Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
“Just finished watching the U-Mich dental video. Now I can see
(again) why I am so proud to be a Michigan grad and brag about it!
I especially enjoyed seeing the ‘dress code’ with white uniforms.
I am sure the students must feel professional with
their new jackets from day one!”
How Technology
DentalUM magazine is published twice a year by the
University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Office of
Alumni Relations and Continuing Dental Education.
is Shaping Dental
Mail letters and updates to: Jerry Mastey, Editor, School
Education
of Dentistry, Room 1205, 1011 N. University Ave., Ann
Arbor, MI 48109-1078. Or you may send your letters and
updates via email to: jmastey@umich.edu. It’s interesting to think about how technology has profoundly altered
our lives in recent years.
Dean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Polverini Considered “esoteric” just 10 or 15 years ago, the Internet, laptop
Director of External Relations and
Continuing Dental Education . . . . . Richard Fetchiet
computers, cell phones, and e-mail are “necessities” to most of us
Writer & Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Mastey today.
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Jung Technology is playing a major role in shaping education at the
Photography . . . . . . Per H. Kjeldsen, Keary Campbell University of Michigan School of Dentistry. It’s influencing how students
Member publication of the American
learn, how faculty members teach, and how members of our staff
Association of Dental Editors interact.
This issue of DentalUM contains some fascinating stories that
The Regents of the University: describe what we’re doing.
David A. Brandon, Laurence B. Deitch, Olivia P. Maynard,
Rebecca McGowan, Andrea Fischer Newman, Andrew C. One of the major changes that has taken place during the past year
Richner, S. Martin Taylor, Katherine E. White, Mary Sue was inspired by one of our dental students, Jared Van Ittersum, and a
Coleman, ex officio. staff member, Trek Glowacki.
University of Michigan School of Dentistry
In a story that begins on page 10, you will learn more about how
Alumni Society Board of Governors they worked with a group of dental students to solve a learning problem
by using technology so dental students can listen to classroom lectures
Terms Expire 2005:
Joseph T. Barss ‘80, Chicago, IL
anywhere at any time. Their efforts caught the attention of one of the
Eli Berger, ‘57, ‘61, West Bloomfield, MI (Chair) world’s major technology companies, Apple Computer, and resulted in
William E. Brownscombe, ‘74, St. Clair Shores, MI a collaboration that has the potential to not only benefit our students,
Janet Cook, ‘81 DH, Whitmore Lake, MI but our alumni as well (pages 6-7).
Thomas C. Pink, ‘69, Jackson, MI
Another story (pages 18-23), describes how a software program that
Terms Expire 2006: benefits our students, faculty, staff, and patients has been introduced in
Daniel L. Edwards, ‘97, Ann Arbor, MI
Gerald L. Howe, ‘61, Monroe, MI a comprehensive care clinic and our orthodontics clinic.
Gary R. Hubbard, ‘78, Okemos, MI Digital imaging, now being used at our Michigan Center for Oral
Michel S. Nasif, ‘72, Lansing, MI Health Research, could play a major role in how patient care is provided
Janet Souder Wilson, ‘73 DH, Northville, MI
(pages 15-16).
Terms Expire 2007: Other stories describing our use of technology focus on our unique
Samuel Bander, ’81, Grand Rapids, MI
Richard L. Pascoe, ’70, Traverse City, MI Digital Learning Laboratory (pages 27-28), where faculty, students,
Susan Pritzel, ’67 DH, Ann Arbor, MI and staff learn how they can use technology to enhance learning and
Terry Timm, ’71, Saline, MI education; digital video on demand (pages 29-30); and a continuing dental
Josephine Weeden, ’96, ’99, Saline, MI
education course we are offering online in a novel way (pages 30-31).
Student Representative: Casey Tenniswood (D3) To make all of this happen requires the effort of our technical support
Ex Officio Members: staff (pages 24-26).
Peter Polverini, Dean I think Dr. Lynn Johnson, our director of Dental Informatics, put it
Janet Souder Wilson, ‘73, DH, Northville, MI
Alumni Association Liaison best when she said, “With technology, you can never stand still. You
Steve C. Grafton , Executive Director, Alumni Assoc. either move ahead or you don’t. We’re leaders in many areas and want
Richard R. Fetchiet, Director of External Relations and to lead in our innovative use of technology to enhance student learning,
Continuing Dental Education
patient care, and research. We don’t intend to be left behind.”
The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action I couldn’t agree more.
employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding
nondiscrimination and affirmative action, including Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Sincerely,
Act of 1973. The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of
nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of
race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital
status, sexual orientation, disability, or Vietnam-era veteran status in
employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Senior Director for
Institutional Equity and Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator, Office for Peter J. Polverini, Dean
Institutional Equity, 2072 Administrative Services Building, Ann Arbor,
Michigan, 48109-1432. (734) 763-0235, T.T.Y. (734) 747-1388. For other
University of Michigan information, call (734) 764-1817.
FEATURES
32 32 Faculty Profile — Dr. Josef Kolling
After earning his dental degree from the U-M School of Dentistry,
Dr. Josef Kolling never thought about becoming the president of any
dental organization. But in May, he became the School’s first faculty
member in nearly a quarter century to lead the Michigan Dental
Association.
40 Bay Cliff Health Camp – The Experience of a Lifetime
It was a week they will always remember. Three dental students
and two pediatric dental residents provided oral health care to the
developmentally disabled at the Bay Cliff Health Camp in Michigan’s
Upper Peninsula. The five will remember their experiences with
patients as well as seeing the smiles on the faces of 27 teens who were
dressed up for a formal dinner and a prom.
40 44 6,345 Patients...12,312 Procedures
How much of a difference is the School of Dentistry’s outreach program
making in communities across Michigan? During a 10-month period,
fourth-year dental students treated more than 6,000 patients at eight
different sites across the state.
46 Alumnus Profile — Dr. Joel Egnater
A vacation safari to South Africa two years ago had a profound impact
on Dr. Joel Egnater. Stunned with what he saw during a brief visit to
Soweto in Johannesburg, he returned to Michigan vowing to do
something. This year, four influential groups in that country gave him
the go ahead to open a group of dental clinics to provide oral health
care to patients with HIV/AIDS.
46
2 DentalUM Fall 2005
Fall 2005
57 Graduation Day
Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Antonia Novello returned to Ann 55
Arbor this spring to deliver her fourth commencement address
to School of Dentistry graduates. In her inimitable speaking style, she
congratulated, counseled, and challenged students.
DEPARTMENTS
36 Faculty News 57
49 Development
49 – Dr. Raymond Gist Gifts $100,000 for Dental Student Scholarships
50 – Drs. Jed Jacobson and Wayne Colquitt Spearhead Creation of the
H. Dean Millard Scholarship Fund
53 – Dental Students Seek Mentors
64 Dental Hygiene
67 Department Update
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry 62
71 Research News
71 – School #2 in NIDCR Grants
71 – Microarrays – Linking Laboratory Science and Technology
73 – School of Dentistry Researcher Inspired by Death of Family Member
74 – The Dziewiatkowski Award, Recognizing the Next Generation of
Scientists
76 – Scientists Discover More about How Cancer Cells Form and Grow
79 Alumni News
71
DentalUM Fall 2005 3
New Software, New Technology
Revolutionizing
Everyone Affected-
S
ignificant investments in technology at
the University of Michigan School of Dent-
istry in recent years are benefiting students,
faculty, staff members, and patients.
Sparked by rapid changes in hardware and
using technology in a way that caught the
attention of one of the world’s major technology
companies, Apple Computer.
How technology is being used throughout
the School is described in detail in this issue of
software, the explosive growth of the Internet, and DentalUM.
faster and novel ways of delivering information, “Our investments in technology are enhancing
Dr. Lynn Johnson the new technology appeals to students who are student learning, enabling faculty to become
Director, Dental Informatics as comfortable using laptop computers, more creative in their teaching, and helping our
iPods and MP3 players, personal billing office get more comprehensive and timely
digital assistants, and cell statements to our patients. As a result, dentists in
phones as their parents were our clinics will also be able to provide more timely
with transistor radios, information to patients when they provide care,”
eight-track tapes, electric Johnson said.
typewriters, and rotary
telephones. Technology: Very Important
Under the direction of to Dental Students
Dr. Lynn Johnson, director Students considering the U-M School of
of Dental Informatics, the Dentistry not only look at the caliber of the
changes have been grad- School’s faculty and programs “they are also
ually rolled out following considering, as never before, what kind of
extensive collab- technology we offer and how they can use that
oration among technology in ways that supports or enhances
department their education,” she said. “And it doesn’t matter
administra- whether they’re studying for a dental degree or
tors, faculty, a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, a master’s
and staff mem- degree in one of our specialties, or a doctorate.”
bers through- Johnson’s statistics prove her point.
out the dental As Figure 1 illustrates, nearly all first-year
school. U-M dental students own a computer.
Students are Nearly two-thirds own a laptop computer, a
also playing figure nearly 20 percentage points more than the
an active role. students who made the same claim in 2002 (Fig. 2).
They have been Meanwhile, the number of students who say they
Keary Campbell
A Major Shift
Dr. Lynn Johnson, the School’s director of
Dental Informatics, said the approach taken by
the School in collaboration with Apple Computer
is a major shift in how technology is used to
support and enhance student learning.
The learning issue was raised last year by
Jared Van Ittersum, now a second-year dental
student, who wanted to reinforce what he learned
in the classroom by listening to recordings of
classroom lectures as his schedule allowed. He
collaborated with a staff member in the School’s
Office of Dental Informatics, Trek Glowacki, to see
what could be done to help him and hundreds of
Celebrating the launch of a partnership between the School of Dentistry and Apple Computer on other dental students.
Sept. 19 were Dr. Lynn Johnson (left), the School’s director of Dental Informatics; John Couch, During the past year, Van Ittersum and
vice president of dental education for Apple Computer; and Dean Peter Polverini. A special Glowacki conducted three pilot studies with as
poster created for the event was designed by the School’s graphic artist, Chris Jung.
many as 60 dental students to ask for their ideas
The University of Michigan School of and feedback. The overwhelming majority of
Dentistry and Apple Computer have entered into students said they preferred listening to audio
a partnership that is designed to provide dental recordings of classroom lectures using their iPods
students with access to education-related content or other portable listening devices. Students
virtually anywhere, any time. The venture may
be the first of its kind with any professional Per Kjeldsen
Computer in Partnership
Help Provide Information Access 24/7
Per Kjeldsen
What’s New
At the top of the DentalUM Web site are
without scrolling through others in a particular
section. www.
pictures of the major stories that are in the Table of
Contents section with direct links to those stories.
