2021 Perspectives Magazine

O F

K E N T U C K Y

C O L L E G E

O F

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

D E N T I S T R Y

2021 ANNUAL MAGAZINE

U N I V E R S I T Y

s e v i t c e p s r Pe DENTISTRY.UKY.EDU

1

TA BLE O F CONT ENT S

TABLE OF CONTENTS Dean Dr. Jeffrey Okeson

04

C OL L E GE NE WS

Editorial Board

13

TA K I NG K A RE T O PAT I E NT S

Linda Epling Ann Jarvis

16

EP I C

19

AL UMNI NE WS

Contributing Writers

28

ST UDE NT NE WS

30

SCHOL A RS HI P S & AWA RDS

Linda Epling Ann Jarvis

Photos Pete Comparoni Libby Charlton Ann Jarvis

Art Direction & Design

OUR MISSION Through leadership in education, patient care, discovery, and community engagement, we aim to advance oral and general health in Kentucky and beyond. We are committed to cultivating a humanistic environment that appreciates and respects the diversity of thought, culture, and experiences of all members of our community.

Honey Creative

Archives dentistry.uky.edu/perspectives Questions About the Magazine Ann Jarvis, 859-323-6526 ann.jarvis@uky.edu

UKCD Alumni Engagement Ryan Vicini, 859-323-6676 rivici2@uky.edu

2

College of Dentistry Philanthropy Linda Epling, 859.323.6918 linda.epling@uky.edu

Dental Practice Opportunities Share your listings at dentistry.uky.edu/opening.

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

Dear Alumni and Friends, Greetings. I hope you are reading this while enjoying your fall with some down time to spend with family and friends. I know many of us enjoyed the chance to travel again after having our travel plans on hold in 2020. As I type this letter, there is some uncertainty creeping back in the air since the Delta variant has caused Covid numbers to be on the rise once again. The Alumni Association will definitely keep you updated on any change in upcoming event plans.

On the heels on this year’s annual golf scramble—thank you to our sponsors and all who attended—our Fall Symposium is approaching. It will be a little different than past years because Keeneland will not be opening the same weekend. Thus, after the CE Courses on Friday morning, we are planning on having options for you to tour some nearby horse farms or take a trip to a local distillery. We know it is not Keeneland but should still be a fun way to spend an afternoon in Lexington. That night, we will have our reception at Kroger Field and will honor last year’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year winners, Drs. Dennis Stuckey and Craig Miller, as well as this year’s winners, Drs. Ted Raybould and Joseph O’Neil. Then on Saturday, we are going to have tailgating outside UKCD, so alumni can tour the school before heading over to watch the Wildcats beat the Gators. If you haven’t already, please make plans to be in Lexington for this fun filled weekend.

Barrels and Kegs is scheduled for Friday, February 4, 2022. After a year hiatus, we anticipate the tasting and silent auction to break previous attendance records. This event is our biggest of the year with well over 300 alumni and students in attendance. It is always a great place for networking and many laughs can be heard around the room as old friends catch up and share memories. Please put this date on your calendar and plan on joining us in Lexington to support the return of this event.

Your UKCD Alumni Association Board has continued to meet quarterly over the past year to help plan events, select award and scholarship winners, and discuss ways to continue to improve your alumni experience. Our board continues to grow in numbers, and we would love to have more of you join us as board members. If you have an interest, please contact our Director of Alumni Engagement, Ryan Vicini (rlvici2@uky.edu) so he can get you on the election slate. I hope to see you all at this year’s events. Until then, please stay safe, stay healthy, and keep saving the world one tooth at a time!

Thanks, Cliff Lowdenback, DMD, MSD UKCD Alumni Association President UKCD Class of 2003

Continuing Dental Education Visit dentistry.uky.edu/ce.

Perspectives is published annually by the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

An Equal Opportunity University

3

COLLE GE NEWS

COLLEGE NEWS 4

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

Division Highlights Department of Oral Health Practice Chair: Dr. Robert Frazier

at UKCD, demonstrated the greatest growth in both knowledge and clinical ability during that time, and has

Comprehensive Care

continually shown a high

Like other divisions, faculty and staff

and respect to faculty, staff,

in Comprehensive Care have spent a great deal of time focusing on training on and implanting the Epic electronic

degree of professionalism students, and patients while delivering endodontic care.

health record in clinic. This group had the

Since its inception in 2019, five

added challenge of ensuring students in

participants have completed the

the class of 2022, 2023, and 2024 were

one-year UKCD Endodontic Scholars

prepared for the change as well. Read

offering, gaining more familiarity and

more on page 16.

knowledge with advanced procedures

Division chief, Dr.

Emily Winfrey, was invited to serve on the

in endodontic therapy.

Periodontology Dr. Dolphus R. Dawson III was selected as the recipient of the prestigious American Academy of Periodontology award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring in Periodontics. This

For his 40 years of service to the college

award honors periodontics faculty who

as part-time endodontic faculty, Dr.

have demonstrated a commitment to

Epic Dentistry Steering

Paul Wehrman (pictured below) was

excellence in providing education on the

Board. Read more on

acknowledged during a recent division

full scope of periodontics and conveys

page 16

event. Dr. Wehrman earned his DMD

that enthusiasm to students.

Dr. Cheryl Pearson retired from the college at the end of August 2021.

from UKCD in 1973 and a certificate in endodontics from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dentistry in 1978.

Endodontics

Dr. Craig Miller continues work on a three-year project

Class of 2021 graduate, Dr. Matt

selected by the

Hudzinski was the inaugural recipient

Robert Wood Johnson

of division’s Golden File Endodontic

Foundation to address

Award. This award was established

children’s health challenges in Casey

to honor a DMD student who has

County, Kentucky. After capturing the

demonstrated excellence in clinical and

community’s input on what they feel

didactic endodontics. The award will

is important to establish a ‘Culture of

be given annually to a senior student

Health’ and improve the health of local

who has shown a noticeable interest in endodontics throughout their time

Oral Medicine

Dr. Wehrman (right) with Dean Okeson.

children, the team will meet with the

5

COLLE GE NEWS

teachers of Walnut Hill Elementary to discuss the next phase of the effort, which

Prosthodontic Dr. Ahmad Kutkut

will focus on implementing brief, regular,

was named Chief

and integrated activities that reinforce the

of the Division of

importance of health and healthy living.

Drs. Craig Miller and Marcia Rojas-

Ramírez received funding for a research project via UK’s Igniting Research Collaborative Projects effort—partnering with the UK College of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Public Health on “Opioid Prescribing in Dentistry: Building and

Prosthodontics. Dr.

Dr. Melvyn Yeoh was

Kutkut began teaching

promoted to associate

at UKCD in 2011, and

professor with tenure in the special title series.

member of ADEA, ITI, ACP, ICOI, and

Grant support of the

IAP. Presently he is a reviewer for many

Eradicate Oral Cancer in

scientific journals, including the Journal

Eastern Kentucky project, overseen by Dr.

of Prosthodontics, and Journal of

Yeoh, has been extended for additional

Oral Implantology.

year by the United Health Foundation.

Dr. Anastasia

Provider Behavior.”

Katsavochristou was

Congratulations to Dr.

invited to serve as one

becoming board certified

for an upcoming issue of

Thamer Musbah on

of Orofacial Pain and the American Board of Oral Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Musbah was named president of the Kentucky Sleep Society in December.

Dr. Galal Omami was promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure in the Special Title Series.

a UKCD Class of ’68 Fund award—an award given annually to a junior faculty member

Restorative

to support continuing education, After a national search, Dr. Stephen Sterlitz

research, professional membership dues, or other faculty professional development

was named Chief of the

activities.

Division of Restorative

Dr. Kyle Kirk, assistant professor, joined

Dentistry. Dr. Sterlitz most recently comes from the University of Michigan’s

served as the AEGD program director at

members selected for

Dr. Paula Caskey, assistant professor,

the division as part-time faculty.

Orthodontics Dr. Cynthia Beeman was promoted to Full Professor with Tenure in the Regular Title Series.

joined the division as part-time faculty.

Dr. Mansfield Dixon, assistant professor,

Former resident, Dr. Shelby Sheeran,

given annually to a junior faculty member

joined the division as part-time faculty.

