TRODENT ALUMNI MAGAZINE
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FALL 2022: THE VOLUNTEERS
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
It’s been more than three years since Ostrow’s beloved TroDent has been published, taking a necessary hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many of you, I couldn’t be more excited to see its return — not simply for news about the school or the fun featurettes in Front Desk or feature stories about our community members. All of that is great, for sure, but the return of TroDent feels like the return of normalcy. And after the past few years we’ve had, I think we’re all desperate for that sense of normalcy.
In this issue, we catch you up on some news you might have missed during the past few years. On page 6, you can read about Ostrow’s continued ascension up the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research funding list. Today, we are the third top-funded dental institution in the nation — an exciting development and a true testament to the strength of our research faculty and staff members. On page 8, you can read about some exciting technology that our advanced education program in endodontics has acquired to improve patient outcomes. The cone-beam computed tomography scanner gives endodontists a 3-D image inside the tooth. Of course, endodontists live and die by imaging, so the scanners are helping improve patient outcomes like never before.
In this issue’s cover story (p. 22-27), we celebrate the more than 250 volunteer faculty members who come from far and wide to give back to USC and the profession at large by educating generation after generation of dental students. They all have their reasons for wanting to give back, and we’re incredibly thankful for their service. We tell the story of five such faculty members who provide our students with sage advice, real-world experience and hard-fought wisdom — and get an education of their own in return from our students.
We also feature the Class of 2026’s National Health Service Corps (NHSC) scholarship recipients. For those of you who do not know, the NHSC scholarship program funds a student’s dental education in full plus gives them a monthly stipend to live off during their dental studies. In return, they must provide treatment in a health professional shortage area for two years — something many social justice-minded individuals might choose to do anyway. We have NHSC scholars in all four years of the DDS program, but we focus on the Class of 2026, which has the largest concentration of NHSC scholars at the school currently. You can read more about that on page 28.
To be sure, there’s a little bit of something for everybody in this issue — from a Q&A with our Director of Continuing Education Alon Frydman PERIO ’o6, who discusses Ostrow’s official podcast, Louped In (p. 11) to the makeover of two of our mobile dental clinics (p. 12) to our new Class Notes section (p. 32), which keeps you informed of all your classmates’ goings-on. So please, sit back and enjoy this issue of TroDent!
Avishai Sadan DMD, MBA
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery Professor of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
FALL 2019: REPRESENTING USC DENTISTRY
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
This trimester has been particularly eventful, giving us a lot of exciting news to share with you.
Earlier this fall, we announced the installment of six faculty members into chair and professorship appointments. As many of you may know, being named a chair or a professor is one of the highest honors a university can bestow upon a faculty member. And this group of faculty members — Sillas Duarte; Sunny Fereshteh DDS ’09; Diane Melrose MA ’11; Cheryl Park ’07, DDS ’13, PROS ’16; Gelareh Ronaghi PROS ’14; and Doug Solow — is truly most deserving. Read more about the installments on p. 6.
We also were notified that Associate Dean of Community Health Programs and Hospital Affairs Roseann Mulligan MS ’87 has received a 2020 Geis Award for Achievement for Dental Educators, a tremendous honor reserved for individuals who have meaningfully advanced oral health and dental education. With the tireless work that “Nan” has done to expand Ostrow’s reach into underserved communities across the region, she has inspired generation after generation of dental professionals to practice dentistry with compassion and give back to their communities in ways large and small. Read more about this well-deserved award on p. 8.
And on p. 12, you can read about Professor Janet Oldak, who received a Distinguished Scientist Award from the International Association for Dental Research. It is one of the most prestigious awards granted by the IADR and is meant to stimulate, encourage and recognize excellent research. Just as we were going to press, Oldak received further great news, being named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Congratulations, Janet!
In our cover story, “Representing USC Dentistry” (p. 22), we recognize our student ambassador program, a brigade of nearly 70 students who give their precious little time to serve as mouthpieces for Ostrow. They take part in admission activities, answering questions from prospective students and offering candid, trusted insight into what it means to be a USC dental student. Many dental students say they made their decision about whether or not to attend USC based on their first interactions with the dental student ambassadors. They are an invaluable resource for us. Of course, it is our hope that, like you all in our community, they go on after graduation to continue to be great Ostrow ambassadors, demonstrating for the world what it means to be a successful Trojan dental practitioner.
