Orthotown June 2017 - 33

to pursue goals that are not achievable by smaller programs or those
under the strong red tape of the affi liated dental schools. With
such goals, JUSO is preparing to become a notable orthodontic
research center by accommodating at least 1,000 new patients a year.
To make this possible, JUSO is undergoing a dramatic change
to convert from a 24-month program to a 27-month program.
JUSO hopes to increase the likelihood for the residents to have
sufficient time to conduct high-quality research projects. By doing
so, they can obtain a master's degree in dentistry in addition to the
certificate of advanced graduate studies. The extra three months
also give residents more time to finish and detail their ABO cases,
which in turn strengthens the clinical aspect of the program. JUSO
Program Director Dr. Mark Alarbi is a strong believer in maintaining
the clinical success record at the school while integrating a more
structured research curriculum.
I believe that the expert level performance in orthodontics requires
a deliberate practice starting from the first day of residency. I have
been fortunate to advance my knowledge and challenge my limits
in a young orthodontic program. I extend an invitation on behalf
of the JUSO family to all residents and practicing orthodontists to
visit its day-to-day operations. ■
the school. I have noticed that Farran values his MBA degree with
high regard. I share his viewpoint of the need for the financial
literacy among the health care providers. JUSO is less than 300 feet
from JU Davis College of Business. Each year at least one resident
is enrolled in the leadership or educational tract master's program
in the college of business. I decided to attend the Master of Science
in Organizational Leadership track, which is like an MBA but with
a focus on leadership.
The greatest thing about a business school is the mindset that
is never taught in a dental school. Outside the confinements of the
dental school and within the arena of business school I could learn
entrepreneurship, leadership and business skills to which I would
otherwise never be exposed.

Dental school affiliation
Candidates applying to JUSO were not clear on how an
orthodontic program can function without being affiliated with a
dental school. They presumed that in treating orthodontic patients,
regular consultation with dental school professionals would be
necessary. At JUSO, however, we consult directly with the patients'
outside general practitioners and specialists. We are trained to pick
up the phone or to correspond with the outside practitioners about
our mutual patients. This has helped me better interact with higher
confidence and is a true simulation of an orthodontist's everyday
practice life.

The future of JUSO
The strategic plan for JUSO for the next three years is available
on its website. JUSO is a young program and is maturing into a
well-reputed school.
A diverse pool of faculty, residents and patients enables JUSO
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Orthotown June 2017