‘21, placed second out of 40 participants

to support continuing education, research,

Dr. Dejon Graves, assistant professor,

the 2021 AAO William R. Proffit Resident

joined the division as full-time faculty.

Scholar Award program. Dr. Sheeran’s

professional membership dues or other faculty professional development.

Dr. Sierra Nunn, assistant professor, joined the division as part-time faculty.

6

members selected for Faculty Development

the Naval Medical Center in San Diego.

Fund award—an award

was one of two faculty

joined the division as part-time faculty.

was one of two faculty

Faculty Development

Dr. Kelly Dingrando

Dr. Raegan St. Denis, assistant professor,

Science and Endodontics. Previously, he

a UKCD Class of ’68

Pediatric

Crystals (ISSN 2073-4352).

Department of Cariology, Restorative

Dr. Marcia Rojas-Ramírez

Read more on page 11.

of several guest editors

in Orofacial Pain. He is both the American Board

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

earned tenure in 2017. He is an active

Implementing a Framework to Nudge

now board certified by

Department of Oral Health Science

in the Clinical Research Category of

research was titled: The validity of a user-friendly three-dimensional voxel-

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

based maxillary superimposition. Dr.

Oral Pathology Dr. Ashley Clark was

Mohamed Bazina served

named chief of the

as research mentor and chair of Dr. Sheeran’s research committee. Drs. James Hartsfield and Galal Omami also served on Dr. Sheeran’s committee and

Other Dr. Octavio Gonzalez received funding for two

division starting in July

research projects via

2021. Additionally, Dr.

UK’s Igniting Research

Clark was selected to

Collaborative Projects

serve as a member of

effort—partnering with

the Advisory Board of the Oral Cancer

the UK College of Pharmacy on “Anti-

Cause, and inducted as a Fellow into the

inflammatory and gingival absorption

Former resident, Dr. Divakar Karanth,

American College of Dentists during their

properties of a new mPGES-1 inhibitor”

‘20, presented 3D Printed Resorbable

annual meeting.

and with the UK College of Engineering

helped with her research.

Scaffold for Bone Regeneration (CoAuthors: Drs. Lina Sharab, Dolph

Public Health

Dawson, and Howard Roberts) at the

Dr. Pam VanArsdall

Southern Association of Orthodontists

rejoined the college in

Virtual Meeting 2020. The presentation

2019 to serve as the

received first place in the research

Director of Education for

presentation category.

Orofacial Pain Dr. Fernanda Yanez Regonesi, assistant

the college’s Eradicate Oral Cancer in Eastern Kentucky grant. In March 2021, Dr. VanArsdall accepted the position of Chief of Division of Public Health. Dr.

professor, joined the

VanArsdall is a UKCD graduate and

division as full-time

practiced general dentistry for 13 years

faculty.

prior to previously teaching at both the

Dr. Ian Boggero was named a DREAM Scholar. The DREAM Scholars Program is a

UK College of Dentistry and College of Medicine.

Congratulations to Dr. Andrea Little on being named director of the fixed dental

on “Bactericidal and anti-inflammatory nanoparticles for periodontal disease.”

Dr. Luciana Shaddox was selected to be a participant of the 2021 class of AADR Fellows.

The AADR Fellows Program is designed to recognize leaders who have achieved research excellence and have served AADR throughout their careers. Dr. Shaddox was also invited to serve as a member of the Special Grants Review Committee of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research for a four-year term. This group is charged with providing a primary review of grant applications and contract proposals for

clinic in Hazard.

special research programs.

of Nursing, and the UK Center for Health

Dr. Nancy Rigdon, assistant professor,

Post-doctoral scholar Dr. Rubelisa

Equity Transformation. The Disparities

joined the division as part-time faculty.

Candido Gomes De Oliveira was

Drs. Andrew and Tim Cude, joined

Association for Dental Research (AADR)

collaboration of the CCTS, the UK College

Researchers Equalizing Access for Minorities (DREAM) Scholars Program supports the training of exceptional under-represented minority pre-docs, post-docs, and assistant professors who

selected as a mentee in the American

the division as full-time faculty—serving

Mentoring an Inclusive Network for a

in the West Regional Clinic, located in

Diverse Workforce of the Future (AADR

Benton, Kentucky.

MIND the Future) Program.

are committed to health equity research.

Several COVID-related updates to the current orthodontic graduate clinic space ​allowed patient care to reconvene with little to no delay or disruption (pictured at right).

7

COLLE GE NEWS

RESEARCH Day

GAINING VALUABLE INSIGHT In early 2020, the UK College of Dentistry welcomed participants of the UKCD Taskforce on Innovative Dentistry to the college to discuss thoughts on the future of dentistry and how the college might best prepare to support its mission and prepare future dental care providers.

Insights from this group encouraged the creation of a more formal UKCD Advisory

On April 8, 2021, the college held a virtual Research Day event in conjunction

Board which met virtually for the first time

with the UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) Research Day.

in April 2021 to discuss public health

From 20 poster and four oral presentations, below are the day’s results:

efforts in Kentucky.

Graduate Category

Members of the UKCD Advisory Board

•

aiding the college by providing input on

First Place (Tie) – Ryan Garbarino: Reliability of Mixed Dentition Space Analyses in a Hispanic-American Population

•

First Place (Tie) – Shelby Sheeran: The Validity of a User-Friendly 3D VoxelBased Maxillary Superimposition

•

•

Third Place (Oral presentation) – Linda Sangalli: Telehealth Increases

First Place – Emma Boyd: Expression analysis of S100A8 in gingival

Second Place – Sydney Gordon: Evaluation of Anti-microbial and

advice and dynamic perspective, in the field of dentistry and beyond.

Current board membership includes a diverse group composed of dentists, dental equipment companies, a financial organization, and an insurance organization. Members include: • Arthur Mateen, Bein Air USA

Third Place – J. Kim & Elizabeth Le: Correlations Suggesting Periodontal

• Terri Dolan, Dentsply Sirona

Post-doc/Jr Faculty Category First Place – Sreenatha Kirakodu: Oral microbiomes of healthy children & adols. from different racial backgrounds Second Place – Rubelisa Oliveira: Differential Analysis of Inflammatory Mediators between two races.

•

accomplished experts offering innovative

Anti-inflammatory properties of MSNPs

Disease Perpetuates Societal Disadvantages

•

and non-alumni members, selected for to advise the college. Members are

tissues from sPLA2-IIA Transgenic mice

•

is composed of both UKCD graduates

Association Analysis of Genetic Markers with Class II Division 2 Malocclusion

Undergraduate Category

•

for quality improvements. The board

their knowledge, expertise, and ability

Orofacial Pain Clinic

•

strategic direction and actions to take

Second Place (Oral presentation) – Mohamed Adel (Orthodontics):

Access to Treatment for Brief Behavioral Interventions in a Tertiary

•

are active supporters of the college—

Third Place – Courtney Brown: The Kentucky Oral Health Innovation Initiative (KOHII)

• Steve Kess, Henry Schein • Wayne Mortenson, Mortenson Dental Partners • David Shadburne, Park Community Federal Credit Union • Greg White, PepperPointe Partnerships • Charlie Vincent, Straumann • Adam Rich, United Health Group

8

• Allen Stein Bock, Whip Mix Corp

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

KENTUCKY ORAL HEALTH INNOVATION INITIATIVE

A A D O C R K E N T U C K Y FA L L S Y M P O SI UM

College Works to Address Health Disparities via KOHII All too often oral health is overlooked as an essential component of overall health despite evidence of strong associations with a number of systemic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, etc.), as well as mental and emotional health conditions like stress, anxiety and depression, leading to profound impacts in quality of life and limiting employability, self-confidence, and social connections.

In response, and with the aim of addressing health disparities in the Commonwealth by advancing and uplifting the value of oral health, the Kentucky Oral Health Innovation Initiative (KOHII) was launched in 2020. Based in the College of Dentistry, KOHII is a collaborative effort with the UK Colleges of Public

October 20, 2021, 1-6:30 pm UK Spindletop Hall in Lexington, Kentucky In partnership with the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.

