Homecoming Weekend 2007

Upcoming Continuing Dental

Education Courses Thursday, October 11
Emeritus Pinning Ceremony
Time: 11:30 a.m.
August 3, 2007 (Friday) and August 4, 2007 (Saturday) Location: Room G390
Clinical Update in Pediatric Dentistry
Emeritus Class Picture
Speaker: Dr. Michael Ignelzi Time: Noon
This entertaining and informative course will provide timely and Location: Foyer staircase outside the Sindecuse Museum
practical information for those in any practice who treat children. Emeritus Reunion and Hall of Honor Luncheon
Subjects to be discussed include pulp therapy for primary and younger Time: 1:00 p.m.
permanent teeth, caries risk assessment, the infant and toddler Location: Sindecuse Atrium
visit, and the most commonly found developmental anomalies and
For more information about
Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony
pathology in children.
these and other continuing
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: August 3, Crowne Plaza, 5700 28th St., S.E., Grand Rapids Location: Sindecuse Atrium
dental education courses
August 4, U-M School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor
contact:
University of Michigan
October 5, 2007 (Friday) School of Dentistry
Friday, October 12
Bruised, Broken, and Bedeviled Teeth: Managing Office of Continuing
Morawa Lecture
Traumatic Injuries Dental Education
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
1011 N. University Avenue
Location: Kensington Court Hotel, 610 Hilton Boulevard, Ann Arbor
Speaker: Dr. Anthony DiAngelis Speaker: Bruce J. Crispin (DDS 1972, MS 1975), founder and director,
Professor, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and Chief of Room G508
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078
Esthetic Professionals Dental Education Center, Tarzana, CA
Dentistry, Hennepin County Medical Center
www.dent.umich.edu. Homecoming Dinner Celebration
Learn the most current techniques for treating all manner of traumatic Honoring Dental and Dental Hygiene classes with graduation years
dental injuries as well as the medical and legal implications of dental ending in 2 and 7.
implant surgery. Doors open and registration begins: 6:00 p.m.
Location: U-M School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor Cocktail Reception: 6:00 p.m.
Dinner: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Kensington Court Hotel, 610 Hilton Boulevard, Ann Arbor
October 18, 2007 (Thursday)
Esthetics in Orthodontics: State of the Art
Speaker: Dr. Bjorn Zachrisson Saturday, October 13
Department of Orthodontics, University of Oslo (Norway) Alumni Association Go Blue! Tailgate
Time: 3 hours before kickoff
Learn more about new concepts and guidelines for achieving a
Location: Indoor Track Building
beautiful display of teeth, desirable crown torque variations of canines
and posterior teeth in different facial types, and more. Football Game – University of Michigan vs. Purdue
Location: U-M School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor
Time: Noon
Location: The Big House
 DentalUM
Spring & Summer 2007 Volume 23, Number 1

DentalUM magazine is published twice a year by the Our School’s

University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Office of
Alumni Relations and Continuing Dental Education.
Admission Process
Mail letters and updates to: Jerry Mastey, Editor, School
of Dentistry, Room G532, 1011 N. University Ave., Ann
Arbor, MI 48109-1078. Or you may send your letters and
updates via email to: jmastey@umich.edu.

Dean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Polverini This issue of DentalUM focuses on a subject that is probably asked
Director of External Relations and
Continuing Dental Education . . . . . Richard Fetchiet
about more than just about anything else – admissions.
Writer & Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Mastey As our director of External Relations and Continuing Dental
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Jung Education, Richard Fetchiet, says, “The two questions we hear most
Photography . . . . . . Keary Campbell, Per H. Kjeldsen
often from our alums are – ‘What is the admissions process at the
Member publication of the American U-M School of Dentistry?’ and ‘What must one do to be a competitive
Association of Dental Editors
applicant to gain admission’?”
The Regents of the University: When I travel to visit and talk to many of you, those questions
Julia Donovan Darlow, Laurence B. Deitch, Olivia P.
Maynard, Rebecca McGowan, Andrea Fischer Newman,
are invariably raised in one form or another.
Andrew C. Richner, S. Martin Taylor, Katherine E. White, This issue answers those questions and also provides a significant
Mary Sue Coleman, ex officio.
amount of very important information beginning on page 18.
University of Michigan School of Dentistry You will learn about how competitive the admissions process
Alumni Society Board of Governors is…how the number of applications has surged in recent years…why
Terms Expire 2007: it’s important for someone interested in pursuing a dental education
Samuel Bander, ’81, Grand Rapids, MI
Richard L. Pascoe, ’70, Traverse City, MI to begin preparing as an undergraduate…how to apply online…what
Susan Pritzel, ’67 DH, Ann Arbor, MI (chair) information an applicant must submit and keep track of…a timeline
Terry Timm, ’71, Saline, MI
Josephine Weeden, ’96, ’99, Saline, MI of important dates…campus visits and interviews…selection
Terms Expire 2008: factors…and more.
William E. Brownscombe, ‘74, St. Clair Shores, MI You will also learn more about those in our Office of Admissions
John R. McMahon, ‘82, Grand Rapids, MI
George M. Yellich, ‘72, Los Gatos, CA
who do an outstanding job of keeping track of thousands of pieces of
Harold Zald, ‘79, West Bloomfield, MI information, including Dr. Marilyn Woolfolk, our assistant dean for
Jemma Allor, ‘00, Dental Hygiene, Mt. Clemens, MI
student services, and those who work with her on behalf of interested
Terms Expire 2009:
Charles Caldwell, ‘77, Grand Rapids, MI
applicants and candidates – Pattie Katcher, Jillian Yant, and Mary
Daniel Edwards, ‘97, Ann Arbor, MI Gaynor.
Gary Hubbard, ‘78, Okemos, MI Also included is a story about the admissions process from the
Metodi Pogoncheff, ‘76, Lansing, MI
Janet Souder Wilson, ‘73, Dental Hygiene, Northville, MI viewpoint of a student, Patrick McGrath, who will be joining us as a
Student Representative: Casey Tenniswood (D4) first-year dental student later this summer.
Ex Officio Members: After reading this issue, many of you may be surprised to learn
Peter Polverini, Dean our admissions process is not the same as it was previously. This is an
Janet Souder Wilson, ‘73, DH, Northville, MI
Alumni Association Liaison informative publication that you may want to retain or pass along to
Steve C. Grafton , Executive Director, Alumni Assoc. someone you know who is considering applying to our great School.
Richard R. Fetchiet, Director of External Relations and
Continuing Dental Education
The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding Sincerely,
nondiscrimination and affirmative action, including Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973. The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of
nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of
race, sex*, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital
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
Peter J. Polverini, Dean
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) 647-1388. For other
University of Michigan information, call (734) 764-1817.
* Includes discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

1
 In This Issue . . .
COVER STORY
18 The Admissions Process…and the Team that Makes it Work
What is the admissions process at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry?
What must one do to be a competitive applicant to gain admission? Those
are probably the most frequently asked questions of School of Dentistry
administrators and those in the Office of Alumni Relations.
This issue of DentalUM answers those questions and others as it details the
School’s admissions process and the team that makes it work. Members of the
team include (standing) Drs. Marilyn Woolfolk and Marilyn Lantz and (seated,
left to right): Jillian Yant, Pattie Katcher, Gale Jaynes, and Mary Gaynor.

Learn more about the admissions process, the timeline applicants must follow,
mini-profiles of those who help applicants and candidates, and other vital
information. You may be surprised to learn the School’s admissions process is
not the same today as it was thirty, twenty, or even ten years ago.
18 – What’s Involved: Getting Accepted at the U-M School of Dentistry
28 – Prospective Students Invited for Campus Visits and Interviews
32 – Advice from New Dental Student to Future Applicants
Design by Chris Jung, photo by Keary Campbell.

FEATURES
4 Dental Students in the (Elementary) Classroom
4 When time permits, U-M dental students will go almost anywhere to
talk to interested individuals about the profession and the importance
of good oral health. In response to a request from elementary school
teacher Nicholas Husbye, three dental students recently traveled to
Milan, Michigan, to talk to first-grade students about dentistry.
5 Big Turnout for Give Kids a Smile Program
The turnout was better than expected. In early February, 95 children
from across southeast Michigan traveled with their parents or a relative
to the U-M School Dentistry to receive free oral health care as part of
the ADA’s Give Kids a Smile Program.
7 Filling a Critical Need – Community Outreach
The School of Dentistry’s community outreach program continues to
fill a vital need throughout Michigan by providing oral health care to
5 those in need. New statistics show the number of patients seen at eight
sites across the state rose more than 21 percent and the number of
procedures performed rose nearly 28 percent.
15 Oral Cancer: Perspectives from Two Survivors
“Grateful Patient” Tells Dental Students: Oral Exams Vital
An oral examination by a U-M School of Dentistry periodontal
alumnus saved Chuck Coté’s life. He recently described his experiences
to 100 dental students and how each of them could make a difference
in the lives of their patients.
Also, in a new, 10-minute video that is a part of a continuing dental
education course dealing with oral cancer screening and prevention,
another patient said, “If my dentist had not diagnosed my cancer, I

15 would likely be dead by now.”

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

2
 Spring & Summer 2007

34 Alumni Profiles — Dr. Charles and Dolores (Dee) Kelly
Dentistry has been more than a profession and a passion for Dr. Charles
Kelly and his wife, Dee. It seems to be a family tradition of nearly 100
years…and will continue for the foreseeable future.
54 Faculty Profile — Dr. William Giannobile
His father’s toss of a dart was a roll of the dice. Looking back, Dr. William
Giannobile learned important lessons about taking a chance, acquiring
new skills, and applying previously-learned skills in a new environment
that ultimately set the stage for his scientific and academic career.

71 “Let’s Face It” Facial Disfigurements Web Site Transferred

34
to U-M
It seemed to be a simple question. But the question led to a whirlwind
of activity that eventually involved the School of Dentistry, University
Libraries, Mott Children’s Hospital, and the U-M Health System’s
Craniofacial Team.
84 White Coat Ceremony

DEPARTMENTS
39 Development


39 – School at 92% of Fundraising Goal
40 – Fundraising Begins for New Endodontics Clinic
54
41 – New Gifts: Dr. and Mrs. Robert Aldrich, Drs. Richard Gardner, Allan
Jacobs, Jeffrey Halvorson, Sondra Gunn, Ludia Kim, Robert Sterken
45 – Homecoming Weekend 2006
46 – Drs. Craig and Striffler Inducted into Hall of Honor
50 – New Charitable IRA Offers Benefits only to December 31, 2007

53 Faculty News
58 Department Update: Periodontics and Oral Medicine
64 Dental Hygiene
64 – Dental Hygiene Student’s “Bold Move”
Last summer, second-year dental hygiene student Meggan Aiuto-
Haselschwerdt took advantage of an educational buyout offer from an
automotive supply company to pursue a life-long interest in oral health 64
care. She’s glad she did.

73 Research News
73 – #1 in Research Grants
74 – Research Day
76 – Michigan Center for Oral Health Research Seeks to Benefit Patients
Taking the knowledge discovered in research laboratories and applying
it to help patients in clinics has been the goal of the Michigan Center for
Oral Health Research since it opened in 2005.

87 Alumni News
90 In Memoriam – Dr. Major Ash
71

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

3
 D E N T I S T RY
Dental Students in the (Elementary) Classroom
Milan School Teacher’s Initiative Sparks Curiosity of 1st Graders
Dental studentsTimWentzloff, IreneHaddock, andBenWickstratalkabout goodoral healthcarewithfirst-grade
studentsinMilan, Michigan.
Fifteen or twenty years from now,
a former first-grade student in Milan,
Michigan may be walking across the
stage at Hill Auditorium to receive his
or her dental degree, and it may be
due to an appearance by U-M dental
students. people.”
When time permits, U-M dental
students will go almost anywhere to
talk to interested individuals about
the importance of good oral health and
what it takes to become a dentist.
In January, elementary school
teacher Nicholas Husbye sent an e-
mail to the School asking if someone
would be interested in talking to his
first-grade students.
“I try to get students interested
in different jobs they might want to
consider, as well as their communities,
how they can be helpers in so many
different ways and how an education
can prepare them for various careers,”
Husbye said.
4
Photo courtesy of Nicholas Husbye
“The students absorbed everything
we said and were even more eager to
participate,” Wickstra said. “I hope
it’s the first of many opportunities to
teach.”
Wentzloff said it was gratifying
to see the excitement and enthusiasm
among all the students. “It was a
rewarding experience and has inspired
me to continue this in the community
where I will practice,” he added.
Husbye was impressed with the
Photo courtesy of Nicholas Husbye
Since February was Dental Health
Month, he said, “I thought it would be
interesting to have someone who is
studying to become a dentist give my
students an idea about what dentists
do, what they study, and how they help
In February, dental students Ben
Wickstra, Irene Haddock, and Tim
Wentzloff traveled to the Paddock
Elementary School to talk to about two Students look at radiographs dental student BenWickstra brought to
theschool.
dozen of Husbye’s first graders about
the importance of good oral health and curiosity of his students and the ability
answered questions about becoming a of the three dental students to connect
dentist. with the youngsters.
The dental students brought several “The dental students surpassed
oversize toothbrushes and articulators to all my expectations. They were
demonstrate the correct way to brush. personable and able to communicate
Radiographs, stainless steel crowns, and with my students in ways they could
floss were also taken to show the students understand,” he said. “Now some
what dentists use in their offices. of my students are so interested
The dental students also answered that they’re talking about becoming
a range of questions about the dental dentists,” he said with a laugh.
profession.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

Big Turnout for Give Kids a Smile Program
Eight-year-oldLeteriaPalmer-Yateswatchesthecorrect waytobrushher teethassecond-year dental student RouaAl-Rawi
demonstratestheprocedure.
The turnout was better than
expected.
In February, 95 children from
across southeast Michigan traveled
with their parents or a relative to the
U-M School of Dentistry to receive free
oral health care as part of the American
Dental Association’s annual Give Kids a
Smile program. Students and clinical
faculty provided cleanings, simple
fillings, x-rays, and sealants.
Although a student dentist didn’t
see the first child until ten o’clock,
parents began arriving with their
children more than an hour before the
program began.
Assisting the 70 dental students
and undergraduate volunteers were
six faculty members, six pediatric
residents, and five staff from the Office
of Patient Services who worked at the
information desk, dispensing, and
central sterilization.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
Jerry Mastey
Dental Students Make Lasting
Impression
Before a student dentist saw
them, many of the children enjoyed
coloring a cartoon that emphasized the
importance of oral health and overall
health.
As third-year dental student
Macare Kelly walked in with her first
patient, 6-year-old John, she told him
what she was going to do.
“I’m going to look in your mouth
and count your teeth, and then I’m
going to look for sugar bugs,” she told
him.
“Do you know what sugar bugs
are?” she asked.
After John moved his head left to
right, Kelly told him, “They’re little
things in your mouth that like to have
parties with sugar, mess your teeth up,
and give you cavities.”
The rapport the student dentists
D E N T I S T RY
established with their young patients
impressed many, including Barbara
Vaillancourt who brought her 10-year-
old nephew, Timmy Custer, in for an
exam.
“This is a great program. I’m
really impressed,” she said. “The
students have great rapport with the
kids and explained things to them in
such a way that it made it fun for
them to learn about what was going
to happen and why.”
Jerry Mastey
Third-year dental student MeganHagermanexamines
10-year-oldTimmyCuster for possiblecaries.
Dental students enjoyed helping.
“I did this last year and had so
much fun that I wanted to come
back again this year to participate,”
said second-year dental student Scott
Snyder.
Amanda Bucklin, a third-year dental
student, said “I really enjoying helping
kids, especially the underserved and
doing what I can to see to it that their
5
 D E N T I S T RY

Jerry Mastey Jerry Mastey

CarolineHong, athird-year dental student, asksLaneyla Whiletheywerewaiting, youngstersspent their timecoloringasheet of paper that emphasizedtheimportanceof
Robinsontohelpbyholdingthesuctionhoseduringher oral healthandoverall health.
examinationof the7-year-old.

After thechildrenwereseen, first-year dental students
AnthonyFasi andNatolyaThomashandedout“goodybags”
withatoothbrush, floss, andinformationonhowtomaintain
goodoral health.
oral health needs are taken care of.”
Dental student Andrea Fraser, who
organized the event, said, “Because
of the generosity and enthusiasm
of students, staff, and faculty
volunteers, along with the support of
the Washtenaw District Dental Society
and Kerr Dental, we were able to
treat 95 children. This overwhelming
turnout indicates the great need for
events like this and other efforts to
continue improving access to oral
health care.”
Representatives from the U-M
Health Sciences Libraries were also
present, distributing information
about using the Internet as a resource
to find health information.
Deborah Lauseng, a ser vices
coordinator, said one of the highlights
was helping a fifth grader who
expressed an interest in starting a
health club at her school.
“She was so interested in the idea,
that she came back a second time to
talk to us,” Lauseng said. “She even
gave us her principal’s name with
the hope that someone will go to the
school to talk about oral health.”

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

6

Filling a Critical Need — Community Outreach
More than 21% Increase in Patients Seen & Procedures Performed
T
he University of Michigan
School of Dentistry’s
c o m m u n i t y o u t re a c h
program continues to fill
a vital need of providing oral health
care services throughout the state to
those in need.
New statistics show that between
July 2005 and May 2006, the number of
patients seen at eight sites across the
state rose more than 21 percent.
In addition, the number of
procedures performed increased nearly
28 percent compared to a year earlier
because of reinstatement of the state’s
Medicaid benefits. [See chart.]
The new statistics show that of the
7,694 patients seen, nearly 70 percent
(5,232) had Medicaid coverage.
Meanwhile, of the 15,724
procedures performed, 64 percent
(about 10,100) were covered by
Medicaid, a government-funded health
insurance program for the poor and
disabled.
According to the Department
of Community Health, Michigan
now spends about $8 billion on the
Medicaid program, about one-fourth
of its budget, for medical, dental, and
chiropractic services for about 1.5
million residents.
Program to Expand to
Four Weeks
During a meeting with the School’s
community outreach partners at the
Michigan League last fall, Dean Peter
Polverini thanked them for working
with the School and praised their
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
D E N T I S T RY
Keary Campbell
contributions.
“You’re important to our students’
education, and I want to thank you for
the value you add to that education,”
he said. “Because they’re in your
communities treating patients whose
needs are often different than those
they see in our clinics here in Ann
Arbor, we hope that more of our
students’ education will be community
based in the future.”
Dr. Bill Piskorowski, director of
outreach and community affairs, said
because of the collaboration between
the School and outreach partners
and the growing need for providing
oral health care to those in need, the Dr. Bill Piskorowski, director of outreach and community
program will soon expand to four affairs, talks about the importance of the School of Dentistry’s
outreach programduring a meeting with community clinic
weeks from three weeks. Students will officialslast fall.
participate in two, two-week rotations
that begin in June.
Named outreach director by School of Dentistry
Polverini in February 2006, Piskorowski Filling A Critical Need
said that as he visited the sites (see
page 10), “I was impressed with what I Thousands
16
saw and the energy and the excitement 15,724
that was present when students
interacted with the patients and clinic 12 12,312
administrators and staff.” h21% h28%
“Power of One” 8
7,694
That excitement, he continued,
6,345
was also apparent in “reflective
papers” students wrote describing 4 2004 2005 2004 2005
- - - -
their experiences at the end of their 2005 2006 2005 2006
rotations at the outreach sites.
One essay Piskorowski read to 0
Patients Procedures
the group was written by fourth-year Seen Performed
dental student Rania Fetouh. [See
pages 11 and 12.]
7
 D E N T I S T RY
Keary Campbell
MichiganPrimaryCareAssociationExecutiveDirectorKimSibilsky
discussed the importance the School of Dentistry’s outreach
programhasincommunitiesacrossthestate.
Piskorowski said her experiences
and those of other dental students
“demonstrates what I refer to as ‘The
Power of One,’ the difference one
person can make in another person’s
life.”
Dr. Marilyn Stolberg, director of
the Family Health Center in Baldwin,
agreed. “The students keep us on our
toes as providers,” she said. “Their
presence and energy challenge all of
us to do better.”
Kim Sibilsky, executive director of
the Michigan Primary Care Association,
praised the School of Dentistry for its
efforts. “Your program gives us great
hope that academic institutions
elsewhere can see the benefits of
having their students servae those
in underserved communities,” she
said.
8
New State Law Boosts
Volunteer Dentistry
A new Michigan law (PA 591) allows retired dentists
to donate their expertise to care for and treat the
needy and indigent, or individuals in medically
underserved areas, by obtaining a special volunteer
license. Previously, special volunteer licenses could
only be obtained by retired physicians, doctors of
optometry, and podiatrists.
The Michigan Department of Community
Health’s Licensing Board is expected to have a new
system in place June 1, 2007, to accommodate
retired dentists. Retired dentists interested in
serving may apply if they meet these qualifications
under the new law:
· The retired dentist must have a lapsed
license.
· The retired dentist must seek to work
specifically with the needy and be willing
to sign an affidavit indicating he/she will
work in an underserved area, receiving no
compensation for services.
· If the dentist has not been practicing for three
years or more, then he/she must document
attending at least 2/3, or 40 hours of the 60
hours required, for continuing education
courses.
Qualified retired dentists can apply for a special
volunteer license online, after June 1, at: www.
michigan.gov/healthlicense.
Once they are at the site, they will select
“Dentistry” in the list of options on the left, then
“Volunteer Licensing.” For further information,
please call the MDCH Licensing Board at (517) 335-
0981.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
 D E N T I S T RY

“The Power of One”

Keary Campbell

Dr. Bill Piskorowski, who was in private

practice for 27 years specializing in cosmetic
and implant dentistry before being named
director of outreach and community affairs,
talked about the journey that led him to his
new position.
Mentioning an appointment he had
when he was 17 years old to see his family’s
dentist, Dr. Stanely Tulak, “I chickened out
and didn’t go for three more years. When
I did go, I paid the price, figuratively and
literally,” Piskorowski said.
“Dr. Tulak charged me one dollar to fill Dr. Bill Piskorowski
each of my seventeen cavities. He encouraged me to work off the debt by working in
his lab. I think he did this to get me interested in this field.”
When he finished working in the lab, Piskorowski said Tulak told him, “When
you become a dentist, I would appreciate if you would return the favor I’ve given you
and find a way to help someone else.”
The remark remained with Piskorowski.
“That experience and that remark changed my life,” he said. “As I look back, I
realize that we in the oral health care profession have the ability to change people’s
lives. It’s something I call ‘The Power of One’,” he said.
Although he felt he was making a difference in people’s lives in private practice,
Piskorowski said he began asking himself “What’s next?” when he was 50.
That led him, about six years ago, to begin part-time teaching as a clinical
instructor in the School’s 2 Blue Clinic.
Three years ago, Piskorowski worked for about five months with Traverse City-
based Dental Clinics North.
The experience made a lasting impression.
“It made me realize the great need there is for services to the underserved
throughout our state,” he said. “I wanted to do something about it, so when the
opportunity presented itself to become director of the outreach program, I applied
and got the job.”
Now that he’s been in charge for a little more than a year, Piskorowski said he’s
thrilled to lead the School’s outreach program. “I want to enhance the experiences
for our students and our outreach partners even more,” he said.
“There is truth to the phrase, ‘The Power of One’. One person can make a
difference,” he said. “It’s happened in my life, and now it’s happening in the lives
of our students and their patients at the outreach sites. I’m thrilled to carry on Dr.
Tulak’s legacy.”

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

9
 D E N T I S T RY

MICHIGAN
Community Outreach Sites
Two New Outreach Sites to be Added
TheSchool of Dentistrywill soonbepartneringwithtwonewcommunityhealthclinics inMichigan. BeginninginJune, the
InghamCountyHealthDepartmentinLansingandMuskegonFamilyHealthCenter will beaddedtothelistof outreachclinics
wherefourth-year dental anddental hygienestudents will provideoral healthcareunder thesupervisionof clinicdirectors.
Thenewlocations bringto10, thenumber of outreachsites wheredental students will provideoral healthcareduringtheir
final year inthepredoctoral program.

OUTREACH SITES Marquette

Baldwin
BaldwinFamily HealthCenter
Grand Rapids
Cherry Street HealthServices
Lansing
InghamCommunity HealthCenter Oscoda
Marquette Traverse City
Bay Cliff HealthCamp(summer)
Muskegon Baldwin
Hackley Community CareCenter
Family HealthCenter Muskegon
Oscoda Saginaw
Alcona HealthCenter Lansing
Saginaw Grand Rapids
HealthDelivery, Inc.
Ypsilanti
Traverse City
Migrant Dental Clinic (summer)
Ypsilanti
WashtenawCommunity College
HopeDental Clinic

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

10
 D E N T I S T RY

Dental Student Describes Experiences in Saginaw

For fourth-year dental student Rania Fetouh, providing oral health care at the Wadsworth Dental
Health Center in Saginaw, Michigan, was probably the highlight of her dental education at the U-M
School of Dentistry. In an essay she wrote following her work at the clinic, Fetouh said she may decide
to practice dentistry at a community clinic after she graduates this spring. One experience she will
always remember was helping a three-year-old who needed to have two of his front teeth extracted.

My Experience at Wadsworth Community Health Clinic

By Rania Fetouh

Keary Campbell

My rotations at the Wadsworth This experience was both

Dental Health Center in Saginaw,
Michigan, made me realize how much
help is needed in community outreach
clinics.
There, I worked on patients from
different backgrounds and with various
degrees of dental disease. I especially
enjoyed treating patients who had
very little access to dental care and
needed professional help to relieve pain
or restore function.
These patients are often in extreme
pain and have ignored their dental
needs because of their financial
situation. Often, clinics like Wadsworth
are their only option.
My second rotation at Wadsworth
occurred the week before school started,
so we saw many pediatric patients.
One that I will always remember
was a three-year-old boy needing teeth
E and F extracted. I was shocked this
child had such large carious lesions that
would best be treated by extractions. It
was a sad and humbling experience.
I knew this child had suffered from
extensive pain and was unable to do
anything about it.
RaniaFetouh
Questions ran through my mind.
Why had the parents waited so
long to seek dental treatment for
their child? What was this little
boy’s diet like? Did his parents know
about early childhood caries and how
it can affect their child’s permanent
dentition? I felt sorry for him and felt
an immediate obligation to help.
emotionally difficult and challenging.
It was his first time for dental
treatment beyond a quick exam
and screening. I could tell he was
apprehensive by the way he tightly
hugged his stuffed animal.
So I took things slowly at first and
applied the “tell, show, do” techniques
we learned in our pediatric rotation
during D2 and D3 years.
But that worked for only the first
few minutes.
After administering local
anesthetic, it seemed as if all would
fall apart. The boy screamed and
squirmed as he clamped his mouth
shut and refused to open.
But with a little voice control and
the help of my dental assistant we kept
the child’s mouth open long enough to
extract his teeth without causing any
harm.
After the teeth were removed the
crying slowly stopped. To my surprise
the young boy I treated didn’t hate me.
He wasn’t mad or resentful. He wasn’t
crying for his mommy. All he wanted
from us was a hug.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

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 D E N T I S T RY

Russeau New Outreach Specialist

I thanked him for being so Keary Campbell

wonderful and asked him to visit us

again. He showed his mother his prizes
and left the operatory smiling.
I felt contentment after this
challenging experience and a new sense
of self-confidence in treating pediatric
patients. I kept this situation under
control and completed the necessary
treatment in a quick manner without
traumatizing the child.
I have always enjoyed seeing
young children smile and laugh. But
once tears flowed I would be weakened
and be distracted by their pleas for me
to stop.
This time, however, I remained
focused and accomplished the Paul Russeau, newadministrativespecialist, will assist intheday-to-dayoperationsof theSchool’scommunity
outreachprograms.
necessary goal while communicating
and reassuring the child that things Pa u l Ru s s e a u i s t h e n e w “We are looking forward to using
were going well and would be over administrative specialist in the School Paul’s excellent communication
soon. of Dentistry’s Office of Outreach and skills to help us and our partners,”
Treating him and many others in Community Affairs. He succeeds said Piskorowski, adding that the
the clinic was different than working Carole McNally who retired and moved contributions of Jean Thompson,
at the dental school. I felt like a last year. Sharon Petsch, Bethany Patterson, and
real dentist because I made my own Russeau will work with Dr. Stephen Georgia Kasko have been important
decisions and remained in control. Stefanac, associate dean for patient throughout the transition.
I especially enjoyed helping the services, and Dr. Bill Piskorowski, Russeau has been with the School
underserved. Knowing I could make director of outreach and community since 1991 serving in roles including
a difference in someone’s life is an affairs. supervisor, administrative assistant,
unexplainable feeling. In his role, Russeau will assist and patient representative.
After my two weeks at Wadsworth in the day-to-day operations of the “There are many good things
I am seriously considering working outreach program including housing, happening with our School’s outreach
in a community health clinic after travel, and scheduling; processing programs,” he said. “I’m looking
graduation. I hope that wherever I go appointments of on-site dentists; forward to working with Drs. Stefanac
that it will be a place where I can help identifying possible new sites and and Piskorowski in continuing our
people who need dental care but are monitoring current venues; and efforts to enhance our external clinical
unable to seek it elsewhere. coordinating the annual retreat. education programs.”

