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EVANS BUILDING'S $34 MILLION TRANSFORMATION WELL UNDERWAY, NEARING COMPLETION
Entering a New Era AS THE EVANS BUILDING Centennial Renaissance project moves forward, the educational and work environment for our students, faculty, and staff continues to transform. This $34 million renovation to all four levels of the 134,000-square-foot Evans Building has preserved beloved architectural details, while converting teaching and clinical practice spaces to 21st century functionality. When complete, the Evans Building will launch a new era in educational excellence at Penn Dental Medicine, consistent with our charge of being 'second to none.' Three key facilities were expedited for the start of this academic year. They include the new preclinical lab in the lower concourse, the reimagined Leon Levy Library on the second and third floors, and the Edward & Shirley Shils Clinic (a new general restorative teaching clinic) on the first floor (see photos/story, page 8). I am grateful to the team for keeping this project on track for completion by spring of 2017. The aggressive two-year timeline for this project, with no interruption to our clinics or teaching, required the concerted efforts of the entire Penn Dental Medicine community. I extend a special thanks to the many alumni, friends, and industry partners, whose support has made this project possible; and I commend our staff, faculty, and students for their flexibility and help in keeping all of the School's operations running smoothly throughout the construction.
This academic year also brought a number of new initiatives to advance our academic programs and the learning experience for our students — from the growing use of technology in support of a blended learning model to the introduction of new ethics courses and the ongoing implementation of our new curriculum (see story, page 28). We have continued to expand on scholarly activity conducted at Penn Dental Medicine with the addition of Dr. Shuying (Sheri) Yang to the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology this summer. Dr. Yang brings a robust research portfolio in the area of bone development (see story, page 20). This past spring, we also brought faculty and student research together in one special event with our inaugural Research Day — a great reflection of the depth and impact of the School's research efforts. To take part in this new Penn Dental Medicine tradition, please join us for next year's Research Day on May 11, 2017. Thank you for your ongoing support of the School. I look forward to seeing alumni and friends once again at our next Alumni Weekend on May 12-13, 2017. The transformation we have made in all aspects of the School has been remarkable to witness and the quality of our students remains second to none. Now as we look ahead to 2017, I urge everyone to make a special effort to visit the School. So what are you waiting for, an invitation from the Dean?
Denis F. Kinane, BDS, PhD Morton Amsterdam Dean
Evans Building Renaissance
Historic Structure Now State-of-the-Art As Well
On Campus School News in Brief Research Spotlight Translating Science to Practice Faculty Perspective Views on Dental Topics & Trends Academic Update Department/Faculty News & Scholarship Faculty Q&A Sharing Personal & Professional Paths Alumni Highlights Profiles, Gatherings & Engagement
Bone Biology
Recent Recruit Dr. Shuying Yang Explores Bone Development, Remodeling, and Therapies
Academic Initiatives
Penn Dental Medicine Furthers New Aspects in Curriculum, Technology, and Wellness
40 43
Class Notes News from Fellow Alumni
PENN DENTAL MEDICINE JOURNAL: Vol. 13, No. 1 University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine www.dental.upenn.edu
In Memoriam Remembering Members of the Penn Dental Medicine Community
2016/2017 Calendar Upcoming Events & Programs
Dean: Denis F. Kinane, BDS, PhD Senior Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations: Elizabeth Ketterlinus Associate Dean for Leadership Giving: Maren Gaughan Director, Publications: Beth Adams Contributing Writers: Beth Adams, Juliana Delany, Debbie Goldberg, Katherine Unger-Baillie Design: Dyad Communications Photography: Mark Garvin, Peter Olson Printing: The Pearl Group at CRW Graphics Office of Development and Alumni Relations: 215-898-8951
ON THE COVER: The view from the 3rd floor reading area of the Leon Levy Library to the main reading room on the 2nd floor, the centerpiece of which is the original two-story window that bathes the space in natural light. The library's 3rd floor seminar room and carrel room also have windows that overlook the main reading room below.
Penn Dental Medicine Journal is published twice a year by the Office of Communications for the alumni and friends of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. ©2016 by the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Penn Dental Medicine. We would like to get your feedback — address all correspondence to: Beth Adams, Director of Publications, Robert Schattner Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, 240 South 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104–6030, email@example.com.
Penn Dental Medicine to Host 2nd Biennial IAAD Meeting
Penn Dental Medicine will bring together leading researchers and clinicians in the field of adhesive dentistry as it hosts the 2nd Biennial Meeting of the International Academy for Adhesive Dentistry (IAAD), June 16–17, 2017. This two-day event, with the theme "Just bond it!," is being developed under the leadership of Dr. Markus Blatz, Professor and Chair of Preventive & Restorative Sciences, and the current IAAD President. "Dental adhesion (in simplified terms: "bonding"), along with new digital and CAD/CAM technologies, has literally transformed restorative dentistry. It allows us to be less invasive and apply the most esthetic materials, many of which rely on proper cementation and bonding techniques to function in the oral cavity," says Dr. Blatz. "Through the IAAD, we strive to be the international platform for connecting relevant research with excellent clinical care in adhesive dentistry. This philosophy is the main driver for our upcoming meeting, Just bond it!" The "Just bond it!" program will feature a roster of international speakers on a variety of topics within adhesive dentistry, poster sessions on current research, and a corporate scientific forum. In addition, there will be an IAADsponsored consensus conference June 15 on the restoration of endodontically treated teeth. "Our goal with the program is to provide an eclectic mix of leading scientists and world-class clinicians, established authorities in the field, as well as up-and-coming superstars," notes Dr. Blatz. In addition to the speakers, the poster sessions will be an integral part of the meeting, and attendees — both faculty and students — are encouraged to submit an abstract for presentation and judging. Abstracts can be submitted at www.abstractreviewer.com/iaad and accepted abstracts will be published in a special insert of the Journal of Adhesive Dentistry following the meeting. For more information on "Just bond it!" and to register, visit www.iaad2017.org.
By the Numbers: New Students, Recent Grads CLASS OF 2020
make up this 124 students year's freshman class
24 states and 6 countries (Canada, People's Rep. of China, Jamaica, Turkey, South Korea, and Venezuela) are represented 3.7 was the average overall GPA 22 languages — from Arabic to Vietnamese — are spoken by the students 22 different musical instruments played by the students, including many pianists 47 students have relatives who are dentists, 9 with relatives who are Penn Dental Medicine graduates
countries represented in this 30th class of the PASS program
29 foreign-trained dentists (14 women and 15 men) from around the world joined the third-year class at the start of this academic year as part of the PASS program
of the 145-member Class of 2016 went on to postdoctoral study
43% entered specialty practice programs (Endo, OMFS, Oral Med, Ortho, Pain, Perio, and Pros) 19% entered general practice or AEGD residencies 4% entered postdoctoral study in the military 30% pursued general practice 3% entered practice within the U.S. military 1% entered public health roles
PENN DENTAL WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS PENN DENTAL MEDICINE has added three new members to its Board of Overseers, welcoming Dr. Anne Koch (D'77, GD'93), Dr. Anne Klamar, and Vincent Mosimann. Their respective nominations to three-year renewable terms were approved at the June meeting of the University of Pennsylvania Board of Trustees. Dr. Anne Koch of West Yarmouth, Mass., is a Penn Dental Medicine alumna, having earned both her DMD and postdoctoral certificate in endodontics here. After completing her DMD, Dr. Koch began her dental career in the military, serving in Japan, Korea, and at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. An accomplished clinician and educator, she was the founding director of the postdoctoral endodontics program at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Koch holds several patents for treatment techniques in the field of endodontics, and in 2001, she started Real World Endo, a continuing education company focused on endodontic treatment techniques and Dr. Anne Koch technologies. Since 2013, she has been President and CEO of Koch Consulting and Management LLC. Also joining the Board of Overseers is Dr. Anne Klamar, Chair of the Board of Midmark Corporation, a leading manufacturer of medical, dental, and veterinary equipment solutions, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. Before recently transitioning to Board Chairman, Dr. Klamar led Midmark since 2000 as President and CEO, successfully integrating eight acquisitions and one divestiture during her tenure and restructuring the company several times in response to market needs. Prior to serving as President/CEO, she was Medical Director and Board Secretary at Midmark. Dr. Klamar holds an MD from Ohio State University College of Dr. Anne Klamar Medicine and practiced family medicine in an underserved area of rural Ohio before joining Midmark. Dr. Klamar is Past Chair and Co-founder of Professional Women in Healthcare, a nationwide organization of women in the healthcare market dedicated to furthering women's careers through mentoring, education, and networking. She presently also serves on the University of Dayton Board of Trustees and Executive Committee. And also bringing a business and global perspective to the Board is Vincent Mosimann, President and Chairman of the Board of Bien-Air Holding SA, a privately held medical instrument manufacturer based in Bienne, Switzerland. This family-owned company, founded in 1959 by Mosimann's father, has grown to be a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of specialized dental and microsurgical instruments, known for the efficiency and quality of its products. In 2001, a new division of the company, Bien-Air Surgery, was formed. This division develops products for ENT, neuro, spine and facial plastic surgery. Both Vincent Mosimann companies are focused on advancing the company's vision by providing highly adapted products in their respective markets. Bien-Air products are distributed through its subsidiaries and retailers worldwide. "We are thrilled to have Dr. Klamar, Dr. Koch, and Mr. Mosimann join the Board of Overseers," says Penn Dental Medicine Dean Denis Kinane. "They bring tremendous experience and knowledge that will greatly support the goals and mission of the School." The Penn Dental Medicine Board of Overseers provides volunteer leadership to the School and acts as a sounding board and advisory resource for the Dean and other administrative leaders, stewarding the missions of both the School and the University.
Board Honors Dean Kinane
The Penn Dental Medicine Board of Overseers hosted a surprise celebration for Dean Denis Kinane to recognize the accomplishments of his first term as Dean and to celebrate his reappointment to a second term. The event was held at The Logan in Philadelphia following the June 15 meeting of the Board of Overseers. Dean Kinane was appointed to a second term in June 2015 and will serve through June 2021. The Board donned tartan sashes and scarves to celebrate Dean Kinane's Scottish heritage.
2016 Straumann Fellow
A passion for basic science, research, and patient care drives this new DScD, Periodontics resident as she begins her study at Penn Dental Medicine. DR. ZAHRA CHINIPARDAZ'S interest in dentistry began early and ran deep. "Everyone has a dream," says the periodontics resident and Doctor of Science in Dentistry (DScD) candidate, who started her postdoctoral studies at Penn Dental Medicine this summer. "I always dreamed of being a dentist." A native of Tehran, she spent four years in England as a child before returning to her homeland. Upon completing high school there, she enrolled in the School of Dentistry at Tehran University of Medical Science, a six-year program that includes both college and dental school. In her second year, Dr. Chinipardaz decided to combine her dental degree with a master's in public health, eventually defending her dissertation, "Designing and evaluating a course in oral health promotion for patients with disability for senior dental students," which combined elements of both fields. Her dual background gives her a unique perspective on patient health. "As a dentist, I have been trained to be passionate, expect the unexpected, and be caring and empathetic," she says. "As a public health specialist, I have been taught to investigate problems objectively and methodically."
A PRESTIGIOUS AND GENEROUS FELLOWSHIP It is this holistic background, combined with her passions for science, research, and teaching, which made Dr. Chinipardaz an ideal candidate for the Straumann Fellowship, a multi-year award offered through the Penn Dental Medicine Department of Periodontics and funded by The Straumann Group, the Swiss-headquartered company that provides implant, restorative, and regenerative dentistry products and services to dentists and dental laboratories around the world. The fellowship, established to attract and support candidates interested in academic dentistry, is offered to a postdoctoral periodontics student who chooses to pursue a combined periodontics certificate and researchfocused DScD degree and plans a career in academia in the United States. Dr. Chinipardaz recently learned that she is the second Penn Dental recipient of the fellowship, which will provide $25,000 per year in scholarship money for three years as she works toward the completion of her degree. Last year's Straumann Fellowship recipient — Penn Dental Medicine's first — was Dr. Kang Ko (D '15, GD '18).
Drawn to Penn Dental Medicine for its complete and comprehensive educational program, which offered her the ability "to do training and research simultaneously, in the same building," Dr. Chinipardaz has been impressed by the quality of the School's clinics and its outstanding faculty. "I feel so honored to work with them," she says. In particular, the specialty of periodontics attracted her because she feels it is one of the dental specialties that requires great command of basic science and provides myriad opportunities to apply research, two areas that interest her intensely. "I believe that to be a great periodontist, I need to fully understand the science behind the specialty, and that is both a challenge and a passion for me," she says. "There are so many fascinating aspects to periodontics, including surgery." She recently began her lab rotation and is interested in focusing on immunology and oral biology. Her research interests are many and include implant dentistry, the use of lasers in dentistry, periodontal regeneration, stem cells in periodontics, and medical education. Prior to coming to Penn Dental Medicine, she published extensively in medical and dental journals, with a focus on dental student education, and was a frequent speaker at conferences in Iran and elsewhere. What does the future look like for this accomplished dentist? She pictures her career to be as multi-faceted as her education. She hopes to continue to carry out research and practice periodontics in a university setting — and, of course, to teach: "I would like to help pass the torch to the next generation."
"I believe that to be a great periodontist, I need to fully understand the science behind the specialty." — DR. ZAHRA CHINIPARDAZ (GD '21)
New Research Fund to Support Dental Hygiene Scholars
There is a new resource at Penn Dental Medicine for research involving dental hygienists with the formation of the Dental Hygiene Research & Innovation Fund. The Fund was established this past spring through a gift from a dental hygiene alumna of Penn Dental Medicine with the goal of continuing to maintain a dental hygiene presence within the School and advancing the profession. While Penn Dental Medicine no longer has a dental hygiene program, many of the 1,600 dental hygiene alumni retain strong ties to the School, and Penn Dental Medicine remains committed to partnering with alumni and dental hygiene colleagues in the profession to pursue the common goals of health promotion, disease prevention, improving access to care, and advancing evidence-based research. Through the Fund, dental hygienists can become a Dental Hygiene Scholar at Penn Dental Medicine, participating in one of the School's current research projects. The Fund will provide a stipend to the Scholar for 6 to 12 months, depending on the nature of the study, and will contribute to the cost of mounting the research project. "In creating this Fund, Penn Dental Medicine is issuing a call to action to our faculty to explore the many ways dental hygienists contribute to patient wellbeing and can be partners in improving dental practice and outcomes," says Dr. Joan Gluch, Division Chief and Professor of Clinical Community Oral Health at Penn Dental Medicine, who is coordinating the identification of research projects and Scholars. "Presently, we are connecting with dental hygiene programs in the area to make them aware of this opportunity for their students and also identifying research projects within the School," explains Dr. Gluch. It is anticipated that the first Dental Hygiene Scholar will be starting at Penn Dental Medicine by January 2017. "This will be a valuable resource for the School's research efforts and a great learning opportunity for the Scholars." To support the Fund, visit www.dental.upenn.edu/hygienescholars. For more information on becoming a Dental Hygiene Scholar, contact Dr. Joan Gluch, email@example.com.
NIH MERIT Award
Dr. George Hajishengallis, Thomas W. Evans Centennial Professor in Penn Dental Medicine's Department of Microbiology, has received a MERIT (Method to Extend Research in Time) Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to continue to build on his research in the areas of inflammation and periodontal disease. The highly selective MERIT Awards are designed to give stable, longterm support to scientists whose research skills and productivity are viewed by the NIH as "distinctly superior" and who are highly likely to continue to perform in an outstanding manner. Candidates are nominated by NIH program staff and advisory council members during the course of review of regular competing research grant applications. Less than 5 percent of NIH-funded researchers across all disciplines are selected for MERIT Awards. Through the MERIT Award, Dr. Hajishengallis will receive $4 million over 10 years for a project titled "Local endogenous regulators of functional immune plasticity in the periodontium." The MERIT Award's long-term support allows recipients to pursue their research without the burden of devoting time and staff resources to the complex grant renewal process that would normally occur after five years. Earlier studies from the Hajishengallis lab identified a protein, designated Del-1, that is expressed by periodontal tissue cells and can prevent inflammation and periodontitis in preclinical models. The MERIT Award project will investigate the hypothesis that Del-1 additionally promotes the resolution of periodontal inflammation and supports the restoration of tissue integrity after an inflammatory insult. "If successful, this program can pave the way to a new class of endogenous therapeutic molecules that can both block destructive inflammation and accelerate reconstitution of tissue integrity for treating periodontitis and possibly other inflammatory disorders," notes Dr. Hajishengallis.
