In this issue:

Dialogue with the Dean | Renovations Update | Community Outreach

Faculty Spotlights | Staff Spotlights | Alumni Spotlight | Upcoming Events

In case you missed it...

All College Conference

The goal of this year's All College Conference, held on August 23 at Nebraska Innovation Campus, was to set faculty, staff and students up for success this academic year. The speakers presented useful information and tips on the following topics: Wellness, Strengthening Our Emotional Intelligence, Communications & Social Media Etiquette, Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Prevention/Code Blue. Dean Janet Guthmiller gave a college update and new staff members were introduced.

Michelle Sullivan, an office associate and lead organizer of the event, said, "We had good comments about the speakers. People really enjoyed them and found them interesting. The new Engage check-in system worked well and will be used at future events."

Follow-up to Dr. Steve Wengel's presentation: Dr. Wengel mentioned the Nebraska Medical Orchestra as an example of an activity that can help increase an individual's well-being, whether you participate in musical activities or simply take the time to slow down and enjoy music. View a video about the Nebraska Medical Orchestra.

White Coat Ceremony

The annual White Coat Ceremony was held on August 23 at Nebraska Innovation Campus. The college welcomed 24 dental hygiene students and 52 dental students. Our new students are important assets to our community and will play important roles in helping us build upon our tradition of excellence in education, patient care and research.

The event speakers were Dean Janet Guthmiller, Alan Robertson, D.D.S., president of the College of Dentistry Alumni Association, and Paul Lewis, a member of the dental class of 2020. Following is an excerpt from Paul Lewis' address to the incoming students:

" Why did I choose the UNMC College of Dentistry? It really came down to the people. During the admission process, I felt respected and they really listened to me. ... From administration to the custodial staff, everyone is friendly and asks you how you're doing. ... One time I had an appointment that wasn’t going as it should and the faculty were encouraging and understanding. It’s the people at Nebraska that make the college a special place."

New Student Orientation

This year's four-day New Student Orientation was held to give the new dental and dental hygiene students the information and tools they need to start their educational journeys at the College of Dentistry. In addition to a variety of learning and networking activities held at the college, the students also traveled to the UNMC Omaha campus for interprofessional education (IPE) presentations and activities. Many of the college's faculty and staff members helped facilitate the IPE activities.

Joyce Hurst , student services associate, said, "Our new students really enjoyed all the activities we offered that helped them get to know each other. We received lots of good comments about the faculty BBQ. It is exciting to see our students embark on their educational journeys."

Durham Outpatient Center Dental Clinic renovation complete

Started in January 2019, the renovation included expanding the clinic from seven dental chairs to 15, adding a conference room, upgrading the sterilization lab, and updating the reception area. The growth allows the College of Dentistry to accommodate a new residency program: Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD). The current General Practice Residency (GPR) will also utilize the new space, and dental and dental hygiene students will begin rotations to this clinic.

One of the eight new dental chairs.

Upgraded sterilization lab.

Updated entrance.

Updated reception area.

"The remodel will positively impact the College of Dentistry in many ways. First, by allowing the dental team to be part of the renovation process, it generated excitement and a strong staff working environment. The post-graduate residents, who are the primary clinicians, will be able to recognize and appreciate a safe, efficient and effective flow regarding patient management and care.

The updated space will also provide a convenient, valuable conference room to facilitate didactic lectures and learning. The remodel will provide a relaxing office environment for our patients. Patient communication and comfort is our top priority in their overall dental experience." - Kathleen A. O’Brien-Ausman, D.D.S., GPR program director

“This renovation will help provide a greater number of educational experiences for our residents and students, and increase recognition of the College of Dentistry within the UNMC Omaha campus.

We will be able to increase the number of patients in need we serve, and modern facilities with the latest equipment and technology are what our students desire.” - Jay D. Hansen, D.D.S., AEGD program director

Update on College of Dentistry Renovations (as of 8/29)

Classrooms

The classroom renovations are almost complete. Some IT work needs to be completed to make the rooms fully functional. 

Anatomy Lab

 The anatomy lab remodel is complete, with fresh paint and improved technology. Dr. Yoachim is excited to begin the new semester!

Clinical and Virtual Simulation Laboratory & Digital Design Studio

This renovation is on schedule with the installation of casework, sinks, lockers and dispensary planned next. The individual work stations are en-route and will be installed mid to late September. The virtual reality trainers (Simodonts) will be installed the last week of September. A completion date of October 1 is anticipated.