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

12
 D E N T I S T RY

New Opportunities for Dental Education and Research

Greater International Collaboration Emphasized
Keary Campbell

lready world-renowned for

A its contributions to oral

health care during its 132-
year history, the U-M School
of Dentistry has an opportunity to
expand how dentistry is taught and
practiced and, in the process, benefit
millions not just here but around the
world.
During the School’s annual
convocation ceremony last fall, Dean
Peter Polverini said the School is
uniquely positioned to seek new
opportunities to enhance its
international role in education, patient
care, research, and outreach as a part
of its strategy “to build the dental
school of the future.”
Addressing faculty, students, and
staff, he said, “If we are to remain
among ‘the leaders and best’ in dental
education, research, and patient care,
it is in our best interest that we seek
to establish unique interdisciplinary
collaborations, not only with other
units at the University of Michigan, but
with universities and dental schools
throughout the world.”
Part of Globalization Trend
Applying the theme of Thomas
Friedman’s popular book, The World
is Flat, that emphasizes how political,
economic, and technological forces
have converged to “level” or “flatten”
the world so that millions worldwide
now have instant access to the same
knowledge and information, Polverini
said faculty and students at the School of
Dentistry are also a part of this trend.
DeanPeter Polverini saidtheSchool isuniquelypositionedtoseeknewopportunitiestoenhanceitsinternational role.
Citing them as “caregivers to a
global community,” he added, “our
responsibilities do not end with
educating our students. We must
continue to contribute to developing a
healthy global society with a particular
emphasis on helping to build healthy
communities in resource-strapped
countries.”
Pointing to the University of
Michigan’s reputation as a “world
class university that attracts the best
students, faculty, and staff,” Polverini
said there is a continuing need to
discover new knowledge “that leads
to advances in best practices at the
global, as well as national and local
levels.”
Because of inequities in health
care, Polverini said the University’s
health profession schools, including
d e n t i s t r y, “ h a v e a p a r t i c u l a r
responsibility to share their knowledge
to aid in improving the quality of
health and making it accessible to
underserved communities throughout
the world.”
International Health Issues
Polverini proposed that all students
learn more about international
health issues as a central element of
their education, including traveling
abroad to participate in classroom
education or research; that the School
develop international fellowships
and collaborative PhD programs; that
faculty and administrators attend
and participate in international
conferences; and that partnerships
be established with dentists and oral
health care practitioners in other
countries as a part of an on-going effort
to establish healthy communities.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

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 D E N T I S T RY
“If we are to remain
among ‘the leaders and
best’ in dental education,
research, and patient care,
it is in our best interest
that we seek to establish
unique interdisciplinary
collaborations, not only
with other units at the
University of Michigan,
but with universities and
dental schools throughout
the world.”
–
Dean Peter Polverini
“ We h a v e m u c h t o g a i n b y
embracing such opportunities,” he
said. These and similar ventures
would build upon both the University’s
stature as a world-class university and
the School’s reputation as a pioneer
and would also “send a clear signal to
international scholars of our desire to
embrace research and discovery on a
global scale.” A renewed international
focus would also boost the School’s
attractiveness to faculty and students
in a global marketplace that is
increasingly competitive.
ADEA Leader: Technology
Accelerates Globalization
Guest speaker at the convocation
ceremony, Dr. Richard Valachovic,
executive director of the American
Dental Education Association and the
International Federation of Dental
Education Associations, agreed, saying
14
Dr. RichardValachovic, executive director of the American Dental Education Association, saidthe University of Michigan School of
Dentistryisuniquelypositionedtobenefit fromglobalization.
dental schools must prepare for a
future that will be considerably
different.
Globalization, Valachovic said, has
been underway for decades because of
personal and professional relationships
that faculty, administrators, and
others have developed with their peers
at other colleges, universities, and
organizations around the world.
But what’s different today is
that advances in technology
have accelerated international
collaboration.
Since many journals, research and
marketing studies, and conference
proceedings are now available on the
Internet, he said, faculty or students or
administrators can communicate with
one another via e-mail without regard
to time or distance, that dialogue is
enhanced, new knowledge is gained,
and new partnerships are developed.
Keary Campbell
That will only continue in the
future, Valachovic said. It will become
more important “because recent
examples of avian flu, mad cow
disease, and AIDS/HIV show there are
no national boundaries. These and
other diseases of the future affect
all of us regardless of where we are
in the world,” he said. “So there are
opportunities for all of us to learn from
each other.”
Valachovic said the University
of Michigan School of Dentistry is
uniquely positioned to benefit from
globalization. “This school has the
talent here that doesn’t exist elsewhere.
You’re in the driver’s seat. Others will
be watching you,” he said.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
 D E N T I S T RY

“Grateful Patient” Tells Dental Students: Oral Exams Vital

Keary Campbell

life, Coté said Holden advised him “to put

everything on hold to beat the cancer.”
Coté said “I felt agony, gloom,
and despair” because his speaking
career would end since he would lose
his voice, and that eating would be
difficult.
However, his wife, Josie, sought
a second opinion at the U-M Hospital.
There, the two spoke to Dr. Gregory Wolf
at the U-M Cancer Center.

Experimental Clinical Trial

During the visit, Wolf said a new
clinical trial was underway where
Oral cancer survivor Chuck Coté encourageddental students tolook at the bigpicture andrealize their educationcanmake a big cancers were being treated with massive
differenceinapatient’slife. doses of chemotherapy and intensive
radiation. No surgery was involved
An oral examination by a U-M School “Absolutely Shocked” unless absolutely necessary.
of Dentistry periodontal alumnus Coté said Holden referred him to Coté said Wolf told him, “ ‘My scalpel
saved Chuck Coté’s life. an ear, nose, and throat specialist who is only so sharp, and I’m only so good.
In early February Coté spoke to examined him and ordered a CAT scan, What will determine your outlook is your
100 dental students as part of a course blood tests, and a biopsy. positive attitude and determination’.”
for second-year dental students, Oral “He said three words that forever By now, Coté said his tumor “was
Pathology 624, taught by Drs. Nisha changed my life, ‘You have cancer.’ I the size of a baseball and cutting off my
D’Silva and Kitrina Cordell. was absolutely shocked,” Coté continued breathing and swallowing.”
Coté held the students spellbound because he thought he was in excellent Coté was scheduled to begin the
for an hour. health. clinical trial in early July, but before it
He recounted his experiences, The diagnosis — advanced stage began, Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum,
including describing an experimental squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil. a clinical assistant professor in the
clinical trial where he was treated with The ENT specialist wanted to operate Department of Oral and Maxillofacial
massive chemotherapy and intensive within two weeks. The procedure would Surgery and Hospital Dentistry, advised
radiation, and answered more than involve removing part of Coté’s right jaw Coté that three tooth fillings could
two dozen questions. and a part of his face and neck. He was compromise the radiation treatment he
A professional speaker, author, and told the survival rate for this cancer was would receive. The teeth were removed
consultant from Midland, Michigan, only 40 percent. immediately.
Coté said in May 2000, “My life was on Coté said Holden told him “he was 99 The first round of chemotherapy,
a roll, or so I thought.” percent sure” of the oral cancer diagnosis which began in July, included treatment
However, that month he visited Dr. when he saw him, but said, “‘I don’t for 24 hours a day for five consecutive
Michael Holden (DDS 1977, MS periodontics think I should have been the first to tell days. The size of his tumor had to shrink
1983) to tell him about a sore throat, you’.” by 50 percent to continue the clinical
throbbing earache, and jaw pressure. Realizing he was in the fight for his trial.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

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 D E N T I S T RY
“Oral cancer is deadly because often it’s not found soon enough. A dentist may see
that before anyone else…because they’re so close to a patient’s face. …Oral cancer is
something you may be the first to detect and make a difference in saving a life.”
Drs. KitrinaCordell (left) andNishaD’Silvaaskedoral cancer survivor ChuckCotétospeaktosecond-year dental students as part of
their oral pathologycourse.
However, he wouldn’t know the
results for two weeks.
Success and Another Scare
“Those two weeks were the longest
I ever waited in my life,” Coté said. But
the results were better than anyone
expected. The tumor had shrunk by 90
percent.
In August, a second round of
treatments began. These included
radiation five days a week for seven
weeks and four more rounds of
chemotherapy.
In early November, Coté said there
were no signs of the cancer to be found.
“I officially became a survivor,” he
said.
Coté said he attributed his success
to four factors: “my unwavering faith
and belief in God, the love and support
and prayers from family and friends, the
outstanding care and treatment from my
excellent medical team, and my positive
attitude, outlook, and determination.”
The euphoria was short lived.
16
Keary Campbell
In 2005, Coté had a second bout with
cancer. A tumor the size of a walnut was
removed from his nose. Cartilage from
behind an ear and a skin graft were used
to rebuild his nose.
Today, Coté said he sees oral health
care professionals every six months,
including his dentist, Dr. Charles Hanna
(DDS 1964), and his periodontist, Dr.
Holden. “I’ve become more diligent about
my dental care because I know what can
happen if I’m not,” he told the dental
students.
Eating is one of his biggest challenges
because radiation destroyed most of his
salivary glands.
“I’ll sip some water and take a small
bite of food and repeat the process,”
he said. In response to one student’s
question, he said, “my taste buds are
all messed up, but you’ll do a lot to stay
alive.”
Coté said he thinks “the cancer was
a blessing because I can speak to others.”
He recalled conversations with world
renowned cyclist Lance Armstrong, who
is a survivor of testicular cancer, and
speaking to Harvard Medical School’s
Mind-Body Institute in Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
Advice to Students
Among the things Coté said he
learned from his experiences was the
value of a second, or even a third,
opinion. “Always get a second opinion.
And if there are two different opinions,
get a third,” he said.
But foremost in his mind as he spoke
to the dental students was just how
valuable oral cancer screenings are.
“Oral cancer is deadly because often
it’s not found soon enough,” Coté said. “A
dentist may see that before anyone else…
because they’re so close to a patient’s face.
When you leave here, please be focused,”
he continued. “Oral cancer is something
you may be the first to detect and make
a difference in saving a life.”
Coté encouraged the students to look
at the big picture.
“A job is what we’re paid to do.
A calling is what we’re made to do.
You have a calling. You can make a
difference.”
Instructors’ Perspectives
Kordell said “It’s one thing for
us, as instructors, to tell them about
oral cancer, but it’s something totally
different to hear about it from a patient
who’s a survivor.”
D’Silva agreed, adding, “We hope
Chuck’s experiences will reinforce the
importance of screening their patients for
oral cancer and show that they, literally,
can make a life or death difference in the
lives of their patients.”
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

my cancer, I would likely be dead by
now.” That powerful comment is in
WWW
New Website Details Oral Cancer Dangers
Patient’s Story, AdviceDescribedinDetail
“If my dentist had not diagnosed
a new video on a Web site as part of
a comprehensive continuing dental
education course dealing with oral
cancer screening and prevention that
is now offered online by the University
of Michigan School of Dentistry.
In the 10-minute video that
introduces the online course, David
Damiani, a 32-year-old attorney from
Alexandria, Virginia, tells his emotional
stor y to the Detroit Oral Cancer
Prevention Project. Launched in 2005,
the Project is a citywide campaign
designed to increase awareness and
lower the oral cancer death rate in
that city. It is led by Dr. Amid Ismail,
a professor in the School of Dentistry’s
Department of Cariology, Restorative
Sciences, and Endodontics.
Damiani, who played Division
One soccer in college and was in good
health, said he was puzzled when
he noticed a lesion on his tongue
in September 1999. But it wasn’t
diagnosed as oral cancer until five
months later.
Ismail said oral cancer is a
significant problem in Detroit.
A Prevalent Problem
He said that according to statistics
from the Michigan Department of
Community Health, the oral cancer
rate among African American males in
Michigan was 24.3 per 100,000, one of
the highest among American males. In
Detroit, which has nine percent of the
state’s population, the rate was 13.1
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
Keary Campbell
Dr. AmidIsmail
percent of all new oral cancer cases.
Ismail noted that from 2000
to 2002, Detroit residents had the
lowest percentage of cases detected
at an early cancerous stage, 28.3
percent, in Michigan. In addition, he
said, the five-year survival rate for
African Americans with oral cancer in
Michigan was 34.9 percent compared
with an overall state average of 54.6
percent.
“Our best hope for decreasing the
rate of oral cancer is to get Detroiters,
and others, to see their dentist or
physician for a screening,” Ismail
said. “If caught early, oral cancer has
a 90 percent cure rate.” He said that
in Wayne County, the Detroit Oral
Cancer Prevention Project is engaged
in an education program to bring
attention to the problem. That effort
includes educating members of the
community about oral cancer, radio
advertisements and billboards that
advertise the message “Get Checked
Before It’s Too Late,” a screening
D E N T I S T RY
clinic, a biopsy clinic, and a toll-free
telephone number to call for more
information (1-877-7-CHECKED).
The online course offered by the
U-M School of Dentistry helps dentists
and other oral health care professionals
identify what oral cancer looks like,
identifies sites in the mouth where
those cancers are likely to develop,
provides information about oral cancer
screenings and brush biopsies, and
counsels patients on ways to prevent
oral cancer.
Although there is a modest $15
fee for oral health care professionals
to take the online course and receive a
continuing education credit letter from
the School of Dentistry, there is no cost
to view the entire program, including
the 10-minute video.
“Video for Everyone”
“I would strongly encourage
individuals who are not oral health
care professionals to spend time
watching the video online and listening
to the patient’s remarks,” Ismail said.
“This video is for everyone. His
story is not uncommon and could
provide a significant amount of useful
information to patients that could
save lives.” One needs a high-speed
connection to the Internet to watch
and hear Damiani’s story.
To access the video, visit www.
detroitoralcancer.org. On the
homepage, click “Continuing Dental
and Medical Education Online Course.”
When the next page appears, click the
link that reads, “Start the Course.”
17
 D E N T I S T RY
What’s Involved:
Getting Accepted at the University of
Application and Admissions Procedures Described…
Keary Campbell
“The two questions we hear most
often from our alums are — ‘What
is the admission process at the U-M
School of Dentistry?’ and ‘What must
one do to be a competitive applicant
to gain admission’?”
“The questions are short and direct,
but the answers are often complex
because the admissions process today
is not the same as it was thirty, twenty,
or even ten years ago,” said Richard
Fetchiet, director of external relations
and continuing dental education.
“The questions can also be highly
personal sometimes,” he added,
“because many of our alums have a
son or daughter who has expressed an
interest in attending this great school
InDecember, JillianYant, administrativeassociate, mailed
thefirst letters tocandidates offeringthemadmissionto to earn a dental degree.”
theSchool of Dentistryfor theacademicyear that begins The next 16 pages describe what’s
thisAugust. involved in the admissions process
at the University of Michigan School
of Dentistry, an application timeline,
profiles of those who are involved in
helping applicants and candidates, and
other important information.
Preparing as an Undergraduate
A student’s preparation needs to
begin several years in advance.
“ E v e n b e f o re t h e y c o n s i d e r
applying to the School of Dentistry
for possible admission, it’s important a
person take steps as an undergraduate
to prepare for an admissions process
that is becoming increasingly rigorous
18
and competitive,” said Dr. Marilyn
Lantz, associate dean for academic
affairs, whose unit is in charge of
admissions.
One step she strongly advised
undergraduates to take is consulting
with a pre-health advisor on campus
to learn more about what they, as an
undergraduate, need to do to enhance
their chances for admission.
Serious introspection and honest
self-assessment are also advised.
“Since one of our School’s primary
missions is patient care and students
will participate in outreach programs,
we seriously consider how active a
student is doing volunteer work in
their communities,” she continued.
“We look at who they were helping,
where they were volunteering, and
whether their volunteer work is long
term in nature or something they just
decided to do the semester before they
apply.”
The reason for this emphasis
is straightforward according to Dr.
Marilyn Woolfolk, assistant dean
for student services, whose office
processes applications received by the
School of Dentistry.
“One of the most compelling needs
many citizens in our state and nation
have is access to quality oral health
care,” she said. “Today’s students will
be challenged to reach out to meet the
oral health needs of populations.”
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

Michigan School of Dentistry
Interested Candidates Strongly Advised “Start Early”
Major Advice: Apply Early
With that foundation in place,
individuals are strongly encouraged
to apply early.
For example, May 15, 2007 is
the earliest date one can apply for
admission to the entering Class of
2008.
“I want to emphasize early,
and for us, that means receiving the
application in June or July because
that gives us time to review a person’s
application and other information
they must submit to be considered,”
Lantz said. “That information enables
us to determine if they will be invited
for an interview.”
U-M uses a rolling admissions
process, which means the longer a
student waits to apply, the fewer
opportunities are available for one of
approximately 105 open positions.
As the chart shows, since 2003,
the number of applications received by
the U-M School of Dentistry has more
than doubled. For the academic year
that begins this August, more than
2,500 applications were received for
105 positions in the first-year class.
How to Begin
The application process begins
online (https://aadsas.adea.org/)
with the Associated American Dental
Schools Application Service (AADSAS).
AADSAS is a centralized application
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
D E N T I S T RY
service used by the nation’s 55 dental
schools. It does not evaluate students
BY THE NUMBERS
or recommend which applicants should
be admitted to any dental school. 2,500+
Instead, it collects the information Number of applications
from applicants and then standardizes receivedfor admissiontothe
how the information is presented to all first-year of dental school at
the dental schools. theUniversityof Michigan
School of Dentistry.
This approach makes it easier
for the dental school, Woolfolk 470
said, “because we receive uniform Candidatesinvited
information about all applicants. for interviews.
Everyone is asked the same questions.
In essence, we get an apples-to-apples 288
Number of students
comparison.” acceptinginterview
As assistant dean for student invitations.
services, Woolfolk, who also chairs
the admissions committee and has 105
direct responsibility for application Number of students
management and admissions policies, admittedasfirst-year
dental students
said, “AADSAS makes the application for classesthat
process easy for both the student and begininAugust.
our dental school. Since a student
U-M School of Dentistry Applications
Since2003, applicationstotheU-MSchool of Dentistryhavesteadilyincreased. For thefirst-year
classthat beginsinAugust, morethat 2,500applicationswerereceivedfor 105positions.
19
 D E N T I S T RY
The May 15, 2007 – Applications
availableonlinefromtheAssociated
Admissions AmericanDental Schools Application
Timeline Service(AADSAS).
fills out only one form, he or she
typically doesn’t have to complete
multiple applications for different
dental schools.”
Citing statistics from the American
Dental Education Association, Woolfolk
said that, on average, most students
apply to eight dental schools, including
Michigan. associate director, emphasized, “that
However, the application is
offered online until December 1 for
applicants interested in the U-M School
of Dentistry. Other dental schools have
different deadlines.
When the student completes the
application, a student then selects the
schools where his or her application is
to be sent.
To be considered for admission
to the University of Michigan
School of Dentistry, all appli-
cants must do the following:
• Electronicallysubmit their
applicationonlinetoAADSAS.
• Send three letters of
recommendationtotheOffice
of Admissionsat theUniversity
of MichiganSchool of Dentistry.
Twolettersmust befromscience
instructors, thethirdcanbefrom
anon-scienceinstructor suchasa
previousemployer, dentist, clergy
member, or other. Letterscanalso
besent toAADSASfor distribution.
• Submit their official DAT scores.
• Mail a $60 application fee directly
totheUniversityof Michigan
School of Dentistry.
20
June 1 – AADSAS December 1 – Theearliest datea candidate
canbeexpectedtobenotifiedof their
begins processing
applications. acceptance. This is alsothefinal day a student
canapply todental school throughAADSAS.
Applicants Must Keep Track
When completing the online
application, individuals are required
to send official academic transcripts
to AADSAS. That’s important because
without them, AADSAS will not process
the application.
Pa t t i e Ka t c h e r, a d m i s s i o n s
only after AADSAS receives a transcript
and verifies the student’s self-reported
information, do they forward an
application to us here in Ann Arbor.”
That process, she said, can take
four to six weeks. However, that
timeline could change in the future.
“If a transcript is missing, AADSAS
will not forward an application to the
dental school,” she added. “So it’s
the responsibility of each applicant
to keep track of what they’re sending
and, if they haven’t sent a critical item
of information, to do so as quickly as
possible.” A list of “must have” items
is noted to the left.
In recent years, Katcher said that
by Labor Day weekend, the U-M School
of Dentistry has usually received
about 1,000 applications. By the end
of October, the number often exceeds
2,000. As the applications are received,
they are electronically loaded into
U-M’s database.
Katcher reads all the applications.
It’s quite a job since she spends about
half an hour reading all the information
from every applicant.
“I have to make sure everyone
has completed and sent all the
required information, such as grade
point averages, DAT scores, and the
October, November, December, January,
February – Approximately 470 applicants
receivepersonal invitations tovisit theU-M
School of Dentistry for aninterview.
letters of recommendation, before
our admissions review process can
continue,” she said.
The number of applications
reinforces a point made earlier about
the importance of applying early.
“Because so many qualified
individuals are applying, it’s important
for applicants to realize that their
chances of being admitted are greatly
reduced the longer they wait,” she
said.
Campus Visits
However, the time between
applying in June or July and receiving
an invitation for an interview, which
begins in early October, can seem an
eternity for an anxious applicant.
Sometimes students call or e-mail
Katcher to say they will be in the Ann
Arbor area to visit family or friends
and ask if they can stop by to visit the
School.
“We welcome them to stop by,
ask questions, and get a look at
our facilities,” Katcher said. “But
I emphasize that they are not to
consider their visit to be an interview
because interviews are by personal
invitation only.”
Typically, Katcher sets aside
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
throughout the year to talk to the
prospective applicants.
When students arrive, she
stresses the competitive nature of the
admissions process and outlines steps
applicants may need to take to help
them increase their chances.
“I tell them that for the new
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

January 15, 2008 – Datestudents whoare
notifiedDecember 1 of their acceptancemust submit
nonrefundable enrollment deposit of $1,500.
Funds appliedtowardfirst-semester tuition.
first-year dental class that begins in
August, we received more than 2,500
applications for 105 open positions,
which is double the number of four
years ago, and that this upward trend
is likely to continue,” she said. “So I
also encourage them to apply to other
dental schools, not just Michigan.”
The Interview – by Invitation
Only
In early October, the next phase
of the application process begins
– interviewing.
“The interview is as important to
the student applicant as a job interview
is to someone who has graduated and
is looking for their first job,” Katcher
said. “And it’s by invitation only.”
During the on-campus interviews,
she said, faculty members who are on
the Admissions Committee evaluate
the student not just in terms of their
academic record, but also in terms of
“non-cognitive factors” and fit. [See
“Non-cognitive Factors,” this page.]
Those invited for interviews are no
longer “applicants,” they’re considered
“candidates.”
Eight interview sessions are held
with candidates beginning in early
October. About 36 students attend each
session. [See story, pages 28 to 31.]
Six sessions were held last fall and
winter, all on Friday – October 6, 13, 27;
November 3, 17; and December 1. Two
Friday sessions were also held January
19 and February 2.
During their visit, candidates
learn more about the School from
Lantz, Woolfolk, Katcher, other faculty
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
D E N T I S T RY
March 1 – Newfirst-year dental class Third week of August – New
filled. Admissions Committeeselects first-year dental class arrives. All
alternates andranks them. dental students beginclasses.
members, and administrators. Topics
covered include the dental curriculum,
clinical programs, information Non-cognitive Factors
technology and learning resources, Inadditiontogradepoint averages
research programs, the dual degree andDATscores, theU-MSchool
DDS/PhD program, Dental Scholars of Dentistryalsoevaluatesa
program, and financial aid. student’s“non-cognitive”factors.
Students are also required to write Ingeneral theseinclude:
extemporaneously on a topic related • Career experiences
to dental practice and health care • Research experiences
policy. • Student organization activity
Afterwards, candidates are divided participation
into two groups for a series of “multiple • Documented volunteer work
mini interviews” (MMIs). servingtheunderserved
• Mission work
The interviews are designed to • Other significant life experiences
demonstrate not only what students or accomplishments
know but also how well they can think • Leadership
on their feet. • Other unique characteristics
Each candidate is presented with andattributesthat wouldbring
background information that describes diverseperspectivestotheclass
a situation or asks a specific question • Interest in and potential to
addressoral healthdisparities
that the student then discusses with • Personal life experience serving
an interviewer. Interviewers include theunderservedor disadvantaged
members of the Admissions Committee, • First generation college student
faculty members who are not on the • Significant exposure to careers in
Admissions Committee, students, and dentistry
staff who work with dental students. • Overcoming unusual hardship or
Several days after the campus visit adversity
and interviews end, faculty members
“Even before they consider applying to the School
of Dentistry for possible admission, it’s important a
person take steps as an undergraduate to prepare for
an admissions process that is becoming increasingly
rigorous and competitive.”
Dr. Marilyn Lantz
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
21
 D E N T I S T RY
The Dental Admissions Test
• The DAT should be taken close
tothetimeastudent will apply.
Scoresarevalidfor fiveyears.
Thetest maybetakenonlythree
times.
• Those wishing to retake the test
must wait 90days.
• Applicants who do not include
DATtest scoresarenot
consideredfor aninterview.
• We cannot delay any application
if anapplicant decidestoretake
theDAT.
• If the U-M School of Dentistry
asksanapplicant toretakethe
DAT,theSchool will holdthe
applicationuntil thenewDAT
scoresarereceived.
Eachapplicant must providethe
AdmissionsCommitteewithan
official scorefor theDAT. To
register for theDATor toobtain
preparationmaterials, gotothis
Website: www.ada.org/prof/
ed/testing/dat/index.asp.
evaluate each student, reviewing all
the elements relevant to a student’s
possible selection including their
scholastic achievement, character, life
experiences, extracurricular activities,
dental experience, potential to address
a wide range of complex patient needs,
and commitment to improving access to
care. [See “Selection Factors,” page 23.]
22
Each member of the Admissions
Committee rates each student and
assigns them to one of three categories
– Highly Recommend, Recommend, Do
Not Recommend.
“It must be emphasized that
whether a candidate is ultimately
offered admission to the University
of Michigan School of Dentistry is a
decision that is made by the faculty
members on the Admissions Committee
who evaluate the candidates,” Lantz
said. “Their decision takes into account
not only the numbers, such as the
overall GPA, science GPA, and DAT
scores, it also includes non-cognitive
factors,” she added. [See “Non-cognitive
Factors,” page 21.]
First Offers of Admission
Mailed December 1
For those who applied during
the summer and were invited for
interviews in the fall, the wait is over
in early December.
On December 1 the School sends
letters to candidates notifying them they
have been accepted for admission to the
first-year dental program that begins
the following August. Students have
six weeks, until January 15, to decide
if they want to attend Michigan.
If a candidate accepts the School’s
offer of admission, he or she must then
submit a nonrefundable enrollment
deposit of $1,500 to reserve their place
in the class of first-year dental students.
The deposit is later applied to their first-
semester tuition.
After December 1, the School of
Dentistry follows a “rolling admissions”
process, that is, admitting students
until the entire first-year class, typically
105 positions, is filled.
December 1 is also the last day an
applicant can go online and use AADSAS
to apply to the U-M School of Dentistry
for admission. By then, however,
chances are considerably reduced for
being considered or accepted for the
following year.
In-State, Out-of-State
“We admit those who are well
prepared to meet the challenges of a
rigorous academic program and who
are willing to accept the challenges of
providing quality oral health care to a
patient population with a wide range
of unique oral health needs,” Woolfolk
said.
“But because the University
of Michigan is a state-supported
institution,” she continued, “we attempt
to have Michigan residents comprise 55
to 60 percent of our first-year dental
students with the balance coming from
outside the state.”
S o m e t i m e s , h o w e v e r, f i n a l
percentages are determined by factors
that are outside the control of the
Admissions Committee.
“There are times when candidates
who have accepted our admissions
offer change their mind and decide
to attend another dental school for a
variety of reasons,” Katcher said. “That
could include financial considerations,
but more often than not, it usually
involves getting married or wanting
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

to be closer to family.”
Beginning May 1, 2007, students
accepted for admission to one dental
school will no longer be able to
simultaneously hold a seat at another
dental school.
However, this is not unique to
Michigan, Woolfolk said. Other dental
schools across the country have agreed
to share information about those
who are holding places at multiple
schools.
Advice for Alumni
Does the fact a parent, grandparent,
or other family member graduated from
the U-M School of Dentistry play a role
in the admissions process?
“It’s one of many factors we take
into consideration,” Katcher said. “But,
in the end, it’s up to each student to
prove himself or herself, based on his
or her academic record, some or all
of the noncognitive factors, and the
interviews. It’s incredibly competitive,
so it’s the responsibility of the student
to put their best foot forward.”
That point, Fetchiet said, is one that
he and others in the Office of Alumni
Relations, including Jeff Freshcorn and
Marty Bailey, repeatedly emphasize.
“The School’s admissions process
is fair to one and all,” Fetchiet said.
“When any of us meet with our alums,
we emphasize that with more than
two thousand applicants competing
each year for only 105 spots, that we
do have a comprehensive admissions
system in place and that we do get the
best students.”
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
D E N T I S T RY
SELECTION FACTORS
Overall, eachapplicationiscarefullyreviewed. Special attentionisfocusedonacademic
achievement, character, non-cognitivefactors, andthecategoriesbelow. Admissions
criteriaareappliedtoall applicants, regardlessof race, sex, creed, age, or national
origin. Applicationsareencouragedfromwomen, veterans, andstudentswithdiverse
backgrounds.
Grades
Thecumulativegradepoint average(GPA) andtheprerequisitescienceGPAareclosely
evaluatedsincetheyarestrongindicatorsof academicsuccessindental school. The
AdmissionsCommitteeexaminesgradesfor consistency, repeatedor withdrawncourses,
andrequiresaletter gradefor all prerequisitecourses. Currently, theaverageGPAof the
School’sfirst-year dental classis3.5, withascienceGPAof 3.3.
Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
Thistest, givenbytheAmericanDental Association, examinesareasincludingperceptual
ability, quantitativereasoning, readingcomprehension, andthesurveyof natural sciences
(biology, general chemistry, organicchemistry). Scoresrangefrom0to30. Theaverage
score(for the2007cycle) wasapproximately20inall areasof thetest. Moreinformation
isontheWebat: http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat/index.asp.
Experience and Activities
Candidatesareexpectedtoexhibit aconfirmedinterest andmotivationinadental career
byparticipatingincareer-relatedactivitiessuchasjobshadowing, communityservice,
andother volunteer opportunities. Candidateswhodemonstrateinterest inaddressing
healthdisparitiesor commitment toserviceandcarefor underservedcommunitiesare
considereddesirable.
Acandidate’sprofessionalismandmaturity, whicharestronglyconsidered, maybe
revealedbysignificant lifeexperiencesandaccomplishments.
Additional Information
Asanapplicationisreviewed, theAdmissionsCommitteemayrequest moreinformation,
suchascurrent semester grades, newDATscores, etc. Acandidatewill bepromptly
contactedif arequest ismade.
23
 D E N T I S T RY

