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The New Face of Dentistry

2021 COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY

The UNIVERSITY of OKLAHOMA HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER

Contents In the last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the OU College of Dentistry and dental practices alike have faced some of the greatest challenges in our profession’s history. Depending on how one looks at it, these challenges can be viewed as opportunities or barriers. With experience, we choose to view these challenges as opportunities for change that will positively impact the future of dentistry.

Feature Story: The New Face of Dentistry

We’ve spent a significant amount of time trying to adapt to the “new norm” and make the best of it. However, my father recently reminded me that this is just another step in the evolution of dental care.

Faculty Mullasseril Serves as ODA President Al Sakka Leads COVID 3D Printing Team Faculty Recognition Night Faculty Awards New Faculty Faculty Promotions Faculty Retirements

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At 91 years old, he remarked on the times when dentists didn’t wear any protective equipment. That was the norm then. As it always does, progress, research and knowledge introduced change that required dental professionals to wear gloves, eyewear and masks, and make overall changes to how they ran their offices. The point he was making is that each time, they had challenges adjusting to their new norm. Yet when he retired at the age of 85, he remarked, “I was wearing gloves, masks and eyewear, and didn’t think anything of it.” Just as that generation of dentistry adjusted, we are and will continue to do the same. I see this happening now in our first-year students; while this is an adjustment for many of us, it will be the norm for them. I am proud to say that our college has made remarkable strides in adjusting to these challenges due to the devotion and diligence of our faculty, staff, residents and students. All have come through with exceptional measures and are working to create solutions from the impact of COVID-19. Various teams, including the initial COVID-19 response team, the COVID-19 clinical team and the Re-engagement Task Force, had a hand in making the innovations necessary to maintain safety in our college, dental care deliver and educational experiences through this season. The latter two continue to meet regularly to address the current challenges that seem to occur weekly and continue improving in our dental care delivery.

Dean’s Message

While we have given much attention to our COVID-19 response, we certainly haven’t taken our eyes off the bright future we envision for the College of Dentistry. Along with continued improvements to our building and academic offerings, we continue to integrate into the organized practice sector and dental community. Ultimately, we continue to move toward our goals of expanding our student program to Tulsa, as well as establishing residencies in pediatric dentistry and public health in the next few years. Additionally, the college remains committed to our mission of ensuring our students receive a superior, hands-on clinical education, and our patients receive high-quality dental care at a low cost. These initiatives are possible, in part due to gifts to the J. Dean Robertson Society. As you know, each year, the J. Dean Robertson Society provides the necessary funds to supplement programs throughout the college and provides much-needed indigent care funds for patients who otherwise would not be able to afford the cost of their dental care. Your continued support is critical to all these areas and the advancement of our profession. If you’re able to do so, I humbly ask that you make a gift to the J. Dean Robertson Society this year. Your gift supports student scholarships, student research and various other programs already in progress. In addition, your gift helps ensure our fellow Oklahomans continue to receive affordable dental care. Yes, we still have obstacles and barriers to overcome. However, know that the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry is strong, organized and prepared to address the needs and demands of the future. We continue to pledge to the community well-prepared graduates and professionals that all of us will be proud to call our colleagues. As we have told our graduates and current students, “This challenge may be your first, and even though we hope it never occurs again, it most likely will not be the last challenge you face in your professional career.” Sincerely,

Raymond A Cohlmia, D.D.S. Dean, University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry

Research Research Yields New Weapons to Fight Bacterial Enemies College Researchers Use Neutrons in Dental Restorations NIH R15 Grant Graduate Places in Global Case Contest AADR Grant Student Research Advances Dentistry Students Class of 2020 Marks Milestone Meet the Classes – DDS 2024 and DH 2022 DDS Class of 2020 – Graduation and Awards DH Class of 2020 – Graduation and Awards 2020 Kids’ Day Announcements Annual Donor Report Class Notes In Memoriam Continuing Education Opportunities

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FE ATURE STORY // 2021

It’s 2021! I don’t think we have ever been so thankful to count down the last few seconds of a year than we were for 2020. But before we let that year go, let me introduce myself in 2020 style: text, email, Zoom, FaceTime, GoToMeeting - I think you get the picture. For those of you who don’t know me, I am Nathan Brown, College of Dentistry Class of 2007. Although my career as a dentist began then, I have always been around the field. My dad, S. Kelly Brown, was in the college’s very first class in 1976. In turn, dentistry became my passion as well. Since graduation, I have served on multiple Oklahoma Dental Association boards, the J. Dean Robertson Society Board of Trustees, and a member of the college’s Alumni Association since 2011. I served as vice president of the Alumni Association Board several years ago and am currently in my third year as president.

Letter from the Alumni President

This past year may have been the most interesting and challenging year yet at the college. I usually fill this letter with highlights of events that occurred throughout the previous year, but like many of our events with family and friends, most were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I think it is important to congratulate not only the students from the class of 2020, but also the faculty. It took a lot of hard work, dedication, late nights and weekend meetings to keep the school up and running. Great job to everyone involved! That dedication is a great reminder to me of why I enjoy being involved in the Alumni Association. I had the opportunity to speak with several young students who are currently in the program. They all expressed deep gratitude for being able to continue their education this year, and several were extremely grateful for the extra financial support provided. Those conversations made me realize how much the donations to the J. Dean Robertson Society really mean to our school and future dental professionals. Your gifts each year to the J. Dean Robertson Society support student scholarships. In addition, gifts to the society help us provide care for underserved populations, fund student externships, research projects, tutoring and helped with renovations to provide the greatest clinical learning experience in the nation. We are excited to announce we will resume our student externships this spring, which provides our students with additional opportunities to deliver hands-on clinical care in underserved communities. These externships help uninsured or underinsured patients receive affordable dental care and also creates improved access in rural areas. Hopefully, we’ll soon see announcements about dates for events like Alumni Weekend and the Dean’s Circle Dinner, when we can see old friends, classmates and faculty; but in the meantime, let’s all remember to be grateful for this new year. I wish you all health and happiness and hope you join me, albeit virtually for now, in continuing to show financial support to the college, so that we may continue to produce some of America’s finest dental professionals. Please contact Taylor Lingle, director of advancement, before June 30 to make your contribution. Every gift makes a significant impact. Enjoy the stories, photos and updates in this issue. As usual, you can stay in touch yearround by following OU College of Dentistry on Facebook, @OUDentistry on Twitter and @ou_dentistry on Instagram. Thank you for your support of the OU College of Dentistry and the J. Dean Robertson Society. You really do make a difference in dentistry, in Oklahoma and beyond.

Nathan K. Brown, D.D.S. Class of 2007

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The New Face of Dentistry In ways large and small, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the daily mission of the OU College of Dentistry. Through innovative thinking and a strong sense of solidarity, the college not only actively responded, but is making changes that are paving the way to the future. In March 2020, the college, like its peers, shut down as the pandemic began its surge across the United States. During that time, the college’s leadership began modifying its operations in ways that would keep their patients, students, faculty and staff safe when they returned. On May 4, the college reopened, the first to do so at the OU Health Sciences Center and one of the first dental colleges in the nation to resume its work. Even after the pandemic subsides, some adjustments will remain in place because they’ve created new efficiencies and enhanced patient care and education. “COVID-19 has been terrible, but it has also created opportunities for us to do things differently than we’ve ever done before,” said Dean Raymond Cohlmia, D.D.S. “We’ve had to think through how we take care of our patients in the most efficient and conscientious manner, and to look at how we manage the education of our students. I don’t want to go back to December 2019; I want to take some of what we’ve learned from COVID-19 to help us become more efficient, more understanding and more compassionate.” In some ways, the discipline of dentistry was uniquely positioned to adapt quickly to COVID-19. By their nature, dental professionals rely on face-to-face interaction with patients, routinely breaking the 18-inch personal barrier to

deliver high-quality care. Because of that, dentists were early adopters of infection control many years ago by wearing gloves, glasses, masks and gowns. Indeed, the American Dental Association’s Science and Research Institute, of which Dr. Cohlmia is a member, recently published a study showing that the transmission rate of COVID-19 between dentist and patient has been almost negligible. Even before COVID-19 made it to Oklahoma, the OU College of Dentistry was planning for how it would respond. A leader in those efforts is Kim Graziano, RDH, M.P.H., director of compliance and a clinical associate professor in the Department of Diagnostic and Preventive Sciences. She serves on the campus-wide COVID-19 task force as well as the college’s Re-engagement Task Force. Because the college is a bustling patient care facility – approximately 65,000 patients received care in 2019 – it had to enact strict guidelines. Professor Graziano said only patients themselves are allowed during appointments, and they are screened at the door and required to wear masks. Patients scheduled for more invasive procedures are tested for COVID-19 prior to their arrival. In the waiting rooms, chairs are spaced to provide physical distancing. Personal protective equipment requirements are extensive — dentists, hygienists and students were already wearing masks, eyewear and over-gowns, but with COVID-19, they have begun wearing N95 masks, face shields and head covers. Obtaining adequate amounts of PPE was especially challenging in early 2020 as supply chains became less reliable. “Securing all the PPE we need has been difficult because we couldn’t treat our patients and educate our students if we couldn’t protect them properly,” Professor Graziano said. “Dentists produce a lot of aerosols because of the equipment we use, and we know that COVID-19 is an aerosolized virus.” Professor Graziano brings an additional layer of expertise

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FE ATURE STORY // 2021

campus, to develop a new aerosol-reducing device. The device is in the form of a shield that goes over a patient’s face and connects to the clinics’ suction system. When aerosols come out of the mouth, the shield pushes them down into the suction device. Because the device has unique features, the college is pursuing several patents.

“This allows us to see more patients, thereby treating them more quickly,” Dr. Mullasseril said. “Also, more students can see patients in those restricted number of chairs. When COVID-19 is finally behind us, we hope to continue this efficient system and increase our productivity in years to come.”

“There’s nothing like it that we know of,” Professor Graziano said. “It eliminates almost all of the aerosols that come out of a patient’s mouth.”

Last year, Dr. Cohlmia also had to make the difficult decision to pause the college’s community dentistry externship program in which fourth-year students rotate through various rural and charitable clinics in the state. Because providers in those clinics are considered adjunct faculty members, they must comply with the same policies as the college, and many of them did not have the ability or supplies to match those conditions, Dr. Cohlmia said. For the safety of students and faculty, he decided to put the externship on hold. This January, however, it restarted with four to five clinics.

Elements of the college’s educational have been modified as well, and some of those changes brought efficiencies that will continue after the pandemic is over, said Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., assistant dean for clinical and preclinical education.

having earned a master’s of public health degree in occupational and environmental health from the OU Hudson College of Public Health. That background helps her understand the epidemiology of the virus, how it spreads, ventilation rates and air exchanges in clinics, and more. “My public health training helped me to understand how long we needed to keep a dental chair free before we brought another patient in,” she said. “We already had the ventilation as high as it would go, but the university put in stronger filtration. We also determined how many air exchanges needed to occur according to the type of procedure we were doing. We limited the number of chairs that were used at one time and alternated chairs and the time between patients.” As dean, Dr. Cohlmia requires that all licensed practitioners in the college continue to practice in clinic as part of their overall duties. Professor Graziano said her time working as a hygienist has been especially helpful during the pandemic. “We can make all these changes, but if we’re not in the clinic, we may have no idea how they affect both the patients and the providers,” she said. “But if we’re living through it, we see what’s working and not working. It’s critical that administrators have some understanding of what’s going on at the clinic level.” The COVID-19 pandemic also spurred the college’s researchers and clinicians, in conjunction with the Hudson College of Public Health and researchers on the Norman

When the college shut down its operations in spring 2020, leadership first turned to fourth-year students, who were completing necessary requirements to graduate. Typically, those students would perform an exam on an actual patient in front of an independent board that came from out of state to assess their readiness to be licensed. However, that was not possible last spring. “We went back and looked at everything they had done, and we found that most students were well-prepared in terms of what they needed to graduate,” Dr. Mullasseril said. “We worked with the Board of Dentistry to allow students to perform their final exam on models, and they were able to graduate on time and are practicing dentists today.” Faculty members also began recording their lectures so that students could watch them remotely, and multiple times, if they want. The college previously recorded some lectures, but not consistently. Dr. Mullasseril said he anticipates the recordings will become a regular part of the college’s process. “All of our classrooms are equipped for recording. Our faculty members can record their lectures ahead of time, which maximizes our time in the clinical area,” he said. “Our faculty can also go back and look at their own recordings to see how they might want to change them in the future.” Because students provide patient care as part of their clinical education, their precautions were much the same as other clinicians, including PPE and physical distancing. Last semester, in the college’s three clinics, only five of the 12 chairs were used in each to allow spacing. That number has now increased because of a new scheduling system that has been developed.

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The externship program is a crucial part of dental education, Dr. Cohlmia said, because it immerses students in the college’s core value – taking care of patients’ needs without exception. Each year, thousands of patients would not receive care without the college, and students must understand their obligation to them, he said. “Everything we do and every decision we make at the college centers around serving the patient and improving the lives and health of Oklahomans,” he said. “The externships are critical for our students to see a side of dentistry that we are indeed responsible for as professionals. Because we are professionals, we must advance the arts and sciences to all people everywhere. The bottom line is that if someone needs help, regardless of who they are and whether they have money, we’re going to help them. That’s the philosophy that drives everything we do.” The college also contributed its approach and protocols to dental practices around the state and nation as others met the challenges posed by COVID-19. As president of the Oklahoma Dental Association, Dr. Mullasseril led the organization in relaying information and resources to dental practices across the state. And because the college was able to safely open before others, its policies and procedures were disseminated nationwide to other dental schools. “We have not had a single transmission of COVID-19,” Dr. Cohlmia said, “and we’re now averaging 450 patients a day in the building. COVID-19 definitely put a damper on the dental environment, but it taught us a lot of important things at the same time. We have risen to the challenge and adapted quickly because we all lead with the mentality of doing what needs to be done to take care of the patient. That’s the responsibility that we all have.” Th e U n i v e r s i t y o f O k l a h o m a C o l l e g e o f D e n t i s t r y / 2 0 21 M a g a z i n e

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Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., Serves as President of Oklahoma Dental Association Dr. Paul M. Mullasseril, assistant dean for clinical and preclinical education at the OU College of Dentistry, was inducted as president of the Oklahoma Dental Association on April 17, 2020. Born in Mumbai, Dr. Mullasseril grew up in India and completed his dental education at the University of Bombay in 1988. Upon graduation, Dr. Mullasseril knew he wanted to continue his training in maxillofacial prosthetics. Thanks in part to Dean Johnson, D.D.S., and Ram S. Nanda, D.D.S., Dr. Mullasseril began his post-doctoral training at OU, graduating in 1994. Afterward, he completed a fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston in 1996.

