COVER STORY

Dental students by day, champion athletes by night:

Team Dentistry takes Grad Games by storm
by Brittany Ko (2015)
When it came to this years games, Team Dentistry let nothing stand in its way. Defending our championship was definitely a priority, stated Eric Mejia. The competition was so close last year that literally every single persons contribution was essential to victory. I especially like seeing the competitive edge come out in the people you least expect it from. This year, Mejia collaborated with 1st year Sports Chair Erik Balinghasay to recruit players for every Grad Games sport event, with some events having two or more teams represented by the dental school. A total of 69 dentitle of Grad Games Champions. Arguably one of the most rewarding endeavors was the dodgeball event, in which dentistry barrel-rolled their way around an intense 16-team draw while taking down three medical school teams. The soccer event turned out to be another equally impressive feat; the two participating dental teams snatched first and second place, leading to an exciting all-dental final showdown! Dentistry also won 1st place in Womens Racquetball, Womens Track, and Kickball, and placed 2nd in Football and Basketball. Our greatest advantage was that we really knew our strengths and weaknesses, reflected 2nd year Gizelle Pera, captain of the dental schools dodgeball team. While most other teams only played the same people for the entirety of a match, our dental teams recruited enough people to be able to substitute players, so that everyone was given an equal chance to play. I believe our combination of unselfishness along with our athleticism was what drove us to win the whole thing. For many participants, the Grad Games fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among the dental classes, and provided a great opportunity to mingle with people from the other graduate schools. It was fun to meet upperclassmen and to [get to] know some better, as well as other graduate students, remarked Max Bachour, a 1st year dental student who played on the ultimate frisbee, dodgeball, and kickball teams. In addition, fellow dental school classmates who were not participating flocked over to the courts to cheer on all of the teams, adding to the excitement of the games. Whats in store for next years Grad Games? Will dentistry retain the title for a third year? Our message to the other graduate schools: GAME ON.

And the winner isDENTISTRY! Screams of joy echoed off the walls of the LA Tennis Center from a massive group of ecstatic dental students, led by 2nd year Sports Chair Eric Mejia, as they charged towards the podium to collect their prize: not a perfect NBDE Boards score, but rather, a huge trophy engraved with the coveted title, Grad Games Champions. Hugs, high-fives, and chants of DRILL! FILL! KILL! ensued shortly after, as students from all four dental school classes marveled in their moment of glory. April 4th was a night that many would not soon forget. For the second year in a row, Team Dentistry reigned victorious in the UCLA Grad Games Tournament. Grad Games, a week-long tournament founded in 2012 by UCLA medical students, rallies students from many of UCLAs graduate programs to go headto-head in a friendly, yet fierce, athletic competition. This heated tournament involves ten sporting events over a period of four nights. Sports range from classics like flag football, basketball, and soccer, to childhood favorites such as dodgeball and kickball. There are also individual sports, such as track and racquetball. Points are awarded to each participating grad school based on its teams performance in each sporting event; points are tallied at the end of the week to determine the overall Grad Games champion. Spring quarter took off with a bang as students from over 15 graduate schools sprinted, spiked, and tackled their way towards a hopeful victory for their respective schools team. The teams representing the dental school entered the 2013 tournament with a heightened competitive spirit.
2 UCLA School of Dentistry | ASDA

tal students played in this years games. Despite long days filled with lab work and patients, students re-energized themselves and threw on spirited athletic gear, rushing to the intramural fields or the Wooden Center to catch their first game of the night. Many students participated in multiple sports, with some occurring backto-back on the same night! What made Grad Games so appealing to the dental students? Perhaps it was that burning desire to pulverize the medical school team, dentistrys biggest rival in the competition. Or, maybe it was the rare opportunity to rekindle a former passion in a sport. Or, maybe it was simply the chance to escape from the stressful environment of dental school to have some good old-fashioned fun! Whatever the driving force, the dental school pulled away with several impressive wins throughout the Grad Games, all of which culminated in earning the overall

