ULSD Newsletter Spring/Summer 2023

Creating dental career pathways

A new partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools, led by a ULSD alumna, is creating a pipeline to education for Louisville high school students considering careers in dentistry.

& Friends Newsletter

Spring/Summer 2023

Also in this issue: Reunion 2023 Louisville ASDA named top chapter nationwide Spring photo gallery And more

research.

Dean’s message:

Creating career pathways starts with mentorship

Dear Alumni & Friends,

In our last issue, ADEA President and CEO Dr. Karen Pierce West (a 1982 ULSD DMD graduate) described the importance of creating pipelines for young people interested in dental careers, citing evidence that career decisions are now made earlier than they used to be. In this issue, we spotlight one of the ways the UofL School of Dentistry is doing just that: a partnership with the local school system to create a dental magnet program at Louisville Central High School.

As Dr. West said, “Exposing potential students to the workings of a dental practice is a good way to give back to the profession.” How true this is!

Thinking back to my high school years, I was blessed to have had the opportunity to work in the practice of my older brother (James D. Hill, DMD ’77). It was during that time I started to realize that dentistry could be more than a career choice for me; it could be my passion in life.

Welcome, class of 2023!

The ULSD/JCPS dental magnet program is just one way to create interest in dental careers. You, our alumni and friends, are also part of the solution. Whether you can spare a few minutes or a few weeks a year to mentor the next generation, I encourage you to establish your own pathway into a dental career.

Go Cards,

Margaret Hill, DMD ’87 Interim Dean

PS: You may be surprised to see me in this spot again.

I’m proud to announce that Dr. Gerry Bradley our dean since 2016 — has once again been asked to serve as Interim Provost for the University of Louisville. We expect to have him back at the School of Dentistry no later than the summer of 2025.

Class of 2023, welcome to the ULSD Alumni Community – a group of thousands of people who support the school and each other. Be sure to keep your Alumni Profile up to date on the Louisville Alumni website so you don’t miss out on ULSD news and events. We look forward to seeing you back at ULSD for future alumni events.

In this issue

4 6 11

Cover Story

• ULSD partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools creates pathways into dental careers

Council Updates

• ULSD Alumni Council

• Photo gallery: 2nd Annual Night at the Ballpark

• Dental Hygiene Legacy Alumni Council

• Photo gallery: Woodward/Burch Floss Walk

• ULSD Orthodontic Alumni Council

Alumni News

• In the news: Alumni updates

• Checking in with ... Dr. Robert Elliott

• Checking in with ... Dr. Richard Lin Jr.

• In memoriam: Dr. Henry Greenwell

• Photo gallery: 2023 DMD and DH Reunions

16 19 30

Student News

• Louisville ASDA chapter named top chapter nationwide

• UofL ADEA chapter receives Gold Status for the second consecutive year

• Student profile: Raquel Salim, DMD class of 2024

ULSD News

• UofL School of Dentistry’s COBRE grant renewed for an additional five years

• Craniomaxillofacial teaching award named in honor of Dr. Brian Alpert

• Faculty & staff updates

• Photo Gallery: Spring at ULSD

Calendar

• Event Calendar

On the cover: Louisville Central High School students participating in the dental magnet program learn about oral radiography during a March 2023 visit to the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Photo by Audra French.

ULSD partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools creates pathways into dental careers

The Central High School Dental Magnet program aims to create interest in dentistry careers among the next generation, while also creating pathways into higher education.

Starting in the spring of 2023, students from Louisville’s Central High School have had the chance to get early experience in dentistry through a new collaboration between the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and Jefferson County Public Schools.

Led by ULSD graduate Rodshay Brooks, DH ’13, the Central High School Dental Magnet program is breaking new ground. “The Historic Central High School is the only school in the state of Kentucky with a dental career pathway or magnet, which makes us the perfect school for ULSD to partner with,” Brooks says.

