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College of Dentistry
Perspectives
FALL 2013
University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto, Dean Sharon Turner, and UKCD Alumni Association President
Cliff Lowdenback celebrate the College’s 50th Anniversary at a special reception at Maxwell Place.
P r o m o t i n g
o r al
h e al t h
w i t h i n
K e n t u c k y
a n d
B e y o n d
Opening Doors at the UK College of Dentistry
For nearly 150 years, students from across the Commonwealth and beyond have been coming to the University of Kentucky seeking
an education and a bright future.
During that time, our historic commitment to excellence in teaching, research, outreach and service has grown with each passing
decade. And today more than ever before, we are dedicated to improving the Commonwealth. This is our
Promise to Kentucky.
As we approach UK’s sesquicentennial anniversary in 2015, I am reminded that the institution which became
the University of Kentucky was established with financial help from local citizens. These philanthropic gifts
began UK’s distinguished tradition of private support. The University and the College of Dentistry have
benefited through the years due in part to the generosity of those who believe in its limitless potential. This
is a place where lives are changed.
Celebrating a long, rich tradition
For most of my life, I have worked with individuals making private gifts to UK which are increasingly
needed for the University to fulfill its Kentucky Promise. I am always pleased when alumni and friends
realize there are ways to make a planned gift to help the University and also obtain tax savings and other
financial benefits for themselves.
Planned gifts can be made through many vehicles, including your will, revocable or irrevocable trusts, charitable gift annuities,
donor advised funds and other arrangements that offer benefits for both you and the University of Kentucky. Some planned gifts
can provide immediate tax advantages, while others may help reduce your taxable estate or even create an annual lifetime income
for you and/or another beneficiary.
Transforming the future
Often, when UK alumni and friends consider all the gift options available, many discover they are capable of making a transformative
difference at the University of Kentucky with their philanthropy. Scholarships can change the lives of students who cannot afford a
college education. Other gifts can help shape the very scope and future of the University. And cumulative acts of philanthropy can
empower the University of Kentucky to transform the Commonwealth.
I invite you to consider how your philanthropic goals can be fulfilled at the UK College of Dentistry. Because of our research efforts
and our extensive outreach, the College has many areas that can be enhanced by private philanthropy. Through your giving, you
can assist students, support faculty, enrich programs, improve facilities and provide wonderful new opportunities for discovery,
innovation, learning and outreach.
Our experienced and highly-skilled gift and estate planning officers are available to help you without obligation. Contact them today
for assistance in leaving your special legacy to open new doors of opportunity at the UK College of Dentistry. Your partnership will
help us fulfill our Kentucky Promise.
Sincerely,
D. Michael Richey ’73, ’79
Vice President for Development and
Chief Development Officer
UK Gift and Estate Planning
105 Sturgill Development Building
Lexington, KY 40506-0015
Phone: 800-875-6272 (toll-free), 859-257-7886
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.uky.edu/development
Calendar 2013
Mission Statement
AUGUST 24
Annual John Mink Legacy Conference
The mission of the College of Dentistry is to improve oral health and general health
through teaching, research, and service. The mission is supported by collaborative
engagement and by networking with community and academic partners to promote
oral health literacy and reduce health disparities within Kentucky and beyond.
The College educates health professionals to become active citizen leaders who are
conscious of their personal and professional responsibilities in a global society. The
College values diversity within its community, which includes diversity of thought
and experience, in order to promote a humanistic approach to education, patient
care, and community service.
Hilton Suites Lexington
Lexington, KY
SEPTEMBER 21
American Association of Women Dentists
Annual Fall Fashion Show
Lexington, KY
SEPTEMBER 29
Alumni Reception at the AAP
Philadelphia Marriot, Downtown
Philadelphia, PA
Contact
Information
Contents
Information
Dean’s Letter2
Dean’s Office
(859) 323-9797
President’s Letter
3
Faculty Spotlight 8
College News
10
Student News
18
Alumni News
24
Alumni Spotlight
23
The University of Kentucky is committed
to a policy of providing opportunities to
people regardless of economic or social
status and will not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national
origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex,
sexual orientation, marital status, age,
veteran status, or physical or mental
disability.
An Equal Opportunity University
OCTOBER 3-6
37th Annual Fall Symposium and Alumni Weekend
NOVEMBER 2
Alumni Reception at the ADA
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
New Orleans, LA
(859) 323-1884
Academic Affairs
(859) 323-5656
Administrative Affairs
(859) 323-5788
Admissions and Student Affairs
Calendar 2014
FEBRUARY 7
Bourbon Tasting and Silent Auction
Hilton Downtown Lexington
Lexington, KY
(859) 323-6071
MARCH 14
Alumni Affairs
Louisville, KY
(859) 323-6676
Alumni Reception at the KDA
MARCH 28
Continuing Education
Alumni Reception at the Hinman
(859) 323-8187
Atlanta, GA
Development Office
For more information on these and
(859) 323-6918
other events, contact UK College
PERSPECTIVES
at (859) 323-6676 or email
Office of Alumni Affairs
of Dentistry Office of Alumni Affairs
[email protected]
University of Kentucky
College of Dentistry
138 Leader Avenue
Lexington, KY 40506-9983
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mc.uky.edu/Dentistry
1
Dear Alumni and Friends,
Greetings from Lexington! Your UKCD Director of Alumni Relations, Sue McConnell has
put together another terrific edition of Perspectives Magazine. Sue works hard to ensure that you are
kept abreast with all the happenings at the UK College of Dentistry while at the same time connecting
you to your classmates and your memories of your days here with us. She is a great example of just what
makes this particular dental school so very special- its people. We are blessed with an exceptional faculty
and staff and the brightest and most promising students in the country. The things that we feature in
Perspectives are designed to help connect you to both the people and the place.
Having just celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the College of Dentistry with
many reflections on the past, we realized that there were so many more people to highlight and stories
Sharon P. Turner, D.D.S., J.D.
Dean, College of Dentistry
from the past that we would like to have told. Our plan is to use future editions of Perspectives to tell
some of those stories. We invite any of you who have stories to share or topics that you would like to see
explored to contact Sue McConnell so that as we continue working up to the 50th Anniversary of the
Class of 1966, we can continue to record your memories. Sue’s e-mail address is: [email protected].
In this edition of the magazine, you will see articles about our most recent graduating class
and the awards that they won, read about student and faculty outreach activities which provide dental
services for those without resources to pay for them, and learn about one of our faculty members who
is also a UKCD alumna, Dr. Paula Caskey. This is the contemporary part of the publication which
allows you to get to know people and happenings in the present time. But you will also take a trip down
memory lane and learn about the College’s first African American graduate, Dr. Ben Nero, now a highly
successful orthodontist practicing in the Philadelphia area. The reflections of the past in this edition also
focus on the days of UKCD’s post-graduate program in endodontics. What all of the people featured
here have in common is that they are all giving back to UKCD in a variety of ways -- their dollars, their
donated time, their advocacy for the College, and their pride in this terrific school.
