![\"\"](\"\/dental\/files\/2025\/05\/Updated-inspo-article-photo-for-web-and-social.jpg\")
<\/h4>\n<\/h4>\n<\/h4>\nJuan Ruiz DMD 25:<\/strong> Nana Phillips, Group Practice Patient Coordinator<\/h4>\nThe GSDM predoctoral patient treatment center is a fast-paced environment for students, faculty, staff, and patients alike. Juan Ruiz DMD 25 said Nana Phillips, group practice patient coordinator, works incredibly hard to maintain a calm presence.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is in constant [pressure], dealing not only with the students, but also with the patients [and] faculty,\u201d Ruiz said. \u201cShe’s always receiving a lot of requests and demands from everybody. The way she handles it, how she’s always with a smile on her face, no matter if it is a huge line in front of her, that’s something that is admirable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ruiz talks to Phillips frequently during any given week. He said she takes the time to help every student with a smile on her face.<\/p>\n
As he launches his dental career, Ruiz said he plans to use Phillips\u2019 mantra of going with the flow, trying to do things as best as possible, and always be smiling. He learned through her actions that being cranky doesn\u2019t help anyone; it just makes stressful situations worse.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo matter how difficult the situation is, keeping a smile on your face goes beyond whatever you are doing,\u201d Ruiz said. \u201cIt makes a huge difference. It changes the whole interaction. Keeping that happiness regardless of how stressful it is at the moment is something that everybody should learn from. It is contagious.\u201d<\/p>\n
He hopes Phillips will continue to assist and inspire fellow predoctoral students like himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope she stays [at GSDM] long because the work she does is valuable for the school [and] for the students,\u201d Ruiz said. \u201cI don’t think that we could be able to graduate [without her]. She’s a vital part of the whole process for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nYohana Gonzalez Perez DMD AS 25: <\/span><\/span><\/strong>Steven Mollica DMD 89, Clinical Assistant Professor of General Dentistry<\/span>, <\/span>Recipient of the <\/span>2025 Spencer N. Frankl Award for Excellence in Teaching<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\nDedication, compassion, and the importance of serving others\u2014that’s what Yohana Gonzalez Perez DMD AS 25 said she learned from Steven Mollica DMD 89, clinical assistant professor of general dentistry.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nShe said Mollica\u2019s unwavering dedication to dental students’ growth and success has inspired her to be an empathic dental professional.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHe consistently went above and beyond his responsibilities to provide support and guidance,\u201d Perez said. \u201cHis actions profoundly impacted my journey by helping me believe in myself during challenging moments and become a better dentist and person.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhen Perez had a severe allergic reaction to a temporary resin acrylic in the Simulation Learning Center (SLC), Mollica consistently checked in on her recovery progress and helped prepare her for an upcoming exam.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cBecause of this allergy, I was unable to take the exam with my classmates, but he took the time to help me prepare and made sure no one around me was using that material during my time in the SLC,\u201d Perez said. \u201cHis support gave me the confidence to push through and succeed. This experience reinforced the importance of perseverance and self-belief\u2014values I hope to carry into my dental practice.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nPerez said the advice Mollica gave will stay with her even after graduation. He once told her to \u201calways trust in your abilities and never hesitate to seek help when you need it.\u201d That wisdom is going to motivate her throughout the rest of her career.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHis dedication has not only shaped my professional skills but also motivated me to extend the same level of care and support to my future patients and colleagues,\u201d Perez said. \u201cHe has set a high standard of excellence and compassion that I strive to emulate.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\nMegan Kelly DMD 25: <\/span><\/span><\/strong>Chelly <\/span>Fianza<\/span>, Patient Coordinator<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/h4>\nHaving a genuine compassion for others makes a monumental difference in a clinical setting, Megan Kelly DMD 25 said the hard work and enthusiasm demonstrated by Chelly Fianza, a patient coordinator, has been influential throughout her DMD program.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cShe always has a smile on her face no matter what challenges she’s navigating,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cShe goes above and beyond to help students and patients in any way she can.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhen Kelly was on her oral surgery rotation, she had a patient scheduled for a same-day denture appointment. On the day of the appointment, the denture hadn\u2019t arrived yet at the oral surgery clinics and the team were trying to locate it. Kelly said Fianza went out of her way to find the denture and the patient was able to get their same-day denture\u2013all thanks to Fianza\u2019s efforts.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHer actions demonstrated to me the importance of two key principles: dentistry is a team sport, and we should never label an issue as \u2018someone else’s problem,\u2019\u201d Kelly said.\u00a0 \u201cWe can and should do what we can to help.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nGoing forward, Kelly said she is going to keep Fianza\u2019s optimism in mind as she enters the dental profession.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHer positive outlook and genuine care for the students and patients she interacts with is evident every day,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cShe wonderfully exemplifies how far a smile can go.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
