The Probe Fall 2020

Volume 14, Issue 2 Fall 2020

A look into the modern flossify of the VCU School of Dentistry

This Newsletter is brought to you by the American Student Dental Association at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry.

vcuasda.com

The Probe The Probe is the ASDA Newsletter of VCU School of Dentistry.

Our 2020-21 goals are (1) to highlight moments and people at VCU SOD and (2) to share encouragements, reflections, and information as we pursue excellence in dentistry for our patients.

To submit articles, art, or questions, please contact this year's editor of The Probe at leejj10@vcu.edu.

dean's msg

clubs

about rva

photos

2-4

5-8

15-18

20-22

Message from the Editor

residents

hobbies

23-28

29-39

Happy October and thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue!

As a D3 who is just starting in clinic, I'm usually using most of lunch to set up for my PM patient or get other tasks done— but I can also confidently say that I am thankful every day to be learning, working with patients, and meeting more people in our VCU SOD community like our D4s and residents. Things have

definitely

patients,

but

picked

let's

up

speed

remember

to

with set

all

our

aside

classes

time

to

and stay

connected with one another and take care of ourselves (like by not skipping lunch!). I hope this newsletter reminds us to do both as we strive for excellence in dentistry.

The winter issue of The Probe will be published Jan/Feb, so

please

email

me

with

submissions

of

photos

and

reflections from 2020 and your fun winter break so we can read all about it!

Jasmine Lee, D2022 The Probe Newsletter Editor

01

The Probe | Fall 2020

WELCOME

OCTOBER 2020

DEAN'S MESSAGE DEAN DAVID C. SARRETT, D.M.D., M.S.

Journey to Safety It’s

hard

months began

to

imagine

ago in

when

where

the

earnest.

we

were

COVID-19

D4s,

DH2s,

seven

pandemic

and

senior

residents were preparing to graduate and begin their careers. D3s, D2s, current DH students, and residents were looking forward to moving ahead in

their

studies

and

clinical

experiences.

But

A

COVID-19

there we were back in March with a new virus

membership

spreading

representing

around

consequences

the

world

except

with

that

unknown

people

were

becoming infected and dying.

school

was

Force

from all

was

created

specialized

aspects

of

the

with areas

school

from

curriculum to clinics Lecture classes were moved to recording and live

Your

Task

concentrating

on

only

one

thing: staying safe. And we still are.

streaming

-

live

classes

were

limited

to

limited or no attendance Externships and study abroad were cancelled Woolwine Lab and in-person simulation were

Reducing the risks

discontinued

Before Virginia went into “lockdown” mode in

Virtual Town Hall meetings were held to share

March

information quickly and accurately

and

leadership

the

school

had

implemented

a

closed

already

risk

its

developed

mitigation

plan.

doors, and

Weeks

of

Assembled university

a

team

experts

to

of

health

assess

clinical

and

preclinical

environments

where

additional infection control measures such as:

continue

as

with

little

education

disruption

as

could

possible.

and

and

careful planning were devoted to creating safe your

environments

our

system

recommend

Provided fit-tested N95 masks and custom

These are just a few examples of our work to

designed face shields

keep you and our patients as safe as possible:

Created new infection control training

Collaborated

with

the

Virginia

Dental

Added barriers to limit aerosol spread

Association ahead of the Governor to call

Use of ultrasonic scalers was temporarily

for ceasing elective dental care at the start

suspended

of the pandemic

COVID-19 screening was implemented

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02

Surface cleaning in public and clinical areas was intensified and adjusted as knowledge of the virus’ spread became more informed Placed HEPA/UV light air filters in clinics University, state and federal guidelines, and American Dental Association and Virginia Dental Association guidelines were applied, but dentistry proved to be a unique situation to those outside of our profession. Even among the MCV Campus.

Strength in skills and experience Your VCU School of Dentistry is one of only 10 dental schools in the country within a comprehensive academic medical center. This strength is one of the keys to our success. On April 28 a specialized team from VCU and VCU Health visited the school and its clinics to help craft a plan to reopen safely.

It was no small feat. And in the words of Dr. Clara Spatafore, chair of the Department of Endodontics, this work “was nothing short of herculean.”

The 15+ member team included experts from infectious diseases, facilities management, environmental health and safety, student health, and employee health The team toured all of our buildings, clinical areas and gathering places. Scenarios were presented and problem-solving happened on the spot. As we knew then and now, proper hand hygiene, the use of face masks, and social distancing all play a concerted, crucial role in slowing the spread of

COVID-19.

What

about

aerosols?

Special

considerations

and

recommendations were made for students, faculty, staff and patients who were, and still are, exposed to one of the most dangerous environments for COVID-19 transmission: aerosol generation.

From April to late May, when clinics reopened, school teams worked around the clock to make adjustments for social distancing, design special face shields (created especially for dentists and dental hygienists), procure PPE, install protective barriers to minimize exposure to aerosols, and ensure your safe

return

to

school.

Thanks

to

this

“dream

team”

of

highly-skilled

professionals and the dedication of school leadership and staff, you can take comfort in knowing that the VCU School of Dentistry is one of the few dental schools in the country able to graduate its May students. Almost on time.

In fact, because of these “herculean efforts” shared by the entire school, our students are now participating in comprehensive, non-emergency patient care;

emergency

patient

care;

classroom

and

seminar

learning;

and

simulation clinic learning. This is significant because less than half - only 44% -

of dental schools reported this level of student participation in a recent

informal poll of ADEA deans.