The other big news is that construction has begun on the nearly five million dollar project to
completely renovate D-611 to a state of the art preclinical simulation laboratory. The new facility will be
known as the White, Greer and Maggard Simulation Laboratory thanks to a very generous anchor gift
from that Central Kentucky orthodontic practice. Scott Fitzpatrick, our Director of Advancement for
the College of Dentistry has been hard at work this year soliciting funds for the project. To date, we have
cash or pledges totaling over $400,000 of the $500,000 project goal. So many of you have given back at
the level that you were able and it has been truly heartwarming to see this response. When the students
return the second week in August, it will be to a brand new facility.
Similarly, along the same lines, the Orofacial Pain Clinic celebrated a ribbon cutting for its new
space in the Kentucky Clinic in April. The space is gorgeous and a vast improvement over the previous
home location of our Orofacial Pain group. I think that all of you would agree that this group, founded
by our own UKCD alumnus and faculty member, Jeff Okeson, deserves a space befitting its fantastic
international reputation.
We hope that you will have the occasion in the near future to come by and visit- old friends,
new friends, old spaces and beautiful new spaces -- all bound together by our UKCD history and
traditions.
Sincerely,
Sharon P. Turner, D.D.S., J.D.
Dean
22
Dear Alumni and Friends,
Happy Father’s Day to all you fathers out there! As I write this I am preparing to head
to my parents’ house to spend the day with my Dad watching the US Open and then the new
Superman movie. It should be a great day spending time with the man that has a lot to do with
who I am today. This special day got me thinking about how our Dads and UKCD have a lot in
common.
For the majority of us, our Dads were people that we learned a lot from, someone that
we held high respect for, and someone that, through tough love and the occasional hug, taught us
the difference between right and wrong and how to do things the right way. In much the same
way, UKCD was like our dental Dad. The school gave us the chance to be who we are today, we
learned a lot in the time we spent there and the great faculty and staff instilled the principles of
how to do dentistry the right way.
With our Dads, we all reached a point where we had to venture out on our own and
Clifford Lowdenback D.M.D., M.S.D.
President, UK College of Dentistry
Alumni Association
become our own person. Our Dads were always there to continue to guide us with advice or a
helping hand, but ultimately it was time to use our knowledge and make our own decisions. In
the case with UKCD, we reached that same point when we walked across the stage at our graduation. We all had to venture out into the reality of making dental and business decisions on our
own. However, the unique student-friendly atmosphere at UKCD gave us the comfort that we
were not alone because great advice or a helping hand was only a phone call away if we needed it.
It is nice when we reach the point in life when the tables turn a little and we are able
to give back to those Dads that mean so much to us. It is not always something big but it comes
from the heart and says we appreciate the sacrifices that they made to get us where we are today.
In much the same way, we should reach that giving back point with UKCD. It can be as simple
as attending alumni events, mentoring a current student, or contributing to a scholarship fund.
All of these things help the school in a BIG way and are easy ways to say thanks for giving us our
dental opportunities.
It is time for me to hit the road and go see my Dad so I’ll try to wrap up my ramble. I
do encourage each of you to try and give back to your dental Dad in whatever way you feel is
appropriate. Hopefully for many of you that will include taking time out of your busy schedules
to come visit in October for Fall Symposium. It should be a great weekend filled with CE courses,
fun events, story-telling and many laughs. Hope to see you there!
Thanks,
Clifford Lowdenback, D.M.D., M.S.D.
UKCD Class of 2003
3
4
50th Anniversary Historical Perspective
dental school.
Long before the University of
“But most importantly, we worked together
Kentucky College of Dentistry opened its
as a team to develop a philosophy and
Dachi proved to be an excellent
doors in September 1962, efforts were under
a curriculum we wanted, the kinds of
ambassador for UK. He impressed the first CE
way to incorporate dental education into
professionals we wanted to educate, and the
class of 15 dentists by introducing them all by
the new UK Medical Center. In 1956, the
professional environment we wanted to foster
name the first day without consulting notes.
UK Board of Trustees authorized the move.
in Kentucky.”
Later, at a meeting of the Bluegrass Dental
Gov. Albert “Happy” Chandler allocated
The College started out small with
Society, he created a sensation by introducing
state funds for the construction of a dental
a class of 20 students. Unlike other dental
all 70 members by name, area of practice,
college building, to be completed by 1962. But
schools at that time, UK adopted a diagonal
school attended, and address.
that was the easy part. The
Other dental
College needed a dean, a
schools took notice of the
faculty, a curriculum and,
innovation of the original
last but not least, students.
faculty. By the time Morris
Alvin L. Morris,
left his position as dean in
D.D.S., Ph.D., of t he
1968, there were 17 deans,
University of Pennsylvania
associate deans and assistant
Dental College, was hired
deans from UK at various
to take the helm as dean
schools throughout the
on February 17, 1961.
country.
He was only thirty-three
The College of
years old, but youth and
Dentistry celebrated 50
energy would serve him
years in October 2012, in
well. Morris had a clear
conjunction with its annual
Fall Symposium Weekend.
vision of what a dental
education should be: It should develop dental
curriculum, introducing students immediately
On Thursday, October 25, UK President Eli
practitioners who were biologically oriented,
to clinical experience along with basic science
and Dr. Mary Lynne Capilouto graciously
technically capable, and socially sensitive.
rather than waiting until their third year. Every
opened their home, Maxwell Place, to
He recruited a cadre of top-notch,
student was given a key to the dental building
UKCD alumni and friends. It was a perfect
young faculty members who shared his
so they could use laboratories or the library
fall evening, and guests enjoyed rekindling
vision: Drs. Michael Romano, chair of the
at any hour.
friendships over appetizers and cocktails
Department of Operative Dentistry; Roy T.
Within a few months of opening,
under tents in the lovely courtyard. First-
Durocher, director of Dental Clinics; Harry
UK began to attract international attention.
year dental student Devin Stitely provided
M. Bohannan, chairman of the Department
The Journal of Dental Education devoted
beautiful background music on the piano.
of Periodontics and Endodontics; Stephen
its entire December 1962 edition to the new
Friday morning, the C ollege
Dachi, chairman of the Department of Oral
dental school, calling it “the first of the second
welcomed around 150 alumni and friends
Diagnosis and Oral Medicine; and Daniel G.
generation of dental schools.”
back to campus for tours and demonstrations
Diehl, a dental technician, supervisor of dental
laboratories.