ASDA Presidents Address

Hello, UCLA ASDA! As the 2012-2013 school year comes to a close, I would like to recap some of the events, mentoring, and advocacy that UCLA ASDA has accomplished this past year. We successfully hosted our annual events, such as the golf tournament, vendor fair, and Dental Olympics. Exciting new events were also created this year, which I would like to highlight here. In the fall quarter, we hosted a social event for students from all four Southern California dental schools (UCLA, USC, Loma Linda, and Western). It was held at Belasco in downtown LA, and over 300 dental students attended! It was a great opportunity to network with students from neighboring schools. In the spring quarter, we held the first ever UCLA ASDA Core Buildup Day. It was a summit for pre-dental students, in which we gave advice about applying to dental school. We reviewed personal statements, held mock interview sessions, and provided feedback on how students could improve their applications. The pre-dental students greatly appreciated our efforts. I am also very excited about a new UCLA ASDA project that is in the works: collaboration with two non-profit organizations, Homeless Not Toothless and with Meet Each Need With Dignity, to provide dental care to underserved populations in the LA area. Stay tuned for more information about these volunteer clinics! In recognition of our hard work, three national awards were presented to UCLA ASDA at this years Annual Session in Atlanta: Most Outstanding Activities 1st Place Community Dentistry 2nd Place Pre-dental Recruitment 2nd Place While it has been a lot of hard work for everyone involved, I am thrilled with the results. I hope next years cabinet can continue our projects and build upon what we have accomplished this year. I would like to thank the executive cabinet: Lindsay, Salina, Jane, Jay, and Adrienit has truly been a pleasure working with you. Thank you to all the ASDA committee chairs for your efforts; I really appreciate your hard work and the time that you put into your positions. And finally, thank you to the entire UCLA ASDA community for your participation and contributions - you are what makes our chapter great! Sincerely, Barrett Nordstrom UCLA ASDA President UCLA School of Dentistry, Class of 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Story: Grad Games...........................................................................2 ASDA Presidents Address...........................................................................3 ASDA Lobby Day..............................................................................................4 ASDA Annual Session.................................................................................4-5 First 5 LA..........................................................................................................6 Dental Education Outreach..................................................................7 Where is 2013 Going Next Year?............................................................8-9 Hallmark of a Dentist..............................................................................10 Remineralizing Chewing Gum...............................................................11 ASDA Core Buildup Day..............................................................................12 Photos From ASDA Dental Olympics....................................................13 Ode to the Crock Pot..............................................................................14 Comic: Tired..............................................................................................15 Editors Note............................................................................................15 Comic: Just Another Day at UCLA SOD.................................................16
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ASDA Lobby Day 2013

by Adrien Hamedi-Sangsari (2015)
On April 15-16, 2013, students from every dental school around the country stormed Washington D.C. for National Dental Student Lobby Day. Attendees spent April 15th learning how Congress works, how to lobby, and how lobbying can bring about change in this country. For many UCLA students, this was their first time experiencing the political action up close and personal. Having never lobbied before, students learned the importance of lobbying and how integral it is to making changes. For those unfamiliar with this term, lobbying is the attempt to persuade members of the government (i.e. members of Congress) who are in decision making positions, to enact legislation that will benefit their group. In this case, that group was dental students. Students were first briefed on the two pieces of legislation they would be lobbying on, including a bill to reduce student debt and one to repeal the medical device tax provision included in ObamaCare. These are two very important issues that every dental student around the country can agree on and push for as these changes will have a direct impact on students immediately after they graduate from dental school The keynote speaker for this conference was Representative Tom Petri

(R-Wisconsin). Petri spoke about a bill he introduced in the House of Representatives which has a goal of reducing the burden of debt on graduate students around the country. His plan includes an income-based repayment option, reduced paperwork for borrowers, and streamlined payment options. Incomebased repayment would mean that the borrower pays a designated monthly loan repayment based on how much money they make. Therefore, if you lose your job or get a raise, the rate at which you pay off your loans changes. On April 16th, students were paired with their fellow schoolmates and attended meetings with congressional staffers on Capitol Hill. Fourteen UCLA

students were chosen to attend Lobby Day, and they had a great impact on Capitol Hill. UCLA was one of the most represented schools and, therefore, attended a significant number of congressional meetings. During these meetings, staffers were briefed on the two bills and were able to ask the attending students questions. All of the attending UCLA students had a very positive experience and represented the school in the most honorable way. As 1st year dental student Tasneem Nabelsi put it: It feels great to not just talk about change, but to put it in action.

ASDA Fever in Atlanta , Georgia

by Amy Tam (2015)
Twenty-two students from UCLA School of Dentistry attended this years American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Annual Session, which took place in Atlanta, Georgia from March 6-9th, 2013. Of the 61 dental schools in attendance, UCLA was the most well-represented. ASDA members from all schools united to elect the executive committee, speaker of the House and District trustees, discuss and vote on association policies at ASDAs House of Delegates business meeting, and participate in

the Gold Crown Award Ceremony. ELECTIONS Two of our very own UCLA students, Kris Mendoza (2015) and Adrien Hamedi-Sangsari (2015), were elected District 11 Trustee and District 11 Legislative Liaison respectively. As District 11 Trustee, Kris will represent the six California dental schools by working with the chapter presidents in planning events and securing resources. As District 11 Legislative Liaison, Adrien will help guide

