Upcoming Continuing Dental Education Courses Thursday, December 16, 2004 Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation for Dental Hygienists Speakers: • Wendy Kerschbaum, RDH, MA, MPH • Christine Klausner, RDH, MS Location : University of Michigan School of Dentistry This course is designed to prepare the dental hygienist to safely and effectively administer nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation as a pain control strategy in a dental practice. The course includes classroom and clinical experiences and meets the educational requirements of Michigan law. Wednesday, January 12, 2005 Biology of Oral Implants and Maintenance of Partially Endentulous Patients Suffering from Chronic Periodontitis Speakers: Professor Niklaus P. Lang Location: Power Center for the Performing Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Those attending this day-long course taught by world- renowned periodontologist Niklaus P. Lang will be introduced to the biology of tissue integration, both on an osseous and soft tissue level. Clinical science and histological features of periimplant pathology, including the development of mucositis and periimplants will be discussed as well as support therapy to improve the longevity of oral implants in partially endentulous patients. Wednesday, April 6, 2005 Maxillofacial Rehabilitation Using the Zygomatic Implant Speakers: • Sean P. Edwards, DDS, BSC • Joseph I. Helman, DMD • Samuel R. Zwetchkenbaum, DDS Location: University of Michigan School of Dentistry This course, designed for prosthodontists and restorative dentists, will introduce the Branemark Zygoma Implant System, describe indications and contraindications for its use, and provide some practical tips for successful case completion. For more information about these and other continuing dental education courses, contact: University of Michigan School of Dentistry Office of Continuing Dental Education 1011 N. University Room G508 Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078 Phone: (734) 763-5070 Fax: (734) 936-3065 www.dent.umich.edu Dental UM Fall 2004 Volume 20, Number 2 Continuing to be a Great Dental School DentalUM magazine is published twice a year by the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Office of Alumni Relations and Continuing Dental Education. Mail letters and updates to: Jerry Mastey, Editor, School 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. Dean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Polverini Director of External Relations and Continuing Dental Education . . . . . Richard Fetchiet Writer & Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Mastey Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Jung Photography . . . . . . Per H. Kjeldsen, Keary Campbell Member publication of the American Association of Dental Editors The Regents of the University: David A. Brandon, Laurence B. Deitch, Olivia P. Maynard, Rebecca McGowan, Andrea Fischer Newman, Andrew C. Richner, S. Martin Taylor, Katherine E. White, Mary Sue Coleman, ex officio. University of Michigan School of Dentistry Alumni Society Board of Governors Terms Expire 2004: William J. Costello, ‘70, East Lansing, MI (Chair) Susan Carron, ‘77, ‘79, Farmington Hills, MI Anne Diederich Gwozdek, ‘73 DH, Dexter, MI Richard L. Pascoe, ‘70, Traverse City, MI Terry Timm, ‘71, Saline, MI Terms Expire 2005: Joseph T. Barss ‘80, Chicago, IL Eli Berger, ‘57, ‘61, West Bloomfield, MI (Vice chair) William E. Brownscombe, ‘74, St. Clair Shores, MI Janet Cook, ‘81 DH, Whitmore Lake, MI Thomas P. Osborn, ‘68, Bloomfield Hills, MI Terms Expire 2006: Daniel L. Edwards, ‘97, Ann Arbor, MI Gerald L. Howe, ‘61, Monroe, MI Gary R. Hubbard, ‘78, Okemos, MI Michel S. Nasif, ‘72, Lansing, MI Janet Souder Wilson, ‘73 DH, Northville, MI Student Representative: Julian (J.P.) Miller (D4) Ex Officio Members: Peter Polverini, Dean Dr. Thomas C. Pink, ‘69, ‘72, Alumni Association Liaison Steve C. Grafton , Executive Director, Alumni Assoc. Richard R. Fetchiet, Director of External Relations and Continuing Dental Education The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action 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 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 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. I hope you will take a little more time to read this issue of DentalUM. It will be a rewarding experience. This issue has an amazing variety of stories about the work and achievements of some of our students, faculty, and staff, plus other stories describing the generosity of some of our alumni. Collectively, they show why the University of Michigan School of Dentistry continues to be a great dental school. You will learn how Karen Likar became the first student from our school to be accepted into the NIH’s prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholars Program (pages 4-6). Another student, Erin Kloostra, made a difference on an important issue when addressing the Michigan Dental Association’s House of Delegates (pages 6-7). Two of our faculty members, Drs. Sharon Brooks and Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch, have been involved in developing new recommendations about the dental profession’s use of patient x-rays (pages 10-11). Another faculty member, Dr. William Giannobile, describes how the new Michigan Center for Oral Health Research plans to take research discoveries and apply them to help dental patients in clinics (pages 12-14). Our librarian, Patricia Anderson, recently coauthored a three- volume publication about strategies you and your patients can use to find useful and authoritative information about dental and health topics on the Internet (pages 26-28). Along with a progress report on our fundraising efforts, Dean Emeritus Richard Christiansen explains why he and his wife gifted $500,000 to establish a professorship (pages 33-35). Five of our alumni – Drs. Eli Berger, Peter Kelly, Victor Knowlton, Jay Werschky, and William Costello – and their spouses explain why they each made $100,000 gifts to this campaign (pages 36-39). One of our students, Annelise Preslan, had an opportunity to meet her benefactors, Dr. Ray and Mrs. Barbara Robins (page 42). After reading this issue, you will see that we have an abundance of talent that continues to make ours a great school with a bright future. Sincerely, Peter Polverini, Dean DentalUM Fall 2004 1 In This Issue . . . COVER STORY 29 Making a Difference...at the School of Dentistry More than $18 million has already been gifted or pledged to the School of Dentistry in its efforts to raise $35 million as a part of the University’s The Michigan Difference fundraising campaign. Among those making a difference include Dean Emeritus, Dr. Richard Christiansen, and his wife, Nancy...Dr. Raymond Robins and his wife, Barbara, who recently met “their student,” Annelise Preslan...and new orthodontic graduates. Design by Chris Jung. Photos by Per Kjeldsen and Keary Campbell. FEATURES 4 10 6 Likar Selected for Prestigious Program Third-year dental student Karen Likar was accepted into two of the nation’s most prestigious research programs sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. Since she had to choose one, she selected and became the first U-M dental student to attend the year-long Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholars Program. Dental Student’s Remarks Sway MDA Can a dental student make a difference on an important issue? Second-year dental student Erin Kloostra will tell you, yes, it can happen. She speaks from experience. 10 Brooks, Murdoch-Kinch Working with ADA on New Radiograph Guidelines For the first time in nearly twenty years, the FDA has revised some of its guidelines about the dental profession’s use of patient x-rays. Drs. Sharon Brooks and Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch have been involved in developing the new recommendations. 12 15 Research, Collaboration Leads to New Dental Plan Benefit What began as a test pilot clinical research program at the U-M School of Dentistry and several other academic institutions has become a new benefit offered by one of the nation’s largest dental benefits carriers. 18 18 Helping Dental Patients through Research Dental Students Make a Difference at Migrant Dental Clinics 22 Enjoying a Change in Changing Career Plans Three former U-M dental students who participated in the School’s outreach program and the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program explain how the programs led to changes in their career plans. 22 2 DentalUM Fall 2004 Fall 2004 26 54 58 Finding Quality Dental and Health Information Online Health care professionals and patients take different approaches to find information about dental and health topics on the Internet. Dental school librarian Patricia Anderson has coauthored a three- volume publication about strategies anyone can use to find useful, authoritative information on topics. Alumnus Profile – Dr. Timothy Gietzen Growing up in Grand Rapids, Tim Gietzen’s father thought his son would one day take over and run the service station he had operated for more than forty years. But conversations with three customers who regularly visited the station, and who earned degrees from the U-M School of Dentistry, prompted young Tim Gietzen to consider other career plans around the time he was finishing grade school. Surprise! Board of Governors Given Pop Quiz During Meeting When they ran for election to the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Society Board of Governors, members never expected to take a pop quiz. Yet that’s what happened during a recent meeting that showcased changes to the predoctoral curriculum. 65 26 Graduation Day DEPARTMENTS 29 54 Development 29 – The Michigan Difference Fundraising Campaign Begins 31 – Importance of Fundraising Efforts Emphasized 33 – Christiansens Gift $500,000 for Professorship 36 – Drs. Eli Berger, Peter Kelly, Victor Knowlton, Jay Werschky, and William Costello and Their Spouses Each Gift $100,000 42 – Dr. Raymond Robins and Mrs. Barbara Robins Meet “Their Student,” Annelise Preslan 71 Faculty News 75 Department Update 75 – Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics 78 – Periodontics, Prevention, and Geriatrics 84 Dental Hygiene 87 Research News 97 Alumni News 99 In Memoriam 58 65 DentalUM Fall 2004 3 School News Karen Likar Selected for Prestigious 1st U-M Dental Student in NIH’s Howard I Keary Campbell t’s quite an achievement. Third-year dental student Karen Likar was accepted into...not one, but two...of the nation’s most prestigious research programs sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. Since she could select only one, however, Likar chose the year-long Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholars Program. She is the first U-M School of Dentistry student to participate. After completing her summer studies in Ann Arbor, Likar began studying on the NIH campus in August and will finish next June. Established in 1985, the program gives outstanding students at U.S. medical schools...and more recently, dental schools...an opportunity to spend a year on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland conducting basic, translational, or applied biomedical research under the direct mentorship of a senior NIH research scientist. Her other choice was the Clinical Research Training Program, a year-long program designed to attract the most creative, research-oriented medical and dental students to the NIH campus. Prior to arriving at the School of Dentistry, Likar graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1999. She then worked for two years as a medicinal chemist at Pharmacia Corporation in Kalamazoo before the company was acquired by Pfizer. 4 DentalUM Fall 2004 Program Hughes Medical Institute Scholars Program “A Difficult Decision” “Deciding which of the two programs to attend was a difficult decision because both have a strong research component to them,” she said. “Since both programs run about the same time, I was forced to choose one. I selected the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholars Program because it more closely fits my interest in ‘bench science’ research.” Growing up in Pittsburgh, Likar said she always wanted to work in a profession that allowed her to combine her interest in science and a desire to help others. After earning a bachelor’s degree, she worked as a medicinal chemist at Pharmacia and also shadowed a dentist in South Bend. “I knew the first afternoon I was at the dentist’s office that this was the career for me. The profession, I thought, had everything I was looking for. It combined science with my desire to help others, provided a great deal of autonomy, and I really liked the fact it’s a very hands-on profession,” she said. Likar said that after her first year in dental school she was surprised at how much she missed working in a lab. “I thought if I could find a dental school that allowed me to do some research while working for a dental degree, I would have the best of both worlds.” In mid-December 2002, Likar learned about the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholars Program from Dr. Charlotte Mistretta, professor of dentistry and director of the School’s Oral Health Sciences PhD program. “The idea of doing biomedical research and being paid to do it as an NIH resident definitely caught my attention,” she said. “I applied for the position that same night.” Likar’s application was one of approximately 200 applications the NIH received. Although she was one of about 80 students called to the NIH campus for an initial interview, she didn’t get the job. But she didn’t lose heart. DentalUM Fall 2004 Trying a Second Time Encouraged by several School of Dentistry faculty members, Likar re-applied in early January. This time, she was better prepared. She recalled several mock interviews with Drs. Mistretta, Marilyn Woolfolk, Laurie McCauley, and Paul Krebsbach. “They interviewed me at the same time. Their questions were very thought-provoking, rapid-fire, and pretty intimidating,” Likar said. “In retrospect, the mock interviews were a big help in preparing me for the two group interviews I had on the NIH campus.” Although about 80 students were flown to Bethesda for interviews, Likar said only four or five were from other dental schools. “I answered questions from medical students about some of the hot topics in dental research,” she said. “I gave them overviews of what’s been going on with implants, osseointegration, diabetes, and oral health.” Since Likar worked as a research assistant in Dr. Jacques Nör’s laboratory, “I also told them about some of the angiogenesis research now being conducted and its implications for oral cancer therapy.” Now, Likar was feeling more confident about her chances for success. Possible Areas of Research During interviews with NIH doctors and scientists, Likar said she was interested in using her year on the NIH campus to focus on cell or structural biology. “I may also want to explore angiogenesis in greater detail. One lab I toured when I interviewed is investigating different imaging techniques of receptors involved in angiogenesis, and the scientists in the lab are looking to design a drug to fit those receptors. That really interested me,” she said. 5 School News In March, Likar learned she was one of approximately forty accepted in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholars Program. A short time later, the second invitation arrived, this one inviting her to participate in the Clinical Research Training Program. “I’m really looking forward to spending a year on the NIH campus,” she said shortly before leaving Ann Arbor. “I’m going to focus on areas that interest me. I’ll also be working under the direction of a mentor, as well as have a chance to establish personal and professional friendships with peers from across the country.” She will have plenty to keep her busy. In addition to a weekly journal club meeting, Likar said there will be daily seminars on the NIH campus open to her and other research scholars, weekly addresses by scientists to her and others in her group, and opportunities to present weekly updates on her research activities. Missing Graduation with Classmates However, Likar admits that she will miss not being able to graduate with her classmates next spring. “I’ll return to Ann Arbor next summer and earn my dental degree in May 2006. And since I don’t know as many students in that class, in many ways, I will be starting over. But I certainly plan to stay in touch with my closest friends while I’m in Bethesda.” Likar’s achievement has not been lost on others at the School of Dentistry. “I’m extremely proud of Karen and what she has accomplished,” said Dean Peter Polverini. “That one of our own students was invited to participate in this program speaks volumes about Karen as well as our School.” Dr. Charlotte Mistretta was equally enthusiastic. “Karen has been a real go-getter as long as I’ve known her. I have no doubt she’ll make the best of her year at NIH.” Dr. Jacques Nör said he “feels very fortunate to have worked with Karen in her summer research program. Karen is a bright and dedicated young scientist. I’m certain she will be a great ambassador for our School at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.” 6 Dental Student ’s I s it possible for a dental student to make a difference...a major difference...on an important issue when speaking to the Michigan Dental Association’s House of Delegates? Talk to second-year dental student Erin Kloostra, she will tell you that, yes, it can happen. She speaks from experience. Per Kjeldsen Dr. Marilyn Lantz, associate dean for academic affairs, and dental student Erin Kloostra pause during a review of essays students wrote on an issue Kloostra spoke about to the MDA’s House of Delegates. Not only did Kloostra’s remarks on a sensitive issue make a difference, but perhaps other dental organizations across the country, and even the ADA itself, may soon be taking a closer look at a section of the dental ethics code that concerns sexual relationships with patients. In late May, Kloostra’s impassioned remarks to the MDA’s House of Delegates persuaded it to approve more stringent wording in the state’s dental ethics code. The state’s ethics code follows the national code. However, state dental associations can modify their codes so they are more stringent or restrictive, but not more lenient, than the national code. DentalUM Fall 2004 Remarks Sway MDA Background Two years ago, the ADA’s Council on Ethics, Bylaws, and Judicial Affairs recommended that code provision 2G be added to the ADA’s Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct. That provision said: “It is unethical for a dentist to engage in a dating, romantic, or sexual relationship with a patient of record. This does not apply to relationships between a dentist and his or her spouse or equivalent domestic partner.” “As students, I think we still feel very separated from our future profession and doubt that our individual voices matter. But this was a great opportunity to overcome that mentality and speak from the heart on behalf of the students.” Professions such as medicine and law also have this specific language in their code. However, by a wide margin, the ADA’s House of Delegates rejected the recommendation to add that language to the national group’s code. Instead, the ADA’s House of Delegates adopted language that states: “Dentists should avoid interpersonal relationships that could impair their professional judgment or risk the possibility of exploiting the confidence placed in them by a patient.” Dental Student Essays Play Crucial Role Kloostra said that when she and the first-year class reviewed the current language, more than 80 percent favored the Council’s more stringent language. “Although the current language of the ADA’s policy is certainly adequate, we do not consider ourselves to be DentalUM Fall 2004 people who are satisfied with ‘adequate’ in any aspect of our work,” she said. “As students and professionals, we have been taught to hold ourselves above reproach, which can, and should, involve specific language.” Prior to the MDA’s House of Delegates spring meeting in Detroit, Dr. Marilyn Lantz, associate dean for academic affairs, presented Kloostra with copies of essays students had written about the topic. After reviewing the essays, Kloostra, a student delegate, was encouraged to use some of the arguments in the essays when she spoke on the House floor. “Dr. Lantz wanted to make my experience as a voting member of the House an active one, not just one of being an observer,” Kloostra said. “As students, I think we still feel very separated from our future profession and doubt that our individual voices matter,” she said. “But this was a great opportunity to overcome that mentality and speak from the heart on behalf of the students.” In remarks Kloostra told delegates that in addition to their studies, students are frequently overwhelmed with the concepts of professionalism, self governance, and obligation to the public. “It takes a person of impeccable mind and character to put forth a specific set of rules and guidelines and then follow them without hesitation,” she said. “We’re currently the only major profession that leaves this type of behavior open to interpretation, so let’s make it easy on ourselves and make things as clear as possible. This is the profession I hope to graduate into in two years.” After her remarks, Kloostra was applauded by over 200 members and observers of the House of Delegates. After lengthy debate, the MDA House voted to add a statement to its code of ethics to expand upon provision 2G. The new language reads: “Resolved, that at a minimum, a dentist’s ethical duties include terminating the dentist-patient relationship before initiating a sexual relationship or sexual contact with a patient. Be it further resolved that this prohibition does not apply if a sexual relationship existed prior to the initiation of the dentist- patient relationship. And be it further resolved that this prohibition does not apply to relationships between a dentist and his or her spouse or equivalent domestic partner.” 7 School News Congressman Tells Dental Students Accepting an invitation from dental students, Eighth District Michigan Congressman Mike Rogers came to the U-M School of Dentistry in September to talk to students, listen to their concerns, and answer questions ranging from the cost of dental education to debt levels students face after graduating. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rogers sits on the Health Care Subcommittee that deals with issues affecting the dental and medical professions. His message to about seventy dental and dental hygiene students w a s s t r a i g h t f o r w a rd – “ G e t involved and stay involved. It’s your government.” Saying decisions that he and other congressional members will be making in the future “will be incredibly important,” Rogers said he “often relies on the knowledge and opinions of people I trust in making decisions on various legislative issues.” The need for professionals to be involved in making their voices heard is important, he said. Citing doctors in New Jersey who went on strike for one week in February 2003 to protest the rising cost of medical malpractice and liability insurance, Rogers said their actions demonstrated the impact professionals can have when acting collectively. 8 “ Get Involved” Per Kjeldsen Congressman Mike Rogers spoke to dental and dental hygiene students and answered their questions in September. “What happened in New Jersey clearly demonstrates that this issue is absolutely broken and is costing millions of dollars a year,” Rogers said. “We’ve got to fix this problem, but will need the help of people like you to do that.” Student Concerns Third-year dental student Brent Accurso and others told Rogers about the options they have after earning their dental degree, but often decisions are affected by crushing levels of educational debt they face, often exceeding $100,000. Erin Kloostra, the school’s representative to the American Student Dental Association, said, “I’m glad we were able to give him a student’s perspective about a number of important issues. I think his commitment to organized dentistry generated a lot of excitement and enthusiasm among the students who attended.” Other governmental leaders may be invited to speak to dental students in the future. DentalUM Fall 2004 1st Convocation Ceremony – “ It’s About Leadership” In a “first” at the School of Dentistry, Dean Peter Polverini delivered a convocation message to faculty, students, and staff at the Michigan League on Sept. 20th that highlighted the School’s past and present, and gave some insights into its future role in dental education. Polverini said the School’s defining value is summed up in one word – leadership. “Leadership has made this institution great, has sustained its excellence today, and will continue to allow it to mature in the future in ways that we cannot entirely envision today,” he said. Citing some of the School’s achievements during its 129-year history, innovations in clinical and classroom education, and the contributions of former faculty members and students who have made an impact on the oral health care profession, Polverini said that the School “has progressed far beyond the expectations of its founding fathers.” That tradition of leadership, he said, has not only sustained the School, but it will also be important “in enabling us to meet the challenges that we are likely to face in the future.” Challenges Cited Among the challenges the School will need to address, Polverini said, include: a reinvention of the dental program as the nation’s health care system changes, finding ways to offer dental students and postgraduate students greater educational opportunities, and establishing a dental scholars program where select students “work closely with faculty and explore new models of dental education.” Polverini also noted the possibility of establishing a closer partnership with the U-M Health System and exploring opportunities to enhance the flexibility and independence in the operation of the School’s patient care programs that would enable it “to approach delivering dentistry in a more economically sound environment without the risk of diminishing our academic values.” Strategic Assessment A strategic assessment of the School will begin in the near future. The assessment, he said, would allow the School “to take a clear-eyed look at our intellectual directions and priorities, our strengths and weaknesses, and assess our comparative advantages over other institutions. This assessment,” he continued, “will guide our future decisions and initiatives in a way that promotes focus in the pursuit of academic excellence.” DentalUM Fall 2004 Keary Campbell Dean Peter Polverini delivered the School of Dentistry’s first convocation address in September at Mendelssohn Theater. Keary Campbell “Leadership is not about what we do, it’s who we are” said Professor Robert Quinn of the U-M Business School who spoke at the convocation ceremony. He said everyone is responsible for making change happen, not just leaders. 9 School News Another potential benefit would be identifying opportunities for possible collaboration with other units on campus as well as “the significant intellectual choices and trade-offs facing us.” Guest speaker at the event was Robert Quinn, the Margaret Elliot Tracey Distinguished Professor at the U-M School of Business. Quinn has studied organizational behavior for more than thirty years, has written 14 books on organizational change and effectiveness, and is the co-founder of the Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship. Everyone Can Be A Leader Citing the difficulty of changing organizational behavior because of an inherent desire to stay within one’s comfort zone, Quinn said, “we fight to stay in that zone of comfort in our jobs and in organizations.” However, he said everyone is responsible for making change happen, not just leaders. “Leadership is not about what we do, it’s about who we are,” he said. Quinn said everyone in an organization is a potential leader because “every one of us, at every moment of every day, is exercising some kind of influence on others.” Making change take place also involves asking the right questions. “When you want to make change occur, ask yourself, ‘What results do I want to create?’ instead of asking, ‘How do I get what I want?’,” Quinn said. By asking the first question, he said, one establishes a vision that enables an organization to develop a strategy to reach that vision. Polverini said he wants the convocation to become an annual event that would recap successes from the past year and offer an opportunity to look ahead. 10 Brooks, Murdoch-Kinch For the first time in nearly twenty years, the Food and Drug Administration has revised some of its guidelines about the dental profession’s use of x-rays for patient care. Those guidelines were approved by ADA councils and then the Board of Trustees in August before being sent to the FDA in October. Two School of Dentistry faculty members, Dr. Sharon Brooks and Dr. Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch, were involved in developing the new recommendations. “My interest in this area goes back a long way,” said Brooks, a professor of dentistry and a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. She also wrote her master’s thesis for a degree in radiological health on a clinical study that focused on selection criteria for dental radiographs. Brooks also helped develop some initial guidelines in 1987 when she was serving an internship with the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. She worked with the late Dr. Lireka Joseph [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004, pages 92-93] to develop a document that described the basic criteria for dental x-ray examinations. Murdoch-Kinch, a clinical associate professor and also a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, recently completed a four-year term on the ADA’s Council of Scientific Affairs and was a member of the panel that reviewed the radiological selection criteria. What’s Changing “One of the major changes is that we specifically say these are ‘guidelines’ for dentists and dental hygienists to consider. Before, that was only implied,” Brooks said. “The legal status of the document was unclear.” “We’re also making it clear that these are not rules that are set in stone,” she continued. “Dentists should use their professional judgment when treating each patient, but the guidelines will help them make better decisions on using radiographs.” DentalUM Fall 2004 Help ADA Revise Radiograph Guidelines Per Kjeldsen Current guidelines also recommend the type and frequency of x-rays for dental patients with caries and periodontal disease, and for monitoring the growth and development of teeth and jaws in children and adolescents. The new guidelines add two new reasons for taking x-rays: implants and remineralization of dental caries since both are becoming increasingly important. More emphasis is also given to panoramic radiographs. “There has been such a revolution in technology the last fifteen or twenty years, and with new equipment now available, we thought the timing was right,” Murdoch-Kinch said. She added that the new guidelines were not developed in a vacuum. “We developed these guidelines based on sound science with input from more than a dozen dentists, specialists, and scientists who actually use radiographs day-in and day- out,” she said. “Throughout the entire process, drafts of the document were sent to various dentistry and dental specialty organizations for comment which were then incorporated into the document.” Earlier this year, Murdoch-Kinch wrote comments for the ADA News on an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association that focused on possible correlations between dental x-ray exposure in pregnant women and low-birth weight babies. The study showed there were more low-birthweight term babies among pregnant women who received dental x-rays compared to a group of pregnant women who did not receive x-rays. This issue needs to be explored further. However, the study reinforced an ADA recommendation which urged dentists to use both abdominal aprons and thyroid collars, when possible, to minimize exposure as well as using fast film and rectangular beam collimation. It also makes use of radiological selection criteria more important so patients who need radiographs can receive the benefit of them while keeping risks low. DentalUM Fall 2004 Drs. Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch and Sharon Brooks are two School of Dentistry faculty members who helped the ADA revise some of its guidelines about the dental profession’s use of x-rays for patient care. 11 School News Helping Dental Patients through Goal of New Michigan Center for T aking the knowledge discovered in research laboratories and applying it to help dental patients in clinics. That’s the goal of the School of Dentistry’s new Michigan Center for Oral Health Research. Launched last fall following years of informal discussions, everything about the Center – its mission, organizational structure, how it would operate, how faculty and staff would be involved, its geographic location, and other elements – began taking shape this spring and summer. The Center is led by Dr. William Giannobile, professor of dentistry and biomedical engineering and the William K. and Mary Anne Najjar Endowed Professor. [DentalUM, Fall 2003, Page 43.] Innovation, Service, Education During a presentation in the new Life Sciences building in May, Giannobile gave dental school faculty and staff an outline of the Center’s major roles – innovation, service, and education. “We want it to be innovative and take new discoveries from our laboratories and apply them in ways that will ultimately improve the oral health of the general public,” he said. A second key element, service, will be provided by supporting collaboration and research among faculty members, student researchers, and staff from various disciplines within the School. The Center will also train and educate future researchers by pooling the intellectual resources at the School, along with the knowledge and expertise of various biomedical research disciplines across the U-M campus. “This would include not only the medical school and the School of Public Health, but other schools and colleges on campus including nursing, and pharmacy,” he said. 12 Photo courtesy of Amy Kim Dr. William Giannobile knocks out a section of drywall marking the beginning of construction of a site that will soon become the home of the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research. The Center, according to Giannobile, is building on some of the School’s key strengths – a long history of clinical trial research, national prominence in basic science research, and the balancing of government-funded and corporate-supported research. It also builds on the School’s research strengths in biorestoration, neurosignaling and pain, carcinogenesis and cancer biology, health services research, oral-systemic diseases, and oral health education. Need for Interaction is Clear “Dentistry is at a crossroads,” Giannobile said. “When you look at some of the major issues that are facing public health today – an aging population, health disparities, emerging diseases, bioterrorism, and acute to chronic conditions faced by many individuals – the need to interact with those in different disciplines is clear.” In addition to collaborative research, the Center will be a site where current investigators and junior DentalUM Fall 2004 Research Oral Health Research The Goals The Michigan Center for Oral Health Research wants to become an institution that will be: • An internationally-recognized center of excellence in oral, dental, and craniofacial clinical research. • Respected throughout academic, government, and professional communities. • A contributor to advancing evidence-based clinical therapies in oral health. investigators will conduct two or three pilot programs annually. The Center could also help recruit new faculty to the School of Dentistry as well as offer training and education programs for faculty and students. Measuring Success Giannobile said various metrics would be used to measure the success of the Center. These would include, for example, the number of NIH- funded projects, the number of faculty active in clinical research, the number of multidisciplinary projects, total research dollars awarded annually, the number of faculty and students participating, and innovations in clinical practice and standards of care. The last category would include such things as the number of patents issued, new clinical guidelines established, and the number of faculty articles in publications. The Center’s ability to be self-sustaining will be another measure of its success. DentalUM Fall 2004 The cost to create and run the Center will total approximately $2.5 million over five years. Funding will involve a mix of university start-up funds, research grants and/or funds, corporate sponsorships, endowments, and eventually clinic practice revenues. The Center is expected to be “revenue neutral” (revenues and expenses in balance) by 2008. Other U-M Units Involved The Center will have help from two organizations that are a part of the U-M Medical School, the Center for the Advancement of Clinical Research (CACR) and the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC). Dr. Daniel Clauw, CACR director, said CACR would help the Center in education, service, and research. “We’ll be able to provide education and certification for all clinical research personnel, including monitoring clinical research projects and offer feedback and assistance in dealing with regulatory and other issues,” he said. CACR will also help the Center apply for grants, develop and provide tools to improve the efficiency of clinical research, and match investigators in providing different types of research. “Although we received three large federal grants last year, we’re looking to do better. We want to develop highly competitive applications in translational research which is the Center’s major focus,” he said. The dental school’s Center and CACR can help fill a critical need in clinical research by working together, Clauw said. Inadequate recruiting of individuals to participate in clinical research trials is the primary reason clinical research trials fail, he noted. “Many patients want to participate in this kind of research but, for whatever reason, don’t. But, on the other hand, we’re finding that many investigators are not receiving the grants they need 13 School News to fund their work because of this issue.” Also making presentations were Dr. John Wiley, GCRC director, and Dr. David Schteingart, director of the K12/K30 clinical research training programs. The K12/K30 clinical research training program provides formal training and support for recent dental graduates, junior faculty, and established faculty. Drs. Gisele Neiva and Carol Anne Murdock-Kinch are recent recipients from the School. Keary Campbell The Location Dr. William Giannobile, director of clinical research and head of the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research, said the Center “will take new discoveries from our laboratories and apply them in ways that will ultimately improve the oral health of the general public.” 14 Although the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research is being operated under the auspices of the School of Dentistry, the Center’s work will take place at Domino’s Farms, just outside Ann Arbor, near US-23 on Plymouth Road. The Center is housed in the same complex as the medical school’s Center for the Advancement of Clinical Research and the General Clinical Research Center. The facility’s location offers easy access to individuals who will participate in clinical trials. The Center could handle as many as 8,000 patient visits annually. In addition to four operatories, the two-story, 2,000 square foot facility also includes a patient interview area, radiology suite, and a data and image analysis core. In addition, approximately 3,500 square feet of clinical space will be shared among the dental school, CACR, and the School of Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine. DentalUM Fall 2004 U-M Research, Collaboration Leads to New Dental Plan Benefit What began as a test pilot clinical research program at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and several other academic institutions around the country has become a new benefit offered by one of the nation’s largest dental benefits carriers. This spring, the affiliated Delta Dental Plans of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana became one of the first dental insurance plans in the country to add coverage of the brush biopsy to its core group of standard benefits. The brush biopsy is an important diagnostic tool in cancer detection. Using it, dentists have a device that can catch oral cancer at its earliest stages. It may help to significantly improve the survival rate of their patients who have developed the malady. Until the brush biopsy was developed by CDx Laboratories four years ago, dentists often took a “wait and watch” approach to any unexplained red or white spots. Most are harmless. Some, though, are early-stage oral cancer. The only way a dentist could be sure was to perform a scalpel or punch biopsy. However, performing a scalpel biopsy on all small red and white spots is not practical. Now, if dentists see suspicious red or white spots in a patient’s mouth DentalUM Fall 2004 that they believe warrant further testing, they can use a tiny brush to quickly and painlessly scrape cells from those spots and send them to CDx Laboratories for analysis. U-M School of Dentistry’s Role In 1998 and 1999, three U-M School of Dentistry faculty members participated in a clinical pilot program to determine if the brush biopsy might be a tool dentists should seriously consider using. The three faculty members were Dr. Jed Jacobson and Dr. Jonathan Ship, who, at the time, were associate professors in the Department of Oral Per Kjeldsen Dr. Jed Jacobson Medicine, Pathology, and Oncology, and Dr. Joseph Helman, who then was clinical associate professor of dentistry in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry. “When we began testing the brush biopsy on some patients who were coming to the clinics at the School of Dentistry, we thought this tool had the potential to provide both the patient and the dentist with some very important information,” said Jacobson (DDS 1978) who now is Delta’s vice president of professional services and its dental director. “We found the brush biopsy was easy to use and painless for the patient, and thought it would be a tool every dentist might want to have at their disposal and ready to use when circumstances warranted.” Benefits In an article in the Journal of the American Dental Association published in October 1999, results of the study showed the brush biopsy was “a highly accurate method of detecting oral precancerous and cancerous lesions” among more than 900 patients nationwide who were tested. The study concluded that the brush biopsy appeared to significantly determine the presence of oral lesions “and detect innocuous- 15 School News “ Because dentists routinely perform thorough examinations of the mouth, dental professionals are in a unique position to detect oral cancer.” Dr. Thomas Fleszar appearing oral cancers at early, curable stages.” Dr. Thomas Fleszar (DDS 1975; MS, periodontics 1978), Delta’s president and chief executive officer, said, “the brush biopsy represents a breakthrough in the fight against oral cancer. This simple, painless, and inexpensive test will make a dramatic difference in improving the five-year survival rate for oral cancer, which has remained a dismal 57 percent for the past four decades.” “Because dentists routinely perform thorough examinations of the mouth,” Fleszar said, “dental professionals are in a unique position to detect oral cancer.” Noting that DaimlerChrysler is the first major corporation in the U.S. to offer coverage of the brush biopsy as a benefit to its employees, Fleszar said the brush biopsy, with its ability to detect oral cancers early, “has the potential to significantly reduce medical treatment costs.” Several dentists who have been using the brush biopsy discussed the benefits...to them and their patients. [See story, page 17.] 16 U-M/Brush Biopsy Connection CDx Medical Director on Campus Photo courtesy of Dr. Drore Eisen The biopsy brush dentists are using to detect possible oral cancers in patients was developed by an official of CDx Laboratories who once was a resident on the U-M campus. Dr. Drore Eisen, medical director of CDx Laboratories, was a dermatology resident at U-M from 1987-1990. Recalling his years in Ann Arbor, Eisen said, “My time spent at Michigan was invaluable since it prepared me for becoming a clinician in addition to Dr. Drore Eisen conducting research, writing protocols, publishing articles, and making presentations.” Eisen said he had an opportunity to help develop an oral medicine clinic in the dermatology department, conducted clinical research, and was the primary author of a double blind study using cyclosporine as a mouthwash for a disease called oral lichen planus. Since leaving U-M Eisen has published about 50 articles on oral diseases, written two textbooks on the topic, and authored several textbook chapters. In 2000, he and Mark Rutenberg founded CDx Laboratories, a medical technology company that uses computer assisted diagnosis to detect several potentially deadly cancers at early curable stages. Using a proprietary brush biopsy procedure in conjunction with a highly specialized computer assisted method of analysis, the CDx system permits rapid testing of common abnormalities of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. Dentists who see unexplained red or white spots in a patient’s mouth that may need testing use the tiny brush provided by CDx to scrape cells from the spots and send them to the company’s laboratory in New York. “We have a sophisticated neural network-based computer system that assists with analysis,” Eisen said. “The computer does not make the actual diagnosis, instead, it assists the pathologist very much like a spell checker on one’s computer.” Eisen said he and Rutenberg were approached by Delta Dental last year. “We were impressed with Delta’s strong commitment to early oral cancer detection and their outstanding leadership. They’re devoted to fighting this dreadful disease and having an impact on its poor mortality rate. It’s precisely the same reason we set up this company,” Eisen said. Since Oral CDx was launched four years ago, Eisen said more than 5,000 precancers and cancers have been identified with the test. DentalUM Fall 2004 Dentists Cite Benefits of Brush Biopsy “The best benefit the brush biopsy offers to both dentists and patients, I think, is summed up in three words – ‘peace of mind’,” said Dr. Raymond Gist (DDS 1966) who recently finished a one-year term as president of the Michigan Dental Association. “One of the M DA’ s p r i m a r y missions is i m p ro v i n g t h e public’s oral health,” he said, “and we see the brush biopsy as Dr. Raymond Gist a major tool all dentists can use to detect oral cancer and, ultimately, improve the survival rates of those with this devastating disease.” Gist [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2003, pages 29-32] has been using the brush biopsy at his Flint-based practice for about four years. Previously, if one of his patients had a suspicious lesion, Gist said he put the patient “on watch” and made a note in the patient’s file to follow-up during their next visit. If the lesion looked worse or aroused more suspicion during the next visit, he then referred the patient to an oral surgeon for a scalpel biopsy. Now, Gist said, in those cases where he sees something suspicious, “I will immediately use the brush biopsy. It’s quick, it’s painless, and the results have proven 100 percent accurate.” Fortunately, he said, the results of all the brush biopsies on his patients have been negative. Per Kjeldsen DentalUM Fall 2004 Less Invasive, More Accurate In the case of Lansing dentist, Dr. Gary Hubbard (DDS 1978), the results of one brush biopsy were positive. “The patient had lesions on the floor of her mouth and that raised a flag,” he said. “Because it was quick and less invasive, I did a brush biopsy on the patient, who had a history of smoking.” Hubbard encourages dentists to use the br ush biopsy when necessary. “It’s also very accurate and gives both you and the patient information you need. If the results a re n e g a t i v e , Dr. Gary Hubbard there’s peace of mind for both of you. If not, it’s probably at an early enough stage where an incisional procedure can help the patient,” he said. Dr. William Mason (DDS 1981; MS, periodontics 1984) said he’s used the brush biopsy on approximately 100 patients at his Saginaw office. Photo courtesy of Dr. Gary Hubbard Every Dentist Should Use It “I have found that using a brush biopsy eases a patient into the process of being treated for possible oral cancer. It’s never easy telling a patient ‘There’s a p o s s i b i l i t y, although it’s slight, that you may have cancer,’ but the Dr. William Mason Photo courtesy of Dr. William Mason brush biopsy is less traumatic than immediately telling them they may need a scalpel biopsy,” he said. Mason said that in the vast majority of cases the results are negative. However, there have been instances when brush biopsies required two of his patients, both smokers, to receive scalpel biopsies for cancerous lesions. “The brush biopsy is such a powerful and non-invasive tool that I think every dentist should be using it,” he said. Based on his experiences, Mason said “patients look at you as a dentist differently. They respect you for looking out for their overall health, and not looking for only caries or periodontal disease. Recommending a brush biopsy is another red flag for smokers and may convince them to quit.” Bloomfield Hills dentist, Dr. Timothy Reilly, who has been using the brush biopsy for about a year, said, “it doesn’t replace the need for an oral surgeon. But if you see unexplained red or white lesions in a patient’s mouth, you should use the brush biopsy to rule out cancerous or precancerous conditions and address the patient’s concerns.” Reilly added that results from the test “are answered in as little as five to six days. With this noninvasive procedure, that’s hard to beat.” 17 School News Dental Students Make a Difference Eight-year-old Cynthia begins squirming in her dental chair as predoctoral student Justin Newingham is about to administer an anesthetic. For Cynthia, one of hundreds of youngsters receiving oral health care this summer during the School’s migrant dental clinic program in the Traverse City area, it probably was one of only a few times in her young life when she saw a dentist. Trying to reassure her that all would be well, Newingham then asks Dr. Augusto Robles, who is supervising four dental students at the Kaleva Elementary School, to help. Robles walks a short distance to the dental chair, bends over, and holds both of Cynthia’s hands and begins comforting her. “You will feel a little sting, but you’ll be fine,” he tells her in Spanish. Cynthia still squirms, but not as much. Robles continues to reassure her. “You’ll be fine, and when it’s over,” he says with a smile, “you can tell your friends that it didn’t hurt as much as they told you it would.” The girl relaxes and Newingham completes administering the anesthetic. Robles turns around, smiles, and as he walks back to a desk, says, “That’s a part of what I’ve been doing here this summer. I’m a comforter, a translator, a handyman, and also provide dental care when it gets really busy and the dental students need help.” Robles, a graduate student in restorative dentistry, and Dr. Kelly Burgess, who received her dental degree from U-M in May, supervised 24 dental students during the annual summer migrant dental clinic program in the Traverse City area. All of the dental students began the final year of their dental education in late August. What’s Involved The program, now in its 31st year, offers a range of free oral health care services to migrant workers and their children — screenings, oral exams, and cleanings. When necessary, extractions, fillings, and x-rays are also available. From June 21 to July 30, the dental students The Kaleva Elementary School was one of three sites where U-M dental students provided oral health care to migrant workers and their children. Dr. Augusto Robles, a graduate student in restorative dentistry, helped supervise students in the Summer Migrant Dental Clinic Program. Jerry Mastey 18 Jerry Mastey DentalUM Fall 2004 at Migrant Dental Clinics worked in groups of eight for two weeks in Suttons Bay, Williamsburg, and further south, in Kaleva. Portable equipment, including dental chairs, drills, air, water, and x-ray machines, were set up in elementary schools in all communities. Children of the migrant workers received dental care during the day at schools in the three communities while their parents worked. Adults received oral health care in the late afternoon or early evening. Robles and Burgess, and four dental students who worked in Williamsburg and Kaleva during the final two weeks of the program, spoke highly of their experiences. All said the migrant dental clinic program gave them opportunities to enhance or broaden their skills as well as interact with a group of patients typically not seen at School of Dentistry clinics. The differences were significant. “It seems there’s no in-between with the kids,” Burgess said. “When they come here, their mouths are either in very good or in very bad condition.” Most of the children whose mouths are in bad shape, more often than Valuable Learning Experiences “Being able to make decisions on your own about what to do in these cases is probably the best part of the program from a professional standpoint,” Burgess said. “In clinics, you’re relying on others to a great extent for their advice, but here, it’s not that way. Basically, you’re on your own. And I think the student dentists appreciate that as well.” Newingham, one of the dental students, agreed. “Here, you’re more independent and can make decisions on your own,” he said. “But when necessary, there’s someone to turn to for advice.” After graduating next spring, Newingham, a Waterford, Michigan resident, said he would like to apply what he’s learned as an associate in a general dental practice in Oakland County. “I enjoyed working on the young patients here and would like to be able to use what I learned during this experience to treat more pediatric To help children understand why flossing is important, dental students developed skits they used in classrooms. At the Mill Creek Elementary School in Williamsburg, a student (second from right) volunteered to be a “tooth” while dental student Andy Tibbitts (right) used a jump rope to illustrate the proper way to floss. Other “teeth” are (left to right) dental students Paul Orley, Justin Newingham, and Justin Smith. Andy Tibbitts shows one child at the Mill Creek Elementary School in Williamsburg, Michigan, the correct way to wrap dental floss around her fingers. Jerry Mastey DentalUM Fall 2004 not, need to have their teeth extracted, she said. Others need bridge work. Jerry Mastey 19 School News patients as well as adults as a family dentist,” he said. Justin Smith, who participated in oral health screening clinics in Detroit last year, agreed. “This program was a good opportunity for me to help a lot of kids,” he said. “I may decide to pursue pediatric dentistry after graduating next May.” Dental student Andy Tibbitts said the migrant dental clinic program was one of the reasons he applied to U-M. “This program is as good as I heard it would be,” he said after finishing work on a youngster at the Mill Creek Elementary School in Williamsburg. “Two classmates I know who participated last summer, Jared Furgeson and Eric Escobar, strongly urged me to apply. I’m glad I did.” Tibbitts said he gained both professional and personal satisfaction from the program. “I’m doing more pediatric dentistry and may want to pursue that further after graduating next spring,” he said. “I also enjoyed playing soccer or dodge ball with the kids during lunch hour.” Classroom Skits The program also offered valuable education in clinics and classrooms. In addition to advising parents and children on the correct way to care for their teeth in clinics, dental Dr. Kelly Burgess (right) checks the work dental student Justin Smith is doing on a patient at the Mill Creek Elementary School in Williamsburg, Michigan. students improvised and presented skits in classrooms that highlighted simple things they could do to improve their oral health. In one instance, dental students used construction paper to illustrate gums and teeth and then showed the youngsters how to properly use a toothbrush to get rid of “sugar bugs” (germs) so they don’t adversely affect gums and teeth. In another skit, three dental students stood next to each other at the front of the classroom and told the students to imagine that they, the dental students, were teeth. A fourth dental student used a broom to demonstrate the correct way to brush. To make it easy for children to understand the importance of flossing, dental students stood shoulder- to-shoulder and using a jump rope moved it up and down to demonstrate the correct way to floss. Interactive quizzes were a part of the instruction. “How often should you brush?” a dental student would ask. Responses varied. “Once a day,” some students said. “Twice a day,” others replied. The correct answer, the dental students advised, was twice a day. The quizzes were not without humor. During one skit at the Mill Creek Elementary School, Using a broom to represent a toothbrush, dental student Paul Orley shows children at the Mill Creek Elementary School how to properly brush so “sugar bugs” (germs) don’t damage teeth and gums. Dental students Justin Smith (center) and Justin Newingham (right) hold a poster they created showing gums and teeth. Jerry Mastey 20 Jerry Mastey DentalUM Fall 2004 dental student Paul Orley asked, “If I get too many sugar bugs on my teeth, what will I get?” “Gingivitis!” responded a 10-year-old to a chorus of laughter from classmates and dental students. Orley said he wasn’t as busy during the migrant dental clinic program as he was during the two weeks he spent last summer providing oral health care in the city of Cebu on the island of the same name in the Philippines [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004, pages 73-74]. “But this was a great experience,” he said. The program continues to attract interest among students. This year, as in years past, there were more volunteers than there were spaces available. According to Dr. Robert Bagramian, professor of dentistry and program director, “the program is not only one of the School’s most popular programs, it also demonstrates the University’s and the School of Dentistry’s commitment to the State of Michigan.” The program is funded by the School of Dentistry and the Northwest Michigan Health Services. The Michigan Primary Care Association also provides support including limited funds to help pay for housing, transportation, and food for the dental students. After completing their work dental students, such as Justin Newingham, take time to have fun with some of their patients. Jerry Mastey Former Patient Now U-M Student One of many patients treated by dental students at the summer migrant dental clinic is now a University of Michigan student who worked at the School of Dentistry. Faride Cruz was employed this summer as an office assistant in the Department of Periodontics, Prevention, and Geriatrics. Cruz, who traveled with her parents and six other brothers and sisters from Texas to the Traverse City area every summer when she was younger, received oral health care from School of Dentistry dental students on several occasions. However, since she was so young at the time, Cruz said she remembers little, except receiving a new toothbrush after each visit. The long trips from Texas are a thing of the past since her family now lives in northern lower Michigan. However, she said, other families continue to travel long distances and the summer migrant dental clinic program “is a big help to those families, especially those who travel a lot. The dental school’s program allows their children to get the care they need. I know they’re grateful.” As for her future plans, Cruz doesn’t plan to become a dentist, however. Now beginning her junior year in the College of Engineering, Cruz plans to specialize in mechanical engineering. Keary Campbell DentalUM Fall 2004 21 School News Enjoying a Change in Career Plans C areer paths are curious creatures. You never know when they begin and where they might take you over time. The University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s community outreach program has profoundly affected the lives of some students who have participated. Since it was substantially expanded in early 2000 [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2000, pages 12-35], nearly two dozen dental students who participated in the expanded program have changed their career path. [See sidebar, page 23.] This issue of DentalUM features three students who changed their plans as a result of their participation with the School’s outreach partners, either as fourth-year students, or in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program. Photo courtesy of Benjamin Fishman Dr. Benjamin Fishman 22 Experiences at Migrant Dental Clinic and Dental Clinics North Change Ben Fishman’s Plans When he received his dental degree in May, Dr. Benjamin Fishman took a few weeks to recharge and relocate before launching his career at a public health dental clinic in Cadillac, Michigan. Fishman is one of more than two dozen dental students who have changed their career path because of their experiences in the School of Dentistry’s community outreach program. “I’ve been interested in medical science for as long as I can remember. But my interest in dentistry was sparked by a conversation I had with a dentist while I was in college and waiting tables at a restaurant in my hometown of Traverse City,” he said. The dentist, Dr. Vincent Mack (DDS 1987), took time to talk about his work as a dentist and invited Fishman to his office to observe. “It was so fascinating that I spent three summers watching dentistry first-hand,” Fishman said with a smile. “I especially enjoyed watching how Dr. Mack was able to help patients, the work he did on them, and the fact that he had some control of his destiny.” DentalUM Fall 2004 and Making a Difference How Plans Changed Fishman said when he entered dental school in August 2000, he thought about practicing general dentistry, perhaps with Dr. Mack, after earning his dental degree. But his interest in public health dentistry began to emerge as a dental assistant during the 2003 Summer Migrant Dental Clinic program. That interest accelerated while working last fall at Dental Clinics North in Traverse City. “I was surprised to see just how much dental caries was occurring among patients without access to oral health care, not just adults, but especially children,” he said. “This was literally, right in my own back yard where I grew up.” Fishman said he will enjoy “doing a lot of general practice work and procedures. I will also enjoy knowing that when I go in every day, I’ll be busy and that will help me gain even more experience and efficiency.” But when it comes to helping the needy he said, “This gives me a great opportunity to do just that. The people who visit this clinic for oral health care really need it. This will be the best opportunity to help them and for me to fulfill my own personal and professional interests.” Cherry Street Health Services Experiences Change Dr. Joshua Joshua’s Career Path When he and members of his family moved from Pakistan to the U.S. in 1993, Joshua Joshua already knew he wanted to become a dentist. “As a 10 year old, I remember being impressed with the way my mother’s best friend, a dentist, treated one of my younger brothers when we were still living there,” he said. “From that moment, I knew that I would become a dentist.” Entering the U-M School of Dentistry in 1997, Joshua thought that he, like other dental students, would eventually go into private practice. But his experiences in the School’s outreach program at Cherry Street Health Services in Grand Rapids changed that. “I began changing my career plans the first week I was there,” he said. DentalUM Fall 2004 Recent Graduates Now in Public Health Dentistry The career paths of these U-M School of Dentistry graduates changed following their experiences with the School’s community outreach partners. All are now practicing public health dentistry, noted in parentheses, in Michigan and elsewhere. • Dr. Scott Babin (Manistee, MI) • Dr. Michael Campeau (Saginaw, MI) • Dr. Josiah Chen (North Carolina) • Dr. Jenny Chong (Saginaw, MI) • Dr. Benjamin Fishman (Cadillac, MI) • Dr. Joel Hayden (Saginaw, MI) • Dr. Joshua Joshua (Muskegon, MI) • Dr. Sam Malcheff (North Carolina) • Dr. Michael Mehling • Dr. Richard Potts (Indian Health Service) • Dr. Tracy Ruegsegger (Cadillac, MI) • Dr. Donald Sabourin (Saginaw, MI) • Dr. Carla Skaates (Marquette, MI) • Dr. Nancy Sorota (Saginaw, MI) • Dr. Donald Swartzfisher (Grand Rapids, MI) • Dr. Amy Tomes (Grand Rapids, MI) • Dr. Gregory Trompeter (Jackson, MI) • Dr. David White (Indian Health Service) • Dr. Benjamin Williams (Indian Health Service) • Dr. Jeffrey Zieziula (North Carolina) 23 School News Jerry Mastey “Helping Hands” is the title of the art on the hallway wall at the Hackley Community Dental Center. Palm prints of every employee as well as their name and the month and year they began working there are visible. Dr. Joshua Joshua stands beneath his palm prints and the month and year he began working there, August 2001. Unlike others, whose palm prints are just one color, his palm prints are two colored – one maize, the other blue – as he said,“to emphasize my loyalty to the University of Michigan.” Outreach Experience Leads to Job During his three rotations in Grand Rapids, each lasting one week, “I participated in an area of dentistry that I didn’t even know existed when I entered dental school,” he said. “I also was seeing more patients, probably seven or eight a day, and getting satisfaction knowing I was making a difference in their lives.” About three months after earning his DDS from U-M, Joshua began practicing public health dentistry at the Hackley Community Care Center in Muskegon Heights. “It’s great. There’s no other way to describe it,” he said. “The facilities are new, everything’s computerized, and the people are great, especially dental director Dr. Robert Russell. And working four, 10-hour days also offers an opportunity for three-day weekends.” The personal and professional satisfaction he’s experiencing in Muskegon Heights is similar to what Joshua experienced as a dental student in Grand Rapids. “There’s a lot of variety here, I’m busy, seeing between 15 and 20 patients a day, and I’m making a difference.” That’s especially true with children. Joshua said that when he began working in Muskegon Heights three years ago, about 25 percent of his patients were children. But because of Medicaid reimbursement changes at the state level, the percentage of children he sees has increased. Now between one-third and one-half of his patients are under age 12. Asked what advice he’d offer to third- and fourth-year dental students, Joshua advised, “keep an open mind. Whether you’re in Grand Rapids or Muskegon Heights or at any of the other outreach sites, you will get some great, real-world experiences.” As he began his fourth year at the Hackley Community Care Center, Joshua said, “It’s been a great experience and one that’s been very rewarding. I’m glad the University of Michigan School of Dentistry created the program and that I got to be a part of it.” Joel Hayden’s Career Path Change “Initially, I thought about going into private practice and then specializing after a couple of years,” Dr. Joel Hayden said. “But spending six weeks in Marquette, Grand Rapids, and Saginaw as a resident in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program changed all that,” he said with a laugh from an office at the Wadsworth Dental Center in Saginaw. “It was a great experience, one I highly recommend.” 