DCG The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
[ WINTER 2018 • VOL. 1 • NO. 2 ]
PROMISING FUTURE Students, residents, faculty propel DCG success
Word of Mouth
Watch and Learn
A Solid Deal
Front
Jackson Griffeth scales ninja obstacles at Active Climbing Augusta.
Photo by Phil Jones
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FIRST LOOK
THE HEART OF A NINJA SO, HOW did you spend your spring break? Unless you were competing on an internationally televised reality show, Jackson Griffeth’s story probably beats yours. But you’d never know it from Griffeth, an immensely humble third-year dental student who makes only passing references — and then generally only when asked — to his stint on “American Ninja Warrior.” Griffeth, a lifelong jock from Gainesville, Georgia, entered the competition on a friendly dare at a party last New Year’s Eve. “The application deadline was January 1, so I had absolutely no expectations,” says Griffeth. But his application — a hastily produced video demonstrating his physical prowess — was accepted. Griffeth kicked his training into high gear, cheered on by wife Katherine, also a fitness enthusiast. “Our favorite thing to do is make food and find ways to burn the calories so we can do it again,” Griffeth says with a laugh. But even his ramped-up training routine didn’t quite prepare him for the rigors of the competition, videotaped in April in Kansas City, Missouri. He had to conquer six obstacles to complete the course, and he made it to the end of the fourth. “The third obstacle, staying balanced on rolling logs, was a big challenge, but I got through it,” Griffeth says. “I thought, ‘If I could make it through that, I’m golden.’ But the next obstacle [swinging from one bar to another and ratcheting each bar higher from a pull-up position] did me in. My fingers just gave out on the last bar. I ran out of juice.” His family and friends hosted a viewing party when the episode aired July 3. They were disappointed that Griffeth’s footage didn’t air but have high hopes for a repeat performance. Griffeth can’t wait to reapply. “The best part was getting to know my fellow competitors,” says Griffeth, noting that many have overcome huge challenges, such as cancer, and have an unquenchable zest for life. Oh, and one last perk: “I couldn’t enjoy any of Kansas City’s famous barbecue before the competition,” Griffeth says, “but afterward, I got a big plateful.” DCG W INTE R 2018
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CONTENTS Front FIRST LOOK........................................................................................ 1 WORD OF MOUTH............................................................................ 4 ON THE CALENDAR.......................................................................... 5 3 QS .................................................................................................... 6 IMPACT ON GEORGIA...................................................................... 7
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DCG NEWS BRIEFS............................................................................ 8 ANSWERS ALONG THE WAY......................................................... 11 ON THE HORIZON.......................................................................... 12
Back SECRET LIVES................................................................................... 26 COMMUNITY OUTREACH.............................................................. 28 THROUGH THE LENS...................................................................... 30 VALUE ADDED................................................................................. 34 EXPERTISE IN ACTION.................................................................... 36
20 DCG [The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University] Dean Carol A. Lefebvre, DDS, MS Provost Gretchen B. Caughman, PhD Vice President, Division of Communications and Marketing Jack Evans The Dental College of Georgia Communications Coordinator Debbie Conley Editor/Writer Christine Hurley Deriso
© 2018 AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY 2
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The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
Features WATCH AND LEARN....................................................................... 13 DCG students and faculty use the internet to inform.
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“WHEN CAN WE COME BACK?”.................................................. 20 Drs. Ken McMillan and Ken Hutchinson’s Third World mission trips instill lifelong passion for volunteerism in participants.
A SOLID DEAL.................................................................................. 22 MCG Foundation Chairman Dr. J. Ben Deal (DCG ’74) is passionate about ambitious plans for the university’s future.
22 DCG, The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University, is published twice a year by The Dental College of Georgia and the Division of Communications and Marketing.
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WORD OF MOUTH
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PHIL JONES
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DEAR READERS ONE THING that strikes me about the DCG community is the sense of altruism that imbues every stage of our careers. Indeed, for most of us, that altruism begins well before our careers are set in motion. For instance, it is beyond humbling to witness the service and volunteerism that characterize the lives of most of our students. As challenging and time-consuming as dental school is, our students somehow find the time to reach out to others. For instance, several of our students have launched a website (copewithcancer.net) to raise awareness of oral cancer and the oral manifestations of other forms of the disease. This extensive and exhaustive effort — one that has garnered international attention — is a purely volunteer endeavor that benefits the students in no way other than warming their hearts. Of course, once students with a heart for giving launch their careers, they generally 4
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The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
continue volunteering for the rest of their lives. Consider, for instance, Dr. T. Barrett Trotter, who along with his partner son (also an alumnus) has immersed himself in organized dentistry to advocate as effectively as possible for his patients. Or consider the first dentist president of the MCG Foundation, Dr. J. Ben Deal, who by all rights should be slowing down at this point in his career but instead is embarking on whole new avenues of volunteerism. Or consider alumni such as Dr. Ken McMillan, who regularly sponsor trips to Haiti and other underserved areas of the world to provide free dental services while initiating DCG students into the habit of serving others. Yes, a habit. That’s what volunteerism becomes for most of our students, faculty and alumni: a way of life that they don’t think twice about. It’s what they do because it’s who they are. What a privilege it is to celebrate their efforts, many of which you can read about in this edition of our magazine. Enjoy! DCG
FROM THE DEAN
Dr. Carol A. Lefebvre Dean, The Dental College of Georgia 706-721-2118 clefebvr@augusta.edu
[ FEBRUARY TALENT SHOW
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MATT LINDLER
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ON THE CALENDAR
SAVANNAH EVAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Dental students and faculty will share their talents on stage at the 2018 Talent Show, sponsored by ASDA (American Student Dental Association), with musical performances, dancing and comedy.
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APRIL
ALUMNI WEEKEND
Alumni will enjoy a music-filled reception in the spacious fourth-floor lobby of the DCG, visiting with other alums and catching up with current and former faculty after spending the day at the Dr. Marvin C. Goldstein Lecture.
MAY 10
MAY 11
MAY 11
SENIOR AWARDS CEREMONY
HOODING
COMMENCEMENT
Senior students will be recognized for their outstanding scholarship, service and leadership with their families and friends on hand to congratulate them.
Dental seniors look forward to celebrating the culmination of four years of arduous study at the DCG Hooding Ceremony, as they are formally welcomed into the dental profession.
Join all AU colleges to share the excitement and recognition of our graduating students’ academic accomplishments with their peers, families and friends as the university awards and confers their degrees.
For more information: 706-721-2832 or DCG_Deans_Office@augusta.edu • augusta.edu/dcg W INTE R 2018
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3 Qs
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ALAN FURNESS ALAN FURNESS, assistant dean of patient services and assistant professor of restorative sciences, ran a private practice in Charleston, South Carolina, before joining the DCG faculty seven years ago. He elicits affectionate chuckles as he charges down the halls with a laptop in each hand, the better to multi-task when he reaches his destination. But his type-A fervor in no way diminishes the tight bond he forges with students.
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What’s the biggest distinction between academia and private practice?
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How do you cultivate rapport with your students?
