New York State Dental Foundation launches initiative to recruit future dentists to aid in care of disabled 4
Pierre Fauchard Academy recognizes four for commendable service to patients, profession and academy 8
University at Buffalo Pathway Programs hope to attract a more diverse student body by removing barriers to careers in dentistry 11
Ivan Vazquez, D.D.S.
Editor’s Note: In observing Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15), we celebrate the achievements and contributions of Hispanic-Americans who have inspired others to achieve success. Ivan Vazquez, D.D.S., a pedi atric dentist from Shoreham, Suffolk County, shares how he became involved with organized dentistry and why he is passionate about ensuring that others get involved as well.
My dental experience started when I was a teenager and spoke to some of my parents’ friends and neighbors who were dentists. I realized how happy they were in a profession that enabled them to do so much to help other people.
I applied to dental school and was fortunate to have access to a federal incentive for minority students that allowed me to study at New York University College of Dentistry with a scholarship. Some of my fellow classmates from Puerto Rico received these scholarships as well, and several of them attended NYU on a full ride. We met the challenges of dental school together and forged lifelong friendships. I’m happy to say that as a group of students who came from another country and culture, learning in our second language, we always felt included and never out of place.
I continued my education in a hospital residency program and received my specialty degree in pediatric dentistry. After a few years as an associate, I decided to open my own practice. I met several other specialists in
AN YORK STATE DENTAL ASSOCIATION
AT THE SEPTEMBER MEETING of the New York State Board for Dentistry, two retiring Board members were honored for their 10 years of service on the Board and to the dental profession. NYSBD Executive Director Dolores Cottrell presents certificates of appreciation to Board Past Chair Bruce Seidberg, center, and James Coney, public member. Dr. Seidberg, recently retired endodontist from Syracuse, Fifth District, will continue his involvement in the profession at the ADA level as a member of the Commission on Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP). Mr. Coney will continue as the public member of the Board of Optometry. z
FABIOLA MILORD, D.D.S., M.P.H., of Forest Hills has been selected by the Academy of General Dentistry to receive its 2022 Humanitarian Award, presented each year to a dentist “who demonstrates humanitarianism through voluntary service, civic leadership and delivery of quality oral health care to the glob al dental community.”
Over the past 20 years, Dr. Milord has taken part in more than 50 medical missions, treating impoverished men, women and chil dren in Ghana, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, South Africa, St. Lucia, St. Vincent’s, in the United States after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and in the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian. She is team leader for Dorcas Medical Missions and dental director for MediNova (formerly, NOAH-NY) and has participated in the development and operation of the newly built dental/medical facility in Caracol, Haiti.
Dr. Milord is associate program director, general practice resi dency, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, and clinical assistant professor, Department Comprehensive Care, New York University College of Dentistry. She is a past president of the Nassau County Dental Society and delegate to the NYSDA House.
Dr. Milord received both her D.D.S. and M.P.H. degrees from NYU. Her part-time practice is located in New Hyde Park. She will receive her award Nov. 11 during the opening session of the AGD House of Delegates in Chicago. z
Volume 35 • Issue 3
EDITOR Chester J. Gary, D.D.S., J.D. MANAGING EDITOR Mary Grates Stoll ADVERTISING MANAGERJeanne DeGuire
ART DIRECTOREd Stevens
James E. Galati, President
Anthony M. Cuomo, Vice President Prabha Krishnan, Vice President Frank C. Barnashuk, Secretary-Treasurer Steven Gounardes, Speaker of the House Gregory D. Hill, Executive Director
Editorial and advertising offices are at Suite 602, 20 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Albany, NY 12211-2370. Telephone (518) 465-0044. Fax (518) 465-3219. Email info@nysdental.org. Website www.nysdental.org.
The NYSDA News (ISSN 1531684X) is published quarterly, in February, May, October and December, by the New York State Dental Association, Suite 602, 20 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Albany, NY 12211-2370. It is available in digital form only and accessible online in the members-only section of the NYSDA website, www.nysdental.org, under publications.
Fabiola Milord
Choose NY’s #1
localized risk management guidance, claims protection, and underwriting support. Our policyholders enjoy benefits and expertise not found anywhere else — supported by concierge-level service every step of the way.
