OC T O B ER 2 0 2 2
Volume 35 • Issue 3
In Search of Champions for Change New York State Dental Foundation launches initiative to recruit future dentists to aid in care of disabled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
NEWS AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW YORK STATE DENTAL ASSOCIATION
Award Season Pierre Fauchard Academy recognizes four for commendable service to patients, profession and academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Changing the Face of Dentistry University at Buffalo Pathway Programs hope to attract a more diverse student body by removing barriers to careers in dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
There is Room in Organized Dentistry
For Diverse Individuals Ivan Vazquez, D.D.S. Editor’s Note: In observing Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15), we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Hispanic-Americans who have inspired others to achieve success. Ivan Vazquez, D.D.S., a pediatric dentist from Shoreham, Suffolk County, shares how he became involved with organized dentistry and why he is passionate about ensuring that others get involved as well. My dental experience started when I was a teenager and spoke to some of my parents’ friends and neighbors who were dentists. I realized how happy they were in a profession that enabled them to do so much to help other people. I applied to dental school and was fortunate to have access to a federal incentive for minority students that allowed me to study at New York University College of Dentistry with a scholarship. Some of my fellow classmates from Puerto Rico received these scholarships as well, and several of them attended NYU on a full ride. We met the challenges of dental school together and forged lifelong friendships. I’m happy to say that as a group of students who came from another country and culture, learning in our second language, we always felt included and never out of place. I continued my education in a hospital residency program and received my specialty degree in pediatric dentistry. After a few years as an associate, I decided to open my own practice. I met several other specialists in CONTINUED ON PAGE 12