School of Dentistry student research update-
students participate in dental and dental hygiene research competitions

Two groups of dental hygiene students presented their research findings during the recent ADHA annual session in Beverly Hills. They are pictured here with faculty members Kris Wilkins (seated, far left), Joni Stephens (seated, far right), and Rhonda Hamerslough, (standing, far left). Pictured standing from left are: Ms. Hamerslough; Hans Lemky, DH'02; Preethi Dara, DH'02; and Ambra Linenkamp, DH'02. Seated from left are: Ms. Wilkins; Jennifer Cutts, DH'02; Angela Kendall, DH'02; Christin Wells Wesslen, DH'02; and Ms. Stephens.

Students from the School of Dentistry continue to fare well in research competitions.

In April at the California Dental Association convention in Anaheim, dental hygiene students Alana Gorbenko, Heather Seheult, and Alisa Wollens were awarded first place for their table clinic, “Occupational exposure of dental hygienists to mercury vapor due to coronal polishing.”

Two table clinics by School of Dentistry senior dental hygiene students tied for third place. They were: Lilliana Ruiz, Apryll Freeman, and Yvette Robertson for their study, “The effectiveness of antimicrobials on DUWL’s;” and Preethi Dara, Ambra Linnenkamp, and Hans Lemky for their study, “Efficacy of a surface disinfectant (CHX/ETOH).”*

In the same competition four groups of SD’03 dental students made it into the finals.

They are: Gary Hszieh, Christina Do, and Melinda Pealatere, for “Toothtales;” Shayne Hover, Marlon Peter, and James Jeffrey, for “Effect of different irrigation systems on heat generation during implant osteotomies;” Timothy Seidenstricker, Jessica Sabo, and Darren Rich for “Effect of laser etch on bond strength and microleakage;” and James Gibson, Steven Karmy, and Matthew Ellison for “Facial profile preference among Hispanics.”

American Dental Hygienist’s Association competition

More recently senior dental hygiene students Amanda Bowker, Jennifer Cutts, Angela Kendall, and Christen Wells Wesslen won first place (and $1,000) in the American Dental Hygienist’s Association competition during the 79th session June 19 to 26, in Beverly Hills. Kris Wilkins, DH’80, instructor, dental hygiene, served as faculty mentor.

Class of 2002 dental hygiene graduates Angela Kendall, Christin Wells Wesslen, and Jennifer Cutts accepted their first place award at the ADHA meeting in Beverly Hills in June. Pictured from left are: Jennifer Jackson, CEO, Omni Oral Pharmaceuticals; Ms. Kendall; Ms. Wells Wesslen; Ms. Cutts; and ADHA president Ann Naber. Standing at the podium is Carol Weldin, RDH, BS, table clinic and research poster session coordinator.

Their research project was titled, “A comparison of mechanical and manual sharpening techniques on universal curets.” The School of Dentistry will receive a matching award of $1,000 for their win this summer.

Publications

Three abstracts from dental hygiene student research have been submitted to the Journal of Dental Hygiene for the Fall, 2002 issue. They are:

• “Hearing impairment in association with ultrasonic use,” Kellie McNeil, DH’02, RDA, OMSA; Leslie Nazaroff, RDH, DrPH; and Karen Simpson, DH’66, RDH, MPH, chair, dental hygiene.

• “Transmission of bacteria to the patient’s oral cavity via dental student’s handling of disposable supplies,” Joann Grosso, DH’02, RDH; Susanne Lieberman-Pepper, DH’02, RDH; and Stephanie Sobieski, DH’02, RDH; with James Kettering, PhD; Jay Kim, PhD; Carlos Muñoz, DDS, MSD, director, Center for Dental Research and Karen Simpson, DH’66, MPH, chair, dental hygiene, faculty mentors.

• “The effectiveness of antimicrobials on bacteria from dental unit waterlines,” Kristen Berry RDH; Joanna Blood, RDH; and Danna Kim, RDH BS; with James Kettering PhD, and Karen Simpson, DH’66, MPH, chair, dental hygiene, faculty mentors.