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Interaction with students and colleagues is now built into my day. I really enjoy that. Also, academia is more challenging; you need to be a great clinician and a great educator and researcher as well. When I came here, I was very pleased to find a tremendously supportive environment with people sincerely interested in helping me succeed. This environment has also helped stretch me in a lot of ways. For instance, I used to fear public speaking. But when you keep getting thrown in over and over, you either swim or drown. I became more comfortable with it over time.
I try to relate to where they are and give them tips to help them along their path. I’m interested in what they have going on; I play soccer with some of them, for instance. I also try to add humor to the mix when appropriate. I genuinely enjoy being around students and helping them.
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The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
How do you impart your philosophy of care to students? I emphasize ethics: doing the right thing. I try to help students think critically about how to best meet each patient’s needs and live by the philosophy that if you take good care of your patients, they’ll take good care of you. DCG
VIDEO Learn more about Alan Furness at jagwire.augusta.edu. Search: Furness.
IMPACT ON GEORGIA
] BILLY WILLIS
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Glenn Crooks works with two senior DCG students.
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
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r. Glenn Crooks has spent a lifetime working with his hands, and few things give him more pleasure than passing along the tricks of the trade he’s amassed in the course of an almost fourdecade career. In fact, Crooks, head dentist at the North Georgia Health District’s Whitfield County Health Department, loves his job so much that he doesn’t consider it a job. “People ask me when I’m going to retire,” he says, “and I tell them I am retired. I just happen to have a job.” The Miami native earned his dental degree from Emory University in 1978. After serving in the Navy for three years as a dentist, he opened a general dentistry practice in Atlanta. In addition to treating his patients, he completed courses at the nonprofit Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne,
Florida, learning advanced techniques enabling him to continually add new and improved services for his patients. The institute, established 40 years ago to honor Dr. Lindsey D. Pankey Sr., offers courses in advanced dental education “to bridge the gap between what is known and what is practiced,” according to the institute’s mission statement. The skills also enhanced Crooks’ service as a volunteer, a passion he has incorporated into his career since earning his degree. “I volunteered for 20 years making dentures for the Ben Massell Dental Clinic,” he says, referencing the nonprofit Atlanta clinic offering treatment to people unable to afford care. “I enjoyed doing it, and it was a much-needed service. Not many people like making dentures, and there’s an art to doing it quickly and well.”
Ten years ago, he moved to Dalton, Georgia, where he oversees the health department’s nonprofit dental clinic. “This is just like a private practice,” he says. “We treat children of all ages, and two days a week, we have a dentist who comes in and does adult work. There’s plenty of work to keep all of us busy.” Crooks also shares his expertise with DCG seniors who rotate through the clinic. “I love being able to share practical methods and new innovations,” Crooks says, citing innovations such as the best materials to ensure a proper bite or the optimal carbide burs to shape and restore teeth. Says Mason Sawyer, a DCG senior who completed the rotation last summer, “I learned quite a lot from Dr. Crooks. He definitely takes the time to watch and give you feedback. It was a very worthwhile experience.” DCG W INTE R 2018
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DCG NEWS BRIEFS
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Carol Lefebvre presents the State of the College address.
DCG NO. 16 IN GLOBAL RANKINGS THE DENTAL COLLEGE of Georgia at Augusta University is ranked among the top dental schools in the world, according to the latest survey by an international organization that rates universities and programs. ShanghaiRanking lists The Dental College of Georgia at No. 16 for Dentistry and Oral Sciences in its Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2017. “To be considered 16th in the world is a testament to the excellence and dedication of our faculty, students and staff,” said Dr. Carol Lefebvre, dean of the college. “This ranking confirms that the education we deliver, patient care we provide, and the research and innovation we lead are truly world class.” Established in 1969, The Dental College of Georgia provides education and training for more than 300 dental students and approximately 60 residents per year. “The fact that more than 1,000 students applied to fill the 96 seats in our incoming
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freshman class also speaks volumes about who we are,” Lefebvre said. “It’s a state-of-the-art dental school,” said Dr. Marcus Cowan, who earned his DMD in 2017 and is now working as a resident in the school’s General Practice Residency program. “We have faculty members and students from all over the world, and when we graduated, I know that all of my classmates, including myself, were fully confident of our ability to go out and thrive as practicing dentists.” Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, the college has graduated nearly 2,500 dentists who are now providing oral health care in Georgia and around the world. “As Georgia’s only dental school, we are honored to be ranked among the leaders in dentistry, especially since we are a young school in comparison — we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2019,” the dean said.
The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
“There are a ton of dental schools just in the United States, but to be ranked in the top 20 in the world is an amazing accomplishment. You always think that your alma mater is one of the best schools out there, but actually being ranked in the top just shows that all of the hard work that the students, faculty and administrators are doing is being noticed,” Cowan said. ShanghaiRanking considers research, international collaboration and faculty honors among its criteria. The organization surveys 1,500 deans, chairs and heads of faculties and departments of the top 100 universities in the world across a range of subjects. Questions on the survey focused on publications in the top-tier journals in dentistry, the most influential and credible awards in the profession, and researchers who have contributed the most to the field, with an emphasis on research performance and reputation.
STUDENT APPOINTED TO ASDA DELEGATION ADVANCING
Abby Halpern
ABBY HALPERN, Class of 2018, was appointed to serve on the American Student Dental Association’s (ASDA) delegation to the American Dental Association’s (ADA) House of Delegates during the ADA Annual Session in Atlanta in October. This prestigious
appointment carries with it great responsibility. As a member of ASDA’s delegation, she is charged with understanding, representing and advocating for the needs of her fellow dental students to the ADA House of Delegates.
PEACOCK WINS TEACHING AWARD
Mark Peacock
DR. MARK PEACOCK, associate professor in the Department of Periodontics, received the 2017 Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring in Periodontics Award from Department Chair Chris Cutler.
The award, provided by the American Academy of Periodontology, is based on commitment to excellence in providing education in the full scope of clinical periodontics and the ability to pass that enthusiasm to students.
GIFT HONORS KONCHADY
Gayathri Konchady
THE CLASS OF 2018 chose to honor the late Dr. Gayathri Konchady by establishing a Vanguard College Savings 529 plan for her only child. Konchady supervised students in both the simulation lab and student clinics and was well known among students.
“Our thoughts were to honor her and give back to the endless effort she gave to us,” said class treasurer Nick Sasser. Students raised $10,722, and they hope to double the funds raised to cover a significant part of Konchady’s daughter’s future college education.
ALUMNI HONORED AT GDA ANNUAL SESSION IN JULY, several alumni were honored at the Georgia Dental Association (GDA) annual session. Dr. Edward Green (’83), received the Award of Merit, given to a member who has exhibited service and merit above the recognized standards. It is the highest honor the GDA bestows. Also receiving awards were Dr. Amber Lawson (’06) and Dr. Amanda Merritt (’05),
who were awarded the Honorable Fellow designation. Lawson also received the Committee Chair of the Year Award. The following alums were also elected to serve as incoming GDA district presidents: Dr. Tommy Peterson (’09) Dr. Paul Trotter (’10) Dr. Becky Martin (’08) Dr. Heather Colson Hardy (’04) Dr. Scott McLaurin (’01)
ALUMNI BOARD MEMBERS NAMED DR. MIKE PRUETT was elected as the new Alumni Board president, succeeding past president Dr. Jason Hamilton.
