Founded in 1997, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine has the distinction of being the first private dental college established in the state of Florida, and the first College of Dental Medicine established in partnership with a College of Osteopathic Medicine in the United States. The College of Dental Medicine is part of a dynamic Health Professions Division at Nova Southeastern University that includes osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, optometry, nursing and medical sciences. NSU's dental students take classes and interact with these other health professional students in both educational and community service activities.