News from the Friends of the Thomas W. Evans Collection
The Friends of the Thomas W. Evans Collection was formed earlier this year to ensure the ongoing preservation and display of the Evans Collection of paintings, decorative arts, books, photographs, and correspondence for the enjoyment of the Penn Dental Medicine community. On Friday, May 13, as part of Alumni Weekend 2016, leaders of the Friends group, including Dr. Peter Quinn (D'74, GD'78), Dr. Gary Cohen, and Dr. Mark Nestor (D'87, GD'88), welcomed more than 75 guests to a "reveal" of Penn Dental Medicine's newly renovated Leon Levy Library within the Evans Building. A highlight of the event was the debut of a rare book exhibit from the Evans Collection. Originally on view in the Evans Building museum, Dr. Evans' voluminous collection of rare works on the history of dentistry was transferred in the 1990s to Penn's Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts. A selection of the books was on loan from the Kislak Center for a three-month display (May–July, 2016) in the new library. The exhibit included some of the earliest works ever published on dentistry, including the anonymous German Artzney Buchlien wider allerlei Kranckeyten und Gebrechen der Tzeen (1520). This Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth was the first European book devoted entirely to dentistry. Written for barbers and surgeons who treated the mouth, it covers practical topics, such as oral hygiene, tooth extraction, drilling teeth, and placement of gold fillings. The exhibit also featured Joseph Hurlock's A Practical Treatise Upon Dentition (1742), the first book published on dentistry in English. As a whole, the Evans Collection documents the history of dentistry as it transformed from a lowly unregulated status to full acceptance as a profession at the turn of the twentieth century. Future exhibits will display selections from Dr. Evans' collection of rare Bibles, his journal, papers, and photographs of his royal clients. To join the Friends of the Thomas W. Evans Collection, visit www.dental.upenn.edu/ friendsofevans or contact Elizabeth Ketterlinus at 215–898–3328.
Student Arts Magazine Debuts Showcasing the host of artistic talent among Penn Dental Medicine students, the student-organized Art Society of Penn Dental debuted the first edition of its arts magazine, Canvas, this past spring. The 44-page digital publication featured work that ranged from jewelry, sculpture, and hand-blown glass to drawings, paintings, and photography. "Our goal is to promote art and creativity among the Penn Dental Medicine community and allow students with similar interests to interact and share their work," says Adina Minkowitz (D'17), the founder of the Art Society and designer of the magazine, whose own artistic pursuits include graphic design and photography. She and co-president Avi Benshirit (D'17) formed the student group in 2014, and they hope to publish the second edition of Canvas in the spring of 2017. "Art provides a healthy way to de-stress. Our aim is to uncover all those artists and art appreciators at the School and provide a forum for them to self-express." The Art Society invited the entire Penn Dental Medicine student body to submit work for inclusion in Canvas, and this year, Minkowitz notes that they are looking to expand the magazine to possibly include faculty, alumni, and staff work as well. Canvas is viewable online at www.dental. upenn.edu/canvas2016. For the 2017 edition, the group may try to raise funds to also create a print version. And looking ahead to the Art Society's other plans for this academic year, Minkowitz adds that they are thinking about a possible end-of-year art show. If interested in submitting work or sponsoring Canvas, contact the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at alumnifeedback@ dental.upenn.edu, 215–898–8951.
Mentorship Program Paving Path to Higher Education, Dental Career This summer, through Penn's Summer Mentorship Program (SMP), Penn Dental Medicine entered its tenth year of helping high school students around Philadelphia broaden their horizons and realize the potential a dental career has to offer. In the summer of 2010, Melanie Grajales (D'20) came to Penn Dental Medicine as a high school student through the SMP; this summer, she came back as part of the freshman class of DMD students. Melanie credits her SMP experience as the primary reason she is pursuing a degree at Penn Dental Medicine today, as does her younger sister, Lizette (a sophomore this year in the School of Arts & Sciences) on her own successful path to Penn. Penn Dental Medicine has been participating in the SMP since its launch in 2006, welcoming 10 or 11 students to the School each summer to learn about career opportunities within dental medicine. Administered out of the Division of the Vice Provost for University Life, the SMP aims to inspire first-generation and minority students to view higher education as an achievable goal. Participants choose among Penn's professional programs — dentistry, medicine, law, engineering, and nursing — for their SMP experience. Dr. Beverley Crawford, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, oversees the SMP at Penn Dental Medicine. Melanie and her sister grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and are both first-generation college students; Melanie earned her bachelor's degree at Lehigh University before entering Penn Dental Medicine. Both sisters participated in the SMP at Penn Dental Medicine the summer before their junior years in high school. For four weeks, SMP participants are exposed to lectures and hands-on experiences as well as one-on-one sessions with dental faculty, students, and staff. It also includes intensive SAT preparation (provided by Kaplan), writing workshops, and instruction in personal finance. The sisters also participated in an academic year of the program out of the Vice Provost's Office called STEMMP (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Mentoring Program), which provides assistance in navigating the college application process.
Since 2009, 92% of the 276 SMP alumni are either currently enrolled at or have graduated from a postsecondary institution, and a total of 21 SMP alumni are either currently enrolled at or have graduated from the University of Pennsylvania.
"I don't think we noticed until recently that it [SMP] was a really life-changing program," says Lizette. "We probably wouldn't be where we are today without it." Dr. Crawford remembers both Melanie and Lizette as committed and hard working.
Penn Dental Medicine views the SMP as part of the pipeline efforts to increase diversity within the dental profession and make it more representative of the total population. "Exposure is essential to create a pathway for young people to experience the dental profession," notes Dr. Crawford, "and equally important are scholarship opportunities. Tuition costs are high and competition is fierce, so scholarships are a vital part of successful recruitment." To help build scholarship resources, Penn Dental Medicine has established a million-dollar fundraising challenge in partnership with Henry Schein, Inc. to create dedicated funding for diversity scholarships in perpetuity. "Introducing students to the dental profession at a young age and setting their sights on an education that can be financially
"One of the things this program does best is introduce kids from public high schools in Philadelphia to the possibility of attending college, and the possibility of becoming doctors and dentists." — MELANIE GRAJALES (D'20) "Pipeline programs such as the Summer Mentorship Program are essential to bring students who would not normally consider careers in the health professions to the realization that they are needed and can accomplish their goals," says Dr. Crawford. Melanie agrees. "One of the things this program does best is introduce kids from public high schools in Philadelphia to the possibility of attending college, and the possibility of becoming doctors and dentists," she says.
achievable are the first steps to growing this important part of the professional community," adds Dr. Crawford. For information on supporting the diversity scholarships $1M challenge and the growth of diversity recruitment programs, contact Maren Gaughan, Associate Dean for Leadership Giving, firstname.lastname@example.com, 215–898–8952.
EVANS BUILDING RENAISSANCE HISTORIC STRUCTURE NOW STATE-OF-THE-ART AS WELL AS PENN DENTAL MEDICINE'S iconic Thomas Evans Building marked its 100th Anniversary in 2015, the School launched the Evans Building Centennial Renaissance project to create a state-of-the-art facility throughout. Now, just under two years later, that transformation is well underway and nearing completion.
OPPOSITE: The new preclinical lab (top) in the Evans lower concourse features 90 work stations, each with a retractable simulation unit. The new library space includes a casual reading area on the 3rd floor (middle), and the building's original windows line the west wing of the Edward & Shirley Shils Clinic on the 1st floor (bottom).
While many parts of this landmark structure have been refurbished more than once over its history, this project is the building's largest renovation ever. The $34 million project is impacting every floor of the Evans Building, changing and updating the use and flow of most areas, while fundamentally preserving beloved architectural details. "Our guiding principle with the Evans Building renovation has been to create a facility that supports the highest-quality dental education for which Penn Dental has always been known and respected," says Morton Amsterdam Dean Denis Kinane. "This has been a strategic priority for the School, and it is exciting to see it come to fruition through the support of many faculty, staff, students, alumni, and industry partners. In addition, it has been remarkable how we as a school have continued to execute our teaching, research, and clinical activities all through this major
disruption. A less obvious but extremely critical element was the complete rebuilding of the air conditioning system, the building utilities, and much infrastructure." Along with these infrastructure updates, the project's key components include a new preclinical lab and continuing education (CE) training center on the lower concourse of the building; a new, modern clinic (the Edward & Shirley Shils Clinic) on the first floor; and a reimagined Leon Levy Library, occupying the second and third floors. On the pages that follow are photo highlights of these new spaces — all of which were open and operational for the start of this academic year. The remaining elements of the renovation are at varying stages of construction with the entire project presently on schedule for completion by early 2017. In addition, much of the more than 130 pieces of art and artifacts that have been conserved and restored from the Thomas Evans Collection are being incorporated into the public spaces throughout the Evans Building. The Evans Renaissance project is ushering the building, and indeed the entire School, into a new era.
he new preclinical lab and CE training center in the Evans Building lower concourse is truly a high-tech learning environment; it opened its doors for student instruction on August 29. This state-of-the-art facility features 90 student workstations, each with a retractable simulation unit that is fully outfitted with dental equipment and designed to replicate the spatial dynamics of a clinical setting. Each space also has a computer monitor for instructional videos and streaming of live demonstrations, and there are four, 80-inch, high-definition displays in the lab for viewing videos and live demonstrations as well. A teaching station on the east side of the lab features a high-resolution, ceiling-mounted, pan-tilt-zoom camera for viewing the instructor and the instructor's simulation manikin, while there also is a specialized
dental camera on the instructor's dental light for demonstrating close-up details in the manikin mouth. Other audio visual capabilities enable students to collaborate wirelessly within groups using a new software-based collaboration device with any of the four, large high-definition displays. In addition, there are recorders for capturing demonstrations for future playback and video conferencing capabilities for connecting with remote users. The original windows were exposed on three sides of the lab space and provide natural light around the teaching station. This space and its technology will also be used for hands-on continuing education programs. "With our new preclinical lab, wet lab, advanced simulation, and educational media facilities, we are truly moving our preclinical education into the 21st century," says Dr.
Margrit Maggio, Director of Preclinical Dentistry and Director of Advanced Simulation. The other new spaces in the lower concourse will include new seminar rooms, lockers and shower rooms, a student lounge, and the Office of Academic Affairs & Student Life, creating a floor fully devoted to student activities and student support.
ABOVE: The teaching station on the east side of the preclinical lab in the Evans lower concourse. LEFT: Each station includes a monitor for viewing instructional videos and streaming of live demonstrations with 4, 80-inch monitors (bottom, right) situated on the clinic walls for doing the same.
LEON LEVY LIBRARY H istory combines with the needs of today's students in the reimagined Leon Levy Library. This dramatic two-story space on the second and third floors of the Evans Building debuted in May during Alumni Weekend 2016. The regal reading room on the second floor occupies the space where the library was originally located and includes the circulation desk and computer stations along with the reading area. The centerpiece of the room is the original candelabra and the architecturally stunning two-story window that bathes this room in natural light and creates a bright environment in those library rooms on the third floor, which overlook the reading room. These spaces include an open, airy reading area with casual seating; a seminar
room outfitted with a conference table and large display monitor; and a study carrel room featuring nine carrels. Also on this floor is a series of small group study rooms, each with a large display monitor. In keeping with library trends, this reimagined library contains far fewer books and many more digital resources, and is open 24 hours a day to accommodate student schedules. A highlight on both levels of the library is the incorporation of some of the Second Empire paintings and decorative arts from the Thomas Evans Collection, pieces that were collected by Dr. Evans over his lifetime as the dentist to Napoleon III and other 19th-century royalty. This art was originally displayed in the Thomas W. Evans Museum that was part of the Evans Building when constructed in 1915.
This new library space, combined with the School's rich history, is already making a powerful impression on prospective students, with many recent DMD and specialty admissions candidates remarking on the unique history of Penn Dental Medicine. New administrative offices are also located on the west wing of the third floor, and faculty and staff offices occupy the previously renovated east wing of this floor.
ABOVE & RIGHT: (top and bottom, left) Main reading room on 2nd floor Evans. RIGHT: (top and bottom, right) 3rd floor reading area overlooks 2nd floor main reading room on one side and grand stairwell leading to the Main Clinic on the other; (middle, right) small group study rooms.
EDWARD & SHIRLEY SHILS CLINIC T he centerpiece of the first floor will be the Edward & Shirley Shils Clinic, a modern, predoctoral teaching clinic situated in the southwest section of the Evans Building. The majority of this 54-chair facility opened for operation in early September. The clinic is outfitted with state-of-theart equipment and patient care technologies and is designed to maximize patient privacy and comfort. The clinic is situated to facilitate a direct, convenient path for patients from the registration area in the Robert Schattner Center. The building's original windows, lining the west side of the building, bathe that section with natural light, as will those along Spruce Street when construction is complete.
"This new facility is bringing our teaching clinics to the most advanced level, preparing our students for the demands of an ever-changing profession, while giving our patients access to the highest-level patient care in a modern, state-of-the-art clinical setting," says Dr. Markus Blatz, Chairman of Preventive & Restorative Sciences. Both the final third of the Shils Clinic and the executive administration office suite, where the Myers Clinic had been, are being completed. A café for patients, faculty, staff, and students is also in the final phase of the first floor renovations. "This renovation has been necessarily expensive and long overdue," says Dean Kinane, "but given the history of our School and the 'second to none' challenge laid down
by Evans, we were delighted as a school and alumni body, to step up to this challenge." With the remaining work of the Evans Renaissance project on track for completion early next year, 2017 will commence a new era for Penn Dental Medicine.
ABOVE: The Edward & Shirley Shils Clinic on 1st floor Evans is a new predoctoral teaching clinic. LEFT: (top, left) the dispensing area; (right middle, bottom left) the reception desk; (bottom, right) operatories in the clinic's west wing are bathed in natural light from the building's original windows.
Research Day 2016 Spotlights both Faculty, Student Research PENN DENTAL MEDICINE brought faculty and students together to share their research activities with one another and spotlight the depth of the School's research enterprise at Research Day 2016, held May 12 at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. This was the first year for a combined student and faculty research event, which created a venue for attendees to learn about research being conducted throughout the Penn Dental Medicine community. "We felt that with the great research successes over the last years, it was time to celebrate and showcase the School's research in a more inclusive and complete manner," says Dr. Markus Blatz, Professor and Chair of Restorative Dentistry and Co-Chair of the Research Day 2016 Committee. "Penn Dental Medicine Research Day now embraces all aspects and levels of research activities in the School, showcasing the great accomplishments to all our faculty, students, residents, alumni, and industry partners." The day included a program of presentations by faculty and two invited keynote
speakers, along with 126 poster presentations, representing DMD-student, postdoctoral-candidate, and faculty research. Presenting faculty highlighted recent high-impact publications in both the basic and clinical sciences and included
Microbiology; "C. albicans and S. mutans: a synergistic cross-kingdom alliance involved in early childhood caries" by Dr. Michel Koo, Professor, Dept. of Orthodontics and Divs. of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health; "Hybrid degradation pathways are necessary for the clearance of intracellular debris in the maintenance of visual function" by Dr. Kathleen Boesze-Battaglia, Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry; and "Basis and consequences of periodontal disease susceptibility" by Dean Denis Kinane, Professor, Depts. of Periodontics and Pathology. Invited keynote speakers were Dr. Thomas Wynn, Senior Investigator and Chief of the Immunopathogenesis Section of the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases within the NIH/NIAID, speaking on "Molecular and Immunological Mechanisms of Fibrosis" and Dr. Irena Sailer, Head of the Division of Fixed Prosthodontics and Occlusion, University of Geneva, who talked on "Veneered or Monolithic? New Concepts in Restorative Dentistry." A strong representation of the current research throughout the School was featured in the poster presentations, which along with faculty and postdoctoral-candidate posters, included 98 student projects from the Summer
"Students, research assistants, and postdocs can find techniques and approaches that their research neighbors are using and get help in applying them to their own work." — DR. DANA GRAVES "Oral delivery of protein drugs bioencapsulated in plant cells – clinical translational studies" by Dr. Henry Daniell, Professor and Interim Chair, Dept. of Biochemistry; "Epithelium regulates connective tissue wound healing mediated by FOXO1" by Dr. Dana Graves, Professor and Interim Chair, Dept. of Periodontics; "DEL-1 restrains osteoclastogenesis and inhibits inflammatory bone loss in nonhuman primates" by Dr. George Hajishengallis, Professor, Dept. of
Research Program, the School's five honors programs (research, community health, clinical, oral medicine, and radiological sciences), and the Bridging the Gaps community-internship program. A faculty panel judged the Summer Research Program and Bridging the Gaps posters, presenting first through third-place awards from each group. The 2016 Joseph and Josephine Rabinowitz Award for Excellence in Research was also presented.
In addition, student and young investigator research was recognized with the selection of 10 DMD students as recipients of the 2016 AADR Travel Grants and six individuals representing Master of Science in Oral Biology and Doctor of Science in Dentistry residents and junior investigators. The AADR Travel Grant program was launched by Penn Dental Medicine in 2014 to build opportunities to advance ongoing research and leadership among students and junior researchers; this year's recipients will attend and be encouraged to present their work at the 2107 IADR/AADR/CADR General Session to be held in San Francisco in March. An event like Research Day can help advance research within the School in a number of ways, notes Dr. Dana Graves, Vice Dean for Research and Scholarship. "Research Day is a wonderful opportunity for faculty to learn what is being done in other labs that could lead to future joint projects," says Dr. Graves. "In addition, students, research assistants, and postdocs can find techniques and approaches that their research neighbors are using and get help in applying them to their own work. It's a great day of exchange." Research Day 2017 will be held May 11, leading into Alumni Weekend 2017, May 12–13. "We encourage alumni to join us," adds Dr. Michel Koo, Co-Chair of the Research Day 2016 Committee. "It is a unique opportunity to hear about research across all disciplines at Penn Dental."