Other board members include Drs. Rhonda Sword, Darron Alvord, Celia Dunn, Grant Loo, Louvenia Annette Rainge, T. Barrett Trotter and Paul Trotter.
OPPORTUNITY HARVARD, University of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Columbia, UNC - Chapel Hill, Rutgers, Boston University, University of Utah, University of Colorado, University Dale Crail of Alabama, University 706-840-0868 of Florida, Medical dcrail@augusta.edu University of South Carolina and University of Pittsburgh. All highly respected educational institutions. All have outstanding dental schools. All were chosen over The Dental College of Georgia this year by applicants to the Class of 2021. Competition is intense to successfully recruit and retain the best and the brightest students planning to pursue careers in dentistry. And this year 20 of the over 100 Georgia residents made the decision to go elsewhere for their dental educations based primarily on much higher scholarship offers. We believe most of these students genuinely wanted to remain in Georgia and attend their home state’s dental school. Yet, we continue to lose excellent applicants to schools that have built large endowments over many years and are able to offer significantly larger scholarships. By comparison, The Dental College of Georgia is much younger than many dental schools. The DCG awarded $313,000 in scholarships to 98 students at the beginning of the academic year, and we must do better if we are to attract and retain superior Georgia students. You can read in this issue about two alums, Drs. Nancy Young (’06) and Louvenia Annette Rainge (’90), who stepped up to the challenge and endowed scholarships to assist in our effort to continue providing the finest dentists possible for our state. They join many others who have either established endowments to fund their scholarships in perpetuity, or contribute annually to assist these many worthy students achieve their goals of becoming Georgia’s future dentists. If you would like to consider helping our students — your future colleagues — please contact me. I will be happy to help you achieve your goal. W INTE R 2018
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DCG NEWS BRIEFS
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SEEP STUDENTS EXPOSED TO DENTISTRY EDUCATION AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY’S six-week Summer Educational Enrichment Program (SEEP) exposed a select group of high school students to dental education by having them shadow participants in DCG’s residency programs as well as seniors in the comprehensive care clinic. SEEP is a pipeline program within the Medical College of Georgia’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. In addition to coursework and test preparation, the program is designed to introduce students who are underrepresented in the health care professions to the areas of health care where they show an interest. Five of the 44 program participants showed an interest in the dental profession and completed observations in all of the clinics.
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN PRESCHOOL PROGRAM STUDENTS Danielle Volante and Abby Halpern participated in a two-week rotation in general dentistry with a pediatric emphasis at TenderCare Clinic in Greensboro, Georgia. During their time there, they were part of
the Dental at Preschool program, where they brought equipment and supplies into preschools for preventative visits. During the visit, they looked for cavities, brushed and flossed teeth, and applied
fluoride, then sent each student home with a tooth report card and a goodie bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a treatment plan detailing the visit and any further treatment that might be needed.
PROGRAM HELPS STUDENTS TRANSITION THIS SUMMER, three dental students participated in the Medical College of Georgia’s Pre-matriculation program. Housed in the Office of Student and Multicultural Affairs, the program helps
students acclimate to professional school both socially and academically by exposing them to sessions in histology, physiology, neuroanatomy and physical diagnosis, including oral medicine and oral exams.
In addition, dental student participants also received mini sessions in dental terminology, dental anatomy, and occlusion and prosthodontics.
ICD RECOGNIZES STUDENT AND FACULTY LEADERS THE INTERNATIONAL College of Dentists (ICD) has a long history of promoting its core values of leadership, integrity and international humanitarianism. Each year the ICD hosts a Leadership Luncheon for 10 |
junior dental students and local members of the ICD. At the luncheon, Jackson Griffeth, Class of 2019, and Dr. Nancy Young, assistant professor in the Department of General Dentistry, were recognized for exhibiting
The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
these core values. Dr. Janine Bethea, a retired prosthodontist from Marietta and leadership coordinator for the Georgia Section of the ICD, presented the awards. DCG
ANSWERS ALONG THE WAY
] PHIL JONES
[ LASTING LEGACY Dr. T. Barrett Trotter (’73), an alumnus of the DCG’s first graduating class and an orthodontist practicing in Augusta and Evans, Georgia, is the first dentist in his family, but not the last. His youngest son, Dr. Paul G. Trotter, joined his practice after completing dental school in 2010 and the DCG Orthodontic Residency Program in 2013. His nephew, Dr. William Trotter IV (’00), practices oral surgery in Evans. The family bond extends into philanthropy and organized dentistry as well: Barrett, a recipient of a DCG Distinguished Alumnus Award and Georgia Dental Association Honorable Fellow Award, is past president of the DCG Alumni Board, the DCG Orthodontic Alumni Association and the Georgia Academy of Dental Practice. Barrett and his wife, Anne, also were major benefactors of the new dental school building. Paul recently completed the Georgia Dental Association Leadership Program and is a member of the DCG Alumni Association Board. He is president of the Eastern District Society and Georgia Orthodontics Foundation. >KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE. I had no clue what to expect when I enrolled in dental school. I was one of 24 students in the first DCG class, so there were no upperclassmen to show us the ropes. The faculty outnumbered the students the first year, so we received outstanding individualized instruction and attention. The downside was we couldn’t get away with any foolishness! The founding dean, Dr. Judson C. Hickey, was the heart and soul of the school. He was a real advocate for the students and inspired us to give it our all. > NEVER STOP LEARNING. When I finished dental school, I practiced general dentistry for six years, but I never lost sight of my interest in orthodontics. The experience I gained in general dentistry, both clinical and from a business standpoint, has been a tremendous benefit in my orthodontic practice.