There’s a little bit of something for everybody in this issue — from the Yearbook Game (p. 17) to a brief Q&A with ADA President-Elect Daniel Klemmedson DDS ’80, OMFS ’83, MD ’85 (p. 19) to a feel-good feature about three faculty members who were awarded grants to pay off their student loan debt in five years (p. 28). So please read on and enjoy this issue of TroDent.
Avishai Sadan DMD, MBA
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery Professor of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
SPRING 2019: ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS
INSIDE THE ISSUE: Dean's message
In this issue, we take a pause to appreciate our mentors — those who selflessly give back to us in a myriad of ways, pushing us to be the very best dental professionals we can be. The importance of a mentor cannot be overstated. They are like alchemists,taking the raw talent, first-class education and tireless ambition found in their young, bright mentees and transforming all that into something stronger, lasting and superior. They are there to give advice based upon years of experience and wisdom. They are there to offer support when their mentees struggle. They are there to show the right path forward when their mentees might be otherwise lost. You can find our cover story about the importance of mentorship beginning on p. 22.
On p. 5, we share the exciting news that Carol Summerhays DDS ’78 has been selected to chair Ostrow’s Board of Councilors. Dr. Summerhays has some enormous shoes to fill, succeeding Ralph Allman Jr. ’57, ’60, DDS ’62, MS ’66, who led the school’s governing body for two decades. We all owe an incredible debt of gratitude to Dr. Allman and his wife, Sigrid — both of whom have been the dental school’s biggest champions for years. They have made an indelible mark on the school, and I am grateful to both of them for the years we’ve shared together at Ostrow, and I look forward to many more. While Dr. Allman might be a hard act to follow, I am confident that Dr. Summerhays will take the reins fearlessly, leading the Board of Councilors and helping me to continue the school’s long tradition of eminence in the dental education world.
In this issue, we also tell the inspiring story of Shannon Grady DDS ’22, a non-traditional student following her dreams no matter what (p. 32); introduce you to the dental team who are there for the Los Angeles Football Club when tragedy strikes (p. 20), and share our plans to add minimally invasive dentistry to our DDS curriculum — making us one of the first schools to do so on a mass scale (p. 36).
Before I go, I would like to congratulate our Class of 2019, who earlier this month became the latest cohort of USC-trained dental professionals. Welcome to the USC dental alumni community!
Enjoy the issue and as always fight on!
Avishai Sadan DMD, MBA
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery Professor of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
FALL 2018: CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
In this issue, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists (ASPID). In 1969,USC conferred its first international doctor of dental surgery degrees to seven foreign-trained dentists who had fled Cuba following the Cuban revolution. The program — the first of its kind in the United States — gave these foreign-trained dentists the skills necessary to begin practicing in America. Since then, USC’s ASPID program has re-launched the careers of nearly 1,200 foreign-trained dentists, giving them the opportunity to pursue their dream careers in the U.S. We’re incredibly proud of our ASPID program and will celebrate its golden anniversary at our next Scholarship Recognition Dinner on Feb. 8, 2019 at the California Science Center.
Speaking of pride, Ostrow’s Associate Dean of Research (and an ASPID alumnus, I might add) Yang Chai PhD ’91, DDS ’96 was elected to the prestigious National Academy of Medicine earlier this year. It’s an honor reserved only for those at the pinnacle of their profession. In fact, there are only nine current USC faculty members who are members of this organization, which aims to improve health by advancing science, accelerating health equity and providing evidence-based and trusted advice across the globe. Read all about Chai’s election on p. 5.
In this issue, we also showcase our Pediatric Dental Clinic, which is now funded by the L.A. County Department of Health Services (p. 6); take you into the mobile dental clinic at Hollenbeck Palms retirement community where our students are gaining essential experience treating older adults (p. 30), and remember Professor Emeritus Raymond Melrose who passed away in early October (p. 38).
As the clock winds down on the Fall 2018 semester, I’d like to wish all of our Trojan Dental Family members far and wide a happy new year! I look forward to seeing you all in 2019 for another terrific year at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC!
Enjoy the issue and as always fight on!