Make plans to attend the First Annual AADOCR Kentucky Fall Symposium, Team Science Makes Better Science. Keynote speaker, Dr. Jacques E. Nör will present Therapeutic Targeting of Head and Neck Cancer Stem Cells. Dr. Nör serves as the President-Elect of the American Association for Dental Research and Donald A Kerr Professor of Dentistry at the University of Michigan. Additionally, attendees will hear of innovative projects happening at both UKCD and University of Louisville School of Dentistry while networking with colleagues, faculty, and students.

MORE E V E NT I NF ORMAT I ON A ND ONL I NE RE GI STRATION IS AVA I L A BL E AT DE NT I S T RY. UK Y. E DU/A A DOCRK Y 2021.

Health and Medicine as well as community partners such as the Kentucky Primary Care Association (KPCA).

Kentucky is one of the worst U.S. states in terms of oral and

The reasons behind continued poor oral health, access to care,

overall health and underserved and marginalized groups often

and health disparities need to be further investigated to inform

bear a disproportionate burden of oral disease. Around one in

solutions. KOHII has three strategic areas of work aimed at doing

five low-income adults in Kentucky describe their mouth and

just that:

teeth to be in poor condition and a number of counties report the presence of disparities in oral health care access by race and ethnicity. Despite the expansion of Medicaid with dental coverage as well as an increase in sealant and dental public health programs, poor oral health outcomes and reduced access to care persist in Kentucky. Only 50 percent of children and 20 percent of adults enrolled in Medicaid access dental services.

Also, recent data show that although fewer children lack dental insurance, untreated tooth decay among children in the Commonwealth increased drastically from 2001 to 2016.

• Research and advocacy for increased integration of oral and overall healthcare systems; • Contributing to information systems and research aimed at better understanding areas of oral health vulnerability and resilience in Kentucky communities, and informing solutions for improved and more equitable oral health; and • Developing educational opportunities for current and future members of the dental public health workforce.

To learn more about KOHII and get involved, visit dentistry.uky.edu/KOHII and join our mailing list for information.

Additionally, the KOHII team welcomes the sharing of project ideas, research questions, educational needs, and information about issues and factors impacting oral health in your community—email Courtney Brown at cbrown@uky.edu.

9

COLLE GE NEWS

PEPP-DMD RETURNS IN 2021

T HI S Y E A R’ S PA RT I CI PA NT S REFLECTED ON T HE VA L UE OF T HE OF F E RI N G. “I know that dental school is such a big commitment…how do you know you’ll really like it (being a dentist) until you do it? Coming here, you are just exposed to so many things. I got to talk to so many different practicing dentists…perform a root canal in a simulation lab…it’s just

Following a one-year pause due to the pandemic, in June, the college once again

really hands-on so it gives you so much

welcomed 18 rising college juniors and seniors to its one-week Professional Education

exposure to what dental school and the

Preparation Program - Discover Modern Dentistry (PEPP-DMD) offering.

field will look like and that is invaluable to

PEPP-DMD is a residential summer academic enrichment offering that provides a unique experience through shadowing opportunities in the offices of PEPP alumni, lectures on UK’s campus, and hands-on projects in the college’s dental simulation lab and clinics.

• Recruit high-performing students interested in dentistry from medically underrepresented and served Kentucky counties;

Gibbs of Corbin, Kentucky.

to get to know the hands-on work... when you come to a program like this, you get to be like a real dental

• Recruit diverse students interested in dentistry with regards to socioeconomic status, culture, and ethnic backgrounds;

student.” Although currently focused on entering dental school and becoming a general dentist, McCall Davis of Hazard,

• Foster a community and create a network of dentists on which candidates can rely

• Showcase the technology and innovation at UKCD.

shared PEPP-DMD participant Tristan

“I’ve never had an in-depth experience

The offering aims to:

as mentors; and

someone who is considering dentistry,”

Kentucky, shares her appreciation for the mixture of lectures and dental offices incorporated into PEPP-DMD. “We’ve seen a lot of specialties this week and every single one of them has interested me in a different way.”

The college extends many thanks to the UK Women and Philanthropy Network for providing a $7,000 grant to support this year’s offering. Every year, members of the network vote on programs to support with their pooled funds. Funding was used to support PEPP-DMD participation of UK students interested in dentistry who hail from medically underserved Kentucky counties or from underrepresented, minority populations in healthcare.

10

“It gives you so much exposure to what dental school and the field will look like and that is invaluable to someone who is considering dentistry,”

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

ERADICATE ORAL CANCER IN EASTERN KENTUCKY PROJECT EXPANDS

According to the National Institute of Health, Kentucky has one of the nation’s highest incidences of oral cancer. A project launched in 2019 by the college is working to reverse that trend.

When initially launched, the Eradicate Oral Cancer in Eastern Kentucky project, funded through a $1 million grant from the United Health Foundation, focused on improving outcomes in Harlan, Letcher, and Pike counties. With a one-year extension of the project, Perry, Floyd, and Johnson counties have been added to targeted areas of the state.

Early detection and getting patients into treatment is key to improving survival rates.

To support better health outcomes in Eastern Kentucky, the college has been focused on offering community education, bolstered through outreach events and partnerships.

Project representatives have met with mayors and local government officials to encourage more conversations about oral cancer in the community. They have trained health care providers on how to screen oral cancers and equipped them with literature and resources. Project representatives have attended a variety of community events to provide free screenings and information.

When originally launched, a key goal of the project was to screen 1,000 patients. That goal was quickly surpassed, and has been replaced with a target goal of completing 3,000 screenings.

The pandemic required adjustments to outreach efforts. Pop-up tents at local festivals, churches, and other events were replaced with pre-arranged appointments at local pharmacies, health care clinics, and hospitals. With additional safety precautions in place, efforts to reach 3,000 screenings and spread awareness of the importance of being screened for oral cancer regularly continue.

Funding for the Eradicate Oral Cancer in Eastern Kentucky project has also been used to create and make available two free continuing education courses for healthcare providers. These courses provide information on oral cancer and how to treat tobacco addiction. More information is available at cecentral.com/oralcancer.

11

COLLE GE NEWS

Incorporating digital workflows into the

providing students immediate and

referred to resident clinics in order to best

college’s dental student curriculum and

objective feedback on their work.

support patient care.

patient care is nothing new for UKCD.

Interacting with this software—learning

Faculty and staff have been focused

to manipulate 3D images by rotating,

on exposing students to available

zooming in and out, and reviewing slices

technology and emerging best practices

of the image—lays the groundwork for

for some time now. Even with the

virtual planning software students will

challenges brought on by the COVID-19

engage with in later courses.

pandemic, the college continued to make

students’ digital dentistry experience through a variety of means. Recently, the college added six intraoral scanners of a different model to the DMD Student Clinic floor. With this addition, students will gain

Students continue their exposure to

experience with three types of intraoral

digital as they learn to take alginate

scanners and software—Cerec, Straumann,

“Our role here at the college is to try to

impressions alongside scanning one

and Trios.

incorporate and expose our students to

another, including an intraoral scan

digital dentistry as much as possible. We

of an upper and lower arch and bite.

have been working on incorporating an

Additionally, students engage with

increasing level of technology now for

implant treatment planning software,

over five years,” shares UKCD Assistant

learning to virtually plan a case with a

Dean for Digital Dentistry Dr. Rodrigo

single dental implant with a crown and

Fuentealba.

then a case involving an overdenture

gains throughout 2020 and into 2021.

Students begin their experience with digital tools their first year, using intraoral scanners in the simulation lab starting with a waxing course. Students scan their work and utilize Romexis Compare software to review how closely their wax up matches an “ideal” sample, within a faculty-selected range of tolerance,

with two lower implants, and learn and practice the entire workflow for same-day crowns, from prepping the tooth and designing the case virtually to milling and custom staining the crown—making at least three crowns from start to finish in the simulation lab.

During their third and fourth years, students continue to learn, enhance their skills, and apply what they have practiced in the simulation lab on the clinic floor. The goal is to have each student complete the entire workflow and place at least two dental implants, in easier or more ideal cases, utilizing a surgical guide printed in-house.