After clicking a picture, a PDF (portable document
More Efficient
“It’s a much more efficient way of getting the
information you’re interested in than what you
dent.
format) file is sent to a user’s computer.
Or, visitors can scroll down to see a list of major
stories in the Table of Contents that appear on the
typically see,” said Dr. Lynn Johnson, director of
Dental Informatics.
Richard Fetchiet, director of Alumni Relations,
umich.
left. Beneath each headline is a one- or two-sentence
narrative describing each major story.
said, “This approach will allow our alumni new
opportunities to both read the publication online
and pass along items of interest to colleagues who
edu/
What’s Different
However, if individuals want to see a list of
all the stories in the publication, they do that by
are not affiliated with our School, or even young
men and women who are thinking about studying
at Michigan to earn a dental, dental hygiene, or
alumni/
looking at the frame on the right. There, they will
find a subject label for each group of stories. The
stories are grouped into categories such as “School
a specialty degree.”
An added benefit of having the magazine
appear on the Web is that most of the pictures
dentalum/
News,” “Alumni,” “Faculty News,” etc. When a on the Web site are in color. In the magazine,
subject label is clicked, a PDF file is sent to the pictures on the inside appear in black and white
user’s computer containing all the stories. to minimize printing costs.
Individuals can also go directly to an article
“But instead of downloading music from an advantage of those learning opportunities when
Internet site, we would have an electronic library they arise, whether it’s in a car, at the breakfast
of classroom lectures that could later be expanded table, going to and from classes, or even working
to include videos and images.” out in the CCRB (Central Campus Recreational
Johnson approached Dr. Dennis Lopatin, Building),” he said.
senior associate dean, who agreed to become The iPod also offered another distinct
the first dental school faculty member whose advantage to students – a speed up/slow down
lectures would be recorded and Internet accessible. feature. With it, students can slow down portions
However, the lectures would be available only to of a lecture to hear remarks that are important to
students after entering their personal identifier them. But they can also quickly bypass sections
and a password. of a lecture they already understand.
A second test pilot program involving 30
Surprising Results of Pilot Program students began a month later, in November.
Glowacki began videotaping Lopatin’s Since students in the first pilot program
lectures last October and hosted a focus group to overwhelmingly preferred audio, the second pilot
get student reaction. program was “audio only.”
After each lecture, Glowacki spent nearly Students were equally divided about using
nine hours a week making technical adjustments an iPod or MP3 player to download lectures from
so the information could be available in three a Web site.
different ways — as a video, as a PowerPoint By the time the third pilot program began in
presentation with accompanying audio, and as this January and ended in April, the number of
an audio recording only. students who were participating doubled to 60.
But to make the information available in
the three formats, Glowacki had to teach himself Lectures Now Available in Four Minutes
how to use AppleScript. “I was teaching myself For the third pilot, Glowacki wrote software
a whole new set of skills, he said. “Learning that that allowed students to record lectures and put
was essential because it’s ‘the glue’ between the audio files on the Internet.
many different applications.” Once again, students moved the project
The results of the pilot program surprised forward.
everyone. Glowacki was no longer recording lectures and
Of the 30 students who participated in the posting them on the School’s Web site. However,
pilot program, nearly 70 percent said they preferred the time he spent making technical adjustments
listening to audio of the lectures because it was so students could retrieve the information dropped
quicker to download from an intranet site. more than 97 percent – from nine hours a week to
There was another reason the audio was 15 minutes. Students could download a lecture
preferred – Apple’s iPod. It’s portability and ease of only four minutes after a lecture ended.
use helped students to better manage their time. Meanwhile, the volume of lectures students
“Every minute of every day counts for every can now listen to has increased five-fold from 3-
dental student,” Van Ittersum said. “So we take 1/2 hours to 15 hours.
Per Kjeldsen
It’s the best thing since sliced bread. It gives you the opportunity
Among the students participating in the iPod pilot program were to listen actively in class instead of worrying about taking every
(L to R): Elise Boncher, Matt Palazzolo, Sarah Miller, Adam Osga,
and Justin Pearson. little note down. ...Also, if you don’t understand a concept, you
can replay it a couple of times. This has helped me a lot.
Photo courtesy of Jared Van Ittersum
The audio recordings are the reason I have received A’s on my last
four exams. ...I listen to every lecture and then review and study
my notes afterwards. This method has helped me tremendously.
Katie Beougher (left) and Elise Boncher listen to a classroom lecture I think these recordings are some of the most beneficial study tools
on their iPods while working out at the CCRB. we have. I was very skeptical of the idea, but after using them on
two exams, I think they are better than scribe notes.
A
new tool at one School of Dentistry site “It’s an important tool,” he emphasized,
may one day help dentists and specialists “because it will allow us to precisely quantify
get precise information about the smallest changes before they’re apparent. For example, if
of changes in a person’s bone mass, tissue we know there’s been a specific amount of change
densities, and height of structures in the oral in a patient’s bone mass over a period of time,
cavity. we may then be able to tell a patient, ‘based on
Dentists have been limited in their ability to what has already happened, this is what you can
precisely measure those changes. Typically, two expect to happen weeks or months from now’,”
or more x-rays are taken and the dentist then he said.
places “before” and “after” radiographs near a Being able to precisely see and measure
light to see what changes, if any, have taken changes that are taking place could give the
place. dentist an opportunity to provide low-cost or
Photo courtesy of Dr. Christoph Ramseier
Using digital technology, the School’s minimally invasive procedures before a patient’s
Michigan Center for Oral Health Research may oral health further deteriorates, Giannobile said.
help change that practice. “This would be very valuable information to have
in treating patients with long-term problems,
Exquisite Digital Imaging such as periodontal disease.”
The Center is enhancing a technique known
as “Digital Subtraction Radiography” so dentists Seeing What the Eye Can’t
can precisely quantify changes that occur. The Helping Giannobile develop the technique is
technique may one day be used in all School of Dr. Christoph Ramseier, a visiting professor from
Dentistry clinics. the University of Bern, Switzerland.
“I call this ‘exquisite digital imaging’ because “With this digital imaging technique, we
we will be able to see changes as small as a hope to be able to see changes that the human eye
pixel on a computer screen,” said Dr. William can’t,” he said. “Having this precise information
Giannobile, MCOHR director. He said the procedure could lead to modifying current intervention
will allow dentists to see changes ranging from techniques, or even developing new ones, in
fractions of a milligram in bone mass or density specialties that include periodontology, cariology,
to microns in height. orthodontics, or even implant dentistry.”
Per Kjeldsen
Digital Imaging –
the Paperless Office
With help from dental
assistant Theresa Bogarin,
Dr. Christoph Ramseier gets
ready to place a transmitter When it opened earlier this year, the
into the mouth of a patient Michigan Center for Oral Health Research
that will send an electronic (MCOHR) began using technology in a novel
image to a computer for
storage and analysis. way.
Dr. William Giannobile, MCOHR director,
The shrinking size of electronic components wanted the facility to become a “paperless
has allowed Giannobile and Ramseier to capture office.”
and measure those minute changes. That dream is becoming a reality.
In each of the four operatories is a
How it Works computer monitor that allows a clinician to
A small transmitter, about half the thickness display a patient’s digital radiographs as well
of a 9-volt battery, is covered with a thin film as intraoral images. That’s a major change
of plastic and then inserted into a patient’s from the past when information was available
mouth. on photographic negatives.
The transmitter is attached to a rod several But that’s only the beginning.
inches long. At the end of the rod is an “O” ring. In the future, digital videos being
An x-ray cone placed near the “O” ring allows developed by the School’s Digital Learning
for more precise targeting of the area the dentist Laboratory will be used. The videos, for
wants to check initially and, if necessary, during example, could show patients the proper way
follow-up visits. to brush and floss their teeth. Other videos
As the x-rays are taken, the transmitter in the may display a new scientific procedure.
patient’s mouth not only captures images of the “We’re trying to use new technology in
patient’s oral cavity, it also sends those images to ways that will benefit not only patients who
Digital images are
captured using electronic a computer for electronic storage and retrieval. come here, but also members of our staff,”
components that are
There’s another advantage, according to Giannobile said. “We’d like to use the digital
about the size of a technology so that paper records will not have
quarter. On the left is the Ramseier.
sensor. In the center is to be physically transported between the
“The radiation from the digital x-ray is only
the battery that transmits Center and the School of Dentistry on the U-M
the images. one-tenth the level of a conventional x-ray, which,
Central Campus.”
I think will also interest dentists,” he said.
Located at Domino’s Farms on Plymouth
Per Kjeldsen
Road near U-S 23, the Center provides patient
services that are central to clinical research,
including oral exams, some oral surgeries, and
major restorative procedures.
The 3,500 square foot facility the dental
school is sharing with the U-M Health System
can handle as many as 7,800 patient visits and
conduct between 15 and 20 studies annually.
axiUm
A Gain for Students, Faculty, Staff, and Patients
Keary Campbell
“O
The School’s 2Blue ur ultimate goal is to have a computer The work has involved extensive collaboration,
Comprehensive Care Clinic at every chair, in every cubicle, in every not only within the dental school, but also with
is the site of a pilot program
that may lead to a change clinic at the dental school,” said Dr. Mark another dental school that is using the system.
in how information about Fitzgerald as he talked about a new [See page 23.]
a patient’s treatment
history is provided.
software program being tested this summer in “AxiUm has been used in other ways elsewhere
Instead of paper records, one of the School’s comprehensive care clinics. throughout the School in recent years,” Fitzgerald
virtually everything would A similar test is also underway in one of the said. “But now it’s time to get this great resource
be stored and retrieved
electronically. Dr. Donald School’s graduate clinics. into the hands of the end users, the students
Heys (left), director of the If the pilot programs succeed, use of the and the faculty, who are in our clinics providing
2Blue Clinic, and Dr. Mark
Fitzgerald review a chart
software system could transform the process of patient care.” [See axiUm Timeline, page 21.]
on a computer screen in how patient care is provided at the U-M School of Developed by Exan Academic, a Canadian
the clinic. Fitzgerald is a Dentistry. software company, axiUm is a niche product
member of a committee
that has been investigating Paper records would be a memory. being used by about two dozen dental schools
how the “axiUm” software In their place, information about virtually across North America, including, the U-M School
can be customized for use
throughout the School.
everything – records of a patient’s visits, the care of Dentistry.
and treatments they received, payment history, Following a two-year search by a School
account balances, radiographs, and more – would committee, a contract was signed with Exan
be stored and retrieved electronically. Academic in October 2000 to provide the software
Having a wealth of information instantly system.