Avishai Sadan DMD, MBA
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery Professor of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
SPRING 2018: OSTROW JUNIOR FACULTY
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
In this issue, we celebrate the many contributions made by our bright, talented junior faculty members with our cover story, “The Leaders of Tomorrow” (pgs. 20-29). An educational institution is only as good as its junior faculty members. These are the individuals who fuel continued innovation. As new practitioners, they are not bound to fundamentalism or practicing in a way simply because that’s the way it’s always been done. They bring a brand-new perspective to a school, which, when coupled with the knowledge and experience provided by senior faculty members, can catalyze into real innovation and continuous reinvigoration — essential for the long-term success of a dental school.
This is why we made recruiting brilliant junior faculty members one of the key pillars of our $115-million fundraising initiative, which is part of the Campaign for the University of Southern California. I’m thrilled to say we’ve been incredibly successful in recruiting and retaining some of the nation’s best — 15 of whom are featured in this issue.
Ask any of these junior faculty members what is essential for their success, and they will likely tell you it’s the senior faculty members who serve as trusted and experienced mentors. One such individual for many junior faculty members is Professor of Clinical Dentistry Eddie Sheh DDS ’91, PROS ’99, who was recently honored with a 2018 USC Excellence in Teaching Award. You can read more about the impact Sheh has had on junior faculty and students on page 15 in “Five Things.” And just as we were sending this issue to press, we were notified that Professor Glenn Clark is being honored with a well-earned 2018 USC Mentoring Award for his continued support of Ostrow’s junior faculty members, postdoctoral scholars and residents. We stopped the presses to squeeze in a news brief about that on page 8, with a full story available on Ostrow’s website. Congratulations, gentlemen, and thank you for your continued generosity and excellence.
This issue also features a feel-good feature story about a long-time patient who first came to the USC dental school at age 5 with a benign oral tumor (“Twice Blessed,” on pgs. 18-19), an inspiring story about a recent dental graduate whose experiences at Ostrow have given her the confidence to overcome a lifelong stutter (“Tongue Tied,” on pgs. 34-36) and an “Inspired” column (p. 40) by Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Dentistry Deborah Ruprecht DH ’88, DDS ’95, PERIO ’99, who shares her experiences providing dental treatment to underserved populations across the globe.
Enjoy the issue and as always fight on!
Avishai Sadan DMD, MBA
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery Professor of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
FALL 2017: REMAKING SMILES ON SKID ROW
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
Welcome to the Fall 2017 issue of TroDent, in which we highlight the incredibly special work that our faculty and students do everyday on Skid Row.
As many of you know, Skid Row is an area of Downtown L.A. that spans 50 city blocks and is where an estimated 2,000 homeless men, women and children sleep every night. There are approximately 58,000 homeless individuals in Los Angeles County altogether. Driving down San Pedro Street, you can see tent after tent pitched along the sidewalks, providing the only shelter many of these folks know. It’s heartbreaking to see so many down on their luck.
The university is doing what it can to solve this vexing problem. USC Provost Michael Quick has included homelessness on his list of “WickedProblems” that he has challenged the USC academic community to tackle.
Ostrow is (and has been) doing its part to address some of the oral health care issues this underserved population experiences. With dental clinics at both the Union Rescue Mission and the John Wesley Community Health Center, Ostrow is on the front lines, providing free cleanings, extractions, dentures and restorations to a population that might never have had access to a dentist’s chair. I can’t overstate how important good oral health — and the self-esteem that comes with it — is to these individuals as they work tirelessly to get back on their feet.
This issue’s cover story, “Something to Smile About,” showcases the ways in which our faculty and students are making a real difference in the lives of so many homeless and low-income individuals on Skid Row. Even after so many years in dentistry, to this day, I’m still touched when I read about patients crying tears of joy after getting their dentures and seeing the radiant smiles they thought had been lost forever. It’s such noble work, and I can’t tell you how proud I am of the individuals — like Drs. Kathy and Mehdi, directors of the URM and JWCH dental clinics respectively — who are there, day in and day out, providing dental treatment to underserved populations.
There’s a reason that our students always cite community dentistry as one of the most memorable experiences of their time in dental school. It’s the immense satisfaction they feel after helping so many in need — something we hope they take with them into their careers.
In this issue, you will also find news about an exciting new grant that will help our Community Oral Health Programs provide dental care to underserved children and teens; a story about the addition of 3-D printed dentures to Ostrow’s curriculum and a feature about the dental emergencies our faculty and students face everyday in Ostrow’s Urgent Care and Dental Trauma Center.