Educating practicing dentists goes
of new teaching technologies in the clinical
hand in hand with the vision the UK College
simulation lab, classroom and clinics. Student
On July 1, 1961, the team gathered
of Dentistry’s founders had of training dentists
tour guides enjoyed meeting our alumni and
to develop a battle plan. They had one year to
of the future. Shortly after the College was
showing the current classrooms and facilities
start their college, and they were going to do
established, Dr. Alvin Morris charged Dr.
to many alumni who haven’t been in the
something radical – build a dental curriculum
Stephen Dachi with establishing a continuing
College since their graduations. Student
that departed from the traditional to one
education program. Morris called it “one of my
organizations highlighted their activities with
that educated dentists of the future to meet
smartest moves.” Aside from the fact that no
posters on display in the lobby and throughout
community healthcare needs.
such program existed elsewhere in Kentucky,
the building.
“Starting a college in an empty
a continuing education program was a means
Following the tours, alumni, guests,
cornfield was pretty exciting,” Dachi said.
of quickly creating credibility for the new
faculty, staff and students gathered for
5
the program in the Dentistry courtyard.
early years of the College was captivating to
in providing leadership and guidance for
Dean Sharon Turner welcomed the group
the audience, many of whom were hearing it
the well-being of the College. These awards
and introduced President Capilouto, who
for the first time.
weren’t announced beforehand and surprised
presented our founding dean, Dr. Alvin
T h e m o r n i n g ’s c e l e b r a t i o n
the recipients and the audience. Dr. Fred
Morris, with a commendation from the
culminated with Dean Turner and Dr.
Howard (1982), Dr. Karl Lange, Dr. Cliff
University thanking him for his leadership
and Mrs. Morris cutting the College’s 50th
Lowdenback (2003), and Dr. John Thompson
and dedication to the creation of the College
birthday cake. All the guests had cake,
(1971) received standing ovations when their
of Dentistry.
cupcakes and coffee and were able to linger
names were announced.
Alumni Association president Dr.
and visit with faculty and staff. Following
Dr. Terry Norris, class of 1978,
Cliff Lowdenback presented the Alumni
the morning events, more than 140 alumni
president of the Kentucky Dental Association,
Association Scholarships to two UKCD
and guests attended a buffet and day of horse
presented Dr. John Mink with a commendation
students. The purpose of the scholarship is to
racing in the Lexington/Kentucky Room at
from the KDA for his years of service in the
recognize deserving dental students who have
Keeneland.
state. Dr. Mink retired in July after 50 years
performed well academically, and who display
The anniversary reception and
at the UKCD. He was one of the College’s
outstanding personal characteristics such as
dinner on Friday evening attracted more
original faculty members, and has taught
good character and hard work. In celebration
than 300 guests, including alumni, faculty,
every graduate.
of the 50th anniversary, two scholarships were
staff and students. The classes of 1967, 1972,
Current students Emily Winfrey and
awarded this year. Recipients were Ashley
1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002 and
Matt Bright spoke to the crowd about student
Betz and Emily Winfrey, both from the class
2007 were recognized as reunion years. The
organizations and their mission of service.
of 2013.
Distinguished Alumni Award recipient for
Dean Turner remarked, “We don’t create a
2012 was Dr. Stephen Wyatt from the class
heart for service in our students. That heart
of 1980.
has developed well before they arrive, and it
The highlight of the celebration
was a presentation by Dr. Morris about the
6
is a large part of why students choose UKCD,
College’s beginnings. It was his notion of
Dean Sharon Turner instituted
biologically oriented, technically capable
special Dean’s Awards in honor of the 50th
and socially sensitive dental practitioners
anniversary to recognize friends of the
Dean Turner’s message to the crowd
– known as the “triad” – that formed the
College who have been ambassadors in the
gathered that night was one of honoring the
foundation of the school. His story of the
state and dental community, supported the
past and positioning the College for success
founders’ commitment and sacrifice in the
mission of the UKCD, and been instrumental
in the future. She reminded everyone that
as well as why UKCD chooses them.”
the triad philosophy rings as true today as it did
the mission of serving Kentuckians. Dean Turner
50 years ago.
discussed what the triad philosophy looks like
“Having been involved in dental
education since 1981, I was certainly aware of
50 years later, and how the future of the College
mirrors the future of dentistry itself.
the reputation of UK well before I arrived here as
Guests in the audience received a
dean nine years ago. I knew of the caliber of the
special 50th anniversary champagne flute,
faculty. I knew of the caliber of its alumni. But
and were invited to join Dean Turner and Dr.
what remained a mystery to me, until I arrived
Lowdenback in a toast to the College. Several
here, was the spirit of this place. I had heard so
alumni added their own words of congratulations
often that ‘things are different at UK,’ but I had
and remembrance.
not experienced it myself.”
The UKCD is especially grateful to two
“I cannot tell you the pride that I feel
corporate sponsors, Whip Mix and Brasseler.
being the dean of a College with the caliber
Whip Mix CEO Allen Steinbock shared his fond
of alumni such as you. For fifty years, you
memories of the company’s early relationship
have carried our banner throughout your
with the College’s founders. Many alumni also
communities, the Commonwealth, the nation
made gifts to support the weekend’s celebration.
and the world, and the strong reputation of
After dinner, guests enjoyed a dessert
UKCD exists because of you. So to the alumni of
buffet and a tooth-shaped cake, along with music
UKCD, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
by the Mercy Men, who entertained students in
Because of you, the next fifty years will provide
the late 1960s and 1970s. Everyone who attended
to be even better than the first fifty.”
that night received a commemorative history
One of the highlights of the evening
book of the College and a poster representing the
was a video featuring Dr. Morris discussing the
continuity of values, as well as advances made in
beginnings of the UKCD, and his perspective on
the College’s first 50 years.
As we continue to celebrate our 50th anniversary,
Perspectives will feature articles focused on the history
of the UK College of Dentistry.
The 1970s
The College’s founders believed in
treating oral health as part of a patient’s overall
health. Early faculty members and alumni of
the UKCD will remember that it was unusual
in those days for a dental school to take that
approach of total patient care. In 1967, just
five years after the opening of the UKCD,
Endodontics was separated from the Department
of Periodontics, with Dr. Raymond Luebke as
chair. Dr. Tom Mullaney became chair soon
thereafter, and recruited Dr. Ron Duell and Dr.
Charles Cunningham, both of whom went on to
chair the department and serve the College in
administrative roles.
Endodontics was taught to DMD
students beginning in their second year. The
department used innovative teaching methods,
including mannequins to simulate clinical
experiences, with the goal of making endodontics
something all graduates could do.
From 1972 until 1977, Endodontics
had a graduate program awarding certificates
upon completion of a two-year residency. With
Dr. Tom Mullaney as program director, the
Endodontics residency had a strong clinical
focus. Top clinicians from around the country
conducted seminars for residents and students,
strengthening the emphasis in patient care.