Rabinowitz Award The Joseph and Josephine Rabinowitz Award for Excellence in Research is presented annually to Penn Dental Medicine investigators. The endowed award was established by the Rabinowitz family in 2002 to support and encourage independent research. This year's award recipients, presented at Research Day 2016 include: Dr. Manju Benakanakere, Research Assistant Professor, Dept. of Periodontics The goal of Dr. Benakanakere's project is to develop nanoparticle-based strategies for HPV-associated oral squamous cell carcinoma treatment. Nanoparticles will be engineered to covalently link a monoclonal antibody to specifically target cancer cells, but not healthy cells. He will test the efficacy of engineered nanoparticles in a humanized mouse model of HPV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Dr. Baomei Wang, Senior Research Investigator, Dept. of Microbiology Innate lymphoid cells are found at mucosal surfaces of the body, where they regulate immunity, inflammation, and tissue repair. The goal of Dr. Wang's project is to understand the role of innate lymphoid cells in inflammatory diseases associated with a major immune deficiency (leukocyte adhesion deficiency) and develop rational therapeutic approaches.
Summer Research Program Winning Posters Following are highlights of the winning research posters awarded at Research Day 2016 to students who participated in the 2015 Summer Research Program.
Inflammation Alters Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Cause Connective Tissue Anomalies Anh Thieu Nguyen (D'18) was awarded first place for this study, conducted with preceptors Dr. Dana Graves, Professor and Interim Chair, Dept. of Periodontics, and Dr. Kang Ko (D'15, GD'18) Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of differentiating into cells that form bone, cartilage, skin, and more. While it is known that inflammatory signaling affects MSCs, its impact in development is not known. This study was designed to examine the impact of inflammation on MSCs during development. Mice bred with a mutation that blocked MSCs from responding to inflammation showed a small, but statistically significant decrease in bone lengths (tibia, ulna, and humerus). Interestingly, they had a significant thickening of the connective tissue layer of the skin with a corresponding decrease in the underlying fat tissue layer. It was concluded that inflammatory signals during development play a role in regulating MSCs and proper development of skin and the underlying fat layer in adult mice. This suggests a novel mechanism in which inflammation favors formation of fat tissue (adipogenesis), while inhibiting formation of dense connective tissue (fibrogenesis).
RESEARCHSPOTLIGHT Autophagy in Response to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and LtxA Nishat Shahabuddin (D'18) was awarded second place for this study, conducted with preceptors Dr. Edward Lally, Professor, Dept. of Pathology; Dr. Kathleen Boesze-Battaglia, Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry Localized Aggressive Periodontitis (LAP) is a form of periodontal disease that affects young patients, producing bone and attachment loss around the permanent incisors and first molars. It is strongly associated with certain clones of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and its major virulence factor, a 114kDa cytotoxin (leukotoxin, LtxA). Our studies demonstrated a robust, reproducible immune response to LtxA in individuals with LAP compared to periodontally healthy individuals. In addition, in vitro studies showed that Aa, like other oral pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), modulates autophagy, the process of intracellular recycling. Persistent Infection of Oral Mesenchymal Stem Cells by KSHV and its Role in Kaposi's Sarcoma Development Ross Rosenblatt (D'18) was awarded third place for this study, conducted with preceptor Dr. Yan Yuan, Professor, Dept. of Microbiology The oral cavity is the first site that Kaposi's Sarcoma Herpes Virus (KSHV) manifests, but it is not clear which cells KSHV initially infects within the mouth. The Yuan lab hypothesizes that KSHV first infects mesenchymal stem cells. By isolating the virus and infecting human oral mesenchymal stem cells, such as periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs,) the Yuan lab hopes to prove that KSHV infects human mesenchymal stem cells and uses these cells as a reservoir during infection. Having a greater understanding of how KSHV works would not only be significant in understanding this AIDS-associated malignancy, but it would also prove useful in future treatment and management of the disease. Initial results are encouraging.
As the first place winner, Nguyen presented his research as part of the Student Clinician Research Program of the ADA during the ADA 2016 meeting in Denver. And both Shahabuddin and Rosenblatt presented their projects at the 2016 Hinman Student Research Symposium, held in Memphis, Tenn.
Bridging the Gaps Project Winners
Following are highlights of the winning project posters awarded at Research Day 2016 to students who participated in the 2015 Bridging the Gaps community-internship program.
Health Federation Early Head Start Program Rebecca Dresner (D'18) was awarded first place for her project at Health Federation Early Head Start Program with Britainy Stephens, Penn's School of Social Policy & Practice As part of the Early Head Start Program team for the summer, Dresner and Stephens collaborated on developing a variety of information sessions, addressing the topics of mental health, postpartum depression, oral health, dentistry, and vaccination. They also created an interactive poster on maternal and infant cardiovascular health and participated in fireand-safety and child-abuse-reporting trainings, creating a "disaster preparedness" video for the Health Federation website and planning a mock drill. In addition, they developed and administered CPR and first aid surveys of the Health Federation families. As a dental student, Dresner also assisted in providing dental screenings and advised parents on oral health. Comprehensive Care in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease Matthew Breglio (D'18) was awarded second place for his project at the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter with Sofia Commito, Penn's School of Social Policy and Practice Breglio and Commito, in coordination with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America/ Philadelphia Delaware Valley Chapter, completed a six-month pilot program in partnership with United Healthcare (UHC). The program,
known as the "CARES Program," was designed to provide an intensive disease-specific intervention to improve health outcomes, and by association, reduce the medical expenses of an identified cohort of UHC members with sickle cell disease. The interns made home visits to patients, participated in exit interviews, and worked with the medical director to gather and organize data in both the field and within the healthcare system. Their data demonstrated that the pilot program successfully saved more than $100,000 in medical expenses, while substantially improving the quality of care provided to the members of the sickle cell cohort. Beauty is More Than Skin Deep: A Day of Pampering and Women's Wellness Meghan Pandya (D'18) was awarded third place for her project at Sayre Health Center with Casey Baginski, Penn's School of Social Policy and Practice & Master of Public Health Program The goal of their project was two-fold — to reduce unplanned pregnancy by providing information about contraceptive methods and to make women aware of the community services available to support healthy pregnancy and child development. As a means of sharing this information in a fun and appealing way, Pandya and Baginski hosted a spa day and wellness event to engage young women of child-bearing age to the Sayre Health Center in West Philadelphia. They collaborated with area manicurists, massage therapists, and hairdressers to provide their services at the event, while Pandya and Baginski provided information on contraception and community resources designed to help expectant/new mothers.
Our Part in Prescription Opioid Abuse AN ARTICLE RELATED to the prescription opioid abuse epidemic in the United States appears in the Philadelphia Inquirer on an almost weekly basis. Unfortunately, we as dentists contribute to this problem. It has been reported that dentists (including dental specialists) prescribe 12 percent of immediate-release (IR) opioids that also contain acetaminophen (Vicodin®, Percocet®, Tylenol®#3), behind only family physicians, who prescribe 15 percent of IR opioids.1 Two specific areas of concern are prescribing these drugs when they are not indicated, and when indicated, prescribing too many opioid-containing pills. The analgesic efficacy of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in postoperative dental pain has been firmly established for many years.2 NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin® IB), naproxen sodium (Aleve®, Anaprox®) and etodolac (Lodine®) work remarkably well, even after the surgical extraction of impacted third molar teeth.3, 4 In fact, meta-analysis data reveals that even an over-the-counter dose of 400 mg of ibuprofen exceeds the analgesic efficacy of a single Percocet® (acetaminophen 325 mg/oxycodone 5 mg) or two Tylenol® #3s (600 mg acetaminophen/60 mg codeine).3, 5 Unless NSAIDs are contraindicated (such as a history of GI ulcers, anticoagulant therapy, NSAID-induce asthma or allergy or lithium intake) they should be the first line drugs prescribed for post-surgical dental pain. Opioid combination drugs with acetaminophen should only be added to the NSAID regimen when the anticipated post-procedural pain will be severe or when NSAID therapy alone is resulting in break-through pain.3 One treatment strategy to avoid the use of opioids altogether in moderately severe to severe pain is to combine an optimal dose of an NSAID (ibuprofen 400 – 600 mg or naproxen sodium 440 – 550 mg) with acetaminophen 500 mg.6 It appears that when opioid-containing analgesics are indicated, some clinicians continue to prescribe an excessive amount of them.
A recent joint collaborative study between emergency room physicians at Presbyterian Hospital and Penn Dental Medicine faculty from the Department of Oral Surgery/Pharmacology revealed that when oral and maxillofacial surgeons were allowed to follow their typical prescribing habits to treat anticipatory pain in 67 dental impaction cases, the average number of opioid-containing pills prescribed was 28. However, the mean number of opioid -containing pills actually used by the patients was 13, translating to a total of 1010 unused pills.7 Many of these patients had also been prescribed an NSAID (etodolac or ibuprofen), so optimal multi-modal analgesic therapy was being employed. These unused opioids heighten the risk of misuse and diversion.1 The price of a Vicodin® on the streets is about $5 while that of a Percocet is $10. Percocet costs twice as much because oxycodone possesses double the potency (twice the strength) of hydrocodone. Unfortunately, a bag of heroin on the streets can be purchased for as little as $10 and cost becomes a major reason why some patients that initially get hooked on prescription opioids transition to heroin. There is certainly a genetic component predisposing an individual for the illicit use of opioids. Most people (85% – 90%) don't like the acute effects that opioids cause. The drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation associated with these drugs becomes a major turn-off to most people. But there are some
Contributed By: Elliot V. Hersh DMD, MS, PhD, Professor, Dept. of Oral Surgery/Pharmacology who like the euphoric feeling of these drugs. With continued use of these drugs, people become tolerant to many of the unpleasant side effects of these drugs. In Pennsylvania, IT IS NOW THE LAW that practitioners employ the online Pennsylvania Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) on all patients to which an opioid-containing drug (or any drug with potential abuse potential, i.e. benzodiazepines) is going to be prescribed. This program tracks the patient prescription records across state boundaries for potential drugs of abuse. It's then really up to the clinician to make a determination if the patient displays a pattern of prescription drug misuse. There are upgrades to this program for a cost which will calculate a value between 0 – 10, with a value of 6 or greater being a "red flag" for a "doctor shopper." (references on page 27)
Stepwise Paradigm for Acute Postoperative Pain Management in Dentistry Pain Severity Analgesic Recommendation Mild Pain
Ibuprofen 200 – 400 mg q 4 – 6 hours: as needed (p.r.n.) pain
Mild to Moderate Pain
Ibuprofen 400 – 600 mg q 6 hours: fixed interval for 24 hours Then ibuprofen 400 mg q 4 – 6 hours: as p.r.n. pain
Moderate to Severe Pain
Ibuprofen 400 – 600 mg plus APAP 500 mg q 6 hours: fixed interval for 24 hours Then ibuprofen 400 mg plus APAP 500 mg q 6 hours p.r.n. pain
Severe Pain
Ibuprofen 400 – 600 mg plus APAP 600/hydrocodone 10 mg q 6 hours: fixed interval for 24 – 48 hours Then ibuprofen 400 – 600 mg plus APAP 500 mg q 6 hours p.r.n. pain
APAP = acetyl-para-amino-phenol = acetaminophen. Adapted from Reference 6.
RECENT RECRUIT DR. SHUYING YANG EXPLORES BONE DEVELOPMENT, REMODELING, AND THERAPIES DR. SHUYING (SHERI) YANG, a new Associate Professor in Penn Dental Medicine's Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, began her career as a medical student, the fulfillment of a childhood dream. But during her five years of medical school, she realized the many limitations and challenges to medical treatment for the different diseases she was encountering in the clinic and hoped to help advance treatment options. So she made the decision to continue her education, pursuing graduate degrees in basic research on gene therapy, cancer biology, and eventually, bone biology. That foray into research shaped her career, which she has spent largely in dental schools, contributing to an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of bone development, remodeling, and repair. She's also used her insights to identify therapeutic targets to treat bone diseases such as osteoporosis and fracture.
"Dr. Yang brings a strong portfolio of research and scholarship to the School and her work in bone development has potential for impacting patient care not only within the field of dental medicine, but beyond," said Morton Amsterdam Dean Denis Kinane on her appointment this June. "We are pleased to have her here at Penn Dental." Dr. Yang pursued a postdoctoral fellowship in Dr. Renny Franceschi's lab in 2000 at the University of Michigan, where she started her bone biology study. There, together with colleagues, she provided the first evidence that host cells are major contributors to bone regeneration and repair following stem cell and BMP2-gene-modified fibroblast cell transplantation into the defect areas. They discovered that the genes Runx2 and BMP2 have distinct, but complementary, roles in controlling both the extent and type of bone formed in regenerating sites, and that their combined action is necessary for optimal bone formation. To expand her focus and obtain additional training in molecular and genetic techniques, she joined Dr. Yi-Ping's lab at the Forsyth Institute and Harvard School
of Dental Medicine in 2002, where she remained for six and a half years. Dr. Yang's work resulted in the publication of a number of seminal papers on the cloning and characterization of genes critical to osteoclast differentiation and function. In particular, her research revealed for the first time that RGS10 and RGS12, regulators of G protein signaling, were critical regulators for osteoclast differentiation. The findings from that time earned her several awards in the bone field, including the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research's Most Outstanding Abstract Award and the ASBMR John Haddad Young Investigator Award in Advances in Mineral Metabolism. "That was a great period of time for me, enabling me to develop skills, including study design and management, grant writing, and to master molecular genetics, genomics, and cell biology knowledge and techniques," Dr. Yang says. "Those experiences readied me to become an independent investigator." The opportunity to run her own lab came at the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine, which she joined in 2008.
As she set up her own lab, Dr. Yang focused in on three main research thrusts, each with a basic and a clinical science component, true to her early interest in translational medicine. First, she and her lab have examined the role of regulators of G protein signaling in the regulation of bone development, bone remodeling, and aging. While ample research has shown that these proteins play critical roles in normal physiology as well as in pathological conditions in immune cells, neurons, and cardiac myocytes, among others, their role in bone cells has remained unexplored. "In the bone field, how RGS proteins regulate bone remodeling and what role they play in the aging skeleton is largely unknown," Dr. Yang says. Using a genome-wide screening method, Dr. Yang and colleagues identified the largest protein in the regulators of G signaling proteins family, RGS12, which plays a pivotal role in osteoclast differentiation. They then
ABOVE: Dr. Shuying (Sheri) Yang is contributing to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of bone development, remodeling, and repair.
developed conditional knockout mouse models to define the role of RGS12, finding it to be essential for bone resorption and formation. Dr. Yang discovered that deletion of RGS12 in osteoclast cells caused mice to have greater bone mass and less age-related inflammatory bone loss. She is hopeful
bule-based sensory organelle that extends from the cell body. "Back when I was in medical school, I learned that each cell has only one primary cilia, but we didn't know about their function," Dr. Yang says. "From one of the publications of my current collaborator,
Dr. Yang joined the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology in June as Associate Professor. "I feel Penn is a very unique environment in which to do research." — DR. SHUYING (SHERI) YANG that the work, supported by the National Institutes of Health, will lead to new ways to target RGS12 or other RGS12-interacting proteins involved in bone remodeling as a treatment for conditions that involve bone diseases, such as age-related osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. A second major emphasis in Dr. Yang's research has been a focus on intraflagellar transport (IFT) proteins, which are essential for the creation of the cilia, microtu-
Dr. Rosa Serra, I was excited to find that defective ciliary-related proteins can cause severe craniofacial and bone disorders. That was the first time I realized, wow, this small, hair-like structure is so important in bone. I became very interested in this study." Indeed, though cilia were first discovered in chondrocytes in the 1960s, subsequent work has revealed that cilia are also present in osteoblasts, osteocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells. It wasn't until the 2000s that the
BONEBIOLOGY study of ciliopathies (disorders that cause a wide range of syndromic maladies that involve nearly every major body organ, including the kidney, brain, limb, retina, liver, and bone) and cilia's role in bone disorders became more apparent. "Although the involvement of primary cilia and IFT proteins in human diseases is now well established, there are still many unanswered questions about their function and biological mechanisms," Dr. Yang says. Using molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches, she discovered that the IFT protein, which constructs cilia by shuttling proteins back and forth to the growing cilium's tip, also helped regulate bone development and bone remodeling through balancing Hedgehog canonical and non-canonical signaling pathways, a finding recently published in Nature Communications. One intriguing line of research in this area involves looking at the cilia as a mechanical sensor. "We know if we are sedentary, we get fatter and experience bone degeneration or loss, and if we do exercise, our bones become stronger," Dr. Yang says. "But we don't understand exactly how that happens. We would like to know how important cilia and IFT proteins are for mechanical signaling in bone, and whether and how IFT protein are involved in mechanical signal transduction to drive stem cells to become osteoblasts instead of adipocyte to promote bone formation. This study will lead us to find new insight to prevent losing bone and gaining fat." A final set of studies in Dr. Yang's lab has a more direct applied aim: to develop new types of grafts to repair large bone defects. She notes that while small bone defects and injuries can be quickly healed, often without much clinical intervention, large ones, such as those that arise following
TOP: Dr. Yang and Saif Abdul Majeed, PhD, a research fellow in her lab. LOWER: Dr. Yang discovered the deletion of RGS12, a regulator of G protein signaling in bone development, increases bone mass and inhibits age- or inflammatory-caused bone loss (left normal, right RGS12 deletion).
a large trauma or that remain after a tumor is removed, have remained stubbornly difficult to fix, with clinicians resorting to artificial materials to bridge defects. The problem is not just that bone cells fail to regenerate enough to bridge the gap, but the absence of blood vessels."If there is no blood, there is no nutrition and bones cannot be regenerated," Dr. Yang says. Through a collaboration with researchers at SUNY-Buffalo, she is experimenting with different growth factors, stem cells, and biodegradable and injectable scaffolds that promote both angiogenesis and osteogenesis. The challenge has been to release growth factors slowly, in a long-term fashion to allow the bone to form gradually. "So we're trying to think about how we can optimize the conditions, using a growth factor-infused scaffold so the growth factor is slowly released and can stay in the body for a longer time, actively stimulating bone regeneration," Dr. Yang says.