Office of
Keary Campbell

Marilyn Woolfolk, DDS, MPH

Assistant Dean for Student Services
“I’m very proud of everyone in our admissions
office and the job they are doing.
“Everyone is customer focused. That’s critical
because, in this case, the customer is the prospective
student.
“The positive experiences applicants have with
our office are designed to make them enthusiastic about
the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.
“In recent years, the challenge of providing great
customer service has increased because of the number
of applications we have received.
“About ten years ago, we received approximately
fourteen- or fifteen-hundred applications. Today, the
number is well over 2,500.
“While the number of applications we receive has
increased, I’m also pleased to see that the caliber of the
students has risen noticeably.
“Their education levels are higher than ever and
they bring interesting life experiences beyond their four
years in college. So the bar is constantly being raised.
That trend will continue.
“Today’s students see dentistry as a greater part
of health than was the case ten or twenty years ago,
which adds to the appeal of a dental career.
“Many of our alumni speak highly of this School
and the education they received. That makes students
want to apply and carry on that tradition of excellence
once we offer them admission and they accept our
offer.
“The admissions process, however, is just the
beginning.
“By the time a student is accepted, completes the
four-year dental program, and walks across the stage
to receive their dental degree, he or she will undergo
what I call a ‘moth to butterfly transformation.’
“I maintain contact with many of our graduates,
and it’s always rewarding to see them and talk to
them. It makes me proud to know that I and others
played a role in helping them become successful
professionals.”

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

24
 D E N T I S T RY

Admissions
Keary Campbell

Pattie Katcher
Admissions Associate Director
“The best part of my job, by far, is interacting with
the students. I enjoy being an advisor, a helper, and a
teacher.
“I have been a part of the Office of Academic Affairs
for more than a dozen years, but during the last two or
three years in this role, I have come to fully appreciate
how my job is about more than admissions. It’s also
about customer service.
“So when I am on the phone or answering an
e-mail or meeting with a prospective student or their
parents, I try to do my best for every one of them because
I know that I can be the deciding factor on whether or
not they want to apply to the University of Michigan
School of Dentistry.
“That approach has paid off. Frequently, a
prospective student will send me a note or call to
thank me for taking time to listen to them and answer
their questions. It’s very satisfying when a student or
parent tells me,‘You and your office staff have been so
friendly,’ or ‘you provided much more information than
I expected.’ Remarks like that are what I like to call a
‘make my day’ comment.
“Although I spend a large part of my time focusing
on admissions to our dental program, I also am involved
with graduate admissions and admissions to our
international program. So my year-round schedule
does get pretty busy.
“I thinkmy background in behavioral psychology,
crisis counseling, and intervention is a perfect fit for this
job. Strong problem solving skills are a necessity. I use
them everyday!
“Looking back, one of the greatest votes of
confidence I received that helped me to move into
this position was when Dr. Jed Jacobson (director of
admissions from 1991-1997) had enough faith in me to
allow me to speakto students at colleges and universities
across Michigan about our dental program.
“The help and support I receive from so many
others here allows me to do my best for the students
and the School.”

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

25
 D E N T I S T RY

Office of
Keary Campbell

Mary Gaynor
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
“There are funds available to help make your
dream of becoming a dentist come true. And I will
work with you to make that happen.
“That’s what I tell prospective dental students,
their parents and/or spouses when they’re trying to
determine what money might be available to help
them fund their education.
“During any given academic year, I can be
working with anywhere from 500 to 600 students.
About 300 or 350 are current students. Another 200
or so are prospective students.
“I tell them that depending on their financial
situation, they may be eligible for aid from the
federal government or private lenders to fund their
education.
“How much financial aid the student ultimately
receives is based on the information they provide on
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
and the University’s Estimated Needs Analysis
worksheet.
“When a student is invited to Ann Arbor for
an interview, they are sent the Estimated Needs
Analysis worksheet. If they return that form to me
before their visit and interview, I can give them an
idea, when they’re here, of how much financial aid
they might be able to receive.
“I try to assist prospective students by
anticipating any roadblocks they might encounter
in getting that financial aid.
“Students are so focused on getting into dental
school that, once they’re accepted, their attention
abruptly shifts to asking,‘How am I going to pay for
all of this?’
“Because the annual cost for a dental education,
including tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses,
can be more than $49,000 for Michigan residents
and more than $64,000 for non-residents, I look at
all resources that can help a student.
“I’m here to provide information about
financing options for their dental education.”

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

26
 D E N T I S T RY

Admissions
Keary Campbell

Jillian Yant
Student Administrative
Assistant Associate
“I’m often the first person, and sometimes the
only person, an applicant will speak to when they
apply for admission. So I know how important it is
that I leave every one of them with a good impression
about our School when I’m talking to them in person
or on the telephone.
“That can be a challenge at times because it
does get very busy during the summer and fall when
students are filling out their applications and calling
me with questions.
“At times, it seems the phone rings nonstop.
Sometimes I receive between 100 and 150 telephone
calls a day. Once I was sick for two days, and when I
returned, I had sixty-eight messages waiting for my
return call!
“By July, I’m receiving boxes of applications I
help process. During high volume times, each box
can contain between 100 and 150 applications.
Sometimes a box arrives every three days.
“When the boxes arrive, it’s my responsibility
to ‘put it all together’ – the application with a
student’s transcripts, letters of recommendation,
DAT scores, and a check – so that those who review
the application have all the information they need to
make a decision about whether to invite a candidate
for an interview.
“Then I work with others in the admissions
office and the students themselves to schedule
interviews. So it can be pretty hectic.
“But I enjoy it. My experiences remind me a
lot of when I worked part-time in student services
for the biology department at LS&A. There was
more paperwork there. But here, since the School
of Dentistry is smaller by comparison, I have more
interaction with the students. That’s the best part
of this job, talking to them and learning more about
them, their families, and their interests.”

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

27
 D E N T I S T RY
Prospective Students
It’s a day they have been
eagerly anticipating for weeks.
After submitting academic and
personal information to the School
of Dentistry for consideration, nearly
470 students received a personal
invitation to come to Ann Arbor for a
campus visit and interview. About 300
accepted.
Because of the number of students
involved, eight visit and interview
sessions are usually held between
October and February.
About 36 prospective first-year
dental students attend the one-day
program that begins at 9:30 and ends
at 3:00 in the afternoon.
Arriving in the Faculty Alumni
Lounge, the neatly attired men and
women are warmly greeted by Jillian
Yant, student administrative assistant
associate, who gives each student their
name tag and a folder of information
about the U-M School of Dentistry.
Taking their seats around a long
conference table, the students review
the information and converse among
themselves until the program begins
with welcoming remarks from Dr.
Marilyn Woolfolk, assistant dean for
student services, and Pattie Katcher,
admissions associate director.
A Special Day for the Students
and the School
They congratulate the students
“for getting past the first hurdle” and
being invited to the School for the visit
and interview.
28
Invited for Campus Visits
About threedozencandidatespicturedherereceivedformal invitationstovisit theSchool last December 1tolearnmoreabout the
School andparticipateininterviews. TheDecember sessionwasoneof eight heldbetweenOctober andFebruary.
Woolfolk and Katcher tell the
prospective students the day is special,
not just for them, but also for the
School.
“Just as this is your opportunity
to learn more about us, it’s also an
opportunity for us to get to know
you better and learn more about you
beyond what you have noted in your
applications,” Katcher says.
To help break the ice of being seated
next to unfamiliar faces, students are
then asked to pair up and take ten or
fifteen minutes to learn more about
the other person. Afterwards, each
student stands and introduces their
colleague and tells the group about the
person with whom they spoke.
During their two - or three-
minute presentations, each student
mentions their colleague’s hometown,
where they went to school to earn an
undergraduate degree, their major,
Keary Campbell
notable personal achievements, and
plans for the future.
Once the introductions end, it’s
down to business.
Prospective students then hear from
School of Dentistry administrators and
faculty members about the predoctoral
clinical program, the outreach program,
and how information technology is
used at the School.
When the presentations end, the
students are split into two groups that
alternate participating in two sets of
activities.
While one group tours classrooms,
clinics, and research facilities, the
other group participates in “multiple
mini interviews.”
These one-on-one interviews are
designed to demonstrate both what a
student knows and how well they can
think on their feet.
Each student receives a card
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

and Interviews
Dr. MarilynWoolfolk(left), assistant deanfor student services, andPattieKatcher, admissionsassociatedirector, welcomeabout
threedozenprospectivestudentsinvitedtotheSchool of Dentistryfor interviewsearlier thisyear.
that asks a question or describes a
situation. They spend about five
minutes answering the question or
discussing the situation with a faculty
member before moving to a different
location where they answer another
topic or discuss another question with
another faculty member.
This 1:1:1 approach (one student,
one faculty member, one question or
topic) allows a faculty member or
administrator to later compare and
contrast each student’s response to the
same question.
Dr. Donald Heys, a member of
the Admissions Committee who
participated in the interviews, says he
“was impressed with how incredibly
talented and diverse these young
people are.” From his conversations
with students he says “it seems the one
topic they want to know more about
is our outreach program.”
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
CVIs
Another participant in the
interviews was Gloria Sdao, patient
services assistant in the Department
of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and
Hospital Dentistry.
“I was honored to be invited to
participate for the first time in the
interviews,” she said. “As a staff
member, our interactions with students
are different than what a faculty
member might see in a classroom or
clinic. So our interactions are a critical
part of a student’s learning process in
terms of communication, behavior,
and developing good interpersonal
skills and business savvy.”
Another faculty member who
participated, Dr. Bill Piskorowski,
director of outreach and community
affairs, said the multiple mini
interviews are another important way
of assessing a prospective student.
“It’s not the sole criteria the School
D E N T I S T RY
Keary Campbell
uses to select a student, but it’s an
important one, because these short
interviews give you insights into how
a student evaluates a situation and
how they communicate,” he said.
“The student’s responses tell
you a lot about their knowledge and
their interpersonal skills, both of
which will be important during their
studies here at Michigan and during
their dental career,” he continued.
“From my experiences, many of the
problems that arise are more related
to communications than anything
else.”
Financial Aid
In the afternoon, assistant
financial aid director Mary Gaynor
tells students about the cost of the first
year of their dental education (see page
30) and outlines some of the financial
help that is available.
She tells them that students
entering the School of Dentistry must
apply for financial aid by August 31,
2007.
Gaynor also addresses two issues
that nearly all first-year dental
students have on their minds.
The first involves residency.
“Because of the University’s
policies, if you’re admitted as a non-
Michigan resident, there’s virtually no
chance of becoming a resident while
you are a student here,” she says.
The other is the amount of possible
financial aid.
She tells them that financial aid
29
 D E N T I S T RY
CVIs
cannot be increased for students with
cars, credit cards, or other consumer
debts. Likewise, monetary awards
can’t be raised to reflect any additional
expenses a student incurs because of
marriage or the birth of a child.
But she is emphatic about one
point.
“If you have any questions, do not
hesitate to contact me,” she says. “I will
help you as much as I possibly can.”
Research
During the afternoon, Dr. Charlotte
Mistretta, associate dean for research
and PhD training, emphasizes the
importance of research to the University
of Michigan in general and the School
of Dentistry in particular.
As she does, she mentions a
statistic that surprises many students.
“Twenty-seven percent of the School’s
faculty have both a dental degree and
a PhD. This is a Michigan difference,”
she tells them, borrowing the theme
of the University’s current fundraising
drive.
Dr. William Giannobile, director
of the Michigan Center for Oral Health
Research, follows.
He mentions opportunities
students have to participate in an
array of research programs and invites
them to take advantage of those
opportunities.
The Offer of Admission
As the day-long program ends,
Katcher gives students an overview of
what’s next – a possible formal offer
of admissions – and when.
30
AngelaRitchie(left) andKatrinaChangwereamongtheprospectivestudentswhowereinvitedtovisit andinterviewat the
School of Dentistrylast December. Theywerelater admittedtotheclassof first-year studentswhowill begintheir studiesin
August.
But not every student will receive
an offer, she says, while others may Annual Education Costs*
have to consider an offer from Michigan 1st Year Dental Student
and another dental school.
If the U-M School of Dentistry does
make a formal offer of admissions to Michigan $24,378
a student, Katcher reminds them that Resident Tuition
to be accepted they have a deadline
Non-Michigan $39,280
they must respond to and must include
Resident Tuition
a nonrefundable $1,500 enrollment
deposit with their reply. Fees:
“We are serious when we send Michigan and $3,600
an admissions offer to you. When Non-Michigan
you accept our offer, which includes Residents
enclosing that check for $1,500 with
* 2006-2007 academic year.
your acceptance, we will reserve a spot Fees and tuition may change annually.
for you in the new first-year class that
begins late next summer,” she says.
“This is a great School and it’s
why many of us have been here as
long as we have been,” she says. “I’m
confident that most, if not all of you,
will also find that to be the case once
you become a student here…that
Michigan is THE place to be.”
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
 D E N T I S T RY

Campus Visit & Interview Schedule

The Office
9:30 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
Dr. Marilyn Woolfolk, Assistant Dean for Student Services
Ms. Pattie Katcher, Admissions Associate Director

of Admissions
10:30 a.m. Curriculum Overview
Dr. Marilyn Lantz, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Dr. Thomas Green, Director of Curriculum and
Instructional Services
Universityof Michigan
10:40 a.m. Break School of Dentistry
Officeof Admissions
10:50 a.m. Overview of Clinical Programs 1011N.UniversityAve.
Dr. Donald Heys, Comprehensive Clinical Care Director Room G226
Dr. Stephen Stefanac, Associate Dean for Patient Services
AnnArbor, MI 48109-1078
11:25 a.m. Information Technology and Learning Resources
Dr. Lynn Johnson, Director of Dental Informatics and Telephone: (734) 763-3316
Information Technology Fax: (734) 647-6085
E-mail address:
11:40 a.m. Introduction to Multiple Mini Interviews ddsadmissions@umich.edu
Noon Group A – Multiple Mini Interviews
Group B – Lunch and tour of dental school
Faculty and Staff:
1:00 p.m. Break • Dr. Marilyn Woolfolk, Assistant Dean
1:10 p.m. Group A – Lunch and tour of dental school for Student Services
Group B – Multiple Mini Interviews • Pattie Katcher, Admissions
AssociateDirector
2:15 p.m. Financial Aid and Considerations
• Gale Jaynes, Administrative Assistant
Ms. Mary Gaynor, Assistant Director of Financial Aid
• Jillian Yant, Student Administrative
2:30 p.m. Research Program Overview Assistant Associate
Dr. Charlotte Mistretta, Associate Dean for Research and • Mary Gaynor, Assistant Director of
PhD Training Financial Aid
Dr. William Giannobile, Director, Michigan Center for
Oral Health Research

2:55 p.m. Wrap up and Final Questions

3:00 p.m. Dismissed

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 D E N T I S T RY

Advice from New Dental Student

to Future Applicants…
Apply early… Jerry Mastey

Take it from someone who’s been there.

Be organized
For those seeking admission to the University of
Michigan School of Dentistry’s dental program, Patrick
McGrath has four words of advice to offer.
“Apply early.”
“Be organized.”
“When you’re working, taking the Dental Admissions
Test, applying to dental school, and taking classes during
spring term all at the same time, it can be difficult keeping
things straight,” he said. “I’m organized, but looking back,
I wish I had been a lot more organized.”
June 1, 2006 was the first date students could apply
online to AADSAS for admission to the first-year dental
program that begins this August.
June 2, McGrath took his DAT.
On June 3, he went online to the AADSAS Web site and
applied for admission.
However, since a personal statement was a part of the
application process, “I spent about a week writing, editing,
and rewriting that because I knew it was going to be a part
of my application,” he said.
“Take your time, thoroughly review, and thoughtfully
consider your answers,” he advised, “because once you
submit your application, you can’t go back and change or
edit anything.” PatrickMcGrath, whobecomesafirst-year dental student later thissummer, saidapplying
earlyandbeingorganizedareimportant whenapplyingfor admissiontodental school.
Waiting was “Nerve Wracking”
Requesting academic transcripts to send to AADSAS are four weeks for his academic record to be reformatted so all
also a part of the process of applying to dental school. the dental schools received his grades.
Although McGrath submitted his application online on “It was a waiting game at that stage,” he said. “I even
June 3, it wouldn’t be until nearly two months later, in late called a few times to follow up, but was always told that
July, that his application was then forwarded to the dental ‘everything we have about you is what you see online’,”
schools he was interested in attending. he said.
The reason? “At first, I checked online every day,” he said. “But as
Until both U-M and a community college he attended June became July, it was about once a week.”
in Illinois while playing semi-professional ice hockey Making the wait seem even longer was that, last
forwarded his transcripts to AADSAS, the application summer, AADSAS received more applications than ever.
process was at a standstill. In late July, McGrath’s application and academic records
But even after AADSAS received his academic were received by AADSAS and ready to be sent to 11 dental
transcripts from both institutions, because of the volume schools, including U-M. However, five of the 11 dental
of applications submitted, it took AADSAS another three or schools also wanted him to fill out paper applications.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

32

AADSAS APPLICATION TRENDS
Applicationsreceivedbyall thenation’sdental schoolshave
steadilyincreasedinrecent years.
Lucky Friday the 13th
“There wasn’t much difference between what the
five were looking for and what AADSAS wanted, with the
exception of a couple of essay questions,” he said. “But
since I didn’t know which dental school would ultimately be
interested, I filled them out and returned them.” He mailed
two of the five applications just before Thanksgiving.
“Waiting weeks and weeks was nerve wracking. It’s
one of the most frustrating parts of the admissions process
because there’s nothing you can do,” McGrath said.
That is, until Friday, October 13.
That turned out to be a lucky day for McGrath. He and
35 other prospective students were invited to interview at
the U-M School of Dentistry.
He knew he would learn more about the dental
program, the clinics, interview with faculty members, and
take a tour of the School.
But what he wasn’t prepared for was writing a short
essay to a question about a situation that was presented
when students gathered at the start of the day.
“As I left the School, I was relieved,” he said. “I thought
I did well in my short interviews and with my essay. But
because of the nature of my personality,” he continued,
“I was cautious about my chances of being offered
admission.”
October became November. November became
December.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
D E N T I S T RY
McGrath knew the University of Michigan School of
Dentistry would not be sending letters offering admission
to first-year students until December 1.
So when he received paper applications from two dental
schools, he completed them and mailed them just before
Thanksgiving “to keep my options open.”
Friday, December 1, 2006 was a date McGrath will
always remember.
Around four o’clock that afternoon, he received a call
on his cell phone.
“Congratulations, you’ve been accepted. We thought
you would like to know today rather than waiting for the
mail to get to you sometime next week,” was the message
from the U-M School of Dentistry’s Office of Admissions. “I
called my parents a few moments later to give them the
good news.”
Final Words of Advice
As he reflected on his experiences, McGrath said
applying to dental school reminded him of playing ice
hockey.
“Initially, many are looking to get in, be it to play ice
hockey professionally or get into dental school,” he said.
“But it gets tougher as you try to move up, and you realize
that having talent is one thing, but working hard will,
many times, be the factor that determines whether you
get in.”
Asked about any final advice he wanted to pass along,
McGrath again stressed organization and applying early.
“Although you apply through AADSAS, other schools
have different requirements, and at times it can be difficult
keeping track of each school’s requirements and where
you are in terms of meeting all the requirements for each
school,” he said.
“But, first and foremost, apply early,” he emphasized.
“If you wait to apply until the end of July, your application
may not get to the dental schools you’re interested in until
sometime in October. By that time, your chances of being
interviewed, much less being offered a spot for admission,
will be reduced considerably.”
33
 A LU M N I
Alumnus & Alumna Profiles
Dr. Charles and Mrs. Dee Kelly
entistry has been more than
D
a profession and a passion
for Dr. Charles Kelly and his
wife, Dee. It seems to be a
family tradition…one that goes back
nearly 100 years…and will continue
for the foreseeable future.
Take a look at the list of members
of the Kelly family who have earned
dental degrees from the University of
Michigan School of Dentistry:
• His father, Donald Calvin
Kelly, 1933.
• Charles Kelly, 1953.
• His brother, Terry, 1965.
Dee received her degree in dental
hygiene in 1951.
Continuing the Tradition
Two Kelly sons, Kevin and Patrick,
earned their dental degrees from
U-M in 1979 and 1980, respectively.
Patrick’s wife, Mary, has an associate
degree in dental assisting and was an
34
Photo courtesy of Dr. Charles Kelly
assistant to Dr. James Hayward while
Patrick attended U-M.
Two Kelly grandchildren and
a grandson-in-law are predoctoral
students at U-M School of Dentistry:
Macare Kelly, a third-year dental
student, and Christina Dreves, a second-
year dental student whose husband,
Christopher, is also a D2. Another
granddaughter, Megan (Christina’s
sister), is considering dentistry as a
career.
Chuck isn’t sure why so many in
the family have chosen dentistry as a
career. In fact, he admits attempting
to dissuade both Kevin and Patrick
from entering the profession when
they were younger.
“I told them dentistry wasn’t an
easy profession because it required long
hours that included lab work, office
management, and time with staff.
It was also a high stress profession,
treating people surgically who were
always awake and who would prefer
not to be treated,” he continued.
Chuck said he thought “they
saw how much I enjoyed it, so they
decided to become dentists anyway.
Perhaps my suggestion that they find a
vocation that allowed them to be their
own boss was also a factor.”
The Kellys are proud of their sons
who are in dentistry and medicine and
their grandchildren who are pursuing
their dental studies at Michigan.
But they’re also proud of their five
other children who have distinguished
themselves in other ways.
Mike, a patent attorney in Grand
Rapids, has a master’s degree from U-M
in addition to a law degree.
Dan, after owning and managing
several restaurants in Traverse City,
now runs a catering business and owns
the Williamsburg Showcase Dinner
Theater and Conference Center.
Theresa is an accountant working
with her husband, Rick Dreves,
who owns and operates Northwest
Orthodontic Laboratory.
Tim, an ear, nose, and throat
physician, has advised the Kelly
grandchildren to enter dentistry,
suggesting it as a better alternative
to medicine.
Colleen, who received her degree
from U-M, is a registered nurse in North
Barrington, Illinois.
Looking Back
Although this year marks twenty
years since he retired as a practicing
dentist, Chuck said he visits his former
office that is run by his sons Kevin and
Patrick.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
 A LU M N I

Photo courtesy of Dr. Charles Kelly

“In a way, I miss not practicing,”

he said. “But since they are running
my former practice, I still stop by every
now and then to talk to them, the staff,
and some of my former patients. I’ll
also cast jewelry in the lab.”
Dee, who worked part-time in her
husband’s office, said she enjoyed being
able to apply her U-M education.
“I spent a considerable amount
of time raising our five sons and two
daughters, so that didn’t give me a lot
of time to get out of the house,” she
said. “But when I was helping Chuck,
I loved the opportunity to talk to the
patients and staff and apply some of
what I learned when I was a dental
Dentistry is a family traditionfor Dr. Charles Kelly andhis wife, Dee, a dental hygienist. Others family members indentistry include
hygiene student. That made me feel (left toright): Mary, whowas anassistant toDr. James Haywardinoral surgery; Macare, a third-year dental student; Patrick (DDS
like my Michigan degree was worth 1980); Dee(DH1951); Dr. Charles Kelly (DDS 1953); Christopher Mazzola, a second-year dental student marriedtoChristina, alsoa
second-year dental student; andKevin(DDS1979).
even more.”
When she was in grade school,
Dee said she wanted to be a physician. 1950, when Dee was about to begin a few months later, where Kevin was
But her interest in medical technology her senior year in the dental hygiene born.
eventually led her to pursue a career program at U-M and Chuck was a Upon returning to the U.S., he
in dental hygiene. second-year dental student. bought a practice in Kingsley, Michigan,
“A major influence in my decision “Our first son, Michael, was born in southern Grand Traverse County
to become a dental hygienist was about ten days following my dental and moved it to Traverse City a year
working for Dr. Mark Gilson, who was hygiene board exams,” she said with later.
in the School’s periodontal department a laugh. As Chuck and Dee raised a family
when I was a sophomore in college,” Dee took a job in the private office and built the dental practice, they
she added. “I enjoyed it so much, and it of the chair of the Department of also found time to be involved in their
was less time consuming than medical Orthodontics, Dr. George Moore. community and with their church.
technology, so I decided to pursue a As a student, Chuck cleaned dental Last spring, Chuck was inducted
career in dental hygiene.” At the time, offices and did some carpentry work into the Traverse City Central High
medical technology was a five-year for the Ann Arbor public schools. School Hall of Fame for his many
program and dental hygiene a four- In 1953, he graduated and was professional and civic contributions.
year program. an associate in a dental practice in [See page 38.]
Chuck and Dee met in Traverse City Plymouth, Michigan. Since he also “Even though we’ve been married
the summer before they both entered was in a U.S. Navy program, he was for fifty-six years, I’m still amazed to
the School of Dentistry. They married sent to Morocco. Dee and their two read about all Chuck has done,” Dee
about a year later, in September children joined him in North Africa said. “He’s very special, not just to me

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

35
 A LU M N I
Alumnus & Alumna Profiles
and our children and grandchildren,
but to the dental profession and the
community.”
Two Major Changes Noted
Asked what he thought some of
the biggest changes in dentistry were
during the 35 years he practiced (1953-
1988), Chuck said there were two.
The first he mentioned was high-
speed equipment becoming standard
in dental offices.
“That had a profound change on
how we practiced,” he said. “That
equipment enabled us to treat patients
Dr. CharlesKellyandhiswife, Dee(right), werepresent whentheir granddaughter, MacareKelly(thirdfromleft) receivedher
whitecoat duringaceremonyat theSchool of Dentistryin2004. Alsopresent wasMacare’smother, Mary(secondfromleft).
more efficiently and required us to use
more staff and devote more time to the
business, or practice management,
side of dentistry.”
The other major change, he said,
occurred in 1969. “As I look back, it
seemed that, at that time, dentistry
became more of a behavioral science.
We went from treating caries to
preventing them. That had major
36
consequences for us as dentists and
for our patients too.”
That change, to what he described
as “a wellness practice, was a profound
one because it required a change
in philosophy. We went from an
emphasis on treatment to becoming
a learning center for patients that
required new thinking in nutrition,
psycho-social stress management, and
patient motivation,” he said. “But it
was a wonderful time because having
less disease to treat allowed time for
cosmetic treatments, TMJ treatment,
and nutritional counseling.” her.
Per Kjeldsen
Still Active
Both Chuck and Dee continue
to remain active in dentistry, their
community, and their church.
“Our family is science oriented, so
we still occasionally attend seminars
to learn more about new advances
and discoveries and wind up talking
about those with family and friends,”
she said.
Chuck continues to play clarinet
in a wind orchestra.
Both continue to sing in their
church’s choir and are active on
various committees and boards.
Their active lifestyle impresses
their grandchildren.
Macare, a third-year dental student,
said her grandfather “still plays the
clarinet in the U-M Alumni Marching
Band during the Homecoming football
game.”
She said there was another side of
their grandparents that has impressed
“ M y g r a n d p a re n t s a l w a y s
encouraged me to follow my interests
and passions in life,” she said. She
recalled how they would take her to
museums and “always encouraged
artistic talents. He would explain that
much of dentistry revolves around the
artist’s touch. Until going to dental
school, I didn’t understand this, but
now I can appreciate what he stressed
to me throughout my childhood!”
Another granddaughter, Christina
Dreves, said that her grandfather
“always stresses the ‘individual,’ the
‘human’ in the patient rather than
the ‘teeth.’ He truly cares for each of
his former patients. That’s a quality
that the patient was well aware of and
appreciated more than any treatment
that he could provide,” she said.
Both of my grandparents have
demonstrated a love and generosity for
dental education that will surely affect
dental professionals and patients for
generations,” she added.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
 A LU M N I

Their Influence Photo courtesy of Macare Kelly

Dr. Charles Kelly and his wife, Dee, have had a profound impact on their
grandchildren who are now at the U-M School of Dentistry.