> FAMILY FIRST. Having a son for a partner is a real joy and blessing. In addition to enjoying the state-of-the-art technology he’s brought to the practice, it’s wonderful to have someone with whom to discuss treatment options and to share patient care and administrative duties. > DON’T FORGET TO GIVE BACK. My advice to my three sons and grandchildren is to find the type of work that you enjoy. My dad taught me that if you concentrate
on providing outstanding service, the money will take care of itself. Giving back is extremely important. Service to our profession through organized dentistry and financial support for our alma mater is necessary to ensure the advancement of our profession and the constant improvement of our services to our patients. [The DCG] faculty and facilities are second to none, and support by all of our alumni is critical in constantly improving the quality of the graduates and of the care we deliver. DCG W INTE R 2018
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ON THE HORIZON
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PHIL JONES
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Dr. Mark Brunner (right) with Omnia Tawfik, an international research scholar from Cairo University who assists in his gummy-smile research 12 |
The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
A LIFE-CHANGER
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odern dentistry offers a plethora of ways to improve teeth — straightening, whitening, contouring, bonding, etc. — but what if your teeth aren’t the problem? What if your gums are? Some people are dissatisfied with their appearance because of a gummy smile, and a DCG periodontist is researching ways to solve the problem. “If someone shows a lot of gum when smiling, it’s generally caused by too much bone, a short upper lip or overactive muscles,” says Dr. Mark Brunner, who came to the faculty in 2016 after 15 years of private practice in Atlanta and is now assistant professor and residency director in the Department of Periodontics. “I’m about health, not cosmetics, so I definitely try to minimize cosmetic therapy unless a patient specifically asks for it. But I’ve discovered there’s a large demand for improving gummy smiles.” The current treatment, a shot of Botulinum toxin type A (Botox), relaxes overactive lip muscles. But the procedure is expensive, temporary and ineffective for certain types of gummy smiles. Brunner wanted a more permanent and all-encompassing solution. He recently obtained an intramural grant to compare alternative treatments. One involves suturing the small rectangular pieces of gum inside the upper lip, forcing it down. “The procedure takes about half an hour in the dental chair, with the same type of local anesthetic used for a filling. We see an immediate result,” he says. The other techniques — also quick and easy — involve eliminating excess bone or exposing more of the crown of the tooth. The treatments are specific to the patient’s anatomical features, of course, but the fact that virtually any gummy smile can be repaired has inspired nothing short of elation in Brunner’s patients. “They’re ecstatic,” he says. “They fill out questionnaires afterward, and their responses are off the charts. A lot of them didn’t know these procedures were even available, so they’re just thrilled.” Brunner hopes to enroll at least 20 patients in the study, documenting the results so more dentists and patients are aware of the treatments. “Something so simple,” he says, “can be a life-changer.” DCG W INTE R 2018
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Features
LEFT INSET: Dr. Mohamed Al-Shabrawey conveys information in one of the “Easy Anatomy” videos. RIGHT INSET: Varun Iyer and Diana Tran are featured in the video introduction of C.O.P.E. with Cancer. 14 |
The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
WATCH AND LEARN DCG students and faculty use the internet to inform
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C.O.P.E. WITH CANCER
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
A Web of Support
Albreia Hall (right) and videographer Akash Chakravartty
By Christine Hurley Deriso DCG patient clinics are always busy, but one recent day in particular jolted the place into particularly high gear. That’s the day that luminaries including Santa Claus, Popeye and Olive Oyl stopped by for checkups. Oh, and a pirate breezed in as well. Why the onrush of celebrities? Several students in The Dental College of Georgia enlisted the star power (dental students in costumes) to help educate the public about a particularly insidious form of cancer — yet one that is highly treatable if caught early. “We want to teach people more about oral cancer, including how to avoid it, how to check for it, and, if they get it, how to deal with issues associated with both the disease and its treatment,” says Dahlia Levine, a senior dental student who, along with several classmates, launched a website (copewithcancer.net) dedicated to the topic. The website, which began as a class project but has grown into a sought-after resource by both dentists and patients nationwide and beyond, includes brochures, a video and other educational materials, with more coming soon. The inaugural video, which teaches patients how to conduct an oral cancer self-exam, delivers an important message with a lighthearted touch, including cameo appearances from the afore-mentioned celebrities. The students’ classmate, Nadia Heidari, helped develop the script and direct the video, and Akash Chakravartty, an undergraduate student in the College of Science and Mathematics, was the videographer. The initiative was jump-started when Dr. Kate Ciarrocca, then an assistant professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences, assigned a project writing a mock grant proposal to improve access to health care. The assignment was part of her Community Oral Health Promotion course for first-year students. The project was particularly timely for Zach Dubin, one of the 16 |
The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
Dahlia Levine
students. “I had moved in with my aunt the year before dental school to help her through her oral cancer treatment, and I was with her every step of the way,” says Dubin, now a senior. “The side effects she experienced before she died — inflammation, fungal infections, pain — were still fresh in my mind. I jumped at the opportunity to help people going through that.” As personal as the subject was for Dubin, he was well aware that countless others had journeyed the same difficult path. Oral cancer — cancer of the mouth, lips, lip lining, cheeks, teeth, gums, tongue, upper throat and/or hard palate — accounts for approximately 3 percent of all cancers in the United States. About 30,000 cases are diagnosed each year, and approximately 8,000 Americans die of the disease annually. The incidence is increasing, according to the American Cancer Society, with risk factors including tobacco use and and exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. Oral cancer is twice as common in men than women, and the average age at diagnosis is 62. What’s worse, oral complications are very common even among non-oral types of cancer. For instance, 40 percent of all chemotherapy patients report oral side effects, as do a large majority of stem cell transplantation patients and fully 100 percent of patients undergoing head and/or neck radiation. The complications can include xerostomia (dry mouth), mucositis (inflammation of the oral mucous membranes), rampant decay, trismus (oral muscle spasms causing limited opening) and osteoradionecrosis (bone necrosis caused by radiation). These patients can be referred to dentists, who specialize in treating cancer patients, but others rely on their general dentists to shepherd them through oral manifestations of their treatment, which is why the students’ project is in such hot demand. Ciarrocca was so impressed with the project — better educating general dentists and the public about oral health ramifications of cancer — that she suggested the students submit the mock grant proposal to try to obtain real-world funding. Dubin and his classmates — Varun Iyer,
Abby Halpern
Dahlia Levine and Diana Tran — shrieked with joy when informed that the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation approved their grant submission and was eager to provide the funding. “When we realized our project would generate a more widespread impact, we were overtaken with joy,” says Tran. Adds Dubin, “It was so surprising. It took a full week just to process it.” Next came the hard work of implementing their vision. The grant funded lunch-and-learn sessions and other means of educating dentists and the public about oral health for cancer patients. And the project has continued to grow. The students, who are now seniors, launched their website and have exhaustively packed it with resources, some original and others compiled from other sources. The impact has been tremendous. The website was featured at the American Academy of Oral Medicine Annual Conference in 2017, and the research, approved by Augusta University’s Institutional Research Board, was showcased during the university’s Table Clinic Research Day. “More importantly,” according to the website, “the positive impact has been broad-reaching in both patient health advocacy and educating the health care professionals of Georgia.” Says Dubin, “It’s trickling its way through the internet. As of February, we’d gotten over 6,500 views.” By press time, views had grown to 7,600. Adds Iyer, “Someone from Indonesia recently shared it, and dentists from all over the country include the link on their websites and in their newsletters. The grapevine just keeps it going.” Says Levine, “We’ve gotten the most amazing feedback. Dentists seem very thirsty for resources like this, which is so validating. And we want to make it available to everybody. Our emphasis is open-access, so the more, the merrier. We got a 10-year domain name for a reason. We want to keep this going. It’s all about education.” The initiative has attracted attention on other parts of campus as well. For instance, Christine O’Meara, director of cancer information/ awareness at the Georgia Cancer Center, and Dr. Rick Pukis in the