Up until now the work has been done in small animal models, but Dr. Yang is hopeful that testing will soon begin in a large animal model that more accurately resembles large bone defects in humans. Since arriving at Penn Dental Medicine, Dr. Yang has been exploring collaborations with her colleagues within the School, notably Dr. Songtao Shi, Professor and Chair of the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, who has also investigated the mechanisms and applications of stem cell therapy and differentiation, and Dr. Dana Graves, Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Periodontics, who has examined the molecular basis of bone remodeling and in particular how diabetes affects bone. She's also looking forward to taking advantage of the core facilities and other researchers' expertise from around the University to advance her work on how bone cells use their cilia to process mechanical signals, including Dr. Robert Mauck, who directs the Biomechanics Core of the Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders. "Many dentists work in the clinic, but at the dental school and all around Penn you find people who are also deeply involved in research," Dr. Yang said. "I feel Penn is a very unique environment in which to do research." — By Katie Unger-Baillie
ANATOMY & CELL BIOLOGY NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS Shuying (Sheri) Yang, MD, MS, PhD, has joined the Dept. of Anatomy & Cell Biology as Associate Professor, adding to the School's research enterprise in the area of bone development (see story, page 20).
RECENT NEW GRANT AWARDS AstraZeneca grant to help determine whether novel functions of retinal pigment epithelium lysosomes, like calcium signaling and secretion, are impaired by chloroquine and evaluate the ability of treatments to reduce the damage of macular degeneration. Principal Investigator: Dr. Claire Mitchell, Associate Professor, Dept. of Anatomy & Cell Biology
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department researchers (indicated in bold). Ansari S, Chen C, Xu X, Annabi N, Zadeh HH, Wu BM, Khademhosseini A, Shi S, Moshaverinia A. Muscle tissue engineering using gingival mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogels containing multiple growth factors. Ann Biomed Eng. 2016 Mar 23. DOI:10.1007/s10439–016–1594–6. Chen FM, Gao LN, Tian BM, Zhang XY, Zhang YJ, Dong GY, Lu H, Chu Q, Xu J, Yu Y, Wu RX, Yin Y, Shi S, Jin Y. Treatment of periodontal intrabony defects using autologous periodontal ligament stem cells: A randomized clinical trial. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2016 Feb 19;7(1):33,016–0288–1. DOI:10.1186/ s13287–016–0288–1.
Hoang M, Kim JJ, Kim Y, Tong E, Trammell B, Liu Y, Shi S, Lee CR, Hong C, Wang CY, Kim Y. Alcohol-induced suppression of KDM6B dysregulates the mineralization potential in dental pulp stem cells. Stem Cell Res. 2016 May 31;17(1):111–21. DOI: 10.1016/j. scr.2016.05.021.
NIH grant to investigate a novel metabolic coupling pathway in which the ketones generated by the retinal pigment epithelium are utilized to support photoreceptor cell function. Principal Investigator: Dr. Kathleen Boesze-Battaglia, Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry
Kuang R, Zhang Z, Jin X, Hu J, Shi S, Ni L, Ma PX. Nanofibrous spongy microspheres for the delivery of hypoxia-primed human dental pulp stem cells to regenerate vascularized dental pulp. Acta Biomater. 2016;33:225–34. DOI:10.1016/j. actbio.2016.01.032. Liu S, Jin Y, Shi S. Autophagy guarantees stemness of muscle stem cells by maintaining quiescence. Oral Dis. 2016 May 25. DOI:10.1111/odi.12510. Liu Y, Kou X, Chen C, Yu W, Su Y, Kim Y, Shi S, Liu Y. Chronic high dose alcohol induces osteopenia via activation of mTOR signaling in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Stem Cells. 2016 May 3. DOI:10.1002/stem.2392. Nagpal A, Kremer KL, Hamilton-Bruce MA, Kaidonis X, Milton AG, Levi C, Shi S, Carey L, Hillier S, Rose M, Zacest A, Takhar P, Koblar SA. TOOTH (the open study of dental pulp stem cell therapy in humans): Study protocol for evaluating safety and feasibility of autologous human adult dental pulp stem cell therapy in patients with chronic disability after stroke. Int J Stroke. 2016 Mar 30. DOI: 10.1177/1747493016641111. Yu P, Yang W, Han D, Wang X, Guo S, Li J, Li F, Zhang X, Wong SW, Bai B, Liu Y, Du J, Sun ZS, Shi S, Feng H, Cai T. Mutations in WNT10B are identified in individuals with oligodontia. Am J Hum Genet. 2016 Jul 7;99(1):195–201. DOI:10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.05.012.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department researchers (indicated in bold). Boesze-Battaglia K, Alexander D, Dlakic M, Shenker BJ (Co-author in Dept. of Pathology). A journey of cytolethal distending toxins through cell membranes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2016 Aug 10;6:81. DOI:10.3389/ fcimb.2016.00081.
The lab of Dr. Henry Daniell, Professor and Interim Chair, Dept. of Biochemistry, has developed an oral polio vaccine booster by manipulating plants to express a protein found in the polio virus. Tests show it confers immunity against all three serotypes of polio. See the following publication: Chan HT, Xiao Y, Weldon WC, Oberste SM, Chumakov K, Daniell H. Cold chain and virus free chloroplast-made booster vaccine to confer immunity against different polio virus serotypes. Plant Biotechnol J. 2016 May 7. DOI:10.1111/pbi.12575.
NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS Dr. Kathleen Boesze-Battaglia, Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry, was inducted into the Penn Dental Medicine chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), the national dental honor society.
Daniell H, Lin CS, Yu M, Chang WJ. Chloroplast genomes: Diversity, evolution, and applications in genetic engineering. Genome Biol. 2016;17(1). DOI:10.1186/ s13059–016–1004–2. Kwon KC, Chan HT, Leon IR, Williams-Carrier R, Barkan A, Daniell H. Codon-optimization to enhance expression yields insights into chloroplast translation. Plant Physiol. 2016 Jul 27. DOI:10.1104/ pp.16.00981. Kwon KC, Daniell H. Oral delivery of protein drugs bioencapsulated in plant cells. Mol Ther. 2016. DOI:10.1038/ mt.2016.115. Pasoreck EK, Su J, Silverman IM, Gosai SJ, Gregory BD, Yuan JS, Daniell H. Terpene metabolic engineering via nuclear or chloroplast genomes profoundly and globally impacts off-target pathways through metabolite signalling. Plant Biotechnol J. 2016 Sep;14(9):1862–75. DOI:10.1111/ pbi.12548. Shahid N, Daniell H. Plant-based oral vaccines against zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases. Plant Biotechnol J. 2016 Jul 21. DOI:10.1111/pbi.12604.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department researchers (indicated in bold). Kataoka SH, Setzer FC, Gondim-Junior E, Fregnani ER, Moraes CJ, Pessoa OF, Gavini G, Caldeira CL. Late effects of head and neck radiotherapy on pulp vitality assessed by pulse oximetry. J Endod. 2016 Apr 9. DOI: 10.1016/j. joen.2016.02.016. Leong DJ, Setzer FC, Trope M, Karabucak B. Biocompatibility of two experimental scaffolds for regenerative endodontics. Restor Dent Endod. 2016 May;41(2):98105. DOI:10.5395/rde.2016.41.2.98.
NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS Dr. Sumin Lee (GD'13, DScD'15), Instructor, Dept. of Endodontics, won the Pulp Biology and Regeneration Group Young Investigator Award for Innovation at the 2016 IADR meeting for her research in the area of pulp tissue regeneration using orofacial mesenchymal stem cells. The Dept. of Endodontics, UCLA, and Yonsei University College of Dentistry presented the 2016 International Symposium on Endodontics at Yonsei University in South Korea in June. The Jutta Dorscher-Kim Endowment Fund has been established to honor Jutta Dorscher-Kim, who was an integral part of the Dept. of Endodontics for many years. A skilled editor, she helped faculty and residents compose research abstracts and manuscripts for scientific journals and AAE meetings and was instrumental in department's success in book and scientific paper publications. She also organized the international program which continues today. To donate, visit www.dental.upenn.edu/give and select Jutta Dorscher-Kim Research Fund.
RECENT NEW GRANT AWARDS American Association of Endodontists Foundation grant to study the microbial spectrum within teeth with apical periodontitis using the PathoChip platform, allowing for the discovery of more mathogenic microbes in primary and secondary infections. Principal Investigator: Dr. Frank Setzer, Assistant Professor of Endodontics
MICROBIOLOGY NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS Dr. George Hajishengallis, Thomas W. Evans Centennial Professor, Dept. of Microbiology, has received a MERIT (Method to Extend Research in Time) Award from the NIH to continue to build on his research in the areas of inflammation and periodontal disease (see story, page 5).
RECENT NEW GRANT AWARDS Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center/ NIH study to develop 2–3 leads that will be suitable for investigational-new-drug-enabling studies for a topical skin formulation that will safely resolve molluscum contagiosum (MC) lesions that occur mainly in children and immune-compromised patients. Principal Investigator: Dr. Robert Ricciardi, Professor and Chair, Dept. of Microbiology
Hajishengallis G, Lamont RJ. Dancing with the stars: How choreographed bacterial interactions dictate nososymbiocity and give rise to keystone pathogens, accessory pathogens, and pathobionts. Trends Microbiol. 2016 Mar 8. DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2016.02.010. Hajishengallis G, Moutsopoulos NM, Hajishengallis E, Chavakis T. (Co-author in Div. of Pediatric Dentistry) Immune and regulatory functions of neutrophils in inflammatory bone loss. Semin Immunol. 2016 Feb 27. DOI: 10.1016/j. smim.2016.02.002. Kawamoto D, Ando-Suguimoto ES, Bueno-Silva B, DiRienzo JM, Mayer MP. Alteration of homeostasis in pre-osteoclasts induced by aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans CDT. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2016 Mar 31;6:33. DOI:10.3389/fcimb.2016.00033. Mastellos DC, Reis ES, Yancopoulou D, Hajishengallis G, Ricklin D, Lambris JD. From orphan drugs to adopted therapies: Advancing C3-targeted intervention to the clinical stage. Immunobiology. 2016. DOI:10.1016/j.imbio.2016.06.013. Olsen I, Hajishengallis G. Major neutrophil functions subverted by porphyromonas gingivalis. J Oral Microbiol. 2016 Mar 17; 8:30936. DOI:10.3402/jom.v8.30936.
Thanks to the generosity of Farideh (GD'78, GD'80, D'84) and Mansoor Madani (GD'78, GD'81, D'82), a challenge grant has been offered to match gifts to the Oral Medicine's resident education fund, enabling students to represent Penn Dental Medicine at important conferences and to benefit from visiting lecturers. To donate, visit www. dental.upenn.edu/give and select Annual Fund for Oral Medicine.
A selection of recently published work by department researchers (indicated in bold). Akintoye SO, Hersh EV. (Co-author in Dept. of Oral Surgery/Pharmacology) Impact of communication between physicians and dentists on the incidence of jaw osteonecrosis caused by bone anti-resorptives. Curr Med Res Opin. 2016;32(8):1455–6. DOI:10.1080/0300 7995.2016.1185401.
A selection of recently published work by department researchers (indicated in bold).
Hajishengallis G, Krauss JL, Jotwani R, Lambris JD. Differential capacity for complement receptor-mediated immune evasion by porphyromonas gingivalis depending on the type of innate leukocyte. Mol Oral Microbiol. 2016 Apr 15. DOI:10.1111/omi.12161.
Dr. Martin Greenberg (GD'68) retired from the faculty in June as Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Oral Medicine. The Martin S. Greenberg Teaching Award in Oral Medicine, presented to a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in resident teaching, was established in recognition of his educational contributions to the residency program. The inaugural recipient of this award was Dr. Eric Stoopler (D'99, GD'02), Associate Professor and Program Director of the Oral Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Stoopler also was awarded Fellowship in Dental Surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in January 2016.
Hajishengallis G, Hajishengallis E, Kajikawa T, Wang B, Yancopoulou D, Ricklin D, Lambris JD. (Co-author in Div. of Pediatric Dentistry) Complement inhibition in pre-clinical models of periodontitis and prospects for clinical application. Semin Immunol. 2016 Mar 24. DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2016.03.006.
Dr. Scott Odell (D'82) received the Senior Outstanding Teaching Award from Penn Dental Medicine Class of 2016 — presented to a faculty member who has gone beyond the scope of his/her responsibilities to significantly impact the class's education at Penn Dental Medicine.
NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS Dr. Thomas Sollecito (D'89, GD'91), Professor and Chair of Oral Medicine, was recognized by the American Academy of Oral Medicine with the 2016 Samuel Charles Miller Lecture Award. One of the highest honors bestowed by the AAOM, it is given for outstanding contributions to the field of oral medicine. Dr. Sollecito will also serve as Director and Treasurer for the American Board of Oral Medicine for the coming year.
Aloyouny A, Stoopler ET. Vibrational angioedema: Considerations for oral health care providers. Spec Care Dentist. 2016 Apr 26. DOI:10.1111/scd.12185. Bugueno JM, Jacobs BE, Hexner EO, Greenberg MS. Bilateral facial paralysis in a non-Hodgkin lymphoma during remission period: A rare but an important condition to be investigated. Am J Emerg Med. 2016 Jun 7. DOI: 10.1016/j. ajem.2016.06.020.
Homeida L, Elmuradi S, Sollecito TP, Stoopler ET. Synchronous presentation of trigeminal, glossopharyngeal and geniculate neuralgias in a single patient. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2016 Feb 23. DOI: 10.1016/j. oooo.2016.02.007. Mangan JK, Chmieliauskaite M, Stoopler ET. An intraoral mass associated with myelodysplastic syndrome. JAMA Oncol. 2016 Mar 31. DOI:10.1001/jamaoncol.2016.0113. Stoopler ET. Neuropathic orofacial pain in the older person: The role of advanced imaging. Age Ageing. 2016 May 17. DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afw093. Stoopler ET, Alawi F. (Co-author in Dept. of Pathology) Gingival swelling associated with hypoplasminogenemia. Rev Bras Hematol Hemoterapia. 2016. DOI:10.1016/j.bjhh.2016.04.006. Stoopler ET, Alfaris S, Alomar D, Sollecito TP. Recurrent intraoral herpes. J Emerg Med. 2016 Jun 11. DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.05.001. Stoopler ET, Sollecito TP. Focusing on the medicine in dental medicine. Spec Care Dentist. 2016 Mar;36(2):59. DOI:10.1111/scd.12156. Stoopler ET, Sollecito TP. Oral medicine in academia. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2016 Jul;122(1):111. DOI:10.1016/j.oooo.2016.01.027. Syed AZ, Mupparapu M. Fossa navicularis magna detection on cone-beam computed tomography. Imaging Sci Dent. 2016 Mar;46(1):47–51. DOI:10.5624/ isd.2016.46.1.47. Syed AZ, Sin C, Rios R, Mupparapu M. Incidental occurrence of an unusually large mastoid foramen on cone-beam computed tomography and review of the literature. Imaging Sci Dent. 2016 Mar;46(1):39– 45. DOI:10.5624/isd.2016.46.1.39. Syed AZ, Zahedpasha S, Rathore SA, Mupparapu M. Evaluation of canalis basilaris medianus using cone-beam computed tomography. Imaging Sci Dent. 2016 Jun;46(2):141–4. DOI:10.5624/ isd.2016.46.2.141.
ORAL SURGERY/ PHARMACOLOGY NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS Dr. Helen Giannakopoulos (GD'02), Associate Professor of Oral Surgery, received the 2016 Joseph W. Foote Award for Mentoring of Residents in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Eric Granquist (M'07, GD'10, RES'10) received the Osteo Science Foundation Early Career OMS Faculty Scientific Award, based on his research in biologic imaging as an aid to time tissue regeneration. Neeraj Panchal, Instructor, Dept. of Oral Surgery/Pharmacology, received the 2016 John W. Mooney Award for Teaching of Residents in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and was also recognized with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation Faculty Educator Development Award. He has also been named assistant editor for Selected Readings in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Osteo Science Foundation grant to induce highly purified and expandable neural progenitor-like cells from multi-potent mesenchymal stem cells from human gingiva, which are expected to have better beneficial effects for the repair and regeneration of facial nerves. Principal Investigator: Dr. Qunzhou Zhang, Senior Research Investigator, Dept. of Oral Surgery/Pharmacology
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department researchers (indicated in bold). Aminoshariae A, Kulild JC, Donaldson M, Hersh EV. Evidence-based recommendations for analgesic efficacy to treat pain of endodontic origin: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Am Dent Assoc. 2016 Jul 28. DOI:S0002–8177(16)30503–7. Fraser AD, Zhang B, Ma H, Khan H, Hersh EV. (Co-authors 2016 graduates & 4th-year DMD student) Prescription opioid abuse and its potential role in gross dental decay. Curr Drug Saf. 2016 Aug 3. DOI:CDS-EPUB-77519.)