Macare Kelly, a third-year dental student, and Christina Dreves, a second-year

dental student, said their grandparents have instilled in them a zest for life and
how dentists can help so many. Below are their edited remarks.

Macare Kelly (D3)

“My grandparents always encouraged me to follow my interests and passions
in life. They’re incredibly artistic and also patrons of the arts. Grandpa still
plays the clarinet in the U-M Alumni Marching Band during the Homecoming MacareKelly(left) andChristinaKellyDreves.
football game!
“Growing up, they took me and my cousins to museums and always encouraged artistic talents. He would explain that
much of dentistry revolves around the artist’s touch. Until going to dental school, I didn’t understand this, but now I
can appreciate what he stressed to me throughout my childhood.

“My grandfather taught me how to wax up teeth, cast crowns, and make jewelry in my dad’s office the summer after
my first year of dental school. I am so lucky to have a grandfather who was willing to spend his time with me. I realize
how important it is for him to teach me what he knows, and for this I will always be grateful.

“My grandparents have shared so many special memories of dental and dental hygiene education from the fifties. I am
amazed at how things have changed! One of my favorite stories is how a dental classmate’s necktie got caught in the
arm of a casting machine after it was wound. Grandpa said he and his classmates learned very quickly to stay clear
of the machine once they let go!”

Christina Dreves (D2)

“The biggest impact my grandparents have made on me would probably be their general love for life and the importance
of health and nutrition. Although both are seventy-seven, they still play tennis, go downhill skiing, and travel the
world…

“They have inspired me to strive for these same goals. Eventually, I hope to inspire my own patients to understand the
importance of health and the great impact that it can have on their lives.

“Grandpa always stresses the ‘individual,’ the ‘human’ in the patient rather than the ‘teeth.’ He truly cares for each
of his former patients. That’s a quality that the patient was well aware of and appreciated more than any treatment
that he could provide.

“Both of my grandparents have demonstrated a love and generosity for dental education that will surely affect dental
professionals and patients for generations.”

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

37
 A LU M N I

Hall of Fame Induction

Dr. Charles Kelly, who graduated from Traverse City Central High School in
1947, was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame last summer, along with
four others. In its narrative, edited here, many of his achievements were cited.

• Junior class president and governor (1946-1947).

• Member of the student council, band, dance band, choir, and tennis
team; Eagle Scout; and attended Interlochen Arts Camp (1943-1946).
• Graduated from U-M School of Dentistry (1953); was a member of the
U-M marching and basketball bands.
• Served in the U.S. Naval Dental Corps (1954-1956).
• Fellow, International College of Dentistry.
• President, Resort District Dental Society.
• Practiced dentistry in Traverse City (1956 until retiring in 1988).
• Presented clinics on nutrition and preventive dentistry; published
articles in the Michigan Journal of General Dentistry.
• Participated in a cultural exchange with dentists in Moscow and
Leningrad (1976).
• Group leader of U.S. dentists to China (1982).
• Missionary dentist in orphanages in Bolivia (1994).
• Past president, Grand Traverse U-M Alumni Club.
• Co-chair of first Dennos Museum benefit (1992).
• Boy Scout leader in Traverse City (1954-1972).
• Chair, Interlochen Public Radio Station Board.
• Past secretary and past president, Interlochen Arts Camp Alumni Board.
(Emeritus Trustee since 1996).
• Past member, Northern Michigan Planned Giving Council.
• Member, U-M Development Task Force.
• Board of Directors, Traverse City Symphony and Traverse City
Economics Club.

The article mentioning Kelly’s achievements also notes his 56-year

marriage to Dee, their seven children and 22 grandchildren, and the
occupations of their children.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

38
 D E V E LO P M E N T

School at 92% of Fundraising Goal

Keary Campbell

The School of Dentistry’s fundraising committee met last fall to review progress in raising $35 million during the“Michigan Difference”
campaign. Seatedaroundthetabletodiscusstheeffortare(lefttoright): Drs.ColinMayers,PeterKelly,SondraGunn,JayWerschky,Eli
Berger,TimothyGietzen, andBill Lawler, Jr. Joininglater weretwoother committeemembers, Dr. CharlesKellyandhiswife, Dee.

ess than two years remain in the School of Dentistry’s efforts to raise

L $35 million during the University’s “Michigan Difference” fundraising

campaign.
After beginning in May 2004, the public phase of the campaign is
scheduled to end December 31, 2008.
In mid May, the School of Dentistry reported gifts and pledges totaling more
than $32 million, or about 92 percent of its goal. The University has raised more
than $2.4 billion, or 96 percent of its $2.5 billion goal.

“Stretch Goal”
Richard Fetchiet, director of external relations and continuing dental
education, said, “We set an extremely ambitious campaign goal for the School
of Dentistry. In fact, during our campaign planning we had a feasibility study
conducted by an independent fundraising consulting firm and they suggested
a goal in the $25 million range.
“However, the enthusiasm of our campaign committee, combined with the
commitment demonstrated by our fundraising team, led us to the stretch goal of
$35 million. We believe that goal is in sight and, with the continued generosity
of our alumni and friends, we hope to surpass $35 million in gifts and pledges
prior to the campaign close in December 2008.”
Members of the School’s fundraising committee, chaired by Dr. Jay Werschky,
met last fall to discuss ways to surpass the $35 million goal.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

39
 D E V E LO P M E N T

Fundraising Begins for New Endodontics Clinic

The School of Dentistry’s Office of Development is raising funds to help build a new endodontics clinic. When completed, the new 3,500 square
foot facility will be about twice as large as the current facility. Tentative plans for the new facility call for 15 operatories, instead of the current
nine, as well as a surgical operatory and an operatory for use by endodontists practicing in the Dental Faculty Associates office. There will also
be waiting, patient consultation, and conference rooms and four nearby faculty offices. “The new clinic will be state of the art,” said Dr. Neville
McDonald, director of the School’s graduate endodontics program.

What’s Also New
Each operatory, he said, will have
digital capabilities that will include
being able to receive and transmit digital
radiographs, videos, and patient records.
Ceiling- and floor-mounted microscopes
will also have digital capabilities.
The operatories will be digitally
linked so that it will be possible to view
a procedure from a distance, including
another part of the world, or televise
a procedure as it’s taking place to a
classroom.
McDonald also said patient chairs
would be positioned in each operatory
to minimize disruptions and enhance
teaching.
“Instead of physically stepping
into an operatory and disrupting the
graduate student who is treating a
patient, as we do now, instructors will
be able to stop at the entrance to each
operatory, see what’s taking place, and
avoid those interruptions,” he said.
Curriculum Changes
The new clinic is part of a larger
effort to transform the endodontics
curriculum.
Dr. Stephen Bayne, chair of the
Department of Cariology, Restorative
Sciences, and Endodontics, said the
transformation will include “both an
intense research experience and an
invigorated clinical training curriculum
capable of meeting current and future
demands of that specialty.” [DentalUM,
Fall 2006, page 42.]
Beginning July 1, the graduate
endodontics program will become
a “master’s degree only” program.
Residents will graduate with a certificate
of endodontics and a master’s degree.
The current “certificate only” program
will no longer be offered.
There are two reasons for the
change, according to McDonald.
“We want the research component
of the program to be self sustaining and
contribute to the scientific database,” he
said. “In addition, the longer program,
34 months, will enable us to more easily
incorporate future changes in practice
philosophies as they unfold.”
McDonald said many of the ideas
for the new clinic came from touring
other University programs, private
endodontic practices, and discussions
with several U-M School of Dentistry
endodontic alumni including Drs.
Robert Coleman, Allan Jacobs, Richard
Gardner, Jerry Dietz, Sr., Martin Tuck,
and John Willoughby.
“They all gave us good ideas on
what we should do and not do in the
new facility,” McDonald said. “But
we couldn’t do all of them because of
costs.” Cost estimates for the new clinic
are approximately $3 million. The
School hopes to raise $1 million from
endodontics graduates.
Among those who have already
pledged to help reach that goal
include Gardner, Jacobs, and Dr. Jeffrey
Halvorson. Their stories are on pages
41 to 42. Tuck and Willoughby are also
among those supporting the project.
Naming Opportunities
for New Endodontic Clinic
In support of the new graduate
endodontics clinic, the U-M School
of Dentistry offers several naming
opportunities which are available in
recognition of a one-time gift or upon
completion of a five-year pledge.
Surgical Suite: $100,000
Dental Faculty Suite: $100,000
Graduate Operatory: $25,000 each
Waiting Room: $15,000
Clinic Supervisor’s
Office: $15,000
Reception Area: $10,000
Faculty Office: $10,000 each
For more information about these oppor-
tunities please contact Jeff Freshcorn,
director of development, at
(734) 647-4394.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

40

Dr. Richard Gardner:
“What We’re Doing Today is Totally Different”
Keary Campbell
Keary Campbell
Dr. RichardGardner
“The opportunity to help provide the latest and
best technology in a new state-of-the-art clinic
is what motivated me to pledge $25,000,” said
Dr. Richard Gardner.
Gardner, who earned his dental degree from
U-M in 1983 and a master’s degree in endodontics
two years later, has been teaching endodontics
part-time at the School for more than twenty
years.
“What we’re doing today is totally different,
especially when it comes to using technology,
compared to when I was an endodontics
student,” he said.
One of the major differences Gardner cited
was the use of microscopes in the clinic.
“It’s remarkable what we can do with that
piece of equipment to help a patient,” he said.
“You’re no longer guessing. You can see details
you couldn’t years ago and that often makes a
big difference.”
Gardner cited another technological
innovation, digital radiography.
“Digital radiography gives us opportunities
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
D E V E LO P M E N T
to instantly see what’s wrong, what needs
to be done, and where, compared to taking a
radiograph, going to a dark room, processing
the film, and waiting. The digital technology
we’re using in the clinic is faster and more
time efficient for both the practitioner and the
patient,” he said.
Noting that his career path to becoming a
dentist and an endodontist “was not a straight
line,” Gardner said he was a toxicologist for
several years before entering the oral health
care profession. “I think a brother-in-law who’s
a dentist and a sister who’s a dental hygienist
had something to do with that,” he said with a
laugh.
“I enjoy what I like to call ‘the inherent urgent
nature’ that’s a part of being an endodontist,” he
said.
“For most patients, it’s fearful for them to
come and see you, but yet they know they must
because something has to be done. Their belief
and confidence that you can help them motivates
me,” he said. “To see them come in with pain
and then leave pain free makes those years of
study all worthwhile.”
Making teaching worthwhile, Gardner
added, are the students.
“Their enthusiasm is contagious and makes
my time here at the dental school and in my
own private practice both interesting and
rewarding.”
Gardner added that his gift was also
motivated, in part, by the naming opportunity.
He encourages his colleagues to consider that
as another reason to make a gift for the new
endodontics clinic. [See page 42.]
41
 D E V E LO P M E N T

Dr. Allan Jacobs Gifts $25,000 Dr. Jeffrey Halvorson Pledges

for New Endodontics Clinic $25K to New Endo Clinic

Keary Campbell

“I’m proud to be a part of the “I wanted to be a part of the

effort to help build the new effort to help fund the building
endodontics clinic. It’s going of the new clinic. That’s why
to be a great facility and a lot I made my pledge, because it
different from when I was a was a unique way for me to
student,” said Dr. Allan Jacobs make a difference,” said Dr.
(DDS 1974, MS endodontics Jeffrey Halvorson (DDS 1983, MS
1978). endodontics 1992).
As he talked about his days Talking about his days
as a student thirty years ago, as a student at the University of
Dr. AllanJacobs Jacobs recalled the facilities that Dr. JeffreyHalvorson Michigan, which also included
were in the Kellogg Building. “I earning a bachelor’s degree in
remember our graduate endodontic department had just a zoology in 1979, Halvorson said the dental school is special to
single line of chairs with no partitions to give the patients, him.
or us as providers, any privacy,” he said. “But once this “I have many fond memories of the University and the
new facility is completed, with state-of-the-art microscopes dental school,” he said. “I am the professional I am today
and digital radiography, the difference will be tremendous, because of the education and experience I received in the
almost like night and day.” dental and endodontics programs at Michigan.
Jacobs also teaches part-time at the School. Halvorson cited three instructors who were instrumental
“Teaching is one way I try to give back something to the in his success.
School and the division of endodontics. My financial gift is “Drs. Richard Gardner, John Corcoran, and the late
another way of giving back, and I would encourage other Robert Ellison were all top-notch instructors who helped me
alumni to pledge to the project if they haven’t already,” he as a student, and I will always be grateful for that,” he said.
said. “I hope my gift encourages other endodontic colleagues to
“I believe my gift and teaching students some of the reflect on their Michigan experiences and also make a gift
things I have learned during my career will help them to help fund the new clinic.”
and help the School continue the tradition of excellence at
Michigan,” he added.
Last May Jacobs was elected to a third one-year term
as Speaker of the Michigan Dental Association’s House of
Delegates. He is a past president of the Oakland County
Dental Society, past president of the Michigan Association
of Endodontists, and is a current member of its board.
He is a member and former chairman of the Public and
Professional Affairs Committee of the American Association
of Endodontists.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

42
 D E V E LO P M E N T

New Gifts for Lysle Johnston Collegiate Professorship

New pledges have been made by many School of Dentistry orthodontics alumni to fund the Dr. Lysle Johnston Jr. Endowed
Collegiate Professorship. Plans call for raising $500,000 for the endowment that will associate Johnston and the U-M
orthodontics program in perpetuity. Among pledges recently received are those from Dr. and Mrs. Robert Aldrich, Dr.
Sondra Gunn, and Dr. Ludia Kim.

Dr. and Mrs. Robert Aldrich Gift $250,000

“A leader and, without question, the
best in orthodontics.”
That’s how Dr. Robert Aldrich
described Dr. Lysle Johnston as he talked
about his former student and his $250,000
gift to help endow the Dr. Lysle Johnston
Endowed Collegiate Professorship.
Aldrich, who taught at the School
of Dentistry for more than two decades,
said that he “always has had the highest
regards for him which began when Lysle
was one of my students in the 1960s.”
Johnston, Aldrich continued, “was an
exciting student to teach and work with.
His mind was very agile, his curiosity was
BobandKatieAldrich
constant, and he kept all of us on our toes
with his questions and observations.”
Even then, Aldrich said he thought
Johnston would have a great influence
on the orthodontic profession.
“He’s been an inspiration to his
students as a faculty member, as a
mentor, and as a department chair,”
Aldrich said. “To see the impact Lysle
has had on orthodontics makes me very
pleased to have played a part in his truly
outstanding career.”
Aldrich said he hopes his gift “will
inspire others to contribute and to carry
on Johnston’s legacy of excellence to
continue the department’s ability to
select the very best people who can teach
orthodontics just as Lysle did for so many
years.”

Dr. Sondra Gunn: Honoring “an outstanding

human being and instructor”
Per Kjeldsen
Dr. SondraGunn
“My decision to gift $25,000 for
the Dr. Lysle Johnston Professorship is
to honor Lysle, both as an outstanding
human being and an instructor, as well
as to help ensure the Department of
Orthodontics continues to attract high-
caliber instructors like him in the future,”
said Dr. Sondra Gunn.
She said her association with Johnston
began when he arrived at U-M in 1991 and
continued until his retirement in 2004.
“My gift to the professorship bearing
his name is my way of saying ‘thank you’
for all he’s done for me,” she said.
Talking about that association, Gunn
said, “Lysle has been a role model for all
of us. He always expected us to do well
and he never compromised in terms
of demanding academic and clinical
excellence from all of his students,” she
said.
“But what also impressed me about
Lysle was how those who worked with
him and for him were always devoted to
him. I don’t think that word, ‘devoted’,
is too strong a word to use,” she said,
“because if someone needed his help, be it
a student, faculty member, or someone on
his staff, he was always there for them.”
Gunn said the gift will serve another
purpose, continuing academic excellence
in the department.
“I remember when he was attempt-
ing to raise funds for the department and
the School, he would tell others, ‘People
before you made it possible for you to
be here at Michigan to get an education,
now it’s your turn.’ I’m in a position now
where I can make a difference and wanted
to continue doing so,” she said.

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43
 D E V E LO P M E N T
Dr. Ludia Kim: “To Honor a Great Icon
in Orthodontics”
“I’m making a pledge to the Lysle
Johnston Collegiate Professorship for
one reason – to honor a great icon in
orthodontics,” said Dr. Ludia Kim (MS
Dr. LudiaKim
orthodontics 1997). “He has dedicated
his entire life to orthodontics and I’m
so fortunate to have had him as my
professor.”
However, Kim said she didn’t feel
that way initially.
“I remember how demanding he
was on all of his students,” she said.
“But with the benefit of hindsight, that
was done for a reason – he expected
great things from all of us. I respect
him so much for that.”
44
Some of Johnston’s other traits also
impressed Kim.
“He dedicated his entire career to
orthodontics. He was always there
Keary Campbell
for you. His integrity was, and still is,
impeccable. And he had a great sense
of humor,” she said.
“There will never be another Lysle
Johnston. He was one of a kind,” Kim
said.
“I hope my gift of $25,000 will
encourage others who were in the
orthodontics program to help fund
the professorship that will bear his
name.”
Dr. Robert Sterken
Pledges $25,000 to
Pediatric Fund for
Excellence
“The University of Michigan School
of Dentistry has had a huge impact
on my life. In return, I would like
to support the School’s efforts as it
continues to educate students,” said
Dr. Robert Sterken. “That’s why I’m
pledging $25,000 to the Pediatric Fund
for Excellence.”
Sterken, who practices in Holland,
Michigan, earned his dental degree from
U-M in 1977 and a master’s degree in
pediatric dentistry four years later.
Reflecting
on his years
at the dental
school and
talking about
his education,
Sterken said,
“several fac-
ulty members
Dr. Robert Sterken
were especially
helpful to me, including Drs. Richard
Corpron, Paul Loos, Bud Straffon,
Arnold Morawa, David Weine, Tom
Pink, and Jim Clark.
“I admired their commitment to
both the School and the profession. So
this gift is my way of saying how much
I valued what they did for me as well
as a way of saying thank you.”
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
 A LU M N I R E L AT I O N S

Homecoming Weekend
The University of Michigan School of Dentistry
welcomed graduates of the dental and dental hygiene
programs to Homecoming Weekend during three days Emeritus Alumni Present
Members of the Class of 1956
of activities last October. who attended the Emeritus
Pinning Ceremony included:

Emeritus Alumni Honored Donald L. Ambrose

John C. Cameron
Events began Thursday, October 26, with a pinning ceremony honoring the John B. Clarke
emeritus alumni. Ward H. Cole
Milo L. Danzeisen
Twenty-three members of the Dental Class of 1956 and seven members of
Charles E. Dixon
the Dental Hygiene Class of 1956 received pins celebrating the 50th anniversary
Robert B. Evans
of their graduation. Robert A. Flucke
Before calling each to the podium to receive their gifts, Dr. Marilyn Lantz, James D. Greig
associate dean for academic affairs, said all “are joining quite a select group of Joseph P. Karkut
individuals.” Gloria James Kerry
Jerry Mastey
John E. Laman
Elmer C. Lang
Harold E. Maude, Sr.
J. Michael McKenna
Harry C. Mighion
Theodore A. Miller
Lawrence D. Newman
Dick H. Nieusma, Jr.
Robert A. Petersen
Donald W. Peterson
Thursday’sHomecomingWeekendactivitiesincludedaluncheonintheSindecuseAtriumprior totheHall of Honor ceremony. James Shimokusu
Jerry Mastey Keary Campbell
Walter H. Stewart, Jr.

Members of the DH Class

of 1956 who were present
included:
Jeanne H. Bertoldi
Phyllis L. Billes
Chris M. Graneggen
Laura Smith Hutteman
Valerie G. O’Brien
After receiving their emeritus pins, alumni toured the Dr. Roy Dr. GloriaKerry, whoearnedbothadental degreeandamaster’s Sallie Reynolds Petersen
RobertsPreclinical Laboratory. Dr. MaryEllenMcLeandescribed inperiodontics fromU-Mandtaught at theSchool of Dentistry
how new technology is being used to teach and train dental from1974to1988, wasamongthoseat theemeritusreunion. Hermine McLeran Weinert
students.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

45
 A LU M N I R E L AT I O N S

Drs. Craig and Striffler Inducted into

Hall of Honor
Two former faculty members were inducted into the U-M School of Dentistry
Hall of Honor during Homecoming Weekend activities.
Drs. Robert Craig and David Striffler were posthumously inducted during
a ceremony held in the Sindecuse Museum.
Established in 2003, the Hall of Honor recognizes those from the U-M School
of Dentistry (administrators, faculty, and others) who have had a major impact
on the oral health care profession.
Plaques bearing the names, images, and a description of the achievements
of the 34 men and women who have been inducted are on a wall in the Kellogg
Building near the continuing dental education office.
Keary Campbell

Familymembersof thelateDr. Robert

Craigwereamongthosepresent ashe
wasposthumouslyinductedintothe
School of Dentistry’sHall of Honor. They
were(left toright): hisniece, Linda
Reed; hissister, MarthaWigglesworth;
anddaughtersKateCraigandSusan
Craig. Another daughter, Barbara, was
unabletoattend. Ontheright, Dr. Gerald
CharbeneaureadstheplaquelistingDr.
Craig’sachievements.

Keary Campbell

Dr. Daniel Edwards, amember of theSchool’sAlumni

SocietyBoardof Governors, readsaletter fromDr.
DavidStriffler’sdaughter thankingtheSchool for
recognizingher father. “I amgratifiedtoknowthat
myfather’spassionandachievementshavefounda
placeintheHall of Honor,”StephanieStriffler wrote.
Notingher father’seffortstoprevent diseaseandmake
dental carewidelyavailable, sheaddedthat her father
“wouldhavebeenquiteamazedtolearnthat oneday
hisachievementswouldbehonoredinthiswaybythe
Universityof MichiganSchool of Dentistry.”

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

46
University of Michigan
School of Dentistry

Hall of Honor
I nominate The Hall of Honor posthumously honors
some of the legends of the dental
_________________________________________
profession who have been associated
for consideration to the University of Michigan
with the U-M School of Dentistry.
School of Dentistry Hall of Honor.

Please provide any professional information you may have about this individual that would help the
Selection Committee. You may use additional pages if necessary.