More challenging cases are still

12

The college continues to further enrich

As vast improvements have been made in available materials to support 3D milling of dentures and with initial test cases resulting in positive patient outcomes, the college is also working to incorporate teaching and practicing digital workflows to support denture cases into the student curriculum, starting with second-year students. Additionally, planning for testing is underway for 3D printing of same-day interim dentures.

“Ultimately, our goal is to allow students to learn and experience creating a complete denture the conventional way, in a hybrid manner, and to fabricate a denture using an entirely digital workflow,” said Fuentealba.

As the area of digital dentistry continues to evolve, faculty and staff at the college are committed to staying abreast of improvements and introducing new tools and workflows, the latest software, and digital dentistry best practices to students.

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

When asked if he ever imagined his life’s journey taking the course it has, Dr. Kwane Watson (‘99), shares he never anticipated being where he is today— the founder and CEO of Kare Mobile and current president of the American Mobile & Teledentistry Alliance (AMTA).

As the first doctor on either side of his family, Dr. Watson speaks about initially focusing on becoming and serving those in need of care as a dentist—not being a business owner or entrepreneur.

But becoming a business owner and entrepreneur is exactly what he accomplished.

TAKING KARE to Patients Left: Dr. Kwane Watson (‘99), CEO of Kare Mobile

13

TA K E KA RE

“It’s been a journey. It really has.

margins. Dr. Watson also realized that his

Everything I have done prior as an

passion was serving working-class and

entrepreneur and a dentist, from

underserved populations more so than

franchising and the logistics side of my

high-end clientele. Ultimately, he would

medical transportation company and

sell both practices and embark on a path

owning a couple of practices…I took

to something entirely different.

previous experience and incorporated it into this model,” shares Watson speaking of Kare Mobile.

Kentucky, a non-profit oral health provider serving Kentucky’s families

Watson worked as

and Medicaid population, Dr. Watson

an associate in three

gained a clearer view of access issues and

dental practices and

demand for dental care while traveling

provided emergency

between western Kentucky and west end

care at a correctional

Louisville.

It didn’t take long for him to start looking for an opportunity to grow, selecting and taking advantage of an opening to acquire his first practice.

“Practicing in western Kentucky was an eye-opener. You think the west end of Louisville is underserved. I didn’t realize the degree of need in western and eastern Kentucky…how long people have to wait to get an appointment because there are no Medicaid provider available.

The state will pay for patients to be

“Associating one or two

transported to Louisville or Lexington to

days a week in a practice

get emergency services.”

that I was considering acquiring or partnering in allowed me to truly see beyond the numbers—see the culture, the patient mix—and determine how I would tweak the practice as opposed to acquiring it and not having a plan in place,” shares Watson.

14

Director for Community Dental of

Following UKCD, Dr.

facility in the evenings.

“Everything I have done prior as an entrepreneur and a dentist...I took previous experience and incorporated it into this model,”

While working as the State Dental

During this time, Dr. Watson began working on some other efforts, including a medical transportation company and a mobile app to connect dental patients to dentists for same-day treatment— matching availability, the skillset for the needed treatment, insurance, proximity, and more factors. When original plans

Dr. Watson increased his success,

for the app did not come to fruition,

growing the practice he acquired by

Dr. Watson began to rethink how to

moving to a new location that provided

monetize the app and recoup his

space for more operatories and room

investment. With an extra van in his

to house a sandwich franchise. Business

medical transportation company and

was good, which prompted him to

a friend with experience in completing

expand further in 2007 to open a

food truck renovations, Dr. Watson’s first

second, upscale practice. While the

mobile dental operatory was created, and

second dental practice was profitable,

a plan for a new comprehensive service

a tightening economy and the initial

began to take shape.

investment required worked against profit

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

Dr. Watson continued expanding his concept to create Kare

Upon starting this new role, Dr. Watson shared that he

Mobile, a Dental Support Organization dedicated to mobile

was focused on increasing industry awareness, advancing

dentistry. He describes Kare Mobile as a turnkey, concierge,

supportive legislative policy on mobile and portable

mobile dentistry option for dentist and hygienist licensees.

dentistry, and building an inclusive environment in the

Licensees benefit from a field-tested mobile clinic design,

alliance to foster collaboration to improve oral health

practice onboarding and launch support, operational

access.

services, and software geared toward supporting mobile dentistry service, and more.

“I’ve met so many marvelous people that really care about their patients and providing access and thinking outside the

“I would never have thought this would have been my

box to solve things. It’s very easy for us to keep chugging

journey, but I’m very excited about the impact that we’re

along and doing things the way we’ve always done them.

having. We’re trying to help younger doctors maybe

Even though the outcomes aren’t ideal, we’re not willing to

consider practice ownership a different way and create

take the risk to try something new. And, sometimes, we’ve

opportunities for people to be able to receive care in areas

got to try something new.”

that may not make economic sense to set up a big brickand-mortar practice in this day and time,” shared Watson.

Today, Dr. Watson spends his energy working to support the goals of AMTA, caring for dental patients, and focusing

While he believes there is still an opportunity for success

on improving aspects of and growing participation in Kare

in opening new fixed location practices, Dr. Watson shares

Mobile. Later this year, through the non-profit arm of Kare

that mobile dentistry helps

Mobile—On Demand Kare—he

avoid factors that could cause

looks forward to increasing

some to shy away from practice ownership. Interested in sharing this opportunity with others, Dr. Watson sought to secure investors and build awareness of Kare Mobile.

“I started talking to venture

“I would never have thought this would have been my journey, but I’m very excited about the impact that we’re having.”

capital firms to help with the capital necessary to scale this model. Talking with people who are in a higher socio-economic level about mobile dentistry for a community with less access, you are talking to rich people about access issues. They are like, ‘I don’t have any

participation in Michigan. With the support of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ford Motor Company, and Lightship Foundation, two dentists in the southeast Michigan area will be selected to receive a free 2021 Ford Transit mobile dental van and services from Kare Mobile. In exchange, the winning dentists will commit to improving oral health care

access by serving patients in southeast Michigan for at least 50 percent of their time for two years.

problems getting to the dentist…I don’t understand the

“It is huge to have the support of an insurance company…

problem.’ If they can’t understand the problem, they’re not

to have their buy-in, for them to understand we have to

going to invest in it.”

try things differently, we have to continue to innovate. We

Dr. Watson turned his attention to making connections at numerous events and conventions to grow more awareness of the offering. While attending a Smiles at Sea cruise,

believe that the nimbleness of the mobile units will allow us to reach populations that would otherwise not be able to be reached in Michigan,” shares Watson.

he met Sonya Dunbar, known by many as the Geriatric Toothfairy, who invited him to speak at an American Mobile & Teledentistry Alliance event—a move that would not only help to propel Kare Mobile further but also serve to help elect Dr. Watson as the alliance’s first president.

HAV E A N I NT E RE S T I NG S T ORY OR A S UCCE S S YOU WANT TO S HA RE WI T H CL A S S MAT E S ? S HA RE Y OUR NE WS WITH THE COL L E GE AT DE NT I S T RY. UK Y. E DU/CL A S S NE WS .

15

E P IC

e h t g Seein icture P e l o Wh

EPIC BRIDGES DENTAL AND MEDICAL HEALTH INFORMATION

With the adoption of the Epic electronic health record (EHR) system, the College of Dentistry has access to a single, integrated EHR utilized by the entire UK Healthcare enterprise. Epic provides the college’s dental clinics seamless access to established medical information never before experienced. Providers, students, and staff involved in supporting dental care will significantly benefit from this new integrated medical-dental record, as will dental patients.

In December 2019, college leadership announced the decision for UKCD to transition to Epic in conjunction with UK HealthCare’s move to the system. Transitioning at this time allowed the college to provide more input during the process and benefit from substantial savings on new equipment and technical support during the project.

Despite the pandemic, nearly 150 hospitals implemented Epic during 2020. Organizations noted the vendor’s deep integration and stability among key reasons for adoption. The vendor’s culture of “yes, if” rather than “no, because,” and efforts to further enhance its product to better support

16

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

healthcare providers and patients is also helping to fuel the company’s growth. System adoption rates, reliability, and the company’s commitment to the future, fit well with the college’s aim to further embrace and support digital dentistry workflows throughout dental clinics.