NIH grant that seeks to develop a roadmap and organizational structure at Penn to enable the development of tissue regeneration products for the dental, oral, and facial structures. Principal Investigator: Dr. Anh Le, Norman Vine Endowed Professor of Oral Rehabilitation and Chair, Dept. of Oral Surgery/Pharmacology C3 Jian, Inc. grant to evaluate the safety and study the targeted antimicrobial activity of C16G2 gel applications as measured by a reduction in Streptococcus mutans in saliva and dental plaque. Principal Investigator: Dr. Elliot Hersh, Professor, Dept. of Oral Surgery/ Pharmacology
Lee S, Zhang QZ, Karabucak B, Le AD. (Co-author in Dept. of Endodontics) DPSCs from inflamed pulp modulate macrophage function via the TNF-alpha/ IDO axis. J Dent Res. 2016 Jul 6. DOI: 10.1177/0022034516657817.
C3 Jian, Inc. grant to evaluate the safety and the targeted antimicrobial activity of C16G2 applied as multiple doses as measured by a reduction in Streptococcus mutans counts in saliva and dental plaque. Double the dose of that employed in the first study will also be evaluated, as well as transitioning to at-home use. Principal Investigator: Dr. Elliot Hersh, Professor, Dept. of Oral Surgery/ Pharmacology
A clinical trial led by Dr. Elliot Hersh, Professor, Dept. of Oral Surgery/Pharmacology, found a drug administered as a nasal spray a safe and effective anesthetic for certain dental procedures. It has since received FDA approval for this use. See the following publication: Hersh EV, Pinto A, Saraghi M, Saleh N, Pulaski L, Gordon SM, Barnes D, Kaplowitz G, Bloom I, Sabti M, Moore PA, Lee S, Meharry M, He DY, Li Y. (Co-authors in Dept. of Preventive & Restorative Sciences) Double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of intranasal K305 (3% tetracaine plus 0.05% oxymetazoline) in anesthetizing maxillary teeth. J Am Dent Assoc. 2016;147(4):278–87. DOI:10.1016/j. adaj.2015.12.008.
Hersh E, Schachtel B, Kozarek W, Schachtel E, Marino M. Erratum: (438) efficacy of CL–108 compared to hydrocodone 7.5 mg/Acetaminophen 325 mg in preventing vomiting and the use of anti-emetics, opioid-induced nausea and vomiting (OINV) Journal of pain (2016) 17 (S84) DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2016.01.415). J Pain. 2016;17(6):754. DOI:10.1016/j. jpain.2016.04.002.
Moore PA, Dionne RA, Cooper SA, Hersh EV. Why do we prescribe Vicodin? J Am Dent Assoc. 2016 Jul;147(7):530– 3. DOI:10.1016/j.adaj.2016.05.005.
ORTHODONTICS NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS Dr. Chun-Hsi Chung (D'86, GD'92), Chauncey M. F. Egel Endowed Chair, Dept. of Orthodontics, was installed as president-elect of the American Association of Orthodontists at the AAO Annual Session in May. Dr. Peter Greco (D'79, GD'84), Clinical Professor, Dept. of Orthodontics, continues to write the monthly ethics column for the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial of Orthopedics.
A recent study from the lab of Dr. Hyun (Michel) Koo, Professor Dept. of Orthodontics and Divs. of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health, showed that a nanoparticle-hydrogen peroxide treatment delayed the onset and severity of tooth decay. See the following publication: Gao L, Liu Y, Kim D, Li Y, Hwang G, Naha PC, Cormode DP, Koo H. Nanocatalysts promote streptococcus mutans biofilm matrix degradation and enhance bacterial killing to suppress dental caries in vivo. Biomaterials. 2016 Sep;101:272–84. DOI:10.1016/j. biomaterials.2016.05.051.
Dr. Shalin R. Shah (C'99, D'06, GD'10), Clinical Associate, Dept. of Orthodontics, received the Excellence in Didactic Instruction Award from the Penn Dental Orthodontics Class of 2016. The Dept. of Orthodontics celebrated its 100th Anniversary at Penn Ortho Alumni Day, October 28.
RECENT NEW GRANT AWARDS NIH grant to further understand how S. mutans-derived exoenzyme (GtfB) mediates S. mutans-C. albicans association and the expression of biofilm virulence in vivo in the context of early childhood caries. Principal Investigator: Dr. Geelsu Hwang, Research Investigator, Dept. of Orthodontics
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department researchers (indicated in bold). Benoit DS, Koo H. Targeted, triggered drug delivery to tumor and biofilm microenvironments. Nanomedicine (Lond). 2016 Apr;11(8):873–9. DOI:10.2217/ nnm–2016–0014. Galvao LC, Rosalen PL, Rivera-Ramos I, Franco GC, Kajfasz JK, Abranches J, Bueno-Silva B, Koo H, Lemos JA. Inactivation of the spxA1 or spxA2 gene of streptococcus mutans decreases virulence in the rat caries model. Mol Oral Microbiol. 2016 Apr 1. DOI:10.1111/omi.12160.
He J, Hwang G, Liu Y, Gao L, Kilpatrick-Liverman L, Santarpia P, Zhou X, Koo H. L-arginine modifies the exopolysaccharides matrix and thwarts streptococcus mutans outgrowth within mixed-species oral biofilms. J Bacteriol. 2016 May 9. DOI:JB.00021–16. Koo H, Yamada KM. Dynamic cell-matrix interactions modulate microbial biofilm and tissue 3D microenvironments. Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2016;42:102–12. DOI:10.1016/j.ceb.2016.05.005. Liu Y, Kamesh AC, Xiao Y, Sun V, Hayes M, Daniell H, Koo H. (Co-author in Dept. of Biochemistry) Topical delivery of low-cost protein drug candidates made in chloroplasts for biofilm disruption and uptake by oral epithelial cells. Biomaterials. 2016 Aug 2;105:156–66. DOI: 10.1016/j. biomaterials.2016.07.042. Niepa TH, Hou L, Jiang H, Goulian M, Koo H, Stebe KJ, Lee D. Microbial nanoculture as an artificial microniche. Sci Rep. 2016 Aug 1;6:30578. DOI:10.1038/ srep30578. Zhou J, Horev B, Hwang G, Klein MI, Koo H, Benoit DS. Characterization and optimization of pH-responsive polymer nanoparticles for drug delivery to oral biofilms. J Mater Chem B Mater Biol Med. 2016 May 14;4(18):3075–85. DOI:10.1039/C5TB02054A. (Note: Koo H has joint appointments in the Div. of Community Oral Health and Div. of Pediatric Dentistry)
NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS Dr. Faizan Alawi, Associate Professor of Pathology, was elected to a threeyear term on the Executive Council of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology in July. He also received the Basic Science Teaching Award this year from the Penn Dental Medicine Class of 2016, for excellence in teaching of the basic sciences.
RECENT NEW GRANT AWARDS NIH grant to investigate a compound derived from a natural lignan of flaxseed, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), as an adjunctive compound to the current antiretroviral arsenal, leading to reduced neuroinflammation and oxidative damage, and subsequently, reducing the cognitive decline that has been linked to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders progression. Principal Investigator: Dr. Kelly JordanSciutto, Professor and Chair, Dept. of Pathology
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department researchers (indicated in bold). Monnerie H, Romer M, Jensen BK, Millar JS, Jordan-Sciutto KL, Kim SF, Grinspan JB. Reduced sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) processing through site-1 protease (S1P) inhibition alters oligodendrocyte differentiation in vitro. J Neurochem. 2016 Jul 6. DOI:10.1111/jnc.13721. Subramanian H, Gupta K, Ali H. Roles of mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 on mast cell-mediated host defense, pseudoallergic drug reactions, and chronic inflammatory diseases. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016. DOI:10.1016/j. jaci.2016.04.051.
NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS Dr. Manju Benakanakere, Research Assistant Professor of Periodontics, was selected by the National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) to participate in the NRMN Steps Toward Academic Research Fellowship Program. He will represent Penn in this year-long program that offers grant writing and professional development training for postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty. Dr. Benakanakere was also a recipient of Penn Dental Medicine's 2016 Rabinowitz Award for Excellence in Research (see page 17). Dr. Joseph Fiorellini, Professor, Dept. of Periodontics, has been appointed as a Commissioner for the American Dental Association Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition. He also was appointed Chair of the Academy of Osseointegration/Academy of Osseointegration Foundation Research Grant Committee and will be serving on the Academy of Osseointegration Fellowship and Certificate in Implant Dentistry Committee. In addition, Dr. Fiorellini lectured at the 12th International Symposium on Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry, held in June, winning third place in the Scientific Session with Dr. Hector Sarmiento (GD'14) for "The Long-term Evaluation of Short-threaded Implants in the Posterior Mandible and Maxilla — Delayed vs. Immediate Loading." And at the recent ADA 2016 meeting, he was inducted into the International College of Dentists. Dr. Dana Graves, Professor and Interim Chair, Dept. of Periodontics, was an invited speaker at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Conference on Immunological Aspects of Obesity, held in July. Dr. Graves spoke as part of the session
titled Resolution of Inflammation on the topic "Diabetes alters the downstream targets of FOXO1 to enhance inflammation and impair wound healing." Dr. Vu Dang La (GD'15, D'17), Instructor, Dept. of Periodontics, received an American Academy of Periodontology award for outstanding teaching and mentoring in periodontics.
RECENT NEW GRANT AWARDS NIH grant to study the molecular mechanisms through which the transcription factor FOXO1 differentially activates keratinocytes to promote connective tissue healing in normal oral wounds or inhibit it in diabetic wounds. Principal Investigator: Dr. Dana Graves, Professor and Interim Chair, Dept. of Periodontics
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department researchers (indicated in bold). Benakanakere MR, Finoti LS, Tanaka U, Grant GR, Scarel-Caminaga RM, Kinane DF. Investigation of the functional role of human interleukin-8 gene haplotypes by CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genome editing. Sci Rep. 2016 Aug 8;6:31180. DOI:10.1038/srep31180. Chaves de Souza JA, Frasnelli SC, de Almeida Curylofo F, Campos MJ, Spolidorio LC, Zamboni DS, Graves DT, Rossa Junior C. NOD1 in the modulation of host-microbial interactions and inflammatory bone resorption in the periodontal disease model. Immunology. 2016 Aug 1. DOI:10.1111/imm.12654. Chronopoulos V, Maroulakos G, Tsoutis K, Stathopoulou P, Nagy WW. Complete mouth rehabilitation and gastroesophageal reflux disease: Conventional and contemporary treatment approaches. J Prosthet Dent. 2016 Aug 7. DOI:S0022–3913(16)30213–X. de Souza Bastos A, Graves DT, de Melo Loureiro AP, Junior CR, Corbi SC, Frizzera F, Scarel-Caminaga RM, Camara NO, Andriankaja OM, Hiyane MI, Orrico SR. Diabetes and increased lipid peroxidation are associated with systemic inflammation even in well-controlled patients. J Diabetes Complications. 2016 Jul 21. DOI: 10.1016/j. jdiacomp.2016.07.011.
PREVENTIVE & RESTORATIVE SCIENCES NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS Dr. Francis J. Smithgall (C'79, D'83), Clinical Associate Professor of Restorative Dentistry, received the Robert DeRevere Award from the Penn Dental Medicine Class of 2016 — presented for excellence in preclinical teaching by a part-time faculty. Marianne Contino, a dental hygienist instructor in the predoctoral clinic, received The Joseph L. T. Appleton Award from the Penn Dental Medicine Class of 2016 — presented to a parttime instructor for excellence in clinical teaching.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department researchers (indicated in bold). Atlas AM, Kratchman S. Risk Assessment Criteria for Tooth Preservation and Protocols for Successful Reconstruction. Inside Dentistry. 2016 May: 58–65. Alnassar T, Ozer F, Chiche G, Blatz MB. Effect of different ceramic primers on shear bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement to zirconia. J Adhes Sci Technol. 2016;30(22):2429–38. DOI:10. 1080/01694243.2016.1184404. Conejo J, Blatz MB. Simplified fabrication of an esthetic implant-supported crown with a novel CAD/CAM glass ceramic. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2016 Jun;37(6):396–9. Fraser A, Ma H, Williams T, Gluch J. Rediscovering A smile. Pa Dent J (Harrisb). 2016 May–Jun;83(3):36–9.
Dr. Julián Conego, a visiting scholar in the Dept. of Preventive & Restorative Sciences (above, right), is the inaugural recipient of the Ivoclar Vivadent/International College of Prosthodontists Research Fellowship that will allow him to extend his research on dental restorative materials and techniques. He will be conducting his research on a project titled "In-vitro comparative loading capacity of CAD/CAM monolithic implant supported crowns with 3 different materials (IPS e.max CAD Ivoclar Vivadent, Vita ENAMIC, InCoris Zi meso, Sirona)" with mentor Dr. Markus B. Blatz, Professor and Chair of Preventive & Restorative Sciences (above, left). The highly competitive fellowship is designed to support a joint project with the applicant and mentor to provide leadership, support, and knowledge that can make a positive impact in the advancement of dental healthcare. Honda J, Komine F, Kamio S, Taguchi K, Blatz MB, Matsumura H. Fracture resistance of implant-supported screw-retained zirconia-based molar restorations. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2016 Jul 13. DOI:10.1111/clr.12926.
Yaman BC, Irmak Ö, Orhan EO, Karabucak B, Ozer F, Blatz MB. (Co-author in Dept. of Endodontics) The effect of canal cleansing protocols on cementation of a fiber post to saliva-contaminated root canals. J Adhes Sci Technol. 2016:1–11. DOI:10.1080/01694243.2016.1204146.
Reitz JV, Swift EJ,Jr, Burgess JO, Jefferies SR, Walter R, Latta MA, Atlas AM. A conversation on adhesive dentistry. Pa Dent J (Harrisb). 2016 Jan–Feb;83(1):14–7.
FACULTYPERSPECTIVE, CONT. REFERENCES 1. Denisco RC, Kenna GA, O'Neil MG, Kulich RJ, Moore PA, Kane WT, Mehta NR, Hersh EV, Katz NP. Prevention of prescription opioid abuse: The role of the dentist. J Amer Dent Assoc 2011;142(7):800–10. 2. Cooper SA. New peripherally-acting oral analgesic agents. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 1983;23:617–47. 3. Moore PA, Dionne RA, Cooper SA, Hersh EV. Why do we prescribe Vicodin? J Am Dent Assoc 2016;147(7):530–3.
4. Hersh EV, Levin LM, Cooper SA, Reynolds D, Gallegos LT, McGoldrick K, Appel A. Conventional and extended-release etodolac for postsurgical dental pain. Clin Ther1999;21(8):1333–42. 5. Hersh EV, Kane WT, O'Neil MG, Kenna GA, Katz NP, Golubic S, Moore PA. Prescribing recommendations for the treatment of acute pain in dentistry. Compend Contin Educ Dent 2011;32(3):22, 24–30.
6. Moore PA, Hersh EV. Combining ibuprofen and acetaminophen for acute pain management after third-molar extractions: Translating clinical research to dental practice J Amer Dent Assoc 2013;144(8):898– 908. 7. Maughan BC, Hersh EV, Shofer FS, Wanner KJ, Archer E, Carrasco LR, Rhodes KV. Unused opioids and drug disposal following outpatient dental surgery: a randomized controlled trial. Amer J Pub Health Accepted for Publication August 12, 2016.
SINCE ITS FOUNDING, Penn Dental Medicine has welcomed new students to campus to learn and train in a program considered among the best in the nation. And just as the dental field, patient care, technology, and lifestyles have changed significantly over the years, so too has Penn Dental Medicine continued to evolve and innovate to keep its competitive edge. This year is no exception. New curricula and programs that were introduced in the last year, including a new track for the Master of Science in Oral Biology and technology advances that provide iPads for all DMD students, are moving forward in new ways. This summer's orientation program for the Class of 2020 increased from one to two weeks to incorporate new elements such as student wellness, an introduction to basic sciences, and a case study in ethics that serves as a preview for a new three-year series of ethics courses. Together, these initiatives create a living and learning community at Penn Dental Medicine that adapts and builds on new knowledge and information to provide the best possible dental education and prepare students for their roles as dental health providers and professionals. "Universities today have evolved, they are places where people live, work and play; there's a whole new dimension in addition to academics, and we have to deal with new challenges," said Dr. Uri Hangorsky, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Life, Clinical Professor of Periodontics and Director of PASS. "These new initiatives will help students in various ways to succeed and thrive at Penn Dental Medicine." Following are highlights of some of the recent academic initiatives at Penn Dental Medicine.