The program provides mentorship opportunities in two areas:

• Clinical – JCPS students pursuing the dental assistant career pathway participate in the mentorship program by observing clinical patient interactions.

• Radiography – An opportunity to develop radiography skills through hands-on learning.

Students selected for the program visit the School of Dentistry throughout the school year and take part in a wide range of hands-on activities. “We’ve done X-rays and CPR,” says program participant Jackiya. “We’ve also learned … terms, teeth numbers, fillings, and instruments.”

Program participant Amileon says it’s never too early to learn. “There are so many things you can learn while you are in high school that can transform to becoming a dental assistant when you graduate.”

“The Historic Central High School is the only school in the state of Kentucky with a dental career pathway or magnet, which makes us the perfect school for ULSD to partner with.”

- Rodshay Brooks, DH ’13 Dental Magnet Instructor

Students in the program also learn about different careers in dentistry and various dental specialties. Program participant Javae says that has helped her gain deeper understanding of her options in the future. “Coming here and doing hands-on things gives us a better idea of what we want to do.”

Another benefit of the program is creating connections with the University of Louisville, including an understanding of the admissions process for the DMD and Dental Hygiene programs. Brooks says that made a difference for the first group of graduates: “Upon graduating from the ULSD

program, students felt a belonging on the campus.”

Finally, due to the demographics of Central High School students, the program has an added benefit, Brooks says. “Many students from Central High School graduate and attend ULSD, increasing diversity in the dental field.”

Based on the success of the first year, the program will be back next year. “Students responded to the program with enthusiasm and the hunger to have a dental career intensified,” Brooks says. “As an alumnus of CHS and ULSD, I am excited to continue the CHS/ULSD Pipeline.”

Hear more from students in the Dental Magnet program

View

Left: Dr. Sherry Babbage, DMD ’81, and Rodshay Brooks, DH ’13, supervise as program participants practice injections. Right: Magnet program participants are excited after completing a dental radiology training session.

Council update:

ULSD Alumni Council

Dear Alumni,

I hope you are all enjoying this summertime with family and friends.

Your alumni council has been busy! We were excited to host the “2nd Annual Alumni Night at the Ballpark” in May at Jim Patterson stadium as we cheered on the Cards baseball team against Vanderbilt. Students and alumni alike had a wonderful time at the ballpark and were able to mingle and celebrate the end of the school year and graduation for the class of 2023. The council co-hosted with the ADA’s Office of Student Affairs as this was also an “ADA National Signing Day” event for our graduating DMD and DH classes. We look forward to continuing this new tradition next year for our rising D4 and DH4 students!

We also hosted a CE event at Clayton and Crume leather goods store in Nulu, which is located in the

former training home of the great Muhammad Ali. Jyme Charette, DMD ’13, ’16, MSD, board certified prosthodontist provided us with an excellent lecture on implants. The event sold out and was a great success!

As of this spring 175 students are now brand new alumni of the University of Louisville School of Dentistry—welcome to the family! We are very proud of all of you and wish you nothing but success in your careers. We are blessed to be members of this elite group of professionals.

We welcome all alumni, new and not-so-new, to join our alumni council! Please contact me with any questions.

ULSD Alumni Council members

Officers

Dr. Kristen E. George ’09, President

Dr. Mark J. Schulte ’77, Immediate Past President

Directors

Dr. Babatunde Agbola, DMD ’16

Dr. Sean A. Aiken, DMD ’18

Kristen George, DMD ’09 President, ULSD Alumni Council kristenevegeorge@gmail.com

Dr. Jacob R. Bishop, DMD ’16

Dr. Christina Delis-Chiambas, DMD ’94

Andrea M. Edelen, DH ’97

Dr. Angela L. Fleace, DMD ’01

Dr. Gerald T. Grant, DMD ’85

Dr. Richard H. Lin Jr., DMD ’82

Dr. Marija Sasek, DMD ’05

Dr. Jay B. Sheats II, DMD ’99

Dr. Jenna Schulten, DMD ’10

Dr. Kelly A. Underwood, DMD ’06

LASDA Alumni Representative

Meghan Greene, DMD ’24

2nd Annual Night at the Ballpark

On May 9, 2023, the ULSD Alumni Council hosted the 2nd Annual Alumni Night at the Ballpark at Jim Patterson Stadium. The council co-hosted with the ADA as this was also an “ADA National Signing Day” event for our graduating DMD and DH classes. Alumni in attendance had a great time connecting with our new graduates.