Jon Ennis
Department of Communications have approached the students about collaborating on a project. The students are happy for the input, noting with a laugh that they can use all the help they can get in light of juggling this project with the intensive demands of dental school. Says Iyer, “We devote entire weekends to the website when necessary.” Levine concurs. “It’s been time-consuming. We put in 25 hours a week sometimes. But luckily, we have a really good team. We each have different strengths.” The project was kicking into high gear yet again at press time because the students were about to embark on another round of grant writing. The original grant expired in June, and they were scouring possibilities for new funding sources. Dr. Tara Schafer, interim chair and associate professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, has been helping the students explore more funding opportunities and the best uses of the website for pediatric patients and their parents. “We’re branching out into pediatric dentistry, so we hope that focus will open up new funding avenues,” she says. Although the dental students will part ways after they graduate — Iyer, Levine and Tran plan on residencies, while Dubin wants to go directly into private practice — they all expect to incorporate what they’ve learned into their careers. “People are coming to us, so we know the demand is there,” Dubin says. “That really opened my eyes that both dentists and patients need more education and information. I hope to build on this throughout my career.” DCG
Would you like to help advance the mission of copewithcancer.net? For more information, visit the website and/or contact cope.cancer@gmail.com. W INTE R 2018
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PHIL JONES
Dr. Mohamed Al-Shabrawey 18 |
The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
EASY ANATOMY
Lights, Camera, Action! By Christine Hurley Deriso When Dr. Mohamed Al-Shabrawey conveys complicated information to his students, he wants them to know he has all the time in the world to help them understand it. Well, technically, they have all the time in the world. They can listen to his words of wisdom over and over again, as often as they want, and always at their convenience. If you’re sensing Al-Shabrawey has carried his open-door policy a little too far, fear not. He doesn’t have endless office hours, nor does he invite his students to call him at any time of the night or day. But thanks to a recent innovation, the result is the same. Al-Shabrawey, professor of oral biology and anatomy in The Dental College of Georgia and professor of cellular biology and anatomy in the Medical College of Georgia, grew increasingly concerned over the years about the volume of material his students were expected to master during the four short years required to earn their doctorates. The information, he knows, is always growing — and growing not just incrementally, but exponentially. It was hard enough to master the intricacies of the biomedical sciences when he was earning his advanced degrees at Mansoura College of Medicine in Egypt. Since then, he realizes, things have only gotten tougher. So he decided to supplement his classroom instruction with videos. “Students’ time is tight, and they often don’t have time to ask a lot of questions,” says Al-Shabrawey. “I was inspired by a colleague who discussed with me the idea of producing videos.” Al-Shabrawey had absolutely no experience in the arena, but he was intrigued enough by the potential of technology — and students’ widespread access to the internet — to pursue the idea. Borrowing his colleague’s camera and some other basic resources, he began videotaping some of his more complex lectures, supplementing his tutorials with photos, drawings, charts and other graphics. The result? A video series on YouTube called “Easy Anatomy,” which first began coursing through the internet last winter. The 20 videos each last approximately 30 minutes and cover coursework including functional components of cranial nerves, the general anatomy of the spinal cord, fascial spaces and spread of dental infection, neck fascia, pharyngeal muscles and the autonomic nervous system of the head and neck. “I did this in my free time in my home,” Al-Shabrawey explains. The response, he says, was immediate and overwhelming. “My primary target was only our students — providing a quick
overview about important topics,” Al-Shabrawey says. “ But I found that my videos attracted attention not only here, but nationally and internationally. My thought was that the scope would be limited, but I find they’re being viewed from California, South Carolina, Washington . . . nationwide and overseas.” Along with the video views come more questions. “When I started getting requests from different countries asking specific questions, I started posting more videos,” Al-Shabrawey says. “Unfortunately, I can’t answer all their questions, but I do my best to address the most important things.” The project has far exceeded his expectations not only geographically, but discipline-wise as well. “This is attracting both dental students and medical students,” he says. “The material is covered in their coursework, but the videos enable them to review it in their free time. Sometimes students ask for extra help about a specific topic and you don’t have time to go over it. I get very beautiful emails from all over the world that these videos help fill that need. They say the videos are particularly helpful when they are studying for their national board exams.” By six months after the first video debuted, the series had more than 1,300 subscribers worldwide and had been viewed more than 60,000 times. The comments on his videos speak volumes. For instance, a viewer commented on his “Functional Components of Cranial Nerves” video, “Hands down the BEST anatomy explanations online! Thank you so much!” Comments on his “Thalamic Nuclei and Connections” video include “Awesome video; great summary of a complex chapter of neuroanatomy” and “I was going to restudy this topic tomorrow and was worried that I still wouldn’t understand it. You just made tomorrow SO much easier for me. Thank you.” Al-Shabrawey even takes the time to answer specific questions in the comments section. He is considering pursuing grant funding or other assistance to build on his efforts. “Better resources would shorten the production time at least 50 percent,” he says. “I have very primitive resources, and the quality is not that fantastic. I don’t have the [production] skills; I just do the best I can with what I have. I’m talking with administrators, and we are hoping we can improve on it in the future. The videos have been very well received, but there is room to improve and build on them.” His ultimate validation, he says, came when the DCG Class of 2020 presented him with a tablet in appreciation for his efforts. “I carry it with me and will now try to learn how to use it to record my lectures in an easier way,” Al-Shabrawey says. “I feel very humble. I hope my initiative opens doors to more beneficial ways to teach our students.” DCG
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“WHEN CAN WE COME BACK?” Ben Collins (Class of 2018) greets children in Haiti. 20 |
The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
Haiti Mission Work Instills Lifelong Passion for Volunteerism IT WAS in the evenings that the group turned contemplative. By Christine Hurley Deriso When Dr. Ken McMillan (’74), a retired dentist from Snellville, Georgia, organized his latest mission trip to Haiti, he warned his fellow volunteers to expect jam-packed days. The dental needs of the impoverished citizens are so great that every daylight minute of the weeklong trip, which coincided with spring break, was sure to be a whirlwind of activity. And it was. But then in the evenings … “The students would start telling stories, and tears would well up,” says McMillan, an adjunct faculty member in The Dental College of Georgia who, along with Dr. Ken Hutchinson (’82), has helped organize Third World mission trips for some 15 years. They’ve enlisted several others, including fellow alumnus Dr. Phil Koch (’74) and colleague Dr. Bart Whitesell. The most recent Haitian mission trip, held in May, took place in Hinche, a town about a two-hour bus drive from Port au Prince. McMillan and his fellow volunteers organized the trip through the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), a Catholic missionary community. The treatments initially took place at a clinic on the grounds founded by Dr. Jim Whitney, an orthodontist, “but we’ve since branched out and now work at various clinics sponsored by the Catholic Church,” McMillan says. During the Hinche trip, in addition to performing cleanings and fluoride treatments for SOLT’s 1,400 schoolchildren, the volunteers provided general and cosmetic dentistry for hundreds of locals, most of whom have no other access to dentistry. “They don’t even have toothbrushes,” says McMillan. “They have nothing. There is such a great need for dentistry and such a great need for dental students to learn to be humble and experience the world from a unique perspective.” Says Chas Plaisance, a DCG senior who attended, “It’s pretty eyeopening to go into an environment like that, a country that needs so much help.”
