What's Happening at the College of Dentistry |
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Inclusive excellence focus of college enrichment day
At the annual College of Dentistry Faculty and Staff Enrichment Day, held on June 28, participants engaged in "Conversations for Inclusive Excellence" around the topics of identity and inclusion, adverse childhood experiences affects across a lifetime, and behavioral science and inclusion.
Yun Saksena, BDSc, MMSc, DMD, associate dean for education, organized the event to help the college community reflect on the importance of inclusion "to advance our college mission, be excellent in all we do, and help each member of our community thrive."
"We need to acknowledge every individual is different like us, and ensure every person feels they belong, they matter, and they can fully participate and thrive," Saksena said. "Inclusion is a verb. We need to be intentional about it, otherwise we may accidentally exclude." Read more.
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Lotte Sjulin elected to ADEA national leadership role
Lotte Sjulin, a fourth-year dental student, was elected chair of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Council of Students, Residents and Fellows (COSRF). In this prestigious position, Lotte represents and advocates for all students, residents and fellows in the dental education community by addressing the issues that shape the present and future of dental education.
As chair, Lotte is developing an event called "A National Road to Residency." Faculty members and residents from dental schools across the country will describe their residency programs and what life is like for residents at their schools.
She is also writing a book for students interested in pursuing careers in academia called "Faculty Pearls of Wisdom" that will feature advice from faculty across the country. Read more.
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Dean Guthmiller elected to ADEA Council of Deans leadership role
Congratulations to Janet Guthmiller, DDS, PhD, dean, for being elected secretary of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Council of Deans. The council works with dental educators, students, residents and fellows across the country to address issues that shape the present and future of dental education.
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New Faculty Spotlight
Anne E. Williamson, DDS, MS
Professor and Director of Postgraduate Endodontics
Department of Surgical Specialties
Background:
I received my DDS in 1988 and completed a general practice residency in 1989, both at the UNMC College of Dentistry. I was in private practice in Lincoln from 1989-2001, then completed an endodontics residency in 2003 and received a master's degree in oral science in 2004, both at the University of Iowa. I was the director of advanced education in endodontics at the University of Iowa from 2003-2021. My previous research revolved around endodontic microbiology, biofilms and an array of other things.
How I fell in love with dentistry:
My pediatric dentist was awesome - Dr. Bill Best right here in Lincoln. I originally wanted to be a physical therapist, but one day my dad asked why I didn’t consider dentistry. I hadn’t because at the time there were very few female dentists.
Research/professional interests:
My current research revolves around whatever the residents are interested in. Professionally, I am very involved in our specialty at the national level and have been since I became a specialist. Recently, I finished a six-year term as a director of the American Board of Endodontics. Over the years, I have chaired multiple committees and sat on even more committees for the American Association of Endodontists.
Hometown: Lincoln
My family:
My husband, Rick, is a prosthodontist and a member of the UNMC College of Dentistry class of 2001. We have a daughter, Hannah, son-in-law, Ian, and a stepson, Colby, and his family: Nichole, Ava and Ryder. We have many furry family members as well!
Favorite things to do on a day off:
Read, exercise, cook, golf and bike.
Three things people may not know about me:
- Dr. Best claimed #24 when I was a little kid.
- Murder mysteries and thrillers are my favorite book genre.
- I love kickboxing.
Professional memberships:
- American Association of Endodontics
- American Board of Endodontics, College of Diplomates
- American Dental Association
- American Dental Education Association
- International College of Dentists
- Iowa Dental Association
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Zhigang Wang
Research Technologist I
Department of Oral Biology
Background: I received my master's degree from the animal sciences department at UNL. I worked in UNL's biochemistry department, nutrition and health sciences department, and the Nebraska Center for Virology from August 2009 to June 2021.
Hometown: I grew up in China.
My family: My wife works at Purina Nestle and my children are in high school and middle school.
Favorite thing to do on a day off: Go fishing.
Things most people don't know about me: I am a qPCR terminator and a chef.
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Melanie Villacorta-Montes
Clinic Clerk
Omaha Dental Clinic
Background: I worked at the Creighton University School of Dentistry and I’m currently a student at Metro Community College and UNO.
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
My family: I’m an only child.
Favorite things to do on a day off: Watch Netflix and do small arts and crafts projects.
Things most people don't know about me: I love Reese's peanut butter cups. I have my own small crafts business. I’m the only daughter, niece and granddaughter on both sides of my family.
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College of Dentistry continues tradition of working with aspiring dental students in the SHPEP program
This summer, the College of Dentistry is participating in the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) to help strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students underrepresented in the health professions and prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professions schools.
The program, which is being held virtually this year, allows aspiring dental students to experience what it's like to be a dental student, learn about applying to dental school, and network with dental students and faculty.
There are 16 aspiring dental students from colleges across the country: College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, Creighton University, Farmingdale State College in New York, Murray State University in Kentucky, North Carolina State University, Penn State, University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan, University of Florida, University of Iowa, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Texas at Austin and University of Texas at Dallas.
The SHPEP dental scholars have enjoyed the following College of Dentistry presentations:
- Dean Janet Guthmiller and Dr. M.W. Vogt gave an introduction to the College of Dentistry and talked about dentistry careers and dental school admissions.
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Dr. Larry Crouch gave presentations on inflammation and disease, diabetes, the neurophysiology of learning and preparing to succeed.
- Dr. Shayla Yoachim discussed the nervous system and cranial nerve testing.
- Dr. Gregory Bennett gave an overview of digital dentistry.
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College participates in East Campus Discovery Days
Over 400+ people visited the College of Dentistry booth at UNL's East Campus Discovery Days on Saturday, July 10.
We love seeing kiddos get excited about getting new toothbrushes!
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