24 DentalUM Fall 2004 Photo courtesy of Joel Hayden Hayden earned his dental degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2000, but was a resident in the U-M School of Dentistry’s AEGD program during the 2000-2001 academic year. It wasn’t one event that led to his change of plans. Rather, there were several. “I enjoyed all of my experiences during the two weeks I was at each of the clinics in the three communities,” he said. “I was helping those who really needed help and was having fun because I was also working with so many great people.” The Influences of Parents and a Hobby Although no one in his family is a dentist, Hayden said the occupations of his parents probably had some influence on him. “My mother is a teacher and my father is a church pastor. I wanted to do something with my life that would allow me to help as many people as they have,” he said. But Hayden’s decision to become a dentist didn’t occur until he began pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Miami of Ohio. “I thought about possibly doing something in the medical field, but decided not to go down that road after taking a calculus course my freshman year,” he said with a chuckle. A hobby also influenced his decision to enter the dental profession. “I enjoy working with my hands to make pottery,” Hayden said. “Dentistry allows me to work with my hands to help others. For me, it’s the best of both worlds.” In addition to enjoying the variety that is a part of his job, Hayden also takes pleasure in knowing that he’s making a difference in the lives of his patients. Some of his patients need exams, however, most require fillings or extractions. Reflecting on his experiences, Hayden said, “I’m gratified that Michigan is sending their students out to the community clinics because there definitely is a need for this kind of oral health care.” The program has led to an unexpected benefit for Hayden. “I enjoy working with the students and being a teacher for many of them when they’re here. Because many of them look at things differently, I learn from them too,” he said. “I thought I’d be practicing community dentistry for a year,” Hayden said. “But now it’s three years. Who knows? There maybe a few more on top of that.” DentalUM Fall 2004 Dr. Joel Hayden 25 School News Keary Campbell Finding Quality Health and Dental Information Online School of Dentistry Librarian Explains How It’s Done F or some patients, talking to a dentist or physician and reading pamphlets on dental or medical issues is sufficient to learn about their health. Others aggressively search for third-party information, sometimes to better understand or ask more informed questions. For these informed consumers, searching the Internet is empowering. Patricia Anderson, head librarian at the U-M School of Dentistry Library since 1998, has created health Web 26 sites and has developed search and design strategies that help users find the information they need. She also lectures occasionally on how to find information on the Internet. During the past three years she researched the best search techniques consumers can use which led to the publication this spring of a three- volume set, The Medical Library Association Encyclopedic Guide to Searching and Finding Health Information on the Web. Anderson collaborated with Nancy Allee, director of the U-M Public Health Library and Informatics. “Initially, Nancy and I planned to write the book ourselves as a one-book guide to help time-pressed dental and medical professionals find information they could use in practice. But the project grew beyond our ability to do it alone,” Anderson said. Instead, their efforts resulted in a massive 995-page, three-volume publication with contributions from dozens of authorities from DentalUM Fall 2004 across the nation and the world. “In reality, the greater number of contributors provided a greater variety of viewpoints which made these publications even better than what we initially envisioned.” Different Approaches: Patient vs. Health Care Professional “What’s unique about this book is that it does not focus so much on Web sites, but on strategies,” Anderson said. Since she and Allee specialize in health libraries, they understand the topics well and empathize with those who don’t have dental or medical degrees. Health care professionals and patients take different approaches to searching for information on health topics. While dentists and physicians might be concerned about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, patients often want to know if they have the very best doctor for their ailment and why they became sick. The pair studied how consumers look for information, as well as the best strategies to find what they wanted, by examining questions posed on the Google Answers Web site, talking to individuals, and drawing on their extensive information search and retrieval experience. Helpful Hints In their collaboration with authors from around the world, Anderson and Allee offer the following search suggestions for oral heaalth care professionals, physicians, and consumers: DentalUM Fall 2004 • Use quotation marks around groups of words or an advanced search feature. • Try different strategies, such as specific searches instead of general searches. • Add or subtract words from the search box. More words typically yield fewer results. • Search different sources, such as an authoritative health-focused Web site or search engine. • Once you have your information, take three articles to your next dental or medical visit and ask: Is this treatment appropriate for me? Should I be concerned about issues raised here? What do you know about this? The first volume, Search Strategies, describes how to search for information. The second volume, Diseases and Disorders/Mental Health and Mental Disorders, and the third volume, Health and Wellness/Life Stages and Reproduction, and Cumulative Index, demonstrate how to use these strategies to find information on an array of topics. Patients may want to check a companion Web site when searching. The site contains some tips for getting started and the first two chapters are available for free downloading. Check: www.umich.edu/~pfa/ mlaguide/. For pricing information, contact Neal-Schuman Publishers, 100 William Street, New York, NY 10038 by telephone. The toll-free number is (866) 672-6657. Publications Praised Three publications have lauded the three-volume publication. Doody’s Review Service, a premier health publication review service, has given the three-volume publication its top rating – four stars. “This is an excellent guide for key Internet resources and search strategy development,” according to the review published in June. “ The format is conducive to answering specific questions and yet helpful to novices.” The July issue of Library Journal s ay s t h e p u b l i c a t i o n s a r e a n “impressive reference. ...Even the most knowledgeable librarians will find something they don’t know, or be reminded of a different way of searching the Web.” The August issue of Reference Books Bulletin wrote, “It’s not often that a practical guide such as this one stands out among other reference sources, but given the amount of information and misinformation about health and medical matters on the Web, we felt that this exhaustive resource deserves recognition.” 27 School News Anderson 1st Recipient of MLA Award U-M School of Dentistry librarian Patricia Anderson is the first recipient of a major award from the Medical Library Association. The MLA’s dental section presented her with the Harriet L. Steuernagel Award this fall. The MLA award recognizes a health sciences librarian who has joined the dental section within the last five years and who has contributed to the growth and development of the dental section through professional activities or service. Anderson recently coauthored a three-volume publication, The Medical Library Association Encyclopedic Guide to Searching and Finding Health Information on the Web, which has been praised for its breadth and depth of information that can be used by health care professionals, librarians, and consumers. She also spearheaded the development of the online Dental Cosmos collection, served as the expert searcher for the NIH Consensus Development Conference on Diagnosis and Management of Dental Caries, and was on the program planning committee for the first NIH-sponsored workshop on dental informatics. Anderson, a 1987 alumna of the U-M School of Information, returned to Ann Arbor in 1998 to become dentistry librarian following several years in Chicago as the head of Northwestern University’s Barnes Learning Resource Center in the Galter Health Sciences Library. She is listed in Marquis Who’s Who in America and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet and Medicine on the Net. “I’m more honored than I can say to be the first recipient of the Harriet Steuernagel Award,” Anderson said. “Being nominated by Mary Kreinbring, director of the American Dental Association Library means a lot. Mary is a true leader in the profession and knew me before I entered dentistry librarianship. The award is even more significant,” Anderson continued, “since it comes from my peers and other librarians who work in similar environments to accomplish similar tasks.” The award is named for Harriet L. Steuernagel (1907- 1998) who served as the dental librarian for the Washington University School of Dentistry for 50 years. During her career she received numerous awards from dental societies and library organizations. 28 More Dental Cosmos Now Online Twelve more volumes of Dental Cosmos, one of the first national journals for the American dental profession, are now online. Last fall, the first 33 volumes of the publication, from the premier issue of August 1859 through December 1891, were offered online by the University of Michigan. [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004, pages 77-78.] The new volumes bring the online collection to 1903. They capture some of the early history of the U-M School of Dentistry, articles by Edward Angle and Willoughby Miller, and other early significant information. Highlights from the collection are available on the School of Dentistry’s Library Web site: www. lib.umich.edu/dentlib/about/ exhibits/dencos. For information on the first 33 volumes, visit www.hti.umich. edu/d/dencos. DentalUM Fall 2004 DEVELOPMENT The Michigan Difference Fundraising Campaign Begins A Great Start! School of Dentistry Halfway to Reaching $35 Million Goal “The School of Dentistry is off to a great start with its new fundraising campaign,” said Richard Fetchiet, director of external relations. As of press time, gifts and pledges from alumni totaled more than $18 million, or slightly more than 51 percent of the $35 million goal. The School’s fundraising efforts are an important part of the University’s plan to raise $2.5 billion during the next four years in a campaign called The Michigan Difference. During a program at Rackham Auditorium marking the start of the campaign in May, U-M President Mary Sue Coleman told more than 1,200 alumni and friends, “This goal is extraordinary because our donors believe in supporting an extraordinary university.” “We are a university with a remarkable history of forward thinking,” she added. “And it is our responsibility to provide greater opportunities for students and faculty who come after us.” Following the program, a campaign luncheon was held under a tent on Ingalls Mall across the street from the Rackham Building. Keary Campbell A luncheon under a tent was held on Ingalls Mall following the campaign kickoff program at Rackham. Several alumni, friends, and faculty from the School of Dentistry were among those attending. DentalUM Fall 2004 29 The School of Dentistry’s $35 million fundraising goal is “ambitious but realistic, appropriate, and objective,” said Dean Peter Polverini. The money raised during the School’s campaign will be used in four major areas: merit- and need-based student scholarships, endowed professorships to recruit and retain outstanding faculty, for improved facilities, and for special programs. Student Scholarships: $10 million The cost of tuition, fees, instruments, materials, books, and supplies now surpass $22,000 annually for in-state students and more than $37,000 for out-of-state students. In the past, financial aid packages typically consisted of 70 percent grants and scholarships and 30 percent loans. Today, those figures are reversed. As a result, dental students are borrowing heavily to fund their education. Endowed Professorships: $11 million With reports estimating approximately 400 open faculty positions in dental schools across the nation, educators can be highly selective about where they wish to teach. Raising this amount of money for endowed professorships will ensure outstanding scholars are not only attracted to U-M, but that they remain here throughout their careers. Improved Facilities: $10 million New technologies and an explosion of knowledge and research that is increasingly collaborative are profoundly affecting how dentistry is taught today. Our School must upgrade clinics and laboratories to reflect those realities. Program Support: $4 million These funds will be used to give the School the flexibility it needs to embrace new opportunities and initiatives as they arise. “Funding these important needs will allow the School to continue its heritage of excellence in classroom education, patient care and clinical education, research, and community service,” Polverini said. 30 For more information about the School’s fundraising campaign, including updates, visit the School of Dentistry Web site: www.dent.umich.edu or the U-M Web site: www.umich.edu. Per Kjeldsen The chairman of the School of Dentistry’s campaign fundraising effort, Dr. William Costello (left); his wife, Betsy; Carol Polverini; and Dean Peter Polverini were among more than 1,200alumni and friends who attended the University’s campaign kickoff program at Rackham Auditorium in May. School Acknowledged The School of Dentistry was acknowledged, both seriously and in jest, during the kickoff program marking the official start of the University’s new fundraising campaign, The Michigan Difference. Early in the hour-and-a-half program at Rackham Auditorium, theater students entertained the audience with fast-paced, one-line descriptions of student life on campus and comments about what makes the U-M campus unique. At one point during the skit a performer exclaimed,“The dental school is shaped like a molar.” [For the record, it is not.] On a more serious note later in the program, ABC News anchor and U-M alumna Carol Simpson acknowledged the work of the dental school. “Michigan’s health enterprise extends beyond clinics and operating rooms,” she said. She noted the School of Dentistry and other schools and colleges “take care of people through research, education, and hands-on training.” DentalUM Fall 2004 Importance of School’s Fundraising Efforts Emphasized Per Kjeldsen Recalling the impact the University of Michigan and the School of Dentistry have had on his life, the chairman of the School’s fundraising campaign, Dr. William Costello (DDS 1970), said he wanted to lead the School’s campaign because “I felt an overwhelming need to give something Dr. William Costello, chairman of the School of Dentistry’s fundraising back to my alma mater.” committee, talks about why he The Latin phrase, volun-teered to be chairman and meaning “fostering the importance of the campaign to the School and its future. mother,” was appropriate, he said. Addressing more than 60 alumni, their spouses, faculty, staff, and students during an intimate, formal gathering at the home of Dean Peter Polverini to mark the beginning of the School’s fundraising campaign, Costello said that phrase, alma mater, “is so appropriate on an occasion such as this.” “Both the University of Michigan and the School of Dentistry have been incredibly nourishing, enabling me, and I’m sure all of us here, to achieve the success and quality of life that we have,” Costello said. “There isn’t a day that I don’t think about what I’ve been able to achieve because of the outstanding education I received here.” Endowed Professorships One of the major goals of the School’s fundraising cam p aign i s rai si ng $ 1 1 mi l l i o n for e n do w e d professorships. A major step toward reaching that goal occurred when Dean Emeritus, Dr. Richard Christiansen, and his wife, Nancy, gifted $500,000 to the School to create DentalUM Fall 2004 Per Kjeldsen the Christiansen Collegiate Professorship. Their gift was publicly acknowledged during a campaign kickoff program. Christiansen later talked about why he established the professorship. [See story, pages 33-35.] Dr. James McNamara reflected on the importance Dr. James McNamara talked o f e n d o w e d f a c u l t y about the benefits of endowed p o s i t i o n s . “ W h e n I ’ m professorships. introduced as the Drs. Thomas M. and Doris Graber Endowed Professor it means a lot to me,” he said. “I have been honored in many ways during my career, but there’s nothing I feel more strongly about than being an endowed professor.” McNamara, a professor of dentistry in the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, said “being an endowed professor gives me the flexibility and the freedom to follow whatever might interest me.” In his case, McNamara said his endowed professorship is allowing him to pursue digital technology initiatives and bring highly-regarded faculty to U-M as visiting professors. “Some of the best research we have conducted since I became the Graber Endowed Professor in 1998, is because of the unrestricted money available through that endowed professorship.” He said Drs. Tiziano Baccetti and Lorenzo Franchi, faculty members in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Florence (Italy), were not only Graber Visiting Scholars at the School of Dentistry, they also were among four individuals who recently received the Edward H. Angle Research Prize. [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004, page 57.] 31 Per Kjeldsen “ Dr. Robins, Mrs. Robins,” Preslan said, “ you’re the reason this ‘born Buckeye’ is now, and always will be, proud to be a Wolverine.” Student Scholarships Representing numerous grateful students, dental student Annelise Preslan said the scholarship established by Dr. Raymond Robins (DDS 1944) and his wife, Barbara, enabled her to attend the U-M School of Dentistry. Noting that she was accepted at eight dental schools across the country including Michigan, Preslan, an Ohio native, said she was offered a full scholarship that would allow her to complete a dual-degree (DDS/PhD) program at Ohio State University. “I even wore a red dress to my interview in Columbus and had paid my deposit to attend when I came to Ann Arbor in January 2003 for an interview,” she said. It was Preslan’s first visit to Ann Arbor and the U-M campus. “My parents and I loved the campus,” she said. “My experiences and the reaction of my parents told me Michigan was the place to be.” However, when she was accepted at Michigan and informed about her financial aid package, she said she couldn’t attend because her costs as an out-of-state student were prohibitive. “Fortunately, Dr. Marilyn Woolfolk (assistant dean for student services), didn’t take ‘no’ for an answer and came up with a package that made it possible for me to be at this great school and here with you tonight,” Preslan said. Preslan later learned the difference between the first financial aid package and the second was “The Michigan Difference” of another kind, the Dr. Raymond Robins and Mrs. Barbara Robins Scholarship. 32 Dental student Annelise Preslan evoked laughter when she said she wore a red dress to an interview in Columbus, Ohio and had paid a deposit to attend dental school there before deciding to attend the U-M School of Dentistry. “Dr. Robins, Mrs. Robins,” Preslan said, “you’re the reason this ‘born Buckeye’ is now, and always will be, proud to be a Wolverine.” Other Student Efforts Dental and dental hygiene students are also involved in efforts to raise money for student scholarships. Members of the dental hygiene class of 2004 earlier this year announced pledges totaling more than $4,000 for student scholarships. [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004, page 60.] The dental class of 2004 announced establishing a scholarship fund for future School of Dentistry students. DentalUM Fall 2004 Christiansens Gift $500,000 for Professorship Establishing the Christiansen Collegiate Professorship The School of Dentistry’s portion of The Michigan Difference campaign is off to an impressive start with a generous gift from Dean Emeritus, Dr. Richard L. Christiansen, and his wife, Nancy. The Christiansen’s have gifted $500,000 to the School to establish the Christiansen Collegiate Professorship. Dean of the School from 1982 to 1987, Christiansen retired as professor of dentistry in the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 2001. [DentalUM, Fall 2001, pages 37-39.] Christiansen said he and Nancy made the gift “because of the character and quality of the people here – faculty, students, and staff – as well as alumni. That’s probably the best way to evaluate the School’s future potential.” Also influencing his decision, he said, “were the discoveries and contributions produced here that will serve society tomorrow.” Reflecting on a career that spanned nearly twenty years at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and more than twenty years at U-M, Christiansen said, “it was natural for me to support a collegiate professorship at Michigan that would combine the two, craniofacial research and education.” Idea’s Origins “My idea for this gift to the School of Dentistry was probably a quarter of a century in the making,” he said. “I remember how impressed I was back in the early- to mid-1970s, when I headed the National Institute of Dental Research’s Craniofacial Anomalies Program, with the Dr. Richard Christiansen and his wife, Nancy, have gifted $500,000to the School to establish the Christiansen Collegiate Professorship. DentalUM Fall 2004 33 studies that were being done here by many faculty members,” Christiansen said. During his career at NIDCR that began in 1964, Christiansen served as a staff orthodontist and principal investigator in the Oral Medicine and Surgery Branch. Later, he was Director of Extramural Programs before becoming Dean of the School of Dentistry. One of Christiansen’s top priorities upon arriving in Ann Arbor in 1982 was to establish endowed professorships that would help the School recruit and retain highly-qualified faculty. “Even then, there were clear signals that we wouldn’t be able to rely on the same levels of state funding in the future as we had in the past,” he said. “So when Dr. Robert Browne made the first commitment and several others later made gifts to the School to create endowed professorships, I began thinking of ways I could personally contribute at a later date.” Planning for the Future As the ninth of eleven children and the first to graduate with a college degree, Christiansen said he already knew about living frugally and planning for the future. He recalled the words of American businessman and statesman, Bernard Baruch: “The greatest blessing of our democracy is freedom, but in the last analysis, our only freedom is the freedom to discipline ourselves.” Discipline, Christiansen said, was a part of his upbringing when he was growing up in Iowa. “Later in life, I combined discipline with a ‘fun hobby,’ namely, stock investing, and, with modest successes, we were able to give serious consideration to making this gift.” Before making his gift, Christiansen said he and Nancy wanted to achieve several objectives. One was to effectively utilize the family’s assets without jeopardizing the needs of their children or what they would need for their retirement. Another was to target how the gift would be used. As he reflected on his experiences in Iowa, at NIDCR, and Michigan, Christiansen said establishing a professorship was most appropriate. “Considering the state’s changing budget and what that means for public universities like Michigan, the need for endowed professorships is greater today than in recent history,” he said. “I believe it will become even more important in the future.” “The joy of giving matches the joy of receiving. Nancy and I have been blessed over the years, and we wanted this professorship to be our way of giving back to a great school, a great University, and a great profession,” Christiansen said. Saying that “previous generations have progressed because of the contributions of their predecessors, the challenge to keep advancing never ends,” he said. “I think those of us who are able, should do what we can to make sure excellence and discovery continue.” The Christiansens made their gift as charitable remainder trust. 34 Charitable Remainder Trust A charitable remainder trust (CRT) makes it possible for individuals to make a gift now and retain income for whatever period of time they choose. Establishing the trust with the University as a trustee requires a minimum irrevocable gift of $100,000 funded with cash, stocks, bonds, or real estate. In addition to an immediate income tax charitable deduction the CRT also provides income for life or for a specified number of years, enables one to avoid capital gains if the trust is funded with appreciated securities or other assets, and gives the donor(s) the opportunity to make a substantial gift for a program they care about. For more information, c o n t a c t Je f f Fr e s h c o r n , director of major gifts, at (734) 647-4394, or by e-mail: freshco@umich.edu. DentalUM Fall 2004 Dr. Richard L. Christiansen Professional Achievements Selected Highlights Education • Doctor of Dental Surgery, valedictorian, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa (1959) • Master of Science (orthodontics), School of Dentistry, Indiana University (1964) • Doctor of Philosophy (cardiovascular physiology), University of Minnesota (1970) Academic Appointments and Professional Experience • Professor of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry (1982-2001) • Dean, School of Dentistry; Director, W.K. Kellogg Foundation Institute (1982-1987) • Director, Extramural Programs, National Inst. of Dental & Craniofacial Research, NIH (1981-1982) • Chief, Craniofacial Anomalies Program Branch, NIDCR, Extramural Programs (1973-1982) • Principal Investigator, Oral Medicine and Surgery Branch; Program Officer, Developmental Biology and Oral Facial Anomalies Program, NIDCR, Bethesda, Maryland (1970-1973) • Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, NIDCR, NIH (1966-1970) • Staff orthodontist, Oral Pharyngeal Development Section, Oral Medicine and Surgery Branch, NIDCR, Bethesda, Maryland (1964-1966) • Graduate orthodontic training, School of Dentistry, Indiana University, NIDCR, NIH (1962-1964) • Chief Dental Officer, U.S. Public Health Service Clinic, St. Louis, Missouri (1960-1962) • Dental internship, U.S. Public Health Service Hospital, San Francisco (1959-1960) Honors and Awards • Mentioned in 15 national and international Who’s Who biographical citation books. • Honorary doctorate, Nippon Dental University, Japan (2000). • Co-founder, International Union of Schools of Oral Health (1985). • National Institutes of Health Award, Minority and Women Research and Training Programs (1982). • Commendation medal, U.S. Public Health Service (1980). • Developed Small Research Grant Program for Young Investigators for NIDCR and NIH (1980). DentalUM Fall 2004 35 $100,000 Gifts from Alumni and Spouses Add The School of Dentistry’s portion of The Michigan Difference fundraising campaign Dr. Eli Berger (DDS 1957; MS, Orthodontics 1961) and Mrs. Joanna Berger (BS 1954, MA 1982) Photo courtesy of Dr. Eli Berger Dedication to the School of Dentistry’s Department of Orthodontics and a growing need for financial aid among today’s students prompted Dr. Eli Berger and his wife, Joanna, to gift $100,000 to establish the Dr. Eli V. and Joanna Berger Endowed Orthodontic Student Fellowship. “ D r. M o y e r s w a s a n e a r l y influence on my career, going back to when I was a student in dental school and later as a faculty member in the orthodontics department,” Berger said. When he entered the U-M School of Dentistry in 1953, Berger said he considered becoming an oral surgeon. “But Dr. Moyers stimulated my interest in orthodontics so much that by the time I began the final year of my dental education, I decided to become an orthodontist instead.” Later, when Moyers asked Berger to join the faculty, he accepted enthusiastically. The opportunity to teach was an important part of Berger’s career as he combined teaching with practicing orthodontics, first in 36 Dr. Eli and Mrs. Joanna Berger Huntington Woods and later in Birmingham. He taught in the orthodontics department for 35 years, nearly his entire practicing career. “I had wonderful relationships with faculty members and with students,” he said. “In fact, Jim Harris and Lysle Johnston were two of my residents who later became my bosses,” he said with a laugh. Reflecting on his career, Berger said, “I received so much from dentistry, orthodontics, and the dental school. This is not only my way, but my wife’s way, of giving back to this great University.” DentalUM Fall 2004 Momentum to Dentistry’s Fundraising Efforts has received major gifts of $100,000 from five alumni and their spouses. Dr. Peter Kelly (DDS 1970; MS, Periodontics 1973) and Mrs. Barbara Kelly (AB 1966, LS&A; Education Certificate 1967) The Kellys have made a leadership gift to the campaign that will support two areas important to them at the School of Dentistry. Half of their gift will help endow the Upper Peninsula Dental Student Scholarship. The other half will help fund the Sigurd Ramfjord Lectureship. “The University of Michigan is special for both of us,” Dr. Kelly said. “Not only did my wife and I meet in Ann Arbor, we also received an excellent education. This gift is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for everything,” he said. Noting that the cost of a dental education continues to rise, he added that they want their gift to help students, “especially those from the Upper Peninsula to help them meet their educational costs and to encourage them to return to this part of Michigan to practice dentistry after they have earned their degree.” The Upper Peninsula Dental Student Scholarship has helped many students already. [See DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004, pages 9-10.] DentalUM Fall 2004 Recalling his days in Ann Arbor, Kelly said that Dr. Sigurd Ramfjord “taught with a passion that sparked my interest in periodontics.” He described Ramfjord as “a great, inspiring teacher who was tough, brilliant, and totally dedicated. He was the most respected periodontist in the world not only then, but even today.” Kelly added, “his longitudinal study changed the profession and how we practice.” “The University of Michigan is special for both of us. Not only did my wife and I meet in Ann Arbor, we also received an excellent education. This gift is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for everything.” 