Professional Documents
Culture Documents
DentalUM Spring/Summer 2009
DentalUM Spring/Summer 2009
Thank You
MI 48109-1078. Or you may send your updates via email
to: jmastey@umich.edu.
raised more than $38.1 million as a part of the The Regents of the University:
Julia Donovan Darlow, Laurence B. Deitch, Denise Ilitch,
University’s Michigan Difference Campaign. Olivia P. Maynard, Andrea Fischer Newman, Andrew C.
Richner, S. Martin Taylor, Katherine E. White, Mary Sue
At our Campaign Finale celebration in the Coleman, ex officio.
Sindecuse Atrium in November, we announced University of Michigan School of Dentistry
we had raised more than $37 million. However, Alumni Society Board of Governors
5 Homecoming Weekend
Our biggest turnout ever
11 21 Faculty
Dr. Russell Taichman
24 Alumnus
Dr. George Sayre
28 Susan Pritzel Retires
On the cover: 36 years as teacher, mentor,
The University of Michigan celebrated the
conclusion of its successful Michigan Difference
friend
campaign last November at Hill Auditorium. In
addition to U-M President Mary Sue Coleman,
Regents, and the University’s campaign committee,
joining the celebration were Dean Peter Polverini
DEPARTMENTS
and Dr. William Lawler, Jr., a member of the School 3 Development
of Dentistry’s campaign committee who carried the
5 Alumni Relations
24
School’s flag into Hill Auditorium.
The funds raised by the School of Dentistry were 109 Dr. Charles and Mrs. Dee Kelly proudly display
percent of the School’s goal of $35 million. Gifts will be used their Michigan Difference School of Dentistry
scarves at the University’s campaign finale
for student scholarships, faculty support, program support, celebration at Hill Auditorium.
facility improvements, research support, and school/department
discretionary support. $35 Million Goal…$38.1 Million Raised
Major benefactors and many members of the School’s fundraising • Student Scholarships:
committee and their spouses attended the Campaign Finale $10 million goal…$10.4 million raised
celebration held in the Sindecuse Atrium. Dean Peter Polverini • Faculty Support: $7 million goal…
praised the School’s alumni and friends for their generosity and $6.6 million raised
complimented the development staff for their hard work. • Program Support: $5 million goal…
When planning began about nine years ago, Richard Fetchiet, $5.5 million raised
director of external relations, said the School set what he described • Improved Facilities: $5 million goal…
as “an extremely ambitious goal.” He noted that a feasibility study $5.1 million raised
conducted by an independent fundraising-consulting firm suggested • Research Support: $3 million goal…
$3.2 million raised
a goal of approximately $25 million. “However, the enthusiasm of
• School/Dept. Discretionary Support:
the School’s fundraising committee, combined with the commitment
$5 million goal…$7.3 million raised
demonstrated by our fundraising team, led us to the stretch goal of
$35 million,” he said.
11
Jerry Mastey
As the U-M Fanfare Band played The Victors on one of the balconies
overlooking the Sindecuse Atrium, a banner was lowered showing
the amount the School of Dentistry raised during The Michigan
Difference Campaign. The final amount surpassed $38.1 million.
“I am truly blessed and fortunate size of the proposed goal, we decided The School of Dentistry’s
to be surrounded by such a great to shoot for $35 million. Who said Campaign Committee
team in our Alumni Relations and dentists aren’t goal oriented?”
Jay Werschky, chair
Development Office that includes Werschky praised the School’s Eli Berger
Jeff Freshcorn, Marty Bailey, Thalia campaign committee and thanked Michael Cerminaro
Jaimez, and Carrie Towns,” Fetchiet Dean Peter Polverini, the professional Gary Dwight
Bruce Foote
said. “Their tireless efforts made this development staff, and donors for
Timothy Gietzen
campaign an overwhelming success.” their support and efforts. “I hope Sondra Moore Gunn
The School’s campaign chairman, you depart with a sense of pride for Allan Jacobs
Dr. Jay Werschky (DDS 1976, Flint, our School, personal satisfaction Darnell Kaigler, Sr.
Charles Kelly
MI), spoke about both amounts in for your level of participation, and G. Peter Kelly
his closing remarks at the School’s wonderment for the future of the Mary Dolores Kelly
c e l e b ra t i o n o f t h e c a m p a i g n . profession,” Werschky said. William Lawler, Jr.
“Remember how it took our breath (more on the web) Arnold Morawa
Karl Schettenhelm, Jr.
away when a goal of $25 million Richard Shick
was suggested?,” he said. “But after Stanley Smith
spirited discussions and thoughtful Reggie VanderVeen
Connie Verhagen
deliberations, and undaunted by the
22
DEVELOPMENT
33
Photo courtesy of Dr. Jay Roahen Photo courtesy of Sheree Duff
Kathy and Dr. Jay Roahen The first fully funded endowment for periodontics graduate students
at the School of Dentistry has become reality with a scholarship
other dental schools,” he said. “Over time, I realized that the established by Sheree Duff on behalf of her late husband, Dr. Benson
Duff.
dental education I received at Michigan was definitely of the
highest caliber.”
Roahen, who retired from the Navy in 1993 and last July and colleagues to reach the $100,000 minimum needed to
after 15 years in private practice in Annapolis, Maryland, said establish the endowment for the periodontics department.
the $100,000 scholarship he and his wife have established “is This is the first fully funded endowment for graduate student
our way of giving back in a meaningful way to the U-M School support in periodontics at Michigan.
of Dentistry.” Their gift was matched with $50,000 from U-M The criteria to be a recipient of the Duff Scholarship is
President Mary Sue Coleman’s Donor Challenge program. straightforward — a graduate student must be working for a
Roahen said he still maintains frequent contact with some master’s degree in the School’s periodontics program. Duff
of his former classmates, including several he traveled with said she hopes a recipient of the first award will be announced
on the canals of France last summer. [DentalUM, Fall 2008, before the start of the new academic year in August.
page 48.] Duff said her husband’s passion for dentistry was fueled
by the late Dr. Billy Smith. “Billy was his mentor and his idol,”
she said. “Both had the charisma that gave them this great
Duff Scholarship Gift to Help ability to relate to patients.”
Periodontics Residents
That charisma even changed her life.