“The college is very pleased and excited about joining with the entire UK HealthCare enterprise in this move to Epic. This medical software is being used by many healthcare systems throughout the country because it is very powerful and comprehensive. We are presently experiencing the learning curve, which initially is frustrating. However, every day our knowledge about the software increases and we are seeing the tremendous advantages, not only for our college, but how it opens our access to a patient’s entire medical record. This transition will help us be better healthcare providers in the future,” shares UKCD Dean, Dr. Jeff Okeson.

Appointment scheduling in Epic for dental clinics and UK HealthCare began in late May 2021, while complete system go-live occurred in early June 2021. An enormous effort involving Epic representatives, UK HealthCare officials, and college staff and faculty was required to meet these two launch dates. For over a year leading up to the transition, college representatives attended numerous meetings each week to help ensure the system would support clinic workflows, student education needs, and patient dental care and services. Hundreds of hours were dedicated to merging and verifying duplicate patient records across various systems in UK HealthCare and the college. Staff, faculty, and college learners completed various training sessions and workshops prior to receiving access to the live system.

The dental portion of Epic, or Wisdom, is currently utilized by some 60 organizations, including academic institutions and dental support organizations (DSOs), who offer hundreds of clinics the opportunity to connect to Wisdom.

“Epic is sweeping the nation among healthcare organizations. As a result, Wisdom is a real area of focus in terms of growing utilization and support,” shared Dr. Emily Winfrey, chief of UKCD Division of Comprehensive Care.

“The college is very pleased and excited about joining with the entire UK HealthCare enterprise in this move to Epic. This medical software is being used by many healthcare systems throughout the country because it is very powerful and comprehensive. “ - UK CD DE A N, DR. JE F F OK E S ON

17

E P IC

“In Epic, we have already seen scenarios where students have patients who may have been poor historians. Now students can look back and see that their patient is much more complex than they knew. Even if a patient is not with UK HealthCare, if they are seeing a physician at another institution using Epic, we can still pull their information.”

As a faculty member deeply involved in the college’s transition to Epic, Dr. Winfrey

their medical wellness, we need a more

was invited to observe Epic’s Dentistry Steering Board meetings and was later elected

integrated system in our clinics.”

to be a voting member of the board. The board consists of 12 voting members representing 12 unique organizations, ranging from dental schools and DSOs to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community/research hospitals. The board’s goal is to collaborate to cultivate solutions and drive the future of the dental experience in Epic and patient care. Members meet monthly to discuss topics such as workflows, best practices, and possible gaps to be addressed in the foundation build of Wisdom. Organizations can customize their install of Epic. However, as with any system customizations, potential challenges may be experienced following regular system updates should groups pursue adjustments to the foundation build of the system. Avoiding this potential issue is another reason Epic is committed to continually improving its system foundation.

“At Epic, we understand that oral-systemic health is one of the largest predictors of a patient’s overall health and believe that Wisdom is the future of the Electronic Dental Record, not just due to its own functionality, but also its integration with the Epic medical chart,” shares Justin Shafer, Epic Dentistry Specialty Lead. “We continually work across our community, as well as with our Steering Board, to gather feedback and data that drives the content of our quarterly system upgrades, and have a team of 12 software developers, over 20 implementers, and over 50 quality assurance (QA) and long-term technical support folks committed to helping the Wisdom community.”

“So many times, we’ve had discussions with students about practice opportunities. When we ask about systems the office uses, many say it’s nothing like what we used at UKCD. Now, coming out of college after using Wisdom in Epic, it should be a better transition for our students as the interface will be more like what they will use in private practice,” added Winfrey.

Post-launch, the college is focused on adjusting training processes to better demonstrate patient scenarios experienced in the college’s clinics and improving processes to best support dental education, patient care, and research efforts, making adjustments where needed to best utilize Epic fully.

With so much information potentially

Before transitioning to Epic, the college’s last significant health record change, in 2006,

available in a patient record, learning to

involved shifting from paper charts to an electronic health record. Former Division of

use tools in Epic to filter out “noise” and

Comprehensive Care Team Leader Dr. Tom McConnell shares, “It was the first move

focus on information pertinent to the

to an electronic health record, so there was a general lack of experience with chairside

patient’s oral health care will be essential.

computers.” Initially, clinics continued utilizing paper charts in their workflows and relied on select features of the software. Over time, clinics migrated to the system entirely, retiring paper charts.

“In Epic, we have already seen scenarios where students have patients who may have been poor historians. Now

While commending the college’s previous software on supporting dental education, Dr.

students can look back and see that their

Winfrey stressed why making a change now made sense. “As students are becoming

patient is much more complex than they

more tech-savvy, as our patients are becoming much more complex, and with the

knew. Even if a patient is not with UK

growing acceptance of the role that dentistry plays in a patient’s overall health and

HealthCare, if they are seeing a physician at another institution using Epic, we can still pull their information.”

18

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

A LUM NI NEWS

Congratulations to our first-place team (from right): Dave Thornton (’00), Kathryn Wade (’18), JT Ross (’20), and Paul Wehrman (’73).

UKCD Alumni Association

Faculty Rep

President Cliff Lowdenback ‘03 Vice President Tyler Bolin ‘13 Secretary Erica Higginbotham ‘03 Treasurer Michael Sexton ’09 & ’15 OMS

Dr. David Thornton ‘00

At Large Members

Linda Epling, 859.323.6918

Michael Day ‘03 Don Michael Hendricks ‘08 Frank Kendrick ‘90 Donna Klein ‘01 Mark Lackey ‘71 Alex Mayes Young ‘09 Ashley Mencarelli ’09 & ’13 Ortho Chuck Rolph ’97 & ’00 Perio Shawn Stringer ‘18 Adam Thompson ’04 & ’05 GPR Tom Thompson ‘84

College of Dentistry Philanthropy

Many thanks to our 2021 UKCD Alumni Association Golf Tournament Sponsors: Boyd Thornton Dental (Awards Reception Sponsor); UK Federal Credit Union (Lunch Sponsor); and White, Greer & Maggard Orthodontics (Beverage Cart Sponsor).

linda.epling@uky.edu

Director of Alumni Engagement Ryan Vicini, 859-323-6676, rlvici2@uky.edu

Dental Practice Opportunities Share your listings on the UKCD website by visiting dentistry.uky.edu/opening.

Continuing Dental Education View upcoming UKCD courses at dentistry.uky.edu/ce

UKCD Social Media flickr.com/photos/ukydentistry/albums Facebook.com/ukcdalumni Linkedin.com/company/ukydentistry

19

A LUM NI NEWS

2020 LYMAN T. JOHNSON AWARD RECIPIENTS

Each year, the University of Kentucky Alumni Association Lyman T. Johnson African American Alumni Group, in partnership with the UK Office for Institutional Diversity, hosts the Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer and Torch of

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY RECIPIENTS: TOR C H B E A R E R

Excellence Awards. The event for 2020 recipients was streamed via Facebook Live.

UK’s academic colleges select alumni whose faith, hard work and determination have positively affected the lives of people

Udechukwu Iheduru (Class of 2021)

on the UK campus, the city, state or nation.

These individuals receive the Lyman T.

Pictured above.

Johnson Torch of Excellence Award.

These colleges also choose students within their respective college whose academic achievement and ability to impact the lives

TOR C H O F E X C E LLE N C E

Dr. Linda Larkin-Scott (Class of 1981)

of others would warrant them to receive the Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer Award.

Pictured above right.

IN MEMORIAM 20

D R . F R E D B A L L O U , ‘7 0

D R . C H AD M I LLAY, ‘ 96

D R . R O B E RT B R A S H E A R , ‘8 3

D R . VI R G I L PR I C E, ‘ 69

D R . G E R A L D “ J E R RY ” L O U IS B U EC KER , ‘ 70

D R . FR ED ER I C K “FR ED ” ALAN SC H R O ED ER , ‘ 7 8

D R . D AV ID F L A N A G A N , ‘6 7

D R . M I C H AEL W ELC H , ‘ 76

D R . WIL L IA M H O WA R D J U S T I C E, ‘ 69

D R . B AR RY W H I TAKER , ‘ 83

D R . MIC H A E L K A R G E S , ‘6 8

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

TOGETHER,

WE REACHED OUR GOAL As reported in last year’s Perspectives, the college was striving to

Both the endowment and annual gifts will continue to be

create an endowment for the College of Dentistry Scholarship.

awarded to incoming first-year DMD students who demonstrate

The College of Dentistry Scholarship is possible only through

potential for academic success based on past academic

the gifts provided each year by dentistry alumni and friends. An

performance, and have unmet financial need. Preference shall

endowment ensures that a consistent number of scholarships

be given to students in an underrepresented population, helping

can be awarded.

the college achieve the benefits of diversity.

