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Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for its visionary leadership and exemplary integration of Apple technology to elevate learning, clinical preparation, research, and community care. The designation reflects the College of Dental Medicine's multi-year transformation—anchored in iPad-first teaching, data-informed curriculum design, and an enterprise-scale digital dentistry ecosystem—that prepares graduates to lead in a tech-enabled, patient-centered future.
A Strategic Vision for Innovation
Guided by a five-year foresight-driven plan, NSU's College of Dental Medicine advances six priorities: innovation in education, scientific discovery, community services, leadership development, resource growth, and operational excellence. Mission-aligned goals emphasize comprehensive care, translational research, service to underserved populations, and leadership pathways for students, residents, faculty, and staff.
Mission: Educate future dentists and improve oral health through patient-centered care, academic excellence, research, leadership, and community commitment.
Vision: Lead advances in oral and craniofacial health through innovation in education, clinical practice, research, and service.
Inspire
Faculty and students at NSU’s College of Dental Medicine share a passion for discovery, learning, and patient-centered care. Using Apple technology, innovation is woven into every part of the learning experience:
- One-to-One iPad Ecosystem: Each student uses an iPad and Apple Pencil for active notetaking, digital charting, and real-time collaboration via Apple Classroom, Keynote, Pages, and secure LMS access.
- Interactive, Student-Centered Design: Faculty reimagine lectures with multimedia, live polling, and gamified activities. Students co-create digital artifacts, annotate radiographs, and practice evidence-based reasoning in shared workspaces.
- Professional Growth at Scale: Apple Learning Coaches and faculty technology leaders offer workshops, handbooks, and peer mentorship; students serve as Digital Dental Scholars, extending skills and outreach programs.
Imagine
At NSU’s College of Dental Medicine, innovation and technology are transforming how students learn and practice dentistry. Using Apple tools alongside 3D printing, haptic simulation, and augmented reality, learners visualize anatomy, design treatment plans, and collaborate across disciplines.
- Haptic AR with SimtoCare: Learners practice cavity preparations, endodontics, and prosthodontics in a safe, data-rich setting that tracks force, angulation, and depth—building psychomotor skills and confidence while reducing consumables.
- 3D Printing at Scale: NSU-CDM fabricates hundreds of educational models, surgical guides, digital dentures, provisional restorations, and diagnostic laboratory models—linking CAD design to chairside care and accelerating feedback cycles
Impact
Care Where It's Needed Most
Students and faculty provide high-quality care through programs like Give Kids A Smile, Florida Mission of Mercy, and the Ryan White Community-Based Dental Partnership Program. These outreach efforts expand access to quality oral healthcare across Florida and beyond—offering hands-on experiences that prepare compassionate, community-minded providers to make a difference in every community they serve.