For dental malpractice insurance in New York, nothing compares to MLMIC.
The NYSDA-MLMIC program provides New York dentists from Buffalo to the Bronx with localized risk management guidance, claims protection, and underwriting support. Our policyholders enjoy benefits and expertise not found anywhere else — supported by concierge-level service every step of the way.
Learn more at MLMIC.com/dental Or, call (888) 392-0638
For dental malpractice insurance in New York, nothing compares to MLMIC.
more at MLMIC.com/NYdental
Or, call (888) 392-0638
NYSDF in search of champions committed to helping special Olympians smile
In June, the New York State Dental Foundation launched its Champions for Change initiative to encourage members of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) to volunteer at Special Smiles screenings at Special Olympics (NYSO) events.
Champions for Change seeks to promote volunteerism and inclusion by helping to underwrite dental students’ and residents’ travel costs to the Special Olympics. These volunteers must attend a dental school or residency program in New York State and belong to ASDA.
Among the Foundation’s partners in this endeavor is the Pierre Fauchard Academy, whose New York State Chair, Dr. Amarilis Jacobo, presented NYSDF with $1,000 to support these efforts. Also working with Foundation Trustees and staff have been Dr. Mina Kim, NYSO Ambassador, and Gil Barahman, ASDA District 2 Trustee and ASDA Stony Brook President.
The Foundation has historically supported and promoted programs like Special Olympics. Working with the New York State Task Force for Special Needs Dentistry, the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities and the Council on Disabilities Planning, it has developed continuing education courses, many of which were provided free of charge. Working with Special Olympics provides the Foundation with an opportunity to broaden its outreach.
Special Olympics New York annually serves more than 31,000 individuals who live with disabilities. In addition to the more than 5,000 coaches who donate time and resources to help train the athletes, more than 4,000 volunteers—including dentists, dental hygienists and students/residents—help to ensure that the events run smoothly and that children and adults with intellectual disabilities enjoy continued oppor tunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of skills and friendship with their families, other athletes and the entire community.
More than 31,000 individuals with disabilities benefit annually from screening programs conducted by volunteers at events hosted by Special Olympics New York.Even erupted third molars can be prone to disease. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is well-qualified to regularly assess a patient’s third molar status or, if necessary, to remove problem wisdom teeth. When it comes to wisdom teeth, pain-free does not mean problem-free. Visit MyOMS.org for more information.
Why refer patients to an OMS even if their molars are erupted and pain-free?
CYBERCRIMINALS use email attempts as a back door to gain access to highly lucrative protected health infor mation (PHI). They don’t just steal PHI for a one-time ransom payment, they are also selling patient data on the dark web. And, they can take even one step further by turning the email target directly back to the patient whose data they have just stolen.
This means your practice is vulnerable to potentially huge financial payouts to criminals and to also being penalized for the significant breach in HIPAA privacy. The level of HIPAA fines ranges from the number of records stolen to the amount of safety precautions in place to protect patient information in the first place.
Understanding what cybersecurity threats exist is fundamental in being able to protect your practice and patient data. Two of the bigger threats are described below.
Fake emails and fake websites are designed to fool individuals into providing data to what they believe is a trusted source, such as a business or person with whom they are familiar. With the recent rise of “spear phish ing,” cybercriminals target specific individuals by name, title and other personal details. This information is often pulled from social media accounts and other online sources. These emails can look convincingly authentic. If you take the action requested, ransomware may have just infiltrated your system.
Ransomware is designed to lock your systems or encrypt your data, which prevents your organization from accessing and using it until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware, and the groups that utilize it, usually enter through end-user access. This may include phish ing attacks to get login credentials, often without the user knowing it. This way, cybercriminals gain access to your system with the ultimate goal of controlling it.
DAVID J. MILLER, D.D.S., NYSDA past president and tireless advocate for providing oral healthcare to special needs communities, is 2022 recipient of the Pierre Fauchard Academy Distinguished Service Award, presented by the New York Section of the academy.