UCLA School of Dentistry | ASDA

the six chapters on ADPAC drives, state lobby days, and email campaigns. National elections winners included: Jiwon Lee (Columbia 14) for ASDA President, Tyler Rumple (Washington 14) and Martin Smallidge (Pittsburgh 14) for ASDA Vice-Presidents, and Gabriel Holdwick (Detroit Mercy 14) for ASDA Speaker of the House.

to join ASDA this past year. Because of their endless efforts in increasing ASDA predental membership, UCLA ASDA was awarded the second place award for Pre-dental Recruitment Incentive. Lastly, Ali Vahdati (2014) won second place in the Student Research Poster Session with his poster on Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Ceramic vs. Bovine Bone: Self Controlled HistomorphoRESOLUTIONS metric Rabbit Calvarium Study of Bone The ASDA House Re g e n e ra t i o n . of Delegates worked Congratulations hard to adopt new to all students policies for the upand UCLA ASDA coming year. The for their outfollowing polistanding work! cies were passed: Not only did 1. In the year ASDAs Annual to come, ASDA will Session provide work on developing its attendees a definition for oral with an opportuhealth and qualnity to network ity oral healthcare with other dental delivery. This bill students, denwas the most contal companies, troversial of the sesand other dension, passing with a tal professionvote of 65 for and UCLA sporting tuxedo t-shirts for their cocktail attire as they celebrated the successes of the ASDA members als from across 55 against. It passed and leaders at the Presidents Gala: The World Awaits. Pictured from left to right: Kris Mendoza (2015), Susan the nation, they against the recom- Bae (2015), Alex McMahon (2015), Allie Inouye (2014), David Lindsey (2015), Salina Massei (2014), Lindsay were also given mendation of the Graves (2014), Ali Vahdati (2014), Barrett Nordstrom (2014), Mark Ortega (2015), Khoa Tran (2015), Loliya Bob- endless opporManuel (2015), Grant Burgdorf (2015), Brittany Ko (2015), Jennifer Sun (2015), Amy Tam (2015), Denise Robles Board of Trustees. (2015), Farzad Moghaddam (2015), and Adrien Hamedi-Sangsari (2015). Not pictured: Sami Shahhal (2016), tunities to ex2. Three Ray Rebong (2015), and Brandi Lewis (2014). pand their dennew ASDA chaptal knowledge. ters will be put into effect at three cluded: numerous lunch & learns, Den- Break-out sessions included lectures new dental schools: AT Still Uni- tal Olympics, lab tutorials for 1st and on Digital Dentistry and the Future, Inversity-Missouri, University of New 2nd year students, root beer float day, surance: The Cornerstone of a Solid FiEngland, and University of Utah. and a golf tournament, to name a few. nancial Plan, Getting into a Residency, 3. All dental schools will be enCrest Oral-B also presented UCLA Managing Your Dental School Debt, Alcouraged to provide instruction on ASDA with the second place award ternative Workforce Models, and How effective dental assistant utilization. for the Crest/ Oral B Community Den- to Network Effectively, to name a few. 4. An email list will be created with tistry Award. $500 was granted to Over 70 vendors set up booths at at least one international advanced UCLA for their excellence in design- the exhibit fair to hand out free prod standing dental student from each den- ing and implementing oral health pro- ucts and teach the attendees about tal school to serve as a representative grams to groups that lacked access to the services they offered. Complion behalf of his or her ASDA chapter. oral health education and dental care. mentary professional head shots were 5. There will be a change in the Special recognition was given to also offered during the fair. Overall, name of ASDAs Legislative Grassroots both UCLA ASDA Pre-dental commit- Annual Session was a huge success. Network to the Council on Advocacy. tee chairs, David Lindsey (2015) and We hope to see everyone at the next 6. ASDAs annual dues will in- Alex McMahon (2015), for recruiting ASDA Annual Session in Anaheim next crease by $5 per year in the year 2015. an astonishing 75 predental students year from February 26-March 1, 2014!