Flooring, student lockers and micro mart

The flooring is expected to arrive in early September with installation scheduled shortly thereafter. Once the flooring is installed, the student lockers and Micro Mart can be positioned and used right away.

Track Our Boat!

The Clinical and Virtual Simulation Laboratory equipment is currently on the MSC Maria Elena flying under a Panama flag. The MSC Maria Elena departed from the Port of Genoa on August 17 and is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Baltimore on September 4. 

See where the MSC Maria Elena is now!

Maddison McConnaughhay and Olivia Straka participate in ADEA Midwest Hackathon

Dental students from six Midwest dental schools participated in the first-ever Midwest Curriculum Hack-A-Thon held at the Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis in August. Organized by students in the  ADEA Indiana University School of Dentistry  chapter, the Hack-a-Thon was an opportunity for dental students to communicate and collaborate about what they envision for the future of dental education and suggest curriculum changes to support their vision.

Representatives from the UNMC College of Dentistry were third-year dental students Maddison McConnaughhay and Olivia Straka, and Dr. Yun Saksena, associate dean for education, who served as a judge. Other participants were from the Indiana University School of Dentistry ,  University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry ,  University of Louisville School of Dentistry ,  University of Iowa and Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health at ATSU.

Maddison McConnaughhay said, "The ADEA Midwest Hackathon was a great opportunity to work with students from other schools to further develop dental school curriculum. Olivia and I learned a lot from the other dental students at the conference and hope to be able to bring what we learned back to the college to benefit incoming students. We also enjoyed being able to talk to Dr. Saksena at the conference about how certain changes could impact the future of our curriculum and we are so thankful for the opportunity to attend!" 

Maddison McConnaughhay (sitting on far right) with her ADEA Midwest Curriculum Hackathon team.

Olivia Straka (standing, third from right) with her ADEA Midwest Curriculum Hackathon team.

Cole Johnson helps Vietnamese children through the East meets West Dental Program

Cole Johnson, a fourth-year dental student, traveled to the Quang Nam Province in Vietnam in July to provide dental care to hundreds of children in an elementary school where no dentist had ever visited. The two-week service trip was part of the East meets West Dental Program, an international outreach program which provides free and modern dental care to disadvantaged children who are orphans, from poor rural families, or who have mental and physical disabilities. Cole provided sealants, extractions and fillings on molars.

What made this service trip special?

Having so many Vietnam veteran dentists join us. It was humbling to hear their perspectives and see how giving back to Vietnam, a place with so much history for them, has had such an impact on their lives.

 

What challenges did you face?

The biggest challenge I faced was learning that the best work a practitioner can do depends on so many factors, from moisture control with questionable suction to kids screaming every time the air makes a noise. There are many chances for things to go wrong in dentistry. I think this is a lesson that I will learn many times throughout my career, and I strive to be able to do my best dentistry even in challenging circumstances.

How did this experience affect you personally?

This was a unique experience because I had visited Vietnam as a traveler before I came to dental school. I was able to see that with the skills I am learning in school I can go out, still see the world, and give back in ways I never would have been able to without my education. It let me see and experience a country in a totally different way than I ever could have while traveling. 

Cole (center, sitting) with other program volunteers - dental students from Newcastle University in England - and Dr. Charles F. Craft, the founder of the East meets West Dental Program (back row, center, standing).

Meet some of our Omaha students

Taylor Coffin, D.D.S.

Pediatric Dental Resident

Why did you decide to pursue dentistry?        

I was drawn to dentistry because growing up in a small town I admired the relationship a dentist has with their patients for many years. I also loved I would be able to work with my hands.

 

What is something unique about you?

I love being outdoors and am excited for the upcoming Nebraska fall weather.

 

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Gaining knowledge in pediatrics! The cherry on top of residency is there are service dogs along with precious patients roaming the halls of Children's Hospital, which makes the days even brighter. 

Derek Mettenbrink, D.D.S.

Pediatric Dental Resident

Why did you decide to pursue dentistry?

I decided to pursue dentistry because I grew up afraid of going to the dentist. I wanted to provide others with a better, more enjoyable experience than I had myself. 

 

What is something unique about you?

I enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking and about anything else in the outdoors. 

 

What are you most looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to working with kids every day while being surrounded by great faculty, mentors and co-residents.  

Dr. Adam Crell (right) with Dr. Yun Saksena, associate dean for education.