Duff said she initially planned to become an accountant
when her future husband asked her to be his patient for his
“He was a teacher at heart whether he was with his
first dental cleaning. “I was so awed by the dental school, the
patients, other dentists, or his own staff,” said Sheree Duff
people there, and Ben’s love for dentistry that I later took his
(DH 1980) of her late husband, Dr. Benson Duff (DDS 1980,
advice to heart and switched gears,” she said with a laugh. “I
MS periodontics 1988), who passed away in March 2008 at
enrolled in the dental hygiene program, earned my degree.
age 54. “He would be thrilled to know a student in Michigan’s
In fact, both of us were thrilled to participate in the same
periodontics program would have an opportunity to further
graduation ceremony in 1980. Both of us influenced the
their education and use that education to help others,” she
direction of each other’s career.” Sheree Duff is associate dean
added. Dr. Duff also earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan
of the Dental Science Programs at Baker College in Auburn
and was a member of the Dean’s Faculty and the Michigan
Hills, Michigan.
Periodontal Alumni Board.
Her $60,000 gift to the Benson Duff Graduate Periodontics
Memorial Scholarship was matched with $30,000 from
U-M President Mary Sue Coleman’s Donor Challenge. This
contribution will be added to funds donated by family, friends,
44
ALUMNI RELATIONS
HOME COMING
We e k e n d
“Our Biggest Turnout Ever”
great turnout.
Members of the Dental Class of 1958 and their
spouses nearly filled a School of Dentistry
lecture hall for the annual Emeritus Medallion
Ceremony during Homecoming Weekend
activities in early October. “This is our biggest
turnout ever,” said Richard Fetchiet, director of alumni
relations.
Forty-two emeritus alumni received medallions
commemorating the golden anniversary of their graduation
from dental school.
They also walked through the old preclinical laboratory
before settling in to the Dr. Roy Roberts Preclinical
Laboratory to see Dr. Merle Jaarda, associate professor of
dentistry, demonstrate how technology is being used in
the preclinical simulation lab to educate dental students
today.
The emeritus alumni were impressed.
“This clinic is wonderful,” said Dr. John McMahon.
“It’s a tremendous advance compared to when I was a
student. Having a monitor at each cubicle allowing each
student to see what an instructor is demonstrating seems
to make the education process so much more personal.”
First-year dental student Crystal Rosser, who was
Jerry Mastey
practicing a procedure during her lunch hour when alumni
and their spouses visited the preclinic lab, said she enjoyed
talking to McMahon and answering questions.
“They were intrigued, not just with the technology,
but with how we’re using the mannequin heads to learn
and practice various dental techniques,” she said.
After a class picture was taken in the lobby of the
Kellogg Building, the former classmates and their spouses
enjoyed reminiscing over lunch in the Sindecuse Atrium.
55
Jerry Mastey Call Photography
66
ALUMNI RELATIONS
Dr. Michael Crete is a 1986 graduate of the School of Dentistry who served a term on the Board of
Governors (1996-1998). Involved at all levels of organized dentistry, including the ADA’s Commission
on the Young Professional, Dr. Crete holds memberships in AGD and AACD. He practices restorative
BALLOT and cosmetic dentistry in Grandville.
Sheree Duff, RDH, MS, is a 1980 graduate of the U-M dental hygiene program who worked 15 years
Vote for 4 dentists: in a periodontal practice. She established and directed the dental hygiene program for Baker College
in Port Huron and Auburn Hills, Michigan. Now associate dean of Dental Sciences at Baker College,
Dr. James W. Clark she is past vice president of the St. Clair County Dental Hygiene Society and is a member of ADHA,
Dr. David O. Cramer MDHA, and OCDHA.
Dr. Michael Crete Dr. John W. Farah, a 1978 graduate of the U-M School of Dentistry, was an associate professor at
the University of Florida in Gainesville for two years. In 1980, he returned to Ann Arbor and started his
Dr. John W. Farah dental practice and also had a part-time research appointment in the U-M dental school’s biomaterials
Dr. Leopold Klausner department. In 1983, he began The Dental Advisor, a dental consumer report publication.
Dr. Wayne Olsen Dr. Leopold Klausner is a 1974 graduate of the U-M School of Dentistry who earned a master’s in
Dr. Metodi C. Pogoncheff * restorative dentistry in 1978. While running a private practice in Ann Arbor, he was a School of Dentistry
faculty member from 1974 to 1993, and served on national and state dental organization committees.
Dr. Mark Powell He is a consultant for Delta Dental of Michigan.
Dr. Scott Schultz
Dr. Wayne Olsen, a 1981 graduate of the U-M School of Dentistry, had clinical and academic
assignments worldwide while serving in the U.S. Army for 25 years and was an oral surgeon and dental
Vote for 1 hygienist: educator. Now practicing in Traverse City, Cadillac, and Alpena, he is a past president and current
MDA delegate for the Resort District Dental Society. He is a member of the Michigan Oral Surgery
Catherine Berard Association’s executive committee and an adjunct professor of oral surgery at U-M.
Sheree Duff Dr. Metodi C. Pogoncheff * is a 1976 graduate of the U-M School of Dentistry who has a private
* Incumbent general dental practice in Lansing, Michigan. A member of the ADA, MDA, and Central District Dental
Society, he is also a member of the Kingery Prosthodontic Study Club and a charter member of the
Envelope with ballot Academy of Sports Dentistry. His goal is to continue development of the School’s core facilities to
must be postmarked by create the best possible experience for dental students.
August 1, 2009. Dr. Mark Powell earned his dental degree from U-M in 1985 and an MSD in orthodontics from Indiana
University in 1987. A delegate with the West Michigan District Dental Society, he chaired the Children’s
Please mail your ballot to:
Dental Health Committee. Dr. Powell is a member of the MDA, MAO, and AAO.
University of Michigan
School of Dentistry Dr. Scott Schultz is a 1996 graduate of the U-M School of Dentistry who served in the U.S. Navy
540 E. Liberty, Suite 204 Dental Corps. He earned his master’s in orthodontics from U-M in 2003. A board certified orthodontist
with offices in Traverse City and Charlevoix, Michigan, he is an active member of the ADA, MDA, and
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2210
AAO; an officer in the Resort District Dental Society; and is on the board of the Great Lakes Association
of Orthodontics.
* Incumbent
77
Dental Scholars
Get Boost from School’s
Board of Governors
“This is a fabulous program. The University of Michigan always talks
about ‘the leaders and best,’ and rightly so. The Scholars Program
in Dental Leadership advances that idea by finding ways to teach
leadership while dental students are here so they can become ‘the
leaders and best’ after they graduate. I hope the School can find ways
to offer this program to other schools across the country.”
