UT Health Science Center Collge of Dentistry Magazine - Winter 2025

DENTISTRY

THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER

Caring for People

HELP SUPPORT THE DENTISTRY DEAN’S EQUIPMENT FUND

If the College of Dentistry is to successfully pursue its vision of clinical excellence, students must have access to the best equipment. The Dentistry Dean’s Equipment Fund is vital to ensuring the long-term viability of the college by helping us acquire and maintain state-of-the-art equipment for our students’ use. Donations will help the college address one of our top priorities – replacing dental chairs and updating operatories in the existing Dunn Dental Building predoctoral clinic. Please donate to the Dentistry Dean’s Equipment Fund at giving.uthsc.edu/equipment.

LEADERSHIP

Chancellor

Peter Buckley, MD

Dean

Kenneth Tilashalski, DMD

Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration

Blake Dingman, MBA

Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions

Mojdeh Dehghan, DDS

Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs

Paul G. Luepke, DDS, MS, FACD

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Risa B Handman, RDH, MDH, EdD

Interim Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs

Clint Conner, DDS

Associate Dean for Research

Chair, Department of Bioscience Research

Doug Dixon, DMD, MSD, PhD, MaCSD

Associate Dean of Extramural Clinical Education and Community Service

Orpheus Triplett, DDS

Director of Access and Engagement

Felisa Jackson, RDH, BSDH, MSAH

Interim Chair, Department of Dental Hygiene

Kiesha Werlitz, RDH, MS, EdD

Acting Chair, Department of Diagnostic Sciences

Werner Shintaku, DDS, MS, DABOMR

Chair, Department of Endodontics

Harry Cosby, DDS, MS

Interim Chair, Department of General Dentistry

Mark Lackey, DDS

Chair, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Jeffrey H. Brooks, DMD

Chair, Department of Orthodontics

Richard A. Williams, DDS, MS

Chair, Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health

Clarice S. Law, DMD, MS

Interim Chair, Department of Periodontology

Sidney H. Stein, DMD, MS, PhD

Chair, Department of Prosthodontics

Audrey Selecman, DDS, MS

Vice Chancellor for Advancement

Brigitte Grant, MBA

Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement

Bethany Goolsby, JD

Senior Director of Development – College of Dentistry

Tim Lanier

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Alumni and Constituent Engagement

Chandra A. Tuggle

Senior Director of Alumni Programs

Terri Catafygiotu

Editor Peggy Reisser, MASC

Designer Adam Gaines

Contributing Writers

Carmin Chambers, Chris Green, Peggy Reisser

Photographers

Caleb Jia, Carmin Chambers

On the cover: College of Dentistry students volunteer at the annual Mid-South Mission of Mercy, a clinic that opens once a year to treat underserved patients free of charge.

Changing Leadership

Dean Tilashalski takes the helm >

< Spreading Smiles Kingsport dental clinic expands access to care

Honoring a Legacy Fundraising begins for Dunn Building renovation >

< Pursuing His Passion Former police officer chooses dental hygiene

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admissions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.

Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations.

In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed

From the Dean

Dear Alumni, Students, Faculty, Staff, and Friends,

As a dental student, my friends and I made an annual pilgrimage to the Memphis in May International Festival. Back in those days, I enjoyed barbecue by the river and listening to musical giants like James Brown, Leon Russell, and Albert King. As a student, it never occurred to me that I might one day make Memphis my home.

When I came to Memphis as the executive associate dean, I was thrilled to be in Memphis, where I have all these fond memories. More than that, I was thrilled to join a school with so many exciting initiatives. In this issue of Dentistry Magazine, we share updates on many of those initiatives.

As I stepped into the role of dean, I knew that I wanted to continue the strong legacy of our college. I also began thinking about my vision for the school – a new dean means a new vision! A few months ago, I traveled to our clinic in Union City. As I toured the clinic, I asked the dental assistants on staff why they chose to work for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Dental assistants are in demand, and they could work at any other dental clinic in the region. All the staff members responded in the same way: they work in our clinic because they get to take care of people.

That resonated with me. Taking care of people is why we show up to work. After talking with my colleagues, we decided to make that a core part of our institutional identity. Our mission is to transform lives and oral health through community engagement, educational excellence, developing professionals, patient care, and research discovery. Our vision, though, is simple. Our vision is to take care of people.

Our college is committed to taking care of our students by providing a world-class educational experience focused on clinical excellence. Following our site visit from the Commission on Dental Accreditation in May 2025, we will work on curriculum innovation. A revised curriculum will help us ensure that our graduates are able to take care of patients when they are still practicing in 2060 and beyond.

We have also launched new initiatives to take care of our faculty and staff. A major initiative of my first semester was introducing new opportunities for faculty and staff development. Finally, we will continue to take care of Tennesseans by expanding access to oral health care in our state. This year, we opened our newest external site in Kingsport. That clinic will serve as the hub for our work in East Tennessee.

In solidifying our vision to take care of people, we are building on the strong foundation that our faculty, staff, and students have already laid. At the same time, we are committing ourselves to do more for our students, our employees, and the people of Tennessee. This work is only possible because of the dedication and support of you: our alumni, our faculty and staff, our students, and our friends. Your partnership is essential to the legacy we have built and to the work ahead. Thank you for all that you do!

With Gratitude,

Ken Tilashalski. DMD Dean of the College of Dentistry

The

University

of Tennessee

Health Science Center

From the Chancellor

I wish each of you could have heard third-year dental student Gustavo Morrice speak of the joy he felt to be able to provide a full set of dentures for a patient recently.

“To me, that was really powerful,” he said. “I love what I do.”

A Nashville native who has dreamed of being a dentist since fourth grade, Gustavo was addressing the members of the University of Tennessee President’s Council meeting in Memphis in November.

Gustavo embodies the passion, dedication, and clinical excellence of our students in the College of Dentistry.

As health care providers, we can probably all remember feeling just like Gustavo at some point, as we progressed toward the careers that would enable us to help others live healthier and better lives.

I am proud to say our faculty, staff, and students in the College of Dentistry are working every day to improve not only the smiles of the people of Tennessee, but also their lives.

In partnership with the Tennessee Department of Health, the college is leading a multiyear $53 million Healthy Smiles Initiative to increase access to oral health care by expanding the dental workforce and opening clinics in underserved areas across Tennessee.

So far, the college has increased its first-year dental class size to 130, and the dental hygiene class is anticipated to reach 45 for the spring semester. The college now has clinics in collaboration with vital community partners in Union City, Chattanooga, Bristol, Crossville, and Kingsport, with future sites planned in Savannah and elsewhere.

Additionally, the college has had a successful transition to new leadership under Dean Ken Tilashalski, who follows the outstanding tenure of James Ragain. The college has developed a new holistic admissions rubric, is implementing new student culture initiatives, and has new professional and leadership development opportunities for faculty. The college also is beginning to raise funds to renovate the Dunn Dental Building, where so many of Tennessee’s dentists and dental hygienists have trained.

All of this aligns with our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan and moves us forward as we strive to realize our vision – Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities.

None of this would be possible without our valued alumni, who are always ready to offer their time, talent, and funds. Your support is vital to the College of Dentistry, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and the people of Tennessee.

We were all where Gustavo is today. We are grateful for all you do to help him, and others like him, achieve their dreams for tomorrow, and in turn, enable all Tennesseans to thrive.

With admiration and gratitude,

Peter Buckley, MD Chancellor

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Bristol

Continuing the Work to Improve Tennessee’s Oral Health

In 2022, the College of Dentistry, in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Health, embarked on an ambitious campaign to improve oral health and health care across Tennessee.

Funded by the state and called the Healthy Smiles Initiative, the innovative project is a multipronged approach to tackling the current shortage of dentists in Tennessee and improving health across the state by making dental care more readily available.

The Tennessee Department of Health has committed a total of $94 million over five years for its overall statewide Healthy Smiles oral health effort. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry’s efforts account for $53 million of that project to grow the dental workforce and increase access to dentists and dental care across Tennessee, with a focus on the rural areas with the most need. The ultimate goal is to have dental care available within a onehour drive to all Tennesseans.

Kingsport

UTHSC Healthy Smiles Initiative HIGHLIGHTS TO DATE

IMPROVING HEALTH

6 clinical rotation sites outside of Memphis (Bristol, Chattanooga, Crossville, Kingsport, Knoxville, Union City)

• Clinics located in areas of high need

• Students and faculty treat uninsured and TennCare patients

3 clinical rotation sites planned

• Pulaski

• Savannah

• Jackson

2 Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) programs

• 4 residents in Memphis

• 6 residents in Nashville

2 AEGD sites planned

• Jackson

• Kingsport

INCREASING COHORT SIZE

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) – Goal 130

• 2022-2023: 110 (increase from 100)

• 2023-2024: 120

• 2024-2025: 130

Target: 520 total DDS students

Dental Hygiene (DH) – Goal 48

• 2022-2023: 36 (increase from 30)

• 2023-2024: 40, Fall 2023: 30, Spring 2024: 10 (First Spring cohort)

• 2024-2025: 45 (anticipated)

• Fall 2024: 21, Spring 2025: 24 (anticipated)

Target: 96 total DH students

Chattanooga

From the Alumni Board President

Greetings fellow alumni,

It is my distinct honor to serve you as president of the UT Health Science Center College of Dentistry Alumni Association Board of Trustees. I want to recognize our immediate past-president, Dr. Bill Powell, for his leadership and vision for the board over the last few years. He has laid the groundwork for exciting new opportunities for our alumni and the college.

I am thrilled to begin my tenure alongside Dr. Ken Tilashalski, the new dean for the College of Dentistry. Over the past few months, I’ve been able to meet with him and talk about his goals for the college and its imprint across the state. He brings innovative ideas to the table, while building upon the work that Dean Emeritus Dr. Jay Ragain accomplished over the last six years. The Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement is hosting “meet the dean” receptions across the state and beyond to introduce Dr. Tilashalski as our new dean. Please make the effort to attend one if you are able, so that you can meet Dr. T. I have no doubt that you will be very encouraged by his vision and direction for the college.