Dr. Adam Crell presents research at Heartland Interprofessional Education Conference

Adam Crell, D.D.S., a pediatric dental resident, presented preliminary research on pediatric pain management at the Heartland Interprofessional Education Conference held at the UNMC Omaha campus on August 2. His research project is titled "Dental Resident Opioid Education Series: The Impact of Interprofessional Education on Dental Resident Knowledge and Prescribing Beliefs."

About this research project: Opioid use, misuse, addiction and mortality has exponentially increased since the turn of the century. The inherent interprofessional role all prescribers play in combating the opioid epidemic requires increased understanding of its cause, non-opioid alternatives and practice change. Medicine and dentistry collaborate to determine how beneficial interprofessional education relationships can be for the dental resident learners in an interactive education series provided by a pediatric anesthesiology and pain professional.

Our patients are grateful for your services!

We are now featuring our patients, students, staff and faculty on the College of Dentistry's Facebook page.

Brian said he enjoys coming to the College of Dentistry because "the students are helpful and provide good service. They are always nice and make me feel comfortable."

Quick student reminders

Class schedules

Please be advised that the official class schedules are the schedules you receive as attachments in emails from Teresa Breazile in Student Records . They are also posted on the COD Intranet. Currently, the schedules you see in MyRecords may not be accurate due to the building renovations.

ASDA Fever Week is September 3-6

ASDA is offering many fun activities during the week of September 3-6. All dental students are encouraged to participate in one or all the activities! View flyer .

Dental Opportunities Fair on September 13

Plan to attend the Dental Opportunities Fair on September 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the lower level of the College of Dentistry. This is your chance to meet vendors who have practice opportunities. This event is sponsored by the UNMC College of Dentistry in cooperation with the Nebraska Academy of General Dentistry, Health and Human Services Office of Rural Health, and the Nebraska Dental Association.

The Special Olympics Special Smiles interprofessional team of volunteers included College of Dentistry dental and dental hygiene students, dental and dental hygiene faculty, dental assistants and appointment clerks, as well as dentists and other volunteers from the community.

Special Olympics Special Smiles screening a memorable experience for athletes and volunteers

Volunteers provided free dental screenings to 52 athletes ranging in ages from 10-69 at the Special Olympics Special Smiles screening held at the Special Olympics Nebraska competition in Lincoln on August 3. The athletes received an oral screening, mouth guards, oral hygiene education, fluoride varnish, and a goodie bag with toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Special Olympic healthy athlete screenings benefit the individual athlete, but the data collected as a whole helps to advocate for this special population.

The interprofessional team of volunteers included College of Dentistry dental and dental hygiene students, dental and dental hygiene faculty, dental assistants and appointment clerks, as well as dentists and other volunteers from the community. Before the screenings, volunteers review information on intellectual and developmental disabilities and oral conditions. Volunteers are given continuing education for the event.

Jennifer K. Kallio, D.D.S., assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry, serves as the Special Smiles Clinical Director.

"The Special Smiles screenings allow athletes to interact in an informal, noninvasive setting to build relationships with health care professionals. Several athletes were referred for urgent treatment, which is why the screenings are so critical. The screenings help to address the access to care and provide their caregivers information to help avoid an emergency. It was a successful event and I look forward to it in the future," Dr. Kallio said.

Dr. Kallio (top right), Special Smiles Clinical Director, pictured with her daughter, Maya (bottom right).

 "Special Smiles is near and dear to my heart since my daughter is a Special Olympic athlete in Bocce and swimming," Dr. Kallio said.

Above: Charles F. Craft, D.D.S., State Dental Director for the Office of Oral Health and Dentistry at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, screens athlete Katrina.

Katrina's mom, Kris, said, "I appreciate that these screenings are offered. I'm happy to have other people reinforcing what I tell Katrina about how important it is to take good care of your teeth."

Emily Walker, DH4, and Dalton from Beatrice.

"This was fun because Emily taught me lots of good stuff," Dalton said.

Emily said, "Dalton was so sweet. It was fun to teach him how to brush his teeth correctly."

Diego from Sioux City receives an oral screening.

Debbie from Grand Island learns about oral health.

SHARING Clinic on November 7

Mark your calendars for SHARING Clinic on Thursday, November 7 from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the College of Dentistry. SHARING Clinics started in 2008 as a way to help address the oral health needs of the underserved in Nebraska, and are now held twice per year. Many SHARING Clinic cases are complex and represent dental emergencies with pain, swelling and fever. All faculty and students are encouraged to participate.