Photo gallery:

Council update:

Dental Hygiene Legacy Alumni Council

Hello Cardinal Fans,

The Dental Hygiene Legacy Alumni Council has commenced another new year. The council started planning and inviting some outstanding continuing education speakers for our 2023 Annual Symposium scheduled for Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the University Club on Belknap Campus.

This year’s Symposium will not disappoint with a new product showcase, pathology update, public health, and Medicaid changes to cutting edge periodontology. We hope you will join us for the CE courses, the new products and socializing with your colleagues. Stay tuned for more details.

This spring we hosted the 18th Annual Woodward/ Burch Floss Walk on the UofL Belknap campus. Although a drizzly spring day, we sent out a great crowd of walkers to enjoy the changing campus while sporting the new Woodward Burch Floss

Walk t-shirts. Thank you again to our sponsors listed on the back of the t-shirt!

This year we sponsored a t-shirt design contest with the dental hygiene students. Managed by council member Adam Hall, RDH ’11, the council selected from eight very creative designs. The winning design was submitted by Abby Donahue ’24.

The Dental Hygiene Legacy Alumni Council exists to support and enhance the Dental Hygiene Program at ULSD. Run by volunteers, every dollar raised goes back to the program.

Whether you just graduated or have been out for 50 years, remember the UofL Dental Hygiene Program and the education you received that opened the door to your profession.

Virginia L. Woodward, RDH ’71 Chair, Dental Hygiene Legacy Alumni Council virginiawoodward04@yahoo.com

Dental Hygiene Legacy Alumni Council members

Officers & Directors

Virginia L. Woodward, DH ’71, Chair

Pamela D. Barnes, DH ’77

Mary Ann Burch, DH ’68

Dr. Sharon C. Carpenter, DH ’75

Julie L. Drury, DH ’01

Andrea M. Edelen, DH ’97

Adam C. Hall, DH ’11

Jennifer L. Hasch, DH ’13

Linda P. Lewis, DH ’85

ULSD Advisors

Sara Dunaway, Ex-officio member, DH Academic Counselor, Sr.

Dr. Jacqueline A. Singleton, Dental Hygiene Program Director

Woodward/Burch Floss Walk

On May 20, 2023, the Dental Hygiene Legacy Alumni Council hosted the 18th Annual Woodward/Burch Floss Walk on the UofL Belknap campus. Although it was a drizzly spring day, a great crowd of walkers came out to promote how important dental health is to total health and support ULSD’s Dental Hygiene Program.

Photo gallery:

Council update:

ULSD Orthodontic Alumni Council

Dear Ortho Alumni,

We had a fantastic turnout at the ULSD Orthodontic Alumni Reception at the AAO meeting in Chicago this past April. Thanks to everyone who continues to support our Orthodontic Alumni Council as your support not only makes this reception possible but makes it the highlight of the AAO for many of us!

We hope to see you at our 2023 Annual Meeting on Friday October 13, at Lynn Family Stadium’s Fifth Third Club. We’ll provide continuing education from our presenting sponsor, uLAB, discussing digital orthodontic workflows, as well as provide an opportunity to meet with a wide array of vendors whose products and services support all aspects of our orthodontic practices. We will also present our Distinguished Alumni Award and

the Dr. Robert A. Escher Endowed Scholarship during lunch. This event is open to the entire orthodontic community—attendees need not be ULSD Orthodontic Alumni. Event details, hotel accomodation, and registration may be found in at uoflalumni.org/23-orthoannual .

