Celebrating our students, faculty and staff! |
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Pictured left to right: Dr. Jay Hansen, AEGD program director, and AEGD residents Fred Rong, Fransiska Lee, Addison Kirkpatrick, Dhaval Shah and Xiaoyan Wang. |
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AEGD program hosts virtual CODA site visit
The College of Dentistry’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program hosted a virtual site visit for the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Education (CODA) on March 25. This site visit was originally scheduled in March 2020, but was postponed due to the pandemic. CODA had previously granted the program initial accreditation status and returned to evaluate the program for full accreditation status.
Congratulations to everyone who was involved in the preparation and participated in this very important endeavor. We thank you for your time and efforts! We are looking forward to receiving the official results from CODA following their meeting in early August.
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Caring for Champions Dental Clinic at Munroe-Meyer Institute to open this summer
The College of Dentistry is delighted to be joining the Munroe-Meyer Institute's multidisciplinary team to provide dental care to individuals of all ages and abilities at the new Caring for Champions Dental Clinic, opening this summer. The Caring for Champions Program, inspired by the Special Olympics, will provide individuals access to dental, vision and weight management care as part of the comprehensive patient experience.
Dr. Jill Wallen, assistant dean of extramural activities and outreach and chair of the department of growth and development, describes how the dental clinic will offer a patient experience unlike any other.
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Dr. Gerald Tussing stays fit through racing Formula One cars
Gerald Tussing, DDS, MSD, a professor in the department of surgical specialties, found a unique way to stay physically fit. For the past 41 years, he has been racing vintage Formula One cars, which are single-seat, open-cockpit, open-wheel racing cars. He participates in up to eight races per year across the country. Racing helps Dr. Tussing, who is in his 80’s, stay young.
"Formula One cars are the most dangerous, but the most elite kind. I race on closed tracks that are two to four miles long," Dr. Tussing said. "What’s the most fun is the cornering speeds you can achieve. You’ve got to know what you’re doing as far as corners or they can come up and really bite you."
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Peggy Cain captured the college's memories for 37 years
Peggy Cain, photographer, will retire on April 1 after 37 years at College of Dentistry. She started working at the college part time when she was a student at UNL. When a full-time position became available, Peggy jumped at the chance to become a permanent member of the college’s team.
"Capturing the college’s memories and moments has been a large part of my life. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with outstanding faculty, staff, students and alumni," Peggy said. "I’ve photographed generations of families - students whose parents attended the college. I’ve said that when I start photographing the grandchildren of former students, it’s time for me to retire!"
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New staff and staff transitions |
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Ben Crnkovich
Research Technologist I
Background: I received my bachelor's degree in molecular biology from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri.
What I'm most looking forward to about working at the college: Making progress in the lab and making connections with those around me.
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
My family: My mother, Bard, is a special education para, my father, Jeff, is a fire captain in Omaha, and my brother, Jacob, is a firefighter in Bellevue.
Favorite things to do on a day off: I like to exercise, bike and try new food and restaurants.
A unique thing about me: I played a few years of college baseball.
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Jamie Pollak
Group Practice Coordinator
Background: I attended UNL and SCC. I have an associates degree in applied science, a minor in sociology and am a certified dental assistant.
I've worked at the College of Dentistry for 12 years. Previously, I was a billing representative.
What I'm most looking forward to about working at the college: To be a part of a team that enriches students' lives and to help students succeed!
Hometown: Grand Island, Nebraska
My family: I live in Seward. I have been married to my husband, Cody, for almost nine years. We have two children: six-year-old Collin and three-year-old Avery. We also have a black lab fur baby!
Favorite things to do on a day off: Spend time with my family, especially camping.
A unique thing about me: I am an entrepreneur and like to challenge myself with starting new businesses!
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Suzette DeBusk
Patient Receivables Clerk
Background: I received my bachelor's degree in business from Bellevue University. I was a retail manager for twenty years and decided it was time to enjoy my weekends with kids and grandkids, hence the career change.
What I'm most looking forward to about working at the college: Being a helpful, friendly face for patients, students and my colleagues!
Hometown: I am a Lincoln native. I live east of town but still consider myself a Lincolnite.
My family: I am celebrating my 20-year anniversary with my crazy, adorable husband this summer! We are a blended family. My three grown children and his two grown daughters have blessed us with five (soon to be six!) grandkids and several grandpups. We recently adopted a six-month-old pup to occupy our terrier’s free time.
Favorite things to do on a day off: I love walking outdoors with our dogs, traveling the MoPac or just hanging in the yard. I like to play in the dirt, but I’m a terrible gardener.
A unique thing about me: I love to figure out how to “fix” things. I have a growing set of tools. My recent project was updating my basement. I am currently learning how to replace drywall (not so much fun) but had to give up on replacing a toilet because I didn’t have the right tools to replace the flange (also not so much fun).
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Maddy Giraud
Sterilization Tech
Background: I graduated from SCC's dental assisting program in 2016 and received by associates of applied sciences, business administration from SCC in 2020.
When I was in dental assisting school, I loved coming to the College of Dentistry and working in the clinic with the UNMC students!
What I'm most looking forward to about working at the college: I am excited to start my career here at UNMC and grow as an individual. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming!
Hometown: I was born and raised her in Lincoln!
My family: Most of my family lives out of state, but here in Lincoln it’s my immediate family and my cat, Cleo!
Favorite things to do on a day off: Depends on the weather, but watch The Office, spend time outside, get iced coffee and go to Target.
Unique things about me: I was a competitive cheerleader in high school, on the weekends I work at a small town bar as a server, and I enjoy cooking and creating meals that are gluten and dairy free!
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March service anniversaries
The following individuals are celebrating milestone UNMC service anniversaries in March!
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1 Year
Christopher Arnold, Systems Administrator
Shannon Escobar, Dental Assistant
Emily Gish, Office Assistant
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