A message from the editor:
Remembering, healing, honoring

As I sit in front of my trusty computer attempting to put into words my first editor's message, I am quite daunted by the size of the footsteps laid out in front of me. Dr. Leif Bakland has left many footprints that my small feet are challenged to fill and follow. His efforts and personal spirit that has hallmarked this journal. I wish to thank him and wish him well in his many other endeavors-though I have it on good authority that we can expect guest editorials and features from time to time.

As this transition in editors progresses, I am comforted and calmed by the amazingly capable hands and words of Nancy Yuen, editorial coordinator and managing editor of the Dentistry journal. Nancy joined the journal about three years ago and has, in addition to her responsibilities for the Dentalgram, continued to prove her worth and value edition after edition, and not only with her skills on the computer. In an e-mail while this past edition was being sent to the printer, Nancy related to me a glimpse of her efforts by describing her mad dash for the Fedex box only to realize that the truck had come and gone. Some passers-by pointed out where the truck still stood and Nancy took off on the 100-yard dash, spewing sunglasses and all. A well-dressed mother and daughter, kindly standing guard over her glasses, were rather amused at the frantic sight, and, to everyone's relief, Nancy made the finish line and the deadline! Oh, the glasses were saved, too! Now that's perseverance!

My 15-year-old daughter announced to me recently, on discussing the imminent arrival of Thanksgiving, that she cannot believe how fast time flies. I was struck by the thought that someone so young could be cognizant of that already, and how right she was!

To use the phrase that it "seems like just yesterday," I was amazed to look at the calendar and realize that two months have passed since so many friends lost all their earthly possessions, and too many lost their loved ones, as well in the devastating San Diego fires in the community in which I live.

A good friend put much into perspective when she summed it all up...losing everything is nothing compared with losing someone. As I drive past burned-out houses, cars, and properties, and watch the progress these survivors make in rebuilding their lives, I am amazed at the human spirit! Time does wonderful things and has the capacity to heal much, even in a short amount of time.

Long-time faculty member, Dr. Kenneth Wical with three members of the incoming freshman class (left to right): Julie Sugita, Bruce Janzen, and George Chen. This photograph, taken by Elwyn Spaulding, School of Dentistry photographer, appeared on the cover of the very first issue of LLU DENTISTRY, in 1988.

Time and more importantly, its passage brings not only healing but has the capacity to bring about great change. And it is this change that we are highlighting in this edition of LLU DENTISTRY as we present "Then and Now..." a profile of the class of 1957 and the class of 2007, taking a closer look at the freshman years of these two momentous classes as the 50th anniversary of the School of Dentistry draws to a close.

Much has changed since that first class entered our very humble, yet hallowed, halls in the orange groves. Amazingly, the similarities will more than likely overshadow the differences-caring and compassion in the delivery of excellent patient care will continue its tradition in this incoming class and those yet to come. Be sure not to miss the 2004 Alumni Student Convention, also previewed in this issue, as it gives you and your family a wonderful opportunity to reunite with classmates and relive your freshman year! Has much changed for you since then?

Time, too, brings critical changes to our practice of the art and science of dentistry. The research feature in this issue by Alan Herford, SD'94, MD, of the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, (page 11) presents the method of distraction osteogenesis in the regeneration of both hard and soft tissues, an exciting technique aiding in the pursuit to give our patients the most ideal restoration of both form and function.

Though I'm sure many of you would consider the practice of dentistry to be not only your chosen vocation but avocation as well, the many varied pursuits and hobbies of the dental profession astound me. Photography, music, sports, and artistic talents abound among your colleagues...as many as imaginable. The creative, caring nature that draws many of you into the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene lends itself to a new feature that I hope will have the opportunity to highlight the "Avocations" of many of you and your colleagues.

This issue presents the artistic pursuits and accolades of Jane Ellis, SD'83, a faculty member working with the Prop 10 Grant Project. Dr. Ellis' paintings have won in national competitions and represent a special avenue of creative release. Let us know if someone you know has a noteworthy avocation, as we would love to highlight it in upcoming issues.

Please feel free to contact Nancy Yuen at nyuen@sd.llu.edu or me at jasugita@aol.com if someone comes to mind, or you just have a comment or suggestion for us!

May God bless you!

Julie Sugita, SD'91; PG'93