88
STUDENTS
Now
h e S c h o o l o f D e n t i s t r y ’s other programs to residents of Hagley Background
community outreach program, Gap, a village of about 1,000 located Community outreach is a long-term
where dental and dental hygiene about 10 miles east of Kingston. Drs. tradition at the School of Dentistry.
students provide oral health care to William and Therese Shortt, who Since the 1930s, dental and dental
patients at dental clinics across the earned their dental degree from the hygiene students have provided oral
state, is now an international program. U-M School of Dentistry in 1987, health care at locations across Michigan,
In addition, the time dental students supervised the dental students. typically during the summer.
are away from the School providing Another School-approved Outreach took a major step forward
oral health care in communities has international rotation begins in July in 2000 when dental and dental hygiene
increased to eight weeks from five. when six dental students will travel students began working in clinics
From Febr uar y 14 to 20, to Quito, Ecuador, to provide oral outside the dental school during the
t h i rd - ye a r de n t a l s t ude nt s a nd health care. Under the auspices of the academic year. Now fourth-year dental
two dentists were in Hagley Gap, University’s Global Reach Program, an students participate for eight weeks
Jamaica, as part of a University- international endeavor launched by the at 19 sites in 14 different Michigan
wide collaboration called Students Medical School in the late 1990s, dental communities.
for Jamaica. Students for Jamaica students will join their colleagues from Those efforts have helped thousands
is an interdisciplinary collaboration the Medical School and offer a range of across Michigan. More than 55,670
of U-M students who want to make no-cost health care services as a part of patients have been treated and 85,300
a difference in developing countries the Quito Project. procedures performed in just the past
by providing dental and medical care T h e S c h o o l o f D e n t i s t r y ’s six years.
as well as other services that range participation in this initiative began More Michigan Outreach,
from infrastructure improvements to nearly two years ago after Dr. Howard Some National Outreach
economic development. Graef started a dental clinic and took Three other new opportunities also
Seven dental students assessed the his daughter, Martina, who earned her developed recently — one with a non-
oral health needs of the community, dental degree from U-M in 2008, and profit organization that administers more
provided emergency services, pain three other dental students with him. than a dozen dental clinics statewide, a
m a n a g e m e n t , a n d o ra l hy g i e n e “All were excited, both during and after, second with a private practice, and the
e ducation according to Dr. B ill about their work and the difference third at an Indian Health Services (IHS)
Piskorowski, the School of Dentistry’s they made in peoples’ lives,” Howard dental clinic in the Upper Peninsula.
director of Outreach and Community Graef said. “Last year, six fourth-year “We want our students to experience
Affairs. The School of Dentistry is dental students participated and saw all aspects of general practice dentistry,
partnering with the Blue Mountain nearly five hundred patients. We’re and in different environments, before
Project, a nonprofit organization that planning to travel there again with U-M they make any long-term decisions about
provides health care, education, and dental students this summer.” their future,” said Dr. Bill Piskorowski.
99
International Jerry Mastey
10
10
Photo courtesy of Jessica Lee
11
11
(left) U-M dental students (left to right) Phyllis Odoom, Jessica Lee, and Malije Onwueme pose with youngsters, many of whom they provided oral
health care to, at Shepard’s Home outside Nairobi, Kenya. On the right is the home’s oral health officer. Lee said some youngsters were wearing
sweaters, coats, and stocking hats because “they said the weather was chilly.” The temperature the day the photo was taken was about 70 degrees.
Significant Caries Differences quickly learned was not to wear their is American and didn’t speak with an
Recorded clinical white coats. African accent, villagers everywhere
Onwueme, Odoom, and Lee said “I wore mine only once,” Odoom treated her just as well as they treated
they saw “a great deal of periodontal said, “but many youngsters associated Phyllis and me.”
disease” almost everywhere they went. the white coat with pain or discomfort.
Although they did not treat patients Although we didn’t extract anyone’s teeth, Making Plans to Return
in Nyubani, they also recorded data we wanted everyone to be comfortable so Their experiences left indelible
about each patient. “I think it would be the dentists could treat them.” impressions on each of them.
interesting to return in a few years to do a Those who worked on the patients “My long-term goal is to return to
follow-up study to see what impact there included Dr. Nelson Malenya, director of Nigeria to provide oral health care after
might be following our visit and note any the Kikuyu Dental Clinic at the Nairobi I graduate,” Onwueme said. “This effort
improvements,” Onwueme said. School of Dentistry; a “community dental was a steppingstone to achieving that
At a special needs facility, the Feed officer” who was authorized to extract goal because I plan to help establish
the Children Center outside Nairobi, teeth and administer injections when dental clinics for the underserved in rural
the three screened hundreds of children necessary; and an assistant who sterilized regions of Nigeria.”
where tooth decay was rampant. dental instruments and performed other Odoom agreed, adding the trip
On the other hand, at the Shepard’s tasks. “confirmed my desire to return to Africa
Home orphanage not far away, the dental Regardless of where they traveled, because I see the need for dentists.”
students were surprised to see little the dental students said they were well However, before doing that, Odoom said
evidence of caries in children. “I think the treated, especially in the Massai village she may consider applying for admission
reason for that was due to the emphasis where a feast was prepared for them. to a General Practice Residency program
the director placed on prevention and “It was wonderful to be so well or a pediatric dentistry program.
proper oral hygiene,” Lee said. received,” Onwueme said. “Since I’m Lee said her experiences have given
Communicating with patients and from Nigeria and Phyllis is from Ghana, her what she described as “a great
gaining their confidence didn’t seem to many of the villagers easily picked up on opportunity to step back, look at the big
be an issue. But one lesson the students our accents. And even though Jessica picture, and think about ways you can use
your knowledge and experience to make
a difference.”
for Three Dental Students She said, “As an American, I see the
educational benefits of helping those in
Photo courtesy of Jessica Lee
need internationally. I think there may
be even more opportunities to help than I
initially imagined.” She added that “when
you treat people in different cultures,
your knowledge grows. You empathize
more and communicate better. My
experiences in Kenya have made me a
better student, a better practitioner, and
are allowing me to consider opportunities
to make a difference that I probably
would not have considered.”
12
12
STUDENTS
13
13
Addressing Oral Health Disparities Crucial 105 New Dental
for Healthy, Thriving Communities Students Welcomed to
the Profession
Oral health disparities are a Oral health disparities are especially More than 100 men and women were
significant problem, not just in Detroit, acute in Detroit where more than 16 welcomed into the dental profession
but in most of America’s other big percent, or 147,000 of the city’s nearly during the School of Dentistry’s annual
cities too. Some fresh thinking may 900,000 residents are uninsured. By White Coat Ceremony held at Rackham
be needed to develop new models of comparison, Dawley Auditorium last September.
delivering care as well as said, the state-wide The 55 men and 50 women who
collaboration average in Michigan received white coats were selected
a m o n g is about 7.8 percent. from 2,144 individuals worldwide who
different groups However, the problem submitted applications to the School for
if the problem is is expected to worsen admission. Sixty-seven members of the
to be successfully as the auto industry Dental Class of 2012 are residents of
addressed, contracts and other Michigan, 38 are from out of state.
according to the manufacturing Dr. Joanne Dawley, president of
President of the businesses jettison the Michigan Dental Association (DDS
Michigan Dental workers who 1980), welcomed them to the dental
A ss o c i at ion and now have dental profession and recalled her experiences
U-M School of and medical as a dental student at U-M.