Enjoy the issue and have a safe, blessed holiday season.
Fight On!
Avishai Sadan DMD, MBA
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery Professor of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
SUMMER 2017: THEIR MOMENT TO SHINE
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
Welcome to the Summer 2017 issue of TroDent!
This issue is so jam-packed with compelling stories that I hardly know where to begin.
I’ll start with the story of Diana Sedler, a periodontology resident who made all of us so incredibly proud by applying the CPR skills she learned at Ostrow to actually save a life (pages 12-13). It’s really remarkable to think that today, as you read this magazine, there’s someone walking the planet, enjoying the precious extra time afforded her— all thanks to Diana’s superior preparation, training and quick action. Diana is an inspiration to us all.
Equally inspiring are the young women featured in this issue’s cover story, which you can find on pages 18-24. Both were born with profound birth defects that could have easily held them back in life. But, thanks to a team of dedicated plastic surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons — both at USC and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles — these young women can fully pursue their dreams and lead their lives just like anyone else. Ostrow’s own Drs. Mark Urata and Jeffrey Hammoudeh were instrumental in the transformations and are a testament to how effective the collaboration between plastic surgery and oral and maxillofacial surgery (both are board certified in both disciplines) can be in the treatment of craniofacial pathology. This interdisciplinary approach is what sets apart Ostrow’s oral and maxillofacial surgery specialty program, and we’re proud of the program as well as these talented faculty members!
We also have the story of Michelle Baum, a young dental hygienist whose dominant right arm was so damaged by a vicious dog attack that her very livelihood might be threatened. Baum’s courage and resilience in the face of tragedy really underscore the strength of her character. We wish only the best for her as she continues to put this terrible ordeal behind her. You can find her story on pages 28-29.
Additionally, we have the story of an oral cancer survivor who has dedicated herself to raising public awareness about the importance
of early detection and intervention (pages 26-27), a story about a familiar barista who was ashamed to smile until Ostrow faculty and students stepped in (pages 16-17) and the story of a dental hygiene graduate who, in the spirit of the community-mindedness imparted in him at Ostrow, volunteers his time to provide oral healthcare to homebound seniors (pages 30-31).
Enjoy the issue, and have a great summer. I look forward to seeing you all in the fall for USC’s homecoming on Nov. 4.
Fight on!
Avishai Sadan DMD, MBA
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery Professor of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
FALL 2016: WELCOME TO THE CENTURY CLUB ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
Welcome to the Fall 2016 issue of TroDent.
In this issue, we introduce an exciting new alumni support group that we think will make a real difference in the lives of Ostrow students and alumni alike. The Century Club Alumni Association (CCAA) represents a successful integration of two groups that have had such a profound, long-lasting impact on this school. For decades, the Century Club and the Dental Alumni Association have been there for USC dentistry, providing much-needed scholarship support for our students, raising money to fund construction projects like the Norris Dental Science Center itself and funding classroom renovations and enhancements like the Century Club Auditorium. Without a doubt, Ostrow would not be the preeminent dental educational institution it is today without these two groups.
I’m incredibly excited to see how the Century Club Alumni Association’s executive board takes the best of each of these support groups to create a forward-thinking, active and engaged alumni support group for the 21st century. I’d like to thank TroDent cover models and CCAA board members Chris Acone DDS ’01, PERIO ’04; Scott Adishian ’75, DDS ’79, PROS ’82; Chethan Chetty DDS ’00; Karen Liang DH ’02, DDS ’06 and Joan Beleno Sanchez DH ’11 for their counsel, insight and feedback throughout the launch process. Read all about the Century Club Alumni Association on pages 21-28.
Speaking of longtime support, we’re also happy to share news that Ralph Allman ’57, DDS ’62, ORTHO ’66 has been inducted into the Half Century Trojans Hall of Fame for his years of dedication, support and service. You would be hard pressed to find bigger champions for USC dentistry than Dr. Ralph Allman and his lovely wife Sigrid Allman ’58. Read about Dr. Allman on page 9.
In this issue, you will also find a feature about California’s new licensure by portfolio process. This spring, Ostrow became the third school in California to graduate a student licensed in California — it’s just a one-state license so far since the Golden State is leading the way with this effort — by completing a portfolio rather than sitting through a live-patient licensure exam. Read about it on pages 31-32.