03

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WELCOME

OCTOBER 2020

A remarkable collective effort I am proud of your flexibility and willingness to stay the course on this journey into a new world of learning and patient care. Your efforts and those of our staff and faculty have not gone unnoticed. Dr. Peter Buckley, dean of the VCU School of Medicine and interim CEO of VCU Health, participated in a recent VCU Board of Visitors meeting and had this to say:

Dentistry has been one of the most challenging spaces by nature of its practice, but also on the forefront of creating safety for clinical experience and simulations, and serving as a model for other areas of the health sciences and VCU overall. The return of students could not have gone better! This is a tremendous vote of confidence and made real to our Board of Visitors and to the many important leaders listening during that session the amazing work that your students, faculty, and staff have accomplished. It’s notable that faculty and

but it’s really the professionalism of our health sciences students that have made it all work. The commitment, patience, and perseverance of our staff can prepare and create a safe environment,

health sciences professional students was matched by their resilience and true collaborative spirit, thereby enabling the successful return to clinical training on the MCV Campus.

We are immensely proud of our junior colleagues.

Please

thank

your

students,

your

faculty

and

your

staff

for

a

remarkable collective effort and, of course, thank you also for your leadership during this unprecedented time.

With every good wish, Peter

While there are many unknowns ahead, the School of Dentistry continues to remain proactive in keeping students, patients, faculty and staff safe while remaining true to our core mission of education and clinical excellence.

My final words to you are critical in order to maintain our safety success:

not become complacent. have

learned

and

are

do

Be diligent as you follow the safety measures we

applying.

Remember:

these

safety

measures

will

continue to evolve and you need to stay current. If you see something that does not seem right, say something or ask someone to intervene.

We are all only as safe as we make each other.

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04

Photo by VCU University Marketing

RELENTLESS DETERMINATION TO MAKE THIS YOUR BEST YEAR OF DENTAL SCHOOL YET!

BY BRETT SIEGEL, D2 Welcome back to school everyone, my name is Brett Siegel, a D2 serving as the President Elect of VCU’s ASDA. This year is far from normal. It seems there are more hurdles than usual, but that does not mean we can’t make this year great! My questions

to

you:

what's

your

plan

to

overcome this adversity? What are you willing to do to fight for the things you want out of dental school? This question looks different for all of us here at VCU and you might not have the answer to all these problems, but I am here to remind you of the organizations and

people

that

can

help

you.

I

want

to

encourage you all to get out of your comfort

COVID-19. I want you all to know I will continue to

zone in this uncomfortable time to reach out

make

to faculty, organizations, and peers to stay

ASDA’s

connected in the community at VCU School

productive way possible. My hope for you all is once

of Dentistry. I believe this will allow you to be

you

more

through an unprecedented year, you can tell yourself,

successful

continuing

to

in

build

achieving

your

community

goals,

within

the

sure

VCU’s

chapter

have

is

administration helping

accomplished

us

your

along

along

goals

with

VCU

the

most

in

and

made

it

This change in circumstance did not dictate my

"

school, and making VCU a great place to

future. Due to my dedication and commitment

achieve

VCU’s

level, when adversity struck I was able to

ASDA chapter, I along with many others are

embrace this challenge, and we were able to

looking

trample over the adversity all together as a

your

dreams.

forward

to

On

find

behalf

great

of

ways

to

enhance our dental school experience during

05

The Probe | Fall 2020

student body." I wish you all the best and Go Rams!

WELCOME

2020

OCTOBER 2020

JOIN A CLUB!

2021

Here is a list of club organizations at VCU SOD and their presidents. You can also find this year's "Virtual Club Fair" in your email inbox. If you are curious about any of them, don't hesitate to contact the leaders! Their email should autopopulate, but if it does not you can contact any of the ASDA executive leaders to get you connected.

American Dental Education Association (ADEA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aaron Miller Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florence Dangtran American Association for Women Dentists (AAWD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nidhi Patel American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) . . . Agnieszka Roman Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Gill Delta Sigma Delta (DSD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Kaneshiro Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paula Garcia Ortho Study Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nakysa Kheirandish Periodontal Discussion League (PDL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deji Amoo Psi Omega . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payton Cook Student Chapter of the American Dental Hygiene Association (SCADHA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessi Reidburr Special Care Interest Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sungmin Sohn Student National Dental Association (SNDA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brionna Anthony Student Research Group (SRG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maria Jividen Toothwigglers Pediatric Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua Cardinal VCU Military Dental Student Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Horbaly

VCU SOD Class of 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neeko Felten VCU SOD Class of 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kristen Richey VCU SOD Class of 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Josh McCoy VCU SOD Class of 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sierra Suarez-Friend VCU DH Class of 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Deker VCU DH Class of 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Haley Headley

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06

More about

ASDA At VCU SOD, ASDA (American Student Dental Association) also functions as our SGC (Student Government Committee).

President: Becky Cerva President Elect: Brett Siegel Vice President: Jacob Mirpanah Secretary: Nital Patel Treasurer: Nidhi Patel Legislative Liaison: Matilda Sullivan Webmaster: TJ Winkler Newsletter Editor: Jasmine Lee

07

The Probe | Fall 2020

VCU ASDA

OCTOBER 2020

fun facts about our exec Can you guess who said what for their fun fact?

I love going on meditation retreats whenever I can! I've gone on 9 different ones so far.

I am slightly scared of heights but would go sky-diving tomorrow if you asked me to.

I used to write and produce my own songs and music videos on YouTube!

I was awarded most handsome by GQ magazine.

I got married this summer and I'm a twin!