The presentation to Dr. Miller was made June 11 at a meeting of the New York Section, which took place during the annual session of the NYSDA House of Delegates in Saratoga Springs. At its June gathering, the academy also honored Dr. Judith Shub, Dr. Lynne Halik and husband, Jeff Halik, all of whom received PFA Honor awards. And it inducted eight new fellows into the academy.
Dr. Miller was cited for his “sustained, high-level caring service to both the dental and special needs communities.” His “long history” of treating patients with intellectual, developmental and physical disabil ities, as well as medically compromised patients, has earned him many honors, citations and considerable recognition. His service has included time spent as a Board member and president of the Special Care Dentistry Association.
Dr. Miller, who resides in East Meadow, Nassau County, is chairman of the Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery at One Brooklyn Health. Additionally, he holds academic and
15
For more information about this and other Endorsed Programs call: 800-255-2100
Trying to maintain HIPAA compliance on your own, typically requires more than 80+ hours a year, and can be daunting. Using a software solution that automates your HIPAA program can help practices generate & document mandatory HIPAA items such as the Security Risk Analyses, HIPAA training for doctors and staff, Business Associate Agreements, and other required policies & procedures.
Abyde is the NYSDA-endorsed software solution to help members with HIPAA compliance without the associated stress. They can help you adhere to all the requirements of each part of the HIPAA rules and regulations to make sure your organization is ready to pass a HIPAA audit.
Wondering how your practice stacks up against the latest HIPAA requirements? Find out more about Abyde by calling 800.594.0883 x1 or visit the NYSDA website at www.nysdental.org
Dr. David Miller
a.
b.
ACCOUNTING, AUDIT, CONSULTING AND TAX SERVICES FOR THE DENTAL PROFESSION
Accounting for Dentistry, C.P.A., P.C. is a CPA firm created by a dentist for dentists.
Accounting for Dentistry is all we do. We don’t broker practices, sell investments, provide insurance services or broker financing. We forgo these commission-based services in order that our clients have completely unbiased advice and analysis for all aspects of their personal and business finances.
We can:
MICHAEL LOZMAN, D.D.S., of Latham has been named to the United States Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. Dr. Lozman received his appointment on July 29 from President Joseph Biden. Dr. Lozman, an orthodontist and member of the Third District Dental Society, is president of the Capital District Jewish Holocaust Memorial, Inc., and has been active in the development of an educational Holocaust Memorial in the Capital District.
• Set up and maintain accounting and payroll systems
Providing services throughout New York and New England. www.doctorscpa.com drothstein@doctorscpa.com (518) 851-9016
• Provide comprehensive ongoing analysis of the financial health of your practice
• Analyze prospective contracts, projects, acquisitions, partnerships and/or sales
• Provide tax preparation and tax planning services
During the past 20 years, Dr. Lozman spearheaded an initiative to bring U.S. college students to Eastern Europe to restore Jewish cemeteries that were destroyed during the Nazi era. The sites had been left to ruin due to the absence of Jews returning after the Holocaust. Dr. Lozman was concerned that the loss of the cemeteries would also mean the loss of Jewish heritage. He led the student groups in installing iron fences to protect and preserve the cemeteries. To date, he has led the onsite restoration and protection of 15 cemeteries: 10 in Belarus and 5 in Lithuania. Because of these activities, Congressman Paul Tonko (Dem. Albany/Schenectady) was instrumental in bringing Dr. Lozman’s efforts and commitment to the attention of the White House.
Dr. Michael Lozman
• Advise new dentists, new practices, start-ups or successions
• Provide certified practice valuation services
Dan Rothstein, D.D.S., M.B.A., C.P.A. Member ADA, NYSDA, NYSSCPA and AICPA
The U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad, established in 1985, is an inde pendent governmental agency. Its 21 members are charged with identifying and reporting on cemeteries, monuments and historic buildings in Eastern and Central Europe that are associated with the heritage of U.S.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 1
Accounting for Dentistry, C.P.A., P.C. is a CPA firm created by a dentist for dentists.
Purchasing a practice is one of the most consequential events of your professional career.
Before you commit, be sure to obtain an independent assessment of the opportunity.