To read our full commencement coverage, please visit our commencement 2025 page.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
<\/h4>\nJuan Ruiz DMD 25:<\/strong> Nana Phillips, Group Practice Patient Coordinator<\/h4>\nThe GSDM predoctoral patient treatment center is a fast-paced environment for students, faculty, staff, and patients alike. Juan Ruiz DMD 25 said Nana Phillips, group practice patient coordinator, works incredibly hard to maintain a calm presence.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is in constant [pressure], dealing not only with the students, but also with the patients [and] faculty,\u201d Ruiz said. \u201cShe’s always receiving a lot of requests and demands from everybody. The way she handles it, how she’s always with a smile on her face, no matter if it is a huge line in front of her, that’s something that is admirable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ruiz talks to Phillips frequently during any given week. He said she takes the time to help every student with a smile on her face.<\/p>\n
As he launches his dental career, Ruiz said he plans to use Phillips\u2019 mantra of going with the flow, trying to do things as best as possible, and always be smiling. He learned through her actions that being cranky doesn\u2019t help anyone; it just makes stressful situations worse.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo matter how difficult the situation is, keeping a smile on your face goes beyond whatever you are doing,\u201d Ruiz said. \u201cIt makes a huge difference. It changes the whole interaction. Keeping that happiness regardless of how stressful it is at the moment is something that everybody should learn from. It is contagious.\u201d<\/p>\n
He hopes Phillips will continue to assist and inspire fellow predoctoral students like himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope she stays [at GSDM] long because the work she does is valuable for the school [and] for the students,\u201d Ruiz said. \u201cI don’t think that we could be able to graduate [without her]. She’s a vital part of the whole process for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nYohana Gonzalez Perez DMD AS 25: <\/span><\/span><\/strong>Steven Mollica DMD 89, Clinical Assistant Professor of General Dentistry<\/span>, <\/span>Recipient of the <\/span>2025 Spencer N. Frankl Award for Excellence in Teaching<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\nDedication, compassion, and the importance of serving others\u2014that’s what Yohana Gonzalez Perez DMD AS 25 said she learned from Steven Mollica DMD 89, clinical assistant professor of general dentistry.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nShe said Mollica\u2019s unwavering dedication to dental students’ growth and success has inspired her to be an empathic dental professional.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHe consistently went above and beyond his responsibilities to provide support and guidance,\u201d Perez said. \u201cHis actions profoundly impacted my journey by helping me believe in myself during challenging moments and become a better dentist and person.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhen Perez had a severe allergic reaction to a temporary resin acrylic in the Simulation Learning Center (SLC), Mollica consistently checked in on her recovery progress and helped prepare her for an upcoming exam.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cBecause of this allergy, I was unable to take the exam with my classmates, but he took the time to help me prepare and made sure no one around me was using that material during my time in the SLC,\u201d Perez said. \u201cHis support gave me the confidence to push through and succeed. This experience reinforced the importance of perseverance and self-belief\u2014values I hope to carry into my dental practice.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nPerez said the advice Mollica gave will stay with her even after graduation. He once told her to \u201calways trust in your abilities and never hesitate to seek help when you need it.\u201d That wisdom is going to motivate her throughout the rest of her career.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHis dedication has not only shaped my professional skills but also motivated me to extend the same level of care and support to my future patients and colleagues,\u201d Perez said. \u201cHe has set a high standard of excellence and compassion that I strive to emulate.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\nMegan Kelly DMD 25: <\/span><\/span><\/strong>Chelly <\/span>Fianza<\/span>, Patient Coordinator<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/h4>\nHaving a genuine compassion for others makes a monumental difference in a clinical setting, Megan Kelly DMD 25 said the hard work and enthusiasm demonstrated by Chelly Fianza, a patient coordinator, has been influential throughout her DMD program.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cShe always has a smile on her face no matter what challenges she’s navigating,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cShe goes above and beyond to help students and patients in any way she can.