I was a choreographer for the Salsa Club at UVA.

I played Division 1AA football at James Madison University.

I began alpine mountaineering with my dad at age 12 and have had the privilege to climb some pretty incredible mountains.

To check your answers, continued on to page 11-14 with interviews and photos provided by Clairise Cash, D3, the 2019-20 ASDA Historian!

The Probe | Fall 2020

08

DENTAL SCHOOL WITH BENEFITS

Article by Rafy Luqa, D3, ASDA Benefits Chair

Did you know that ASDA offers several benefits to its members at

no cost?

Many students are not aware of these benefits and are not taking advantage of them. Details of all the offered benefits are available on the ASDA website, but I hope that this article will give you insight into the free benefits available to you. These benefits are divided

financial, career and educational resources, and publications. into three categories:

09

The Probe | Fall 2020

VCU ASDA

OCTOBER 2020

The financial benefits and savings include disability insurance, life insurance, automobile insurance, malpractice insurance for board exams and externships, malpractice insurance for new dentists, and office depot. The disability insurance, issued by

MedPro Group offers Malpractice Insurance for board exams and externships as well as for new dentists. The coverage for board

Great-West-Financial,

ASDA

coverage for a new dentist is offered

members at no cost during dental school and

with a discount for ASDA members. This

residency.

coverage is national so you can move

The

is

offered

coverage

includes

to

$2,000

a

exams and externships is free for up to 60

total

non-consecutive

month for up to seven years to help pay living

anywhere

expenses during a period of disability due to

interruptions

injury

addition

or

illness,

in

addition

to

up

to

$2,000

in

the

to

U.S.

to

your

the

life,

days,

while

without

any

coverage.

In

disability,

and

monthly (up to $150,000 total) to help repay

malpractice insurances, ASDA members

student loans if the student becomes disabled.

can

This

no-cost

coverage

continues

through

December 31st of the year you graduate, after which

you

disability

may

convert

coverage

your

to

an

student

member

ADA

disability

a discount off GEICO’s auto insurance rates and up to 75% discounts at Office Depot and OfficeMax. also

receive

insurance plan available for ADA members at

In

addition

competitive rates.

benefits, ASDA provides students with print

Term life insurance is also issued by GreatWest Financial at no-cost to ASDA members during dental school and residency.

Coverage insurance

includes and

$50,000

$50,000

of

of

Term

Accidental

to

and

these

many

electronic

financial

publications,

the only print news source dedicated solely to sharing the dental student narrative. And including Contour,

Life

finally, ASDA members are set up for

Death

successful transition into the workforce

$100,000 on July 1st of the graduation year. The

post-graduation resources offered through Career Compass.

coverage continues through December 31st of

Career

the year your graduate and then you’ll have the

guidance

option to keep your life insurance by paying the

through many outlets such as webinars,

premium

offered

to

Words

attending

school,

you

Insurance,

and

both

coverages

ADA can

double

members. request

to

While

additional

with their

helping

Compass for

of

students

experiences

spouse

opportunities.

and

pay

low

rates

available

for

ADA

graduating

Wisdom

coverage up to $500,000 for yourself or your

provides

video set

and

up

career students

series,

and

shadowing externship

members.

Don’t let these benefits go to waste! The

various insurances and resources offered

by ASDA will help you in life’s unpredictable moments and provide the financial security

and

real-world

knowledge

needed

to

progress

from

student

life

to

professional life.

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10

Becky Cerva - President Hometown: Oak Hill, VA | Undergrad: CNU One word to describe yourself: Feisty Hobbies: Watching sports, playing guitar, working out, and knitting Favorite parts of dental school: Visiting the food trucks during the lunch hour

Why did you decide to get involved in ASDA? I wanted to have to have opportunity to advocate for

I got married this summer and I'm a twin!

both my fellow students and the future of my profession. Now, more than ever it is important for dental students to get involved in organized dentistry and have our voices heard. No one understands the issues we face better than we do: student debt, shifts in healthcare politics, licensure reform, etc. We truly do have power in numbers.

What's one thing you wish more people at our school knew about ASDA? I wish that everyone knew that they were a member of ASDA and that there are TONS of ways to get involved!

Brett Siegel - President Elect Hometown: Leesburg, VA | Undergrad: JMU One word to describe yourself: Affable Hobbies: Staying fit, adventuring, and socializing with family and friends Favorite part of dental school: The people

Why did you decide to get involved in ASDA? My passion for student run organizations: for the students and by the students. I am thrilled about protecting and advancing the rights, interests and welfare of dental students. I can get behind that. That is why I joined ASDA.

What's one thing you wish more people at our school knew about ASDA? They have our back.

11

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I played Division 1AA football at James Madison University

VCU ASDA

OCTOBER 2020

Jacob Mirpanah - Vice President Hometown: Ashburn, VA | Undergrad: UVA One word to describe yourself: Optimistic Favorite part of dental school: The people. We learn to lean on each other to move forward; everyone's willingness to work together towards a common goal is a constant reminder that I

I was a choreographer for the Salsa Club at UVA.

am in the right place.

Why did you decide to get involved in ASDA? E.B. White said it best with "I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world."

As much as I have enjoyed this dental school experience, there are changes I would like to help effect to make it even better.

What's one thing you wish more people at our school knew about ASDA? The connections that active involvement in ASDA make possible. Through ASDA I have had the opportunity to serve as a voting member of the VDA, met and connected with countless students from other schools and even had the chance to speak at length with Dr. Gahani, the president of the ADA.