“We are very pleased that Dr. Paul Mullasseril, our dean of clinical and preclinical education, is being inducted as president of the Oklahoma Dental Association.” Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S., OU College of Dentistry Dean

In 1998, Dr. Mullasseril joined the faculty in the Department of Removable Prosthetics at the college and served as director of maxillofacial prosthetics from 2002 to 2008. In 2008, he moved his family to Spokane, Washington; however, within a few years, he moved back after realizing Oklahoma felt like home. In 2011, he was appointed chair of restorative dentistry at the college, and in 2015, he was appointed assistant dean for clinical and preclinical education. “The symbiotic relationship between the college and organized dentistry is vital to the success of both entities,” said Dr. Mullasseril. “Clinically accomplished graduates from the school are the lifeblood of the professional dental community. Similarly, support from alumni and the dental association creates a vibrant and forward-looking college.” Under his direction, the ODA focused on further developing the relationship with the dental community and the college. Additionally, in collaboration with the ODA and the Dale Graham Veterans Foundation in Norman, Dr. Mullasseril coordinated the first-ever clinic at the college to provide free dental treatment to selected Oklahoma veterans on March 27, 2021. Dr. Mullasseril has also focused on, further developing relationships with, and educating state legislators on the need for support to the college through legislation that will benefit the dental well-being of the citizens of Oklahoma. “We are very pleased that Dr. Paul Mullasseril, our dean of clinical and preclinical education, is being inducted as president of the Oklahoma Dental Association,” said Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S., dean of the OU College of Dentistry. “Our philosophy at the college is that we are an integral part of the community and leadership involvement is our responsibility. This further demonstrates the close bond and support between the college, profession and our community.” Dr. Mullasseril received the Outstanding Full-Time Faculty award from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Student Council in both 2000 and 2014. He served as a consultant and key opinion leader for Imtec Corp., as well as Park Dental Research and 3M Corp. In addition, he has presented dental continuing education nationally and internationally on the topics of removable prosthetics and implant dentistry.

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Al Sakka Leads COVID 3D Printing Team As the nation works to alleviate the widespread shortage of protective gear and equipment for healthcare workers and first responders, the 3D printing community, manufacturers and hobbyists are stepping in to help. More than 40 individuals from across the university’s three campuses have combined their expertise to develop, prototype, validate and offer recommended essential equipment designs. “The speed and effectiveness with which the research and innovation communities across OU have come together to respond to these critical needs in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic are a true testament to the values of the university and the quality of its people,” said OU Vice President for Research and Partnerships Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, Ph.D. “I am extremely proud of our faculty, staff and students for how they’ve responded to this challenge. The community will be safer, and OU’s future will be stronger, as a result.” The COVID-19 Essential Equipment Task Force, which includes engineers, designers, occupational health and safety experts, doctors and specialists from the OU Norman campus, Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City and OU-Tulsa campuses, evaluated prototypes and iterating designs. Designs were first developed by several groups across the university, including the Tom Love Innovation Hub, the Edge at Bizzell Memorial Library, College of Dentistry and Gallogly College of Engineering. Prototypes were shared with experts and health professionals for practical, hands-on feedback and industry standard testing. Designs that met both industry standard testing and the needs of front-line healthcare professionals were published and available for public download at ou.edu/foroklahoma. Proven designs for three types of face shields and a silicone head strap and available. Other designs soon to be published to the website include a novel 3D-printed respirator mask, isolation boxes for intubation or patient testing, a method for sanitizing N95 masks, 3D-printed swabs, ventilators, ventilator valves, full-face protective masks and more. The university intends to manufacture several of the designs listed, provided required approval from the Food and Drug Administration is obtained. Private citizens, industry and organizations are encouraged to use the designs to help produce this critically needed equipment. “There has been an incredible desire among makers and manufacturers to provide products that our front-line healthcare workers so desperately need,” said Tom Wavering, executive director of the Tom Love Innovation Hub, who co-led the task force with Yacoub Al Sakka, D.D.S., director of digital

technologies in the College of Dentistry. “Innovating and publishing these medically vetted designs is one way OU can leverage our expertise and resources in the broad effort to fight COVID-19.” One of the most promising ideas born from the university’s efforts is a new 3D-printed respirator mask designed by Ken Marold, M.A., assistant professor in the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture, which utilizes widely available 3D printer capabilities and commonly sourced filament materials. Through reference lab testing and feedback from Evan Floyd, Ph.D., assistant professor of occupational and environmental health in the Hudson College of Public Health, Marold’s masks passed quantitative fit testing for half-mask respirators and N95s. While a provisional patent is being filed for the design, the university plans to issue a temporary open source license so others can utilize the design to fight the spread of COVID-19. “I was honored to co-lead across-campus task force with more than 40 faculty members, as well as staff and students representing an expansive range of skill and expertise,” said Dr. Al Sakka. “We witnessed the impact of a true collaborative effort that brought about tangible solutions to meet real needs.” The university-wide initiative spans the academic spectrum, involving faculty, staff and students in the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture, Michael F. Price College of Business, College of Dentistry, Gallogly College of Engineering, College of Medicine, Hudson College of Public Health, OU Libraries, OU Health Physicians Tulsa, OU Health Services, the Environmental Health and Safety Office, Tom Love Innovation Hub, OU libraries and Information Technology. “This project, which has brought together several disciplines with a singular focus of helping those on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19, is a powerful example of the collaborative and community-oriented culture that spans the entire university,” Wavering said.

“I was honored to co-lead a cross-campus task force with more than 40 faculty members, as well as staff and students representing an expansive range of skill and expertise. We witnessed the power of a true collaborative effort that brought about tangible solutions to meet real needs.” Yacoub Al Sakka, D.D.S. OU College of Dentistry, Director of Digital Technologies

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Faculty Recognition Night

On February 27, 2020, the college hosted its annual Faculty Recognition Night, an evening dedicated to celebrating the outstanding faculty members at the OU College of Dentistry. The Hollywood-themed event was hosted at the Sheraton Hotel in Downtown Oklahoma City and was certainly one to remember! The college even arranged for a special surprise performance by The Three Waiters, a traveling operatic group, who dazzled the audience with their show. Presiding over the ceremony was Dr. Scott Waugh.

5 Years of Service

Ed Braly, D.D.S.

Zack Dacus, D.D.S.

Ms. Vicki Eikmeier

15 Years of Service

20 Years of Service

25 Years of Service

Nan Shadid, D.D.S.

Staci Wekenborg, D.D.S.

Drs. Fernanda Ritto, Fabio Ritto and Edmund Braly

30 Years of Service

Dean’s Service Awards

Andrew Goldbeck, D.D.S., and C. Rieger Wood, D.D.S., (Accepted by Donna Wood, RDH, M.Ed)

Ms. Laurie Cunningham

Farah Masood, D.D.S.

35 Years of Service

40 Years of Service

Terry Fruits, D.D.S.

Frans Currier, D.D.S.

David Lewis, D.D.S.

Barry Greenley, D.D.S.

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John Dmytryk, D.D.S.

In recognition of faculty members whose services have contributed to the overall betterment and welfare of the university, college and the community.

Outstanding Professorial Achievement Award Tim Fagan, D.D.S.

For contributions to the overall betterment and welfare of the college and outstanding performance in the broadest sense of education, research and teaching.

Outstanding Achievement Award

Michael Keenan, D.D.S.

For contributions to the overall betterment and welfare of the college and outstanding performance in the broadest sense of teaching.

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Lifetime Achievement Award

Kathryn F. Miller, RDH, M.Ed.

For recognition of the total contributions and outstanding performance in education, research, teaching, service and collegiality for the betterment of the college with a minimum of 20 years.

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The College Welcomed the Following New Faculty in 2020 Ronald C. Faram, D.D.S.

Dr. Ronald C. Faram grew up in Arcadia, Oklahoma, and graduated from Oklahoma City University with a degree in biochemistry. He received his D.D.S. from the college in 2012. Dr. Faram spent several years working for the Cherokee National Dental Services before completing a pathology residency from New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital in 2020. He joins the college as an assistant professor for the oral pathology division.

From left to right: Dr. Julie Speights, Dr. Fernanda Ritto, Dr. Karen Tiwana, Alyssa Banks, Dr. Abbey Onan, Dr. Shachi Shah, Susan Oliver

Jessica Hsieh, D.D.S.

Dr. Jessica Hsieh is a board-certified prosthodontist with a passion for complex esthetic reconstructions and full-arch implant rehabilitation. She earned her undergraduate degree in molecular and cell biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and her doctor of dental surgery degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry. She then attended University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, where she obtained her advanced prosthodontics training and master of dental science degree. Following residency, she taught part-time in Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s Graduate Prosthodontics program while working in private practice at Clear Choice®. Dr. Hsieh serves the OU Health team as a clinical associate professor with dual faculty appointments in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Advanced Education in General Dentistry departments.

Drs. Paul and Karen Tiwana

Dr. Barry “the Bear” Greenley

Her research interests range from modifications of new ceramics to increase strength to full-arch implant-related rehabilitation modalities. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontists, Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists and a member of numerous local, state and national societies.

Fernanda Ritto, D.D.S.

Dr. Fernanda Ritto is a part-time faculty member of the Operative Dentistry Department at the college. She was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and was in private practice for 16 years in the Brazilian Navy and 10 years in faculty. Dr. Ritto completed her master’s degree in dental materials in 2010 and a obtained her Ph.D. in operative dentistry from State University of Rio de Janerio in 2014. She came to Oklahoma two years ago because her husband, Dr. Fabio Ritto, did a fellowship with the Oral & Maxillofacial Department and they decided to stay in Oklahoma after it was completed.

Recognition of Retirees From Left to Right Barry Greenley, D.D.S., and Kathryn Miller, RDH, M.Ed. Not Pictured Frans Currier, D.D.S., and Terry Fruits, D.D.S. The Three Waiters operatic group entertained guests with jokes and song.

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Greg Stewart, D.D.S. Dr. Greg Stewart grew up in Edmond, Oklahoma, and is a proud graduate of the college. Stewrt excited to join the faculty as a clinical assistant professor in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry department. Dr. Stewart completed an advanced education in general dentistry immediately following graduation and currently practices general gentistry as an associate dentist in Mustang, Oklahoma. He is pursuing continuing education through The Pankey Institute. Dr. Stewart enjoys focusing on patient interaction in his daily practice and places emphasis on comprehensive treatment planning. He also hold degrees in business and Spanish and appreciates opportunities to serve the Spanish-speaking community. In his free time, he enjoys soccer, golf, audiobooks and spending time with loving wife, Vanessa, and son, William who arrived in January 2020.

Roberta A. Wright, D.D.S.

Dr. Roberta A. Wright was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign integrative biology, where she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in Integrative Biology. Dr. Wright completed dental school at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in 2013. She completed a three-year residency and earned her specialty certificate in Prosthodontics and Implant Surgery. She comes to the college from Boston, where she worked in a multi-specialty private practice and maintained a part-time academic appointment at the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine. In addition to her position as an assistant professor at the college, she is part of a private practice in northwest Oklahoma City. In her personal time, Dr. Wright enjoys competitive ballroom dancing and baking. She and her husband, Kyle, love spending time outdoors, and they are excited to explore all of the unique experiences Oklahoma has to offer. She is truly dedicated to her craft, and is very much looking forward to serving OU students, trainees and community for years to come.

Xixi Wu, D.D.S., Ph.D, M.S.

Dr. Xixi Wu is a periodontist in the faculty practice, specializing in treating periodontal disease, soft tissue/gum grafting, bone grafting and dental implant placement. She is also a clinical assistant professor who works with both pre-doctoral and postdoctoral students/residents for patient care, didactic courses and advanced research. After obtaining her D.D.S. and M.S. in prosthodontics at Lanshou University of China, she earned a Ph.D. at McGill University in Canada. Dr. Wu then completed a three-year residency in periodontics at the college in the Graduate Periodontics program.

College Announces New Leadership & Key Roles New Director of Pre-Clinical Education

Last year, the college announced a new strategic leadership position. Zachary Dacus, D.D.S., was named the director of pre-clinical education in July 2020. The college’s Pre-Clinical Education Program consists of developing and maintaining education for pre-doctoral students, and has responsibility for training pre-clinical skills that facilitate transition to clinical care and subsequent practices upon graduation. Dr. Dacus will work with clinical administration when needed to support patient care, and will preside over all pre-clinical classes and coordination of pre-clinical faculty in the Department of Restorative Dentistry. Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S., dean of the college, said, “We are excited that Dr. Dacus has accepted this important position of leadership. The expertise he brings to this new role will better prepare our graduates by creating a more intense focus for clinical care, and ultimately providing a stout foundation for the advanced dental practice that will better meet the evolving demands of the present and future.”

New Leadership in Orthodontics

Named as the new division head of Orthodontics, Onur Kadioglu, D.D.S., M.S., succeeds recently retired George Frans Currier, D.D.S, MSD. Dr. Kadioglu completed his orthodontic residency at the college and became a faculty member, serving as clinic director. In 2012, he became director of the Graduate Orthodontic Program. Dr. Kadioglu has authored many peer-reviewed publications in orthodontic journals, and working with Currier, has published a textbook on 3D imaging. Active in the American Association of Orthodontists, he has addressed its annual session, and currently is in his second term of service as chair of the AAO Council on Scientific Affairs. Dr. Kadioglu is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and serves as a section editor and examiner for the Clinical Board Certification Exam. He also serves as editor for the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists and was scientific chair for its 2017 and 2019 annual sessions. He is also a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society and the American College of Dentists. Succeeding Dr. Kadioglu, Steve McCullough, D.D.S., has been named director of the Graduate Orthodontic Program. Dr. McCullough completed his dental degree at the college, followed by an orthodontic residency at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Dr. McCullough is no stranger to the program, having taught since its inception in 1981. He has maintained a private practice in Yukon, Oklahoma, and was recently appointed as director of the American Board of Orthodontics, representing the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists. In making the announcements, Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S., dean of the college, stated “Dr. Currier was instrumental in establishing the program’s strong foundation. He has been a pillar of strength and leadership, helping to create one of the most highly regarded graduate orthodontic programs in the nation. His legacy is our opportunity to open the next chapter in the ongoing growth of our orthodontic program.”

