RSDM’s Digital Dentistry Center Dedicated to Benefactor
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine last month officially opened the Georges E. Sara Digital Dentistry Center, honoring the memory of an entrepreneur whose generosity accelerated its creation.

Sara donated $1.3 million in equipment and software through his Australia-based company, Stoneglass Industries, beginning in 2017. He died of COVID-19
complications in November 2020
 
“Rutgers School of Dental Medicine has come a long way in introducing digital dentistry to the curriculum; our collaboration with Stoneglass had a major role in this,” Dr. Heba Elkassaby, director of digital dentistry at RSDM, said at the April 5 ceremony.
RSDM Student Research Showcased at Balbo Day
Judges last month chose winners of the 2022 Balbo Day, at which 20 RSDM pre- and postdoctoral students showcased research conducted last summer.

“It’s always fun and fulfilling to show what you’re doing, and to have people understand its value,” said Dr. Geet Shukla, whose research on the iron-binding protein lactoferrin won top honors among postdoctorates. 

Class of 2023 student Athena Fu won first place among predoctoral students. 
RSDM Professor Doubles Pledge for Holocaust Survivor Dental Program
RSDM’s Holocaust survivor program has treated more than 40 survivors since it was launched in 2020, surpassing expectations. 

In partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, RSDM developed a program that entails specialized training of faculty and students to treat Holocaust survivors. It includes a dental navigator protocol to help patients schedule appointments and get answers to questions. The program removes any financial or procedural stresses.

“It’s more incredible than anything we could have imagined,” said Deborah Rosen, the federation's community program coordinator. When federation members toured the facility last month, RSDM Chief Operating Officer Andrea West announced RSDM Periodontics Professor Howard Drew, D.M.D., and his wife, Ina, had doubled their financial commitment to fund the program.
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White Coat Ceremony Held on April 6
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine hosted an in-person white coat ceremony on April 6 at Rutgers University Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway. The event recognized classes of 2024 and 2025 as well as internationally educated dentists in the Classes of 2022 and 2023.

Elizabeth Tramontana of the Class of 2022 and Daniel Chenman, D.M.D, of the Class of 2021 received the Student Professionalism Award for their exemplary behavior and professionalism.
Celebration of RSDM Employees Set for June 8
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine will host its annual employee recognition dinner on June 8 at Nanina’s In The Park (540 Mill Street, Belleville). RSDM faculty and staff are invited to attend the 6 p.m. festivities free of charge, and may bring guests for $20 per person. Please RSVP here. For questions,contact Maria Flores at floresm2@sdm.rutgers.edu or ext.4624.