Keary Campbell
Per Kjeldsen
“A Vast Improvement,”Says
Clinic Billing Office Manager
The School of Dentistry’s Clinic Billing Office was and they deliver every
one of the first units in the School of Dentistry to time. They’re a great
use axiUm, beginning in May 2001. group to work with.”
“It’s a vast improvement over what we Fitzgerald also
were using before,” said Diane Nixon, CBO praised the support
manager whose office handles nearly $8 million he and others
in payments annually. have received
“It’s so much easier for everyone in this office from Johnson
to use,” she said. “We can see a patient’s complete and her working
record – treatments, payment history, insurance relationship with
company reimbursements or rejections, payment the software
adjustments, and more.” program’s
Having that information instantly available, m a n u f a c t u re r,
and in an easy-to-understand format, benefits Exan Academic.
everyone. “Lynn played
“When patients call with questions about a very impor-
their bills, we can give them immediate answers tant role in
Diane Nixon to their questions,” she said. advocating a controlled
Nixon and 18 others in the CBO receive approach to testing and measuring the results
approximately 750 incoming calls weekly from of what we were doing before upgrading features
patients with billing questions. The office also and considering new ones to add,” he said.
electronically files more than 350 dental and “Because of her ‘hands-on’ approach, Lynn
medical claims with insurance companies daily and her technical support team were able to
and follows up on approximately 400 inquiries create a stable, predictable, and flexible computer
and 800 rejections each month from insurance server environment. That has allowed the School
companies. to expand its use of axiUm while simultaneously
Each month, the office mails more than improving its reliability to the end user,” he
14,000 statements to patients. continued.
This summer, the Clinic Billing Office began
mailing a redesigned statement that is easier for What’s Ahead?
patients to understand. The new statement better These first steps, however, are just the
explains the procedures a patient received, the beginning.
charges for those services, insurance payments, The ultimate long-term goal is a paperless
and the amount owed the School of Dentistry. office.
In the months head, axiUm will be unveiled
in other clinics. It may also be used to track
laboratory and clinical equipment and supplies in
a manner that resembles the way Federal Express
and UPS track packages for their customers.
Per Kjeldsen
Per Kjeldsen
Roger Gillie (right), and
members of his team
Experience and Low Turnover discuss progress being
made in introducing
“We’re able to quickly solve many of the axiUm throughout the
problems because of our group’s experience,” School of Dentistry.
Getchell said. Working with him are
members of his team
He said another factor is working in his (left to right): Luchuan
group’s favor – low turnover. Cai, Lane Hoy, Mike
Bleed, and Ed Steinman.
At some places technical support staffers
spend a couple of years at an organization and
Jerry Mastey
then leave. But that’s not the case at the School
of Dentistry. Data security is a
“John Squires has been providing technical paramount concern at
the School of Dentistry.
support for nearly twenty-five years, Matt Rick Getchell frequently
Vuocolo has been doing it here for seven years, researches digital
John Strode for five years, Mark Personett for two technologies in an
effort to stay ahead of
years, and Oral Molden, almost a year, and I’ve potential threats.
been doing it for about eight years,” Getchell said.
“Each one of us brings a certain set of skills to
the table that enables us to solve just about any
problem that’s brought to our attention.”
Per Kjeldsen
Jerry Mastey
One of the most common
services the School’s the first time this has been done there. The group
Technical Support also devised a system allowing access to paperless
staff offers is providing
“how to” advice. Here, patient records by authorized individuals.
Matt Vuocolo is on the “Rick and his team spent a lot of time
telephone explaining
to a staff member how designing the hardware setup and the network
to create a portable to make sure they worked,” Gillie said, “and
document format (PDF) that made our job of installing the software and
file that can be e-mailed.
making sure it ran properly that much easier.
Instead of our group needing two months to
complete its work, we finished in less than a
Per Kjeldsen
W
“The Ultimate Core Facility”
hat used to be a television studio on the
DLL
Jerry Mastey
A major portion of the
third floor of the dental building has been old television studio
transformed in recent years. in the dental building
is now being used
Constructed at the time the “new” dental as a Digital Learning
school building was being built in the early 1970s, Laboratory. Faculty,
the 1,800 square foot studio was the site where students, and staff can
get help to prepare
hundreds of videos on dental education and oral lectures or other
health topics were produced. materials, or use
hardware and software
Then came desktop computers, the Internet, they may not have on
the World Wide Web, and digital photography. desktop units in their
In the mid-1990s, Dr. Paul Lang began offices.
investigating ways faculty could use the Internet
and World Wide Web to help students access manuals, syllabi, or newsletters. Only persons
course syllabi, notes, and selected readings for with special accounts and passwords can obtain
Services
particular courses. He also looked at how dentists the information. • Scanning (slides,
were using what was then “new” technology, radiographs, papers)
such as e-mail and video conferencing, to see if Using the TV Studio • Videotaping and editing
these technologies could be used to supplement Since hardware and software updates were • DVD creation
classroom education. rapidly coming to market, and the production • Web services
Lang also created the School’s first Web site. of new television videotapes all but abandoned, • Database development
It has been substantially improved, most recently Pelok in late 2000 suggested a new use for the • Photography, illustration,
earlier this year. [DentalUM, Spring & Summer former TV studio – as an instructional computing graphics
2005, pages 6-7.] center – where faculty and students could learn • Desktop publishing
In 1999, Dr. Scott Pelok, a clinical assistant how to use new technology. • Large format printing
professor, assumed responsibility for what was Today, about two-thirds of the 1,800 square • Consulting services
known as “dental informatics,” the dissemination foot facility is being used as a “Digital Learning
of dental information using technology. Laboratory.” Faculty, students, and staff learn Equipment
With technology advancing at a breakneck to use new software programs, scanners, digital • 3 workstations
pace, different hardware and software systems often cameras and digital videotape recorders to (12 Macs, 1 PC)
made communications difficult. After spending a enhance clinic and classroom instruction. • 1 flatbed scanner
year resolving hardware and software issues, he Two full-time staffers, Sarah Brittain and • 2 slide scanners
also had to look to the future, including developing Dan Bruell, and one part-time employee, Trek • 2 DVD recorders
an intranet for the School of Dentistry. Glowacki, help those throughout the School who • 2 digital video cameras
Unlike the Internet, where information is come to the third floor to use the equipment. • 1 digital still camera
accessible to anyone with a Web browser, obtaining “It seems that more students use the • Sound booth
information from an intranet site, by design, is equipment, but they don’t need a lot of help
restricted. A firewall prohibits individuals from because they’re already so comfortable using
obtaining confidential or proprietary information technology,” said Brittain, who also manages the
such as course materials, clinical handbooks and School’s Web site.
DLL
Per Kjeldsen
DAMS
We’re all familiar with locating information
Digital Video on Demand
on the Internet using one or more of today’s
popular search engines. Type in a word or phrase
and you get documents or pictures that match,
or nearly match, what you were looking for.
But consider this situation.
A faculty member is preparing a lecture on
a particular topic, for example, how to properly
administer local anesthesia to a five-year-old.
Short of actually going into a pediatric
dental clinic, what is the best way the instructor
could visually convey the correct way to perform
the procedure? Also, could that procedure be
displayed in different ways, such as in a video
clip or a computer animation with an audio
description?
In the not-too-distant future, that could be
possible because of the efforts of Dan Bruell and
others with something called the Digital Asset Information Technology Central Services. One way the Digital Asset
Management System (DAMS). “Although we have hundreds of videotapes Management System will
be used is for showing
Since digital content is being created daily, that were produced here and used extensively procedures during
effectively managing it and harnessing it for use during the past 20 or 30 years, many of them are classroom instruction. In
this example, an instructor
throughout the School is an issue that must be no longer useable today,” Bruell said. types in a phrase of a
addressed. The reason? procedure he or she
Nearly all of the videotapes are “old” wants to show a group
of students. Instead of
Applying Internet Searching technology, that is, analog. Digital is today’s coin using the entire video, the
in a New Way of the realm. instructor will be able to
DAMS mimics the approach used to search electronically edit the video
In addition, many of the old videos do not to the 15or 20seconds
for information on the Internet. reflect today’s realities, for example, dentists that will be viewed.
However, in the case of DAMS, the items that must wear masks and surgical gloves when Although the video has
been electronically edited,
are searched, retrieved, and delivered to the desktop working on a patient. the original remains intact
would not be text. Instead, they would be videos, Bruell said that in addition to developing for future use.
audio files, and images. All would be “tagged” so new digital videos, efforts are also underway to
that only rightful users would have access. develop audio transcripts for each video.
Bruell, in the Digital Learning Laboratory,
is leading the School’s efforts in a project The Present and a Look into the Future
that involves other schools and colleges on “When portions of a video become a part of
the U-M campus: Education, Pharmacy, LS&A, DAMS, each segment is analyzed and a track of
Nursing, Social Work, the University Library, and text is generated which can then be searched,” he
A New Approach
said. “In the future, one might be able to do
both a video and a text search.” A new continuing dental education
Copies of the original video are course now being offered by the School of
automatically created for the user that Dentistry could become a model for similar
would allow him or her to connect to the courses in the future.
Internet at different speeds (cable, DSL).