Chancellor Buckley’s vision for UT Health Science Center is “Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities,” and this statement exemplifies the footprint for the College of Dentistry. I am so excited that the college now has a presence in Kingsport with the new Dental Clinic of the Appalachian Highlands. Our college truly has a statewide presence and is providing care for individuals who might not otherwise have access to it.

I urge all of you to support our College of Dentistry by lending a hand with the numerous rural clinics around the state, mentoring students, and contributing financially. If you are already giving back, thank you! If you are not, please consider doing so. Alumni support is vital to our efforts to ensure current and future students have access to the finest clinical facilities, as well as to provide much needed student and faculty support.

I am grateful for this opportunity to serve the UT Health Science Center College of Dentistry Alumni Association. Take pride in your education and thank you for representing the college in your communities.

Sincerely,

Rick Guthrie, Jr., DDS

President, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry Alumni Association Board of Trustees

College of Dentistry and Partners Celebrate Completion of New Kingsport Dental Clinic

By Carmin Chambers

Community leaders, partners, and supporters gathered in July in Kingsport for a “floss-cutting” to mark the completion of construction on the Kingsport Dental Clinic of the Appalachian Highlands, a new collaborative dental clinic that will be operated by the College of Dentistry.

With the tremendous support from the city of Kingsport and other partners, including East Tennessee State University, Ballad Health, Delta Dental of Tennessee, Eastman, and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, the College of Dentistry hosts dental students on two-week rotations. The clinic, which began treating patients in September, provided more than $35,000 of treatment in its first month of operations.

The Kingsport clinic plays a unique and important role in the college’s strategy to expand access to care in Tennessee, serving as a hub in the region. The college is currently working with the city to plan for an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program for residents and eventually plans to have students training in the city full time. The city of Kingsport received a $6.5 million grant from the state to support these future efforts.

The floss-cutting event celebrated the significant contributions from several corporate partners. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Delta Dental of Tennessee each contributed toward equipment expenses, while the Eastman Foundation announced a $1 million grant for construction costs.

“George Eastman established the first U.S. free dentistry clinic in 1917 because he recognized a need for accessible preventative dental care. Fast forward more than 100 years, and the Eastman Foundation is honoring his legacy through its support of the Kingsport Dental Clinic,” said Paula Bulcao, Eastman Foundation’s executive director. “We know our families, friends, and neighbors need access to quality care and services, and this dental clinic will deliver on both.”

Dean Ken Tilashalski highlighted the importance of the partnership in meeting both the immediate oral health needs and improving long-term access to care in the region. “What we do in the college has a direct impact on the oral health and well-being of Tennessee’s citizens,” Dr. Tilashalski said. “By sending students to train here, we hope to provide an immediate service to the people of Kingsport. But more than that, we hope to demonstrate to our students that Kingsport and East Tennessee are wonderful places to live, work, and practice.”

Kingsport City Manager Chris McCartt echoed the importance of this collaboration. “We are committed to building this collaboration, and we look forward to continuing to work with the University of Tennessee and all of our partners,” he said.

PASSING THE

TORCH Tilashalski Succeeds Ragain as Dean

On July 1, 2024, the helm of the College of Dentistry changed hands.

Ken Tilashalski, DMD, an experienced clinician, respected academician, and dynamic leader, assumed the role of dean of the College of Dentistry, following in the footsteps of James Ragain, DDS, PhD, who retired after serving as dean for six years.

“I have the utmost respect for Dr. Ragain, and I cherish the mentorship Jay has given me as well as our friendship that has blossomed,” Dr. Tilashalski said at a retirement celebration in August honoring Dr. Ragain.

Dr. Tilashalski, affectionately known as Dr. T to students, faculty, and staff, has served as the college’s executive associate dean since September 2023. Since joining UT Health Science Center, he has coordinated preparations for the college’s 2025 Commission on Dental Accreditation site visit. He has also guided the development of a new strategic plan for the college, embracing clinical improvements, supporting new research initiatives, and continuing the college’s efforts to increase the number of students and open new clinics through the Healthy Smiles Initiative.

Dr. Tilashalski came to UT Health Science Center after more than 12 years as the associate dean of Academic Affairs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he also held the position of Alumni Association Endowed Professor. He was lauded as a dedicated collaborator, a passionate advocate for student success, and an excellent communicator, all traits he has continued to exhibit since joining UT Health Science Center

Dr. Ragain, the first alumnus of the College of Dentistry to become dean, dedicated himself to taking the college to new heights during his tenure. He now holds the title of Dean Emeritus.

“I was very honored and humbled to take on this awesome responsibility,” Dr. Ragain said. “After six years of serving as dean, I am still honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to make a difference in the College of Dentistry and the oral health of the citizens of Tennessee, Arkansas, and the region.”

Dr. Tilashalski said he also was honored to be a part of such a great university and college. “We have a unique opportunity to build on the Healthy Smiles Initiative to improve the lives of the citizens of Tennessee. Dean Ragain has left a fantastic foundation for our future, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with our outstanding faculty and staff, dedicated alumni, and statewide partners to do this important work.”

Dean Ken Tilashalski, left, honors

Dean Emeritus James Ragain at a retirement event for the former dean.

Breaking Records and Building Smiles: Dr. AJ Robbins’ Path from Student to Specialist

By Chris Green

For Andrew “AJ” Robbins, DDS, dentistry is not just a profession—it’s a calling. The Kingsport, Tennessee, native has charted an impressive course through the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, where his passion for endodontics set him apart as a rising star in the field.

A 2024 College of Dentistry graduate, Dr. Robbins is now training in the college’s endodontics residency program. However, wearing a white coat was not always his vision. He completed his undergraduate studies at East Tennessee State University, where he also played soccer. Initially unsure about his career path, he explored engineering, science, and finance before discovering his passion for dentistry.

“Growing up, I always enjoyed working with my hands,” Dr. Robbins said. “I saw dentistry as a way to mix science and medicine and also getting to work with my hands to fix things and help people out.”

His interest in dentistry was further fueled by observing the respect and trust his soccer teammates’ fathers, who were dentists, garnered in their communities. Shadowing these professionals solidified his decision to pursue dentistry.

When it came time to choose a dental school, UT Health Science Center was the obvious choice for Dr. Robbins.

“The value it offered – both financially and academically – was unmatched,” he said. “I’ve lived in Tennessee my whole life and I want to live in Tennessee for the rest of it, so it was kind of a no-brainer.”

As a student, Dr. Robbins enjoyed the hands-on patient care opportunities that allowed him to apply what he learned in class into a clinical setting. It was during his clinical experiences that Dr. Robbins discovered his love for root canals.

“Root canals are an amazing thing. You get people out of pain and allow them to maintain their dentition,” he said. “The patients get to chew the meals they were missing and enjoy the food and drinks that they like to have. It is a great thing to keep our teeth.”

This enthusiasm translated into action. While most dental students perform three to five root canals, Dr. Robbins completed an astounding 114, shattering the college’s previous record. He credits the supportive faculty and close-knit student community for helping him excel. “I had amazing mentors who believed in me and invested in my growth early on,” he said.

“I don’t think going into the clinic I had a specific goal to break a record, but I did know I wanted to do endo. Early on in my third year, I began to try to invest heavily in doing root canal simulations or patient experiences, and through that repetition, the faculty continued to grow to trust me with cases like molar root canals or cases with a little bit more difficulty. I also got a steady flow of referrals from classmates whose patients needed some relief from pain for a molar tooth and were interested in a root canal. And thankfully, I was able to make that happen for them.”

Though he humbly downplays the accomplishment, Dr. Robbins acknowledges that the sheer volume of procedures helped him refine his skills and deepen his passion for endodontics – a specialty he describes as a unique blend of technical skill and patient impact. Additionally, he attributes his decision to specialize in endodontics in part to his faith, saying, “I spent time praying and seeking God’s wisdom, and I realized how much I loved the technical challenge of root canals and the ability to make a difference in people’s lives.”

When he completes his residency in 2026, Dr. Robbins plans to return to Kingsport with his wife, Erin, a teacher he met during their undergraduate years. His long-term vision includes opening his own practice – or perhaps several – and expanding access to endodontic care in underserved areas of Northeast Tennessee.

“There’s a real need for specialists in that region,” he said. “I would love to one day be there and allow people to have more access to care in terms of endodontics so they’re able to keep teeth that otherwise may be lost or removed.”

Dr. Robbins is also excited about the College of Dentistry’s new dental clinic in Kingsport, which he described as an impressive facility that will provide a wonderful service to the community. He envisions potentially teaching there part time in the future to share his passion for endodontics with the next generation of dental professionals.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Robbins remains deeply thankful for the support he has received from mentors, peers, and his faith. “I have worked hard, but I’m not really a product of hard work alone,” he said. “A lot of people have invested in me, and ultimately, I feel blessed to have received my education at UT Health Science Center. I am excited to carry forward the things I’ve learned here and take them back to a community that needs it.”

Former Campus Police Officer Follows Renewed Passion for Dental Care

By Chris Green

Marshall Jones Jr., a first-year dental hygiene student, is proof that it is never too late to pursue a new dream.

A Chicago native and former police officer for 10 years, Jones, 37, moved to Memphis four years ago when his wife, Marquita Nelson, MD, accepted a faculty position in the College of Medicine’s hematology department. Initially, he joined the university as a campus police officer after working for several years at the University of Chicago Police Department. His role on campus reawakened a long-held interest in dentistry.

“I wanted to be a dentist when I was younger, in high school and even in my early college years,” Jones said.

Jones initially attended the University of Illinois Chicago but had trouble adjusting to college life. He began taking courses at a community college before transferring to Roosevelt University, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in biological science.

“Dental school is pretty competitive, and I didn’t have the best grades,” he said. “After finishing undergrad, I applied to the University of Chicago Police Department because I always liked helping people out, serving, and problem solving. I was pretty good at it, but I never really saw myself as a police officer long term.”

As an officer in UT Health Science Center’s Campus Police Department, Jones spent time in the dentistry buildings. Seeing the students interact with patients and hone their skills with dental instruments, he began to picture himself in their shoes.