Other groups have organized mission trips to Haiti as well, but McMillan noted the high-tech component and heavy emphasis on teaching dental students that characterize his groups’ trips. “We take lots of seasoned dentists and pair each one with a dental student,” McMillan says. “The dentists work one-on-one to elevate the students’ skills and help them with their learning curve. This allows them after a couple of days to be extremely comfortable doing dentistry, though their work is always supervised.” “We did all procedures except for advanced surgeries,” says Plaisance. “They ranged from simple extractions to all different kinds of fillings — every kind of restorative procedure we’ve learned.” Says McMillan, “We bring high-end dental equipment and perform services such as oral surgery and esthetic dentistry, for instance restoring broken-off front teeth. The patients end up feeling so much better about themselves.” Theirs are the stories that would punctuate their evening conversations. “We had a reflection time at the end of the day, and we’d express gratitude not just for the experience, but for each other,” says Plaisance. “Just as a group, we got to know each other really well, seeing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We got to help each other out. It just became a great environment to work in. We were all there for the same goal and trying to get the same thing done: to help the community.” The patients’ reactions, of course, were the most indelible. “We got a lot of tears, a lot of high-fives and a lot of smiles,” McMillan says. “These people have nothing, but they bring you something to eat. They’re incredibly grateful. That’s what makes the trip.” Plaisance notes that he particularly bonded with a little boy whose face was badly swollen from a bee sting. The volunteers provided daily cortisone treatments and formed a lasting bond. “We spent time with him every day,” Plaisance says. “A bunch of people would be waiting for us every morning, and I’d always spot him in the crowd. Continued on page 25
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A SOLID DEAL Chairman of MCG Foundation offers fresh perspective
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The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
IT’S WITH A BROAD SWEEP of his arm that Dr. J. Ben Deal signals both the figurative and literal scope of his alma mater’s plans for the future. By Christine Hurley Deriso Deal notes that his vantage point, the Medical College of Georgia Foundation office building on 15th Street, is appropriately central to Augusta University’s rapid expansion. “I wish I were 10 years younger so I could see some of these long-range plans come to fruition,” says Deal, a 1974 graduate of The Dental College of Georgia and the foundation’s first non-physician chairman of the board. “This place is getting ready to bust open.” Deal practiced general dentistry in Augusta for 40 years before semi-retiring this year, leaving the practice in the hands of his partner, Walt Green (’14). Today he has no higher mission than helping make that happen — an initiative already well underway. Consider the university’s recent acquisition of riverfront property to launch the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center … or the addition of two gleaming student residence facilities on the Health Sciences Campus … or the extensive interdisciplinary initiatives that link biomedical research to the liberal arts on the Summerville Campus. The stars have clearly aligned, says Deal, to make it all happen now. For one thing, “[the foundation’s] relationship with the current administration is the best it’s been since I’ve been involved. It’s extremely positive.” AU President Brooks Keel, who earned his undergraduate degree from Augusta College and his doctorate in reproductive endocrinology from the Medical College of Georgia before the two universities consolidated, is pivotally positioned to represent all campus viewpoints, Deal says. What’s more, the university’s goals have never been more closely synchronized with those of the community, state and nation. Cybersecurity, for instance, is a national priority with international implications, and its growing local and state footprint is opening new doors for both the university and the city of Augusta. “Our highest priority is to advance the goals of the school, but we also want to be a good neighbor,” says Deal. Numerous generous gifts through the years have advanced those goals, but a couple in particular virtually transformed the university’s potential. Augusta entrepreneur George Weiss bequeathed assets worth $14 million to the university upon his death in 1997, and the late Dr. J. Harold Harrison (MCG, ’48) and wife Sue donated $76 million to fund
MCG scholarships, faculty endowed chairs and facilities. The J. Harold Harrison, M.D. Education Commons, a learning facility for dental, nursing, allied health and medical students adjacent to the dental school, is named in his honor. A $66 million gift from the Harrisons announced two years ago remains the largest single individual gift ever made to a University System of Georgia institution. Deal and his fellow board members are currently reimagining the properties bequeathed by Weiss. “Our job is to provide income streams for the Medical College of Georgia, and we’re trying to do that as effectively and responsibly as possible, while encouraging philanthropy to make even more goals within reach,” says Deal. For instance, “We’re trying to establish an identity for a gateway to the campus. We have a master plan for [property donated by Weiss that until recently included a Kroger-anchored shopping center] and envision things like administrative offices, mixed housing, retail shopping and parking. It’s an ambitious plan that will be phased in, but it’s well underway.” Likewise, the Harrison family’s donation is generating investments with exponential returns. “Thank goodness I had the chance to get to know Dr. Harrison,” says Deal of the friendship born of their mutual passion for their alma mater and their longtime involvement with the foundation. “He was what true philanthropy is all about. The increase in our endowment has allowed us to compete with much-betterknown schools. We can offer full scholarships now for very talented students who could choose any school in the country. People are getting much more discerning about where their education dollars go, and more and more of the best minds in the nation are choosing MCG, often due to the scholarship assistance we can offer.” And once those students enroll, Deal notes, their educational opportunities have never been so dynamic, thanks to assets such as the Harrison Education Commons and the talent attracted by faculty endowments. But as exuberant as Deal is about the future, he acknowledges that his position is not without challenges. As the foundation’s first non-physician chairman, for instance, he straddles the boundaries of a university served by three foundations — the MCG Foundation, which largely serves the medical school’s interests; the Georgia Health Sciences Foundation, which serves Augusta University’s other health sciences colleges; and the Augusta University Foundation, which serves the liberal arts programs. Continued on next page W INTE R 2018
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J. Ben and Donna Deal with grandchildren John, Ellyson and Judson
But he insists that as MCG prospers, so does the rest of the university. And the foundation has always been generous with all the colleges, he says, noting for instance the Harrison Education Commons’s service to both medical and dental students. The foundation’s board, which includes area business leaders, philanthropists and other health care professionals in addition to physicians, reflects the broad scope of the board’s mission. And Deal, whose grandfather, father and son all graduated from the university, stresses that no one is more passionate about the university than he is. Besides, he’s accustomed to challenges. Deal, who grew up in Statesboro, Georgia, notes with a laugh that he’s been indirectly practicing health care since childhood. “I remember going on house calls with my dad when I was a kid,” he says. “It was kind of an adventure, heading out at 9 p.m. to some house in the country.” He was humbled by the spirit of service exemplified by both his father and grandfather, a legacy he wanted to continue. But he chose dentistry in hopes of spending more time with his family, a goal he is proud to say he accomplished. He enrolled at DCG (then the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry) in 1971, an era in which a shortage of dentists spurred legislators to approve a three- rather than four-year course of study. Of course, the coursework itself wasn’t truncated, so Deal and his classmates experienced the oftengrueling whirlwind of nonstop study. “It was very demanding,” he says in his typical genial and understated style. “But my classmates and I became very close; we were kind of in the war together, so to speak. And we had such tremendous mentors. [Founding Dean Judson C.] Hickey was my inspiration to do dentistry well. I tell today’s students I feel sorry for them for not knowing him. He was a wonderful man.” After earning his degree, Deal completed a two-year internship in the U.S. Navy, then hung his shingle in Augusta, where he and wife 24 |