Dentistry alumna, insurance. “This is where I began my journey,”
Dr. Joanne Dawley. Compounding she said. “It won’t be easy, but you will
In remarks the problem are have earned the right to be called doctor
delivered at U-M low reimbursements when you graduate.”
Hospital as part of the for dentists providing oral health “ Your integr ity will be your
University’s observance of Dr. Martin care to their Medicaid patients, now compass,” Dawley said. “You have to
Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 19, Dawley about 30 cents on the dollar, as well live with total integrity because it will
outlined the scope of the problem and as uncertainty about what role, if reflect on you and all dentists, including
a “perfect storm” of converging factors any, dentistry might have as a part those who came before you and those
that will make it increasingly important of any national health care plan that who are now in the profession.”
for dentists and physicians, research may be considered by the Obama Advising students to “always take
scientists and technicians, and business administration. “Health care is a noble the high road,” she also urged the
and political leaders to work together. and honest profession, but it’s also a students to get involved in organized
Citing her experience as a practitioner business, and we need sound financial dentistry both as students and after
for more than twenty years and her principles and policies that will allow graduation. (more on the web)
participation in organized dentistry, those in the profession to deal with oral
Dawley said, “My purpose is to pose health care disparities,” Dawley said.
questions for consideration, not to give (more on the web)
answers.”
14
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CARIOLOGY, RESTORATIVE SCIENCES & ENDODONTICS
15
15
NEWS & EVENTS
Following an illustrious 37-year career at the University of Michigan, our Dr. Joseph
Dennison retired from active faculty status last December.
Joe joined the School’s faculty as an assistant professor in 1971, was promoted to
professor eight years later, and was interim chair of our department from 1987-1992. In
all those roles, Joe continued the School’s tradition of excellence demanding nothing but
the best from residents, graduate students, faculty he mentored, and other colleagues.
He published 15 book chapters, 75 peer-reviewed papers, 137 abstracts, and participated
in more than 300 scientific and continuing education programs.
As the School’s Marcus L. Ward Professor of Dentistry since 2000, his focus on
clinical and applied research pertaining to dental materials made it possible for dentists
to improve the quality of life for thousands of patients worldwide. Those lifelong efforts
were recognized in 2006 when Joe received the Floyd Peyton Award for Clinical Research
from the Dental Materials Group of the International Association for Dental Research.
Joe’s endless energy and persistent commitment to education will continue for
two days a week as he returns as an adjunct faculty member. I appreciate his desire to
continue his service and allowing us to benefit from his knowledge and expertise for at
least a while longer.
16
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CARIOLOGY, RESTORATIVE SCIENCES & ENDODONTICS
N O TA B L E A C T I V I T I E S & S P E C I A L R E G O G N I T I O N
Full-Time Faculty
Trish Bauer: Teaching: Director of
Undergraduate Endodontic Clinical
Program; Research (Educational
Research on Low Cost Simulation);
induction into OKU (2007).
Stephen Bayne: Administration: Chair
of Department; Past-President of
International Association for Dental
Research; Research (Educational
Research, Clinical Research of New
Materials); Awards (Academy of Dental
Materials, Founders Award, 2007). Third-year dental student Maciek Dolata received national recognition for his
Tatiana Botero: Research (Principal community-based oral health initiatives. With him are his mentors, Dr. Woosung Sohn,
Investigator: American Association and Dr. Marilyn Woolfolk, assistant dean for student services.
of Endodontic Foundation Research Mark Fitzgerald: Co-Chair, CRSE Program); Research (Clinical Research
Grant; Mentor for Graduate Student Department; Division Head of in Restorative Materials).
Award: American Association of Restorative Dentistry; Director, SPI Jacques Nör: Mentor (AADR Hatton
Endodontic Foundation Research Program; Research (Simulated Patient Award and Dr. Dziewiatkowski Award,
Grant). Instruction; Low Cost Simulation). Kathleen Neiva); Mentor (AAE Award,
Dan Chiego: Co-Author (Essentials Donald Heys: Director, VICs Clinics; Clare Quinlan); Mentor (Research
of Oral Histology and Embryology: A Award (Pierre Fauchard Instructor-of- Day Grand Prize, William Love);
Clinical Approach) in planning for next the-Year, 2Blue Clinic, 2008). Conference Organizer (School of
edition. Dentistry Collaboration with Research
Ronald Heys: Director, VICs 2Green
Brian Clarkson: American Association Clinic. Universities in Brazil); President-elect,
for Dental Research President (2007- OKU; Research (New NIH/NCI SPORE
Rex Holland: Editor (Archives of Oral
2008); Dental Research Day keynotes grant, The Molecular Basis of Head and
Biology); External Examiner (Prince
(University of North Carolina, Indiana Neck Cancer Therapy; new NIH/NIDCR
Philip Dental School, University
University), special lectures (University grant, Endothelial and Head and Neck
of Hong Kong); External Reviewer
of Rochester, Tri Baltic States Dental Stem Cell Crosstalk and Resistance to
(Canadian Institutes for Dental
Conference at Vilnius, Lithuania; Therapy).
Research).
Polish Dental Conference at Wroclaw, Tilly Peters: Director, CRSE
Poland; X’ian, China; Leeds Tissue Neville McDonald: Director, Graduate
International Clinical Research;
Engineering Conference; AADR, Endodontics; President, Michigan
Hollenback Memorial Prize (Academy
Fall Focus Symposium, Ann Arbor); Association of Endodontists (2008).
of Operative Dentistry, 2008);
Research (nanocrystals). Mary Ellen McLean: Director, DDS1 President of Cariology Research Group
Dennis Fasbinder: Director, AEGD Clinical Foundations Course); Research of IADR (2008); Research Activities
Program; Co-Director, International (Educational Research in Low Cost (Clinical Research in cariology and
Dentist Training Program; Research Simulation). restorative materials at several
(clinical trials on CAD-CAM materials; Gisele Neiva: Core Teaching Faculty international sites; Oral Health
several ongoing clinical trials). (Restorative Dentistry Graduate Literacy & Diabetes research).
