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Research Discoveries Faculty Find Mouthwash Could Prevent COVID-19 Transmission RSDM researchers have found evidence that two types of mouthwash disrupt the COVID-19 virus under laboratory conditions, preventing it from replicating in a human cell. The study, published in the journal Pathogens, found that Listerine and the prescription mouthwash Chlorhexidine disrupted the virus within seconds after being diluted to concentrations that would mimic actual use. LEARN MORE

Building Bridges RSDM Leaders Head Diversity & Inclusion Effort

A program coordinated by Dr. Herminio Perez, RSDM’S Assistant Dean of Diversity & Inclusion, is focused on creating a group of leaders throughout Rutgers School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) who can advocate for equity, understanding and inclusion. LEARN MORE

Student Spotlight Kristina Accardo Gets Ready Kristina Accardo knows that some patients feel nervous about receiving treatment from dental students. When she begins providing care in the clinic next year, she’s thought about how to put them at ease. “I would tell them, I’ve spent the past two years of my life trying to perfect my work. We’ve been through rigorous courses and if our faculty didn’t have faith in us to be here, we wouldn’t be here,’’ says Accardo, a second-year student. LEARN MORE

Smile Transformation Delta Dental of NJ Gift Helps Patients The Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation gifted RSDM with a Smile Transformation grant to help two teen patients receive treatment for ameloblastoma, a benign cancer of the jaw that can cause disfigurement. ''We wanted to help patients in need,'' said Dr. Lisa N. Galluci, an RSDM alumna (Class of '01) and a member of the foundation's Board of Trustees. When she presented the Delta Dental check to RSDM Director of Clinical Affairs Michael Conte, she had a chance to meet the two patients. "It was truly a pleasure and a heartwarming experience,'' she said. "They were so appreciative.'' Stay tuned to learn more about the patients' stories in an upcoming issue of the newsletter.

National Stage RSDM Shares Work at ADEA Conference

The annual American Dental Education Association (ADEA) conference returned online after being cancelled last year due to COVID-19. RSDM took center stage with live presentations and posters, while faculty and leaders were recognized with honors and new roles. Vice-Dean Dr. Kim Fenesy was elected to the ADEA Leadership Institute board for a three-year term. Faculty member Dr. Heba Elkassaby received the ADEA Enid A. Neidle Scholar-in-Residence Program for Women, which awards $15,000 for research. Faculty member Dr. Carla Falcon was named the ADEA/American Association of Endodontists Foundation Scholar in the ADEA Leadership Institute. Dr. Herminio Perez gave an ADEA Chair of the Board Symposium titled "Missing at the Table: Exploring Administrative Pipeline Gaps and Solutions.'' Dr. Fenesy, Dr. Perez and Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Emily Sabato gave a live presentation, "Supporting Students: An Integrated Approach.'' Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs Dr. Janine Fredericks Younger and Director for Academic Affairs Dr. Valerie Maglione Rico presented posters.

Alumni News April Webinar Explores Legal Issues in Dental Field

As part of the Care to Share Alumni and Student Mentoring program, the RSDM Alumni Association will host a webinar on April 14th at 7 p.m. on malpractice insurance and legal issues in the dental field. The speakers will be William Barrett, CEO at Mandelbaum Salsburg and Dave Monahan, Owner of Mednet Financial Inc. All who attend will receive a special gift after the presentation. REGISTER HERE. The Care to Share Alumni and Student Mentoring program is an exciting opportunity for alumni and students to connect. Come join the group! We welcome all alumni who want to help guide the next generation of dentists by sharing their skills, knowledge and experience. To sign up, go here. For additional information about the program and a step by step guide on how to register, check out the recording to the recent webinar here.

Support RSDM Help Students Facing Hardship During Pandemic

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many RSDM students are struggling. They face transportation problems, housing issues, lost income, food insecurity, health insurance complications and more. To help relieve these strains, dental students have been applying directly to Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) student emergency funds, which provides immediate support for those facing serious problems. You can help RSDM students in need by donating. Make your contribution to the RBHS Student Emergency Fund specifically to reach our dental students. To give, click here.