Volunteer faculty member travels to School from Ojai, California, each
month to help teach Aesthetic Study Club
 |
| Dr. David Garber (left), volunteer faculty, drives from Ojai, California, to help teach the Aesthetic Study Club organized by Dr. James Dunn, associate professor, restorative dentistry. |
On the second Friday of the month, a group of faculty, 40
community dentists, and 15 D4 students gather for the Aesthetic Study
Club.
They are there because they are interested in learning and
practicing the most recent techniques to restore teeth to the most visually
perfect state.
During the sessions, every aspect of aesthetic dentistry
is presented—including porcelain veneers and all-porcelain crowns;
use of photography; and posterior direct and indirect restorations. The
day begins with a lecture in the Auxillary Lab, followed by clinic in
the afternoon where participants complete thorough, hands-on learning.
One of the group’s three volunteer leaders is Dr. David
Garber, who owns a private dental practice in Ojai, California.
It may seem unusual that Dr. Garber would leave the beauty,
peace, and quiet of his hometown and travel hundreds of miles to the School
each month—he is not an alumnus and he uses his own vacation time
to complete the year-long commitment.
Dr. Garber first became acquainted with the School of Dentistry
about ten years ago when he assisted Dr. James Dunn, associate professor
of restorative dentistry, in an aesthetic workshop at the California Dental
Association Meeting in Anaheim.
Dr. Garber found Dr. Dunn easy to work with, and his interest in the discipline soon drew him to become involved with the School’s aesthetic dentistry programs. As his interaction with the School’s faculty and students increased, he began to sense a distinct difference in the
School from his alma mater.
“I’ve found a different atmosphere [at Loma Linda] than I experienced
when I was in school,” comments Dr. Garber. “Here, the faculty
serve as mentors to the students—there seems to be a friendlier atmosphere.
I am very impressed with the students here. At Loma Linda, I’ve found
an atmosphere of sharing, openess, and friendliness.”
Dr. Garber appreciates working with Dr. Edward Shellard
and Dr. Jack Ringer, both volunteer faculty members. Dr. Shellard is vice
president for research and development, Kerr Corporation, and Dr. Ringer
practices dentistry in Yorba Linda. Dr. Garber has found Dr. Carlos Muñoz,
director, Center for Dental Research, to be an excellent resource.
“My affiliation with the School of Dentistry has made
me a better dentist,” informs Dr. Garber, “and helping with
the Aesthetic Study Club is a wonderful way for me to give something back.”
In addition to serving as a volunteer faculty, Dr. Garber
is a consistent donor to the School, and has donated a clinic chair.
To learn more about the Aesthetic Study Club, access <http://www.llu.edu/
llu/dentistry/cde/aestheticstudyclub.htm>.
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All rights reserved. Revised February 14, 2001
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