Your Monthly News & Updates
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In this issue:
Feature Stories | Student Achievements | Alumni Achievements
Faculty Achievements | Upcoming Events | Staff Spotlights
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Dialogue with the Dean
This month's video features pictures from the 2019 commencement ceremonies.
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(l to r)
Kevin Smith, D.D.S. -
“I’m very excited. It’s been a long road, but very enjoyable.”
John Welk, D.D.S. - “The four years flew by.”
Ryan Peters, D.D.S. -
“It hasn’t sunk in yet.”
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The 2019 Lincoln division dental hygiene graduates gather for a group photo.
Sarah Scott, RDH, said, “I'm very excited for the future.”
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(l to r) Brian Van Osdel,
Corinne Van Osdel, D.D.S., Jody Van Osdel
Brain Van Osdel, father of graduate Corinne, said, “I was reminiscing about the day she got her acceptance letter and how we celebrated with her. I got teared up today."
Jody Van Osdel, Corinne's mother, said, “I am so proud of Corinne. She is so passionate about patient care and dental health. She will make the world a better place.”
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(l to r) Trent Smith,
Morgan Molacek, RDH, Maddie Vuettner, Pam Molacek, Jim Molacek
Jim Molacek, father of graduate Morgan, said, “I am very proud of Morgan and very excited for her. She is great at what she does. She’ll do great things.”
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Special feature: What makes us extraordinary
In this monthly video series, we'll look at the reasons why the College of Dentistry is a special place for students, faculty and staff members.
In this edition, faculty member Ernest Sigler, D.D.S., and third-year dental hygiene students Mikaela Sorensen and Yahia Al Sarhani talk about the special relationships students build with faculty members.
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Update on renovations: Durham Outpatient Center
Great progress has been made at the College of Dentistry clinic located at the Durham Outpatient Center on the UNMC Omaha campus. Renovations are expected to be complete by June 2019.
The clinic is expanding from seven dental chairs to 15 and will accommodate the General Practice Residency program and a new residency program: Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD). Our dental and dental hygiene students will begin rotations to this clinic upon completion of the renovation.
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One of the new dental and hygiene operatories.
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Nick Eurek and Nick Beck configuring technology.
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The new sterilization room.
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Staff and faculty members on moving day.
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College of Dentistry participates in the ADEA virtual recruitment fair
For the first time, the College of Dentistry participated in the ADEA GoDental Virtual Fair in May.
More than 2,000 students and others interested in a career in dentistry attended to live chat with dental school representatives.
The College of Dentistry's virtual booth included information and a video that showed potential students what makes the College of Dentistry unique.
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College of Dentistry in the news
Increasing statewide and national awareness of the mission, goals and accomplishments of the College of Dentistry.
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Published in the Scottsbluff Herald
March 2019
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Students recognized at annual honors banquet
The Alpha Alpha chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a national dental honor society, and Sigma Phi Alpha, a national dental hygiene honor society, held their annual honors banquet at the Lincoln Country Club in May.
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College of Dentistry dental students inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon: (l to r) Katelyn Lowery, Frances Hollinger, John Welk, Megan Klein and Stephanie Grogan.
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College of Dentistry dental hygiene students inducted into Sigma Phi Alpha: (l to r) Kristen Rodgers, faculty member Jaimee Shropshire and Emily Reimer.
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Student spotlight: Beth Shavlik
Beth Shavlik, a DH3 student, will be representing the College of Dentistry at the American Dental Hygienists' Association 96th Annual Session in June. She was chosen to be the voting delegate for the district which includes Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Illinois.
Beth talks about how her faculty members helped make this opportunity possible.
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DeLaet wins Hanau Best of the Best: Excellence in Prosthodontic award
John DeLaet, D.D.S., a 2019 graduate of the College of Dentistry, is the 2019 grand prize winner of the “Hanau Best of the Best: Excellence in Prosthodontic” award from Whip Mix. The award is presented to a graduating senior who has excelled in the study and clinical applications of prosthodontics. Dr. DeLaet receives an all expense paid trip to Clearwater, Florida and a free admittance to the Dawson Academy Seminar One, “From TMJ to Smile Design.”
Dr. DeLaet was nominated by the College of Dentistry's Adult Restorative & Prosthodontic faculty. His nomination said, "John is an outstanding clinician and has been a tremendous ambassador of our college."
Dr. DeLaet is returning to his hometown of Kearney, Nebraska, to provide care to patients in rural Nebraska. He said, "Through a combination of good fortune and hard work I now have an opportunity to achieve my aspiration of owning a dental practice in my hometown,
a community with a population of approximately 30,000. This small environment will be both rewarding and challenging. Many procedures will be kept within the practice that might be referred in a larger community with a wealth of specialists."
