The editor:
It is time

There comes a time for change—the time is now and the change is a new editor for LLU DENTISTRY.

Back in 1987 when I proposed the idea to Dean Judson Klooster and Alumni President Robert Meckstroth, SD '65, that we should publish a journal from the School of Dentistry to our alumni and friends, I was most encouraged by their enthusiastic approval. So in the winter of 1988, the first issue of LLU DENTISTRY appeared. (The cover featured Dr. Ken Wical demonstrating a dental procedure to then students George Chen, Bruce Janzen, and Julie Bakland).

The idea of a School of Dentistry publication was neither new, nor original. Back in the fall of 1962, Roland Walters, SD '57, MS '67, edited the first issue of the Loma Linda University Dentist Magazine. It contained alumni news, scientific articles and news items about the School.

Later, the LLUSD Alumni Newsletter took over and became primarily a news vehicle regarding alumni activities. Many schools around the country published good quality journals mixing news items and information about advances in dentistry (primarily focused on the individual school's contributions to that development). It seemed at the time that it would be a good idea for our School of Dentistry to publish a good quality journal. I have always been grateful to both Dr. Klooster and Dr. Meckstroth for allowing me to have a part in developing LLU DENTISTRY.

It has been fun to serve as editor for the past 15 years; I am proud of the many interesting articles we have been able to produce with the help of numerous colleagues and fellow alumni. In particular, I owe a great deal of gratitude to the several managing editors over the years, most currently, Nancy Yuen. The fact that we have received two first place awards for dental publications (International College of Dentistry, Golden Pencil Awards 1989 and 1993) has been very welcome recognition.

Now, back to the change. I am very pleased to announce that Julie Sugita, SD'91, PG'93 (Periodontics), has accepted the invitation to become the new editor of LLU DENTISTRY, effective with the next issue. Julie has had many years of experience working with the San Diego Dental Society with that organization's continuing education program along with other professional activities. She is married to Eugene Sugita, DDS, PG'88 (Endodontics) and they live with their three children in Alpine, California, where Julie enjoys riding her horse and helping to coach her daughter Alice's softball team.

The time has come for a change in editorship; my best wishes to you, Julie, as you take on this position. I know you will have a great time.

Leif K. Bakland, SD'63