For over twenty years we have been providing comprehensive projections of the financial results dentists can expect in considering the purchase of a dental practice. We have no material interest that compels us to approve the transaction.
Unlike your banker or broker, we are an independent CPA firm acting exclusively as your advocate to provide unbiased projection results. We also never advise both sides of the deal, avoiding any possible conflict of interest.
Contact Dr. Rothstein directly and confidentially to discuss any aspect of the due diligence analysis, multi-year projection of results, financing issues, closing process and/or accounting, payroll, tax, compliance and managerial issues relating to the initiation of operations as a new owner.
Providing services throughout New York and New England.
www.doctorscpa.com drothstein@doctorscpa.com (518) 851-9016
Dan Rothstein, D.D.S., M.B.A., C.P.A. Member ADA, NYSDA, NYSSCPA and AICPA
We understand the business of dentistry.ACCOUNTING, AUDIT, CONSULTING AND TAX SERVICES FOR THE DENTAL PROFESSION
DR. GUY MINOLI, D.D.S., of New York City is the 2022 NYSDA Hallmarks of Excellence Award winner. Dr. Minoli received his award in June during proceedings of the NYSDA House of Delegates in Saratoga Springs. The award, which is present ed by the Council on Membership and Communications, “recognizes outstanding programs that help to enhance the membership experience or encourage the exchange of information among members by putting a ‘public face’ on dentistry within schools, health fairs, libraries and other community programs.” Dr. Minoli was cited for a mentoring lecture program he initiated in 2013.
Dr. Minoli’s lectures are offered to all dental residents in Metropolitan New York. They are hosted by NYCDS and are intended to promote a culture of leadership, professionalism and ethics through mentor ing. The program previously received an award from the American College of Dentists.
Dr. Minoli says the program involves “participating residents sharing the lecture with the mentor in an aca demic setting giving the residents further skills and an appreciation of giving back to their profession. Most mentors maintain and develop a relationship with their mentees that solidifies their involvement in organized dentistry.”
Dr. Minoli provides cosmetic and restorative dentistry at his Manhattan family practice. His patients include those who are medically compromised. A graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Dentistry and the gen eral practice residency program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Cornell University Medical College, Dr. Minoli is attending at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and assistant professor at Cornell Medical College. z
When dentistry requires an out-of-pocket cost, help more patients accept the treatment they want, need or may have postponed by recommending they privately apply for the CareCredit credit card on their smart device or computer.
If approved, patients may be able to pay over time with convenient monthly payments on purchases of $200 or more.
Visit www.carecredit.com for more details or call (800) 859-9975.
For more information about this and other Endorsed Programs call: 800-255-2100
Dr. Guy Minoli
Year-old effort to increase number of diverse dental professionals receives national award
Thirty students from around the United States traveled to the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine to take part in the university’s Destination Dental School and Native American Pre-Dental Student Gateway Program, initiatives that aim to remove barri ers to careers in dentistry for underrepresented under graduate and post-baccalaureate students.
The two UB programs, which previously operat ed separately, partnered this summer to combine their virtual and in-person events and activities. The goal is to provide participants with an understanding of the day-to-day life of a dentist and dental student, as well as help strengthen their dental school applications and develop their skills as researchers.
The Destination Dental School program—founded in 2021 by UB School of Dental Medicine alumna Arian Johnson, D.D.S., and organized by the school’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion—welcomed its second cohort of 22 students. The cohort was joined by eight students in the Native American PreDental Student Gateway Program, which was launched in 2018 through a partnership between the school and the Seneca Nation Health System.
Participants enrolled from 17 U.S. states and ranged from 19 to 45 years old.
In August, UB Dental was notified that its Destination Dental School had been named a recipi ent of INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine’s 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award. INSIGHT into Diversity, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education, annually honors col leges and universities that encourage and support stu dents from underrepresented groups to enter careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. UB Dental is one of 79 educational institutions selected to receive this year’s award.