"I aspire to be able to provide the level of care that the patients in Kearney and surrounding areas need at an affordable price. I will keep up with the most modern techniques in dentistry, including implants and digital dentistry, and hope to be a leader in Central Nebraska regarding dental care."
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Alumni spotlight: Dr. Emily (Tschetter) Willett
Emily Willett, D.D.S., M.S., received her doctor of dental surgery degree in 2014 and her master's degree in oral biology and certificate in orthodontics in 2016.
Why did you decide to become a dentist?
From an early age, I had an interest in the health professions. I had many positive dental experiences as a child and from observing our family orthodontist. I knew dentistry was professionally and personally fulfilling while allowing the flexibility to be involved in the community. The more I learned about dentistry, the more I was drawn to it as I realized the depth of the relationships formed with patients and the impact dentistry has on their quality of life.
What have you been up to since graduation?
I graduated residency and purchased the thriving existing orthodontic practice of faculty member and fellow UNMC alum, Dr. Paula Harre, in Lincoln. Thanks to my experiences in dental school with organized dentistry, I have the privilege of representing the region on the ADA Counsel for Governmental Affairs through 2021 and am the Nebraska Director to the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists through 2022. I look forward to additional opportunities to see dentistry and orthodontics thrive and patients to be best served by our advocacy and professional efforts.
How did your time at the College of Dentistry set you up for success?
The College of Dentistry fosters a community that has made me successful in practice. The education, experiences, mentors and peers were important to my success in school and are vital to my success now.
What’s one of your fondest memories of your time at the College of Dentistry?
My favorite memories include *mostly* productive anatomy study sessions with my great friends and classmates, Dani and Mimi. From a clinical perspective, I had an amazing experience on my external rotation on the South Dakota Delta Dental Smile Mobile serving the rural and reservation populations, especially children.
What would you say to potential students who are considering the College of Dentistry?
My office has been fortunate to employ pre-dental students who are faced with this decision and my answer to them has been, "You can learn the facts of dentistry anywhere, but the heart and the passion for the profession and the patients we serve is learned through the relationships and experiences at UNMC."
I am beyond grateful to have received my education at the College of Dentistry. The dedication and excitement I have for dentistry and orthodontics is because of the peers whom I learned alongside and our mentors and faculty.
Any personal news you want to share?
My husband, Ryan, and I recently welcomed our second baby, Peter Wesley, to our family. He was eagerly welcomed by big sister, Lydia Jane. We love to swim, visit the library and travel. We are looking forward to celebrating Lydia's 3rd birthday at Disney World in October.
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Faculty recognized at annual honors banquet
The Alpha Alpha chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a national dental honor society, and Sigma Phi Alpha, a national dental hygiene honor society, held their annual honors banquet at the Lincoln Country Club in May.
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Jillian Wallen, B.D.S., M.S.
,
was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon.
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Nagamani Narayana, D.M.D., M.S.
, received the 4-year teaching award.
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Other faculty achievements
Presentations
Aimin Peng, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor, Department of Oral Biology presented “Kinesin Kif2C is an Unexpected Regulator of DNA Damage Mobility and Repair” on May 24, 2019 to the Molecular & Biochemical Etiology Program at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
Publications
John W. Reinhardt, D.D.S., M.S., M.P.H.
-
Khan SM, Baccaglini L, Inagaki AA, Reinhardt JW, Turner S and Wee AG. Qualifications and Characteristics North American Dental Deans Seek in Department Chairpersons. J Dent Educ 2019;83(5):560-566.
Representing the UNMC College of Dentistry
Luana Oliveira-Haas, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D.,
was
recently selected to serve as the representative for the UNMC College of Dentistry on the ADEA CCI (Commission on Change and Innovation).
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May 30-June 1: Dental Day XXXVI, Panhandle
June 7: COD Faculty Meeting, noon
June 19-22: IADR/AADR 48th General Session in Vancouver, Canada
June 21-23: ADHA 96th Annual Session in Louisville, Kentucky
June 24: Faculty and Staff Retreats
June TBD-July TBD: SHPEP (Summer Health Professions Education Program)
July 1: Orientation and First Day of Academic Year for Postgraduate Residents
July 4: Independence Day Holiday, College Closed
July 5: Last Day Summer Classes and Clinics, D1 and DH3
August TBD: Special Olympics Dental Screenings
August 16: Last Day of Summer Session, D2 and D3
For the complete academic calendar, click
here
.