The graduate program produced seven
graduates: Dr. William Wayman, Dr. James
Miller, Dr. Stephen Clark, Dr. Keith Mullins,
Dr. Don Kleier, Dr. Ron Lemon and Dr. David
Vaughan. As testament to the strength of the
program, three of these alums became heads
of departments of Endodontics at other dental
schools: Dr. Lemon at Louisiana State University,
Dr. Clark at the University of Louisville, and Dr.
Kleier at the University of Colorado.
In June of 1977, during a difficult
time in the fiscal life of the UKCD, the graduate
program was discontinued for budgetary
reasons. In the early 1990s, the department was
eliminated.
7
My Circuitous Route to
UK College of Dentistry
faculty spotlight
By: Dr. Paula Caskey
8
Have you ever driven through a tunnel formed by the
deep fuchsia pink of the red bud blooming in the spring? Have
you seen dogwood trees blooming so densely that you seem
to be looking at the sky through a lace veil? I grew up seeing
the beauty of this earth every spring in what I considered then
and now heaven on earth -- Sandy Hook, Kentucky. This is
where I gained my interest in dentistry. My best friend’s father,
my Mommy’s friend from first grade, was our family dentist.
Bill Greene was an exemplary dentist and he encouraged my
interest in dentistry.
My mother taught school from Head Start through Adult
Education Reading, and my Daddy was a construction worker
who became a business agent for a Steamfitters/Pipefitters
Local Union when I was in high school. They instilled a strong
work ethic and a love for learning in all of us by their example.
I have four brothers and one sister; a wonderful husband
of forty-two years, Robert S. Caskey, CDT; a daughter and
son-in-law; son and daughter-in-law; and three rambunctious
grandsons.
Marshall University gave me my introduction to college
life and I studied to achieve the best grades I could. As with
many who come from rural school systems, the transition was
rough and my easy A grades became struggled-for B grades
that first semester. I was a second semester sophomore when
I transferred to Morehead State University. I graduated from
Morehead with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature,
a minor in Home Economics and a certification to teach. I
substitute taught in Fayette County schools for about eight
months after moving to Lexington. That dentistry dream was
still in my heart and soul. I just needed the door to open both
literally and figuratively.
I walked in to the University of Kentucky College of
Dentistry and very naïvely asked, “How do you apply for dental
school?” How did I choose UKCD? All I can tell you is when I
grew up and went to college, girls did not go to dental school. I
did not choose UKCD as much as it accepted me. I was one of
five women in my class and three of them had been hygienists
and the other a dental assistant. There must be something
born in me that likes to go against the odds, because now here
I am again at UKCD. After practicing dentistry and serving
my Eastern Kentucky family of patients for twenty-nine years,
making my home, raising my children and loving my life
there, I find myself back in the place that made my dream of
becoming a dentist come true. I really do not think there is
anything about me more important than the love I have for my
family and friends, the patients our students care for, and the
ever abiding affection I have for the UKCD.
9
College Research Day
College Research Day was held in April at the CCTS Spring
Conference. The meeting was a resounding success with nearly 600 registrants
and over 200 posters. The Plenary Speaker was Dr. John McDevitt from Rice
University who provided a wonderful overview of the importance of building
and nurturing teams to be successful in clinical and translation science research.
The Keynote Speaker, Dr. Charles Austin, is the first director of the new NIH
college news
institute dedicated toward clinical and translational research and tasked with
moving treatments and prevention strategies more quickly into practice to
improve the health of the population.
The oral sessions and poster sessions for dentistry were well attended. The College of Dentistry had 31 posters. The integration of other research
activities into the CCTS Spring Conference has been so well received that
next year the conference will likely be adding research days from Nursing and
Health Sciences.
Judges included Drs. Richard Mitchell and Elizangela Bertoli for the
predoctoral student presentations, Drs. Rob Danaher and Craig Miller for the
post-doctoral basic science presentations, and Drs. Dolph Dawson and Ahmad
Kutkut for the post-doctoral clinical presentations. Below is a listing of the
outcomes for judging on College Research Day:
Predoctoral
Will Yoder, Acute Orofacial Pain Suppression Induced by Viral Vector Gene
Delivery
Justin Kolasa, Oral Health Status and Biomarkers of Myocardial Infarction
Dentsply Award
Melisa Gilbey, Investigation of a Potential Genetic Link Between Hypodontia
and Ovarian Cancer
Postdoctoral: Basic Science
Sudha Gudhimella, Effects of Aging on Osteoclast Related Genes in Non-Human
Primates
Jason Roedig, Comparison of BMI, AHI and Apolipoprotein E allele e4 (APOE
e4) Alleles Among Sleep Apnea Patients with Different Angle Classifications
Postdoctoral: Clinical Science
Isabel Moreno-Hay, Reduction of Pain Following Intravenous Infusion of
Subanesthetic Ketamine in a Patient with Continuous Neuropathic Pain: A
Case Report
Allison Wright, Effects of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy in Patients with
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
10
college news
Comings and Goings
Comings and Goings
Welcome New Faculty
Retirements
Dr. Lisa Kochis, clinical orthodontic instructor, Division of Dr. Charlotte Haney
S e r v i ng as pro g ram
Pediatric Dentistry, joined the faculty of UK College of Dentistry July 1, 2013. Prior to coming to UKCD, Dr. Kochis was a dental assistant, a director since March, 2007, Dr.
dental technician in the United States Army and a senior radiographic Charlotte Haney has announced
technician at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. She her retirement as of June 30, 2013.
earned her doctorate at the University of Oklahoma and completed her
A graduate of the former Dental
residency specializing in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at Hygiene program in the College
University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Dr. Kochis has a private of Allied Health Professions, Dr.
practice in Lexington.
Haney received her dental degree
from the College of Dentistry in
Dr. Vladimir Leon-Salazar, assistant professor, special 1976, and completed the Pediatric
Dentistry residency at UKCD in 1983. Dr. Haney‘s leadership and
title series, Division of Orthodontics, joined the UKCD faculty July 1,
2013. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2001 from the devotion will be missed and we wish her success in her future activities.
Inca Garcilaso de La Vega University in Lima, Peru. In 2005, LeonSalazar received a Certificate in Orthodontics and in 2007 a Master’s
Dr. Jim Timmons
degree in Orthodontics from the Bauru School of Dentistry, University
of Sao Paulo in Bauru, Brazil. From 2008 to 2011 he attended an
Dr. Jim Timmons retired from
After 34 years of teaching,
Advanced Program in TMD and Orofacial Pain at the University of the College on June 30, 2013. A
Minnesota. In 2013 he received a Master’s degree in Clinical Research 1969 graduate of the University of
and an Advanced Certificate in Orthodontics from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry,
Timmons joined the faculty at
Minnesota.