Additional gifts received in 2021 helped the college reach the

If you would like to support the College of Dentistry Scholarship Fund and/or its endowment, make your gift using the included envelope inside the magazine or visit dentistry.uky.edu/giving.

minimum amount of $100,000 needed to endow the scholarship.

Donors will now be able to give either to the annual fund for the yearly award or the endowment to provide funds for many years through the invested funds. By coming together to support this scholarship, alumni can help more students and provide a larger amount of funds than they might be able to do individually.

F OR MORE I NF ORMAT I ON, CONTA CT L I NDA E P L I NG, 8 5 9 -3 2 3 -6 9 1 8 OR L I NDA . E P L I NG@ UK Y. E DU.

FlexibleCONNECTIONS The college faced new challenges in supporting alumni

Admissions, spoke on recruitment of black students; UKCD

connections with the pandemic and had to lean into virtual

alumnus and CEO of Kare Mobile, Inc., Dr. Kwane Watson; as

methods to support connection more. Zoom was the new go-to

well as a panel session focused on the recruitment of African-

tool to provide updates on the college and networking support,

American students with representatives from the University of

as the college hosted Alumni Check-Up Hours, small group

Kentucky, University of Louisville, Kentucky State University, and

chats with the Classes of 1978, 1982, 1994, and periodontology

a retired diversity recruitment professional.

alumni, and connected with Emeritus Faculty and multiple Dental Component Societies across the state via the online platform.

Over the summer of 2021, UKCD Director of Alumni Engagement, Ryan Vicini, hosted Zoom Class Chats for classes

While the college’s Donor Appreciation Dinner was unable to be

celebrating anniversaries (1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986,

held, donors and ‘20-21 student recipients were provided the

1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016). These chats allowed

opportunity to connect via Zoom, and Dean Okeson joined to

classmates to reconnect and talk about plans for reuniting at

express the college’s appreciation for the donor’s support.

the in-person 2021 Fall Symposium. This effort was started

Additionally, several UKCD Black Alumni meetings have been facilitated by 1989 UKCD graduate, Dr. Carol Bolden of Atlanta, Georgia. The meetings provided opportunities for alumni to connect and hear from: Dr. Jeff Okeson when selected to serve as dean of the college; UKCD alumnus Dr. Pamela Shaw, Ohio State University College of Dentistry Assistant Dean for

last year for classes celebrating anniversaries in 2020 (1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 200, 2005, 2010, and 2015). As the college was unable to host an in-person reunion in 2020, both sets of anniversary classes are invited to participate in the 2021 Fall Symposium and Reunion Weekend. Watch for details as additional visits are being planned with other classes and specialties.

21

A LUM NI NEWS

Honoring UKCD ALUMNI

The UK College of Dentistry Distinguished Alumnus Award was established to recognize UKCD graduates who have demonstrated, among other qualities, loyalty to the college and excellence in their work. While nominations are collected annually, the honor is not automatically awarded every year. Instead, following the call for nominations, each application is reviewed carefully by a special committee selected by the UK College of Dentistry Alumni Association.

Two recipients were selected to receive

faculty at five universities. He also created

support the needs of medically complex

the award in 2021—Drs. Joseph O’Neil

O’Neil & Associates Professional Practice

patients. Dr. Raybould is well known for

(far left) and Ted Raybould (center left).

Resources, Inc. as a resource of innovative

providing care for medically-compromised

materials to help providers increase

patients from across the state and works

referrals, treatment acceptance, and

to train residents to be comfortable

patient compliance.

managing mentally, physically, and

Dr. O’Neil (’71) has been described as a “tremendous asset to the UKCD Orthodontic Graduate Program.” His

22

medically complex patients.

generosity to UKCD is demonstrated

Dr. Raybould (’81) has been referred to

through both financial support and in

as the “epitome of a UKCD Wildcat,”

Drs. O’Neil and Raybould will be

volunteer time as he regularly speaks

completing his undergraduate degree,

honored as part of the 2021 Annual Fall

with students on all aspects of running

earning his DMD, and completing

Symposium and Alumni Weekend during

a practice. In addition to practicing

a residency program at UK before

the Alumni Reception at Kroger Field

general dentistry in Louisiana for over 20

returning as a faculty member following

on October 1. Additionally, due to the

years, Dr. O’Neil has served in a variety

time working in private practice. His

cancellation of the 2020 event, 2020

of roles to support the field of dentistry,

longstanding career at UK started in the

recipients Drs. Craig Miller (’82) (center

including on the Board of Trustees for

1980s. Once at UK, it did not take long

right) and Denis Stuckey (’74) (far right)

the Louisiana Dental Association and as

before he set his sights on working to

will also be honored during the event.

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

UPCOMING CE COURSES More details and online registration available at dentistry.uky.edu/ce.

AVA IL A BL E V IA Z OOM ACDE Webinar Series: The New (and Old) Tobacco Products: Health Effect and Helping

2021 ANNUAL

Patients - October 05, 2021 33rd Annual UK Orofacial Pain Symposium: TMD for the General Practitioner - October

FALL SYMPOSIUM & ALUMNI WEEKEND Full details and online registration available at dentistry.uky.edu/fall2021.

08, 2021 *Also available in-person.

Management of Dental Pain and Anxiety October 15, 2021 ACDE Webinar Series: Substance Use Disorder - October 29, 2021 Dentistry and KASPER: Management of Pain in the Dental Office - November 05, 2021 The Safe and Effective Use of Radiation in Dental Practice - December 02, 2021

EVENT H IG H LIG H TS : Thursday, September 30 • Knapp Research Lecture (Free CE credit for all Alumni)

ACDE Webinar Series: Treating Anterior Discolorations: Micro-abrasions, Resin Infiltration, and Bleaching - December 09, 2021 ACDE Webinar Series: Oral Cancer and

Friday, October 1

Premalignancy: Guide to Diagnosis and Management - December 14, 2021

• Alumni Meeting and General CE Course (An Update on TMD: Facts or Fantasies presented by Dr. Jeffrey Okeson, UKCD Dean) • Alumni Excursions | Guided Horse Farm Tour or Distillery Tour • Alumni Reception at Kroger Field (All Classes) | Class & Program photos taken here and Distinguished Alumni Awards Presentation

AVA IL A BL E IN-PE RS ON 10th Annual John Mink Legacy Conference: Child Advocacy and the Role of the Dental Professional - November 06, 2021, Location: Lexington, KY

Saturday, October 2

Dental Management of Obstructive Sleep

• Brunch for 50th Anniversary Classes (1970 and 1971)

Apnea in Adults and Children - November 12,

• UKCD Black Alumni Reconnecting Event • Tailgating and UK Football vs. Florida

2021, Location: Lexington, KY Coronal Polishing for Dental Assistants (Dec 2021) - December 11, 2021, Location: Lexington, KY

23

A LUM NI NEWS

“I am sincerely thankful to the University of Kentucky for the opportunity that was given me to pursue a prestigious orthodontic profession and a rewarding life.”

- DR. T OM A RK L E

PROVIDING FLEXIBLE SUPPORT FOR

FUTURE NEEDS A long-time supporter of the UKCD

Endowment Fund for Orthodontics.

anyone, and we are forever grateful for

Orthodontic Program, Dr. Tom Arkle

This endowment is designed to

his generous and ongoing support of

of Charlotte, North Carolina, desired

provide funds that the Division Chief of

our program at Kentucky.”

to create an endowment that would

Orthodontics can use to advance the

provide lasting benefits to the

division. The income earned from the

orthodontic program.

endowment can be used to supplement

An endowment invests the donor’s gifts, and once it starts to generate interest, the earnings can be used by the college or division. The use of endowment funds is guided by a customized

faculty and other purposes related to faculty, program, research, facility, and student needs that will advance the division.

of the UKCD Orthodontic Program, created his endowment in 2012 and has continued to build the endowment with annual gifts, even during the challenges of 2020. He explained his ongoing support, “I am sincerely thankful to the University of Kentucky

agreement drawn up between the

UKCD Division of Orthodontics

for the opportunity that was given me

donor and the University of Kentucky.

