DentalUM Fall 2004

Upcoming Continuing Dental
Education Courses
Thursday, December 16, 2004

Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation for Dental
Hygienists
Speakers:
• Wendy Kerschbaum, RDH, MA, MPH
• Christine Klausner, RDH, MS
Location: University of Michigan School of Dentistry
For more information about
This course is designed to prepare the dental hygienist these and other continuing
to safely and effectively administer nitrous oxide/oxygen
dental education courses,
sedation as a pain control strategy in a dental practice. The
course includes classroom and clinical experiences and contact:
meets the educational requirements of Michigan law.
University of Michigan
School of Dentistry
Wednesday, January 12, 2005 Office of Continuing
Biology of Oral Implants and Maintenance of Dental Education
Partially Endentulous Patients Suffering from
Chronic Periodontitis 1011 N. University
Room G508
Speakers: Professor Niklaus P. Lang
Location: Power Center for the Performing Arts, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078 The School’s
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Those attending this day-long course taught by world-
Phone: (734) 763-5070 Fundraising
Fax: (734) 936-3065
renowned periodontologist Niklaus P. Lang will be
introduced to the biology of tissue integration, both on www.dent.umich.edu Campaign
an osseous and soft tissue level. Clinical science and
histological features of periimplant pathology, including the Begins
development of mucositis and periimplants will be discussed
as well as support therapy to improve the longevity of oral
implants in partially endentulous patients.
Wednesday, April 6, 2005

Maxillofacial Rehabilitation Using the Zygomatic
Implant
Speakers:
• Sean P. Edwards, DDS, BSC
• Joseph I. Helman, DMD
• Samuel R. Zwetchkenbaum, DDS
This course, designed for prosthodontists and restorative
dentists, will introduce the Branemark Zygoma Implant
System, describe indications and contraindications for its
use, and provide some practical tips for successful case
completion.
DentalUM
Fall 2004 Volume 20, Number 2
DentalUM magazine is published twice a year by the

University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Office of Continuing to be a
Alumni Relations and Continuing Dental Education.
Mail letters and updates to: Jerry Mastey, Editor, School

Great Dental School
of Dentistry, Room 1205, 1011 N. University Ave., Ann
Arbor, MI 48109-1078. Or you may send your letters and
updates via email to: jmastey@umich.edu. I hope you will take a little more time to read this issue of
DentalUM. It will be a rewarding experience.
Dean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Polverini
Director of External Relations and This issue has an amazing variety of stories about the work and
Continuing Dental Education . . . . . Richard Fetchiet
Writer & Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Mastey
achievements of some of our students, faculty, and staff, plus other
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Jung stories describing the generosity of some of our alumni. Collectively,
Photography . . . . . . Per H. Kjeldsen, Keary Campbell
they show why the University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Member publication of the American continues to be a great dental school.
Association of Dental Editors
You will learn how Karen Likar became the first student from
The Regents of the University: our school to be accepted into the NIH’s prestigious Howard Hughes
David A. Brandon, Laurence B. Deitch, Olivia P. Maynard,
Rebecca McGowan, Andrea Fischer Newman, Andrew C. Medical Institute Scholars Program (pages 4-6). Another student, Erin
Richner, S. Martin Taylor, Katherine E. White, Mary Sue Kloostra, made a difference on an important issue when addressing
Coleman, ex officio.
the Michigan Dental Association’s House of Delegates (pages 6-7).
University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Alumni Society Board of Governors
Two of our faculty members, Drs. Sharon Brooks and Carol
Terms Expire 2004:
Anne Murdoch-Kinch, have been involved in developing new
William J. Costello, ‘70, East Lansing, MI (Chair) recommendations about the dental profession’s use of patient x-rays
Susan Carron, ‘77, ‘79, Farmington Hills, MI
Anne Diederich Gwozdek, ‘73 DH, Dexter, MI (pages 10-11).
Richard L. Pascoe, ‘70, Traverse City, MI Another faculty member, Dr. William Giannobile, describes how
Terry Timm, ‘71, Saline, MI
the new Michigan Center for Oral Health Research plans to take
Terms Expire 2005:
Joseph T. Barss ‘80, Chicago, IL research discoveries and apply them to help dental patients in clinics
Eli Berger, ‘57, ‘61, West Bloomfield, MI (Vice chair)
William E. Brownscombe, ‘74, St. Clair Shores, MI
(pages 12-14).
Janet Cook, ‘81 DH, Whitmore Lake, MI Our librarian, Patricia Anderson, recently coauthored a three-
Thomas P. Osborn, ‘68, Bloomfield Hills, MI
volume publication about strategies you and your patients can use
Terms Expire 2006:
Daniel L. Edwards, ‘97, Ann Arbor, MI to find useful and authoritative information about dental and health
Gerald L. Howe, ‘61, Monroe, MI topics on the Internet (pages 26-28).
Gary R. Hubbard, ‘78, Okemos, MI
Michel S. Nasif, ‘72, Lansing, MI Along with a progress report on our fundraising efforts, Dean
Janet Souder Wilson, ‘73 DH, Northville, MI Emeritus Richard Christiansen explains why he and his wife gifted
Student Representative: Julian (J.P.) Miller (D4)
$500,000 to establish a professorship (pages 33-35).
Ex Officio Members:
Peter Polverini, Dean
Five of our alumni – Drs. Eli Berger, Peter Kelly, Victor Knowlton,
Dr. Thomas C. Pink, ‘69, ‘72, Alumni Association Liaison Jay Werschky, and William Costello – and their spouses explain why
Steve C. Grafton , Executive Director, Alumni Assoc.
Richard R. Fetchiet, Director of External Relations and they each made $100,000 gifts to this campaign (pages 36-39).
Continuing Dental Education One of our students, Annelise Preslan, had an opportunity to meet
The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action her benefactors, Dr. Ray and Mrs. Barbara Robins (page 42).
employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding
nondiscrimination and affirmative action, including Title IX of the After reading this issue, you will see that we have an abundance
Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973. The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of of talent that continues to make ours a great school with a bright
nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of
race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital future.
status, sexual orientation, disability, or Vietnam-era veteran status in
employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Senior Director for Sincerely,
Institutional Equity and Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator, Office for
Institutional Equity, 2072 Administrative Services Building, Ann Arbor,
Michigan, 48109-1432. (734) 763-0235, T.T.Y. (734) 747-1388. For other
University of Michigan information, call (734) 764-1817.
Peter Polverini, Dean
DentalUM Fall 2004 1

In This Issue . . .
COVER STORY
29 Making a Difference...at the School of Dentistry
More than $18 million has already been gifted or pledged to
the School of Dentistry in its efforts to raise $35 million as a part of the
University’s The Michigan Difference fundraising campaign. Among those
making a difference include Dean Emeritus, Dr. Richard Christiansen, and
his wife, Nancy...Dr. Raymond Robins and his wife, Barbara, who recently
met “their student,” Annelise Preslan...and new orthodontic graduates.
Design by Chris Jung. Photos by Per Kjeldsen and Keary Campbell.
FEATURES
4 Likar Selected for Prestigious Program
Third-year dental student Karen Likar was accepted into two
of the nation’s most prestigious research programs sponsored
by the National Institutes of Health. Since she had to choose one,
she selected and became the first U-M dental student to attend the
year-long Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholars Program.
6 Dental Student’s Remarks Sway MDA
10

Can a dental student make a difference on an important issue?
Second-year dental student Erin Kloostra will tell you, yes, it can
happen. She speaks from experience.
10
Brooks, Murdoch-Kinch Working with ADA on New Radiograph
Guidelines
For the first time in nearly twenty years, the FDA has revised some
of its guidelines about the dental profession’s use of patient x-rays.
Drs. Sharon Brooks and Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch have been
involved in developing the new recommendations.
12 Helping Dental Patients through Research
15
18
Research, Collaboration Leads to New Dental Plan Benefit
What began as a test pilot clinical research program at the U-M
School of Dentistry and several other academic institutions has
become a new benefit offered by one of the nation’s largest dental
benefits carriers.
18 Dental Students Make a Difference at Migrant Dental Clinics
22
Enjoying a Change in Changing Career Plans
Three former U-M dental students who participated in the School’s
outreach program and the Advanced Education in General Dentistry
program explain how the programs led to changes in their career
plans.
22
2 DentalUM Fall 2004
Fall 2004
26 Finding Quality Dental and Health Information Online
Health care professionals and patients take different approaches
to find information about dental and health topics on the Internet.
Dental school librarian Patricia Anderson has coauthored a three-
volume publication about strategies anyone can use to find useful,
authoritative information on topics.
54 Alumnus Profile – Dr. Timothy Gietzen

Growing up in Grand Rapids, Tim Gietzen’s father thought his son
would one day take over and run the service station he had operated

for more than forty years. But conversations with three customers
who regularly visited the station, and who earned degrees from the
26
U-M School of Dentistry, prompted young Tim Gietzen to consider
other career plans around the time he was finishing grade school.
58 Surprise! Board of Governors Given Pop Quiz During Meeting

When they ran for election to the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Society
Board of Governors, members never expected to take a pop quiz. Yet
that’s what happened during a recent meeting that showcased
changes to the predoctoral curriculum.
65 Graduation Day
DEPARTMENTS 54
29 Development
29 – The Michigan Difference Fundraising Campaign Begins
31 – Importance of Fundraising Efforts Emphasized
33 – Christiansens Gift $500,000 for Professorship
36 – Drs. Eli Berger, Peter Kelly, Victor Knowlton, Jay Werschky, and
William Costello and Their Spouses Each Gift $100,000
42 – Dr. Raymond Robins and Mrs. Barbara Robins Meet “Their
Student,” Annelise Preslan
71 Faculty News
75

Department Update
75 – Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics
58
78 – Periodontics, Prevention, and Geriatrics
84 Dental Hygiene
87 Research News
97 Alumni News
99 In Memoriam
65
School News
Karen Likar Selected for Prestigious
1st U-M Dental Student in NIH’s Howard
I
Keary Campbell
t’s quite an achievement.

Third-year dental student Karen Likar was
accepted into...not one, but two...of the nation’s
most prestigious research programs sponsored
by the National Institutes of Health.
Since she could select only one, however,
Likar chose the year-long Howard Hughes
Medical Institute Scholars Program.
She is the first U-M School of Dentistry
student to participate.
After completing her summer studies in Ann Arbor,
Likar began studying on the NIH campus in August and
will finish next June.
Established in 1985, the program gives outstanding
students at U.S. medical schools...and more recently,
dental schools...an opportunity to spend a year on the
NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland conducting basic,
translational, or applied biomedical research under the
direct mentorship of a senior NIH research scientist.
Her other choice was the Clinical Research Training
Program, a year-long program designed to attract the
most creative, research-oriented medical and dental
students to the NIH campus.
Prior to arriving at the School of Dentistry, Likar
graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science
degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1999. She
then worked for two years as a medicinal chemist at
Pharmacia Corporation in Kalamazoo before the company
was acquired by Pfizer.

Program
Hughes Medical Institute Scholars Program
“A Difficult Decision” Trying a Second Time
“Deciding which of the two programs to attend was Encouraged by several School of Dentistry faculty
a difficult decision because both have a strong research members, Likar re-applied in early January.
component to them,” she said. “Since both programs run This time, she was better prepared.
about the same time, I was forced to choose one. I selected She recalled several mock interviews with Drs.
the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholars Program Mistretta, Marilyn Woolfolk, Laurie McCauley, and Paul
because it more closely fits my interest in ‘bench science’ Krebsbach.
research.” “They interviewed me at the same time. Their
Growing up in Pittsburgh, Likar said she always questions were very thought-provoking, rapid-fire, and
wanted to work in a profession that allowed her to combine pretty intimidating,” Likar said. “In retrospect, the mock
her interest in science and a desire to help others. interviews were a big help in preparing me for the two
After earning a bachelor’s degree, she worked as a group interviews I had on the NIH campus.”
medicinal chemist at Pharmacia and also shadowed a Although about 80 students were flown to Bethesda
dentist in South Bend. “I knew the first afternoon I was for interviews, Likar said only four or five were from other
at the dentist’s office that this was the career for me. dental schools.
The profession, I thought, had everything I was looking “I answered questions from medical students about
for. It combined science with my desire to help others, some of the hot topics in dental research,” she said. “I gave
provided a great deal of autonomy, and I really liked the them overviews of what’s been going on with implants,
fact it’s a very hands-on profession,” she said. osseointegration, diabetes, and oral health.”
Likar said that after her first year in dental school she Since Likar worked as a research assistant in Dr.
was surprised at how much she missed working in a lab. Jacques Nör’s laboratory, “I also told them about some of
“I thought if I could find a dental school that allowed me the angiogenesis research now being conducted and its
to do some research while working for a dental degree, I implications for oral cancer therapy.”
would have the best of both worlds.” Now, Likar was feeling more confident about her
In mid-December 2002, Likar learned about the chances for success.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholars Program from
Dr. Charlotte Mistretta, professor of dentistry and director Possible Areas of Research
of the School’s Oral Health Sciences PhD program. During interviews with NIH doctors and scientists,
“The idea of doing biomedical research and being paid Likar said she was interested in using her year on the NIH
to do it as an NIH resident definitely caught my attention,” campus to focus on cell or structural biology.
she said. “I applied for the position that same night.” “I may also want to explore angiogenesis in
Likar’s application was one of approximately 200 greater detail. One lab I toured when I interviewed is
applications the NIH received. Although she was one of investigating different imaging techniques of receptors
about 80 students called to the NIH campus for an initial involved in angiogenesis, and the scientists in the lab
interview, she didn’t get the job. are looking to design a drug to fit those receptors. That
But she didn’t lose heart. really interested me,” she said.

School News
In March, Likar learned she was one of
approximately forty accepted in the Howard Hughes
Medical Institute Scholars Program. A short time Dental Student ’s
later, the second invitation arrived, this one inviting
her to participate in the Clinical Research Training
Program. I s it possible for a dental student to make a
“I’m really looking forward to spending a year on difference...a major difference...on an important
the NIH campus,” she said shortly before leaving Ann issue when speaking to the Michigan Dental
Arbor. “I’m going to focus on areas that interest me. Association’s House of Delegates?
I’ll also be working under the direction of a mentor,
Talk to second-year dental student Erin Kloostra,
as well as have a chance to establish personal and
she will tell you that, yes, it can happen.
professional friendships with peers from across the
She speaks from experience.
country.”
She will have plenty to keep her busy. Per Kjeldsen
In addition to a weekly journal club meeting, Likar

said there will be daily seminars on the NIH campus
open to her and other research scholars, weekly
addresses by scientists to her and others in her group,
and opportunities to present weekly updates on her
research activities.
Missing Graduation with Classmates

However, Likar admits that she will miss not being
able to graduate with her classmates next spring.
“I’ll return to Ann Arbor next summer and earn
my dental degree in May 2006. And since I don’t know
as many students in that class, in many ways, I will
be starting over. But I certainly plan to stay in touch
with my closest friends while I’m in Bethesda.” Dr. Marilyn Lantz, associate dean for academic affairs, and dental student Erin
Likar’s achievement has not been lost on others Kloostra pause during a review of essays students wrote on an issue Kloostra spoke
about to the MDA’s House of Delegates.
at the School of Dentistry.
“I’m extremely proud of Karen and what she has
accomplished,” said Dean Peter Polverini. “That one Not only did Kloostra’s remarks on a sensitive issue make
of our own students was invited to participate in this a difference, but perhaps other dental organizations across
program speaks volumes about Karen as well as our the country, and even the ADA itself, may soon be taking a
School.” closer look at a section of the dental ethics code that concerns
Dr. Charlotte Mistretta was equally enthusiastic. sexual relationships with patients.
“Karen has been a real go-getter as long as I’ve known In late May, Kloostra’s impassioned remarks to the
her. I have no doubt she’ll make the best of her year MDA’s House of Delegates persuaded it to approve more
at NIH.” stringent wording in the state’s dental ethics code. The
Dr. Jacques Nör said he “feels very fortunate to have state’s ethics code follows the national code. However,
worked with Karen in her summer research program. state dental associations can modify their codes so they are
Karen is a bright and dedicated young scientist. I’m more stringent or restrictive, but not more lenient, than the
certain she will be a great ambassador for our School national code.
at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.”

people who are satisfied with ‘adequate’ in any aspect
Remarks Sway MDA of our work,” she said. “As students and professionals,
we have been taught to hold ourselves above reproach,
which can, and should, involve specific language.”
Prior to the MDA’s House of Delegates spring meeting
Background in Detroit, Dr. Marilyn Lantz, associate dean for academic
Two years ago, the ADA’s Council on Ethics, Bylaws, affairs, presented Kloostra with copies of essays students
and Judicial Affairs recommended that code provision had written about the topic.
2G be added to the ADA’s Principles of Ethics and Code of After reviewing the essays, Kloostra, a student
Professional Conduct. That provision said: “It is unethical delegate, was encouraged to use some of the arguments in
for a dentist to engage in a dating, romantic, or sexual the essays when she spoke on the House floor. “Dr. Lantz
relationship with a patient of record. This does not apply wanted to make my experience as a voting member of the
to relationships between a dentist and his or her spouse House an active one, not just one of being an observer,”
or equivalent domestic partner.” Kloostra said.
“As students, I think we still feel very separated from
“As students, I think we still feel our future profession and doubt that our individual voices
matter,” she said. “But this was a great opportunity to
very separated from our future overcome that mentality and speak from the heart on
profession and doubt that our behalf of the students.”
In remarks Kloostra told delegates that in addition
individual voices matter. But to their studies, students are frequently overwhelmed
this was a great opportunity to with the concepts of professionalism, self governance,
and obligation to the public.
overcome that mentality and “It takes a person of impeccable mind and character
speak from the heart on behalf to put forth a specific set of rules and guidelines and
then follow them without hesitation,” she said. “We’re
of the students.” currently the only major profession that leaves this type
of behavior open to interpretation, so let’s make it easy
Professions such as medicine and law also have on ourselves and make things as clear as possible. This
this specific language in their code. However, by a is the profession I hope to graduate into in two years.”
wide margin, the ADA’s House of Delegates rejected the After her remarks, Kloostra was applauded by over
recommendation to add that language to the national 200 members and observers of the House of Delegates.
group’s code. After lengthy debate, the MDA House voted to add a
Instead, the ADA’s House of Delegates adopted statement to its code of ethics to expand upon provision
language that states: “Dentists should avoid interpersonal 2G.
relationships that could impair their professional The new language reads: “Resolved, that at a
judgment or risk the possibility of exploiting the minimum, a dentist’s ethical duties include terminating
confidence placed in them by a patient.” the dentist-patient relationship before initiating a sexual
relationship or sexual contact with a patient. Be it further
Dental Student Essays Play Crucial Role resolved that this prohibition does not apply if a sexual
Kloostra said that when she and the first-year class relationship existed prior to the initiation of the dentist-
reviewed the current language, more than 80 percent patient relationship. And be it further resolved that
favored the Council’s more stringent language. this prohibition does not apply to relationships between
“Although the current language of the ADA’s policy a dentist and his or her spouse or equivalent domestic
is certainly adequate, we do not consider ourselves to be partner.”

School News
Congressman Tells Dental Students
“ Get Involved”
Per Kjeldsen
Accepting an invitation from
dental students, Eighth District
Michigan Congressman Mike Rogers
came to the U-M School of Dentistry
in September to talk to students,
listen to their concerns, and answer
questions ranging from the cost
of dental education to debt levels
students face after graduating.
As a member of the Energy and
Commerce Committee, Rogers sits on
the Health Care Subcommittee that
deals with issues affecting the dental
and medical professions.
His message to about seventy
dental and dental hygiene students
w a s s t r a i g h t f o r w a rd – “ G e t Congressman Mike Rogers spoke to dental and dental hygiene students and answered their questions in
September.
involved and stay involved. It’s your
government.”
Saying decisions that he and “What happened in New Jersey Student Dental Association, said,
other congressional members will clearly demonstrates that this issue “I’m glad we were able to give him a
be making in the future “will be is absolutely broken and is costing student’s perspective about a number
incredibly important,” Rogers said millions of dollars a year,” Rogers of important issues. I think his
he “often relies on the knowledge and said. “We’ve got to fix this problem, commitment to organized dentistry
opinions of people I trust in making but will need the help of people like generated a lot of excitement and
decisions on various legislative you to do that.” enthusiasm among the students who
issues.” attended.”
The need for professionals to be Student Concerns Other governmental leaders may
involved in making their voices heard Third-year dental student Brent be invited to speak to dental students
is important, he said. Citing doctors Accurso and others told Rogers in the future.
in New Jersey who went on strike for about the options they have after
one week in February 2003 to protest earning their dental degree, but often
the rising cost of medical malpractice decisions are affected by crushing
and liability insurance, Rogers said levels of educational debt they face,
their actions demonstrated the often exceeding $100,000.
impact professionals can have when Erin Kloostra, the school’s
acting collectively. representative to the American

1st
Convocation Ceremony –
“ It’s About Leadership”
In a “first” at the School of Dentistry, Dean Peter Polverini delivered a
Keary Campbell
convocation message to faculty, students, and staff at the Michigan League

on Sept. 20th that highlighted the School’s past and present, and gave some
insights into its future role in dental education.
Polverini said the School’s defining value is summed up in one word
– leadership. “Leadership has made this institution great, has sustained its
excellence today, and will continue to allow it to mature in the future in ways
that we cannot entirely envision today,” he said.
Citing some of the School’s achievements during its 129-year history,
innovations in clinical and classroom education, and the contributions of
former faculty members and students who have made an impact on the
oral health care profession, Polverini said that the School “has progressed far
beyond the expectations of its founding fathers.” That tradition of leadership,
he said, has not only sustained the School, but it will also be important “in
enabling us to meet the challenges that we are likely to face in the future.” Dean Peter Polverini delivered the School of
Dentistry’s first convocation address in September
at Mendelssohn Theater.
Challenges Cited
Among the challenges the School will need to address, Polverini said,
Keary Campbell
include: a reinvention of the dental program as the nation’s health care

system changes, finding ways to offer dental students and postgraduate
students greater educational opportunities, and establishing a dental scholars
program where select students “work closely with faculty and explore new
models of dental education.”
Polverini also noted the possibility of establishing a closer partnership
with the U-M Health System and exploring opportunities to enhance the
flexibility and independence in the operation of the School’s patient care
programs that would enable it “to approach delivering dentistry in a more
economically sound environment without the risk of diminishing our
academic values.”
Strategic Assessment
A strategic assessment of the School will begin in the near future. The
assessment, he said, would allow the School “to take a clear-eyed look at our “Leadership is not about what we do, it’s who we
intellectual directions and priorities, our strengths and weaknesses, and are” said Professor Robert Quinn of the U-M Business
School who spoke at the convocation ceremony.
assess our comparative advantages over other institutions. This assessment,” He said everyone is responsible for making change
he continued, “will guide our future decisions and initiatives in a way that happen, not just leaders.
promotes focus in the pursuit of academic excellence.”

School News
Another potential benefit would be
identifying opportunities for possible
collaboration with other units on campus Brooks, Murdoch-Kinch
as well as “the significant intellectual
choices and trade-offs facing us.”
Guest speaker at the event was For the first time in nearly twenty years, the Food and
Robert Quinn, the Margaret Elliot Tracey Drug Administration has revised some of its guidelines about
Distinguished Professor at the U-M the dental profession’s use of x-rays for patient care.
School of Business. Quinn has studied
Those guidelines were approved by ADA councils and then
organizational behavior for more than
the Board of Trustees in August before being sent to the FDA in
thirty years, has written 14 books on
October.
organizational change and effectiveness,
Two School of Dentistry faculty members, Dr. Sharon
and is the co-founder of the Center for
Brooks and Dr. Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch, were involved in
Positive Organizational Scholarship.
developing the new recommendations.
Everyone Can Be A Leader “My interest in this area goes back a long way,” said Brooks,
Citing the difficulty of changing a professor of dentistry and a board-certified Diplomate of the
organizational behavior because of an American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. She also
inherent desire to stay within one’s wrote her master’s thesis for a degree in radiological health
comfort zone, Quinn said, “we fight to on a clinical study that focused on selection criteria for dental
stay in that zone of comfort in our jobs radiographs.
and in organizations.” However, he said Brooks also helped develop some initial guidelines in 1987
everyone is responsible for making change when she was serving an internship with the FDA’s Center for
happen, not just leaders. “Leadership is Devices and Radiological Health. She worked with the late
not about what we do, it’s about who we Dr. Lireka Joseph [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004, pages
are,” he said. Quinn said everyone in an 92-93] to develop a document that described the basic criteria
organization is a potential leader because for dental x-ray examinations.
“every one of us, at every moment of every Murdoch-Kinch, a clinical associate professor and also a
day, is exercising some kind of influence board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and
on others.” Maxillofacial Radiology, recently completed a four-year term
Making change take place also on the ADA’s Council of Scientific Affairs and was a member
involves asking the right questions. of the panel that reviewed the radiological selection criteria.
“When you want to make change occur,
ask yourself, ‘What results do I want to What’s Changing
create?’ instead of asking, ‘How do I get “One of the major changes is that we specifically say these
what I want?’,” Quinn said. By asking
are ‘guidelines’ for dentists and dental hygienists to consider.
the first question, he said, one establishes
Before, that was only implied,” Brooks said. “The legal status
a vision that enables an organization to
of the document was unclear.”
develop a strategy to reach that vision.
“We’re also making it clear that these are not rules that
Polverini said he wants the
are set in stone,” she continued. “Dentists should use their
convocation to become an annual event
that would recap successes from the past professional judgment when treating each patient, but the
year and offer an opportunity to look guidelines will help them make better decisions on using
ahead. radiographs.”

Help ADA Revise Radiograph Guidelines
Per Kjeldsen
Current guidelines also recommend the type and frequency

of x-rays for dental patients with caries and periodontal
disease, and for monitoring the growth and development of
teeth and jaws in children and adolescents.
The new guidelines add two new reasons for taking x-rays:
implants and remineralization of dental caries since both are
becoming increasingly important.
More emphasis is also given to panoramic radiographs.
“There has been such a revolution in technology the
last fifteen or twenty years, and with new equipment now
available, we thought the timing was right,” Murdoch-Kinch
said.
She added that the new guidelines were not developed in
a vacuum.
“We developed these guidelines based on sound science
with input from more than a dozen dentists, specialists, and
scientists who actually use radiographs day-in and day-
out,” she said. “Throughout the entire process, drafts of the
document were sent to various dentistry and dental specialty
organizations for comment which were then incorporated into
the document.”
Earlier this year, Murdoch-Kinch wrote comments for
the ADA News on an article published in the Journal of the
Drs. Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch and Sharon Brooks are
American Medical Association that focused on possible two School of Dentistry faculty members who helped
correlations between dental x-ray exposure in pregnant women the ADA revise some of its guidelines about the dental
and low-birth weight babies. profession’s use of x-rays for patient care.
The study showed there were more low-birthweight term
babies among pregnant women who received dental x-rays
compared to a group of pregnant women who did not receive
x-rays. This issue needs to be explored further.
However, the study reinforced an ADA recommendation
which urged dentists to use both abdominal aprons and thyroid
collars, when possible, to minimize exposure as well as using
fast film and rectangular beam collimation. It also makes use
of radiological selection criteria more important so patients
who need radiographs can receive the benefit of them while
keeping risks low.