37 Dr. Victor Knowlton (DDS 1965; MS, Periodontics 1968) and Mrs. Caroline Knowlton (AB 1963, Education; Education Certificate 1963) Dr.Jay Werschky (DDS 1976) & Photo courtesy of Dr. Victor Knowlton “In making a gift to the Dr. Major Ash Endowed Collegiate Professorship, two words come to mind – ‘respect’ and ‘gratitude’,” said Dr. Victor Knowlton. “My respect for Dr. Ash is related to the ways I was able to connect with him during my days as a dental student and afterwards during my periodontal training,” Knowlton said. “He was my faculty advisor, directed my master’s research paper, and was involved in my clinical experiences and academic studies.” Knowlton said his association with Ash “continued after I graduated from the Department of Periodontics and when I worked one day a week in the occlusion department as well as at the TMJ clinic for several years.” Knowlton said he is grateful “for the excellent education Caroline and I and our two daughters received at U-M. I had wonderful experiences at Michigan. We are pleased to be able to say ‘thank you’ in a small way to the excellent staff at the University, especially the dental school.” 38 Mrs. Caroline Knowlton and Dr. Victor Knowlton. “I have always believed that the best way to lead is by example. I hope the gift that Jan and I are making will encourage other classmates, friends, and colleagues to reflect on their lives, evaluate where they are, appreciate what they have achieved, and now help those who decide to pursue a career in dentistry,” said Dr. Jay Werschky. After four years at U-M which he said “passed much too quickly,” Werschky and his wife, Jan, returned to Flint in 1976 where he started a general practice following a six-month associateship. A short time later, their first daughter, Jill, was born. Their second daughter, Joelle, now a second-year dental student, was born in 1981. “Since Jan and I have been a team that precedes my entering dental school, we have often talked about finding a way to give something back,” he said. “Since we’re both U-M grads, since I was involved with the start of the new fundraising campaign, and since Joelle is now in the second year of her dental education, the timing seemed right to make the commitment to give back financially,” he added. DentalUM Fall 2004 Mrs.Janis Werschky (AB 1972) Dr. William Costello (DDS 1970) and Mrs. Betsy Costello Photo courtesy of Dr. Jay Werschky Mrs. Janis and Dr. Jay Werschky. The gift from the Werschkys will be used for scholarships for in-state students and to help fund renovations to the preclinical laboratory. “Anyone can customize their gift to fit their situation without causing undue financial hardship,” he said. Werschky has given back in other ways. In 1989, he was a member of the Dean Search Committee. From 1996 to 2003, he served on the School’s Alumni Society Board of Governors. DentalUM Fall 2004 Photo courtesy of Dr. William Costello “As I learned more about the need for student scholarships, it resonated with me,” said Dr. William Costello, chairman of the School of Dentistry’s fundraising efforts. “That’s why I wanted our campaign commitment to directly benefit deserving students.” Costello, president of Accu Bite Dental Supply Company [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004, pages 19- 22], said his gift is a way of repaying the University of Michigan and the School of Dentistry for “the first-class education I received that enabled me to succeed.” “I didn’t achieve success by myself, however. Others played a major role and that’s why I feel an overwhelming need to give something back to my alma mater,” he said. That Latin phrase, meaning “fostering mother,” is so appropriate Costello said. “Both the University of Michigan and the School of Dentistry have been incredibly nourishing, enabling me, and all of us, to achieve the success and quality of life that we have.” Dr. William and Mrs. Betsy Costello. Costello added “that not a day goes by that I don’t think about what I’ve been able to achieve because of the outstanding education I received in Ann Arbor. This is my way of giving something back – to the University, to the School, and to the profession.” 39 Leadership Commitments More than 70 individuals and organizations have made leadership commitments to the School of Dentistry as a part of The Michigan Difference fundraising campaign. The gifts, totaling more than $18 million, are a part of the “nucleus fund” that started the campaign fundraising efforts. Below is a partial list of those donors. We will feature some of these generous benefactors in future issues of DentalUM. Endowed Professorships • Dr. Royce and Mrs. Marjorie Beers, for the Hayward Professorship • Dr. Richard and Mrs. Nancy Christiansen, for the Christiansen Collegiate Professorship • Dr. David and Mrs. Diana Drake, for the Hayward Professorship • Dr. Gary and Mrs. Lynn Dwight, for the Hayward Professorship • Dr. Edward Ellis III, for the Hayward Professorship • Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Marci Feinberg, for the Lyons Collegiate Professorship • Dr. Sondra Gunn, for the Harris Collegiate Professorship • Dr. Edmund and Mrs. Patricia Hagan, for the Hayward Professorship • Drs. James and Mrs. Jane Hayward, for the Lyons Collegiate Professorship • Dr. Joseph Helman, for the Lyons Collegiate Professorship and the Schaffer Resident Education • Dr. Ole and Mrs. Marty Jensen, for the Hayward Professorship • Dr. G. Peter and Mrs. Barbara Kelly, for the Ramfjord Lectureship • Dr. Victor and Mrs. Caroline Knowlton, for the Ash Collegiate Professorship • Chalmers J. Lyons Academy, for Lyons Professorship • Dr. Arnold Morawa, for Morawa Lectureship • Dr. Norman and Mrs. Elfie Schuen, for the Hayward Professorship • Dr. Richard and Mrs. Sandra Scott, for the Hayward Professorship • Dr. Larry and Mrs. Kathleen Skoczylas, for the Hayward Professorship • Dr. Gilbert and Mrs. Rosalie Small, for the Hayward Professorship • Dr. Stanley & Mrs. Linda Smith, for the Harris Collegiate Professorship • Dr. George Yellich, for the Hayward Professorship • Dr. Lonny and Mrs. Sondra Zeitz, for the Hayward Professorship 40 $35,000 $500,000 $15,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $15,000 $51,424 $100,000 $25,000 $100,000 $50,000 $100,000 $40,000 $46,000 $102,026 $50,000 $25,000 $105,940 $110,200 $250,000 $50,000 DentalUM Fall 2004 Scholarships • Dr. Arnold and Mrs. Vivian Babcock • Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Julie Ballard • Dr. Eli and Mrs. Joanna Berger • Dr. William and Mrs. Betsy Costello • Dr. Norman J. Dahn Estate • Dr. Loren and Mrs. Sharon Daniels • Dr. Darnell and Mrs. Shirley Kaigler • Dr. G. Peter and Mrs. Barbara Kelly • Dr. Robert Lathrop • Norman Mette Foundation • Dr. David and Mrs. Janet Miller • Dr. Andrew Rasmussen Estate • Dr. Titus Van Haitsma • Dr. Jay and Mrs. Janis Werschky $75,000 $110,000 $100,000 $100,000 $2,877,089 $100,000 $37,500 $50,000 $100,000 $195,000 $122,900 $872,482 $68,530 $50,000 Facilities (all for the Dr. Roy Roberts Preclinical Laboratory) • Dr. Robert and Mrs. Becky Berube • Dr. John and Mrs. Dalores Burau • Dr. Susan Carron and Mr. Howard Simon • Dr. Michael Cerminaro and Dr. Connie Verhagen • Dr. Marnie and Mr. Brian Grant • Dr. Metodi and Mrs. Marcia Pogoncheff • Dr. James and Mrs. Kathy Roahen • Dr. Roy and Mrs. Natalie Roberts • Dr. Wesson and Mrs. Janie Schulz • Dr. Douglas and Mrs. Jane Thompson • Dr. Harry Thomson • Dr. Jay and Mrs. Janis Werschky • Dr. Marilyn and Mr. Gerald Woolfolk DentalUM Fall 2004 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $16,010 $15,000 $1,800,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $50,000 $15,000 41 The Michigan Difference of Benefactors and Student Meet Dr. Raymond Robins and Mrs. Barbara Robins Meet “Their Student,” Annelise Preslan It was a first...for both benefactors and the student. During the School of Dentistry’s campaign kickoff dinner, Dr. Raymond Robins (DDS 1944) and his wife, Barbara, met “their student,” Annelise Preslan. Preslan, now a third-year dental student, received a generous scholarship from Dr. and Mrs. Robins that allowed her to attend U-M. Dr. Robins said that in 1941, when he was a first-year student, he and several classmates knew someone in Detroit who was “a resource for emergency funds if they ever fell on hard times and couldn’t make financial ends meet.” Although Robins said he never personally had to seek funds from that individual, he was inspired to provide similar resources for students. To date, he and his wife have made gifts for scholarships to benefit or help support three other U-M dental students as well as Preslan. Benefactors and Student Impressed “This is the first time we had an opportunity to meet one of our students,” he said. “I was very impressed with Annelise and believe she will be an asset to the profession after she graduates.” Preslan said she “was impressed by how warm and down-to-earth they were. I enjoyed Mrs. Robins telling me the story of how she and Dr. Robins first met and their early courtship.” They also discussed the arts. “I told them I performed two days earlier with the U-M Life Sciences Orchestra and told them about my 42 Per Kjeldsen Dr. Ray Robins, Annelise Preslan, and Mrs. Barbara Robins. trip two years ago to Beijing with the Lehigh University Philharmonic Orchestra,” she said. The three could meet again. “They invited me to visit them in Santa Barbara,” Preslan said. Dr. Robins said he and his wife were enroute to see family and friends in New York. “We timed our trip so we could be here tonight,” he said. “I was impressed with how many U-M dental school alumni traveled great distances to support their alma mater,” Preslan added. “It makes it clear why Michigan is such a great school.” The Robins and Preslan were among more than 50 alumni, their spouses, faculty, staff, and students who attended a dinner at the home of Dean Peter Polverini to mark the beginning of the School’s fundraising effort. DentalUM Fall 2004 Another Kind... Ortho Residents Create “ Wolverine Fund” Photo courtesy of James McNamara Ortho residents who created “The Wolverine Fund” include (left to right): Christopher Freeman, Nicole Jane, Michael Hess, Annie Zionic, Toby VanLandschoot, and Courtney Dunn. Orthodontic residents of the Class of 2004 have pledged $30,000 to a new fund that will support future orthodontic residents who wish to attend major educational meetings. The six residents who created “The Wolverine Fund” have each pledged $1,000 annually for the next five years so future residents will have the financial resources available for dues and to attend important orthodontic conferences. One of the members of the class, Michael Hess, said, “During conversations with orthodontic residents at other schools, we learned that many of their programs had strong financial support from their alumni that paid their travel expenses, and even dues, enabling the ortho residents to attend major professional conferences.” Since Michigan did not have a similar program, the ortho residents decided to create one. “Our effort will allow future orthodontic residents to attend those very important meetings, such as the annual American Association of Orthodontists conference,” Hess said. The group hopes future orthodontic residents will also pledge $1,000 annually for five years to allow residents to attend the major conferences. “We’re also hoping that other School of Dentistry graduates, especially those who earned their orthodontics degree at U-M, will also be a part of this effort,” he said. Martin Bailey Acknowledging a Gift Dr. Michael Cerminaro and his wife, Dr. Connie Verhagen, both members of the Class of 1986, recently pledged $15,000 to support renovations to the Roy H. Roberts Preclinical Laboratory. “We’re proud of our U-M School of Dentistry degrees and pledging financial support was our way of giving back,” said Verhagen, former class president. To acknowledge their gift, Drs. Cerminaro and Verhagen received a stool that they used as students in one of the preclinics. Both recently volunteered to be Muskegon area regional campaign committee members for The Michigan Difference campaign. DentalUM Fall 2004 43 8 Inducted Into Eight persons were inducted into the School of Dentistry’s Hall of Honor during Homecoming Weekend ceremonies in October. They join 18 individuals who were the first to be inducted last fall. [DentalUM, Fall 2003, pages 12-24.] The Hall of Honor recognizes and honors the achievements of legends of the dental profession, all deceased, who once were associated with the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Nominees must have been a graduate of the dental, dental hygiene, master’s or doctoral program and/or a faculty member, and /or a research staff member at U-M. The names of those who were nominated were reviewed earlier this year by the Review Committee of the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Society Board of Governors who submitted the names to the full Board for approval. The names of the eight are listed on pages 46-49 as are the years they lived and their degrees. Below those items is the inscription on each plaque. Per Kjeldsen Richard Ryan and his son, Andrew, stand in front of the Hall of Honor plaque honoring Dr. Kenneth Ryan. Inductees Fondly Remembered Family, friends, and former colleagues of those inducted came from Michigan and elsewhere to attend the ceremony. They included Richard Ryan and his son, Andrew. The Ryans are the son and grandson, respectively, of the late Dr. Kenneth Ryan. 44 DentalUM Fall 2004 Hall of Honor Per Kjeldsen Per Kjeldsen Drs. Eli Berger, James Hayward, and Gerry Charbeneau were among those present for Hall of Honor induction ceremonies. Patricia Mayo admires the plaque honoring her late father, Dr. Fred Henny. Addressed 28 State Conventions Following the induction ceremony, Richard Ryan said his father “would have been deeply honored to be here and to be recognized for his work. He loved the University of Michigan and the people he worked with here at this School.” One thing Ryan remembered about his father was his speaking schedule. “He certainly spoke to a lot of different groups,” Richard Ryan said. “One year was especially notable because he addressed 28 state conventions about the benefit of prepaid dental plans. It’s incredible even now to think about it.” Although he worked in his father’s dental office for six summers while he was in junior and senior high school, Ryan said he never had the desire to enter the dental profession. Today, he owns six international truck dealerships in South Carolina. “As wonderful as this recognition of my father is,” Ryan said, “the best part was knowing that he was my dearest friend...ever.” Also attending was the daughter of the late Dr. Fred Henny, Patricia Mayo. She drove from New Jersey to visit a daughter in Ohio before traveling to Ann Arbor to attend the ceremony. DentalUM Fall 2004 Former Colleagues Comment Several colleagues of those inducted read from the plaques and made comments. Speaking of Dr. Henny, Dr. James Hayward, who traveled from Florida for the ceremony, said, “Dr. Henny’s contributions and loyalty to this School are fondly remembered.” Hayward also spoke fondly of “my chief for many years, Dr. John Kemper.” Dr. Eli Berger, who read from the plaque honoring Dr. Robert Moyers, said, “This was a special honor for me because Dr. Moyers was my mentor throughout my years of dental education.” Family members who attended the induction ceremony received a replica of the plaque that honors their loved one. 45 Mary Crowley 1904-2002 MSPH 1928, University of Michigan A devoted teacher and researcher for more than 40 years, Mary Crowley played a major role in early research investigating dental caries. She skillfully correlated the science of bacteriology with dental clinical practice and influenced students to rely on scientific fact. She was a major contributor to a group which made the University of Michigan internationally known for research and teaching in the formative days of endodontics. Her congenial personality made her a beloved member of the faculty. Louis P. Hall 1860-1941 DDS 1889, University of Michigan Known as a caring and distinguished teacher for 39 years, Dr. Hall taught dental anatomy and operative dentistry and was especially adept at positive reinforcement. Respected by colleagues for his high ethical standards, Dr. Hall was active in elevating the dental profession with his involvement in local and state dental societies. He was also an active and highly regarded civic leader and Red Cross volunteer. 46 DentalUM Fall 2004 Fred A. Henny 1912-1989 DDS 1935, University of Michigan A leader in his specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Henny founded the International Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (1962). He served as President of the American Board of Oral Surgeons and the American Society of Oral Surgeons and was the first to receive the Society’s Distinguished Service Award (1970). A popular speaker, outstanding administrator, and gifted writer, Dr. Henny edited the Journal of Oral Surgery for 15 years and volunteered time and service to the profession outside of his specialty. John W. Kemper 1891-1952 DDS 1917, University of Michigan MD 1927, University of Michigan An outstanding and congenial teacher of oral and maxillofacial surgery for 17 years, he carried on the work of Dr. Chalmers Lyons in cleft lip and cleft palate surgery. Dr. Kemper chaired the School’s Department of Oral Surgery and also served as Director of the Oral Surgery Residency Program and Chief of Staff at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. In addition to teaching senior oral surgery and continuing dental education courses, Dr. Kemper held offices at local, state, and national levels of specialty organizations. DentalUM Fall 2004 47 Robert E. Moyers 1919-1996 DDS 1942, University of Iowa MS 1947, University of Iowa PhD 1949, University of Iowa A creative and thoughtful thinker who realized the merits of interdisciplinary projects, Dr. Moyers was Chair of the Department of Orthodontics. In 1967, he established and served as Director of the Center for Human Growth and Development which helped non-orthodontists better understand child growth and development. Generous with his knowledge and time, Dr. Moyers brought diverse groups together to improve the human condition. In 1973, he received the University’s highest academic honor, the Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award, for his work. Kenneth J. Ryan 1909-1993 DDS 1932, University of Michigan Dr. Kenneth Ryan was a visionary in developing the concept of prepaid dental care. Professional guidelines he helped pioneer are now used by the insurance industry, government, and corporations. Dr. Ryan made hundreds of presentations to professional, business, and governmental groups and convinced them that prepaid plans would significantly increase the public’s access to quality and comprehensive dental care. He was President of the Michigan Dental Association (1964-1965) and received some of the dental profession’s highest awards. 48 DentalUM Fall 2004 Francis B. Vedder 1892-1962 DDS 1918, University of Michigan Distinguished in appearance and manner, students considered Dr. Vedder their favorite teacher and clinician. Unusually considerate at chairside, students always learned from him. He was faculty secretary for 14 years (1923-1937) and chaired the Department of Crown and Bridge Prosthesis (1934-1962). To honor his contributions to the School and the profession, the Francis B. Vedder Society was established at the School of Dentistry in 1959. John A. Watling 1839-1919 DDS 1860, Ohio College of Dentistry Dr. Watling played a key role in helping to pass a law that legalized dentistry in Michigan in 1883. He also helped establish what would become The College of Dental Surgery at the University of Michigan in 1875. The first graduate from a dental college to establish a practice in Michigan, he was President of the Michigan State Dental Society (1865). Strong in convictions and outspoken, Dr. Watling served on the faculty in operative dentistry (1885-1903) and gained the affection and loyalty of his students. DentalUM Fall 2004 49 Homecoming Weekend Emeritus Alums Reunite, Receive Pins Impressed with New Technology in Preclinic Keary Campbell Dr. Jerome Kurtis, a member of the Class of 1954, was among the 20 dental graduates to receive an emeritus pin from Dean Peter Polverini. Eight dental hygiene graduates also received their pins. Keary Campbell As other alumni tour the new Roy Roberts Preclinical Laboratory, Dr. Samuel Nagel watches second-year dental student Josh Friedman work on a mannequin head. 50 Twenty graduates of the Dental Class of 1954 and eight graduates of the Dental Hygiene Class of 1954 marked their 50-year graduation with a luncheon and a pinning ceremony this fall. After receiving their emeritus pins from Dean Peter Polverini, they also had an opportunity to tour the new Roberts Preclinical Laboratory. “It’s just a little different than when we were here as students,” said Dr. Richard Brooks. “It was impressive, truly impressive,” he said of the new equipment and technology being used by first- and second-year dental students. Dr. Mary Ellen McLean, a preclinical instructor, demonstrated how the new technology is being used. The differences in preclinical instruction today and yesterday were not lost on Brooks. “When I was a student we would have to crowd around an instructor to see what he was trying to demonstrate,” he said. “But now students don’t have to do that. An instructor can use a television camera and zoom in on a procedure and each student can look at their monitor to clearly see what’s being done.” Another alumnus, Dr. Samuel Nagel, agreed. “It’s like night and day, comparing how students are learning now versus when I was a student,” he said. “As a student, I never imagined this kind of technology being used. It’s outstanding.” DentalUM Fall 2004 Homecoming Weekend Corpron Receives Distinguished Service Award Keary Campbell Dr. Richard Corpron, who taught at the School o f D e n t i s t r y f o r m o re than 30 years, received the Distinguished Service Award during Homecoming Weekend activities. He received the award in front of his classmates during their 50-year reunion in early October. Presented by the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Society Dr. Richard Corpron received the Distinguished Service Award from Dr. Susan Carron (DDS 1977), a member of the School’s Alumni Society Board Board of Governors, the of Governors, in front of his classmates during Homecoming Weekend. award honors an individual for his or her achievements during their career. Corpron earned four degrees from U-M – a DDS in 1954, a master’s degree in pedodontics in 1960, a master’s in anatomy in 1962, and a doctorate in anatomy in 1966. He joined the dental school faculty in 1964, was promoted to assistant professor in 1966, associate professor in 1969, and professor in 1972. During more than three decades of service at the School, Corpron chaired the Department of Pedodontics (1969-1987), was a member of the U-M Senate Assembly (1975-1980), and was a member of the University’s Budget Priorities Committee (1985-1988). In addition to belonging to numerous dental and professional organizations and serving as an office holder, Corpron was a member or chaired more than 100 master’s theses committees and had a distinguished record of achievement in dental research. Named the Marcus L. Ward Professor of Dentistry in 1993, Corpron retired from active faculty status in August 1996. This spring, Dr. Frank Comstock received the same award during graduation ceremonies (see story, page 67). DentalUM Fall 2004 51 Homecoming Weekend Jerry Mastey School of Dentistry alumni joined other U-M alumni at a tailgate party at Elbel Field prior to the football game between the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota. School of Dentistry alums at the tailgate included Dr. Richard Brooks of Punta Gorda, Florida (right) and Dr. Robert Crossman and his wife, Barbara, from Grand Rapids, Michigan. www.dent.umich.edu Online Registration Now a Reality for Continuing Education Courses Dentists, dental hygienists, and other oral health care professionals who wish to register for continuing dental education courses offered by the University of Michigan School of Dentistry can now do so online. Previously, the only way to register was by calling, mailing, or faxing information to the Office of Continuing Education. Online registration is convenient and possible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Information individuals provide during registration is also secure. Individuals can register online for one or more courses by visiting the School’s Web site: www.dent.umich.edu and then clicking “Continuing Education” in the right-hand frame. When the Continuing Education page appears, click “Course List” in the left- hand frame and select the course you wish to attend sponsored by any of the academic departments. 52 DentalUM Fall 2004 2 in a Row! Jerry Mastey Finishing in first place, at 15under par, was the team of Tom Pinnavaia, Paul Elder, Mike Marderosian, and David Heidenreich. Another first was recorded during this fall’s School of Dentistry annual Golf Classic. For the second consecutive year, the team of Tom Pinnavaia, Paul Elder, Mike Maderosian, and Dave Heidenreich won first place in team competition. And their team score, 15 under par, matched their score last year. Second place winners, at 14 under par, were Crayton Kidd, Darnell McKandes, Gerard Freeman, and Victor Roache. Third place winners, at 13 under par, were Devin Norman, Bill Lyle, Chris Norman, and Shari Norman. Unlike last year, however, no one recorded a hole-in-one during this year’s tournament on Sept. 23. “The pressure was on, but I wasn’t able to do it” joked Cal Wisanen (DDS 1973) who aced the twelfth hole last year. Dr. William Brownscombe (DDS 1974) said, “I was really looking forward to this year’s event to see some of my former instructors and be with some of my classmates,” as he approached the tenth hole at the U-M Golf Course. Dean Peter Polverini greeted all golfers at the tenth including Brownscombe and other members of his group – Frank Comstock (DDS 1950, MS 1955), H. Dean Millard (DDS 1952, MS 1956), and Julius “Juke” Lubbers (DDS 1944). This year, 116 individuals participated in the Seventh Annual School of Dentistry Golf Classic. Freshcorn New Major Gifts Director Jeff Freshcorn is the new director of major gifts at the School of Dentistry. He started his professional development career at Michigan as an intern in the athletic department and then worked as a development associate at Eastern M ichigan University. Afterwards, Freshcorn spent four years as assistant vice president for development at Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan before returning to U-M as director of development at the School of Kinesiology. Wh i l e a t K i n e s i o l o g y, h e spearheaded three consecutive years of record-setting fundraising. He was also responsible for securing both the largest outright gift and the largest planned gift ever. Freshcorn succeeds Diana Neering who is now director of development at the School of Natural Resources. Per Kjeldsen Jeffrey Freshcorn, the new director of major gifts. – 2005 Golf Outing – Thursday, September 22, 2005 DentalUM Fall 2004 53 Alumnus Profile Jerry Mastey Gietzen Dr. Timothy DDS 1976 Giving Back to the Dental Profession G rowing up in Grand Rapids, Tim Gietzen’s father thought his son would one day take over and run the service station he had operated 12 hours a day, 6 days a week for more than 40 years. But around the time he was in sixth or seventh grade, young Tim Gietzen was considering other career plans. Following conversations with some of the customers who often stopped by his father’s service station, including three School of Dentistry alums, Gietzen was slowly, but surely, gravitating toward dentistry. The three School of Dentistry graduates – Dr. Robert Browne (DDS 1952, MS 1959), the late Dr. Robert Richards, Sr. (DDS 1948), and Dr. Raymond Stevens (DDS 1944) – often chatted with Gietzen about the profession and their experiences. “I washed their cars, pumped gas and also caddied for them, other dentists, and physicians at a nearby golf course,” Gietzen said. “I saw that all three were successful and obviously 54 54 enjoyed what they were doing and how they were able to help others. I began thinking that dentistry could be a rewarding career for me and that, one day, it might allow me to earn enough to provide for a family,” he said. Parents: Great Role Models But Gietzen knew, from the conversations with Drs. Browne, Richards, and Stevens, that the path to becoming a dentist would involve hard work. He also knew that no one in his family had yet attended college. So his final decision about a college and a potential career would be an example to six other brothers and sisters. “My mother or father hadn’t attended college because DentalUM Fall 2004 they were busy raising seven of us,” he said. “But they his grades weren’t good enough. “I remember talking to were great role models. They were wonderful mentors Don Strachan, the assistant dean of admissions. He even who taught me the importance of honesty, love, hard told me to consider another profession. I thanked him for work, and applying yourself.” his time and told him I appreciated the advice but said, Gietzen worked at his father’s service station from ‘you’ll be seeing me again’.” fifth grade until he graduated from high school in 1967. The gauntlet had been thrown down. In high school, Gietzen distinguished himself in other “I wasn’t deterred. If anything, I became even more ways. focused. My desire was high. My passion was high. My He was the president of his senior class, the captain grades, however, were only average. I thought I was a of the football team and its quarterback, president good student in high school, but I was determined to of the Varsity Club, and played become an even better student in basketball. college,” Gietzen said. “I’ve always enjoyed giving After attending nearby Grand He succeeded. During his senior Rapids Community College, Gietzen year at Western, Gietzen was a back to the profession. As a then attended Western Michigan straight-A student. dental professional, I have University in Kalamazoo, majored Unknown to him, five or six in biology, and earned a bachelor’s friends at the School of Dentistry always wanted to give back, degree in 1972. approached Strachan and urged in some way, to organized While at Western, he joined the him to include Gietzen among Young Dentists Club. In retrospect, those who would begin their dentistry. It’s easy to do and, his decision to join would become predoctoral studies in the fall of after all these years, I’m still a personal trademark. It was 1972. enjoying it.” the start of nearly three decades “I didn’t learn about that until of involvement in