Apply scientific evidence
Use current research and sound biological principles to inform clinical decisions rather than relying on habit or preference alone.
About the Department
Teaching, clinical learning, scholarship, mentorship, and service.
About the Department of Prosthodontics
The Department of Prosthodontics supports the educational mission of the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine through teaching, clinical learning, scholarship, mentorship, and service.
Our educational approach emphasizes evidence-based decision-making, comprehensive treatment planning, restorative excellence, digital innovation, collaboration, professionalism, and respect for the individual needs of every patient.
What Is Prosthodontics?
Prosthodontics is a recognized dental specialty concerned with the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health in patients with missing or compromised teeth and related oral structures.
Depending on a patient's needs, prosthodontic care may involve crowns, bridges, dentures, implant-supported restorations, esthetic rehabilitation, management of complex restorative conditions, and collaboration with other dental and healthcare professionals.
Educational information
This information is educational and does not replace an individual examination, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation from a qualified dental professional.
Educational Philosophy
Learners in the department are encouraged to develop the habits of a thoughtful, evidence-minded clinician.
Plan comprehensively
Develop treatment plans that account for the whole patient: health history, function, esthetics, risk, maintenance, and personal goals.
Use technology thoughtfully
Select digital tools where they add real value, understand their limits, and verify the data they produce.
Communicate clearly
Explain findings, options, benefits, limitations, and costs in language that patients and colleagues can act on.
Evaluate outcomes
Follow results over time, learn from them, and pursue continuous improvement in technique and judgment.
Care for the person
Provide ethical, compassionate, patient-centered care that respects each individual's circumstances and choices.
Leadership and Faculty
The people who lead and teach in the Department of Prosthodontics.
Dr. Alexander A. Bendayan, D.D.S., C.A.G.S., M.B.A., M.S.Ed.
Professor and Chair, Department of Prosthodontics
Dr. Bendayan graduated from dental school in Caracas, Venezuela, and completed his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Prosthodontics at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He came to NSU from Boston University, where he held a series of clinical and academic leadership roles, most recently as Clinical Professor, ad interim Chair of Restorative Sciences and Biomaterials, and Associate Dean for Digital Development, Technology and Innovation. He now leads the Department of Prosthodontics at the College of Dental Medicine, and is known for his work bringing emerging technology into both practice and dental education.
- Dental degree
- Dental school, Caracas, Venezuela, 2000
- Specialty training
- Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Prosthodontics, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 2005
- Additional degrees
- Executive Master of Business Administration, 2022, and a degree in computer science covering consulting, administration and networking, Caracas, Venezuela, 1995
- Leadership role
- Leads the Department of Prosthodontics at the College of Dental Medicine
- Previous appointments
- At the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine: Clinical Professor and ad interim Chair of the Department of Restorative Sciences and Biomaterials, and Associate Dean for Digital Development, Technology and Innovation. Previously Assistant Dean for Digital Dentistry Development and Clinical Training, 2017, and Clinical Director of Postdoctoral Prosthodontics, 2014.
- Areas of focus
- A leader in incorporating three-dimensional printing, robotic and navigation-assisted surgery, microscopy, and predoctoral implant placement into teaching and practice. Has mentored more than fifty educational posters and numerous workshops.
- Awards and recognition
- Spencer N. Frankl Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2017; Faculty Appreciation Award from the postdoctoral prosthodontic graduating classes at Boston University, 2016 and 2017; and the Claude R. Baker Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching Pre-Doctoral Fixed Prosthodontics from the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, 2014.
- Professional service
- President of the American College of Prosthodontists Massachusetts Section from 2017 to 2019, during which the section held its first esthetic symposium open to other specialties
- Memberships
- American Dental Association; American College of Prosthodontists; American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics; International College of Dentists; International Association for Dental Research; National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, among others
- Contact
- alexander.bendayan@nova.edu
(954) 262-7379
Dr. Liliana Mosquera, D.D.S., M.S., M.B.A.
Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics
Dr. Mosquera earned her dental degree at the Universidad Autónoma de Manizales in Caldas, Colombia, and moved to South Florida after graduating. She received her Certificate in Prosthodontics from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and practiced as an associate dentist in South Florida before returning to her alma mater to teach. She directs several predoctoral preclinical and clinical courses, covers the predoctoral clinic, and works on protocol development and curriculum improvement within the department.
- Dental degree
- Universidad Autónoma de Manizales, Caldas, Colombia, 2000
- Specialty training
- Certificate in Prosthodontics, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, 2004
- Additional degrees
- Master of Business Administration, 2014, and Master of Science in Leadership, 2018, both from the NSU H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship
- Teaching responsibilities
- Directs several predoctoral preclinical and clinical courses and covers the predoctoral clinic
- Departmental role
- Develops protocols and contributes to curriculum improvement in the Department of Prosthodontics
- Professional service
- Hispanic Dental Association South Florida Chapter: previously a member of the Board of Directors and currently a member of the Board of Trustees. Faculty advisor to the student chapter, and a scientific member of the association's journal committee.
- Committee service
- University Relations Committee, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Previously an officer of the Section on Dental Anatomy and Occlusion, and a member of the Continuing Education Advisory Committee and the Council of Sections Project Pool Committee, American Dental Education Association.
- Memberships
- American Dental Association; South Florida District Dental Association; American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry; American Dental Education Association; American College of Prosthodontists; Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Honor Society
- Contact
- lm685@nova.edu
(954) 262-1914
Dr. Nurit Bittner Fogel
Associate Professor and Clinic Director, Postgraduate Prosthodontics
Dr. Bittner is a diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and has practiced prosthodontics since 2009. Before joining the NSU College of Dental Medicine, she was program director of the Postgraduate Prosthodontics program at Columbia University, having previously served there as associate program director. As Clinic Director she works to advance the department's educational vision, contributes to the implementation of digital workflows, lectures, mentors residents, and collaborates with other departments in the treatment of patients.
- Dental degree
- Central University of Venezuela, 2003, and Doctor of Dental Surgery, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, 2011
- Specialty training
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Prosthodontics and Master of Science in Prosthodontics, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, 2008
- Board certification
- Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics since 2010
- Licensure
- Licensed to practice in New York and Florida
- Teaching and mentorship
- Has advised and mentored master's students, and lectures nationally and internationally on implants, board preparation, and literature review
- Scholarship
- Has conducted and contributed to funded research studies, authored a book chapter, published in peer-reviewed journals, and contributed editorials in prosthodontics
- Professional service
- Previously a member of the Board of Directors of the American College of Prosthodontists New York Section. Fellow of the Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontists and of Omicron Kappa Upsilon.
- Contact
- nbittner@nova.edu
Details from her official NSU College of Dental Medicine profile.