Nital Patel - Secretary Hometown: Richmond, VA | Undergrad: UVA One word to describe yourself: Dependable Hobbies: Painting, running, cooking, binge watching Netflix shows, quarantining Favorite parts of dental school: I love the support between the students/faculty. It's nice that we are all in the same environment and understand each others excitement and love of teeth! (and each other's pain of dental school in general)

I am slightly scared of heights but would go sky-diving tomorrow if you asked me to

What are you most excited for as an exec member this year?

I think exec this year is an amazing group of people and I'm most excited to get to know everyone and their strengths!!

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12

Nidhi Patel - Treasurer Hometown: Woodbridge, VA | Undergrad: VCU One word to describe yourself: Optimistic Hobbies: I enjoy watching movies and TV shows, reading, and exploring different coffee shops and restaurants in Richmond.

I love going on meditation retreats whenever I can! I've gone on 9 different ones so far.

Favorite parts of dental school: My favorite part of dental school would definitely be the people. I have met so many kind and wonderful people here. All of the staff, students and faculty are incredibly supportive and make this whole experience worthwhile!

Why did you decide to get involved in ASDA? I believe that ASDA is a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with people that I wouldn't normally get the chance to interact with. I have always wanted to contribute to our school and I felt like being a part of ASDA is a great way to do so!

Mattie Sullivan - Legislative Liaison Hometown: Lynchburg, VA | Undergrad: UVA One word to describe yourself: Child-at-heart Favorite parts of dental school: Our class has been so collaborative and uplifting of each other and it really keeps me going when the going gets tough. I have had wonderful patient interactions so far in dental school and I can't wait to transition into clinic because that's what dentistry is all about.

Why did you decide to get involved in ASDA? I actually became interested in ASDA through VDA Lobby Day. Multiple dentists that day told me how important it is to be involved in lobbying to promote the voice of dental students and the profession at a state and national level. Becoming involved in ASDA was a clear next step towards advocating for dental student representation in dental legislation changes.

13

The Probe | Fall 2020

I began alpine mountaineering with my dad at age 12 and have had the privilege to climb some pretty incredible mountains.

VCU ASDA

OCTOBER 2020

TJ Winkler - Webmaster Hometown: Midlothian, VA | Undergrad: VT One word to describe yourself: Jackhammer Hobbies: Video games, movies, fitness Favorite parts of dental school: Dr. Janus

Why did you decide to get involved in ASDA?

I was awarded most handsome

by GQ magazine.

I went to ASDA's National Leadership Conference in undergrad and enjoyed it, and I wanted to participate in dental school as well.

Jasmine Lee - Newsletter Editor Hometown: Burke, VA | Undergrad: Rice One word to describe yourself: Creative Fun fact: I was 23 when I got married!

Hobbies: Song-writing, making videos Favorite quarantine activities: Catching up on drawing, reading, writing, and sleeping

Why did you decide to get involved in ASDA?

I used to write and produce my own songs and music videos on YouTube!

I was asked to because there was a need.

What are you most excited for as an exec member this year?

I hope to put together a newsletter that people will actually be excited to get in their inboxes!

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14

Get to Know RVA with Jennifer Ahn, D3

D1s, welcome to Richmond, your new home for the next 4 years!

As a Richmond native, I have been tasked with the important job of sharing some of my favorite things to do in the city.

I say important because it is essential that you

make

time

for

fun

and

relaxation

in

dental school. Luckily, Richmond has so much to offer. (Note: some of these places may

be

closed

or

have

restrictions

due

to

COVID-19, so check out their website or call beforehand.)

On Saturdays, if the weather is nice, I love

South of the James Farmer’s Market. It has been named one going

to

the

of the “Top 10 Best Farmer’s Markets in the U.S.”

by

USA

Today!

Over

100

vendors

participate in this market. Local farmers and

artisans

offer

an

eclectic

mix

of

items: fresh produce, flowers, jewelry, art, baked

goods,

handmade

skincare

products, and so much more. The market is family- and dog-friendly with live music and a variety of food trucks that are sure to please your appetite. I would remiss if I did

not

mention

Mrs.

Yoder’s

famous

donuts, which people know to get there early for to beat the long line.

15

The Probe | Fall 2020

VCU ASDA

OCTOBER 2020

James River with some friends. You can wade in the water at Belle Isle, get your tan on on the rocks at Texas Beach, or even tube down Pony Pasture with a group. Another outdoor activity is to walk, run, or bike the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile-long fully-paved trail that runs all the way from Richmond to Jamestown.

If I’m feeling outdoors-y, I might head to the

Haunted

A unique activity that I recommend every Richmond-er do at least once is go on a

Walking Tour.

I did a tour of Shockoe Bottom through a company called Eerie Nights Ghost

Tours. The tour was indeed spooky, and surprisingly, it was a great way to learn more about the city’s history. The last stop of my haunted tour happened to be right outside of my apartment building, but fortunately I haven’t seen any ghosts yet!

As far as night life goes, my all-time favorite thing to do is see live music at

The National,

a

historic concert venue located on Broad Street. There are 3 things that I love about The National: 1) they bring in artists of all genres, both big and small; 2) the venue is big enough to give you personal space,

but

small

enough to where it

still

intimate; their

feels and

3)

sound

system is insanely good. nightlife

Other options

include gathering on

the

lawn

at

Virginia Fine Arts Museum the

and

exploring

The Fan Downtown.

and

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16

If you’re looking for food and drink options,

Scott’s Addition is a good place to start.