Encouragement came from unexpected places. While on patrol one evening, Jones assisted Orpheus Triplett, DDS, associate dean for Extramural Clinical Education and Community Service, who had misplaced his ID card and needed building access. In their conversation, Dr. Triplett urged Jones to pursue his interest.

Jones began taking prerequisite courses at Southwest Tennessee Community College, finishing with a 4.0 grade point average. Now in his first year of the College of Dentistry’s two-year dental hygiene program, Jones is balancing more than coursework.

“I’m a non-traditional student and I have a kid now, who’s 1 1/2 years old,” he said. “It’s hard balancing being a parent and taking these hard courses, so time management has been key.”

Jones said the college has been understanding of his situation, and his classmates and professors have lent a helping hand when needed. “Everyone has been really

“The younger students in the college are so excited and so enthusiastic, and it rubs off on me. It’s refreshing to be around people who have so many goals in life.”

— Marshall Jones Jr., Dental Hygiene student

nice. They ask about how I’m doing in school, how my family is doing, and they give me advice. Sometimes it’s hard for me to tell people I need help, but if they keep offering it to me and are genuinely sincere, then I’ll take them up on it,” he said.

As Jones had to readjust to life as a student, he leaned on his younger classmates to help him learn things like computer programs and technology he is not used to. He also credits the younger students for reinvigorating his outlook on learning.

“I think many people probably can attest to this, but as you get older, it’s kind of hard to learn new things,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll be really tired, but the younger students in the college are so excited and so enthusiastic, and it rubs off on me. It’s refreshing to be around people who have so many goals in life.”

Looking ahead, Jones plans to work in underserved communities after graduating in 2026. He is passionate about making dental care accessible to populations that often lack adequate resources. He also hopes his presence will inspire children to see dental hygiene as a career option.

“There aren’t too many male hygienists, so I think I can have some type of positive impact in that area,” Jones said. “When I volunteer at some of the schools to teach kids about oral care, showing them how to brush their teeth and floss, the kids generally are interested. They always want to take pictures, ask me questions, and things like that.”

While his immediate focus is on completing the program and starting his career, Jones has not ruled out pursuing further education in the future so he can become an educator for the next generations of dental hygienists. Whatever path he chooses, he is confident his resiliency, adaptability, and passion for serving others will allow him to make a meaningful impact.

Student Leader Inspires Change in Fellow Students, Community

By Carmin Chambers

With a heart for service and a commitment to excellence, Genie Ochi has emerged as a true leader at UT Health Science Center, leaving a lasting impact on both the College of Dentistry and the community.

Ochi, the third of four siblings, was born to Nigerian parents and raised in Nashville. Growing up in a family rooted in culture, resilience, and ambition, she quickly developed a strong sense of leadership and balance. From an early age, she excelled in both academics and extracurriculars, demonstrating her ability to thrive in multiple areas.

Starting as a cheerleader at age 10, Ochi not only perfected her skills in rallying her team, but also rose to the role of captain, consistently leading with poise and determination. Those skills grew with her.

Ochi always knew she loved to make people smile. In high school, she began providing hair services in her free time.

“I loved seeing how a simple change could uplift someone’s spirit and help them see themselves in a new light,” she said. “That joy of making a tangible impact on someone’s confidence stayed with me.”

Though Ochi loved to impact others through her talents for hairstyling, she knew she wanted to do more.

“I knew I wanted to pursue a career in health care, where I could merge my fascination with science and my passion for connecting with and helping people. Dentistry became the perfect fit, blending artistry and science in a way that resonated deeply with me.”

Shadowing a dentist during high school solidified her choice to pursue dentistry. She was amazed by the way he treated his patients and how he eased their fears with such kindness and professionalism.

“I realized I wanted to create that same kind of impact, to not only care for people’s oral health, but also help them feel seen, valued, and at ease in a setting that can be intimidating.”

Following high school, Ochi attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she became a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a youth summer league cheerleading coach, as well as YMCA weekly volunteer to read and tutor elementary students. She continued to excel, as a leader and a student, graduating early, with cum laude honors.

Ochi was accepted into multiple dental schools. Choosing UT Health Science Center was an “intentional and heartfelt decision,” she said.

“UT Health Science Center stood out because of its top-tier clinical training and reputation for preparing students to excel in real-world practice,” she said. “Its proximity to home was also important; staying close to my support system while pursuing a rigorous program was invaluable. I’ve always envisioned starting my dental career in Tennessee, and this felt like the perfect place to lay that foundation.”

During Ochi’s first year as a dental student, she joined the Student National Dental Association (SNDA). From the moment she joined, she knew she had a strong purpose among the UT Health Science Center chapter. She worked her way through the chapter from a general member to president of the SNDA.

Through her determination and innovative leadership, she and her team revitalized the SNDA chapter. She introduced new service initiatives, mentorship programs, and community outreach efforts that not only reconnected students, but also made a tangible difference in the local community. Under Ochi’s leadership, the UT Health Science Center chapter was recognized nationally in 2024 as one of the top three medium chapters at the 52nd Student National Dental Association National Convention in Las Vegas.

During Ochi’s time in the College of Dentistry, she completed more than 500 community service hours.

Johannah Valentin, a first-year student and SNDA D1 representative, said “As a D1 entering this year, I was nervous about meeting new people and settling into my role as a student. With Genie’s guidance and support, I was able to become more comfortable and confident in my ability to serve my community. She was so quick to make me feel at home here, and her leadership within SNDA has encouraged me to do more as I continue my journey towards becoming a dentist!”

“UT Health Science Center stood out because of its top-tier clinical training and reputation for preparing students to excel in real-world practice.”

— Genie Ochi, DDS student

JAW IN A DAY

Milestone Surgery Reconstructs Teenager’s Face After Tumor

By Chris Green

Alysha Wynn began the morning of April 26 by reading the Bible. She prayed for a good outcome as medical staff prepared her son, James, for an eight-hour surgery to remove an advanced tumor from his face and reconstruct his jaw.

Doctors diagnosed the 17-year-old from Memphis with the tumor months earlier. “I saw his jaw started getting big, but I thought maybe something had bitten him,” his mother says. She was shocked to learn a tumor was causing the swelling on the right side of his face.

Fortunately for James, the tumor was not cancerous, and he never complained of any pain. However, the tumor was destroying his facial bones and causing his teeth to shift. It had to be removed, and the Wynns soon learned his doctors planned to do so through a unique surgery that would make history in their state.

“I had mixed emotions because it was a first-time thing,” Alysha says. “It was my first time even hearing about this kind of surgery.”

The surgery is called Jaw in a Day, and James was the first patient in Tennessee and the Mid-South to undergo it. Performed by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons from the UT Health Science Center, the procedure involved removing the tumor, building the facial bones, eye socket, and jaw out of James’s leg bone, and installing dental implants and prosthetic teeth—all within one day.

This groundbreaking surgery has significant advantages for the patient, chiefly a substantially shortened treatment timeline that enables quicker recovery.

“Traditional methods could take several months, sometimes even years, to complete. In contrast, this procedure enables patients to receive a functional jaw in just one day,” says Anas Eid, MD, chief of facial plastic surgery in the College of Medicine and leader of the Jaw in a Day surgery team.

The accomplishment was years in the making, starting when Dr. Eid formed a team that included experts in facial plastic surgery, head and neck surgical oncology, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. The team meets regularly to discuss cases involving complex facial reconstruction resulting from disease, trauma, and congenital defects.

“This helps surgeons appropriately stage surgeries in which multiple services are involved and, furthermore, allows surgeons to plan for combined cases in which surgeons will provide care under one operating room visit when appropriate,” says Associate Professor and Program Director Brett Wilson, DDS, who led the oral and maxillofacial surgery team in the Jaw in a Day surgery. “This can prevent patients from unnecessarily assuming the risk of general anesthesia multiple times. All of this just results in patients getting ideal and efficient treatment.”

In James’s case, timing was on his side. He arrived as a patient when the surgeons felt confident they were ready to perform the surgery for the first time. They confirmed he was a good candidate—considering factors such as his overall health, dental health, and the cause and extent of the jaw problem—and then began the extensive planning process.

(Opposite) Front row from left: Jeffrey Brooks, DMD, professor and chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Brett Wilson, DDS, associate professor and program director for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Anas Eid, MD, chief of Facial Plastic Surgery and lead surgeon; C. Burton Wood, MD, assistant professor of head and neck surgical oncology in the Department of Otolaryngology. In back, John Gleestyn, MD, associate professor in the Department of Otolaryngology. Photo by Natalie Clay.

X-rays taken before (top) and after (bottom) tumor removal and facial reconstruction.

Using James’s CT scans, the surgeons created 3D computer models of the skull and the leg bone and essentially performed the surgery virtually. “This allows us to plan the ideal placement of each component and use multiple patient-specific materials, including guides to help with tumor removal, orientation and positioning of the fibula, and orientation of the dental implants within the fibula. It also allows us to have custom, 3D-printed titanium hardware that helps ensure everything fits together seamlessly,” Dr. Wilson says.

The team used the computer models to 3D print life-size replicas of James’s skull to use during surgery. They also built custom cutting slots to guarantee precise cuts while recreating the pieces of the jaw and custom prosthetic teeth that matched James’s natural jawline and bite.

On the day of the surgery, teamwork proved key. “This surgery involves multiple steps from multiple surgeons that essentially build on one another,” Dr. Wilson says. “Each surgeon has to execute their part to set the next surgeon up for success, so the stakes can be high for everyone involved to bring the entire plan to fruition.”

to connect the blood vessels and ensure the bone’s survival. Finally, Dr. Wilson and Dr. Brooks attached the prosthetic teeth to the dental implants.

“This surgery is akin to constructing a face from LEGO pieces. Every piece is meticulously designed and cut to fit perfectly in the end,” Dr. Eid says. “The surgery concluded without any complications.”

In an operating room at Methodist University Hospital, Burton Wood, MD, assistant professor of head and neck surgical oncology, first removed the tumor. The surgeons then removed the damaged maxilla, or upper jaw, and the orbital floor, the bottom of the eye socket. The reconstructive team meticulously cut James’s fibula to create the shape of the face and jaw.