School News
Helping Dental Patients through
Goal of New Michigan Center for
T
Photo courtesy of Amy Kim
aking the knowledge discovered in research

laboratories and applying it to help dental
patients in clinics. That’s the goal of the School
of Dentistry’s new Michigan Center for Oral Health
Research.
Launched last fall following years of informal
discussions, everything about the Center – its mission,
organizational structure, how it would operate, how
faculty and staff would be involved, its geographic
location, and other elements – began taking shape this
spring and summer.
The Center is led by Dr. William Giannobile, professor
of dentistry and biomedical engineering and the William
K. and Mary Anne Najjar Endowed Professor. [DentalUM,
Fall 2003, Page 43.] Dr. William Giannobile knocks out a section of drywall marking the beginning of construction of
a site that will soon become the home of the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research.
Innovation, Service, Education
During a presentation in the new Life Sciences The Center, according to Giannobile, is building
building in May, Giannobile gave dental school faculty and on some of the School’s key strengths – a long history
staff an outline of the Center’s major roles – innovation, of clinical trial research, national prominence in basic
service, and education. science research, and the balancing of government-funded
“We want it to be innovative and take new discoveries and corporate-supported research.
from our laboratories and apply them in ways that will It also builds on the School’s research strengths in
ultimately improve the oral health of the general public,” biorestoration, neurosignaling and pain, carcinogenesis
he said. and cancer biology, health services research, oral-systemic
A second key element, service, will be provided by diseases, and oral health education.
supporting collaboration and research among faculty
members, student researchers, and staff from various Need for Interaction is Clear
disciplines within the School. “Dentistry is at a crossroads,” Giannobile said. “When
The Center will also train and educate future you look at some of the major issues that are facing public
researchers by pooling the intellectual resources at the health today – an aging population, health disparities,
School, along with the knowledge and expertise of various emerging diseases, bioterrorism, and acute to chronic
biomedical research disciplines across the U-M campus. conditions faced by many individuals – the need to
“This would include not only the medical school and the interact with those in different disciplines is clear.”
School of Public Health, but other schools and colleges on In addition to collaborative research, the Center
campus including nursing, and pharmacy,” he said. will be a site where current investigators and junior

Research
Oral Health Research
The cost to create and run the Center will total
The Goals approximately $2.5 million over five years. Funding will
involve a mix of university start-up funds, research grants
The Michigan Center for Oral Health Research and/or funds, corporate sponsorships, endowments,
wants to become an institution that will be: and eventually clinic practice revenues. The Center is
• An internationally-recognized center of expected to be “revenue neutral” (revenues and expenses
excellence in oral, dental, and craniofacial in balance) by 2008.
clinical research.
• Respected throughout academic, Other U-M Units Involved
government, and professional communities. The Center will have help from two organizations
that are a part of the U-M Medical School, the Center for
• A contributor to advancing evidence-based
the Advancement of Clinical Research (CACR) and the
clinical therapies in oral health.
General Clinical Research Center (GCRC).
Dr. Daniel Clauw, CACR director, said CACR would help
the Center in education, service, and research.
“We’ll be able to provide education and certification
for all clinical research personnel, including monitoring
investigators will conduct two or three pilot programs clinical research projects and offer feedback and assistance
annually. The Center could also help recruit new faculty in dealing with regulatory and other issues,” he said.
to the School of Dentistry as well as offer training and CACR will also help the Center apply for grants,
education programs for faculty and students. develop and provide tools to improve the efficiency of
clinical research, and match investigators in providing
Measuring Success different types of research.
Giannobile said various metrics would be used to “Although we received three large federal grants
measure the success of the Center. last year, we’re looking to do better. We want to develop
These would include, for example, the number of NIH- highly competitive applications in translational research
funded projects, the number of faculty active in clinical which is the Center’s major focus,” he said.
research, the number of multidisciplinary projects, total The dental school’s Center and CACR can help fill a
research dollars awarded annually, the number of faculty critical need in clinical research by working together,
and students participating, and innovations in clinical Clauw said.
practice and standards of care. The last category would Inadequate recruiting of individuals to participate
include such things as the number of patents issued, new in clinical research trials is the primary reason clinical
clinical guidelines established, and the number of faculty research trials fail, he noted. “Many patients want to
articles in publications. participate in this kind of research but, for whatever
The Center’s ability to be self-sustaining will be reason, don’t. But, on the other hand, we’re finding that
another measure of its success. many investigators are not receiving the grants they need

School News
to fund their work because of this issue.”
Also making presentations were Dr. John Wiley, GCRC
director, and Dr. David Schteingart, director of the K12/K30
clinical research training programs. The K12/K30 clinical
research training program provides formal training and
support for recent dental graduates, junior faculty, and
established faculty. Drs. Gisele Neiva and Carol Anne
Murdock-Kinch are recent recipients from the School.
Keary Campbell
The Location
Although the Michigan Center for Oral

Health Research is being operated under
the auspices of the School of Dentistry,
the Center’s work will take place at
Domino’s Farms, just outside Ann Arbor,
near US-23 on Plymouth Road.
The Center is housed in the same
complex as the medical school’s Center for
the Advancement of Clinical Research and
the General Clinical Research Center.
The facility’s location offers easy
access to individuals who will participate
in clinical trials. The Center could
handle as many as 8,000 patient visits
annually.
In addition to four operatories, the
two-story, 2,000 square foot facility
also includes a patient interview area,
Dr. William Giannobile, director of clinical research and head of the Michigan radiology suite, and a data and image
Center for Oral Health Research, said the Center “will take new discoveries from
our laboratories and apply them in ways that will ultimately improve the oral
analysis core. In addition, approximately
health of the general public.” 3,500 square feet of clinical space will be
shared among the dental school, CACR,
and the School of Medicine’s Department
of Internal Medicine.

U-M Research, Collaboration Leads to
New Dental Plan Benefit
What began as a test pilot that they believe warrant further Medicine, Pathology, and Oncology,
clinical research program at the testing, they can use a tiny brush to and Dr. Joseph Helman, who then
University of Michigan School of quickly and painlessly scrape cells was clinical associate professor
Dentistry and several other academic from those spots and send them to of dentistry in the Department of
institutions around the country has CDx Laboratories for analysis. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and
become a new benefit offered by one Hospital Dentistry.
of the nation’s largest dental benefits U-M School of Dentistry’s Role “When we began testing the
carriers. In 1998 and 1999, three U-M brush biopsy on some patients who
This spring, the affiliated Delta School of Dentistry faculty members were coming to the clinics at the
Dental Plans of Michigan, Ohio, and participated in a clinical pilot School of Dentistry, we thought this
Indiana became one of the first dental program to determine if the brush tool had the potential to provide
insurance plans in the country to add biopsy might be a tool dentists should both the patient and the dentist with
coverage of the brush biopsy to its seriously consider using. some very important information,”
core group of standard benefits. The three faculty members were said Jacobson (DDS 1978) who now is
The brush biopsy is an important Dr. Jed Jacobson and Dr. Jonathan Delta’s vice president of professional
diagnostic tool in cancer detection. Ship, who, at the time, were associate services and its dental director. “We
Using it, dentists have a device professors in the Department of Oral found the brush biopsy was easy
that can catch oral cancer at its to use and painless for the patient,
earliest stages. It may help to Per Kjeldsen and thought it would be a tool every
significantly improve the survival dentist might want to have at their
rate of their patients who have disposal and ready to use when
developed the malady. circumstances warranted.”
Until the brush biopsy was
developed by CDx Laboratories four Benefits
years ago, dentists often took a In an article in the Journal of
“wait and watch” approach to any the American Dental Association
unexplained red or white spots. published in October 1999, results of
Most are harmless. Some, though, the study showed the brush biopsy
are early-stage oral cancer. The only was “a highly accurate method of
way a dentist could be sure was to detecting oral precancerous and
perform a scalpel or punch biopsy. cancerous lesions” among more
However, performing a scalpel biopsy than 900 patients nationwide who
on all small red and white spots is not were tested. The study concluded
practical. that the brush biopsy appeared to
Now, if dentists see suspicious red significantly determine the presence
or white spots in a patient’s mouth Dr. Jed Jacobson of oral lesions “and detect innocuous-

School News
“ Because dentists U-M/Brush Biopsy Connection
routinely perform CDx Medical Director on Campus
thorough Photo courtesy of Dr. Drore Eisen
The biopsy brush dentists are using to detect
examinations of possible oral cancers in patients was developed by an
the mouth, dental official of CDx Laboratories who once was a resident
professionals are in on the U-M campus.
a unique position to Dr. Drore Eisen, medical director of CDx
detect oral cancer.” Laboratories, was a dermatology resident at U-M
from 1987-1990.
Dr. Thomas Fleszar Recalling his years in Ann Arbor, Eisen said, “My
time spent at Michigan was invaluable since it
Dr. Drore Eisen prepared me for becoming a clinician in addition to
appearing oral cancers at early, conducting research, writing protocols, publishing
curable stages.” articles, and making presentations.”
Dr. Thomas Fleszar (DDS 1975; Eisen said he had an opportunity to help develop an oral medicine clinic
MS, periodontics 1978), Delta’s in the dermatology department, conducted clinical research, and was the
president and chief executive officer, primary author of a double blind study using cyclosporine as a mouthwash
said, “the brush biopsy represents a for a disease called oral lichen planus.
breakthrough in the fight against Since leaving U-M Eisen has published about 50 articles on oral
oral cancer. This simple, painless, diseases, written two textbooks on the topic, and authored several textbook
and inexpensive test will make a chapters.
dramatic difference in improving the In 2000, he and Mark Rutenberg founded CDx Laboratories, a medical
five-year survival rate for oral cancer, technology company that uses computer assisted diagnosis to detect several
which has remained a dismal 57 potentially deadly cancers at early curable stages. Using a proprietary
percent for the past four decades.” brush biopsy procedure in conjunction with a highly specialized computer
“Because dentists routinely assisted method of analysis, the CDx system permits rapid testing of common
perform thorough examinations of abnormalities of the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract.
the mouth,” Fleszar said, “dental Dentists who see unexplained red or white spots in a patient’s mouth
professionals are in a unique position that may need testing use the tiny brush provided by CDx to scrape cells
to detect oral cancer.” from the spots and send them to the company’s laboratory in New York.
Noting that DaimlerChrysler is “We have a sophisticated neural network-based computer system that
the first major corporation in the U.S. assists with analysis,” Eisen said. “The computer does not make the actual
to offer coverage of the brush biopsy diagnosis, instead, it assists the pathologist very much like a spell checker
as a benefit to its employees, Fleszar on one’s computer.”
said the brush biopsy, with its ability Eisen said he and Rutenberg were approached by Delta Dental last year.
to detect oral cancers early, “has “We were impressed with Delta’s strong commitment to early oral cancer
the potential to significantly reduce detection and their outstanding leadership. They’re devoted to fighting
medical treatment costs.” this dreadful disease and having an impact on its poor mortality rate. It’s
Several dentists who have been precisely the same reason we set up this company,” Eisen said.
using the brush biopsy discussed the Since Oral CDx was launched four years ago, Eisen said more than 5,000
benefits...to them and their patients. precancers and cancers have been identified with the test.
[See story, page 17.]

Dentists Cite Benefits of Brush Biopsy
“The best benefit the brush biopsy Less Invasive, More Accurate brush biopsy is less traumatic than
offers to both dentists and patients, I In the case of Lansing dentist, Dr. immediately telling them they may
think, is summed up in three words Gary Hubbard (DDS 1978), the results need a scalpel biopsy,” he said.
– ‘peace of mind’,” said Dr. Raymond of one brush biopsy were positive. Mason said that in the vast
Gist (DDS 1966) who recently finished “The patient had lesions on the majority of cases the results are
a one-year term as president of the floor of her mouth and that raised a negative. However, there have
Michigan Dental Association. flag,” he said. “Because it was quick been instances when brush biopsies
“One of the Per Kjeldsen
and less invasive, I did a brush biopsy required two of his patients, both
M DA’ s p r i m a r y on the patient, who had a history of smokers, to receive scalpel biopsies
missions is smoking.” for cancerous lesions.
i m p ro v i n g t h e Hubbard encourages dentists “The brush biopsy is such a
public’s oral to use the br ush biopsy when powerful and non-invasive tool that
health,” he said, necessary. I think every dentist should be using
Photo courtesy of Dr. Gary Hubbard
“and we see the “It’s also very it,” he said.
brush biopsy as accurate and Based on his experiences, Mason
Dr. Raymond Gist
a major tool all gives both you said “patients look at you as a dentist
dentists can use to detect oral cancer and the patient differently. They respect you for
and, ultimately, improve the survival information you looking out for their overall health,
rates of those with this devastating need. If the results and not looking for only caries or
disease.” a re n e g a t i v e , periodontal disease. Recommending
Dr. Gary Hubbard
Gist [DentalUM, Spring & Summer there’s peace of a brush biopsy is another red flag for
2003, pages 29-32] has been using mind for both of you. If not, it’s smokers and may convince them to
the brush biopsy at his Flint-based probably at an early enough stage quit.”
practice for about four years. where an incisional procedure can Bloomfield Hills dentist, Dr.
Previously, if one of his patients help the patient,” he said. Timothy Reilly, who has been using
had a suspicious lesion, Gist said Dr. William Mason (DDS 1981; MS, the brush biopsy for about a year,
he put the patient “on watch” and periodontics 1984) said he’s used the said, “it doesn’t replace the need
made a note in the patient’s file to brush biopsy on approximately 100 for an oral surgeon. But if you see
follow-up during their next visit. If patients at his Saginaw office. unexplained red or white lesions in a
the lesion looked worse or aroused patient’s mouth, you should use the
more suspicion during the next visit, Every Dentist Should Use It brush biopsy to rule out cancerous or
he then referred the patient to an oral “I have found that using a precancerous conditions and address
surgeon for a scalpel biopsy. brush biopsy eases a patient into the the patient’s concerns.”
Now, Gist said, in those cases process of being treated for possible Reilly added that results from the
where he sees something suspicious, oral cancer. It’s Photo courtesy of Dr. William Mason
test “are answered in as little as five
“I will immediately use the brush never easy telling to six days. With this noninvasive
biopsy. It’s quick, it’s painless, and a patient ‘There’s procedure, that’s hard to beat.”
the results have proven 100 percent a p o s s i b i l i t y,
accurate.” although it’s
Fortunately, he said, the results of slight, that
all the brush biopsies on his patients you may have
have been negative. cancer,’ but the Dr. William Mason

School News
Dental Students Make a Difference
Eight-year-old Cynthia begins squirming in her dental The girl relaxes and Newingham completes
chair as predoctoral student Justin Newingham is about administering the anesthetic.
to administer an anesthetic. Robles turns around, smiles, and as he walks back to
For Cynthia, one of hundreds of youngsters receiving a desk, says, “That’s a part of what I’ve been doing here
oral health care this summer during the School’s migrant this summer. I’m a comforter, a translator, a handyman,
dental clinic program in the Traverse City area, it probably and also provide dental care when it gets really busy and
was one of only a few times in her young life when she the dental students need help.”
saw a dentist. Robles, a graduate student in restorative dentistry,
Trying to reassure her that all would be well, and Dr. Kelly Burgess, who received her dental degree
Newingham then asks Dr. Augusto Robles, who is from U-M in May, supervised 24 dental students during
supervising four dental students at the Kaleva Elementary the annual summer migrant dental clinic program in the
School, to help. Traverse City area. All of the dental students began the
Robles walks a short distance to the dental chair, final year of their dental education in late August.
bends over, and holds both of Cynthia’s hands and begins
comforting her. “You will feel a little sting, but you’ll be What’s Involved
fine,” he tells her in Spanish. The program, now in its 31st year, offers a range of
Cynthia still squirms, but not as much. free oral health care services to migrant workers and
Robles continues to reassure her. “You’ll be fine, and their children — screenings, oral exams, and cleanings.
when it’s over,” he says with a smile, “you can tell your When necessary, extractions, fillings, and x-rays are also
friends that it didn’t hurt as much as they told you it available.
would.” From June 21 to July 30, the dental students
The Kaleva Elementary School was one of three sites where U-M dental students provided oral health Dr. Augusto Robles, a graduate student in restorative dentistry, helped
care to migrant workers and their children. supervise students in the Summer Migrant Dental Clinic Program.
Jerry Mastey Jerry Mastey

at Migrant Dental Clinics
worked in groups of eight for two weeks in Suttons Bay, not, need to have their teeth extracted, she said. Others
Williamsburg, and further south, in Kaleva. Portable need bridge work.
equipment, including dental chairs, drills, air, water, and
x-ray machines, were set up in elementary schools in all Valuable Learning Experiences
communities. “Being able to make decisions on your own about
Children of the migrant workers received dental care what to do in these cases is probably the best part of the
during the day at schools in the three communities while program from a professional standpoint,” Burgess said.
their parents worked. Adults received oral health care in “In clinics, you’re relying on others to a great extent for
the late afternoon or early evening. their advice, but here, it’s not that way. Basically, you’re
Robles and Burgess, and four dental students who on your own. And I think the student dentists appreciate
worked in Williamsburg and Kaleva during the final two that as well.”
weeks of the program, spoke highly of their experiences. Newingham, one of the dental students, agreed.
All said the migrant dental clinic program gave them “Here, you’re more independent and can make decisions
opportunities to enhance or broaden their skills as well on your own,” he said. “But when necessary, there’s
as interact with a group of patients typically not seen at someone to turn to for advice.”
School of Dentistry clinics. After graduating next spring, Newingham, a
The differences were significant. Waterford, Michigan resident, said he would like to apply
“It seems there’s no in-between with the kids,” what he’s learned as an associate in a general dental
Burgess said. “When they come here, their mouths are practice in Oakland County. “I enjoyed working on the
either in very good or in very bad condition.” Most of the young patients here and would like to be able to use what
children whose mouths are in bad shape, more often than I learned during this experience to treat more pediatric
To help children understand why flossing is important, dental students developed

Andy Tibbitts shows one child at the Mill Creek Elementary School in Williamsburg, skits they used in classrooms. At the Mill Creek Elementary School in Williamsburg,
Michigan, the correct way to wrap dental floss around her fingers. a student (second from right) volunteered to be a “tooth” while dental student Andy
Tibbitts (right) used a jump rope to illustrate the proper way to floss. Other “teeth”
are (left to right) dental students Paul Orley, Justin Newingham, and Justin Smith.

School News
patients as well as adults as a family dentist,” he said. students improvised and presented skits in classrooms
Justin Smith, who participated in oral health that highlighted simple things they could do to improve
screening clinics in Detroit last year, agreed. “This their oral health.
program was a good opportunity for me to help a lot of In one instance, dental students used construction
kids,” he said. “I may decide to pursue pediatric dentistry paper to illustrate gums and teeth and then showed the
after graduating next May.” youngsters how to properly use a toothbrush to get rid of
Dental student Andy Tibbitts said the migrant dental “sugar bugs” (germs) so they don’t adversely affect gums
clinic program was one of the reasons he applied to U-M. and teeth.
“This program is as good as I heard it would be,” he In another skit, three dental students stood next
said after finishing work on a youngster at the Mill Creek to each other at the front of the classroom and told
Elementary School in Williamsburg. “Two classmates the students to imagine that they, the dental students,
I know who participated last summer, Jared Furgeson were teeth. A fourth dental student used a broom to
and Eric Escobar, strongly urged me to apply. I’m glad I demonstrate the correct way to brush.
did.” To make it easy for children to understand the
Tibbitts said he gained both professional and personal importance of flossing, dental students stood shoulder-
satisfaction from the program. “I’m doing more pediatric to-shoulder and using a jump rope moved it up and down
dentistry and may want to pursue that further after to demonstrate the correct way to floss.
graduating next spring,” he said. “I also enjoyed playing Interactive quizzes were a part of the instruction.
soccer or dodge ball with the kids during lunch hour.” “How often should you brush?” a dental student
would ask.
Classroom Skits Responses varied. “Once a day,” some students said.
The program also offered valuable education in clinics “Twice a day,” others replied. The correct answer, the
and classrooms. dental students advised, was twice a day.
In addition to advising parents and children on The quizzes were not without humor.
the correct way to care for their teeth in clinics, dental During one skit at the Mill Creek Elementary School,
Dr. Kelly Burgess (right) checks the work dental student Justin Smith is doing Using a broom to represent a toothbrush, dental student Paul Orley shows children at the Mill
on a patient at the Mill Creek Elementary School in Williamsburg, Michigan. Creek Elementary School how to properly brush so “sugar bugs” (germs) don’t damage teeth
and gums. Dental students Justin Smith (center) and Justin Newingham (right) hold a poster
they created showing gums and teeth.

dental student Paul Orley asked, “If I get too many sugar Former Patient Now
bugs on my teeth, what will I get?”
“Gingivitis!” responded a 10-year-old to a chorus of
U-M Student
laughter from classmates and dental students.
One of many patients treated by dental students
Orley said he wasn’t as busy during the migrant
at the summer migrant dental clinic is now a University
dental clinic program as he was during the two weeks he
of Michigan student who worked at the School of
spent last summer providing oral health care in the city
Dentistry.
of Cebu on the island of the same name in the Philippines
Faride Cruz was employed this summer as an office
[DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004, pages 73-74]. “But
assistant in the Department of Periodontics, Prevention,
this was a great experience,” he said.
and Geriatrics.
The program continues to attract interest among
Cruz, who traveled with her parents and six other
students. This year, as in years past, there were more
brothers and sisters from Texas to the Traverse City area
volunteers than there were spaces available.
every summer when she was younger, received oral health
According to Dr. Robert Bagramian, professor of
care from School of Dentistry dental students on several
dentistry and program director, “the program is not
occasions. However, since she was so young at the time,
only one of the School’s most popular programs, it
Cruz said she remembers little, except receiving a new
also demonstrates the University’s and the School of
toothbrush after each visit.
Dentistry’s commitment to the State of Michigan.”
The long trips from Texas are a thing of the past since
The program is funded by the School of Dentistry and
her family now lives in northern lower Michigan.
the Northwest Michigan Health Services. The Michigan
However, she said, other families continue to travel
Primary Care Association also provides support including
long distances and the summer migrant dental clinic
limited funds to help pay for housing, transportation, and
program “is a big help to those families, especially those
food for the dental students.
who travel a lot. The dental school’s program allows
their children to get the care they need. I know they’re
grateful.”
As for her future plans, Cruz doesn’t plan to become
After completing their work dental students, such as Justin Newingham, take time to have
fun with some of their patients. a dentist, however. Now beginning her junior year in
the College of Engineering, Cruz plans to specialize in
Jerry Mastey
mechanical engineering.
Keary Campbell

School News
Enjoying a Change in Career Plans
C
areer paths are curious creatures.
You never know when they begin and where they might take
you over time.
The University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s community
outreach program has profoundly affected the lives of some students
who have participated.
Since it was substantially expanded in early 2000 [DentalUM, Spring
& Summer 2000, pages 12-35], nearly two dozen dental students who
participated in the expanded program have changed their career path.
[See sidebar, page 23.]
This issue of DentalUM features three students who changed their
plans as a result of their participation with the School’s outreach
partners, either as fourth-year students, or in the Advanced Education
in General Dentistry program.
Photo courtesy of Benjamin Fishman
Experiences at Migrant Dental Clinic

and Dental Clinics North Change
Ben Fishman’s Plans
When he received his dental degree in May, Dr. Benjamin Fishman took
a few weeks to recharge and relocate before launching his career at a public
health dental clinic in Cadillac, Michigan.
Fishman is one of more than two dozen dental students who have changed
their career path because of their experiences in the School of Dentistry’s
community outreach program.
“I’ve been interested in medical science for as long as I can remember. But
my interest in dentistry was sparked by a conversation I had with a dentist
Dr. Benjamin Fishman while I was in college and waiting tables at a restaurant in my hometown
of Traverse City,” he said.
The dentist, Dr. Vincent Mack (DDS 1987), took time to talk about his work
as a dentist and invited Fishman to his office to observe. “It was so fascinating
that I spent three summers watching dentistry first-hand,” Fishman said
with a smile. “I especially enjoyed watching how Dr. Mack was able to help
patients, the work he did on them, and the fact that he had some control of
his destiny.”

and Making a Difference
How Plans Changed
Fishman said when he entered dental school in August 2000, he thought
about practicing general dentistry, perhaps with Dr. Mack, after earning his
dental degree.
But his interest in public health dentistry began to emerge as a dental
assistant during the 2003 Summer Migrant Dental Clinic program. That
interest accelerated while working last fall at Dental Clinics North in Traverse Recent Graduates Now in
City. Public Health Dentistry
“I was surprised to see just how much dental caries was occurring among
patients without access to oral health care, not just adults, but especially
The career paths of these U-M School of
children,” he said. “This was literally, right in my own back yard where I
Dentistry graduates changed following their
grew up.”
experiences with the School’s community
Fishman said he will enjoy “doing a lot of general practice work and
outreach partners. All are now practicing
procedures. I will also enjoy knowing that when I go in every day, I’ll be busy
public health dentistry, noted in parentheses,
and that will help me gain even more experience and efficiency.”
in Michigan and elsewhere.
But when it comes to helping the needy he said, “This gives me a great
opportunity to do just that. The people who visit this clinic for oral health • Dr. Scott Babin (Manistee, MI)
care really need it. This will be the best opportunity to help them and for me • Dr. Michael Campeau (Saginaw, MI)
to fulfill my own personal and professional interests.” • Dr. Josiah Chen (North Carolina)
• Dr. Jenny Chong (Saginaw, MI)
• Dr. Benjamin Fishman (Cadillac, MI)
• Dr. Joel Hayden (Saginaw, MI)
Cherry Street Health Services Experiences • Dr. Joshua Joshua (Muskegon, MI)
Change Dr. Joshua Joshua’s Career Path • Dr. Sam Malcheff (North Carolina)
• Dr. Michael Mehling
• Dr. Richard Potts (Indian Health Service)
When he and members of his family moved from Pakistan to the U.S. in • Dr. Tracy Ruegsegger (Cadillac, MI)
1993, Joshua Joshua already knew he wanted to become a dentist. • Dr. Donald Sabourin (Saginaw, MI)
“As a 10 year old, I remember being impressed with the way my mother’s • Dr. Carla Skaates (Marquette, MI)
best friend, a dentist, treated one of my younger brothers when we were still • Dr. Nancy Sorota (Saginaw, MI)
living there,” he said. “From that moment, I knew that I would become a • Dr. Donald Swartzfisher (Grand Rapids, MI)
dentist.” • Dr. Amy Tomes (Grand Rapids, MI)
Entering the U-M School of Dentistry in 1997, Joshua thought that he, • Dr. Gregory Trompeter (Jackson, MI)
like other dental students, would eventually go into private practice. • Dr. David White (Indian Health Service)
But his experiences in the School’s outreach program at Cherry Street • Dr. Benjamin Williams (Indian Health Service)
Health Services in Grand Rapids changed that. “I began changing my career • Dr. Jeffrey Zieziula (North Carolina)
plans the first week I was there,” he said.

School News
Jerry Mastey
Outreach Experience Leads to Job

During his three rotations in Grand Rapids, each lasting one week, “I
participated in an area of dentistry that I didn’t even know existed when I
entered dental school,” he said. “I also was seeing more patients, probably
seven or eight a day, and getting satisfaction knowing I was making a
difference in their lives.”
About three months after earning his DDS from U-M, Joshua began
practicing public health dentistry at the Hackley Community Care Center in
Muskegon Heights.
“It’s great. There’s no other way to describe it,” he said. “The facilities
are new, everything’s computerized, and the people are great, especially
dental director Dr. Robert Russell. And working four, 10-hour days also offers
an opportunity for three-day weekends.”
The personal and professional satisfaction he’s experiencing in Muskegon
Heights is similar to what Joshua experienced as a dental student in Grand
“Helping Hands” is the title of the art Rapids. “There’s a lot of variety here, I’m busy, seeing between 15 and 20
on the hallway wall at the Hackley patients a day, and I’m making a difference.”
Community Dental Center. Palm prints That’s especially true with children.
of every employee as well as their name Joshua said that when he began working in Muskegon Heights three years
and the month and year they began ago, about 25 percent of his patients were children. But because of Medicaid
working there are visible. Dr. Joshua reimbursement changes at the state level, the percentage of children he sees
Joshua stands beneath his palm prints has increased. Now between one-third and one-half of his patients are under
and the month and year he began age 12.
working there, August 2001. Unlike Asked what advice he’d offer to third- and fourth-year dental students,
others, whose palm prints are just one Joshua advised, “keep an open mind. Whether you’re in Grand Rapids or
color, his palm prints are two colored Muskegon Heights or at any of the other outreach sites, you will get some
– one maize, the other blue – as he great, real-world experiences.”
said,“to emphasize my loyalty to the As he began his fourth year at the Hackley Community Care Center, Joshua
University of Michigan.” said, “It’s been a great experience and one that’s been very rewarding. I’m
glad the University of Michigan School of Dentistry created the program and
that I got to be a part of it.”
Joel Hayden’s Career Path Change
“Initially, I thought about going into private practice and then specializing
after a couple of years,” Dr. Joel Hayden said.
“But spending six weeks in Marquette, Grand Rapids, and Saginaw as a
resident in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program changed
all that,” he said with a laugh from an office at the Wadsworth Dental Center
in Saginaw. “It was a great experience, one I highly recommend.”