The course, Dental Care for People
The benefits of developing a transcript
with Disabilities, gives dentists, specialists,
that accompanies each video may not
and other oral health care providers an
be apparent, but they are not to be
underestimated. opportunity to learn from their home or
For example, if an instructor has an office using a high-speed connection to the
8- or 9-minute video about a particular Internet.
subject, but only wants to use 15 or 20 Although the School currently offers
seconds for a lecture, DAMS would allow the five online courses, this course breaks new
instructor to locate the entire video, isolate ground by blending content with technology
the specific segment he or she wanted to in several ways that are all interrelated.
use, electronically edit that segment, and
then use the finished version in the lecture Major Benefits
and possibly e-mail it...all without altering One of those major benefits is that all
the original video. course materials are immediately available
“We’re still trying to get some of the kinks on the Web (www.dent.umich.edu/con_ed)
out of the system we’re experimenting with after registration.
that involves trying to develop transcripts Instead of signing up and then waiting
from the video,” Bruell said. “For example, several days to receive study materials that
the phrase ‘dental plaque’ might appear in a must be physically delivered to a home or
transcript as ‘dental flag.’ Obviously, that’s
office, one can immediately begin taking the
not correct, but it’s an example of what still
course after successfully registering.
needs to be worked on.”
A second major breakthrough is that
A demonstration of DAMS was “a
smashing success” at this spring’s meeting of video for the course is streamed.
the American Dental Education Association, Several hours of video have been recorded
said Dr. Lynn Johnson, director of Dental and digitally edited. Streaming technology
Informatics. allows participants to view seminars and
“Dentistry is highly visual and dental demonstrations of techniques.
schools have always struggled with storing
and retrieving images and video. The Interactive Case Studies
reaction we received at ADEA shows that we Another unique feature of the course
are leaders in solving this problem.” involves four case studies.
30 DentalUM
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Faculty Profile
Keary Campbell
Dr. Josef
Kolling
First School When he graduated with his dental degree from the University of Michigan
School of Dentistry twenty-four years ago, Dr. Josef Kolling said he never gave
of Dentistry any thought to becoming the president of any dental organization, much less a
state-wide group.
Faculty In May, Kolling became the first U-M School of Dentistry faculty member
Member in nearly a quarter century to become the president of the Michigan Dental
Association. The last dental school faculty member to lead the statewide
in Nearly organization was Dr. Robert Doerr who assumed the presidency of the MDA in April
1981. At the time, Doerr was a professor of dentistry and an associate dean.
25 Years Since earning his DDS in 1981 and a master’s degree from Michigan three
to Serve years later, Kolling has been active in dental organizations at local, state, and
national levels. Before becoming MDA president, Kolling was president-elect, vice
as MDA president, secretary, and served on both the Executive Committee and the Board
President of Trustees. [See Selected Highlights, page 35.] “So I’ve had plenty of time to
get ready for the issues I’ll be facing,” he said with a laugh during an interview
shortly before his term as president began.
How it Began
“Getting involved in organized dentistry was something that was expected
of me when I began working with my mentor and practice partner, Dr. Hugh
Cooper (DDS 1951; MS, prosthodontics, 1954),” Kolling said. “Since then, I have
found that being involved in organized dentistry has been a great way for me to
give something back to the profession.”
with my hands and fixing small What made a lasting impression on Teaching at the School of Dentistry
appliances around the house. That gave him, Kolling said, “was the way they all has also given Kolling a front-row seat
me opportunities to diagnose problems taught and how they treated students to watch the continuing evolution
and develop creative solutions, which and patients. They treated everyone of the profession. The changes are
is what dentists do all the time.” with respect and were always sharing something he has mentioned on many
Kolling entered the U-M School of their knowledge with those of us who occasions.
Dentistry in 1977 prior to completing were new to dentistry. Their example, “Dentistry is now more diverse
his studies for a degree in chemistry at in turn, inspired me to do the same in than when I was a student,” he said.
the University of Detroit. my role as a clinical instructor,” he “Today you see almost as many women
said. as men entering our School studying
Great Teachers at Michigan to become dentists. You also see the
“Looking back, what continues Watching Change Unfold number of minority students entering
to amaze me is the caliber of the Three days a week, from 9:00 the profession is higher than it was
instructors we had,” he said. “At the a.m. until noon, Kolling teaches before, and you also see how technology
time, I don’t think many of us who prosthodontics to third- and fourth- continues to evolve and how it’s applied
were students fully appreciated who year dental students in the 3 Blue Clinic. in novel ways in classrooms and clinics.
was teaching us until we got out into When he’s not there, he’s practicing As a faculty member who sees this
the real world and began talking to general dentistry in Ann Arbor. After taking place day in and day out, I often
colleagues who then became a bit practicing downtown with Cooper for tell our members, ‘this is the reality
jealous of our good fortune when we 24 years, Kolling established a new of what’s taking place now, so as an
told them where we went to school.” practice this summer, Oak Valley Dental organization, let’s be prepared for the
He said the list of instructors Associates, in southwest Ann Arbor. future’.”
“included Dr. Major Ash who taught With him are two U-M graduates, Dr.
Acknowledging School
of Dentistry Leaders
In his MDA Presidential acceptance speech,
Dr. Josef Kolling paid tribute to administrators
and faculty members who have mentored him.
Excerpts of his remarks are below...
I also need to acknowledge the support
and encouragement given to me by Deans Bernie
Machen, Bill Kotowicz, and Peter Polverini,
as well as my department chairs Brien Lang,
Christian Stohler, Robert Bradley, and Paul
Krebsbach who were my bosses at the U-M
dental school for the past eight years I served on
the MDA board. I have been a part-time faculty
member . . . and these men all assured me that
my involvement with MDA was important, and
Prior to starting an initial clinical examination of her patient, dental student Kathy Verhay reviews the patient’s medical and
it would never jeopardize my teaching position. dental history with Dr. Joe Kolling.
Without that support, I could not have done this.
So for all who believe that full-time faculty and
school administrators don’t care about organized Don’t Wait
dentistry, I can tell you that they do. Kolling is aware of the challenges of the School’s Dental Hygienists’
I also want to thank my students who were he faces as MDA president. Alumnae Association, including a one-
impacted by my absences from the clinic. I know One is workforce issues that year term as president.
it was inconvenient for them, and I would like to involves dentists who are retiring or “We met at a dance group in Detroit
think they understood. My current students think about to retire, as well as those who the summer before I began dental
it’s pretty cool having the MDA President as an are entering the profession. Another is school and not long after she finished
instructor. I think it’s pretty cool seeing so many disparities in oral health care. Others high school,” he said. “But it wasn’t
former students in this House of Delegates. include how the state’s finances and until after we began dating that we
I must acknowledge and thank Dr. Hugh budget cuts will affect the dental learned we both were interested in a
Cooper who has been my biggest mentor and school’s programs, personnel, and career in dentistry.”
friend for 24 years. He accepted me into his its ability to attract highly qualified Kolling said his wife has provided
practice as an associate right out of dental school
students to Michigan. some valuable insights about the dental
in 1981. I was the last in a long line of associates
Kolling’s philosophy is profession, but from the perspective of
who worked for him while completing graduate
straightforward. “My attitude is: If a dental hygienist. “Those are insights
studies at U-M... Hugh urged me to become
there’s an important problem that I may not have received, and they’re
involved in organized dentistry. ...Thank you,
needs to be addressed, deal with it now, helpful because they are always focused
Hugh, for everything you have done for dentistry,
and for me. I doubt I would be standing up here
don’t wait,” he said. on what’s best for the profession and
today if you had not become a part of my life and Not only does he hear about the the patient,” he said.
started me on this path. challenges facing dentistry from those “The dental profession has its
I want to thank my wife, Barb, and my at the dental school and other dentists share of challenges now, and there will
children, Joe and Christina, who understood the across Michigan, but Kolling also gets be challenges in the future,” Kolling
importance of a dentist’s active participation a different professional perspective said. “But students here at Michigan
with the profession and supported my decision from his wife, Barbara, who earned have many opportunities ahead of
to get involved with the MDA. a Bachelor of Science degree in dental them. It’s a great time for a student
hygiene from U-M in 1983. She served to become a dentist, just as it was for
for six years on the Board of Directors me in 1981.”
DentalUM
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Faculty NEWS
Jan Hu New Director of Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Jan Hu recently became the new director of pediatric dentistry following
the retirement this summer of Dr. Lloyd (Bud) Straffon. Dr. Sunil Kapila, chair of
the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, made the announcement
this spring.
“With her exceptional research and teaching credentials, I am certain Dr.
Hu will lead the pediatric dentistry section of our department to even greater
heights,” Kapila said. “I look forward to working closely with her to continue
building on our already strong clinical and academic programs and to further
develop our department’s research.”
Education Background
Hu received a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from National Taiwan University
in 1985. Three years later, she received a specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry
from USC and, in 1990, a PhD in craniofacial biology from the same school. Dr. Jan Hu
Following her training, Hu was a postdoctoral fellow in craniofacial molecular
biology and a clinical assistant professor at USC. In 1993, she joined the Department
of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Johnston to Receive
Six years later, she was named an associate professor with tenure.
She came to Ann Arbor in 2002 as an associate professor with tenure.
AAO Award
Research Interests and Service Dr. Lysle Johnston will receive
Hu’s research focuses on the regulation of tooth formation and genetic the Louise Ada Jarabak Memorial
mutations associated with dental structures. Her clinical interests are in the area of International Orthodontic Teachers
craniofacial anomalies and special patient care among pediatric dental patients. and Research Award next spring. The
In addition to her research and teaching, Hu holds several positions in award will be presented during the
professional societies, including the Science Affairs Committee of the American AAO’s 106th annual session that runs
Association of Pediatric Dentistry, and on two editorial boards, the Journal of from April 28 to May 3.
Dental Research and the Journal of Pediatric Dentistry. Hu is board certified by The award from the American
the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and is a member of the Omicron Association of Orthodontists Foundation
Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society. honors individuals who have made
This spring, Hu received one of the nation’s most prestigious awards for dental significant contributions to teaching
research, the Gies Award, for the best paper published in the Journal of Dental and research during their careers as
Research. [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2005, pages 62-63.] orthodontists.
This spring, Johnston received the
Straffon Praised
School’s Distinguished Service Award.
Kapila praised Straffon for his years of service to the School of Dentistry. “I
[See story, page 59.]
want to thank Dr. Straffon for his 37 years of selfless service, dedication, and
contributions to our department and the dental school,” Kapila said.
Straffon said he and his wife plan to continue to live in the Ann Arbor area,
but may venture to a warmer climate during the winter months. Some travel,
both in the U.S. and overseas may also take place, including trips to the Denver
area to visit their two sons.
hockey.
U-M students who participated in the annual
event said they enjoyed providing the service to the
community.