Once a bustling industrial area, Scott’s Addition is now Richmond’s fastest growing neighborhood with nationally recognized restaurants, over 13 breweries, cideries, rooftop lounges, and “barcades” (bararcades), where you can eat, drink, and play games.

Speaking of food, Richmond has climbed

Coffee:

its

Ironclad,

way

up

destination

to lists,

the so

top it

is

of

many

only

fair

food that

I

Blanchard’s,

Brewer’s

Sefton,

Café,

Roastology,

Lamplighter, Alchemy, Black Hand, Lift

mention some of my favorite eats. It was hard to narrow it down, but here are a few:

Savory: Thai),

The

Mi

(Greek),

Patio

Jalisco

Edo’s

and

Sabai

(Mexican),

Squid

(Italian),

(both

weekend. Lucky for us, you can drive 2 hours

Stella’s

in any direction, and you’ll be in another city

Lemon

that is entirely different from here. There is

(Indian), Pho So 1 (Vietnamese), Addis

Charlottesville

(Ethiopian),

vineyards,

LuLu’s

(brunch),

ZZQ

(barbecue)

Sweet:

and

(think apple

hikes,

Gelati

Celesti

(gelato),

Virginia Washington, DC. Also,

on

Carter

Beach,

and

if

Busch

Gardens and Kings Dominion are both less

The Probe | Fall 2020

cream),

Sub

than an hour away.

am,

an

Pie,

(ice

I

are

amusement

School

like

you

Shyndigz (cake, baked goods), Proper Charm

park-lover

picturesque

picking

Mountain),

Rosa Bakery (pastries)

17

Say you want to get out of Richmond for the

VCU ASDA

OCTOBER 2020

Lastly, I want to mention

The Richmond Experience,

which posts about the city’s newest

local restaurants and businesses and upcoming events, such as the

Carytown Watermelon (@therichmondexperience)

Festival.

You

can

follow

Folk Festival

them

on

and

Instagram

and/or subscribe to their newsletter to stay up to date about

what’s happening in Richmond!

Health & Wellness

By Erin Britt and Julia Cove, D3s

"One of the best parts of being co-chairs for ASDA health and wellness is being able to plan these events and share with the rest of the school!"

Staying healthy and well during dental school is extremely important and sometimes not as easy to do as you might think. This is why we wanted to serve as ASDA’s Health and Wellness co-chairs! We originally connected in dental school for our love of running, and found ourselves running together many days during the school week to stay active and relieve stress. We couldn’t think of anything more fit for us than serving as co-chairs for ASDA health and wellness. Not only do we love running, but we find it crucial to stay

healthy

in

many

different

ways,

whether it be through yoga, meditation, eating

healthy,

or

hosting

a

lunch

and

learn related to health and wellness.

Last year, we were so excited to kick

off being the health and wellness chairs by putting together different events for health and wellness month in September!

These events included a step challenge where

students

throughout getting

Boho Studio Cycle Class

a

the prize,

could

track

month

with

a

yoga

their the

class,

steps winner

a

cycle

class at Boho Cycle, and a

The Probe | Fall 2020

18

lunch and learn with a registered dietician. We look

forward

wellness the

month

year,

catered

to

we

to

another this

try

exciting

September. to

different

host

health

Throughout

different

aspects

of

and

events

health

and

wellness because they are all so important.

Below are some pictures of some of the different events we hosted last year, including mindfulness yoga with our very own D3 yoga instructor

and

the

cycle

studio

event

we

hosted. It is always uplifting to see the turnout at these events from dental students, as you can see below. One of the best parts of being co-chairs

for

ASDA

health

and

wellness

is

being able to plan these events and share with the rest of the school! Please don’t hesitate to contact us, Julia Cove and Erin Britt, for any ideas

or

events

you

may

have

to

Erin Britt (left), Alley Stefanovski (D3, yoga instructor), and Julia Cove (right)

promote

health and wellness. Stay healthy!

This year's Health and Wellness Month is October! Check your email inbox for info about our annual step challenge. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers!

Mindfulness yoga turnout!

19

The Probe | Fall 2020

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT Our summer issue kicked off the school year with a fun Q&A from our predoc GPGs. This fall issue features a few of our residents from VCU SOD. Let's hear more about them!

Featuring orthodontics residents Dr. Nicholas Lynch, Dr. Mason Bates, and Dr. Tonya Spangler as well as periodontics residents Dr. Michael Ha and Dr. William Porzio

Interviews by Jasmine Lee

23

The Probe | Fall 2020

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT

OCTOBER 2020

Dr. Nick Lynch ORTHODONTICS, 2022 (1ST YEAR) INDIANA UNIVERSITY

Fun fact: Throughout undergrad and dental school, I spent a total of nearly 20 months outside the US traveling to 24 foreign countries. In other words, COVID is seriously caging up the backpacker in me.

What's the coolest thing you've been up to in your program?

The best part about ortho residency so far has been all of the cool technology, like intraoral scanners, aligners, 3D printing, and CBCTs. It's much more exciting to be using modern tools of the trade, especially compared to dental school where we only rarely got to play with all the fancy, high-tech toys.

What is your favorite part of the specialty?

Orthodontics really just suits my personality well on multiple levels. Generally speaking, I love how every case is a puzzle. From a more personal perspective, though, it's just such a positive, happy specialty. People are so excited to fix their smiles and everybody loves to celebrate a nice, esthetic result.

Any advice for dental students? If you could go back in time what would you tell yourself?

Oh man... So many things to learn from hindsight!

For starters, enjoy dental school while it lasts.