While the bone was still connected to the leg via blood vessels, the team fixed the fibula onto a 3D-printed skull model, allowing Dr. Wilson and Jeffrey Brooks, DMD, professor and chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, to place dental implants into the bone. Dr. Eid and his team then removed the fibula from the model and attached it to James’s face, using a microscope

James’s mother says she cried happy tears when she learned the surgery went smoothly. “I was surprised by how good he looked, even though he was still kind of swollen,” she says. “I’m just thankful that he actually went through it and came out.”

Thanks to the shortened recovery time of the singleday operation, James went home less than a week after the surgery and resumed his normal life more swiftly than with traditional methods. While he has had some bad days, he says he is feeling well, and from the outside, the only sign of what he has gone through is a small scar above his lip and a scar on his leg.

“The key factor that contributed to the success of this kind of surgery is the collaboration between surgical services at UT Health Science Center,” Dr. Wilson says. “We have an immense amount of collegiality between our departments, which ultimately results in our patients receiving the highest level of care.”

The team of surgeons agree that this procedure represents a significant leap forward and encourages them to continue to push the boundaries of what is medically possible.

The accomplishment underscores the quality, innovation, and dedication of each member of the team to provide the best and most up-to-date care for patients.

“Our institution takes great pride in being a pioneer in this area, contributing significantly to the improvement of health care services in our state,” Dr. Eid says.

Preoperative Anatomy

Simulated Postoperative Anatomy

Top row shows preoperative patient scans. Bottom row is the surgically simulated 3D plan.

Dr. Eid holds the part of the fibula fixated to the 3D skull model to ensure precision.

(Top-left) Dr. Eid and Dr. Wilson during surgery. (Top-right) James’s smile at the completion of surgery. (Bottom) The “Jaw in a Day” team included surgeons, residents, and a supporting staff of scrub technologists, nurses, clinic staff, and prosthodontists.

Raising funds to Renovate Dunn Dental Building, Continuing a Legacy

By Peggy Reisser

College of Dentistry alumnus Phil Wenk, DDS, smiles when he remembers driving across the state in the mid-2000s with another alumnus, former Tennessee Gov. Winfield Dunn, to meet with potential donors and raise funds to renovate the Dunn Dental Building, which had not been updated since it opened in 1977.

“Gov. Dunn had a heart for the college and the people of Tennessee,” said Dr. Wenk, the retired chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Tennessee, executive director of Delta Dental’s Smile180 Foundation, and former chair of the UT Health Science Center Advisory Board.

The former governor, who hailed from Memphis and graduated from the College of Dentistry in 1955, passed away in September 2024. However, his legacy continues in the College of Dentistry, in those who knew him and the building that bears his name.

The Dunn Building, adjacent to the newer Delta Dental of Tennessee Building, which opened in 2023, has been the clinical workhorse of the college since it opened in the 1970s. It houses clinics, offices, training areas, and other spaces.

Cohorts of future dentists have honed their skills there, cementing the college’s reputation of caring for the oral health of the community. The successful fundraising effort by the late governor, Dr. Wenk, and so many other supporters, including the state legislature back in the 2000s, paid for upgrades in its infrastructure, equipment, and units and chairs that were installed in 2009 and 2010. Now, it is again time for a facelift to take the building into the future.

To honor Gov. Dunn’s impact on the College of Dentistry and ensure his legacy, Delta Dental of Tennessee recently announced a commitment of $500,000 from its Smile180 Foundation to help update the Dunn Building pre-doctoral clinic. This will provide a dollar-for-dollar match for the first $100,000 per year in gifts to the UT Health Science Center College of Dentistry Equipment Fund over the next five years. The hope is this challenge will encourage alumni participation in the college’s effort to re-equip the clinic with new chairs and units.

Gov. Dunn’s contribution to the college was “immeasurable,” said Dean Emeritus William Slagle, DDS.

“I met Winfield when I first moved from my private practice in Oklahoma City to Memphis to become an assistant dean of the College of Dentistry. Dr. Jack Wells was the dean, and I believe Winfield had just been elected governor,” Dr. Slagle said. “There is no doubt Winfield’s commitment to the college was deep and sincere. No individual has contributed more to the long-term success of the college than Winfield.”

“Following Winfield’s term as governor his personal support of the college did not diminish, only increase,” Dr. Slagle continued. “He was always available for our fundraising efforts to support students and faculty, new programs, and continuing research – he traveled the state with me, the development staff, and others to improve our college.”

“I would be remiss if I did not add that Dr. Phil Wenk is a close second,” Dr. Slagle said. “Under his leadership Delta Dental of Tennessee’s financial support of the college increased manyfold and his personal involvement in fundraising for the college was way beyond the norm. Often Gov. Dunn and Dr. Wenk worked together in fundraising efforts for the college.”

For his part, Dr. Wenk is quick to say he believes Gov. Dunn is the college’s “most distinguished alumnus.” He sees the new fundraising effort for renovations to the Dunn Building as a way to honor his colleague and friend.

“And I think we’re doing it in honor of what he would have wanted to have done,” Dr. Wenk said. “His memory will be carried forward.”

If you would like to know more about the fundraising effort or make a commitment, please contact Tim Lanier, senior director of Development, at 901.448.5176 or tlanier@uthsc.edu.

(Top) Gov. Dunn, center, at the groundbreaking for the Dunn Building in November 1974. He is flanked by alumnus Frank Bowyer, member of the UT Board of Trustees, left, and Jack E. Wells, DDS, Dean of the College of Dentistry (1970-1981).

(Middle) The futuristic exterior of the Dunn Building in its early days.

(Bottom) Gov. Dunn was honored in 2016 with a bust that graces the lobby of the Dunn Building.

Impressions Day

Impressions Day, hosted by the Student National Dental Association in November, was an inspiring and impactful event that attracted more than 80 prospective dental students from across the region. The project showcased the vibrancy and inclusivity of the UT Health Science Center dental community and offered attendees a handson glimpse into the life of a dental student. Participants engaged in clinical activities, including creating dental impressions, becoming familiar with iTero scanning techniques, and learning the intricacies of dental filling procedures. Under the guidance of skilled faculty and current dental students, these sessions provided a rare opportunity to practice the techniques that define a dentist’s precision and expertise. In addition, the event underscored the importance of mentorship and community. Panel discussions with dental students offered insights into navigating the dental school application process, managing the program’s rigorous demands, and preparing for a career in health care.

Jackson named Director of Access and Engagement

Felisa Jackson, RDH, BSDH, MSAH, transitioned from her role as assistant professor to director of Access and Engagement. Jackson has been a valued member of the UT Health Science Center community since 2017, joining as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Periodontology after years of service as an adjunct faculty member in the Dental Hygiene Department. She has played a key role in shaping the vision and direction of the Moving Forward Committee, which was established to expand efforts to improve access and engagement across diverse communities.

Bristol Clinic Veterans Day

As a tribute to local veterans in the Bristol, Tennessee area, the clinic at Healing Hands organized its annual Veteran’s Day event. To honor veterans, there were multiple volunteers, free food, free haircuts for veterans, and free dental care provided at the clinic. Along with staff dentists, volunteer dentists, and assistants, the three dental students on rotation at the clinic helped deliver free dental care to approximately 50 local veterans. From left, Chandani Patel (D4), Maryann Villalobos-Cardo (D4), Dr. Mark Schlothauer, and Adriana Viscarra-Fossati (D4).

Community Service Leadership

The College of Dentistry’s Community Service Leaders are a dedicated group of faculty and staff, who generously volunteer their time to support the community. These leaders oversee and assist students at various outreach events throughout the year, including college and career fairs, as well as community health and resource fairs. In 2024, their efforts positively impacted 4,120 families by providing dental screenings, offering oral health education, and distributing oral hygiene supplies. This year, the College of Dentistry successfully organized 55 outreach events, with 525 student volunteers participating, and made a significant contribution by serving 58 of the 62 MemphisShelby County zip codes. Through their leadership, these individuals are helping to strengthen the college’s commitment to community service and improve the oral health of the Memphis area.

Collaborative Research

Giving Day 2024 Success

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s fourth-annual Giving Day April 23 was a success, raising $664,850 and exceeding the goal of 1,000 donors in 24 hours with 1,155 donors from across the country. “We had a banner Giving Day and across the board a record number of donors,” Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD, said in a video message thanking donors. “We really, really appreciate all your support and we thank you for helping us in our mission and towards our vision of Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities.” The one-day philanthropic event encouraged donors to support the university with gifts of any size. Donations could be made for a specific college – Dentistry, Graduate Health Sciences, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy – or an initiative or program at UT Health Science Center.

A systemwide biomedical and clinical research collaborative grant program led by the UT Health Science Center College of Medicine in Knoxville is supporting research and scholarly activities to pursue discoveries addressing health issues across Tennessee and beyond. The program funded six awards totaling more than $450,000 to support teams of clinicians, faculty, and researchers from across the state. Among the projects is a study of the impact of periodontal treatment on rheumatoid arthritis outcomes to improve the quality of life for patients with those comorbidities. Researchers include Anastasios Karydis, PhD, and Douglas Dixon, DMD, PhD, associate professors with the Department of Periodontology; Syed Hasan Raza, MD, associate professor in the Department of Rheumatology; and Paul Terry, PhD, professor in the Department of Medicine in Knoxville. Additionally, Dr. Karydis received a Cornet Award of $50,000 for his research entitled “Periodontal Treatment Impact on Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Outcomes.” Findings from this pilot study may provide critical information for the interdisciplinary management and treatment of multimorbidity patients with compromised quality of life due to severe chronic periodontitis and coexisting symptomatic rheumatoid arthritis (RA), since RA symptoms may be exacerbated due to the systemic effect of periodontal infection.

Halloween 2024

The college continued its traditional Halloween observance again in 2024, with costumes, pumpkins, and smiles. Costumes ranged from gone fishing, to the Riddler, to Disney’s Maleficent. Even Dean Tilashalski got in on the fun, donning a multipronged hat symbolic of a virus with the words “Keep your distance.”