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhen Kelly was on her oral surgery rotation, she had a patient scheduled for a same-day denture appointment. On the day of the appointment, the denture hadn\u2019t arrived yet at the oral surgery clinics and the team were trying to locate it. Kelly said Fianza went out of her way to find the denture and the patient was able to get their same-day denture\u2013all thanks to Fianza\u2019s efforts.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHer actions demonstrated to me the importance of two key principles: dentistry is a team sport, and we should never label an issue as \u2018someone else’s problem,\u2019\u201d Kelly said.\u00a0 \u201cWe can and should do what we can to help.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nGoing forward, Kelly said she is going to keep Fianza\u2019s optimism in mind as she enters the dental profession.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHer positive outlook and genuine care for the students and patients she interacts with is evident every day,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cShe wonderfully exemplifies how far a smile can go.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
To read our full commencement coverage, please visit our commencement 2025 page.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
The GSDM predoctoral patient treatment center is a fast-paced environment for students, faculty, staff, and patients alike. Juan Ruiz DMD 25 said Nana Phillips, group practice patient coordinator, works incredibly hard to maintain a calm presence.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is in constant [pressure], dealing not only with the students, but also with the patients [and] faculty,\u201d Ruiz said. \u201cShe’s always receiving a lot of requests and demands from everybody. The way she handles it, how she’s always with a smile on her face, no matter if it is a huge line in front of her, that’s something that is admirable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ruiz talks to Phillips frequently during any given week. He said she takes the time to help every student with a smile on her face.<\/p>\n
As he launches his dental career, Ruiz said he plans to use Phillips\u2019 mantra of going with the flow, trying to do things as best as possible, and always be smiling. He learned through her actions that being cranky doesn\u2019t help anyone; it just makes stressful situations worse.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo matter how difficult the situation is, keeping a smile on your face goes beyond whatever you are doing,\u201d Ruiz said. \u201cIt makes a huge difference. It changes the whole interaction. Keeping that happiness regardless of how stressful it is at the moment is something that everybody should learn from. It is contagious.\u201d<\/p>\n
He hopes Phillips will continue to assist and inspire fellow predoctoral students like himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope she stays [at GSDM] long because the work she does is valuable for the school [and] for the students,\u201d Ruiz said. \u201cI don’t think that we could be able to graduate [without her]. She’s a vital part of the whole process for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
Yohana Gonzalez Perez DMD AS 25: <\/span><\/span><\/strong>Steven Mollica DMD 89, Clinical Assistant Professor of General Dentistry<\/span>, <\/span>Recipient of the <\/span>2025 Spencer N. Frankl Award for Excellence in Teaching<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\nDedication, compassion, and the importance of serving others\u2014that’s what Yohana Gonzalez Perez DMD AS 25 said she learned from Steven Mollica DMD 89, clinical assistant professor of general dentistry.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nShe said Mollica\u2019s unwavering dedication to dental students’ growth and success has inspired her to be an empathic dental professional.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHe consistently went above and beyond his responsibilities to provide support and guidance,\u201d Perez said. \u201cHis actions profoundly impacted my journey by helping me believe in myself during challenging moments and become a better dentist and person.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhen Perez had a severe allergic reaction to a temporary resin acrylic in the Simulation Learning Center (SLC), Mollica consistently checked in on her recovery progress and helped prepare her for an upcoming exam.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cBecause of this allergy, I was unable to take the exam with my classmates, but he took the time to help me prepare and made sure no one around me was using that material during my time in the SLC,\u201d Perez said. \u201cHis support gave me the confidence to push through and succeed. This experience reinforced the importance of perseverance and self-belief\u2014values I hope to carry into my dental practice.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nPerez said the advice Mollica gave will stay with her even after graduation. He once told her to \u201calways trust in your abilities and never hesitate to seek help when you need it.\u201d That wisdom is going to motivate her throughout the rest of her career.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHis dedication has not only shaped my professional skills but also motivated me to extend the same level of care and support to my future patients and colleagues,\u201d Perez said. \u201cHe has set a high standard of excellence and compassion that I strive to emulate.