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

Your name ______________________________________________________________________________

Your address ____________________________________________________________________________

Your U-M School of Dentistry degree(s) & year(s) ________________________________________________

Your phone number ( _____ )_______________________ E-mail _________________________________

Please return this form to: University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Office of Alumni Relations & CDE
Attn: Debbie Montague
1011 N. University Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078

The envelope with your nomination must be postmarked by November 1, 2007.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

47
 A LU M N I R E L AT I O N S

Jerry Mastey

Fanfare Band Highlights

Homecoming Dinner

More than 500 dental and dental hygiene graduates were at Friday’s
Homecoming Celebration Dinner.
Members of dental and dental hygiene classes who graduated in years
ending in 1 and 6 were at the program that featured an appearance by the U-M
Fanfare Band.
Jerry Mastey

DebbieMontague, manager intheDepartment of Continuing

Dental EducationandAlumni Relations, greetsDr. Robert
Aldrichat theHomecomingWeekenddinner.
Keary Campbell

Keary Campbell

Seven dental hygiene graduates from the Class of 1956 were

alsopresent HomecomingWeekend.
Jerry Mastey

Twenty-one members of the Dental Class of 1956 gathered in the Kellogg Building for this group picture during Homecoming Among graduates of the Class of 1976 who were at the dinner
Weekend. included(left toright): Drs.TimothyGietzen, JamesLennan,
CraigHawker, andJayRoahen.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

48

Mary Jo Grand New Meeting & Special
Events Planner
The Office of Alumni Relations
has a new meeting and special events
planner, Mary Jo Grand.
Grand, who has more than eight
years of experience coordinating
alumni and high profile academic and
community events, began her new
role at the School of Dentistry last
October after working at the Rackham
School of Graduate Studies where she
served as an event liaison and facility
coordinator.
Prior to working at Rackham,
Grand was a meeting and special
events manager with the University’s
Medical Development and Alumni
Relations Office. Before that she served
as an events coordinator for dean’s
events at the U-M Dearborn campus.
For the last two years, Grand has
MaryJoGrand
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
been on the organizing committee for
the Ann Arbor/Dexter run. She also
co-chairs the annual UEP (University
Event Planners) Vendors Showcase and
Educational Retreat.
“The Development and Alumni
Relations team has done a wonderful
job of building a strong sense of
community at the School of Dentistry,”
Grand said. “I’m thrilled to be a part
of this team and I look forward to
further engaging alumni, faculty, and
staff through activities and special
events.”
Grand has a 21-year-old son,
Travis, and a 24-year-old daughter,
Amber.
Grand can be reached by e-mail at:
mjgrand@umich.edu or by telephone
(734) 764-6856.
Jerry Mastey
A LU M N I R E L AT I O N S
130+ at Annual
Golf Outing
Jerry Mastey
More than 130 School of Dentistry
alumni gathered at the U-M Golf
Course in late September for the
School’s ninth annual golf outing.
First Place winners, with a score of
13 below par, was the team of Steve
Lawrence, Crayton Kidd, Chris Brown,
and Brent Davidson (above).
2007 Golf
Outing
This year’s annual golf
outing will be held
Thursday, September 20
at the U-M Golf Course.
Additional details will be
provided later.
49
 D E V E LO P M E N T

New Charitable IRA Rollover

Offers Benefits to School of Dentistry Alums
Available only to December 31, 2007

A bill signed by President Bush With the charitable IRA rollover, or supporting organizations.
last summer could be of interest…and M i c h i g a n re s i d e n t s m a y m a ke The new legislation and gift giving
benefit…to U-M School of Dentistry charitable gifts of IRA assets in a tax- benefits could be a great opportunity
alumni. advantaged way. for you to start a scholarship, add to
Under terms of the Pension Even non-itemizers can benefit an existing endowment, or make your
Protection Act of 2006, individuals who since the contribution is not recognized first major gift to the U-M Michigan
are 70-1/2 and older can now make as taxable income, nor is it recognized Difference campaign.
direct charitable contributions from as a tax deduction.
their Individual Retirement Accounts The legislation will be helpful to For More Information
or Roth IRAs to qualified charitable donors who do not itemize deductions If you would like to learn more
organizations. on their federal return and to donors about the legislation and discuss your
H o w e v e r, t h e t i m e l e f t t o who have already maxed out their options or make a gift, be sure to call
take advantage of this significant federal charitable contribution or e-mail either Jeff Freshcorn or Marty
opportunity is limited. Gifts can only deduction by contributing 50 percent Bailey in the School of Dentistry’s
be made through December 31, 2007. or more of their adjusted gross income Office of Development.
to charities.
Benefits Jeff Freshcorn
Key elements of the new legislation Some Restrictions Director of Development
include: H o w e v e r, t h e r e a r e s o m e (734) 647-4394
• Being able to directly transfer limitations. freshco@umich.edu
up to $100,000 from an IRA or One is that although distributions
Roth IRA to a qualified charity. may be made only from an IRA or Martin Bailey
• Applying the contribution Roth IRA, they may not be made from Assistant Major Gifts Officer
toward one’s required qualified retirement plans such as a (734) 615-2870
minimum distribution. 401(k) or 403(b). baileymd@umich.edu
• Being able to make the contri- In addition, qualified charitable
bution in addition to any contributions may not be used to
other charitable giving a fund charitable remainder trusts or
donor has planned. charitable gift annuities.
The new legislation will be To qualify, gifts must be made
particularly advantageous to Michigan directly to qualified charities…such
residents because charitable deductions as the University of Michigan School
cannot be itemized on the Michigan of Dentistr y…and not to donor
state income tax return. advised funds, private foundations,

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 A LU M N I R E L AT I O N S

Alumni Society Board of Governors

Please take a moment to vote for the candidates who will serve on the School of Dentistry’s
Alumni Society Board of Governors. On the ballot on this page, choose four dentists and one
dental hygienist who will serve a three-year term beginning in September. Then clip and mail BALLOT
your ballot to the School of Dentistry at the address on the ballot. Ballots must be postmarked
by August 1, 2007.
Vote for 4 dentists:
Dr. Samuel T. Bander, * a 1981 graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry,
has practiced general dentistry in Grand Rapids for 25 years. He served the Western Michigan
Dr. Samuel T. Bander *
District Dental Society for three years as a director in the 1980s, and has served on the
organization’s Peer Review and Public Relations committees. Active in the community as
president of the Grand Rapids Jaycees from 1989-1990, and president of St. Nicholas Orthodox Dr. Jerry B. Booth
Church in 2001, he is a member of the Vedder Crown and Bridge Study Club, the Bunting
Periodontal Study Club and a member of the Kois Center for continuing education. Dr. Kerry Kaysserian

Dr. Jerry B. Booth earned his DDS from U-M in 1961, completed the oral and maxillofacial Dr. Josephine Weeden *
surgery training program at the U-M Hospital three years later, and received his master’s
degree in 1964. A resident of Jackson, Michigan, with a full-service oral and maxillofacial
Vote for 1 hygienist:
practice in that community, Dr. Booth has been active in numerous professional organizations,
including serving as president of the Michigan Society of Oral Surgeons and the Dental Society.
He also served as treasurer for Delta Dental. In addition to being elected to a three-year term Kathleen Early-Burk
as chief of surgery for Foote Hospital in Jackson, he chaired their finance committee and serves
on the finance committee of the Jackson Community Foundation. * Incumbent

Dr. Kerry Kaysserian is a 1981 graduate of the U-M School of Dentistry and a 1976 graduate Envelope with ballot
of the Michigan Business School. He has been in private practice in Traverse City since 1981. must be postmarked by
He serves on the Board of Governors of the Dental PAC for the Michigan Dental Association August 1, 2007.
and is president-elect of the Resort District Dental Society. He is a corporate member of the
Delta Dental Plan of Michigan and the Delta Dental Foundation and a director of the Delta
Dental Plan of Ohio. Please mail your ballot to:
University of Michigan
Dr. Josephine Weeden * earned her dental degree from U-M in 1996 and completed
her master’s in orthodontics in 1999. An active member of the American Association of School of Dentistry
Orthodontists, she is currently president of the Michigan Association of Orthodontists. A 540 E. Liberty, Suite 204
board certified orthodontist with private practice offices in Adrian and Ann Arbor, Dr. Weeden
is also an adjunct clinical instructor in the graduate orthodontic clinic at the U-M School of Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2210
Dentistry.

Kathleen Early-Burk, RDH, earned her BS in dental hygiene from U-M in 1977. After working
two years in Switzerland, she returned to Michigan. Currently she’s in private practice in
Brighton, and a U-M adjunct clinical instructor. She served six years on the U-M Dental Hygiene
Alumni Association Executive Board and is a member of MDHAand WDDHS.

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 CONTINUING EDUCATION

Annual Seminar Focus:

Contemporary Fixed Prosthodontics
Keary Campbell

More than one thousand oral health care

professionals were in Ann Arbor in January to hear
Dr. Charles Goodacre talk about a contemporary
approach to fixed prosthodontics.
Goodacre spoke at the 26th annual Kenneth
J. Ryan, DDS Memorial Seminar presented by the
School of Dentistry and sponsored by the Delta
Dental Foundation.
During the six-hour program at Rackham
Auditorum, Goodacre provided a comprehensive
review of today’s philosophies and clinical
procedures associated with fixed partial dentures.
He spoke on a range of clinical procedures
from diagnosis and treatment planning to clinical
adjustment and cementation.
Factors leading to the success, failure, and
clinical complications associated with treatments
were illustrated and discussed.
Next year’s seminar will return to Rackham
Auditorium and will feature Dr. Stanley
Malamed. A professor of surgical, therapeutic,
and bioengineering sciences at the University of
Southern California School of Dentistry, Malamed
has written several books including the Handbook
of Local Anesthesia, Medical Emergencies in the
Dental Office, and Sedation: A Guide to Patient
Management.
Inhisremarkstodentistsandother oral
healthcareproviders, Dr. CharlesGoodacre
saidthat knowledgeof complications
associatedwithdiagnosisandtreatment
planninginfixedprosthodontics“improves
our abilitytodiagnosepatientsandto
providethemwithrealisticexpectations
about what mayhappenfollowing
treatment.”

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 D E N T I S T RY

Faculty News

Stefanac Authors Book Wang to Receive

Educator’s Award
A recently published book by Dr. The book’s first section offers an
Stephen Stefanac, associate dean for overview of the treatment planning Dr. Hom-Lay Wang,
patient services, will interest oral health process. The second section details the d i re c t o r o f t h e
care professionals. five phases of all treatment plans. The School’s graduate
The second edition of Treatment third section includes information about periodontics
Planning in Dentistry offers general devising treatment plans for special program, will
practitioners information they need to needs patients including those with receive the Perel
create treatment plans for adolescents physical and mental handicaps, those Educator’s Award.
and adults patients. who have sustained head trauma, those Es ta bli s h e d t w o
Included in the 490-page publication with hemophilia, and patients with years ago by Dr. Morton Perel, editor
are contributions from 11 new authors special needs before, during, or after of Implant Dentistr y, the award
and three new chapters. major surgery. acknowledges the contributions of an
Stefanac and Accompanying the publication educator in academia who initiates,
c o a u t h o r D r. is a CD-ROM that gives readers perpetuates, advances, encourages,
Samuel Nesbit offer opportunities to practice teaches, and/or motivates students
practitioners strategies applying what they read. The and practitioners in oral implantology/
for devising treatment exercises get more complex implant dentistry.
strategies that blend the and, at the end, users learn
best of both worlds, “ideal” whether the authors agree
and “practical.” or disagree and why. Taichman ASH Annual
But they’re emphatic “My coauthor, Sam Nesbit, and Meeting Speaker
about one point. “We continue I are pleased that our book is being used
to emphasize the central role of the by over two-thirds of the dental schools Dr. Russell Taichman, a professor
patient, whose needs and informed in the U.S.,” Stefanac said. of dentistry in the Department of
choices should drive the treatment Priced at $69.95, the book can be Periodontics and Oral Medicine, was
planning process,” they write. ordered on amazon.com. a featured speaker at the 2006 annual
meeting of the American Society of
Tedesco Receives ADEA Award Hematology in December.
Taichman, who also is the director
Dr. Lisa Tedesco, who was at the School of Dentistry as associate dean for of the School of Dentistry’s Dental
academic affairs from 1992 to 1998 and served as U-M vice president and secretary Scholars program, talked about blood
from 1998 to 2005, received the ADEA’s Distinguished Service Award this spring. stem cells and their role in bone
Given by the American Dental Education Association’s Board of Directors, the development. He presented data
award recognizes significant contributions to education, research, and the ADEA. suggesting the blood stem cells can
As a member of the ADEA Commission on Change and Innovation in Dental regulate the development of bone, and
Education, Tedesco was recognized for being “instrumental in redirecting the that altered blood stem cell function
Association’s activities to address national academic issues, professional testing, may result in the loss of bone during
evaluation, and accreditation and policy matters.” aging and osteoporosis.
Now Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Graduate Studies and Dean of the
Graduate School at Emory University, Tedesco was also ADEA president from 1995
to 1996.

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 D E N T I S T RY

Faculty Profile
Keary Campbell

Dr. William
Giannobile
Researcher
Periodontist
Achiever
How’s this for taking a chance? When he was a
Dr. William teenager, Will Giannobile’s father decided the family
would move from the Chicago suburb of Rolling
Giannobile, director
Meadows. But, to where?
of clinical research That was the question he, his three siblings, and mother asked.
at the U-M School “Dad put up a map of the United States on one of the walls in the
house and, literally, threw a dart at it. It landed on St. James, Missouri,
of Dentistry and a town of about three thousand, in the middle of nowhere and an hour
director of the and a half from St. Louis,” Giannobile said.
“We didn’t know anyone there. We didn’t have family there. Dad, a
Michigan Center
carpenter, didn’t even have a job lined up. We just packed and moved,”
for Oral Health he said.
Research. The toss of the dart was a roll of the dice.
But with the benefit of hindsight, that one moment set in motion
a host of events that, over time, set the stage for Giannobile’s scientific
and academic career.

Learning and Adapting

After the family moved, it bought a 100-acre dairy farm.
“My father developed a new set of skills, in farming, while also
working for people in the area as a carpenter,” Giannobile said.
Taking a chance.
Learning new skills.
Applying previously-learned skills in a new environment.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

54

Those would be three lessons
young Will Giannobile learned from
his father almost in an osmosis-like
fashion that would, over time, become
a part of his psyche.
In high school, Giannobile
developed an interest in science and
took First Place in regional science
competitions as a junior and senior. “I
always enjoyed research, even when I
was in high school,” he said.
Besides his studies, Giannobile
helped raise rabbits on the new family
farm. He also shadowed a dentist in
town, Dr. Steven Atkinson, and worked
on the dentist’s farm.
Giannobile’s interest in dentistry
grew as he watched Atkinson help his
patients. “It was fascinating to see
him interacting with his patients and
the way he seemed able to solve their
problems on the spot.”
But there was another dimension
the dentist possessed that also
fascinated Giannobile – a degree in
biochemistry.
“That fueled my interest which
led to my earning a bachelor’s degree
in biochemistry from the University of
Missouri in Rolla, just ten miles away,”
Giannobile said.
A Career-Changing Experience
When he entered dental school
at the University of Missouri in
Kansas City, Giannobile thought he
would eventually become a private
practitioner.
But during his first year at dental
school, he received a fellowship to
study at the National Institute of
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
Dental and Craniofacial Research in
Bethesda, Maryland.
The experiences Giannobile
had at NIDCR gave him a chance
to connect what was being
d i s c o v e re d i n a
laboratory
with how
it could be
applied in a
dental clinic.
“I saw
and talked
to people
who work-
ed in labs
and treated
patients,
and I knew
that this is
what I wanted to
do – be both a dentist
and a research scientist
– and take what was discovered in a
laboratory and use those discoveries to
help people not just in my own private
practice, but also in clinics anywhere
in the world,” he said.
Giannobile said he returned to
Missouri with so much enthusiasm
that his mentor at the dental school
suggested pursuing both a dental degree
and a master’s degree simultaneously. “I
was their guinea pig for the dual-degree
program,” he said with a smile.
Beginning in the early 1990s,
Giannobile was conducting research
and teaching at three legendary
institutions in Massachusetts, Harvard,
the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and
the Forsyth Institute.
D E N T I S T RY
U-M “A Perfect Fit”
But after seven years, he was
looking for an opportunity to return
to the Midwest.
“Someone suggested I check out
the University of Michigan School of
Dentistry because of its history,
a c a d e m i c e xc e l l e n c e ,
tissue engineering,
and periodontal
programs,”
Giannobile
said. “So I did
and the fit
was perfect
for me.”
In eight years,
Giannobile
has advanced
from assistant
professor to a
professor of dentistry.
He is also the William K. and
Mary Anne Najjar Endowed Professor
of Dentistry, director of the Michigan
Center for Oral Health Research, and
a visiting professor with ancillary
appointments to the University of
Genoa, Milan, and the University of
Naples, Italy.
In addition to teaching in
classrooms and clinics, Giannobile is an
advisor to undergraduates, graduates,
master’s students, and postdoctoral
fellows; has authored or coauthored
nearly 100 articles for research and
scientific publications, more than a
dozen textbook chapters, and nearly 60
abstracts; holds three patents; serves
as an advisor and consultant to several
corporations; and has made more than
55
 D E N T I S T RY

Keary Campbell

“Never, in my wildest dreams, did I imagine I

would be a faculty member and a researcher
at one of the world’s major universities, the
University of Michigan.”
–
Dr. William Giannobile

prominence in basic science research, But there’s something else about

and balancing government-funded Giannobile that gives him a chance to
and corporate-supported research. unwind…something many probably
[DentalUM, Fall 2004, pages 12-14.] don’t know.
Admitting his schedule “requires a He’s a magician. His interest began
lot of juggling,” Giannobile said “I’m on that dairy farm in Missouri.
very fortunate to be able to do so much “I put on magic shows for friends
Duringa presentationintheLifeSciences buildingthreeyears because of our School’s commitment at their birthday parties when I was
ago,Dr.WilliamGiannobilediscussedsomeoftheresearchbeing to excellence and the support of in high school,” he said. “Now, on
conductedat theMichiganCenter for Oral HealthResearch. outstanding staff. I find that being occasion, I’ll pull rabbits out of a hat
in all of these activities – teaching, during parties for my son and his
120 presentations at scientific and research, and clinics – that knowledge friends. I don’t do it often, but when
research forums around the world. from one area is transferable to the I do, it’s fun for me and to see the
His research is also prolific. other areas which, in the end, is better reaction on my son’s face.”
He’s the principal investigator of for students and patients.” Taking a chance.
four grants that, among other things, Looking back on his career, Learning new skills.
are investigating the use of gene Giannobile said that when he was Applying previously-learned skills
therapy to reconstruct periodontal growing up on that dairy farm in in a new environment.
tissues and gene transfer for treating Missouri, “never, in my wildest dreams, Dr. William Giannobile has taken
patients with periodontitis. did I imagine I would be a faculty the lessons his father taught him years
Much of that research is taking member and a researcher at one of ago and has applied them well in his
place at the Michigan Center for Oral the world’s major universities, the own life. “That move to Missouri was
Health Research. [See pages 76 to 79.] University of Michigan.” a wonderful experience. I am who I
Established in Januar y 2005, Asked what he does with whatever am today because of that,” he said.
MCOHR takes the knowledge discovered spare time he has, Giannobile said he In retrospect, his father’s toss
in research laboratories and applies it tries to spend as much of that time as of the dart was not a roll of the dice
to help dental patients in clinics. It he can with his wife, Angela, who’s an for Dr. William Giannobile. It was a
builds on the School of Dentistry’s optometrist, and son, Anthony. He also bullseye.
major strengths – a long history works out several times a week at an
of clinical trial research, national Ann Arbor health club.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

56

Dr. William Giannobile
Selected Highlights
Education
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, molecular biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute
and Harvard Medical School (1996-1998)
• Research Fellow, Forsyth Institute (1996-1998)
• DMedSc, oral biology, Harvard University (1996)
• Certificate, periodontology, Harvard University (1996)
• DDS, University of Missouri (1991)
• MS, oral biology, University of Missouri (1991)
• BS, biochemistry, University of Missouri (1987)
Academic Appointments
• Professor of Dentistry, Dept. of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, U-M
School of Dentistry (2004 to present)
• Associate Professor, U-M School of Dentistry, Dept. of Biomedical
Engineering and College of Engineering, U-M (2004 to present)
• Director, Michigan Center for Oral Health Research, U-M School of
Dentistry (2003 to present)
• Visiting Professor, Biotechnology Institute for Regenerative Medicine,
University of Genoa, Italy (2006 to present)*
• Visiting Professor, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University of
Milan, Italy and University of Naples (2006-2007)*
• Associate Professor, U-M School of Dentistry, Department of Periodontics,
Prevention, and Geriatrics (2002-2004)
• Assistant Professor, U-M School of Dentistry, Department of Periodontics,
Prevention, and Geriatrics (1998-2002)
* concurrent supplemental appointment
Memberships and Leadership: Professional & Research Societies
• Midwest Society of Periodontology
- Vice President (2006-2007)
- Secretary (2004-2006)
- Executive Council (2001-2004)
- Chair, Program Committee (2001-2002)
• American Periodontology Foundation
- Board of Directors (2nd term – 2006 to 2009; 1st term – 2003 to 2006)
- Member, Tarrson Regeneration Scholarship Committee and Fellowships • Private practice, periodontics and implantology (1998 to present)
Committee (2005 to present)
• International Association for Dental Research
- Secretary, Periodontal Research Group (2006 to present)
- Program Chair, Periodontal Therapy Section (2004 to 2006)
- Session Chair, Periodontal Regeneration (2002)
- Member, Fellowships Committee (2000-2003)
• American Academy of Periodontology
- Chair, Research, Science, and Therapy Committee (2006 to present)
- Member, AAP-European Federation of Periodontology, Task Force
(2006-present)
- Member, Organizing Committee on Evidence-Based Periodontology
(2001-2003)
• American Association for the Advancement of Science
- Officer, Electorate Nominating Committee (2004-2007)
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
D E N T I S T RY
Committees (U-M and/or School of Dentistry)
• Executive Committee, U-M Clinical Research Institutional Training Grant
Committee (2005 to present)
• Chair, U-M Clinical Research Institutional Commitment Working Group
(2005 to present)
• Coordinating Council Subcommittee, U-M Clinical Research Infrastructure
Task Force (2003 to present)
• Faculty Mentoring Committee, Dept. of Periodontics and Oral Medicine
(2001 to present)
• Ramfjord Symposium Organizing Committee (2000 to present)
• Chair, Search Committee for Chair of Department of Biologic and
Materials Sciences (2003-2005)
• Operating Committee, School of Dentistry Tissue Engineering and
Regeneration Training Grant Committee (2002 to present)
• Dean Search Committee, School of Dentistry (2002-2003)
Editorial Board Memberships and Peer Review
• Consultant, Dental Products Panel, Medical Devices Advisory Committee,
Food and Drug Administration (2006 to present)
• Editorial Board, Journal of Periodontal Research (2005 to present);
Grand Rounds in Oral-Systemic Disease (2005 to present); Journal of
Clinical Periodontology (2004 to present); International Journal of Oral
and Maxillofacial Implants (2002 to present); International Journal of
Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2001 to present); Journal of
Periodontology (1998 to present).
• Advisory Board, Associate Editor, Journal of Periodontology (2000 to
present)
• Associate Editor, Carranza’s Clinical Periodontology (e-textbook) (2004 to
present)
Other Professional Affiliations
• Clinical Scientific Advisory Board, OraPharma, Inc. (2006 to present)
• Clinical Scientific Advisory Board, Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals (2005 to
present)
• Scientific Advisory Board, BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc. (1999 to present)
Honors and Awards
• R. Earl Robinson Regeneration Award, American Academy of
Periodontology (2002, 2003, 2006)
• Fellow, American College of Dentists (2004)
• Clinical Research Award, American Academy of Periodontology (2003)
• Anthony Rizzo Periodontal Research Award, International Association of
Dental Research (2002)
• Henry Russel, Jr. Faculty Award for Excellence in Research and Teaching,
University of Michigan (2003)
• Roger Hill Friend of the Profession Award, Michigan Dental Hygienists
Association (2001)
• Bud & Linda Tarrson Career Development Award, American Periodontology
Foundation (1998)
• James Shaw Award for Excellence in Biomedical Research, Harvard School
of Dental Medicine (1997)
57
 D E N T I S T RY
DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Keary Campbell
Periodontics and Oral Medicine
I
t’s an exciting time for our
Department.
On September 1, 2005, the
Department of Periodontics,
Prevention, and Geriatrics merged
with the Department of Oral Medicine,
Pathology, and Oncology to become the
Department of Periodontics and Oral
Medicine (POM).
Dr. Laurie McCauley, Chair We now have 28 full-time faculty,
24 part-time faculty, 17 Dean’s faculty,
45 full-time staff members, and more
than 20 graduate students.
We have a noted reputation in
research for periodontal regeneration
and oral medicine. These scientific
accomplishments will lead to evidence-
based therapeutics that will change
how our patients are treated and shape
the future Michigan tradition.
O u r p e d a g o g i c a l p ro g r a m s
are constantly being reevaluated.
Traditional educational methods are
being challenged. New methodologies
are emerging that identify the most
effective means for students to
learn.
A critical tenet of POM is excellent
patient care. Active and aggressive
recr uiting of the most able and
interested students continues as
we seek to increase the number of
graduates entering academic careers
while also developing outstanding
clinicians to meet private practice
needs.
Another emphasis is fostering more
involvement among our Department’s
58
broad, diverse community. As we have
grown, it’s imperative to maintain
communications that foster a sense of
connection among these groups.
We are fortunate to have the very
top talented individuals dedicated
to advancing oral health research,
teaching periodontics and oral
medicine, and promoting excellence
in patient care.
The leaders of our various units
offer their insights in this report.
Periodontics Clinics
Robert Eber, Associate Chair
They all contribute to our
success – 60 instructors that include
full-time tenure track and clinical track
professors, adjunct clinical lecturers,
graduate periodontics residents,
Dean’s faculty, and hygiene faculty,
14 American Board of Periodontology
diplomats, and six DDS/PhDs.
W h e re w i l l y o u f i n d t h e s e
individuals?
In our four Vertically Integrated
Clinics and our graduate periodontics
clinic.
All are dedicated to fulfilling one of
our School’s major missions – training
future dentists and periodontists.
It is exciting to teach…to give
back to the profession…and to pass
on the knowledge gained by years
of schooling, continuing education,
research, and clinical practice to the
next generation of dental health care
providers.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

But it’s challenging to maintain
full staffing of our teaching clinics.
We are always looking for enthusiastic
teachers and master clinicians who
are willing to help us for a half-day or
more to enrich our clinical teaching
programs.
Consider this your invitation to
join us!
Part-time instructors travel here
from Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Grand
Rapids, Flint, Bay City, Toledo, Grosse
Pointe, Cleveland, and Port Huron
to make a difference in a student’s
training. The pay, though generous
compared to most schools, cannot
compete with private practice.
But there are significant intangibles
– “thank you” from a student or
grateful patient, collaborating in the
clinic, and the motivation for self-
improvement that comes from being
back at school.
With its tradition of excellence,
the U-M School of Dentistry has been
fortunate to attract and retain some
of the best and brightest research and
clinical faculty.
Our Department is no exception.
All of our full-time faculty who
are dentists teach in clinics; adjunct
faculty work up to two full days;
graduate students no more than
one-half day. On any given day, one
periodontal faculty member is assigned
to each of the four Vertically Integrated
Clinics (undergraduate); two others
float between clinics (one per floor);
and two faculty members are assigned
to the graduate periodontics clinic.
Recent additions to our
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
undergraduate periodontics teaching
staff include Drs. Veronica Ng and
Susan Friedman.
We continue to recr uit new
teachers to take the place of those who
leave or retire. If you are interested in
teaching and mentoring, please call
our Department at (734) 763-2105.
Graduate Periodontics
Hom-Lay Wang, Director;
Rodrigo Neiva, Acting Director
Because of the outstanding
leadership of Dr. Hom-Lay Wang for the
past 11 years, our graduate periodontics
program continues to excel.
Some of our former residents who
trained with him said of Dr. Wang:
• “Dr. Wang is a leader by
example.”
• “… his influence continues
to compel me to go beyond
what I believe I am capable of
achieving and to refuse to settle
for mediocrity in any aspect of
my life.”
• “His combination of enthusiasm,
wisdom, and dedication to this
profession and to his students
is unmatched.”
Praise for his work is evident from
current students who have said:
• “I have never met someone more
dedicated to this profession.”
• “He is extremely insightful into
the type of motivation and
critiques that will bring out the
best in each of us.”
• “…he manages to be the most
dependable person I’ve ever
met.”
D E N T I S T RY
Since January 1, Hom-Lay has
been on sabbatical at Hiroshima
University’s School of Dentistry. He
will return August 31. Rodrigo Neiva,
clinical assistant professor, is interim
director.
Our graduate periodontics program
accepts four or five students each year.
We now have 16 residents, including
five PhDs. We also accept three to five
one-year postdoctoral scholars. This
year, we have five scholars.
One challenge for our program is
the amount of experience that students
need in order to become competent
clinicians. We are planning to open
an offsite clinic that will be a part of
the U-M Health System and provide
more opportunities for patient care.
We hope your support will help us to
embark on such ventures to sustain
our educational mission.
Support for Professorships
We have received more than $500,000
from our friends and alumni for the
Collegiate Professorship in Periodontics
that has been established. Dr. Hom-Lay
Wang has been named to the post. In
addition, more than $300,000 for the
Major M. Ash Collegiate Professorship
has also been committed.
Because of this support, we
can establish endowed collegiate
professorships to honor our faculty and
provide support for faculty retention
since they are continually sought by
other institutions.
59
 D E N T I S T RY
DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Those in our program consistently
win AAP awards in research and
clinical emphasis areas. For the last
five years, 100% of our graduates have
become Diplomates of the American
Board of Periodontology. Since 2002,
the program has received more than
nine AAP awards, one ITI Research
Foundation Fellowship, and two NIH
Clinical Research Training Grantees.
Graduates of our program have
also won four of six Midwest research
competitions.
Darnell Kaigler won the 2006 AAP
Abram and Sylvia Chasens Teaching
and Research Fellowship.
Brandon Sang-Hoon Park won
First Prize at the Midwest Society
of Periodontology Graduate Student
Forum in 2006 and was the recipient
of the Richard J. Lazzara Fellowship
in Advanced Implant Surgery.
Lakshmi Boyapati was awarded
a 2006 ITI Research Foundation
Fellowship recipient.
Jill Rogers won the 2006 AAP Balint
Orban Memorial Research Competition
in basic science.
Jill Bashutski was one of two 2005
American Academy of Periodontology
Foundation Tarrson Regenerative
Scholarship recipients.
Hector Rios and Darnell Kaigler
both received NIH Clinical Research
Training Grant positions in 2006.
Last year, Flavia Q. Pirih received the
Rackham Master’s Award from U-M.
60
These awards clearly indicate the
quality of our students as well as the
impressive training they receive here.
We also provide continuing
education to advance general dentists
and specialists in periodontics and
implantology. These are often taught
by faculty in association with the
graduate program. Please check our
continuing dental education catalog
for a list of courses. Or visit our Web
site, www.dent.umich.edu.
Research and Scholarship
Russell Taichman, POM Director
of Research
Our research is distinctive and
wide-ranging. Recent faculty consensus
indicates there are several areas where
we are mostly likely to have a notable
and broad impact — predictable bone
regeneration, diagnostic indicators
of periodontal disease, predictors of
effective therapy, methods to control
inflammation, and basic mechanisms
of cell growth and differentiation.
Pages 61 and 62 highlight some of
the research by our faculty.
In addition to conducting research,
our faculty members are also federal
grant reviewers, editorial board
members of the top journals, and
program chairs for our major national
meetings.
On average, each faculty member
is the principal investigator for 1.2
major grants with grant monies
for the Department exceeding $5
million, an increase of more than
125% during the past five years. The
research productivity of our faculty
is also reflected by the high rates of
publication in top level journals.
In the past two years our faculty
h a v e a u t h o re d a n a v e r a g e 3 . 3
publications per person annually. Our
research productivity is impressive,
but in the current environment of the
National Institutes of Health, it will be
difficult to continue at this level.
POM faculty and their students use
cell biological, biochemical, molecular
and genetic approaches to address
fundamental questions in development
and issues directly relevant to disease
progression. Preclinical and clinical
trials for a number of therapies are
also a Department specialty, as are
those whose interests are in education
and health disparities.
Several faculty are defining
the mechanisms of gene regulation
and the function of genes during
inflammation. Other faculty
members study the molecular basis
of cancer metastasis which has led
to a greater understanding of normal
and pathologic bone formation and
turnover. Outcomes from these
will clearly impact our ability to
regenerate tissues lost to disease
processes and are aiding in developing
novel therapeutics aimed at cancer
diagnosis and therapy.
Education-Focused Research
Thomas Green: Curriculum
innovation and assessment including
Web-based patient simulations to teach
genetics and research skills in a dental
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