17
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Bill Piskorowski: Director, School of Glycemic Control for Diabetes; BCBS systemic health with a particular focus
Dentistry Outreach Program; 2008 Contract, Medical Costs Associated on the effects of periodontal infection
Detroit Area Magazine (Area’s Top with Periodontal Disease and Diabetes on diabetes control and complications
Dentist Award); Michigan Community Treatment; Strauman-ITI Contract, in observational and interventional
Dental Centers (Board of Directors). Effect of Extractions). studies as well as systematic review of
Helena Ritchie: Teaching (Undergrad- Jose Vivas: Director, DDS1 Clinical evidence published in the literature.
uate Research Opportunity Program Foundations Course for Dental She also conducts research validating
Faculty Recognition Award); Research Anatomy and Tooth Morphology; self-report as a means of assessing
(New NIH Grant, DSP-PP Precursor Research (All-ceramic materials); periodontal status for individuals and
Protein Processing). Award (MDA Pierre Fauchard Academy population surveillance.
Christine Sedgley: Research (new Award). Jin Lui: Studying the effect of ordered
grants: U-M Rackham Faculty Pete Yaman: Director, Graduate fluorapatite surfaces with attached
Research Grant; OVPR Bridge Grant); Program in Restorative Dentistry; nano-polymers on the growth of
Publications (Chapter: Virulence of Calibration Team for North East osteoblast cells for use as coatings for
Endodontic Bacterial Pathogens in Regional Board Examiners; Clinical implants and dental stem pulp cells to
Endodontic Microbiology, 2009; Chapter: Research (Restorative bonding and create an enamel/dentin junction.
Microbiology of Endodontic Disease in filling materials). Mike Manz: Conducts research
Ingle’s Endodontics, 2008, 6th ed.). on interactions between oral and
Faculty Changes
Woosung Sohn: ADEA Counselor systemic health in observational and
Amid Ismail: Assumed position of interventional studies, secondary
from U-M School of Dentistry;
Dean, Temple University Maurice H. analysis of complex survey sample
Research Fellow (CDC); Fellow,
Kornberg School of Dental Medicine in data, and analysis of public and private
ADEA Leadership Institute; Research
November 2008. medical and dental claims data.
Grants (Healthy Kids Dental Program
Evaluation, Urban Community Oral Hana Hasson: Assumed position of Research also includes design and
Health Intervention, Detroit Center for faculty member at Temple University analysis of surveys for surveillance of
Research on Oral Health Disparities, School of Dental Medicine in December population oral health status in the
Detroit Oral Cancer Prevention 2008. U.S.
Network); Mentor (Maciek Dolata, Joe Dennison: Retired as Professor 2008 Graduating Residents
APHA Jong Award Winner); IADR- Emeritus in December 2008.
AEGD Program: Carmel Dudley,
BEHSR Aubrey Sheiham Award for
Adjunct Faculty Justin Garner, Luke Hamann, David
Distinguished Research (2008).
Agata Czajka Jakubowska: University Heys, Elaine Lam, Steven MacHardy,
Ken Stoffers: Co-Director, DDS2 Christian Nolten, Byron Tucker.
of Poznan’s Individual Science award
Clinical Foundations Course Graduate Program in Restorative
for 2008 (Certificate and $5000).
Nikki Sweier: Assistant Director, AEGD Dentistry: David Jones, Tony Khoo
William Gregory: Award of Excellence
Program; Director, Undergraduate Graduate Program in Endodontics:
(Academy of Operative Dentistry,
Geriatric Dentistry Curriculum; Ben Garagozloo, Jeremy Kott, Nahid
2008).
Research (Investigator: Grants in Roghani
Geriatric Dentistry; Co-investigator: Jim Schindler: Retired as adjunct
Visiting Scientists: Nör research
grant on Stress Proteins). faculty (2008).
lab (Vinicius Rosa, Marcia Campos,
George Taylor: Award (2007-08, Staff Bruno Cavalcanti, Atsushi Imai,
ORISE/CDC Research Scholar); Carol Stamm: Earned 2008 CCRP Kyung San Min), Ritchie research lab
ADA (Council on Scientific Affairs; certification for clinical research. (Jun Liu), Yaman graduate program
Evidence-Based Dentistry Advisory (Koichi Yosida), Clarkson research
Board; APHA Meeting Press; Research Research Scientists lab (Longxing Ni), Taylor research
(NIH Grant, Periodontal Disease Wenche Borgnakke: Conducts research program (Masanori Iwasaki), Sohn
and Diabetes; Delta Dental Contract, on the effects of oral health on research program (Choongho Choi).
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FACULTY
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Dr. Lynn Johnson Named Assistant Michigan’s Pierre
Dean for Informatics & Innovation Fauchard Academy
Honors Vivas
Per Kjeldsen Photo courtesy of Jose Vivas
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20
FACULTY
“It’s incredible to be
able to walk down a
hallway and share “I’m in a family business,” Dr. Russell Taichman jokingly replied when asked
about how he wound up in dentistry.
some cutting-edge “My dad was a periodontist, chair of the pathology department, and associate
dean of academic affairs at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental
ideas with others
Medicine; an uncle was a basic research scientist; another uncle did basic research
who immediately at Stony Brook dental school; and a brother at Penn is also involved in science, so
dentistry and research are two genes I seem to have inherited,” he said.
understand your For Taichman, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry is special. “I’m
thinking, what you’re fortunate to be here. The University and this dental school are phenomenal places,”
he said.
trying to achieve, and Since arriving at Michigan in 1992, Taichman has been busy. He’s a professor
how they might be of dentistry, director of the Scholars Program in Dental Leadership, and an adjunct
professor at the College of Literature, Sciences, and the Arts (LS&A).
able to help you.” After earning a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental
Medicine in 1986 and a DMSc from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine four
years later, Taichman was a postdoctoral research fellow at Penn when he began
pondering his next career move.
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During a dinner conversation with Michigan and this dental school were Health impressed me as phenomenal
his father and several others who were investing in themselves and had a grand places for collaboration on a range of
attending an International Association vision for what they wanted to achieve. projects.”
of Dental Research conference, Taichman I liked that,” he said. “Martha was Dividing his time between research,
sought ideas about where he could creating a department that she wanted teaching, and directing the Dental
bolster his academic credentials in his to be head and shoulders above any Scholars program can be difficult at
research area of interest – osteoblasts other in the country, and I wanted to be times. But Taichman said that, more
involved in blood development. a part of that.” often than not, the work he does in all
Taichman also said he was impressed areas is interrelated.
The Lure of Michigan with the research underway that had a His research niche focuses on how
He was urged to contact Dr. Steve long-term focus. bone cells regulate stem cell function and
Emerson at the U-M Medical School “It seemed everyone I talked to development. Closely related to that is
and Dr. Martha Somerman, who, at across Michigan and here at this dental his research that seeks to understand
the time, was chair of the Department school understood the importance of how prostate cancer cells thwart stem
of Periodontics, Prevention, and research, especially research that asked cell development and function.