Chief, Dr. Tom Kluemper, said “To

to pursue a prestigious orthodontic

maintain excellence in graduate dental

profession and a rewarding life. I feel

education, orthodontic programs across

privileged to be able to give back to

the country are increasingly dependent

Division of Orthodontics so others may

on the support of their alumni. Dr. Arkle

experience similar opportunities.”

Dr. Arkle wanted an agreement that was flexible enough to grow and change with the program. The result was the Thomas Arkle, III, Chairman’s

24

salaries, undertake research, recruit

Dr. Arkle, who is a 1983 graduate

understands that dynamic better than

Don n a m r a C

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

Early college faculty member, Dr. Don Carman,

made a lasting impact on the students he taught and was instrumental in the creation of an

outstanding graduate program in periodontics

at UK. To honor his legacy, periodontic alumni,

Drs. Fred Rosenberg of Ohio and Jan Swanson from California, along with the Don Carman

Family, established the Donald K. Carman DMD Endowed Fund.

Dr. Carman strongly believed the general dentist and the periodontist should work together as a team in treating patients. The Donald K. Carman DMD Endowed Fund is designed to encourage that spirit of collaboration. The fund will be used to promote, teach, strengthen, and support academic connections, treatment planning education, and/ or professional communication between the periodontics and restorative dentistry programs to

A LEGACY OF INSPIRATION

encourage comprehensive and holistic patient care.

“All in all, I was incredibly blessed to be trained by and know Dr. Don Carman. My parents set me on the right path in life, and Don Carman chiseled and molded me into what I have become. I wish that

at the University of Kentucky was a life changing experience. A whole

every student, dental or otherwise, could have a

new world was opened to me in which students were treated like

Don Carman in their life,” Dr. Swanson said.

professionals; I was exposed to the most contemporary procedures in both periodontics and restorative dentistry and, most importantly, I had

Dr. Fred Rosenberg added, “When I was a young

the unique opportunity to meet and work with Dr. Don Carman. He

graduate of dental school, I spent a great deal

was a great teacher, he taught me about life and he helped me to be

of time trying to decide how I would spend my

the professional that I became. I hope that this endowment will inspire

professional career in dentistry. Being accepted

generations of students to perpetuate those principles that Don Carman

into the Graduate Periodontal Training Program

held so dearly.”

“All in all, I was incredibly blessed to be trained by and know Dr. Don Carman.”

25

A LUM NI NEWS

AN ONGOING

t n e m t i m m o C e v r e S to

Pictured below: Former UKCD faculty member, Dr. Gene Lewis

Former UKCD faculty member, Dr.

populations. As part of her fellowship,

The support provided by the Gene

Gene Lewis, devoted his entire career

she is undertaking an evaluation of

P. Lewis Fellowship will enhance the

to improving access to primary and oral

risk factors for periodontal disease

understanding of the factors that can

healthcare for those in need. Most of

susceptibility in underserved populations.

increase the likelihood of developing

his career was spent with the United States Public Health Service. He worked for the College of Dentistry twice— first as the Chair of the Department of Community Dentistry and interim dean in the 1970s and again in 1988 as the head of the Program of Public and Professional Services. He was committed to improving the lives of Kentuckians.

Upon his death, his wife and daughter, Mrs. Charlotte Lewis and Dr. Sarah Lewis, wished to honor his commitment to underserved populations in Kentucky, so they created the Gene P. Lewis Fellowship. The fellowship is open to qualified academic researchers in the Colleges of Dentistry, Public Health, and Medicine who are undertaking research on oral health disparities in underserved or economically depressed populations and/or regions.

The first recipient, Dr. Rubelisa Candido Gomes de Oliveira, was selected in late 2020. Dr. Oliveira is a post-doctoral scholar at UKCD with experience in clinical trials involving under-served

26

“Being awarded this fellowship offers me an outstanding opportunity to work with health disparities and contribute to mitigating them. It is personally rewarding and professionally fulfilling. It is the first big step on my independent researcher career path,” she shared.

periodontal disease among lower socialeconomic populations.

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

INVESTING IN

UKCD FACULTY

In celebration of their 50th anniversary, the Class of ‘68 established the UKCD Class of ‘68 Faculty Development Fund. During the winter of 20-21, a committee of three UKCD faculty and two members of the class, Drs. Raynor Mullins and David Nash, reviewed nine applications for the award via Zoom.

The committee discussed each applicant’s scholar and clinical activities; extra contributions made to the college beyond their normal responsibilities; and the specifics of the proposed professional development activities. Two candidates, Drs. Kelly Dingrando and Marcia Rojas-Ramirez, were selected to receive the award.

Dr. Kelly Dingrando Dr. Dingrando is a 2001 UK undergraduate; 2005 graduate of UKCD’s DMD program; assistant professor in UKCD’s Public Health Division from 2007-2017; 2019 graduate of UKCD’s Pediatric Dentistry Program; and current assistant professor in UKCD’s Division of Pediatric Dentistry.

She will use award funds to prepare and take the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) Oral Boards. Additionally, she will become a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry which will support making connections with other dedicated pediatric dentists for the exchange of knowledge. Dr. Dingrando shared her appreciation on being selected, “This award could not have come at a more perfect time. Due to decreased patient care during Covid shutdowns, I was not going to be able to attend the Oral Boards Review Course and would have struggled to find the means for traveling to the Oral Boards themselves. I am so grateful for the Class of ‘68 Faculty Development Award.”

Dr. Marcia Rojas-Ramirez Dr. Rojas-Ramirez earned her dental degree at the University of Costa Rica College of Dentistry in 2011. She completed a fellowship and a master’s degree in Orofacial Pain at the University of Kentucky. She has also earned a master’s degree in Public Health and is working toward a Doctor of Philosophy, Epidemiology and Biostatistics degree from the UK College of Public Health. Dr. Rojas-Ramirez joined UKCD in 2016 in the Division of Oral Diagnosis, Oral Medicine, and Oral Radiology.

Upon hearing the news of her award, Dr. Rojas-Ramirez said, “I am honored to have been one of the recipients of the first Class of ‘68 Faculty Development Award. This award will provide the skills that will help me develop and grow as an academician throughout my career. With funds from the award, I registered for a Leadership Certificate which will allow me to learn about the skills and strategies that facilitate leadership roles in an academic setting. It will also aid in the development of my research project by giving me access to specific courses that enhance my understanding and knowledge of developing risk assessment tools. Additionally, the funds covered the fees to attend a national conference and will also cover membership to professional organizations that are important for networking and collaboration in an academic setting. I appreciate the decision of the Class of ‘68 to invest their funds in the development and advancement of junior faculty across the college.”

27

S TUDENT NEWS

STUDENT NEWS Top: With vaccines aiding reduced COVID protocols, students marked the turning of being D2s to D3s.

Above & Right: Remote Area Medical (RAM) Event: Students, residents, and faculty attending a two-day event in Hazard, KY. Over $120,000 in free dental, vision, and/or medical services were provided.

28

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

While not an in-car event, graduation still looked a little different for our Class of 2021. Students were able to invite a limited group of guests to attend in-person and the event was livestreamed.

V I S I T DE NT I S T RY. UK Y.EDU/ EVENTS/ CL A S S -2 0 2 1 -F UT URE -PLANS TO SEE A L I S T OF GRA DUAT I O NS AND THEIR F UT URE P L A NS .

Top: Students supported free dental care for children, following increased safety protocols due to COVID, via the annual Give Kids A Smile event in February as well as Saturday Morning Clinic session throughout the year.