Dean’s Faculty
All our faculty members are incredibly
dedicated and supportive of our
teaching mission. We are fortunate
to have a devoted group of Dean’s
Faculty.
They include Drs. William Beck, Suheil
Boutros, William Carroll, Phillip Doyle,
Nicholas Gersch, Roger Hill, Salah
Huwais, Jeffery Johnston, Christopher
Kazor, William Mason, Steve Meraw,
Allan Padbury, Luis Perez, Mark
Setter, Anthony Spagnuolo, Jennifer
Steigenga, Diego Velasquez and
Mark Zahn.
Part-time faculty include Drs. Carl
Misch and Stephen Soehren.
context, online student assessment,
and competency assessment of students
using patient simulations.
Lynn Johnson: Designing, producing,
and evaluating innovative and
effective methods of communication
and education, such as podcasting,
interactive patient simulations, digital
asset management systems, and
educational World Wide Web products.
Wendy Kerschbaum: Impact of
innovative programs on student
learning and satisfaction and the effect
of continuing education on dental
hygiene practice.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
Christine Klausner: Peer-assisted
learning as a teaching strategy with
dental hygiene students. Also, using
technology for case-based instruction.
Marilyn Lantz: Investigating the
use of virtual simulations for dental
education.
Clinical and Epidemiology
Research
Rodrigo Neiva: Investigating new
technologies and techniques for bone
and soft tissue augmentation for
implant site development.
Tae-Ju Oh: Dental implants (immediate
implant loading, flapless implant
surgery, guided bone regeneration) and
periodontology (local antimicrobial
agents).
H o m - L a y Wa n g : In v e s t iga t in g
periodontal/implant related clinical
therapeutics – using barrier
membranes, grafting materials and
techniques or growth factors in guided
tissue/bone regeneration or tissue
engineering in attempts to repair
and/or regenerate periodontal and
implant-related defects.
Philip Richards: Clinical
decision-making, patient provider
communication, and developing
and evaluating new educational
methodologies.
Stephen J. Stefanac: Oral medicine,
treatment planning and developing
patient case simulations.
D E N T I S T RY
B a r b a r a S m i t h : Exploring the
perceptions of oral health adequacy
and access in long-term care and
dental utilization by nursing home
residents.
Susan Taichman: Women’s oral health
research and health disparities.
Robert Bagramian: Epidemiology
related to quality of life issues in oral
health.
Marita R. Inglehart: Gaining a better
understanding of how to educate
patient-centered and culturally
sensitive providers, children, parents,
and teachers.
Basic and Preclinical Research
Russell Taichman: Role of osteoblasts
in regulating the blood or hematopoietic
stem cell niche. Also, studying
mechanisms used by tumor cells to
metastasize to the bone marrow.
Laurie McCauley: Hormonal controls
of bone remodeling. Also, investigating
the role of PTHrP in skeletal specific
processes such as bone metastasis and
the bone resorptive activity necessary
for tooth eruption and pathologic for
root resorption.
Yvonne Kapila: Understanding
cell-matrix interactions that govern
disease progression and mechanisms
by which matrix metalloproteinases
enhance osteoblast activity and
diminish osteoblast differentiation
in inflammation diseases such as
periodontal disease.
61
 D E N T I S T RY
DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Erika Benavides: Structure and
property characterization of the
temporomandibular joint disc, TMJ
imaging modalities, diffusion tensor
magnetic resonance imaging, advanced
imaging modalities, radiation biology
and oncology.
Keith Kirkwood: Understanding
cell signaling pathways that affect
inflammatory gene products and their
stability. Also, significance of cytokine
mRNA stability in the pathogenesis of
inflammatory bone loss that occurs in
periodontitis.
Renny Franceschi: Investigating
signals regulating the formation
and functioning of osteoblasts, cells
that produce and mineralize the
extracellular matrix of bone, and
applying this knowledge to regenerate
mineralized tissues for eventual
clinical use.
N i s h a D’ S i l v a : Tr a n s l a t i o n a l
studies in oral cancer, the role of
ras-like proteins in development and
progression, serum-based biomarkers
for early detection, and the role of
ras-like proteins in nuclear transport
of proteins that regulate transcription
of genes that promote cell proliferation
and migration.
William Giannobile: Exploring the
potential of novel methods of growth
factor delivery such as gene therapy
to stimulate periodontal tissue repair.
Also, clinical research to develop
predictive markers of periodontal and
peri-implant bone loss.
62
Oral Medicine Pathology and
Oncology
Sharon Brooks, Director
John P. Gobetti officially retired
December 31, 2006, following a one-
year retirement furlough. Jack provided
outstanding, dedicated service to the
University of Michigan for more than
30 years [DentalUM, Fall 2006, pages
27-28]. However, he has not given
up his professional life completely.
You can still join him for continuing
education courses.
C. Thomas Hanks, professor emeritus
of oral pathology, passed away last
September [DentalUM, Fall 2006,
pages 90-91]. Through the generous
gifts from colleagues, family and
friends, a student scholarship is being
established in his honor.
Erika Benavides joined us as a
lecturer last September. A native
of Colombia, Erika completed her
residency in oral and maxillofacial
radiology and a PhD at the University
of Missouri Kansas City. She is a
board certified oral and maxillofacial
radiologist and has already made
an impact on the radiology teaching
programs.
Oral pathologist Paul Edwards
joins us May 1 as a clinical associate
professor. He earned a bachelor’s
degree in biochemistry, a master’s in
clinical biochemistry, and a dental
degree from the University of Toronto.
He was in private practice prior to
returning to school to complete his oral
pathology residency in New York. Paul
was an assistant professor and director
of the surgical oral pathology biopsy
service at the School of Dentistry at
Creighton University Medical Center.
Following in the footsteps of
their predecessors, including Drs.
Jonathan Ship and Jed Jacobson,
Sharon Brooks and Carol Anne
Murdoch-Kinch participated in the
“Oral Derm Clinic,” with the U-M
Department of Dermatology. U-M
has the nation’s only program where
dermatology residents work with oral
medicine specialists to diagnose and
manage oral/dermatological lesions.
Dermatology residents appreciate the
knowledge and skills that dentists
bring to patient care.
Dental Hygiene
Professor Wendy Kershbaum,
Director
Several new educational initiatives
that use advanced technology have
begun.
A course in dental implants, which
included faculty from periodontics and
prosthodontics, was added to the final
year of the DH program beginning in
the fall of 2005.
A new rotation to the implant
clinic also began. Students provide
dental hygiene care to patients
with various dental implant needs
while being supervised by a dental
hygienist.
The senior student rotation for
graduate periodontics was also modified
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

“We are fortunate to have the very top talented individuals
dedicated to advancing oral health research, teaching periodontics
and oral medicine, and promoting excellence in patient care.”
in 2005. Students are assigned for a full
week to participate in all aspects of
patient care including administering
local anesthesia, observing surgery
(including implants), removing sutures,
scaling and root planning as well as
assisting the residents in all phases of
periodontal care.
Another significant change
began last fall with a new rotation to
graduate pediatrics.
Dental hygiene students have
always rotated to the children’s clinic,
but the new experience pairs senior
hygiene students with pediatric
residents to work as though they are
in private practice.
New approaches to learning
are also being incorporated into the
curriculum.
A Standardized Patient Instruction
program began in the fall of 2005.
This is a simulated patient trained
to portray the medical, dental, and
social characteristics consistent with
actual dental patients. Characteristics
are standardized to provide an
educational challenge that matches
the skill level of each dental hygiene
student.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
New Technology
“Enhanced podcasting” and
blogging were recently introduced.
Enhanced podcasting synchronizes
audio recordings of classroom lectures
with visual information. These are
then uploaded to iTunes so students
can then download both to their iPod
or computer. Last fall, first-year DH
students enthusiastically used this
technology in two courses.
Blog use began with work by
Christine Klausner and Anne Gwozdek
to teach treatment planning with first-
year students.
Students log-on to individual
case sites and post questions to their
assigned “patient.” Faculty, serving
as the virtual patient, respond using
the “comments” feature. Electronic
dialogue simulates the patient
interviewing process and discussion.
All case team members access their
patient’s blog to improve distribution
and continuity of shared information.
Case blog sites and chat rooms are
used for collaboration among team
members during the treatment
planning process.
D E N T I S T RY
On another note, Dawn
M a n n a r i n o (DH4) presented at
the National Hemophilia Meeting
in Philadelphia. Her “Caries Risk
Assessment in Children Ages 6-13
at Hemophilia Camp,” summarized
her experiences at a summer camp
for children with bleeding disorders.
In response, the CDC and National
Hemophilia Foundation are expanding
their prevention program to include
oral care.
The Future: E-Learning Degree
Completion Program
We are excited to announce the
availability of a degree completion
option via an online format.
This new program is for dental
hygienists with a certificate or
associate degree in dental hygiene who
wish to pursue additional education to
obtain a baccalaureate degree.
The new online format will begin
next January. For more details, visit
the School of Dentistry Website at
www.dent.umich.edu/hygiene or
call the dental hygiene program at
(734) 763-3392.
63
 D E N TA L H YG I E N E

Dental Hygiene Student’s “Bold Move”

Takes Auto Company Buyout to Launch New Career
Keary Campbell

It’s happened so quickly.”

When she accepted a buyout offer
from Ford Motor Company, second-
year dental hygiene student Meggan
Aiuto-Haselschwerdt never imagined
what would happen just weeks after
entering the U-M School of Dentistry.
In addition to her studies and caring
for an 18-month-old daughter, Aiuto-
Haselschwerdt became somewhat of a
celebrity around the School last fall.
She was interviewed for stories
that appeared in newspapers, including
the Ann Arbor News.
Her story was also featured on
Ford’s Web site, fordboldmoves.com
(Episode 20, “Moving On”).
The reason?
A i u t o - H a s e l s c h w e rd t t o o k
advantage of an educational buyout
offer from Ford last summer to pursue
a life-long interest in oral health care.
Ford offered all 75,000 of its hourly
workers in the U.S. buyout packages as
part of its plan to reduce its workforce
to try to return to profitability in
2009. Last December, the company
said about 38,000 workers accepted
buyouts. Workers could choose one
of eight different packages that
offered between $35,000 and $140,000
depending on how long they were
employed, age, and how close they
were to retirement.
Taking the Educational Buyout
For six years, Aiuto-Haselschwerdt
was an assembly line worker at Ford’s
Visteon plant in Saline, Michigan
making instrument panels for the
Dental hygienestudentMegganAiuto-HaselschwerdtisfilmedforaFordMotorCompanyvideoabouthowherlifehaschangedsince
sheaccepteda buyout fromthecompany topursueher education. Withher intheDr. Roy Roberts Preclinical Laboratory is dental
hygieneinstructor ChristineKlausner.
Mustang and the Explorer. Her father
also worked at the same plant, but died
unexpectedly at age 42.
But Aiuto-Haselschwerdt’s dream
of pursuing a dental hygiene career
was put on hold after giving birth to
her daughter, Emily, in January 2005.
After taking a one-year leave
of personal absence to care for her
d a u g h t e r, A i u t o - H a s e l s c h w e rd t
returned to the assembly line but was
troubled with what she was hearing
from colleagues about buyouts being
offered to hourly workers.
“But when Ford came out with
the details of the buyout, it had my
name on it, for sure. It was mine. I
was going to do it,” she said as she
discussed her story for the video on
the Ford Web site.
In addition to receiving $15,000
annually from the company for
four years for tuition and insurance
coverage, she also receives an annual
stipend worth about half of her
salary.
“Will Always be Grateful”
Aiuto-Haselschwerdt said she
considers herself fortunate.
“Ford gave me something I never
expected when I began working
for them, an opportunity to better
myself with an education here at the
University of Michigan. And for that,
I will always be grateful to them,” she
said.
“Ford didn’t want to let go of me,
or anyone else. They wanted to make
money from the vehicles they sold so
they could keep employing us. But
now that I have this opportunity, I will
take advantage of it,” she added.
Prof. Wendy Kerschbaum, director
of the dental hygiene program, said
Meggan’s temperament was one of the

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

64

major reasons she was accepted into
the program.
“In addition to having successfully
completed all of her prerequisite courses,
it was clear to us that Meggan would
be a doer. Her persistence, attention to
detail, and follow-up are qualities that
are important in an environment where
a lot is demanded,” she said.
Kerschbaum said the dental hygiene
program at Michigan offers students
“the best of both worlds. It’s small in
size so that one gets personal attention,
but yet it’s offered by one of the best-
known universities anywhere, the
University of Michigan,” she added.
Aiuto-Haselschwerdt agreed saying
the small class size and structure “are
ideal. In addition, I have found people
here are caring, which is helpful for me
as a new student.”
An Example to Others
Kerschbaum added U-M dental
hygiene graduates “are ahead of the
game when they graduate because
each receives a bachelor’s degree which
will give them more career options and
flexibility.”
Although she’s not sure what
precisely she would like to do once
she earns her bachelor’s degree, Aiuto-
Haselschwerdt spoke about her hopes
for her young daughter.
“I want Emily to be the kind of
person that I, myself, hope to be – one
who gets an education and isn’t afraid
to take a chance, even if it’s scary at
times,” she said.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
D E N TA L H YG I E N E
SADHA Members Reach Out
to the Community
Photo courtesy of Anne Gwozdek
Amongthoseparticipatinginlast fall’sHealthWalkwere(left toright): Rachel Knorr,WendyGeiger, MaryLayher
(SADHAadvisor), andSarahGebarowski.
By Anne Gwozdek (DH 1973)
Focusing on education, service, and leadership, the U-M Student American
Dental Hygienists’ Association (SADHA) participated in two community service
events last fall.
Working in collaboration with the Washtenaw District Dental Hygienists’
Society, the two organizations worked the booth at the second annual Head-to-Toe
Women’s Expo last September.
Sharon Libich, WDDHS president and event coordinator, invited students to
participate by teaming up with WDDHS members to give both an opportunity to
interact with the public in a nonclinical setting.
More than 2000 attended, including many who brought infants and young
children.
Not only were educational materials distributed at the booth, but it also was a
site for professionals and students to engage those who stopped by in conversation
about an array of oral health care issues.
Commenting about those interactions, Libich said, “Mentoring future
professionals and sharing oral health education with the public is what dental
hygiene is all about.”
Health Walk
About six weeks later, SADHA members participated in the annual March of
Dimes/U-M Health Walk at Mott Children’s Hospital in November.
65
 D E N TA L H YG I E N E
More than 500 faculty and staff from the U-M Health System
and University community visited booths that focused on the March
of Dimes mission of improving the health of babies by preventing
birth defects, premature births, and infant mortality.
Paralleling that message was the message conveyed by SADHA
members.
Topics emphasized included the importance of a mother’s
oral health during pregnancy, including taking steps to prevent
periodontal disease that may be one factor contributing to preterm
low birth weight babies.
An educational display board also addressed the need for folic
acid in a mother’s diet to help prevent cleft lip and cleft palate.
As a part of this event, our own tooth fairy, Crystal Vernier
(Class of 2008), along with other SADHA members talked with those
who attended to discuss a range of oral health care topics.
Student Reaction
Three of our dental hygiene students, all members of the Class
of 2009, were enthusiastic about their participation in the events.
Stacy Velmer said, “It was wonderful to be a part of such an
educational booth and team. I don’t think many people realize how
much oral health can affect a person’s quality of life. I’m glad I was
in a position to help educate and influence people.”
Jaclyn Tinsley said she was surprised with some of the
comments she heard.
“Many people said they had never heard of the adverse effects
periodontal disease can have on a developing baby, and were very
interested in learning more. …I think many were also surprised
to learn that sugarless gum containing xylitol can improve oral
health,” she said.
Linnea Tyler, who decided at the last minute to participate,
said she was glad she did.
She said that moments after arriving “there was no time for
nervousness. Upon greeting the rush of people, I immediately
engaged them in oral health conversations, passed out tooth
brushes, tooth paste, and chewing gum with xylitol,” she said.
Tyler’s comments nicely summarized everyone’s feelings.
“Attending the March of Dimes Health Walk made me feel
important,” she said. “It made me recognize the significance of my
position as an oral health care professional. …This is one event I
will always remember.”
66
Gilson Layher Receives
Shook Award
MDHAPresident LisaDarrow(left) congratulatesMaryGilsonLayher after
receivingtheorganization’sFrancesShookAward.
The Michigan Dental Hygienists’
Association presented its Frances Shook Award
to Mary Gilson Layher during a meeting of the
group’s House of Delegates last fall.
Presented annually, the award honors
a Michigan dental hygienist who has made
significant contributions that advance the
dental hygiene profession.
Gilson Layher’s achievements include:
serving as president of the Washtenaw District
Dental Hygiene Society, MDHA president,
membership on the Board of Trustees, and
Clinical Research Professional certification.
A senior research lab specialist in the
School’s Department of Prevention and Oral
Medicine, Gilson Layher has been a staff dental
hygienist with the School’s Dental Faculty
Associates since 1990. Nine years later, she
accepted a position at the School of Dentistry
that incorporates clinical dental hygiene,
research, and education. Gilson Layher earned
a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from U-M
in 1981.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
 D E N TA L H YG I E N E

Dental Hygiene Students DH Students Active at

Participate in Research Day Dental Health Day
Dental hygiene students also participated in this year’s Dental hygiene students were among the 80
Research Day activities. [See story, pages 74 to 75.] students and faculty members who participated
Winners, the titles of their projects, and faculty advisors are in the School of Dentistry’s annual Dental Health
listed below. Day last fall.
Keary Campbell
From nine o’clock in the morning until one
o’clock in the afternoon, they provided free oral
examinations, oral cancer screenings, x-rays,
and offered tips on proper oral health care.
Among students participating was third-year
dental hygiene student Carrie Emmendorfer.
“As vice president of the hygiene section with
the Jonathan Taft Society and representative
for my class, I thought it was important I
participate in Dental Health Day,” she said.
“I enjoy volunteering and wanted to help
others.”
Jerry Mastey

Fourth-year dental hygienestudentsJessicaBetson, CourtnayGreen, andCarissaCleary, werefirst-

placewinnersamongDHstudentswhoparticipatedinthisyear’sResearchDay.

1st Place: Jessica Betson, Courtnay Green,

Carissa Cleary
Depo-Provera and Gingivitis in the United
States: Women Ages 15-44
Mentors: Mary Layher, Susan Taichman
2nd Place: Aisha Akpabio, Marina Hernandez
Oral Bacteria and Ventilator Acquired
Pneumonia in ICU Populations
Mentor: Dr. Christopher Fenno

3rd Place: Audrey Light, Kelly Wagner,

Michelle Zmudka
Third-year dental hygienestudent CarrieEmmendorfer takesablood
Methods of Disinfecting Dental Unit pressurereadingof ElisabethGanger whocametotheSchool of Dentistry
Waterlines last November for Dental HealthDay.
Mentor: Dr. Christopher Fenno

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

67
 D E N TA L H YG I E N E

Johnson Receives
MDHA’s SNDHA Chapter Formed
Springboard Award
Photo courtesy of Juana Gissendanner

Terry Johnson (DH 2006) became the

second person to receive the Michigan Dental
Hygienists’ Association’s Springboard Award
last fall.
The award honors a new dental hygiene
graduate for their participation and leadership
activities when they were students.
As a student in the School’s dental hygiene
program, Johnson was active in the Student
American Dental Hygienists’ Association,
served as a student delegate to the MDHA
House of Delegates in 2005, and participated
in MDHA leadership workshops.
She was also involved in community
o u t re a c h a c t i v i t i e s , p a r t i c i p a t e d i n
U-M SADHA-sponsored Boys and Girls Club A U-M School of Dentistry chapter of the Student National Dental
Children’s Dental Health Month projects, the Hygiene Association was recently formed.
U-M Health System’s March of Dimes Walk, According to Juana Gissendanner, faculty liaison, the local chapter
and the U-M MedStart Children’s Health Fair. was established in 2005 to create and enact programs designed to
Johnson received the honor during a encourage minority youth to enter into health care professions and
luncheon hosted by the MDHA’s House of distribute information pertaining to minority issues in dental hygiene
Delegates. education. The group is also active in efforts to enhance access to oral
health care for the underserved in metropolitan Detroit, including the
Photo courtesy of Anne Gwozdek
Ann Arbor area.
Founding members pictured in the above photo include (left to right):
Ericka Smith, Chamessia Rhine, Aisha Akpabio, Juana Gissendanner
(group advisor), Renee Brooks, and Terri Johnson. Not pictured are Nikia
Taylor and Anita Vinson.

Terri Johnson(left)
receivedtheMDHA’s
Springboard Award
fromtheorganization’s
president LisaDarrow.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

68

Provost Visits Dental School
Jerry Mastey
Dean Peter Polverini welcomed U-MProvost Teresa Sullivan to the
School last fall.
U-M Provost and Executive Vice
President for Academic Affairs, Teresa
Sullivan, visited the School of Dentistry
last October. It was her first visit to the
School since becoming provost last June
and was among more than a dozen similar
“get acquainted” sessions held at the
University’s schools and colleges.
As provost, Sullivan is the University’s
chief academic officer responsible for
academic and budget affairs. She
collaborates with U-M President Mary
Sue Coleman in setting overall academic
priorities for the University and allocates
funds to carry out those priorities.
Dean Peter Polverini welcomed
Sullivan. During a morning meeting
attended by the School’s department
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
D E N T I S T RY
chairs, he presented an overview of the
School, including its major missions of
classroom and clinical education, patient
care, research, and outreach.
Afterwards, Sullivan learned more
about the School’s dental, dental hygiene,
and graduate programs; its research
initiatives; heard about the School’s
community outreach efforts; visited the
high-tech Dr. Roy Roberts Preclinical
Laboratory; and also had lunch with a
group of students.
Following her visit, Sullivan said,
“I was impressed by the wide array of
faculty research. The number and range of
RO1s demonstrates the breadth and depth
of their research.” RO1s are individual
research project grants that fund a
particular project in a specific area.
She also enjoyed talking to the
students. “I found them to be engaged
with their studies and dedicated to
service,” Sullivan added.
Polverini said Sullivan’s visit had two
important outcomes.
“First, she saw, first hand, the quality,
depth, and breadth of our scholarship and
educational programs brought about by
the enormous value and vitality the dental
school adds to the University,” he said.
“She also saw how vital our patient care
mission is to the overall health of the state’s
citizens.”
69
 T E C H N O LO G Y
School of Dentistry Wins Major Award from Apple
iPod Classroom Lecture Initiative Lauded
The U-M School of Dentistry has
won a prestigious award from Apple
Inc. for its innovative project that
allows dental students to listen to
classroom lectures on iPods or other
portable listening devices.
The School received a runner-up
award in the “Best Mac OS X Automator
Workflow” category during Apple’s
Worldwide Developers Conference
in San Francisco last summer. Trek
Glowacki, a programmer in the School’s
Department of Dental Informatics,
accepted the award during the annual
program which attracts thousands
from around the world and also
gives them an opportunity to learn
more about Apple’s various Mac OS X
technologies as well as hear company
executives discuss future initiatives.
Since it was officially launched in
September 2005, U-M dental students
with valid passwords have been able
to download classroom lectures onto
an iPod or an MP3 player. Glowacki
uses Apple’s software to automate
the process of recording the lectures,
processing them, and making them
available for students to retrieve from
Apple’s iTunes Web site less than five
minutes after a lecture ends.
Although he put together a
considerable amount of information
about the School’s initiative for
conference organizers to consider,
70
Keary Campbell
Trek Glowacki, a programmer in the School of Dentistry’s
Department of Dental Informatics, holds anawardhe received
fromAppleComputerthatrecognizeshisworkthatmadeiteasy
fordental studentstolistentoclassroomlecturesoniPodsorother
portablelisteningdevices.
Glowacki said that when he left Ann
Arbor, “I had no idea our School would
be receiving an award. In fact, when
the award was announced, I was in
another room and rushed to the main
stage to receive it,” he said.
After the awards ceremony ended,
Glowacki said he answered questions
from educators who also were at the
conference and explained the history,
development, and growth of the School
of Dentistry’s project.
Glowacki attended last year’s
conference and said that participating
in several lectures and workshops
“enabled me to apply what I learned
and build upon what we were doing
here. To the vast majority of students,
the process of recording the lectures and
making them available for listening is
one that’s largely invisible,” he said.
“It’s comparable to putting your car
key in the ignition and turning the key
to start the car. You don’t necessarily
know every step of what happens and
when, all you know is that you want it
to work.”
Dr. Lynn Johnson, the School’s
director of Dental Informatics, said,
“This award is a highly coveted one
that’s presented for truly innovative
uses of Apple products. But our efforts
were just a part of a much larger
effort that involved many others,
including the University’s Information
Technology Central Services as well as
Apple.”
Johnson continues to emphasize
that listening to the lectures does not
replace the need for being in class.
“Listening to lectures on an iPod is a
safety net,” she said. Students can
listen to the lectures on their portable
listening devices as frequently as
necessary to build on what they have
learned in the lectures. The iPod gives
dental students the option to slow
down portions of a lecture they need to
hear again or to quickly bypass those
sections they already understand.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
 T E C H N O LO G Y

