Dr. Rhonda Everett joined representatives from LIBERTY Dental Plan, Nevada Dental Association, and Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, along with moderator Vanessa Murphy from 8 News Now, for a virtual panel discussion about COVID-19 and dental health as part of Dental Hygiene Awareness Month. The discussion took place October 28 and encouraged viewers to make and keep their next…

I am pleased to announce UNLV School of Dental Medicine will reopen its clinics to all patients of record beginning Monday, June 29, and will resume seeing new patients later this fall. Appointments can be made by calling 702-774-2400. The reopening will enable patients within all of the UNLV Dental Medicine Clinics to resume in-process treatment plans that were placed on hold by state and…

Dr. Dean Cole joined us 16 years ago after a successful nearly 30-year career in private practice. Initially, he was part of the original clinical model that incorporated all treatment disciplines because the school was still hiring faculty. As the school grew, Dr. Cole taught multiple classes in the predoctoral education program, including the simulation lab and team clinics. And he loved every…

UNLV School of Dental Medicine received a $50,000 grant from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation to support its efforts in the fight against COVID-19, related crises, and to advance  access to care for those in need. Dr. Christina Demopoulos created a plan and will lead the effort to maximize impact of the grant. The money will be used to accomplish the following during the coming…

For Dr. Jonathan Rothbart, working the past 14 years at UNLV Dental Medicine has been a wonderful blend of three loves: dentistry, teaching, and the American Southwest. As he prepares to retire after a nearly 50-year career, he has multiple road trips planned and hopes to continue teaching. Uncertain what to do after completing his undergraduate degree, Dr. Rothbart began teaching at a school in…

DS4 student Colette Fuglaar handled a complicated denture case  and uncovered a love story tied to UNLV Dental As a fourth-year dental student, Colette Fuglaar has become adept at answering patient questions, but one she received during the holiday season tugged at her heartstrings. “Does this mean I won’t have my dentures by Christmas?” The inquiry arose as Colette was…

The phone call no person ever wants to receive. Dental student Kyle Naylor, Class of 2022, died tragically in a plane crash on November 30 with many other family members. Although devastated by the news, Kyle’s fellow students, professors, and staff members immediately rallied to comfort his family. Class of 2022 president Cameron Hyer shared information about a memorial candlelight vigil hosted…

After working for what he calls 12 marvelous years, Dr. Rick Thiriot is retiring from the UNLV School of Dental Medicine. During his tenure, Dr. Thiriot held multiple roles including associate dean for clinical services where he oversaw the operations of all patient clinics, interacted with the chair of clinical sciences to ensure the best possible patient care, and worked with numerous…

  Tifara Rachal in Clinical Sciences received the UNLV Classified Employee of the Month award in November. According to the nomination, Tifara was working in the cashier’s office as a temporary staff member when a patient approached her asking about a note for her employer. The emergency department staff had gone home for the evening, and the patient was uncertain what to do. Without…

  Barbara Shallcross in Biomedical Sciences received the UNLV Classified Employee of the Month award in August. According to the nomination, she earned the award for multiple reasons including constructing the schedule for all of the school’s didactic courses within the doctor of dental medicine degree program each year, and effortlessly adjusting them to align with faculty needs. She…

The UNLV Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost named Lily T. García the next dean of the School of Dental Medicine, effective Sept. 1, 2019. García currently serves as associate dean for education at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, where she focuses on assessing and improving educational programs. She coordinates teaching and learning programs, and…

Dr. William “Bill” Davenport accepted the role of interim dean for the School of Dental Medicine, stepping in for outgoing Dean Karen West, who joined the American Dental Education Association. Dr. Davenport, who started the interim role July 1, joined the school as part of the inaugural faculty during 2002 and has served as associate dean for Academic Affairs since 2012 and as executive…