AWARDS UCLA ASDA brought home four outstanding awards at the Gold Crown Award Ceremony. UCLA ASDA was recognized for its continuous efforts in organizing school-wide activities yearround and was awarded the first place award for Most Outstanding Activities. The UCLA ASDA cabinet, committee chairs, and committee members put on a myriad of events this year which in-

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UCLA School of Dentistry receives a grant of $11M from First 5 LA

Expanding dental care for infants and pregnant women
by Saru Sharma (2014)
Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic childhood illness, and primary dental care is the most significant unmet childrens health need. In California, oral disease among children is a major public health challenge and particularly severe in Los Angeles County. Oral disease can be damaging to the overall quality of life as it can negatively affect children's growth, development of nutrition, and cognitive learning. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all children have a dental care visit within six months of getting their first tooth and no later than their 1st birthday, and at least bi-annually thereafter through their 18th birthday. But even with these recommendations, commission was created in each of the state's 58 counties to administer Proposition 10 funds, which are allocated based on each county's birth rate. UCLA School of Dentistry received a fund of $11 Million from First 5 LA to provide dental care to the underserved population in LA County. This grant will be used to establish the UCLA - First 5 LA Childrens Dental Care Program (CDCP). CDCP would not only help to support but also expand the delivery of care to children from birth to age 5 and pregnant women over the next 5 years. This new funding follows and builds on $9.3 million that First 5 LA awarded to the School of Dentistry in 2012 for the UCLAFirst 5 LA Dental Home Project, bringing the total amount of First 5 LA funding that the school has received to over $21 million over the past 12 months. Dr. James J. Crall, the project director, is a professor and chair of the division of public health and community dentistry at the UCLA School of Dentistry. He is also Dr. James J. Crall a member of the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Community. According to Dr. Crall, the goal over the next five years is to develop an integrated health care delivery care system that will provide quality, ongoing dental care to underserved young children and pregnant women in LA county. We hope that the Childrens Dental Care Program will serve as a prototype for transforming the oral health care system for young children throughout Los Angeles county and beyond. We are thankful to the First 5 LA for the major investment and considering UCLA School of Dentistry as a platform for the delivery of quality oral health care, said Dr. Crall. The CDCP will roll out four major strategies over the next five years to increase access to oral health care and improve the quality of care for young children and pregnant women: First, the CDCP will expand the UCLAFirst 5 LA 21st-Century Dental Homes Project, a project that is helping 12 community clinics in the Greater Los Angeles area serve as dental homes, by adding an additional 10 community clinics. All 22 clinics will receive technical assistance and resources to expand their capacity to serve as community-based dental homes. The major objectives of the Dental Homes Project are to help community clinics deliver quality dental care to young children, increase parents and caretakers awareness of the importance of oral health care for young children, and create a sustainable dental home model of care for children in underserved areas. Second, the CDCP will provide support for capital investments to expand and renovate two community dental clinics in Los Angeles County. One clinic, already identified for expansion, is operated by the San Fernando Community Health Center (SFCHC). The expansion will transform this small, outdated 4-chair facility into a cuttingedge 10-chair dental clinic that can accommodate more than twice the current number of patients and that will integrate oral health services with SFCHC's newly constructed primary care medical clinic. Third, the CDCP will develop and employ strategic innovations that address gaps in the current oral health care delivery system in Los Angeles County with the goal of improving system performance. These innovations include the use of health information technology to

there is a large disparity that exists in regards to accessing dental care. Numerous studies have documented how income and racial/ethnic backgrounds affect the oral status of different families. Because of barriers such as income, language and lack of dental insurance coverage, many children do not receive adequate dental care leading to low-income children being two to five times as likely to have tooth decay compared to children in families with higher income. The child advocacy and grant-making organization, known as First 5 LA, was established in 1998 after California voters approved Proposition 10, in an effort to fund health, safety and early education programs for children prenatal to age 5 through revenue from tax on tobacco products. Along with this a local First 5
6 UCLA School of Dentistry | ASDA

support outreach activities and risk-based interventions to improve the quality and efficiency of patient care. Finally, the CDCP will expand and transform the UCLA School of Dentistry's community-based, service-learning programs for current and future dental and oral health professionals. This includes educational programs for general dentists, pediatric dentists, primary medical care

providers and community health workers. These measures exemplify UCLAs continued dedication to its mission of improving the oral health of the people of California, the nation and the world through its teaching, research, patient care and public service initiatives.

UCLA Dental Education Outreach (DEO)

New name, new partnership with LA Unified School District
emotional, and health resources. They increased attendance at 95 elementary schools in LA through parent engagement, health education, and creating a positive school culture. DEO has proudly been a part of this change by encouraging oral health; no student leaves without a free toothbrush and toothpaste. UCLA dental students also act as role models and encourage the kids to excel in school. Many students may be unaware that the Inglewood Clinic Groups which included ADC (Asian Dental Care), LADS (Latin American Dental Services), and SCC (South Central Care), is now being called Dental Education Outreach (DEO). The name is different, but the goal is the same: DEO representatives are 2nd year students who plan and recruit volunteers to attend six school visits and three health fairs a quarter. DEO is still broken into three groups, but now focuses on targeting specific age groups: Stage 1 (Pre K-1st grade), Stage 2 (2nd-3rd grade), and Stage 3 (4th-5th grade). The groups promote dental education and oral hygiene in elementary classrooms across the greater Los Angeles area through 15 minute interactive presentations. The goal of DEO is to promote awareness of proper oral hygiene and how children can maintain their own oral health. DEO Representative is a two year position. Third year representatives run small student clinics in Inglewood, Burbank, and at the Salvation Army, and train second year representatives to plan school visits and health fairs. Second The Diastema

by Rebecca Paddack (2015)