Good Samaritans

Dehghan Honored

Mojdeh Dehghan, DDS, professor and Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions in the College of Dentistry, was honored by the Memphis Business Journal in its Women Who Lead in Health series, the publication’s continuing feature on women in leadership across industry sectors. Previously, Dr. Dehghan served as the chair of the Department of General Dentistry and has more than 25 years of private practice and more than two decades of academic experience. Dr. Dehghan is a 2021 Fellow of the American Dental Education Association’s Leadership Institute and a member of the UT Executive Leadership Institute, class of 2020.

Students and faculty participated in the Samaritan’s Feet Shoe Distribution event in the fall, providing dental services to kids whose families came to the event to receive shoes. Since 2010, cityCurrent, a privately funded philanthropic organization for the Mid-South, Middle Tennessee, and beyond, has hosted shoe distributions annually, where hundreds of volunteers come out and wash the feet of more than 3,000 Mid-South kids and give them new shoes and socks.

Congratulations to Our 2024 Graduates!

The 2024 Commencement Ceremony for our Doctor of Dental Surgery and Dental Hygiene graduates was held May 13 at the Cannon Center for Performing Arts in Memphis.

DOCTOR OF DENTAL SURGERY

Colin Joseph Abbott

Lexi Camille Agee

Lawson Drew Akens

Mahmuda Akter

Roxana Alvarez Velediaz

Dalton William Anglin

Kohl Robert Blickenstaff

Andrew William Byram

William Caraway

Matthew Alexander Cornett

Marena Locke Counce

Madison Grace Craig

Kacey Jade Crossfield

Kendra Cruz

Taylor Ashton Curd

Dillon Houston Cutshaw

Alyssa Nicole Davis

Parth Desai

Prit Desai

Samuel A Dexter

Jessica Michelle Diaz

Chandler James Espy

Lauren Estes

Jacob Allen Foncea

Jeremy Alan Fowler

Taylor Garner

Blake Garnice Gerard

Addison Glover

Leya Gouto

Gabrielle Emilie Zoe Grisoni

Hope Gurley

Katrina Helen Hammons

Keifer Hartwig

Jared Allen Hatcher

Jonathan Hernandez

Allie Londyn Hill

Ynhi Alexis Ho

Victoria Holland Hockaday

Dillon Clark Howell

Foster Lee Hudsmith

Jasmine Thuhuyen Huynh

Macey Elizabeth Jackson

Emily Ernst Jarreau

Joseph Wesley Julian

Korin Kaczocha

Emma Kathryn Knight

Ericka Renee Lee

Dixie Lozano Lopez

Michael A Mahan

Nia Pershell Marshall

Erica Mathis

Skyler Lee McCoy

Callie Beth McIntire

Corey James McKown

Claire Mangrum Meeks

Nicholas Gerald Merwin

Todarius Devonte Morris

Marshall Smith Ney

David Zachary Norris

Carl Joseph Oberfeitinger

Priya Patel

Purvi Patel

Jacob Hill Perry

Thao Phan

Lisa Renea Phillips

Mark Franklin Pozega

Victoria Qiu

Molly Ann Ramsey

Stephen

Paul Ray

Rebecca Grace Reed

Rachel Young Reedy

Audra Noelle Rhodes

Haley Nikole Richardson

Andrew Joseph Robbins

Muhamed Ayham Sakaan

Elizabeth Anne Scagnelli

Danielle Rene Schaeffer

Shelby Lane Schultz

Lane Richard Slack

Clayton Thomas Smith

Hunter Christian Smith

Rylee Brooke Smith

Matthew Won Keun Song

Amir Adel Tadros

Marina Ramzy Tawfik

Oliver J Taylor

Jordan Elizabeth Thompson

Austin Tyler Tolbert

Bryan Truong

Abigail Anne Vondran

Sidney Caroline Wilkins

Whitney Williamson

Kristie Lea Wise

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DENTAL HYGIENE

Deana Abdelkarim

Ally Kaitlyn Antonetti

Faith Elisabeth Austin

Alyssa Blankenship

Mia Chandler Brigham

Brittany L Bordner

Tamya Samone Bowen

Maggie Noel Buffaloe

Courtney A Carlson

Brooklynn Ann Cline

Deanna June Eaton

Christin Nichole Hill

Kelsie Laura Johnson

Zakiah Camille Lloyd

Jayden Lane Marzolf

Dariela Jose Matute

Aziza Murshed

Peyton Elizabeth Moore

Ana Yeli Carrillo Nunez

Annette Mae Pleasant

Ava Rose Poff

Sydney Grace Prascak

Ranesha Orlanda Pringle

Gabriela Isabel Reyes

Savanah Rose Rimmer

Mikayla Payton Savage

Keeley Brooke Simonton

Nicole Micaila Smith

Allie Grace Tanner

Kelly Valdez

Rachel Whitley

2024 CoD Scholarship and Award Winners

The College of Dentistry would like to thank all our scholarship donors and offer our congratulations to all the recipients of scholarships and awards.

AMERICAN FAMILY DENTISTRY SCHOLARSHIP

Callie McIntire – D4

Andrew Santander – D3

DR. JAMES T. ANDREWS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Skyler McCoy – D4

Muhamed Sakaan – D4

Amir Tadros – D4

Bryan Truong – D4

Mia Isabel Rodriguez – D3

Shelby Story – D3

BATEMAN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Molly Ramsey – D4

Andrew Robbins – D4

DR. LESLEY AND NANCY BINKLEY SCHOLARSHIP

Mahmuda Akter – D4

DR. AND MRS. LOWELL DALE BLEVINS SCHOLARSHIP

Hyun Park – D3

DORIS COSTELLO BOWYER MEMORIAL LEADERSHIP

Pooja Shah – D3

DR. AND MRS. NOAH DAVID BRITTON SCHOLARSHIP

Oliver Taylor – D4

DR. ANDREW M. BURTON III SCHOLARSHIP

Evan Heldt – D1

DR. JOHN T. (JACK) CAMP SCHOLARSHIP

Nia Marshall – D4

Carl Oberfeitinger – D4

Haley Richardson – D4

Casey Coleson – D3

Chad Couch – D3

Jacqueline Ellis – D3

Jackson Fain – D3

Brynne Lytle – D3

DR. RUDY CAMPBELL DENTISTRY SCHOLARSHIP

Jeremy Fowler – D4

Daniel England – D3

Andrew Santander – D3

Grady Watt – D3

BRENT R. CARMONY, MS, DDS, SCHOLARSHIP

Rachel Reedy – D4

HAROLD CLOOGMAN, DDS, SCHOLARSHIP

Andrew Byram – D4

Katrina Eccles – D4

Lauren Estes – D4

Joseph Julian – D4

Korin Kaczocha – D4

Molly Ramsey – D4

Oliver Taylor – D4

Jordan Thompson – D4

Kristie Wise – D4

Aaron Aucker – D3

Jordan Broadwater – D3

DR. WILLIAM LEE AND BONITA R. CRABTREE SCHOLARSHIP

Kohl Blickenstaff – D4

Madison Craig – D4

Ericka Lee – D4

DELTA DENTAL OF ARKANSAS SCHOLARSHIP

Audra Rhodes – D4

Allison Wilson – D3

Ike Irvin – D2

DELTA DENTAL OF TENNESSEE SCHOLARSHIP

Mahmuda Akter – D4

Rebecca Reed – D4

Jordan Thompson – D4

Bennett Fry – D3

Mia Isabel Rodriguez – D3

Nisha Zaver – D3

Austin Gelinas – D2

Tinah Le – D2

Kerusso Pooley – D2

DENTAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT AWARD

Hyun Park – D3

Maniderpal Singh – D3

Kynnedy Willson – D3

William Clark – D2

Marzea Akter – D1

Theodora Asamoah – D1

Evan Heldt – D1

Jose Orellana Henriquez – D1

Mahalie Stults – D1

Misail Zaki – D1

DENTISTRY STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

Parth Desai – D4

DINSMORE SCHOLARSHIP

Hayden Rash – D3

DR. WINFIELD C. DUNN SCHOLARSHIP

Katrina Eccles – D4

Joseph Julian – D4

Ericka Lee – D4

E. MAC EDINGTON, DDS, AND LINDA

KAY EDINGTON SCHOLARSHIP

Michaela Fullilove – D1

WILLIAM J. EELLS, DDS SCHOLARSHIP

Corey McKown – D4

David Norris – D4

Andrew Robbins – D4

Victoria Qiu – D4

ELIZABETH CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

Purvi Patel – D4

DR. R. O. AND FANNIE B. FORD SCHOLARSHIP

Meredith Childress – D1

Amy Reeves – D1

DR. KENNETH L. FRAME AND SARA JO FRAME-MAZUR SCHOLARSHIP

Foster Hudsmith – D4

Andrew Robbins – D4

Shelby Schultz – D4

HELEN FLANAGAN FRY SCHOLARSHIP

Korin Kaczocha – D4

Carl Oberfeitinger – D4

DR. AND MRS. K. MICHAEL GARRETT SCHOLARSHIP

Rebecca Reed – D4

GENTRY FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Sidney Wilkins – D4

DEAN JAMES T. GINN SCHOLARSHIP

Allie Hill – D4

JAMES MCEWEN GLENN, DDS SCHOLARSHIP

Rylee Smith – D4

Emalyn San Miguel – D3

Bryce Allen – D2

David High – D2

DR. JOSEPH W. GRAHAM, SR. SCHOLARSHIP

Thao Phan – D4

Haley Richardson – D4

GUTHRIE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Jacob Foncea – D4

Oliver Taylor – D4

DR. AND MRS. F. PAYNE HARDISON AND DR. MARK HARDISON SCHOLARSHIP

Brianna Ball – D3

DR. EARL O. HENRY SCHOLARSHIP

Jeremy Fowler – D4

HIGGINBOTHAM FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Amy Reeves – D1

THOMAS P. HINMAN MEETING SCHOLARSHIP

Mia Isabel Rodriguez – D3

DR. AND MRS. NORRIS HOWELL SCHOLARSHIP

Whitney Williamson – D4

DR. BOB AND KATHY JOLLY SCHOLARSHIP

Tess McCrary – D1

JOSEPHINE CIRCLE SCHOLARSHIP

Molly Ramsey – D4

Abigail Vondran – D4

DR. GERALD R. KARR FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Muhamed Sakaan – D4