“The Destination Dental School and Native American Pre-Dental Student Gateway Program share the same goal: to increase diversity in the future dental workforce. We saw this shared purpose as a new opportunity for a partnership to ensure that disadvan taged and underrepresented graduates from both pro grams were equipped with the necessary tools to suc cessfully enter dental school,” says Thikriat Al-Jewair, D.D.S., assistant dean of equity, diversity and inclu sion in the UB School of Dental Medicine.
Amy Faculty, staff and students in joint Destination Dental School and Native American PreDental Student Gateway Program. Photo by Meredith Forrest KulwickiDiversity continued from page 1 -
my area who encouraged me to get involved in organized dentistry. At the first couple of meetings of my local compo nent, the Suffolk County Dental Society, I was reluctant to speak up and voice my opinion because I was the only Puerto Rican in the room. However, I found an amazing degree of acceptance by my col leagues who, in fact, encouraged me to join different committees and to bring my own point of view. I was told, if you do not speak up, you cannot make changes.
As I continued to make my voice heard, I was encouraged by many of the established members on the Board of Directors to join the ladder as treasurer. In 2017, I became the first Puerto Rican to be installed as president of Suffolk County. As president, I encouraged other minorities to get involved and, I hoped, to follow in my footsteps.
At the same time that I was rising at the component level, I became involved in other dental organizations. Together, with my good friend (and fellow Puerto Rican) Dr. Lauro Medrano, we started
Over the course of 2022-2023, the NYSDA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force will be hosting pro grams to engage members in the conversation. On Oct. 26, the task force will present “LGBTQ+ Care for the Dental Team.” It will share ways to increase awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ com munity; help dentists recognize common LGBTQ+ terms and definitions; learn about the medical, emo tional and physical changes that transgender individ uals go through so that you can better care for these patients; and discuss ways to become a better ally dentist. Register today — click here
the Puerto Rico Dental Association, USA. Our group provides educa tion, guidance and encouragement to Puerto Rican and other minority dentists locally. I have been president of the PRDA, USA for a number of years, and I continue to encourage our members to join organized dentistry and let their voices be heard. In addition, I was appointed and currently serve as a trustee of the Hispanic Dental Association.
I have participated at the state and national levels as a delegate and alternate delegate to the New York State Dental Association and American Dental Association houses. It has been an honor to serve in these positions and to work with my colleagues for the betterment of our profession. In 2021, I was appointed to chair NYSDA’s newly formed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. I am proud of the strides we have made already and am excited to continue working with this passionate group of diverse indi viduals. We aim to encourage other minorities to get involved in organized dentistry and to ignite an interest in dentistry among young people.
I strongly believe that change is possible and that I am an example that it can be done. But you have to get involved in organized dentistry in order for your voice to be heard and to make a difference. We have to start speaking to and encouraging young people to pursue dental careers, reaching out especially to those in high school. If we wait until these students are in college, we will have lost them to other careers. Get involved and pursue your dreams. Let’s continue to be inclusive of everybody regardless of their background.
I am proud of my Taino Indian and Spanish roots. The fact that I am bilingual has helped me work in underserved neighborhoods and has enabled me to provide excellent dental care to children who might otherwise never have received it. z
Dr. Ivan VazquezVolunteering at an NYSO event it is hoped will encourage our next generation of dentists to treat more people who present with physical or developmental disabilities, while at the same time giving ASDA members invaluable mentorship from volunteer professionals who have been in the field for a while.
The next Special Smiles/NYSO event is the Fall State Games, taking place on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Glens Falls City Park, 28 Maple St., Glens Falls, from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Dr. Gary Goldstein is in charge of the screening effort.
To volunteer, go to: Champions for Change ASDA/Special Olympics—New York State Dental Foundation (nysdentalfoundation.org)
As reported recently in the ADA News, the ADA, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons have asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a meeting to address “significant concerns” about limited access to dental rehabilitation surgery in hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgical centers for children and adults with special needs and disabilities. “We attribute most of this access challenge to the lack of a sustainable billing mechanism for hospitals and [ambu latory surgical centers] to report dental surgical services in both Medicare and Medicaid,” the groups wrote in a letter to the CMS. They called for a new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System code for dental surgical procedures performed under general anesthesia, and for payments to be at a rate reflecting the costs involved, based on Medicare data.