Whether you are an aspiring pediatric dentist, want a study break or just need selective credits, most dental students have participated in school visits planned by Dental Education Outreach (formerly known as the Inglewood Clinic Groups). In addition to changing the name of the organization this year, DEO initiated a partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School Districts Attendance Improvement Program. So far, eight visits have been planned through the Attendance Improvement

year representatives pass on knowledge learned from DEO to first year students, in addition to the Oral Hygiene Instruction learned in the UCLA curriculum. The programs created by DEO are a fun way to gain experience, practice new skills learned in dental school, and help the community. And who doesnt love to play with bright puppets with fake-look-

Program with great feedback from teachers and counselors. Jocelyn Lang, an Americorps member working for the LAUSD states, The health of our students is a key factor in improving school attendance and this program educates them about dental health in a fun and interactive way. Plus, class visits like these get students excited about being at school! Our elementary students love how engaging the UCLA students are! The Attendance Improvement Program places counselors at school sites to help students make it to graduation by connecting them with academic, social,

ing teeth? Getting out of the library or lab and into the community can be one of the most rewarding aspects of dental school. When dental students are able to talk about sugar bugs to children whose smiles are interrupted by stainless steel crowns, it is a great reminder for many of why they originally pursued dentistry. Plus the kids are very fun to interact with, especially when they tell unrelated stories and give comical answers to questions asked in the presentation. DEO is excited to continue this partnership with LAUSD as the program prepares to transition to new leadership at the end of spring. First years are welcome to apply to be DEO representatives for this empowering organization. All students are welcome to attend upcoming health fairs and school visits!
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Information Compiled by Mona Derentz (2015) and Rohin Ambaram (2015) Layout by Brian Hui (2015)
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The Hallmark of a Dentist

When working in community health clinics, the ability to identify different members of the team is heavily dependent on their professional attire. Over the last century, the white coat has been synonymous with doctors. The color white, representing purity, is a visual reminder of the physicians commitment to do no harm; it conveys cleanliness and connotes a purging of infection. In addition, physicians are often recognized by the stethoscope in the pocket of their white coat or around their necks. Similarly, nurses also may carry a stethoscope and are often recognized wearing a scrub top and pants. On the other hand, dentists may not always be so easily identified as many of their tools (dental handpiece, dental mirror, or explorer) are not routinely carried around with them. Regularly, these instruments are only seen when used directly in patient care. The stethoscope has become iconic of

THE MAGNIFYING LOUPES AND MAKING OF DENTAL IDENTITY

by Dr. Esteban D. Bonilla, Dr. Evelyn Chung, Dr. Richard G. Stevenson III
the definitive symbol of the medical profession. In contrast to physicians, dentists have

magnification lenses or dental loupes.10-11 (Figure 2) Today, dental loupes are the most significant tool used in contemporary dentistry. They help members of the dental profession provide better diagnosis and perform comprehensive treatment to a much higher degree of precision than without dental loupes. (Figure 3) Most of the dental schools in the United States, Canada and some European countries, encourage first year dental students to learn dental techniques using magnifying dental loupes. As students become more comfortable using their loupes, they choose to use them during patient care as well, so when dental student providers participate in community health services they can be identified by having dental loupes around their neck.

Figure 2. Dental loupes will be the most significant tool used in contemporary dentistry.

Figure 1. Dental loupes is the identity of dental providers.

physicians and their work. The instrument is often used as an emblem to transmit and communicate the medical nature of their services to the community. Even in mainstream society, the stethoscope is often a defining prop used when actors are performing the role of a medical doctor on television or the movie screen. The stethoscope, invented by a French doctor, Ren Laennec in 1816 at the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris, is being used by medical students during their first year medical education worldwide.1 This instrument has a high profile in both popular and medical culture. Its frequent use for the auscultation of different organs of the body during the physical examinations has helped to make the instrument
10