Kristie Wise – D4

DR. DEBRA GRAY KING SCHOLARSHIP

Korin Kaczocha – D4

DR. W. C. “DUB” LADY SCHOLARSHIP

Kara Booth – D3

Jordan Broadwater – D3

DR. SLADE LAIL ’97 SCHOLARSHIP

Emma Knight – D4

LEADING WITH GOOD HANDS SCHOLARSHIP

Emily Jarreau – D4

DR. DAVID LIBBY AND FAMILY & DR. MEL COLLAZO AND FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Shelby Schultz – D4

McKenzie Smith – D4

MATONE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Jasmine Holden – D2

MCCORD FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Maggie Eslinger – D2

Ashli Townsend – D1

O. D. AND RUTH MCKEE SCHOLARSHIP

Austin Kenny – D3

Dustin Kenny – D3

DR. AND MRS. JAMES P. MCLEMORE, JR. SCHOLARSHIP

Anna Horn – D3

Brynne Lytle – D3

WILL MCPHERSON, DDS, SCHOLARSHIP

Thomas Harden – D3

DRS. JOE AND CHRIS MILLER SCHOLARSHIP

Claire Meeks – D4

DR. JOE AND PAT MOSIER SCHOLARSHIP

Mina Deryas – D3

DR. MIKE AND STACEY MYSINGER SCHOLARSHIP

Ike Irvin – D2

BEVERLY AND DR. TOM NASH SCHOLARSHIP

Bennett Fry – D3

DR. AND MRS. THOMAS ONSTOTT SCHOLARSHIP

Jared Quave – D3

DR. R. MALCOLM (MIKE) OVERBEY SCHOLARSHIP

Blake Gerard – D4

Addison Glover – D4

Stephen Ray – D4

Pooja Shah – D3

DR. RUSH ABBOTT AND JULIA ROBERTSON PEACE SCHOLARSHIP

Victoria Hockaday – D4

PEDIATRIC DENTAL ASSOCIATES AND ORTHODONTICS SCHOLARSHIP

Blake Gerard – D4

DR. MAURICE E. PETROVSKY SCHOLARSHIP

Shelby Schultz – D4

DEAN JAMES AND DEBRA RAGAIN SCHOLARSHIP

Abdul-Rahman Elayan – D2

REDWINE-MITCHELL SCHOLARSHIP

Katrina Eccles – D4

Joseph Julian – D4

SECOND DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP

Lauren Estes – D4

Jonathan Morse – D3

SINQUEFIELD FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Jasmine Huynh – D4

H. CLIFTON SIMMONS III, DDS SCHOLARSHIP

Anna Horn – D3

Benjamin Walker – D3

SLAGLE FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Marena Locke – D4

Lane Slack – D4

Tram Le – D3

DR. ROY M. SMITH SCHOLARSHIP

Casey Coleson – D3

DR. BUFORD AND LYNDA SUFFRIDGE SCHOLARSHIP

Taylor Garner – D4

Skyler McCoy – D4

TENNESSEE DENTAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

Abbey Hassell – D2

CECILY W. TIPTON SCHOLARSHIP

Conner Courtney – D2

Hailee Gerner – D2

Dax Hurst – D2

Paxton Nimrod – D2

Victoria Seward – D1

UT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ANDY HOLT SCHOLARSHIP

Danielle Schaeffer – D4

Sa’ad Sarraj – D3

Tyler Rettke – D2

Jordan Hamilton – D1

UT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP

Mitchell Jackson Noblin – D1

John Woodard – D1

DANIEL J. VINCENT, DDS, SCHOLARSHIP

Mahalie Stults – D1

DR. AND MRS. THOMAS N. WEEMS SCHOLARSHIP

Gabrielle Grisoni – D4

Ynhi Ho – D4

Erica Mathis – D4

Marshall Ney – D4

Katherine DelPriore – D3

Fischer Huey – D3

Roland Lee – D3

Ashton Reno – D3

Nisha Zaver – D3

Yao Gao – D2

DR. PHIL WENK SCHOLARSHIP

Swechha Shrestha – D3

DEAN JACK WELLS, DDS SCHOLARSHIP

Danielle Schaeffer – D4

DR. ROBERT N. WILSON SCHOLARSHIP

Bryan Truong – D4

Austin Kenny – D3

Amy Reeves – D1

XI PSI PHI FRATERNITY SCHOLARSHIP

Prit Desai – D4

2024 Faculty Awards

BOWYER BASIC SCIENCES FACULTY AWARDS

Dr. Rajasighn Johnson

Dr. Daranee Versluis

BOWYER CLINICAL SCIENCES FACULTY AWARDS

Dr. Jeff Nordin

Dr. Darton Taylor

DEAN’S APPRECIATION AWARDS

Dr. Vrushali Abhyankar

Dr. Sarah Aguirre

Dr. Pooja Ajitsankardas

Mrs. Pam Albin

Ms. Shannetta Alexander

Dr. Les Binkley

Dr. Ashanti Braxton

Dr. Nechama Citrin

Dr. Shawna Clark

Dr. Clint Conner

Dr. Katherine DeColibus

Mr. Blake Dingman

Dr. Doug Dixon

Dr. Cimara Ferreira

Dr. Angi Gullard

Dr. Vinay Jain

Dr. Clarice Law

Dr. Layne Levy

Dr. Robyn Mays

Dr. Robert McCalla

Dr. Jerry McKinney

Ms. Michelle Miles

Ms. Katrina Parnell

Dr. Ed Reese

Dr. Lynn Russell

Dr. Alan Shan

Dr. Werner Shintaku

Mrs. Abby Stanton

Mr. Allen Stanton

Dr. Sidney Stein

Dr. Robert Tremblay

Dr. Amit Unnadkat

Dr. Anthony Versluis

Dr. Volk Vinall

Dr. Waletha Wasson

Ms. Kiesha Werlitz

Dr. Brett Wilson

Dr. Lee Wilson

Dr. Yanhui Zhang

CHARLES EDRINGTON FACULTY AWARD

Dr. David Umsted

FACULTY ENRICHMENT AWARDS

Dr. Diane Abbey

Dr. Sloan Ashabranner

Dr. Wanda Claro

Dr. Alka Cohen

Ms. Felisa Jackson

Dr. Mark Lackey

Dr. Becky Mayall

Dr. Adepitan Owosho

Dr. Mark Scarbecz

Dr. Shokoufeh Shahrabi-Farahani

SAMUEL H. HARDISON FACULTY AWARD

Dr. Mark Anderson

HINMAN FACULTY FELLOWSHIP AWARDS

Dr. Frank Dalton

Dr. Patricia Dingeldein

Dr. Jeff Kalmowicz

Dr. Elizabeth Lee

Dr. Jaqueline Venturin

JUNIOR FACULTY AWARDS

Dr. Ali Mohamed

Dr. Jane Moore

Dr. Shana Van Cleave

CARL DON AND GLENDA MABRY FACULTY AWARD

Dr. Audrey Selecman

LORI LEE MILLER DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD

Dr. Franklin Garcia-Godoy

JOHN S. DIGGS NELSON FACULTY ENRICHMENT AWARDS

Dr. Liang Hong

Dr. Anastasios Karydis

JOHN S. DIGGS NELSON GRADUATE FACULTY ENRICHMENT AWARDS

Dr. Ayman Al Dayeh

Dr. Scott Hollis

TENNESSEE DENTAL ASSOCIATION FACULTY AWARD

Dr. Tom Patterson

KIRBY AND PAT WALKER FACULTY ENRICHMENT AWARD

Dr. Jeff Phebus

2025 ALUMNI AWARDS

The College of Dentistry Alumni Association annually presents alumni awards during the College of Dentistry Alumni Weekend and William F. Slagle Dental Meeting. These awards were created to give special recognition to graduates who have distinguished themselves in their dental practices, their professions, and their communities.

Honored this year at the 2025 Alumni Awards luncheon are Joseph J. Safirstein, DDS ’99; Waletha Wasson, DDS ’79; Stephen Barrett Sexton, DDS ’97; and Dory Sellers Gaston, DDS ’13.

Outstanding Alumnus Award

The highest award given by the Dental Alumni Association recognizes a graduate of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry and member of the profession of dentistry, who has distinguished himself/herself in community service, leadership, teaching, research, and/or service to the university. This year, two outstanding professionals share this distinction.

Joseph J. Safirstein, DDS

Dr. Joseph J. Safirstein, known as “Dr. Joe” to his patients, grew up in Clearwater, Florida, where his passion for dentistry began at a young age. He is the eighth member of his family to earn a dental degree. Dr. Safirstein’s early exposure to the dental profession was unique. At age 12, he became a certified orthodontic assistant working in his father’s orthodontic practice, gaining firsthand experience that would shape his career.

After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, Dr. Safirstein earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1999 from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, a milestone he fondly refers to as being part of “the best graduating class ever.” Following dental school, he pursued advanced training in orthodontics at Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon, where he completed his residency in 2001.

Dr. Safirstein has since built a distinguished career as an orthodontist in both Portland and McMinnville, Oregon, where he has operated a private practice with a focus on high-quality clinical care. He also served as a faculty member in OHSU’s graduate orthodontic department for 16 years, mentoring countless orthodontic residents and contributing to the academic community before retiring from teaching to focus on his growing family. Dr. Safirstein’s deep commitment to the UT Health Science Center College of Dentistry is evident through his longstanding involvement with the Alumni Board of Trustees. He began his service shortly after entering private practice and later took on a leadership role as president during the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the board was transformed into a dynamic, action-oriented group focused on strategic initiatives to enhance recruitment of top-tier students, faculty, and resources. His efforts have had a lasting impact on the college, strengthening its network of alumni and fostering new generations of leaders in the dental community.