the dental years later,” Gietzen said. “When I profession. did, I couldn’t believe it. That these During his junior year at Western, Gietzen set his five or six guys would go to bat for me and present my sights on admission to the University of Michigan School case to the Dean of Students is something I’ll always be of Dentistry. grateful for.” In the summer of 1970, Gietzen married Kathleen Gaining Admission to Michigan Kuhn, a nurse at U-M whom he had met when he was a “The University of Michigan has been in my blood for high school senior. Six years later, he received his Doctor as long as I can remember,” he said. “I wanted to attend of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan Michigan as an undergrad and even had dreams of one School of Dentistry and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force day playing football there.” and practiced dentistry for two years at Vandenberg Air In that context, applying for admission to the dental Force Base in California. school was obvious. But there were other reasons he wanted to attend. Giving Back to the Profession “Michigan’s dental school had the distinct advantage When he returned to Grand Rapids in 1978, Gietzen of having the name and faculty members who were tops joined the practice of Dr. John Cook (DDS 1957). Cook, now in the profession – Hayward, Ash, Cartwright, Ramfjord, 70, is a former senior partner of Partners in Dental Care, and Charbeneau, to name a few,” he said. “On top of a group of oral health care professionals that includes six that, all the people who wrote the books that were being dentists, eight hygienists, and nearly two dozen other used in the profession were there. Considering all of those employees. The largest dental organization in western factors, that’s where I wanted to be.” Michigan, Partners in Dental Care provides oral health But admission wouldn’t be easy. One lesson Gietzen’s care to more than 10,000 patients in that part of the parents taught him, the power of perseverance, paid state. dividends later. Of Cook, Gietzen said, “He’s a visionary and a When he first applied, Gietzen said he was told that wonderful mentor to all of us. His interpersonal relations DentalUM Fall 2004 DentalUM Fall 2004 55 55 allow all of us to work together, keeping egos to a Matthew, a fourth-year dental student at the School of minimum, so that the patient benefits.” Dentistry, wasn’t interested, at least initially, in a dental Other partners include: Drs. Henry Milanowski (DDS career. “I wanted him to find his own path,” Gietzen said. 1965), John VanderKolk (DDS 1985), Shawn Dial (DDS 1999), “Did I encourage him to enter the profession?,” he asked Christine Mason (DDS 1999), and Gietzen. rhetorically. “Let me put it this way, I was very careful Almost from the moment he left the Air Force and with the information I gave him,” Gietzen said with a returned to Grand Rapids, Gietzen became involved with smile. local, regional, state, and national dental groups. Over However, Gietzen said he’s not making any the years, he has held leadership roles with various assumptions his son will work in his practice following dental organizations including the presidency of the graduation next May. “I’d love to have him work here, but West Michigan District Dental if he does, he won’t be working Society and the West Michigan for his father. He’ll be working Dental Foundation and chairing with his father and four other numerous committees. [See dental professionals.” Career Highlights, page 57.] Melissa, who Gietzen is giving back in graduated from U-M three other ways. years ago with a bachelor’s In the early 1990s, he degree in musical theater, launched the Clinic of Santa had the leading role of Laurie Maria, a dental/medical clinic in the musical, Oklahoma, that provides oral health care at the Power Center in 2001. Partners in Dental Care include (front row, left to right): Dr. Shawn Dial, to the underserved in the Dr. Christine Mason, office administrator Janie Begeman, and Dr. Henry Currently, she’s on Broadway Grand Rapids area...was chair Milanowski and (back row): Drs. John VanderKolk (left) and Timothy in New York City. “She’s smart, Gietzen. of the School of Dentistry’s energetic, and has a great Alumni Society Board of Governors...was a member of the personality. She went to New York to pursue a dream, committee that searched for a new dean...served on the and now she’s starting to realize it,” he said. Board of Directors of the Delta Dental Plan of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana...and chairs Delta Dental Fund’s Looking Back and Ahead...and Some Advice Talking about his life and career, Gietzen said, “I owe Educational Committee. “I’ve always enjoyed giving back to the profession,” a lot to so many people – my parents and my wife, among Gietzen said. “As a dental professional, I have always others. But I also owe much to my partners here in this wanted to give back, in some way, to organized dentistry. practice who have mentored me professionally, ethically, It’s easy to do and, after all these years, I’m still enjoying and correctly.” If there’s one thing Gietzen said he wishes he could do it.” Gietzen’s personal traits, professional achievements, more of, it would be mentoring young dentists. “I would and service to the profession were uppermost in the like to teach them some of the things I learned after I minds of the West Michigan District Dental Society when graduated, such as how to build long-term relationships the society presented him with its Distinguished Service with patients and how to be the best dentist possible,” Award, otherwise known as the Silent Bell Award in 2002. he said. In presenting the award, the dental group said, “Where As a dentist who also serves on the Board of Directors of a Grand Rapids bank, Gietzen said he’s concerned that he goes, he makes it better.” many dental graduates are trying to acquire too much Son to be a Dentist; Daughter an Aspiring too soon. “They stretch themselves financially and have Broadway Actress no cushion if something adverse happens,” he said. In addition to his career and involvement with “If I could mentor them, I advise them, ‘Be patient, professional societies and businesses, Gietzen and his save some money, and give back to the profession because wife also enjoy talking about the achievements of their what you give will come back to you many-fold and in son, Matthew, and daughter, Melissa. ways you never expected’.” Jerry Mastey 56 DentalUM Fall 2004 DentalUM Fall 2004 Timothy Gietzen, DDS Selected Highlights Education • Bachelor of Science, Western Michigan University (1972) • Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Michigan School of Dentistry (1976) Professional Affiliations and Leadership Roles • American Dental Association (1976 to present) • Michigan Dental Association (1979 to present) - House of Delegates (1983-1990) - Membership Committee (1991-1993); Chair (1993) • Kent County Dental Society (1979 to present) • West Michigan District Dental Society (1979 to present) - Director and Officer (1983-1988); President (1988-1989) - National Children’s Dental Health Committee (1980-1983); Chair (1981-1982) - Dental Care Committee (1981-1985); Chair (1982-1985) - Membership Committee (1985-1988); Chair (1987-1988) - Nominations Committee (1989-1994); Chair (1994) - Programs and Arrangements Committee (1986-1989); Chair (1987-1988) - Group Dental of West Michigan (1990-1992); Chair 1990-1992) - 50 Years of Water Fluoridation Committee, co-chair (1990-1995) • West Michigan Steering Committee (1982-1990) - Program Chair (1988-1989) - President (1989-1990) • West Michigan District Dental Society Foundation (1991 to present) - President (1993-1997, 2000) • University of Michigan School of Dentistry Alumni Society Board of Governors - Member (1995-2001) - Chairman (2000-2001) • Delta Dental Plan of Michigan, Board of Directors (1995-2001) • Delta Dental Fund (1996 to present) - Scientific Committee, Chair (1998 to present) - Chairman (2001-2003) • Dean Search Committee, U-M School of Dentistry (2002-2003) Honors and Awards • Distinguished Service (Silent Bell) Award, West Michigan District Dental Society (2002) • Fellow, American College of Dentists (1992 to present) DentalUM Fall 2004 DentalUM Fall 2004 57 57 Surprise! Board of Governors Given Pop Quiz During Meeting Talk about a surprise! Members of the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Society Board of Governors received one during their spring meeting. The surprise? A pop quiz given by Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Marilyn Lantz. Toward the end of a lively 80-minute presentation in which she described some recent changes to the predoctoral curriculum [see related story, pages 60-61], Lantz told those present, “we’re now going to do something fun.” Placing a box on a table and then opening it, Lantz distributed test material to Board members. New Test Different than Others As she distributed the materials, Lantz told Board members the test “is one our dental students must pass before they graduate. It allows us to measure things we have never directly measured before, such as a student’s ability to function independently as a dentist, particularly in the area of making independent clinical decisions.” Describing the exam as “a typical day in the office,” items handed out included information about 10 “patients” a general dentist would likely see during the day. The “patients,” ranging in age from 3 to 70, had a range of oral health conditions and treatment needs. They included a sixth-grader whose 58 parents wanted to know if she needed braces, an elderly patient with complex dental treatment needs who was taking different medications, a three-year-old with sores in her mouth, a young adult with a high caries rate and oral swelling, and an adult who experienced a medical emergency in the dental office. The exam Board members took that afternoon differed significantly from essay or multiple choice tests they had as students twenty or more years ago. What Students Know, What They Must Apply Known as an “Objectively Structured Clinical Examination,” or OSCE, the test is designed to measure competence in patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning, patient management skills, communication skills, and critical appraisal skills across a range of subjects. To successfully complete the exam, students are required to integrate information learned during the four years of their predoctoral education. OSCE requires students to demonstrate what they have learned about patient care, but not by recalling specific facts as they do for board exams and traditional dental school tests. Instead, OSCE requires dental students to show that they can appropriately apply what they have learned in dental school in a patient care environment. DentalUM Fall 2004 Per Kjeldsen As Dr. William Brownscombe (DDS 1974) was completing a part of one quiz, in the background Daniel Edwards (DDS 1997), Julian Miller, and Thomas Osborn (DDS 1968) collaborated on another test. Miller, a fourth-year student, represents dental students. Per Kjeldsen Janet Cook (DH 1981), seen here with Dr. William Brownscombe, said the quiz was an opportunity “to experience what today’s students face and gave us a chance to work together and learn a little more about each other’s backgrounds and experiences.” For each case scenario (referred to as a “station”), such as those given to members of the Alumni Society Board of Governors, a student must perform certain tasks, make decisions about diagnostic test data, develop treatment plans, ask patients questions about their medical and dental histories, and more. Students must also answer specific questions about their findings and develop follow-up treatment plans. Providing Important Feedback In addition to assessing student competence in certain areas, the exam also provides the School of Dentistry with important feedback about its curriculum. For example, responses of senior dental students to a case scenario that requires them to manage an avulsed anterior permanent tooth in adolescents “made us aware that different disciplines within the School are teaching different protocols for managing this problem,” Lantz said. She invited Board members to collaborate in groups of two or three, but noted each student must take and pass each OSCE station independently. For more than 20 minutes, Board members examined radiographs, diagnostic models, case histories, noted pathologies, and consulted with one another. “We want students to be able to demonstrate that they are competent, that they are knowledgeable, and that they DentalUM Fall 2004 Per Kjeldsen Dr. Susan Carron (DDS 1977) gives answers to questions on the quiz. can synthesize knowledge in different fields, just as a practicing dentist does,” Lantz said. “And we want our students to demonstrate that they can apply what they have learned, not just that they can recall certain information for a test.” Enthusiastic Reaction The pop quiz will probably be one of the major highlights Board members will remember. When it was over, one member, Dr. Thomas Osborn (DDS 1968) said, “I was kind of shocked when we were given the test. I certainly didn’t expect it. Did it bring back memories!” he said smiling. Dr. William Costello (DDS 1970), Board chairman, voiced similar comments. “Never did I think I’d be taking a test while I was on the Board,” he said grinning. “But it was fun.” Two other members, Anne Gwozdek and Janet Cook, said they enjoyed the exercise. “I thought the exam mimicked what takes place in the real world,” said Gwozdek (DH 1973). “It was also a great opportunity for us to collaborate.” Cook (DH 1981) agreed, adding, “There was a major shift of energy when the exams were passed out. Not only did it give us a chance to experience what today’s students face, it gave us a chance to work together and, in the process, learn a little more about each other’s backgrounds and experiences,” she said. 59 Curriculum Changes to Predoc Program Described The Integrated Medical Science Series Per Kjeldsen A program designed to help School During the fall semester of their of Dentistry predoctoral students “see second year in the predoc program, the connections” between dentistry students in IMS-III take five modules and various medical disciplines on subjects ranging from hematology has been incorporated into the first and dermatology to the renal, and second years of the four-year gastrointestinal, and reproductive program. systems. Highlights of the program known Applying What’s Learned as “The Integrated Medical Sciences At the end of each unit or module Series” were presented to members during the three semesters, students of the School’s Alumni Society Board take a case-based integrated of Governors during their spring Dr. Marilyn Lantz, associate dean for academic examination that requires them to affairs, describes the Integrated Medical Science meeting. Series to members of the School’s Board of Gover- cumulatively apply what they have Started during the 2003-2004 nors. The program is designed to help predoctoral learned in all the modules, and not just academic year, the program was students “see the connections” between dentistry and various medical disciplines. “recall facts.” Students are introduced established “to help our dental students to an Objectively Structured Clinical better understand how physicians think as well as show the connections between oral and Examination (OSCE) at the conclusion of the IMS series. systemic health,” said Dr. Marilyn Lantz, associate dean OSCEs require students demonstrate what they have learned, not by recalling one or more specific facts, but for academic affairs. by applying what they have learned. Medical School Collaboration “We want to know if our students can use what they Graduate and post-graduate students from the U-M have learned and apply it in the same way as a private Medical School participate in the program. practice or public health dentist,” Lantz said. “These tests “I’ve been impressed with the Fellows in the medical require each student to actually demonstrate that they specialties because they’re well prepared, talk in depth can apply what they have learned, not just that they can about subject matter, and highlight signs and symptoms recall facts to answer questions on multiple choice-type of diseases and disorders that should be ‘red flags’ for exams.” dentists as they deliver patient care,” Lantz said. “Our students rise to the occasion with their questions and Reasons for Changes While the School of Dentistry has always been looking observations.” During the winter semester, first-year dental students for ways to improve its curriculum, determining what in IMS-I take two- to three-week instructional units or to add, what to keep, and what to discard is a growing modules that range from cells to tissues (about common challenge. processes in all body systems) to the nervous, endocrine, Lantz said the explosion of knowledge in dental and musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory medical fields in recent years, advances in technology, and shifting demographics “have always made us constantly systems. The following semester, first-year dental students take look at our curriculum to see how we can modify it, not just to reflect today’s realities, but to also prepare our a seven-week head and neck anatomy course (IMS-II). 60 DentalUM Fall 2004 students for the future. But it’s a lot harder now than it was twenty or thirty years ago when we were students because new knowledge was being added to the database at a slower rate then,” she told Board members. Also sparking change is the ADA’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. “The commission no longer takes our word, or the word of other dental schools, that students are competent to practice after they graduate,” she said. “That’s a huge shift from the past. It wants schools to develop a set of objective and independent measures and use them to demonstrate that students are, indeed, competent to practice.” Lantz said School of Dentistry alumni “helped us develop many of the competency guidelines we’re now using.” Describing alumni response as “phenomenal,” she said “we received a 32 percent response rate to our questionnaire soliciting their feedback on the competencies we developed for our graduates. They responded with many great suggestions, and many of them were incorporated into the final version of our competency document.” [See sidebar.] The Role of Ethics In addition to requirements of the Commission on Dental Accreditation for instruction in professional ethics, other developments are prompting curriculum modifications. They include data from nationwide surveys among dental academic deans, evolving regulatory issues and professional codes, and growing realization about the importance of instruction in this area. Instruction in Ethics and Professionalism will become more prominent in future dental curricula nationally and in School of Dentistry courses, Lantz said. “While there are no tests that can predict how an individual might act in a specific situation, we want students to develop a very nuanced understanding of professionalism and its role in society,” she said. “The profession is responsible for monitoring its own ethical standards, and this practice must begin in dental school,” Lantz said. “Our Code of Conduct is described in our Honor System which includes the ADA and ASDA Codes and is also consistent with University of Michigan policies.” DentalUM Fall 2004 Major Required Competencies Here is a list of some of the major competencies U-M School of Dentistry predoctoral students are required to demonstrate before receiving their degree. • The graduating student makes decisions affecting the practice of dentistry based on ethical principles and as prescribed by law. • The graduating student participates in professional self-regulation. • The graduating student functions successfully in a multicultural work environment by demon- strating sensitivity to and accommodation for cultural differences in interactions with patients and colleagues. • The graduating student incorporates methods of science and scientific inquiry into clinical practice. • The graduating student communicates effectively with patients and colleagues. • The graduating student obtains records, updates and organizes accurate and complete medical/ dental histories including pertinent psychological and sociocultural information. • The graduating student performs, records, and organizes a physical and behavioral assessment of the patient appropriate for the provision of oral health care. • The graduating student determines differential, provisional, or definitive diagnoses by correlating and interpreting examination and assessment findings. • The graduating student develops treatment plans that are sequenced to address the chief complaint, oral disease, restore oral form, function, and esthetics, maintain health, and prevent disease consistent with assessment and diagnosis. • The graduating student monitors and provides for patient comfort associated with oral health care. • The graduating student delivers and/or manages the planned treatment in sequence, in accordance with accepted standards of care, and modifies the treatment plan as required by changing circumstances. 61 Looking for Members! Alumni Society Board of Governors Here’s your chance to make a difference. In September 2005, five new members will be elected to the U-M School of Dentistry’s Alumni Society Board of Governors. The group will include four dentistry graduates and one dental hygiene graduate. All will serve a three-year term. During the past two years, the Board has heard, first hand, from School administrators, faculty, and staff about a range of projects and initiatives. This is a perfect opportunity for you to become involved with the School, build relationships with students, faculty, and staff, and perform a worthwhile and satisfying public service. If you’re interested in serving, or if you would like to nominate someone, send in the form below. In the event more than 10 individuals are nominated, the Board’s nominating committee will select a representative slate. Nomination Ballot Please I nominate for the Board: __________________________________________________ clip and Class Year(s) ________________________________________________________ mail Address (if known) _____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 2nd Name ___________________________________________________________ Class Year(s) _________________________________________________________ Address (if known) ______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ 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 Nominations must be received at the School of Dentistry by December 31, 2004. 62 62 DentalUM Fall 2004 Implants Added to Predoc Curriculum D3s, D4s to Assist Graduate Students Implants are “in” at the U-M School of Dentistry. Dental students returning to Ann Arbor this summer to begin the third and fourth years of their education are now gaining more knowledge about the subject and also obtaining some limited clinical experience. Previously, students didn’t pursue the subject in depth until after receiving their dental degree and obtaining specialty education and clinical training in prosthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery. But that’s changing. D u r i n g t h e p a s t y e a r, a multidisciplinary committee within the School met to determine the feasibility of enhancing students’ basic knowledge of implants. Faculty members representing dental specialties including prosthodontics, periodontics, oral surger y, and restorative dentistry met to determine how and when to enhance the implant area of the predoctoral curriculum. Reasons for Change “Implants are an accepted treatment protocol and are becoming both a standard of care as well as a treatment of choice for many patients,” said Dr. Dennis Turner, a committee member. “The use of implants will continue to grow in the future, especially among baby boomers. So when these factors are considered, it made sense to give our students more detailed DentalUM Fall 2004 classroom and clinical exposure so that they’re in a better position to help their patients after they have graduated,” he added. Lectures and Preclinical Lab However, the third- and fourth- year students are not doing the surgical placement of the implants. Instead, according to Dr. Jeffrey Shotwell, associate professor of prosthodontics and committee member, the third-year students will take a seven-week course that builds a foundation of basic information presented in lectures. Afterwards, students will participate in a four- hour lab session. “We want to give students an overview of some of the safe and simple things they’ll be able to do and present them with important information they will need to know as private practitioners,” he said. During the third and fourth years, dental students will be involved in prescreening, planning, diagnosis, observing residents in clinics, and fabricating crowns. Benefits Cited Dr. David Sarment, a clinical assistant professor and committee member, said, “Since implants will become more commonplace, the combination of lectures and clinics will help our students to gain a broader perspective.” Shotwell agreed, and added, “ We w a n t t o p ro v i d e e n o u g h basic information so students can better weigh the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches in order to provide the best and most objective advice when treating patients.” Sarment, Shotwell, and Turner agreed that for the vast majority of patients who are already coming to the School to receive oral health care, the implants would be another valuable service available, if needed. The results of the program will be reviewed at the end of the academic year to see how it might be improved for third- and fourth-year students in the future. Other members of the committee were Drs. Dennis Fasbinder and Joseph Helman. 63 Michigan Dental Foundation Scholarships Awarded Two fourth-year dental students have been awarded scholarships from the Michigan Dental Foundation. Both Bryan Nakfoor and Alan Ker received a $2,000 scholarship from the Foundation which is the philanthropic arm of the Michigan Dental Association. Bryan Nakfoor Alan Ker Nakfoor, from Lansing, Michigan, said he entered the dental profession “because I enjoy using my hands, helping others, and the independence and responsibilities that are a part of being a dentist.” He said three members of his family, all of whom earned dental degrees from the U-M School of Dentistry, encouraged him to enter the dental profession — his father, Patrick (DDS 1960); his sister, Cheryl (DDS 1992); and brother-in-law, Russell Spinazze (DDS 1992). “I enjoy working with patients of different ages and backgrounds,” Nakfoor said. “My reward is seeing a patient smile which then shows my work.” After earning his dental degree next spring, Nakfoor said he wants to become an orthodontics resident and eventually working in a private practice and also teaching one day a week. Ker, from Troy, Michigan, said his parents encouraged him t o en te r t he den ta l profession. “Neither are dentists, but the hard work and values they instilled in me by being who they are gave me the i n s p i r a t i o n t o t a ke t h i s challenging path,” he said. “ T h i s i s a n e xc i t i n g profession that gives you the Alan Ker privilege and opportunity to learn many amazing things, apply them daily, and in the process earn the respect of the community,” he added. Ker said he enjoys working with others to solve difficult problems. He recalls one particular patient he treated as a third-year student. “A sweet elderly lady, who didn’t speak any English, came to the school for treatment with her son. I don’t speak Farsi, so I had to rely on her son to translate,” he said. Over time, Ker said a bond developed and he was able to communicate with her “fairly easily on my own using gestures alone. As treatment was ending, I realized how much my work meant to her. At the end, “she said ‘thank you,’ took my hand, and kissed it.” Ker said the woman’s son explained how, in her culture, this gesture was a sign of deep gratitude and that it was an expression of how much she valued the treatment she received. After receiving his dental degree, Ker said that he would also like to earn a master’s degree in orthodontics and remain associated with academia by teaching orthodontics to undergraduate dental students while maintaining a private practice. Keary Campbell Per Kjeldsen Bryan Nakfoor, Michigan Dental Foundation scholarship recipient, earned a tie for first place in the “Current Topics” section for his poster presentation at the School of Dentistry Research Table Clinic Day program earlier this year. 64 DentalUM Fall 2004 Graduation Day Graduates Advised to Leave a Legacy “One person at a time” May 8, 2004 Per Kjeldsen Congratulations! Today is your great day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself Any direction you choose. From, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Seuss Graduation Remarks on the Web You can hear the remarks of all graduation speakers on the School of Dentistry’s Web site: www.dent.umich.edu. On the homepage, click beneath the headline “Graduation 2004.” Headlines and photographs of the speakers will appear, as will the time of their remarks. You can listen in any order you choose. DentalUM Fall 2004 Dr. Lawrence Tabak Those words, penned by the late Theodor Geisel, better known to millions worldwide as Dr. Seuss, were used at the end of a commencement address to U-M School of Dentistry graduates to advise them: be adaptable, be prepared. Although those remarks marked the end of Dr. Lawrence Tabak’s address to School of Dentistry graduates in May, he began his address with a question: What do you want to be when you grow up? Tabak, the director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, admitted “it may seem very odd to pose that question to you on the day of your graduation from dental school.” But he said he raised the question as a way of telling students that “the choices you make today are not forever.” Tabak cited his own career as an example. “I had a very vivid picture of what I was going to do when I earned my dental degree 27 years ago,” he said. “I was going to be an academician.” 