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Innovation    Patient Care    Students    Clinics

Patient with Complex Medical History Finds Comfort and Acceptance at the CU School of Dental Medicine

Bruce Jackson, a retired Microsoft engineer and patient at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine’s (CU SDM) Senior & Special Care Clinic, is battling a progressive neuromuscular disease that has completely changed his life. He’s convinced it all started with a cracked tooth.  


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date November 20, 2023
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Students    Clinics

Your Path to Excellence: Advanced Education at the CU School of Dental Medicine

Dentists may choose to enroll in advanced programs for several reasons, each contributing to their professional growth and enhancing their ability to provide exceptional dental care. These programs offer dentists the opportunity to specialize in a particular field, expand their skillset, access new career paths, and find personal and professional fulfillment. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date November 02, 2023
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Research    Innovation    Community    Alumni    Students    Clinics

Future Focused at 50—Merging High Tech and Humanity

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.


Author Robert Thurston-Lighty | Publish Date August 21, 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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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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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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School of Dental Medicine In the News

Metro Denver Dental Society

I am MDDS: Susan Somerset, DMD, Pharm D, MS

news outletMetro Denver Dental Society
Publish DateMarch 20, 2024

Susan Somerset, DMD, Pharm D, MS
Assistant Professor (C/T), Director, Senior & Special Care Clinic
University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine

You are a first-generation college graduate—what influenced your decision to pursue multiple advanced degrees?
My parents. I always had a desire to pursue a professional degree in healthcare. My mother suggested an undergraduate degree in pharmacy because it is usually on of the most challenging classes in healthcare education. She also figured I would be able to work while pursuing other degrees. It was great advice. My pharmacy education really taught me how to adjust for and to be comfortable managing medications in unconventional situations.

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Metro Denver Dental Society

Unleashing the Power of Reflective Treatment Planning

news outletMetro Denver Dental Society
Publish DateMarch 13, 2024

Self-reflection can be one of the most meaningful components of continuous improvement as a dentist, and it starts in school. The American Dental Association (ADA) states in the accreditation standards for predoctoral dental education programs that becoming a competent professional involves "reflection in daily practice for the benefit of the individuals and communities served."

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Colorado Dental Association

Thinking Beyond Self

news outletColorado Dental Association
Publish DateJanuary 26, 2024

Volunteering offers opportunities to build skills that you may not necessarily learn just by going to dental school. It also provides something to think about besides yourself, according to CU dental students: Riley Spillar and Zach Zylstra.

Both Spillar and Zylstra volunteer for the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine.

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American Dental Association (ADA)

ADA Reaffirms Policy Opposing Direct-to-Consumer Dentistry

news outletAmerican Dental Association (ADA)
Publish DateJanuary 17, 2024

Following news reports about the liquidation of a manufacturer and marketer of teeth aligners sold directly to consumers, the ADA has reaffirmed its policy stating its opposition to direct-to-consumer dentistry. 

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