Thursday, July 25, 2002 TODAY

School of Dentistry news

• Collection of lithographs by artist Robert Marble donated to School of Dentistry pediatric department
• Robert Kiger completes term as ADEA Leadership Fellow
• School of Dentistry students participate in dental and dental hygiene research competitions
• Ronald P. Blank receives Teacher of the Year Award for the School of Dentistry
• Sir Run Run Shaw staff dentist receives training in endodontics in the School of Dentistry
  
  

Collection of lithographs by artist Robert Marble donated to School of Dentistry pediatric department

Patients and guests to the Hutto-Patterson Pediatric Dentistry Clinic in the School of Dentistry can now pause and smile at a series of lithographs of brightly colored animals that show the humorous side of dentistry. The gift, a private collection of seven titled lithographs by California artist Robert Marble, was donated to the School of Dentistry pediatric department in memory of Robert Clement, DDS, associate professor and director of clinic services by his wife, Mary Lou Clement, secretary for the International Dentist Program The lithographs are on display in the pediatric dentistry clinic just inside the clinic entrance.

Mary Lou Clement, secretary, International Dentist Program, School of Dentistry, poses with John Peterson, DDS, MS, professor, orthodontics and pediatric dentistry and director, advanced education program in pediatric dentistry in front of the collection of lithographs she donated to the School of Dentistry in memory of her husband, Robert Clement, DDS, associate professor and director of clinic services, School of Dentistry.

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Robert Kiger completes term as ADEA Leadership Fellow

Robert D. Kiger, DDS, professor and chair, periodontics, pauses on the steps of the Capitol Building during the ADEA Legislative Workshop in Washington, D.C.

Robert D. Kiger, DS, professor and chair, periodontics, School of Dentistry, has completed a term of service as an American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Leadership Institute Fellow. He is the first LLU faculty member to take part in the program.

The ADEA Leadership Institute is a year-long program designed to develop skills needed by dental and allied dental faculty to assume leadership roles in dental education and higher education. Each year as many as 20 fellows are selected for the program.

Leadership Institute Fellows participate in four meetings during the yearlong program, and throughout the year study materials that are assigned to them. They also develop and complete a project.

The first meeting took place during the ADEA annual session in Chicago in March, 2001. In addition to setting up the seminars that would be held throughout the year, participants identified projects they would develop and complete during the year. Dr. Kiger's group chose to put together a website on dental ethics, <dental ethics.net>.

The second meeting, the Legislative Workshop, was postponed because of the September 11 crisis.

The group next met in Stowe, Vermont, in July, 2001. The group focused on identifying leadership styles and learning the elements of good leadership, among others.

The third conference, a three-day session, was held in Ft. Lauderdale in January, 2002. The Fellows discussed leadership styles and management decisions, and began to work in groups.

The final phase of the program was the Association's annual Legislative Workshop in Washington, DC, held in late April, 2002.

"One of the most important things dental educators can do," says David Johnson, ADEA president and dean, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, "is to become strong advocators for legislative initiatives affecting dental academia and the profession."

Fellows learned about federal policy and the legislative process. They were briefed on the federal budget and appropriations process, federal health professions and research programs of importance to dental education.

Congressional staff talked about the Patients" Bill of Rights; the Children's Dental Health Improvement Act; and the Dental Health Improvement Act as well as the reauthorization of the National Health Service Corps and Community Health Centers.

Ricardo Martinez, MD, associate director, program development, National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research, spoke about the role the Institute plays in determining the future of oral research as well as the significant resources it provides to support education and research training in the nation's dental schools.

Donald Weaver, MD, assistant surgeon general and director, National Health Service Corps (NHSC), provided an overview of the NHSC and its mission to provide access to primary care to underserved populations. He highlighted the increased efforts NHSC is undertaking to partner with dental schools to increase oral health-care providers in the Corps.

As he looks back on his term of service as an ADEA Fellow, Dr. Kiger recalls a rewarding year learning about leadership while studying reams of information, networking and planning and developing the dental ethics website, all during a year in which the dental school was undergoing accreditation.

The ADEA Leadership Institute, a program of the ADEA Center for Educational Policy and Research, is made possible through the generosity of the following Founding sponsors: ADA Health Foundation; GC America, Incorporated, Proctor & Gamble Company; and The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

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School of Dentistry 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 dental hygiene 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; seniors Hans Lemky; Preethi Dara; and Ambra Linnenkamp. Seated, from left are: Ms. Wilkins; seniors Jennifer Cutts; Angela Kendall; Christin Wells Wesslen; and Ms. Stephens.

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

During the recent 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 are: 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

Class of 2002 dental hygiene graduates Angela Kendall, Christin Wells Wesslen, and Jennifer Cutts accept 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.

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, acting chair, dental hygiene, served as faculty mentor.

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, 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, 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, basic science faculy, School of Medicine; and Karen Simpson, MPH, chair, dental hygiene, faculty mentors.