Finally, on pages 33-36, we have a feature on Ostrow’s distance education programs. The dental school currently has three online programs — two master’s of science degree programs in geriatric dentistry and orofacial pain and oral medicine plus a certificate program in geriatric dentistry. These programs have been incredibly successful thus far and seem to be leading the way as more and more education goes online. I’m eager to see how these programs continue to flourish.
Whatever your interest, I am sure you’ll find something in the following pages. So please sit back and enjoy the TroDent.
Avishai Sadan DMD, MBA
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery Professor of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
SPRING 2016: WOMEN IN DENTISTRY
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
Welcome to the Spring 2016 issue of TroDent!
In this issue, we celebrate the contributions of women to dentistry.
It wasn’t that long ago that dentistry was nearly universally male. I’m sure many of our alumni can remember a time when there were only a few women in their classes. Some of these pioneering individuals — like Dr. Carol Gomez Summerhays who graduated in 1978 and now leads the American Dental Association (p. 21-22) and Dr. Cherilyn Sheets who graduated in 1968 and serves on Ostrow’s Board of Councilors (p. 23–24) — have served as role models for ensuing generations. Today, nearly 50 percent of our student population is women, and I think it was the efforts of groundbreaking women like these alumnae that have inspired more women to join our profession.
Later this spring, Ostrow will be celebrating two more amazing women at our Friends of Dentistry Gala. Dr. Mahvash Navazesh joined Ostrow’s faculty in 1987. During the past decade, she has set an incredible example as the associate dean of academic affairs and student life. Read about her career on pages 17–18. The second honoree, Dr. Roseann Mulligan, has been working in Ostrow’s mobile clinic since it began, serving alongside her mentor Dr. Charles “Charlie” Goldstein. She officially took the helm in 2000 and is now the associate dean of community health programs and hospital affairs. Read more about Mulligan on pages 19–20.
I can confidently say that Ostrow is a much better place because of the contributions of strong women like Drs. Navazesh and Mulligan.
Another woman we’re lucky to have on faculty is Dr. Natalie Tung, who, after blazing a trail in the traditionally male-dominated field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, joined Ostrow in 2014. The mother of two has inspired a whole new generation of women to know they can have it all — their dream careers and a happy family life. You can read more about Tung on page 25–26.
In addition, we’ve got a “5 Things to Know About” on Dr. Jack Lytle (p. 15) who was honored this spring with a 2016 USC Alumni Service Award for his longtime contributions to USC. And, on page 37, Harris Done DDS ’63 pens a column, telling us what has inspired him all these years to do international service trips with the student group AYUDA.
Whatever your interest, I think you’ll find a little something in the following pages to inform and entertain you. So please, sit back, enjoy the issue and, as always, fight on!
Avishai Sadan DMD, MBA
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery Professor of Dentistry
FALL 2015: TROJAN DENTAL FAMILIES
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
I am very pleased to present to you the fall 2015 issue of TroDent.
Since our last issue, we’ve had a number of exciting developments here at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC that we’re happy to share with you in the forthcoming pages.
Earlier this fall, I joined Drs. Roseann Mulligan and Glenn Clark and a number of Ostrow alumni and faculty to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ostrow’s Special Patients Clinic. Since 1985, Southern California’s special needs populations (a category that includes those with developmental disabilities and medically complex cases as well as the frail elderly) have been able to find a dental home here at Ostrow, even when other dental care providers couldn’t (or wouldn’t) treat them. It was truly inspiring to see the decades-long devotion of the faculty and alumni whose careers have been forever impacted by their time in the Special Patients Clinic. Read all about it on pages 25–28. Even more exciting, though, was a surprise announcement we made at the event, which you can read about on page 8.
We’re also anxious to roll out this fall what will be one of the nation’s largest mobile dental clinics, thanks to a generous gift from the Hutto Patterson Charitable Foundation. The enormous mobile clinic will help our community oral health programs reach its goal of providing care to more than 45,000 underserved children in the Children’s Health and Maintenance Program (CHAMP). Read more about the latest addition to our fleet on pages 31–32.