Facial Disfigurements Web Site Transferred to U-M

“Let’s Face It” Leader Speaks at Dental School
Keary Campbell

The Web site was originally

scheduled to vanish last August.
But Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum,
director of the School’s hospital
dentistry program [DentalUM, Fall
2006, pages 34-38], knew Wilson,
having met her at several professional
meetings.
“He was particularly passionate
about why we should get involved, so
we did,” Anderson said.
Wilson chose the University of
Michigan, according to Anderson,
“because our vision of what the site
could do to help others blends with
An e-mail from Betsy Wilson (left) to Patricia Anderson, senior associate librarian at the U-M School of Dentistry, what she has been trying to achieve
ultimately resulted in Wilson’s “Let’s Face It” Web site being transferred to U-M. The site was redesigned and unveiled throughout her life.”
during an appearance by Wilson at the School of Dentistry last fall. Wilson lost part of her face and jaw to cancer in 1972.
The expertise of those on the U-M
At the time, it seemed to be a who founded “Let’s Face It” in 1987 to campus who are involved in clinical
simple question. help adults, teenagers, and children practice, research, and classroom
In retrospect, it was anything but. cope with facial disfigurements. instr uction also made a strong
O n J u n e 2 6 , 2 0 0 6 , Pa t r i c i a impression on Wilson.
Anderson, senior associate librarian Impressed with U-M In early August, talks began in
with University Libraries and liaison Wilson had more than a passing earnest to bring the site to Michigan.
to the U-M School of Dentistry, received interest in the subject. A steering committee was formed
an e-mail that sparked her curiosity. She lost part of her face and jaw to that included members from the School
It began: “The ‘Let’s Face It’ cancer in 1972. She also is the parent of Dentistry, the U-M Medical Health
consumer health Web site needs a of a child born with craniosynostosis, System’s Craniofacial Team, Mott
new home. Would you be interested a premature fusion of the skull, a Children’s Hospital, and the University
in posting it on your School’s Web site relatively common malady that affects Libraries.
as your own pages?” about one in 3,000 children. The By the end of August, files for the
“Little did we know,” Anderson condition has been associated with Web site were transferred to the School
said, “what a whirlwind of activity a myriad of problems and can be a of Dentistry’s server.
would be initiated by this simple significant biomedical and financial Two months later, on Oct. 27, the
question.” burden for affected children and their Web site www.dent.umich.edu/faceit
The e-mail was sent by Betsy Wilson parents. was transferred to U-M. A new look

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

71
 T E C H N O LO G Y
“Recognize the Person
Behind the Face”
Betsy Wilson offered many words of
advice during her appearance last fall at
the School of Dentistry.
Talking about people who see her
for the first time, Wilson said a person’s
natural instinct “is to stare at a face that’s
different and then look away.”
But the primary focus of her
organization, “Let’s Face It,” she said, “is
to teach people to recognize the person
behind the face.”
Mentioning how she responds to the
reactions that many children have when
they see her for the first time, Wilson
said she praises them and tries to engage
them in conversation.
She said she will say,“I see you have
noticed my face. It’s a little different, isn’t
it?,” but then adds,“I was sicka long time
ago, but now I’m well.”
Wilson mentioned several books to
help parents and teachers help children,
teenagers, and adults cope with facial
disfigurements.
She was emphatic about another
point. “We are not victims,” she said,“we
are survivors.”
was also unveiled when Wilson spoke
at the School of Dentistry as a part of
the University’s “Investing in Abilities
Week.”
Speaking to more than 100 who
attended, Wilson said, “Patricia
Anderson is our hero and I’d like to
personally thank her for what she has
done and what you are now doing.”
72
Wilson also spoke about her
condition and how she has responded
to others.
Audiences and How U-M is
Helping
T he s it e s e r v e s a s a ma j o r
clearinghouse for information on
craniofacial abnormalities provided not
only from the University of Michigan,
but other groups and organizations
around the world.
Audiences include not only
individuals with facial differences,
their family and friends, but also
medical, dental, and mental health
care providers; teachers; employers; and
those interested in learning more about
facial differences.
Various U-M schools and colleges
are updating content and adding
new information to the site across
fields including dentistry, audiology,
genetics, maxillofacial surgery, nursing,
orthodontics, plastic surgery, psychology,
social work, speech-language pathology,
and other fields.
Previously, the site supplied
information including news about
conferences and research studies;
information about specific conditions
such as Crouzon Syndrome, Moebius
Syndrome, cancer, etc.; and names,
addresses, and Web sites of dozens
of organizations and resources that
parents or guardians, teenagers,
educators, dentists, physicians, and
others can contact to learn more.
The Web site is also being enriched
with other helpful data including
information about a greater variety
of conditions, resources for patients
about the members of their craniofacial
health care team, how to effectively
communicate with their team, and
resources for health professionals
working with patients with facial
differences.
Site Fills a Vacuum
Dr. Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch,
one of 11 members of the group that
worked on the Web site transfer and
who has worked extensively with
patients with craniofacial defects, said
that a major strength of the ‘Let’s Face
It’ Web site is that “it fills a vacuum.
It appeals to a broad audience that
speaks to the needs and concerns of
individuals of different ages. Children
with craniofacial anomalies grow up
to become teenagers and adults. As
they do,” she continued, “they need
information and resources that can
help them cope with their conditions
and challenges they face, not just as
children or teenagers, but as adults.
This site does that.”
Murdoch-Kinch, a dentist who has
worked with children with craniofacial
anomalies and is trained in clinical
genetics, added, “the multidisciplinary
expertise of the many different health
professionals here at Michigan, will help
us to add new content to the Web site that
will benefit those who most need it.”
Dentists will also want to visit the
Web site she said. “It will give them a
wealth of information and links about
various conditions, the resources that are
available to help them, and how to treat
patients with specific problems.”
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

School of Dentistry #1 in NIDCR Research Grants
ew figures from the National
N Institute of Dental and
Craniofacial Research show
the School is now ranked
first among the nation’s dental schools
in the dollar amount of research grants
awarded by NIDCR.
Grants totaling more than $10.6
million were awarded during the
federal government’s fiscal year
2006 that began October 1, 2005 and
ended September 30, 2006. In the two
previous federal fiscal years, the School
ranked second in research grants from
NIDCR with awards of $11 million in
2005 and $11.4 million in 2004.
“It’s gratifying to be ranked at
the top and speaks volumes about this
School,” said Dr. Peter Polverini, dean of
the School of Dentistry. “It demonstrates
what many of us have been proud to say
for a long time, namely, that throughout
our history the University of Michigan
School of Dentistry continues to be
one of the nation’s premier research
institutions.”
For over a decade, Polverini
noted, the U-M School of Dentistry
has consistently been among the top
five or six dental schools in terms of
the dollar amount of research grants
received from NIDCR.
Polverini said the School’s research
is designed to achieve two objectives
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
– developing new knowledge in oral
health sciences and applying that
knowledge to improve the health and
well being of patients.
Faculty with NIDCR funding
focus research in areas that include
development of oral mucosal grafts,
genetics of enamel and dentin, oral
cancer prevention in underserved
communities, gene therapy for
reconstr ucting oral tissues, cell
death pathways in oral tissues and
oral cancer, molecular regulation
of mineralized tissue regeneration,
scaffolds for bone tissue engineering,
molecular regulation of dental stem
cells, oral health disparities, and
interactions between oral health and
systemic health.
Dr. Charlotte Mistretta, associate
dean for research, notes that faculty
research strength in the School
a l s o g a r n e r s s u p p o r t f ro m t h e
National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases,
the National Cancer Institute, the
National Institute on Deafness and
other communication disorders, the
National Institute of Diabetes, and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases. This
funding, in addition to NIDCR grants,
brings the School of Dentistry’s total
NIH research expenditures to over
$14 million for fiscal year 2006.
RESEARCH
U-M Research
$797 Million
Research expenditures by the
University of Michigan reached
$797 million in fiscal year 2006, a 2.4
percent increase, Stephen Forrest, vice
president for research, told the Board of
Regents during their January meeting.
The greatest portion of research is
sponsored by the federal government,
a total of $585 million, which accounts
for 73.4 percent of the total. Additional
funding sources include the University,
industry, state and local governments,
and foundations.
Forrest said his priority in the
current year would be increasing
engagement of the University’s research
enterprise with industrial partners,
and more robust tech transfer activity.
A faculty advisory committee has been
established and staff has been assigned
to formulate specific plans, metrics and
strategy to make the goal a reality, he
said.
“Increasing tech transfer will
require us to engage our faculty in
bringing ideas to market, and make
long term strategic investments in
fostering an entrepreneurial spirit,”
Forrest said. “We need to be creative
and we need to be willing to take long
term risks. I am confident that we have
all the ingredients necessary to become
a leader in industry partnerships,
and will make significant positive
contributions to reinvigorating the
Michigan economy.”
73
 RESEARCH

Research Day
Keary Campbell

Pain…It’s not Just in Your Head

Dr. Christian Stohler Returns to Michigan

Dr. ChristianStohler, deanof theUniversityof
MarylandDental School, returnedtoAnnArbor
todeliver thisyear’skeynoteremarksat the
annual ResearchDay.
“It’s great to be back. …There are few places in the world where
you see the enthusiasm that you see here at Michigan,” said Dr.
Christian Stohler as he began his keynote address to a standing-room
only crowd during this year’s Research Day.
A member of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry
faculty for more than 20 years, including chairing the Department
of Biologic and Materials Sciences, Stohler has been dean of the
University of Maryland Dental School since 2003.
He was invited back to the annual Research Day program in
February to speak on a subject he has been investigating virtually
his entire life – pain.
One of the world’s leading experts in the field, Stohler outlined
the topic, beginning with the observations of French mathematician
and philosopher Rene Descartes, who first theorized that pain was a
sensation experienced by the brain.
As he continued with observations of Sigmund Freud, Aldous
Huxley, and Harvard physiologist Walter Cannon, Stohler traced
how advances in science and technology, including mapping the
human genome, CAT and MRI scans, have led to the discovery of
new knowledge that show because of differences in how the brain
is “wired” in men and women, that women are twice as sensitive to
pain as men.
Those differences, which are genetic based, present challenges to
those in dentistry and medicine trying to treat those experiencing
pain.
Science and technology, Stohler said, have enabled scientists to
determine what genes, hormones, and signaling processes influence
pain. That knowledge, he continued, may one day enable scientists to
develop what he called “a new tool box” that will lead to customized
treatments that will have “a molecular fingerprint” allowing dentists
and physicians to treat pain based on whether the patient is male or
female and the types of pain being experienced.
Looking back, Stohler said that Descartes was on the right track.
“We can’t consider the future of the investigation of pain without
considering the role of the brain because the brain is critical.”

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

74

2007
AWARD WINNERS
Clinical Applications
Grand Prize: Esther Lee (D2)
pAMß1 Transfers from Enterococcus Faecalis
to Streptococcus Gordonii in Teeth
Mentor: Dr. Christine Sedgley
1st Place: Elizabeth Christopherson (MS
certification)
Incidence of Malocclusion in Pre-Adolescents
- Objective Indicators and Self Perceptions
Mentor: Dr. Marita Inglehart
2nd Place: Nejay Ananaba (D2)
Infant Oral Health Evaluations: General
Dentists’ Attitudes and Professional Behavior
Mentor: Dr. Marita Inglehart
3rd Place: Ruchir Patel (D3)
Adult Patients’ Smiling Patterns - A Function
of Periodontal Health?
Basic Sciences
1st Place: Jessica Lee (D2)
Responses of Rat Chorda Tympani Nerve to
Lingual Thermal Stimulation
Mentor: Dr. Robert Bradley
2nd Place: Steven Obreiter (D3)
Effects of Age and Exercise on Bone Tissue
Quality
Mentor: Dr. David Kohn
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
RESEARCH
Photo courtesy of Dr. Christine Sedgley
3rd Place: Johnson Miin (D4)
Physical Isolation of Progenitor/Stem Cells
from Oral Mucosa
Mentor: Dr. Steven Feinberg
Graduate & Post Doc
1st Place: Erica Scheller (PhD Post Doc)
Canonical Wnt Signaling in Dental Pulp Stem
Cells Inhibits Mineralization
Mentor: Dr. Cun-Yu Wang
2nd Place: Olivia May (PhD Post Doc)
Survival and Differentiation of Embryonic Second-yeardental studentEstherLee,GrandPrizewinneratthis
Geniculate and Trigeminal Ganglia Exposed at year’s Research Day, stands in front of her poster presentation
Two Stages to BMP4 and Noggin In Vitro alongwithher mentor, Dr. ChristineSedgley.
Mentor: Dr. Charlotte Mistretta Keary Campbell
3rd Place: Chan Ho Park (PhD Post Doc)
Local Delivery of Osteoprotegerin for
Orthodontic Anchorage
Mentor: Dr. William Giannobile
Audience Choice
Joseph Son (MS certification)
Dental Pulp Cells Express VEGF Induced
by Porphyromonas Endodontalis
Lipopolysaccharide
Mentor: Dr. Tatiana Botero
Keary Campbell
Dr. Renny Franceschi, one of 44 faculty members who were
judges, evaluatesastudent’sresearchposter.
Morethan70postersweredisplayed
at thisyear’sResearchDayinthe
GrandBallroomat theMichigan
League. Thepostersshowcasedan
arrayof researchbydental anddental
hygienestudentsaswell thosein
doctoral andpostdoctoral programs.
75
 RESEARCH

MCOHR Research. . .
Seeking to Benefit Patients
Keary Campbell

“Taking the knowledge that is discovered in research

laboratories and applying it to help patients in clinics” has been
the mantra of the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research since
it opened in January 2005.
The facility at Domino’s Farms, near U-S 23 and Plymouth
Road, is a service unit of the School of Dentistry. “It’s in a great
environment that is fostering multidisciplinary research and
partnerships with others active in research and clinical care,” said
Dr. William Giannobile, the director of the Center and director of
clinical research at the U-M School of Dentistry.
As Fig. 1 below illustrates, clinical activity growth has
increased noticeably. In addition, the Center has provided
extensive consultation to the dental school’s five departments
as well as to organizations outside the School (Fig. 2).

MCOHR CLINIC ACTIVITY GROWTH MCOHR DEPT. CONSULTATION ACTIVITY

Periodontics & Oral Medicine Cariology, Rest.

29% Science & Endodontics
18%
Dr.WilliamGiannobileisthedirectoroftheMichiganCenter
for Oral Health Research. The Center’s mission is to take
knowledge discoveredin research laboratories andapply
Biologic &
it tohelppatientsinclinics. Oral Max. Surgery Mtls. Sciences
& Hospital Dentistry External Ortho/Pedo 14%
30% 4% 5%

Figure 1 Figure 2

Pages 77 to 79 describe several clinical research projects now

underway.
Giannobile said these research projects “are just a sample of
some of the initiatives underway at the Center that could affect
oral health care providers and how they treat their patients in
the future.”

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

76

Title: A Nine Month, Three Arm
Multicenter Clinical Trial of
Treatment with 2% minocycycline
HCL gel for Adjunctive Use to Scaling
and Root Planing in Adults with
Periodontal Disease: Multicenter
Randomized Trial Using Third Party
Outcome Evaluations
Lead Clinical Investigator:
Dr. Tae-ju Oh
What the Project’s About:
To determine if Periocline™ Gel (2%
minocycline HCl) added to scaling
and root planing procedures helps to
reduce pocket depths in teeth with
periodontal disease. Periocline™
Gel is investigational, i.e., it has not
been approved by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration. The gel is
applied to the gingivae where active
disease progression is seen clinically.
Periocline Gel’s active ingredient is
minocycline, an antibiotic.
Possible Long-Term Impact:
Results from this study will
help determine the effectiveness
of antibacterial treatment of
periodontal disease.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
Title: Multicenter, Randomized,
Blinded, Controlled Study of the
Anesthetic Reversal Agent, NV-101,
for Efficacy, Pharmacodynamics, and
Safety in Dental Patients Undergoing
Dental Procedures
Lead Clinical Investigator:
Dr. Mark Snyder
What the Project’s About:
Determining if the investigational
drug NV-101 reduces the time it
takes for normal sensation to return
after completing a simple dental
procedure, and if it reduces the
effects of lingering numbness from
local anesthetics. NV-101 is an
investigational drug, that is, it is
being tested in clinical trials but has
not been approved for sale in the U.S.
or elsewhere. The active ingredient
in NV-101 is phentolamine mesylate,
which is contained at much higher
doses in Regitine®, a drug approved
by the Food and Drug Administration
for other uses.
Possible Long-Term Impact:
If found to be effective, this
anesthetic reversal agent may
benefit others by limiting the
duration of numbness after dental
procedures.
RESEARCH
Title: Impact of Parathyroid
Hormone (1-34) on Osseous
Regeneration in the Oral Cavity
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Laurie McCauley
What the Project’s About:
Periodontitis is known to cause
breakdown of bone over time.
Research in animals and humans
has shown that a drug, Forteo, can
increase bone build-up and bone
strength over time. Forteo has
been approved by the FDA for use
in patients with another condition
where bone is broken down and
weakened (osteoporosis). It is not
known, however, whether Forteo
is effective for use in humans
for breakdown of bone related to
periodontal disease, or if it will have
the same bone-building and bone-
strengthening effects for patients
with gum disease. This research
study will seek to learn what effect
six weeks of treatment with Forteo
will have on bone build-up and
strengthening of bone for patients
with gum disease. Possible benefits
of the research for society, or for
future patients with this disease,
include the impact on gum disease
treatments.
Possible Long-Term Impact:
The results of this study may
contribute to a change in the way
millions of periodontal patients are
treated resulting in a significant
improvement in their quality of life.
77
 RESEARCH
Title: Intraoral Grafting of Tissue
Engineered Human Oral Mucosa
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Stephen Feinberg
What the Project’s About:
When the mouth is injured or
damaged, surgery may be needed
to reconstruct gum tissue. Usually,
a large piece of soft tissue is taken
from the palate or another part
of the body and transferred to
the damaged area (grafting). The
purpose of this study is to test a new
type of grafting that may be less
painful than traditional autograft
procedures. Instead of taking a large
piece of gum tissue from the palate,
a very small piece will be taken. The
mucosal tissue will be grown in a
laboratory for several weeks until
it is large enough to be grafted back
into the mouth. This new procedure
has been tested in animals and in
humans in Japan, but this study
will be the first time it is tested in
humans in the U.S. Because this
new technique is expected to need
a much smaller piece of tissue than
usual to make grafts, patients may
experience less pain and discomfort
than they would with regular
surgery.
Potential Long-Term Impact:
The results of this study will allow
the development of an oral mucosa
tissue substitute that would provide
future patients who need soft tissue
mouth grafts so there is less pain and
discomfort.
78
Title: Apoptotic Biomarkers of
Periodontal Disease
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Yvonne Kapila
What the Project’s About:
Early detection of the progression
of periodontitis is difficult because
it typically relies on comparisons
of clinical measurements made
with a probe and nonstandardized
radiographs over time. Both methods
detect periodontal breakdown only
after it has occurred. Therefore,
considerable emphasis has been
placed on identifying more specific
and sensitive methods to diagnose
and detect periodontal disease
progression. The overall goal of this
project is to determine whether
specific cell death (apoptosis)-
associated proteins, specifically
fibronectin (FN) fragments, caspase-
3, soluble Fas, and soluble Fas ligand,
sampled from gingival crevicular
fluid (GCF) can be used as markers
for periodontal disease progression.
Potential Long-Term Impact:
These biomarkers could contribute
to early diagnosis of possible bone
and tissue loss which, in turn, could
provide overall improvements in a
patient’s oral and systemic health,
and ultimately savings in health care
costs.
Title: Cold Sore Feasibility Study
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Mathilde Peters
What the Project’s About:
Testing laboratory methods to
quantify and identify virus types and
evaluate patient education materials
and clinical study flow. Participants
will be enrolled with an active cold
sore lesion and during the first clinic
visit a short history, a photograph
of the lesion, and a specimen will be
obtained. Forty patients participate
for this visit only. Twenty will return
for daily visits (maximum, 12 visits)
until the lesion is healed. They
will also participate in evaluation
of educational materials and the
calibration of study personnel.
Potential Long-Term Impact:
Developing this method to determine
the outbreak of cold sore lesions
will serve as a basis for testing
novel therapeutics to treat oral viral
lesions.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

Title: Integrated Microfluidic System
for Oral Diagnostics (IMPOD)
Principal Investigator:
Dr. William Giannobile
What the Project’s About:
Evaluating a prototype chairside
point-of-care diagnostic test for
periodontal disease identification.
The investigation involves
measuring an array of protein
biomarkers using protein arrays
of putative biomarkers of
periodontal inflammation and
bone loss. The prototype device
can analyze proteins from saliva in
approximately five minutes using the
IMPOD which contains “microfluidic”
channels that can handle very small
volumes of biological fluids. These
proteins can be found in fluids in the
mouth, such as saliva, and may help
predict bone loss around the teeth
before being detected by a dental
x-ray.
Potential Long-Term Impact:
With this newly developed assay
method, clinicians may be able to
diagnose and intercept bone disease
in its early stages as well as identify
other biomarkers of systemic disease
in conditions like heart disease or
osteoporosis.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
Dental School Partners with BCBS Foundation in
Oral Health Research Study
Researchers from the U-M School of
Dentistry have received a grant of more
than $96,000 to investigate linkages
involving oral health, diabetes, and
medical costs.
The study, funded by the Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation,
will investigate if there is an association
between the use of periodontal services
and the cost of medical care for
diabetes.
Dr. George Taylor, an associate
professor of dentistr y in the
Department of Cariology, Restorative
Sciences, and Endodontics, is leading
the investigation.
Citing data from the American
Diabetes Association, Taylor pointed
out that direct and indirect medical
costs (disability, work loss, premature
mortality) due to diabetes totaled
approximately $132 billion in 2002.
“Some preliminar y evidence
suggests that treating periodontal
disease may have a positive effect on
controlling diabetes,” he said. “But
there are very few reports of studies
of the relationship between treating
gum disease and how it affects medical
costs of diabetics.”
Taylor added, “if a relationship can
be shown, it could provide additional
RESEARCH
evidence of successfully treating or
preventing periodontal disease in
improving diabetes outcomes. It could
also lead to new standards of care for
diabetic patients that could lower their
risk of complications, reduce medical
care costs, and improve their overall
health.”
BCBSM is uniquely positioned to
help with the research because it has
one of the largest health care databases
in the U.S. that combines both medical
and dental data.
Taylor and other U-M researchers
involved in the project will analyze
BCBSM medical and dental claims from
2001 to 2005 to determine if results
provide evidence of a relationship
between receiving periodontal services
and reduced medical care costs for
diabetics. Personal information will be
removed from each claim before data
analysis.
Taylor said that he and members
of his research team have been
studying interrelationships between
periodontal infection, diabetes control,
and complications. The new study
will take about a year, he said. Seven
other individuals from the School of
Dentistry and the School of Public
Health will assist with the study.
79
 RESEARCH
Cell Signaling Factor Research Offers Insights into
Cancers and Craniofacial Development
A School of Dentistry faculty
member’s research offers some new
insights that may provide important
information to physicians and dentists
who are treating patients for various
cancers.
Dr. Hongjiao Ouyang, an assistant
professor in the Department of Cariology,
Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics,
and two researchers from U-M’s Life
Sciences Institute, published the results
of a study last fall that indicates a
signaling factor involved in cell growth
may also be responsible for turning
normal cells into tumors.
According to the research team, two
factors, Wnt and mTOR, play a role in cell
growth.
Both mTOR and Wnt signaling
encourage cell growth. However,
when becoming hyperactivated, both
factors exert oncogenic effects that are
implicated in the formation of cancers,
including breast and colon cancers.
“These hyperactivities,” Ouyang said,
“could also contribute to pathogenesis of
osteosclerotic bone dysplasia, a bone
genetic disorder that’s accompanied
by craniofacial symptoms that include
nasal congestion, displacement of orbit
and proptosis, facial nerve palsy, and,
more severely, progressively rising
intracranial pressure due to changes in
mineralized tissues in the craniofacial
area.” pathways involved in development and
One of the important research
discoveries the team found was that
Wnt signaling promotes cell growth by
80
activating mTOR signaling.
Because of the interaction between
the two signaling factors, it may be
possible to regulate mTOR’s activity
with rapamycin, a drug approved by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
as an anti-fungal drug and immune
suppressant, to treat cancers and certain
genetic bone disorders caused by Wnt
hyperactivity.
“Our findings implicate rapamycin
for treating cancers as well as
osteosclerotic bone disorders caused by
hyperactive Wnt signaling,” Ouyang
said.
“In addition, promoting the functions
of both mTOR and Wnt signaling could
encourage bone and tooth forming cells,
such as osteoblasts, cementoblasts, and
odontoblasts,” she added.
One possible outcome of Ouyang’s
research is that it “will attempt to provide
a basis to target the Wnt signaling
pathway for treating osteoporosis and
improving the quality and quantity of
craniofacial bones for dental implants,”
she noted.
Others involved in the research
revealing the interactions between
mTOR and Wnt signaling include LSI
research professor Kun-Liang Guan and
LSI research scientist Ken Inoki.
“I have always been interested in
understanding the signaling transduction
regeneration, as well as genetic diseases
of mineralized tissues such as bone and
teeth,” Ouyang said. “Kun-Liang’s lab
is one of the best laboratories in the
field of signaling transduction. With
collaboration with Guan’s group, my
laboratory is looking at how pathways
are involved in genetic, cancerous, and
metabolic diseases of bone and teeth.”
The results of the research, regarded
as one of the top twenty, were published
in the September 8, 2006 issue of Cell
magazine.
Wang Research Makes
Cover of Journal
Recent work in the laboratory of
Dr. Cun-Yu Wang has been highlighted
with a lead article and cover story in the
January issue of the prestigious journal,
Nature Medicine.
The research provides insight
into the mechanisms governing bone
metastasis in breast cancer. Advanced
breast cancers frequently metastasize to
bone, resulting in osteolytic lesions.
T h e Wa n g l a b re p o r t s t h a t
nuclear factor–kappaB (NF-kappaB)
plays a crucial role in the osteolytic
bone metastasis of breast cancer by
stimulating osteoclastogenesis.
These results uncover a new and
specific role of NF-B in osteolytic bone
metastasis through GM-CSF induction,
suggesting that NF-kappaB is a potential
target for the treatment of breast
cancer and the prevention of skeletal
metastasis.
That issue is online at http://
www.nature.com/nm/journal/v13/
n1/index.html. Scroll to “Articles” to
find the Wang article (pages 62-69).
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

Students, Faculty Help During Dental Health Day
Jerry Mastey
IbrahimCarrillodescribes his oral healthconditiontothird-year
dental student Lincy George during Dental Health Day last
November.
They came from Ann Arbor,
Ypsilanti, Saline, Jackson and
surrounding communities for the
annual Dental Health Day at the School
of Dentistry on Nov. 11.
Between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00
p.m., a group of about 80 dental and
dental hygiene students and faculty
members, provided free tooth decay
examinations, oral cancer screenings,
x-rays, and oral health care tips.
One patient, Ibrahim Carillo of
Saline, told third-year dental student
Lincy George that he heard about
Dental Health Day from a friend. “I
decided to come because I had pain in
one of my teeth, so I thought it would
be helpful to have it checked.”
Among the students participating
was third-year dental student Michael
Hoffman. “I wanted to help out and
to try to give something back to the
community,” he said.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
Graber Award Presented
Jill Bashutski, a periodontics
resident, said she enjoyed participating
in the event.
“It was for a good cause,” she
said. “I know that I, and many others
who participated, got a great sense of
satisfaction from being able to help
those in need.”
Clark Downey, a third-year dental
student who organized the event,
thanked students and faculty for their
participation.
“It was rewarding to see so many
dental and dental hygiene students and
faculty participate in the program,” he
said. “I’m sure all of us who helped
the patients who came here left with
a tremendous amount of satisfaction
being able to help them in some
way.”
Jerry Mastey
Amongseveral staffmemberswhoalsoparticipatedintheevent Dunn’s work was conducted under
was JaneMcDougall, central supplysupervisor, whomadesure the mentorship of Kapila and Dr. William
that everyonehadthesuppliestheyneeded.
D E N T I S T RY
to Dr. Matt Dunn
Dr. Matt Dunn (DDS 2001, MS orthodontics
2006) has been selected to receive the
American Association of Orthodontics’
Thomas Graber Award of Special
Merit.
The award recognizes one of the
top orthodontic related master’s and
doctoral research projects conducted at
universities in the U.S. and Canada.
Dunn will receive the award for
his master’s thesis, “Local Delivery
of Osteoprotegerin for Orthodontic
Anchorage.”
In his studies, Dunn injected a
biomolecule, osteoprotegerin, which
prevents the activation and differentiation
of osteoclasts, near the molars in a rat
orthodontic tooth movement model. He
observed that the anterior movement of
the molars was significantly inhibited by
osteoprotegerin.
According to Dr. Sunil Kapila, chair
of the Department of Orthodontics and
Pediatric Dentistry, the findings have
implications for the maintenance of
anchorage during orthodontics.
“The long-term clinical implications
of these findings are that orthodontists
may be able to use locally administered
osteoprotegerin to prevent molar
movement and, in the process, negate
the need to use headgears or other
anchorage devices,” Kapila said.
Giannobile.
81
 D E N T I S T RY

Woolfolk, Frye, Anderson Receive Ida Gray Award

Keary Campbell

Dr. MarilynWoolfolk, assistant dean

for student services,“hasgone
aboveandbeyondthecall of duty
inreachingout tothosewhoare
underrepresented,”saidDeanPeter
Polverini. “Shehasworkedtohelp
createalearningenvironment that
allowsall memberstorealizetheir
full potential, andcontinuestobe
committedtothevirtuesof inclusion
andfosteringequityanddiversityin
theworkplace.”