The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
Donna raised sons Tyson (MCG, ’01) and Brad, a mortgage banker. Both sons are now raising their own families in the Augusta area. “I’m so fortunate to have all my grandchildren close by,” Deal says. “I pick up my youngest grandson from school one day a week. That’s my job on Tuesdays.” As passionate as Deal is about his alma mater, it took a bit of armtwisting for him to consider joining the board. “I felt like I didn’t know enough about it to contribute much,” he says with characteristic modesty. “But I wanted to help, so I just showed up, listened and tried to learn as much as I could. It was a good fit.” Through the years, he has served on committees for causes including stewardship and scholarships. Deal hopes his tenure as chairman of the board will help forge new partnerships while bolstering existing ones. “Helping to bridge the gap is one of the reasons I took the job.” He has an excellent relationship with the foundation staff, including President and CEO Ian Mercier. “I believe there is value in what Dr. Deal represents as a dental graduate — his perspective is unique while at the same time distinctly MCG,” says Mercier. “Knowing that his father and oldest son both graduated from MCG as physicians means that he understands our mission to train great doctors, but he is a reminder to all of us that the university has many more colleges — all of which need support through philanthropy. With that in mind, Dr. Deal has both passion and an energy about him that is infectious, and he really cares about the foundation’s and the university’s success.” Deal adds that as a fellow Augustan, he also has a logistical advantage. “Ian and I are in contact almost daily, and I’m in the office frequently,” he says. “Maybe I can make a difference and add a new voice to an operation that was already in great shape. That’s all I can hope for.” DCG A U G U S TA
UNIVERSITY
ABOUT THE MCG FOUNDATION “The MCG Foundation was created in 1954 to serve the philanthropic needs of the school, and as the institution developed into a major academic health center, the foundation now manages significant assets for all of the health sciences colleges: Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Allied Health and Graduate Studies. Among the foundation’s many commitments to dentistry, which include two endowed faculty chairs, MCGF annually provides $40,000 in scholarship support to deserving students, the funds of which are now perpetually endowed.” – Ian Mercier, president and CEO of the MCG Foundation
Haiti Mission Work, continued from page 21 It was great to see his ear-to-ear smile. That interaction reinforced the whole idea that we were making an impact and the people would remember us.” Says DCG orthodontic resident Haylee Humes (’17), who volunteered for the Hinche trip in 2016, “During one particularly difficult hour on the first day, I balanced a terrified 10-year-old boy preparing to lose his abscessed first molars with an exuberant and thankful teenaged girl whose fractured anterior teeth I was able to restore. We had expert dentists in esthetics, oral surgery and general dentistry ready to provide guidance and help.” Non-dentists pitched in as well. Says McMillan, “I take about 10 ancillary people to help us on these trips, and most of them are very successful businesspeople — CEOs, a private contractor for the Augusta National, a commodities broker . . . They all put their mantles down and become one. Plus, they spend the evenings helping teach the dental students about business.” “We had top executives and CEOs running for instruments, fixing any malfunctioning equipment and generally making it possible for us to provide dental care,” says Humes. “Their enthusiasm to serve and be involved was inspiring.” McMillan concurs. “It’s great to have such a wide variety of people come together.” Says Humes, “[The experience] changed our lives and our understanding of our role in health care. Our group is beyond thankful
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Franklin Perlis, Dr. Ken McMillan, Ben Collins, Dr. Bart Whitesell, David Pearson, Scott Gawrych, Jordan Baker
for the experience and felt far more prepared than our peers heading into our senior year of dental school.” As was true of most of the student volunteers, the experience whet her appetite to make volunteerism an ongoing component of her career. Says Plaisance, “When we were finished, we were all on the same page: ‘When can we come back?’” DCG
Dr. McMillan’s next mission trip to Hinche will take place the first week of May 2018. For more information or to volunteer, contact him at kenbat@mindspring.com.
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JASON JOHNSON DAY JOB: STUDENT SECRET LIFE: WILDLIFE REMOVAL BUSINESS OWNER
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ental students exchange war stories all the time, commiserating, for instance, about particularly tough exams, procedures or rotations. But few can top Jason Johnson’s tales. There was that time that he lost his grip on a coyote and got dragged under a truck, or the time he found himself under a porch with several copperhead snakes. Johnson, a DCG senior, finances his education with the most unlikely of side businesses. He’s the guy you call if you have bats in your belfry, squirrels in your attic, snakes under your porch or, yes, coyotes in your yard. Among other critters. “I set traps for nuisance animals and try to remove them as safely and humanely as possible,” says Johnson of his business, Jason’s Wildlife Removal. “We figure out how to get rid of them and make sure it doesn’t happen again.” But his line of work doesn’t mean Johnson isn’t particularly fond of critters. “It takes a great respect for wildlife to do this job,” he says. “I do everything possible to safely relocate the animals.” Johnson grew up surrounded by farm animals in South Fulton, Georgia, and learned how to set traplines for unwanted visitors. “I got efficient at trapping and removing the animals,” he says, noting that he was licensed as a nuisance animal control specialist at age 17. He used his earnings to buy equipment for a nuisance wildlife control business. While earning his undergraduate degree at Point University in West Point, Georgia, Johnson kept his business going on nights and weekends. It was only upon entering dental school that he encountered time restraints too formidable even for him. He turned over day-to-day operations to a friend, Austin Eure. “But I still handle all of the business side.” Upon graduation, Johnson plans to move with his wife, Sydney, to McDonough, Georgia, and join his father-in-law’s dental practice. But he plans to keep his hands dirty during off-hours. “I grew the wildlife business into something much larger,” he says. “As busy as I am, there always seems to be 30 minutes here and there.” DCG
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Ansley Pike, Dr. Van Haywood, Clara Shin and a dental assistant 28 |
The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
ALL ABOARD FOR DENTAL CARE
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t was a sweltering day as patients walked into the cool, comfortable dental clinic one morning last summer. Amiable staff members greeted them, and their appointments started right on schedule. Many patients, satisfied and pain-free after their vexing dental problems were resolved, offered profuse gratitude before leaving. This may sound like a typical dentist’s office, but there were some differences. For one thing, this clinic was on wheels. DCG faculty, students and alumni rolled up their sleeves last July for the seventh year in a row to volunteer their services to some of Georgia’s neediest citizens. “It’s been a privilege to participate in such a vital initiative,” says Dr. Van Haywood ('74), professor of restorative sciences, who coordinates DCG’s involvement in the annual mobile dental clinic sponsored by the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. Various Baptist churches statewide participate, inviting area dentists and others to volunteer for the two-day clinic set up in a modified bus in a church parking lot. Last summer’s mobile clinic was held at Washington Heights Baptist Church in Thomson, approximately 40 miles west of Augusta. Applications for appointments are welcome from anyone who lacks dental insurance and has an emergent dental need, such as cavities or abscessed teeth. “This is the only dental treatment a lot of these people receive,” says Doug Thompson, pastor of the church. “They’re living with problems that they don’t have the funds to take care of.” “It’s a great experience helping others and learning from the best of the best,” says Ansley Pike, a junior dental student who, along with many of her classmates, volunteered despite being in the thick of studying for the National Board Examinations. “It’s worth it to have such a totally unique experience and help so many people,” said her classmate, Clara Shin. “They’re so grateful for the help.” DCG W INTE R 2018
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WHITE COAT CEREMONY Second-year dental students were presented their white coats on Friday, Aug. 25. The students made the transition from their preclinical training to having the privilege of treating patients before a packed house at the Maxwell Theater with faculty, families and friends cheering them on.
