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Dental Medicine News and Stories

Faculty

Research    Faculty    Students

Is Chocolate Good for your Teeth?

When dental student Summer Booth expressed interest to her professor about starting a research project, he mentioned a substance in chocolate, theobromine, could have cavity-preventing properties—and she was sold.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date March 05, 2024
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Faculty

Micaela Gibbs, DDS, MHA, Named as CU School of Dental Medicine Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs

Following a national search, the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine announced the appointment of Micaela Gibbs, DDS, MHA, to Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs. 


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date March 04, 2024
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Research    Faculty    Students

Research Day Explores Advancements in Cancer Treatment, 3D Imaging and More

From radioprotection in head and neck cancer therapy to trends in patient-centered communication training, the 39th Annual CU Dental Research Day on Feb. 23 brought together a variety of compelling research topics. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date February 20, 2024
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Research    Faculty

Denture and Dental Materials Breakthrough Backed by AAI Grant

Out of 165 letters of intent and 56 full proposals, the Anschutz Acceleration Initiative (AAI) named nine final awardees to receive a portion of the $50 million commitment from The Anschutz Foundation.  Among the top recipients was Jeffrey Stansbury, PhD, senior associate dean for research and professor in the Department of Craniofacial Biology at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM). 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date February 01, 2024
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Research    Faculty

Faculty Feature: Meet Casey Rhines, DDS

Casey Rhines, DDS, joins the Department of Restorative Dentistry with extensive experience and great passion for teaching, humanitarian aid and forensic dentistry. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date January 22, 2024
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Research    Innovation    Faculty    Students

CU Dental's Top Stories of 2023

2023 was a big year for the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) as we celebrated our 50th anniversary.

Looking back at the many stories of student success, patient care, faculty scholarship, research and innovation, a few themes stand out: the integral connection between oral health and overall health; increasing access to dental care; and collaborative, person-centered care and education as we look to the future. 

Here are our top ten must-read stories of 2023. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date December 19, 2023
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Faculty    Alumni    Students    Dental Medicine

CU Dental ISP Class of 2023 Awards

At this year's Graduation Banquet and Awards Ceremony honoring the Advanced Standing International Student Program (ISP) Class of 2023, we acknowledged every graduate for their remarkable dedication, achievements and resilience. Various individual awards, established by dental organizations and the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM), were presented. Select faculty members were also recognized with awards chosen by the graduating class. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date December 06, 2023
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Research    Faculty

Faculty Feature: Meet Kristin Watt, PhD

Kristin Watt, PhD, joins the Department of Craniofacial Biology with extensive experience and great passion for biomedical research. 

Department Chair and Professor David Clouthier, PhD, said, "Dr. Watt was selected for our assistant professor position from a number of exceptional applicants. She had an impressive publication record as a post-doctoral fellow at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City, Missouri.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date November 14, 2023
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Faculty

Professor Emerita Embraces Retirement with Continued Contributions

Terri Tilliss, RDH, MS, MA, PhD, is celebrating her first year of retirement after 43 years with the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM). Hundreds of oral health professionals around the world have been impacted by Tilliss’s teaching. And she’s not done yet. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date October 23, 2023
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Innovation    Community    Faculty    Alumni    Students

Inaugural Awards Honor Outstanding Contributors at the CU School of Dental Medicine

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."


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date September 26, 2023
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Research    Faculty    Alumni

CU School of Dental Medicine Celebrates 50 Years with Free CE Day

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. 


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date August 28, 2023
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Innovation    Faculty    Students

CU School of Dental Medicine Hosts First-Ever Haptics Competition to Elevate Students’ Skills

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date June 23, 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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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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Press Coverage    Faculty

AADOCR Member Spotlight: Tamanna Tiwari

Tamanna Tiwari is a dentist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Dentistry and Population Health, and Associate Director, Center for Oral Disease Prevention and Population Health Research at the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Colorado.


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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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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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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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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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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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Press Coverage    Faculty    Students

In person once more, startup competition brings capital to creativity

For the first time in three years, the lively New Venture Challenge (NVC) championship returned to an in-person format at the Boulder Theater this week to recognize CU Boulder’s top emerging entrepreneurs. 

Five startup ventures, led by CU Boulder students and faculty, competed for more than $100,000 in prize money Tuesday evening at the 14th annual New Venture Challenge championship, CU Boulder's premier entrepreneurial program and competition. Since its inception in 2009, more than 900 CU Boulder startups have participated with over $700,000 in NVC funding awarded.


Author CU Boulder Today | Publish Date April 24, 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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Press Coverage    Faculty

CU Boulder inventions transformed to meet market needs after commercialization program


Seven university companies pitched to investors during the Pandemic Hyper-Accelerator for Science and Technology (PHAST) Demo Day on Jan. 25, hosted by Venture Partners at CU Boulder and Rockies Venture Club (RVC). This capstone event provided a chance for angel investors, venture capitalists and the startup community to evaluate pitches and discuss deal opportunities.


Author University of Colorado | Publish Date February 16, 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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Press Coverage    Faculty

How 2 Colorado Oral Surgeons Prevent the Misuse of Unused Prescription Medications

Dr. Patterson mentions, "The importance of safe prescribing and educating patients on the proper use of pain medication cannot be overstated. As an oral-maxillofacial surgeon who provides treatments that occasionally requires the prescribing of narcotics, I’m acutely aware of the potential risk of opioid abuse."


Author The Dentists Supply Company | Publish Date December 29, 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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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    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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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    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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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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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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School of Dental Medicine In the News

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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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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CareQuest Institute for Oral Health

Oral-Systemic Interactions and Medical-Dental Integration: A Life Course Approach

news outletCareQuest Institute for Oral Health
Publish DateJanuary 02, 2024

In this report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, authors Tamanna Tiwari, BDS, MDS, MPH, Lisa Heaton, PhD, and Eric Tranby, PhD, discuss how medical-dental integration (MDI) can improve access to care, health outcomes, and health care costs. To increase the success of MDI, the report recommends education for the health care workforce, changing the scope of practice for dentists, and increasing patient awareness. 

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Pharmacy Fika

Does Teamwork Make the Dream Work in Health Professions Education?

news outletPharmacy Fika
Publish DateNovember 07, 2023

During the episode we speak with Lindsey J. Yates, DDS - Associate Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine and Assistant Director, Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus - about the benefits and challenges of interprofessional education.  There are lots of natural connections and topics that faculty, practitioners, and students could explore together... but often, the incentives are misaligned.  

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