Geriatrics. the big questions and looked for long- Over the last three years, Taichman
B o th, esp e ci ally S omer man, term benefits,” he said. has been awarded approximately
who is now dean of the University of Also influencing his decision to $200,000 by the Prostate Cancer
Washington School of Dentistry, made come to Michigan were other U-M Foundation to investigate why prostate
an indelible impression on Taichman. schools and colleges. “In particular, the cancer spreads to bones.
“I saw that the University of Medical School and the School of Public Asked how that research might
Jerry Mastey apply to dentistry, Taichman said,
“Ultimately, it’s my hope that we can
better understand how damaged bone,
including those in the orofacial region,
can be repaired. Once we understand
that, I think we may better understand
other cancers including those of the
head, neck, breast, and other areas of
the body.”
Taichman Nieva Interestingly, Taichman said his
research interests changed direction
foto here? following a conversation with Dr. Laurie
McCauley, chair of the Department of
Periodontics and Oral Medicine.
“As we talked about how prostate
cancer is one of just a few diseases where
bone formation actually occurs, she
wondered if there might be something
dentists and periodontists could learn
that would help us find new and better
ways to treat patients,” he said. I
wondered if the cancers use the same
mechanism, as do stem cells to gain
Dr. Yusuke Shiozawa, one of the post doctoral fellows in Dr. Russell Taichman’s laboratory,
holds a test tube containing cancer stem cells. access to the marrow. Important for
dentistry is whether bone formation is
regulated by blood stem cells.
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That conversation, Taichman said, to develop a program, literally, from Arts called The Science and Practice of
reaffirmed his decision to come to the ground up. But in the summer Dentistry in the 21st Century. Among
Michigan. “The best thing about this of 2003, Dean Peter Polverini asked those who have spoken to the class
school are my colleagues,” he said. “It’s Taichman to develop a new program at include veterinarians, airline pilots,
incredible to be able to walk down a the School of Dentistry that would focus deans, faculty members, and dental
hallway and share some cutting-edge on leadership. “The idea intrigued me, students.
ideas with others who immediately and I was looking for a new challenge, “It’s the only course that focuses
understand your thinking, what you’re so this seemed like a great opportunity,” on dentistry in the undergraduate
trying to achieve, and how they might Taichman said. curriculum, and it’s always well
be able to help you.” The Scholars Program in Dental attended,” he said. “It seems everyone’s
Part of his work has led to the Leadership, also known as the Dental hands go up when I ask ‘Who’s thinking
development of small molecule Scholars program, celebrates its third about dentistry as a career?’,” he said.
therapeutics that are in Phase 1 anniversary this year. The program Roughly two or three students
trials. The study is being conducted brings together a group of exceptional who take the class eventually apply
by Metastatix, Inc. at the University of students from select backgrounds to to the U-M School of Dentistry and
Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in help them develop a leadership mindset are accepted, he said. He said others
Houston. and the skills they can use to initiate are accepted at other dental schools
elsewhere.
Another benefit from coming to
Michigan, Taichman said, was meeting
“It seemed everyone I talked to across Susan Hipolite. The two married in
1999. An assistant professor and
Michigan and here at this dental school assistant research scientist at the School,
understood the importance of research, she too has research interests, “however,
they’re different than mine since she’s
especially research that asked the big extensively involved in public oral health
research,” he said. The parents of a four-
questions and looked for long-term benefits.” year old, Taichman said, “we try to focus
our attention on our daughter, Gabrielle,
when we’re at home instead of talking
shop.”
With Dr. William Giannobile, Taichman is change in dentistry, dental hygiene, Looking back, Taichman said his
also working to develop a new diagnostic education, research, or academia. father never told him to pursue dentistry
tool for periodontal diseases. More Last fall, the School’s Alumni Society as a career. “But he pointed me in the
recently, in collaboration with Dr. Paul Board of Governors heard Taichman and right direction and gave me a lot of
Krebsbach, professor and Chair BMS, and three students in the program talk about helpful suggestions. As a result, it’s been
scientists at the University of Kentucky, how it has helped them. (See p.8) an incredible experience, especially here
Taichman has been attempting to isolate “I firmly believe that the students at Michigan,” he said.
human mesenchymal stem cells for who are in this program will be among
clinical trials to try to coax the cells into those who you’ll be hearing about in the
the blood so they can later be collected future as they make contributions to
to help repair bone defects. the dental profession in many different
areas,” he said.
Developing a New Program Since 2000, Taichman has taught a
W hen he came to Michigan, three credit hour course each fall at the
Taichman never imagined being asked school of Literature, Science and the
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ALUMNI RELATIONS
PROFILE
“I thought it was a good one because I
wouldn’t have to put up with the snow
like I did when I lived in Michigan. But
I had second thoughts when I moved in
that July because it was the hottest and
most humid month of the year,” he said
with a laugh.
Besides running his private practice,
Sayre also taught part time at the
University of Texas. “I dropped in,
unannounced, and talked to the dean of
Photo courtesy of Dr. George Sayre the dental school about my background
A dental clinic he helped establish and experiences. He decided to hire me
provided more than $700,000 of free on the spot,” Sayre said.
oral health care to the homeless in
Houston in 2007. The amount was A Patient’s Question
nearly double what was provided just Changes Everything
two years earlier. But it was a conversation at his
Since Healthcare for the Homeless- private practice with one of his frequent
Houston was established in 1998, word patients that changed Sayre’s life and
of its mission and community service has given even greater meaning to his
has spread throughout the city and even career.
to the President of Mexico. The patient, a physician, asked Sayre
Last spring, Dr. George Sayre (DDS if he would be interested in becoming
1974) was one of 16 persons, and the dental director of a clinic in Houston that
only dentist, to receive the Mayor’s he was establishing for the homeless.
Volunteer Houston Award. “I was stunned “I told him I would, and a short time
when the mayor’s office called me to later began working part time in his
tell me I was a recipient,” Sayre said. “I building,” Sayre said. The five-story
still don’t know who nominated me.” structure, which occupies a city block in
He also received recognition when the the city’s downtown business district,
Healthcare for the Homeless Houston also provides the homeless with food,
Honored by the dental clinic was renamed in his honor. laundry facilities, job training, and
Born and raised in Ypsilanti, educational programs.
City of Houston Sayre originally planned to follow in The number of patients treated at
for Providing his father’s footsteps and become an the dental clinic steadily increased. More
obstetrician. But conversations with
Dental Care to other family members influenced him
space was needed.