Third-year dental
“I’m doing this because I enjoy volunteer work, student James Powell
prepares the compound
and this seemed like it would be a fun thing do,” said that will be used to
third-year dental student James Powell. take an impression for a
student athlete.
Another third-year dental student, Kim Dao, said
this was her first time helping at the annual clinic.
“I heard it was fun and I wanted to be involved,” she
said.
Parents were equally enthusiastic.
For Sheila Monroe’s son, Andrew, it was the Jerry Mastey
The Experience
was originally built needs during the short time we are
as a dairy farm in the here,” said Tujios, who was at the camp
early 1900s. Abandoned as a dental student in the summer of
d u r i n g t h e G re a t 2002.
Depression, the 180-acre Kloostra, Larson, and Snell each
site was purchased by treated between four and six patients
Bay Cliff and reopened daily.
I
in 1934 with the intent “The pace here is different than at
t was a week they will always to serve malnourished children who the clinics in Ann Arbor,” Larson said.
remember. lived in the Upper Peninsula. “Depending on what needs to be done,
Three fourth-year dental students With the outbreak of polio in the here you can treat patients rather
– Erin Kloostra, Jennifer Larson, and 1940s, the camp adopted a mission of quickly. But if you need help or have a
Aimee Snell – and two third-year improving the lives of children and question, the residents are only a few
pediatric dental residents – Dr. James young adults with orthopedic, speech, feet away.”
Thomas and Dr. Aleco Tujios – will hearing, visual, or other physical Talking to the kids in language they
never forget providing oral health disabilities. That mission continues understand is important.
care to physically disabled children today. One morning, 10-year-old Dylan
and adolescents at the Bay Cliff Health “For seven weeks, from mid June sits down in a dental chair. As Larson
Camp in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. to early August, more than 160 persons moves the chair into a reclining position,
The memories of their experiences, with disabilities, ranging in age from 3 Thomas tries to explain to Dylan what
however, will include more than the to 17, come here for an opportunity to will happen.
care they provided in the camp’s three develop the skills they need to become “We’re going to fix a big hole in
operatories. independent and to learn to live a fuller one of your teeth caused by the sugar
They will also remember the life,” said camp director, Tim Bennett. bugs,” Thomas says. “If we don’t take
good-natured banter with patients... M o re t h a n 1 2 5 i n d i v i d u a l s , the sugar bugs out, your tooth will
conversations with counselors and including staff members, therapists, hurt, just like your finger does when it
patients on many topics in the camp’s physicians, nurses, pediatric dentists, gets a sliver. Does that make sense?”
18,000 square foot dining facility and dental students provide services “Uh-huh,” Dylan responds. The
referred to as “The Big House”...and at the site. work begins.
seeing smiles on the faces of more But there are moments of humor
than two dozen teens nattily attired The Personal Touch too.
in tuxedos and dresses for a formal “About 80 or 85 percent of the After Thomas finishes his work, he
dinner at a nearby landmark and prom children who come to Bay Cliff only positions the dental chair so Dylan can
in the camp’s gymnasium that was see the dentist when they are here. So, now sit up and leave.
transformed into a dance hall in late for most of them, this means receiving But Dylan says he feels dizzy.
July. oral health care only once a year. That’s “I hear you, Dylan, but I think you’re
About 30 minutes northwest of why it’s important for us to work hard dizzy because you put your shoes on the
Marquette, the Bay Cliff Health Camp to try to address all their oral health wrong feet,” Thomas says with a grin.
of a Lifetime Jerry Mastey Twelve-year-old Brittany is all smiles after being treated by dental
shorts, opens the door to the dental student Jennifer Larson. Lending a hand were dental residents
Dr. Jim Thomas (left) and Dr. Aleco Tujios.
office and walks in a few minutes
before her scheduled appointment. After giving some advice about
Thomas, who’s looking at the day’s the corsage each will give to his date,
schedule, turns around to extend a Bennett smiles, gives them a thumbs
hand. As he does, Cody slaps it and up, and says, “This is your night. Have
begins talking to Kloostra who says, fun.”
“You’re going to be seeing Miss Aimee The young men proceed one at a
today.” time to a nearby building to meet their
Cody casually walks a few steps to dates. As they do, they are first greeted
the entrance of the clinic where Snell is by younger girls who are screaming and
working on a patient and asks, “What women who are applauding.
Tim Bennett, executive director and camp director, Bay ya doing?” Noah, who’s leading the men,
Cliff Health Camp.
Snell replies, “I’m getting the grins from ear to ear. “I’m excited,” he
Dylan smiles, sits for a few sugar bugs out of John’s mouth.” Cody says.
moments, gets up, and then leaves. smiles, shrugs her shoulders, and walks When the young men meet their
away. dates and present them with corsages,
Hanging Out with the Kids Afterwards, Kloostra says, “My the couples are directed to a bus that
The repartee is an important way experiences here at Bay Cliff are exactly will take them to the nearby Thunder
of connecting with patients. geared for what I want to do and what Bay Inn for dinner. The Inn was the site
“But it just doesn’t take place in Aimee wants to do after we receive our of filming the 1950s movie, “Anatomy
the office,” Kloostra said. “We make it dental degrees.” of a Murder” which starred James
a point to hang out with the kids and The final week in July, however, Stewart, Lee Remick, and Ben Gazzara,
talk to them at breakfast, lunch, and was different than earlier weeks. and was directed and produced by Otto
dinner so they see us as regular people, A buzz was in the air as teens Preminger.
not just someone who only works on began talking about “the big night,” Some couples walk arm-in-arm
problems they have in their mouths.” going to the prom on July 28. towards two camp buses. Others
B e n n e t t , t h e c a m p d i re c t o r, ride side-by-side in their wheelchairs
agrees. Formal Wear, Dinner, and Prom holding hands or interlocking one or
“Part of what we try to do is to get Around mid-afternoon, the young more fingers. All are smiling and are
the kids to see dentists as people. That’s men and women begin getting dressed greeted by applause from the dental
why they sing with the kids, have lunch in formal wear provided by a local students, camp staffers, and others.
with them, or toast marshmallows clothing store. But as the couples leave, a female
around the campfire with them at Bennett, the camp director, arrives counselor in the background shouts in
night,” he said. and looks at them and says, “This is jest to the men, “What time will you be
That approach pays off. your big night, gentlemen. How do you home with my girl tonight?” Laughter
One morning, 7-year-old Cody, feel?” echoes across the camp.
wearing an orange shirt and pink “Good” they reply in unison. At dinner, Andy Rhoden and his
be introduced by name and have their became the camp’s dentist. She was
Jerry Mastey
pictures taken. also instrumental in designing Bay
As the couples enter, flashes from Cliff ’s new dental offices which opened
dozens of digital cameras pierce the earlier this summer. During the past 30
darkness. The flashes of light from the years, the couple has provided dental
cameras remind one of the paparazzi care, served as consultants, and helped
taking pictures of Hollywood movie recruit staff.
stars. However, Hollywood movie stars Bennett hopes Bay Cliff Health
can’t hold a candle next to the smiles of Camp can be open more than five or six
these kids who are absolutely radiant months. To make that dream a reality,
and enjoying their all-too-brief moment a $7.5 million fundraising campaign
in the spotlight after working day in is underway. Funds will be used to
“For many of these kids, this is the only time in their lives that they
and day out for years to combat their winterize the camp’s facilities so they
will have an opportunity to get dressed up, go to a formal dinner,
and then go to the prom,” said camp director Tim Bennett. physical disabilities. are usable 12 months a year; upgrade
“For many of these kids, it will be facilities to meet all requirements of
the only time in their lives that they the Americans with Disabilities Act;
Jerry Mastey
will have an opportunity to get dressed update and renovate all of the camp’s
up, go to a formal dinner, and then go therapy, living, and camping facilities;
to the prom,” Bennett says. and expand the number of Michigan
As 17-year-old Ryan Scaggs enters residents who can be served.
the gym with his date, Bennett’s eyes As they discussed their experiences,
begin welling with tears. Kloostra, Larson, Snell, Tujios, and
“He reached his goal. All week he Thomas offered nothing but praise for
practiced for this moment. It was the the camp’s administrators, counselors,
first time he walked without his walker and patients.
and with a pretty girl in his arms,” Thomas perhaps summed it up
Bennett says. best.
date, Emily Gretens, talk about “the “As a dental student, I thought Bay
event” – dinner and the prom. It was School of Dentistry Alumnus Cliff was the best outreach program
a “first” for both. and Wife Help the dental school could offer,” he said.
Andy, who is 15, has been coming Watching with more than passing “My experiences here prompted me
to Bay Cliff for 12 years. “But this is the interest is School of Dentistry alumnus, to consider a career as a pediatric
best year yet because of the prom,” he Dr. Bud Kipka (DDS 1973), and his wife, dentist.”
says smiling. Kris. Thomas graduates in January and
After dinner, the couples return “I came to Marquette to start a will become an associate at a practice
to the gymnasium which has been dental practice after spending two in Seattle. He would also like to return
transformed into a dance hall. years in the Navy,” he said. “They to Bay Cliff every four or five years for
needed a dentist to help at the camp, one week to provide care.
“ Walk ing without a Walker” so I said I’d be willing to lend a hand. “He’ll be welcome with open arms,”
Upon entering the gym, each I’ve been at it ever since.” said Bennett. “So too will others from
couple is greeted by applause from Kris, a Saline native with a the University of Michigan dental
nearly 30 individuals. The couples are background in food service, became school.”
instructed to pause briefly so they can the camp’s baker not long after Bud
Professor Emeritus
Richard Mathewson
Recalls Experiences at Bay Cliff
In this photo, For more than forty years, the U-M School of Dentistry has been providing oral health care services to
taken during the the developmentally disabled at the Bay Cliff Health Camp just outside of Marquette.
summer of 1964, Dr. A School of Dentistry alumnus, Dr. Richard Mathewson (DDS 1959), was one of those who provided care
Richard Mathewson during the summer of 1964.
(left) works on a “It was a wonderful clinical experience and a turning point in my pediatric dentistry profession,” he
youngster at the Bay said.