Photo courtesy of Joel Hayden
Hayden earned his dental degree from the University of Detroit Mercy
in 2000, but was a resident in the U-M School of Dentistry’s AEGD program
during the 2000-2001 academic year.
It wasn’t one event that led to his change of plans. Rather, there were
several.
“I enjoyed all of my experiences during the two weeks I was at each of the
clinics in the three communities,” he said. “I was helping those who really
needed help and was having fun because I was also working with so many
great people.”
The Influences of Parents and a Hobby

Although no one in his family is a dentist, Hayden said the occupations
of his parents probably had some influence on him.
“My mother is a teacher and my father is a church pastor. I wanted to
do something with my life that would allow me to help as many people as Dr. Joel Hayden
they have,” he said.
But Hayden’s decision to become a dentist didn’t occur until he began
pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Miami of Ohio.
“I thought about possibly doing something in the medical field, but
decided not to go down that road after taking a calculus course my freshman
year,” he said with a chuckle.
A hobby also influenced his decision to enter the dental profession.
“I enjoy working with my hands to make pottery,” Hayden said.
“Dentistry allows me to work with my hands to help others. For me, it’s the
best of both worlds.”
In addition to enjoying the variety that is a part of his job, Hayden also
takes pleasure in knowing that he’s making a difference in the lives of his
patients. Some of his patients need exams, however, most require fillings or
extractions.
Reflecting on his experiences, Hayden said, “I’m gratified that Michigan is
sending their students out to the community clinics because there definitely
is a need for this kind of oral health care.”
The program has led to an unexpected benefit for Hayden.
“I enjoy working with the students and being a teacher for many of them
when they’re here. Because many of them look at things differently, I learn
from them too,” he said.
“I thought I’d be practicing community dentistry for a year,” Hayden
said. “But now it’s three years. Who knows? There maybe a few more on
top of that.”

School News
Keary Campbell
Finding Quality Health and Dental Information Online

School of Dentistry Librarian Explains How It’s Done
F
or some patients, talking to a sites and has developed search and Nancy Allee, director of the U-M Public
dentist or physician and reading design strategies that help users find Health Library and Informatics.
pamphlets on dental or medical the information they need. She also “Initially, Nancy and I planned
issues is sufficient to learn about lectures occasionally on how to find to write the book ourselves as a
their health. information on the Internet. one-book guide to help time-pressed
Others aggressively search for During the past three years she dental and medical professionals
third-party information, sometimes researched the best search techniques find information they could use in
to better understand or ask more consumers can use which led to the practice. But the project grew beyond
informed questions. For these publication this spring of a three- our ability to do it alone,” Anderson
informed consumers, searching the volume set, The Medical Library said.
Internet is empowering. Association Encyclopedic Guide Instead, their efforts resulted in
Patricia Anderson, head librarian to Searching and Finding Health a massive 995-page, three-volume
at the U-M School of Dentistry Library Information on the Web. publication with contributions
since 1998, has created health Web Anderson collaborated with from dozens of authorities from

across the nation and the world. • Use quotation marks around
“In reality, the greater number of groups of words or an advanced
contributors provided a greater search feature.
variety of viewpoints which made • Try different strategies, such as
these publications even better than specific searches instead of
what we initially envisioned.” general searches.
• Add or subtract words from the
Different Approaches: Patient search box. More words typically
vs. Health Care Professional yield fewer results.
“What’s unique about this book is • Search different sources, such as Publications Praised
that it does not focus so much on Web an authoritative health-focused Three publications have lauded the
sites, but on strategies,” Anderson Web site or search engine. three-volume publication.
said. Since she and Allee specialize in • Once you have your information,
health libraries, they understand the Doody’s Review Service, a premier
take three articles to your next
topics well and empathize with those health publication review service, has
dental or medical visit and ask: Is
who don’t have dental or medical given the three-volume publication
this treatment appropriate for
degrees. its top rating – four stars. “This is
me? Should I be concerned about
Health care professionals and an excellent guide for key Internet
issues raised here? What do you
patients take different approaches to resources and search strategy
know about this?
searching for information on health development,” according to the
The first volume, Search
topics. review published in June. “ The
Strategies, describes how to search
While dentists and physicians format is conducive to answering
for information.
might be concerned about symptoms, specific questions and yet helpful to
The second volume, Diseases and
diagnosis and treatment, patients novices.”
Disorders/Mental Health and Mental
often want to know if they have the Disorders, and the third volume,
very best doctor for their ailment and Health and Wellness/Life Stages The July issue of Library Journal
why they became sick. and Reproduction, and Cumulative s ay s t h e p u b l i c a t i o n s a r e a n
The pair studied how consumers Index, demonstrate how to use these “impressive reference. ...Even the
look for information, as well as the strategies to find information on an most knowledgeable librarians will
best strategies to find what they array of topics. find something they don’t know, or
wanted, by examining questions Patients may want to check a be reminded of a different way of
posed on the Google Answers Web site, companion Web site when searching. searching the Web.”
talking to individuals, and drawing The site contains some tips for getting
on their extensive information search started and the first two chapters The August issue of Reference Books
and retrieval experience. are available for free downloading. Bulletin wrote, “It’s not often that a
Check: www.umich.edu/~pfa/ practical guide such as this one stands
Helpful Hints mlaguide/. out among other reference sources,
In their collaboration with For pricing information, contact but given the amount of information
authors from around the world, Neal-Schuman Publishers, 100 and misinformation about health and
Anderson and Allee offer the following William Street, New York, NY 10038 medical matters on the Web, we felt
search suggestions for oral heaalth by telephone. The toll-free number that this exhaustive resource deserves
care professionals, physicians, and is (866) 672-6657. recognition.”
consumers:

School News
Anderson 1st Recipient of More Dental Cosmos
MLA Award Now Online
U-M School of Dentistry librarian Patricia Anderson is Twelve more volumes of Dental
the first recipient of a major award from the Medical Library Cosmos, one of the first national
Association. The MLA’s dental section presented her with the journals for the American dental
Harriet L. Steuernagel Award this fall. profession, are now online.
The MLA award recognizes a health sciences librarian who Last fall, the first 33 volumes of
has joined the dental section within the last five years and who the publication, from the premier
has contributed to the growth and development of the dental issue of August 1859 through
section through professional activities or service. December 1891, were offered online
Anderson recently coauthored a three-volume publication, by the University of Michigan.
The Medical Library Association Encyclopedic Guide to [DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004,
Searching and Finding Health Information on the Web, which pages 77-78.]
has been praised for its breadth and depth of information The new volumes bring the
that can be used by health care professionals, librarians, and online collection to 1903. They
consumers. She also spearheaded the development of the capture some of the early history of
online Dental Cosmos collection, served as the expert searcher the U-M School of Dentistry, articles
for the NIH Consensus Development Conference on Diagnosis by Edward Angle and Willoughby
and Management of Dental Caries, and was on the program Miller, and other early significant
planning committee for the first NIH-sponsored workshop on information.
dental informatics. Highlights from the collection
Anderson, a 1987 alumna of the U-M School of Information, are available on the School of
returned to Ann Arbor in 1998 to become dentistry librarian Dentistry’s Library Web site: www.
following several years in Chicago as the head of Northwestern lib.umich.edu/dentlib/about/
University’s Barnes Learning Resource Center in the Galter exhibits/dencos.
Health Sciences Library. She is listed in Marquis Who’s Who For information on the first 33
in America and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of volumes, visit www.hti.umich.
Consumer Health on the Internet and Medicine on the Net. edu/d/dencos.
“I’m more honored than I can say to be the first recipient
of the Harriet Steuernagel Award,” Anderson said. “Being
nominated by Mary Kreinbring, director of the American Dental
Association Library means a lot. Mary is a true leader in the
profession and knew me before I entered dentistry librarianship.
The award is even more significant,” Anderson continued,
“since it comes from my peers and other librarians who work
in similar environments to accomplish similar tasks.”
The award is named for Harriet L. Steuernagel (1907-
1998) who served as the dental librarian for the Washington
University School of Dentistry for 50 years. During her career
she received numerous awards from dental societies and library
organizations.

DEVELOPMENT
The Michigan Difference

Fundraising Campaign Begins
A Great Start! School of Dentistry Halfway

to Reaching $35 Million Goal
“The School of Dentistry is off to a great start with its new fundraising
campaign,” said Richard Fetchiet, director of external relations.
As of press time, gifts and pledges from alumni totaled more than $18 million,
or slightly more than 51 percent of the $35 million goal.
The School’s fundraising efforts are an important part of the University’s plan
to raise $2.5 billion during the next four years in a campaign called The Michigan
Difference.
During a program at Rackham Auditorium marking the start of the campaign
in May, U-M President Mary Sue Coleman told more than 1,200 alumni and
friends, “This goal is extraordinary because our donors believe in supporting an
extraordinary university.”
“We are a university with a remarkable history of forward thinking,” she
added. “And it is our responsibility to provide greater opportunities for students
and faculty who come after us.”
Following the program, a campaign luncheon was held under a tent on Ingalls
Mall across the street from the Rackham Building.
Keary Campbell
A luncheon under a tent

was held on Ingalls Mall
following the campaign
kickoff program at
Rackham. Several
alumni, friends, and
faculty from the School
of Dentistry were among
those attending.

The School of Dentistry’s $35 million fundraising goal For more information about the School’s fundraising
is “ambitious but realistic, appropriate, and objective,” campaign, including updates, visit the School of Dentistry
said Dean Peter Polverini. Web site: www.dent.umich.edu or the U-M Web site:
The money raised during the School’s campaign www.umich.edu.
will be used in four major areas: merit- and need-based Per Kjeldsen
student scholarships, endowed professorships to recruit

and retain outstanding faculty, for improved facilities,
and for special programs.
Student Scholarships: $10 million
The cost of tuition, fees, instruments, materials,
books, and supplies now surpass $22,000 annually for
in-state students and more than $37,000 for out-of-state
students.
In the past, financial aid packages typically consisted
of 70 percent grants and scholarships and 30 percent
loans. Today, those figures are reversed. As a result, dental The chairman of the School of Dentistry’s campaign fundraising effort,
students are borrowing heavily to fund their education. Dr. William Costello (left); his wife, Betsy; Carol Polverini; and Dean Peter
Polverini were among more than 1,200alumni and friends who attended
Endowed Professorships: $11 million the University’s campaign kickoff program at Rackham Auditorium in May.
With reports estimating approximately 400 open
faculty positions in dental schools across the nation,
educators can be highly selective about where they wish School Acknowledged
to teach. Raising this amount of money for endowed
professorships will ensure outstanding scholars are The School of Dentistry was acknowledged, both
not only attracted to U-M, but that they remain here seriously and in jest, during the kickoff program marking
throughout their careers. the official start of the University’s new fundraising
Improved Facilities: $10 million campaign, The Michigan Difference.
New technologies and an explosion of knowledge and Early in the hour-and-a-half program at Rackham
research that is increasingly collaborative are profoundly Auditorium, theater students entertained the audience
affecting how dentistry is taught today. Our School with fast-paced, one-line descriptions of student life
must upgrade clinics and laboratories to reflect those on campus and comments about what makes the U-M
realities. campus unique. At one point during the skit a performer
Program Support: $4 million exclaimed,“The dental school is shaped like a molar.” [For
These funds will be used to give the School the the record, it is not.]
flexibility it needs to embrace new opportunities and On a more serious note later in the program, ABC News
initiatives as they arise. anchor and U-M alumna Carol Simpson acknowledged the
“Funding these important needs will allow the work of the dental school.
School to continue its heritage of excellence in classroom “Michigan’s health enterprise extends beyond clinics
education, patient care and clinical education, research, and operating rooms,” she said. She noted the School
and community service,” Polverini said. of Dentistry and other schools and colleges “take care
of people through research, education, and hands-on
training.”

Importance of School’s Fundraising
Efforts Emphasized
Per Kjeldsen Per Kjeldsen
Recalling the impact the Christiansen Collegiate

the University of Michigan Professorship.
and the School of Dentistry Their gift was publicly
have had on his life, the acknowledged during a
chairman of the School’s campaign kickoff program.
fundraising campaign, Dr. Christiansen later talked
William Costello (DDS 1970), about why he established
said he wanted to lead the the professorship. [See
School’s campaign because story, pages 33-35.]
“I felt an overwhelming Dr. James McNamara
Dr. William Costello, chairman of need to give something reflected on the importance Dr. James McNamara talked
the School of Dentistry’s fundraising back to my alma mater.” o f e n d o w e d f a c u l t y about the benefits of endowed
committee, talks about why he The Latin phrase, p o s i t i o n s . “ W h e n I ’ m professorships.
volun-teered to be chairman and
the importance of the campaign to meaning “fostering introduced as the Drs. Thomas M. and Doris Graber
the School and its future. mother,” was appropriate, Endowed Professor it means a lot to me,” he said. “I have
he said. been honored in many ways during my career, but there’s
Addressing more than 60 alumni, their spouses, nothing I feel more strongly about than being an endowed
faculty, staff, and students during an intimate, formal professor.”
gathering at the home of Dean Peter Polverini to mark the McNamara, a professor of dentistry in the Department
beginning of the School’s fundraising campaign, Costello of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, said “being
said that phrase, alma mater, “is so appropriate on an an endowed professor gives me the flexibility and the
occasion such as this.” freedom to follow whatever might interest me.”
“Both the University of Michigan and the School of In his case, McNamara said his endowed professorship
Dentistry have been incredibly nourishing, enabling me, is allowing him to pursue digital technology initiatives
and I’m sure all of us here, to achieve the success and and bring highly-regarded faculty to U-M as visiting
quality of life that we have,” Costello said. “There isn’t a professors. “Some of the best research we have conducted
day that I don’t think about what I’ve been able to achieve since I became the Graber Endowed Professor in 1998, is
because of the outstanding education I received here.” because of the unrestricted money available through that
endowed professorship.”
Endowed Professorships He said Drs. Tiziano Baccetti and Lorenzo Franchi,
One of the major goals of the School’s fundraising faculty members in the Department of Orthodontics at
cam p aign i s rai si ng $ 1 1 mi l l i o n for e n do w e d the University of Florence (Italy), were not only Graber
professorships. Visiting Scholars at the School of Dentistry, they also were
A major step toward reaching that goal occurred among four individuals who recently received the Edward
when Dean Emeritus, Dr. Richard Christiansen, and H. Angle Research Prize. [DentalUM, Spring & Summer
his wife, Nancy, gifted $500,000 to the School to create 2004, page 57.]

Per Kjeldsen
“ Dr. Robins, Mrs. Robins,” Preslan

said, “ you’re the reason this ‘born
Buckeye’ is now, and always will be,
proud to be a Wolverine.”
Student Scholarships
Representing numerous grateful students, dental
student Annelise Preslan said the scholarship established
by Dr. Raymond Robins (DDS 1944) and his wife, Barbara,
enabled her to attend the U-M School of Dentistry.
Noting that she was accepted at eight dental schools
across the country including Michigan, Preslan, an Ohio
native, said she was offered a full scholarship that would
allow her to complete a dual-degree (DDS/PhD) program
at Ohio State University. “I even wore a red dress to
my interview in Columbus and had paid my deposit to
attend when I came to Ann Arbor in January 2003 for an
interview,” she said.
It was Preslan’s first visit to Ann Arbor and the U-M Dental student Annelise Preslan evoked laughter when she said she wore a red
campus. dress to an interview in Columbus, Ohio and had paid a deposit to attend dental
“My parents and I loved the campus,” she said. “My school there before deciding to attend the U-M School of Dentistry.
experiences and the reaction of my parents told me
Michigan was the place to be.” “Dr. Robins, Mrs. Robins,” Preslan said, “you’re the
However, when she was accepted at Michigan and reason this ‘born Buckeye’ is now, and always will be,
informed about her financial aid package, she said she proud to be a Wolverine.”
couldn’t attend because her costs as an out-of-state
student were prohibitive. Other Student Efforts
“Fortunately, Dr. Marilyn Woolfolk (assistant dean Dental and dental hygiene students are also involved
for student services), didn’t take ‘no’ for an answer and in efforts to raise money for student scholarships.
came up with a package that made it possible for me to Members of the dental hygiene class of 2004 earlier
be at this great school and here with you tonight,” Preslan this year announced pledges totaling more than $4,000
said. for student scholarships. [DentalUM, Spring & Summer
Preslan later learned the difference between the first 2004, page 60.]
financial aid package and the second was “The Michigan The dental class of 2004 announced establishing
Difference” of another kind, the Dr. Raymond Robins and a scholarship fund for future School of Dentistry
Mrs. Barbara Robins Scholarship. students.

Christiansens Gift $500,000 for Professorship
Establishing the Christiansen Collegiate Professorship
The School of Dentistry’s portion of The Michigan discoveries and contributions produced here that will
Difference campaign is off to an impressive start with serve society tomorrow.”
a generous gift from Dean Emeritus, Dr. Richard L. Reflecting on a career that spanned nearly twenty
Christiansen, and his wife, Nancy. years at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial
The Christiansen’s have gifted $500,000 to the School Research and more than twenty years at U-M, Christiansen
to establish the Christiansen Collegiate Professorship. said, “it was natural for me to support a collegiate
Dean of the School from 1982 to 1987, Christiansen professorship at Michigan that would combine the two,
retired as professor of dentistry in the Department of craniofacial research and education.”
Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 2001. [DentalUM,
Fall 2001, pages 37-39.] Idea’s Origins
Christiansen said he and Nancy made the gift “My idea for this gift to the School of Dentistry
“because of the character and quality of the people here was probably a quarter of a century in the making,” he
– faculty, students, and staff – as well as alumni. That’s said.
probably the best way to evaluate the School’s future “I remember how impressed I was back in the early- to
potential.” mid-1970s, when I headed the National Institute of Dental
Also influencing his decision, he said, “were the Research’s Craniofacial Anomalies Program, with the
Dr. Richard Christiansen and his wife, Nancy, have gifted $500,000to the School to establish the Christiansen Collegiate Professorship.

studies that were being done here by many faculty members,” Christiansen
said.
During his career at NIDCR that began in 1964, Christiansen served as a
staff orthodontist and principal investigator in the Oral Medicine and Surgery
Charitable
Branch. Later, he was Director of Extramural Programs before becoming Dean Remainder
of the School of Dentistry. Trust
One of Christiansen’s top priorities upon arriving in Ann Arbor in 1982
was to establish endowed professorships that would help the School recruit
and retain highly-qualified faculty. A charitable remainder trust
“Even then, there were clear signals that we wouldn’t be able to rely on the (CRT) makes it possible for
same levels of state funding in the future as we had in the past,” he said. “So individuals to make a gift
when Dr. Robert Browne made the first commitment and several others later now and retain income for
made gifts to the School to create endowed professorships, I began thinking whatever period of time they
of ways I could personally contribute at a later date.” choose.
Planning for the Future Establishing the trust with the
As the ninth of eleven children and the first to graduate with a college University as a trustee requires
degree, Christiansen said he already knew about living frugally and planning a minimum irrevocable gift of
for the future. He recalled the words of American businessman and statesman, $100,000 funded with cash,
Bernard Baruch: “The greatest blessing of our democracy is freedom, but in stocks, bonds, or real estate.
the last analysis, our only freedom is the freedom to discipline ourselves.”
Discipline, Christiansen said, was a part of his upbringing when he was In addition to an immediate
growing up in Iowa. “Later in life, I combined discipline with a ‘fun hobby,’ income tax charitable
namely, stock investing, and, with modest successes, we were able to give deduction the CRT also
serious consideration to making this gift.” provides income for life or for
Before making his gift, Christiansen said he and Nancy wanted to achieve a specified number of years,
several objectives. enables one to avoid capital
One was to effectively utilize the family’s assets without jeopardizing the gains if the trust is funded
needs of their children or what they would need for their retirement. Another with appreciated securities
was to target how the gift would be used. or other assets, and gives the
As he reflected on his experiences in Iowa, at NIDCR, and Michigan, donor(s) the opportunity to
Christiansen said establishing a professorship was most appropriate.
make a substantial gift for a
“Considering the state’s changing budget and what that means for public
program they care about.
universities like Michigan, the need for endowed professorships is greater today
than in recent history,” he said. “I believe it will become even more important For more information,
in the future.” c o n t a c t Je f f Fr e s h c o r n ,
“The joy of giving matches the joy of receiving. Nancy and I have been director of major gifts, at
blessed over the years, and we wanted this professorship to be our way of (734) 647-4394, or by e-mail:
giving back to a great school, a great University, and a great profession,” freshco@umich.edu.
Christiansen said.
Saying that “previous generations have progressed because of the
contributions of their predecessors, the challenge to keep advancing never
ends,” he said. “I think those of us who are able, should do what we can to
make sure excellence and discovery continue.”
The Christiansens made their gift as charitable remainder trust.

Dr. Richard L. Christiansen
Professional Achievements
Selected Highlights
Education
• Doctor of Dental Surgery, valedictorian, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa (1959)
• Master of Science (orthodontics), School of Dentistry, Indiana University (1964)
• Doctor of Philosophy (cardiovascular physiology), University of Minnesota (1970)
Academic Appointments and Professional Experience

• Professor of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry (1982-2001)
• Dean, School of Dentistry; Director, W.K. Kellogg Foundation Institute (1982-1987)
• Director, Extramural Programs, National Inst. of Dental & Craniofacial Research, NIH (1981-1982)
• Chief, Craniofacial Anomalies Program Branch, NIDCR, Extramural Programs (1973-1982)
• Principal Investigator, Oral Medicine and Surgery Branch; Program Officer, Developmental Biology
and Oral Facial Anomalies Program, NIDCR, Bethesda, Maryland (1970-1973)
• Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, NIDCR, NIH (1966-1970)
• Staff orthodontist, Oral Pharyngeal Development Section, Oral Medicine and Surgery Branch,
NIDCR, Bethesda, Maryland (1964-1966)
• Graduate orthodontic training, School of Dentistry, Indiana University, NIDCR, NIH (1962-1964)
• Chief Dental Officer, U.S. Public Health Service Clinic, St. Louis, Missouri (1960-1962)
• Dental internship, U.S. Public Health Service Hospital, San Francisco (1959-1960)
Honors and Awards

• Mentioned in 15 national and international Who’s Who biographical citation books.
• Honorary doctorate, Nippon Dental University, Japan (2000).
• Co-founder, International Union of Schools of Oral Health (1985).
• National Institutes of Health Award, Minority and Women Research and Training Programs (1982).
• Commendation medal, U.S. Public Health Service (1980).
• Developed Small Research Grant Program for Young Investigators for NIDCR and NIH (1980).

$100,000 Gifts from Alumni and Spouses Add
The School of Dentistry’s portion of The Michigan Difference fundraising campaign
Dr. Eli Berger (DDS 1957; MS, Orthodontics 1961)

and Mrs. Joanna Berger (BS 1954, MA 1982)
Photo courtesy of Dr. Eli Berger
Dedication to the School of

Dentistry’s Department of
Orthodontics and a growing need
for financial aid among today’s
students prompted Dr. Eli Berger and
his wife, Joanna, to gift $100,000 to
establish the Dr. Eli V. and Joanna
Berger Endowed Orthodontic Student
Fellowship.
“ D r. M o y e r s w a s a n e a r l y
influence on my career, going back
to when I was a student in dental
school and later as a faculty member
in the orthodontics department,”
Berger said.
When he entered the U-M School
of Dentistry in 1953, Berger said Dr. Eli and Mrs. Joanna Berger
he considered becoming an oral
surgeon. “But Dr. Moyers stimulated
my interest in orthodontics so much Huntington Woods and later in Reflecting on his career, Berger
that by the time I began the final year Birmingham. He taught in the said, “I received so much from
of my dental education, I decided to orthodontics department for 35 years, dentistry, orthodontics, and the
become an orthodontist instead.” nearly his entire practicing career. dental school. This is not only my
Later, when Moyers asked Berger “I had wonderful relationships with way, but my wife’s way, of giving
to join the faculty, he accepted faculty members and with students,” back to this great University.”
enthusiastically. he said. “In fact, Jim Harris and Lysle
The opportunity to teach was Johnston were two of my residents
an important part of Berger’s career who later became my bosses,” he said
as he combined teaching with with a laugh.
practicing orthodontics, first in

Momentum to Dentistry’s Fundraising Efforts
has received major gifts of $100,000 from five alumni and their spouses.
Dr. Peter Kelly (DDS 1970; MS, Periodontics 1973)

and Mrs. Barbara Kelly (AB 1966, LS&A; Education Certificate 1967)
The Kellys have made a leadership Recalling his days in Ann Arbor,
gift to the campaign that will support Kelly said that Dr. Sigurd Ramfjord
two areas important to them at the “taught with a passion that sparked
School of Dentistry. my interest in periodontics.”
Half of their gift will help He described Ramfjord as “a great,
endow the Upper Peninsula Dental inspiring teacher who was tough,
Student Scholarship. The other half brilliant, and totally dedicated. He
will help fund the Sigurd Ramfjord was the most respected periodontist
Lectureship. in the world not only then, but even
“The University of Michigan today.” Kelly added, “his longitudinal
is special for both of us,” Dr. Kelly study changed the profession and
said. “Not only did my wife and I how we practice.”
meet in Ann Arbor, we also received
an excellent education. This gift is
our way of saying ‘thank you’ for “The University of Michigan is special for both of
everything,” he said.
Noting that the cost of a dental us. Not only did my wife and I meet in Ann Arbor,
education continues to rise, he added we also received an excellent education. This gift
that they want their gift to help
is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for everything.”
students, “especially those from
the Upper Peninsula to help them
meet their educational costs and
to encourage them to return to
this part of Michigan to practice
dentistry after they have earned their
degree.” The Upper Peninsula Dental
Student Scholarship has helped many
students already. [See DentalUM,
Spring & Summer 2004, pages 9-10.]

Dr. Victor Knowlton (DDS 1965; MS,
Periodontics 1968) and Mrs. Caroline Knowlton
(AB 1963, Education; Education Certificate 1963) Dr.Jay Werschky (DDS 1976) &
Photo courtesy of Dr. Victor Knowlton
“In making a gift to the Dr. Major “I have always believed that the best
Ash Endowed Collegiate Professorship, way to lead is by example. I hope the gift
two words come to mind – ‘respect’ that Jan and I are making will encourage
and ‘gratitude’,” said Dr. Victor other classmates, friends, and colleagues
Knowlton. to reflect on their lives, evaluate where
“My respect for Dr. Ash is related they are, appreciate what they have
to the ways I was able to connect achieved, and now help those who decide
with him during my days as a dental to pursue a career in dentistry,” said Dr.
student and afterwards during my Jay Werschky.
periodontal training,” Knowlton said. After four years at U-M which he said
“He was my faculty advisor, directed “passed much too quickly,” Werschky
my master’s research paper, and was and his wife, Jan, returned to Flint in
involved in my clinical experiences 1976 where he started a general practice
and academic studies.” Mrs. Caroline Knowlton and Dr. Victor Knowlton. following a six-month associateship. A
Knowlton said his association short time later, their first daughter, Jill,
with Ash “continued after I graduated was born. Their second daughter, Joelle,
from the Department of Periodontics now a second-year dental student, was
and when I worked one day a week in born in 1981.
the occlusion department as well as “Since Jan and I have been a team
at the TMJ clinic for several years.” that precedes my entering dental school,
Knowlton said he is grateful “for we have often talked about finding a
the excellent education Caroline and way to give something back,” he said.
I and our two daughters received at “Since we’re both U-M grads, since I
U-M. I had wonderful experiences at was involved with the start of the new
Michigan. We are pleased to be able fundraising campaign, and since Joelle
to say ‘thank you’ in a small way to is now in the second year of her dental
the excellent staff at the University, education, the timing seemed right to
especially the dental school.” make the commitment to give back
financially,” he added.