65 Class Profile • 103 DDS degrees • 30 Bachelor of Science degrees in Dental Hygiene • 8 Master of Science degrees (Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Restorative Dentistry) • 1 Certificate (Periodontics) • 1 PhD, Oral Health Sciences August 2004 Degrees conferred after completing formal requirements: • 11 Master of Science degrees (Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Restorative Dentistry) December 2004 Degrees to be conferred after completing formal requirements: • 1 PhD, Oral Health Sciences • 4 Master of Science degrees (Pediatric Dentistry) Today, however, Tabak leads an organization of 450 scientists, administrators, and support staff with a budget of nearly $380 million. Taking Dentistry into the Future With its focus on improving the oral, dental, and craniofacial health of Americans, NIDCR also promotes the nation’s general health. It’s able to do so because advances in oral and systemic health are the result of scholarship and research which, he said, “are the cornerstones of any profession. The profession of dentistry is obligated to use scientific progress to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease as well as promote general health.” Tabak cited two examples of how scholarship and research have already improved the lives of millions – the use of fluoride and sealants. But not everyone has benefited, he admitted. “Our job is far from finished. We are committed to reducing, and one day, eliminating, oral health disparities.” Tabak said oral health research “matters because it will take dentistry into the 21st century.” He envisioned a day where patients one day would present graduates in their practices with a CD-ROM containing a patient’s genetic information. “You will use that information to ensure that any antibiotic or anesthetic you use will be adjusted to the patient’s metabolism. Untoward reactions will become a thing of the past.” Tabak said he also foresees dentists using stem cells to restore bone defects and heal fractures. Regardless of what path they take after graduation, Tabak advised students to leave a legacy. “That legacy is best measured...one person at a time.” Jaarda & Stoffers Win Paul Gibbons Award Drs. Merle Jaarda and Ken Stoffers received the Paul Gibbons Award from graduating dental students during commencement ceremonies. The student-bestowed award recognizes a teacher, or teachers, for their outstanding work during the time the students were in the predoctoral program. Dental class president Afua Mireku said what Jaarda and Stoffers taught during their second-year preclinical education prepared them for their clinical experiences and board exams. “I know our class was hard and that’s an understatement,” Jaarda told students who responded with laughter. “The fact you gave this award to Ken and myself means so much.” 66 DentalUM Fall 2004 Jaarda told students they were prepared both ethically and technically for life after dental school. However, he said the ultimate measure of success is “to have integrity and treat your patients like you want to be treated.” Joking about his graduation from dental school, Stoffers thanked the families and friends of the students. “Those of you who have supported them and stuck with them, I thank you for sharing them with us for just a few years of their lives.” Per Kjeldsen Back to Hill For the first time in two years, School of Dentistry graduation ceremonies this May were held at Hill Auditorium. Days after members of the Class of 2002 received their degrees, a $41 million renovation program began to the facility built in 1913. Last year’s dental school graduation ceremonies were held at the Power Center for the Performing Arts. Dr. Kenneth Stoffers (left) and Dr. Merle Jaarda. Comstock Receives Distinguished Service Award The School of Dentistry’s Alumni Society Board of Governors presented its Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Frank Comstock (DDS 1950). The annual award is given to a U-M alumnus who has made outstanding contributions to the School. Dr. William Costello, chairman of the Board of Governors who presented the award, said, “Dr. Comstock had a profound influence on me as a professor when I was here in the late 1960s.” Comstock’s 45-year association with U-M began as a dental student in the fall of 1938. It was interrupted when he joined the Marines during World War II. When he returned, Comstock taught in the Department of Operative Dentistry and was director of the graduate restorative program for 15 years. Even though he formally retired in 1985, Comstock continued to teach, mostly in preclinics, until the summer of 1991. One of his fondest memories, he recalled in the Fall 2002 issue of DentalUM (pages 74-77) was planning the “new” School of Dentistry building. Ground breaking for the project, which at the time was the largest contract awarded by U-M ($17.3 million) occurred in February 1966. The building was dedicated in October 1971. DentalUM Fall 2004 Per Kjeldsen Dr. Frank Comstock with his Distinguished Service Award. 67 Per Kjeldsen Afua Mireku, president of the Dental Class of 2004 (left) and Grace Jeon pause outside Hill Auditorium after graduation. Student Leadership Award to Mireku Afua Mireku, president of the Dental Class of 2004, was this year’s recipient of the Delta Dental Fund’s Student Leadership Award and a cash gift of $2,500. She was chosen for her leadership, volunteerism, and activities. Mireku was president of her class for three years, vice president and corresponding secretary of the Student National Dental Association, and a member of the School’s Multicultural Affairs and Curriculum Committee. She helped her community by conducting dental screenings for children in Headstart and for adults at the Metro Detroit Diabetes Center. Mireku is pursuing Advanced Education in General Dentistr y in Maryland. Each year, Delta Dental Fund grants an award to one dental student from each of the dental schools in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana to recognize their leadership and potential to help the dental profession. 68 Farewell...and a Gift from the Class of ’04 Dental class president Afua Mireku reminded her colleagues of what they have achieved as well as the responsibilities they now face in her farewell remarks. “We have the ability to heal, educate, and change people’s lives,” she said. “We’re accepting the duty of serving the public and providing them with the best dental care and earning the trust and respect of our community. But the learning has only just begun.” Mireku also announced a gift to the School from the Class of 2004 – creating a scholarship fund for future U-M dental students. She said when the fund reaches $100,000, distributions will be used for “scholarships that will be given every year to University of Michigan dental students for as long as the School exists.” She said the gift “is our thank you to the School of Dentistry and to all individuals who have worked to make it an outstanding institution.” Dr. Darnell Kaigler, Jr. Realizes a Dream First U-M Student to Complete Dual-Degree Program Dr. Darnell Kaigler, Jr. became the first student to complete the School of Dentistry’s DDS/Oral Health Sciences PhD program. Established in 1997, the dual-degree program allows a student to pursue both degrees simultaneously. Kaigler successfully completed the dental requirements and received his DDS in 2002. The program is a part of the Rackham School of Graduate Studies. Once a written dissertation is presented to graduate faculty members of the Dissertation Committee, it subsequently makes a recommendation to the Rackham School of Graduate Studies about successful completion of degree requirements. On May 3, Kaigler successfully defended his doctoral dissertation. Five days later, he participated in graduation ceremonies with other degree candidates. In August, he completed the formal requirements for his doctoral degree. Early Interest in Science “I’ve always been drawn to science in general and the health profession in particular, going back to grade school and high school,” Kaigler said. “My parents, much to their credit, didn’t push me in any particular direction.” Kaigler’s father, Dr. Darnell Kaigler, Sr., earned his dental degree from the University of Detroit-Mercy and a master’s degree in denture prosthodontics from the U-M School of Dentistry in 1986. His mother, Shirley, received her law degree from U-M in 1975. DentalUM Fall 2004 The younger Kaigler’s interest in the health professions grew as an undergraduate when he worked as a volunteer in hospital emergency rooms and assisted oral surgeons in their offices. His first research experience at Henry Ford Hospital’s Bone and Joint Department in 1996 “really opened my eyes to science and research. I saw the connection between research and how it might be used to help people,” he said. That interest was nurtured by his father who introduced his son to Dr. Harold Slavkin who, in the mid-1990s, was director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and to Dr. Thomas Albrektson, a Swedish pioneer in dental implants. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College, Kaigler applied to the U-M School of Dentistry, was accepted, and decided to pursue both a dental degree and a doctorate in oral health sciences. However, when Kaigler applied, the dual-degree program didn’t exist. With support from then-Dean William Kotowicz and then-Provost J. Bernard Machen, the DDS/PhD program was developed by Drs. Charlotte Mistretta, Lisa Tedesco, and Marilyn Woolfolk. Intensely Motivated As he worked for his dental degree, which included classes and clinical work, Kaigler also conducted research as a part of his PhD studies. “There were days I spent 12, 14, or 16 hours a day in the dental building,” he said. “But it’s something I decided to do if I wanted to reach my goal.” Now that he has, Kaigler said he would like to become a clinical research fellow and have his work make a difference in people’s lives. “I want to have a positive effect on a large number of people in different ways,” he said. “I think I will be able to do that by bringing science and research from the lab into a clinical setting where, in some way, a patient will benefit. I want my research to be directly related to treating and improving the lives of patients.” Keary Campbell Dr. Darnell Kaigler standing in front of his poster during a recent Research Table Clinic Day Program. Following graduation ceremonies, Dr. De’Avlin Olguin (left), who received a master’s degree in periodontics; Dr. Bryan Williams (center), who received a master’s degree in prosthodontics; and Dr. Darnell Kaigler, Jr. (right), who defended his doctoral dissertation in May and received his PhD in August, enjoy themselves outside Hill Auditorium. Per Kjeldsen DentalUM Fall 2004 69 All photos by Per Kjeldsen 70 DentalUM Fall 2004 Faculty NEWS Stefanac New Associate Dean for Patient Services Dr. Stephen J. Stefanac is the new associate dean for patient services at the U-M School of Dentistry. He succeeds Dr. Dennis Turner who retired June 30 following a 22- year career. Turner, who began his career at the School of Dentistry as an instructor in the Department of Oral Biology in 1982, was assistant dean for patient services since 1991. Stefanac supervises one of the largest departments at the School. With more than 100 employees, the office is responsible for the smooth operation of the four predoctoral clinics, dental stores, the records room, sterilization and dispensing facilities, the Patient Admitting and Emergency Services (PAES) Clinic, information desks, and the Community Dental Center. In his role Stefanac will also be responsible for the School’s outreach programs. Familiar with Michigan Stefanac is no stranger to the University of Michigan or to southeast Michigan. He earned two degrees from U-M, the first, a BS in biological sciences in 1976; the second, a master’s degree in oral diagnosis and radiology in 1987. He received his dental degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 1980. After earning his dental degree, Stefanac was a general practice DentalUM Fall 2004 Per Kjeldsen Dr. Stephen Stefanac resident at the VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor. Between 1981 and 1984, he owned a general dental practice in South Lyon. He also practiced part- time in Detroit for two years. Stefanac’s teaching career at the U-M School of Dentistry began in 1984 as a part-time clinical instructor. From then until 1986, he was also a research associate in biomaterials. He was an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology at U-M from 1986 to 1987. Between 1987 and 1998, Stefanac was an assistant professor and later an associate professor as well as director of the Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Surgical Services at U-D Mercy. His administrative appointments at U-D Mercy include assistant and acting director of clinics, as well as director and acting associate dean for patient care. For the past six years, Stefanac has been a clinical professor at the University of Iowa College of Dentistr y’s Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine. At Iowa, he was assistant dean for patient care from 1998 to 2001. Since 2001, he has been associate dean for patient care. Stefanac has served as a member of numerous professional organizations at local, state, and national levels. For the past two years, he has been a site visitor for the ADA’s Council on Dental Accreditation and, since 1998, an advisory board member for Delta Dental of Iowa. Woolfolk Wins NDA’s Faculty Recognition Award Dr. Marilyn Woolfolk, assistant dean for student ser vices and professor of community dentistry, received a major award, the Faculty Recognition Award, during the National Dental Association’s annual convention this summer. T h e f a c u l t y a w a rd h o n o r s individuals who demonstrate excellence in professional development 71 Faculty NEWS O’Brien Appointed to FDA Advisory Committee Per Kjeldsen and a willingness to help others in their quest for knowledge and advancement. Woolfolk was honored for her work in administration and service. T h e a w a rd f ro m t h e N DA Foundation and Colgate-Palmolive was presented during the organiza- tion’s 91st annual meeting in Los Angeles in late July. The American Dental Education Association also had a role in selecting the winner. Founded in 1913, the NDA is the oldest and largest organization o f m i n o r i t y o r a l h e a l t h c a re professionals in the world. It represents approximately 10,000 African American dentists, hygienists, assistants, and students in the U.S., Africa, Latin American, and Canada. Woolfolk, a School of Dentistry faculty member since 1978, earned three degrees from the University of Michigan: a master’s degree in microbiology in 1972, a DDS in 1978, a master’s in public health in 1982. She was director of student affairs (1990-1997) and has been assistant dean for student services since 1997. She maintained a joint appointment at the School of Public Health from 1983-1999. She was a 2002-2003 Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Fellow. 72 Dr. William O’Brien, professor of biologic and materials sciences and biomedical engineering, has been appointed to a four-year term as a member of the FDA’s Dental Advisory Committee. O’Brien will participate in reviews evaluating data on the safety and effectiveness of marketed dental products and make recommendations for their regulation. The committee also advises on the formulation of product development protocols, premarket approval applications for new dental products, and makes recommendations on specific issues or problems concerning the safety and effectiveness of products. O’Brien is the author of over one hundred journal papers and contributor to several books and an Internet database on biomaterials. He is also the editor of the third edition of Dental Materials and Their Section [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2003, page 71.] Peters Receives Research Award Dr. Tilly Peters is one of 10 U-M women researchers to receive a Crosby Research Award from the National Science Foundation. Established only three years ago, the award is designed to foster collaboration, advance the careers of women faculty members in the sciences, and to introduce female graduate students to research. Peters, a professor of dentistry in the Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, is conducting a study that suggests the traditional approach to dentistry should be replaced by a less invasive approach that is more patient-friendly and more “tooth friendly.” “This minimum intervention philosophy offers a different and fresh approach to caries management that may lead to sustainable oral health care in the future, especially for a large part of the U.S. population that is currently underserved,” she said. Peters is looking to gather data that could later be used to apply for funding to investigate the clinical effectiveness and merit of the minimal intervention approach. School of Dentistry faculty members who will work with Peters are Drs. Sharon Brooks, Christopher Fenno, Marita Inglehart, Lynn Johnson, and Preetha Kanjirath. Peters and the other faculty members will also collaborating nationally and internationally with colleagues in Texas, Poland, and Brazil. DentalUM Fall 2004 Faculty Promotions Rafter in ADEA Leadership Institute Dr. Mary Rafter, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, is the School of Dentistry’s representative in this year’s ADEA Leadership Institute. The one-year program, which ends next spring, was designed to develop the nation’s most promising dental faculty to become future leaders in dental and higher education. Participants pursue a project addressing a key issue in dental education and work in groups with others who share similar interests and aspirations. Rafter received her dental education in Dublin, Ireland at Trinity College Dental School. After graduation she worked in private practice and with the Irish Public Dental Service before earning a master’s degree in endodontics from the University of Illinois (Chicago). Currently the director of predoctoral endodontic education, Rafter will soon become chair of the American Dental Education Association’s Section on Endodontics. Previous School of Dentistry program participants in the Leadership Institute include Dr. Paul Krebsbach, Prof. Wendy Kerschbaum, and Dr. George Taylor. U-M Regents approved recommendations for promotion of five School of Dentistry faculty members during their May meeting. They are: • • • • • Dr. William Giannobile, from associate professor with tenure to professor with tenure. Dr. David Kohn, from associate professor with tenure to professor with tenure. Dr. Cun-Yu Wang, from associate professor with tenure to professor with tenure. Dr. Christopher Fenno, from assistant professor to associate professor with tenure. Dr. Mary Rafter, from clinical assistant professor to clinical associate professor. The appointments with the new titles were effective September 1. Photo courtesy of Michael Manz Manz and Daughter in Boston Marathon It was a first for Dr. Michael Manz and his daughter, Emilie. Although they ran together in a marathon in Duluth, Minnesota three years ago, this spring, they were among the more than 20,000 runners who participated in the 108th Boston Marathon. For Manz, a senior research associate in health sciences in the Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, it was his third Boston Marathon. For Emilie, it was her first. “We did finish, but I think it was the second hottest one in the history of the event,” Manz said. “The temperature for this year’s race was in the mid-80s. But it wasn’t as hot it was when I ran in 1976 when the temperature was around 100 degrees. The 1976 event is one they often refer to as ‘The Run for the Hoses’,” he quipped. Manz said “our times this spring were pretty slow, about an hour more than our qualifying times.” To qualify for the Boston event, Manz ran a marathon in Dublin, Ohio in early February. Emilie qualified for the Boston Marathon by finishing a marathon last year in Toledo, Ohio, 18 seconds under the cutoff mark. When asked if he’d enter the Boston Marathon again next year, Manz said, “Nope. I ran it in 1976, 1990, and 2004. So I’m not due again until 2018.” DentalUM Fall 2004 Dr. Michael Manz and his daughter, Emilie, ran together for the first time in this year’s Boston Marathon. “Running together was definitely the plan,” he said. “With a race that long, you try to keep each other company to pass the time and the miles.” This picture was taken somewhere along the route, not at the finish line. Photographers were stationed approximately five kilometers apart taking pictures of participants. 73 New Residents in GPR Program Weldon Higgins New GPR residents include (left to right) Stephen Minehart, assistant program director; Irene Renieris, Aditi Bagchi, Diane Lee, and Erick Tyler. Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum (right) is program director. Four students, three of whom earned their dental degrees this spring from the U-M School of Dentistry, began their one-year general practice residency in July. Conducted by the Department of Oral and Maxiollofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry, the GPR program offers dental graduates opportunities to provide dental care to medically-compromised patients with special needs. The program is the only hospital-based, non federal-general dentistry training program in Michigan. The four students are Aditi Bagchi, Diane Lee, Irene Renieris, and Erika Tyler. Bagchi, from Troy, Michigan, earned two degrees from U-M, an undergraduate degree in psychology in 2000, and dental degree this spring. Lee, who hails from Berrien Springs, Michigan, received her undergraduate degree in religion from Andrews University in that community in 2000 and DDS from the School of Dentistry this spring. After completing their residency, both Bagchi and Lee plan to remain in Michigan and pursue private practice. Renieris, from Madison Heights, Michigan, received her undergraduate degree in communications from U-M in 2000 and her dental degree from Indiana University this spring. Tyler, who is from the Lansing area, also received her dental degree from U-M this spring. She and Renieris plan to pursue specialty training in pediatric dentistry after they complete their GPR residency. 74 DentalUM Fall 2004 DEPARTMENT UPDATE Cariology, Restorative Denitstry, and Endodontics Keary Campbell Dr. Brian Clarkson, Chair A lthough our School has a new dean, some things have not changed, foremost being the excellence of our programs. This is important to remember when he mentions the future of the School and its departments. To a large degree, the excellence of our departmental programs is due to our outstanding faculty. Of course, other factors also contribute to excellence, including students, staff, our physical facilities, and the support from our alumni. However, when the “rubber meets the road” – whether in the lecture hall, the technique laboratory, the clinic floor, or the research laboratory – it’s the faculty that makes the difference. In my tenure as department chair, I have been blessed, and this is not a too strong description, with a well qualified, dedicated, and enthusiastic faculty. They thrive on change and on challenges, many of which are self-imposed. Under the previous leadership of Dr. Gerry Charbeneau and later Dr. Joe Dennison, we have had an excellent reputation as educators I have strived to do this. As I contemplate life after being a chair, it will be for others to say whether this has been achieved. Predoctoral Teaching Program O n e o f t h e m o s t e xc i t i n g developments in recent months has been the renovation of one of the “old” preclinic laboratories into the “new” simulation laboratory. [See DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004, pages 11-13.] For those of you who carved your initials in the lab bench drawers of the old preclinic laboratories, I urge you to visit our new facility. As you do, I think you’ll agree that one now needs a degree in information technology to teach in the simulation laboratory. Computer screens at ever y w o r k s t a t i o n m a ke t e c h n i q u e demonstrations a more intimate educational experience for students and faculty. Air/water syringes and suction make the removal of amalgams and acid etching of teeth a more realistic procedure than previously. When I became chair, my charge was to maintain that excellence while also establishing a national and international research profile. Over the past twelve years I have strived to do this. and clinicians. When I became chair, my charge was to maintain that excellence while also establishing a national and international research profile. Over the past twelve years DentalUM Fall 2004 Does the facility make for a better product, that is, a clinically- competent student? It helps, but it is the caliber of the instruction that really counts. 75 Our department is fortunate to have dedicated and very well qualified individuals teaching in the preclinical area under the leadership of Drs. Mary Ellen McLean, Ken Stoffers and José Vivas. Ken deserves congratulations for receiving, along with Dr. Merle Jaarda (Prosthodontics), the Paul Gibbons Award from the Class of 2004 during this year’s commencement program. [See story, pages 66-67.] complicated esthetic restorations to be treated by the predoctoral students in the graduate clinics. This flow of patients also means there is a greater interchange between predoctoral and graduate faculty members. The most recent innovation in the VICs is the new implant course. [See story page 63.] Students will have an opportunity to place one implant in the simulation laboratory and another in a patient. This school-wide Productivity per chair, a measure of the efficient use of capital, increased about 3.6percent during the 2002-2003academic year to $27,163. The amount is slightly more than double what it was in 1997($13,400). Under the leadership of Dr. Don Heys, the Vertically Integrated Clinics program remains the envy of many other dental schools. Even though students are spending time outside the school participating in clinical rotations at community outreach sites across Michigan, their occasional absence has not hurt clinical productivity. In fact, as the chart above illustrates, productivity continues to increase. We have also integrated the graduate restorative clinics into the students’ predoctoral experience by allowing patients who need more 76 program is supported by faculty from Cariology (Scott Pelok, José Vivas, and Dennis Fasbinder), Periodontics, Oral Surgery and Prosthodontics. The endodontic experience for our predoctoral students has also been revamped as I wrote about in my last report in the Fall 2002 issue (pages 47-49). Dr. Neville McDonald, along with his multinational faculty, introduced rotary instrumentation in the predoctoral curriculum two years ago. This has been a major success. The clinical results have far exceeded the expectations of our endodontics faculty. In that last report, I also mentioned the multinational composition of our endodontics faculty which is a microcosm of what is happening in dental academe today. Our inability to recruit the next generation of dental academics from our own national pool has led us to recruit foreign nationals into the dental teaching profession. Dr. McDonald, himself a New Zealander (viva “Lord of the Rings”), a board specialist in endodontics, has been extremely fortunate with the caliber and qualifications of the two new faculty he has recruited into endodontics: Drs. Tatiana Botero, DDS, MS from Colombia, and Hongjiao Ouyang DDS, PhD, from China. We a l s o h a v e t w o o t h e r international full-time faculty members: Mary Rafter, DDS, MS from Ireland, and Christine Sedgley DDS, PhD from Australia. Graduate Training Program The three graduate programs, Advanced Education in General Dentistr y (AEGD), endodontics, and operative dentistry under the direction of Drs. Dennis Fasbinder, Neville McDonald, and Joe Dennison/ Peter Yaman, respectively, remain a vital part of the department. The integration of these and all the graduate programs into the fabric of the predoctoral teaching program is being evaluated. As I mentioned earlier, we are fortunate that AEGD and operative dentistry have already undergone this integration. Our endodontics faculty and graduate students already teach in the predoctoral program which creates a seamless transition from one program to another for the patients. DentalUM Fall 2004 In the future, a top priority for the endodontics program is a new clinical facility and endowed professorships. Both will depend on the generosity of our alumni. I’m hopeful that as The Michigan Difference fundraising campaign gains momentum that our alumni will help us reach these goals. Research Program Over the past twelve years the department’s research profile has increased dramatically both in quantity and quality. our clinical teaching programs. These activities are not mutually exclusive; rather they are synergistic. Without research creating the new body of knowledge from which we teach, our profession will not advance and the general public will not benefit. Without the research findings reaching the general public through the teaching of our students, then the research itself has little or no benefit. Fortunately the faculty in the department understand this balance. There is a mutual respect which allows the three aspects of I have been blessed, and this is not a too strong description, with a well qualified, dedicated and enthusiastic faculty. They thrive on change and challenges, many of which are self-imposed. One measure of its success is total research funding awards. The increase has been significant, from roughly $200,000 when I arrived to approximately $6 million presently. The research our department is conducting is as broad as it is deep. Major grants have been awarded to Dr. Amid Ismail in the area of health disparities and tobacco usage. Dr. Jacques Nör holds two grants for oral cancer research. Dr. Helena Ritchie and I have research grants for tissue engineering. Dr. George Taylor is investigating the relationship between periodontal health and diabetes. Drs. Dennison, Fasbinder, Peters and Yaman are heavily involved in funded clinical research. I expect research efforts to grow, but not to the detriment of DentalUM Fall 2004 academe — teaching, research, and service — to thrive and prosper. In recent years departmental faculty have been mentors to many of our predoctoral students who are involved in research projects. These research projects have been funded through NIH and AADR/IADR awards after a national competition. Those who received awards this year, departmental faculty mentors, and a short description of those projects are listed on pages 87-89. Please take time to read them. You will better appreciate the scope of the research in the department and throughout the school. Our department is large, with approximately 135 employees, including staff (clinical, research, administrative) and faculty (both full- and part-time). Although I can’t mention all of them individually, each is extremely important in making our department function and making this a great place to work. However, if there’s one person who is the linchpin, it is our department administrator, Doreen Graden. She works tirelessly and seemingly effortlessly as the bridge between faculty and staff. To do it successfully, as she has done, is amazing; for her to do it with such aplomb is incredible. Invitation To Alumni For alumni who are thinking of a career after practice, how about teaching? We have about 50 to 60 part time faculty working in the department. Without them our teaching program would not survive quantitatively, but more importantly qualitatively. The wealth of clinical and business expertise they possess is significant... and we would like to tap into that resource. Stop by when you have an opportunity and I will be glad to talk to you. If I am not here, Dr. Mark Fitzgerald, our department’s associate chair, will be able to answer your questions. Awards Dr. Tilly Peters was recently awarded a Cosby Research Award from the National Science Foundation. [See story, page 72.] Dr. Joe Dennison recently was the recipient of the Marcus L. Ward Professorship Award from the School of Dentistry. D r. N e v i l l e M c D o n a l d w a s awarded honorar y membership in the Svrakov Academy in Sofia, Bulgaria. 77 DEPARTMENT UPDATE Periodontics, Prevention, and Geriatrics Keary Campbell Dr. Laurie McCauley, Chair T he 2003-2004 academic year has been exciting with many accomplishments and awards which have given us momentum in maintaining and building excellence in academic dentistry. Our major goals are to advance the science of preventing oral disease; to treat periodontal diseased patients with scientifically sound, effective, and reasonable therapies; and to provide dedicated service to address the oral health needs of an aging population. These goals are met by training our students and residents to become outstanding clinicians and scientists capable of applying cutting-edge knowledge and technology. All PPG members share a commitment to continue building on our tradition of developing individuals who will become excellent clinicians, scholars, and leaders in dental medicine. T h e c u r re n t s t a t e o f o u r department, I believe, is best reflected in the comments and opinions of others. A recent survey of our faculty, staff, and students was incredibly positive and brought comments like those below: “Ongoing progressive research and creativity with teaching...a well-organized and well-focused department. People treat one another with respect and are willing to work out differences for the benefit of the program.” “Very strong in research; intimate, friendly relationship of people; and strong faculty.” 