{"id":20065,"date":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2003-03-28T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2003\/03\/28\/college-of-dentistry-celebrates-academics-research\/"},"modified":"2003-03-28T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2003-03-28T06:00:00","slug":"college-of-dentistry-celebrates-academics-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2003\/03\/28\/college-of-dentistry-celebrates-academics-research\/","title":{"rendered":"College of Dentistry celebrates academics, research"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\nErika Zink and Jennifer Kurth placed first in the dental student category. Photos by Peggy Cain, College of Dentistry.
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\n<\/TABLE>What will the future of oral health look like? UNMC College of Dentistry students, faculty, residents and staff gained insight into that question March 21 during the college’s 17th annual Professionals Day event in Lincoln. The event also celebrated the 36th Annual Student Scientific Program where dental, dental hygiene students and post-graduate students displayed 52 research projects.<\/p>\n

Keynote speaker Lawrence Tabak, D.D.S., Ph.D., director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, addressed the strides being made in the study and mapping of human genes that will revolutionize the field of oral health.<\/p>\n

The college also recognized individuals during the awards and honors convocation for academic excellence and research honors. For some students, the event culminates at least six months of work on a required research project. Students were eager to explain their projects to faculty judges who hovered with their clipboards.
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\nFrom left to right are senior dental hygiene students, Gina Kissel, Julie Jane and Amy Dayhoff, by their research project titled “Are your Teeth Sensitive?”
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Poster presentations<\/b><\/p>\n

Senior dental hygiene students, Julie Jane, Amy Dayhoff and Gina Kissel, were enthusiastic about their research poster titled, “Are your teeth sensitive?” The display was a visual representation of the results of their 20-page paper.<\/p>\n

“A lot of people have sensitive teeth,” Kissel said. “They assume there’s nothing that can be done about it but there is, including the application of dental varnishes can be applied easily at low cost. Many people also assume it’s a cavity if they have sensitivity.”<\/p>\n


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\nLewis Cummings, D.D.S., and Bryan Cochran, D.D.S. (not pictured) were first place winners in the post-graduate category.
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\n<\/TABLE>She said toothpaste for sensitive teeth also can be effective. To gather information, the group surveyed 50 Nebraska dentists on how many patients suffer from sensitive teeth, how they treat the problem and what kind of toothpaste they recommend.<\/p>\n

Sparking interest in research<\/b><\/p>\n

Brian Lange, Ph.D., professor of dental practice management, said the event cultivates a desire to do research. “For someone who’s never had a research interest, some of the students have top-notch stuff,” Dr. Lange said. “They’ve learned research techniques and how to collaborate with faculty and other students which is just as important in research as knowing the topic. They also get to see another side of the faculty they don’t normally see.”<\/p>\n

Near a display titled, “Cost effective follow-up assessment for the use of intraoral orthotics in managing obstructive sleep apnea,” senior dental students, Anh Nguyen and Craig Braun, waited for their turn with the judges.
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\nFirst place winners in the dental hygiene category were Nichole Pierce and Phalisady Latas.
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Braun said the scientific program was an opportunity to display new ideas and learn new things. “It’s very rewarding,” he said.<\/p>\n

Scoring high on national exams<\/b><\/p>\n

John Reinhardt, D.D.S., dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry, said he was impressed, as always, with the students’ table clinics and that so many family and friends attended. <\/p>\n

He also was pleased to announce that the senior dental students’ scored third in the nation out of 55 dental schools on their National Board Exam Part II. The written exam covers clinical subjects. Students have consistently ranked high on national exams.
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\nJohn Reinhardt, D.D.S., dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry, and Lawrence Tabak, D.D.S., Ph.D., director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
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Keynote impressed<\/b><\/p>\n

Dr. Reinhardt said he was thrilled to have someone of Dr. Tabak’s stature speak at Professionals’ Day. “It’s wonderful to have him here and learn about our research here\u2026to see our growing research program.”<\/p>\n

Assistant Dean for Research Jeffrey Payne, D.D.S., and F. Gene and Rosemary Dixon Endowed Chair in Dentistry, coordinated Dr. Tabak’s visit and said he “was impressed with the research we’re conducting and was equally impressed with the facility. He went away with a very positive outlook on our research program, which we’re recognized nationally for, as well as what we’ve accomplished here.”<\/p>\n

Before Dr. Tabak delivered the Frank M. Wentz Memorial Lectureship, he looked at the students’ research projects. <\/p>\n


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\nProfessionals Day awards<\/p>\n

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\nPierre Fauchard Academy Dental Student Scholarship Award<\/b> — Presented to Kristin Fornander, student. The award, which carries a $1,500 stipend, honors an individual who has demonstrated great potential of developing into an outstanding leader in the dental profession. <\/p>\n

Dr. Raymond Steinacher Award<\/b> — Presented to Melissa Morris, student. The award recognizes outstanding didactic and clinical skills in prosthodontics.<\/p>\n

College of Dentistry Service Philosophy Awards<\/b> — Presented to Henry St. Germain, D.M.D., department chair, adult restorative dentistry; staff award presented to Kathy Miller, staff secretary; student award presented to Jamar Anderson. The award recognizes those who are committed to anticipating and fulfilling the needs and requirements of faculty, staff, students, patients, and community, while carrying out a state-wide mission of excellence in education, research, health care, and service.<\/p>\n

College of Dentistry Excellence in Teaching Award<\/b> – Presented to Ronald Attanasio, D.D.S. The award recognizes faculty who have made teaching a high priority among their professional duties. <\/p>\n

Faculty Recognition<\/b>
\nRecognizing the time and effort put forth by talented and dedicated faculty, the students of the College of Dentistry honored the following:
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