In other news, more than 100 Ostrow faculty, staff and students provided much-needed treatment to the Special Olympic athletes who traveled to USC this past summer (page 3); we made history by enrolling our first all-female orthodontics class (page 16); and Ostrow’s own associate dean of research Yang Chai PhD ’91, DDS ’96 earned a prestigious NIDCR grant to create an interdisciplinary center for tissue regeneration (page 29).
It’s all here in the pages to come — along with our cover story on legacy families whose dental educations have spanned decades and deans long before I came to Ostrow.
So please sit back, enjoy the issue, and, as always, fight on!
Avishai Sadan DMD, MBA
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery
Professor of Dentistry
SUMMER 2015: MILITARY DENTISTS
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN’S MESSAGE
Welcome to the Summer 2015 issue of TroDent.
In this issue’s cover story, we focus on the brave women and men who serve in the U.S. armed forces as military dentists after graduating from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. You can read all about their stories on pages 19-25.
You’ll also find an interesting Q&A on pages 10–11 about the Secret Life of Ruby Hinds, who by day works as the director of healthcare compliance here at Ostrow. By night, though … well you’ll have to read on to find out.
On page 27, you can read about Dr. Mark Urata’s vision for the future of the division of oral and maxillofacial surgery, which just started in 2013.
Finally, on page 29, you can learn about some of Dr. Pascal Magne’s exciting work on natural CAD/CAM dentistry. If you have kids, keep their wisdom teeth. They might just come in handy.
I hope you enjoy reading TroDent as much as I do, and please send us any questions, thoughts or comments.
I’ll look forward to seeing most of you on Nov. 6 and 7 at Ostrow’s homecoming events, which, as always, include class reunions and casino night on Friday night and a picnic on Saturday before we head to the Coliseum to take on the Arizona Wildcats.
Have a great summer, and Fight on!
Avishai Sadan DMD, MBA
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery
Professor of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
FALL 2014: DEFINING THE FUTURE
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
It is with great excitement that I share with you the Fall 2014 issue of the TroDent!
In this issue’s cover story, we look ahead a few years to explore what the future of dentistry might be—a subject you can imagine we take very seriously here at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry.
I often say that, as dental educators, we must not be content with simply preparing our students for dentistry as it is practiced today. No, we must prepare them to be the great minds, innovators and thought-leaders of dentistry as it will be practiced in 5, 10, even 15 years.
We’ve invited three faculty members (Sillas Duarte, Mavhash Navazesh and Parish Sedghizadeh) and Board of Councilors member Paul Guggenheim to author thought-provoking essays on what they think the future might hold for dentistry. We also highlight some of the technology upgrades we’ve made here at the Norris Dental Science Center to ensure our students have hands-on access to the same technology they’ll be expected to use everyday in the workplace now and well into the future. You can find all of this on pages 17-24.
Also speaking to the future of dentistry is a feature we have on Lesley McGovern, one of Ostrow’s first graduates with a master’s of science in dental hygiene. This exciting new degree will propel its graduates (this fall, there will be five) to become leaders who advance the art and science of dental hygiene. We also have a feature (despite protests I’ve made to protect my humility) on my pursuit of a master’s of business administration. I hope to use my degree to help position our students to become even more effective business managers once they step into their own practices after graduation.
The truth is no matter how much we might like to speculate about the exciting developments ahead, there’s no way of knowing for sure what’s next for the profession we all have dedicated our lives to. What I do know for sure, though, is with the support of our alumni and the tremendous capability of our faculty and staff, Ostrow graduates will be ready to rise to the top, no matter what lies ahead.
Enjoy the TroDent and as always Fight On!
Fight On!
Avishai Sadan DMD, MBA
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery
Professor of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
SPRING 2014: THE GIFTED SET
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
Welcome to the Spring 2014 issue of the TroDent!
We’ve wrapped up yet another fantastic school year here at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. All of our students have worked tremendously hard this year, and a great group of dental professionals have gone out into the world as brand new Ostrow alumni.
This issue’s cover story is about something very important to many Ostrow students and alumni—scholarships. For many students, the scholarship gifts they receive put their lifelong dreams within reach. And for the donors who make these scholarships possible, it’s one of the most meaningful ways to “pay it forward” and help put the future of dentistry in good hands.
Providing as much scholarship support as possible for our students is a major priority for Ostrow and the University of Southern California as a whole. Read on to learn about a few of our amazing scholarship recipients and the awards our alumni and friends have made possible.