Dr. William Costello (DDS 1970) and
Mrs.Janis Werschky (AB 1972) Mrs. Betsy Costello
Photo courtesy of Dr. Jay Werschky Photo courtesy of Dr. William Costello
“As I learned more about the need

for student scholarships, it resonated
with me,” said Dr. William Costello,
chairman of the School of Dentistry’s
fundraising efforts. “That’s why I
wanted our campaign commitment to
directly benefit deserving students.”
Costello, president of Accu Bite
Dental Supply Company [DentalUM,
Spring & Summer 2004, pages 19-
22], said his gift is a way of repaying
the University of Michigan and the
School of Dentistry for “the first-class
education I received that enabled me
Mrs. Janis and Dr. Jay Werschky. to succeed.”
Dr. William and Mrs. Betsy Costello.
“I didn’t achieve success by
The gift from the Werschkys will myself, however. Others played a Costello added “that not a day
be used for scholarships for in-state major role and that’s why I feel an goes by that I don’t think about what
students and to help fund renovations to overwhelming need to give something I’ve been able to achieve because of
the preclinical laboratory. “Anyone can back to my alma mater,” he said. the outstanding education I received
customize their gift to fit their situation That Latin phrase, meaning in Ann Arbor. This is my way of
without causing undue financial “fostering mother,” is so appropriate giving something back – to the
hardship,” he said. Costello said. “Both the University of University, to the School, and to the
Werschky has given back in other Michigan and the School of Dentistry profession.”
ways. In 1989, he was a member of the have been incredibly nourishing,
Dean Search Committee. From 1996 to enabling me, and all of us, to achieve
2003, he served on the School’s Alumni the success and quality of life that we
Society Board of Governors. have.”

Leadership Commitments
More than 70 individuals and organizations have made leadership commitments to the
School of Dentistry as a part of The Michigan Difference fundraising campaign. The gifts,
totaling more than $18 million, are a part of the “nucleus fund” that started the campaign
fundraising efforts. Below is a partial list of those donors. We will feature some of these
generous benefactors in future issues of DentalUM.
Endowed Professorships
• Dr. Royce and Mrs. Marjorie Beers, for the Hayward Professorship $35,000
• Dr. Richard and Mrs. Nancy Christiansen, for the Christiansen
Collegiate Professorship $500,000
• Dr. David and Mrs. Diana Drake, for the Hayward Professorship $15,000
• Dr. Gary and Mrs. Lynn Dwight, for the Hayward Professorship $25,000
• Dr. Edward Ellis III, for the Hayward Professorship $25,000
• Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Marci Feinberg, for the Lyons
Collegiate Professorship $25,000
• Dr. Sondra Gunn, for the Harris Collegiate Professorship $15,000
• Dr. Edmund and Mrs. Patricia Hagan, for the Hayward
Professorship $51,424
• Drs. James and Mrs. Jane Hayward, for the Lyons Collegiate Professorship $100,000
• Dr. Joseph Helman, for the Lyons Collegiate Professorship
and the Schaffer Resident Education $25,000
• Dr. Ole and Mrs. Marty Jensen, for the Hayward Professorship $100,000
• Dr. G. Peter and Mrs. Barbara Kelly, for the Ramfjord Lectureship $50,000
• Dr. Victor and Mrs. Caroline Knowlton, for the Ash Collegiate Professorship $100,000
• Chalmers J. Lyons Academy, for Lyons Professorship $40,000
• Dr. Arnold Morawa, for Morawa Lectureship $46,000
• Dr. Norman and Mrs. Elfie Schuen, for the Hayward Professorship $102,026
• Dr. Richard and Mrs. Sandra Scott, for the Hayward Professorship $50,000
• Dr. Larry and Mrs. Kathleen Skoczylas, for the Hayward Professorship $25,000
• Dr. Gilbert and Mrs. Rosalie Small, for the Hayward Professorship $105,940
• Dr. Stanley & Mrs. Linda Smith, for the Harris Collegiate Professorship $110,200
• Dr. George Yellich, for the Hayward Professorship $250,000
• Dr. Lonny and Mrs. Sondra Zeitz, for the Hayward Professorship $50,000

Scholarships
• Dr. Arnold and Mrs. Vivian Babcock $75,000
• Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Julie Ballard $110,000
• Dr. Eli and Mrs. Joanna Berger $100,000
• Dr. William and Mrs. Betsy Costello $100,000
• Dr. Norman J. Dahn Estate $2,877,089
• Dr. Loren and Mrs. Sharon Daniels $100,000
• Dr. Darnell and Mrs. Shirley Kaigler $37,500
• Dr. G. Peter and Mrs. Barbara Kelly $50,000
• Dr. Robert Lathrop $100,000
• Norman Mette Foundation $195,000
• Dr. David and Mrs. Janet Miller $122,900
• Dr. Andrew Rasmussen Estate $872,482
• Dr. Titus Van Haitsma $68,530
• Dr. Jay and Mrs. Janis Werschky $50,000
Facilities (all for the Dr. Roy Roberts Preclinical Laboratory)

• Dr. Robert and Mrs. Becky Berube $15,000
• Dr. John and Mrs. Dalores Burau $15,000
• Dr. Susan Carron and Mr. Howard Simon $15,000
• Dr. Michael Cerminaro and Dr. Connie Verhagen $15,000
• Dr. Marnie and Mr. Brian Grant $15,000
• Dr. Metodi and Mrs. Marcia Pogoncheff $16,010
• Dr. James and Mrs. Kathy Roahen $15,000
• Dr. Roy and Mrs. Natalie Roberts $1,800,000
• Dr. Wesson and Mrs. Janie Schulz $15,000
• Dr. Douglas and Mrs. Jane Thompson $15,000
• Dr. Harry Thomson $15,000
• Dr. Jay and Mrs. Janis Werschky $50,000
• Dr. Marilyn and Mr. Gerald Woolfolk $15,000

The Michigan Difference of
Benefactors and Student Meet
Dr. Raymond Robins and Mrs. Barbara Robins Meet “Their Student,” Annelise Preslan
Per Kjeldsen
It was a first...for both benefactors and the student.

During the School of Dentistry’s campaign kickoff
dinner, Dr. Raymond Robins (DDS 1944) and his wife,
Barbara, met “their student,” Annelise Preslan.
Preslan, now a third-year dental student, received
a generous scholarship from Dr. and Mrs. Robins that
allowed her to attend U-M.
Dr. Robins said that in 1941, when he was a first-year
student, he and several classmates knew someone in
Detroit who was “a resource for emergency funds if they
ever fell on hard times and couldn’t make financial ends
meet.”
Although Robins said he never personally had to seek Dr. Ray Robins, Annelise Preslan, and Mrs. Barbara Robins.
funds from that individual, he was inspired to provide
similar resources for students. To date, he and his wife trip two years ago to Beijing with the Lehigh University
have made gifts for scholarships to benefit or help support Philharmonic Orchestra,” she said.
three other U-M dental students as well as Preslan. The three could meet again.
“They invited me to visit them in Santa Barbara,”
Benefactors and Student Impressed Preslan said.
“This is the first time we had an opportunity to meet Dr. Robins said he and his wife were enroute to see
one of our students,” he said. “I was very impressed with family and friends in New York. “We timed our trip so
Annelise and believe she will be an asset to the profession we could be here tonight,” he said.
after she graduates.” “I was impressed with how many U-M dental school
Preslan said she “was impressed by how warm and alumni traveled great distances to support their alma
down-to-earth they were. I enjoyed Mrs. Robins telling mater,” Preslan added. “It makes it clear why Michigan
me the story of how she and Dr. Robins first met and their is such a great school.”
early courtship.” The Robins and Preslan were among more than 50
They also discussed the arts. alumni, their spouses, faculty, staff, and students who
“I told them I performed two days earlier with the attended a dinner at the home of Dean Peter Polverini to
U-M Life Sciences Orchestra and told them about my mark the beginning of the School’s fundraising effort.

Another Kind...
Ortho Residents Create “ Wolverine Fund”
Photo courtesy of James McNamara
years so future residents will have the financial resources

available for dues and to attend important orthodontic
conferences.
One of the members of the class, Michael Hess, said,
“During conversations with orthodontic residents at
other schools, we learned that many of their programs
had strong financial support from their alumni that paid
their travel expenses, and even dues, enabling the ortho
residents to attend major professional conferences.”
Since Michigan did not have a similar program, the
ortho residents decided to create one.
“Our effort will allow future orthodontic residents to
Ortho residents who created “The Wolverine Fund” include (left to right): attend those very important meetings, such as the annual
Christopher Freeman, Nicole Jane, Michael Hess, Annie Zionic, Toby
VanLandschoot, and Courtney Dunn. American Association of Orthodontists conference,” Hess
said.
Orthodontic residents of the Class of 2004 have The group hopes future orthodontic residents will also
pledged $30,000 to a new fund that will support pledge $1,000 annually for five years to allow residents
future orthodontic residents who wish to attend major to attend the major conferences.
educational meetings. “We’re also hoping that other School of Dentistry
The six residents who created “The Wolverine Fund” graduates, especially those who earned their orthodontics
have each pledged $1,000 annually for the next five degree at U-M, will also be a part of this effort,” he said.
Martin Bailey
Acknowledging a Gift
Dr. Michael Cerminaro and his wife, Dr. Connie Verhagen, both members of the Class of 1986,
recently pledged $15,000 to support renovations to the Roy H. Roberts Preclinical Laboratory.
“We’re proud of our U-M School of Dentistry degrees and pledging financial support was
our way of giving back,” said Verhagen, former class president. To acknowledge their gift, Drs.
Cerminaro and Verhagen received a stool that they used as students in one of the preclinics.
Both recently volunteered to be Muskegon area regional campaign committee members for
The Michigan Difference campaign.

8 Inducted Into
Eight persons were inducted into the School of Dentistry’s Hall of Honor during
Homecoming Weekend ceremonies in October. They join 18 individuals who were the
first to be inducted last fall. [DentalUM, Fall 2003, pages 12-24.]
The Hall of Honor recognizes and honors the achievements of legends of the dental
profession, all deceased, who once were associated with the University of Michigan
School of Dentistry. Nominees must have been a graduate of the dental, dental hygiene,
master’s or doctoral program and/or a faculty member, and /or a research staff member
at U-M.
The names of those who were nominated were reviewed earlier this year by the
Review Committee of the School of Dentistry’s Alumni Society Board of Governors who
submitted the names to the full Board for approval.
The names of the eight are listed on pages 46-49 as are the years they lived and their
degrees. Below those items is the inscription on each plaque.
Per Kjeldsen
Richard Ryan and

his son, Andrew,
stand in front of
the Hall of Honor
plaque honoring
Dr. Kenneth Ryan.
Inductees Fondly Remembered

Family, friends, and former colleagues of those inducted came from Michigan and
elsewhere to attend the ceremony.
They included Richard Ryan and his son, Andrew. The Ryans are the son and
grandson, respectively, of the late Dr. Kenneth Ryan.

Hall of Honor
Per Kjeldsen Per Kjeldsen
Drs. Eli Berger, James Hayward, and Gerry Charbeneau were among those present Patricia Mayo admires the plaque honoring her late father, Dr. Fred Henny.
for Hall of Honor induction ceremonies.
Addressed 28 State Conventions Also attending was the daughter of the late Dr. Fred
Following the induction ceremony, Richard Ryan said Henny, Patricia Mayo. She drove from New Jersey to visit
his father “would have been deeply honored to be here a daughter in Ohio before traveling to Ann Arbor to attend
and to be recognized for his work. He loved the University the ceremony.
of Michigan and the people he worked with here at this
School.” Former Colleagues Comment
One thing Ryan remembered about his father was his Several colleagues of those inducted read from the
speaking schedule. plaques and made comments.
“He certainly spoke to a lot of different groups,” Speaking of Dr. Henny, Dr. James Hayward, who
Richard Ryan said. “One year was especially notable traveled from Florida for the ceremony, said, “Dr. Henny’s
because he addressed 28 state conventions about the contributions and loyalty to this School are fondly
benefit of prepaid dental plans. It’s incredible even now remembered.”
to think about it.” Hayward also spoke fondly of “my chief for many
Although he worked in his father’s dental office for years, Dr. John Kemper.”
six summers while he was in junior and senior high Dr. Eli Berger, who read from the plaque honoring
school, Ryan said he never had the desire to enter the Dr. Robert Moyers, said, “This was a special honor for me
dental profession. Today, he owns six international truck because Dr. Moyers was my mentor throughout my years
dealerships in South Carolina. of dental education.”
“As wonderful as this recognition of my father is,” Family members who attended the induction
Ryan said, “the best part was knowing that he was my ceremony received a replica of the plaque that honors
dearest friend...ever.” their loved one.

Mary Crowley
1904-2002
MSPH 1928, University of Michigan
A devoted teacher and researcher for more than 40 years, Mary
Crowley played a major role in early research investigating
dental caries. She skillfully correlated the science of bacteriology
with dental clinical practice and influenced students to rely on
scientific fact. She was a major contributor to a group which
made the University of Michigan internationally known for
research and teaching in the formative days of endodontics.
Her congenial personality made her a beloved member of the
faculty.
Louis P. Hall
1860-1941
DDS 1889, University of Michigan
Known as a caring and distinguished teacher for 39 years,
Dr. Hall taught dental anatomy and operative dentistry and
was especially adept at positive reinforcement. Respected by
colleagues for his high ethical standards, Dr. Hall was active in
elevating the dental profession with his involvement in local
and state dental societies. He was also an active and highly
regarded civic leader and Red Cross volunteer.

Fred A. Henny
1912-1989
A leader in his specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery,
Dr. Henny founded the International Association of Oral &
Maxillofacial Surgery (1962). He served as President of the
American Board of Oral Surgeons and the American Society
of Oral Surgeons and was the first to receive the Society’s
Distinguished Service Award (1970). A popular speaker,
outstanding administrator, and gifted writer, Dr. Henny edited
the Journal of Oral Surgery for 15 years and volunteered time
and service to the profession outside of his specialty.
John W. Kemper
1891-1952
MD 1927, University of Michigan
An outstanding and congenial teacher of oral and maxillofacial
surgery for 17 years, he carried on the work of Dr. Chalmers
Lyons in cleft lip and cleft palate surgery. Dr. Kemper chaired
the School’s Department of Oral Surgery and also served as
Director of the Oral Surgery Residency Program and Chief of
Staff at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. In addition to teaching
senior oral surgery and continuing dental education courses,
Dr. Kemper held offices at local, state, and national levels of
specialty organizations.

Robert E. Moyers
1919-1996
DDS 1942, University of Iowa
MS 1947, University of Iowa
PhD 1949, University of Iowa
A creative and thoughtful thinker who realized the merits
of interdisciplinary projects, Dr. Moyers was Chair of the
Department of Orthodontics. In 1967, he established and served
as Director of the Center for Human Growth and Development
which helped non-orthodontists better understand child growth
and development. Generous with his knowledge and time,
Dr. Moyers brought diverse groups together to improve the
human condition. In 1973, he received the University’s highest
academic honor, the Distinguished Faculty Achievement
Award, for his work.
Kenneth J. Ryan
1909-1993
Dr. Kenneth Ryan was a visionary in developing the concept of
prepaid dental care. Professional guidelines he helped pioneer
are now used by the insurance industry, government, and
corporations. Dr. Ryan made hundreds of presentations to
professional, business, and governmental groups and convinced
them that prepaid plans would significantly increase the
public’s access to quality and comprehensive dental care. He
was President of the Michigan Dental Association (1964-1965)
and received some of the dental profession’s highest awards.

Francis B. Vedder
1892-1962
Distinguished in appearance and manner, students considered
Dr. Vedder their favorite teacher and clinician. Unusually
considerate at chairside, students always learned from him.
He was faculty secretary for 14 years (1923-1937) and chaired
the Department of Crown and Bridge Prosthesis (1934-1962).
To honor his contributions to the School and the profession,
the Francis B. Vedder Society was established at the School of
Dentistry in 1959.
John A. Watling
1839-1919
DDS 1860, Ohio College of Dentistry
Dr. Watling played a key role in helping to pass a law that
legalized dentistry in Michigan in 1883. He also helped
establish what would become The College of Dental Surgery
at the University of Michigan in 1875. The first graduate from
a dental college to establish a practice in Michigan, he was
President of the Michigan State Dental Society (1865). Strong
in convictions and outspoken, Dr. Watling served on the faculty
in operative dentistry (1885-1903) and gained the affection and
loyalty of his students.

Homecoming Weekend
Emeritus Alums Reunite, Receive Pins
Impressed with New Technology in Preclinic
Keary Campbell
Twenty graduates of the Dental Class of
1954 and eight graduates of the Dental Hygiene
Class of 1954 marked their 50-year graduation
with a luncheon and a pinning ceremony this
fall.
After receiving their emeritus pins
from Dean Peter Polverini, they also had an
opportunity to tour the new Roberts Preclinical
Laboratory.
“It’s just a little different than when we
Dr. Jerome Kurtis, a member of the Class of 1954, was among the 20 were here as students,” said Dr. Richard Brooks.
dental graduates to receive an emeritus pin from Dean Peter Polverini.
Eight dental hygiene graduates also received their pins.
“It was impressive, truly impressive,” he said
of the new equipment and technology being
used by first- and second-year dental students.
Keary Campbell
Dr. Mary Ellen McLean, a preclinical instructor,

demonstrated how the new technology is being
used.
The differences in preclinical instruction
today and yesterday were not lost on Brooks.
“When I was a student we would have to
crowd around an instructor to see what he
was trying to demonstrate,” he said. “But now
students don’t have to do that. An instructor
As other alumni tour the new Roy Roberts Preclinical Laboratory, can use a television camera and zoom in on a
Dr. Samuel Nagel watches second-year dental student Josh Friedman
work on a mannequin head. procedure and each student can look at their
monitor to clearly see what’s being done.”
Another alumnus, Dr. Samuel Nagel,
agreed.
“It’s like night and day, comparing how
students are learning now versus when I was
a student,” he said. “As a student, I never
imagined this kind of technology being used.
It’s outstanding.”

Homecoming Weekend
Corpron Receives Distinguished Service Award
Keary Campbell
Dr. Richard Corpron,

who taught at the School
o f D e n t i s t r y f o r m o re
than 30 years, received
the Distinguished Service
Award during Homecoming
Weekend activities. He
received the award in front
of his classmates during
their 50-year reunion in
early October.
Presented by the School
of Dentistry’s Alumni Society Dr. Richard Corpron received the Distinguished Service Award from Dr.
Susan Carron (DDS 1977), a member of the School’s Alumni Society Board
Board of Governors, the of Governors, in front of his classmates during Homecoming Weekend.
award honors an individual
for his or her achievements during their career.
Corpron earned four degrees from U-M – a DDS in 1954, a master’s degree in
pedodontics in 1960, a master’s in anatomy in 1962, and a doctorate in anatomy
in 1966.
He joined the dental school faculty in 1964, was promoted to assistant professor
in 1966, associate professor in 1969, and professor in 1972.
During more than three decades of service at the School, Corpron chaired the
Department of Pedodontics (1969-1987), was a member of the U-M Senate Assembly
(1975-1980), and was a member of the University’s Budget Priorities Committee
(1985-1988).
In addition to belonging to numerous dental and professional organizations
and serving as an office holder, Corpron was a member or chaired more than 100
master’s theses committees and had a distinguished record of achievement in dental
research.
Named the Marcus L. Ward Professor of Dentistry in 1993, Corpron retired from
active faculty status in August 1996.
This spring, Dr. Frank Comstock received the same award during graduation
ceremonies (see story, page 67).

Homecoming Weekend
Jerry Mastey
School of Dentistry alumni joined other U-M alumni at a tailgate party at Elbel Field prior to the
football game between the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota. School of
Dentistry alums at the tailgate included Dr. Richard Brooks of Punta Gorda, Florida (right) and Dr.
Robert Crossman and his wife, Barbara, from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
www.dent.umich.edu
Online Registration Now a Reality for
Continuing Education Courses
Dentists, dental hygienists, and other oral health care professionals who wish to
register for continuing dental education courses offered by the University of Michigan
School of Dentistry can now do so online. Previously, the only way to register was by
calling, mailing, or faxing information to the Office of Continuing Education.
Online registration is convenient and possible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Information individuals provide during registration is also secure.
Individuals can register online for one or more courses by visiting the School’s Web
site: www.dent.umich.edu and then clicking “Continuing Education” in the right-hand
frame. When the Continuing Education page appears, click “Course List” in the left-
hand frame and select the course you wish to attend sponsored by any of the academic
departments.

2 in a Row! Jerry Mastey
Freshcorn New Major
Gifts Director
Jeff Freshcorn is the new director

of major gifts at the School of
Dentistry.
He started his professional
development career at Michigan as
an intern in the athletic department
and then worked as a development
associate at Eastern M ichigan
University.
Afterwards, Freshcorn spent
four years as assistant vice president
Finishing in first place, at 15under par, was the team of Tom Pinnavaia, Paul Elder, Mike Marderosian, for development at Siena Heights
and David Heidenreich. University in Adrian, Michigan
before returning to U-M as director
Another first was recorded during this fall’s School of Dentistry
of development at the School of
annual Golf Classic.
Kinesiology.
For the second consecutive year, the team of Tom Pinnavaia, Paul
Wh i l e a t K i n e s i o l o g y, h e
Elder, Mike Maderosian, and Dave Heidenreich won first place in team
spearheaded three consecutive years
competition. And their team score, 15 under par, matched their score
of record-setting fundraising. He was
last year.
Second place winners, at 14 under par, were Crayton Kidd, Darnell also responsible for securing both the
McKandes, Gerard Freeman, and Victor Roache. largest outright gift and the largest
Third place winners, at 13 under par, were Devin Norman, Bill Lyle, planned gift ever.
Chris Norman, and Shari Norman. Freshcorn succeeds Diana Neering
Unlike last year, however, no one recorded a hole-in-one during this who is now director of development at
year’s tournament on Sept. 23. “The pressure was on, but I wasn’t able the School of Natural Resources.
to do it” joked Cal Wisanen (DDS 1973) who aced the twelfth hole last Per Kjeldsen
year.
Dr. William Brownscombe (DDS 1974) said, “I was really looking
forward to this year’s event to see some of my former instructors and
be with some of my classmates,” as he approached the tenth hole at
the U-M Golf Course.
Dean Peter Polverini greeted all golfers at the tenth including
Brownscombe and other members of his group – Frank Comstock (DDS
1950, MS 1955), H. Dean Millard (DDS 1952, MS 1956), and Julius “Juke”
Lubbers (DDS 1944).
This year, 116 individuals participated in the Seventh Annual School Jeffrey Freshcorn, the new director of major gifts.
of Dentistry Golf Classic.
– 2005 Golf Outing –

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Alumnus Profile Jerry Mastey
DDS 1976

