Dental Medicine News and Stories

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."

Laura Ramsey | September 26, 2023

For dental students, there are many exciting milestones to celebrate, from getting into dental school to seeing their first patient to graduation day. The white coat ceremony is one of these momentous occasions, signifying the transition from student to patient care provider. 

Laura Ramsey | September 06, 2023

For one dental student, dentistry is a perfect blend of math, science, art and creativity. Suramya Sharma, MDS, BDS, is a second-year student in the Advanced Standing International Student Program (ISP) at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM). She was born and brought up in Delhi, India. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in dentistry before practicing as a general dentist and periodontist for four years in New Delhi.

Laura Ramsey | September 05, 2023

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.

Robert Thurston-Lighty | August 21, 2023

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).

Laura Ramsey | August 07, 2023

Written by Clare Houliston (DDS '26). Edited and inspired by Jillian Desmond (DDS '25).

Meet Clare Houliston, a rising second-year student at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM). Houliston was inspired to pursue dentistry by her countless visits to the dentist as a child in Albuquerque, New Mexico; her passion to serve others; and her older sister who is now a practicing dentist. Although school takes up most of her time, she has spent the past year traveling, snowboarding, picking up pickleball and getting to see more of her new home state. 

Now that she's finished her first year at the SDM, she's come up with the following advice for incoming students as they begin their dental education this fall.

SDM Comms | July 18, 2023

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.

Laura Ramsey | June 23, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

CU Boulder Today | April 24, 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

Applying to dental school can be an arduous process. If you find that you were not accepted to any dental schools this past cycle, you're not alone. Your dream is still attainable, and I believe that you should put your best foot forward to reapplying. Reapplicants should consider the following tips below. 

American Dental Education Association | February 02, 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

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

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

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

“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

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

​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

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