Also in this issue: Get to know our new associate dean of clinical affairs, Douglas Solow; read the career reflections of renowned researcher, former dean and soon-to-be Professor Emeritus Harold Slavkin ’61, DDS ‘65; and enjoy more exciting news and features about Ostrow students, faculty and alumni.
Fight On!
Avishai Sadan, DMD, MBA
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery
Professor of Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
FALL 2013: PORTAL TO THE FUTURE
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
Welcome to the latest issue of TroDent! I hope all of you are wrapping up a happy and successful 2013.
This year has been another busy one for the Ostrow School of Dentistry. We’ve continued to provide meaningful improvements for our school and great educational experiences to our students. We’ve also named Douglas Solow as our new associate dean of clinical affairs. Solow comes to Ostrow from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry.
Unfortunately, this year has also brought sorrow for the Trojan Dental Family with the passing of beloved faculty members and alumni, including the legendary Rex Ingraham DDS ’41. Dr. Ingraham leaves to the Ostrow School of Dentistry and the dental profession a legacy of clinical excellence, education and mentorship that is unmatched.
This issue of the TroDent focuses on our educational mission and methods. Mahvash Navazesh, associate dean of academic affairs and student life, discusses the process of our DDS curriculum review and the changes it has undergone in recent years in this issue’s cover story. Under her guidance and with the hard work of our faculty members, our curriculum has evolved to better serve today’s students and prepare them for a state-of-the-art dental career, all while maintaining the Ostrow School of Dentistry’s lofty standards of clinical and professional excellence.
Fight On!
Avishai Sadan, DMD
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery
Professor of Dentistry
Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
SPRING 2013: OSTROW VISIONARIES
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
It is a privilege to bring you another issue of the TroDent. In this issue, we share with you the research being conducted at the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and the talented individuals who make it possible.
As one of the few dental schools housed within an elite research university, we are committed to being of value to the university by contributing to new discoveries in both basic and applied knowledge. The Ostrow School of Dentistry has a rich history of scientific excellence and innovation both in the laboratory and in the clinic. Ostrow research is the foundation of many techniques and technologies that are now standards of dental practice, and our work continues to shape the future of dentistry.
The scientific minds at the Ostrow School of Dentistry are tackling a wide spectrum of important challenges: dental and craniofacial development, mineralized tissues, new dental materials, stem cell regeneration, the use of saliva as a diagnostic tool, infectious diseases, dental public health, and much more. Our researchers include not only our faculty members who continue to publish impactful work and succeed in an extremely competitive funding environment,but also the students, residents, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows who wok alongside them.
Participating in research is an immensely powerful tool for learning, and a strong research environment makes for stronger graduates, whether their professional goals lead them to clinical practice, academia, industry, or elsewhere. At the Ostrow School of Dentistry, our scientific activities and opportunities for students not only enable us to propel the dental profession forward but also enrich the education of dentistry’s future leaders.
Fight On!
Avishai Sadan, D.M.D.
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery
Professor of Dentistry
Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
FALL 2012: ONE SMILE AT A TIME
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
Welcome back to the TroDent!
I hope 2012 has been a great year for all of you thus far.
This issue of the TroDent celebrates the Ostrow School of Dentistry’s decadeslong commitment to serving our community. What began more than 40 years ago with the formation of our pioneering community dentistry program has grown into one of the largest and most robust health care efforts of any dental school, providing more than $7 million in care to underprivileged individuals of all ages and backgrounds each year.
When the school first began providing care to disadvantaged individuals, it was neither easy nor popular. It was a tumultuous time for Los Angeles, and the critical need for access to health care, including dental care, had come into sharp focus. At a time when many professional and educational organizations had serious reservations about offering care to those in need on a large scale, we boldly took the initiative to help our city and region become healthier and began what would become our Community Oral Health Programs.
Since then, our commitment to service has made a lasting mark on the profession and has set examples for similar efforts at dental schools throughout the United States. Most importantly, it has shown our students that providing a hand-up to someone in need is one of life’s most rewarding learning experiences. At the Ostrow School of Dentistry, we provide this care to our community not because we are forced or otherwise bound to do so, but because it is simply the right thing to do.
The faculty, staff, and students involved in our Community Oral Health Programs are amazing individuals who have done the right thing for our community year after year. I want to thank all of them as well as all of the dedicated supporters who make our outreach possible.