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Ronald P. Blank receives Teacher of the Year Award for the School of Dentistry

Ronald P. Blank, DDS, chair and associate professor, oral diagnosis, radiology, and pathology (right), receives the Teacher of the Year Award for the School of Dentistry from Charles Goodacre, DDS, MSD, dean. Also pictured is Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, chancellor, LLU (center).

Ronald P. Blank, DDS, chair and associate professor, oral diagnosis, radiology, and pathology, has been named Teacher of the Year for the School of Dentistry. This is the first year that the award has been given. Students, faculty, and staff from the dental school were invited to nominate a faculty member for the Teacher of the Year Award.

"I was surprised, humbled, and happy to be chosen for this award," says Dr. Blank. "It is the high point of my career, and I owe it to the loving support of my wife, Sandy, daughter Cariann, and son, Travis."

Dr. Blank is a retired U.S. Navy Commander who has held numerous dental officer positions throughout his military career. During his years in the Navy, he was responsible for significant teaching commitments, and received numerous commendations from his superiors.

Dr. Blank joined the faculty in August, 1998. On July 1, 2000, he was named chair of oral diagnosis, radiology, and pathology.

Dr. Blank's teaching philosophy is to educate students in the clinic and classroom from a Christian perspective, making mutual trust, confidence, teamwork, and respect the guiding principles.

The following was written by Dr. Blank on December 17, 1997, before he began working at LLU: "The Loma Linda University philosophy is "to make man whole." If this remains the focus of University faculty, staff, and administration, it can never fail. It will be perpetuated through its influence on our students, our alumni, our patients, and on the global mission of our Church."

In the same letter, Dr. Blank states that his philosophy of practicing dentistry mirrors the LLU mission: "Meet the mind of the patient before the mouth of the patient," "Care for patients as you would your own family," "Always treat everyone with uncommon courtesy, respect, and dignity," and "Give God the glory in your patient treatment successes."

Dr. Blank sees his philosophy as a testament to the Christian influence of dedicated faculty and staff when he was a student and it is his desire to support and perpetuate this mission as a faculty member.

Dr. Blank receives high marks for being on time and available in the clinic; knowledgeable; helping students to think and problem solve; for being actively involved in student learning; providing positive feedback in addition to identifying problem areas; for being interested in the subject area being taught; and for treating students with respect.

Following are remarks from students who appreciate Dr. Blank's teaching style:

"Dr. Blank is an excellent teacher. He doesn't "take over" for me but makes me learn to do it myself. He strikes an excellent balance in knowing where and when to step in." "Dr. Blank seems calm and is very helpful. He understands that I am still a student."

As one of the graduating dental students recently commented, "Dr. Blank is more concerned in the student than in minutiae; he makes it his goal to have the student understand the end result of what is being taught. He is one of the great people in the School."

The Teacher of the Year Award is intended to be presented annually. The faculty member selected as Teacher of the Year will receive a medallion presented during commencement ceremonies and a shadow-box to display the medallion. The Teacher of the Year will also be given a reserved parking space, and a monetary award of $1,000.

This year Dr. Blank was selected by the graduating dental class to receive the Pierre Fauchard Academy Teacher of the Year Award.

The award, given to the individual from whom the graduating students felt they received the finest education during their four years of dental school, was presented to him during the Pierre Fauchard Academy Annual Luncheon in Anaheim on April 7.

In 2001, he was also honored by the graduating class during their Awards Banquet at the Mission Inn in Riverside.

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Sir Run Run Shaw staff dentist receives training in endodontics in the School of Dentistry

Andy Sheng, DDS (left), a staff dentist with Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital dental clinic, People’s Republic of China, recently received training in the School of Dentistry. He is pictured with Leif K. Bakland, DDS (center), associate dean and professor of endodontics, and Lloyd Baum, DMD, professor emeritus, restorative dentistry.

Faculty in the School of Dentistry began collaborating with the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH) dental clinic in Hangzou, People’s Republic of China, even before the clinic opened in 1994.

Lloyd Baum, DMD, professor emeritus, restorative dentistry, traveled to the clinic to help set up the dental equipment and to prepare for the opening.

The partnership between the school and Sir Run Run

Shaw Hospital remains strong, with Loma Linda faculty presenting seminars to standing-room only audiences at the hospital, and doctors from the clinic traveling to Loma Linda to spend time learning at the School of Dentistry.

Most recently Andy Sheng, DDS, has been a visiting dentist at the school, arriving on April 29, 2002. Dr. Sheng observed treatments in the endodontic clinic and the implant dentistry clinics, and he has attended classes with residents. In addition, he has observed procedures in the implant dentistry clinic and the International Dentist Program clinic.

Dr. Sheng has been a staff dentist in the SRRSH dental clinic for 10 years, joining the clinic in September, 1993 (one year before it officially opened).

He received his dental training from Zhejiang University and Medical School, completing studies in the university’s stomatology department.

Each month, more than 1,000 patients are seen in the clinic, including Chinese officials and government leaders from the province.

Currently nine dentists staff the SRRSH dental clinic, assisted by four technicians and five dental assistants. Though the dental clinic now has eight chairs, plans are underway to enlarge the clinic, adding eight more chairs.

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