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2020 Faculty Retirements Frans Currier, D.D.S.

After 40 years of dedicated service to the college, G. Frans Currier, D.D.S., MSD, M.Ed., retired in early 2020. Dr. Currier completed his pre-dental and dental studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and graduated with his doctor of dental surgery degree in 1967. He served in the U.S. Navy as a dental officer in the late ‘60s and then went on to complete his MSD from the University of Washington. He taught at several universities before finding his way to OU, where he earned his M.Ed. in educational psychology in 1984. While at the college he served as chair of the department of departmental sciences, head of the division of orthodontics and many other committees. He was recognized with the title of David Ross Boyd Professor Emeritus from the OU Board of Regents in 2020. We want to thank Dr. Currier for his service to the college and wish him the best with his future endeavors.

Barry Greenley, D.D.S.

Dr. Barry Greenley grew up in the Washington, D.C., area, for the majority of his childhood. He attended the University of Missouri, where he received a bachelor of arts in economics degree and his D.D.S., in 1978. He became a member of the military since they were short on dentistry professionals, and he is very proud of his military service. Dr. Greenley came to the college in 1995, where he was the assistant director of the Advancement Education in General Dentistry program and worked part time with Dr. Shillingburg in the fixed prosthodontics department. He practiced conservative dentistry and had a very successful time while at the college. Dr. Greenley retired just short of 25 years of service in early 2020.

Kathryn F. Miller, RDH, M.Ed. Born in Fort Stockton, Texas, Kathryn Miller moved around several time but she calls Denton, Texas her home town. She completed her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene at the University of Oklahoma in 1983 and a master’s degree in adult education with an emphasis on health occupations from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2008. She was in private practice for four years when she accepted the invitation to join the teaching team at the college for the dental hygiene program on a part time basis in 1987. She joined faculty practice, where she worked in clinical practice for 12 years. In 2000, she increased her teaching commitment to full time and accepted the responsibility of patient management for the division of pediatric dentistry and the division of oral implantology. She was appointed as assistant director of clinics in 2006, which resulted in future advancements to director of clinics and assistant dean for quality assurance and compliance. Dean Miller served the college for 33 years.

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Research Yields New Weapons to Fight Bacterial Enemies Recent advancements in modern dentistry have resulted in dental visits that are shorter, safer, more comfortable, and introduced restorative materials with improved function and esthetics. However, despite efforts from both research and manufacturing communities, dental restorations continue to fail due to secondary caries, which not only is inconvenient, but often expensive. Estimates suggest the annual cost of treating oral biofilm-related diseases in the United States is nearly $81 billion. Research conducted at the college is poised to introduce new materials – a secret weapon – to fight oral bacteria that cause dental restorations to fail. On the forefront of developing that secret weapon, researcher Fernando Luis Esteban Florez, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., assistant professor, Division of Dental Biomaterials, Department of Restorative Sciences, obtained a grant from

the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology. The team also includes the expertise of Sharukh Khajotia, B.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., associate dean for research and innovation, and researchers from the University of Oklahoma Norman campus, Yingtao Liu, M.S., Ph.D., associate professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering; Pedro Huebner, MIE, Ph.D., assistant professor of industrial and systems engineering; and Javier Jo, M.S., Ph.D., professor of electrical and computer engineering. The treatment of primary dental caries is a multi-step procedure that involves the removal of affected tooth structure using rotary instruments, followed by an acid etching step and the application of dental adhesive resin to seal mineralized tissues and promote bonding between tooth structures and filling materials. However, dental adhesive resins are degraded over time by a combination of water, enzymes from saliva, oral bacteria, acidity, temperature variations and cyclical masticatory forces that allow pathogenic bacteria to penetrate through the adhesive to form caries-producing biofilms, considered the major cause of failure of dental restorations. This common problem caused the researchers to ask, “What if adhesive

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resins used in restorative dentistry could not only create the necessary bond between filling and tooth, but also could fight against bacteria that attack it?”

angle X-ray spectroscopy, small-angle neutron scattering and advanced microscopies, such as helium-ion and dualFIB SEM (focused ion beam scanning electron microscope).

Drs. Esteban Florez and Khajotia proposed a solution in the form of nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles. So intriguing was the question, and so promising the anticipated outcomes, that the researchers submitted a grant proposal, which OCAST awarded in the amount of $135,000 for a three-year grant period.

“Using neutron scattering, we can understand how well the nanoparticles are dispersed, how they impact polymer chains, and what types of interfaces are established between the polymer and nanoparticles,” Dr. Esteban Florez said.

“A nanoparticle can be 750 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair,” Dr. Khajotia said. “The properties of many conventional materials change when formed from nanoparticles because they have a great surface-to-volume ratio compared to larger particles.” The research proposal awarded specifically responds to the 2020 Oklahoma Health Research Program funding opportunity. “It is a logical next step in my long-term career goal to pursue new strategies to prevent the occurrence of secondary caries,” said Dr. Esteban Florez. “This includes the development of a novel antibacterial adhesive resin with long-term, non-leaching antibacterial properties, and the optimization of an ultra-bright high throughput, nondestructive and real-time bioluminescence assay to assess the metabolic activity of intact oral biofilms.” It is anticipated that knowledge gained from the present research proposal will give Dr. Esteban Florez the experience, knowledge, preliminary data and critical mass of publications to support a request for additional funding from the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Esteban Florez and Khajotia determined they needed to construct higher-quality nanoparticles and make them functional within dental polymers to create the adhesive resin. To achieve this, they established a collaboration with Adam Rondinone, Ph.D., a scientist from the Center for Nanophase and Materials Sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This multidisciplinary team began to fabricate nitrogendoped titanium dioxide nanoparticles using highly controllable and robust synthesis processes based on solvothermal reactions. Unlike other adhesive resins, the materials developed display antibacterial properties, which are enhanced by on-demand visible light irradiation. The team investigated the nanoparticles using latest generation scientific technologies available at Oak Ridge, including time-of-flight secondary ion spectrometry, small-

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The research is promising, and the team is hopeful about its translation into practice. The OCAST Health Research Program makes it possible to pursue a much broader range of possibilities. For now, it has led to other findings, such as the nanoparticles’ ability to produce crystals containing high concentrations of phosphorous and calcium from saliva-like solutions. Today, the research team holds two international patents. Current research is ongoing into functionalizing nanoparticles in areas other than dentistry, including antibacterial coatings for the control of cross-contamination in hospital settings, development of 3D printed air filters with long-term and self-cleaning functionalities.

“Creating novel materials that are more biocompatible with the human body would be a great asset to dentistry, and neutrons may be the perfect tool for assessing potential materials for this purpose.” Fernando Luis Esteban Florez, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S.

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OU College of Dentistry Scientists Use Neutrons in Pursuit of Better, Less Costly Dental Restorations Teeth damaged by trauma or disease require treatment to look and feel as good as new, but the restorative materials available to dentists don’t always last and can be costly for patients. Current dental biomaterials have limitations, according to Fernando Luis Esteban Florez, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S. New materials will not only bond more tightly with the enamel structures they’re designed to repair but also repel the bacteria that attack fillings and implants. Dr. Florez, an assistant professor at the college, is conducting research at the High Flux Isotope Reactor at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory to try to change that. “In fact, the replacement of failed restorations accounts for 70% of dentists’ chair time at a yearly cost of $298 billion worldwide,” said Dr. Florez. “Our focus is to create smart restorative dental biomaterials that are less expensive and do not need to be replaced every five to seven years.” Neutron scattering research provides insights that may lead to the development of novel materials for implant dentistry, he said. “A dental implant can cost as much as $4,500 per tooth. And that doesn’t include the cost of repairs should the procedure fail; therefore, developing biocompatible polymer- or ceramic-based materials to replace those metals could greatly benefit patients,” he said. “Creating novel materials that are more biocompatible with the human body would be a great asset to dentistry, and neutrons may be the perfect tool for assessing potential materials for this purpose.”

Dr. Florez already has performed neutron scattering experiments at ORNL to explore the surface-modification and functionalization of metal oxide nanoparticles in experimental dental adhesive resins. The nanoparticles have long-term antibacterial and bioactive properties. Now, he wants to see if neutron scattering can help him better understand exactly how different restorative materials interact with enamel, dentin and collagen within teeth. Specifically, he used the IMAGING instrument at HFIR to study a small collection of human teeth that had been restored either with a dental amalgam, or a resin composite. These materials were bound to the sample tooth structures using his experimental dental adhesive resins, which contain varying concentrations of metal oxide nanoparticles. He is now working with Hassina Bilheux, Ph.D., senior neutron imaging scientist at HFIR, to reconstruct his data into three-dimensional renderings he can use to observe the interactions between restorative dental biomaterials and tooth structures. “Neutron tomography is a powerful technique for exploring the internal aspects of organic materials such as biological tissues. These samples contain a great deal of hydrogen; and since neutrons are particularly sensitive to hydrogen, we can generate very detailed images of their microstructures,” said Dr. Bilheux. “Neutrons can be used to probe structures within organic tissues in a nondestructive way and allow me to understand how restorative dental biomaterials interact with the entire tooth system,” said Dr. Florez. Dr. Florez said his research is focused on the development of polymer-based restorative materials with non-leaching and long-term antibacterial and bioactive properties that can be enhanced using visible light irradiation. Once fully developed, these materials hold the promise to kill penetrating bacteria, naturally bond to organic and inorganic components of teeth, and guide the growth of hydroxyapatite (the building blocks of bone and teeth) to seal the tooth/biomaterial interface. If successful, they will increase the durability of current polymer-based restorative materials and decrease the costs of oral healthcare. “There’s still a great deal of research to be done on this topic, but we’re hopeful that our work will have a significant and positive impact on the field of restorative dentistry,” he said.

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Khajotia Receives Supplemental National Institutes of Health Grant to Study Oral Microbiome With a new one-year administrative supplement for his current National Institutes of Health grant, Sharukh S. Khajotia, B.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., associate dean of research, is asking a question for which there have been little to no answers: Is the microbiome of the saliva changed when the composition of filling materials changes? The NIH awards supplements for projects that are related to the parent grant and propose collaborations that didn’t exist at the time the original grant was written. In his original grant, which is ongoing, Dr. Khajotia is studying how the esterases, or enzymes, in a person’s mouth have the ability to break the ester bonds in tooth-colored fillings, leading to decay under the filling, which is called secondary or recurrent caries. The supplemental grant allows Dr. Khajotia to delve into the oral microbiome, where there are 700 to 1,000 species of bacteria. For the microbiome analysis, he is collaborating with two researchers in the OU College of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, David Dyer, Ph.D., and Majoi Moore, B.S. “Newer technologies now make it possible for us to better study the microbiome. This project will run in parallel with the main grant. So we’re asking two questions: Do these esterases change the chemical composition of the tooth-colored filling material, and do they also change the microbiome of the saliva?” said Dr. Khajotia. He recently published an article about the lack of knowledge on microbiome interactions in the Journal of Dental Research, co-authored by colleagues in the field dental, oral and craniofacial research. The ultimate aim of both grants is to decrease the number of fillings that must be replaced due to secondary caries. Although filling materials have improved considerably since the 1960s, it is estimated that in the United States alone, more than $5 billion is spent each year on restoring and replacing fillings, Dr. Khajotia said.

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2020 Dentsply Sirona Global Case Contest Third-Place Winner The college is pleased to announce that Gabriel Duffy, D.D.S., placed third at the 2020 Dentsply Sirona Global Case Contest (North America). This is the first time someone from the college has participated and placed in this contest. The Dentsply Sirona Global Case Contest is a worldwide contest for pre-doctoral dental and graduate students. The students submit restorative cases using photography and text to display the levels of decay and treatment plan using the Dentsply materials. There have been almost 4,000 applicants since the contest’s inception in 2004.

“If we can find a way to replace a tooth-colored filling every 14 years instead of every seven years, we can reduce the cost of oral healthcare and save more of the patient’s tooth structure,” he said. “This is a translational research study in which we will examine how these materials and the microbiome are both impacted, which will help us in the future when we are developing new filling materials.” Dr. Khajotia’s previous studies have shown that when the bonds break down, the surface of the filling begins to degrade and becomes rougher, which allows more plaque to form. Because filling material contains many different components, he wants to understand which of them are linked to more or less plaque formation. If individual components can be isolated, filling materials might be changed so that they don’t support as much plaque growth. “We don’t know precisely what is happening to these fillings at the junction between tooth structure, the filling material and the bonding agent,” he said. “It’s a complex interface, but we are beginning to learn more about why bonded restorations fail earlier than they should.” Dr. Khajotia has been building his research over the years to the point where he earned the recent federal grant. In previous research funded locally by the Presbyterian Health Foundation and the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, he studied how two salivary enzymes roughen fillings. The new grant expands that research. He is using tests that he and his team developed and that are now being used around the world, including a process for creating a three-dimensional structure of plaque. The new grant also includes funding for several dental and dental hygiene students to participate in the research, a process that benefits them greatly as they begin their careers. “Patient care and research go hand in hand; without one, you cannot have the other,” Dr. Khajotia said. “Most of the developments in dental biomaterials have been based on a clinical need. Our college has a history of clinical excellence, so doing research is a logical extension of our clinical capabilities.”

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“I hope that Dr. Duffy’s achievement will inspire our students to compete in future years,” said Sharukh S. Khajotia, B.D.S., Ph.D., associate dean of research.

Gabriel Duffy, D.D.S.

