Community Alumni Students Global Health
While some took to the slopes for spring break, six dental students from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) embarked on transformative service-learning trips to Brazil and Honduras. The school’s new Global Health Initiatives aim to teach students about oral health disparities, the burden of oral health diseases, and equity in access to dental care.
Gabby Leilo spent the first eight years of her life in Beirut, Lebanon. Her family immigrated to a small town in South Carolina in 1990. “Acclimating to a new culture meant embracing the unknown, which shaped me into someone more adaptable and open minded. It’s a journey I’m proud of,” she said.
Whether they met in middle school, dental school, through friends or online, these five couples share one common connection: the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM). This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the fillings they have for each other, and tooth be told, they are all mint to be.
From Alaska to Aurora, Abby Jaquez, CDA, EDDA, is grateful her career has taken her to many places. One of the most memorable was working with a pediatric dentist in Barrow, Alaska, caring for Alaska Native children. She said, “the children were adorable, and the parents were so appreciative to receive dental care for their young ones. Plus, I received my polar bear patch by jumping into the Arctic Ocean. It was frigid!"
How do you keep hundreds of devices up and running so faculty, staff, residents and students can continue teaching, learning, studying, researching, sharing and providing patient care with almost zero SDM systems downtime for more than a decade? It starts with the network servers. It also takes a village—a dedicated team led by SDM Director of Infrastructure and Technology (IT) Services Jaymil Patel, MBA.
The first person you meet when you walk into the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) is Linda Perry. She’s the smiling face behind the first-floor information desk—and she’s the helpful voice when you call the main phone line too. “I genuinely love helping people,” she said. “That’s my thing.” She pondered for a moment, then added, “Maybe that’s why I joined the service.”
Have you ever wondered if some Halloween candy is better or worse for your teeth? The answer is a resounding “yes.” Whether you’re choosing what kind of sweets to hand out at home or curious if some candies should mysteriously disappear from your child’s trick-or-treat bag, here’s a basic run-down of what to avoid and some better options.
Innovation Community 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."
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).
“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.”
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.
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).
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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).
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.
CU Denver News
April 07, 2024
University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus are once again being recognized as a Military Friendly® School. Together, we are the only universities in Colorado to rank in the tier 2 research category, moving up to the no. 6 spot nationwide. We have been included in these rankings for over 10 years.
Metro Denver Dental Society
March 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.
Metro Denver Dental Society
March 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."
Colorado Dental Association
January 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.
Laura Ramsey