Dr. Timothy Giving Back
to the Dental
Gietzen Profession
G rowing up in Grand Rapids, Tim Gietzen’s father thought his son would
one day take over and run the service station he had operated 12 hours
a day, 6 days a week for more than 40 years. But around the time he was
in sixth or seventh grade, young Tim Gietzen was considering other career
plans.
Following conversations with some of the customers enjoyed what they were doing and how they were able
who often stopped by his father’s service station, to help others. I began thinking that dentistry could be a
including three School of Dentistry alums, Gietzen was rewarding career for me and that, one day, it might allow
slowly, but surely, gravitating toward dentistry. me to earn enough to provide for a family,” he said.
The three School of Dentistry graduates – Dr. Robert
Browne (DDS 1952, MS 1959), the late Dr. Robert Richards, Parents: Great Role Models
Sr. (DDS 1948), and Dr. Raymond Stevens (DDS 1944) But Gietzen knew, from the conversations with Drs.
– often chatted with Gietzen about the profession and Browne, Richards, and Stevens, that the path to becoming
their experiences. a dentist would involve hard work. He also knew that no
“I washed their cars, pumped gas and also caddied one in his family had yet attended college. So his final
for them, other dentists, and physicians at a nearby golf decision about a college and a potential career would be
course,” Gietzen said. an example to six other brothers and sisters.
“I saw that all three were successful and obviously “My mother or father hadn’t attended college because
54
they were busy raising seven of us,” he said. “But they his grades weren’t good enough. “I remember talking to
were great role models. They were wonderful mentors Don Strachan, the assistant dean of admissions. He even
who taught me the importance of honesty, love, hard told me to consider another profession. I thanked him for
work, and applying yourself.” his time and told him I appreciated the advice but said,
Gietzen worked at his father’s service station from ‘you’ll be seeing me again’.”
fifth grade until he graduated from high school in 1967. The gauntlet had been thrown down.
In high school, Gietzen distinguished himself in other “I wasn’t deterred. If anything, I became even more
ways. focused. My desire was high. My passion was high. My
He was the president of his senior class, the captain grades, however, were only average. I thought I was a
of the football team and its quarterback, president good student in high school, but I was determined to
of the Varsity Club, and played become an even better student in
basketball. college,” Gietzen said.
After attending nearby Grand “I’ve always enjoyed giving He succeeded. During his senior
Rapids Community College, Gietzen year at Western, Gietzen was a
back to the profession. As a
then attended Western Michigan straight-A student.
University in Kalamazoo, majored dental professional, I have Unknown to him, five or six
in biology, and earned a bachelor’s always wanted to give back, friends at the School of Dentistry
degree in 1972. approached Strachan and urged
While at Western, he joined the in some way, to organized him to include Gietzen among
Young Dentists Club. In retrospect, dentistry. It’s easy to do and, those who would begin their
his decision to join would become predoctoral studies in the fall of
after all these years, I’m still
a personal trademark. It was 1972.
the start of nearly three decades enjoying it.” “I didn’t learn about that until
of involvement in the dental years later,” Gietzen said. “When I
profession. did, I couldn’t believe it. That these
During his junior year at Western, Gietzen set his five or six guys would go to bat for me and present my
sights on admission to the University of Michigan School case to the Dean of Students is something I’ll always be
of Dentistry. grateful for.”
In the summer of 1970, Gietzen married Kathleen
Gaining Admission to Michigan Kuhn, a nurse at U-M whom he had met when he was a
“The University of Michigan has been in my blood for high school senior. Six years later, he received his Doctor
as long as I can remember,” he said. “I wanted to attend of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan
Michigan as an undergrad and even had dreams of one School of Dentistry and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force
day playing football there.” and practiced dentistry for two years at Vandenberg Air
In that context, applying for admission to the dental Force Base in California.
school was obvious. But there were other reasons he
wanted to attend. Giving Back to the Profession
“Michigan’s dental school had the distinct advantage When he returned to Grand Rapids in 1978, Gietzen
of having the name and faculty members who were tops joined the practice of Dr. John Cook (DDS 1957). Cook, now
in the profession – Hayward, Ash, Cartwright, Ramfjord, 70, is a former senior partner of Partners in Dental Care,
and Charbeneau, to name a few,” he said. “On top of a group of oral health care professionals that includes six
that, all the people who wrote the books that were being dentists, eight hygienists, and nearly two dozen other
used in the profession were there. Considering all of those employees. The largest dental organization in western
factors, that’s where I wanted to be.” Michigan, Partners in Dental Care provides oral health
But admission wouldn’t be easy. One lesson Gietzen’s care to more than 10,000 patients in that part of the
parents taught him, the power of perseverance, paid state.
dividends later. Of Cook, Gietzen said, “He’s a visionary and a
When he first applied, Gietzen said he was told that wonderful mentor to all of us. His interpersonal relations
DentalUM
DentalUM Fall
Fall 2004
2004 55
55
allow all of us to work together, keeping egos to a Matthew, a fourth-year dental student at the School of
minimum, so that the patient benefits.” Dentistry, wasn’t interested, at least initially, in a dental
Other partners include: Drs. Henry Milanowski (DDS career. “I wanted him to find his own path,” Gietzen said.
1965), John VanderKolk (DDS 1985), Shawn Dial (DDS 1999), “Did I encourage him to enter the profession?,” he asked
Christine Mason (DDS 1999), and Gietzen. rhetorically. “Let me put it this way, I was very careful
Almost from the moment he left the Air Force and with the information I gave him,” Gietzen said with a
returned to Grand Rapids, Gietzen became involved with smile.
local, regional, state, and national dental groups. Over However, Gietzen said he’s not making any
the years, he has held leadership roles with various assumptions his son will work in his practice following
dental organizations including the presidency of the graduation next May. “I’d love to have him work here, but
West Michigan District Dental Jerry Mastey
if he does, he won’t be working
Society and the West Michigan for his father. He’ll be working
Dental Foundation and chairing with his father and four other
numerous committees. [See dental professionals.”
Career Highlights, page 57.] Melissa, who
Gietzen is giving back in graduated from U-M three
other ways. years ago with a bachelor’s
In the early 1990s, he degree in musical theater,
launched the Clinic of Santa had the leading role of Laurie
Maria, a dental/medical clinic in the musical, Oklahoma,
that provides oral health care at the Power Center in 2001.
Partners in Dental Care include (front row, left to right): Dr. Shawn Dial,
to the underserved in the Dr. Christine Mason, office administrator Janie Begeman, and Dr. Henry Currently, she’s on Broadway
Grand Rapids area...was chair Milanowski and (back row): Drs. John VanderKolk (left) and Timothy in New York City. “She’s smart,
of the School of Dentistry’s Gietzen. energetic, and has a great
Alumni Society Board of Governors...was a member of the personality. She went to New York to pursue a dream,
committee that searched for a new dean...served on the and now she’s starting to realize it,” he said.
Board of Directors of the Delta Dental Plan of Michigan,
Ohio, and Indiana...and chairs Delta Dental Fund’s Looking Back and Ahead...and Some Advice
Educational Committee. Talking about his life and career, Gietzen said, “I owe
“I’ve always enjoyed giving back to the profession,” a lot to so many people – my parents and my wife, among
Gietzen said. “As a dental professional, I have always others. But I also owe much to my partners here in this
wanted to give back, in some way, to organized dentistry. practice who have mentored me professionally, ethically,
It’s easy to do and, after all these years, I’m still enjoying and correctly.”
it.” If there’s one thing Gietzen said he wishes he could do
Gietzen’s personal traits, professional achievements, more of, it would be mentoring young dentists. “I would
and service to the profession were uppermost in the like to teach them some of the things I learned after I
minds of the West Michigan District Dental Society when graduated, such as how to build long-term relationships
the society presented him with its Distinguished Service with patients and how to be the best dentist possible,”
Award, otherwise known as the Silent Bell Award in 2002. he said.
In presenting the award, the dental group said, “Where As a dentist who also serves on the Board of Directors
he goes, he makes it better.” of a Grand Rapids bank, Gietzen said he’s concerned that
many dental graduates are trying to acquire too much
Son to be a Dentist; Daughter an Aspiring too soon. “They stretch themselves financially and have
Broadway Actress no cushion if something adverse happens,” he said.
In addition to his career and involvement with “If I could mentor them, I advise them, ‘Be patient,
professional societies and businesses, Gietzen and his save some money, and give back to the profession because
wife also enjoy talking about the achievements of their what you give will come back to you many-fold and in
son, Matthew, and daughter, Melissa. ways you never expected’.”
56 DentalUM
DentalUM Fall
Fall 2004
2004
Timothy Gietzen, DDS
Selected Highlights
Education
• Bachelor of Science, Western Michigan University (1972)
• Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Michigan School of Dentistry (1976)
Professional Affiliations and Leadership Roles

• American Dental Association (1976 to present)
• Michigan Dental Association (1979 to present)
- House of Delegates (1983-1990)
- Membership Committee (1991-1993); Chair (1993)
• Kent County Dental Society (1979 to present)
• West Michigan District Dental Society (1979 to present)
- Director and Officer (1983-1988); President (1988-1989)
- National Children’s Dental Health Committee (1980-1983); Chair (1981-1982)
- Dental Care Committee (1981-1985); Chair (1982-1985)
- Membership Committee (1985-1988); Chair (1987-1988)
- Nominations Committee (1989-1994); Chair (1994)
- Programs and Arrangements Committee (1986-1989); Chair (1987-1988)
- Group Dental of West Michigan (1990-1992); Chair 1990-1992)
- 50 Years of Water Fluoridation Committee, co-chair (1990-1995)
• West Michigan Steering Committee (1982-1990)
- Program Chair (1988-1989)
- President (1989-1990)
• West Michigan District Dental Society Foundation (1991 to present)
- President (1993-1997, 2000)
• University of Michigan School of Dentistry Alumni Society Board of Governors
- Member (1995-2001)
- Chairman (2000-2001)
• Delta Dental Plan of Michigan, Board of Directors (1995-2001)
• Delta Dental Fund (1996 to present)
- Scientific Committee, Chair (1998 to present)
- Chairman (2001-2003)
• Dean Search Committee, U-M School of Dentistry (2002-2003)
Honors and Awards

• Distinguished Service (Silent Bell) Award, West Michigan District Dental Society (2002)
• Fellow, American College of Dentists (1992 to present)
DentalUM
DentalUM Fall
Fall 2004
2004 57
57
Surprise!
Board of Governors Given Pop
Quiz During Meeting
Talk about a surprise! parents wanted to know if she needed braces,

Members of the School of Dentistry’s an elderly patient with complex dental
Alumni Society Board of Governors received treatment needs who was taking different
one during their spring meeting. medications, a three-year-old with sores in
The surprise? her mouth, a young adult with a high caries
A pop quiz given by Associate Dean for rate and oral swelling, and an adult who
Academic Affairs, Dr. Marilyn Lantz. experienced a medical emergency in the
Toward the end of a lively 80-minute dental office.
presentation in which she described some The exam Board members took that
recent changes to the predoctoral curriculum afternoon differed significantly from essay
[see related story, pages 60-61], Lantz told or multiple choice tests they had as students
those present, “we’re now going to do twenty or more years ago.
something fun.”
Placing a box on a table and then What Students Know, What They
opening it, Lantz distributed test material Must Apply
to Board members. Known as an “Objectively Structured
Clinical Examination,” or OSCE, the test is
New Test Different than Others designed to measure competence in patient
As she distributed the materials, Lantz assessment, diagnosis and treatment
told Board members the test “is one our planning, patient management skills,
dental students must pass before they communication skills, and critical appraisal
graduate. It allows us to measure things we skills across a range of subjects.
have never directly measured before, such as To successfully complete the exam,
a student’s ability to function independently students are required to integrate information
as a dentist, particularly in the area of learned during the four years of their
making independent clinical decisions.” predoctoral education.
Describing the exam as “a typical day OSCE requires students to demonstrate
in the office,” items handed out included what they have learned about patient care,
information about 10 “patients” a general but not by recalling specific facts as they
dentist would likely see during the day. do for board exams and traditional dental
The “patients,” ranging in age from 3 to 70, school tests. Instead, OSCE requires dental
had a range of oral health conditions and students to show that they can appropriately
treatment needs. apply what they have learned in dental
They included a sixth-grader whose school in a patient care environment.

Per Kjeldsen Per Kjeldsen Per Kjeldsen
As Dr. William Brownscombe (DDS 1974) was completing a part Janet Cook (DH 1981), seen here with Dr. William Brownscombe, Dr. Susan Carron (DDS 1977) gives answers to questions
of one quiz, in the background Daniel Edwards (DDS 1997), Julian said the quiz was an opportunity “to experience what today’s on the quiz.
Miller, and Thomas Osborn (DDS 1968) collaborated on another students face and gave us a chance to work together and learn a
test. Miller, a fourth-year student, represents dental students. little more about each other’s backgrounds and experiences.”
For each case scenario (referred to as a can synthesize knowledge in different

“station”), such as those given to members fields, just as a practicing dentist does,”
of the Alumni Society Board of Governors, a Lantz said. “And we want our students to
student must perform certain tasks, make demonstrate that they can apply what they
decisions about diagnostic test data, develop have learned, not just that they can recall
treatment plans, ask patients questions certain information for a test.”
about their medical and dental histories, and
more. Students must also answer specific Enthusiastic Reaction
questions about their findings and develop The pop quiz will probably be one of
follow-up treatment plans. the major highlights Board members will
remember.
Providing Important Feedback When it was over, one member, Dr.
In addition to assessing student Thomas Osborn (DDS 1968) said, “I was kind
competence in certain areas, the exam of shocked when we were given the test. I
also provides the School of Dentistry with certainly didn’t expect it. Did it bring back
important feedback about its curriculum. memories!” he said smiling.
For example, responses of senior dental Dr. William Costello (DDS 1970), Board
students to a case scenario that requires chairman, voiced similar comments. “Never
them to manage an avulsed anterior did I think I’d be taking a test while I was
permanent tooth in adolescents “made us on the Board,” he said grinning. “But it was
aware that different disciplines within the fun.”
School are teaching different protocols for Two other members, Anne Gwozdek and
managing this problem,” Lantz said. Janet Cook, said they enjoyed the exercise.
She invited Board members to collaborate “I thought the exam mimicked what
in groups of two or three, but noted each takes place in the real world,” said Gwozdek
student must take and pass each OSCE (DH 1973). “It was also a great opportunity
station independently. for us to collaborate.”
For more than 20 minutes, Board Cook (DH 1981) agreed, adding, “There was
members examined radiographs, diagnostic a major shift of energy when the exams were
models, case histories, noted pathologies, passed out. Not only did it give us a chance
and consulted with one another. to experience what today’s students face, it
“We want students to be able to gave us a chance to work together and, in the
demonstrate that they are competent, that process, learn a little more about each other’s
they are knowledgeable, and that they backgrounds and experiences,” she said.

Curriculum Changes to Predoc Program Described
The Integrated Medical Science Series
Per Kjeldsen
A program designed to help School During the fall semester of their

of Dentistry predoctoral students “see second year in the predoc program,
the connections” between dentistry students in IMS-III take five modules
and various medical disciplines on subjects ranging from hematology
has been incorporated into the first and dermatology to the renal,
and second years of the four-year gastrointestinal, and reproductive
program. systems.
Highlights of the program known
as “The Integrated Medical Sciences Applying What’s Learned
Series” were presented to members At the end of each unit or module
of the School’s Alumni Society Board during the three semesters, students
of Governors during their spring Dr. Marilyn Lantz, associate dean for academic take a case-based integrated
meeting. affairs, describes the Integrated Medical Science examination that requires them to
Started during the 2003-2004 Series to members of the School’s Board of Gover- cumulatively apply what they have
nors. The program is designed to help predoctoral
academic year, the program was students “see the connections” between dentistry learned in all the modules, and not just
established “to help our dental students and various medical disciplines. “recall facts.” Students are introduced
better understand how physicians to an Objectively Structured Clinical
think as well as show the connections between oral and Examination (OSCE) at the conclusion of the IMS series.
systemic health,” said Dr. Marilyn Lantz, associate dean OSCEs require students demonstrate what they have
for academic affairs. learned, not by recalling one or more specific facts, but
by applying what they have learned.
Medical School Collaboration “We want to know if our students can use what they
Graduate and post-graduate students from the U-M have learned and apply it in the same way as a private
Medical School participate in the program. practice or public health dentist,” Lantz said. “These tests
“I’ve been impressed with the Fellows in the medical require each student to actually demonstrate that they
specialties because they’re well prepared, talk in depth can apply what they have learned, not just that they can
about subject matter, and highlight signs and symptoms recall facts to answer questions on multiple choice-type
of diseases and disorders that should be ‘red flags’ for exams.”
dentists as they deliver patient care,” Lantz said. “Our
students rise to the occasion with their questions and Reasons for Changes
observations.” While the School of Dentistry has always been looking
During the winter semester, first-year dental students for ways to improve its curriculum, determining what
in IMS-I take two- to three-week instructional units or to add, what to keep, and what to discard is a growing
modules that range from cells to tissues (about common challenge.
processes in all body systems) to the nervous, endocrine, Lantz said the explosion of knowledge in dental and
musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory medical fields in recent years, advances in technology, and
systems. shifting demographics “have always made us constantly
The following semester, first-year dental students take look at our curriculum to see how we can modify it, not
a seven-week head and neck anatomy course (IMS-II). just to reflect today’s realities, but to also prepare our

students for the future. But it’s a lot harder now than it
Major Required
was twenty or thirty years ago when we were students Competencies
because new knowledge was being added to the database
at a slower rate then,” she told Board members. Here is a list of some of the major competencies U-M
Also sparking change is the ADA’s Commission on School of Dentistry predoctoral students are required
Dental Accreditation. to demonstrate before receiving their degree.
“The commission no longer takes our word, or the
word of other dental schools, that students are competent • The graduating student makes decisions affecting
to practice after they graduate,” she said. “That’s a the practice of dentistry based on ethical principles
huge shift from the past. It wants schools to develop a and as prescribed by law.
set of objective and independent measures and use them • The graduating student participates in professional
to demonstrate that students are, indeed, competent to self-regulation.
practice.” • The graduating student functions successfully in
Lantz said School of Dentistry alumni “helped us a multicultural work environment by demon-
develop many of the competency guidelines we’re now strating sensitivity to and accommodation for
using.” cultural differences in interactions with patients
Describing alumni response as “phenomenal,” and colleagues.
she said “we received a 32 percent response rate to • The graduating student incorporates methods of
our questionnaire soliciting their feedback on the science and scientific inquiry into clinical practice.
competencies we developed for our graduates. They • The graduating student communicates effectively
responded with many great suggestions, and many of with patients and colleagues.
them were incorporated into the final version of our • The graduating student obtains records, updates
competency document.” [See sidebar.] and organizes accurate and complete medical/
dental histories including pertinent psychological
The Role of Ethics and sociocultural information.
In addition to requirements of the Commission on • The graduating student performs, records, and
Dental Accreditation for instruction in professional organizes a physical and behavioral assessment of
ethics, other developments are prompting curriculum the patient appropriate for the provision of oral
modifications. They include data from nationwide health care.
surveys among dental academic deans, evolving • The graduating student determines differential,
regulatory issues and professional codes, and growing provisional, or definitive diagnoses by correlating
realization about the importance of instruction in this and interpreting examination and assessment
area. findings.
Instruction in Ethics and Professionalism will become • The graduating student develops treatment plans
more prominent in future dental curricula nationally and that are sequenced to address the chief complaint,
in School of Dentistry courses, Lantz said. “While there oral disease, restore oral form, function, and
are no tests that can predict how an individual might esthetics, maintain health, and prevent disease
act in a specific situation, we want students to develop consistent with assessment and diagnosis.
a very nuanced understanding of professionalism and its • The graduating student monitors and provides for
role in society,” she said. patient comfort associated with oral health care.
“The profession is responsible for monitoring its own • The graduating student delivers and/or manages
ethical standards, and this practice must begin in dental the planned treatment in sequence, in accordance
school,” Lantz said. “Our Code of Conduct is described with accepted standards of care, and modifies
in our Honor System which includes the ADA and ASDA the treatment plan as required by changing
Codes and is also consistent with University of Michigan circumstances.
policies.”

Looking for Members!
Alumni Society Board of Governors

Here’s your chance to make a difference.
In September 2005, five new members will be elected to the U-M School of Dentistry’s Alumni Society
Board of Governors. The group will include four dentistry graduates and one dental hygiene graduate. All
will serve a three-year term.
During the past two years, the Board has heard, first hand, from School administrators, faculty, and staff
about a range of projects and initiatives.
This is a perfect opportunity for you to become involved with the School, build relationships with students,
faculty, and staff, and perform a worthwhile and satisfying public service.
If you’re interested in serving, or if you would like to nominate someone, send in the form below. In the
event more than 10 individuals are nominated, the Board’s nominating committee will select a representative
slate.
Nomination Ballot
Please
I nominate for the Board: __________________________________________________ clip
and
Class Year(s) ________________________________________________________ mail
Address (if known) _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2nd Name ___________________________________________________________
Class Year(s) _________________________________________________________
Address (if known) ______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
If you nominate yourself, please send your biography (45 words or less) on a separate
sheet of paper. However, because of time constraints on our staff and limited
space in the magazine, we cannot accept a CV. Instead, please take a few
moments to highlight what you consider are major achievements, whether personal
or professional.
Return the ballot, and your biography if you’re nominating yourself, to:
Amy Reyes
Office of Alumni Relations
University of Michigan School of Dentistry
1011 N. University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078
Nominations must be received at the School of Dentistry by December 31, 2004.
62
Implants Added to Predoc Curriculum
D3s, D4s to Assist Graduate Students
Implants are “in” at the U-M classroom and clinical exposure so information they will need to know
School of Dentistry. that they’re in a better position to as private practitioners,” he said.
Dental students returning to Ann help their patients after they have During the third and fourth years,
Arbor this summer to begin the third graduated,” he added. dental students will be involved in
and fourth years of their education prescreening, planning, diagnosis,
are now gaining more knowledge observing residents in clinics, and
about the subject and also obtaining fabricating crowns.
some limited clinical experience.
Previously, students didn’t pursue Benefits Cited
the subject in depth until after Dr. David Sarment, a clinical
receiving their dental degree and assistant professor and committee
obtaining specialty education and member, said, “Since implants will
clinical training in prosthodontics, become more commonplace, the
periodontics, or oral surgery. combination of lectures and clinics
But that’s changing. will help our students to gain a
D u r i n g t h e p a s t y e a r, a broader perspective.”
multidisciplinary committee within Shotwell agreed, and added,
the School met to determine the “ We w a n t t o p ro v i d e e n o u g h
feasibility of enhancing students’ basic information so students can
basic knowledge of implants. better weigh the advantages and
Faculty members representing dental disadvantages of various approaches
specialties including prosthodontics, in order to provide the best and
periodontics, oral surger y, and Lectures and Preclinical Lab most objective advice when treating
restorative dentistry met to determine However, the third- and fourth- patients.”
how and when to enhance the implant year students are not doing the Sarment, Shotwell, and Turner
area of the predoctoral curriculum. surgical placement of the implants. agreed that for the vast majority of
Instead, according to Dr. Jeffrey patients who are already coming to the
Reasons for Change Shotwell, associate professor of School to receive oral health care, the
“Implants are an accepted prosthodontics and committee implants would be another valuable
treatment protocol and are becoming member, the third-year students will service available, if needed.
both a standard of care as well as take a seven-week course that builds The results of the program will be
a treatment of choice for many a foundation of basic information reviewed at the end of the academic
patients,” said Dr. Dennis Turner, a presented in lectures. Afterwards, year to see how it might be improved
committee member. students will participate in a four- for third- and fourth-year students in
“The use of implants will continue hour lab session. the future.
to grow in the future, especially “We want to give students an Other members of the committee
among baby boomers. So when these overview of some of the safe and were Drs. Dennis Fasbinder and
factors are considered, it made sense simple things they’ll be able to do Joseph Helman.
to give our students more detailed and present them with important

Michigan Dental Foundation Scholarships Awarded
Two fourth-year dental students have been awarded scholarships from the Michigan Dental
Foundation. Both Bryan Nakfoor and Alan Ker received a $2,000 scholarship from the Foundation
which is the philanthropic arm of the Michigan Dental Association.
Bryan Nakfoor Alan Ker

Keary Campbell
Nakfoor, from Lansing, Michigan, said he entered Ker, from Troy, Michigan,
the dental profession “because I enjoy using my hands, said his parents encouraged
helping others, and the independence and responsibilities him t o en te r t he den ta l
that are a part of being a dentist.” He said three members profession.
of his family, all of whom earned dental degrees from “Neither are dentists, but
the U-M School of Dentistry, encouraged him to enter the hard work and values
the dental profession — his father, Patrick (DDS 1960); they instilled in me by being
his sister, Cheryl (DDS 1992); and brother-in-law, Russell who they are gave me the
Spinazze (DDS 1992). i n s p i r a t i o n t o t a ke t h i s
“I enjoy working with patients of different ages and challenging path,” he said.
backgrounds,” Nakfoor said. “My reward is seeing a “ T h i s i s a n e xc i t i n g
patient smile which then shows my work.” profession that gives you the Alan Ker
After earning his dental degree next spring, Nakfoor privilege and opportunity to
said he wants to become an orthodontics resident and learn many amazing things, apply them daily, and in the
eventually working in a private practice and also process earn the respect of the community,” he added.
teaching one day a week. Ker said he enjoys working with others to solve
Per Kjeldsen difficult problems. He recalls one particular patient he
treated as a third-year student.
“A sweet elderly lady, who didn’t speak any English,
came to the school for treatment with her son. I don’t
speak Farsi, so I had to rely on her son to translate,” he
said.
Over time, Ker said a bond developed and he was able
to communicate with her “fairly easily on my own using
gestures alone. As treatment was ending, I realized how
much my work meant to her. At the end, “she said ‘thank
you,’ took my hand, and kissed it.” Ker said the woman’s
son explained how, in her culture, this gesture was a sign
of deep gratitude and that it was an expression of how
much she valued the treatment she received.
Bryan Nakfoor, Michigan Dental Foundation scholarship recipient, earned a tie for After receiving his dental degree, Ker said that he
first place in the “Current Topics” section for his poster presentation at the School
of Dentistry Research Table Clinic Day program earlier this year. would also like to earn a master’s degree in orthodontics
and remain associated with academia by teaching
orthodontics to undergraduate dental students while
maintaining a private practice.

Graduation Day
Graduates Advised to Leave a Legacy
“One person at a time”
May 8, 2004
Per Kjeldsen
Congratulations!
Today is your great day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
Any direction you choose.
Dr. Lawrence Tabak
From, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
By Dr. Seuss
Those words, penned by the late Theodor Geisel, better known to
millions worldwide as Dr. Seuss, were used at the end of a commencement
address to U-M School of Dentistry graduates to advise them: be
adaptable, be prepared.
Although those remarks marked the end of Dr. Lawrence Tabak’s
address to School of Dentistry graduates in May, he began his address
Graduation Remarks on the Web with a question: What do you want to be when you grow up?
You can hear the remarks of all graduation Tabak, the director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial
speakers on the School of Dentistry’s Web site: Research, admitted “it may seem very odd to pose that question to you
www.dent.umich.edu. On the homepage,
click beneath the headline “Graduation
on the day of your graduation from dental school.”
2004.” Headlines and photographs of the But he said he raised the question as a way of telling students that
speakers will appear, as will the time of “the choices you make today are not forever.”
their remarks. You can listen in any order Tabak cited his own career as an example.
you choose.
“I had a very vivid picture of what I was going to do when I
earned my dental degree 27 years ago,” he said. “I was going to be an
academician.”

Today, however, Tabak leads an organization of 450 scientists,
administrators, and support staff with a budget of nearly $380
Class Profile million.
• 103 DDS degrees Taking Dentistry into the Future

• 30 Bachelor of Science degrees With its focus on improving the oral, dental, and craniofacial health
in Dental Hygiene of Americans, NIDCR also promotes the nation’s general health. It’s able
• 8 Master of Science degrees to do so because advances in oral and systemic health are the result of
(Periodontics, Prosthodontics, scholarship and research which, he said, “are the cornerstones of any
Restorative Dentistry) profession. The profession of dentistry is obligated to use scientific
• 1 Certificate (Periodontics) progress to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease as well as promote
• 1 PhD, Oral Health Sciences general health.”
Tabak cited two examples of how scholarship and research
August 2004 have already improved the lives of millions – the use of fluoride and
Degrees conferred after completing sealants.
formal requirements: But not everyone has benefited, he admitted. “Our job is far from
• 11 Master of Science degrees finished. We are committed to reducing, and one day, eliminating, oral
(Orthodontics, Periodontics, health disparities.”
Prosthodontics, Restorative Tabak said oral health research “matters because it will take
Dentistry) dentistry into the 21st century.”
He envisioned a day where patients one day would present graduates
December 2004 in their practices with a CD-ROM containing a patient’s genetic
Degrees to be conferred after information. “You will use that information to ensure that any antibiotic
completing formal requirements: or anesthetic you use will be adjusted to the patient’s metabolism.
• 1 PhD, Oral Health Sciences Untoward reactions will become a thing of the past.” Tabak said he
• 4 Master of Science degrees also foresees dentists using stem cells to restore bone defects and heal
(Pediatric Dentistry) fractures.
Regardless of what path they take after graduation, Tabak advised
students to leave a legacy. “That legacy is best measured...one person
at a time.”
Jaarda & Stoffers Win Paul Gibbons Award

Drs. Merle Jaarda and Ken Stoffers received the Paul Gibbons Award
from graduating dental students during commencement ceremonies.
The student-bestowed award recognizes a teacher, or teachers,
for their outstanding work during the time the students were in the
predoctoral program.
Dental class president Afua Mireku said what Jaarda and Stoffers
taught during their second-year preclinical education prepared them for
their clinical experiences and board exams.
“I know our class was hard and that’s an understatement,” Jaarda
told students who responded with laughter. “The fact you gave this
award to Ken and myself means so much.”

Jaarda told students they were prepared both ethically and
technically for life after dental school. However, he said the ultimate
measure of success is “to have integrity and treat your patients like you
want to be treated.”
Joking about his graduation from dental school, Stoffers thanked the Back to Hill
families and friends of the students. “Those of you who have supported
them and stuck with them, I thank you for sharing them with us for For the first time in two years,
just a few years of their lives.” School of Dentistry graduation
Per Kjeldsen ceremonies this May were held
at Hill Auditorium. Days after
members of the Class of 2002
received their degrees, a $41
million renovation program began
to the facility built in 1913. Last
year’s dental school graduation
ceremonies were held at the Power
Center for the Performing Arts.
Dr. Kenneth Stoffers (left) and Dr. Merle Jaarda.
Per Kjeldsen
Comstock Receives Distinguished Service Award

The School of Dentistry’s Alumni Society Board of Governors
presented its Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Frank Comstock (DDS
1950). The annual award is given to a U-M alumnus who has made
outstanding contributions to the School.
Dr. William Costello, chairman of the Board of Governors who
presented the award, said, “Dr. Comstock had a profound influence on
me as a professor when I was here in the late 1960s.”
Comstock’s 45-year association with U-M began as a dental student
in the fall of 1938. It was interrupted when he joined the Marines during
World War II. When he returned, Comstock taught in the Department
of Operative Dentistry and was director of the graduate restorative
program for 15 years. Even though he formally retired in 1985, Comstock
continued to teach, mostly in preclinics, until the summer of 1991.
One of his fondest memories, he recalled in the Fall 2002 issue of
DentalUM (pages 74-77) was planning the “new” School of Dentistry
building. Ground breaking for the project, which at the time was the
largest contract awarded by U-M ($17.3 million) occurred in February Dr. Frank Comstock with his Distinguished Service
1966. The building was dedicated in October 1971. Award.