Cliff Health Camp. From 1963 to 1965, Mathewson was a Mott fellow in pediatric dentistry. In the summer of 1964, Mott
Note the lift insert, Children’s Dental Clinic asked him to go to the camp to expand the screening program that emphasized
made from wood “dental repair,” that is, first treating those needing emergency care and later correcting other oral health
and canvas, under problems.
the child. “The first time I provided dental care to these children with developmental disabilities I was apprehensive
internally, but kind and confident outwardly,” Mathewson said. “And although I was using what is now
considered primitive equipment, the approach I adopted bolstered my enthusiasm and confidence and
became a lifetime clinical philosophy.”
Muskegon Saginaw
Grand Rapids
Jackson
6,345Patients...
School’s Outreach Program Helping
H
ow much of a difference is the School of Dentistry’s oral health care to patients they typically don’t see in clinics
outreach program making in communities across here in Ann Arbor,” Stefanac said. “So they get broader-based,
Michigan? real world experiences that prepare them for what they will
Consider the numbers. experience once they graduate.”
From July 2004 through April 2005, fourth-year The program is also successful because of “the two-way
dental students treated 6,345 patients and performed evaluations that are conducted at all the sites. Students
12,312 procedures at eight different sites across Michigan. evaluate the sites and the people they work with. In turn,
Procedures included general restorative dentistry, emergency the people at the sites evaluate our students,” he said.
care, extractions, sealants, and more. Earlier this year, Dr. Robert Bagramian, a professor
During a presentation to members of the School’s Alumni of dentistry who directs the Summer Migrant Dental
Society Board of Governors this spring, Dr. Stephen Stefanac, Clinic Program in the Traverse City area, visited the eight
associate dean for patient services, whose responsibilities sites to evaluate each site and get feedback from clinic
include supervising the outreach program, said the program administrators.
is very popular.
“Even before being admitted to Michigan, prospective Tremendous Confidence
dental students want to know how they can participate in “Dental students who return to Ann Arbor after being
the community outreach program,” he said. at these clinics come back with a tremendous amount of
Dental students now in the program, he said, are so confidence,” he said. “They take charge and become more
enthused that the amount of time they spend providing oral productive.”
health care outside the School’s clinics in Ann Arbor may J.P. Miller, the student’s representative on the Board,
increase from three weeks to four weeks. agreed.
“The students I know who have been to these sites do
Why the Program is Popular great work and help two to three times more patients once
There are many reasons the program is popular. they return,” he said. Miller, who graduated in May, is now
One is demographics. “Our students frequently provide a public health dentist in Philadelphia.
Keary Campbell
Outreach Partners Praised
12,312Procedures It’s the highlight for many dental and dental hygiene
students as well as AEGD residents during their studies at the
U-M School of Dentistry – treating patients at community clinics
throughout the state.
Those in Need That sentiment was voiced to the School’s community
outreach partners during a retreat last fall at the Michigan
League. The annual event gives both School and outreach
“I think the reason I’m now in public health dentistry administrators an opportunity to discuss the highlights of the
is because of my outreach experiences in Traverse City and program as well as ways to enhance the program so that the
Saginaw,” he said. “It was a valuable experience for me. experience is even more meaningful for students, outreach clinic
I hope it gets other students to consider careers in public administrators and their staff, and patients treated at those
health dentistry.” clinics.
The program is also popular among those who are at Among those participating in the one-day program were
the clinic sites. clinic administrators from Muskegon Heights, Grand Rapids,
Stefanac said he often receives requests from officials Saginaw, Traverse City, Jackson, and Baldwin.
at community clinics asking if they can become sites where “You’re very important to our dental education program,”
U-M dental students can help. “However, before we say ‘yes,’ said Dr. Stephen Stefanac, associate dean for patient services,
we ask these officials to come here to see what we do and who is in charge of the outreach program. He said the program
how we do it,” he said. “We also tell them there are certain gives dental school students new opportunities to meet and
bedrock principles that we have and certain things that will be treat a different demographic of patients than they typically
expected of an outreach site before they’re officially added.” encounter at the School’s clinics.
More outreach sites may be added in the future. Dr. Marilyn Lantz, associate dean for academic affairs, told
The outreach program offers an array of experiences the outreach partners,“Your cooperation is incredibly important
for all levels of students within the dental school, including to our School and our students. In fact, when they return after
dental, dental hygiene, and graduate students. being at your site, our students rave about their experiences.
The School of Dentistry is involved in other community We can’t thank you enough for what you’re doing.”
outreach initiatives during the year. Once the academic year She noted that some students have changed their career
ends, dental students also have an opportunity to participate paths as a result of their experiences. [DentalUM, Fall 2004,
in other outreach initiatives including the Summer Migrant pages 22-25; Spring 2003, pages 15-17.]
Dental Clinic in the Traverse City area and the Bay Cliff Health Fourth-year dental students treat patients at clinics at
Camp northwest of Marquette. [See story, pages 40-43.] selected sites across Michigan in three, one-week rotations.
Dental hygiene students are also involved, participating in a
single, one-week rotation.
Joel Egnater
DDS 1983
Dr. Joel Egnater will be very busy
between now and March 2007 if he
hopes to realize his dream of opening a
group of dental clinics in South Africa
to provide oral health care to AIDS/HIV
patients.
His dream received a major boost
this spring when it was endorsed by
four very influential groups in that
country — the government of South
Africa’s Department of Health and
Human Services, the Lions Club of
South Africa, the Community Dentistry
branch of the University of Western
Cape, and the University of Stellenbosch
Dental School. The two universities
are approximately 5 and 25 miles,
respectively, from Cape Town.
in Southeast Michigan
endorsement.
“They want the clinics to be up
and running around the time I will be
“ It’s So Rewarding”
In addition to recruiting dentists
and dental assistants from the two
universities, Egnater wants to recruit
volunteers worldwide from dental
organizations in the U.S., Africa, and
other parts of the world.
“I would love to set up more
foundations like this elsewhere and
Dr. Joel Egnater he said he was so struck with the poverty
he saw in Soweto that he decided to establish dental
teach others to do what I am doing,”
clinics in South Africa to provide oral health care to he said. “My fondest hope is that if
patients with HIV/AIDS. people see this program succeeding,
then others will be inspired to create
• Bringing community volunteers similar programs elsewhere.”
together to gain experience in Despite geographical distances,
establishing and running Egnater finds there is a common thread
oral health care clinics in their in volunteering to provide oral health
communities. care to needy patients in parts of
When he presented an outline of his Southeast Michigan and South Africa.
plan to officials at the two universities, “This is the kind of dentistry I love
Egnater said “they were amazed” with to do. It’s so rewarding, especially
the concept and the scope of what he when I’m working with impoverished
was trying to achieve. So too were people and I can see the difference I’m
government officials and the leaders making,” he said. “I’ve also noticed that
of the 18 different chapters of the Lions people who go beyond their personal
Club he addressed. comfort zone and volunteer to help
With their approval, Egnater others are always happier than if they
Egnater’s plan has five major goals: will spend time meeting community do something only for themselves.”
• Introducing dentistry to people leaders when he returns to South Will Egnater slow down? If the
who have not received oral health Africa. “They have credibility with past is any indication, the best response
care. the local population that will help to that question is summed up in two
• Alleviating dental crisis situations. create awareness of the program and words: no way.
• Allowing public health researchers encourage them to come for the care “Being this busy is not a hardship
opportunities to gather inform- they need.” at all. In fact, this kind of dentistry
ation about the oral health care of He estimates the cost to r un is a source of joy, whether I’m helping
those being treated. the program will be about $40,000 in South Africa, the Cass Corridor in
• Involving dentists and dental annually. Detroit, or helping with the Ryan White
students in a program that Funds will be used to purchase and Foundation,” he said.
exposes them to people in socio- equip vehicles, maintain them, as well
economic situations they may not as purchase needed dental equipment
have experienced. and supplies.
48 DentalUM
DentalUM Fall
Fall 2005
2005
DEVELOPMENT
in the future.
Those are the reasons Dr. Raymond Gist (DDS 1966)
has gifted $100,000 to the U-M School of Dentistry for
scholarships.
Gist, who earlier served a one-year term as President of
the Michigan Dental Association and was recently elected to a
four-year term as an ADA Trustee, said he began considering
the gift last fall.
“I was the first in my family to go to college and
graduate, so I know from personal experience about
student debt. Except today, the amounts are so high they’re
staggering,” he said.
Gist said minority students will be the recipients of the
scholarship that bears his name.
“I want minority students to have the same chance I had,
or even a better chance, of realizing their dream of becoming
dentists and, in turn, go on to help others, especially those
here in Michigan,” he said. Dr. Raymond Gist addressed first-year dental students at the School of Dentistry’s
In addition to running a private practice in Flint, Gist White Coat Ceremony in 2003.
has been extensively involved in organized dentistry locally,
state wide, and nationally. [DentalUM, Spring & Summer “ Dramatic Differences”
2003, pages 29-32.] In October, he began service as the ADA’s Addressing that group of students and talking to many
Ninth District Trustee. During his four-year term, Gist will of them afterwards made a lasting impression on him.
represent Michigan and Wisconsin. “I was struck by what I saw,” he said. “There was a
He has also returned to the dental school on many dramatic difference in the number of minority students and
occasions including delivering the keynote address to first- women aspiring to become dentists compared to when I was
year dental students at their White Coat Ceremony in the fall a student. I want my gift to continue encouraging diversity
of 2003. [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004, pages 65-67.] at the dental school.”
A Pioneer –
“He was very that Michigan and the dental Dr. H. Dean Millard:
supportive of school could have an impact Seeing Links between
worldwide.” Oral and Systemic Health
the people in
his department. During its 130-year history, the U-M School of Dentistry has had
Helping Future
Without him, I many pioneers who have advanced the profession.
Generations of Students You can add the name of Dr. H. Dean Millard to that list.
probably wouldn’t
“The scholarship will be a Throughout his 37-year clinical and teaching career, that included
have had the wonderful way to help future practicing general dentistry one summer at the state prison in Jackson,
career I’ve had.” generations of dental students,”
Millard recognized that dentistry was not just about teeth. He saw a
need for a broader approach to dental education.
Millard said. Looking back at He did something about it.
Dr. Sharon Brooks how he financed his dental Not long after he began teaching at the School of Dentistry in 1952,
education, Millard said, “I was Millard developed a program that helped dentists see interrelationships
Per Kjeldsen
fortunate because I was able to between oral and systemic health.
