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Dental Medicine News and Stories

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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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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    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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Alumni    Students

Celebrating the Remarkable Stories of CU Dental’s Global Graduates

Hundreds of dentists from around the world apply to the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine’s (CU SDM) Advanced Standing International Student Program (ISP) every year. The Class of 2023 was no exception: Out of 572 applicants from more than 20 countries, 39 were selected to join the program in January 2022. After two years of didactic courses, simulated training and direct patient care, they will receive their Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees at the ISP Class of 2023 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 8, 2023. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date November 28, 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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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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Students

Finding a Different Pathway to Dental School

Jake Luong’s journey to dental school didn’t come easily, but he was determined to make it happen. Now, he is the first student to matriculate into the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) through the Master of Science in Modern Human Anatomy (MHA) Pathway to Dentistry Program. 


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date October 16, 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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Students

Meet Six Students Chasing Their Dentistry Dreams

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. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date September 06, 2023
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Students

From Teeth to Tees: International Dental Student Wins School-Wide Design Contest

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date September 05, 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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Community    Alumni    Students

Serving Colorado Communities

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).


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date August 07, 2023
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Students

8 Tips for First-Year Dental Students

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date July 18, 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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Alumni    Students

The DDS Class of 2023 Shines Bright

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. 


Author Jaidaa Elbezry | Publish Date May 25, 2023
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Alumni    Students

Leaders in Dentistry Share These Five Qualities

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.


Author Jaidaa Elbezry | Publish Date May 16, 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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Education    Community    Students   

Poverty Simulation Teaches Empathy and Person-Centered Care

“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.” 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date February 13, 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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Alumni    Students

A Time to Celebrate: 40 International Dentists Earn DDS Degrees in the US

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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date December 21, 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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Students

"Is there a doctor on board?"

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?”


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date December 07, 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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Students

World Smile Day 2022: What Makes You Smile?

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.”


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date October 06, 2022
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Students

White Coat Ceremony Welcomes CU Students into the Dental Profession

"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. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date October 04, 2022
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Education    Students

Top Six Tips For Gum Care Month

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. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date September 07, 2022
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Community    Students    Public Health   

The Battle Against Isolation Continues: How CU Students Are Making an Impact

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).  


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date August 04, 2022
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Students

Four Types of Mentors and the Importance of Each

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. 


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date August 02, 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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Alumni    Students

DDS Class of 2022 Award Recipients

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. 


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date May 25, 2022
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Students

Advice for Future Dental Students from the DDS Class of 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.


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date May 23, 2022
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Students

What does it mean to earn your white coat? 2022 dental student recipients share their stories.

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).


Author Laura Ramsey | Publish Date May 16, 2022
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Students

2022 Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Inductees

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date May 12, 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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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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Students

Building a Diverse Public Health Workforce – Without the Fear of Debt

The Colorado School of Public Health’s scholarships focused on advancing equity, diversity and inclusion have seen an increase in support from the philanthropic community and from faculty, staff and alumni. Here, students Tara Sou and Gilbert Fru share their appreciation for the generosity.


Author CU Anschutz News | Publish Date April 18, 2022
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Press Releases    Students

CU Anschutz and CU Denver Honored to Receive Military Friendly Schools Gold Award Designation

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.


Author CU Anschutz News | Publish Date March 16, 2022
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Press Coverage    Students

Stay the Course: Advice for Reapplicants

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. 


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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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COVID-19    Students

The Class of 2021, A Journey through a Pandemic

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.


Author Nitika Rohilla | Publish Date December 07, 2021
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Students   

"Say what?" Dental Students Learn High-pitched Drills Double the Risk of Hearing Loss Among Dentists

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.


Author Deborah Sherman | Publish Date September 01, 2021
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Students

Periodontics residents start their next adventures after graduation

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.


Author Kathy Michel | Publish Date June 23, 2021
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Students

The DDS Class of 2021: What’s Next

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.


Author Kathy Michel | Publish Date June 17, 2021
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Students

Graduating During A Pandemic

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.


Author Kathy Michel | Publish Date May 05, 2021
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COVID-19    Students

A dental student’s perspective on coping with the COVID crisis

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date June 15, 2020
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COVID-19    Students

Dentistry focuses on public health during the current global pandemic

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.
 


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date June 15, 2020
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Alumni    Students

DDS Class of 2020 Award Recipients

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date May 20, 2020
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Community    COVID-19    Students

Thimble Army helps workers on pandemic's frontlines

“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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date April 14, 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    Students

DDS Student Fosters Puppies During Self-Isolation

​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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date March 31, 2020
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Community    Students

Former Olympian's Passion for Health Equity Changes Communities

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date March 10, 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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Students

Friendships Without Borders

Ama Boateng (DDS ’19) was eating breakfast in a hotel lobby in Aurora when she struck up a conversation with a woman named Gina.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date December 02, 2019
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Students

CU Dental DS1 Wins 1st Place in the Hatton Competition

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.


Author SDM Comms | Publish Date April 06, 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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