sometimes been commonly associated with white coats as well, but with the increase in awareness of infection control; dentists will often wear disposable gowns over their clothes or scrub uniforms. For this reason, the white coat is not a unique symbol of the dental profession. Although stethoscopes are used in dental practice, they are not commonly associated with dental care providers. The dental field is constantly evolving with the development of more sophisticated equipment. (Figure 1) One area that has received much attention is the improvement of ergonomics in the delivery of dental care.2-3 Because dental care providers must operate in the oral cavity where there is limited direct visual access and lack of illumination to clearly see the hard and soft structures intraorally, dental providers often operate within very close physical proximity to the patients mouth. This has two main drawbacks. This positioning can place the clinician in a compromised posture, which may, over time, cause muscular and orthopedic problems, and, as dental providers physically age, the eyes have more difficulty focusing on close objects.4 This is known as presbyopia. Literature has shown that there is an association between clinical postures of the dental practitioner and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).5-9 It also suggests that one possible method to improve clinical vision and reduce the amount and severity of musculoskeletal disorders is through the use of

Figure 3. Faculty and dental students understand the importance of wearing dental loupes.

Based on the dental needs and important uses in the dental field, magnifying loupes are becoming the standard of care for the majority of dental providers around the world. Dental loupes are aptly projected to be the new hallmark of the dentist in the contemporary era. References

1. Reiser, SJ. The science of Diagnosis: Diagnostic Technology, in William F Bynum and Roy Porter (eds) Campanion Encyclopedia of the History of Medicine 1993: 826-851.London:Routledge. 2. Bramson JB, Smith S, Guido R. Evaluating dental office ergonomic risk factors and hazards. J Am Dent Assoc 1998;129:174-183. 3. Rucker LM, Sunell S. Ergonomic risk factors associated with clinical dentistry. J Calif Dent Assoc 2002;30(2):139-148. 4. Burton JF, Bridgman GF. Presbyopia and the dentist: the effect of age on clinical vision. Int Dent J 1990;40(5):303-312. 5. Shugars D, Miller D, William D, Fishburne C, Strickland D. Musculoskeletal pain among general dentists. Gen Dent 1987;35(4):272-276. 6. Stockstill JW, Harn SD, Strickland D, Hruska R. Prevalence of upper extremity neuropathy in a clinical dentist population. J Am Dent Assoc 1993;124:67-72. 7. Finsen L, Christensen H, Bakke M. Musculoskeletal disorders among dentists and variation in the dental work. Appl Ergon 1998;29:119-125. 8. Lindfors P,Von Thiele U, Lundberg U. Work characteristics and upper extremity disorders in female dental health workers. J Occup Health 2006;48(3):192197. 9. Hayes MJ, Smith DR, Cockrell D. Prevalence and correlates of musculoskeletal disorders among Australian dental hygiene students. Int J Den Hygiene 2009;7(3):176-181. 10. Forgie AH,Pine CM, Longbottom C,Pitts NB. The use of magnification in general dental practice in Scotland: a survey report. J of Dent 1999;27:497-502. 11. Bramson BG,Bray KK, Holt LA,Gadbury-Amyot C,Keselyak NT, Mitchell TV,Williams KB. Effect of Magnification Lenses on Student Operator Posture. J Dent Educ 2004;68(3):384-389.

UCLA School of Dentistry | ASDA

CHEWING GUM CALLED UPON FOR ORAL HEALTH

A DENTAL STUDENTS PERSPECTIVE
by Alan Lavian (2015)
There are numerous research and funding programs that have cast a spotlight on chewing gum. Manufacturers and scientists alike are looking for possible ways to create chewing gums with more effective properties for maintaining oral hygiene. Following the start of dental school, many dental students can no longer enjoy a nice stick of gum without visualizing the gluttonous cariogenic microbes feasting on the sugars provided for them. Many people commit to using sugar-free 100% Xylitol gum and maintain interest in what more developments will come about in the chewing gum industry. There seems to be a relatively new focus on the introduction of combined calcium and fluoride concentrations to various chewing gum brands (i.e. Wrigleys calcium fortified chewing gum). The idea is that the addition of fluoride to calcium-containing chewing gums promotes enamel remineralization. The chewing gums assessed in most studies contained phosphoryl oligosaccharides of calcium and fluoride. A number of other researchers have yielded results supporting oligosaccharides and their role in aiding the remineralizing and recrystallizing of enamel subsurface lesions. The calcium aids in the creation of hydroxyapatite crystals and can help the enamel heal from subsurface cariogenic lesions. The chewing gum can be anti-cariogenic while simultaneously acting as an effective vehicle for fluoride application. It is important to take caution when looking for a chewing gum to use. For example, many manufacturers will advertise their gum as calcium fortified or containing Xylitol, but the effects of these agents are concentration-dependent. The good news is people do not have to worry themselves about all the details involved with concentration, ingredients and so on - just look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal on gum. A company earns the ADA seal for its product by providing scientific evidence that the chewing gum is effective for one or more specific indications, such as reducing plaque acids, promoting remineralization of tooth enamel, reducing cavities and/or reducing gingivitis. Studies must also show that the gum is safe to oral tissues. The manufacturer must provide the results of both laboratory studies and clinical studies in humans. It is evident that chewing gum offered on the market is becoming more dynamic. It is important to know the distinction between different types so that the benefits of chewing gum can be better geared toward individual oral hygiene. These chewing gums have the potential to make improved oral hygiene convenient and accessible. In the near future chewing gum may be responsible for enhanced overall oral health of our generation.

