Give Kids A Smile, 2008

More than 120 children participated in the “Give Kids a Smile,” event at Creighton's School of Dentistry, designed to raise awareness about the importance of dental health in children and provide education and dental services to low-income children who may not have access to regular dental care. This is the eighth year for the Creighton event.  More than 120 faculty, staff and volunteers helped with this effort.

Teaching Award for Dr. Norton

Dr. Neil S. Norton, Associate Professor of Oral Biology, has been awarded the 2007 ADEA/GlaxoSmithKline Sensodyne Excellence in Teaching Award.  The award recognizes dental educators who demonstrate exemplary standards and promote excellence in dental education through scholarship and innovation.

Dr. Norton will be presented this award at the 2007 ADEA Annual Session in New Orleans, Louisiana during the ADEA Opening Ceremony and Plenary Session on Sunday, March 18, 2007.

Dr. Howard Named Chairholder of "The Dr. Edward J. "Eddie" and Neta DeRose Endowed Chair in Dentistry"

On November 29, 2006, Dr. James Howard was installed as the chairholder of "The Dr. Edward J. "Eddie" and Neta DeRose Endowed Chair in Dentistry." 

The Dr. Edward J. “Eddie” and Neta DeRose Endowed Chair in the School of Dentistry is a testament to one family’s three-generation commitment to providing dental care for underserved children. It is also a tribute from loving sons to honor their parents.  The chair was established by Michael DeRose, DDS’82, and his brother, Daniel DeRose, two of Edward and Neta DeRose’s five children. Eddie DeRose, DDS’61, followed in his own father’s footsteps by becoming a dentist. His father, Bruno, established the first DeRose Dental Clinic in Pueblo, Colorado in 1928. When Eddie graduated from the Creighton University School of Dentistry, he joined his father’s family dental practice.

“Our father has always had a big heart, and he has always rooted for the underdog,” Michael said. Thus, at a time when many dentists were reluctant to treat patients on Medicaid, Dr. DeRose made it a priority to provide professional care to impoverished children. “It became a life’s passion,” according to son Dan.  Working to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate was a value instilled in all their children by Eddie and Neta, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

Dr. Howard earned his dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and a master of science degree in restorative dentistry (operative) from the University of Michigan. He came to Creighton in 1995 after a distinguished career in the United States Air Force Dental Corps, from which he retired with the rank of colonel. He is the Associate Dean for Clinical Services and the Director of Clinics for the Creighton University School of Dentistry.

“He has one of the most difficult roles in the School of Dentistry,” said Dr. Steven Friedrichsen, Dean of the School of Dentistry. “He is responsible for balancing the educational needs of the students with the treatment needs of the patients.” 

Dr. Howard is a beloved teacher, a dedicated administrator, and an educator with numerous contributions to professional organizations. But he is most noted for his sincere compassion and concern for the least advantaged, his unflagging determination to serve them, and to instill that passion to serve in students.

Dr. Norton Tapped for National Leadership Program

Neil S. Norton, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Oral Biology and Pharmacology at Creighton University’s School of Dentistry, has been named a Fellow in one of the nation’s premiere leadership development programs in health professions education. This distinctive yearlong program, the Leadership Institute of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), selects promising faculty members at academic dental institutions and guides them through intensive development in leadership and organization theory, higher education management, team and network building, and other aspects of personal and professional growth.

Over the course of the year, Fellows conduct interviews and participate in activities at their home institutions, where they are mentored by their deans and other academic leaders. The Fellows gather four times for group learning activities; these sessions are held in Maine, California, Washington, DC, and at the ADEA Annual Session (this year in New Orleans). Working in teams, they also conduct a literature review of an issue important to dental education and write a position paper for publication. After completing the Leadership Institute, Fellows continue their networking and learning activities through an active alumni association. This year’s select group of 17 Fellows is the seventh annual class of the Institute.

Dr. Norton earned his Ph.D. in anatomy from the University of Nebraska. He joined the faculty at Creighton University in 1996 as an assistant professor; his teaching responsibilities include general anatomy, head and neck anatomy, neuroscience, and pain control. He has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards including eight Outstanding Instructor of the Year Awards and five Dr. Theodore J. Urban Pre-Clinical Awards presented by graduating senior classes for dedication and outstanding basic science instruction. He is only the third professor in the history of the School of Dentistry to receive the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Award for Teaching Achievement, the highest teaching recognition offered by Creighton University.  Dr Norton also currently serves as the President of the University Faculty.