Clearly, the issue of providing access to care and improving treatment outcomes for populations who have disabilities is a pressing, multifaceted one, and no amount of charitable programming is going to significantly move that needle toward success. Still, with its limited resources, the Foundation continues to support efforts within its mission to help dentists provide such care to patients in need.
One such vehicle is the NYSDF Gold Fund, a grant program to assist people who live with disabilities receive necessary oral health treatment.
Dentists who wish to help treat patients must show in an application (available at www.nysdentalfoun dation.org) what their treatment plan is. If approved for funding, the treating dentist must provide a sixmonth follow-up review with specifics on how the Gold Fund was used to enrich the overall health of patients. Monies can only be used to support direct dental treatment.
Additionally, the Foundation is preparing to unveil its newest continuing education offering, “Dental Management of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease.” The course was developed by NYSDF Trustee Dr. Carl Tegtmeier; Dr. Miriam R. Robbins, director, Care Center for Persons with Disabilities; and Elizabeth Smith-Boivin, director, Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York. Check the Foundation website (www.nysdentalfoundation.org) for news of its availability. z
Cybercriminals capitalize on human action, aka, human error, so training your team is among the most import ant email cybersecurity steps you can take. The goal is to get you to share things you shouldn’t, like passwords, credit card or bank information. Learn to recognize signs of phishing and spear phishing attempts.
Protected health information should not travel in or out of your general email inbox (Gmail, Yahoo!, etc.). HIPAA-encrypted email can protect your accounts from unsolicited emails, which means malicious messages will never make it to your inboxes. Remember, encryption is a critical factor but can’t operate on its own. If you’re using popular “straight-out-of-the-box email services,” there is a very low likelihood you’re meeting all HIPAA requirements.
An important additional level of PHI protection comes with using cloud-based email software that stores all of your ePHI at secure, remote data centers (not on the server in your back closet).
The safest HIPAA-compliant email meets all HIPAA safeguards, transmits across a private encrypted network (not the public internet) and encrypts email both in transit and at rest in your inbox.
Any HIPAA-compliant email that requires you to initiate the first email communication to those outside your network is the most secure way to know you will be receiving email from a trusted source.
As with any business partner, you want to do your due diligence. Consider their reliability and security, their expertise and do your research. A failure on their part to secure data is, ultimately, a failure on your part.
There are a lot of measures you can take to ensure the safety and security of your dental practice and the sensitive data contained within. While no measure is foolproof, implementing risk mitigation efforts is required not just by law, but through your commitment to your patients, your team, and your practice. z
Mr. McDrmott is president and CEO of iCoreConnect. NYSDA endorses iCoreExchange HIPAA-compliant email. iCoreExchange not only meets or exceeds every compliance and security requirement, it also allows you to attach as many large files as you want to any single email. Book a Demo or call 888.810.7706. NYSDA members receive a substantial discount on iCoreExchange.
clinical appointments at New York Medical College and Columbia University School of Dental Medicine. He was NYSDA President in 2015-2016 and served in the ADA House of Delegates for 22 years. In presenting its award, the academy noted as well Dr. Miller’s 37-year career training dental residents.
The PFA New York Section selected three individuals to receive its Honor Award, in recognition of their contributions to the dental profession and to the academy.
Judith L. Shub, Ph.D., devoted a large portion of her career in service to members of the dental profession. From 1990 to 2020, she was assistant director for health affairs for the New York State Dental Association and worked closely with many of the Association’s councils and committees, among them, Dental Benefit Programs, Dental Health Planning and Hospital Dentistry, Chemical Dependency and Dental Medicaid.
Early in her career, Dr. Shub was an academic and taught courses in psychosocial aspects of patient care, pain management and introduction to dentistry at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. She also presented courses at New York University and held an adjunct teaching position at the dental school at Fairleigh Dickenson. Dr. Shub is a certified advanced emergency medical technician.
Lynne Halik, D.D.S., and husband, Jeff, have been fixtures at the PFA New York Section annual meeting since 2005, when Lynne began her tenure as the section chair. She organized the meetings and coordinated the selection of award recipients, while Jeff assisted with program design and event registration and wel comed attendees at the reception table. Dr. Halik also served as a PFA Trustee, PFA Foundation Board member, and she is recipient of the PFA Presidential Award of Excellence.
