Celebrating our students, faculty and staff! |
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Dr. Oliveira-Haas went above and beyond to help every student succeed
Luana Oliveira-Haas, DDS, MS, PhD, associate professor in the department of adult restorative dentistry, will be leaving UNMC in May to pursue her Advanced Education in General Dentistry certificate at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. A continual learner, this opportunity will allow her to expand her knowledge and skills which she looks forward to sharing with her future students.
In the past three years, Oliveira-Haas has had a significant impact on the college. She assumed the responsibilities of directing and teaching key preclinical courses and made important contributions to the college’s research program. She has built a reputation throughout UNMC for her amazing teaching abilities, her willingness to embrace and champion cutting-edge learning technology, and her remarkable dedication to students and their education.
"One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is revitalizing the operative dentistry curriculum and engaging the dental class of 2022 in that process," Oliveira-Haas said. "When I was redesigning the lectures and lab exercise, I listened to what the students wanted. I would test new approaches with them and listen to their feedback to determine if I was going in the right direction."
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Dean Guthmiller sixth UNMC faculty member to serve as OKU supreme chapter president
Dean Janet Guthmiller, DDS, PhD, was installed as supreme chapter president of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), the national dental honor society, during the American Dental Education Association’s Annual Session held in March 2021. As supreme chapter president, Guthmiller will lead the organization in continuing to promote scholarship and character among dental students and educators.
"I am truly honored to have the opportunity to serve this extraordinary organization that recognizes dental students and educators who have distinguished themselves by excellence in scholarship while demonstrating exemplary character traits and potential for professional growth and achievement," Guthmiller said.
The UNMC College of Dentistry - Alpha Alpha Chapter has a longstanding history of leadership in OKU. Guthmiller is the sixth UNMC faculty member and the fourth College of Dentistry dean to serve as supreme chapter president. The other College of Dentistry deans who served as supreme chapter presidents were Richard Bradley, DDS, Stephen Leeper, DDS, and John Reinhardt, DDS, and faculty members were William Kramer, DDS, and Curtis Kuster, DDS.
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Faculty members recognized for milestone service anniversaries
Seven College of Dentistry faculty members were recognized at the UNMC Annual Faculty Meeting held on April 15. We congratulate them on their milestone service anniversaries and thank them for their continued efforts to advance the College of Dentistry's mission.
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Mark W. Beatty, DDS, MSE, MSD, MS
Dr. Beatty is a professor and the director of the biomaterial section in the department of adult restorative dentistry. In his 30 years of service, he has taught countless students about dental ceramics and polymers and has accumulated hundreds of thousands of dollars in research funding. Dr. Beatty is a sought-after reviewer for several national journals and is a consultant for the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs.
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Hany M. Makkawy, DDS
Dr. Makkawy is an assistant professor and director of the predoctoral endodontics program in the department of surgical specialties. He teaches endodontics, advanced endodontics and clinical endodontics. In his 30 years of service, Dr. Makkawy has provided care and consultation to patients at the College of Dentistry, the Grand Island VA Medical Centers, the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute, and to underserved community members at Bluestem Health in Lincoln.
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Dona J. McCanlies, PhD
Dr. McCanlies is an accomplished researcher, teacher and author whose coursework has been foundational for the students at the College of Dentistry. She teaches biomedical and dental sciences, human physiology, general oral histology and introduction to oral biology. In her 30 years of service, Dr. McCanlies has acquired significant grant funding for research on nutrition supplements and their effect on muscular strength. She has written 79 journal articles, numerous abstracts and presentations, and a book focused on applied exercise and sports physiology.
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Jeffrey B. Payne, DDS, MDentSc
Dr. Payne has taken on numerous roles and responsibilities during his 30 years of service. He holds the F. Gene and Rosemary Dixon Endowed Chair in Dentistry, is a professor in the department of surgical specialties, a member of the Cruzan Center for Dental Research and Bioregulation Group, and practices in the University Dental Associates. Dr. Payne has dedicated his research to clinical periodontal pharmacologic interventions, periodontitis and systemic diseases, including osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis; published book chapters on low-dose doxycycline effects on alveolar bone loss; and written numerous journal articles and abstracts.
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20 Years of Service
Keith R. Johnson, PhD
Dr. Johnson is a professor in the department of oral biology and is the director of the Nebraska Center for Cellular Signaling.
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20 Years of Service
James K. Wahl, III, PhD
Dr. Wahl is a professor and the interim chair of the department of oral biology.
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10 Years of Service
Jillian Wallen, BDS, MS
Dr. Wallen is the assistant dean of extramural programs and outreach and the chair of the department of growth and development.
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