If you would like to be a part of our Orthodontic Alumni Council to help plan our meetings and mentor our UofL Ortho Residents, please reach out to me or any of our council members to get involved. This council’s support ensures the success of the ULSD Ortho Program! I look forward to seeing you all in October!

Carl Gioia, DMD ’11, MS ’13 Chair, Orthodontic Alumni Council carldgioia@gmail.com

ULSD Orthodontic Alumni Council members

Officers

Dr. Carl D. Gioia DMD ’11, ’13, Chair

Dr. Robert E. Spiller Jr. ’80, ’90, Vice Chair

Dr. Lauren Renaud ’18, ’20, 1st Director and Secretary

Dr. Jacob H. Britt ’21, 2nd Director

Dr. Ariel B. Wong ’20, 3rd Director

Dr. Jared O. Dean ’09, Immediate Past Chair

Directors

Dr. Raina S. Chandiramani ’18

Dr. Ralph J. DeDomenico ’74, ’77

Dr. Amy B. Farnsworth ’92, ’95

Dr. Eric W. Hickman ’95

Dr. Scott Q. Little ’85

Dr. John K. Newcomb ’07

Dr. Krushan C. Patel ’19

Dr. Danielle L. Periago ’05, ’07

Dr. Carmen A. Quirk ’17, ’19

Dr. David C. Small ’95

Dr. Justin M. Tristler ’12

Resident Representative

Dr. Lane Steinhaus ’24

Alumni updates

Ansley Depp, DMD ’ 93

Dr. Depp has been selected as one of the two hosts for the American Dental Association Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs podcast series, “Ethical Moments.” The podcast features interviews with the authors of Ethical Moment articles in The Journal of The American Dental Association (JADA), a recurring feature launched in 2004. Listeners can find the podcast online at https://cebja.podbean.com or through their favorite podcast app. Dr. Depp also serves as a part-time faculty member at the School of Dentistry.

Timothy Tinker, DMD ’ 93

Dr. Tinker is retiring this year after 30 years of service in the U.S. Navy as a Captain in the Dental Corps. Fueled by his Cardinal background, he has led countless endeavors and held many esteemed stations. Through his journey, he has credited his success to UofL and now has 2 daughters also in the Cardinal family!

Latresa Jackson, DMD ’ 13

Dr. Jackson is serving as the dentist for a new community dental clinic operated by Cempa Community Care in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Jackson has worked in the community health sector throughout her career, delivering services at county health departments as well as to Tennessee Department of Corrections inmates. “My goal as a dentist, first and foremost, is to improve access to care in underserved communities,” said Dr. Jackson.

Checking in with ...

Dr. Robert Elliott

It’s hard to believe this year marks 24 years that I have been in the private practice I started from the ground up. I opened my office in Cary, North Carolina on Nov. 3, 1998! I have had my best friend and business partner (Dr. Julie Molina) with me for the last 15 years and we have 13 rock star team members.

In other news, I remain affiliated with the University of Louisville as an adjunct professor, teaching the pediatric dental residents and helping out with the DMD students as well. I also teach part time at my pediatric dentistry residency program alma mater, University of North Carolina.

In recent years, I have also started a couple of businesses aimed at helping other pediatric dentists succeed. First is Pediatric Dental Directions. Together with co-founder and fellow ULSD graduate Phil Slonkosky, DMD ’07 , we have created an intensive practice management course called Pedo Bootcamp. We typically lead this twice a year with about 50 attendees. I also have another consulting business called Pedo Springboard that specializes in helping pediatric dental practitioners start and successfully grow their practice. My goal is to help practitioners avoid pitfalls and save money.

Outside of work, I got married in October 2021. It was a joy to have many of my DMD classmates there, along with former faculty member Dr. Mark Bernstein.