Per Kjeldsen
Farewell...and a Gift from the Class of ’04

Dental class president Afua Mireku reminded her colleagues of what
they have achieved as well as the responsibilities they now face in her
farewell remarks.
“We have the ability to heal, educate, and change people’s lives,”
she said. “We’re accepting the duty of serving the public and providing
them with the best dental care and earning the trust and respect of our
community. But the learning has only just begun.”
Mireku also announced a gift to the School from the Class of 2004 –
creating a scholarship fund for future U-M dental students. She said when
the fund reaches $100,000, distributions will be used for “scholarships
that will be given every year to University of Michigan dental students
for as long as the School exists.”
She said the gift “is our thank you to the School of Dentistry and to all
individuals who have worked to make it an outstanding institution.”
Afua Mireku, president of the Dental Class of 2004
(left) and Grace Jeon pause outside Hill Auditorium
after graduation.
Student Leadership Dr. Darnell Kaigler, Jr. Realizes a Dream

Award to Mireku
First U-M Student to Complete Dual-Degree Program
Afua Mireku, president of the Dental
Class of 2004, was this year’s recipient of Dr. Darnell Kaigler, Jr. became the first student to complete the School
the Delta Dental Fund’s Student Leadership of Dentistry’s DDS/Oral Health Sciences PhD program.
Award and a cash gift of $2,500. She was Established in 1997, the dual-degree program allows a student to
chosen for her leadership, volunteerism, pursue both degrees simultaneously. Kaigler successfully completed the
and activities. dental requirements and received his DDS in 2002.
Mireku was president of her class The program is a part of the Rackham School of Graduate Studies.
for three years, vice president and Once a written dissertation is presented to graduate faculty members of
corresponding secretary of the Student the Dissertation Committee, it subsequently makes a recommendation
National Dental Association, and a to the Rackham School of Graduate Studies about successful completion
member of the School’s Multicultural of degree requirements.
Affairs and Curriculum Committee. On May 3, Kaigler successfully defended his doctoral dissertation.
She helped her community by Five days later, he participated in graduation ceremonies with other
conducting dental screenings for children degree candidates. In August, he completed the formal requirements for
in Headstart and for adults at the Metro his doctoral degree.
Detroit Diabetes Center.
Mireku is pursuing Advanced Early Interest in Science
Education in General Dentistr y in “I’ve always been drawn to science in general and the health
Maryland. profession in particular, going back to grade school and high school,”
Each year, Delta Dental Fund grants Kaigler said. “My parents, much to their credit, didn’t push me in any
an award to one dental student from particular direction.”
each of the dental schools in Michigan, Kaigler’s father, Dr. Darnell Kaigler, Sr., earned his dental degree
Ohio, and Indiana to recognize their from the University of Detroit-Mercy and a master’s degree in denture
leadership and potential to help the prosthodontics from the U-M School of Dentistry in 1986. His mother,
dental profession. Shirley, received her law degree from U-M in 1975.

Keary Campbell
The younger Kaigler’s interest in the health professions grew as an

undergraduate when he worked as a volunteer in hospital emergency
rooms and assisted oral surgeons in their offices. His first research
experience at Henry Ford Hospital’s Bone and Joint Department in 1996
“really opened my eyes to science and research. I saw the connection
between research and how it might be used to help people,” he said.
That interest was nurtured by his father who introduced his son to
Dr. Harold Slavkin who, in the mid-1990s, was director of the National
Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and to Dr. Thomas
Albrektson, a Swedish pioneer in dental implants.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College, Kaigler
applied to the U-M School of Dentistry, was accepted, and decided to
pursue both a dental degree and a doctorate in oral health sciences.
However, when Kaigler applied, the dual-degree program didn’t
exist. With support from then-Dean William Kotowicz and then-Provost
J. Bernard Machen, the DDS/PhD program was developed by Drs. Charlotte
Dr. Darnell Kaigler standing in front of his poster
Mistretta, Lisa Tedesco, and Marilyn Woolfolk. during a recent Research Table Clinic Day Program.
Intensely Motivated
As he worked for his dental degree, which included classes and
clinical work, Kaigler also conducted research as a part of his PhD
studies.
“There were days I spent 12, 14, or 16 hours a day in the dental
building,” he said. “But it’s something I decided to do if I wanted to
reach my goal.”
Now that he has, Kaigler said he would like to become a clinical
research fellow and have his work make a difference in people’s lives. Following graduation ceremonies, Dr. De’Avlin
“I want to have a positive effect on a large number of people in Olguin (left), who received a master’s degree in
periodontics; Dr. Bryan Williams (center), who
different ways,” he said. “I think I will be able to do that by bringing received a master’s degree in prosthodontics; and Dr.
science and research from the lab into a clinical setting where, in some Darnell Kaigler, Jr. (right), who defended his doctoral
dissertation in May and received his PhD in August,
way, a patient will benefit. I want my research to be directly related to enjoy themselves outside Hill Auditorium.
treating and improving the lives of patients.”
Per Kjeldsen

All photos by Per Kjeldsen

Faculty NEWS
Stefanac New Associate Dean for Patient Services
Per Kjeldsen
Dr. Stephen J. Stefanac is the new at U-D Mercy include assistant and
associate dean for patient services at acting director of clinics, as well as
the U-M School of Dentistry. director and acting associate dean for
He succeeds Dr. Dennis Turner patient care.
who retired June 30 following a 22- For the past six years, Stefanac
year career. Turner, who began his has been a clinical professor at
career at the School of Dentistry as the University of Iowa College of
an instructor in the Department of Dentistr y’s Department of Oral
Oral Biology in 1982, was assistant Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine.
dean for patient services since 1991. At Iowa, he was assistant dean
Stefanac supervises one of the for patient care from 1998 to 2001.
largest departments at the School. Since 2001, he has been associate
With more than 100 employees, the dean for patient care.
office is responsible for the smooth Stefanac has served as a
operation of the four predoctoral member of numerous professional
clinics, dental stores, the records room, organizations at local, state, and
sterilization and dispensing facilities, Dr. Stephen Stefanac national levels. For the past two
the Patient Admitting and Emergency years, he has been a site visitor for the
Services (PAES) Clinic, information resident at the VA Medical Center in ADA’s Council on Dental Accreditation
desks, and the Community Dental Ann Arbor. Between 1981 and 1984, and, since 1998, an advisory board
Center. he owned a general dental practice in member for Delta Dental of Iowa.
In his role Stefanac will also be South Lyon. He also practiced part-
responsible for the School’s outreach time in Detroit for two years.
programs. Stefanac’s teaching career at the Woolfolk Wins NDA’s
U-M School of Dentistry began in 1984
Familiar with Michigan as a part-time clinical instructor. Faculty Recognition
Stefanac is no stranger to the From then until 1986, he was also a Award
University of Michigan or to southeast research associate in biomaterials.
Michigan. He was an adjunct lecturer in the Dr. Marilyn Woolfolk, assistant
He earned two degrees from U-M, Department of Oral Diagnosis and dean for student ser vices and
the first, a BS in biological sciences in Radiology at U-M from 1986 to 1987. professor of community dentistry,
1976; the second, a master’s degree in Between 1987 and 1998, Stefanac received a major award, the Faculty
oral diagnosis and radiology in 1987. was an assistant professor and later Recognition Award, during the
He received his dental degree from the an associate professor as well as National Dental Association’s annual
University of Detroit Mercy School of director of the Department of Oral convention this summer.
Dentistry in 1980. Medicine and Diagnostic Surgical T h e f a c u l t y a w a rd h o n o r s
After earning his dental degree, Services at U-D Mercy. individuals who demonstrate
Stefanac was a general practice His administrative appointments excellence in professional development

Faculty NEWS
O’Brien Appointed to FDA Advisory Committee
Per Kjeldsen
Dr. William O’Brien, professor of biologic and

materials sciences and biomedical engineering, has been
appointed to a four-year term as a member of the FDA’s
Dental Advisory Committee.
O’Brien will participate in reviews evaluating data on
the safety and effectiveness of marketed dental products
and a willingness to help others
and make recommendations for their regulation. The
in their quest for knowledge and
committee also advises on the formulation of product
advancement. Woolfolk was honored
development protocols, premarket approval applications for new dental
for her work in administration and
products, and makes recommendations on specific issues or problems
service.
concerning the safety and effectiveness of products.
T h e a w a rd f ro m t h e N DA
O’Brien is the author of over one hundred journal papers and contributor
Foundation and Colgate-Palmolive
to several books and an Internet database on biomaterials. He is also the
was presented during the organiza-
editor of the third edition of Dental Materials and Their Section [DentalUM,
tion’s 91st annual meeting in Los
Spring & Summer 2003, page 71.]
Angeles in late July. The American
Dental Education Association also
had a role in selecting the winner.
Founded in 1913, the NDA is Peters Receives Research Award
the oldest and largest organization
o f m i n o r i t y o r a l h e a l t h c a re Dr. Tilly Peters is one of 10 U-M women researchers to receive a Crosby
professionals in the world. It Research Award from the National Science Foundation. Established only
represents approximately 10,000 three years ago, the award is designed to foster collaboration, advance the
African American dentists, hygienists, careers of women faculty members in the sciences, and to introduce female
assistants, and students in the graduate students to research.
U.S., Africa, Latin American, and Peters, a professor of dentistry in the Department of Cariology, Restorative
Canada. Sciences, and Endodontics, is conducting a study that suggests the traditional
Woolfolk, a School of Dentistry approach to dentistry should be replaced by a less invasive approach that is
faculty member since 1978, earned more patient-friendly and more “tooth friendly.”
three degrees from the University “This minimum intervention philosophy offers a different and fresh
of Michigan: a master’s degree in approach to caries management that may lead to sustainable oral health
microbiology in 1972, a DDS in 1978, care in the future, especially for a large part of the U.S. population that is
a master’s in public health in 1982. currently underserved,” she said.
She was director of student affairs Peters is looking to gather data that could later be used to apply for
(1990-1997) and has been assistant funding to investigate the clinical effectiveness and merit of the minimal
dean for student services since 1997. intervention approach.
She maintained a joint appointment School of Dentistry faculty members who will work with Peters are
at the School of Public Health from Drs. Sharon Brooks, Christopher Fenno, Marita Inglehart, Lynn Johnson,
1983-1999. She was a 2002-2003 and Preetha Kanjirath. Peters and the other faculty members will also
Executive Leadership in Academic collaborating nationally and internationally with colleagues in Texas, Poland,
Medicine (ELAM) Fellow. and Brazil.

Faculty Promotions
U-M Regents approved recommendations
Rafter in ADEA Leadership Institute for promotion of five School of Dentistry
faculty members during their May
Dr. Mary Rafter, a clinical associate professor in the Department of meeting. They are:
Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, is the School of Dentistry’s • Dr. William Giannobile, from
representative in this year’s ADEA Leadership Institute. associate professor with tenure
The one-year program, which ends next spring, was designed to develop to professor with tenure.
• Dr. David Kohn, from associate
the nation’s most promising dental faculty to become future leaders in dental
professor with tenure to
and higher education. Participants pursue a project addressing a key issue in professor with tenure.
dental education and work in groups with others who share similar interests • Dr. Cun-Yu Wang, from associate
and aspirations. professor with tenure to
Rafter received her dental education in Dublin, Ireland at Trinity College professor with tenure.
Dental School. After graduation she worked in private practice and with the • Dr. Christopher Fenno, from
assistant professor to associate
Irish Public Dental Service before earning a master’s degree in endodontics
professor with tenure.
from the University of Illinois (Chicago). • Dr. Mary Rafter, from clinical
Currently the director of predoctoral endodontic education, Rafter will assistant professor to clinical
soon become chair of the American Dental Education Association’s Section associate professor.
on Endodontics. The appointments with the new
Previous School of Dentistry program participants in the Leadership titles were effective September 1.
Institute include Dr. Paul Krebsbach, Prof. Wendy Kerschbaum, and Dr. George
Taylor. Photo courtesy of Michael Manz
Manz and Daughter in Boston Marathon

It was a first for Dr. Michael Manz and his daughter, Emilie. Although
they ran together in a marathon in Duluth, Minnesota three years ago, this
spring, they were among the more than 20,000 runners who participated in
the 108th Boston Marathon.
For Manz, a senior research associate in health sciences in the Department
of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, it was his third Boston
Marathon. For Emilie, it was her first.
“We did finish, but I think it was the second hottest one in the history
of the event,” Manz said. “The temperature for this year’s race was in the
mid-80s. But it wasn’t as hot it was when I ran in 1976 when the temperature
was around 100 degrees. The 1976 event is one they often refer to as ‘The Run
for the Hoses’,” he quipped.
Manz said “our times this spring were pretty slow, about an hour more Dr. Michael Manz and his daughter, Emilie, ran
than our qualifying times.” together for the first time in this year’s Boston
To qualify for the Boston event, Manz ran a marathon in Dublin, Ohio Marathon. “Running together was definitely the
plan,” he said. “With a race that long, you try to
in early February. Emilie qualified for the Boston Marathon by finishing a keep each other company to pass the time and the
marathon last year in Toledo, Ohio, 18 seconds under the cutoff mark. miles.” This picture was taken somewhere along
the route, not at the finish line. Photographers were
When asked if he’d enter the Boston Marathon again next year, Manz said, stationed approximately five kilometers apart taking
“Nope. I ran it in 1976, 1990, and 2004. So I’m not due again until 2018.” pictures of participants.

New Residents in GPR Program
Weldon Higgins
New GPR residents include (left to right) Stephen Minehart, assistant program director; Irene Renieris, Aditi Bagchi,
Diane Lee, and Erick Tyler. Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum (right) is program director.
Four students, three of whom earned their dental degrees this spring from the
U-M School of Dentistry, began their one-year general practice residency in July.
Conducted by the Department of Oral and Maxiollofacial Surgery and Hospital
Dentistry, the GPR program offers dental graduates opportunities to provide dental
care to medically-compromised patients with special needs. The program is the only
hospital-based, non federal-general dentistry training program in Michigan.
The four students are Aditi Bagchi, Diane Lee, Irene Renieris, and Erika Tyler.
Bagchi, from Troy, Michigan, earned two degrees from U-M, an undergraduate
degree in psychology in 2000, and dental degree this spring.
Lee, who hails from Berrien Springs, Michigan, received her undergraduate degree
in religion from Andrews University in that community in 2000 and DDS from the
School of Dentistry this spring.
After completing their residency, both Bagchi and Lee plan to remain in Michigan
and pursue private practice.
Renieris, from Madison Heights, Michigan, received her undergraduate degree
in communications from U-M in 2000 and her dental degree from Indiana University
this spring.
Tyler, who is from the Lansing area, also received her dental degree from U-M
this spring. She and Renieris plan to pursue specialty training in pediatric dentistry
after they complete their GPR residency.

DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Cariology, Restorative Denitstry, and Endodontics
A
Keary Campbell
lthough our School has a new I have strived to do this. As I

dean, some things have not contemplate life after being a chair,
changed, foremost being the it will be for others to say whether
excellence of our programs. this has been achieved.
This is important to remember when
he mentions the future of the School Predoctoral Teaching Program
and its departments. O n e o f t h e m o s t e xc i t i n g
To a large degree, the excellence developments in recent months has
of our departmental programs is been the renovation of one of the
due to our outstanding faculty. Of “old” preclinic laboratories into the
course, other factors also contribute “new” simulation laboratory. [See
to excellence, including students, DentalUM, Spring & Summer 2004,
staff, our physical facilities, and the pages 11-13.]
support from our alumni. For those of you who carved your
However, when the “rubber meets initials in the lab bench drawers of
the road” – whether in the lecture hall, the old preclinic laboratories, I urge
Dr. Brian Clarkson, the technique laboratory, the clinic you to visit our new facility. As
Chair floor, or the research laboratory – it’s you do, I think you’ll agree that one
the faculty that makes the difference. now needs a degree in information
In my tenure as department chair, I technology to teach in the simulation
have been blessed, and this is not a laboratory.
too strong description, with a well Computer screens at ever y
qualified, dedicated, and enthusiastic w o r k s t a t i o n m a ke t e c h n i q u e
faculty. They thrive on change and demonstrations a more intimate
on challenges, many of which are educational experience for students
self-imposed. and faculty. Air/water syringes
Under the previous leadership and suction make the removal of
of Dr. Gerry Charbeneau and later amalgams and acid etching of teeth
Dr. Joe Dennison, we have had an a more realistic procedure than
excellent reputation as educators previously.
When I became chair, my charge was to maintain that excellence while

also establishing a national and international research profile. Over the
past twelve years I have strived to do this.
and clinicians. When I became chair, Does the facility make for a
my charge was to maintain that better product, that is, a clinically-
excellence while also establishing a competent student? It helps, but it
national and international research is the caliber of the instruction that
profile. Over the past twelve years really counts.

Our department is fortunate complicated esthetic restorations to In that last report, I also mentioned
to have dedicated and very well be treated by the predoctoral students the multinational composition of
qualified individuals teaching in the in the graduate clinics. This flow of our endodontics faculty which is a
preclinical area under the leadership patients also means there is a greater microcosm of what is happening in
of Drs. Mary Ellen McLean, Ken interchange between predoctoral and dental academe today. Our inability
Stoffers and José Vivas. Ken deserves graduate faculty members. to recruit the next generation of
congratulations for receiving, along The most recent innovation in the dental academics from our own
with Dr. Merle Jaarda (Prosthodontics), VICs is the new implant course. [See national pool has led us to recruit
the Paul Gibbons Award from the story page 63.] Students will have foreign nationals into the dental
Class of 2004 during this year’s an opportunity to place one implant teaching profession.
commencement program. [See story, in the simulation laboratory and Dr. McDonald, himself a New
pages 66-67.] another in a patient. This school-wide Zealander (viva “Lord of the Rings”),
a board specialist in endodontics,
has been extremely fortunate with
the caliber and qualifications of the
two new faculty he has recruited
into endodontics: Drs. Tatiana Botero,
DDS, MS from Colombia, and Hongjiao
Ouyang DDS, PhD, from China.
We a l s o h a v e t w o o t h e r
international full-time faculty
members: Mary Rafter, DDS, MS from
Ireland, and Christine Sedgley DDS,
PhD from Australia.
Graduate Training Program

Productivity per chair, a measure of the efficient use of capital, increased about 3.6percent
The three graduate programs,
during the 2002-2003academic year to $27,163. The amount is slightly more than double Advanced Education in General
what it was in 1997($13,400). Dentistr y (AEGD), endodontics,
and operative dentistry under the
Under the leadership of Dr. program is supported by faculty from direction of Drs. Dennis Fasbinder,
Don Heys, the Vertically Integrated Cariology (Scott Pelok, José Vivas, and Neville McDonald, and Joe Dennison/
Clinics program remains the envy Dennis Fasbinder), Periodontics, Oral Peter Yaman, respectively, remain a
of many other dental schools. Even Surgery and Prosthodontics. vital part of the department.
though students are spending time The endodontic experience for The integration of these and all
outside the school participating in our predoctoral students has also the graduate programs into the fabric
clinical rotations at community been revamped as I wrote about in of the predoctoral teaching program
outreach sites across Michigan, their my last report in the Fall 2002 issue is being evaluated. As I mentioned
occasional absence has not hurt (pages 47-49). Dr. Neville McDonald, earlier, we are fortunate that AEGD
clinical productivity. In fact, as the along with his multinational faculty, and operative dentistry have already
chart above illustrates, productivity introduced rotary instrumentation in undergone this integration. Our
continues to increase. the predoctoral curriculum two years endodontics faculty and graduate
We have also integrated the ago. This has been a major success. students already teach in the
graduate restorative clinics into the The clinical results have far exceeded predoctoral program which creates a
students’ predoctoral experience by the expectations of our endodontics seamless transition from one program
allowing patients who need more faculty. to another for the patients.

In the future, a top priority for the our clinical teaching programs. mention all of them individually, each
endodontics program is a new clinical These activities are not mutually is extremely important in making our
facility and endowed professorships. exclusive; rather they are synergistic. department function and making this
Both will depend on the generosity Without research creating the new a great place to work.
of our alumni. I’m hopeful that as body of knowledge from which However, if there’s one person
The Michigan Difference fundraising we teach, our profession will not who is the linchpin, it is our
campaign gains momentum that advance and the general public will department administrator, Doreen
our alumni will help us reach these not benefit. Without the research Graden. She works tirelessly and
goals. findings reaching the general public seemingly effortlessly as the bridge
through the teaching of our students, between faculty and staff. To do
Research Program then the research itself has little or it successfully, as she has done, is
Over the past twelve years no benefit. Fortunately the faculty amazing; for her to do it with such
the department’s research profile in the department understand this aplomb is incredible.
has increased dramatically both in balance. There is a mutual respect
quantity and quality. which allows the three aspects of Invitation To Alumni
For alumni who are thinking of
a career after practice, how about
I have been blessed, and this is not a too strong teaching?
description, with a well qualified, dedicated and We have about 50 to 60 part time
faculty working in the department.
enthusiastic faculty. They thrive on change and Without them our teaching program
challenges, many of which are self-imposed. would not survive quantitatively,
but more importantly qualitatively.
The wealth of clinical and business
One measure of its success is academe — teaching, research, and expertise they possess is significant...
total research funding awards. The service — to thrive and prosper. and we would like to tap into that
increase has been significant, from In recent years departmental resource. Stop by when you have
roughly $200,000 when I arrived to faculty have been mentors to many an opportunity and I will be glad
approximately $6 million presently. of our predoctoral students who are to talk to you. If I am not here, Dr.
The research our department is involved in research projects. These Mark Fitzgerald, our department’s
conducting is as broad as it is deep. research projects have been funded associate chair, will be able to answer
Major grants have been awarded through NIH and AADR/IADR awards your questions.
to Dr. Amid Ismail in the area of after a national competition. Those
health disparities and tobacco who received awards this year, Awards
usage. Dr. Jacques Nör holds two departmental faculty mentors, and Dr. Tilly Peters was recently
grants for oral cancer research. Dr. a short description of those projects awarded a Cosby Research Award
Helena Ritchie and I have research are listed on pages 87-89. Please take from the National Science Foundation.
grants for tissue engineering. Dr. time to read them. You will better [See story, page 72.]
George Taylor is investigating the appreciate the scope of the research Dr. Joe Dennison recently was
relationship between periodontal in the department and throughout the recipient of the Marcus L. Ward
health and diabetes. Drs. Dennison, the school. Professorship Award from the School
Fasbinder, Peters and Yaman are Our department is large, with of Dentistry.
heavily involved in funded clinical approximately 135 employees, D r. N e v i l l e M c D o n a l d w a s
research. including staff (clinical, research, awarded honorar y membership
I expect research efforts to administrative) and faculty (both in the Svrakov Academy in Sofia,
grow, but not to the detriment of full- and part-time). Although I can’t Bulgaria.

DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Periodontics, Prevention, and Geriatrics
T
Keary Campbell
he 2003-2004 academic “A leader in academic excellence and

year has been exciting with a guidepost for sustained research
many accomplishments and superiority within the School of
awards which have given Dentistry.”
us momentum in maintaining and
“One of the primary strengths is the
building excellence in academic
diversity of the research that is being
dentistry.
conducted.”
Our major goals are to advance
the science of preventing oral disease; “A great department. Faculty and
to treat periodontal diseased patients staff support each other. A large
with scientifically sound, effective, department with lots of energy.”
and reasonable therapies; and to
provide dedicated service to address Elsewhere in this report, you will
the oral health needs of an aging learn more about the work of some
population. of the members of our department
These goals are met by training a n d s o m e o f t h e i r i m p re s s i v e
Dr. Laurie McCauley, our students and residents to become achievements. For example:
Chair outstanding clinicians and scientists • In research, our funding
capable of applying cutting-edge increased more than 14%
knowledge and technology. All PPG during the most recent fiscal
members share a commitment to year.
continue building on our tradition • In teaching, our in-service
of developing individuals who will events and annual retreat
become excellent clinicians, scholars, have provided insight into the
and leaders in dental medicine. similarities and differences
T h e c u r re n t s t a t e o f o u r that faculty have when
department, I believe, is best reflected approaching diagnoses and
in the comments and opinions of treatment planning. These
others. A recent survey of our faculty, events have also brought more
staff, and students was incredibly consensus to how our DDS
positive and brought comments like students should be learning.
those below: • In service, faculty continues to
receive national and interna-
“Ongoing progressive research
tional acclaim through their
and creativity with teaching...a
service on federal review
well-organized and well-focused
panels, editorial boards,
department. People treat one another
and with professional
with respect and are willing to work
organizations.
out differences for the benefit of the
program.”
Please visit our department’s
“Very strong in research; intimate, Web site: http://ppg.dent.umich.
friendly relationship of people; and edu to learn more.
strong faculty.”