NEW THREE-YEAR ETHICS CURRICULUM ESTABLISHED Starting this year, Penn Dental Medicine is introducing a series of three ethics courses to provide students with knowledge of fundamental concepts in principles of professionalism and ethical decision-making, with an emphasis on care-based discussions. The courses, Professionalism and Ethics in Dental Medicine (PEDM), will be offered in the spring semester for first-, second- and third-year classes. The one-halfcredit required courses are the first of their kind at the School. "This is a new initiative that utilizes lectures, seminars, online discussions, and reflection papers to address issues related
to doctor-patient relationships, academic integrity, and professional communication," said Dr. Kathleen Boesze-Battaglia, Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Chair of the Ethics Committee. "The classes will provide a forum for discussing, debating, and understanding parameters of professional and ethical behavior and their impact on patients, colleagues, the public, and the profession." Each course will address different issues to reflect the experiences and stages of the students in their dental education. The firstyear course will focus on academic integrity, inclusion, and teamwork as well as how professional and ethical behavior in preclinical years translates to ethical clinical practice. The second year will focus on preparing students to enter clinical practice and build relationships with patients, colleagues, and
faculty; and developing a moral framework for clinical decision-making. Third-year students will tackle issues that will help with their transition to dental professionals, such as licensure, residency applications, mentorship, and real-world clinical practice dilemmas. At the end of this series of courses, students will have to demonstrate understanding of key concepts, including professional communication with patients, faculty and staff, and the professional use of social media, as well as issues relating to diversity and inclusion. "We wanted to instill in our students the impetus to focus on ethical decision-making from day one," Dr. Boesze-Battaglia says. "We have assumed many of these concepts are common practices, but found that a formal discussion-based forum is valuable in reinforcing a culture of cooperation with high ethical and professional standards." To underscore the importance of this issue, first-year students were presented with an ethics case study at an orientation session led by several Penn Dental Medicine students pursuing dual DMD/Master's of Bioethics degrees and/or serving on the Ethical Review Board. These students played a critical role in designing the new ethics courses, as did faculty members Dr. Joan Gluch, Division Chief and Professor of Clinical Community Oral Health, and Associate Dean for Academic Policies; Dr. Olivia Sheridan, Associate Professor of Clinical Preventive and Restorative Sciences, and Assistant Dean for Admissions; and recent Penn Dental Medicine graduate Dr. Tanya Strauss (GR'15, D'16).
EXPANDED FIRST-YEAR ORIENTATION The Penn Dental Medicine Class of 2020 went through a jam-packed orientation schedule in August that included a new focus on wellness, including healthy living and navigating the challenging world of social media; short academic courses in preparation for the rigorous academic demands of their program; and an introduction to professionalism through a new three-year ethics curriculum. The new Introduction to Dental Medicine Orientation Course, developed by Dr. Bruce Shenker, Professor, Department of Pathology, and Dr. Jonathan Korostoff, Professor of Periodontics and Director of the Master of Science in Oral Biology Program, included eight short courses of one to two hours each taught by Penn Dental Medicine faculty on such topics as the implications of the basic sciences on clinical dentistry, the cell in health and disease, basics of head and neck anatomy, impact of systemic disease on dental therapy, and how patients are viewed. While students were not graded, after the lectures were completed, they were given a final exam that introduced them to the online ExamSoft platform used throughout the curriculum. The test is intended to familiarize students with ExamSoft multiple choice questions and provide feedback on how well they learned the material and also areas in which they may need more preparation. The goal is to introduce students to the first-year curriculum, particularly with the new curriculum in place since last year, as well as to the academic environment and expectations at Penn Dental Medicine.
"We wanted to address the transition to dental school, which is very different from the undergraduate environment in terms of academic rigor and density of materials," says Susan Schwartz, Assistant Dean for Academic Services and Student Life. "That rigor takes a little getting used to, and our faculty wanted to create a program for students to make that transition easier." At orientation, students also got a preview of the new ethics curriculum through a case study presented by Dr. Boesze-Battaglia and several upper-class dental students. And keeping up with the times, students also participated in a short session on appropriate professional use of social media, a topic that will be expanded on in the ethics courses. "Social media lives forever, and we need to talk about it," says Dr. Hangorsky, noting that issues include promoting civil interactions with others and urging caution about sharing inappropriate posts or photos that could be damaging to the student or dental professional. First-year students also benefited from increased attention to wellness issues at orientation, with sessions dedicated to such things as dealing with stress, nutrition, counseling and psychological services
"We wanted to address the transition to dental school, which is very different from the undergraduate environment in terms of academic rigor and density of materials." — SUSAN SCHWARTZ
at Penn, sexual violence prevention and support services, and a workout session and introduction to the fitness facilities at Pottruck Gym. "We realized a major issue in dental education is the stress that students are experiencing," Dr. Hangorsky says. "Mental health is very much on everybody's mind. We have to deal constantly with new challenges, and with student well-being beyond academics." Indeed, the focus on wellness will extend beyond the orientation program, with the start of a wellness club, where students regularly will be able to take part in such activities as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and other exercises, and address issues related to worklife balance, nutrition, health, and safety. "It's a different world and we need to respond to it," Schwartz says. "We're helping students achieve more work-life balance, deal with the stress of professional education, and behave morally and ethically as they move forward."
MOVING FORWARD WITH THE NEW CURRICULUM With the new curriculum in place, second-year students this year will take new multi-disciplinary integrated courses focused on organ systems, an oral pathology/diagnostic radiology course, and a new module focused on orofacial pain. They also will perform patient exams, dental cleanings and oral hygiene instruction with recall patients. Meanwhile, existing courses in endodontics and periodontics have been revised "to further enhance student understanding of these important clinical disciplines," says Dr. Faizan Alawi, Assistant Dean for Curriculum and Associate Professor of Pathology.
Dr. Alawi was named Assistant Dean in August 2015 to oversee the development and implementation of the new curriculum, which was developed over several years by the School's faculty and initiated with last year's entering class. Those students — now in their second year — will be the first to inaugurate the revised curriculum each year as they move through the program. The new curriculum emphasizes the integration of scientific and clinical information, grouping courses into integrative course streams rather than discipline-specific courses. It also features enhanced small group and case-based learning, and offers more opportunities for primary patient care and clinical rotations in the first two years of study. In another change this year to advance these goals, third- and fourth-year clinical rotation schedules have been assigned in a block-style format to help further promote continuity of patient care and administrative efficiency. "We continue to compile a variety of data to critically assess the new curriculum, and expect to begin reporting this data over the next few months," Dr. Alawi says. For now, he says, minor changes were made to the first-year curriculum based on faculty and student feedback from last year's implementation of the curriculum, including presenting some modules earlier in the year to ensure students have access to information they need for later courses. Meanwhile, Dr. Alawi says work will soon being on revising the third-year curriculum for implementation in the 2017–2018 academic year, which he expects will include a series of courses focused on clinical problem-based learning and critical thinking.
Since it was first offered last fall, six students have enrolled in the new evidence-based learning track of the Master of Science in Oral Biology (MSOB) clinical program, says Dr. Joseph DiRienzo, Professor, Department of Microbiology and Coordinator of the new track. The first students in this track are expected to graduate next spring. In the evidence-based learning track, students develop a formally structured and critically evaluated literature review focused on an important oral health-related research topic or clinical question. A thesis composed of an in-depth systematic review of the literature and a manuscript reporting the results of the systematic review are required for graduation. For example, Dr. Adrien Hamedi (GD'19), also in the periodontics/orthodontics residency program, has selected as his thesis topic a review of surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion, including boneborne versus tooth-borne appliances. His thesis advisor is Dr. Lee Carrasco, Associate Professor of Clinical Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery/Pharmacology. The MSOB program also offers its long-established research track, which currently enrolls 17 students who are interested in integrating more extensive research opportunities into their postgraduate education. For now, both tracks of the MSOB are open only to students concurrently enrolled in a postgraduate specialty training program at Penn Dental Medicine, but there are plans to offer the new MSOB track more widely. "The short-term goal of this new track is to provide our students with an alternate, rigorous non-laboratory-based research option for obtaining a MSOB degree," Dr. DiRienzo says. "The future goal is to broaden the availability of the MSOB program by offering the
evidence-based learning track to students outside the School of Dental Medicine." Those who might be interested in the program include foreign dentists in the U.S. who are interested in a master's degree, he said, as well as students enrolled in other University of Pennsylvania programs. The evidence-based learning track could be made more widely available within a few years, Dr. DiRienzo says, allowing time to develop additional courses and a larger pool of faculty thesis advisors to serve a larger student population.
"The short-term goal of this new track is to provide our students with an alternate, rigorous non-laboratorybased research option for obtaining a MSOB degree. The future goal is to broaden the availability of the MSOB program by offering the evidence-based learning track to students outside the School of Dental Medicine." — DR. JOSEPH DIRIENZO
ACADEMICINITIATIVES UPDATE ON TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES AT PENN DENTAL MEDICINE For the first time last year, all Penn Dental Medicine DMD students were given iPads and required to bring them to class as part of an initiative that has unified the technology for courses, textbooks, and testing onto the iPad platform. At orientation in August, iPads were distributed to the Class of 2020. With all students on a uniform platform, the Learning Technology Team is moving forward with the goal of converting the majority of textbooks into iBooks, says Chia-Wei Wu, Director of Learning Sciences and Technologies. As of the start of this academic year, 24 books across all four years of study are available as iBooks, as are a majority of clinical manuals and course documents, he says. In comparison, in 2014 there was only one iBook for Penn Dental Medicine students: the Endodontics Preclinical Manual.
The iBook platform enables students and faculty to access a variety of related course content, including instructional videos, course schedules, laboratory sign-up
The service enables faculty to enrich course content by incorporating text, photos, and charts as well as animation and other graphics into one seamless video.
"To provide a more effective learning experience, you have to adapt course material for a new generation. They are learning in a different way than we did in the past." — CHIA-WEI WU sheets, and published articles. And, in response to feedback, the Learning Technology Team has added new interactive features — note-taking and MediaSite video embedding — to the two newest iBooks, enabling students to take notes and watch videos without switching between applications. The iPads also support the electronic ExamSoft testing system through which all PDM testing is done, simplifying the testing and grading process. Feedback from students and faculty members has been very positive, Wu says. "Students love it; they can bring the iPad to the laboratory without a thick manual, and use iBooks to search for information quickly." In support of the School's overall commitment to blended learning and the new curriculum, the Learning Technology Team also has established a studio for producing instructional videos and lectures available for all faculty; helped develop an assessment tool on the PaGamO gamification platform; and established online learning modules.
Another benefit is that instructors can ask students to watch video lectures on their own and devote more class time to in-depth discussions. He says numerous faculty members so far have used the new production facilities to record lectures. Wu also recently gave a presentation to faculty on using the interactive Poll Everywhere application that allows them to get real-time feedback from students on how well they understand the material being presented. "To provide a more effective learning experience, you have to adapt course material for a new generation," Wu says. "They are learning in a different way than we did in the past." — By Debbie Goldberg
The Learning Technology Team is moving forward with the goal of converting the majority of textbooks into iBooks. Presently, 24 books across all four years of study are available as iBooks, as are a majority of clinical manuals and course documents.
Q&A with Dr. Jonathan Korostoff (D'85, GS'91, GD'92) Professor of Periodontics
WHILE THE PENN DENTAL Medicine community may know the School's faculty by the courses they teach or the research they conduct, this Q&A faculty spotlight aims to get a bit more personal glimpse of them as individuals. For this issue, we talked with Dr. Jonathan Korostoff, Professor of Periodontics. Dr. Korostoff earned both his DMD and certificate in periodontics at Penn Dental Medicine and a PhD in immunology from Penn as well. A member of the standing faculty since 1992, Dr. Korostoff also serves as Director of the Master of Science in Oral Biology Program. What have you found most rewarding about being a member of the Penn faculty? Seeing our students achieve their goals in both the pre- and postdoctoral programs. It is incredibly satisfying to know that I played a part, small or large, in helping them get there. A great example of this is the annual Jay Siebert Tri-School Symposium at which periodontics, periodontics/prosthodontics, and orthodontics/periodontics residents from Penn Dental Medicine, Boston University, and New York University present their clinical work or research. It's not a competition, but our residents are typically the stars of the show. The sense of pride we as faculty feel watching our residents excel is very hard to put into words. What do you view as your greatest professional accomplishment? The first thing that came to my mind was surviving dental school at Penn; something a lot of the people who read this can relate to. But I have to admit, that the teaching awards I have received are at the top of my list.
What drew your interest to your particular field and what do you enjoy most about it? I became fascinated with immunology during my second year in dental school. This is when the science geek in me comes out. Then and now, I find it absolutely incredible how our bodies defend themselves against all of the nasty things we are exposed to. Regarding periodontics, I actually got into it by default when I applied for NIH funding to cover my PhD program. The application required integration of a dental specialty with your area of research and this seemed like a natural combination. I'm glad it happened, because I love what I do in both areas.
using human tissue and an animal model of periodontitis in the same publication. This brings out the translational implications of the work. And I think it really represents an ideal way to approach a scientific question. Are there unique aspects to being involved in research and treating patients? Absolutely. I'll give you an example. One of the most important things we all try to impress upon students and residents is to be critical of what you hear at meetings and read in journals. Being involved in both I think gives me a platform to deliver this message. What advice from a mentor have you carried with you in your career? "You can't please everyone." I heard this from a few people. It took me a long time to appreciate it, but I think I'm finally there. So I strive to do things to the absolute best of my ability. When I know I've done this, I'm very satisfied. If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be? I can't answer this with a single name. I would choose my closest friends and relatives because they know and accept what I'm about.
What have you enjoyed most about having a clinical and scientific background? Two things. Having this background allows me to share a unique perspective on clinically-related issues with my research colleagues. I think it also helps tremendously when lecturing in the basic science component of our curriculum. It allows me to bring out the clinical relevance of the material I teach. How has clinical expertise changed the way you approach scientific questions? Recently, working with George Hajishengallis from the Microbiology Department, we reported results derived from experiments
Hobbies? Skiing is my passion. It's hard to explain the feeling I get when I'm on a big, beautiful mountain skiing in fresh snow in the middle of a snowstorm with my friends. I also love to travel, especially to places where there are mountains and beaches. Favorite vacation destination? I had the opportunity to ski in New Zealand, and it was an amazing experience. Italy is also a favorite destination, because I have very close friends who live there. We all met when we were students here at Penn Dental.
Penn Ortho Centennial Campaign
To commemorate the 100th anniversary in 2016 of Penn Dental Medicine's Department the Orthodontics, a committee of alumni volunteers has raised more than $700,000 to enhance the Department's facilities and the educational experience of current and future residents. Penn Dental Medicine thanks the following individuals for their support, to date, of the Penn Ortho Centennial Campaign: FOUNDER ($100,000 AND ABOVE)
Lana Rouff
Paul J. Batastini (GD'72)
Jill S. Baldinger (D'95, GD'98)
Larry Rouff (D'63, GD'66)
Ciro Cabal (GD'05)
James G. Barrer (D'80, GD'84)
Peter Rouff (GD'07)
Charles Crowder (GD'06, GD'07)
Laura Wurtzel Bodner (D'12, GD'14)
David Tai-Man Shen (D'79, GD'81)
Joel Elliot Elfman (GD'84)
Dolores Dodds
Susan Elfman
Emadadeen T. Al-Farra (GD'98)
Catherine M. Foote (C'00, D'04, GD'06)
Richard F. Gill (GD'90)
Frances D. Butterfoss (NU'72, GED'75)
Matthew E. Fortna (D'01, GD'06)
Sam Ghosh (GD'93)
Thomas W. Butterfoss (EE'72, D'78, GD'88)
Carolyn D. Forwood
David C. Hufham (GD'01)
John M. Capogna (GD'88)
Francis G. Forwood (D'77, GD'79)
Donald M. Humen (D'68, GD'72)
Jenny C. Chung (GD'79)
Louis Jameson Hardy (GD'88)
Kazumi Ikeda (GD'81)
Johnson Chung (D'81)
Tyler H. Jolley (GD'06)
Paul J. McKenna (GD'50)
Guy Coby (GD'87, GD'90)
Grace Y. Juan (GD'04)
Frederick G. Preis (GD'68)
John Michael Hamlin (GD'88)
Soo-Jin Kim (GD'06)
Karen Reisner (GD'95)
John L. Hayes (GD'86)
Bon C. Koo (GD'98)
Gary P. Swistak (GD'83)
Sharon Kift Hayes (D'80)
Kevin P. Lucas (GD'89)
Anil J. Idiculla (C'98, GD'06)
Michaela McCormick (GD'08)
Douglas W. White (D'85, GD'88)
David R. Musich Joyce Perih (GD'89) Matthew J. Pershing (GD'05) John Russell (GD'88) Raffael E. Spena (GD'88) Elaine Sunga (GD'05) Damon Szymanowski (GD'05) Tejjy M. Thomas (D'06, GD'11) Warren D. Woods (GD'82)
Help push the Centennial Campaign over the top of its goal of $1 million in new resources for the future of orthodontics at Penn Dental Medicine. To support the Campaign, visit www.dental.upenn.edu/ortho100 or contact Maren Gaughan, Associate Dean for Leadership Giving, 215–898–8952, firstname.lastname@example.com. We have made every attempt to ensure the above list is complete, however, if we accidently omitted your name, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us at 215–898–8951.