If you’re ever in the Triangle area of North Carolina, feel free to reach out to me! I love reconnecting with other ULSD graduates!

Robert Elliott, DMD ’95 (left) met up with fellow ULSD alumni Korie Dunhofdt Acord, DMD ’05/Pediatrics ’10, Daren Peace, DMD ’04/ Pediatrics ’13 , Reeca Daves, Pediatrics ’12 , and Adam Snyder, Pediatrics ’13 at the Bourbon and Baby Teeth CE Course held in Louisville in September 2022. Dr. Elliott was the keynote speaker for the CE course.

Several members of the DMD class of 1995 were in attendance at Dr. Elliott’s wedding in October 2021.

Checking in with ...

Dr. Richard Lin Jr.

Hello, fellow Cardinals! Here are a couple photos of me in Siem Reap, Cambodia, doing dental volunteer work for Global Dental Relief in early 2023. It was rewarding seeing the smiles on the kid’s faces after their dental work was done.

Dr. Henry Greenwell passed away on June 1, 2023. Henry was a dear friend and a valued colleague to many at the school.

A graduate of the DMD class of 1977, Dr. Greenwell returned to the school as a faculty member. He was the first program director for our periodontics graduate program, and was devoted to the success of so many students throughout his 30+ years at ULSD. He had a sterling reputation in periodontics at the national and international levels, and was deeply respected in the dental education arena.

Dr. Greenwell’s obituary requested that expressions of sympathy be directed to our Graduate Periodontics program. It is a measure of his devotion to the program and to dental education that this is his request. To support the program, go to our online giving website .

Dr. Henry Greenwell

2023 DMD and DH Reunions

DMD and dental hygiene alumni from all over the country returned to Louisville during the weekend of June 9-10, 2023, for ULSD reunion weekend celebrating class years ending in 3 and 8. We especially enjoyed getting to recognize and honor our Golden alumni—our 50th celebrants from the DMD and Dental Hygiene class of 1973. View more photos from this year’s event at louisville.edu/dentistry/alumni/event-photos .

Planning is already underway for next year’s reunions, which will honor alumni from class years ending in 4 and 9. If you would like to be part of your class committee, please contact Fran Williams, ULSD Alumni Affairs, at 502-852-5077 or fran.williams@louisville.edu .

Friday evening Reunion celebrants and their guests — including this fun-loving group from the class of 1993 — gathered for a reception at the Seelbach.

Saturday morning: Reunion celebrants checked out the School of Dentistry’s current facilities by taking tours hosted by current students. Many also took part in the 40th Annual William J. Mansfield Jr. Alumni Day CE session.

Photo gallery:

Saturday evening: Reunion celebrants — including the groups shown from the classes of (from top) 2003, 1983, and 1973 — enjoyed individual class dinners. Attendees from the class of 1973 also received Golden Alumni medallions. Many reunion celebrants got the chance to chat with a special visitor: former faculty member Dr. Arlan Podshadley. The class of 1973 honored “Dr. Pod” (pictured below, at right) for instilling in them the love and respect of our beloved profession of dentistry and for teaching technique while also being “patient and nurturing to us all.”

Thank you to the reunion sponsor who helped make this year’s reunions possible:

DRNA is offering savings on our amalgam recycling services to University of Louisville School of Dentistry alumni. Learn more

Louisville ASDA chapter named top chapter nationwide

During the February 2023 American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Annual Session in Seattle, the Louisville ASDA chapter – also known as LASDA – was named Gold Crown Chapter of the Year. This national award recognizes the chapter’s overall excellence in all six Gold Crown categories: Member Engagement and Value, Community Service, Advocacy, Health & Wellness, Member Communications, and Professional Development & Leadership.

Before receiving the national award, LASDA was selected as the top chapter for District 7 — one of 11 districts representing dental schools across the country. Brianna Gill, past president of the Louisville chapter, says the district award was a big win in itself. “We have incredible schools in our district who always excel and we look up to,” she says.