Dr. Safirstein has participated in numerous dental mission trips, including a significant project in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, where he built a dental clinic and provided care to communities that had never experienced local anesthesia or professional dental treatment. His dedication to the profession extends to mentorship, as he has guided many aspiring dental students who have gone on to successful careers in dentistry and orthodontics. He currently serves in a leadership capacity at the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists as chair of the Admissions Committee for the Northwest Component. There he developed an innovative online banking system of treated cases, serving as a vital resource for education, research, and outcomes assessment. Dr. Safirstein and his wife, Dr. Lauren Safirstein, also a board-certified orthodontist, continue to maintain thriving private practices, while raising their young son, Jack. Dr. Safirstein is also proud of his two older children, Samantha, who serves on the National Security Council at the White House, and Jacob, a Juilliard-trained composer based in New York.

Outstanding Alumna Award

Waletha Wasson, DDS

Dr. Waletha Wasson is a tenured professor in the Department of General Dentistry and Program Director of A 21st Century Initiative − OralSystemic and Population-Based Health for All (A 21st COSP) in the College of Dentistry.

Dr. Wasson is an alumna of Tennessee Technological University (1976) with a BS in biology. She graduated from the UT Health Science Center College of Dentistry in June 1979 with a DDS degree and from the University of Memphis in 1988 with an MPA. She continued her education at the University of Michigan Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies, School of Dentistry, graduating in 2001 as a Rackham Merit Scholarship recipient with a MS in Restorative (Operative) Dentistry.

Dr. Wasson has 45 years of health care experience, with nine years as a staff dentist at Memphis Health Center, Inc. (1979-1988) and 36 years at the College of Dentistry.

Dr. Wasson’s experiences at MHC inspired her to teach faculty, staff, and students about diversity, disparities, and health care activism. She presented to Dr. William F. Slagle the need for accountability regarding the Student National Dental Association community engagement activities, leading to the creation of Tennessee Smiles, a grassroots oral health outreach initiative, in 2003. Dr. Wasson and Dr. Marjorie Woods led faculty, professional staff, students, and volunteers in screening more than 11,000 individuals’ stomatognathic systems and distributing age-appropriate oral health products and literature until 2018.

Dr. Wasson’s community engagement activism extended beyond the Mid-South region to California as she was selected for the 2016 Class of Fellows in the “Making a Difference in the Community, Addressing the Oral Health Needs of the Underserved. An Innovative Faculty Development Program for General, Pediatric, and Public Health Dentists.” The fellowship was sponsored by the University of California San Diego School of Medicine.

Dr. Wasson’s zeal to understand the proximity and distance disparities in the Mid-South was the driving prerequisite to apply and be selected for the 2023 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy Fellowship. She and 36 other fellows from eight states toured and participated in six in-person sessions in six states throughout the year.

Dr. Wasson is a member the Board of Directors for the Academy of General Dentistry Foundation (AGDF), the Community Advisory Council for the Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc., and the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH) Advisory Council. She reviews several national and international journals and holds active memberships in several dental organizations: Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Psi Chapter; National Dental Association; Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) MAGD (Master Academy of General Dentistry awardee) and AGD Emeritus; American Dental Education Association (ADEA); and American Interprofessional Health Collaborative (AIHC).

Dr. Wasson was co-advisor to the American Association of Women Dentists, is an ex-officio advisor to the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) and has served as a member and an advisory member on the college’s Admissions Committee. She is a co-advisor for the inaugural student organization Interprofessional Association for Oral-Systemic Health. Her current committee assignments consist of the Curriculum Committee, UT Health Science Center Interprofessional Education (IPE) Council, CoD IPE Committee (chair), and a member of the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Dr. Wasson obtained tenure in 1994 and the rank of professor in 2019.

2025 ALUMNI AWARDS (CONT.)

Dr. Wasson has received numerous awards and honors in service, education, and scholarly activities, including the 2008 and 2015 UT Health Science Center National Alumni Public Service Awards. The National Dental Association Foundation honored Dr. Wasson with its NDAF/Colgate Palmolive Minority 2009 Faculty Recognition Award and the NDAF/Colgate Palmolive Minority 2017 Administration/Services Ward. In 2020, she received the AGD Emeritus status for 35 years of consecutive membership. The College of Dentistry honored her with the 2022 Samuel Hardison Distinguished Faculty Award and the 2024 Dean’s Appreciation Award.

Originally from Chattanooga, Dr. Wasson has received constant support from her loving family, with an emphasis on the family’s matriarch, Mrs. Minnie L. Wasson, and the teachers and classmates of her beloved Riverside High School Marching Trojans. She is blessed with two daughters, two grandchildren, and two sons-in-law. Her partner’s loving support has given her a deeper understanding of life.

Recent Alumna Award

The Recent Alumna Award recognizes an outstanding graduate within the last 15 years, whose achievements have been significant to UT Health Science Center, to the general welfare of his/her community, and to the profession.

Dory Sellers Gaston, DDS

Dr. Dory Sellers is a 2013 graduate of the College of Dentistry. Prior to that, she attended Christian Brothers University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in natural science, with minors in biology, psychology, and criminal justice. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Tennessee Dental Association, and the Memphis Dental Society. She is originally from Earle, Arkansas, and has made Memphis her home for the past 21 years.

Dr. Sellers is the president of Mid-South Family Dental Group and practices at Grove Park Dental Group. She is also the official dentist of the University of Memphis Tigers Athletics. In the past, she has served on an associate board for Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, volunteered for Mid-South Mission of Mercy, and the Christian Mobile Dental Clinic.

She is a breast cancer survivor and was recently recognized as a 2024 honoree for Courage Thru Cancer for her courageous efforts during her cancer journey and treatments. She continues to be an inspiration to those who face the disease.

Despite her cancer diagnosis last year, Dr. Sellers continues to stay active with sports and family activities, as well as working full time as a dentist.

Dr. Sellers is married to Greg Gaston. Together, they have two children, Lucy and James. In her free time, Dr. Sellers loves traveling with her family, running, biking, and exercising. She has completed 15 marathons, is a triathlete, and an avid tennis player. She is part of a nationwide alliance against childhood cancer and has participated in some of the world’s greatest running events as a St. Jude Hero. As a Hero, she raises funds to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In addition, she has participated in events to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society.

Distinguished Service Award

Presented annually to an alumnus who has unselfishly served the best interests of dentistry and the public in an ethical and moral fashion, including his/her dedication to community service and any other area of performance or accomplishments for which the Alumni Board of Trustees determines the candidate to be worthy.

S. Barrett Sexton, Sr., DDS

Dr. Barrett Sexton, Sr. grew up in Memphis and received his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1993.

He received his DDS degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry in 1997 and went on to pursue residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Sexton completed a one-year fellowship in 1998 at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and completed his residency in 2002 at the same institution. While there, he was heavily involved in research involving hyperbaric oxygen therapy and bone graft reconstruction in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

In 2002, Dr. Sexton moved home to Memphis and went into private practice with John Cannon, DDS. He practiced with Dr. Cannon for 10 years, where they spent much of their time in the hospital setting taking care of patients. During those early years, Dr. Sexton’s practice focused on orthognathic, trauma, and reconstructive surgery, while building his private practice. He was also a part-time professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the College of Dentistry and enjoyed his years being able to teach and interact with the residents and students. He currently practices with Scott Weiskopf, DDS, and Matt Russ, DMD, and they maintain three offices in the Memphis area.

Dr. Sexton was the recipient of the Tennessee Dental Association Fellowship Award last year. In 2016, he was asked to co-chair the surgery section at the annual Mid-South Mission of Mercy, a free, two-day dental clinic for the underserved and underinsured living in Memphis and the Mid-South. Since 2016, the mission has treated more than 13,000 patients in the greater Memphis area with the help of over 11,000 volunteers.

Dr. Sexton will tell you two of his biggest influences have been his parents. His father, Jim Sexton, DDS, a 1962 graduate of the College of Dentistry, and his mother, Pat Sexton, past president of the Tennessee Dental Alliance, have been examples and inspiration for what it means to give back. Both have served in missions across the globe and in the local community to help those in need.

Dr. Sexton says his faith and his family are the most important parts of his life. He has been married to his devoted and supportive wife, Suzanne, for almost 29 years. They have three children, Grace, Anne Claire, and Barrett, Jr.

Thirty Years of Leading Dentistry Forward

Sponsored by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry and the College of Dentistry Alumni Association, the mission of the William F. Slagle Dental Meeting is to advance the delivery of quality dental care by providing the dental team with educational opportunities.

The 2024 event empowered the dental team and provided courses to bring the team together to excel in their practice. Also, three outstanding alumni were recognized: Gerald Karr, DDS; Henry E. McKay, III, DDS; and Whitney Howerton, MDH, RDH. The highlight of the 2024 weekend was the luauthemed welcome party Friday night, with dancing to the music of the Dentones.

This year’s theme is 30 Years of Leading Dentistry Forward, commemorating the 30th year of the Slagle meeting.

This year includes nationally recognized speakers: Gordon Christensen, DDS, PhD, founder and CEO of Practical Clinical Courses; Edwin McDonald, DDS,

chair of the Southwest Dental Conference and a partner in Line of Sight Coaching; outstanding alumni like Diana Tadros, DDS, founder of Exocad Elite; J. William Robbins, DDS, adjunct clinical professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry at the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry; and innovative faculty members such as Jeffrey Brooks, DMD, professor and chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the College of Dentistry, and Vrushali Abhyankar, MDS, director, Advanced Education in Periodontics in the College of Dentistry.

Hands-on and biannual courses enhance clinical care, and an exhibit hall showcases companies leading the innovation of dentistry.

A welcome party features the Molar Music Festival: Battle of the Dental Bands, The Dentites from the Class of 2018 against the Tennessee Toothaches from the Class of 2025.

For more information, visit slagledentalmeeting.com or call the Continuing Education Office at 901.448.5386.

Hinman Student Research Symposium Celebrates 29th Year

The 29th Annual Hinman Student Research Symposium was held November 1-3, 2024, at the historic Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. The Symposium featured oral and poster presentations of research projects by dental students and graduate trainees from dental schools across the United States and Canada.

At this year’s symposium, 117 students represented 49 dental schools in 35 states, Washington, D.C., and two provinces of Canada. The symposium rewards and encourages student efforts in research and supports the research and educational programs of faculty research mentors and research administrators. It increases their awareness of opportunities for continuing dental education in future years and the important role of dental research in their future dental practices.