Recently, the dental clinic was
the Homeless to become a dentist. They included his remodeled and transformed. Now it’s
grandfather, Dr. Roy G. Hayward (DDS a three-chair clinic that employs a full
1911); an uncle, Dr. James Hayward time dentist, dental hygienist, dental
(DDS 1944, MS oral surgery 1947); and assistant, and office manager. Volunteer
a brother, Dr. Frank Sayre (DDS 1969). dentists across Houston and from the
Following graduation from the University of Texas Health Science
School of Dentistry, Sayre practiced for Center at Houston also help.
three years with the U.S. Air Force in Sayre said there were several reasons
Honolulu. When he made a decision for accepting the invitation to provide
in February 1977 to move to Houston, oral health care to the homeless.
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“Growing up, I had some stellar role remodeling their offices, that they wanted to create an atmosphere where
models who showed me the benefits donate their equipment to that clinic.” volunteer dentists from the U.S. could
of community service. They included Dental chairs, X-ray machines, air be even more productive. I believe we
grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, compressors, and other items were have accomplished that goal.”
and cousins,” he said. “The satisfaction of shipped and stored in a warehouse in Sayre also said U-M alumnus Dr.
helping someone who otherwise would Douglas. But the equipment couldn’t John Farah (DDS 1978) editor and
not receive treatment is tremendous. be shipped until after the President of publisher of The Dental Advisor, and Dr.
The smiles on the faces of those who Mexico, Felipe Calderon, assumed office John Powers (DDS 1972) also played
otherwise wouldn’t receive care is a in December 2006. important roles with their gifts of dental
lasting memory.” W hen he was visiting border materials and supplies.
Sayre also said he remembers towns in early 2007 to assess how the Although he was dental director of
working in the School of Dentistry’s Photo courtesy of Dr. George Sayre
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RESEARCH
Seeking Answers to Treat Head and Since then, Nör has been collabor-
ating with Dr. Shaomeng Wang, the
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Study Shows Periodontal Treatment to use the gene delivery approach to and affected by treatment. A saliva-
show potential in treating chronic based test using these biomarkers could
Linked to Lower Medical Costs in conditions such as periodontal disease, provide a sensitive, specific, inexpensive,
Patients with Diabetes said William Giannobile, professor of and noninvasive means to monitor
Periodontics and Oral Medicine and patients and, ultimately, save lives.”
A new study by U-M School of principal investigator.
Dentistry researchers who analyzed “Gene therapy has not been used in Dental School Researchers to
data provided by the Blue Care Network non-life threatening disease. Periodontal
revealed what may be the strongest link disease is more disabling than life
Investigate What May Trigger
yet between periodontal treatment for threatening,” said Giannobile, who also Migraine Headaches
patients with diabetes and the cost of directs the Michigan Center for Oral
their medical care. Health Research and has an appointment A U-M School of Dentistry researcher
Led by Dr. George Taylor, an associate in the U-M College of Engineering. “This has received a grant to investigate the
professor of CRSE dentistry, the U-M is so important because the next wave factors that may be responsible for
researchers analyzed claims from 2,674 of improving medical therapeutics goes triggering migraine headaches. Dr.
individuals with diabetes ages 18 to 64. beyond saving life, and moves forward Alex DaSilva, assistant professor in the
The individuals were enrolled in the Blue to improving the quality of life.” Department of Biologic and Materials
Care Network between 2001 and 2005 Sciences, was awarded a $200,000
and had at least 12 consecutive months Using Saliva to Monitor Head grant from the Dana Alliance for Brain
of medical, dental, and pharmaceutical Initiatives to try to determine what
coverage. The Michigan Blues insurance
and Neck Cancer Treatment and cellular and/or molecular changes in the
network has one of the largest health care Recurrence brain may be responsible.
claims databases in the U.S. Characterized by sudden attacks
“We found insured adults with Two U-M School of Dentistry of moderate to severe headache pain,
diabetes in Michigan who received routine investigators will be investigating saliva migraines are often accompanied by
periodontal treatment, such as dental samples to try to determine if patients nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity
cleanings and scaling, have significantly with head and neck cancers have unique to light and sound. Since many patients
lower medical care costs than those who biomarkers in their saliva that could be experience migraines from childhood
do not,” Taylor said. “These results could used to monitor the response of those to adulthood, their quality of life is
be meaningful to individuals, employers, patients to treatment or recurrence of affected and frequently leads to absences
health care providers, and insurers.” their cancer. from work or school and additional
During the next year Drs. Carol costs due to doctor’s appointments and
Gene Therapy Effective Treatment Anne Murdoch-Kinch and Nisha D’Silva prescription medications.
will collect and analyze saliva samples However, many migraine therapies
Against Gum Disease from patients with head and neck do not produce long-lasting relief,
By Laura Bailey, U-M News Service cancers, both before and after treatment, suggesting that chronic migraine attacks
and then compare the samples to those may be due to other factors.
Scientists at the U-M School of from healthy people without cancer. “We still don’t understand how the
Dentistry have shown that gene therapy The samples will be collected under brain is affected during a migraine,”
can be used to successfully stop the controlled conditions to support current DaSilva said. “We hope to characterize
development of periodontal disease, the and future research projects. the effects of migraines on a person’s
leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The “Several studies support the presence nervous system, from molecular to
findings were published online Dec. 11 of specific biomarkers for head and neck cellular levels,” he added. His research
in advance of print publication in Gene cancer in saliva,” said Murdoch-Kinch, an group, the Headache and Orofacial
Therapy. associate professor in the Department Pain Effort, will also study a relevant
Using gene transfer to treat life of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and sensory disturbance experienced by
threatening conditions is not new, Hospital Dentistry. “Our objective is to some patients with migraines called
but the U-M group is the first known find biomarkers that are cancer-specific allodynia. (more on the web)
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DENTAL HYGIENE
Susan
Anne Gwozdek
Pritzel
Re t i re s a f t e r 3 6 Ye a r s a t U - M
he School of Dentistry’s dental hygiene program has seen a lot of changes during Susan Pritzel’s
36-year career.
“Expanding the program from two years to three years in 1985 allowed us to do more, such as
community outreach,” she said. “Creating the Vertically Integrated Clinics in 1997 allowed hygienists
to get a feel for what it means to be a member of the oral health care team. And technology has
changed how patients are treated in clinics as well as how information is delivered.”
But Pritzel said two special memories would always stand out. “The students. They were the
best part of my job,” she said. “But I will also fondly remember the variety of opportunities I have
had to try to make a difference.”
An assistant professor and clinical supervisor of junior and senior dental hygiene students, Pritzel
retired in December. However, she said she would return to the clinics to teach part time. She will
also continue working one evening a week at a private practice in Ann Arbor as she has for the past
25 years, and serving as a Northeast Regional Board examiner.
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In the summer of 1975, while
teaching full time at the School of
Dentistry, she also worked one night
a week at a private practice and began
pursuing her master’s degree. She
earned a master’s degree in guidance
and counseling from Eastern Michigan
University in 1977 and was promoted
to assistant professor at the School of
Dentistry.