When the Louisville chapter members realized they had been selected as the national Gold Crown chapter, Gill says they were surprised and thrilled. “It puts our name out there. It shows our commitment to serving students here in Louisville,” she says.

In addition to serving as the University of Louisville’s chapter of ASDA, LASDA serves as the dental school’s student government. The group provides social events, outreach projects, advocacy opportunities, leadership development, wellness, networking opportunities, lunch and learns, and improvements around the school.

Becca Miller, past vice president of the Louisville chapter, says it took a team effort in all of those areas to be recognized at the national level. “Our officer board is so committed. They work cohesively over the year, creating a sense of community and belonging.” She adds that chapter leaders were inspired when they attended the previous Annual Session in Louisville in 2022. “We realized just how strong we are, which motivated us to make our awards portfolio as strong as it can be.”

Gill says member engagement was a particularly strong area of the LASDA portfolio. “We really took a studentcentered approach to our events. We considered people with children, families, all different circumstances in order to cater to every single student.”

Miller adds that the chapter’s advocacy efforts have been outstanding. For example, chapter members joined with the Kentucky Dental Association for Advocacy Day in Frankfort. “Being on the floor of the House for HB-370 signing was a big moment for Kentucky and our chapter.”

In addition, both Gill and Miller give credit to fellow LASDA member Judd Burns, who served as the ASDA District 7 Trustee in 2022. “Judd opened the world of the national organization to the Louisville chapter, which got us fired up,” Miller says. This year, Burns is taking his leadership skills to the national level as Vice President of ASDA.

Whether their participation is large or small, Miller says being part of ASDA teaches students how to be leaders. “We’ve learned how important it is to advocate for yourself, your profession, and your patients.”

In addition to the chapter award, three LASDA members received individual honors during the event:

• Judd Burns — elected as National ASDA Vice President

• Kierra Dages — awarded District 7 Community Builder of the Year

• Brianna Gill — awarded District 7 Delegate of the Year

Louisville ASDA members in Seattle, where the chapter was recognized as the national Gold Crown Chapter of the Year.

UofL ADEA chapter receives Gold Status for the second consecutive year

During the March 2023 American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Annual Session & Exhibition in Portland, Oregon, the Louisville ADEA chapter was named a Gold Chapter for the second year in a row. Gold Chapter is the highest designation granted to dental school chapters.

While at the event, chapter members also participated in and won the first ever national “I Have and ADEA” Curriculum Event. In addition, a Louisville chapter member participated in the Student Diversity Leadership Program.

ADEA chapters for students, residents, and fellows serve several purposes:

• Promoting knowledge of and interest in academic careers.

• Advancing ADEA’s mission, strategic directions, key priorities and initiatives.

• Promoting membership in ADEA.

• Preparing students, residents, and fellows for local and national leadership positions.

The next ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition will take place March 9-12, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Louisville ASDA members in Portland, where the chapter was recognized with Gold Chapter status.

Student spotlight:

Raquel Salim, DMD class of 2024

I was born and raised in Honduras, the heart of Central America. For the first seventeen years of my life, Honduras was the only thing I knew. I felt safe and confident in the small bubble that was my home.

The turning point in my life happened in 2010, when America adopted me as one of their own. It was a moment of great happiness, but it also brought forth certain confusion and fear. I wondered if people in America would like me or if they would treat me as one of their own. However, my biggest fear was losing my traditions and forgetting my heritage as time went by. Gratefully, those things have not happened, and they will never happen.

Despite all fears, I decided to open my arms and welcome the diversity that was entering my life and it was the best decision I have ever made. I am now able to view things from different perspectives, which has enhanced the way I think and approach the different circumstances life has thrown at me. While my roots are sown deeply in Honduras, I have bloomed in America.

