It has been an unseasonably warm and beautiful spring foliage season in South Jordan. I hope that no matter where you are, or what season you are in, you can enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds all of us.
I am going to use this space today to congratulate the graduating DMD class of 2021, summarize the results from the dental voucher program, and remind you of our annual research symposium.
First, to the graduating DMD class of 2021 – congratulations! This has been an extremely difficult year for all of us. And yet, in the midst of lockdowns all over the world since March a year ago, recurring dangerous surges of infection rates, even in South Jordan, the DMD class of ’21 has consistently demonstrated patience, caring, and leadership.
And because of everyone’s hard work and determination, this Monday, April 12, our students in the Doctor of Dental Medicine program will be celebrating their hooding ceremony at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City.
Let’s not forget, this graduation wouldn’t be without the success of our dental voucher program. Between January 4th and March 31st, Roseman University College of Dental Medicine made a special offer for all new and existing patients to receive a $250 voucher for dental care. The influx of new patients generated by the vouchers allowed our Roseman students during this unique pandemic year, to attain the same level of clinic experiences that previous graduating students had so that they could graduate on time.
The numbers are impressive: more than $1.5 million of care was donated to members of the South Jordan community, and approximately 5,250 patients redeemed the voucher. I’m very proud of each and every one of our students; they have worked incredibly hard to reach their goals and serve our community.
Another exciting event happening this month is our 7th annual Roseman University research symposium. This will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 14, to safeguard the health and safety of our presenters and attendees. I invite everyone to join us to appreciate and applaud the hard work our students have accomplished this year. And stick around until the end, because we have a very special keynote speaker, M.D. Larry S. Schlesinger, the president/CEO of Texas Biomedical Research Institute. He will be presenting, “The impact of past, present and future pandemics,” a very timely and interesting topic you will not want to miss. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Claudia Freitas at cfreitas@roseman.edu.
Opportunities abound in unforeseen places. Whether you’re a student finishing your first block or your tenth, please continue to explore the many academic events, institutional programs, remote offerings, and campus services that are available to you. In this time of social and physical distance, it requires more of an entrepreneurial spirit than might normally be the case. I hope this good news has encouraged you to continue with your plans and aspirations throughout the rest of the year, while, at the same time, taking the time to rest and recuperate from the demands of this changing world in which we find ourselves.
Sincerely,
Frank Licari
Dean, College of Dental Medicine
Interim Chancellor, South Jordan Campus