Looking back now, I already miss the experiences and friends, especially since COVID ended things prematurely for me. On a different note, I'd strongly encourage you to shift your mentality to that of a private practice doctor who's solely responsible for your patients. Take charge of your education, actively seek out new ways to improve, don't wait for your faculty to spoon-feed you, and take true ownership of your patients' care. It all goes back to "practicing how you play" so that you're ready to run on the day you graduate. On a less philosophical and more practical note, network like crazy. You're going to be looking for a job before you know it, and your relationships will be essential to finding the right opportunity.

25

The Probe | Fall 2020

Dr. Mason Bates ORTHODONTICS 2021 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY AT HOUSTON

Any advice for dental students?

1) You will get out of dental school what you put into it.

Maintain balance and don't let dental school consume you, but apply yourself and learn as much as you possibly can while you're there.

2) We are so privileged to have the trust of our patients, so steward that privilege well by practicing with integrity and putting your patients first. The requirements (and finances in the future) will take care of themselves if you measure your success by how well you serve your patients.

Some of my favorite moments so far, in my short career, have been mission trips where I've been able to use my skills to help others in need for nothing more than a smile in return. You've all got an amazing future ahead of you. Don't ever

Fun fact: I took a year off prior to dental school living/working in Costa Rica and working as a lift operator at Winter Park Ski Resort for the second half.

lose sight of why you started this journey: to help people.

The Probe | Fall 2020

24

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT

OCTOBER 2020

Dr. Tonya Spangler ORTHODONTICS, 2022 VCU DENTAL, CLASS OF 2020 Fun fact: I was a veterinary technician for 9 years before

What's the coolest thing you've been up to in your program?

dental school, so I LOVE

Getting to be a part of treatment

animals!

planning for craniofacial patients.

Hobbies: Spending time

Any advice for dental students? If you could go back in time what would you tell yourself?

exploring with my pup and recently learning to sew.

Don't stress, enjoy the ride, and take advantage of everyone you can learn from!

The Probe | Fall 2020

26

Dr. Michael Ha 2ND YEAR PERIODONTICS OREGON HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY

What's the coolest thing you've been up to in your program?

The coolest thing about being in the graduate periodontics department is being able to pick the brains of so many amazing periodontists on how they complete soft and hard tissue procedures and being able to implement those advanced techniques

Fun fact: I am the gypsy of my

in the foundational surgical procedures

family. Ever since I moved out

I complete. There are so many nuances

of LA at 18 I've been moving

in flap management, harvesting tissue,

around the west coast, with

and implant placement that each day

residency allowing me to

feels like a completely new procedure

explore the east coast for the

with different outcomes.

first time.

city I've come to learn how

Any advice for dental students? If you could go back in time what would you tell yourself?

important it is for me to take

You are in charge of your own

time to get away from the city

education.Take advantage of all the

and to explore the forests and

classes and lunch & learns you are able

mountains. I want to eventually

to attend. Dental knowledge and

explore every national park in

techniques are hard-fought and will

the USA in my lifetime.

come in handy even as a specialist.

Hobbies: Coming from a big

27

The Probe | Fall 2020

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT

OCTOBER 2020

Dr. William Porzio PERIO 1ST YEAR OREGON HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY What is your favorite part of the specialty?

I’ve just started treating my first surgical cases which has been an amazing experience. Coming straight out of dental school I had very little experience with managing soft tissue so finally getting a scalpel into my hands has been both fun and a humbling learning experience. There are so many aspects of perio that interest me and encouraged me to commit to it as a specialty but when it comes down to it, I chose the field because of what we get to do with our hands. As a specialty, I feel like we are the most in tune with truly healing a patient and restoring them to a

Fun fact: I’m obsessed with people (and dog) watching and love hanging out on my balcony in the Fan silently judging all my neighbors but not in the bad way.

state of oral health.

Any advice for dental students?

My best piece of advice for students would be to never stop fighting to improve the student experience at VCU. Organize yourselves and demand change where you think improvements can be made.

Challenge the way that things have been

Hobbies: I'm obsessed with sci-fi/fantasy novels and cannot get enough of Brandon Sanderson’s novels.

done and think of ways to innovate.

Dentistry is a field that is constantly evolving and changing and the dental school experience should reflect that flexibility.

The Probe | Fall 2020

28

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT HOBBY EDITION Featuring Tuan Le on photography, Nidhi Patel on Korean dramas, and Jasmine Lee on digital art

29

The Probe | Fall 2020

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

OCTOBER 2020

Photography quite

expensive,

can

so

if

be you

are looking to pursue it as a hobby

there

are

several

ways to minimize the cost.

Camera

phones

nowadays

are well equipped to take high

quality

are

photos.

There

many

types

of

photography

ranging

from

landscape,

portrait,

aerial,

travel, and wildlife to name a

few.

Practice

taking

pictures with a phone can help you gauge in on what type

of

photography

you

appreciate the most.

Eventually, you may want to purchase a camera. There are many different types of cameras out there with various functions. Looking at product reviews on YouTube is an ideal way to start and to narrow down your brand and selections. I would search for a used one either

off

craigslist

or

Facebook

marketplace.

Of

course,

you

need

a

camera

lens

and

sometimes they can be more expensive than the camera itself. With so many different lenses out there suited for different types of photography it is difficult to choose from. They are measured in focal lengths sometimes as low as 10mm up to 300mm. Some are fixed focal lenses, and some can zoom. Zoom lenses cover a wide range of focal lengths, which in turn can be better for a wider range for the type of photographs you want to take. Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are all common,

but

concepts

in

photography. time

the

field

Again,

watching

YouTube

important

can

of

spending

videos

on

help

you

understand these concepts.