Fight On!
Avishai Sadan, D.M.D.
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James
Montgomery
Professor of Dentistry
SUMMER 2012: ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN YEARS OF HISTORY, ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN MILLION FOR OUR FUTURE
INSIDE THE ISSUE: DEAN'S MESSAGE
Welcome once again to TroDent!
2012 is an especially exciting year for the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. This year marks the School’s 115th anniversary, and this milestone has given all of us the opportunity to reflect on both our remarkable history and promising future.
The Ostrow School of Dentistry was first called the College of Dentistry upon its founding in 1897. While the School has grown and transformed, it has continued to be a steadfast force in the dental profession even as the world around it has changed so dramatically. For decades, we’ve led the profession in clinical practice and standards, scientific investigation and innovation, community outreach, and most importantly the education of the best dental professionals in the world.
During the first commencement ceremony in 1900, the School conferred degrees to 18 new dentists. On May 11, 2012, we celebrated this year’s 250 graduates in dentistry, dental hygiene, advanced specialties, master’s, and doctoral programs.
During that ceremony, I saw both a tribute to our history as well as evidence of the immensely bright future ahead of us in the form of the newly USC-educated dental professionals heading out into the world. But in order to realize our full potential, we must be prepared to invest in and support the objectives that will propel us forward as dentistry advances.
On March 23, the Ostrow School of Dentistry launched its portion of the Campaign for the University of Southern California, announcing a fundraising initiative of $115 million to support scholarships, faculty recruitment and retention, patient care and community outreach, and improvements to facilities and the academic environment. We were honored to launch with a $10 million commitment from the School’s Board of Councilors.
2012 is indeed a milestone year for the Ostrow School of Dentistry. It’s the year we not only celebrate our first 115 years but also make plans for the next 115 years and beyond.
Fight On!
Avishai Sadan, D.M.D.
Dean
G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery
Professor of Dentistry
Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
FALL 2011: OSTROW FACULTY
INSIDE THE ISSUE: OPENING MESSAGE
Welcome to the latest issue of the TroDent! It’s great to see how enthusiastically everyone has responded to the relaunch of the TroDent. We’ve received many wonderful suggestions, story ideas, and submissions—please keep them coming!
In this issue, we spotlight the faculty of the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. These amazing individuals have not only shaped our education but have also had a profound influence on our career directions and professional successes. This issue serves as an opportunity to voice our appreciation for the hardworking teachers and mentors who may not realize the huge impact they have had on our lives.
In addition, we have the opportunity to learn more about the “Secret Lives of Dental Alumni,” thanks to great submissions from our colleagues who have some pretty exciting hobbies! We also hear from recent DDS graduate Joseph Field, who reflects on his experience as a student at the Ostrow School of Dentistry and how his education has had an impact on his transition into private practice in Northern California.
I want to personally thank all of my alumni colleagues for their support of the new TroDent as well as for their involvement with the relaunched Alumni Association and the Ostrow School of Dentistry as a whole. It’s great to see everyone reconnecting with the School and with each other. This is truly an amazing time to be a member of the Trojan Dental Family.
Fight On!
Scott Adishian ‘75, DDS ’79, CERT ‘82
Chair, Dental Alumni Association
SUMMER 2011
INSIDE THE ISSUE: rex ingraham welcomed into half century trojans hall of fame
On October 15, 2010, after thousands celebrated USC’s future at the inauguration of President C. L. Max Nikias, nearly 500 members of the Trojan Family gathered to honor USC’s past at the 2010 Half Century Trojans Luncheon. Presented by the USC Alumni Association at Town & Gown, the senior alumni group’s luncheon drew a broad cross-section of the alumni and university communities, including senior administrators, academic deans, and retired faculty members.
Keck School of Medicine of USC Dean Carmen Puliafito and Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Dean Avishai Sadan presented the 2010 Half Century Trojans Hall of Fame awards to Norman Levan, MD ’39 and Rex Ingraham, DDS ’41. “Distinguished Professor Emeritus Rex Ingraham is the living embodiment of everything that makes us proud to be Trojan dental professionals,” Sadan said. “The opportunity to present Dr. Ingraham with the Half Century Trojan award means so much to all of us that want to express our admiration, love, and appreciation for all that he’s done for the School, for our alumni, and for current and future students.”