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ASDA

by David Lindsey (2015)

On Saturday, May 4th, UCLA ASDA hosted 31 pre-dental students from 7 California Universities (UCLA, UCSD, UCI, UCSB, CSU San Marcos, Cal Poly SLO, and LMU) for the inaugural Core BuildUp Day, a pre-dental applicant development day. The purpose of the meeting was to provide undergraduate students of the upcoming 2013-2014 AADSAS cycle with guidance and advice for the arduous process of applying to dental school. The goal was not to detail how to specifically get into UCLA School of Dentistry, but rather to build up each students application so that he or she is a strong candidate. Organized by ASDAs Pre-Dental Committee with support from Dr. Bibb and Dr. Mito, Core Build-Up Day focused on two main components of the application process that are shared by all dental schools: the personal statement and interview. With help from 30 dental students who graciously donated their Saturday morning, pre-dental attendees worked in small groups and participated in one-on-one interactions with dental students. Pre-Dental Committee Co-Chair, David Lindsey, led the personal statement workshop that included Dos & Donts, an exercise answering thought-provoking guidance questions, and small group discussions during which attendees had the opportunity to have their personal statements reviewed and critiqued. First year students Greg Asatrian and Eric Chen led the interview workshop, which offered interview tips for various interview formats and provided each participant with two mock interviews. Core Build-Up Day addressed two additional areas, determinants for selecting the right school and discussions on current dental hot topics that the Pre-Dental Committee deemed important for pre-dental students. Pre-Dental Committee Co-Chair, Alex McMahon (2015), presented key factors each applicant should consider before applying such as: location, class size, curriculum structure, grading system, post-graduate programs, cost, etc. Alex also highlighted 13 dental schools that traditionally matriculate Californian students. Adrien Hamedi-Sangsari (2015), Legislative Liaison for UCLA and District 11, prepared an exciting overview of

the current state of dentistry, including the Affordable Care Acts impact on dentistry, dental research advancements, and the debate on mid-level providers. Both pre-dental applicants and dental school volunteers viewed the day as a huge success. Based on the reflection survey given at the conclusion of Saturdays workshops and prior to the networking lunch, pre-dental students rated the effectiveness of Core Build-Up Day high with a 9.2 out of 10 score and a 100% recommendation rate. Our student volunteers positively enjoyed reviewing personal statements and interviewing pre-dental students. Through interactions with pre-dental attendees, the volunteers mentored and significantly impacted the next group of dental students by strengthening their applications, providing insight, and cultivating their self-confidence. We hope this initial version of CoreBuild-Up Day sets the foundation for a successful and sustainable pre-dental education program that will continue to advance the knowledge and preparation of future dental students. Alex and David would like to reiterate their sincerest appreciation to the entire group of individuals that made Core Build-Up Day possible. Dr. Bibb- thank you for donating countless Friday afternoons for our pre-dental presentations, which inspired much of the content used to develop the curriculum for Core Build-Up Day. Dr. Mito- thank you for your guidance, motivation, and help streamlining the process of making this event a reality. Current ASDA Executive Cabinet- thank you for the support and freedom to pursue new endeavors. Past Pre-Dental Committee Chairs (Steph, Jess, Ryann, and Allie) - thank you for sparking the idea and beginning the discussions. Pre-Dental Committee Membersthank you for all your hard work this year creating new events and fostering relationships with numerous pre-dental clubs throughout the state. Lastly, thank you to all of our student volunteersyou have all made a positive difference in the professional development of our future colleagues.

Thank you to Dr. Bibb, Dr. Mito, and all the dental student volunteers who made Core Build-Up Day possible!

