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Innovation

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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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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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    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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Innovation    Education

Me and My Avatar—A New Frontier in Dental Simulation

Imagine having the opportunity to join a multi-dentist practice during your first days in dental school. Imagine that within that practice, you are able to establish a long-term relationship with a patient whose evolving case and progress is your responsibility throughout your entire dental education. Now imagine that your patient is an avatar with a complex mixture of social, medical and dental histories and challenges that develop in response to your treatment decisions.


Author Robert Thurston-Lighty | Publish Date July 19, 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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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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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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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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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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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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