UKCD August 1, 1979. In 1982,
Dr. Ehab Shehata, assistant professor, clinical title series,
he earned a Master’s degree in
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, joined the College July
Education from the University of
15, 2013. Dr. Shehata received his Bachelor of Medicine in 1988 from
Kentucky.
Alexandria University in Alexandria, Egypt. He then received a Master’s
degree in General Surgery in 1993, Bachelor of Dentistry in 1997, and a
thank them both for the dedication, time and energy they gave to
Doctorate degree in Oral and Craniomaxillofacial and Plastic Surgery
the College. Many students, patients and faculty benefited from their
We wish Dr. Haney and Dr. Timmons the best of luck and
in 2004 from Alexandria University. Shehata’s latest position was as expertise and friendship throughout the years.
consultant and chairman of the Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery
Division, Dental Department, Prince Sultan Medical Military City, in
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Erwin Turner, associate professor, special title series
and program director, Division of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Turner is
returning to the College of Dentistry. He is a 1974 graduate of UKCD
and completed his postgraduate training in Pediatric Dentistry at
UKCD in 1976. From 1976 to 2001, Turner was a part-time faculty at
the College. In 2002, he became a full time member of the faculty and
was the acting program director in Pediatric Dentistry. Turner then
became the director, Division of Pediatric Dentistry at Vanderbilt
University in 2005. In 2006, he joined the faculty at the Cincinnati
Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
Annual Barr Lecture Held
The Vincent A. Barr Visiting Professorship was held at the University
of Kentucky in February. The featured speakers were Lon Hays, M.D., M.B.A.,
chairman of the University of Kentucky Department of Psychiatry, who spoke
on “Prescription Drug Abuse: An Epidemic” and Clifton Iler, associate general
counsel at the University of Kentucky, who spoke on “The New KASPER Law
and How to Stay Out of Trouble as a Practitioner.”
The annual lecture, generously funded by Elizabeth Barr, DMD
(’74), is in honor of her father, Vincent A. Barr, DDS, who passed away
on July 15 at the age of 101. Dr. Barr was a leader in the establishment of
the UK College of Dentistry as part of the A.B. Chandler Medical Center
and was a strong and active supporter of the school throughout his life.
UKCD expresses its sympathy to the family of Dr. Barr and the many
friends, colleagues and patients who had the privilege of knowing him
11
throughout his life.
college news
News From the Division of Orthodontics
Faculty News
Dr. James K. Hartsfield, Jr., the E.
Preston Hicks Endowed Chair and professor of
Orthodontics and Oral Health Research, has
been asked to be a consulting examiner for the
American Board of Orthodontics. He also will
serve as an advocate for the ABO at the University
of Kentucky to make residents aware of the process
and importance of achieving ABO certification.
Dr. Sarandeep Huja, professor and
division chief, Orthodontics, is the president of the
Craniofacial Biology Group of the International
Association for Dental Research.
Unraveling an Association between Hypodontia
and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Is it possible that the identification of naturally missing teeth
could someday lead to early detection of epithelial ovarian cancer
(EOC) in women? Based on initial observations made by former UK
Orthodontic resident Leigh Chalothorn (’04, ’07 Orthodontics) and her
advising faculty, it certainly is possible. Dr. Chalothorn was the first to
show that women with EOC were eight times more likely than controls
to also have hypodontia. Follow-up research by Dr. Anna N. Vu (’12
Orthodontics), along with UK Orthodontic faculty members Dr. Lorri
Morford and Dr. James Hartsfield, set out to investigate this mysterious
genetic connection between hypodontia and cancer (or a family
history of cancer). In 2010, Dr. Vu received the $10,000 Procter and
Gamble Research Scholarship Award from the American Association
of Women Dentists (which was co-sponsored with the Gillette Hayden
Memorial Foundation) to study connections between hypodontia and
a family history of cancer. In addition, Dr. Vu received $650 from the
Southern Association of Orthodontists (SAO) in the form of a 2010
Grandmaster Sand Sculptor Visits UKCD
UK College of Dentistry alumnus and part-time faculty
member, Dr. Jud Knight (’67, ’72 Orthodontics), invited Damon Farmer
to the College to give the orthodontic residents an artist’s perspective on
faces. Farmer is a grandmaster sand sculptor from Woodford County.
He has won virtually every sand sculpture competition, including the
World Championship. Farmer has created sculptures in Japan, China,
France, Italy, and Spain, as well as throughout America.
Graduate Student Research Grant to conduct her research. Based
on her research findings, which demonstrated a genetic association
between hypodontia in young healthy orthodontic patients and an
Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility Loci on Chromosome 8, Dr. Vu was
recently awarded one of four 2013 Thomas M. Graber Awards of Special
Merit in Orthodontic Research. Dr. Vu received her award on May
5, 2013 at the 113th Annual Session of the American Association of
Orthodontists (AAO) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Vu finished
her Orthodontic Residency at the
University of Kentucky in May of 2012
and is currently in private practice in
Johns Creek, Georgia.
12
college news
New Orofacial Pain Clinic Has Grand Opening
By Ann Blackford
UK HealthCare and the College of Dentistry held a grand
Additionally, faculty have been involved in developing science-based
opening on April 5 for the new Orofacial Pain Clinic, a diagnostic and
treatment protocols for the management of orofacial pain conditions.
treatment center established to provide care for patients suffering with
temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pains.
care for patients and enhanced educational experiences for residents.
The clinic is home to one of the first orofacial pain programs
The prior space was originally provided in 1995 when the program had
in the United States, and has grown to national and international
two residents and two staff. The Center’s enterprise has expanded to
prominence since it was founded in 1977. The opening of the new clinic
between four and six residents, two psychology residents, three clinical
coincided with the 25th annual Orofacial Pain Alumni Continuing
psychologists, one physical therapist and two staff personnel. The space
The new space for Orofacial Pain Clinic will provide optimal
Education course for orofacial pain specialists
led by Dr. Jeffrey P. Okeson, professor and chair
or the Department of Oral Health Science at the
UK College of Dentistry, and director of the
Orofacial Pain Program.
The Orofacial Pain Program at UK
is one of only two programs in the U.S. to be
fully accredited by the Commission on Dental
Accreditation during the first year of eligibility.
The program takes a multidisciplinary
approach to orofacial pain, utilizing dentists,
psychologists and physical therapists and is
one of the only programs offering psychology
training applied to chronic orofacial pain.
