Luana Oliveira-Haas, DDS, MS, PhD, associate professor in the department of adult restorative dentistry, will be leaving UNMC in May to pursue her Advanced Education in General Dentistry certificate at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. A continual learner, this opportunity will allow her to expand her knowledge and skills which she looks forward to sharing with her future students.
In the past three years, Oliveira-Haas has had a significant impact on the college. She assumed the responsibilities of directing and teaching key preclinical courses and made important contributions to the college’s research program. She has built a reputation throughout UNMC for her amazing teaching abilities, her willingness to embrace and champion cutting-edge learning technology, and her remarkable dedication to students and their education.
"One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is revitalizing the operative dentistry curriculum and engaging the dental class of 2022 in that process," Oliveira-Haas said. "When I was redesigning the lectures and lab exercise, I listened to what the students wanted. I would test new approaches with them and listen to their feedback to determine if I was going in the right direction."
"Last year, I was very proud when the dental class of 2022 selected me for the college’s faculty recognition award. I truly felt like they were my partners in creating a modern, engaging curriculum," she said.
In their nomination letter, the class said, "Dr. Oliveira-Haas brought amazing energy each day, and you could feel her passion for dentistry with every piece of advice she gave. It was evident she was meticulous and intentional with every lecture and put in the same amount of time and love that she would when treating a patient. Her creative mind pushed us to new heights as a class."
Additionally, the dental classes of 2023 and 2024 recently nominated her for the prestigious UNMC 2021 Outstanding Teacher Award. Students repeatedly speak to the fact that Oliveira-Haas goes above and beyond to make sure that everyone succeeds, she has a unique ability to provide constructive criticism, and she’s "one of the best instructors I have had."
While Oliveira-Haas’ influence on the college’s present and future is far-reaching, three other achievements are particularly notable.
She successfully moved the student assessment system online which allows students to receive immediate feedback and she was the first College of Dentistry recipient of the UNMC Diversity Grant. The grant allowed her to build an international research collaboration with the Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU) School of Dentistry to study non-carious cervical lesions; UNMC students have participated in this collaboration and the college will continue to benefit from the collaboration for years to come.
She also served as the research advisor for more than 20 dental students, most of whom have been the recipients of competitive fellowships and have presented their research locally and nationally.
"The College of Dentistry has always been very supportive and has helped me succeed. Everyone at the college is always trying to make the place better and is always willing to help others," she said. "I especially enjoyed working with the preclinical faculty and staff. When we received positive student feedback on our teaching efforts, we celebrated as a team."
"I will greatly miss the college. It’s a very welcoming environment and the students are very special – they are polite, respectful, eager to learn and are always wanting more. They make me want to learn more so I have more to give to them!"
The entire college community has been inspired by Oliveira-Haas’ passion and pursuit of excellence.
"It has been a true honor and blessing to work alongside Dr. Oliveira-Haas. We are so grateful for the excellence that she has brought to our educational and research programs, and her drive to be the best possible educator that she can be," said Dean Janet Guthmiller. "Dr. Oliveira-Haas has inspired her colleagues, her students and our staff by being a caring, respectful teacher, mentor and team member."
Dr. Oliveira-Haas’ message to her students: "My amazing students, it's been an honor and a pleasure to work with you for the past three years. I am proud to see the progress you’ve made and the professionals you are becoming. I have learned so much from each of you. I will never forget my UNMC students! You left a footprint in my heart and, more important, you left me with great memories. I am glad to say our paths have crossed and you’ve helped me become a better person. Keep working hard and helping others. Make the world a brighter and healthier place, and let’s keep in touch!"