March 2022 Visit Our Website
RSDM Increases Accountability, Cuts Waste with Software Collaboration
Collaborating with a logistics software company, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine has launched a new system for managing the school’s massive inventory.
“It’s modernized the way we handle inventorying,” said RSDM Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs Michael Conte. WebOps’ dental dispensary platform was fully implemented throughout the school’s four D.M.D student clinics in December.
 
Outpouring of Love for RSDM Professor who Died Valentine’s Day
The RSDM community fondly remembered Dr. Gaetano Spinnato, a longtime Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Professor who died Feb. 14 at age 83.
“This was a man of love,” said Dr. Lawrence Gorzelnik, a maxillofacial surgeon and assistant professor of OMFS at RSDM. 

Dr. Gaetano Spinato
Gary Heir Named Carmel Chair in Algesiology at RSDM
The Rutgers University Board of Governors approved Gary Heir as the Robert and Susan Carmel Chair in Algesiology at RSDM.
The Carmel Chair, established in 1995 by a gift from Robert and Susan Carmel, supports a scholar with a distinguished record in algesiology, or the study of pain. It is the first professorship in the nation in algesiology dedicated to orofacial pain. 
Heir is an internationally recognized expert in orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders.

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ADEA Board of Directors Honors RSDM
Associate Dean for Admissions
RSDM Associate Dean for Admissions Rosa Chaviano-Moran will be honored by the American Dental Education Association for significant contributions to the organization’s mission during the 2021-22 academic year.
Dr. Chaviano-Moran will receive a 2022 Chair of the ADEA Board of Directors Citation at the ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition in Philadelphia on March 20.
RSDM Class of 2024 Student Returns to Childhood Roots
Olga Lorenzo grew up in her mother’s dental office, but it was a volunteer mission trip to the Dominican Republic in her mid-20s that cinched her decision to pursue dentistry.
“After all these years, I feel very grateful I’ve been given this opportunity to fulfill my dreams,” said Lorenzo, who lives in Belleville with her husband, Jo, and daughter, Florence. Lorenzo intends to practice general dentistry alongside her mother when she graduates.

RSDM Alumni Spotlight: Solo Practitioner Lidia Zemlanicky Values Professional Connection

Dr. Lidia Zemlanicky operates a small home-based practice, but she maintains a large presence in the RSDM Alumni Association. Zemlanicky has served as a class delegate and frequent donor for most of the 38 years she’s been a dentist.
“In this livelihood, you’ve got to be part of organizations, talking to others in the profession and always learning,” she said. “That’s how you provide the best care for your patients.”
RSDM Hosts In-Person White Coat Ceremony
on April 6
RDSM will host an in-person White Coat Ceremony on Wednesday, April 6 at Rutgers University’s Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway. The event recognizes RSDM’s classes of 2024 and 2025, along with internationally educated dentists in the classes of 2022 and 2023. The ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m. It will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend. Questions? Contact administrative assistant Lynn Chai at lhc37@sdm.rutgers.edu.