78 “A leader in academic excellence and a guidepost for sustained research superiority within the School of Dentistry.” “One of the primary strengths is the diversity of the research that is being conducted.” “A great department. Faculty and staff support each other. A large department with lots of energy.” Elsewhere in this report, you will learn more about the work of some of the members of our department a n d s o m e o f t h e i r i m p re s s i v e achievements. For example: • In research, our funding increased more than 14% during the most recent fiscal year. • In teaching, our in-service events and annual retreat have provided insight into the similarities and differences that faculty have when approaching diagnoses and treatment planning. These events have also brought more consensus to how our DDS students should be learning. • In service, faculty continues to receive national and interna- tional acclaim through their service on federal review panels, editorial boards, and with professional organizations. Please visit our department’s Web site: http://ppg.dent.umich. edu to learn more. DentalUM Fall 2004 Graduate Program The last three years have been very productive for the graduate program. Our graduate students have received many awards and first prizes in research competitions. For example, two students last year and one student this year received the American Academy of Periodontology’s Abram and Sylvia Chasens Teaching and Research Fellowships. Two students were awarded an American Academy of Periodontology Student Fellowship. Two were finalists in the Gerald Kramer Award competition. Four participated in Balint Orban’s Memorial Research competition. Three won a first prize in the Midwest Society of Periodontology Graduate Student’s Research Forum. One was among the three finalists of the American Academy of Periodontology Richard J. Lazzara Fellowship In Advanced Implant Surgery. In addition, students were involved in more than 30 peer- reviewed publications and more than 20 professional presentations during the last three years. Nine of 20 graduating students pursued academic careers. Also during the past three years, all graduates have successfully passed the American Board of Periodontology exam and became Diplomates. One of the goals and challenges for the graduate program is to establish a balance between graduating “skillful and thoughtful clinicians” and “high quality researchers.” These activities clearly show that we are on the right track. As noted many times previously, the quality of the graduate program l a rg e l y d e p e n d s u p o n a l u m n i participation. Faculty, staff, and alumni/ DentalUM Fall 2004 practitioners deserve credit for their contributions to the program’s success. In particular, we acknowledge the following Dean’s Faculty for their valuable time and experience: Michael Baity, William Beck, William Carroll, R. Craig Diederich, Phillip Doyle, Nicholas Gersch, Roger Hill, Salah Huwais, Jeffery Johnston, Lloyd Lariscy, Jr., Allan Padbury, Sr., Mark Setter, William Sorensen, and Anthony Spagnuolo. We are very grateful for your continued interest in our program and look forward to your continued support in the future. Dental Hygiene The dental hygiene Class of 2004 was the first class of hygiene students to participate in the University’s pledge drive. Senior students were challenged to give back financially to the School after receiving their degree and entering the working world. By the time it ended in January, the vast majority of the senior hygiene students did pledge. [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004, page 60.] On a broader scale, students from all three dental hygiene classes participated in Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association (SADHA) activities at an unprecedented level this past year. A fall membership drive pitted the three classes against each other to achieve the greatest percentage of membership. The sophomore and senior classes tied. Students were also involved in numerous learning and service activities. Most notable was the annual March of Dimes Health Walk at the Medical Center where the School of Dentistry display was by far the most popular table. Two U-M students participated in the national meeting of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association in June. Becky Ruppert was an alternate delegate from Region V. Nicole Maynard presented a table clinic in the student session. Curriculum and Continuing Education Programs Educationally, both the graduate and the degree completion program have been reviewed and revised. Now, all degree completion students participate in a semester-long mentored professional experience which pairs a student with a faculty member. Each student will engage in an individually-designed project related to an oral health issue. The graduate program has expanded to include two new areas of focus – clinical research and educational technology. Students will be prepared to assume leadership roles in dental hygiene education and oral health research. Another new feature allows a student to apply selected courses in the undergraduate program toward graduate credit. Both hygiene students and degree completion students are eligible for this “fast track” option. Building on the success of peer teaching experiences, which have been part of the dental hygiene program for many years, teaching opportunities have been developed for undergraduate students. In the senior year, selected students have taught oral anatomy, clinical experiences with sophomore students, and the introductor y prophylaxis course for first year dental students. This fall senior students will also teach in the preclinical course. The response from student teachers and their students has been very positive. In June 2002, Michigan law was 79 changed to permit properly educated dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia. Since then, we have prepared over 400 practitioners through continuing education to provide this service. All program graduates have also met the necessary educational criteria. In March, the law was amended to permit properly educated hygienists to administer nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation in practice. Dental hygiene graduates in 2004 and beyond will have the required education and continuing education courses for practitioners. Research Overview Last summer, Dean Peter Polverini named Dr. William Giannobile to the new position of director of clinical research. [DentalUM, Fall 2003, page 43.] Succeeding him as department research director is Dr. Russell Taichman who is spearheading collaborative efforts in periodontal diagnostics and basic research in stem cell biology. Faculty and students have received new research grants for projects ranging from basic to behavioral sciences, from molecular and cellular projects focused on regeneration and cancer, to improved methods of education. Many of these initiatives involve significant collaborations between faculty, staff, graduate students at the School of Dentistry, the Medical School, and abroad. Faculty Research Two grants, totaling $1.2 million, were awarded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) focus on education. One grant will help accelerate the transfer of research findings from the laboratory to clinics so predoctoral 80 and dental hygiene students can enhance the quality of oral health care their patients receive. The other grant will use videoconferencing and Internet technology to bring experts from around the nation together to provide students with current information from the burgeoning field of genetics. Both of these were described in detail in the School’s annual report, New Beginnings, which was mailed to you this spring. Dr. Marita R. Inglehart recently received an award from NIDCR to explore oral health and the quality of life in children. Her research also focuses on oral health-quality of life issues in adults. Recently, she has developed collaborations examining quality of life issues focusing on bruxism in head and neck cancer patients. Closely related to these topic areas are issues related to access to care for underserved populations, such as special needs patients. She is coordinating a monthly continuing education series pertaining to treating patients with disabilities. Dr. Bob Bagramian’s ongoing efforts into the ethics, epidemiology, and clinical trials in periodontal disease etiology and health behavior have supported many of our department’s efforts pertaining to the effects of oral health on quality of life issues. Dr. Philip Richards recently received a Whitaker Foundation grant to work with faculty from different disciplines to create and revise patient cases so students become more focused on patient-centered treatment and cross- cultural communication issues in patient-provider interactions. Drs. Hom-Lay Wang and T.J. Oh recently received corporate funding for human trial implants. Innovative studies pertaining to the immediate functional loading of implants and evaluation of a number of novel bone graft materials for bone augmentation procedures will be explored. D r. D a v i d S a r m e n t , w h o s e research interests largely focus on implantology, is working on precise implant placement methods and advanced diagnostic tools. Recently, a cone-beam CT scanner became clinically available and research evaluation is underway. [See DentalUM, spring & Summer 2004, page 46.] New CAD/CAM surgical guides are also being clinically evaluated for their practicality and precision, with potential to apply the CT scanning techniques for periodontal evaluation. He is also evaluating metalloprotease levels in gingival biopsies, an evaluation of a herbal patch deliver y and participating in clinical outcome evaluation using a beta-tricalcium phosphate carrier in combination with a growth factor. Dr. William Giannobile’s lab is continuing to apply gene therapy approaches for tissue engineering periodontal structures. His lab has also been pursuing clinical applications to periodontal problems such as the use of growth factors to repair periodontal defects in humans. As part of the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research, the lab is initiating a human trial to determine the ability of biomarkers of disease to predict bone loss in patients at risk for periodontal breakdown. This is a collaborative study with the U-M Department of Chemical Engineering, the U.S. Department of Energy group, Sandia National Laboratories, and the Lopatin lab DentalUM Fall 2004 group. The Giannobile lab also has a few collaborative studies initiated with industry including Targeted Genetics Corporation, CollaGenex and Amgen exploring new therapeutics at early stages of development. Dr. L. Susan Taichman’s research is focused on women’s oral health. It has been thought that oral contraceptive use places women at increased risk for periodontal diseases. Using data from the 1st and 3rd National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES I, 1971-74, and NHANES III, 1988-94) she evaluated cellular targets in bone turnover as numerous skeletal diseases including periodontal disease are influenced by the impairment of osteoblast function. A key agent that has received considerable attention for its anabolic actions on bone is parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH is essential for the maintenance of calcium homeostasis and exerts its actions on bone to release calcium into the extracellular fluid as a component of the process of bone remodeling. PTH increases bone mass (anabolic action) when administered on mechanisms controlling bone formation and gene therapy-based approaches for stimulating bone regeneration. In the past year, Dr Guozhi Xiao, a research investigator in the group, identified a new factor that is required for parathyroid hormone to stimulate gene expression in bone cells. This factor, called ATF4, was recently shown to be an essential factor for bone formation. Current studies are assessing the role of this factor in the anabolic actions of parathyroid hormone in bone. In gene therapy related studies, his Our major goals are to advance the state of the art and science of preventing oral disease; to treat periodontal diseased patients with scientifically sound, effective, and reasonable therapies; and to provide dedicated service to address the oral health needs of an aging population. the impact of oral contraceptives on more than 9,000 women. In an upcoming publication, funded by the NIDCR, she demonstrated oral contraceptive use was associated with a decreased prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis in both data sets. These findings failed to validate the belief that high dose oral contraceptive or modern low-dose oral contraceptives use is associated with increased levels of gingivitis or periodontitis. It means we may have to reevaluate our current thinking pertaining to the use of oral contraceptives. My research (Dr. Laurie McCauley) continues to focus on hormonal controls of bone remodeling. This physiological process is tightly regulated by both direct and indirect mechanisms, many of which suggest that osteoblast precursor cells and cells in the bone marrow are critical DentalUM Fall 2004 intermittently and promotes bone resorption (catabolic action) when administered in a continuous fashion. Recent research has adapted methods for tissue-engineering bone from transplanted bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), and has found this bone to be responsive to systemic hormones. This valuable model is currently being used to study basic mechanisms of PTH actions in bone, skeletal regeneration as well as tumor cell/bone cell interactions as occur in metastatic bone disease. The strong basic science in bone remodeling is leading to clinical applications for the use of PTH in the treatment of periodontal disease. A clinical study will be initiated in the new clinical research facility this fall to determine the ability of systemically administered PTH to augment osseous healing during periodontal surgery. R e s e a r c h i n D r. R e n n y Franceschi’s lab continues to focus group is using adenoviruses and retroviruses to deliver genes encoding bone regenerative factors such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) to regeneration sites. In previous studies, they were able to partially heal cranial and long bone defects with viruses encoding single BMPs. Franceschi’s group recently discovered that the regenerative activity of BMPs can be greatly enhanced if specific combinations of viruses encoding different BMPs are used instead of single BMPs. This work, presented at the IADR meeting in March, suggests a new strategy for stimulating bone regeneration. Dr. Keith Kirkwood’s investigations, which recently received funding from the U-M Cancer Center and NIDCR, focus on molecular mechanisms that regulate the expression of inflammatory mediators. Chronic inflammation in periodontal 81 diseases results in local tissue destruction and ultimately tooth loss. Proinflammatory cytokines stimulate a variety of enzymes which degrade the extracellular matrix in chronic inflammatory bone diseases, such as periodontitis. The ability of inflammatory mediators to play a significant role in periodontal disease progression, is clearly dependent on the regulation of stability of pro- inflammatory mediators produced by resident cells within the periodontal microenvironment. The goal of this project is to determine the mechanisms that regulate cytokine expression and ultimately identify novel therapeutic targets to limit periodontal disease progression. Dr. Yvonne Kapila joined our department July 1. [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004, page 58.] Her research activities have been continuously funded by NIH and focus on basic mechanisms that regulate apoptosis or programmed cell death as it relates to periodontal disease progression and inflammation and squamous cell cancer. Research in the laboratory of Dr. Russell Taichman focuses on the role of osteoblasts in normal bone marrow function. The laboratory is currently trying to identify the osteoblast-derived factor(s) that support hematopoiesis. Identifying these mechanisms may someday ultimately reduce the morbidity/ mortality associated with bone marrow transplants and will likely lead to the identification of novel methods to improve bone engraftment for regenerative therapies. Recent NIDCR grants have allowed the group to dissect the molecular events that mediate cell-to-cell adhesion between osteoblasts and hematopoietic stem 82 cells. Part of the receptor complex that has been uncovered is novel and may be involved in how stem cells return to the marrow during bone marrow transplantation. In a second related project, the group is studying the mechanisms used by tumor cells to metastasize to the bone marrow. It has been found that part of the mechanism relates to products secreted by osteoblasts in the bone marrow that interact with receptors on tumor cells. Currently the focus is on the receptor CXCR4 (an HIV co-receptor). This receptor binds stromal derived factor-1 (SDF- 1) which we believe directs the chemotaxis of prostate cancers towards the marrow. In fact, the group has recently demonstrated that blocking CXCR4 resulted in fewer tumors in animals. Recently funded projects include examinations of genetic variability in these genes that regulate tumor progression and metastasis. As an outgrowth of these studies, Drs. Giannobile, Taichman, and Wang are trying to identify the molecular profile of human periodontal diseases. A major limitation in the clinical management of patients susceptible to periodontal disease is the inability to detect active alveolar bone loss. Recent advances in molecular diagnosis have positioned them to establish relevant biomarkers to identify when periodontal bone loss occurs. Here a “real-time” assessment of periodontal disease activity is being evaluated with help from several periodontal graduate and undergraduate students. Should these efforts prove fruitful, it may be possible to develop a rapid and cost-effective diagnostic test that would provide guidelines for clinical decisions such as, who should be treated, when, and the most cost- effective way to do so. Faculty Awards & Honors Robert Eber: Chair, Section on Periodontics, American Dental Education Association (2003- 2004). Renny Franceschi: Reviewer and Abstracts category chair, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research annual meeting (2004); past president, IADR/AADR Mineralized Tissues Group. William Giannobile: Named the William E. and Mary Anne Najjar Professor (2003); Robinson Periodontal Regeneration Award, American Academy of Periodontology (2003); Clinical Research Award, American Academy of Periodontology (2003); member, Best Dentists in America (2003) Wendy Kerschbaum: Outstanding Instructor Award, Dental Hygiene Class of 2004; Outstanding Clinical Instructor, Class of 2004. Keith Kirkwood: Member, Special Emphasis Panel, NIH, Science Education Partnership Award (June 2004). Christine Klausner: Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Chi Chapter, Honorary Member (2004); Instructor of the Year, 3rd Floor, Dental Hygiene classes of 2004, 2005. Laurie McCauley: President, IADR/AADR Mineralized Tissues Group (2003-2004); member, NIH study section “Skeletal Biology Development and Disease”; editorial board member, Calcified Tissue International and Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Tae-Ju Oh: Speaker,“Innovations in Periodontics,” 90th AAP meeting (2004). Susan Pritzel: Instructor of the Year, 2nd Floor, Senior Dental Hygiene Class of 2004. Philip Richards: Teacher of the Year Award, Alpha Omega dental fraternity (2004). Russsell Taichman: U-M School of Dentistry Service Award, Faculty Recognition Award for outstanding research mentorship (2004). Hom-Lay Wang: Fellow, American College of Dentists; Diplomate, International Congress of Oral Implantologists. DentalUM Fall 2004 New Faculty Keary Campbell Bernard F. Debski... joined the University of Michigan as a part-time faculty member two years ago. Previously, he was a full-time faculty member at the Medical College of Virginia and the University of Detroit (Mercy). He received his DMD and MS in pharmacology-physiology from the University of Pittsburgh, and a certificate in periodontics and a PhD in pharmacology from the Medical College of Virginia. Debski has practiced general dentistry in the U.S. Navy and periodontics at his office in Grosse Pointe. His research interests involve neutrophil function, severe periodontal disease in young people, and drug interactions. At U-M, he will expand his teaching responsibilities and conduct clinical research. Courtesy of Yvonne Kapila Yvonne Kapila... re c e i v e d h e r b a c h e l o r ’ s degree in human biology f r o m S t a n f o rd a n d h e r dental degree, doctorate in oral biology, certificate i n p e r i o d o n t o l o g y, a n d postdoctoral training at the University of California San Francisco. As a dental academician she has focused on educating and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral fellows. Her research activities, focusing on basic mechanisms that regulate apoptosis or programmed cell death as it relates to periodontal disease progression and inflammation and cancer metastasis, have been continuously funded by NIH. She had a part- time periodontics practice at the UCSF Faculty practice for nine years. Her husband, Dr. Sunil Kapila, chairs the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. DentalUM Fall 2004 Keary Campbell Keith Lough Kirkwood... came to U-M from the State University of New York at Buffalo where he received his certificate in periodontics and a doctoral degree in oral biology. He obtained his dental degree from West Virginia. Before arriving in Ann Arbor in January, Kirkwood was a full-time faculty member in Buffalo researching the pharmacological regulation of inflammatory cytokine expression in bone. His efforts were recognized two years ago when he received the University’s Young Investigator Award. In May, he passed part two of the American Board of Periodontology exam and is now a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. As an assistant professor at U-M, he continues his research in inflammatory cytokines and their impact in bone as well as his clinical teaching in periodontics. Courtesy of Rodrigo Neiva Rodrigo Neiva... is a highly-skilled periodontist who graduated from U-M with expertise in advanced surgical procedures. He is the author or co-author of numerous articles on periodontics and implant dentistr y. After receiving his certificate and master’s degree from U-M and becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, he was a clinical instructor and research fellow in graduate periodontics for a year. Because of his passion and enthusiasm, graduating periodontics students this summer gave him the Distinguished Faculty Award. As a full-time clinical assistant professor, Neiva will teach graduate and undergraduate students and will conduct clinical research with other faculty members. 83 DENTAL HYGIENE Graduation 2004 Outstanding Alumnae Award to Dr. Cheryl Troy Samuels Photo courtesy of Cheryl Troy Samuels Graduation Remarks on the Web You can hear the remarks of all graduation speakers on the School of Dentistry’s Web site: www.dent.umich.edu. On the homepage, click beneath the headline “Graduation 2004.” Headlines and photographs of the speakers will appear, as will the time of their remarks. You can listen in any order you choose. 84 The School of Dentistry’s Dental Hygienists’ Alumnae Association (DHAA) presented its Outstanding Alumnae Award to Dr. Cheryl Troy Samuels at spring commencement ceremonies. The award honors a U-M dental hygiene graduate who has excelled in the profession. Since she was participating in her final graduation ceremony at Old Dominion, Samuels was unable to travel to Ann Arbor to receive the award. In August, she officially began a new job as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Texas Woman’s University in Denton. Jemma Allor, DHAA president, said Samuels “was thrilled and honored to have been chosen to receive this prestigious award.” Samuels received a master’s degree in dental hygiene from U-M in 1971 and has subsequently served in various leadership roles in education. They include: Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Maryland (1993-1995); Dean of the College of Allied Health and Nursing, Minnesota State University (1995-2000); and Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Professor of Community and Environmental Health, Old Dominion University (2000-2004). When the award was bestowed, Samuels was president-elect of the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions. Samuels has also written a book chapter, “Allied Health Education in a Global Community,” that was published in 2003 in Allied Health Education: Practice Issues and Trends into the 21st Millennium. DentalUM Fall 2004 Students Honored Several dental hygiene students received awards for their achievements. They included: Outstanding Instructor Award to Wendy Kerschbaum Graduating dental hygiene students presented the Outstanding Instructor Award to Prof. Wendy Kerschbaum at spring commencement ceremonies. Before presenting the award, class president Kristen Wilhelm recalled how Kerschbaum personally telephoned each student welcoming them to U-M and into the School’s dental hygiene program. Wilhelm also noted how Kerschbaum helped students outside the classroom with advice ranging from class work to becoming involved in the profession. After accepting the award, Kerschbaum advised the graduates to savor their achievements. “You have graduated as a dental hygienist, you have graduated with a baccalaureate degree which sets you apart, and you have graduated from the University of Michigan. No small feat any one of those, and you have done all three of them,” she said. Kristen Wilhelm: Pauline Steele Student Leadership Award Established in 1988 by the U-M Dental Hygiene Alumnae Association, the award honors Pauline Steele, who directed the dental hygiene program from 1969 until she retired in 1988. It recognizes a senior student who demonstrates outstanding leadership while at U-M. Kristen Wilhelm received the award for her “quiet, but firm, style” and for representing her class “with dignity and professionalism, both inside and outside the School.” Per Kjeldsen DHAA President Jemma Allor (left) congratulates DH Class President Kristen Wilhelm after she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. Per Kjeldsen Megan Beauchamp: Washtenaw District Dental Hygienists’ Society’s Community Service Award This award is given by the local dental hygiene society to recognize a graduating student for community involvement. Beauchamp served as a representative to the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association (SADHA), was the student delegate to the MDHA House of Delegates in 2002 and 2003, and was instrumental in encouraging the expansion of student participation and activities with SADHA at U-M. Dental Hygiene Class President Kristen Wilhelm congratulates Prof. Wendy Kerschbaum. DentalUM Fall 2004 Nicole Maynard: Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals Student Total Achievement Recognition (STAR) Award This award is presented to the graduating dental hygiene student who demonstrates dedication to the profession, 85 DENTAL HYGIENE exhibits compassion in patient care, displays enthusiasm for community service, and appreciates the role of the dental hygienist. Nicole Maynard served the Class of 2004 as Honor Council Representative and representative on the Dental Hygiene Curriculum Committee, was active in community service, and was involved in research and student teaching. Jillinn Cichosz: Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award To be considered for this award, a student must demonstrate outstanding skills in patient assessment, analytical abilities in developing a dental hygiene diagnosis and treatment plan, and the ability to carry out the educational, therapeutic, and preventive aspects of dental hygiene. Jillinn Cichosz was recognized for “mastering the art of digging through records to gather information necessary to provide the best care for the patient and for being ‘a teachable student’ who is receptive to faculty feedback, suggestions, and criticism and using this information to improve her performance.” Nicole Maynard, Maria Schuemann, Kristen Wilhelm: Inducted into the Sigma Phi Alpha Honor Society (Nu Chapter) This national dental hygiene society promotes, recognizes, and honors scholarship, service, and character among dental hygiene students and graduates. Students are selected based on academic achievements and potential for future growth and contributions to the dental hygiene profession. Ruppert, Maynard at ADHA Two dental hygiene students participated in the national meeting of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association in June. Becky Ruppert attended as the alternate delegate from Region V. Before the national meeting, she attended the District V Conference in Ft. Wayne, Indiana in March. Nicole Maynard presented a table clinic in the student session during the June session. 86 Please Ballot clip Dental Hygienists’ Alumnae Association It’s time to vote for the four candidates to serve on the U-M Dental Hygienists’ Alumnae Association’s Board of Governors. Using the ballot below, vote for those you want to serve a three-year term beginning in January 2005. Please make sure the envelope containing your ballot is postmarked by December 31, 2004. Heather Goemer (Class of 1999) * Karen Beckerman (Class of 1995) * Laura Roth (Class of 1999) * Lisa Hussan (Class of 2001) * Incumbent Envelope with the ballot must be postmarked by December 31, 2004. Please return to: University of Michigan School of Dentistry Office of Alumni Relations 1011 N. University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078 Call for Nominations The School of Dentistry’s Dental Hygienists’ Alumnae Association is looking for volunteers to serve on its Executive Board in 2006. Board meetings are three times a year, usually at the School of Dentistry. In addition to arranging homecoming activities, DHAA keeps its alums, faculty members, students, and others aware of issues of importance to the profession. The organization also selects a recipient of the Outstanding Alumnae Award that is presented each year at graduation. For more information, phone Amy Reyes at (734) 764-6856 or e-mail alreyes@umich.edu. DentalUM Fall 2004 and mail R ESEARCH N EWS Better than Last Year: Dental Students Win 45% of AADR Research Fellowships Amazing! There’s no other way to describe it. For the second consecutive year, U-M School of Dentistry dental students were awarded more than 40 percent of the research fellowships during the AADR’s meeting. They did even better this spring, winning 9 of 20, or 45 percent of the awards. Per Kjeldsen Student: Jessica Hong Chen Mentors: Drs. Lloyd Straffon & Marita Inglehart Project Title: Preparing Pediatric Dental Patients for Their First Dental Visit: Exploring Different Venues What the Project’s About: A child’s first visit to the dentist can be stressful, affecting how they respond to the treatment they receive. Preparation is important. This study looks at ways parents can prepare youngsters for that first visit. Using a book or video, as well as parental encouragement, this study explores whether children who know what to expect before their first visit have less anxiety and cooperate better with their dentist than those who don’t. DentalUM Fall 2004 Keary Campbell Student: Loan Dao Mentors: Drs. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum & Marita Inglehart Project Title: Treating Dental Patients with Special Needs in Private Practice: Who Treats, and How? What the Project’s About: In a major report about the state of oral health in America, the U.S. Surgeon General noted major oral health disparities among some groups. This study is surveying the services general dentists in Michigan provide to special needs patients. It focuses on which groups of special needs patients general dentists treat, the specific services general dentists provide for those patients, and the arrangements the dentists must make to accommodate them. Per Kjeldsen Student: Jason Rice Mentor: Dr. Richard Johnson Project Title: Surface Changes of Orthodontic Wires by Consumable Acids What the Project’s About: Surface changes in orthodontic wires can affect their properties which, in turn, directly affects the length of treatment for orthodontic patients. This project investigates the effect of consumable acids (soda, sports drinks, and juices) on the integrity of several different orthodontic wires and what those changes could mean for patients receiving orthodontic treatment. 