Thank You for Taking a Seat
Thank you to the following alumni who have supported the Take a Seat Campaign since the last issue of the Penn Dental Medicine Journal. Don't miss out on your opportunity to be represented in the William C. Cheung Auditorium (formerly B-60) in the newly renovated Evans Building Lower Concourse. This hub of student learning will reopen in early 2017, featuring new seating, improved lighting, upgraded digital connectivity, and other enhancements. Recent Take a Seat Campaign donors, include: D. Walter Cohen (C'47, D'50) – 2 seats, also recognizing Claire H. Reichlin Patricia Anne Cohen (DH'71) – 2 seats, also recognizing Steven Cohen (D'71) Lee B. Durst-Roisman (D'83) Howard Fragin (D'66) Anthony C. Harlacher (D'66) – 5 seats, also recognizing Anthony R. Harlacher (D'91, GD'04); Anthony J. Harlacher, DDS; Susan Harlacher Witter (DH'62); and Joan Harlacher (DH'53)
Volunteers Needed as Mentors, Admissions Ambassadors DMD MENTORS
Omar Souman (D'11)
What advice do you wish someone had shared while you were still pursuing your DMD degree? Did you leave training knowing how to choose a specialty, pick a practice location, hire staff, or choose a business partner? Penn Dental Medicine invites you to share your expertise in these and many other practical areas with today's DMD students. The PDM Mentoring Program seeks additional volunteers to provide guidance to DMD students about the profession, as well as hosts willing to make their practice available to prospective dental students for shadowing. Mentors and mentees connect predominately via email, at professional conferences, and at periodic networking events in Philadelphia, New York, and other cities. To learn more or to volunteer, contact email@example.com.
Eric L. Spieler (D'84) – 2 seats, also recognizing Hope S. Berman (D'83)
Elliot V. Hersh, DMD, MS, PhD Fahmida Hussain (D'98, GD'99, WMP'02, GR'05, GRD'12) Anita Nayar Joy (D'81) – 3 seats, also recognizing Christopher Joy (D'80) and Adrienne Joy (D'16) Joseph T. Kelly (D'69) Scott K. Leedy (D'76) – 2 seats, also recognizing Mary Rinehart Leedy (DH'76) Jeff Y. Li (D'12) Randolph L. Mitchell (D'81) Saundra B. Reilly (D'85) Gary W. Seldomridge (D'81) Francis J. Smithgall (C'79, D'83) Matthew K. Sones (D'12)
Paul Tomasovic (D'88) Michael D. Yasner (C'79, D'83, GD'84, GD'86) Alumni and friends can "Take a Seat" in the new auditorium with a gift of $1,000. To place your name on a seat, visit www.dental.upenn.edu/ takeaseat or contact Elizabeth Ketterlinus, Senior Associate Dean of Development & Alumni Relations, 215–898–3328, email@example.com.
Penn Dental Medicine has launched a new alumni volunteer program, calling on alumni and the School's advisory boards to serve as admissions ambassadors — connecting them with pre-health advisors at colleges and universities nationwide, and in turn, with prospective students.
Through the program, the School's Office of Admissions will facilitate an introduction of interested volunteers to the pre-health advisors at area undergraduate schools. Volunteers then work with the advisors on ways to help promote dentistry among the pre-health students at the respective schools and offer their practices as shadowing opportunities for those students with a serious interest in the dental field. Alumni can indeed play a vital role in continuing to attract top students from across the country and around the world to Penn Dental Medicine. In a survey of this year's freshman class (with 116 of the 124-member class completing the survey), 49% said they learned about Penn Dental Medicine through alumni or a dentist they shadowed and 41% said it was through a pre-health advisor or pre-health club. And in rating the reasons they chose Penn Dental Medicine, the School's reputation was among the top reasons with 97% of the class and networking opportunities were rated among the top reasons by 90%. To join in reaching out to prospective students through this ambassadors program, simply drop a note to alumnifeedback@dental. upenn.edu.
Alumni Weekend 2016
Penn Dental Medicine welcomed back a record breaking attendance of alumni May 13–15 for Alumni Weekend 2016 — the reunion year for classes ending in "1" and "6". Save the date for Alumni Weekend 2017, May 12–13! 1 Penn Dental Medicine's Dental Hygiene alumni at Alumni Weekend 2016 with Dean Denis Kinane. 2 Geetha Srinivasan (D'06), Anayo Adacie (D'06) prepare to celebrate their 10th reunion at the alumni parade. 3 Penn Dental Medicine alumni enjoy The Samuel I. and Hilda B. Shames Lecture on Oral Vaccines and Biopharmaceuticals, presented by Dr. Henry Daniell, Professor and Interim Chair, Dept. of Biochemistry. 4 Dean Denis Kinane, Eli Zebooker (D'40), Bruce Ettinger (D'48), Marty Levin (D'72, GD'74) at the second annual "Luminary Society Luncheon," a recognition for alumni celebrating their 50th reunion and beyond.
5 Patricia (DH'71) and Steve Cohen (D'71) show their pride in preparation for the alumni parade.
11 6 Penn Dental Medicine alumni celebrate their pride at the alumni parade down Locust Walk. 7 Stefanie Walker (D'06) with spouse Patrick Hill (and newest edition to their family); Brian M. Schwab (D'06); Corky Cacas, Director of Admissions; and Dan Kubikian (D'01, GD'04, GD'05) gathered in the Fonseca Gardens to kick off the weekend with the alumni celebration and awards presentation. 8 Members of the Class of 1981 prepare to walk down Locust Walk in the alumni parade. 9 Susan Stern (D'81) and Judy Buxton (GED'71, D'81) head over to the alumni picnic from the parade. 10 Members of the Class of 1996 and their families enjoy the alumni parade.
11 Members of the Class of 1976 enjoy each other's company at the alumni picnic.
ALUMNIHIGHLIGHTS Alumni Profile: Captain Sean Meehan, D'92 A distinctive career of dentistry and military service culminates in a Deanship.
FOR CAPTAIN SEAN MEEHAN (D'92), a degree from Penn Dental Medicine launched a distinguished and varied dental and military career. His accomplishments include teaching and practicing dentistry as a civilian and as a Naval officer, in multiple U.S. settings and as far away as Japan — including on a Naval vessel during the Kosovo War. Most recently, following a decade of academic and administrative service, he was named Dean of the Naval Postgraduate Dental School (NPDS) in Bethesda, Md. As a child in Connecticut, he excelled at school, particularly in science. Dental and medical school were both options for him, but "I chose dentistry because it seemed to offer a better work-life balance. I wanted to be able to care for people and still enjoy the personal parts of my life," says Captain Meehan, who is married to Angie and has two children, Sean Jr. (16) and Emma (11).
After graduating from Penn Dental Medicine in 1992, Captain Meehan completed a general practice residency at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Connecticut, and was soon commissioned as a Lieutenant in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), a uniformed service corps overseen by the Surgeon General of the United States. He was assigned to the National Institutes of Health, where he received specialty training in oral medicine, completed the Core Course in Clinical Research, and was involved in bench-top and clinical research in salivary gland disease that led to published studies in medical and dental journals. Seeking experience in academia, Captain Meehan next accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Dentistry. While he enjoyed teaching and was selected as "Teacher of the Year" by his first-year dental students, he felt something was missing: the camaraderie, discipline, and patriotic fulfillment that had come with serving his country in the USPHS. He joined the Navy as a Lieutenant the following year.
A GLOBAL TOUR OF DUTY The next several years brought a wealth of experience in military dentistry — at home, at sea, and abroad. At Camp Lejeune, N.C., Captain Meehan served the Second Dental Battalion as Oral Diagnosis Department Head at Branch Dental Clinic French Creek and Command Consultant for Oral Medicine. During this time, he deployed as Senior Fleet Marine Force Dental Officer with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Landing
Force 6th Fleet, aboard the USS Nashville during Operation Allied Force in Kosovo. Once on board, he quickly adapted to the challenges of practicing dentistry in the middle of the ocean. "Fortunately, the equipment was pretty much the same as you would see in any dental practice, and I had a captive audience of patients. If someone didn't show up for an appointment, I sent someone to find them," he remembers. "The ship was fairly stable, but sometimes heavy seas made things interesting." Captain Meehan's next assignment took him even farther from home, to the U.S. Naval Dental Center Far East in Yokosuka, Japan, just south of Tokyo. At an onshore clinic, he and the staff provided comprehensive dental care for soldiers on U.S. Naval vessels stationed in the harbor. His son was born in Japan in 2000.
DISTINGUISHED STATESIDE APPOINTMENTS Captain Meehan returned to the United States in 2002 and reported for duty at the National Naval Dental Center in Bethesda, Md., as a member of the oral medicine staff. He served as an Associate Professor at NPDS and Program Director for the Oral Medicine Residency until June 2006. At the end of this tour, he was selected as a Military Fellow at the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., with a medical staff appointment at the Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes. He returned to NPDS in 2007, was appointed a full Professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and, after nearly a decade of service as a faculty member and administrator, he was named Dean of NPDS in June. In his new position, he is pleased to have an opportunity to lead the school he has grown to know and love. NPDS is the only centralized postgraduate dental school within the Department of Defense. It offers fully accredited two-and-three year residency programs to approximately 50 residents in the specialties
of comprehensive dentistry, prosthodontics, maxillofacial prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, orofacial pain, and oral and maxillofacial pathology, and includes ten clinics offering the full spectrum of specialty dental care. As Dean, he has significant short- and long-term goals. He plans to advance the school's digital initiative by expanding its use of imaging technology and CAD/CAM in restorations, and to build its program in distance education, which brings online continuing education courses to Navy dentists at sea. In addition, he hopes to oversee the opening of a new laser training and research center at the school, and establish the military's first residency program in oral and maxillofacial radiology.
POSITIVE FACULTY ROLE MODELS Looking back on his years at Penn Dental Medicine, Captain Meehan remembers the excitement of attending a dental school that was fully integrated into a busy University campus. In addition, he still recalls fondly the influential faculty members who helped shape his current understanding of dentistry, especially Dr. Gordon Levenson, who at the time was a faculty member within the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology. "Dr. Levenson was one of several very positive role models whose teaching style blended intellectual rigor with a high level of collegiality," he says. "They made me feel comfortable and welcome without watering down the academics." Today, as he observes the residents who arrive at NPDS to begin their training, those from Penn Dental Medicine stand out. "The level of academic preparation I see in the Penn Dental students is always impressive," he says. "It makes me proud to be an alumnus."
Save this Date: Monday, February 13, 2017 Penn Dental Medicine visits South Florida!
• Enjoy a day of golf at the pristine, award-winning Falls Club of the Palm Beaches, conveniently located in Lake Worth, Fla., courtesy of club-member Lawrence Kessler (C66, D70) — greens fee $132 per person, tee time 1:00 p.m. • Network with classmates and Penn Dental Medicine friends. • Enjoy dinner, drinks, and conversation with Dean Denis Kinane, compliments of the Office of Development & Alumni Relations — reception 6:00–8:00 p.m. For more information or to confirm your attendance, contact Elizabeth Ketterlinus at email@example.com, 215–898–3328.
By the Numbers: FY16 Giving & Engagement TOTAL GIVING
$13.62M total cumulative gifts 12% of alumni made gifts in FY16 108 were consecutive donors for 3 years 406 (41% of all FY16 donors) were consecutive
$515K gifts raised toward unrestricted annual funds 994 annual giving donors (16% were young alumni, classes 2001–2015)
85 Benjamin Franklin Society Members
donors for 5+ years
708 alumni on Find a Penn Dentist
$10.92M raised toward capital & endowed gifts
887 attended a PDM event in FY16
(29% increase from FY15) (26% increase from FY15)
Paula Lazerow Herzstein (DH'56) has retired from dental hygiene, and is enjoying life in Sun Lakes, Ariz. She has two children, Neal and Marsha Wolfe (DH'82), as well as three grandchildren. Myra Lehman (DH'56) has four children and nine grandchildren. She enjoys creating sculptures and volunteering as a docent at Neuberger Museum at SUNY Purchase.
Penn Dental Medicine sadly notes the passing of Clement Alpert (C'32, D'34). In 2006, Dr. Alpert and his late wife Sandra K. Alpert established an endowed scholarship fund to provide financial support in perpetuity to a DMD student with financial need. His daughter wrote to the alumni office to say that "his passing leaves a huge void, but that Penn and Penn Dental were very special to Clem."
Lloyd F. Shaver, Jr. (D'57) served as a colonel in the U.S. Army until 1981, and retired from a prosthodontics practice in 1995. He and his wife, Norma, celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in August. He plays golf three times a week with a senior group and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren, who all live close by. Charles Reich (D'58) is retired, and enjoys spending time with his wife Kathleen, eight children, 17 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Elisabeth "Betty" Peebles (DH'59), owner & COO of Team Placement Service, is proud to announce that TPS has received a five-year award to provide medical and dental professionals to all Navy Health Care Facilities in the Southeast Region. TPS has placed dentists, hygienists, and other health professionals in temporary and permanent positions in the Washington, DC area since 1983.
1960s Alan Kuehn (D'64) has come out of retirement to serve as Dental Medicine Director for Borrego Community Health Foundation, an FQHC comprised of eight clinics and 18 dentists in California.
Ken Ingber (D'71) has been in private general practice for almost 45 years, but has recently been considering retirement. He taught part-time for 25 years at Penn Dental Medicine. He is happily married with five children and six grandchildren. Out of the office, Dr. Ingber and his family spend a considerable time in travel and community activities. Early graduation led Michael Cook (C'72, D'76) to a USAF slot, overlooking the San Francisco Bay. He put down roots and rode the Silicon Valley boom until selling his office and practice in 2014. His wife retired from Stanford last year so they are bi-coastal — Fremont, Calif. and Naples, Fla. Charitable foundation and church boards keep him busy. Dr. Joseph Greenberg (D'72, GD'76) presented "A New Electronic Oral Health Screening System" for the ADA Foundation's Caries Symposium, held at NYU Dental School in August. Bonnie Miller (DH'72) has been working as a dental hygienist at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for the past 25 years.
YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE MISSING! Unlock the benefits you can claim as a Penn Dental Medicine graduate by updating your email/personal contact information.
IT IS EASY – SIMPLY. . . Go to www.alumni.upenn.edu/benefits or Call 1-215-898-8951
Here are some of the benefits of staying connected with the school: • Take advantage of Penn's world-class library resources! Signing up for a PennKey gives you access to Penn Libraries and other partner libraries nationally; • Stay connected with friends and colleagues through QuakerNet (www.myquakernet.com), Penn's exclusive online community! • Learn about CE opportunities; • Refer or accept referrals from other Penn Dental Medicine Alumni practices; • Make an impact through volunteering or teaching.
Dr. Robert Fleisher (GD'76) earlier this year announced the publication of his book, From Waiting Room to Courtroom, How Doctors Can Avoid Getting Sued released by Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers, LTD. Richard T. Bex (D'79), now retired from the Naval Dental Corps, is currently working part-time as a contractor for Team Placement Services at the military clinic in Parris Island, S.C. He served 32 years on active duty, and retired as a Captain. EDITOR'S NOTE/CORRECTION In the 2016 Alumni Giving Report, Benjamin P. Iuvone (D'74) was identified as a Thomas Evans Society member under the honor roll of classes section of the report when he is a Benjamin Franklin Society member. We offer our sincere apologies for this mistake.
Wendy Hupp (D'84) was named president of the American Academy of Oral Medicine during its annual meeting in Atlanta.
Douglas Harte (D'88, GD'91), a member of the Penn Dental Medicine faculty and an alumnus of Penn Orthodontics, was honored as President of the Mid-Atlantic Society of Orthodontists (MASO) this September at the Biltmore Hotel and Resort in Phoenix, Ariz.
1990s Penn Dental Medicine takes pride in the admission of students who are alumni legacies and future alumni. They provide a vital link through the generations of Penn dentists. The following alumni have relatives in the Class of 2020: Bekir Karabucak (GD '98,D'02), uncle of Selin Soyupak; Gail Schupak (D'83), mother of Sarah Karron; Marlene Sardina-Kelly (D'90), mother of Courtney Kelly; Umit Yigit (D'86), father of Sibel Odabas-Yigit; Pamela Alberto (D'80), mother of Catherine Wroclawski; Stephanie Shinmachi (D'11), sister of Jacqueline Yip; Amrittej Virk (D'16), cousin of Ivraj Sandhu; Cindy Behrens (D'84), aunt of Justin Tomack; and Allan Wang (D'15) brother of Blake Wang. Pictured are those alumni who joined in welcoming their relatives to Penn Dental Medicine at the White Coat Ceremony, August 15.
1980s Mahvash Navazesh (GD'78, GD'80, D'83) serves as a professor of Diagnostic Sciences and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Life at the University of Southern California. She received the Excellence in Education Award at the Friends of Dentistry Gala in May. Sandra Rhodes Lessard (DH'81) lives in Rochester, N.H., and has been blessed to work in the same dental office for 29 years. She surrounds herself with great co-workers, and has had the opportunity to see up to three generations in some families. Debra Tarapcheck-Jacob (DH'81) is still working in clinical hygiene in a hospital setting. She wonders in this computer world what ever happened to charts! Her two sons, Stephen and Joseph, attended Slippery Rock University, and son, Vincent, is currently attending Mercyhurst University. Kathy Kapaun Andrejko (DH'81) is working as a hygienist in a general practice, and just celebrated her 30th anniversary with husband, Marty.
