University Of Southern Nevada

Henderson, Nev. – Sept. 6, 2007 – University of Southern Nevada, a private, non-profit university located in Henderson, is in the final planning stages to launch the USN College of Dental Medicine to offer high-quality and in-demand postdoctoral academic residency programs.

According to University of Southern Nevada President, Dr. Harry Rosenberg, Pharm.D., Ph.D., the establishment of the College of Dental Medicine complements the university’s mission to prepare competent professionals and to address the health care needs of Nevada and the entire Intermountain region through innovative educational programs, scholarship and public service.

“The postdoctoral academic residency programs to be offered by the USN College of Dental Medicine will provide an unparalleled learning experience while also offering excellent and affordable dental care to citizens of Southern Nevada and the surrounding region, including the large underserved population,” said Dr. Rosenberg.

Since most dental professionals enter private practice, the college’s postdoctoral residency programs will incorporate a Master of Business Administration to develop residents’ legal, ethical and financial competency, all of which are essential in operating a successful practice in today’s complicated health care business environment, says Dr. Rosenberg.

The first postdoctoral residency program planned for the College of Dental Medicine is Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AEODO) combined with the university’s existing MBA program. It will be the first such program in the U.S. that requires an MBA as part of the residency program, says Dr. Lynn Hurst, dean of the new USN College of Dental Medicine.

The proposed USN AEODO/MBA residency program will be a full-time, three-year postdoctoral residency program. Like the university’s College of Pharmacy, College of Nursing and the MBA Program, College of Dental Medicine programs will be taught using the university’s innovative block curriculum system and include on-site clinical training in a facility equipped with state-of-the-art dental technology and pioneering distance learning.

According to Dr. Hurst, USN expects to see a lot of interest in the proposed AEODO/MBA residency program.

Most recent published data by the American Dental Association shows that in the U.S. there are only 60 AEODO residency programs offering 330 positions per year. According to a 2005 report by the Institute for Alternative Future, the number of new positions at existing U.S. residency programs is expected to stay static despite an anticipated population growth of 15 to 20 million by 2015.

Prescription drug abuse has become a growing problem among America’s youth. In fact, according to a report by John Walters, the national drug policy director, 2.1 million teenagers misused prescription medications believing that prescription drugs are safer and less addictive than street drugs.

Due to this growing problem, a group of USN Pharmacy students have joined together to form the Drug Abuse Awareness Team (DAAT). DAAT is dedicated to educating the youth of Clark County about the abuse of prescription and nonprescription drugs and the dangers of addiction.

The idea for DAAT came from pharmacy student Erica Zelickowski while listening to a local radio program. The program brought forth the prevalence of prescription drug misuse in local high schools compared to illicit drug abuse and how easily the teens were acquiring these drugs.

She took the idea to USN Professor, Dr. Allison Welder, who allowed Zelickowski address the class with her idea. “I never expected to receive such an immediate response from so many of my classmates,” said Zelickowski. “In fact, by the end of the week we had created a mission statement and objectives for DAAT.”

She adds, “Without their help, I would not have had the knowledge or experience to organize such a successful group.” With a mission and a plan in hand, DAAT is ready to launch its message and disparage the myth that prescription drug use is safer and less addicting.

DAAT member, Krystal Ricco, explains that this is a belief among teens she has spoken with, saying “They wouldn’t dare try marijuana and drink alcohol (they’ve heard too many lectures on that), but these are prescription drugs, so they’re safe, right? It is shocking to hear these youths talk about drugs that many of us did not even learn about until our first year in the Pharm.D. program.”

DAAT hopes teens will realize prescription painkillers and other medications help people live more productive lives, freeing them from the symptoms of painful medical conditions. Taking prescription drugs in a way that hasn’t been recommended by a doctor can be more dangerous than people think, including leading to the common result of addiction.

“It is our hope that we can influence and educate as many children as possible about prescription drug misuse so they can be armed with the knowledge about the possibilities and consequences of these destructive behaviors,” said DAAT member Susan Armino.

DAAT recently presented its program to the Clark County School District. According to DAAT Co-Faculty Advisor, Dr. Paul Oesterman, CCSD was impressed with the presentation and is making arrangements for DAAT to make some preliminary presentations to teachers and kids/parents with documented problems. CCSD is also in the process of selecting pilot schools for the presentation in each of the school district’s regions.

DAAT invites all students at USN to get involved. The organization currently has more than 35 members, and participation does not require a membership fee but rather a posture of compassion for the youths in the community.

Item of note: The United States Public Health Services selected the University of Southern Nevada’s DAAT to receive a Public Health Practice Pharmacy Award.

Continuing Education in Nevada Pharmacy Law
This is a one-hour program providing an update on important changes in pharmacy law pertinent to those practicing in Nevada.  Programs are held on the third Wednesday of most months of the year.  Current upcoming program dates:

Wednesday, September 19th 2007
Wednesday, October 17th 2007
Saturday, October 20th 2007 (This CE will also include 2 hours of CE on infectious disease)

The Wednesday programs will be held from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. (sign-in and light refreshments begin at 6:30) at our campus in Henderson, Nevada.  The Saturday program will be held in the morning with lunch provided.

Registration forms will be posted here soon.

APhA Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Certificate Program
June 8 – June 9th, 2007

This is an innovative and interactive training program that teaches pharmacists the skills necessary to become a primary source for vaccine information and administration.  The program teaches the basics of immunology and focuses on practice implementation and legal and regulatory issues.  The certificate program is conducted in two parts – a self-study learning component and a live training seminar.  A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to participants who successfully complete all program components.  This program provides a total of 20 hours (2.0 CEU) of continuing education credit.

Program Brochure (.pdf 257K)

Registration Form (.pdf 187K)

Future programs
We periodically send out emails regarding future programs to those interested.  To be included on our email distribution list, please contact Karla Labbe by email or call 702-968-2032.

To learn about future programs available in your area, click on the link below.
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

Title IV Student Drug Information (.pdf 80K)

Letter from the Director of Financial Aid (.pdf 11K)
Financial Aid Program Information (.pdf 25K)

Approved for Financial Aid for 2007-08
Your Financial Aid Award Notification from Financial Aid Services reports the amount of Federal and or private programs you can receive. If your Award Notification includes federal or private loans, you must select a lender, complete the loan application, and submit your application to your lender.

Complete your FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Select your Academic Program and Click on Lender’s List to choose your lender.  Once you have selected a lender,  click Loan Request and complete your application for Staffords and/or Grad Plus.   (Only complete your Loan applications on “Loan Request”)

You must complete separate Loan Requests for each loan on your Award Notification.
Step by step instructions are provided on this website.  You may also call Financial Aid Services at (702) 968-1635, Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm.  Once you have completed your loan application, email to confirm your application submission.