The Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine is the dental school of Nova Southeastern University. It is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States. When it opened in 1997, it was the first new dental school to open in the United States in 24 years. It is the largest dental school in Florida. The school is accredited by the American Dental Association.
Academics
In recent years, it has received more applications for admittance than any other dental school in the United States. There are approximately 3,500 applicants for the entering class size of 110. Entering first year students averaged in the 95th percentile nationally on the Dental Admission Test. It offers a four-year D.M.D. program, along with postdoctoral programs in: Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD), Endodontics, Orthodontics, Pedodontics (Pediatric Dentistry), Periodontology, Prosthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (four years program), and Master of Science in Craniofacial Research.
Research
The NSU College of Dental Medicine is currently involved in Biomaterials development and research in Oral Biology. Some of the research being conducted:
Biomaterials Development
Microtensile fracture strength testing
Profilometer fracture mode testing
Fatigue, thermocycling and load testing
Scanning electron microscope evaluation
Leakage testing
Hybrid layer evaluation
Remineralization and demineralization studies
ColorEye and Gloss analysis
Clinical Testing
Whitening kits
Restorative materials
Endodontic materials
Periodontal therapies
Prosthodontic devices
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Adhesives
Disinfectants
Analgesics
Drugs
Lasers
Dental instruments and devices
Toothbrushes (manual or power) Ortho appliances/devices Dental floss
Toothbrushing
Dentifrice testing
Abrasion testing
Wear testing
Clinical testing
Biocompatibility Testing
Drugs and biomaterials
In vitro cytotoxicity
In vivo biocompatibility
Histological assessment
Molecular Assays
Protein/Gene activation
PCR
Gene silencing
Gene isolation
Molecular pathway elucidation
Pulp Biology
For over 50 years, from the 1950s until his death in 2002, oral pathologist Harold Stanley DDS, MS collected extracted teeth from across the world. Recently the histological archive was located at Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine. It is reportedly the largest and most compete histological archive in the world containing over 200,000 specimens and weighing more than 3 tons of teeth!
Dr. Stanley can be credited with establishing Oral Biology as the science we know today, prior to his efforts, the practice of dentistry and treatment planning had little regard for the biology of the oral tissues.
Dr. Stanley specialized in the soft tissue in the core of teeth called 'pulp'. The pulp is responsible for creating tooth dentin and for maintaining the vitality of the tooth throughout life. It is also responsible for the pain experienced if the tooth is diseased or damaged, and also for hot and cold sensitivity.
Dr. Stanley studied pulp death and regeneration. The photograph opposite shows the ability of the pulp cells to mineralize more tooth substance in response to injury. The purpose of the increased mineralization is to protect the pulp tissue from disease, injury and trauma. Dr. Stanley also showed that the bacterial invasion of teeth could destroy the cells and cause a loss of tooth vitality. The invasion of tooth dentinal tubules by bacteria can be seen in the photograph opposite. The bacteria is present in the mouth saliva. If bacteria reaches the pulp it can cause severe inflammation called 'pulpitis'. The pulpitis is normally painful and will require endodontic treatment. This involves the removal of the pulp and the cleaning and shaping of the root canals. The faculty and staff of Nova Southeastern are preparing the extensive histological archive of Dr. Stanley for on-line use. This will enable anyone to access his archive of teeth from anywhere in the world.