Why should you volunteer? One student's experience:

Tong Wang , a D4 student, said, "During SHARING Clinic, I learned how to have more empathy and how to convey my concern for patients effectively. Because a lot of patients were refugees or immigrants, there were language barriers. Some were afraid of showing how much pain they were in. In these scenarios, I learned how to use body language and nonverbal skills to communicate with them and help them relax. These are important skills I need in my future career. Dentistry is not only fixing teeth, but also helping patients feel welcome and creating a friendly atmosphere to help patients feel at ease."

Community outreach opportunities

The college offers many volunteer opportunities throughout the year for students, faculty and staff. These include health fairs, dental screenings, community events and more. Contact Dr. David Brown ( [email protected] ) for more information on how to get involved.

September 20 (Friday), 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Homeless Connect Screening, Pinnacle Bank Arena

September 22 (Sunday), 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Streets Alive Information & Advice (no screening), Cooper Park Area

October 19 (Saturday), 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Grand Island Extraction Clinic

November 7 (Thursday), 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

SHARING Clinic

March 6 (Friday)

Children's Dental Day

Jaimee Shropshire with Rear Admiral Timothy Ricks, United States Assistant Surgeon General, who recently visited York General's Willow Brook Assisted Living in York to learn more about an innovative oral health program in which Jaimee has a pivotal role.

Jaimee Shropshire helping to bring oral health services to seniors in rural Nebraska

Much of rural America is facing an oral health crisis among seniors. To help combat this problem, Jaimee Shropshire, R.D.H., B.S., an instructor in the Department of Dental Hygiene, is working with the Four Corners Health Department in York to bring oral health services to York General’s Willow Brook Assisted Living.

The three-year partnership between Four Corners Health Department and York General’s Willow Brook is so unique that Willow Brook had a special visitor come to the facility to see the program in action: Rear Admiral Timothy Ricks, United States Assistant Surgeon General.

“Elder oral health is very important to us,” Ricks said. “We have to put emphasis on preventing disease and having adults keep their teeth as long as they can. Taking care of your teeth really makes a difference in your overall health.” (Courtesy of the York News Times)

Jaimee's participation in this initiative is made possible through the Nebraska Teeth Forever program conducted by the Nebraska DHHS Office of Oral Health & Dentistry (OOHD) that aims to increase access to evidence based preventive services and to improve the dental status of underserved populations.

Jaimee is a great example of a faculty member living the College of Dentistry's mission: to continually improve the oral health of the people of Nebraska and beyond.

New Faculty Members

Chelsea Hamilton

Part-Time Clinical Instructor,

Dental Hygiene

Chelsea received her bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from the UNMC College of Dentistry in 2007.

Dr. Kent Lovelace

Part-Time Clinical Assistant Professor,

Dental Hygiene

Dr. Lovelace received his doctor of dental surgery degree from the UNMC College of Dentistry in 1980.

Welcome to our new staff members

Krysta Albaugh

Dental Assistant, DOC

Bailey Kerr

Dental Hygienist, UDA

Gina Roelfs

Dental Assistant, AEGD



Gina works in the Silver Clinic. Her responsibilities include patient assignments, appointment scheduling, patient management and clinic maintenance of the Silver Clinic. 

Kaylee Williams

Clinic Clerk, DOC

Marcela Williams accepted to Great Plains Leadership Institute

 

Marcela Williams, the dental clinic supervisor at the Children's Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha, was accepted to UNMC's Great Plains Leadership Institute , a year-long competency-based training program designed for established and emerging leaders in organizations whose primary mission is to improve the health and well-being of populations and communities.

Why did you decide to apply to this program?  

As a leader, I am always seeking ways to improve my skills so that it reflects in my leadership. The Great Plain Leadership Institute is a great opportunity to enhance my self-awareness in specific areas and to work closely with fellow leaders across the state.

 

How do you envision this opportunity will affect your role at the College of Dentistry?  

I am hoping to gain further knowledge on how to lead by example.  Leadership is a skill that involves self-reflection, self-awareness and constant improvement so that you are leading with positive change. Individual development is critical with growth and I am honored to continue to broaden my ability to lead.

Erin Wirth recognized for her work with local nonprofit organizations

 

Erin Wirth, communications and community relations specialist, was recognized by the Lincoln Journal Star's Inspire Awards in the nonprofit category for her work with area nonprofit organizations. The Inspire Awards honor outstanding women who have excelled in their professional lives and emerged as leaders and role models in our community.