Today, in my family you will find 8 countries represented and 4 languages spoken. My multicultural family is a miniature version of the world! I am blessed to have found this miniature version of the world at ULSD. Experiencing dental school with people from all over the US and the world has been a very enriching experience. We might all be different, but we have one common love: dentistry! I feel that unity is manifested on a daily basis in our dental community at ULSD. I am glad to be here with this big family, and I would not have it any other way!

This interview is adapted from the Fall 2022–Spring 2023 edition of the LASDA Incisal Edge newsletter. Keep up with the latest news from LASDA at louisvilleasda.com

Raquel Salim donned a traditional Honduran dress while co-hosting LASDA’s 2023

Multicultural Night. Photo by Joshua Montgomery

“Experiencing dental school with people from all over the U.S. and the world has been a very enriching experience. We might all be different, but we have one common love: dentistry!”

- Raquel Salim

UofL School of Dentistry’s COBRE grant renewed for an additional five years

The National Institutes of Health has awarded a significant grant to continue Dr. Richard Lamont’s research on functional microbiomics, inflammation, and pathogenicity for the next five years.

The Center of Biomedical Research Excellence COBRE grant supports a multidisciplinary research center conducting an integrated set of complementary projects to make novel connections between inflammatory processes and bacterial pathogenicity.

Dr. David A. Scott, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, says this research can establish a basis for the development of novel therapeutics and delivery methods. “Research being conducted at the School of Dentistry goes far beyond healthy teeth,” he says. “We’re helping to fuel innovations related to a wide range of illnesses that are caused or worsened by inflammatory responses in the oral cavity.”

Craniomaxillofacial teaching award named in honor of Dr. Brian Alpert

AO North America, an organization that promotes excellence in trauma and musculoskeletal surgery, has created a new award named in honor of one of ULSD’s most legendary faculty members: the late Dr. Brian Alpert. Starting with this year’s One AO meeting, the “Brian Alpert AO CMF NA Educator of the Year Award” will be presented to a craniomaxillofacial surgeon nominated and selected by peers based on their achievements as an educator and contributions to AO NA and their discipline.

In addition, the UofL School of Dentistry has created a “Dr. Brian Alpert Faculty Fund” initiative, with the goal of securing $2 million in support for an endowed chair in the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery department. For more information or to contribute, contact Senior Director of Development Stephen Fairley at 502-852-1241 or stephen.fairley@louisville.edu

Faculty transitions

New faculty in spring 2023

Dr. Sandro BitencourtAssistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitative & Reconstructive Dentistry (Prosthodontics)

Dr. Juan Carlos VillalobosAssistant Professor, Department of Comprehensive Dentistry (Pediatric Dentistry)

Retirements in spring 2023

Dr. Gay Baughman

Dr. Mark Bernstein

Dr. Bruce Cook

Dr. Robert Greene

Dr. David Maddy

Dr. Michele Pisano

Faculty & staff updates

De Souza joins Journal of Dental Research editorial board

Dr. Grace De Souza has been selected to join the editorial board of the Journal of Dental Research, one of the most prominent scientific journals worldwide. Dr. De Souza has also been selected as an AADOCR Fellow, recognizing her excellence and leadership in research.

Uriarte selected to serve on ODCS Study Section

Dr. Silvia Uriarte has been asked to serve as a member of the Oral, Dental and Craniofacial Sciences (ODCS) Study Section. This is the main panel which reviews grant applications to the NIH for dental research. Dr. Uriarte’s four-year term began on July 1.

Diamond assumes leadership of MSOB program

Dr. Gill Diamond has assumed leadership of the School of Dentistry’s MS in Oral Biology program. Dr. Michelle Pisano, who previously served in this role, retired this spring.

