Dental Medicine News and Stories

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. 

Jaidaa Elbezry | May 25, 2023

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.

Jaidaa Elbezry | May 16, 2023

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.  

Laura Ramsey | May 11, 2023

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. 

Laura Ramsey | March 21, 2023

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.

Laura Ramsey | February 23, 2023

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. 

Laura Ramsey | February 17, 2023

“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.” 

Laura Ramsey | February 13, 2023

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.

Laura Ramsey | February 06, 2023

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.

Kathy Michel | January 30, 2023

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.

Laura Ramsey | December 21, 2022

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.

Laura Ramsey | December 19, 2022

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

Laura Ramsey | December 15, 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?”

Laura Ramsey | December 07, 2022

“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.

Laura Ramsey | November 02, 2022

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.

Laura Ramsey | October 20, 2022

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.”

Laura Ramsey | October 06, 2022

"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. 

Laura Ramsey | October 04, 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.

SDM Comms | September 20, 2022

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. 

Laura Ramsey | September 07, 2022

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.

Laura Ramsey | August 19, 2022

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).  

Laura Ramsey | August 04, 2022

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. 

Laura Ramsey | August 02, 2022

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.

Laura Ramsey | July 28, 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.

Laura Ramsey | July 21, 2022

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.

Laura Ramsey | July 07, 2022

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.

Laura Ramsey | June 27, 2022

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.

Laura Ramsey | June 06, 2022

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. 

SDM Comms | May 25, 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.

Laura Ramsey | May 23, 2022

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).

Laura Ramsey | May 16, 2022

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.

SDM Comms | May 12, 2022

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.

Laura Ramsey | May 02, 2022

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.

CU Anschutz News | April 25, 2022

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.

CU Anschutz News | March 16, 2022

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.

SDM Comms | March 09, 2022

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.

SDM Comms | January 26, 2022

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.

Nitika Rohilla | December 07, 2021

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.

CU Anschutz News | November 03, 2021

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.

SDM Comms | October 31, 2021

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.

Deborah Sherman | September 01, 2021

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

Kathy Michel | July 07, 2021

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.

Kathy Michel | June 23, 2021

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.

Kathy Michel | June 17, 2021

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.

Kathy Michel | May 05, 2021

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.

Kathy Michel | April 19, 2021

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.

SDM Comms | December 04, 2020

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!

SDM Comms | August 03, 2020

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.

Courtney Keener | July 13, 2020

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.

SDM Comms | June 15, 2020

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.
 

SDM Comms | June 15, 2020

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.

SDM Comms | May 20, 2020

​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.

SDM Comms | May 19, 2020

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.

SDM Comms | May 11, 2020

​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.

SDM Comms | April 17, 2020

“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.

SDM Comms | April 14, 2020

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.

SDM Comms | April 03, 2020

​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.

SDM Comms | March 31, 2020

​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. 

SDM Comms | March 26, 2020

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.

SDM Comms | March 10, 2020

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.

SDM Comms | January 22, 2020

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).

SDM Comms | December 30, 2019

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.

SDM Comms | December 12, 2019

​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.​

SDM Comms | December 06, 2019

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

SDM Comms | December 02, 2019

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.

SDM Comms | November 08, 2019

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.

SDM Comms | April 06, 2018

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.

SDM Comms | January 08, 2018