In 1956, he became the first person to receive a master’s degree
fund my education with help
in oral diagnosis. Two years later, he became chair of the Department
from the G.I. Bill after World of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology and served in that position for nearly
War II. With the costs of dental thirty years.
education continuing to rise, The relationship between oral and systemic health that Dr. H. Dean
every bit will help and Jed and Millard helped to establish what eventually became a cornerstone of
the first-ever report on oral health issued by the U.S. Surgeon General
Wayne deserve a lot of credit
in 2000. It also became the cornerstone of what’s known today as
for getting this started. I’m “comprehensive care.”
honored.”
A Global Reputation
To make a gift to the fund, Millard’s work transcended U-M and Ann Arbor. His work and his
contact the School of Dentistry reputation were recognized globally.
Office of Development at (734) He served aboard the S.S. Hope in Sri Lanka in 1968 and was a
763-3315. consultant for Project Hope’s dental program, first in Ethiopia in 1973,
and three years later, in Egypt.
During a sabbatical in Scotland that began in 1976, Millard worked
with Sir David Mason, a professor of oral medicine and later dean of
the dental school in Glasgow. In 1988 they developed the first of three
Gifts to the H. Dean Millard World Workshops on Oral Medicine.
In March 2000, Millard was presented with a Fellowship in Dental
Scholarship Fund Surgery, ad eundem (in kind), by the Royal College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Glasgow, Scotland.
Dr. Jed Jacobson $25,000 As he reflected on his career and his work for an article that
appeared in the Fall 2000 issue of the School’s alumni magazine,
Dr. Wayne Colquitt $10,000 DentalUM, Millard said,“There’s not an institution in the world like the
School of Dentistry. It’s rewarding to look back with pride at building
upon an already excellent reputation that resulted from the dedication
of so many clinicians and researchers. But there’s more to do.”
Nomination Ballot
Please
I nominate for the Board: __________________________________________________ clip
and
Class Year(s) ________________________________________________________ mail
__________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
If you nominate yourself, please send your biography (45 words or less) on a separate
sheet of paper. However, because of time constraints on our staff and limited
space in the magazine, we cannot accept a CV. Instead, please take a few
moments to highlight what you consider are major achievements, whether personal
or professional.
Return the ballot, and your biography if you’re nominating yourself, to:
Amy Reyes
Office of Alumni Relations
University of Michigan School of Dentistry
1011 N. University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078
54
54
54 DentalUM
DentalUM
DentalUM Fall
Fall
Fall 2005
2005
2005
Lunch & Learn Program
Offers Insights into Life after Dental School
Dr. Daniel Edwards Organizes
Program Popular with Students
Per Kjeldsen
It’s safe to say that everyone listens when Dr. Antonia Novello speaks.
In May, the New York state health commissioner, who was the first woman
and the first Hispanic to serve as U.S. Surgeon General (1990-1993), returned to
Ann Arbor to deliver her fourth commencement address to School of Dentistry
Graduation on the Web graduates at Hill Auditorium.
After earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree at the University of Puerto
You can listen the remarks of Rico, Novello completed her internship and residency in nephrology at the U-M
graduation speakers on the School Medical Center. She remained at Michigan (1973-1974) on a fellowship in the
of Dentistry’s Web site: www. Department of Internal Medicine.
dent.umich.edu. In a quick-tempo, 30-minute address, Novello congratulated, counseled, and
challenged students.
On the homepage, click the “This is a great occasion,” she told graduates, their families, and friends. “Not
headline “Listen to Graduation only are you celebrating your graduation, but you’re also celebrating the 130th
2005.” You will see headlines and anniversary of the creation of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.
photographs of the speakers. The Hail to you, Michigan, the best and the brightest.”
times for each audio segment are Saying “the future is already here,” Novello joked, “Tomorrow you start paying
listed. You can listen in any order your student loans.”
you choose.
Counsel and Challenges
Turning serious, Novello said she was impressed with the graduates, especially
their community service. “There’s no more noble mission in life than helping
others,” she said.
She counseled graduates that they will have to be life-long learners. Citing
advances in science and technology in recent years, she said that knowledge will
continue to advance and that change will be constant.
“You have demonstrated that respond to meet the oral health care
it’s never too late to learn,” she said, needs of those in rural areas and inner
“because the average age of your class cities.
is 26 and the oldest graduate is 40.” The fourth, to integrate oral health
The Class of 2005 She challenged students to set lofty care into the mainstream of total health
goals as professionals and to serve their care, including insurance.
Includes those who completed communities and their profession. The fifth, to be professional, “which
formal requirements and those “Riches, fame, and power will not means putting the interest of patients
to receive degrees or certificates make you totally happy. The happiest first.”
after completing formal people are those doing good for others
requirements. without asking, ‘What’s in it for me?’,” “ Never Forget”
she said. “A heartfelt ‘thank you’ from “As you leave today, may you seize
106 – DDS degrees a patient, the smile from a kid whose this day and those that follow to bring
29 – BS degrees, Dental Hygiene teeth you fixed, a discovery in the honor to your alma mater, joy to your
23 – Master’s degrees laboratory, the dental profession offers family and friends, and true happiness
3 – Certificates many paths to happiness.” to yourself,” she said.
3 – Oral Health Sciences, PhD In her remarks, Novello presented “But above all, I pray that you
five challenges to graduates. never forget who you are, where you
The first, to effectively respond to came from, who is responsible for
the health care needs of an increasingly you to be here and, above all, don’t
diverse population whose demographics ever forget the impact of this great
are quickly changing. institution in molding your life and
The second, to eliminate disparities your professional future.”
in oral health that affect minorities.
The third, to find ways to rapidly
A graduate student in
periodontics is the first from
Will a lollipop have a
the U-M School of Dentistry
It may, thanks to the collaboration between a
to receive a major fellowship
U-M School of Dentistry pediatric dentist and the Mott
in implantology from the
Children’s Health Center in Flint.
American Association of
However, when it is, it won’t be your typical
Periodontology Foundation.
lollipop.
Dr. Brandon Sang
The pediatric dentist, Dr. Heather Gormley,
Park, a third-year resident,
was searching for a way to help dentists safely and
won the $50,000 Richard J.
effectively deliver a sedative to young children who
Lazzara Fellowship Award in advanced implant surgery
need extensive dental care, but who are unable to
this spring.
cope with the stress that’s associated with a dental
Park will use the award to learn the most current
procedure.
techniques in implant dentistry, both in the classroom
Pharmacists in Flint formulated the lollipop used
and in clinics.
in Gormley’s research. Her study followed up another
The Fellowship is named for Richard J. Lazzara,
study conducted several years earlier by Vanessa
one of the specialty’s innovators whose works have
Velilla, another graduate of the U-M pediatric dental
been published and who has lectured worldwide on
program. Both used an ingredient in the sucker,
surgical and prosthetic applications of implant dentistry.
fentanyl, that has sedative effects. A flavoring agent
Lazzara is a clinical associate professor at the University
was also included.
of Southern California School of Dentistry and associate
Although lollipops are commercially available for
clinical professor at the University of Maryland’s
youngsters prior to painful medical procedures, these
Periodontal and Implant Regenerative Center.
were the first times they were tried in a pediatric dental
Park, who earned his dental degree at the University
setting.
of Toronto three years ago, said he was attracted to
During Gormley’s two-year study, more than 30
U-M because of its “well known integration and balance
youngsters between the ages of 3-1/2 and 5 were given
between basic science and clinical training.”
the lollipop after a parent or guardian approved.
He said his mentors in Toronto spoke highly of
The children took the “medication” willingly and
U-M’s programs and the number of articles published by
most of them finished it within 20 minutes. There was
researchers showed “this School as one of the leaders in
significantly less crying in the young patients when
our profession,” he said.
they were given the fentanyl.
After earning his master’s degree, Park will spend
While drowsy, all patients could respond to verbal
12 months studying at U-M as required by the Lazzara
commands. Some youngsters reported mild nausea, but
Fellowship.
only one vomited. This was attributed to the addition
Park’s research background focuses on tissue
of the anti-emetic, Vistaril. The sole incident is much
regeneration around dental implants.
lower than the rate of post-operative nausea and
Only one Fellowship is awarded annually. The
vomiting noted in studies using the lollipop alone.
program began in 2003.
Jennifer McNamee – Washtenaw District Dental Hygienists’ Society’s Community Service Award and
the American Association of Public Health Dentistry’s Special Interest and Achievement in Community
Dentistry/Dental Public Health Award
The award recognizes a graduating dental hygiene student who has been active in community service during the three
years they were a student in the School’s dental hygiene program.
McNamee chaired the Class of ’05s fundraising drive. Ninety-seven percent of the class raised more than $4,500. [DentalUM,
Spring & Summer 2005, page 59.] She was class representative to the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association
and active in Give Kids a Smile, Dental Health Day, and the March of Dimes Health Fair at the School of Dentistry. She
participated in the first Diabetes Expo in southeast Michigan and coordinated a dental clinic for battered women.
Marianne Jabero – Colgate Oral Pharmaceutical Student Total Achievement Recognition (STAR) Award
The recipient of this award has demonstrated dedication to the dental hygiene profession, displays compassion in patient
care, exhibits enthusiasm for community service, and realizes the contributions a dental hygienist can make in providing
oral health care to patients.
Jabero demonstrated outstanding qualities in all areas. She was a member of the School’s Honor Council for three years,
participated in a research project her final year and won a second-place award during the School’s Research Table Clinic
Day program earlier this year.
Nicole Beadle, Melanie Lemanski, Alaina Whitefoot – Sigma Phi Alpha (Nu Chapter)
Graduating dental hygiene students are selected for this national dental hygiene society based on their academic
achievements and potential for future professional growth and contributions to the profession.
All three excelled academically.
Beadle also worked with Dr. George Taylor on a research project examining the relationship between diabetes and periodontal
disease. She also was a student teacher in the clinic with first-year dental hygiene students.
Lemanski was co-chair of the Class of ’05s fundraising drive and also served as a student teacher in clinics.
Whitefoot was a student teacher in preclinic and clinical courses for first-year dental hygiene students.
Kelly Hresko and Melissa Wasley – The Hu-Friedy Outstanding Clinician Award
This award is given to students who excel in patient care.