In

the

incorporate

future

I

wish

photography

to

and

dentistry in a creative way and being

to

educate

share

pictures

pre-dental

to

students,

colleagues, and patients.

The Probe | Fall 2020

32

Korean Dramas

“Once you overcome the 1-

to understand the plot and

inch-tall

dialogue.

barrier

of

subtitles,

you will be introduced to so many said

more

amazing

Director

Bong

Since

I

became

very

films,�

interested in Korean culture

Joon-Ho

after the movie, I started a

when he accepted the Best

Korean

Foreign Language Film at the

my classmates. We watched

Golden

a few episodes of my first

Globes.

Once

I

drama

two

heard this speech, I was so

ever

by Nidhi Patel, D3

interested

Girl Bong-Soon. I was totally

what

the

Parasite

theaters, amazed story

craze

was

watched

about.

the I by

and

discovering

was the

The Probe | Fall 2020

Strong

around

hooked onto the show and

After

I

ended up quickly finishing it.

in

And after that I found myself

movie

completely incredible

cinematography,

and how easy it was for me

33

drama,

of

Article and recommendations

in

Korean

with

watching

more

and

more

shows, and have seen over 20 since February!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

OCTOBER 2020

"I have really learned to appreciate other cultures and languages more, which I believe as future healthcare providers it’s really important for us to try and connect with people with backgrounds completely different than our own."

Korean

Dramas

are

a

great

way

to

discover a whole new culture that many of us have never really experienced before. While some societal aspects are exaggerated, they still allow viewers to learn about the customs and traditions of South Korean culture. One thing

I

quickly

picked

up

on

is

that

South

Korean society is generally more conservative than Western ones, which explains why there is rarely any rated R content in the shows.

Also, it’s very interesting to see how kdramas usually focus on the families around the main characters, which is something that isn’t as common in American TV shows. The closest thing to Korean dramas that many of us have heard of are telenovelas, as they both have many

twists

sometimes though

I

and

over

did

find

turns, the the

top

cliffhangers storylines.

many

and Even

differences

at

first, I learned to appreciate the shows for what they are, and have started to love them just as much as other American shows I’ve seen.

One of the benefits of Kdramas are that they only have one season with usually 16 episodes, which have a definitive beginning and end. Since most Western shows have multiple seasons spanning over several years, sometimes the quality of the show doesn’t remind the same throughout. However, Kdramas are usually finish in eight weeks, which makes it more enjoyable to watch, especially for people who like to binge watch shows. Another distinct feature is that the production and cinematography of majority of the shows are carefully crafted, making the quality of the shows much better. Almost every show that I have seen is equivalent to the

The Probe | Fall 2020

34

experience that I have watching a top tier Netflix or HBO production. Perhaps one of the biggest differences that I noticed was that every Korean drama has its own original soundtrack

and

score.

Many

of

these

soundtracks are often the best parts of the show, and become huge hits too.

Even though our schedules are often packed

with

exams,

practicals

and

busy

clinic days, I have found that Korean Dramas have really helped me destress. I always look forward to watching the next episode, or even starting a new show. Like any hobby, kdramas

help

relaxed

and

learned

to

me

become

more

happy,

engaged.

Also,

I

have

really

appreciate

other

cultures

Best ones to start off with:

Crash

Landing

Class,

on

You,

Itaewon

Goblin, Descendants of the Sun

and

languages more, which I believe as future healthcare providers it’s really important for

If you like action or thrillers:

us

Kingdom, Vagabond, Tunnel, Signal

to

try

and

connect

with

people

with

backgrounds completely different than our own. Watching Korean shows has also made me more willing to try and watch movies and shows

from

other

countries,

which

I

most

If you like dramas: Monarch,

When

King

Camellia

Eternal Blooms,

Legend of the Blue Sea, Hotel Del

likely wouldn’t have done before. Overall, I think that breaking out of your comfort zone

Luna

with any activity or hobby is a great way to grow

as

an

individual

and

experience

something new and amazing!

If

you

have

any

interest

in

Best

Picture

definitely interested would

award

worth in

Parasite!

at

the

watching.

watching

recommend

a

using

if

Korean Netflix

and

you

are

drama, or

is

Viki,

I

have lots of shows you can easily watch. are

so

many

amazing

dramas,

but

there are a few that I would recommend to someone who just starting off!

35

The Probe | Fall 2020

The

Chicago

Typewriter,

Last Empress, Scarlet Heart Ryeo

If you want something unique and original: Search WWW, It’s Okay To Not Be Okay, Sky Castle

a

free online streaming service, as they both

There

Sunshine,

It won the

Oscars, And

Mr.

possibly

watching a Korean drama or movie, I would first suggest watching

If you like historical stories:

I hope that some of you are interested in watching one of these Korean dramas.

Have fun!

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

OCTOBER 2020

Heart and Hands for Dentistry

that had previously brought me happiness to "save" my hands for dentistry. And why did so many of the ways I could express care for my loved ones require my hands? No more playing instruments while singing, no more drawing,

Illustrations and article

by Jasmine Lee, D3

limit handwriting notes, massages,

limit

limit giving my family

cooking.

Hand

pain

and

therefore stress plagued me whatever I did. I “Hmm...” I’m sitting in clinic evaluating a patient’s

defective

restoration

when

the

had a love-hate relationship with dentistry.