Anne Gwozdek
Lifelong Learning Emphasized Pritzel was joined at her retirement party by her husband, Roger (left), and Dr. Ronald Heys.
She has worked one evening a week in the private practice of Heys and his brother, Donald,
“Earning my master’s degree and for the past 25 years. Pritzel’s sons, Matthew and Daniel, not pictured, also joined in the
minoring in psychology enabled me retirement celebration.
to better understand and counsel
students,” Pritzel said. “But it also On numerous occasions, she More Opportunities
demonstrated what I have repeatedly has received awards from graduating “A dental hygienist can do so much
emphasized to students – that learning students as the Most Influential Instructor more with their education because the
doesn’t end at graduation. You have to or the Outstanding Faculty Member role of the hygienist has changed,” she
be a lifelong learner.” Award. In 2001, she received the said. “In the past, we concentrated on a
As important as lifelong learning Outstanding Alumnae Award from the patient’s teeth, but today the hygienist
is, Pritzel said there are other crucial U-M Dental Hygienists’ Association for is a preventive expert who is concerned
traits that will continue to be necessary her contributions to the profession. about a person’s total health which
to become a successful dental hygienist Pritzel has been active with dental involves dentistry, medicine, disease, and
— effective communication, integrity, and dental hygiene organizations. much more. And since new knowledge
and accepting personal responsibility. She was vice president, treasurer, is constantly being discovered and
“I have told students that we’re board member, and committee chair applied,” she continued, “it’s important
in the people business and that for the Michigan Dental Hygienists’ for the hygienist to become a lifelong
communication is crucial to us and to Association, elected four times as an learner.”
our patients. You have to be able to MDHA delegate to the ADHA’s annual Pritzel added that opportunities
listen to your patients and empathize session, and was treasurer, president, for dental hygienists will continue to
with them,” she said. “When you and delegate to the MDHA’s House of grow. “It’s not just private practice or
do that, they will return because Delegates representing the Washtenaw teaching in a clinic, but also outreach
they know you care and that you are District Dental Hygienists’ Society. facilities, nursing homes, industry, and
concerned about their health and well Pritzel has also served on several other areas. Access to care issues also
being.” U - M co m m i t te e s i n c l u d i n g t h e offer areas of professional growth for the
Pritzel said integrity and accepting Department of Public Safety’s Oversight dental hygienist,” she said.
responsibility are intertwined. “My dad Committee, the Student Relations As she talked about her students,
taught me the importance of acting Advisory Committee, and the Office some of whom will call or send an e-mail
honestly and accepting responsibility, of Vice President of Student Services. on occasion asking for advice on a topic,
especially when things go wrong. She has also been active with the Pritzel said “it’s been rewarding to know
Both are important, not only in one’s School of Dentistry’s Student Research I have made a difference in their lives.
personal life, but their professional life Committee, the disability subcommittee When that light bulb goes on, and they’re
too,” she said. of the Multicultural Affairs Committee, able to finally put everything together
Those messages and Pritzel’s was a faculty advisor for the Honor that they learned in classrooms and
lessons in the clinics and classrooms Council for 15 years and the Student clinics, it’s so rewarding to know that you
have resonated with her students. Council for six years. played a role in making that happen.”
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ALUMNI RELATIONS
NEWS
Ed Givens, Jr. (DDS 2006) Tamara Koss (DDS 1988, DH 1976) John Farah (DDS 1978) of Ann
stationed in Beaufort, South Carolina, of Indialantic, Florida, continues Arbor, Michigan, editor and publisher
will complete a tour of duty with general practice dentistry and with of The Dental Advisor, is lecturing
the U.S. Navy in July. After being the U.S. Air Force Reserve, where nationwide on CAD/CAM dentistry.
deployed to Kuwait for seven months she is Wing Dental Surgeon with the According to Farah, the publication
last year to provide oral health care to 920th Aeromedical Staging Squadron “is leading the way in CAD/CAM
U.S. Forces, he was welcomed home with more than 1,200 members based dentistry and becoming the source of
by his family: Jacob, 5-1/2 years old; at Patrick Air Force Base. Last April information” on an array of equipment
Annelise, age 4; Arianne, age 2; and she was inducted as president of the that includes CEREC, COS, and others.
his wife, Lalia who was unwilling to Reserve Officer Association of Florida
disclose her age. “It was rewarding that has more than 5,000 members. James Somers (DDS 1973,
to provide care for the troops, many MS orthodontics 1983) of Oak
of whom were reservists,” he wrote. Stephen A. Lawrence (DDS 1984) Harbor, Washington, was one only
After his tour of duty, he will begin of Carlsbad, California, became a ten persons nationwide to receive
residency training in prosthodontics mitred archpriest in the Syro-Russian the Environmental Hero Award for
this fall at the University of North Orthodox Church last summer. 2008 from the National Oceanic
Carolina-Chapel Hill. and Atmospheric Administration.
Ronald Sarosi (DDS 1981) of Eaton A member of an environmental
Rapids, Michigan, was recently named education and stewardship group with
to the Board of Directors of the OBI several hundred volunteers around
Foundation for Bioesthetic Dentistry. Puget Sound, Somers said “I thought I
would miss many aspects of practice,
Howard Belkin (DDS 1980) however, volunteering has consumed
of Birmingham, Michigan, who much of my time.” For four years he
specializes in psychotherapy and and a group were collecting data on
psychopharmacology for adults, habitat preservation and restoration
adolescents, and children, has joined of endangered salmon populations in
the attending medical staff at William Puget Sound. “Although the focus is
Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, on salmon, the habitat degradation
Rebecca Ortenzio (DDS 2001) Michigan. affects all life forms in the Sound up
of Annapolis, Maryland, now a to and including the famous resident
Lieutenant Commander in the United Solomon Pesis (DDS 1980) of Orca whales,” he wrote.
States Navy, recently completed her Farmington Hills, Michigan, has been
orthodontic residency at Indiana reappointed to a second term on the
University. She currently is assigned Michigan Board of Dentistry. His
to the U.S. Naval Academy in four-year term expires in 2011.
Annapolis as head of the Department
of Orthodontics.
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In Memoriam
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Meet the New Director of
Communications
Sharon Grayden has been named director
of communications for the School of
Dentistry and will manage publications, Web
communications, and media relations for both
internal and external constituencies.
“Our communications are more sophisticated
than ever with richer content, photographs,
and videos available via the Web,” said Dean
Polverini. “With the increasing role that
electronic media is playing on the global stage,
we felt it was important to manage all print
and electronic media in a coordinated fashion
as we communicate with you and the world.”
Send comments and suggestions to
grayden@umich.edu or call (734) 615-2600
Upcoming Continuing
Dental Education Courses