29

S TUDENT NEWS

Due to public health concerns, the college was unable to hold its annual Donor Appreciation Dinner or Awards Luncheon events. The following is a list of students receiving scholarships and awards. Thank you to our many donors for your support, and congratulations to all students.

D R . C R A IG A D A MS S C H O LAR SH I P FO R AC AD EM I C EXC ELLEN C E

Alex Chong and Joyce Nimmo

D R . V IN C E N T A . B A R R D M D SC H O LAR SH I P

Joshua Gray

D R . V IN C E N T A . B A R R STU D EN T D EVELO PM EN T SC H O LAR SH I P

My’Chelle Gochett Fatima Saeed

D O R O T H Y C AV IN S ME M O R I AL SC H O LAR SH I P

Tiffiany Gosnell

D R . O A K IE G . N E WS O M E M EM O R I AL SC H O LAR SH I P

Christian Bond

D R . J E F F R E Y D E MB O , C R I TI C AL TH I N KI N G AWAR D D R . S U S A N B . MC E V O Y M EM O R I AL SC H O LAR SH I P B IE N A IR D E N TA L S C H O LAR SH I P D R . J O S H U A T. S U L L IVAN SC H O LAR SH I P

William Axtel Ashley Wettstain Alyssa Domico Katrina Storms MarLee Harris Chandler Nielson Jordan Chlebowy Alyssa Domico

U K C D A L U MN I A S S O C IATI O N SC H O LAR SH I P

Sidney Fisher Melika Shayegh

D R . T Y L E R R . A L B R E C H T SC H O LAR SH I P MA R G A R E T N E A L J E WELL M EM O R I AL SC H O LAR SH I P D A N S E AV E R ME MO R IAL SC H O LAR SH I P

Victoria Watts Amanda Collins Kali Gupton William Axtel Ashley Wettstain

T R IB U T E E N D O WE D S C H O LAR SH I P

Steven Moore

D E LTA D E N TA L O F K E N TU C KY SC H O LAR SH I P

Brian Gibbs

D R . D O N R . K IN G ME M O R I AL SC H O LAR SH I P

Katrina Storms

C L A S S O F 1 9 6 7 ME MOR I AL SC H O LAR SH I P

Savannah Day

S H A R O N K . B U T L E R , DM D , M EM O R I AL SC H O LAR SH I P

Sidney Fisher

D R . C O F F MA N H E A LT H AWAR D SC H O LAR SH I P

Alyssa Domico My’Chelle Gochett (2021)

D R . N E R O & B IG G E R S TAFF D I VER SI TY SC H O LAR SH I P

Kunal Patel (2021) Udechukwu N. Iheduru (2020) Shanel Vazquez (2020)

D R . R O B E RT H . S P E D D I N G SC H O LAR SH I P

30

Lauren Little

P ERSPECT IVES 2021

Kevin Brashear Matt Hudzinski

A CA DE MY OF OPERAT IVE D E N T IS T RY

Raymond McLagan

A CA DE MY OF OSSEOINT EG R AT IO N

Jared Wingerter

A M E RIC AN ACADEMY OF ES T H E T IC D E N T IS T RY

Sadie Hlavenka

A M E RIC AN ACADEMY OF IM P L A N T D E N T IS T RY

Brent Harney

A M E RIC AN ACADEMY OF O R A L A N D MA X IL L O FA C IA L PAT H O L O G Y

Shelby Oberst

A M E RIC AN ACADEMY OF O R A L A N D MA X IL L O FA C IA L R A D IO L O G Y

Anne Deatrick

A M E RIC AN ACADEMY OF O R A L ME D IC IN E

Shelby Oberst

A M E RIC AN ACADEMY OF O R O FA C IA L PA IN

Anne Deatrick

A M E RIC AN ACADEMY OF PE D IAT R IC D E N T IS T RY

Spencer Laufer

A M E RIC AN ACADEMY OF PE R IO D O N T O L O G Y

Allison Stump

A M E RIC AN ASSOCIAT ION O F E N D O D O N T IS T S

Shahad Alwan

A M E RIC AN ASSOCIAT ION O F O R A L A N D MA X IL L O FA C IA L S U R G E O N S O R AL S URGE RY

Varun Nigam

A M E RIC AN ASSOCIAT ION O F O R A L A N D MA X IL L O FA C IA L S U R G E O N S D EN TAL IM PLANT

Jared Wingerter

A M E RIC AN ASSOCIAT ION O F O RT H O D O N T IS T S

Raymond McLagan

A M E RIC AN ASSOCIAT ION O F P U B L IC H E A LT H D E N T IS T RY

Gabrielle Roberts Gabrielle Westerman

A M E RIC AN ASSOCIAT ION O F WO ME N D E N T IS T S

Hannah Voelker

A M E RIC AN COL L EGE OF DE N T IS T S ( K Y S E C T IO N )

William Axtell

A M E RIC AN COL L EGE OF PR O S T H O D O N T IS T S

Viki Moutopoulos

A M E RIC AN DENTAL SOCIET Y O F A N E S T H E S IO L O G Y

Chad Davidson

BRIAN D. ST ONE MEMORIAL AWA R D

Allison Stump

E QUILIB RAT ION

Fatima Saeed

GOLDEN ENDODONT IC F IL E AWA R D

Matt Hudzinski

INTE RNAT IONAL COL L EGE O F D E N T IS T S ( K Y S E C T IO N )

Chad Davidson

INTE RNAT IONAL COL L EGE O F D E N T IS T S ( U .S .A . S E C T IO N ) H U MAN I TAR I AN AWA RD

Lauren Little

INTE RNAT IONAL COL L EGE O F D E N T IS T S ( U .S .A . S E C T IO N ) L E A DER SH I P AWAR D

Varun Nigam

INTE RNAT IONAL CONGRESS O F O R A L IMP L A N T O L O G IS T S

William Axtell

P IERRE FAUCHARD ACADE MY

Jared Wingerter

P LATINUM PERIOST EAL

Katrina Storms

QUINTESSENCE AWARD F O R C L IN IC A L A C H IE V E ME N T IN R E S T O R ATI VE D ENTIS TRY

Melika Shayegh

QUINTESSENCE AWARD F O R C L IN IC A L A C H IE V E ME N T IN P E R IO D O N TI C S

Alyssa Domico

QUINTESSENCE AWARD F O R R E S E A R C H A C H IE V E ME N T

Raymond McLagan

(S CA D) SOCIET Y OF COL OR A N D A P P E A R A N C E IN D E N T IS T RY ( N EW )

Shahad Alwan

S OUTHEAST ERN ACADEMY O F P R O S T H O D O N T IC S

Allison Stump

HA NA U PROST HODONT IC AWA R D

Brent Harney

OM ICRO N KAPPA UPSIL ON

Anne Deatrick Alyssa Domico Sidney Fisher Jeffrey Gudowicz Brent Harney Raymond McLagan Nina Woodin

U K C O LLEG E O F D EN TI STRY PR O B E AWAR D – PER I O D O N TO LO G Y

Ude Iheduru Gabrielle Westerman

U K C O LLEG E O F D EN TI STRY PR O STH O D O N TI C S C LI N I C AL AC H I EVEM EN T AWAR D ( EXC ELLEN C E I N PR O S)

Blake Roberts Josh Thomas Gabrielle Westerman

U K C O LLEG E O F D EN TI STRY R ESTO R ATI VE C LI N I C AL AC H I EVEM EN T AWAR D ( EXC ELLEN C E I N R SD )

MaKayla Eversole Sidney Fisher Alessandra Mayo Katrina Storms Nina Woodin

& AWARDS

A CA DE MY OF GENERAL DE N T IS T RY

31

770 Rose Street Lexington, KY 40536-0297

Ready to help make a

Difference?

Through a simple bequest, you can support excellence in education, research, service, and healthcare for generations to come.

Visit kentuckycan.uky.edu/ways-to-give for information on estate and gift planning or contact the UK College of Dentistry via email at linda.epling@uky.edu or by phone at 859.323.6918 to learn more.

We very much appreciate the generous support of all UK College of Dentistry donors. To see a list of current donors who enable UKCD to fulfill its mission in education, patient care, discovery, and community engagement/ outreach, visit dentistry.uky.edu/giving.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Lexington, KY Permit No. 51