Dr. Duffy was born in Summertown, Tennessee, but spent most of his youth in Hartshorne, Oklahoma. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration management at Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He then attended the OU College of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2020. His faculty mentor for the contest was Abbey Onan, D.D.S., who is originally from Tulsa, but calls Edmond home. She completed her undergraduate degree from OU in 1999 and earned her doctor of dental surgery from the OU College of Dentistry in 2004. After a short stint in Chicago, Illnois, she began teaching part time at the college in 2007. She said, “I am extremely proud of Dr. Duffy, not only on his amazing talents associated with this contest, but with his everyday efforts to do his very best and how kind he is — he has an amazing spirit and heart.” Dr. Duffy is an active member of the U.S. Air Force, where he was promoted to captain in June 2020. He is a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association, American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Congratulations to Dr. Duffy and Dr. Onan for this outstanding accomplishment.

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OU Health Sciences Center Part of National Effort to Increase Dental Research Workforce by Advancing Diversity The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is taking a significant role in a national grant that aims to increase the dental, oral and craniofacial research workforce, particularly by fostering the careers of underrepresented minorities. The disciplines of dental research, like that of biomedical research, often lack the diversity that strengthens innovation and leads to healthcare advances for people from underrepresented communities. This new grant will build a mentoring network to help early-career researchers from diverse backgrounds to build professional skills and grow their careers. The five-year, $1.3 million grant is from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, which awarded it to the American Association for Dental Research, or AADR. The program created by the grant is called AADR MIND the Future (Mentoring an Inclusive Network for a Diverse Workforce of the Future). “There is a significant need to enhance the diversity of researchers who work in the dental, oral and craniofacial sciences,” said Sharukh Khajotia, B.D.S., Ph.D., associate dean for research. “We need more diverse ideas and opinions in the research workforce. The College of Dentistry is one of 11 partnering institutions that will build a vibrant and inclusive community of researchers whose participation is vital to improving the oral health of our nation.”

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Dr. Khajotia is joined on the grant by Natasha Mickel, Ph.D., director of the Oklahoma Center for Mentoring Excellence, a program at the OU Health Sciences Center initiated by a collaboration between the Office of Faculty Development and the Oklahoma Shared Clinical and Translational Research Institute. Both Khajotia and Mickel serve on the national committee that manages the grant, but their primary role is to facilitate the training of 10 mentors each year from across the United States, who in turn will advise 10 early-career researchers over a one-year period. At the end of the five-year funding period, 50 mentors and 50 mentees will be trained and a mentoring network will be established for diverse and underrepresented researchers. The goal of OCME is to equip mentors with proven methods of mentoring. Just as medical treatments are based on research, mentoring also has an evidence base of competencies that create effective mentors. The six primary skills are: maintaining effective communication; aligning expectations; assessing understanding; addressing equity and inclusion; fostering independence; and promoting professional development. “Mentoring is a type of activity that people do according to how they’ve been mentored, but our role is to equip mentors with tools that have been shown to be effective,” Mickel said. On an everyday basis, OCME works with faculty from the seven colleges at OU Health Sciences Center who want to mentor students, post-doctoral fellows or junior faculty members. The opportunity to contribute the expertise of OCME to build diversity on a national level is especially gratifying, said Mickel, who also serves as director of multicultural engagement for the OU College of Medicine. “This grant is about creating opportunities for those who come from underrepresented populations and have yet to fully experience the opportunities that others have had,” Mickel said. “Such diversity is important because people who come from under-represented or disadvantaged backgrounds tend to focus their careers on work that serves the communities they came from. In this case, the focus is oral health.”

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Student Research Advances Dentistry Research is always the driver of innovation and improvement in any field of endeavor. In dentistry, research has paved the way for the introduction of advanced surgical techniques as well as significant enhancements in materials used and more favorable patient outcomes. Research is a key element in the mission of the college and is incorporated into the curricula. That mission is being accomplished in multiple areas with influence and impact beyond the OU Health Sciences Center. Sharukh Khajotia, B.D.S., MS, Ph.D., associate dean for research and innovation, professor and division head, described the comprehensive nature of research being conducted by students as well as faculty members at the college. “Students in the Doctor of Dental Surgery program can choose to participate in the Student Research Program. This is true of undergraduate students working toward bachelor’s degrees in Dental Hygiene as well,” said Dr. Khajotia. “The J. Dean Robertson Society, has sponsored the program for nearly three decades, in addition to support from the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation for the past seven years. These organizations fund as many as 18 research projects annually.” The Office of Research Development, directed by the associate dean for research and innovation, was established to promote and facilitate research activities by faculty members and students. This office provides guidance and help with grant applications, publications and establishing effective research collaborations. Dr. Khajotia and Luellen Chenoweth, senior administrative assistantin the Office of Research Development, also coordinate the Student Research Program, Scientific Day and host research seminars and presentations by visiting faculty from all over the world. In addition to a $2,500 stipend to fund student projects over nine months, each scholar in the Student Research Program works with a faculty mentor who may request an additional amount for supplies, up to $500. Applications are submitted each spring and projects selected for funding begin in May, continuing through March of the following year. Mentors are often paired with Student Research Program scholars who have expressed interest in a specific topic or dental specialty. Otherwise, students

may review previous abstracts and gain a sense of the scope of research being conducted and determine where their interests best align. The fundamental, required activities of the program are two-fold: all Student Research Program scholars must submit an essay for submission to the Ishmael Essay Contest, established in 1987 by Dr. and Mrs. Don Ishmael to promote scholarship and professionalism. About 30 submissions are received for the essay contest each year. Of these, judges select a total of six projects — the top three dental hygiene submissions and the top three dental submissions. These six finalists give 10-minute oral presentations at the college’s annual Scientific Day in April. Poster submission at Scientific Day is the second requirement of the program. Students compete for cash awards for first, second and third place in each category — $500, $250 and $150, respectively. All students are required to attend this event, or will attend commensurate hours of continuing education and submit a written review of scientific literature on an assigned topic. Dr. Khajotia said there are typically 60 presentations each year at Scientific Day, and the event draws more than 500 attendees, including faculty members, judges, students and non-alumni and alumni practitioners. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancelation of numerous events and activities across campus. With only three weeks’ notice, Scientific Day 2020 was also canceled, with no timely solutions to regroup or implement a virtual platform. Dr. Khajotia said a virtual event is planned for 2021, to ensure that students and their mentors can disseminate the results of their research projects. “We support a quality research experience by providing paid trips to premier scientific events in the dental profession as the top awards at Scientific Day,” said Dr. Khajotia. “The top award for dental students pays for their travel to the annual meeting of the American Association for Dental Research, and for dental hygiene students, a trip to the American Dental Hygienists Association annual meeting. In these settings, our students compete nationally with students from programs across the country. Many awardees will proceed to compete at other national events.” One such competition, the Hinman Student Research Symposium, is held each October in Memphis, hosted by the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, drawing participants from across North America. “It’s extremely gratifying that in six years, two of our students have won awards at this event,” said Dr. Khajotia.

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Other elements that have made Scientific Day so successful are the extensive coordination and organization of myriad moving parts, including the selection of judges by Nancy L. Jacobsen, D.D.S., M.S., professor and division head of prosthodontics. “We seek judges with an inclination for scholarly activity,” said Dr. Khajotia. Judges are full- or part-time faculty members, or non-faculty practitioners from across the state. The organization of sponsors and vendors also is a critical piece of the planning, which is nearly perpetual throughout the year. There may be only two weeks of down time after the conclusion of the current year’s event before planning begins for the next. “Participants say they enjoy attending our event because it is well organized.” Another benefit is the opportunity to listen to presentations by students ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate levels on a wide variety of topics. Dr. Khajotia’s primary role is to facilitate research in multiple areas. “We have developed a new advanced student research program, funding up to $10,000 annually for resident and graduate student projects. Although graduate students are currently required to conduct research for their master’s degree thesis, this new program will further facilitate individual research projects by providing funding that broadens the scope and depth of the project. For example, if a project requires specific equipment, or the services of a biostatistician, these funds make it possible to conduct a more comprehensive study in keeping with the long-term research focus of the graduate program.” In addition to student-initiated projects, the college also supports a faculty research program for new investigators. The program provides mentoring support for the faculty member with funding of $12,500 per project. “Our goal is that this becomes a stepping stone to encourage faculty members to begin conducting research, and apply for

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additional grants sequentially at the campus, state and national levels.”

OU College of Dentistry Marks Milestone with 2020 Class

Dr. Khajotia explained that application for various grants is an important progression. In addition to OU Health Sciences Center and Presbyterian Health Foundation grants for new investigators worth $50,000, the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology awards grants of $45,000 a year for three years. “This sequence allows researchers to generate preliminary data for grants from larger federal agencies – National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and Department of Defense, to name a few.” He noted the difficulty in applying for federal grants without a considerable body of preliminary data. “When a researcher can demonstrate a track record of publications and funding, grant reviewers are inclined to rate the proposal more favorably.”

For the first time since its founding, the OU College of Dentistry Class of 2020 saw more women than men graduate with D.D.S. degrees. The 62 graduates numbered 32 women and 30 men. Leaders see a possible trend, as the 2021 graduating class is on track to close the semester with the second-highest number of females earning dentistry degrees.

Projects may begin with a small amount of data and a hypothesis, which will be proven or disproven. As the research goals are refined, the researcher may seek additional grants. This begins to generate a history of publications and funding, and promotes projects that are more competitive and collaborative. “Ultimately, researchers will seek out collaborators with complementary research interests, and they work together for multiinvestigator proposals that can garner higher amounts of funding.” Some Student Research Program scholars find scientific inquiry so rewarding, they pursue a career in dental education, where they can gain additional training in research. “Our campus makes many resources available now to train faculty members in clinical and translational research,” he said. While most students are unlikely to actively participate in research after graduation, the exposure they gain as part of their education has immense long-term value for their practices. One benefit to the dental profession as a whole is fostering lifelong learning that enhances the quality of oral health care provided by those individuals. Many Student Research Program scholars are motivated to pursue advanced training in a specialty. The research experience also trains them to evaluate the literature and enhances critical thinking. “With a foundation in evidencebased dentistry, where students have taken the additional step of conducting research, we invest in a more informed dental provider, better equipped to make the best patient care decisions,” Dr. Khajotia said.

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Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S., dean of the college, noted this momentous first and expressed great pride in the quality of the 2020 class in particular. “The college prides itself on attracting the best and brightest students from around the country, and we have made great strides to become a more inclusive place to work and study,” he said. “Each year, we look for individuals who not only meet the strict requirements for dental school, but will also represent the dental profession well. I am enormously proud of the Class of 2020, and am honored to now call them my colleagues.” Studies conducted by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics more than a decade ago revealed an alarming decline in overall numbers of students seeking careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). As a result, initiatives were launched to spark interest in these critical areas, especially among females. Kevin L. Haney, D.D.S., M.S., assistant dean of academic and student affairs, believes these efforts have been successful. “There is no doubt that as the numbers of women entering STEM professions have increased, so too have the numbers of applications submitted by women to dental schools. The American Dental Education Association routinely provides updates regarding the diversity of the applicant pool. Recent numbers reflect the same growth, with more female than male applicants seeking professions in dentistry.” The class was well represented in other areas, gaining national recognition for research conducted by 2020 graduate Amanda Akkari, D.D.S., now part of the college’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program. Her study, “Opioid Prescribing Patterns among Oklahoma Dentists: A Survey,” investigated not only prescribing patterns, but also explored practitioners’ knowledge of guidance when treating known addicts. Akkari’s work received an award at the 2019 Scientific Day and was consequently presented at the Hinman Student Research Symposium sponsored by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry. The

symposium is a national meeting featuring oral and poster presentations of research conducted by dental students and graduate trainees from dental schools across North America. “I could have no better or more solid foundation for a successful dentistry practice than the comprehensive education I received at the OU College of Dentistry,” Akkari said. “It was a time in which every educational advantage was provided, including unprecedented opportunities to conduct and present research of real substance and value. The recognition of my research is a reflection of the academic excellence that thrives at the college and why the institution is held in such high regard nationally.” Another element that gives the Class of 2020 distinction is the founding of the student chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists at the College of Dentistry. Ashley Long, D.D.S., now practicing in Kansas, became its first president, with Kaylee Speer, D.D.S., serving as the chapter’s vice president. Speer said her education at OU College of Dentistry thoroughly prepared her for a lifelong career in dentistry, and because of her clinical and didactic education, she is confident of success. “Connections with women in dentistry are important, both professionally and personally, so establishing an AAWD chapter was very special. It is an amazing experience to find support and mentorship from female dentists across the country.” Speer, who also is involved with the AEGD residency program, has much experience as a dental patient, having spent many hours in the chair as a youngster. “Thankfully, I had a wonderful experience with professionals who inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry. My lifelong dream of becoming a dentist is now a reality and I could not be happier with my decision,” said Speer. “I pursued a D.D.S. degree because I knew I would not be fully satisfied doing anything else in the dental field.”

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STUDENTS // 2021

Introducing DDS Class of 2024

51 1

Total Students

RESIDENT

Bachelor’s Degree Doctoral Degree

Number of Males & Females

Introducing DH Class of 2022

Total Students

NON-RESIDENT

140

Total Number of Applicants

14 13

3.62

Mean GPA Entering the Program

Bachelor’s Degree Doctoral Degree

3.36

Overall GPA

3.54

Science GPA

19.98 Mean DAT Score

46 RESIDENT 3.51

Science GPA

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Average ACT

Tarek Alanbari Edinburg, Texas University of Texas Pan-American BS, 2015 General Practice Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Allison Brewer Edmond, Oklahoma Oklahoma Christian University MBA, 2016 General Practice Edmond, Oklahoma

Listed below is the name of the graduate, their hometown, undergraduate college or university, private practice, residency or graduate program, and location after graduating from dental school.