The 29th symposium was sponsored by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry and co-sponsored by the Hinman Dental Society, which holds one of the nation’s largest continuing dental education meetings each March in Atlanta. The symposium was also supported in part by grants from Procter & Gamble Company, the College of Dentistry Alumni Association, and the Tennessee Dental Association Foundation.

The symposium was opened by Anastasios Karydis, DDS, PhD, director of Student Research Programs, followed by Dean Ken R. Tilashalski, DMD, who welcomed the guests and participants to the symposium. Dr. Karydis then

introduced Troy Schulman, DDS, immediate past president of the Hinman Dental Society, who welcomed the participants and gave an overview of the upcoming Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting to be held March 20-22, 2025, in Atlanta.

The keynote speaker at the welcoming banquet on Friday was Wenyuan Shi, PhD, chief executive officer of the ADA Forsyth Institute. Dr. Shi spoke on “The Emerging Technologies that will Shape the Future of Dentistry,” and how findings from dental research and application of technological advances drastically change the way we treat our dental patients.

Fourteen awards (top 10%) were given for the most outstanding student presentations in basic science research and clinical research. Awards were presented by Dr. Schulman along with Dean Tilashalski during the brief closing ceremony on Sunday. The quality of the research projects presented was exceptional, and the remaining top three to five students (including tied scores) from each category were awarded honorable mentions for outstanding presentations in their respective fields.

This year, Shelby Story, a fourth-year student in the College of Dentistry, won one of the clinical research awards. His project “P53 Pattern of Immunostaining in Reactive to Potentially Malignant Oral Epithelium and Its Utility in Surgical Margin Assessment” was directed by Shokoufeh Shahrabi-Farahani, DDS, DMSc, associate professor, Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic Services.

Fourth-year College of Dentistry student Shelby Story, center, received an award for his clinical research presentation. He is shown here with Dr. Troy Schulman, left, and Dean Tilashalski.

Be a Legacy Society Member

The Legacy Society recognizes those who have remembered the UT Health Science Center in their estate plans and notified us of their intentions. This special group of individuals is passionate about this institution and our mission of education, health care, research and public service — and our vision: Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities.

Charitable support strengthens our efforts.

We are honored to partner with dedicated members of our community who support the College of Dentistry through gifts for facilities, research, resources and programs—all essential to a comprehensive dental education.

Soon, a new display in the historic Mooney Building will honor our Legacy Society members for their enduring impact on our mission. In addition to their listing in the Delta Dental of Tennessee Building, this donor wall will allow our entire community to celebrate those who have chosen to partner with us through estate planning.

Planned gifts provide flexibility for your needs. Planning now for the distribution of your assets relieves your family and friends from the burden of these tough decisions and ensures your wishes are fulfilled.

To explore options for planned gifts and ensure you are included in this special tribute, contact Bethany Goolsby in the Office of Advancement at 901.448.8212 or bgoolsby@uthsc.edu.

Thank You to Our Legacy Society Members!

The Legacy Society recognizes those who have remembered the UT Health Science Center in their estate plans and notified us of their intentions. This special group of individuals is passionate about this institution and our mission of education, research, health care and public service—Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities.

Dr. Danny and Mrs. Barbara Adkins

Dr. Ruth Bailey and Dr. Sarkis Chobanian

Dr. J. Newsom and Mrs. Beverly Baker

Dr. David E. Barto* and Mrs. Carol S. Barto

Dr. Jeannie Beauchamp

Dr. H. Alan Belinky

Estate of Gladys C. Bowyer

Dr. William R. Breeding

Dr. Carl* and Mrs. Linda Meltzer Brown

Estate of Dr. Jack T. Camp

Estate of Harold Cloogman

Estate of Dr. William O. Coley, Jr. and Mrs. Frances Coley

Dr. William Max Couch, Sr. and Mrs. Sara Couch

Estate of Mrs. Lynne Craver

Dr. Jack Denton

Dr. Scotty A. and Mrs. Debbie Devine

Estate of Dr. Charles Edrington

Estate of Dr. Russell O. and Mrs. Fannye Ford

Estate of Mr. Robert C. and Mrs. Maud Fox

Dr. John A. Gholson III

Drs. Joe C. and Barbara Harris

Estate of Robert Henderson

Dr. Fred C. and Mrs. Gayle Heros

Dr. J. L. and Mrs. Mittie Hochstedler

Estate of Dr. Billy S. Howard

Dr. Stueart L. and Mrs. Pam Hudsmith

Dr. James H. Hutson, Jr. and Mrs. Linda Hutson

Estate of Dr. John Jacoway

Dr. J. Dale and Rebecca Kennedy

Estate of Dr. Lawrence Tennyson Kennedy, Jr.

Estate of Myra Key

Dr. Sarah E. Martin

Estate of Wayne L. McCulley

Dr. James W. and Mrs. Jennifer McDaniel

Dr. John W. and Mrs. Phyllis McElhiney

Estate of Dr. James P. McLemore, Jr.

Estate of Dr. Howard S. Misner

Dr. Foy B. Mitchell, Jr. and Mrs. Brenda Mitchell

Estate of R. Gary Moser

Estate of Sam D. Mount

Estate of Dr. John S. Nelson

Estate of Percy Nordlinger

Dr. Christopher A. and Mrs. Sallye A. O’Rourke

Estate of Dr. Harry A. Orr, Jr.

Mr. Robert M. Overbey, Jr. and Mrs. Susan W. Overbey

Dr. Tommy W. and Mrs. Stephanie Page

Dr. Rush A. and Mrs. Julia R. Peace

Estate of Maurice E. Petrovsky

Dr. Terryl A. Propper

Dr. William D. Powell III and Mrs. Linda Powell

Dr. James M. Pyle III and Mrs. Debbie Pyle

Dr. James C. Ragain, Jr. and Mrs. Debra Ragain

Dr. Morris* and Mrs. Laura Dee Robbins

Dr. Robert W. Rockefeller

Dr. Alice Roemer-Toarmina

Estate of Dr. Judith A. Ross

Estate of Sam G. Sanders

Dr. Steve and Mrs. Sue Sawrie

Estate of Charles A. Scott, Jr.

Dr. Bill Slagle

Dr. Millard B. and Mrs. Sarah Smith

Estate of Dr. Roy M. Smith

Dr. Ronald C. and Mrs. Doretha Staples

Dr. Thomas F. and Mrs. Caroline Starck

Dr. Robert C. Stetzel, Jr.

Dr. Buford J. Suffridge, Jr. and Mrs. Lynda Suffridge

Estate of Dr. Charles L. Sutton

Estate of Dr. Mary Beth Throneberry

Dr. David A. Tipton

Dr. James L. Vaden

Dr. William T. Veal, Jr. and Mrs. Karen Veal

Dr. Kirby P. Walker, Jr.* and Mrs. Patricia Walker

*denotes someone who is deceased, but spouse is living

Dr. William Earl Webb and Mrs. Cari H. Prater

Estate of Dr. Faustin Weber

Estate of Dr. Thomas N. and Mrs. Marjorie M. Weems

Dr. Rosie Richmond Whalum

Ms. L. Adine Wheeler

Dr. Martin C. and Mrs. Linda Wilhelm

Dr. Gary* and Mrs. Debbie Wilhoit

Dr. Michael D. and Mrs. Rita Wooten

Estate of Richard Workman

Estate of Frances Farr Young

2024-25

College of Dentistry

Alumni

Association Board of Trustees

PRESIDENT

Rick Guthrie, DDS ’87

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Hank McKay, DDS ’90

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

William D. Powell, III, DDS ’67, MS, FACD, FICD, FPFA

CLINICS AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE CHAIR

Nadim Jubran, DDS ’87

FACULTY AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT COMMITTEE CHAIR

Stueart Hudsmith, DDS ’95

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE CHAIR

Fred Heros, DDS ’75

SLAGLE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CHAIR

Rebecca Mayall, DDS ’11

STUDENT RECRUITMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR

Hank McKay, DDS ’90

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Jeannie Beauchamp, DDS ’91

Brooklin Byrd, DDS ’18

Brenton Glassell, DDS ’10

Kristi Golden, DDS ’03

Kelli Grubbs, DDS ’10

Kathy Hall, DDS ’91

Whitney Howerton, BS ’10, MDH ’16, RDH

Debra King, DDS ’87

Preston Lee, III, DDS ’09

Jon Mather, DDS ’79

Valencia May, DDS ’89

Chris Moore, DDS ’90

Dayna Myers, RDH, BBA, MDH ’16

Chip Trammell, DDS ’12

Tuyet Van, DDS ’10

Sonali Demla, DDS ’22

Elvys Ferrufino-Mejia, DDS ’23

Foster Hudsmith, DDS ’24

2024 Golden Graduate Homecoming

UT Health Science Center celebrated the 2024 Golden Graduate Homecoming October 30 – November 1 in Memphis. Alumni from five colleges, including 22 from the College of Dentistry, attended the three-day event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation from UT Health Science Center. Everyone was greeted on Wednesday at the historic Peabody Hotel, followed by the Golden Graduate Ceremony and dinner. The alumni and their guests enjoyed a breakfast together on Thursday morning and then headed to the UT Health Science Center campus for individual college open houses and lunch.

The College of Dentistry alumni were able to tour the Delta Dental of Tennessee Building. The celebration continued Thursday evening with the Golden Graduate Dinner at the Peabody, and the homecoming concluded Friday morning with a farewell breakfast. It was a wonderful reunion for everyone!

Donating to UT Health Science Center every year helps us provide scholarships, laboratory equipment, travel grants, community outreach initiatives, and many other benefits that would not be available using state or tuition-provided dollars alone!

Thank you for being a partner with our campus, our colleges, and our programs.

Your gift in any amount will make a difference. Donate $100 or more and become a member of our 1911 Society! For details, go to giving.uthsc.edu/1911.

Make your gift today!

giving.uthsc.edu/give | 901.448.5516

March 21 | Hinman Dental Meeting Alumni Reception – Atlanta

May 2 | TDA Music City Dental Conference Alumni Reception – Nashville