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June 25, 26, 27 (Tuesday-Thursday):
Drs. Jen Kallio & Sung Kim, Radiology for Dental Auxillary
July 8-9 (Monday-Tuesday):
Amanda Dolen, RDH, & Jaimee Shropshire, RDH; Coronal Polishing for Dental Auxiliary
July 26 (Friday):
Dr. Sung Kim,
Beginner’s Guide to CBCT Interpretation
TBD:
Expanded Function for Dental Auxiliary
August 16 (Friday):
Dr. Amy Killeen
, Golf & Learn, Wilderness Ridge
August 30 (Friday):
Dr. Sung Kim, Fall Football Series
September 13 (Friday):
TBD, Fall Football Series
September 27 (Friday):
TBD, Fall Football Series
October 4 (Friday):
Dr. Larry Baker & Dr. Matt Weber, COD Alumni Reunion, Embassy Suites
October 25 (Friday):
Dr. Sung Kim, Fall Football Series
November 15 (Friday):
TBD, Fall Football Series
December 16, 17, 18 (Monday-Wednesday):
Drs. Jen Kallio & Sung Kim, Radiology for Dental Auxillary
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For more information on Continuing Education events, please contact
Abigail Beardsley
at 402.472.2611 or
Dr. Mary Lynn Froeschle
in room 1111 or by email (
codce@unmc.edu
)
or visit our
website
for any questions.
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This month we are celebrating some of our staff members who have been with the College of Dentistry for
35+ years
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Kim Theesen,
Graphic Designer
How long have you worked at the College of Dentistry?
I moved to Lincoln and started working at the college in the summer of 1980. I am in my 39th year here. Wow. Time flies when you’re havin’ fun, eh?
What do you most enjoy about working at the college?
This may sound cliché, but it really is the people. It is fun to work with the staff, faculty and students. My position allows me to help them facilitate their communication, be it scientific poster, on-screen presentation or printed in a journal. It is rewarding to do that.
Where did you grow up?
Hastings, Nebraska
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
Thanks to the tuition remission program, I got my Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2004 at the age of 46 after twenty-plus years of taking classes one semester at a time.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Well, I am a homebrewer and a disc golfer, which are fun things to do when the weather cooperates. However, I love to read. I'm a print junkie: books (fiction and non), newspapers and magazines.
What’s your favorite movie?
Well, that’s a tough question. Right now my favorite movie is probably
The Big Lebowski
with Jeff Bridges and John Goodman.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?
Yia Yia’s makes my favorite pizza, plus they have close to 300 different beers available.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with?
I have financially supported KZUM – Lincoln’s listener-supported community radio – and KUCV – the local member of National Public Radio – for many years. Both stations offer news, information and music that’s not available on commercial radio stations. I am also now in the eleven-gallon club of Lincoln’s Community Blood Bank. Giving blood is an easy thing to do and it helps save lives.
Tell us about your family.
I come from a family of five: mom, dad and two younger brothers. My youngest brother, Kevin, is a baker in Omaha and the other one, Kent, works in the hotel business in Grand Island. My parents are retired and live in Hastings.
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Peggy Cain,
Photographer
How long have you worked at the College of Dentistry?
35 years
What do you most enjoy about working at the college?
My job duties are different every day and my hours are not always conventional so I bypass the monotony of an 8 to 5 schedule.
Where did you grow up?
Lincoln, Nebraska
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
Prior to a back injury, I was a well-seasoned slalom water skier.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I love to shop for repurposed items—estate sales, junk sales etc.
What’s your favorite movie?
Forrest Gump is my favorite movie. The Woodstock Documentary is a close second!
What’s your favorite local restaurant?
La Paz
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with?
Planned Parenthood. It is one of the country’s primary providers of high quality and affordable health care which enables people to stay healthy, plan their families and pursue their full potential.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married to my husband, Keenan, for 36 years. We lived down the street from each other when we were young. He is an executive chef. As well as preparing wonderful food, he designs and creates beautiful ice sculptures on holidays and special occasions. We share many common interests with our children. They both have a quick sense of humor, love traveling abroad and have a passion for music. Our son, Elliott, is 30 years old. He recently received his master’s degree in counseling. Our daughter, Meredith, is 26 years old. She is currently living in Marlboro, New Zealand, where she is working on her master’s degree in international family studies. I also have a stepson, Dillon, who is 42 years old. He lives in Phoenix and manages a health food store.
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Have news?
If you have news you would like included in the next News Bites issue, please send it to:
Erin Wirth, Communications Specialist
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Birthday wishes
Monthly birthday lists can be found on the COD Web Intranet.*
*Note: COD Web is only available when on campus or when using a VPN connection.
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Be a College of Dentistry ambassador!
Our students, faculty and staff play an important role in increasing awareness of the College of Dentistry's dental services among potential patients in Lincoln and the surrounding communities.
Please spread the word among your family and friends that the College of Dentistry is open all summer!
Encourage them to get their children's dental exams and cleanings done before school starts. Tell them about our high-quality, comprehensive, affordable dental care.
Encourage
them to learn more by visiting our website (
unmc.edu/dentistry
) and call to make an appointment at our Lincoln location - 402.472.1333.
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