOCR, which was held in conjunction with the 47th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research (CADR), that took place on March 15, 2023. Among the 2023 Fellows is CU School of Dental Medicine Assistant Professor Tamanna Tiwari, BDS, MDS, MPH.

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Metro Denver Dental Society

I am MDDS: Stefanie Walker, DMD

news outletMetro Denver Dental Society
Publish DateMarch 30, 2023

Stefanie Walker, DMD
General Dentist
Denver, CO

What drew you to a career in dentistry?
As a girl, I loved arts, crafts, painting and creating anything where I could skillfully use my hands. I was an art major in high school in Germany and loved all areas of design. I have always paid a lot of attention to detail. At the same time, I was interested in the medical field and wanted to help people become and stay healthy. Dentistry best combined these areas of passion for me. Once I did an internship in the dental field, it became clear dentistry was the right career choice for me.

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