Amber Jordan Bewley Owasso, Oklahoma University of Arkansas - Fayetteville BS, 2016 General Practice Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Tanveer Singh Buttar Seattle, Washington Baba Jaswant Singh Dental College BDS, 2016 General Practice Seattle, Washington

Amanda Stephanie Akkari Austin, Texas University of Texas at Austin BA, BSA, 2011 Residency Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Advanced Education in General Dentistry University of Oklahoma

Austin William Brasher Edmond, Oklahoma Brigham Young University BS, 2016 Residency Bessemer, Alabama Advanced Education in General Dentistry NYU Langone Dental Medicine

Tendai Dandajena Oklahoma City, Oklahoma University of Tulsa BS, 2016 General Practice Seattle, Washington

Doctor of Dental Surgery Class of 2020

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STUDENTS // 2021

Mason Ross Davis Mustang, Oklahoma Southwestern Oklahoma State University 2012, General Practice Mustang, Oklahoma Linda Dinh Fort Worth, Texas University of Oklahoma BBA, 2016 General Practice Fort Worth, Texas

Gabriel Duffy Hartshorne, Oklahoma Northeastern State University BBA, 2010 Residency, US Air Force Eglin Air Force Base Advanced Education in General Dentistry United States Air Force

Ahmed Ismail Elsherif Chino Hills, California Future University in Egypt BDS, 2015 General Practice Covina, California Cheryl Fleming Harrison, Arkansas Arkansas Tech University BS, 2014 General Practice Austin, Texas

Stefan Gelven Ponca City, Oklahoma Saint Louis University BA, 2016 General Practice Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Jacy Rae Glover Norman, Oklahoma University of Oklahoma BS, 2015 General Practice Norman, Oklahoma

Dylan C. Droege Longview, Texas University of Oklahoma BS, 2016 General Practice Tulsa, Oklahoma

Christopher Alan Eaton * Tulsa, Oklahoma University of Oklahoma BA, 2013 General Practice Tulsa, Oklahoma

STUDENTS // 2021

Alin Claudiu Gorgan Scottsdale, Arizona Arizona State University BS, 2015 General Practice Phoenix, Arizona Korbin Hally* Idaho Falls, Idaho Brigham Young University BS, 2016 General Practice Edmond, Oklahoma Brittany D. Hand* Altus, Oklahoma Texas A&M University BS, 2015 General Practice Mangum, Oklahoma Steven Michael Hassenplug Del City, Oklahoma Oklahoma State University BS, 2009 General Practice Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Bree Karen Highstrom** Cedarburg, Wisconsin The University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point BS, 2010 Residency, US Army Bethesda, Maryland General Practice Residency Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Jeremiah Hilton Kuwait City, Kuwait University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center MPH, 2018 General Practice Wilmington, North Carolina Chris Allen Hunt* Jones, Oklahoma Oklahoma Christian University BS, 2013 Residency Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Graduate Orthodontics University of Oklahoma Berlian Kasili Jeffery Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Baylor University MPH, 2014 Internship Memphis, Tennessee Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery University of Tennessee Health Science Center Ayesha N. Kashif Rawalpindi, Pakistan Riphah University BDS, 2008 General Practice Edmond, Oklahoma Arvind Kaur Santa Clarita, California Luxmi Bai Institute of Health Sciences and Hospital BDS, 2012 General Practice Santa Clarita, California Kiranjot Kaur Hicksville, New York Himachal Pradesh University BDS, 2014 Residency New York City, New York General Practice Residency Queens Hospital Center at Mount Sinai

***Outstanding Distinction **Special Distinction *Distinction

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Mandeep Kaur Seattle, Washington Baba Jaswant Singh Dental College BDS, 2015 General Practice Seattle, Washington

Tara Littlefield Meeker, Colorado University of Colorado BA, 2014 General Practice Tulsa, Oklahoma

Samirah Anahm Marie Mohamad Bartlesville, Oklahoma University of Oklahoma BA, 2013 General Practice Tulsa, Oklahoma

Gaganjot, Kaur Khera Union City, California Gian Sagar Dental College, India BDS, 2014 General Practice Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Benjamin Lloyd Salt Lake City, Utah University of Utah BA, 2015 General Practice Las Vegas, Nevada

Addison Grace Kirkpatrick Tulsa, Oklahoma Oklahoma State University BS, 2016 Residency Omaha, Nebraska Advanced Education in General Dentistry University of Nebraska Medical Center

Samuel Lloyd Draper, Utah University of Utah BA, 2016 General Practice Salt Lake City, Utah

Whitney Nicole Mumma Tulsa, Oklahoma John Brown University BS, 2014 Residency New Hyde Park, New York Pediatric Dentistry Northwell Health at Cohen Children’s Medical Center

Olga Kvitkina Volgodonsk, Russia University of Oklahoma BS, 2012 General Practice Tulsa, Oklahoma Daniel James Lander* Tulsa, Oklahoma College of Charleston BA, 2016 Residency Richmond, Virginia Pediatric Dentistry Virgina Commonwealth University Amy Le Yukon, Oklahoma University of Central Oklahoma BS, 2016 General Practice Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Mary Katherine Littlefield Tulsa, Oklahoma University of Oklahoma BS, 2015 General Practice Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Ashley Frankenbery Long Wichita, Kansas McPherson College BS, 2016 General Practice Wichita, Kansas Madeline Ruth Lynch** Miami, Oklahoma University of Oklahoma BS, 2016 General Practice Norman, Oklahoma Kyle Michelsen The Woodlands, Texas Oklahoma State University BS, 2014 General Practice Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Shawn Moffett* Kaysville, Utah Brigham Young University BS, 2016 Residency, US Air Force United States Air Force Academy: Colorado Springs, CO Advanced Education in General Dentistry United States Air Force

Blake Hampton Neece*** Sperry, Oklahoma Oklahoma Christian University BS, 2016 Residency Omaha, Nebraska Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery University of Nebraska Medical Center Jordan Michael Pierce* Ardmore, Oklahoma Oklahoma City University BS, 2015 Residency Chicago, Illinois Graduate Periodontics University of Illinois at Chicago Ali Nicole Rahill Oklahoma City, Oklahoma University of Oklahoma BS, 2015 Residency Oklahoma City, Oklahoma General Practice Residency Oklahoma City VA Medical Center Moumita Saha Ardmore, Oklahoma University of Oklahoma BS, 2015 General Practice Tulsa, Oklahoma

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STUDENTS // 2021

Nathan Storey Sethman Stillwater, Oklahoma University of Oklahoma BS, 2014 General Practice Altus, Oklahoma Graham Thomas Shadwick* Overland Park, Kansas Baylor University BA, 2015 Residency Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Advanced Education in General Dentistry University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry

STUDENTS // 2021

Sara Siraj San Diego, California Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India BDS, 2012 General Practice San Diego, California Kaylee Speer** Altus, Oklahoma University of Central Oklahoma BS, 2016 Residency Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Advanced Education in General Dentistry University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry

Shuhad Shambille Tulsa, Oklahoma University of Oklahoma BA, 2014 General Practice Tulsa, Oklahoma

Mary Dwayna Temple-Goins Pauls Valley, Oklahoma Oklahoma State University BS, 2016 General Practice Ardmore, Oklahoma

Brock Kevin Shaw Draper, Utah University of Utah BA, 2016 US Air Force Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada Advanced Education in General Dentistry United States Air Force

Meridith Danielle Tinnin Bristow, Oklahoma Oklahoma Christian University BS, 2016 General Practice Bristow, Oklahoma

Taylor Russel Short Valrico, Florida Brigham Young University - Provo BS, 2010 Public Health Service Springfield, Missouri Elizabeth Kathleen Silver Oklahoma City, Oklahoma University of Oklahoma BA, 2008 General Practice Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Jeffrey Wilson Tulsa, Oklahoma University of Oklahoma BS, 2016 Indian Health Service Okmulgee, Oklahoma Philip Worthen Lawton, Oklahoma Cameron University BS, 2016 Residency, US Army Fort Campbell, Kentucky Advanced Education in General Dentistry Peter Yao Oklahoma City, Oklahoma University of Oklahoma BS, 2012 Residency, US Navy Great Lakes, Illinois Advanced Education in General Dentistry Captain James A. Lovell FHCC

Saumya Vullaganti Clarksdale, Mississippi VIDS, India BDS, 2016 General Practice Tulsa, Oklahoma Benjamine Austin Welch* Tulsa, Oklahoma Oral Roberts University BS, 2016 Internship Kansas City, Missouri Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery University of Missouri Kansas City

***Outstanding Distinction **Special Distinction *Distinction

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D.D.S. Class of 2020 Honors and Awards Academy of Dental Materials Award

For excellence in scholarship in dental materials. • Brittany Dianne Hand

Academy of General Dentistry Senior Student Dental Award

For the senior students who exhibits the potential for becoming outstanding general dentists. • Brittany Dianne Hand

Academy of Osseointegration Outstanding Dental Student in Implant Dentistry Award

For the graduating dental student who has shown the most professional growth in managerial skills and development of outstanding performance in four-handed-dentistry. • Bree Karen Highstrom

American Academy of Dental Practice Administration

Recognizes the most deserving senior student in this field of dentistry. • Jacy Rae Glover

American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Dental Student Award

Outstanding in the field of oral and maxillofacial pathology. • Blake Hampton Neece

American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Achievement Award

For exceptional interest and accomplishment in dental radiology. • Bree Karen Highstrom

American Academy of Oral Medicine Award Outstanding in the field of oral medicine. • Kaylee Michelle Speer

American Academy of Periodontology Award

For the graduating senior who displays the highest level of academic and clinical achievement related to periodontics. • Jordan Michael Pierce

American Association of Endodontists Student Achievement Award For demonstrating remarkable skill in the area of endodontics during dental training. • Austin William Brasher

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Student Award

For outstanding performance in undergraduate study and clinical training in the area of implant placement. • Berlian Kasili Jeffery

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Student Award

For outstanding performance in undergraduate study and clinical training in the area of oral and maxillofacial surgery and anesthesiology. • Blake Hampton Neece   American Association of Orthodontists Award For demonstrating exceptional interest in the development of the oro-facial complex. • Chris Hunt

American Association of Public Health Dentistry Dental Student Recognition Award  For demonstrating special interest/achievement in Community Dentistry and Dental Public Health. • Benjamin Todd Lloyd • Samuel James Lloyd

American College of Dentists Outstanding Student Leader Award

For demonstrated leadership and outstanding scholastic performance. • Jordan Michael Pierce

American Dental Society of Anesthesiology Horace Wells Senior Student Award For demonstrated proficiency in the field of dental anesthesiology. • Samirah Anahm Marie Mohamad

American Student Dental Association Award of Excellence

The award honors the spirit of volunteerism and recognizes student participation or leadership in service to their school or local community. • Brittany Dianne Hand

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STUDENTS // 2021

Brasseler’s Shillingburg Award for Excellence in Restorative Dentistry  For the highest achievement in all aspects of restorative dentistry. • Kaylee Michelle Speer

Charles E. Hurlburt, D.D.S., M.S. Award

This award recognizes a student who, like Dr. Hurlburt, displayed excellence in radiology and a love of mankind through service through others. • Bree Karen Highstrom Clinic Operations Staff Award Recognizes the student who Clinic Operations staff feel exemplifies professionalism, character and overall friendliness among the staff. • Amanda Stephanie Akkari   Comprehensive Care Clinic Award Recognizes the graduating senior dental student who has high standards of ethics, clinical skills, and overall excellent patient care. • Miranda Clinic – Whitney Nicole Mumma  • Robertson Clinic – Blake Hampton Neece • Shillingburg Clinic – Daniel James Lander

Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence

Presented for attaining the highest academic standing during the prescribed years of study at the college. • Blake Hampton Neece

Dentsply International Merit Award in Removable Prosthodontics

For outstanding performance in the field of removable prosthodontics. • Berlian Kasili Jeffery Department of Endodontics Award For outstanding knowledge and independence in clinical endodontics • Olga Kvitkina

Edwin L. Wilson, Jr. Award of Excellence

Recognizes a student who, like Dr. Wilson, exemplifies compassion, dedication and leadership in the field of dentistry. • Graham Thomas Shadwick

STUDENTS // 2021

Eleanor J. Bushee Memorial Award Presented by the American Association of Women Dentists to a senior dental student who is an AAWD member and has demonstrated outstanding leadership and academic excellence. • Madeline Ruth Lynch   Fred C. Seids Award in Pediatric Dentistry For demonstration of exemplary improvement and aptitude in pediatric dentistry. • Benjamin Todd Lloyd • Samuel James Lloyd   Hanau Best of the Best Award for Excellence in Prosthodontics For outstanding achievement in prosthodontics. • Mary Dwayna Temple-Goins

International College of Dentists Student Humanitarian Award

For exemplified and demonstrated passion for altruistic humanitarian service as a dental student. • Whitney Nicole Mumma

International College of Dentists Student Leadership Award

For demonstrated leadership as a dental student and future leadership potential.   • Shawn Edward Moffett

International Congress of Oral Implantologists Award

For the senior dental student who has displayed the greatest interest and commitment to oral implantology/ implant dentistry. • Madeline Ruth Lynch

Jerome B. Miller Award of Excellence in Pediatric Dentistry

Presented to the senior student who exemplifies the best attributes of pediatric dentistry and plans to pursue the specialty as a career. • Whitney Nicole Mumma

Michael E. Lindley American Student Dental Association Award

For outstanding student leadership and service to the American Student Dental Association. • Cheryl Ann Fleming

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Michael Louis Backowske Award for Excellence in Anatomical Science

Presented in the first year in recognition of overall academic excellence in the anatomical sciences. • Blake Hampton Neece

Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society For graduates exhibiting achievements in scholarship, exemplary traits of strong character, and professional potential. • Bree Karen Highstrom • Madeline Ruth Lynch • Blake Hampton Neece • Jordan Michael Pierce • Graham Thomas Shadwick • Sara Siraj • Kaylee Michelle Speer   Oral Health Foundation Scholarship Awarded to a third-year dental student who has demonstrated great potential for developing into an outstanding leader in the profession because of his/her participation in the university, dental school or community. • Meridith Danielle Tinnin OU Health Sciences Center Crimson Club

HSC Crimson Club members are nominated by faculty, staff or a current HSC Crimson Club member to serve as University Ambassadors. Crimson Club is a student organization under the wings of the Office of the President and HSC Student Affairs.  • Jacy Rae Glover • Shawn Edward Moffett • Blake Hampton Neece • Taylor Russel Short

Outstanding Senior Leadership Award-Dentistry Presented annually by the Health Sciences Center in recognition of those students deemed outstanding in their college. Each college committee selects one graduating senior student based on leadership, campus involvement, professional development, and community service. • Jacy Rae Glover   Pediatric Honors Program • Jacy Rae Glover • Berlian Kasili Jeffery • Daniel James Lander • Madeline Ruth Lynch • Whitney Nicole Mumma • Blake Hampton Neece • Brock Kevin Shaw

Periodontics Departmental Senior Award

For outstanding performance in periodontics during the senior year • Jordan Michael Pierce