Deborah Hersh Locke (DH'81) is very happy teaching clinical and didactic courses at Middlesex County College in Edison, N.J. She has served as President of the NJDHA, and when not working loves to hike, bike, and kayak with her husband of 30 years, Henry, and their two golden doodles. Three sons are also happy, healthy, and doing well. Judith Zack Bendit (DH'81) has been speaking nationally about dental hygiene for the past 17 years (JudyBendit. com) and loves traveling around the country and encountering Penn Dental hygiene graduates at conventions near and far. When not working or volunteering for the Penn Dental Medicine Alumni board, home is Delray Beach, Fla. Laura Beckman Berkowitz (DH'81) is living in South Florida and working as an administrator in her husband's medical practice. Three children are in various stages of post-secondary education, with the youngest headed to college this fall. Cheryl Bedoe George (DH'81) and Thomas George (D'84, GD'85) spend time in Philly, where Tom still loves dentistry and practices four days a week. They also enjoy spending time at their condo in Miami every month.
Dr. Bruce Fisher (D'92, M'97, GD'00, RES'00), former Clinical Assistant Professor of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, received The Earle Bank Hoyt Award from the Penn Dental Medicine Class of 2016 — presented for excellence in teaching to a faculty member who is a Penn Dental Medicine graduate. Captain Sean Meehan (D'92) is currently the Dean at the Naval Postgraduate Dental Center at Walter Reed National Medical Center (see profile, page 38).
Ann-Colter Cheron (D'04) welcomed Director of Admissions, Corky Cacas, to visit her practice while she was in the Virginia area on admissions business. Lisa Blickley Russell (D'06) followed her husband to his home state of Missouri. There she has a part-time, solo orthodontic practice. Out of the office, she stays busy raising her four young daughters.
Andrew J. Krygier, (D'93, GD'96) is the head endodontist for the NBA team the Phoenix Suns. Blair Feldman (D'99, GED'99) joined the Phoenix Suns Dental Team as the official team orthodontist in April. Brian Martin (D'99) accepted a new role as Medical Director for Quality at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. In this role, he is responsible for advancing clinical quality and safety throughout the institution, driving the standardization of clinical operations, overseeing the professional staff office, and overseeing the processes related to data collection and interpretation for focused and ongoing professional practice evaluation. Dr. Martin continues to be clinically active in his role as Chief of the Pediatric Dentistry Service.
Man Yee Chan (D'06) completed her GPR residency at Montefiore Medical Center and orthodontic residency at NYU. She is married with two children. Recently, she and her family moved from NYC to Gap, Pa., where she opened up an orthodontic practice. Sang Kim (D'06) is married with three boys (ages 2, 4, and 6). After finishing his residency at MGH in Boston, he opened an OMS private practice in Northern Virginia.
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Submit a Class Note to www.dental.upenn.edu/classnotes Or, you can send your submissions to: Robert Schattner Center Penn Dental Medicine Office of Development and Alumni Relations 240 South 40th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104–6030
2010s Javier Victor Duran (D'07) and his wife, Nicole Siddell-Duran, welcomed their daughter, Madeleine Jayne Duran, into the world on April 20, 2016. She arrived at a healthy 7lbs 11oz, and 19.5 inches long. Obianuju Mbamalu (GD'11) and Josh Green had their traditional wedding ceremony in Nigeria in September.
On Sunday April 17, 2016, Gabriel Strauss (D'14) married Ilana Yablonovich (V'16) in New York City. Many Penn Dental Medicine current students and young alumni joined to celebrate them on their special day.
Katherine France (D'16, GR'16, GD'18) received the Dr. Andy Binns Impact Award for Outstanding Service to Graduate and Professional Student Life. She was honored alongside other graduate student leaders at a reception in May.
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Elena Saha (D'09) and new husband, Madhav Sukumaran, celebrated their marriage on April 23, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Many of her fellow classmates were in attendance.
Giving That Creates Smiles When you make a gift to Penn Dental Medicine you support a world class institution, transforming students into men and women who are ready to shape the world. Never has this been more evident than in the PennSmiles mobile clinic. PennSmiles is a fully equipped bus providing on-site dental care and education to low-income communities. In 2017, Penn Dental Medicine hopes to retire the vehicle that has been on the road for more than 14 years, replacing it with a new state-of-the-art bus.
A great way to keep PennSmiles on the road is with a Charitable Gift Annuity—here's how it works…
To learn more, contact us today! Elizabeth Ketterlinus Senior Associate Dean, Development & Alumni Relations Penn Dental Medicine 240 S. 40th Street | Philadelphia, PA 19104 215-898-3328 | firstname.lastname@example.com www.giving.upenn.edu/giftplanning
In exchange for a gift of $10,000 or more, you can establish a charitable gift annuity. A CGA offers a unique way to support Penn Dental Medicine while receiving guaranteed payments from Penn. A CGA may offer tax benefits such as an immediate tax deduction, income-tax advantages and capital gains tax savings.
Sample Rate Chart for $10,000 Charitable Gift Annuity Annuitant Age
Annuity Rate
Charitable Deduction*
*Deduction will vary with the Federal Discount Rate at the time of your gift. Assumed rate 1.8%. Charitable Gift Annuities are not investments and are not regulated by the insurance department of any state.
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The Penn Dental Medicine community fondly remembers Dr. Arthur Steinberg, a beloved member of the faculty, who passed away May 9, 2016. Dr. Steinberg always lit up the clinic and classroom whenever he interacted with the School's students and patients with his warm personality and great compassion. He first joined the faculty in 1973 and was Clinical Professor of Periodontics at the time of his passing. Dr. Steinberg shared his clinical skills and knowledge with both DMD candidates and periodontics residents, teaching in the predoctoral and postgraduate clinics. In recognition of Dr. Steinberg dedicated service to Penn Dental Medicine and his longstanding commitment to our students, the Penn Dental Medicine Alumni Society named him an honorary alumnus of the School in 2010. Dr. Steinberg earned his DDS from University of Pittsburgh and completed his postdoctoral training in periodontics at Harvard University. From 1970 to 1971, he had a Fulbright professorship in Cork, Ireland. Along with teaching, he maintained a private practice in Phoenixville, Pa., for 28 years. Dr. Steinberg is greatly missed and will be long remembered by friends and colleagues at the School. Clement C. Alpert (C'32, D'34) Chevy Chase, MD; August 18, 2016
Mildred Radin Adelman (DH'47) Hillsborough, CA; July 22, 2016
Joan Harlacher (DH'53) Castle Rock, CO; January 25, 2016
Beatrice Schrage Blum (DH'38) Huntingdon Valley, PA; March 10, 2016
Jean Mahony Cording (DH'48) Worton, MD; February 27, 2016
Albert L. Smith (D'53) Palmetto, FL; February 11, 2016
Arnold J. Levine (D'40) South Lancaster, MA; March 26, 2016
Michael C. Niekrash (D'48) West Hartford, CT; June 27, 2016
Thomas A. Hulsebosch (D'53) Mattapoisett, MA; May 13, 2016
Marion D. Mendenhall (DH'42) Ocean City, NJ; April 28, 2016
Harry R. Philippi (D'48) Chatham, NJ; July 22, 2016
Fred D. Heilbrunn (C'52, D'54) Boynton Beach, FL; April 15, 2016
Isabella Stewart Schulze (DH'44) Beach Haven, NJ; June 13, 2016
Nancy Waldeck Sontag (DH'49) Downingtown, PA; April 13, 2015
Richard L. McClelland (D'54) Charlotte, NC; July 28. 2016
William Abesh (C'43, D'46) New Bedford, MA; May 28, 2016
John A. Spaulding (D'52) Highland Lakes, NJ; June 2, 2015
Mary Woodring Dagit (DH'54) Somers Point NJ: July 29, 2016
Daniel H. Bloom (D'46) Glendale, CA; June 4, 2016
Roger P. Kellogg (D'52) Rockport, MA; March 7, 2016
Alan H. Gelbert (D'55) Bridgeport, CT; January 1, 2016
Nelle H. Pierson (DH'47) Birmingham, AL; July 3, 2016
Warren E. L. Daley (D'52) Grand Junction, CO; March 20, 2016
Richard U. Mascera (D'56) Verona, NJ; July 22, 2016
Mrs. Joann K. Wilkins (DH'47) Knoxville, TN; July 6, 2016
O. L. Quillen (D'52) Scott Depot, WV; April 23, 2016
Robert G. Latoff (D'56) Downingtown, PA; August 3, 2016
Edward B. Allen (D'47) Stamford, CT; July 18, 2016
Edwin C. Horne (D'52) Lafayette Hill, PA; June 18, 2016
Martin J. Greenwald (D'57) Mahwah, NJ; January 1, 2016
Robert T. Brokaw (D'57) Jackson, NJ; March 6, 2016 Allan Weissman (D'57) Sarasota, FL; April 14, 2016 William B. Shugars III, (D'58) Pottsville, PA; June 23, 2016 Richard F. Esmay (D'59) Diamond Point, NY; March 27, 2016 John Pier, Jr. (D'59) Vernon, NJ; April 9, 2016 Jay R. Petrie (D'59) Solebury, PA; May 26, 2016 Martin V. Misavage (C'55, D'60) Port Saint Lucie, FL; March 3, 2016 William E. Bartik (D'60) Nesconset, NY; May 28, 2016 Kenneth G. Robbins (D'61) Enfield, CT; May 24, 2016 Richard E. Snyder (D'61) Isle of Palms, SC; June 21, 2016 John N. Reichheld (GD'62) Carlisle, MA; April 10, 2016 Eugene J. Bass (GD'63) Cherry Hill, NJ; June 5, 2016 Harry J. Klapper (D'63) Silver Spring, MD; August 6, 2016 Otis G. Beck (GD'64) Tallahassee, FL; April 1, 2016 Robert D. Mlkvy (C'61, D'65) Palmerton, PA; July 22, 2016 David G. Goodchild (GD'69) Madison, GA; April 19, 2016 Joseph T. Rowbottom III (D'70) Oneida, NY; May 20, 2016 Lawrence H. Shendalman (D'74) Skillman, NJ; March 18, 2016
CDE: Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Analgesia Certification Penn Dental Medicine
CDE: Advances in Local Anesthesia — Intranasal Delivery, Reversal of Soft Tissue Anesthesia and How to Stay Out of Trouble Penn Dental Medicine
Senior Farewell The Bellevue, Philadelphia
American Dental Hygiene Association Annual Session: Penn Dental Medicine Alumni Reception Jacksonville, FL
NOVEMBER 28, 2016 Greater New York Dental Conference: Penn Dental Alumni Reception The Penn Club, New York NOVEMBER 28, 2016 Young Alumni After Party Stout, New York City
MARCH 23, 2017 IADR/AADR/CADR General Session & Exhibition: Penn Dental Medicine Reception San Francisco, CA MARCH, 2017 Young Alumni Philadelphia Happy Hour Location TBD
JANUARY JANUARY 26, 2017 Yankee Dental: Penn Dental Alumni Reception Boston, MA
APRIL APRIL 1, 2017 American Academy of Oral Medicine: Penn Dental Alumni Dinner Orlando, FL APRIL 21, 2017 American Association of Orthodontics: Penn Dental Alumni Reception San Diego, CA APRIL 26–29, 2017 American Association of Endodontics: Penn Dental Alumni Reception New Orleans, LA
FEBRUARY 13, 2017 Penn Dental Medicine South Florida Gathering, Falls Club of the Palm Beaches Lake Worth, FL
Penn Dental Medicine Research Day 2017 Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts MAY 12, 2017 Board of Overseers Meeting Penn Dental Medicine MAY 12–13 2017
JUNE 16–17, 2017 CDE: International Academy for Adhesive Dentistry 2nd Biennial Meeting Penn Dental Medicine JUNE 25–30, 2017 CDE: Penn Periodontal Conference 2017 Penn Dental Medicine
Alumni Weekend 2017 Penn Dental Medicine
DECEMBER 14, 2016 Alumni Lecture Series CDE: Update on Management of Nerve Injuries Dr. Neeraj Panchal Penn Dental Medicine
APRIL, 2017 Goldin Lecture Penn Dental Medicine
MAY 15, 2017 Commencement 2017 Irvine Auditorium, University of Pennsylvania
Learn More... Visit www.dental.upenn.edu/events or call 215–898–8951 for information on alumni events. Visit www.dental.upenn.edu/cde or call 215–573–6841 for information on continuing dental education programs.
PENN DENTAL MEDICINE ALUMNI SOCIETY 2016–2017 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Lee B. Durst-Roisman, D'83 President Robert E. Weiner, C'72, D'79 Vice-President Members-at-Large Seyar Baqi, D'14 Judith Zack Bendit, DH'81 Hope Berman, C'77, D'83 Stefani L. Cheung, C'08, D'11 Gail Spiegel Cohen, C'76, D'80 Wesam El Shafee, D'12 Charlene Fenster, DH'75 Alyssa Marlin Greenberger, D'02 Marshall J. Goldin, C'60, D'64 Mark Guevarra, D'16, GD'18 Wendy Halpern, D'99, GD'02, GD'03 Daniel Kubikian, D'01, GD'04, GD'05 Jeff Li, D'12 Helen Mo, D'16 Ronald Pross, D'74 Michael B. Rulnick, D'74, GD'76 Trevan Samp, D'14 Eric Spieler, D'84 Joseph Spina, D'02 Ann Eshenaur Spolarich DH'82 Steven Ureles, D'83 Former Dean D. Walter Cohen, C'47, D'50 Ex Officio Member Dr. Jaclyn M. Gleber, DH'74
William W. M. Cheung, D'81, GD'82, Chair Nancy Baker, Esq. Stanley M. Bergman, PAR '02 Julie Charlestein Richard Copell, D'80, Campaign Co-Chair Matthew J. Doyle, PhD Patrik Eriksson Anne E. Klamar, MD Anne L. Koch, D'77, GD'93 Madeline Monaco, PHD, MS, Med Haruo Morita Vincent Mosimann Lewis E. Proffitt, D'73, WG'80 Robert I. Schattner, D'48 Alfred L. Spencer, Jr. David Tai-Man Shen, D'79, GD'81 David S. Tarica, D'83, Campaign Co-Chair Umit Yigit, C'81, D'86 Robert Zou, WG'94
Beth Adams Director of Publications Dr. Markus Blatz Professor of Restorative Dentistry Chair, Department of Preventive & Restorative Sciences Sarah Burton Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations Corky Cacas Director of Admissions Maren Gaughan Associate Dean for Leadership Giving Dr. Joan Gluch Division Chief and Professor of Clinical Community Oral Health, Associate Dean for Academic Policies Dr. Dana Graves Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Periodontics Vice Dean for Research and Scholarship
Ex Officio Members Martin D. Levin, D'72, GD'74, Chair, Dean's Council Lee B. Durst-Roisman , D'83, President, Alumni Society
Elizabeth Ketterlinus Senior Associate Dean of Development & Alumni Relations
Dr. Robert Ricciardi Professor, Department of Microbiology Chair, Department of Microbiology
Marty Levin, D'72, GD'74, Chair Robert Brody, C'80, D'84 Joseph Fiorellini, DMD, DMSc Howard P. Fraiman, D'91, GD'93, GD'94 Joseph E. Gian-Grasso, C'67, D'71 Elliot Hersh, DMD, MS, PhD Ronald T. Hwang, D'81 Brian Lee, D'00, GD'04 Saul M. Pressner, D'79 Howard Rosa, D'82 Louis Rossman, D'75, GD'77 Gail E. Schupak, D'83 Tara Sexton, D'88 Robert M. Stern, D'87 Susan Stern, C'77, D'81 David Silver, D'85, GD'86, GD'88 Larry L. Turner, Esq.
Susan Schwartz Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Dr. Thomas Sollecito Professor of Oral Medicine Chair, Department of Oral Medicine
DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS Elizabeth Ketterlinus, firstname.lastname@example.com Senior Associate Dean of Development & Alumni Relations Maren Gaughan, firstname.lastname@example.com Associate Dean for Leadership Giving Sarah Burton, firstname.lastname@example.com Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations Lindsay Murphy, firstname.lastname@example.com Assistant Director of Annual Giving Megan Connolly, firstname.lastname@example.com Development Assistant Beth Adams, firstname.lastname@example.com Director of Publications Office of Development & Alumni Relations 215–898–8951 Office of Continuing Education 215–573–6841
The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228, Philadelphia, PA 19104–6106; or (215) 898–6993 (Voice) or (215) 898–7803 (TDD).
Robert Schattner Center University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine 240 South 40th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104–6030
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THIS YEAR'S ALUMNI AWARDS: Thomas Evans Achievement Award Adam Stabholz, GD'78 Alumni Award of Merit Harold Baumgarten, D'77, GD'82 Robert Summers, C'61, D'65, GD'67 Honorary Alumnus Awards Beverley Crawford, DDS, Director of Diversity & Inclusion Gary H. Cohen, PhD, Professor, Dept. of Microbiology Benjamin Hammond, PhD, GR'62, former Professor of Microbiology
Learn more at www.dental.upenn.edu/AW2017 Stay connected and post memories using #PDMAlumniWeekend on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for a chance to win Penn Dental Medicine prizes!