Hresko and Wasley were selected by dental hygiene clinical faculty for exemplifying the highest qualities and skills as
dental hygiene students. Both demonstrated a thorough understanding and application of the science and art of dental
hygiene care.
T
Keary Campbell
Keary Campbell
oral and maxillofacial surgical residency Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome active NIH-funded research program in
so that our dual degree program will (Gorlin Syndrome). tissue engineering. His main project is
one day be a true “two-way” street for In addition, collaborations are also in the ex vivo development of a human
students graduating from either the underway with the National Institute full-thickness oral mucosal tissue
dental school or the medical school. of Dental and Craniofacial Research that is suitable for intraoral grafting
Dr. Murdoch-Kinch is studying in areas of proteomics of OKCs as well procedures.
oral health in patients after parotid- as proteomics and genomics of oral The long-term objective of his
sparing radiation therapy of head and cancer. research is to produce a “smart”
neck cancer. Unlike patients who receive Dr. Wen-Xiang Zhang, co-director transduced oral mucosal graft that will
standard radiation therapy (RT) and of our Microsurgical Training Center, be used for reconstruction of major oral
suffer from permanent xerostomia, continues to train residents and defects secondary to oncologic resection,
patients treated with parotid-sparing specialists from around the world traumatic events or developmental
RT developed at University of Michigan in the art of vascular and neural disturbances. The graft would act both
experience recovery of salivary function microsurgery. He is collaborating on a as a material for reconstruction and as
over time. She hypothesizes that this will federally funded research project with a repository for in situ transmucosal
lead to better oral health for patients. Drs. David Humes (Internal Medicine) delivery of recombinant growth factors
Dr. Lina Karam is our newest and Dave Brown (Plastic Surgery) or cytokines.
faculty addition. She obtained her developing an experimental model for The goal is also to establish
DMD from the University of Florida a tissue engineered kidney. expanded cultures of an enriched
in 1999, completed an internship in Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum, population of oral mucosa progenitor/
OMFS at Medical College of Virginia the director of our GPR Program, stem cells, using only physical and
in 2000, and trained in Oral and and Dr. Stephen Minehart, assistant pharmacological means, under
Maxillofacial Surgery at the Sinai/ program director, are providing didactic chemically defined conditions consistent
Henry Ford Residency from 2000-2004 training and clinical experience in with FDA guidelines that will be the
in Detroit. Dr. Karam is in charge of the advanced areas of dentistry, including foundation for our advances into cell
pre-doctoral teaching program in Oral care of medically compromised and replacement therapy. His next step is
and Maxillofacial Surgery. In her own developmentally disabled patients, to perform a FDA-approved Phase I/II
words, “I like the students and I love management of dental emergencies, clinical trial through the U-M General
teaching!” She is presently a member and restoration of dental implants. Clinical Research Center in 2006.
of the Curriculum and the International Members of our faculty are taking D r. Fe i n b e rg ’ s o t h e r a re a o f
Program Committees. programs that will help our department research is in the development of
In addition to my duties as become even more effective in the 3-dimensional biomimetic scaffolds
department chair, I continue my future. for tissue engineering of bone and/or
re s e a rc h f o c u s o n t h e s u rg i c a l Dr. Zwetchkenbaum is one year cartilage for reconstruction of the
management of oral cancer as well as into the Executive Master’s Program in temporomandibular joint.
orthognathic surgery in patients with Health Management and Policy at the In short, our department continues
obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. School of Public Health. Dr. Minehart to be productive and successful thanks
I am especially interested in clinical participated in the Academy of Dental to the hard work of our faculty, our
outcome measures. Current projects are Sleep Medicine conference in Denver support staff, the unconditional help
recurrence rates in the management as we continue to provide services of the adjunct faculty, and last but not
of odontogenic keratocysts (OKC), for patients with sleep disordered least, great support from the University
success rates in the surgical treatment breathing. of Michigan.
of obstr uctive sleep apnea, and Dr. Stephen Feinberg maintains
maxillofacial findings on patients with his clinical activities and also has an
Per Kjeldsen
The days when a dentist diagnosed periodontal disease with nothing more
than a probe and a hunch may some day be just a memory.
I D C R G ra nt s to s Using the latest tools from biotechnology, U-M School of Dentistry faculty
N
t a l I n s titution members Drs. Russell Taichman, Cun-Yu Wang, William Giannobile, and graduate
n
U.S. D e Top 5 of
46) student Debby Hwang, are trying to identify a tell-tale genetic signature that
a r 2004 ( would show which patients are more susceptible to the hidden infection at the
Fiscal Ye
Amount tooth’s roots.
stitution Every patient has 300 to 500 different species of bacteria in their mouth. For
Rank In rnia, ,273
U n iv. of Califo $13,146 about half of these people, the bugs stay in a balanced ecosystem, held in check
1 isco
an Franc by each other and by the host’s immune responses (and good hygiene). But in
S ichigan, ,180
U niv. of M $11,411 the other half of patients, something gets out of whack and a subtle infection
2 12
nn Arbor $9,743,9 finds a fertile niche below the gum line.
A st it u te 64
3 Forsyth In r $8,334,6 The association with obesity, pregnancy, diabetes, smoking, heart disease,
cheste 28 and other conditions is an intriguing clue to the underlying nature of periodontal
4 U niv. of Ro t o n $7,887,3
ashing disease, said Taichman, an associate professor of periodontics. But it would be
niv. of W
5 U hard to say which condition aggravates the other. “Maybe it’s the same molecular
issue behind both,” he speculates.
Wang said he that although much research has looked at cancer cells’ secretion
of proteins to form blood vessels, notch’s function in cancer angiogenesis has
not received the same attention. Notch, Wang said, pulls this whole complex
operation together.
A Two-Progned Approach?
After this contact stimulates angiogenesis, the tumor receives nutrition and
grows faster, Wang said. He hopes blocking the signaling pathway can cut off
the tumor’s nutrition and stop its growth.
If this development pans out as a treatment, Wang said he envisions a two-
pronged approach that attacks the protein secretion and the cell contact to kill
cancer cells.
The next question Wang wants to explore is how these connections lead
to metastasis, the spread of cancer throughout the body. He speculates that
inflammation could trigger that pathway, and wants to look at the potential for
controlling inflammation to stop tumor development.
“Head and neck cancer is understudied,” Wang said. “The five-year survival
rate hasn’t improved in decades. We want to change that.”
Not pictured were three others who were also recognized for
10 years of service: Vernon Rife, Kristi Ocenasek,
and Deanna Nellis.
Shannon O’Dell, curator of the School of Dentistry’s Sindecuse Museum, and Dr. Michael
Maihofer, chair of the MDA’s 150th Anniversary Task Force, look at some of the fountain
spittoons that were commonly used in late 19th century dental practices. Near the the
spittoons are foot pedal dental engines from that era.
Bonciel Griffin (DDS 2001) of Forest Park, Illinois, who Community College in the 1970s,
recently finished an orthodontics residency at Howard she retired from the field and later
University in Washington, D.C., will soon be practicing worked in the brokerage business.
dentistry with an uncle in private practice in the Chicago The advice in the book, she said, is
area. based on years of consultations and
collaborations with former clients
T i m o t hy J . B u s s i c k ( M S , from all walks of life.
orthodontics 1997) of Ft. Wayne,
Indiana, was recently elected to a Raymond Gist (DDS 1966) was
one-year term as President of the elected to a four-year term as ADA
150-member Indiana Association of 9th District Trustee in May. Gist was
Orthodontics. President of the Michigan Dental
Association from May 2003 to May
2004.
Ray Lefton (DDS 1984) recently joined Princeton
HealthCare System as its new vice president of finance. Richard Mathewson (DDS 1959)
Photo courtesy of The Univ. of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
Before joining PHCS, Lefton was chief financial officer at of Norman, Oklahoma, was recently
Temple East, a former subsidiary of Temple University honored by the Oklahoma Association
Health System in Philadelphia that included Northeastern of Pediatric Dentists and the faculty
Hospital and Neumann Medical Center. After earning his of the Department of Pediatric
dental degree, Lefton earned an MBA from U-M in 1987. Dentistry for his contributions to
the profession and that university’s
Howard Belk in (DDS 1980), a psychiatrist who dental school. During the spring
specializes in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology for event, a bronze plaque with his image and a list of his
adults, adolescents, and children, is currently practicing professional achievements was unveiled. The plaque
in Birmingham, Michigan. A Diplomate of the American now hangs on a wall in the Department of Pediatric
Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and an attorney, he Dentistry he helped establish in 1973. Professor emeritus
has published several articles that have appeared in Mathewson retired in 1995.
medical literature and is the author of several chapters
in medical textbooks. J ustin Dunmire (DDS 1942)
of Lantana, Florida, has had a
Thomas Bloem (DDS 1976, MS 1978) of Ann Arbor, lot to celebrate in recent months.
Michigan, was recently elected to a one-year term as The dentist turned glassmaker
President of the Michigan Section of the American College [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2002,
of Prosthodontists. page 42] recently celebrated his
91st birthday, his 62nd wedding
Marcia VanderWaude (BS, Dental Hygiene 1967), anniversary, and 60 years of perfect
has written a book, $avvy Women, $mart Choices: 42 attendance at Rotary Club meetings. “I ride a bike
Smart Choices Women Can Make in Financial and Estate everyday and continue to work crossword puzzles,” he
Planning. After teaching dental hygiene at Grand Rapids wrote.
DentalUM
DentalUM Fall 2005
Spring & Summer 2005 79
79
What’s New with You?
Your Classmates Want to Know! Please
clip
and
Send news about your latest personal or professional achievement, award, or honor, mail
along with a picture (black and white or color) to: Jerry Mastey, editor DentalUM,
University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, 1011 N. University Avenue, Room 1205,
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078.
Name ___________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________
e-mail __________________________________________________________________
(Please list only University of Michigan degrees and the year earned.)
DDS ________
DH Certificate ________
BS ________
MS ________
PhD ________
Specialization __________________________________________________________
News: ___________________________________________________________________
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Get Involved!
_____ I would like to help plan my next reunion.
_____ I would like to be considered for the Alumni Society Board of Governors.
“Just finished watching the U-Mich dental video. Now I can see
(again) why I am so proud to be a Michigan grad and brag about it!
I especially enjoyed seeing the ‘dress code’ with white uniforms.
I am sure the students must feel professional with
their new jackets from day one!”