D4,

But through the ups and downs I found

who is kindly assisting me, points at my hands.

comfort

“You should wear the small size gloves.” The

could understand the stress of being a dental

light from my loupes swing from the teeth to my

student. I fondly remember weekends when a

oversized gloves. “These are the small gloves,” I

group of our D1 girlfriends would take turns

reply.

hosting a movie night in our apartments—one

We

before

both

pause

chuckling

shoulders

for

the

to

and

stare

at

peeking

missing

box

of

my

hands

over extra

in

my

fellow

dental

students

who

our

night we even watched a live musical at Altria

small

Theater! I'm also thankful for when some of

gloves.

the Korean students would gather together at

My hands are definitely on the small side

an upperclassman’s home, eat good food, talk

especially for my height, but they’ve also served

about

school,

me well over the years. From playing violin in

about

school,

orchestra, pit, and even a mariachi band to

(which, by the way, meant we were still talking

doodling

about

and

journaling

to

strumming

guitar as I write original songs to

the

play

school),

some

share

and

games,

some

enjoy

of

the

talk

our

more

worries

weekend.

We

woodworking

joked that we couldn’t go 5 minutes without

for sculptures, they’ve always brought me joy.

talking about school. Of course we tried but

Like many other dental students, part of the

we

reason

dental

I

chose

dentistry

was

because

I

like

making art with my hands.

resist—this

student!

is

There’s

just

the

life

something

of

a

healing

about times like these where we learn, laugh,

I never suspected that I would start having pain in my hands at the end of the first week of D1 year as we started DentSim.

couldn’t

and

complain

together,

the

third

in

moderation, of course.

The first week.

My hand pain crisis also made me really

How could I have known that the pain would

evaluate what dentistry means to me. I may

linger all throughout D2 year as well and into

not have signed up for the hand pain, but did I

D3 year? At the worst point I remember the

want to persevere to heal and become the

irony as my hands ached even while brushing

dentist I thought I wanted to be? How can my

my

me

life best be used, and where does dentistry fit

several nights at the start of each semester

in it? The lesson I learned from my first two

about whether I had chosen the wrong field

years is perseverance. The hand pain had to

and whether I could bear the burden of the

be

loans for dental school. It also deeply hurt me

mentality that needed to be addressed. I had

that so many things I valued required my hands

to

—I felt like I had to sacrifice all of my hobbies

stop fearing the risks and want the goal even

own

teeth.

Anxious

thoughts

taunted

addressed

stop

but

doubting

above

my

that

it

competency.

was

I

had

my

to

The Probe | Fall 2020

36

if

it

meant

unexpected

has some days they won’t perform as well as

circumstances and making some sacrifices. You

they would like. There may be fewer chances

and I have made it to dental school and we will

for us to be studying or eating together and fill

be able to graduate and become competent

up

dentists

friends and build community. But when we do

as

struggling

long

as

through

we

persevere

and

keep

working hard day by day.

the

with

personal

talk—to

make

have those discouraging days I hope we can

By D2 year, an analogy that comforted me

remind ourselves that we’re not alone in those

was my daily commute. The first time I started

downs. It may require more intentionality but

driving regularly was when I moved to Richmond

we can talk to each other about these things.

for

dental

school.

I

would

get

clammy

and

Although the pandemic has had horrible

sweaty whenever I was on the road, especially

consequences, one positive highlight from the

when I was going somewhere “far” like from

summer quarantine was that I got to rest my

Shockoe Bottom to Short Pump. But by D2 year

hands and try digital drawing for the first time.

I could commute to and from Short Pump with

In between rest I got to draw short educational

ease through sun or rain. Dentistry is the same

animations

way—it will get easier the more we do it.

slice-of-life comic, brainstorm plots for stories

"The lesson I learned from my first two years is perseverance."

It’s really easy to hide the lows we go through

in

dental

school.

Sometimes

it's

intentional and other times it's just the busy of

a

dental

struggles

student.

if

we

I'm

talk,

open

but

to

life

sharing

those

my

extended

that

will

about

dentistry,

probably

never

be

make

a

weekly

published,

draw

portraits that others requested for their friends and

families,

and

do

housework

to

make

a

happy home without feeling discomfort in my hands. It lifted my spirits to be able to use my hands to create something outside of dentistry again.

Unfortunately since school has started a dull pain

has

returned

recently

(in

a

different

location thankfully), so I’m still trying to be very aware

of

ergonomics,

proper

stretching

and

strengthening, and rest, which includes another

conversations are hard to come by. If you see

indefinite

me in class or clinic, you could think that I've

require my hands. But I am still so thankful for

never doubted that dentistry was for me; I’m

these two hands of mine. I no longer question

just one of the smiley, chirpy students who look

whether I’ll be able to finish dental school or

like every day is going pretty well. But I'm sure

whether I will be helpful to my future patients.

all of us show a smile even on some of our

I’ve

difficult days.

dentistry

It was easy even before COVID-19 to think your

peers

have

everything

together

but

I

hobbies,

dejected

or

even

persevere

where

I

am

and

projects

to

currently

that

trust

that

called

and

Lastly, here are some doodles I blissfully

see

looking

creative

people.

drew

classmate

is

to

from

where my small hands can be of big help to

distance. There may be fewer chances for us to a

hiatus

learned

assume it's even easier now as we try to social

37

space

during

quarantine!

words

of

If

you

have

encouragement,

or

any art,

shedding some tears after a practical, exam, or

please consider sharing them with our peers in

appointment and be reminded that everyone

the next newsletter!

The Probe | Fall 2020