Dr. Halik is an associate at Rochester Pediatric Dentistry. She is a past president of the Monroe County Dental Society, Seventh District Dental Society and Empire Dental Administrators. A grad uate of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, she earned a certificate in pediatric dentistry at Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, then served for eight years as an Air Force dental officer.
Jeff Halik is a consultant specializing in executive communica tions and public relations.
The Pierre Fauchard Academy seeks to educate dental professionals about the latest techniques in dentistry and to foster a sharing of
Students in joint Destination Dental School and Native American Pre-Dental Student Gateway Program make molds of their teeth in UB Dental preclinical simulation lab.
Over the course of seven weeks throughout June and July, students participated in presentations that explored the various specialties within dental medicine and networking opportunities with local dentistry leaders, learned about the admissions process for dental school, and completed capstone research projects.
This year, the programs expanded dental school application assistance to include more extensive prepa ration for the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The students were provided DAT tutoring services and study resources, as well as mock admission interviews and resume reviews.
The programs also cover the cost of the DAT, and participants who apply to the UB School of Dental Medicine will receive an application fee waiver.
The programs culminated with a week of in-person activities that included an oral surgery boot camp; hands-on clinical simulations that taught tooth anatomy and the process for creating fillings and taking impressions; clinical specialty rotations where participants shadowed UB dental students; and tours of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Students in the Native American Pre-Dental Student Gateway Program also toured facilities within the Seneca Nation Health System.
Latino, African American and Native American people make up around 5%, 4% and 0.2% of dentists, respectively, despite representing a larger percentage of the U.S. population, according to the Department of Health and Human Services and the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute.
Pathway programs have proven to be an effective solution, increasing enrollment of underrepresented students in dental schools by 54%, according to a report by the Journal of the American Dental Association.
By increasing the enrollment of underrepresented students in dental schools, the programs will help address the shortage of dentists of color.
“Native American communities continue to grapple with historical traumas, including the harms caused by inadequate, culturally insensitive and abusive practices associated with boarding schools that were the primary source of oral healthcare for children forced away from their families and cut off from their culture. While these schools were shut down decades ago, this led to generations of mistrust in the health care system and still presents a hurdle to modern tribal and public health care systems,” says Joseph M. Salamon, D.D.S., director of the Native American Pre-Dental Student Gateway Program, clinical instructor in the UB School of Dental Medicine and dental services director for the Seneca Nation Health System.
Wendell Carmona, volunteer clinical assistant professor in the UB School of Dental Medicine and managing clinical director for Aspen Dental in Niagara Falls, is director of Destination Dental School. z
Photo by Meredith Forrest Kulwickiideas to improve the profession. Amarilis Jacobo of Bronx County and Jay Skolnick of Seventh District are co-section chairs. This year’s inductees include the following:
Lisa DeLucia Bruno, Seventh District; John C. Buscalia, Eighth District; Michael K. Keating, Seventh District; Luis T. Mauleon Jr., Sixth District; Sean W. McLaren, Seventh District; Binod Verma, Nassau County; Howard Weiner, Ninth District; and Cynthia L. Wong, Seventh District. z
citizens, particularly endangered properties. The commission works with the State Department to obtains assur ances from the governments of the region that the properties will be protected and preserved.
In addition to the types of sites specified in the law, the commission also seeks the preservation of similar types of properties, including related archival material. And it encourages and facilitates private and foreign government restoration and preservation projects.
The president appoints 21 members and designates one to be chair. The law provides for seven members to be appointed in consultation with the president pro tempore of the Senate and seven in consultation with the speaker of the House of Representatives. While much of the commission’s efforts have related to properties that are important to the cultural heritage of Americans who are Jewish, the commission has also done work regard ing various properties important to other cultural groups.
Dr. Lozman has an orthodontic practice in Latham with his daughter Dr. Robin Lozman. He previously served as a member of the New York State Education Department State Board for Dentistry. z