In 1985, the Orofacial Pain Clinic
began formal training for dentists in the
diagnosis and management of chronic TMD
and orofacial pain disorders through a
fellowship program, and the master of science
degree was established in 1994. Over the
years, the program has become recognized worldwide as a leading
for the new facility is three times larger than the previous one. The
training center for dentists and psychologists wishing to advance
new facility will increase the number of treatment rooms to eight, each
their understanding of complex orofacial pain issues and associated
providing privacy for the patient and their company.
conditions. To date, 51 dental residents from 21 different countries
and more than 25 pain psychology students have graduated from the
outpatient care provided by the UK medical specialties. Being in
various full-time programs, and more than 250 individuals from all
this environment will not only enhance the clinic’s visibility and
over the world have participated in part-time programs.
accessibility, but also improve the working relationship with all medical
Kentucky Clinic is the treatment facility for most of the
The orofacial pain faculty have established themselves as
specialties encountering patients with chronic pain. Being present in
authorities in the field and have greatly contributed to the practice,
the Kentucky Clinic should also increase patient referrals from within
research, and teaching standards used throughout the world. Faculty
UK HealthCare.
members have published three text books on topics in the field of
Orofacial Pain and numerous research papers. The books are widely
closer working relationship with the other medical residency programs,
used in dental schools, graduate training programs and by dental
and close proximity to medical services such as the medical lab and
Additionally, Orofacial Pain residents will benefit from a
practitioners, and have been published in eleven different languages. pharmacy will greatly improve patients’ experiences. 13
college news
News From the Division of Periodontology
The annual Graduate Periodontology banquet was held at the
University Club of Kentucky on Friday May 24. Drs. Allison Wright
and Benjamin Syndergaard completed their three years of training
in Periodontology and will be practicing in
Kentucky and Nevada, respectively. Drs. Samer
Faraj, Mohammad Rezk, and Ishita Bhavsar
graduated from the year-long International
Advanced Education Certificate Program. New
graduate periodontology residents, Drs. Tyresia
White, Samer Faraj, and Michael Piepgrass, will
arrive in July. Dr. Fatima Shaltoni, who is coming
from Dubai, will be joining the International
Advanced Education Certificate Program in July.
Dr. Pinar Emecen Huja was awarded the Diplomate of the
American Board of Periodontology status and completed the Summer
Institute in Clinical Dental Research Methods in Seattle, Washington. Dr.
Dolph Dawson was appointed the Chair of American Dental Education
Association (ADEA) Section on Periodontics. Dr. Mohanad Al-Sabbagh
has completed the American Dental Education Association Leadership
Institute 2012-2013.
The Division of Periodontology, through the principal investigator
Dr. Mohanad Al-Sabbagh, obtained external funding to conduct a clinical
research project titled “Xenogenic Collagen Matrix to Increase the Zone
of Attached Mucosa Around Implant.” The
objective of this clinical prospective split-mouth
study is to evaluate the efficacy of collagen
matrix as an alternative to the epithelialized free
gingival graft to increase the zone of attached
mucosa around dental implants.
Three part-time faculty members, Dr.
Tom Rubino, Dr. Neal Shepherd and Dr. Ward
Piepgrass, were hired. Dr. Rubino obtained his
dental degree from Medical College of Virginia
in 1986 and Certificate in Periodontology from University of Kentucky
in 1988. Dr. Shepherd obtained his DDS from University of Louisville in
2005 and Certificate in Periodontology from University of Louisville in
2008. Dr. Ward Piepgrass obtained his Master’s Degree and certificates in
Periodontology from University of Kentucky in 2007. We appreciate the
willingness of our part-time and voluntary faculty to bestow their respective
knowledge and expertise.
Dr. Keith Lemmerman, 62, Periodontist
Dr. Keith Lemmerman knew that his brain
tumor was untreatable, but he did not want a
funeral. The periodontist told his wife, Terry, and
family members that he wanted a party where he
could see his friends, patients and loved ones one
last time.
On Nov. 11, an estimated 400 people, including
Dr. Lemmerman’s professional colleagues and
former periodontal students, came from across
the country for his “Celebration of Life” at the
Centennial Barn in Springfield Township.
Ironically, said his son, Dr. Neal Lemmerman
of Mason, it was the one-year anniversary of his
diagnosis of glioblastoma.
“I think he saved up all of his energy for those
three hours. He had a smile on his face the whole
day,” said his daughter, Kelly Mahle of Wyoming.
Dr. Lemmerman died Nov. 25 at his Wyoming
home. He was 62.
Dr. Lemmerman used his big smile and a
penchant for “bad puns” to make his patients
comfortable during periodontal procedures, said
his son, who has shared his father’s practice, now
in Forest Park and West Chester, for nine years.
His father enjoyed teaching, and took a generous
amount of time to explain things to his patients.
“He had a unique talent of being able to talk
to his patients and keep them comfortable while
doing his work,” his son said. “The patients would
tell me they’d see his smile, and he’d tell a funny
story to keep them distracted from what they were
going through.”
Dr. Lemmerman was a world traveler, scuba
diver and underwater photographer. Diving was
14
a lifelong passion that began in Guam, where
Dr. Lemmerman served as resident periodontist
and lieutenant in the Navy from 1976 to 1978.
He traveled the world on diving expeditions, and
displayed his photographs of exotic fish or pygmy
seahorses at his offices.
In October, he traveled with his wife to
Australia and New Zealand.
Dr. Lemmerman was born in Ithaca, N.Y.
on Sept. 2, 1950. He grew up in Mount Healthy,
and graduated from Mount Healthy High School
in 1968. In 1971, he married his high school
sweetheart, Terry, his wife of 41 years.
Dr. Lemmerman attended Oberlin College,
where he was on the swimming and diving
team. He graduated from the University of
Kentucky College of Dentistry, where he also did
his periodontal training. In addition to private
practice, he taught on the faculty at the UK College
of Dentistry Department of Graduate Periodontics
for 30 years (1979-2009).
Dr. Lemmerman was a delegate to the Ohio
Dental Association, served as president of the
Greater Cincinnati Dental Study Club and was
active in the Cincinnati Dental Society.
He loved geography. When his children
were growing up, he enjoyed challenging them to
memorize things such as the 88 counties of Ohio,
his daughter said.
In addition to his wife, daughter and son,
survivors include his parents, Kathryn and Karl
Lemmerman of Mount Healthy; a brother; Karl
Claflin, of Anchorage, Alaska; a sister, Kerry Baer
of Indianapolis; and four grandchildren.
Reprinted with permission. Courtesy of The
Cincinnati Enquirer/Janelle Gelfand.
With 30 years of service as a part-time
faculty member, Dr. Keith Lemmerman
influenced the careers of most of the
Periodontics residents in our history. Thanks to a generous estate gift, his
influence will continue in perpetuity.
