Texas A&M College of Dentistry

The Challenge Coin, like this one, above, is awarded each year during the Graduate Prosthodontics Annual Recognition Dinner.
On Campus

Two sides to every coin

Recognizing achievements, sharing mementos, a part of annual prosthodontic event
August 09, 2016 | by Jennifer Fuentes
The Challenge Coin, like this one, above, is awarded each year during the Graduate Prosthodontics Annual Recognition Dinner.
The Challenge Coin, like this one, above, is awarded each year during the Graduate Prosthodontics Annual Recognition Dinner.

Much more valuable than a “lucky penny,” there’s a token of sorts distributed come June during the Graduate Prosthodontics Annual Recognition Dinner. Similar in appearance to military challenge coins, which are given to honor a service member’s achievement or service, and customized to represent the individual’s respective unit, the Graduate Prosthodontic Challenge Coin is awarded to graduates and others for significant accomplishments and service to the program, in existence at Texas A&M College of Dentistry since 1984.

“I wanted to create a symbol of our program that captures its essence; its attitudes, beliefs and philosophy,” says Dr. William Nagy, director of Graduate Prosthodontics. “Something tangible — uniquely ours — that graduates could hold and would forever link them with our program. And so, our Challenge Coin was born. Current and past residents were queried as to what words most aptly described our program, and ‘passion,’ ‘dedication’ and ‘teamwork’ were chosen.”

Among those to receive the coin this year were Dr. Viet Ho and Dr. Andreina Cordido Enriquez, 2016 graduates of the certificate and degree program.

Dr. Viet Ho, Dr. William Nagy, Dr. Andreina Cordido Enriquez
Program graduates Dr. Viet Ho and Dr. Andreina Cordido Enriquez with Dr. William Nagy, center, during the June 8 annual recognition dinner at St. Martin’s Bistro in Dallas.

Ho is in a prosthodontic private practice in Florida. Cordido, who is attending a one-year implant fellowship at the College of Dentistry, also received the Dr. Robert Staffanou Memorial Prosthodontic Award. The award, established in 2009, is given to a third-year graduate prosthodontic resident who has demonstrated excellence in the clinic and laboratory, didactic coursework, and in research, combined with a warm and compassionate demeanor that was Staffanou’s trademark.

The Challenge Coin: A closer look

The coin is customized to highlight the Graduate Prosthodontic program with Texas A&M colors. The reverse of the coin features a gold delta representing dentistry with the words “function,” “esthetics” and “harmony” on the three sides — the essence of prosthodontics. The delta surrounds a diagram of Posselt’s envelope of motion and function. The words “passion,” “dedication” and “teamwork” line the outer edge of the coin. Below the delta, the program’s “cowboy tooth” mascot is showcased.
The coin is customized to highlight the Graduate Prosthodontic program with Texas A&M colors. The reverse of the coin features a gold delta representing dentistry with the words “function,” “esthetics” and “harmony” on the three sides — the essence of prosthodontics. The delta surrounds a diagram of Posselt’s envelope of motion and function. The words “passion,” “dedication” and “teamwork” line the outer edge of the coin. Below the delta, the program’s “cowboy tooth” mascot is showcased.