87 AADR Research Keary Campbell Student: Elizabeth Van Tubergen Mentor: Dr. Charles Shelburne Project Title: Expression Analysis of P. gingivalis Defensin Resistance Induced by Triclosan What the Project’s About: A toothpaste containing an antibiotic has been approved for daily use. However, there is evidence that some bacteria may become resistant to this antibiotic rendering the toothpaste, and possible other antibiotics, ineffective. This study found that under certain circumstances the antibiotic made P. gingivalis, a bacteria that causes periodontitis, resistant to antibiotics and to proteins the human body makes to fight infection. Per Kjeldsen Student: Nathan Spencer Mentor: Dr. Brian Clarkson Project Title: Fluoridated Enamel Crystals Bind Ameloblastin More Tightly than Control Crystals What the Project’s About: The chalky white appearance (hypoplasia) of teeth in people who have above optimum levels of fluoride is thought to be due to an accumulation of organic material in the enamel. We have been able to show that enamel crystals containing high levels of fluoride bind protein better and is not removed at the crucial time during enamel development. This causes crystals not to grow and results in the enamel hypoplasia. Keary Campbell Student: Karen Likar Mentor: Dr. Jacques Nör Project Title: The Effect of a Small Molecule Inhibitor of VEGFR-2 Combined with an Inducible Caspase on Angiogenesis in Vitro What the Project’s About: Tumors depend on their blood vessels to grow and metastasize. Oral cancer patients may benefit from the disruption of tumor blood vessels. This project evaluates, for the first time, the effect of combining two therapeutic strategies that aim to disrupt blood vessels. The work may eventually provide support for a novel strategy to treat oral cancer. Whitesman Wins 1st Place Keary Campbell Louis Whitesman, a fourth-year dental student, won first place in the Caulk/Dentsply Student Research Competition for Clinical Research during the AADR’s annual meeting in Hawaii. Mentored by Dr. William Giannobile, Whitesman won for his presentation,“Induction of Growth Factor Release During Periodontal Wound Repair.” “The project was a six-month clinical investigation designed to better understand the periodontal wound repair process,” Whitesman said. “We wanted to determine how various mediators of wound repair are affected when a tissue-engineering complex is placed into severe vertical bony defects.” Louis Whitesman and Dr. William Giannobile Whitesman received a plaque and a $600 prize. 88 DentalUM Fall 2004 Fellowships Keary Campbell Keary Campbell Schneider Wins Young Investigator Award A student in the School of Dentistry’s Oral Health Sciences doctoral program has won a national award for his cancer research. Dr. Abraham Schneider is one of six individuals nationwide, and the only one from Michigan, to receive the prestigious Harold Frost Young Investigator Award from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. Schneider was presented with his award, including a $1,500 check, at the August meeting in Sun Valley, Idaho. Schneider is conducting research that attempts to understand why prostate cancer cells have a tendency to metastasize and inhabit bones. [DentalUM, Fall 2003, pages 73-74.] U s i n g re a l - t i m e m o l e c u l a r imaging, Schneider injects cancer cells into mice that are marked with a gene that generates light which is then captured electronically by a camera and displayed on a monitor. This procedure allows researchers to immediately view the results of their work by pinpointing the location and progression of the cancer cells. Schneider said that mice that were pharmacologically induced to have more active bone turnover have Keary Campbell Student: Carlos Smith Mentors: Drs. Marita Inglehart and Todd Ester Project Title: Providing Dental Care for Underserved Populations: Who Treats and Why? What the Project’s About: This project surveys current dental students and School of Dentistry alumni who graduated in 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2000 to learn which factors determine if providers are interested in providing care for underserved patients and what care is actually provided. Answers are designed to find better ways of reducing oral health care disparities. Student: Brody Hart Mentor: Dr. George Taylor Project Title: Oral Candida in Adults with Diabetes Mellitus and/or Periodontal Disease What the Project’s About: This project investigates relationships between Type 2 diabetes, periodontal disease, and oral candida in adults. Its aim is to determine if diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease are associated independently or jointly with oral candidiasis and the detection of candida in oral lesions. The study will analyze the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. Per Kjeldsen Student: Imani Lewis Mentor: Dr. Renny Franceschi Project Title: The Effects of Genomic and Nongenomic Estrogen Analogues on Osteoblast- specific Osteocalcin Gene Expression What the Project’s About: This study examines the ability of estrogen-like compounds to stimulate bone formation. These compounds are of interest because, unlike the naturally-occurring hormone estrogen, they do not stimulate abnormal cell growth in the uterus and breast that sometimes leads to cancer. For this reason, these compounds may be useful for treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. DentalUM Fall 2004 89 up to three times more metastases in the femur and craniofacial region when compared to a control group. “Skeletal areas that show active bone resorption and deposition, together with increased number of cells in the bone marrow, may offer a more fertile environment that allows prostate cancers to become established and grow in bone,” he said. The dental community, he said, may benefit from this research “by gaining a better understanding about prostate cancer metastasis to bone and how it may affect the craniofacial region. It may also benefit practitioners interested in understanding the basic mechanisms of bone remodeling associated with common oral diseases such as periodontal diseases and periapical conditions.” Schneider’s research advisor is Dr. Laurie McCauley, chair of the Department of Periodontics, Prevention, and Geriatrics. The award is named for Harold Frost who is regarded by many as being the most influential theoretician in skeletal biology in the last fifty years. Individuals competing for the award must be a second-year post-doctoral fellow or resident, must submit a 500 word abstract describing their work, a curriculum vitae, and a one- to two-page letter summarizing their research and future goals. Individuals selected for the award are required to present their research during a 15 minute presentation at the Sun Valley Workshop on Skeletal Biology. 90 Havens, Taichman 1st to Participate in State-Wide Research Forum “It was quite an honor.” That’s how an undergraduate student researcher and an associate professor describe being the first from the School of Dentistry to participate in a state-wide program that showcased some of the research being conducted at the U-M School of Dentistry and the state’s other major universities. Aaron Havens, the student researcher...and his research advisor, Dr. Russell Taichman...participated in the First Annual Michigan Undergraduate Research Forum held this spring in Lansing. The program gave Havens, Taichman, and other student researchers and faculty members an opportunity to demonstrate the important role the state’s research universities play in educating and training future researchers, teachers, and policymakers. Havens was one of 60 students who discussed his research at the one-day program [see sidebar, next page]. The University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) asked faculty members from across campus to nominate students for the event. In addition, Havens also won a “Best Poster” presentation during the UROP Spring Symposium last year. UROP and the Office of Vice President for Research also support the Undergraduate Research Forum which is a student-run, nontechnical research publication. The forum’s focus is to strengthen connections between U-M undergraduate students, graduate students, the community, and different academic disciplines including the natural sciences, engineering, the social sciences, and the humanities. Photo courtesy of Russell Taichman Dr. Russell Taichman and undergraduate student researcher Aaron Havens. DentalUM Fall 2004 Keary Campbell Gene May Cause Bone Marrow Cancer The preliminary results from the research of Aaron Havens and Dr. Russell Taichman may one day lead to better-targeted therapy to prevent cancer metastasis for various tumors. “Metastasis (the spread of cancer to distant sites) is a dreaded complication in the progression of any cancer. This complication is most severe when the tumors spread or ‘home’ to the bone, as they frequently do in oral squamous, breast, or prostate cancers,” Havens and Taichman wrote in describing t h e i r co l l a b o rat i ve re s e a rc h project. “Our lab has been studying the mechanisms involved in metastasis and has recently found a link between how cancers spread and how blood cells migrate to the marrow during bone marrow transplantation,” they said. Havens and Taichman said a protein/receptor, known as “CD164,” is highly expressed during prostate cancer metastasis. Treatment with bone-derived factors enhanced the levels of CD164 in these tumors. Blocking the CD164 protein/ receptor limited the ability of the cancer cells to invade and adhere to bone marrow cells, they noted. The findings may some day be useful to prevent the metastasis of several tumors including oral squamous carcinoma, breast, and prostate cancers. DentalUM Fall 2004 Dr. Leroy Townsend (left) and Dr. John Drach. Drug to Fight Virus in Transplant Patients Moves Forward in Trials Colleen Newvine, U-M News Service A drug once considered for cancer chemotherapy is advancing in clinical trials to test its effectiveness in fighting a virus from the herpes family that threatens transplant patients. Professors John Drach and Leroy Townsend developed the compound maribavir which is licensed by ViroPharma, a developmental stage company whose principal activity is discovering and developing antiviral medicines. The company this summer announced that maribavir is headed for Phase 2 clinical trials for treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in stem cell transplant patients. New drugs go through three phases of clinical trials before the Food and Drug Administration decides on their approval. Drach, a biochemist, virologist, and a professor in the schools of dentistry and pharmacy [DentalUM, Fall 2000, pages 38-39], and Townsend, emeritus professor in chemistry and pharmacy’s medicinal chemistry, began researching cytomegalovirus in the 1980s, prompted by a National Institutes of Health call for proposals to find drugs to treat CMV infections. They collaborated with scientists at what is now GlaxoSmithKline, leading to prompt clinical evaluation of maribavir. But advances in treatment of HIV and AIDS patients temporarily slowed interest in the compound and development work ceased. CMV was a common cause of blindness and ultimately death in HIV patients, and as the medical community invented drugs to treat the HIV infection directly, there was less urgency by large pharmaceutical firms to develop a CMV drug. “We had mixed feelings,” Drach said. “Naturally, we were pleased to see the remarkable progress in treating HIV and the dramatic decrease in death 91 from AIDS-related complications, but we also wanted to see our compound get to market for other people with CMV.” The dentistry/pharmacy faculty collaboration to study potential cancer drugs for their effectiveness in treating a herpes virus is a classic example of what researchers say is a major strength of U-M: the ease of teaming with others outside their discipline to find new approaches to questions bigger than any one way of answering them. Cytomegalovirus is part of the herpes virus family, which also includes the viruses that causes chicken pox, mononucleosis, and herpes simplexes 1 and 2. Like other herpes viruses, CMV can remain dormant in the body for long periods of time. In most people with intact immune systems, CMV causes little to no apparent illness. However, in people with weakened immune systems, CMV can lead to serious complications or death. Patients who are immuno - suppressed following transplant of hematopoietic stem cells, such as a bone marrow transplant or solid organ transplantation, are at high risk of CMV infection, as are AIDS patients, fetuses, and newborns. In these patients, CMV can lead to conditions such as pneumonitis or hepatitis, or to complications such as acute or chronic rejection of a transplanted organ. When contracted in utero or at birth, CMV can cause babies to be born with birth defects or impairments such as hearing loss. 92 Dental Pulp Cells May Hold Key to Treating Parkinson’s Disease Colleen Newvine, U-M News Service Cells derived from the inside of a tooth might someday prove an effective way to treat the brains of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. A study in the May 1 issue of the European Journal of Neuroscience shows dental pulp cells provide great support for nerve cells lost in Parkinson’s disease and could be transplanted directly into the affected parts of the brain. The study’s lead author is Dr. Chrisopher Nosrat, assistant professor of biological and materials sciences at the School of Dentistry. This is not the first test of stem cells as a therapy for Parkinson’s disease- type illnesses, known as neurodegenerative diseases, but Nosrat noted that it is the first to use post-natal stem cells grown from more readily available tooth pulp in the nervous system. Using dental pulp has other advantages besides its availability, Nosrat said. The cells produce a host of beneficial “neurotrophic” factors, which promote nerve cell survival. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by symptoms including tremors of the hands, arms, or legs; rigidity of the body; and difficulty balancing while standing or walking. Parkinson’s affects nerve cells in the part of the brain called the basal ganglia, which is responsible for control of voluntary movement. An estimated 1 million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s. There is no cure. Nosrat’s study involved evaluating the potential of injecting tooth cells into brain cells as a possible cell-based therapy for Parkinson’s. He was testing whether the tooth cells could prove neurotrophic factors to support dying nerve cells and replace dead cells. Nosrat has also studied dental pulp stem cells as a treatment for spinal cord injuries and said applying that knowledge to treatment of neurodegenerative disease was the next logical step. He used the same general approach for this Parkinson’s study: researchers extract a tooth and draw cells from the center of the tooth, then culture them in a petri dish to increase the number of the cells. The cell mixture then contains neuronal precursor cells and cells that produce beneficial neurotrophic factors. Nosrat emphasized there is much work to be done before human patients might find relief from Parkinson’s symptoms as a result of this therapy. It is still many years from being tested in people as a possible treatment or cure for neurological disorders. DentalUM Fall 2004 Periodontal Disease: Early Progress Reported in Tissue Engineering Scientists have long known that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has the potential to help regenerate the lost bone and soft tissue that occurs within advanced periodontal disease. The problem always has been finding a way to administer PDGF that prevents scissor-like enzymes in the wound from snipping the growth factor to pieces and degrading it before complete regeneration occurs. Now, as a potential solution to this problem, a team of researchers at the U-M School of Dentistry reports the first success in using gene therapy to administer PDGF to the wound in rats. According to the article published in the April issue of Molecular Therapy, the scientists inserted a copy of the PDFG gene into the much studied adenovirus, which transported the gene past the destructive enzymes and into cells surrounding the lesion. Once there, the scientists reported the gene produced increased amounts of PDGF protein for up to three weeks, while prompting the regeneration of bone, formation of the tooth- supporting periodontal ligaments, and enhanced deposition of root- covering cementum. Stressing their strategy still faces many scientific hurdles, the authors say their experiments mark DentalUM Fall 2004 an important first step in developing PDGF gene therapy for the treatment of periodontal disease, which affects an estimated 200 million Americans to varying degrees. Building on Earlier Research Dr. William Giannobile, the senior author of the study and professor at the U-M School of Dentistry, said, “This really is a proof-of-concept study, meaning that it is not yet ready for clinical applications, but we have shown that PDGF gene therapy is possible. There are still questions that we hope to answer with further refinement of this theory.” The work was supported by the NIH’s National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The paper builds on the group’s previous successes in the lab at introducing the PDGF gene into cells. Because cells normally do not take up DNA by themselves, scientists often rely on viruses, which can bind to and enter cells, bringing their own or a manufactured gene with them. Here, the scientists packaged the PDGF gene in an adenovirus and used it as a treatment in a periodontal disease model. In this infectious disease the body’s immune response not only affects the invading oral bacteria, but also the healthy gum and bone tissue. As a result, large gaps develop around the teeth that can eventually lead to tooth loss. Current treatments for periodontal disease only focus on stopping disease progression, but the damaged tissue is lost forever. The ultimate goal of Giannobile’s and other research groups is to regenerate all destroyed periodontal tissues. The next step in PDGF gene therapy will be to test the concept in larger animal models. Collaborating with Giannobile w e re D r s . Q i m i n g J i n , O r a s a Anusaksathien, Sarah Webb, and Marie Printz. 93 93 Peter Ma Research Cover Story for Magazine Keary Campbell Dr. Peter Ma 94 The tissue engineering research being conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Peter Ma was the cover story for the May issue of Materials Today, an international news magazine. Ma, an associate professor in the School of Dentistry’s Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, is working to develop novel scaffolding materials and studying how differences in various scaffolds affect bone tissue growth. Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of engineering and the life sciences to developing biological substitutes for tissues and organs that can be transplanted during reconstructive surgery. One common technique uses a biodegradable scaffold to support tissue regeneration. Cells are incorporated into a porous scaffold, and the cell-scaffold composite is cultivated to promote the formation of tissue throughout the entire matrix. Because synthetic materials generally have more controllable properties than natural materials, Ma’s laboratory has developed methods to process synthetic biodegradable polymers into porous scaffolds that mimic the microarchitectures (submicrometer level) found in natural tissue. The hope is to optimize the scaffolding environment by studying how various combinations of macro- and micro-architectures affect tissue development. In other projects, Ma’s group is looking to modify scaffolds by changing the material surface properties, incorporating bone-like mineralization, and adding drug-releasing microspheres in the scaffolds to promote tissue growth. Ultimately, his research seeks to develop scaffolding materials to regenerate bony tissues, which will help patients suffering from periodontal diseases, or those needing bone grafts for craniofacial injuries or defects. It’s been a productive year so far for Ma’s research group. “We have ten papers published or in press this academic year, as well as six book chapters, and have been invited to make presentations to various conferences and institutions,” he said. DentalUM Fall 2004 Staff Lauded for Long-Term Service Twelve U-M School of Dentistry staff members were recognized this spring for their long-term service to the University. “We’re grateful for what you do and the contributions you’ve made,” Dean Peter Polverini told the group. “If it wasn’t for your efforts, and those of other staff members, our work as administrators and faculty members would be much more difficult.” Previously, the University recognized staff members with 10, 20, 30, and 40 years of service. However, after suggestions from staff several years ago, the University discontinued its reception for 10-year service award recipients and instead allowed schools and colleges across the campus to host their own ceremony to honor this group. The University continues to recognize 20-, 30-, and 40-year recipients at a reception each November. The School of Dentistry has recognized all recipients since 1999. Those honored this year included: 10 Years of Service • Frank Dodd, Patient Services • Nancy Gee, Patient Services • Wenche Borgnakke, Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics (CRSE) • Sally Tamm, CRSE • Jingcheng Wang, Periodontics, Prevention, and Geriatrics • Patricia Schultz, Office of Research Vedder Society “First” The Francis B. Vedder Society, founded to honor the past chairman of the Crown and Bridge Department, recorded a “first” at its spring meeting. The society hosted the first female dentist to address the group since the organization’s creation in 1959. B. Ellen Byrne, RPh, DDS, and PhD from the Virginia Commonwealth School of Dentistry, talked about the use of pharmacological agents in crown and bridge prosthodontics. In her remarks, Byrne discussed normal oral flora, the use of antibiotics, antisalogues, local anesthetics, and analgesics. She also reviewed drug history therapy and new developments. Dr. Howard Hamerink, Vedder Society president, said, “the group is primarily interested in hearing from speakers with expertise in crown and bridge prosthodontics. However, as this year’s program chair, I heard Dr. Byrne previously and was impressed. Her area of expertise, although not specifically crown and bridge, is essential to patient treatment. All of us were impressed with her presentation.” Now assistant dean for academic affairs, Byrne previously chaired the Department of Endodontics at Virginia Commonwealth. Keary Campbell 20 Years of Service • Susan Flannagan, Biologic and Materials Sciences • Maureen Lacey, Patient Services • Deborah Lentz, Patient Services • Lynaire Clipper, Pediatric Dentistry • Diane McFarland, Dean’s Office 30 Years of Service • Gale Jaynes, Predoctoral Admissions DentalUM Fall 2004 Service Award recipients included (front row, left to right): Jingcheng Wang, Nancy Gee, Pat Schultz, and Frank Dodd; (back row, left to right): Gayle Jaynes, Lynaire Clipper, Susan Flannagan, and Deborah Lentz. Not pictured: Wenche Borgnakke, Sally Tamm, Maureen Lacey, and Diane McFarland. 95 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, 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. mail Name ___________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________ State ______ Zip Code __________________ Telephone __________________________Fax (if available) ___________________________ e-mail __________________________________________________________________ Is this an address change? ____ Yes What type of address change? ____ Home ____ No ____ Office (Please list only University of Michigan degrees and the year earned.) DDS ________ DH Certificate ________ BS ________ MS ________ PhD ________ Specialization __________________________________________________________ News: ___________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Get Involved! _____ I would like to help plan my next reunion. _____ I would like to be considered for the Alumni Society Board of Governors. 96 DentalUM Fall 2004 Alumni News Kolling MDA President Elect Less than a year from now, Dr. Josef Kolling (DDS 1981) will become president of the 6,300 member Michigan Dental Association. A clinical associate professor in the Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, Kolling was elected president-elect of the organization during its annual spring meeting in Detroit. Previously, he was the group’s secretary and vice president. Kolling, who also received a master’s degree in restorative dentistry in 1984, has served in other leadership positions during the past 23 years and will continue serving on the MDA’s executive committee. Other School of Dentistry alumni elected to MDA leadership positions include: • Allan Jacobs (DDS 1974) of West Bloomfield – Speaker of the House of Delegates. He is a past president of the Oakland County Dental Society, where he continues to serve on the Board of Trustees. He is also a past president and current board member of the Michigan Association of Endodontists. • Joanne Dawley (DDS 1980) of Detroit – Secretary. She is a past president of the Detroit District Dental Society and a member of the ADA’s House of Delegates. • Steven Dater (DDS 1988) of Rockford – Treasurer. He is a former member of the executive board of the West Michigan District Dental Society and chaired the Dental Education Committee and Young Dentist Forum. Class Notes 2000s 1980s own general dental practice in Pasadena, just outside of Baltimore, Maryland. Several months earlier, his wife, Katie, gave birth to their second child, Matthew. “He was born on June 28, 2003, the last day of my GPR in Madison, Wisconsin,” Dr. Hong wrote. The Hongs also have a daughter, Carolyn. 1980) of Toledo, Ohio, says that after twenty years as a dental hygienist she is now employed full time at Owens Community College in that city. She’s teaching radiology, assisting with course revisions, and conducting clinical teaching. “Many thanks to U-M and the great instructors I had who prepared me so well for my career in practice and dental hygiene instruction,” she wrote. “It’s hard to believe I now have two daughters who are now college undergraduates.” Walter S. Hong (DDS 2002) recently purchased his Tessa Buchanan (DDS 2002) recently opened a private practice, the Associated Family Dental Center, in Midland, Michigan. Previously, she was worked at Dental Clinics North in West Branch. DentalUM Fall 2004 DentalUM Fall 2004 Susan K. Wannemacher (BS, dental hygiene, 97 1970s After being a part-time student for seven years and a full-time practitioner, Bradley A. Dykstra (DDS 1978) of Hudsonville, Michigan, is making some transitions. In April, he received his MBA from Grand Valley State University and plans to become a part-time lecturer and consultant. Meanwhile, he’s making plans to shift from full-time to part-time practice. 1950s Sherwin Fishman (DDS 1956, MPH 1964) of Sarasota, Florida, says although he has retired, he volunteers as a dentist at a senior facility, the Senior Friendship Center, in that city. In addition to volunteering, he also has a collection of about 150 orchids. Dr. Fishman and his wife, Laurie, also relish time with their granddaughter, Leah. Charles R. Caldwell (DDS 1977) of East Grand Rapids, was named the 2004 Dentist Citizen of the Year by the Michigan Dental Association during its annual session in Detroit. The award honors a member of the association who has demonstrated outstanding service to the community, state, or nation. Active in many organizations in the Grand Rapids area, Caldwell was liaison to the 50th Anniversary Fluoride Commemorative Committee in 1995. He is a past president of the West Michigan District Dental Society. Last year, he received the organization’s highest honor, the Silent Bell Award. Sylvia Ross (DDS 1976, MS periodontics 1981) of Richard A. Shick (DDS 1954, Beverly Hills, was honored as chair of the MDA’s Annual Session Committee during its recent annual meeting. Her committee was responsible for the dental group’s annual session, one of the largest in the country. This year’s program attracted more than 5,100 dentists. Ross is a former member of the MDA Board of Trustees (1993- 1999). MS 1960) of Grand Blanc, Michigan, received the Michigan Dental Association’s highest honor, the John G. Nolen Meritorious Award, during the organization’s annual meeting in Detroit. The award, presented in memory of Dr. John G. Nolen (DDS 1944) who was MDA executive director from 1969-1990, recognizes exceptional contributions to the advancement of the art and science of dentistry. Among his many professional activities, Shick served as MDA president (1976-77), was president of the Genesee District Dental Society (1966), and provided more than 125 segments on dental health for the J.P. McCarthy radio show on WJR (1977-1992). In addition to serving as President of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Michael D. Rohrer (DDS 1970, MS 1978) was recently elected Vice President of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. He is professor and director of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and director of its Hard Tissue Research Laboratory. 98 DentalUM Fall 2004 DentalUM Fall 2004 In Memoriam Roy Roberts Class of 1932 One of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s best known and most respected graduates, Dr. Roy Roberts (DDS 1932), died June 14. He was 97. During the past two decades, Dr. Roberts gifted just over $13 million to the School making him, as far as U-M officials can determine, the largest single benefactor to dental education in the U.S. In 1997, he and his wife, Natalie, gifted $10 million to the School. That gift is believed to be the largest single commitment ever made to a dental school. In recent years, Dr. Roberts gifted approximately $3 million to the School, allowing it to totally renovate the west preclinic which was named The Dr. Roy H. Roberts Preclinical Laboratory, and to establish an endowed professorship that now bears his name. Born in Maple Rapids, Michigan, Roberts was encouraged to become a dentist by a roommate when he was at Michigan State Normal College, now Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. However, Roberts quit college to work as a traveling salesman selling clothes to stores across Michigan for two years. He returned to Ypsilanti, completed a predental program, and applied to and was accepted at the U-M School of Dentistry in 1929. When he graduated in 1932 during the Great Depression, Roberts was a clinical instructor at the School for a year. Between 1933 and 1935 he divided his time between his practice in downtown Detroit and an office on Mackinac Island. In 1933 he met his future wife, Natalie. After they were married, the Roberts lived in Grosse Ile. In 1936, he moved his practice to Ecorse and practiced dentistry there until he retired 50 years later. Dr. Roberts was an avid and successful investor who, in 2001, gifted $2 million to endow what is now known as the Roy Roberts Professor of Dentistry. That professorship is held by Dr. William Kotowicz. In January, Kotowicz visited Dr. Roberts at his Florida home and showed him pictures of the preclinic renovations. “As he looked at the pictures, Roy talked about some of his experiences as a dental student at Michigan. He was especially pleased to know students would no longer have to crowd around one another and strain to see an instructor demonstrate a particular procedure as they did when he was a student,” Kotowicz said. DentalUM Fall 2004 99 99 In Memoriam Dr. Titus Van Haitsma Dr. Myron Van Leeuwen Class of 1935 Class of 1939 Dr. Titus Van Haitsma, who practiced dentistry in Holland, Michigan for more than 40 years, died August 13. He was 93. A graduate of the Class of 1935, Dr. Van Haitsma said in an interview in DentalUM (Spring & Summer 2003, page 36) that he almost didn’t complete his dental education in Ann Arbor. “During my second year here, which was during the Depression, the banks were closed, so I wasn’t able to borrow money to attend. Fortunately, an uncle sold some stock and loaned the proceeds to me so I could continue my education,” he said. Dr. Van Haitsma was a member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Western Michigan Dental Association, as well as numerous arts councils. Two years ago, he received the Second Century President’s Award from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. During the summer of 2003, Dr. Haitsma made a gift to the School of Dentistry to help students meet the cost of their education. “I’m very fond of the dental school and thought it was time I gave even more back to it,” he said at the time. “And, after looking back on what I went through as a student, I thought the best way to do that was with a gift that would help a student become a dentist.” Dr. Myron J. Van Leeuwen, who was an instructor at the School after earning his dental degree in 1939, died in Dover, Maryland, on July 26. He was 92. At U-M, he oversaw the dental clinic at U-M Health Services and later taught at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine from 1945 until he retired in 1983. 100 ’66 Dr. Robert Crasile Boca Raton, Florida August 6, 2004 ’53 Dr. John G. Davidson Haines City, Florida July 20, 2004 ’44 Dr. George Feldman Monroe, Michigan July 3, 2004 DentalUM Fall 2004 The School’s Fundraising Campaign Begins