The Keith J. Lemmerman, DMD,
Endowment for Graduate Periodontology
was established by Dr. Lemmerman to
provide opportunities to periodontics
residents to enhance their training
through participation in professional
conferences. In addition, the fund may
be used for research projects, purchase
of equipment and materials, and other
expenses supporting the graduate division
of periodontics.
“Dr. Lemmerman tirelessly and
generously took time from his busy
practice to drive from Cincinnati to UK
to share his clinical experience with the
graduate periodontology residents. He
was a beloved member of periodontology
at UK for many years and we are extremely
grateful for the transformative gift he has
left for generations of residents that will
train here” said Dr. Mohanad al-Sabbagh,
Division Chief of Periodontology at UK.
If you wish to add your support to the
Lemmerman Endowment, please contact
Scott Fitzpatrick at scott.fitzpatrick@uky.
edu or 859-323-6918.
college news
News from the Division of Pediatric Dentistry
Faculty News
Dr. Larry Sharp (’85, ’91 Orthodontics) has been a part-
Division News
The 2012 John Mink Legacy Conference honoring Dr.
time faculty member in charge of clinical and didactic education in
John Mink’s retirement after his 50 year academic career with
Orthodontics for the Pediatric post-doctoral program. Recently, he
the College was a huge
decided to become a pediatric dentist and began his pediatric post-
success. Accordingly,
doctoral training at UKCD in July.
the Division decided to
Dr. Juan Yepes (’12 Pediatric Dentistry), associate professor,
continue the Conference
was the key speaker at several regional and national meetings, including
in 2013. The Annual
the annual meeting in May of the American Academy of Pediatric
Jo h n M i n k L e g a c y
Dentistry that took place in Orlando, Florida. Yepes also was awarded
Conference will take
the Samuel D. Harris Research and Policy Fellowship from the AAPD.
place Saturday, August
Dr. Enrique Bimstein, professor and division chief, and Dr.
24 at the Hilton Suites
Robert Kovarik, associate professor, Public Health Dentistry, received
Lexington. Our speaker
a joint grant for $10,000 from the National Children’s Oral Health
will be Dr. Ronald Bell,
Foundation to be used for the treatment of indigent children in the
professor of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at the Medical
mobile vans. The grant allowed UKCD to provide comprehensive
University of South Carolina. The lecture is titled, “Age-Appropriate”
treatment to 183 children, including 764 procedures.
Pediatric Orthodontics – What, Who, When, and Why?
Dr. Cristina Perez, assistant professor, Family Care Center,
In cooperation with Drs. Robert Kovarik, Kelly Dingrando,
will be heading a new collaboration between Pediatric Dentistry
Harold Lester and the staff of the mobile clinics, the Division of Pediatric
and Orofacial Pain. Residents from Pediatric Dentistry will initiate a
Dentistry was able to increase the clinical education opportunities for
rotation through the Orofacial Pain Center to learn about diagnosis
pre-doctoral students. During rotations at the mobile clinics, students
and treatment of temporomandibular pathologies as well as other
provided preventive, restorative and pulp treatments, and extractions to
sources of orofacial pain in children and adolescents. This endeavor
school-age children in several Kentucky locations. The mobile clinics
surely will enrich the curriculum of the pediatric residents and will
complement the rotations at the Family Care Center in Lexington and
provide a place for those children and adolescents to find help for their
the Twilight Clinic at UKCD.
specific needs.
awarded third place in the poster competition at the Kentucky Dental
The faculty of the UKCD Division of Pediatric Dentistry
published a total of 14 scientific articles during the last academic year.
Dr. Joshua Raleigh (’11, ’13 Pediatric Dentistry) was
Association annual meeting in March.
2013 Mini Residency Okeson – The 8th Annual Orofacial Pain Mini Residency Class. The class had 59 individuals from 17 different states and 17 different countries.
15
college news
A New Home Online for the UKCD
A website is the first introduction many people
Our newly redesigned website was also created
have to a business, organization, or institution. That is
to serve our alumni, faculty, students and staff. Calendars
especially true for the UKCD, particularly when it comes
and news feeds on the homepage provide up-to-date
to our prospective students and patients. Undergraduates
information about events and activities at the College, and
visit websites to learn not only specific information about
dynamic features rotate to spotlight faculty and alumni
applications and requirements for admission, but also to
achievements, promote clinical trials, or announce student
get a sense of the school’s culture, energy and priorities.
accomplishments.
Prospective patients can gather information they need about
our services in order to seek treatment.
look! We’re still located at http://www.mc.uky.edu/dentistry.
If you haven’t visited us online lately, please take a
D611 Update
16
By the time this magazine has reached your
Throughout the past year, we have had an ongoing
mailbox, the massive D611 makeover will be well underway.
campaign to raise funds in support of this project. The most
The expanded space will feature new workstations (each
visible moment of our campaign came in late April, when
with its own monitor), refurbished wet lab and ceramics
we launched our “$50K in 50 Hours” campaign via email
lab, and numerous other improvements in and around the
and social media. Your response was overwhelming, with
classroom.
$72,000 committed during this brief period.
The renovated space will be ready for our incoming
Our fundraising continues for this important
students when classes begin this fall, and will be known as
project through June 2016, and your support is welcome
the “White, Greer and Maggard Simulation Laboratory”
and encouraged. Naming opportunities are available for
in recognition of a generous lead gift to this project from
commitments of $4,000 and $10,000. For more information,
this central Kentucky orthodontics practice and our alumni
contact Scott Fitzpatrick at [email protected] or 859-
associated there.
323-6918.
college news
UKCD Participates in RAM
On March 23rd and 24th, 77 volunteers from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry participated in a Remote Area Medical Brigade (RAM)
in Harlan County, Kentucky. UKCD students, faculty and staff joined a host of professional and community volunteers totaling 323 people to help
deliver medical, dental and optometric care to 752 area residents. A total of 990 dental services were delivered to 370 patients at the RAM event in
Harlan. This was the second RAM event in which UKCD volunteers participated during this school year.
Emeritus Faculty Lunch 2013 – Dean Sharon Turner hosted the annual Emeritus Faculty Luncheon in May. This annual luncheon is always a wonderful time for our emeritus faculty to come
together and reminisce. From left to right, Don Reel, Karl Lange, Gerry Roth, Bob Spedding, Jim Drummond, Charlie Thomas, John Mink, Chuck Ellinger, Milt Gellin, Ron Duell, Behruz Abadi, Tom
Lillich, Russ Byron and Tom Mullaney.
17
student news
White Coat Ceremony Held for Class of 2016
The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry welcomed 57 new students into the dental profession with the presentation
of the traditional white coat at a ceremony held Friday, October 5, 2012, at Memorial Hall on UK’s campus.
The College of Dentistry Alumni Association and the American College of Dentists helped sponsor the event, making
it possible for each member of the class to receive a personalized monogrammed white coat.