Graduate Program practitioners deserve credit for Dental Hygienists’ Association in
The last three years have been their contributions to the program’s June. Becky Ruppert was an alternate
very productive for the graduate success. In particular, we acknowledge delegate from Region V. Nicole
program. Our graduate students the following Dean’s Faculty for Maynard presented a table clinic in
have received many awards and first their valuable time and experience: the student session.
prizes in research competitions. Michael Baity, William Beck, William
For example, two students last Carroll, R. Craig Diederich, Phillip Curriculum and Continuing
year and one student this year Doyle, Nicholas Gersch, Roger Hill, Education Programs
received the American Academy of Salah Huwais, Jeffery Johnston, Educationally, both the graduate
Periodontology’s Abram and Sylvia Lloyd Lariscy, Jr., Allan Padbury, Sr., and the degree completion program
Chasens Teaching and Research Mark Setter, William Sorensen, and have been reviewed and revised.
Fellowships. Two students were Anthony Spagnuolo. We are very Now, all degree completion students
awarded an American Academy of grateful for your continued interest participate in a semester-long
Periodontology Student Fellowship. in our program and look forward mentored professional experience
Two were finalists in the Gerald to your continued support in the which pairs a student with a faculty
Kramer Award competition. Four future. member. Each student will engage
participated in Balint Orban’s in an individually-designed project
Memorial Research competition. Dental Hygiene related to an oral health issue.
Three won a first prize in the Midwest The dental hygiene Class of 2004 The graduate program has
Society of Periodontology Graduate was the first class of hygiene students expanded to include two new areas
Student’s Research Forum. One was to participate in the University’s of focus – clinical research and
among the three finalists of the pledge drive. Senior students were educational technology. Students
American Academy of Periodontology challenged to give back financially to will be prepared to assume leadership
Richard J. Lazzara Fellowship In the School after receiving their degree roles in dental hygiene education and
Advanced Implant Surgery. and entering the working world. By oral health research. Another new
In addition, students were the time it ended in January, the feature allows a student to apply
involved in more than 30 peer- vast majority of the senior hygiene selected courses in the undergraduate
reviewed publications and more students did pledge. [DentalUM, program toward graduate credit.
than 20 professional presentations Spring & Summer 2004, page 60.] Both hygiene students and degree
during the last three years. Nine On a broader scale, students completion students are eligible for
of 20 graduating students pursued from all three dental hygiene classes this “fast track” option.
academic careers. Also during the participated in Student American Building on the success of peer
past three years, all graduates have Dental Hygienists’ Association (SADHA) teaching experiences, which have
successfully passed the American activities at an unprecedented level been part of the dental hygiene
Board of Periodontology exam and this past year. A fall membership program for many years, teaching
became Diplomates. drive pitted the three classes against opportunities have been developed
One of the goals and challenges for each other to achieve the greatest for undergraduate students.
the graduate program is to establish a percentage of membership. The In the senior year, selected
balance between graduating “skillful sophomore and senior classes tied. students have taught oral anatomy,
and thoughtful clinicians” and “high Students were also involved clinical experiences with sophomore
quality researchers.” These activities in numerous learning and service students, and the introductor y
clearly show that we are on the right activities. Most notable was the prophylaxis course for first year
track. annual March of Dimes Health Walk dental students. This fall senior
As noted many times previously, at the Medical Center where the students will also teach in the
the quality of the graduate program School of Dentistry display was by preclinical course. The response from
l a rg e l y d e p e n d s u p o n a l u m n i far the most popular table. student teachers and their students
participation. Two U-M students participated in has been very positive.
Faculty, staff, and alumni/ the national meeting of the American In June 2002, Michigan law was

changed to permit properly educated and dental hygiene students can for human trial implants. Innovative
dental hygienists to administer local enhance the quality of oral health studies pertaining to the immediate
anesthesia. care their patients receive. The other functional loading of implants and
Since then, we have prepared over grant will use videoconferencing and evaluation of a number of novel bone
400 practitioners through continuing Internet technology to bring experts graft materials for bone augmentation
education to provide this service. All from around the nation together procedures will be explored.
program graduates have also met to provide students with current
D r. D a v i d S a r m e n t , w h o s e
the necessary educational criteria. information from the burgeoning
research interests largely focus on
In March, the law was amended to field of genetics. Both of these were
implantology, is working on precise
permit properly educated hygienists described in detail in the School’s
implant placement methods and
to administer nitrous oxide/oxygen annual report, New Beginnings,
advanced diagnostic tools. Recently,
sedation in practice. Dental hygiene which was mailed to you this
a cone-beam CT scanner became
graduates in 2004 and beyond will spring.
clinically available and research
have the required education and
Dr. Marita R. Inglehart recently evaluation is underway. [See
continuing education courses for
received an award from NIDCR to DentalUM, spring & Summer 2004,
practitioners.
explore oral health and the quality page 46.] New CAD/CAM surgical
Research Overview of life in children. Her research also guides are also being clinically
Last summer, Dean Peter Polverini focuses on oral health-quality of life evaluated for their practicality and
named Dr. William Giannobile to the issues in adults. Recently, she has precision, with potential to apply
new position of director of clinical developed collaborations examining the CT scanning techniques for
research. [DentalUM, Fall 2003, page quality of life issues focusing on periodontal evaluation. He is also
43.] Succeeding him as department bruxism in head and neck cancer evaluating metalloprotease levels
research director is Dr. Russell patients. Closely related to these in gingival biopsies, an evaluation
Taichman who is spearheading topic areas are issues related to access of a herbal patch deliver y and
collaborative efforts in periodontal to care for underserved populations, participating in clinical outcome
diagnostics and basic research in such as special needs patients. She evaluation using a beta-tricalcium
stem cell biology. is coordinating a monthly continuing phosphate carrier in combination
Faculty and students have education series pertaining to treating with a growth factor.
received new research grants for patients with disabilities.
projects ranging from basic to Dr. William Giannobile’s lab is
behavioral sciences, from molecular Dr. Bob Bagramian’s ongoing efforts continuing to apply gene therapy
and cellular projects focused on into the ethics, epidemiology, and approaches for tissue engineering
regeneration and cancer, to improved clinical trials in periodontal disease periodontal structures. His lab
methods of education. Many of etiology and health behavior have has also been pursuing clinical
these initiatives involve significant supported many of our department’s applications to periodontal problems
collaborations between faculty, staff, efforts pertaining to the effects of oral such as the use of growth factors to
graduate students at the School of health on quality of life issues. repair periodontal defects in humans.
Dentistry, the Medical School, and As part of the Michigan Center for
Dr. Philip Richards recently received
abroad. Oral Health Research, the lab is
a Whitaker Foundation grant to work
initiating a human trial to determine
Faculty Research with faculty from different disciplines
the ability of biomarkers of disease
Two grants, totaling $1.2 million, to create and revise patient cases so
to predict bone loss in patients at
were awarded by the National students become more focused on
risk for periodontal breakdown.
Institute of Dental and Craniofacial patient-centered treatment and cross-
This is a collaborative study with
Research (NIDCR) focus on education. cultural communication issues in
the U-M Department of Chemical
One grant will help accelerate the patient-provider interactions.
Engineering, the U.S. Department
transfer of research findings from the Drs. Hom-Lay Wang and T.J. Oh of Energy group, Sandia National
laboratory to clinics so predoctoral recently received corporate funding Laboratories, and the Lopatin lab

group. The Giannobile lab also has cellular targets in bone turnover as on mechanisms controlling bone
a few collaborative studies initiated numerous skeletal diseases including formation and gene therapy-based
with industry including Targeted periodontal disease are influenced approaches for stimulating bone
Genetics Corporation, CollaGenex and by the impairment of osteoblast regeneration. In the past year, Dr
Amgen exploring new therapeutics at function. A key agent that has Guozhi Xiao, a research investigator
early stages of development. received considerable attention in the group, identified a new factor
Dr. L. Susan Taichman’s research is for its anabolic actions on bone is that is required for parathyroid
focused on women’s oral health. It has parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH hormone to stimulate gene expression
been thought that oral contraceptive is essential for the maintenance of in bone cells. This factor, called ATF4,
use places women at increased risk calcium homeostasis and exerts its was recently shown to be an essential
for periodontal diseases. Using actions on bone to release calcium factor for bone formation. Current
data from the 1st and 3rd National into the extracellular fluid as a studies are assessing the role of this
Health and Nutrition Examination component of the process of bone factor in the anabolic actions of
Surveys (NHANES I, 1971-74, and remodeling. PTH increases bone mass parathyroid hormone in bone. In
NHANES III, 1988-94) she evaluated (anabolic action) when administered gene therapy related studies, his
Our major goals are to advance the state of the art and science of preventing
oral disease; to treat periodontal diseased patients with scientifically sound,
effective, and reasonable therapies; and to provide dedicated service to address
the oral health needs of an aging population.
the impact of oral contraceptives intermittently and promotes bone group is using adenoviruses and
on more than 9,000 women. In an resorption (catabolic action) when retroviruses to deliver genes encoding
upcoming publication, funded by administered in a continuous fashion. bone regenerative factors such as
the NIDCR, she demonstrated oral Recent research has adapted methods bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)
contraceptive use was associated for tissue-engineering bone from to regeneration sites. In previous
with a decreased prevalence of transplanted bone marrow stromal studies, they were able to partially
gingivitis and periodontitis in both cells (BMSCs), and has found this heal cranial and long bone defects
data sets. These findings failed bone to be responsive to systemic with viruses encoding single BMPs.
to validate the belief that high hormones. This valuable model is Franceschi’s group recently discovered
dose oral contraceptive or modern currently being used to study basic that the regenerative activity of BMPs
low-dose oral contraceptives use is mechanisms of PTH actions in bone, can be greatly enhanced if specific
associated with increased levels of skeletal regeneration as well as tumor combinations of viruses encoding
gingivitis or periodontitis. It means cell/bone cell interactions as occur in different BMPs are used instead of
we may have to reevaluate our metastatic bone disease. The strong single BMPs. This work, presented at
current thinking pertaining to the basic science in bone remodeling the IADR meeting in March, suggests
use of oral contraceptives. is leading to clinical applications a new strategy for stimulating bone
for the use of PTH in the treatment regeneration.
My research (Dr. Laurie McCauley) of periodontal disease. A clinical
continues to focus on hormonal study will be initiated in the new Dr. Keith Kirkwood’s investigations,
controls of bone remodeling. This clinical research facility this fall to which recently received funding from
physiological process is tightly determine the ability of systemically the U-M Cancer Center and NIDCR,
regulated by both direct and indirect administered PTH to augment osseous focus on molecular mechanisms
mechanisms, many of which suggest healing during periodontal surgery. that regulate the expression of
that osteoblast precursor cells and R e s e a r c h i n D r. R e n n y inflammatory mediators. Chronic
cells in the bone marrow are critical Franceschi’s lab continues to focus inflammation in periodontal

diseases results in local tissue cells. Part of the receptor complex
destruction and ultimately tooth that has been uncovered is novel
loss. Proinflammatory cytokines and may be involved in how stem Faculty Awards & Honors
stimulate a variety of enzymes which cells return to the marrow during
degrade the extracellular matrix in bone marrow transplantation. In
chronic inflammatory bone diseases, a second related project, the group Robert Eber: Chair, Section on Periodontics,
such as periodontitis. The ability of is studying the mechanisms used American Dental Education Association (2003-
by tumor cells to metastasize to the 2004).
inflammatory mediators to play a
bone marrow. It has been found that Renny Franceschi: Reviewer and Abstracts
significant role in periodontal disease
part of the mechanism relates to category chair, American Society for Bone and
progression, is clearly dependent on products secreted by osteoblasts in
the regulation of stability of pro- Mineral Research annual meeting (2004); past
the bone marrow that interact with
inflammatory mediators produced by president, IADR/AADR Mineralized Tissues
receptors on tumor cells. Currently
resident cells within the periodontal Group.
the focus is on the receptor CXCR4
microenvironment. The goal of (an HIV co-receptor). This receptor William Giannobile: Named the William
this project is to determine the binds stromal derived factor-1 (SDF- E. and Mary Anne Najjar Professor (2003);
mechanisms that regulate cytokine 1) which we believe directs the Robinson Periodontal Regeneration Award,
expression and ultimately identify chemotaxis of prostate cancers American Academy of Periodontology (2003);
novel therapeutic targets to limit towards the marrow. In fact, the Clinical Research Award, American Academy of
periodontal disease progression. group has recently demonstrated Periodontology (2003); member, Best Dentists in
that blocking CXCR4 resulted in fewer America (2003)
Dr. Yvonne Kapila joined our tumors in animals. Recently funded Wendy Kerschbaum: Outstanding Instructor
department July 1. [DentalUM, projects include examinations of Award, Dental Hygiene Class of 2004; Outstanding
Spring & Summer 2004, page 58.] genetic variability in these genes Clinical Instructor, Class of 2004.
Her research activities have been that regulate tumor progression and Keith Kirkwood: Member, Special Emphasis
continuously funded by NIH and focus metastasis. Panel, NIH, Science Education Partnership Award
on basic mechanisms that regulate (June 2004).
apoptosis or programmed cell death As an outgrowth of these studies, Drs.
Christine Klausner: Omicron Kappa Upsilon,
as it relates to periodontal disease Giannobile, Taichman, and Wang
Chi Chapter, Honorary Member (2004); Instructor
progression and inflammation and are trying to identify the molecular
profile of human periodontal diseases. of the Year, 3rd Floor, Dental Hygiene classes of
squamous cell cancer. 2004, 2005.
A major limitation in the clinical
Research in the laboratory of Dr. management of patients susceptible Laurie McCauley: President, IADR/AADR
Russell Taichman focuses on the to periodontal disease is the inability Mineralized Tissues Group (2003-2004); member,
role of osteoblasts in normal bone to detect active alveolar bone loss. NIH study section “Skeletal Biology Development
marrow function. The laboratory Recent advances in molecular and Disease”; editorial board member, Calcified
is currently trying to identify the diagnosis have positioned them to Tissue International and Journal of Bone and
osteoblast-derived factor(s) that establish relevant biomarkers to Mineral Research.
support hematopoiesis. Identifying identify when periodontal bone loss Tae-Ju Oh: Speaker,“Innovations in Periodontics,”
these mechanisms may someday occurs. Here a “real-time” assessment 90th AAP meeting (2004).
ultimately reduce the morbidity/ of periodontal disease activity is Susan Pritzel: Instructor of the Year, 2nd Floor,
mortality associated with bone being evaluated with help from Senior Dental Hygiene Class of 2004.
several periodontal graduate and
marrow transplants and will likely Philip Richards: Teacher of the Year Award,
undergraduate students. Should
lead to the identification of novel Alpha Omega dental fraternity (2004).
these efforts prove fruitful, it may
methods to improve bone engraftment Russsell Taichman: U-M School of Dentistry
be possible to develop a rapid and
for regenerative therapies. Recent cost-effective diagnostic test that Service Award, Faculty Recognition Award for
NIDCR grants have allowed the group would provide guidelines for clinical outstanding research mentorship (2004).
to dissect the molecular events that decisions such as, who should be Hom-Lay Wang: Fellow, American College of
mediate cell-to-cell adhesion between treated, when, and the most cost- Dentists; Diplomate, International Congress of
osteoblasts and hematopoietic stem effective way to do so. Oral Implantologists.

New Faculty
Keary Campbell Keary Campbell
Bernard F. Debski... Keith Lough Kirkwood...

joined the University of came to U-M from the State
Michigan as a part-time University of New York at
faculty member two years Buffalo where he received
ago. Previously, he was a his certificate in periodontics
full-time faculty member and a doctoral degree in
at the Medical College of oral biology. He obtained
Virginia and the University of his dental degree from West
Detroit (Mercy). He received his DMD and MS in Virginia. Before arriving in Ann Arbor in January,
pharmacology-physiology from the University of Kirkwood was a full-time faculty member
Pittsburgh, and a certificate in periodontics and a in Buffalo researching the pharmacological
PhD in pharmacology from the Medical College of regulation of inflammatory cytokine expression
Virginia. Debski has practiced general dentistry in bone. His efforts were recognized two years
in the U.S. Navy and periodontics at his office ago when he received the University’s Young
in Grosse Pointe. His research interests involve Investigator Award. In May, he passed part two
neutrophil function, severe periodontal disease of the American Board of Periodontology exam
in young people, and drug interactions. At U-M, and is now a Diplomate of the American Board
he will expand his teaching responsibilities and of Periodontology. As an assistant professor at
conduct clinical research. U-M, he continues his research in inflammatory
Courtesy of Yvonne Kapila
cytokines and their impact in bone as well as his
Yvonne Kapila... clinical teaching in periodontics.
re c e i v e d h e r b a c h e l o r ’ s Courtesy of Rodrigo Neiva
degree in human biology Rodrigo Neiva...

f r o m S t a n f o rd a n d h e r is a highly-skilled periodontist
dental degree, doctorate who graduated from U-M with
in oral biology, certificate expertise in advanced surgical
i n p e r i o d o n t o l o g y, a n d procedures. He is the author
postdoctoral training at the or co-author of numerous
University of California San Francisco. As a dental articles on periodontics and
academician she has focused on educating and implant dentistr y. After
mentoring undergraduate and graduate students receiving his certificate and master’s degree
as well as postdoctoral fellows. Her research from U-M and becoming a Diplomate of the
activities, focusing on basic mechanisms that American Board of Periodontology, he was a
regulate apoptosis or programmed cell death as clinical instructor and research fellow in graduate
it relates to periodontal disease progression and periodontics for a year. Because of his passion and
inflammation and cancer metastasis, have been enthusiasm, graduating periodontics students
continuously funded by NIH. She had a part- this summer gave him the Distinguished Faculty
time periodontics practice at the UCSF Faculty Award. As a full-time clinical assistant professor,
practice for nine years. Her husband, Dr. Sunil Neiva will teach graduate and undergraduate
Kapila, chairs the Department of Orthodontics students and will conduct clinical research with
and Pediatric Dentistry. other faculty members.

DENTAL HYGIENE
Graduation 2004
Outstanding Alumnae Award to
Dr. Cheryl Troy Samuels
Photo courtesy of Cheryl Troy Samuels
The School of Dentistry’s Dental

Hygienists’ Alumnae Association (DHAA)
presented its Outstanding Alumnae
Award to Dr. Cheryl Troy Samuels at
spring commencement ceremonies. The
award honors a U-M dental hygiene
graduate who has excelled in the
profession.
Since she was participating in
her final graduation ceremony at Old
Dominion, Samuels was unable to travel
to Ann Arbor to receive the award. In
August, she officially began a new job as
Provost and Vice President of Academic
Graduation Remarks on the Web Affairs at Texas Woman’s University in Denton.
You can hear the remarks of all graduation
Jemma Allor, DHAA president, said Samuels “was thrilled and honored
speakers on the School of Dentistry’s Web site: to have been chosen to receive this prestigious award.”
www.dent.umich.edu. On the homepage, Samuels received a master’s degree in dental hygiene from U-M in 1971
click beneath the headline “Graduation and has subsequently served in various leadership roles in education. They
2004.” Headlines and photographs of the include: Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Maryland
speakers will appear, as will the time of
(1993-1995); Dean of the College of Allied Health and Nursing, Minnesota
their remarks. You can listen in any order
you choose.
State University (1995-2000); and Dean of the College of Health Sciences and
Professor of Community and Environmental Health, Old Dominion University
(2000-2004). When the award was bestowed, Samuels was president-elect of
the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions.
Samuels has also written a book chapter, “Allied Health Education in a
Global Community,” that was published in 2003 in Allied Health Education:
Practice Issues and Trends into the 21st Millennium.

Students Honored
Several dental hygiene students received awards for their
achievements. They included:
Kristen Wilhelm: Pauline Steele Student Leadership

Award
Established in 1988 by the U-M Dental Hygiene Alumnae
Outstanding Instructor Award Association, the award honors Pauline Steele, who directed
the dental hygiene program from 1969 until she retired in
to Wendy Kerschbaum 1988. It recognizes a senior student who demonstrates
outstanding leadership while at U-M. Kristen Wilhelm
Graduating dental hygiene students presented received the award for her “quiet, but firm, style” and for
the Outstanding Instructor Award to Prof. Wendy representing her class “with dignity and professionalism,
Kerschbaum at spring commencement ceremonies. both inside and outside the School.”
Before presenting the award, class president Kristen Per Kjeldsen
Wilhelm recalled how Kerschbaum personally telephoned

each student welcoming them to U-M and into the School’s
dental hygiene program.
Wilhelm also noted how Kerschbaum helped students
outside the classroom with advice ranging from class
work to becoming involved in the profession.
After accepting the award, Kerschbaum advised
the graduates to savor their achievements. “You have
graduated as a dental hygienist, you have graduated
with a baccalaureate degree which sets you apart, and
you have graduated from the University of Michigan. No
small feat any one of those, and you have done all three
DHAA President Jemma Allor (left) congratulates DH Class President Kristen
of them,” she said. Wilhelm after she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene.
Per Kjeldsen
Megan Beauchamp: Washtenaw District Dental

Hygienists’ Society’s Community Service Award
This award is given by the local dental hygiene society
to recognize a graduating student for community
involvement. Beauchamp served as a representative
to the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association
(SADHA), was the student delegate to the MDHA House
of Delegates in 2002 and 2003, and was instrumental in
encouraging the expansion of student participation and
activities with SADHA at U-M.
Nicole Maynard: Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals

Dental Hygiene Class President Kristen Wilhelm congratulates Prof. Wendy
Kerschbaum. Student Total Achievement Recognition (STAR) Award
This award is presented to the graduating dental hygiene
student who demonstrates dedication to the profession,

DENTAL HYGIENE
Please
exhibits compassion in patient care, displays enthusiasm
for community service, and appreciates the role of the
Ballot clip
and
dental hygienist. Nicole Maynard served the Class of 2004 Dental Hygienists’ mail
as Honor Council Representative and representative on Alumnae Association
the Dental Hygiene Curriculum Committee, was active
in community service, and was involved in research and It’s time to vote for the four candidates to serve on
student teaching. the U-M Dental Hygienists’ Alumnae Association’s
Board of Governors. Using the ballot below, vote
for those you want to serve a three-year term
Jillinn Cichosz: Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award
beginning in January 2005. Please make sure the
To be considered for this award, a student must envelope containing your ballot is postmarked by
demonstrate outstanding skills in patient assessment, December 31, 2004.
analytical abilities in developing a dental hygiene
diagnosis and treatment plan, and the ability to carry Heather Goemer (Class of 1999) *
out the educational, therapeutic, and preventive aspects
Karen Beckerman (Class of 1995) *
of dental hygiene. Jillinn Cichosz was recognized for
“mastering the art of digging through records to gather Laura Roth (Class of 1999) *
information necessary to provide the best care for the
patient and for being ‘a teachable student’ who is receptive Lisa Hussan (Class of 2001)
to faculty feedback, suggestions, and criticism and using
this information to improve her performance.” * Incumbent
Envelope with the ballot must be postmarked by

Nicole Maynard, Maria Schuemann, Kristen December 31, 2004. Please return to:
Wilhelm: Inducted into the Sigma Phi Alpha Honor University of Michigan
Society (Nu Chapter) School of Dentistry
This national dental hygiene society promotes, recognizes, Office of Alumni Relations
and honors scholarship, service, and character among 1011 N. University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078
dental hygiene students and graduates. Students are
selected based on academic achievements and potential
for future growth and contributions to the dental hygiene
profession.
Call for Nominations
Ruppert, Maynard The School of Dentistry’s Dental Hygienists’
Alumnae Association is looking for volunteers
at ADHA to serve on its Executive Board in 2006. Board
meetings are three times a year, usually at the
School of Dentistry.
Two dental hygiene students participated in the In addition to arranging homecoming
national meeting of the American Dental Hygienists’ activities, DHAA keeps its alums, faculty members,
Association in June. students, and others aware of issues of importance
Becky Ruppert attended as the alternate delegate from to the profession. The organization also selects a
Region V. Before the national meeting, she attended the recipient of the Outstanding Alumnae Award that
is presented each year at graduation.
District V Conference in Ft. Wayne, Indiana in March. For more information, phone Amy Reyes at
Nicole Maynard presented a table clinic in the student (734) 764-6856 or e-mail alreyes@umich.edu.
session during the June session.

RESEARCH NEWS
Better than Last Year: Dental Students Win 45%

of AADR Research Fellowships
Amazing! There’s no other way to describe it. For the second consecutive year,
U-M School of Dentistry dental students were awarded more than 40 percent of
the research fellowships during the AADR’s meeting. They did even better this
spring, winning 9 of 20, or 45 percent of the awards.
Per Kjeldsen Keary Campbell Per Kjeldsen
Student: Jessica Hong Chen Student: Loan Dao Student: Jason Rice
Mentors: Drs. Lloyd Straffon & Marita Mentors: Drs. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum & Mentor: Dr. Richard Johnson
Inglehart Marita Inglehart Project Title: Surface Changes of
Project Title: Preparing Pediatric Dental Project Title: Treating Dental Patients Orthodontic Wires by Consumable Acids
Patients for Their First Dental Visit: with Special Needs in Private Practice: What the Project’s About: Surface
Exploring Different Venues Who Treats, and How? changes in orthodontic wires can
What the Project’s About: A child’s What the Project’s About: In a major affect their properties which, in turn,
first visit to the dentist can be stressful, report about the state of oral health in directly affects the length of treatment
affecting how they respond to the America, the U.S. Surgeon General noted for orthodontic patients. This project
treatment they receive. Preparation major oral health disparities among investigates the effect of consumable acids
is important. This study looks at ways some groups. This study is surveying (soda, sports drinks, and juices) on the
parents can prepare youngsters for that the services general dentists in Michigan integrity of several different orthodontic
first visit. Using a book or video, as well provide to special needs patients. It wires and what those changes could
as parental encouragement, this study focuses on which groups of special needs mean for patients receiving orthodontic
explores whether children who know what patients general dentists treat, the treatment.
to expect before their first visit have less specific services general dentists provide
anxiety and cooperate better with their for those patients, and the arrangements
dentist than those who don’t. the dentists must make to accommodate
them.

AADR Research
Keary Campbell Per Kjeldsen Keary Campbell
Student: Elizabeth Van Tubergen Student: Nathan Spencer Student: Karen Likar
Mentor: Dr. Charles Shelburne Mentor: Dr. Brian Clarkson Mentor: Dr. Jacques Nör
Project Title: Expression Analysis of Project Title: Fluoridated Enamel Project Title: The Effect of a Small
P. gingivalis Defensin Resistance Induced Crystals Bind Ameloblastin More Tightly Molecule Inhibitor of VEGFR-2 Combined
by Triclosan than Control Crystals with an Inducible Caspase on Angiogenesis
What the Project’s About: A toothpaste What the Project’s About: The chalky in Vitro
containing an antibiotic has been white appearance (hypoplasia) of teeth in What the Project’s About: Tumors
approved for daily use. However, there is people who have above optimum levels depend on their blood vessels to grow
evidence that some bacteria may become of fluoride is thought to be due to an and metastasize. Oral cancer patients
resistant to this antibiotic rendering the accumulation of organic material in the may benefit from the disruption of tumor
toothpaste, and possible other antibiotics, enamel. We have been able to show that blood vessels. This project evaluates, for
ineffective. This study found that under enamel crystals containing high levels the first time, the effect of combining two
certain circumstances the antibiotic of fluoride bind protein better and is not therapeutic strategies that aim to disrupt
made P. gingivalis, a bacteria that causes removed at the crucial time during enamel blood vessels. The work may eventually
periodontitis, resistant to antibiotics and development. This causes crystals not to provide support for a novel strategy to
to proteins the human body makes to fight grow and results in the enamel hypoplasia. treat oral cancer.
infection.
Whitesman Wins 1st Place

Keary Campbell
Louis Whitesman, a fourth-year dental student, won first place in the Caulk/Dentsply
Student Research Competition for Clinical Research during the AADR’s annual meeting
in Hawaii.
Mentored by Dr. William Giannobile, Whitesman won for his presentation,“Induction
of Growth Factor Release During Periodontal Wound Repair.”
“The project was a six-month clinical investigation designed to better understand
the periodontal wound repair process,” Whitesman said. “We wanted to determine how
various mediators of wound repair are affected when a tissue-engineering complex is
placed into severe vertical bony defects.” Louis Whitesman and Dr. William
Whitesman received a plaque and a $600 prize. Giannobile

Fellowships
Keary Campbell Keary Campbell
Schneider Wins Young

Investigator Award
A student
Keary Campbell
in the School of
Dentistry’s Oral
Health Sciences
doctoral program
Student: Carlos Smith Student: Brody Hart has won a
Mentors: Drs. Marita Inglehart and Todd Mentor: Dr. George Taylor national award
Ester Project Title: Oral Candida in Adults for his cancer
Project Title: Providing Dental Care for with Diabetes Mellitus and/or Periodontal research.
Underserved Populations: Who Treats and Disease Dr. Abraham Schneider is one
Why? What the Project’s About: This project of six individuals nationwide, and
What the Project’s About: This project investigates relationships between Type the only one from Michigan, to
surveys current dental students and 2 diabetes, periodontal disease, and oral receive the prestigious Harold Frost
School of Dentistry alumni who graduated candida in adults. Its aim is to determine if Young Investigator Award from
in 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, and 2000 to diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease the American Society for Bone and
learn which factors determine if providers are associated independently or jointly Mineral Research. Schneider was
are interested in providing care for with oral candidiasis and the detection presented with his award, including
underserved patients and what care is of candida in oral lesions. The study will a $1,500 check, at the August meeting
actually provided. Answers are designed analyze the Third National Health and in Sun Valley, Idaho.
to find better ways of reducing oral health Nutrition Examination Survey data. Schneider is conducting research
care disparities. that attempts to understand why
prostate cancer cells have a tendency
Per Kjeldsen
to metastasize and inhabit bones.
Student: Imani Lewis
[DentalUM, Fall 2003, pages 73-74.]
Mentor: Dr. Renny Franceschi
U s i n g re a l - t i m e m o l e c u l a r
Project Title: The Effects of Genomic and
imaging, Schneider injects cancer
Nongenomic Estrogen Analogues on Osteoblast-
cells into mice that are marked with
specific Osteocalcin Gene Expression
a gene that generates light which
What the Project’s About: This study examines the
is then captured electronically by a
ability of estrogen-like compounds to stimulate bone
camera and displayed on a monitor.
formation. These compounds are of interest because,
This procedure allows researchers to
unlike the naturally-occurring hormone estrogen, they
immediately view the results of their
do not stimulate abnormal cell growth in the uterus
work by pinpointing the location and
and breast that sometimes leads to cancer. For this
progression of the cancer cells.
reason, these compounds may be useful for treating
Schneider said that mice that
bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
were pharmacologically induced to
have more active bone turnover have

up to three times more metastases
in the femur and craniofacial region Havens, Taichman 1st to Participate
when compared to a control group.
“Skeletal areas that show active
in State-Wide Research Forum
bone resorption and deposition,
“It was quite an honor.”
together with increased number of
That’s how an undergraduate student researcher and an associate
cells in the bone marrow, may offer
professor describe being the first from the School of Dentistry to participate
a more fertile environment that
in a state-wide program that showcased some of the research being conducted
allows prostate cancers to become
at the U-M School of Dentistry and the state’s other major universities.
established and grow in bone,” he
Aaron Havens, the student researcher...and his research advisor, Dr. Russell
said.
Taichman...participated in the First Annual Michigan Undergraduate Research
The dental community, he said,
Forum held this spring in Lansing. The program gave Havens, Taichman, and
may benefit from this research “by
other student researchers and faculty members an opportunity to demonstrate
gaining a better understanding
the important role the state’s research universities play in educating and
about prostate cancer metastasis
training future researchers, teachers, and policymakers.
to bone and how it may affect the
Havens was one of 60 students who discussed his research at the one-day
craniofacial region. It may also
program [see sidebar, next page].
benefit practitioners interested in
The University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
understanding the basic mechanisms
asked faculty members from across campus to nominate students for the
of bone remodeling associated with
event. In addition, Havens also won a “Best Poster” presentation during the
common oral diseases such as
UROP Spring Symposium last year.
periodontal diseases and periapical
UROP and the Office of Vice President for Research also support the
conditions.”
Undergraduate Research Forum which is a student-run, nontechnical research
Schneider’s research advisor
publication. The forum’s focus is to strengthen connections between U-M
is Dr. Laurie McCauley, chair of
undergraduate students, graduate students, the community, and different
the Department of Periodontics,
academic disciplines including the natural sciences, engineering, the social
Prevention, and Geriatrics.
sciences, and the humanities.
The award is named for Harold
Frost who is regarded by many as being Photo courtesy of Russell Taichman
the most influential theoretician in

skeletal biology in the last fifty years.
Individuals competing for the award
must be a second-year post-doctoral
fellow or resident, must submit a 500
word abstract describing their work,
a curriculum vitae, and a one- to
two-page letter summarizing their
research and future goals. Individuals
selected for the award are required
to present their research during a 15
minute presentation at the Sun Valley
Workshop on Skeletal Biology. Dr. Russell Taichman and undergraduate student researcher Aaron Havens.

