Dentistry professor wins an ADA Golden Apple Award

The American Dental Association has awarded Nick Minden, D.M.D., an associate professor of operative dentistry at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, its Golden Apple Award for Outstanding Leadership in Mentoring.

Minden was selected for his long-standing commitment and dedication to preparing students for careers in dentistry.

He is most recognized for developing the college's Associate Matching Program for the World Wide Web. Minden's Web program quickly and efficiently links graduating dental students with dentists who are seeking associates for their practices. Each student's desired practice locations, type of practice, short- and long-term goals, and other pertinent information is available on the college's Web site (www.dental.ufl.edu under "students," then "Associates Matching").

More than 500 Florida dentists have taken advantage of the service. Minden's dedication to UF dental students includes teaching the senior business course and directing the students' rotation at the Alachua County Organization for Rural Needs dental clinic. He also served as director of student affairs for two years.

Minden is the third person to receive the award since it was initiated in 2000. Nominations are made through state dental organizations. The Florida Dental Association nominated Minden for the award, for which he will receive a trophy in August at the ADA's 16th National Conference on the New Dentist in San Antonio. The group helps new dentists with their practices and clinical needs.