Pierre Fauchard Academy Senior Student Award For leadership through academic and clinical accomplishments, and dedication to the advancement of dental literature. • Amanda Stephanie Akkari

Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Periodontics For excellence in the clinical aspects of periodontics. • Graham Thomas Shadwick

Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry

For excellence in the clinical aspects of restorative dentistry. • Austin William Brasher

Quintessence Award for Research Achievement

For exemplary performance in materials research and scientific presentation. • Meridith Danielle Tinnin   Richard L. Reynolds Award & Scholarship This award recognizes a student who, like Dr. Reynolds, acknowledges oral medicine as the fountain of dentistry and dentists as “physicians for oral health.” • Kaylee Michelle Speer

Robert G. Gerety Scholarship in Orthodontics

For sustained interest and superior performance in academic and clinical orthodontics. • Blake Hampton Neece   Robert M. Bird Society Award Presented to a graduating student who shows a great potential for a creative contribution to the dental sciences. • Jordan Michael Pierce

Sooner Standard Award

The Sooner Standard Award recognizes OU students who go above and beyond in the area of volunteerism. A blue cord is awarded for completing a total of 300 hours before graduation or 75 hours within one year. • Jacy Rae Glover A green cord is awarded for completing a total of 200 hours before graduation or 50 hours within one year. • Kaylee Michelle Speer

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STUDENTS // 2021

Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry Award

For distinguished leadership, dedication and high moral values. • Christopher Alan Eaton

Southwest Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Senior Dental Student Award

For outstanding achievement in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. • Benjamine Austin Welch   William E. Brown Service Award Presented for the highest level of service to the dental school community and the community at large. • Jacy Rae Glover   William S. Kramer Award of Excellence The purpose of the award is to recognize junior dental student who has demonstrated scholarship, character and the potential promise for advancement of dentistry and service to humanity. • Brittany Dianne Hand

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Class of 2020 Listed below is the name of the graduate, their hometown, the college or university they attended before entering the Dental Hygiene program and location after graduating. Michaela Barnes Marietta, OK Murray State College Ada, OK Kallie Brooks Hydro, OK Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, OK Mallory Burd Collinsville, OK Rogers State University Tulsa, OK

Dominique Burdette* Skiatook, OK Northern Oklahoma College Northeast OK Colleen Butler Yukon, OK University of Oklahoma Oklahoma City, OK Sadie Canada Norman, OK University of Oklahoma Norman, OK Jenna Castor Shattuck, OK Northwestern Oklahoma State University Broken Arrow, OK

Hannah Cowan Woodward, OK Southwestern Oklahoma State University Rural OK

Kathryn Gerdts Chickasha, OK University of Oklahoma Oklahoma City, OK

Rainey Mauzey Red Oak, OK Eastern Oklahoma State College Stillwater, OK

Zygia Tumlinson Skiatook, OK Tulsa Community College Skiatook, OK

Maria de Leon Oklahoma City, OK University of Oklahoma Oklahoma City, OK

Amy Griffis Bethany, OK University of Oklahoma Edmond, OK

Erin McLain Dibble, OK Southwestern Oklahoma State University Moore, OK

Rylee Watford* Tuttle, OK Oklahoma City Community College Norman, OK

Cami Derieg Fort Cobb, OK Redlands Community College Norman, OK

Allie Hannah Edmond, OK University of Central Oklahoma Oklahoma City, OK

Alissa Powell* Pittsburg, OK Eastern Oklahoma State College McAlester, OK

Braden Wilson* Norman, OK University of Oklahoma Norman, OK

Jamie Diel Tonkawa, OK Northern Oklahoma College Oklahoma City, OK

Natalie Haworth Weatherford, OK Southwestern Oklahoma State University Clinton, OK

Kylie Price Ringling, OK Murray State College Healdton, OK

Courtney Wilson Broken Arrow, OK Tulsa Community College Tulsa, OK

Jennifer Dittmann Lawton, OK Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City, OK

Katelyn Johnson Lone Grove, OK Murray State College Oklahoma

Jessie Pullen Davis, OK East Central University Moore, OK

Tiffany Wilson Shawnee, OK Murray state College Shawnee, OK

Nickoo Farkhoy Edmond, OK University of Oklahoma Tulsa, OK

Kylee Johnston** Oklahoma City, OK University of Central Oklahoma Shawnee, OK

Alexys Ramociotti Sparks, NV Olympic College Bartlesville, OK

Emica Worstell Seoul, South Korea East Central University Southern OK

Taylor Felton El Reno, OK Redlands Community College El Reno & Yukon, OK

Miranda Victoria King Edmond, OK University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OK

Emily Rempe Piedmont, OK University of Central Oklahoma Oklahoma City, OK

Tommie Yardy Broken Arrow, OK Oklahoma State University Tulsa, OK

Hannah Fuzzell Norman, OK University of Oklahoma Sorrento, ME

Kaylin Listen El Reno, OK Oklahoma State University Altus, OK

Cassidy Shannon* Mason, OK Seminole State College Anchorage, AK

Tala Zendah Tulsa, OK Tulsa Community College Tulsa, OK

Elyse Gaccione* Allen, TX University of Oklahoma Dallas, TX

Nikyla Marcum Elk City, OK Southwestern Oklahoma State University Yukon, OK

Shelby Tate Cache, OK Cameron University Edmond, OK

Catherine Gee Dallas, TX University of Oklahoma Dallas, TX

Keiarra Martinez El Reno, OK University of Oklahoma El Reno or Oklahoma City, OK

Madison Taylor Verdigris, OK University of Oklahoma Claremore, OK

**Special Distinction *Distinction

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STUDENTS // 2021

Dental Hygiene Class of 2020 Honors and Awards Class Presidents

• Kaylin Listen – Oklahoma City • Tiffany Wilson – Ardmore • Jenna Castor – Bartlesville • Natalie Haworth – Weatherford

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association President • Jessie Pullen – Ardmore

Sigma Phi Alpha Honor Roll Award

This award is given by the Sigma Phi Alpha Honor Fraternity. Faculty members elect five members from the top 20% of the class • Dominique Burdette – Bartlesville • Kathryn Gerdts – Oklahoma City • Alissa Maloy – Oklahoma City • Cassidy Shannon – Bartlesville • Braden Wilson – Oklahoma City

The Sharon Barton Faculty Award

Presented to a graduate who consistently strives for academic and clinical excellence, has a desire and openness to learning and demonstrates exemplary ethical standards • Rainey Mauzey – Oklahoma City

STUDENTS // 2021

The S.T.A.R. Award

Sponsored by Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals. This award is given to the dental hygiene student who shows excellence and commitment to the hygiene profession by demonstrating true dedication to the profession, exhibiting extraordinary compassion in patient care, displaying enthusiasm and follow-through for community service and enjoys the practice of dental hygiene. • Emica Worstell – Ardmore

The Clinical Coordinators’ Award

Given to students the clinical coordinators believe embody the consummate clinical dental hygiene student. • Kylie Price – Ardmore • Zygia Tumlinson – Bartlesville • Kallie Brooks – Oklahoma City • Taylor Felton – Weatherford

The Ideal Dental Hygienist Award

Graduating seniors at each site honor a classmate by selecting the student they believe most embodies the qualities of the ideal dental hygienist, including: service to others, Interest in continued personal and professional growth, ability to communicate, motivate, and establish patient rapport, dedication to the dental hygiene profession and exemplary professional standards. (Oklahoma Dental Hygienist Association Supplies Award) • Michaela Barnes – Ardmore • Zygia Tumlinson – Bartlesville • Kaylin Listen – Oklahoma City • Erin McLain – Weatherford

The Golden Scaler Award

Sponsored by Hu-Friedy and bestowed on a graduate at each site who has demonstrated excellence in clinical skills, patient management and ethical patient care • Jessie Pullen – Ardmore • Nikyla Marcum – Bartlesville • Kylee Johnston – Oklahoma City • Jennifer Dittman – Weatherford

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20 20

KID’S DAY

The college held its annual Kids’ Day event in February 2020, attended by 100 children between the ages of 4 to 12 from across the state. Supervised by trained dentists and faculty members, dental and dental hygiene students provided a wide range of dental treatments and services, from cleanings and fillings to crowns and caps. These services, valued at nearly $44,000, were provided at no cost. Darrel Daugherty, D.D.S., M.S., originally proposed the Kids’ Day program in 1997, while still a dental student. Kevin Haney, D.D.S., M.S., assistant dean of academic and student affairs, explained the intent of the program was to reach children across the Oklahoma City metro area who were unlikely to have access to dental services. “The intent of the program was to reach out and provide dental care to children of the Oklahoma City metroplex. While the department provided logistical support, the overall program has always been planned and executed by the students,” said Dr. Haney. “Over 200 students, staff and faculty members routinely volunteer, and only twice in its 23-year history has it been canceled, both instances due to weather.” Dr. Haney said the college began tracking the value of donated services in 2002. To date, Kids’ Day events have provided nearly $675,000 in high-quality dental care to children who otherwise may not receive care consistently, if at all. The program now has a statewide reach. “Kids’ Day is a wonderful opportunity for our students to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of others who may not have the opportunity to receive dental care,” said Tim Fagan, D.D.S., M.S., head of the division of pediatric dentistry and faculty sponsor of the Kids’ Day program student group. Dental student Meridith Tinnin said, “It allows us to experience fast-paced pediatric dentistry and introduce many children to dentistry for the first time. We also teach these children about keeping their mouths and bodies healthy, as well as giving parents resources and education to support their kids and the rest of their families in pursuing oral health.”

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ANNUAL DONOR REPORT // 2021

ANNOUNCEMENTS // 2021

2019-2020 Annual Donor Report J. Dean Robertson Society

Society

J. D E A N R O B E R T S O N

Established in 1988, the J. Dean Robertson Society is the OU College of Dentistry’s private annual giving fund, and is composed of alumni and friends who are dedicated to the advancement of excellence throughout the college. This annual campaign is among the largest fundraising efforts for the college.

The society is named in honor of Dr. Joseph Dean Robertson, a beloved pediatric dentist and former faculty member. Dr. Robertson was an icon within the Oklahoma dental community. Well-known and respected as a practitioner, Dr. Robertson was remembered as the quintessential profession. At the college, he was adored by faculty, students, administrators and alumni alike. Gifts made to the J. Dean Robertson Society support student scholarships, student externships, student research projects, indigent care for patients and capital improvements, among others. Throughout its history, donors to the Society have given collectively more than $6.5 million. Gifts to the J. Dean Robertson Society can be made online at dentistry.ouhsc.edu/JDR Below is a list of alumni and friends of the OU College of Dentistry who made contributions to the J. Dean Robertson Society during Fiscal Year 2020 (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020). Year of graduation, if applicable, is in parenthesis.

Giving Categories Dean’s Circle Levels Gold: $5,000 and above Silver: $2,500 - $4,999 Dean’s Circle: $1,250 - $2,499 Faculty Dean’s Circle: $1,000 Young Dean’s Circle Levels Class of 2013: $1,250 Class of 2014: $500 Class of 2015: $400 Class of 2016: $300 Class of 2017: $200

Dean’s Circle Silver

Additional Support Levels Fellow: $500 - $1,249 Affiliate: $250 - $499 Patron: $100 - $249 Donor: $99 or less

Dean’s Circle Gold

Tamara S. Berg, D.D.S. (1995) Beau J. Boren, D.D.S. (1999) Nathan K. Brown, D.D.S. (2007) S. Kelly Brown, D.D.S. (1976) Twana D. Farley-Duncan, D.D.S. (1991) Todd A. Frankenbery, D.D.S. (1995)

Edward E. Harroz, Jr., D.D.S. (1981) Edward E. Harroz, III, D.D.S. (2007) D. Todd Johnson, D.D.S. (1991) Damon R. Johnson, D.D.S. (1993) Larson R. Keso, D.D.S. Paul M. Mullasseril, D.D.S. (1998) David F. Nittler, D.D.S. (1980) & Betty J. Nittler Susan E. Whiteneck, D.D.S. (1981)

Philip M. Abshere, D.D.S. (1981) Susan E. Brackett, D.D.S. (1978) L. Joe Bradley, D.D.S. George I. Bridges Jr., D.D.S. Perry L. Brooks, D.D.S. (1990) Adam G. Cohlmia, D.D.S. (2011) Matthew E. Cohlmia, D.D.S. (1991) Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S. (1988) Edward T. Dehan, D.M.D. Mark W. Goodman, D.D.S. (1990) Scott T. Hubbard, D.D.S. (2008-Ortho) Krista M. Jones, D.D.S. (1981) Andrea M. Montgomery, D.D.S. (2004) Patrick R. Montgomery, D.D.S. Vincent E. Montgomery, M.D. James B. Roane, D.D.S. Richard Amal Safi, D.D.S. (2002)

Russell J. Stratton, D.D.S. Karen Willhoite, D.D.S. (1995) C. Rieger Wood, D.D.S. (1981) & Donna Wood, R.D.H. (1979)

Dean’s Circle

Tabitha L. Arias, D.D.S. (2017) Mark L. Argo, D.D.S. (1990) Douglas A. Auld, D.D.S. (1982) William L. Beasley, D.D.S. Kay S. Beavers, D.D.S. Gabriel Bird, D.D.S. (2007) David J. Birdwell, D.D.S. (1981) R. Todd Boone, D.D.S. (1987) M. Edmund Braly, D.D.S. (1976) Michael S. Breland, D.D.S. (1995) C. Todd Bridges, D.D.S. (1995) Matthew L. Bridges, D.D.S. (2017) Donna L. Brogan, R.D.H. (1994) Perry L. Brooks, D.D.S. (1990) Patricia Z. Cannon, D.D.S. (1995) Bobby J. Carmen, D.D.S. (2000) Robert E. Carson, D.M.D. Steven R. Carson, D.D.S. (1984) Brian G. Chastain (2007) Ray Cohlmia, D.D.S. Kenneth S. Coy, D.D.S. (1977) Robi L. Craig, D.D.S. (1999)