Keary Campbell

Three individuals who have

promoted multiculturalism throughout
the School of Dentistry received the Third-year dental student Brent Frey
Ida Gray Award during the School’s wasrecognizedfor hisworkinthe
celebration in January honoring Dr. Detroit areaasacommunityand
Martin Luther King, Jr. Gray was the political activist. Hehasalsobeen
first black woman to graduate from atutor for theHOPEprogramasan
the School of Dentistry and was the undergraduate.
first black female to practice dentistry
in Chicago.
Keary Campbell
S p o n s o re d b y t h e S c h o o l ’ s
Multicultural Affairs Committee, the
award is presented annually to three “Sheisconsistentlysupportiveof
individuals – a faculty member, a andhasabundant knowledgeof
student, and a staff member. diversityissues, especiallyof patients
After presenting the awards, withspecial needs,”Polverini said
Polverini thanked each “for making ashepresentedtheawardtoSchool
librarianPatriciaAnderson.
our School a better place to work and
learn.”

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

82
 STUDENTS

Dental Student Describes IraqExperiences

Philip Estes’ Graduation Postponed for Two Years
Photo courtesy of Phil Estes

He was originally scheduled to

graduate this spring.
However, Philip Estes, who will be
a third-year dental student later this
summer, had to temporarily postpone
his dental school education to serve
with the Michigan Army National
Guard in Iraq.
Called to active duty in September
2004 during the second year of his
predoctoral studies, Estes arrived in
Iraq less than a week before Christmas
following two weeks of training in
Phil Estesstandsalongsideafive-tonfuel tanker truckinnorthwesternIraqenroutetotheSyrianborder.
Kuwait. He was not released from
active duty until December 2005.
During those twelve months Among his responsibilities was during winter it can drop to 30 or 40,”
in Iraq, Estes did not do any dental making sure that about 100 million he said.
work. gallons of fuel reached soldiers in the While serving, Estes said “it meant
Instead, as an Army Major he led a northern part of the country and parts a lot to me to feel the support of my
20-soldier staff that planned missions of western and central Iraq. family, friends, fellow classmates,
for more than 1,400 soldiers in northern “It was a huge mission, especially professors, and colleagues. I continue
Iraq. for a National Guard unit,” he said. “But to be grateful for their support and feel
it was just one of many things we did, very fortunate in being able to continue
100 Million Gallons of Fuel including transportation, maintenance, my dental studies.”
“My mission was to supply vehicle recovery, and more.” Estes will complete the final year
anything the Army needed, move it to During a presentation to students, of his dental education in the spring of
wherever it was needed, and keep all faculty, and staff, Estes showed more 2009.
equipment working,” he said. than 100 photos he had taken while “After leading a staff of twenty
It was no small task. describing the country’s history, with significant responsibilities, I’m
“I had a much bigger role and a geography, culture, and weather. confident those management skills will
considerably bigger job than I thought “We think the weather can get hot be successfully applied in a dental office
I would,” he told students, faculty, and here sometimes, but both in Iraq and setting,” he said.
staff as he described his experiences Kuwait summer temperatures often
and answered questions. reached 140 degrees. By comparison,

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

83
 STUDENTS
First-Year Dental Students Receive White Coats
Members of the Class of 2010
received their white coats welcoming
them into the dental profession during
a ceremony at the Power Center last
fall.
The 106 students, 68 men and 38
women, represent less than five percent
of more than 2,160 who applied for
admission.
Welcoming the students and their
families to the fifth annual ceremony,
Dean Peter Polverini congratulated them
on their admission to the University of
Michigan School of Dentistry and for
reaching “this important milestone in
your lives.”
In his keynote address, Dr. Edwin
Secord, president of the Michigan Dental
Association, told the students that they
were now “part of a select group” and
reminded them that the white coat “is
a symbol of honesty and integrity.”
Obligations to Patients, the
Profession, the Community
As oral health care providers, Secord
reminded them of their obligations to
their patients, the profession, and to the
communities where they will practice
after they graduate.
“You have a responsibility to
provide ethical care to your patients,
that’s your top priority and your moral
obligation as a professional,” he said.
Also saying that “integrity is the
foundation of our profession,” Secord
reminded students of the importance
84
of self-regulation. “This is what
distinguishes us from other professions,”
he said. “By putting on the white coat,
you’re making a commitment to uphold
your profession’s high standards.”
He also challenged students to
become involved in their communities
and with professional dental
organizations at local, state, and
national levels.
Secord also cautioned the students
against complacency. “It’s absolutely
not an option,” he said. “We have
an obligation to become life-long
learners.”
Oral-Systemic Health Link
Dr. Kyle Pullen, an adjunct lecturer
at the School of Dentistry, told students
that they were entering the profession
at an exciting time.
“Few physicians understand how
First-year dental student Daniel Fischer receives his white coat fromfourth-year dental student Jessica Chen during the School’s
annual ceremonylast fall. Callingeachfirst-year student toreceivehis or her whitecoat was BenjaminWickstra(left) Dental Class
of 2007president.
much of an impact oral health can
have on a person’s systemic health,”
he said. “Frequently, serious systemic
problems are discovered by dentists who
then advise the patient to talk to their
physician.”
Pullen told the students, “make
sure you talk to your patients, not at
them, and try to see things from their
perspective.” The best way to get
that perspective, he continued, is, on
occasion, “to be a patient yourself.”
Advising students that they would
not be the same person in four years
that they are now, Pullen said “that
what you get from this outstanding
dental school will be directly related to
what you put into it in terms of your
time and efforts.”
“Your training and learning will be
continuous,” he said. “It will only end
when you retire.”
Keary Campbell
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

Dental Students Cook for 30 at
Ronald McDonald House
Nearly four times as many dental
students volunteered to help than
there were spots available.
Earlier this year, seven members
of the Xi Psi Phi dental fraternity
cooked and served dinner to about
30 residents and staff of the Ronald
McDonald House in Ann Arbor. Since
1974, the Ronald McDonald House has
offered families a home away from
home while their seriously ill children
are treated for various illnesses at
nearby hospitals.
Matthew Martin, president of the
dental fraternity, said the organization
began exploring a number of possible
volunteer activities in the Ann Arbor
area several years ago, including
helping at the Ronald McDonald House.
Dental students whocookedmeals for about 30residents andstaff of theRonaldMcDonaldHouseinAnnArbor were(left toright):
JessicaHongChen, AngieMatthews, SalamSalman,TomSimon, MatthewMartin, BrandonSchultz, andCarolynHong.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
The fraternity has been helping there
for the past three years.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t
accommodate all twenty-five dental
students who volunteered,” Martin
said. “Because of the size of the
kitchen, volunteers were chosen on
a first to reply basis.” The group
prepared foods that included salad,
pasta noodles with meat and marinara
sauce, dinner rolls, and hummus.
Jessica Hong Chen, who led this
year’s efforts, said, “It was a rewarding
experience to be able to serve the
community beyond the dental school.
I would encourage all students to take
time to seek volunteer opportunities
which will enrich their experiences
while in dental school.”
Photo courtesy of Matthew Martin
STUDENTS
Jerry Mastey
Dental Class of ’08
Compiles Cookbook
Dental students have busy lives. In
many cases, there isn’t a lot of time to
prepare a good meal at the end of a long
day.
Kelly Ladd (left) and Jennifer Stolz
were determined to do something about
that and, in the process, involve others.
“Many of my classmates are good
cooks and have good recipes to share,”
said Stolz, a third-year dental student.
“But there are some, like me, who don’t
cook at all, but who want to get started
with a few good recipes.”
With help from other students,
faculty, and staff, the Class of 2008
published a cookbook featuring 160
recipes in six categories. Most of the
recipes, 49, were entrees. Desserts were
a close second with 47 recipes. Others
included: appetizers, 19; soups and
salads, 17; bed and breakfast, 15; and
vegetables, 13.
Dozens of photographs of students
are also included showing them in
various academic, social, recreational,
and athletic activities. Copies of the $12
cookbook are available by e-mailing Stolz
at jstolz@umich.edu or Kelly Ladd at
kpater@umich.edu.
85
 D E N T I S T RY

DentalUM a Hit in China

Rui-Feng Wang

Twice annually, the School of Dentistry’s

alumni magazine, DentalUM, is mailed
to thousands of alumni, both in the U.S.
and around the world.
Last fall, several copies of the
magazine were delivered to parts of
China by a staff member.
Rui-Feng Wang, a lab research
specialist whose story about his decision
to build a pagoda near Beijing was
featured in the Spring & Summer 2006
issue, returned to his homeland to show
the story and photos to family and
friends. The trip was planned months in
advance.
During the visit Wang took the
photos showing his wife Chu-Chiang
Ling Wang pointing out the story to
family and friends at a teahouse prior to
visiting the pagoda.
In the top photo, the Table of
Contents pages are clearly visible.
In the middle photo, she points to
the story.
In the bottom photo, you can see the
illustration on the cover that is above
her left arm.
Wang said family and friends were
surprised and enjoyed reading the
feature. Smiling, he added there was no
truth to the rumor that he was asked
to autograph copies of the magazine for
family and friends.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

86
 A LU M N I

News
Dr. Arthur Van Victor Celebrates 100th Birthday! Ethel (Green)
Burns (DDS 1986) of
Photo courtesy of Dr. Ken May Ypsilanti, Michigan,
Fellow of the American College of is retiring from the
Prosthodontists. Long before cosmetic State of Michigan
dentistry became popular, Dr. Victor Department of
was concerned with the esthetics Corrections after a
of teeth. His work, dealing with 19-year career. Her work included
techniques of fabricating custom- amalgams, composites, complete and
made denture teeth to develop natural partial dentures, endodontics, and
looking replacement teeth for patients, also “became very efficient with oral
has been published in the Journal of surgery,” she wrote. As a supervisor,
Prosthodontic Dentistry. “I was fortunate to chair the Infection
Dean Peter Polverini offered his Control Committee of the Duane Waters
Dr. Arthur Van Victor, who celebrated his 100th birthday in congratulations to Dr. Victor “on a
February, is seen here with Dr. Kenneth May, during last fall’s Hospital, direct dental assistants and
meetingof theKingeryStudyClubinAnnArbor. distinguished career of service to the a hygienist and, during the absence
public and to our profession.” of the director, served in an acting
When Dr. Arthur Van Victor earned his
capacity as regional dental director
dental degree from the University of Josephine Weeden where I was responsible for as many as
Michigan School of Dentistry in 1929, (DDS 1996, MS
five dental clinics.” Burns said she will
Herbert Hoover was president of the orthodontics 1999),
begin a new career as a realtor. “My
United States, and the annual cost of Saline, Michigan,
interest in this area has grown over the
to attend the U-M School of Dentistry is the new president
years. I want to help and educate others
was $1,376. The “annual fee” (tuition) of the Michigan
about how to become homeowners and
was $208 for Michigan residents. Association of
manage property. I’m looking forward
Instruments, and electric engine, books Orthodontists. Her one-year term
to a new adventure.”
and suppliies, and room, board, and as president of the 265-member
laundry were $1,168. organization expires this summer. A Lynne Moseley (DDS 1985) of Beverly
On Feb. 14, 2007, Dr. Victor member of the organization’s Board Hills, Michigan, was named director of
celebrated his 100th birthday with of Directors for the past five years, oral oncology at the Karmanos Cancer
friends in Southfield. According to Weeden is also a member of the School Center in the Detroit Medical Center.
the American Dental Association, the of Dentistry’s Alumni Society Board of She also opened a private practice in
Michigan Dental Association, and the Governors. Southfield, Michigan.
American College of Prosthodontists,
Dr. Victor is the oldest practicing John Hall (DDS 1995, MS periodontics
dentist in the U.S. 1998) of Traverse City, Michigan,
A licensed practicing dentist recently opened an office in Gaylord,
since 1929, Dr. Victor has been a Michigan. In 2005, he was awarded
prosthodontist since the beginning Diplomate status by the American
of the specialty practice and is a Board of Periodontology.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

87
 A LU M N I
News
Craig Misch (DDS
1985) of Sarasota,
Florida, has been
elected to the
Board of Directors
of the Academy of
Osseointegration. He
was also recently appointed to the
editorial board of the Journal of Oral
and Maxillofacial Implants. Misch
recently moved to a new facility
in Sarasota where he specializes in
oral and maxillofacial surgery and
prosthodontics with an emphasis on
implant treatment.
David Feick (DDS 1983) of Franklin,
Tennessee, has been named a senior
instructor with the International
Association for Orthodontics.
Established in the U.S. in 1961, IAO is
the oldest and largest of the national
and international nonspeciality
orthodontic organizations with
programs in education, professional
support, and clinical experience. “I
enjoy helping dentists learn more
about orthodontics or teaching them
how to begin to include orthodontic
care in their practices,” he wrote.
Jane Grover (DDS 1979), dental
director of the Center for Family Health
in Jackson, Michigan, was recently
elected vice president of the American
Dental Association. A member of the
organization’s House of Delegates since
1992, she recently has chaired the
group’s political action committee.
88
James Myers (DDS 1966) of Olympia,
Washington, now owns and operates a
small winery in Olympia. It’s name?
“Medicine Creek Winery.”
Dolores Malvitz (DH certificate
1961) of Decatur, Georgia, received
the Special Merit Award from the
American Association of Public Health
Dentistry. She is branch chief at the
National Center for Chronic Disease
Prevention and Health Promotion at
the CDC in Atlanta.
Dick Shick (DDS
1954, MS 1960) of
Flint, Michigan,
was recently elected
Vice President of the
International College
of Dentists. In 2009,
he will become the first University
of Michigan School of Dentistr y
alumnus to serve as president of the
organization. He served as president
of the group’s USA section in 2001.
Formed to advance the science and
art of dentistry for the public’s health
and welfare, ICD awards fellowships
to dental professionals for their
service to the dental profession and
encourages maintaining and elevating
the profession through the highest
standards of conduct and practice.
Arnold Sarya (DDS
1958) of Traverse City,
Michigan, received the
2006 Distinguished
Service Award from
that city’s Chamber
of Commerce earlier
this year. The award recognizes an
individual who has made outstanding
contributions to the community over
an extended period of time. Sarya’s
son, John, nominated his father for
the award saying, “He has done in
his life what most could only imagine
would take two or more lifetimes.
His commitment to the area has
been far above what most ever think
possible.”
Sarya’s achievements included
building and operating the city’s
first indoor ice rink, Glacier Dome;
funding and building facilities as well
as purchasing equipment for cross
country skiing in the Traverse City
area; serving as a past Governor of
Michigan for Kiwanis; and serving on
numerous boards designed to assist
the community in health, religion, and
healthy family lifestyles.
Arnold Hartz (DDS 1957) of Boynton
Beach, Florida, was featured in a recent
publication of the West Palm Beach
Veterans Medical Center Hospital.
The feature noted his four years of
volunteer work helping medically-
compromised veterans. In a note
accompanying the write-up, Hartz
wrote, “I’m looking forward to our
50-year reunion (at the dental school)
in the fall.”
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
 In Memoriam
’53 Dr. Robert C. Cording Ryan Turner
Ormond Beach, Florida
October 21, 2006 Ryan Turner, a fourth-year dental
student, passed away unexpectedly
’54 Dr. Robert L. Haag January 17. He was 27.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Turner, from Eugene, Oregon,
February 13, 2007
was running on a treadmill at the
’70 Dr. Robert Tisch Central Campus Recreational Building
Plainwell, Michigan when he collapsed. He was taken to
October 1, 2006 the U-M Medical Center and died a
Known throughout the Kalamazoo area short time later. A memorial service was held at the dental school.
for his efforts to get kindergarten and
“Ryan was well known to many students, liked, and respected by
elementary school children to brush their
teeth and reduce their sugar intake, Dr. all,” Dean Peter Polverini said.
Tisch died about seven weeks after a street
in Plainwell was named for him. As a
board member of the Pipp Foundation, Bo Remembered
he helped acquire land for use by a
The death of former University of Michigan football coach Bo
Kalamazoo hospital and other medical
groups. “Having the street named for him Schembechler last November shocked many, including those at
meant the world to him,” said his wife of the School of Dentistry.
37 years, Judy. He retired as a practicing The School has had a relationship with the U-M football
dentist in 2000. program’s coaches and players that began more fifty years ago.
’71 Dr. Wayne Young Dentists from the School have made customized mouth guards
American Fork, Utah for players. That was something Schembechler remembered.
Dr. Young, who practiced in Utah and had As head coach from 1969 to 1989, Schembechler often expressed
11 dentists working in his three offices, his appreciation in letters to Dr. William Godwin, considered
died October 19, 2006. Last summer, he by many to be the father of the customized mouth
traveled on a Russian nuclear-powered guard, and Dr. Leroy Pratt. Below is one
icebreaker to the North Pole. of the letters they received.
’78 Dr. Thomas Slade
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Dr. Slade, who was University of Michigan
quarterback in the 1972 Rose Bowl against
Stanford, died November 12. He was 54.
Slade, who earned his dental degree in
1978, was a clinical instructor for several
years at the School of Dentistry prior to
opening a private practice in Ypsilanti
Township, Michigan. He practiced
full time until early 2006 after he was
diagnosed with leukemia.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

8989
 In Memoriam
Per Kjeldsen
Dr. Major McKinley Ash
Dr. Major McKinley Ash, a world
leader and icon in dentistry, died March
21, 2007 in Scottsdale, Arizona after a
courageous battle with metastatic bone
cancer. He was 85.
Born in Bellaire, Michigan, on
April 7, 1921, to Major McKinley and
Marguerite (Early) Ash, he grew up in
Miami, Florida.
He received a degree in electrical
engineering from the Illinois Institute of
Technology in 1942 and a certification in
physics a year later from the University
of Chicago.
During World War II he became
certified in radar technology from the
U.S. Army Institute repairing radar
that was damaged on the war fronts.
He was seriously wounded during the
Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the
Silver Star, Purple Heart, and the Croix
de Guerre.
Returning from rehabilitation in
Georgia and Florida, he resumed his
education at Michigan State University.
There he met Fayola Foltz whom he
married on September 2, 1947. After
graduating from Emory University
Dental School, they moved to Ann Arbor
where he resided for the rest of his life.
In 1947 Dr. Ash received a Bachelor
of Science degree in chemistry from
MSU. He received his Doctor of Dental
Surgery in 1951 from Emory University
in Georgia and extended his education at
the University of Michigan and earned
a master’s degree in periodontics in
1954. While working for that degree,
90
he was an instructor in periodontics
and oral pathology. He was promoted
to assistant professor in 1956, associate
professor in 1959, and full professor in
1962.
During his distinguished 53-year
career with the U-M School of Dentistry
that began in 1953 and continued after
he retired in 1989, Dr. Ash established a
global reputation as a clinical researcher,
prolific writer, mentor, and professor
extraordinaire.
Active throughout his career with
numerous local, state, national, and
international dental and periodontal
associations, Dr. Ash was a Fellow
with the American College of Dentists
and the International College of
Dentists; a consultant to the Northeast
Regional Dental Boards; the Federation
International Dentaire; the Commission
o n O r a l H e a l t h , Re s e a rc h a n d
Epidemiology; the ADA Council on Dental
Therapeutics; the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration; a member of numerous
honorary societies; President of the
Michigan State Basic Science Board; and
an examiner in pathology for medical,
osteopathic and chiropractic applicants
who wished to practice in Michigan.
He also has been listed for many
years in the Who’s Who in America,
Who’s Who in Science, and Who’s
Who in the World. As part of his
international reputation, he received
an honorary Doctorate of Medicine from
the University Of Bern, Switzerland in
1976.
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

At the University of Michigan,
Dr. Ash founded and chaired the first
occlusion department in the United
States from 1969-1987, directed
the TMJ/Oral Facial Pain Clinic and
Stomatognathic Physiology Laboratory
from 1969-1987 and was a member of
many School of Dentistry committees,
including several appointments to the
Executive Committee. He received the
U-M School of Dentistry’s Distinguished
Service Award in 1992.
Dr. Ash was named the Marcus L.
Ward Professor of Dentistry in 1984.
When he retired he was named Marcus
L. Ward Professor of Dentistry Emeritus,
Professor Emeritus, and Research
Scientist Emeritus in 1989.
Dr. Ash published more than 200
articles in scientific journals and was
well known for his 70 textbooks, some
of which have been published in French,
German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese,
Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Polish.
During his career Dr. Ash also
did field research with the Nubians in
Southern Egypt, developed the first
miniaturized electronic tooth, and was
mentor to over 100 graduate students
which forged friendships that lasted
over the years
As an educator, Dr. Ash developed
and nurtured a passion for writing.
“Writing wasn’t a big part of my life
until I began reviewing graduate
students’ research and reading the
theses they wrote,” he said in a feature
that appeared in the School of Dentistry’s
alumni magazine, DentalUM in 2002. He
said that before personal computers and
word processing software, “I would read
DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007
a paper and, if I thought it didn’t flow
smoothly, I would cut it up, reorganize
it, paste the strips of paper together
with tape, and then ask my secretary to
retype it. When my sons and daughter
were younger, they got a big kick out of
watching me.”
The last fifteen winters were enjoyed
in Scottsdale, Arizona. He continued to
be active as an author, editor, reviewer,
and mentor from both locations. He was
a long time member of the Westminster
Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor.
Dr. Ash’s four children and
five grandchildren have carried on
his tradition of excellence in their
professional lives, dedication to their
spiritual and intellectual undertakings,
and are proud to be a part of an individual
that was in every way a gentleman, a
scholar, and role model.
A memorial service was held April
21, after the Ramfjord Symposium, at
the First Presbyterian Church in Ann
Arbor.
The family requests donations be
made to The Dr. Major Ash Collegiate
Professorship, care of the University of
Michigan School of Dentistry, Office of
Alumni Relations and Development, 540
E. Liberty Street, Suite 204, Ann Arbor, MI
48104-2210. Please make checks payable
to the U-M School of Dentistry. Gifts
may also be made to the Billy Graham
Evangelistic Association.
An extensive feature about Dr.
Ash’s career, and the influence he
had on his children, appeared in the
Spring & Summer 2002 issue of the
School of Dentistry’s alumni magazine,
DentalUM.
From Our Web Site
Below are some of the comments
received about Dr. Major Ash
We used to joke that Dr. Ash had found
Centric Relation and didn’t want to
lose it, and he did have a reputation for
being a tough prof, but I wouldn’t have
missed his classes for anything.
- JoAnnSnider, RDH, BS 1972
I use the knowledge he taught me
about occlusion on a daily basis in
my practive. I will always value his
comments about titrating certain
patients out of ones practice when I
realize I can not help them.
- StevenC. Olsen, DDS 1977
The very best!
- J.T. Stevens, MS Restorative 1976
While attending dental school in South
America, I studied dental morphology
and occlusion from one of his textbooks
translated into Spanish. That book is
now with me, 35 miles north of where
Dr. Ash used to teach at. Dr. Ash’s
legacy is one that transcends borders
and cultures. God bless him and bring
peace and joy to his family. Hail to a
true Victor!
- D.V.P.
I owe Dr. Ash my entire knowledge of
tooth morphology and occlusion. His
death is an irreplaceable loss for the
world of dentistry.
- Dr. Subrata Mukherjee, BDS
Dr. Ashwas a great teacher! His course
onocclusionhas beenvery valuable
tomeas a practicinggeneral dentist.
His teachinghas hada profoundeffect
onmy skills as a dentist. Tothefamily:
pleaseaccept my deepest sympathy
at your loss.
- Dr. NormKatzman, DDS 1973
91
 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 G532,
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078.

Name ___________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________

City ________________________________ State ______ Zip Code __________________

Telephone __________________________Fax (if available) ___________________________

e-mail __________________________________________________________________

Can we use your email address in our publications? ____ Yes ____ No

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 ________
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Specialization __________________________________________________________

News: ___________________________________________________________________

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Get Involved!
_____ I would like to help plan my next reunion.
_____ I would like to be considered for the Alumni Society Board of Governors.

DentalUM Spring & Summer 2007

92
 Homecoming Weekend 2007
Upcoming Continuing Dental
Education Courses Thursday, October 11
Emeritus Pinning Ceremony
Time: 11:30 a.m.
August 3, 2007 (Friday) and August 4, 2007 (Saturday) Location: Room G390
Clinical Update in Pediatric Dentistry
Emeritus Class Picture
Speaker: Dr. Michael Ignelzi Time: Noon
This entertaining and informative course will provide timely and Location: Foyer staircase outside the Sindecuse Museum
practical information for those in any practice who treat children. Emeritus Reunion and Hall of Honor Luncheon
Subjects to be discussed include pulp therapy for primary and younger Time: 1:00 p.m.
permanent teeth, caries risk assessment, the infant and toddler Location: Sindecuse Atrium
visit, and the most commonly found developmental anomalies and
For more information about
Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony
pathology in children.
these and other continuing
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: August 3, Crowne Plaza, 5700 28th St., S.E., Grand Rapids Location: Sindecuse Atrium
dental education courses
August 4, U-M School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor
contact:
University of Michigan
October 5, 2007 (Friday) School of Dentistry
Friday, October 12
Bruised, Broken, and Bedeviled Teeth: Managing Office of Continuing
Morawa Lecture
Traumatic Injuries Dental Education
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
1011 N. University Avenue
Location: Kensington Court Hotel, 610 Hilton Boulevard, Ann Arbor
Speaker: Dr. Anthony DiAngelis Speaker: Bruce J. Crispin (DDS 1972, MS 1975), founder and director,
Professor, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and Chief of Room G508
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078
Esthetic Professionals Dental Education Center, Tarzana, CA
Dentistry, Hennepin County Medical Center
www.dent.umich.edu. Homecoming Dinner Celebration
Learn the most current techniques for treating all manner of traumatic Honoring Dental and Dental Hygiene classes with graduation years
dental injuries as well as the medical and legal implications of dental ending in 2 and 7.
implant surgery. Doors open and registration begins: 6:00 p.m.
Location: U-M School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor Cocktail Reception: 6:00 p.m.
Dinner: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Kensington Court Hotel, 610 Hilton Boulevard, Ann Arbor
October 18, 2007 (Thursday)
Esthetics in Orthodontics: State of the Art
Speaker: Dr. Bjorn Zachrisson Saturday, October 13
Department of Orthodontics, University of Oslo (Norway) Alumni Association Go Blue! Tailgate
Time: 3 hours before kickoff
Learn more about new concepts and guidelines for achieving a
Location: Indoor Track Building
beautiful display of teeth, desirable crown torque variations of canines
and posterior teeth in different facial types, and more. Football Game – University of Michigan vs. Purdue
Location: U-M School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor
Time: Noon
Location: The Big House