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\nMegan Kelly DMD 25: <\/span><\/span><\/strong>Chelly <\/span>Fianza<\/span>, Patient Coordinator<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/h4>\nHaving a genuine compassion for others makes a monumental difference in a clinical setting, Megan Kelly DMD 25 said the hard work and enthusiasm demonstrated by Chelly Fianza, a patient coordinator, has been influential throughout her DMD program.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cShe always has a smile on her face no matter what challenges she’s navigating,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cShe goes above and beyond to help students and patients in any way she can.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhen Kelly was on her oral surgery rotation, she had a patient scheduled for a same-day denture appointment. On the day of the appointment, the denture hadn\u2019t arrived yet at the oral surgery clinics and the team were trying to locate it. Kelly said Fianza went out of her way to find the denture and the patient was able to get their same-day denture\u2013all thanks to Fianza\u2019s efforts.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHer actions demonstrated to me the importance of two key principles: dentistry is a team sport, and we should never label an issue as \u2018someone else’s problem,\u2019\u201d Kelly said.\u00a0 \u201cWe can and should do what we can to help.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nGoing forward, Kelly said she is going to keep Fianza\u2019s optimism in mind as she enters the dental profession.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHer positive outlook and genuine care for the students and patients she interacts with is evident every day,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cShe wonderfully exemplifies how far a smile can go.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
To read our full commencement coverage, please visit our commencement 2025 page.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
She said Mollica\u2019s unwavering dedication to dental students’ growth and success has inspired her to be an empathic dental professional.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHe consistently went above and beyond his responsibilities to provide support and guidance,\u201d Perez said. \u201cHis actions profoundly impacted my journey by helping me believe in myself during challenging moments and become a better dentist and person.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When Perez had a severe allergic reaction to a temporary resin acrylic in the Simulation Learning Center (SLC), Mollica consistently checked in on her recovery progress and helped prepare her for an upcoming exam.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBecause of this allergy, I was unable to take the exam with my classmates, but he took the time to help me prepare and made sure no one around me was using that material during my time in the SLC,\u201d Perez said. \u201cHis support gave me the confidence to push through and succeed. This experience reinforced the importance of perseverance and self-belief\u2014values I hope to carry into my dental practice.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Perez said the advice Mollica gave will stay with her even after graduation. He once told her to \u201calways trust in your abilities and never hesitate to seek help when you need it.\u201d That wisdom is going to motivate her throughout the rest of her career.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHis dedication has not only shaped my professional skills but also motivated me to extend the same level of care and support to my future patients and colleagues,\u201d Perez said. \u201cHe has set a high standard of excellence and compassion that I strive to emulate.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Having a genuine compassion for others makes a monumental difference in a clinical setting, Megan Kelly DMD 25 said the hard work and enthusiasm demonstrated by Chelly Fianza, a patient coordinator, has been influential throughout her DMD program.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cShe always has a smile on her face no matter what challenges she’s navigating,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cShe goes above and beyond to help students and patients in any way she can.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When Kelly was on her oral surgery rotation, she had a patient scheduled for a same-day denture appointment. On the day of the appointment, the denture hadn\u2019t arrived yet at the oral surgery clinics and the team were trying to locate it. Kelly said Fianza went out of her way to find the denture and the patient was able to get their same-day denture\u2013all thanks to Fianza\u2019s efforts.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHer actions demonstrated to me the importance of two key principles: dentistry is a team sport, and we should never label an issue as \u2018someone else’s problem,\u2019\u201d Kelly said.\u00a0 \u201cWe can and should do what we can to help.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Going forward, Kelly said she is going to keep Fianza\u2019s optimism in mind as she enters the dental profession.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHer positive outlook and genuine care for the students and patients she interacts with is evident every day,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cShe wonderfully exemplifies how far a smile can go.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n To read our full commencement coverage, please visit our commencement 2025 page.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
\nMegan Kelly DMD 25: <\/span><\/span><\/strong>Chelly <\/span>Fianza<\/span>, Patient Coordinator<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/h4>\n