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UCLA School of Dentistry | ASDA

Photos by Elaine Lu (2016)

ASDA DENTAL OLYMPICS

2013

The Diastema

Spring 2013

Vol. 9

Issue 4

13

Ode to the Crock Pot

by David Lindsey (2015)
As dental students, there are two things we definitely dont have enough of: time and money. For me this was especially true during second year as class, lab work, clinic, more lab work, and studying routinely kept me on campus from 8 am to 11 pm. When I would get home after a full day, cooking was the last thing I wanted to do. In this edition of Budget Bites, I will provide you with a simple and delicious stew recipe that will help you save both time and money with aid of a slow cooker. The slow cooker is a versatile kitchen tool and is fairly inexpensive, as quality slow cookers range from $20 - $50. Yet, the greatest benefit of a slow cooker is the ability to prepare a meal all in one pot and, as best said in one of my favorite infomercials for Roncos Showtime Rotisserie Oven, you set it and forget it! You can either prepare your food the night before or first thing in the morning, and by the time you wake up or come home, you will have a delicious meal waiting for you. Coming home after a long day of class and clinic to the aroma of slowly simmered meat and vegetables is a pleasant welcome; even more pleasant is the fact everything is fully cooked and ready to eat. And the best thing about the slow cooker is that it leaves you stress-free. You never have to worry about forgetting to turn off the boiling water or leaving something on the stove for too long. For example, if your afternoon appointment runs late or if youre stuck in the fourth floor lab a little longer than expected, the longer a stew cooks the more tender the meat will become and the flavors will further meld together. Besides saving time by not having to slave away in the kitchen, using a slow cooker to make stew is a budget-friendly way to prepare a weeks worth of meals. Stew meat is commonly one of the most inexpensive cuts of meat at the market, as it is full of connective tissue and can be tough, if not cooked properly. Simmering the stew meat for hours over a low temperature breaks down the connective tissue and leaving the meat tender enough to shred with a fork. The vegetable ingredients needed for this stew (onions, potatoes, carrots, garlic, canned tomatoes) are all inexpensive options, as well. It will cost about $15 for all the ingredients, but you should be able to make at least 10 servings. In addition to this stew recipe, slow cookers are great for making chili, stuffed bell peppers, enchiladas, pot roast, pork shoulder, soups, beef stroganoff, spaghetti sauce, ribs, and braised chicken. They are also great for parties, in which they can be used for nachos, warmed drinks, and even desserts. As with all my recipes, please feel free to experiment and add your favorite ingredients!

BEEF STEW
1.5 3 lbs Cubed Beef Stew Meat 2 Medium-sized Onions - roughly chopped 6 8 Medium-sized Red Potatoes- cubed 3 4 Carrots - peeled and chopped 2 cans Diced Tomatoes 2 3 cups Water 2 Bay Leaves 3 4 Cloves of Garlic - chopped 2 Tablespoon Soy Sauce 1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano (can substitute or add dried basil) Salt, Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper- to taste All Purpose Flour

Dredge the meat and onions in flour. Add the meat and potatoes to the bottom of the pot. Place the remaining ingredients in the slow cooker. Make sure there is enough liquid that all ingredients are sufficiently submerged. Set slow cooker to low and allow stew to simmer for a minimum of 6 hours. Before serving make sure to remove bay leaves. Serve over a bed of rice, over mashed potatoes, or with a slice of bread.
14 UCLA School of Dentistry | ASDA

Dear Diastema readers:

Each year at UCLA School of Dentistry begins with excitement, as first years eagerly begin their journey as dental students. Second years wait with zealous anticipation to see their first patients in clinic, with mentorship from third years who kindly show them the ropes. Fourth years determinedly prepare their applications for postgraduate residency programs or transition into private practice, while racing to complete graduation requirements and pass board exams. Meanwhile, ambitious students from all years take part in countless activities, from study clubs to sports games, advocacy efforts, leadership opportunities, service activities and more! As Editors-in-Chief of The Diastema this past year, our goal was to provide an avenue of communication to share some of these exciting happenings with our community. In addition, this year, we aimed to expand the audience of our student newsletter to include other members of our community such as faculty, staff, and pre-dental students. With the help of our outstanding writers and contributors, dedicated editors, and savvy layout team, we have succeeded in meeting this goal. With this years additions to our newsletter, such as the popular Budget Bites column and new comics section by our talented contributors, we hope we have been able to provide our readers with not only informative news pieces, but also engaging tidbits and even a few laughs. Finally, the school year comes to a close, and we proudly send off our new graduates as we prepare for the transition first years become second years, second years become third years, third years become fourth years, and soon, a new class of first year dental students will arrive to begin the cycle once again. With this years final issue of The Diastema, we would like to thank all of you for your support. It has been a pleasure serving as Editors-in-Chief of this publication, and we welcome next years editors and contributors as we eagerly await future issues of The Diastema!

Cheers,

Kavita Sainanee & Catherine Kim Editors-in-Chief The Diastema

Tired

by Jessica Zhu (2015)

The Diastema

Spring 2013

Vol. 9

Issue 4

15