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G. Frans Currier, D.D.S. Rebecca L. Davis, D.D.S. (1994) William L. De Prater, D.D.S. (1990) John J. Dmytryk, D.M.D. Suzanna Dooley Dayna Duke, D.D.S. (1989) Benjamin F. Edwards, Jr., D.D.S. (1980) Heath H. Evans, D.D.S. (2009) Christopher R. Fagan, D.D.S. (2011) Timothy R. Fagan, D.D.S. (1981) John M. Folks, D.D.S. (2001) Josephine W. Freede Val Garn, D.D.S. (1992) Chad M. Garrison, D.D.S. (1996) John E. Gladden Kevin L. Haney, D.D.S. (1989) Mark T. Hanstein, D.D.S. (1985) Richard Haught, D.D.S. Richard G. Henry, D.D.S. (1990) Jeffrey F. Hermen, D.D.S. (1991) Myron S. Hilton, D.D.S. (1982) Steven W. Hogg, D.D.S. (1980) Mathew D. Hookom, D.D.S. (2009) Bradford B. Hoopes, D.D.S. (1982) Brian B. Howell, D.D.S. (2018) Krista M. Jones, D.D.S. (1981) Randolph P. Jones, D.D.S. (1980) Mohammad Karami, D.D.S. (1993) Sharukh S. Khajotia, D.D.S. Irene Koscal Mitch Kramer, D.D.S. (2000) Robert M. Lamb, D.D.S. Larry D. Lander, D.D.S. Thomas E. Lequia, D.D.S. (1990) Juan R. Lopez, D.D.S. (1991) Daryn L. Lu, D.D.S. (2015) John K. Maravich, D.D.S. (1999) Mary Martin, D.D.S. (1984) Farah Masood, D.D.S. Stephen K. McCullough, D.D.S. (1979) Glen A. Mead, D.D.S. (1977) Keith A. Mehner, D.D.S. (2010) Robert M. Merrill, D.D.S. (1990-Ortho) Frank J. Miranda, D.D.S. Donald L. Mitchell, D.D.S. Alan A. Miyake, D.D.S. Rajesh M. Patel, D.D.S. (1992) Justin Power, D.D.S. (2005-Ortho) Karen Bost Rattan, D.M.D. Karen G. Reed, D.D.S. (1992) Douglas P. Rockwood, D.D.S. Brant P. Rouse, D.D.S. (2004) Troy A. Schmitz, D.D.S. (2015)

Susan L. Settle, D.D.S. (1986) Nanay La Porte Shadid, D.D.S. (1985) Paul A. Shadid, Sr., D.D.S. (1984) Shelly Von Short, R.D.H. (1985) Steffan D. Sigler, D.D.S. (2016) David A. Simon, D.D.S. (1984) Floyd Simon Jr., D.D.S. (1982) Kevin S. Smith, D.D.S. (1988) Larry G. Smith, D.D.S. (1980) Denny W. Southard, D.D.S. (1981) Gregory W. Stewart, D.D.S. (2018) Dan Strom, D.D.S. (1976) Steven M. Sullivan, D.D.S. (1988-Oral Surgery) Jeanne C. Sutton, D.M.D. Robert L. Talley, D.D.S. Paul S. Tiwana, D.D.S. Michael J. Toole, D.D.S. (2004) Phoebe L. Vaughan, D.D.S. (2011) W. Scott Waugh, D.D.S. Robert P. Webb III, D.D.S. (1980) Mori K. White, D.D.S. (1992) Don Whitsett, D.D.S. Daniel J. Wilguess, D.D.S. (2000) Ronald L. Winder, D.D.S. Donal R. Woodward, D.D.S. (1984) Moses Yang, D.D.S. (2011) James R Yeary D.D.S. (1985) Stephen K. Young, D.D.S.

Fellow

William J. Blum, D.D.S. (1983) John C. Clayton, D.D.S. (1978) Larry J. Coggins, D.D.S. (1976) Jeffrey C. Danner, D.D.S. (2001) Nha T. Duong, D.D.S. (2002) Kay C. Gerety Mirinda R. Hyde Katherine Kelly, D.D.S. (1999-Ortho) Megan C. Louk Kevin E. Miller, D.D.S. (2001) Julie M. Nickel, R.D.H. (1995) Mostafa Norooz, D.D.S. (1995) Richard M. Oakley, D.D.S. Bruce K. Reeder, D.D.S. (1993) Erin K. Roberts, D.D.S. (2001) Michael D. Rohrer, D.D.S. Robert Drew Schick, D.D.S. (1998) Richard R. Seals, Jr., D.D.S. (1979) & Dianna J. Seals, R.D.H. (1981) Jeff Shadid, D.D.S. (1985) Michael R. Stephens, D.D.S. (2001)

Jackson L. Sullivan, D.D.S. (1995) Paul E. Thomas, D.D.S. (1978) Matthew J. Walls, D.D.S. (1998) Kendra H Yandell D.D.S. (2008)

Affiliate

Lauren K. Avery, D.D.S. (2006) Carolyn M. Caudle, D.D.S. (2001) Richard N. Corwin, D.D.S. (1976) Bryan Chrz, D.D.S. (1978) Darrell W. Daugherty, D.D.S. (1998) Michael L. Engelbrecht, D.D.S. (1995) James H. Everest Family Trust J. Michael Fergason, D.D.S. (1997) Kimberly A. Firey, D.D.S. (1996) Robert A. Gruenberg, D.D.S. (1984) Wallace G. Haskett, D.D.S. (1977) Jeremy Scott Johnson, D.D.S. (2006) Larry J. Lavelett, D.D.S. (1987) Charles A. McQuigg, D.D.S. (1986) Rick Miller, D.D.S. (1988) Vincent E. Montgomery, M.D. Jana K. Oister, D.D.S. (1994) Steven D. Pracht, D.D.S. (1980) Donald W. Schiess, D.D.S. (1989) Rebecca W. Schiller, R.D.H. (1996) Ronald T. Smith, D.D.S. (1981) Brent Spear, D.D.S. (2001) Leslie Tevebaugh, D.D.S. (1999) James S. Torchia, D.D.S. Mark J. Webster, D.D.S. (1997)

Patron

Errol J. Allison, D.D.S. (1988) Jack B. Austerman, D.D.S. Marsha Wilkes Beatty Carol M. Blossfeld, D.D.S. (1996) Brandon R. Bowers, D.D.S. (1976) Russell E. Coatney, D.D.S. (1985) Bruce S. Dieterlen, D.D.S. Michael P. Fauks, D.D.S. Casey G. Fishburn, D.M.D. Neil M. Glass, M.D. Michael D. Hampton, D.D.S. (1983) Terry G. Haney, D.D.S. (1980) David J. Harrell, D.D.S. (1980) Autumn G. Hurd, D.D.S. (1999) Rodney M. Hutchins, D.D.S. (1981) Mickey Kern Robert J. Livingston, D.D.S. Pamela G. Low, D.D.S. Anita Naik Madhav, D.D.S. (1994)

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ANNOUNCEMENTS // 2021

David O. Marks, D.D.S. Mark K. McAlister, D.D.S. (1981) Donna K. McCampbell Alan R. McDonald, D.D.S. (1983) Roley D. McIntosh, D.D.S. (1979) David C. Mier, D.D.S. R. Keith Montgomery, D.D.S. (1984) Golnaz Naghdi, D.D.S. (2007) Joseph A. Narde, D.D.S. (1989) Drake K. Nick, D.D.S. (2004) Wesley E. Nipper, D.D.S. (1993) David R. Reiter, D.D.S. (1991) Rodney K. Rhodes, D.D.S. (1988) T. Kent Scoggin, D.D.S. (1985) Steven R. Scott, D.D.S. (1980) Jesse D. Storts, Jr. D.D.S. (1984) David F. Tate Heather M. Thompson, M.D. Charles R. Tucker, D.D.S. Phil J. Tyree, D.D.S. (1976) Bryan J. VanOven, D.D.S. (2003) Shyler D. Vincent, D.D.S. (2009) Tonie M. Waller, D.D.S. Max Wilson, D.D.S. Gregory B. Wright, D.D.S. (1988) Trent W. Yadon, D.D.S. (1987)

Donor

Mark J. Allen, D.D.S. (1982) Jeannie M. Bath, D.D.S. (2000) Jeremy J. Bueckers Laurie E. Cunningham, R.D.H. Michael L. Dial, D.D.S. (1987) Francis DiCarlo, R.D.H. (1997) Erin L. Duncan, R.D.H. (1997) Caytlin Eidson Tammie L. Golden, R.D.H. E. Vann Greer, D.D.S. Abbie L. Gustafson, R.D.H. (2004) Kayla Harp Karel M. Ludwig, R.D.H. (2003) Shahryar Nemovi, D.D.S. (2015) Ronda G. O’Daniel, R.D.H. (1978) Lydia L. Snyder, R.D.H. Jawad Syed Staci P. Wekenborg, R.D.H. (1992) Sonora Zukerman

ANNOUNCEMENTS // 2021

Special Funds Gift Giving In addition to recognizing donors to our annual giving society, the college would like to thank all of the individuals, organizations and companies that have played an instrumental role in founding and supporting these special funds. The following is a list of those who have made contributions during the past fiscal year (July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019). Alliance to the Oklahoma Dental Association Scholarship Oklahoma County Dental Society Carol Jane Shadid Memorial Scholarship Ralph O. Shadid, M.D. and Marjorie T. Shadid Class of 1987 Endowed Scholarship Susan R. Davis, D.D.S. (1987) College of Dentistry Indigent Care Fund Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation Community-Based Dental Education Program Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation

Dean’s Support Fund Sam Austin Elizabeth M. Bennie Laurie E. Cunningham, R.D.H. David W. Dembinski Jennifer D. Dinh Julie G. Ehrhart Ronald Faram Mark C. Faulkner, D.D.S. (1997) Heartland Dental Just 4 Grins Julie D. Mowdy Karen Nichols Ayman N. Paracha Raman Saha Courtney Schweinsberg Paul S. Wood Delta Dental Scholarship Fund Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation Donald L. Mitchell Excellence in Prosthodontics Award Donald L. Mitchell, D.D.S. Dr. Raleigh Holt, Jr., Scholarship Ashley P. Holt Elaine T. Holt Brant P. Rouse, D.D.S. (2004) Lewis R. Wayt, D.D.S. (2002) Dr. Ronald and Barbara Winder Scholarship Ronald L. Winder, D.D.S. and Barbara R. Winder

There’s still time to make a contribution to the current 2021 Campaign, which runs through June 30. If you would like to make a gift, or if you have a question about your current Dean’s Circle membership, please contact Taylor Lingle, Director of Advancement, at (405) 271-2878, or email Taylor-Lingle@ouhsc.edu Or you can give online at dentistry.ouhsc.edu/JDR Campaign run on a fiscal year. All gifts to the J. Dean Robertson Society made during July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021 will be published in the next issue of OU Dentistry.

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Graduate Alumni Support Fund in Orthodontics Rachel R. Hardinger, D.D.S. (2009-Ortho) Mark H. Holt, D.D.S. (1989-Ortho) Larson R. Keso, D.D.S. Stephen F. Snodell, D.D.S. (1991-Ortho) Mark D. Unruh, D.D.S. (1997-Ortho) Graduate Periodontics Support Fund Aloysio G. Junqueira, D.D.S. (2003) J. Mark Felton Graduate Orthodontic Travel Fund Gayle Glenn E. Vann Greer, D.D.S. Onur Kadioglu, D.D.S. Oklahoma Orthodontic Society Jerome B. Miller Family Foundation Scholarship Jerome B. Miller Family Foundation Kurtis Barton Memorial Scholarship Tabitha L. Arias, D.D.S. (2017) Chris Barton Ginger Barton Matthew L. Bridges, D.D.S. (2017) Kasey R. Gillespie, D.D.S. (2017) Jennifer T. Quan Legacy Project: Capital Improvements R. Todd Boone, D.D.S. (1987) C. Todd Bridges, D.D.S. (1995) Nathan K. Brown, D.D.S. (2007) S. Kelly Brown, D.D.S. (1976) Matthew E. Cohlmia, D.D.S. (1991) Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S. (1988) Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation Twana Farley-Duncan, D.D.S. (1991) Edward E. Harroz, III, D.D.S. (2007) Mathew D. Hookom, D.D.S. (2009) David F. Nittler, D.D.S. (1980) & Betty J. Nittler Oklahoma Dental Group Practice Scholarship American Dental Partners Foundation Avish A. Haria, D.D.S. (2002)

Orthodontic Dental Clinic Renovation Fund Tarisai C. Dandajena, D.D.S. (2001) Brent Shannon Dobson, D.D.S. (2006-Ortho) Jay Ghosh, D.D.S. (1993-Ortho) Robert J. Herman, D.D.S. (2004-Ortho) Jeffery A. Housley, D.D.S. (2002-Ortho) Gregory W. Hubbard, D.D.S. (1992-Ortho) Larson R. Keso, D.D.S. Michael J. Kierl, D.D.S. (1989-Ortho) Cal F. Martin, D.D.S. (2013-Orthho) Robert M. Merrill, D.D.S. (1990-Ortho) John J. Morozuk Alejandro Romero-Delmastro, D.D.S. Steven M. Sullivan, D.D.S. Mark D. Unruh, D.D.S. (1997-Ortho) Pediatric Dental Clinic Renovation Fund Twana D. Farley-Duncan, D.D.S. (1991) Reichmann-Staples Chair in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery William M. Croom, D.D.S. Geistlich Pharma North America, Inc. Thomas M. Rogers, D.D.S. (2005) Straumann Russell J. Stratton Scholarship Russell J. Stratton, D.D.S.

Tulsa County Dental Society Endowed Scholarship Alexander & Strunk, Inc. Mark A. Andregg, D.D.S. (1989) Apex Endodontics Burkhart Dental Supply Cooper & Chockley Orthodontics Delta Dental of Oklahoma Eastern Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons First Oklahoma Bank Todd A. Gentling, D.D.S. (2003) Jerry, L. Greer, D.D.S. Green Country Endodontics James W. Hackler, D.D.S. Christopher R. Mastin, D.D.S. (2003) Nicole N. McCollam Kenner Misner, D.S.D. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery PLC Platinum Dental Group, LLC Lindsay A. Smith, D.D.S. (2004) Tulsa County Dental Society Scott W. Wagner, D.D.S. (1997) Mark E. Whitney, D.D.S. Justin M. Young, D.D.S. (2016) William J. Blum, D.D.S. Missions Scholarship William J. Blum, D.D.S. (1983) William N. Flesher Memorial Fund Quintero Orthodontics

Scientific Day Award American College of Prosthodontists Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation John J. Dmytryk, D.M.D. Fernando L. Esteban Florez Oklahoma Association of Women Dentists Oklahoma County Dental Association Oklahoma Dental Association Oklahoma Dental Hygienists Association Oklahoma Orthodontic Society Oklahoma Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Omicron Kappa Upsilon Student American Dental Hygiene Association

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CL ASS NOTES // 2021

ANNOUNCEMENTS // 2021

Class Notes

In Memoriam Edward Dehan, D.M.D.