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RESIDENTS WORKSHOP New residents were oriented to postgraduate training the first week in July, covering everything from HIPAA and asepsis training to electronic health record systems and physical diagnosis practice skills.
FAMILY DAY DCG freshmen were proud to give their families a glimpse into their daily lives as firstyear dental students. The agenda included tours, presentations and hands-on experiences in the Thomas P. Hinman Center for Lifelong Learning. Dr. Don Spillers, Jr. (’91) is waxing as son, freshman Trey Spillers, watches.
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Homemade ice cream was a hit with staff, residents and faculty alike at the annual Ice Cream Social. Participants enjoyed reminiscing about their childhoods over churning ice cream and razzing one another about their favorite college football teams!
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WELCOME BACK The DCG Alumni Association hosted a luncheon to welcome students back to campus for the fall semester on Wednesday, Aug. 16. Following the luncheon, the DCG held the annual Welcome Back Assembly to announce scholarship recipients for the 2017-2018 academic year. Ninety-eight students were awarded a total of 116 scholarships from sponsor organizations and individual alumni. Congratulations to all who received awards!
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WELLNESS WEEK
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Students, staff and faculty enjoyed Wellness Week, sponsored by the American Student Dental Association, Sept. 18-22. Activities included a painting class, lunch-and-learn sessions on meditation and nutrition, yoga and even recess on the Harrison Commons lawn.
Staff, residents and faculty enjoyed a festive fall event on Wednesday, Oct. 18, including grilled hamburgers, a costume contest and a chili cook-off. Judging the chili this year were Lee Ann Liska, executive vice president for health affairs, Clint Bryant, director of athletics and Dean Carol Lefebvre. DCG ANTHONY CARLIE
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Tara Morgan, Dr. Nancy Young and Billy Brinson (Class of 2018)
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ne of them can be found on the still of the Savannah River at daybreak, gently rowing as the sun rises over the horizon. The other can be found at frequent gatherings with some or all of her 11 siblings, laughing and reminiscing, or volunteering at charitable events, giving back to all age groups and promoting good oral health care. Both women are DCG graduates, and now they have the added commonality of having established endowed DCG scholarship funds. Dr. Nancy Young, an awardwinning rower, earned her degree in 2006 while raising her children, Whit and Tara Morgan. Dr. Louvenia Annette Rainge graduated in 1990 after growing up in rural Nahunta, Georgia, as the youngest child in her large, loving family. Both have also remained fiercely loyal to their alma mater. Young joined the faculty in 2012 after several years of private practice. Rainge, who practices in Augusta,
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earned DCG’s 2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award based on years of service and volunteerism. Their DCG scholarships are but one more manifestation of their loving hearts and spirit of giving. Because the funds are endowed, with the capital being preserved so the gift can continue perpetually, others are welcome to donate — or of course to establish their own endowed scholarships. “I love our school and I love our students,” says Young, who established the A.D. and Jerlene Elliott Endowed Scholarship in memory of her parents. “We have such a great opportunity to develop the best dentists anywhere, and it’s a privilege to help make that happen. I want to be able to ease their financial burden.” Rainge, who received multiple scholarships, including the Student National Dental Association President’s Award, while earning her degree, concurs. “I started my scholarship over 10 years ago when challenged and
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inspired by the philanthropic efforts of a dedicated supporter of the dental school and am very pleased it is now endowed,” she says. “It’s all about helping and enabling others to continue the journey when they commit to becoming a part of our great profession. I hope my gift helps open doors to worthy students who otherwise might not have the means to make their dream come true.” Rainge also hopes the recipients will follow in her footsteps, approaching dentistry as more of a calling than a career. “I think of my patients as family,” she says. “It’s sort of like having a ministry.” Both women are immensely gratified to see their vision actualized. The first recipient of Young’s scholarship, for instance, is Billy Brinson, who plans to serve in a dentally underserved community after graduating in the spring. The financial assistance, he says, is invaluable, particularly considering that he and wife Mandi have two specialneeds children. Son Bentley was born with a capillary malformation, a condition requiring ongoing surgeries, and daughter Blakely was born with hip dysplasia and a heart defect. Young, who knows all too well the challenges of raising children while earning a dental degree, is thrilled to help ease the family’s burden, particularly since Brinson shares her philosophy of care. Says Brinson, “I feel like I was put here to serve others and make an impact on their lives.” He has maintained side jobs throughout his dental education — selling milk products from a herd of goats, supplying inflatables for parties and other events, and perfecting woodworking skills that enabled him to build his first house by hand. But despite his tireless work ethic, his family’s medical bills and the costs of a dental education have made every penny count. “I’m so very grateful for the scholarship assistance and so humbled to have been selected to receive it,” he says. DCG
Dr. Louvenia Annette Rainge and a patient
For more information about the scholarships, or to establish one of your own, contact Dale Crail, director of development, at dcrail@augusta.edu or 706-840-0868.
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IT’S WITH A WINK and a smile that Dr. Eladio DeLeon likens his mission to that of a historical figure who shares his name. “What was Ponce de León seeking?” he asks rhetorically. “The fountain of youth! That’s what we’re offering.” He and his colleagues can’t exactly turn back the clock, but it sure looks that way when they display the jaw-dropping beforeand-after photographs of patients treated in DCG’s Ronald Goldstein Center for Esthetic and Implant Dentistry. The center, directed by Dr. Gerard Chiche, combines prosthodontics with orthodontics, ceramics, oral surgery, periodontics and any other dental specialties needed to help adults regain smiles ravaged by decay, trauma or other factors. Chiche, who is the Thomas P. Hinman Chair of Restorative Dentistry, and DeLeon, the Marvin C. Goldstein Chair in Orthodontics, are frequent collaborators, a partnership eased by logistics. “In this one building we have everyone and everything we need for amazing results,” DeLeon says. “The key is effective team collaboration and making the patient the center of the universe. In my 40 years of dentistry, I’ve never worked with better people than these. They’re masters.” Orthodontics — a specialty in which adults are now seeking treatment in record numbers — is often the first step in using implants and other methods to recreate dazzling smiles. “We’re focused on both esthetics and function,” Chiche says. “The teeth have to be positioned correctly in all three planes — the vertical, sagittal and transverse — before we can add esthetic restorations such as crowns and veneers.” DeLeon concurs, noting that lots of work unfolds in the gums and bone to preserve and position existing teeth, enabling them to serve as solid foundations for the pearly whites presented to the world. Says DeLeon, “The teeth are like fence pegs. I have to put the pegs in the right spots.” When orthodontia is necessary, clear braces are usually an option for adults who want to avoid a metal-mouth appearance. The entire process often lasts two years or so, enabling patients to become “like family,” the dentists agree. “There is a synergy in everything we do,” Chiche says. “Interdisciplinary treatment takes a lot of planning and organization, but it’s worth it. The results are amazing.” DCG
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The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University
Drs. Gerard Chiche and Eladio DeLeon
Photo by Phil Jones
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