Erin was previously named one of Lincoln's 40 Under 40, and has worked with the following local organizations in a volunteer capacity, providing strategic leadership or completing special projects: American Marketing Association, Girls Who Code/Introduce a Girl to Engineering, Heartland Big Brothers & Big Sisters, IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, Junior Achievement, Junior League of Lincoln, Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln Children’s Museum, March of Dimes, Nebraska Financial Education Coalition, Nebraska Main Street Network, ServeNebraska, United Way, UNL Student Organizations/Student Affairs, and Nebraska Alumni Association's Young Alumni Academy.

College of Dentistry Alumni Association's President Elect, Dr. Paula Harre

 

Paula Harre, D.D.S., the current president elect of the College of Dentistry's Alumni Association, is busy helping organize the annual Alumni Reunion, which will be held on October 4-5, 2019 at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln.

Dr. Harre is a member of the dental class of 1982.

 

Why did you decide to become a dentist?   

My orthodontist, the late Dr. Dennis Claridge, made a great impression on me when he straightened my teeth when I was in college. I was an undecided major at the time and after finding out what I needed to do to get accepted into dental school, I declared a pre-dental major. Luckily, I was good at science and managed to do well enough to be accepted.

 

 What have you been up to since graduation?

 

After graduation, I did a general practice residency at the VA hospital in Omaha and then moved to Broken Bow and started a general practice. After nine years, I sold the practice to go back to school and study orthodontics. I started my orthodontic practice in Lincoln in 1995 and sold it to Dr. Emily Willett in 2017. I have also done consulting as well as teaching part time at the college.

How did your time at the College of Dentistry set you up for success?

I think the most critical thing was the caliber of the education I received. The full-time and part-time instructors at the college worked very hard to ensure that we had the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful.

 

What’s one of your fondest memories of your time at the College of Dentistry?

I have found the relationships I've made with my classmates, and other dental and hygiene students who were in school with me, have lasted a lifetime. Some of my closest friends are friends I made while in dental school and our dental class gets together whenever we can. 

What would you say to potential students who are considering the College of Dentistry?

Our school is big enough to give you a great education but small enough to make you feel at home. 

September 4-8 (Wednesday-Sunday) : ADA FDI World Dental Congress, San Francisco, CA

September 9-13 (Monday-Friday) : LPS Dental Sealant Program, DH-4 Clinton Elementary

September 10 (Tuesday) : D-4 Pros Competency Manikin Mock Board, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

September 10 (Tuesday) : D-4 Endo Competency Manikin Mock Board, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

September 13 (Friday) : Opportunities Fair, COD Lower Level, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

September 13 (Friday) : COD Faculty Meeting, 12:00 p.m., Dixon Auditorium

September 16-20 (Monday-Friday) : LPS Dental Sealant Program, DH-4 Elliott Elementary

September 20 (Friday) : D-3 Pros Competency I Orientation Room 1201, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. September 20 (Friday) : D-4 Pros Manikin Mock Board Retake #1, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (South Clinic) September 27 (Friday) : D-3 Pros Competency I (alg impres/mount/occlusal analysis), 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Group 1 (South Clinic)

September 27 (Friday) : Manikin Mock Board Retake #2, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (North Clinic)

September 27 (Friday) : Red Cross Blood Drive East Parking Lot, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

September 30 (Monday) : RHOP Student Visit, Omaha

September 30-October 4 (Monday-Friday) : OPS Dental Sealant Program, DH-4 Wakonda Elementary

For the complete academic calendar, click here . 

September 13 (Friday):

Dr. Kevin Borcher & Dr. J. Bruce Bavitz, Fall Football Series - Prescription Drug Monitoring Program for Dentistry and Contemporary Pain Management in the Dental Practice

September 27 (Friday):

Dr. Janice Townsend, Fall Football Series, Pain Control in Pediatric Dentistry: Fact or Fiction?

October 4 (Friday):  

Dr. Larry Baker & Dr. Matt Weber, COD Alumni Reunion, Embassy Suites

October 25 (Friday):

Dr. Sung Kim, Fall Football Series, Unique CBCT Cases -  All New Cases!

November 15 (Friday):

Dr. Nagamani Narayana, Fall Football Series, Oral Pathology: Expecting the Unexpected

December 16-17 (Monday-Tuesday):

Drs. Jen Kallio & Sung Kim, Radiology for Dental Auxiliary

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 ( [email protected] ) or visit our website for any questions.

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 the place to go for 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.

Photo composites now on the COD Intranet

The updated student class composites are now available.