College of Dentistry Newsletter | October 7, 2021
What's Happening at the College of Dentistry
New Faculty Spotlights
Renato C. Roperto
Chair & Associate Professor
Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry
 
Background:
DDS, University of Ribeirao Preto School of Dentistry, Brazil
MS, Operative Dentistry, University of Sao Paulo USP, Brazil
PhD, Restorative Dentistry, University of Toronto, Canada & Sao Paulo State University UNESP, Brazil

After obtaining my DDS, I immediately started working towards my master's degree in operative dentistry and accepted a position as an assistant professor at my alma mater institution. At that time, the division head of operative dentistry was retiring, and I decided to step in as the new division head. I started my PhD in 2007 and had the opportunity to apply for a scholarship with the Brazilian government and spend one year at the University of Toronto, Canada, conducting the laboratory portion of my PhD thesis. I joined the University of Manitoba, Canada, in 2009 as an assistant professor and I was responsible for the disciplines of operative dentistry and CAD/CAM. My wife and I moved to the United States in 2013 and I became an associate professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where I was the director of CAD/CAM and operative dentistry courses.

How I fell in love with dentistry: My family and friends encouraged me to pursue a health care profession. Dentistry was my choice and I absolutely love it.

Research/professional interests: Dental material science and adhesion to dentin. 
Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil

My family: Although I was born and raised in Brazil, I am a third generation Italian. My great-grandparents came from Calabria and Sicily; we are a true mix of Brazilian and Italian cultures. My wife also shares the same background; we both enjoy a good glass of wine together with an authentic Italian dish. 

Favorite thing to do on a day off: Take my three-year-old daughter to a park and play soccer with her.    

Three things people may not know about me:
  • I was a professional keyboardist when I was a younger. I have a passion for vintage music synthesizers. Currently, I’m searching for a church in the Lincoln area where I can serve and be part of the worship team.
  • I am pretty good at grilling the most famous “Brazilian” cut called “Picanha.”If you have ever been to a Brazilian steakhouse, you probably know what I’m talking about.
  • I am also a Canadian citizen.

What I'm most looking forward to about working at the college: The culture and working with incredibly smart and passionate people. Although I have only been here a short time, I have enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and collegiality of the people. 

Professional memberships: American Association for Dental Research, American Dental Education Association, Brazilian Federal Council of Dentistry, International Association for Dental Research, Royal College of Surgeons of Canada
Amanda Ribeiro Wobido 
Clinical Instructor
Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry

Background:
DDS, University of Brasilia – Brazil
MS, Clinical Dentistry, Federal University of Uberlandia – Brazi
 
During dental school, I was a teaching assistant for three years and was involved in many research projects. After I graduated, I started my master's degree in operative dentistry and was a member of the Non-Carious Lesions Research Group in Uberlandia, Brazil. I was a visiting research assistant at the UNMC College of Dentistry in October 2019 and worked with Dr. Luana Oliveira-Haas. For the last three years, I worked in a private practice office in Brazil and taught continuing education courses in operative dentistry. I am the assistant editor for the iKnow Journal, a dental journal in Brazil.

How I fell in love with dentistry: When I was a kid, I always thought going to the dentist was fun. When I was five years old, I was asked to draw what I wanted to be when I grew up and I drew myself as a dentist. My love for dentistry grows stronger every year because it's my passion to take care of people and make them smile with confidence!
 
Research/professional interests: Adhesion, cariology, ceramics, composites, dental materials, light-curing units, non-carious lesions and operative dentistry.

Hometown: I grew up in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil.

My family: My parents, older sister and myself lived in Brasilia for more than 20 years. We are from a big family in the south of Brazil. My mom has 14 siblings and my dad has 7, so together I have more than 60 cousins. My dad works in information technology, my mom is a stay-at-home mom, and my sister is a physician. We love spending time together talking and playing cards. We FaceTime each other all the time.

Favorite things to do on a day off: I like spending time with friends and family, exploring new places in town, reading and watching movies.

Three things people may not know about me:
  • I am addicted to Candy Crush and donuts.
  • I love Harry Potter books and movies.
  • I am completely scared of spiders.

What I'm most looking forward to about working at the college: My goal is to help every student succeed in their career. I am excited to provide an excellent dental education to our students by using all the available technology and opportunities. I also look forward to developing new research and increasing the number of publications in our department.

Professional memberships: American Dental Education Association, Brazilian Dental Association, Brazilian Group of Dental Materials, Brazilian Society of Research in Dentistry
COVID-19-related Reminders
Not fully vaccinated?

Friday, Oct. 8, is the last day to get a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, to be fully compliant by UNMC's Oct. 22 deadline.

Find a location where your vaccine can be administered and make sure to log your vaccine in the Health Tracking System.

Update your Safer Community app

The Safer Community app is required to enter UNL campus buildings during the fall 2021 semester. 

The app must be updated on smartphones to version 2.12.48 (or newer). Any version of the app older than v2.12.48 will cease to work on Oct. 8.
Upcoming Events
Kudos!
Congratulations to Lindsay K. Mundil, RDH, MA, an assistant professor in the department of dental hygiene, who is the first dental hygiene faculty member to complete Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support training.

Lindsay will be helping out the college's Code Blue team.
Omaha Staff Spotlights
Josh Gonzalez, RDH
Dental Hygienist
Omaha Clinic (Durham Outpatient Center)
 
Background: I received my bachelor's degree in biology from York College and my bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from the UNMC College of Dentistry.
 
Hometown: Buffalo, Wyoming
 
My family: My wife and I have two boys who are 2 ½ years old and 3 months old. We have a rescue dog named Nico who is a Shizu-Maltese mix.
 
Favorite things to do on a day off: Hang out with my wife and kids, go fishing and woodworking.
 
Three things people may not know about me:
  • I’ve never been pulled over or received a ticket.
  • As a child, my family would take an annual trip to Canada to go fishing. The largest fish I ever caught was over 40 inches long.
  • When we were kids, my brother and I saved at least two other people from drowning.
Corinne Van Osdel, DDS
Clinical Instructor & Staff Dentist
Omaha Clinic (Durham Outpatient Center)
 
Background: I went to Rockhurst University in Kansas City and majored in physics. I completed my DDS and residency at the UNMC College of Dentistry.
   
Hometown: Omaha
 
My family: My husband, Charlie, and I welcomed twin girls this year, Ciene and Claren. We have a Standard Poodle named Stanley and two cats. 
 
Favorite things to do on a day off: I love to spend time with my family and friends. We like to go for walks, ride bikes, and visit the Henry Doorly Zoo or Topgolf. 
 
Three things people may not know about me:
  • My grandpa started a restaurant, Mama’s Pizza, 45 years ago and now my family owns four locations in Omaha. 
  • My daughters, my dad and his dad (my grandpa) are all identical twins. 
  • I try to eat vegan Monday through Friday. 
Resources
2021-2022 birthday list

An updated college-wide birthday list is now available. Be sure to wish your fellow students, staff and faculty a Happy Birthday!

For edits, please contact Erin Wirth, [email protected].
2021-2022 student composites

Updated student photo composites are now available.
Continuing education

Be sure to check out the College of Dentistry's continuing education courses!
Academic calendar

Access the College of Dentistry's academic calendar anytime, anywhere!
Free counseling services for students

Call UNL Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the UNL Health Center to schedule your session, 402-472-7450.
Free counseling services for employees

Arbor Family Counseling, offered through the UNMC Employee Assistance Program, provides confidential services. To schedule a telehealth session, call 800-922-7379 or visit their website.
UNMC College of Dentistry | unmc.edu/dentistry