Keary Campbell
Gene May Cause Bone

Marrow Cancer
The preliminary results from
the research of Aaron Havens and
Dr. Russell Taichman may one day
lead to better-targeted therapy
to prevent cancer metastasis for
various tumors.
“Metastasis (the spread of
cancer to distant sites) is a dreaded
complication in the progression Dr. Leroy Townsend (left) and Dr. John Drach.
of any cancer. This complication
is most severe when the tumors Drug to Fight Virus in Transplant
spread or ‘home’ to the bone, as
they frequently do in oral squamous, Patients Moves Forward in Trials
breast, or prostate cancers,” Havens
and Taichman wrote in describing Colleen Newvine, U-M News Service
t h e i r co l l a b o rat i ve re s e a rc h A drug once considered for cancer chemotherapy is advancing in clinical
project. trials to test its effectiveness in fighting a virus from the herpes family that
“Our lab has been studying threatens transplant patients.
the mechanisms involved in Professors John Drach and Leroy Townsend developed the compound
metastasis and has recently found maribavir which is licensed by ViroPharma, a developmental stage company
a link between how cancers spread whose principal activity is discovering and developing antiviral medicines.
and how blood cells migrate to The company this summer announced that maribavir is headed for Phase
the marrow during bone marrow 2 clinical trials for treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in stem cell
transplantation,” they said. transplant patients. New drugs go through three phases of clinical trials
Havens and Taichman said a before the Food and Drug Administration decides on their approval.
protein/receptor, known as “CD164,” Drach, a biochemist, virologist, and a professor in the schools of
is highly expressed during prostate dentistry and pharmacy [DentalUM, Fall 2000, pages 38-39], and Townsend,
cancer metastasis. Treatment with emeritus professor in chemistry and pharmacy’s medicinal chemistry, began
bone-derived factors enhanced the researching cytomegalovirus in the 1980s, prompted by a National Institutes
levels of CD164 in these tumors. of Health call for proposals to find drugs to treat CMV infections.
Blocking the CD164 protein/ They collaborated with scientists at what is now GlaxoSmithKline, leading
receptor limited the ability of the to prompt clinical evaluation of maribavir. But advances in treatment of
cancer cells to invade and adhere to HIV and AIDS patients temporarily slowed interest in the compound and
bone marrow cells, they noted. The development work ceased. CMV was a common cause of blindness and
findings may some day be useful to ultimately death in HIV patients, and as the medical community invented
prevent the metastasis of several drugs to treat the HIV infection directly, there was less urgency by large
tumors including oral squamous pharmaceutical firms to develop a CMV drug.
carcinoma, breast, and prostate “We had mixed feelings,” Drach said. “Naturally, we were pleased to see
cancers. the remarkable progress in treating HIV and the dramatic decrease in death

from AIDS-related complications, but Dental Pulp Cells May Hold Key to
we also wanted to see our compound
get to market for other people with Treating Parkinson’s Disease
CMV.”
The dentistry/pharmacy faculty
collaboration to study potential Colleen Newvine, U-M News Service
cancer drugs for their effectiveness Cells derived from the inside of a tooth might someday prove an effective
in treating a herpes virus is a classic way to treat the brains of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
example of what researchers say is A study in the May 1 issue of the European Journal of Neuroscience
a major strength of U-M: the ease shows dental pulp cells provide great support for nerve cells lost in Parkinson’s
of teaming with others outside their disease and could be transplanted directly into the affected parts of the
discipline to find new approaches to brain. The study’s lead author is Dr. Chrisopher Nosrat, assistant professor
questions bigger than any one way of biological and materials sciences at the School of Dentistry.
of answering them. This is not the first test of stem cells as a therapy for Parkinson’s disease-
Cytomegalovirus is part of the type illnesses, known as neurodegenerative diseases, but Nosrat noted that
herpes virus family, which also it is the first to use post-natal stem cells grown from more readily available
includes the viruses that causes tooth pulp in the nervous system.
chicken pox, mononucleosis, and Using dental pulp has other advantages besides its availability, Nosrat
herpes simplexes 1 and 2. Like other said. The cells produce a host of beneficial “neurotrophic” factors, which
herpes viruses, CMV can remain promote nerve cell survival.
dormant in the body for long periods Parkinson’s disease is characterized by symptoms including tremors
of time. In most people with intact of the hands, arms, or legs; rigidity of the body; and difficulty balancing
immune systems, CMV causes little while standing or walking. Parkinson’s affects nerve cells in the part of the
to no apparent illness. However,
brain called the basal ganglia, which is responsible for control of voluntary
in people with weakened immune
movement. An estimated 1 million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s. There
systems, CMV can lead to serious
is no cure.
complications or death.
Nosrat’s study involved evaluating the potential of injecting tooth cells
Patients who are immuno -
into brain cells as a possible cell-based therapy for Parkinson’s. He was testing
suppressed following transplant of
whether the tooth cells could prove neurotrophic factors to support dying
hematopoietic stem cells, such as
nerve cells and replace dead cells.
a bone marrow transplant or solid
organ transplantation, are at high Nosrat has also studied dental pulp stem cells as a treatment for
risk of CMV infection, as are AIDS spinal cord injuries and said applying that knowledge to treatment of
patients, fetuses, and newborns. neurodegenerative disease was the next logical step.
In these patients, CMV can lead to He used the same general approach for this Parkinson’s study: researchers
conditions such as pneumonitis extract a tooth and draw cells from the center of the tooth, then culture
or hepatitis, or to complications them in a petri dish to increase the number of the cells. The cell mixture
such as acute or chronic rejection then contains neuronal precursor cells and cells that produce beneficial
of a transplanted organ. When neurotrophic factors.
contracted in utero or at birth, CMV Nosrat emphasized there is much work to be done before human patients
can cause babies to be born with might find relief from Parkinson’s symptoms as a result of this therapy. It is
birth defects or impairments such as still many years from being tested in people as a possible treatment or cure
hearing loss. for neurological disorders.

Periodontal Disease: Early Progress Reported
in Tissue Engineering
Scientists have long known an important first step in developing gaps develop around the teeth that
that platelet-derived growth factor PDGF gene therapy for the treatment can eventually lead to tooth loss.
(PDGF) has the potential to help of periodontal disease, which affects Current treatments for
regenerate the lost bone and soft an estimated 200 million Americans periodontal disease only focus on
tissue that occurs within advanced to varying degrees. stopping disease progression, but the
periodontal disease. The problem damaged tissue is lost forever. The
always has been finding a way Building on Earlier Research ultimate goal of Giannobile’s and
to administer PDGF that prevents Dr. William Giannobile, the senior other research groups is to regenerate
scissor-like enzymes in the wound author of the study and professor at all destroyed periodontal tissues. The
from snipping the growth factor the U-M School of Dentistry, said, next step in PDGF gene therapy will
to pieces and degrading it before “This really is a proof-of-concept be to test the concept in larger animal
complete regeneration occurs. study, meaning that it is not yet models.
Now, as a potential solution to ready for clinical applications, but we Collaborating with Giannobile
this problem, a team of researchers have shown that PDGF gene therapy w e re D r s . Q i m i n g J i n , O r a s a
at the U-M School of Dentistry reports is possible. There are still questions Anusaksathien, Sarah Webb, and
the first success in using gene therapy that we hope to answer with further Marie Printz.
to administer PDGF to the wound in refinement of this theory.” The work
rats. was supported by the NIH’s National
According to the article published Institute of Dental and Craniofacial
in the April issue of Molecular Therapy, Research.
the scientists inserted a copy of the The paper builds on the group’s
PDFG gene into the much studied previous successes in the lab at
adenovirus, which transported the introducing the PDGF gene into cells.
gene past the destructive enzymes and Because cells normally do not take up
into cells surrounding the lesion. DNA by themselves, scientists often
Once there, the scientists reported rely on viruses, which can bind to
the gene produced increased amounts and enter cells, bringing their own
of PDGF protein for up to three weeks, or a manufactured gene with them.
while prompting the regeneration Here, the scientists packaged the
of bone, formation of the tooth- PDGF gene in an adenovirus and used
supporting periodontal ligaments, it as a treatment in a periodontal
and enhanced deposition of root- disease model. In this infectious
covering cementum. disease the body’s immune response
Stressing their strategy still not only affects the invading oral
faces many scientific hurdles, the bacteria, but also the healthy gum
authors say their experiments mark and bone tissue. As a result, large

93
Peter Ma Research Cover Story
for Magazine
Keary Campbell
The tissue engineering research being conducted in the laboratory of

Dr. Peter Ma was the cover story for the May issue of Materials Today, an
international news magazine.
Ma, an associate professor in the School of Dentistry’s Department of
Biologic and Materials Sciences, is working to develop novel scaffolding
materials and studying how differences in various scaffolds affect bone
tissue growth.
Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies the
principles of engineering and the life sciences to developing biological
substitutes for tissues and organs that can be transplanted during
reconstructive surgery.
One common technique uses a biodegradable scaffold to support
tissue regeneration. Cells are incorporated into a porous scaffold, and the
cell-scaffold composite is cultivated to promote the formation of tissue
throughout the entire matrix.
Dr. Peter Ma Because synthetic materials generally have more controllable
properties than natural materials, Ma’s laboratory has developed methods
to process synthetic biodegradable polymers into porous scaffolds that
mimic the microarchitectures (submicrometer level) found in natural
tissue. The hope is to optimize the scaffolding environment by studying
how various combinations of macro- and micro-architectures affect tissue
development.
In other projects, Ma’s group is looking to modify scaffolds by changing
the material surface properties, incorporating bone-like mineralization,
and adding drug-releasing microspheres in the scaffolds to promote tissue
growth. Ultimately, his research seeks to develop scaffolding materials to
regenerate bony tissues, which will help patients suffering from periodontal
diseases, or those needing bone grafts for craniofacial injuries or defects.
It’s been a productive year so far for Ma’s research group.
“We have ten papers published or in press this academic year, as well as
six book chapters, and have been invited to make presentations to various
conferences and institutions,” he said.

Staff Lauded for
Long-Term Service Vedder Society “First”
The Francis B. Vedder Society, founded to honor
the past chairman of the Crown and Bridge Department,
Twelve U-M School of Dentistry staff members were recorded a “first” at its spring meeting. The society
recognized this spring for their long-term service to the hosted the first female dentist to address the group
University. since the organization’s creation in 1959.
“We’re grateful for what you do and the contributions B. Ellen Byrne, RPh, DDS, and PhD from the Virginia
you’ve made,” Dean Peter Polverini told the group. “If it Commonwealth School of Dentistry, talked about the
wasn’t for your efforts, and those of other staff members, use of pharmacological agents in crown and bridge
our work as administrators and faculty members would prosthodontics.
be much more difficult.” In her remarks, Byrne discussed normal oral flora,
Previously, the University recognized staff members the use of antibiotics, antisalogues, local anesthetics,
with 10, 20, 30, and 40 years of service. However, after and analgesics. She also reviewed drug history therapy
suggestions from staff several years ago, the University and new developments.
discontinued its reception for 10-year service award Dr. Howard Hamerink, Vedder Society president,
recipients and instead allowed schools and colleges across said, “the group is primarily interested in hearing
the campus to host their own ceremony to honor this from speakers with expertise in crown and bridge
group. prosthodontics. However, as this year’s program chair,
The University continues to recognize 20-, 30-, and I heard Dr. Byrne previously and was impressed. Her
40-year recipients at a reception each November. The area of expertise, although not specifically crown and
School of Dentistry has recognized all recipients since bridge, is essential to patient treatment. All of us were
1999. Those honored this year included: impressed with her presentation.”
Now assistant dean for academic affairs, Byrne
10 Years of Service
previously chaired the Department of Endodontics at
• Frank Dodd, Patient Services
Virginia Commonwealth.
• Nancy Gee, Patient Services
• Wenche Borgnakke, Cariology, Restorative Sciences,
and Endodontics (CRSE) Keary Campbell
• Sally Tamm, CRSE

• Jingcheng Wang, Periodontics, Prevention, and
Geriatrics
• Patricia Schultz, Office of Research
20 Years of Service
• Susan Flannagan, Biologic and Materials Sciences
• Maureen Lacey, Patient Services
• Deborah Lentz, Patient Services
• Lynaire Clipper, Pediatric Dentistry
• Diane McFarland, Dean’s Office
30 Years of Service Service Award recipients included (front row, left to right): Jingcheng Wang,
Nancy Gee, Pat Schultz, and Frank Dodd; (back row, left to right): Gayle Jaynes,
• Gale Jaynes, Predoctoral Admissions Lynaire Clipper, Susan Flannagan, and Deborah Lentz. Not pictured: Wenche
Borgnakke, Sally Tamm, Maureen Lacey, and Diane McFarland.

What’s New with You?
Your Classmates Want to Know! Please
clip
and
Send news about your latest personal or professional achievement, award, or honor, mail
along with a picture (black and white or color) to: Jerry Mastey, editor DentalUM,
University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, 1011 N. University Avenue, Room 1205,
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078.
Name ___________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________
City ________________________________ State ______ Zip Code __________________
Telephone __________________________Fax (if available) ___________________________
e-mail __________________________________________________________________
Is this an address change? ____ Yes ____ No

What type of address change? ____ Home ____ Office
(Please list only University of Michigan degrees and the year earned.)
DDS ________
DH Certificate ________
BS ________
MS ________
PhD ________
Specialization __________________________________________________________
News: ___________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Get Involved!
_____ I would like to help plan my next reunion.
_____ I would like to be considered for the Alumni Society Board of Governors.

Alumni News
Kolling MDA President Elect
Less than a year from now, Dr. Josef Kolling (DDS 1981) will become president
of the 6,300 member Michigan Dental Association.
A clinical associate professor in the Department of Biologic and Materials
Sciences, Kolling was elected president-elect of the organization during its
annual spring meeting in Detroit. Previously, he was the group’s secretary
and vice president.
Kolling, who also received a master’s degree in restorative dentistry in
1984, has served in other leadership positions during the past 23 years and
will continue serving on the MDA’s executive committee. Other School of Dentistry alumni elected
to MDA leadership positions include:
• Allan Jacobs (DDS 1974) of West Bloomfield – Speaker of the House of Delegates. He is a
past president of the Oakland County Dental Society, where he continues to serve on the
Board of Trustees. He is also a past president and current board member of the Michigan
Association of Endodontists.
• Joanne Dawley (DDS 1980) of Detroit – Secretary. She is a past president of the Detroit
District Dental Society and a member of the ADA’s House of Delegates.
• Steven Dater (DDS 1988) of Rockford – Treasurer. He is a former member of the executive
board of the West Michigan District Dental Society and chaired the Dental Education
Committee and Young Dentist Forum.
Class Notes
2000s 1980s
Walter S. Hong (DDS 2002) recently purchased his Susan K. Wannemacher (BS, dental hygiene,
own general dental practice in Pasadena, just outside of 1980) of Toledo, Ohio, says that after twenty years as a
Baltimore, Maryland. Several months earlier, his wife, dental hygienist she is now employed full time at Owens
Katie, gave birth to their second child, Matthew. “He Community College in that city. She’s teaching radiology,
was born on June 28, 2003, the last day of my GPR in assisting with course revisions, and conducting clinical
Madison, Wisconsin,” Dr. Hong wrote. The Hongs also teaching. “Many thanks to U-M and the great instructors
have a daughter, Carolyn. I had who prepared me so well for my career in practice
and dental hygiene instruction,” she wrote. “It’s hard to
Tessa Buchanan (DDS 2002) recently opened a private believe I now have two daughters who are now college
practice, the Associated Family Dental Center, in Midland, undergraduates.”
Michigan. Previously, she was worked at Dental Clinics
North in West Branch.
DentalUM
DentalUM Fall
Fall 2004
2004 97
1970s 1950s
After being a part-time student for seven years and a Sherwin Fishman (DDS 1956, MPH 1964) of Sarasota,
full-time practitioner, Bradley A. Dykstra (DDS 1978) Florida, says although he has retired, he volunteers as a
of Hudsonville, Michigan, is making some transitions. dentist at a senior facility, the Senior Friendship Center,
In April, he received his MBA from Grand Valley State in that city. In addition to volunteering, he also has a
University and plans to become a part-time lecturer and collection of about 150 orchids. Dr. Fishman and his wife,
consultant. Meanwhile, he’s making plans to shift from Laurie, also relish time with their granddaughter, Leah.
full-time to part-time practice.
Charles R. Caldwell (DDS 1977) of East Grand

Rapids, was named the 2004 Dentist Citizen of the Year
by the Michigan Dental Association during its annual
session in Detroit. The award honors a member of the
association who has demonstrated outstanding service
to the community, state, or nation. Active in many
organizations in the Grand Rapids area, Caldwell was
liaison to the 50th Anniversary Fluoride Commemorative
Committee in 1995. He is a past president of the West
Michigan District Dental Society. Last year, he received
the organization’s highest honor, the Silent Bell Award.
Sylvia Ross (DDS 1976, MS periodontics 1981) of Richard A. Shick (DDS 1954,
Beverly Hills, was honored as chair of the MDA’s Annual MS 1960) of Grand Blanc, Michigan,
Session Committee during its recent annual meeting. received the Michigan Dental
Her committee was responsible for the dental group’s Association’s highest honor, the
annual session, one of the largest in the country. This John G. Nolen Meritorious Award,
year’s program attracted more than 5,100 dentists. Ross during the organization’s annual
is a former member of the MDA Board of Trustees (1993- meeting in Detroit. The award,
1999). presented in memory of Dr. John
G. Nolen (DDS 1944) who was MDA
In addition to serving as President executive director from 1969-1990, recognizes exceptional
of the American Board of Oral and contributions to the advancement of the art and science of
Maxillofacial Pathology, Michael dentistry. Among his many professional activities, Shick
D. Rohrer (DDS 1970, MS 1978) served as MDA president (1976-77), was president of the
was recently elected Vice President Genesee District Dental Society (1966), and provided more
of the American Academy of Oral than 125 segments on dental health for the J.P. McCarthy
and Maxillofacial Pathology. He radio show on WJR (1977-1992).
is professor and director of the
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial
Pathology at the University of Minnesota School of
Dentistry and director of its Hard Tissue Research
Laboratory.
98 DentalUM
DentalUM Fall
Fall 2004
2004
In Memoriam
Roy Roberts
Class of 1932
One of the University of Michigan School of

Dentistry’s best known and most respected graduates,
Dr. Roy Roberts (DDS 1932), died June 14. He was 97.
During the past two decades, Dr. Roberts gifted just
over $13 million to the School making him, as far as U-M
officials can determine, the largest single benefactor to
dental education in the U.S.
In 1997, he and his wife, Natalie, gifted $10 million
to the School. That gift is believed to be the largest single
commitment ever made to a dental school.
In recent years, Dr. Roberts gifted approximately $3 million to the School,
allowing it to totally renovate the west preclinic which was named The Dr. Roy
H. Roberts Preclinical Laboratory, and to establish an endowed professorship that
now bears his name.
Born in Maple Rapids, Michigan, Roberts was encouraged to become a dentist
by a roommate when he was at Michigan State Normal College, now Eastern
Michigan University in Ypsilanti.
However, Roberts quit college to work as a traveling salesman selling clothes
to stores across Michigan for two years. He returned to Ypsilanti, completed a
predental program, and applied to and was accepted at the U-M School of Dentistry
in 1929.
When he graduated in 1932 during the Great Depression, Roberts was a clinical
instructor at the School for a year. Between 1933 and 1935 he divided his time
between his practice in downtown Detroit and an office on Mackinac Island. In
1933 he met his future wife, Natalie. After they were married, the Roberts lived
in Grosse Ile. In 1936, he moved his practice to Ecorse and practiced dentistry
there until he retired 50 years later.
Dr. Roberts was an avid and successful investor who, in 2001, gifted $2 million
to endow what is now known as the Roy Roberts Professor of Dentistry. That
professorship is held by Dr. William Kotowicz.
In January, Kotowicz visited Dr. Roberts at his Florida home and showed him
pictures of the preclinic renovations. “As he looked at the pictures, Roy talked
about some of his experiences as a dental student at Michigan. He was especially
pleased to know students would no longer have to crowd around one another
and strain to see an instructor demonstrate a particular procedure as they did
when he was a student,” Kotowicz said.

99
In Memoriam
Dr. Titus Van Haitsma Dr. Myron Van Leeuwen

Class of 1935 Class of 1939
Dr. Titus Van Haitsma, Dr. Myron J. Van Leeuwen,

who practiced dentistry in who was an instructor at
Holland, Michigan for more the School after earning
than 40 years, died August his dental degree in 1939,
13. He was 93. A graduate died in Dover, Maryland,
of the Class of 1935, Dr. on July 26. He was 92.
Van Haitsma said in an At U-M, he oversaw the
interview in DentalUM dental clinic at U-M Health
(Spring & Summer 2003, Services and later taught
page 36) that he almost didn’t complete his dental at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine from 1945
education in Ann Arbor. “During my second year until he retired in 1983.
here, which was during the Depression, the banks
were closed, so I wasn’t able to borrow money to
attend. Fortunately, an uncle sold some stock and ’66 Dr. Robert Crasile
loaned the proceeds to me so I could continue my Boca Raton, Florida
education,” he said. August 6, 2004
Dr. Van Haitsma was a member of many
professional organizations, including the American ’53 Dr. John G. Davidson
Dental Association, the Western Michigan Dental Haines City, Florida
Association, as well as numerous arts councils. July 20, 2004
Two years ago, he received the Second Century
President’s Award from Hope College in Holland, ’44 Dr. George Feldman
Michigan. Monroe, Michigan
During the summer of 2003, Dr. Haitsma made a July 3, 2004
gift to the School of Dentistry to help students meet
the cost of their education. “I’m very fond of the
dental school and thought it was time I gave even
more back to it,” he said at the time. “And, after
looking back on what I went through as a student,
I thought the best way to do that was with a gift
that would help a student become a dentist.”

Upcoming Continuing Dental
Education Courses
Thursday, December 16, 2004

Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation for Dental
Hygienists
Speakers:
• Wendy Kerschbaum, RDH, MA, MPH
• Christine Klausner, RDH, MS
For more information about
This course is designed to prepare the dental hygienist these and other continuing
to safely and effectively administer nitrous oxide/oxygen
dental education courses,
sedation as a pain control strategy in a dental practice. The
course includes classroom and clinical experiences and contact:
meets the educational requirements of Michigan law.
University of Michigan
School of Dentistry
Wednesday, January 12, 2005 Office of Continuing
Biology of Oral Implants and Maintenance of Dental Education
Partially Endentulous Patients Suffering from
Chronic Periodontitis 1011 N. University
Room G508
Speakers: Professor Niklaus P. Lang
Location: Power Center for the Performing Arts, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078 The School’s
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Those attending this day-long course taught by world-
Phone: (734) 763-5070 Fundraising
Fax: (734) 936-3065
renowned periodontologist Niklaus P. Lang will be
introduced to the biology of tissue integration, both on www.dent.umich.edu Campaign
an osseous and soft tissue level. Clinical science and
histological features of periimplant pathology, including the Begins
development of mucositis and periimplants will be discussed
as well as support therapy to improve the longevity of oral
implants in partially endentulous patients.
Wednesday, April 6, 2005

Maxillofacial Rehabilitation Using the Zygomatic
Implant
Speakers:
• Sean P. Edwards, DDS, BSC
• Joseph I. Helman, DMD
• Samuel R. Zwetchkenbaum, DDS
This course, designed for prosthodontists and restorative
dentists, will introduce the Branemark Zygoma Implant
System, describe indications and contraindications for its
use, and provide some practical tips for successful case
completion.

DentalUM Fall 2004

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

DentalUM Fall 2004

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Upcoming Continuing Dental

Thursday, December 16, 2004

Wednesday, April 6, 2005

DentalUM magazine is published twice a year by the

Mail letters and updates to: Jerry Mastey, Editor, School

Peter Polverini, Dean

DentalUM Fall 2004 1

6 Dental Student’s Remarks Sway MDA

12 Helping Dental Patients through Research

18 Dental Students Make a Difference at Migrant Dental Clinics

54 Alumnus Profile – Dr. Timothy Gietzen

58 Surprise! Board of Governors Given Pop Quiz During Meeting

t’s quite an achievement.

4 DentalUM Fall 2004

DentalUM Fall 2004 5

In addition to a weekly journal club meeting, Likar

Missing Graduation with Classmates

6 DentalUM Fall 2004

DentalUM Fall 2004 7

8 DentalUM Fall 2004

convocation message to faculty, students, and staff at the Michigan League

include: a reinvention of the dental program as the nation’s health care

DentalUM Fall 2004 9

10 DentalUM Fall 2004

Current guidelines also recommend the type and frequency

DentalUM Fall 2004 11

aking the knowledge discovered in research

12 DentalUM Fall 2004

DentalUM Fall 2004 13

Although the Michigan Center for Oral

14 DentalUM Fall 2004

DentalUM Fall 2004 15

16 DentalUM Fall 2004

DentalUM Fall 2004 17

Jerry Mastey Jerry Mastey

18 DentalUM Fall 2004

To help children understand why flossing is important, dental students developed

DentalUM Fall 2004 19

20 DentalUM Fall 2004

DentalUM Fall 2004 21

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Fishman

Experiences at Migrant Dental Clinic

22 DentalUM Fall 2004

DentalUM Fall 2004 23

Outreach Experience Leads to Job

Joel Hayden’s Career Path Change

24 DentalUM Fall 2004

The Influences of Parents and a Hobby

DentalUM Fall 2004 25

Finding Quality Health and Dental Information Online

26 DentalUM Fall 2004

DentalUM Fall 2004 27

28 DentalUM Fall 2004

The Michigan Difference

A Great Start! School of Dentistry Halfway

A luncheon under a tent

DentalUM Fall 2004 29

student scholarships, endowed professorships to recruit

30 DentalUM Fall 2004

Recalling the impact the Christiansen Collegiate

DentalUM Fall 2004 31

“ Dr. Robins, Mrs. Robins,” Preslan

32 DentalUM Fall 2004