Dr. Edward T. Dehan passed away peacefully on Aug. 9, 2020, at the age of 96, one month shy of his 97 birthday. Dr. Dehan served more than 26 years in the U.S. Army Air Corps during the Second World War, retiring with the rank of colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Upon his retirement in 1979, Dr. Dehan joined the faculty at the college, where he was the assistant dean for clinical affairs from October 1979 to December 1988. Dr. Dehan was an alumnus of Boston University and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He earned his post-doctoral master of science degree from The Ohio State University in prosthetic dentistry. He enjoyed serving his community, traveling Europe and music.

James Torchia, D.D.S.

Dr. James S. Torchia passed away on Jan. 7, 2021. Dr. Torchia was a pillar of the Tulsa dental community, practicing orthodontics for more nearly five decades before retiring in 2008. Dr. Torchia earned his undergraduate degree from Kansas State Teachers College in 1954. He then attended the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry, graduating in 1957. He then went on graduate with a degree in orthodontics in 1959. Dr. Torchia was dedicated to the advancement of the dental profession, serving as president of the Oklahoma Orthodontic Society, the Tulsa County Dental Society and the Oklahoma Dental Association. He also served as a delegate to the American Dental Association. He loved OU football, fishing and traveling the world with his wife, Bootsey.

20 14 Dr. Lauren Storts - DDS Graduate

Gregory Tull, D.M.D.

Dr. Travis (Class of 2015) and Dr. Lauren Storts celebrated the arrival of their son, Christopher Lane Storts, on July 24, 2020.

20 17 Dr. Kasey Gillespie - DDS Graduate Dr. Kasey Gillespie purchased a growing and expanding dental practice in May 2019 in Silverdale, Washington. He still claims to be an Okie at heart, though! Dr. Gillespie also hiked Half Dome in Yosemite National Park in July 2020.

20 19 40

Dr. Carlee Holland - DDS Graduate Dr. Carlee Holland and her husband, Casey, welcomed their first child, Cohen, on August 26. Dr. Holland is a 2019 graduate with an office in Winnsboro, Texas.

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Dr. Gregory Tull passed away in Jan. 2021 due to an unexpected cardiac event. He was aclinical professor and associate co-director in the Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Tull joined the faculty on June 1, 2018 . “Dr. Tull was a bright spot in our department,” said Dr. Steven M. Sullivan, professor and chair in the Department of Surgical Sciences. “His enthusiasm, love for the specialty and love for teaching our students and residents made it a pleasure for him to be a colleague to the faculty and a mentor to the students. It was easy to see the passion he had for teaching by observing everything he did for the college. Dr. Tull will be greatly missed, but his spirit will live on as we will continue to include his contributions in the teaching of our residents and dental students.” Dr. Raymond A Cohlmia, dean of the OU College of Dentistry said, “Dr. Tull was a gift to the College, our residents and students, and above all, our profession. We will miss Dr. Tull very much, but his legacy and presence at the college will continue for many years to come.” In his free time, Dr. Tull enjoyed sporting events and spending time with his daughter.

Curtis Phillip “Phil” Cunningham, D.D.S.

Dr. Curtis P. Cunningham passed away at the age of 75 on Feb. 21, 2021, surrounded by loving family members. Dr. Cunningham was a faculty member at the college from 2013-2018 where he served in numerous roles. Dr. Cunningham was born and raised in Clinton, OK, where he was active in Boy Scouts and in other aspects of the community. He later attended Oklahoma State University. After earning his undergraduate degree, he moved to Memphis, TN to earn his doctor of dental surgery degree at the University of Tennessee. There, he met his wife, Madeleine, with whom he had three children. Dr. Cunningham was an active member of his church and loved OU football. Dr. Raymond Cohlmia, dean of the college said, “Dr. Cunningham had a quiet, kind, and calming presence and we were all fortunate to have known him.”

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ANNOUNCEMENTS // 2021

half year period. Dr. Frans Currier, David Ross Boyd Professor Emeritus and past chair of orthodontics, was friend and colleague of Dr. Mathewson. Dr. Currier said, “the dental students who graduated during his period of leadership from the early 1970s into the middle 1990s were fortunate. The building blocks were established early with a sound foundation due to this fine gentleman.” Clinical Professor Dr. Jim Murtaugh has been a part-time faculty member in pediatric dentistry since 1974 and had a long working relationship with Dr. Mathewson. “As founding chair, Dick was able to secure lecture, laboratory and clinic time in the curriculum to assure student exposure to and experience with all aspects of pediatric dentistry. Relying on many years of clinical practice and teaching pre- and post-doctoral students, he was able to craft a comprehensive undergraduate program unrivaled at any school in the country. His goal was a graduate capable of rendering 80% of the services specialists provide,” Dr. Murtaugh said.

Remembering Professor Emeritus Richard J. Mathewson (1934-2020) First Chair of Pediatric Dentistry & Founding Faculty at the College By Tim Fagan D.D.S., M.S. Chair, Department of Developmental Sciences Division Head, Pediatric Dentistry “Dr. Mathewson was very instrumental in my education here at the college and was a mentor to me and many others. He was a great faculty member and exceptional leader at the college, and he created much of the foundation that has afforded us the outstanding reputation of the college.” These are the words of Raymond Cohlmia, D.D.S., dean of the college, describing Professor Emeritus Richard J. Mathewson D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D, the first chairperson of pediatric dentistry of the college and one of the original founding faculty members of the school, who passed away Dec. 3, 2020. I had the distinct opportunity and pleasure to be both a student and a faculty member during Dr. Mathewson’s tenure at the school. Those who knew Dr. Mathewson

would tell you that he was a gifted instructor, lecturer, clinician, researcher, writer, fly fisherman, colleague and friend. His passing leaves a void in the dental community, and for many of us, a void in our hearts. During the 1970 and ‘80s, Dr. Mathewson, along with Dr. Dean Robertson, Dr. Robert Primosch and Dr. Bill Waggoner, created one of the strongest pre-doctoral pediatric dental curriculums based on the concept of providing total patient care to pediatric patients. Many dental schools at the time taught children’s dentistry to dental students via a “once-a-semester weekly clinical rotation.” On the other hand, OU dental students were given the unique opportunity of being assigned pediatric patients as early as the second semester of their second year. At that time they became responsible for managing and providing all the pediatric and most of the orthodontic dental care those patients needed until the dental student graduated. This concept allows students to follow their pediatric patients’ growth and development and the outcomes of the care they have rendered over a two and a

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Under Dr. Mathewson’s stewardship, graduating classes at the college often voted pediatric dentistry the best department and many of the faculty, including Dr. Mathewson, were recognized as the best instructor. In recognition of his accomplishments in exceptional instruction and leadership, Dr. Mathewson was the recipient of the 1987 OU Regents’ Award for Superior Teaching. I sincerely believe that one of the greatest gifts that Dr. Mathewson’s tenure has left us is the Pediatric Dentistry Honors Program. Founded in 1976, this program invites senior dental students who have excelled in pediatric dentistry the opportunity of being assigned a complex pediatric restorative patient to treat. Students document the results of that care and present at the MathewsonRobertson Honors Day held in conjunction with the Oklahoma Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s annual meeting. A substantial cash award is given to the case presentation deemed best presentation by a panel of pediatric dentists at the meeting. The honor students also help serve as instructors in the sophomore pediatric dentistry pre-clinic lab. Over the past 44 years, 353 senior dental students have participated in the honors program, with many of them pursuing pediatric dental specialty training. Dr. Mathewson published articles on a wide range of subjects, including clinical outcomes of various amalgam products in primary teeth; dentistry for special needs patients; foreign bodies detected by panoramic radiographs; and the use of micronized barium sulfate in

self-curing acrylic resins to make them radiopaque. I had the opportunity early in my career to collaborate with Dr. Mathewson on the very first cost survey of U.S. practicing pediatric dentists published by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry on fees charged by pediatric dentists on state, regional and national levels, and associated office overhead costs. Because of his private practice and academic background and skill with statistical analysis, I found him to be an excellent collaborator on this project. In addition to being an accomplished author of dental articles, he was the author of a non-dental book titled William Mathewson: The Original Buffalo Bill published in 2013. Another one of Dr. Mathewson’s great legacies is his significant contribution to the body of pediatric dentistry literature and knowledge through his co-authorship in 1987 with Bob Primosch, Dean Robertson and Jack Morrison of the very popular textbook Fundamentals of Pediatric Dentistry. This widely purchased text provides step-bystep guidelines for all phases of pediatric dentistry. It has been used by many U.S. and international dental schools in both pre- and post-doctoral pediatric dentistry curriculums. Published in 1995, it is still considered one of the best “how to” clinical technique books on restorative pediatric dentistry. Dr. Roger Sanger, a pediatric dentist, educator and friend of Dr. Mathewson, summed it up the best: “He was a true legend and will be missed by a lot of people. He is in a better place with his wit and charm restored.” Although he is no longer physically present, Dr. Mathewson’s presence is still felt. The principles established by him guide our division and are the core of what we have taught to countless dental students over the years. Dr. Mathewson’s legacy continues today, and his guiding principles will live on through the foreseeable future.

“He was very instrumental in my education here at the college and a mentor to me, as well as many others. He was a great faculty member and exceptional leader at the college, and he created much of the foundation that has afforded us the outstanding reputation of the college.”

Raymond Cohlmia, D.D.S. OU College of Dentistry Dean

Th e U n i v e r s i t y o f O k l a h o m a C o l l e g e o f D e n t i s t r y / 2 0 21 M a g a z i n e

CONTINUING EDUCATION // 2021

Upcoming 2021 CE Courses Review of Panoramic and Cone Beam CT Technique and Interpretation Friday, June 4 Webinar Presented by: Farah Masood, D.D.S. Credits: 3 hours

Bench Test Preparatory Course August 9 – 13 In-person Registration now open!

The OU College of Dentistry is proud to offer a Bench Test Preparatory Course. This week-long course is designed for international dentists who desire instruction in fixed prosthodontics, operative dentistry and removable prosthodontics. This course will explore concepts and procedures required by most U.S. dental schools as part of the admissions process. Program Highlights Include: • Low faculty-to-student ratio • Mock bench test • Detailed review of your results

Prosthetic Considerations for Full Arch Implant Supported Prosthesis - Optimizing Workflow, Occlusal Considerations & Material Selection Tuesday, June 15 Webinar Presented by: Niranjan Joshi, B.D.S., M.D.S., M.S. Credits: 1 hour

Digital Dentistry Study Club Sessions

Saturday, June 26; Saturday, November 6 Webinar Presented by: Yacoub Al Sakka, D.D.S. Credits: 3 hours each session, 12 total

*NOTE: This course is not a prerequisite nor does it guarantee admission to any dental school. View more information and register online at: https://dentistry.ouhsc.edu/OUBenchTestPrep

Upcoming 2022 CE Courses Residency in Implant Dentistry – Registration Now Open The college is pleased to offer a Residency in Implant Dentistry. This hands-on, comprehensive, year-long course will provide course attendees with the knowledge, understanding and skill sets to immediately incorporate implant dentistry into their practice. Module I: January 28-30 Module II: March 18-20 Module III: April 22-24 Module IV: June 24-26

Reminder: CE Credit hours are due to the Board of Dentistry by June 30, 2021. • Dentist - Will need to complete 40 hrs instead of the previously needed 60 hrs. Below are required: » 2 hrs of Opioid » CPR » Ethics • Hygienist - Will need to complete 20 hrs instead of the previously needed 30 hrs. Below are required: » CPR » Ethics

Module V: July 15-17 For more information, or to register for classes visit:

http://bit.ly/OUDentistryCE

Th e U n i v e r s i t y o f O k l a h o m a C o l l e g e o f D e n t i s t r y / 2 0 21 M a g a z i n e

HOW TO CONTACT US University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry 1201 N. Stonewall Ave. | Oklahoma City DentistryAlumni@ouhsc.edu Dentistry.ouhsc.edu MEGAN LOUK Director of Alumni and External Affairs Oversees the office of Alumni and External Affairs. Manages alumni relations, corporate partnerships, public relations and outreach for the college. (405) 271-4380 Megan-Louk@ouhsc.edu TAYLOR LINGLE Director of Advancement Oversees all donor relations and fundraising efforts for the college, including the J. Dean Robertson Society. (405) 271-2878 Taylor-Lingle@ouhsc.edu DEANNA FOSTER Manager of Continuing Education Oversees the Office of Continuing Education. (405) 271-4050 Deanna-Foster@ouhsc.edu KAYLA HARP Horizon Partner Coordinator & Events Specialist Oversees corporate partnerships through the Horizon Partner Program and plans special events such as Alumni Weekend and the Dean’s Circle Dinner, among others. (405) 271-3433 Kayla-Harp@ouhsc.edu CAROLINE ROACH Communications Coordinator Oversees the college’s communications efforts, including social media and monthly alumni eNewsletters.

The content of this magazine do not necessarily represent the opinions, views, interests or concerns of the University of Oklahoma. The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its educational services. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies may be directed to: Bobby J. Mason, Intitutional Equity Officer, 405-325-3546, bjm@ou.edu, or visit www.ou.edu/eoo. 4,000 copies of this publication have been prepared and distributed at no cost to the taxpayers of the State of Oklahoma. OU Dentistry is published once a year by the J. Dean Roberson Society and the OU College of Dentistry. PLEASE ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: 1201 N. Stonewall Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1214

(405)271-5444 Caroline-Roach@ouhsc.edu @OUDentistry

@OUCOLLEGEofDENTISTRY

@OU_Dentistry

Non-Profit Organization

PERMIT #220 University of Oklahoma

1201 N. Stonewall Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1214

Th e U n i v e r s i t y o f O k l a h o m a C o l l e g e o f D e n t i s t r y / 2 0 21 M a g a z i n e