Faculty and staff awards

In addition to receiving honors just before graduation, the DMD/DH classes select some special staff and faculty to be honored by them. Congratulations to the winners of this year’s awards:

Ms. Dana Potter LASDA Staff Appreciation Award

Dr. Mark Vance William R. Wolfe Full-Time Faculty Award & Wood E. Currens Award

Dr. Jacob Bishop D.T. Cummins Part-Time Faculty Award

Dr. Eduardo Bortoluzzi Wilson Teaching Award

Spring at ULSD

February 23: Dental students show off their talents at the LASDAsponsored Multicultural Night event. In addition to the talent show performances, attendees enjoyed food from around the world and a fashion show featuring traditional styles of dress from various countries around that world that our students call home.

Photo gallery:

February: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery residency program director Dr. Robert Flint, resident Dr. Scott Davis, faculty member Dr. Suzanne Barnes, and resident Dr. Pooyan Eshkevari travel to the Philippines to provide Cleft Lip/Palate surgeries for children in need.

February 27: Students honor Dr. Sherry Babbage at the annual “Dr. Babbage Day” event presented by the Louisville chapter of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA).

March 9: Members of the DMD class of 2023 are inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), the national dental honor society. ADEA

President and CEO Dr. Karen West and ULSD Dean Gerry Bradley joined the celebration.

April 12: Faculty and staff enjoy an appreciation luncheon hosted by the faculty assembly, staff assembly, and ULSD human resources department.

March 20-24: While students are away for spring break, with many attending the Hinman meeting and ADEA meeting, ULSD makes some muchneeded updates to furniture and decor in the first floor classrooms.

April 13: Students from Barren County High School visit ULSD to learn about our campus and potential careers in dentistry. They aced the challenge of working with a dental mirror!

Your support makes a difference!

May 13: The dental hygiene class of 2023 gathers for a quick photo before heading into the Louisville Palace theatre to receive their diplomas on graduation day.

From endowed chairs to one-time donations, gifts from our alumni and friends allow us to attract and retain the best and brightest students, residents, and faculty.

Donate today to sustain a legacy of support and assistance at the School of Dentistry.

May 20:

Dental students including members of the Louisville chapter of Student National Dental Association (SNDA) and Student Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (SCAAPD) participate in an outreach event sponsored by Future Healers, a program focused on building better bridges between the healthcare community and Louisville youth most impacted by gun violence.

May 19: Rising D3 students (class of 2025) take part in the annual oath signing ceremony that has capped off clinic orientation week since 2016. After reading the dental professionals oath in unison, each student signed the oath and was greeted by faculty to welcome to the next phase of their education: seeing patients in clinic.

May 23: Rising D3 students take part in an implant lab class, receiving handson instruction from faculty including Dr. Gay Baughman and Dr. Justin Whitney.

June 3-4: DMD students, dental hygiene students, and faculty take part in a Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic in Hazard, Kentucky.

June 14: Faculty retirees Dr. David Maddy, Dr. Bruce Cook, and Dr. Gay Baughman are honored with a sendoff celebration hosted by the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry.

June 14-25: Residents from ULSD’s advanced education programs cap off their residency programs by celebrating with fellow residents, family and friends, and faculty and staff.

Upcoming events at a glance

August

ULSD Alumni & Friends Reception at KDA’s Kentucky Meeting

Galt House Hotel, Louisville • Details

September

ULSD White Coat Ceremony for DMD Class of 2027, Advanced Standing Class of 2025, and Dental Hygiene Class of 2025

October

13

October

ULSD Orthodontic Alumni Annual Meeting

Lynn Family Stadium Fifth Third Club, Louisville • Details

Spirit of Giving event hosted by the 1887 Society

By invitation only

October

25 9 13 21

Dental Hygiene Legacy Annual Symposium

University Club, Louisville • Details

Continuing education

In conjunction with the Association for Continuing Dental Education (ACDE), of which ULSD CE is a member, we continue to host live webinars covering a wide variety of dentistry topics. These presentations feature expert faculty across 30+ schools of dentistry in the U.S. and Canada. Be sure to bookmark the ULSD CE website for the most up-to-date information on course offerings.

The Louisville Palace