Dr. Cindy Beeman, associate dean of Academic and Student Affairs, told the class that “today formalizes your transition
into the profession of dental medicine. This white coat symbolizes the respect that is accorded you as a professional-in-training.
However, with it also comes tremendous responsibility. This coat represents an obligation you have to respect others, not just your
patients, not just your staff, not just those in the profession of dental education and dental medicine, but all others. It means that
both as a dentist-in-training and a dentist, you will be treated professionally and you will be expected to treat others professionally.
This is an obligation that carries great weight.”
Dr. Rob Kovarik (’82), division chief of Dental Public Health, and Dr. Jim Timmons, associate professor in Restorative
Dentistry, presented each student with his or her white coat.
The College of Dentistry’s class of 2016 is comprised of 30 men and 27 women, 39 of whom are from Kentucky.
UKCD Class of 2016
18
student news
Reception Held for 2012-2013 Scholarship Recipients
A reception was hosted by the UK College of Dentistry for all 2012-2013 scholarship recipients and donors in April. Each
year student dentists benefit from the generosity of alumni and their families, friends and supporters. This year’s scholarship
and award winners are as follows:
Academic Excellence Scholarship – Class of 2013: Ashley R. Betz, Grant A. Dillingham, Anne M. Frazer, Molly M. Housley,
Justin R. Kolasa, Sarah E. McEnrue, Jillian Meeks Nyquist, Morgan L. Menard, Lindsey D. Riley, Tony L. Skanchy, Bart R.
Sloan, Emily M. Winfrey, William E. Yoder, and Emilee R. Young
Academic Excellence Scholarship – Class of 2014: KaSandra S. Barnes, Jennifer A. Barrett, Melinda S. Gerakos, Melisa S.
Gilbey, Cole A. Haggerty, Carson P. Keally, Brian J. Lee, Travis B. McMaine, Kelsey D. Menegotto, Daniel A. Noll, Chelsea
L. Rupp, Erica R. Stinnett, Laura K. Sutherland, and Justin A. Wedding
UKCD Alumni Association Scholarship: Ashley R. Betz (’13) and Emily M. Winfrey (’13)
ADA Foundation Dental Student Scholarship: Guadalupe C. Gutierrez (’15) and Grant C. Heward (’15)
Sharon Kaye Butler, DMD, Memorial Scholarship: Kelsey D. Menegotto (’14)
Dr. Donald T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship: Shabnam Azhar (’13)
Pierre Fauchard Leadership Scholarship: Travis B. McMaine (’14)
Dr. Oakie G. Newsome Memorial Scholarship: Carly M. Brinson (’16)
Lyman T. Johnson Scholarship: Haregewoin E. Baye (’13), Guadalupe C. Gutierrez (’15), and Tyresia J. White (’13)
Dorothy Cavins Scholarship: Lauren L. Delpont (’15)
Margaret Jewell Scholarship: Jacob L. Sword (’15)
Dan Seaver Memorial Scholarship: Ashley R. Betz (’13) and Daniel A. Noll (’14)
Susan McEvoy Memorial Scholarship: Melisa S. Gilbey (’14) and Grant C. Heward (’15)
Thomas P. Hinman Foundation Scholarship: Daniel A. Noll (’14) and Erica R. Stinnett (’14)
Drs. Nero and Biggerstaff Diversity Scholarship: Hareg E. Baye (’13) and Christopher W. Chance (’14)
National Health Service Corps Scholarship: Alicia M. Grimm (’14), Cynthia D. Taylor (’14), Ashley P. Wright (’14),
Laura B. Blackburn (’15), and Priscillia K. Uba-Oyibo (’16)
19
student news
Class of 2013 Celebrates at Senior Award Banquet
Each year numerous awards are presented to members of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry graduating class on behalf of professional
organizations and national corporations. Congratulations are extended to each award recipient and all graduates of the class of 2013 on behalf
of the entire College community. The following awards were presented to selected student dentists in the class of 2013:
Academy of General Dentistry
Emily Winfrey
Academy of Operative Dentistry
Lindsey Riley
Academy of Osseointegration
Julie Anderson
Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity Jillian Meeks Nyquist
American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry
Susan Higdon
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Michael Piepgrass
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Molly Housley
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Tyler Bolin
American Academy of Oral Medicine
Will Yoder
American Academy of Orofacial Pain
Molly Housley
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Angie Gabbard
American Academy of Periodontology
Tyresia White
American Association of Endodontists
Brent Zastrow
American Association of Oral Biologists
Ashley Betz
Will Yoder
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Oral Surgery Award
Justin Kolasa
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Award
Molly Housley
American Association of Orthodontists
Ashley Betz
American Association of Public Health Dentistry Brittany Camenisch
American Association of Women Dentists
Ashley Betz
American College of Dentists (Kentucky section) Ashley Betz
American College of Prosthodontists
Anne Frazer
American Dental Society of Anesthesiology McKenzie Woods
Class of 1967 Award Tina Lefta
Equilibration Brent Zastrow
International College of Dentists (Kentucky section)
Molly Housley
International College of Dentists (U.S.A. section)
Jillian Meeks Nyquist
International Congress of Oral Implantologists
B.J. Feltner
Janet Faraci Lee Leadership Development Award
Justin Kolasa
Jillian Meeks Nyquist
Pierre Fauchard Academy Justin Kolasa
Platinum Periosteal Will Yoder
Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Periodontics
Jillian Meeks Nyquist
Quintessence Award for Research Achievement Justin Kolasa
Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry
Paul Gannon
Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics
Tyler Bolin
Hanau Prosthodontic Award Tina Lefta
Omicron Kappa Upsilon
Ashley Betz
Anne Frazer
Molly Housley
Justin Kolasa
Jillian Meeks Nyquist
Will Yoder
UK College of Dentistry Probe Award – Periodontology
Olivia Faulkner
Molly Housley
UK College of Dentistry Golden Award in Prosthodontics
Noel Dickens
Morgan Menard
Jarrod Reid
UK College of Dentistry Golden Award in Restorative Dentistry
Olivia Faulkner
Kim Roberts
Bart Sloan
Will Yoder
UK College of Dentistry Restorative Clinical Achievement Award (Excellence in RSD) Ashley Betz
Molly Housley
Amy Parsons
Tony Skanchy
Andy Walden
Tyresia White
20
student news
AAWD Annual Fall Fashion Show
Hosted by the University of Kentucky’s American Association of Women Dentists
To take place on September 21, 2013
Featuring:
Brunch
Fashion Show
And Silent Auction
The Brunch, Silent Auction, and Fashion Show will commence at 11:00 am in the University of
Kentucky Student Center Ballroom. Admission for the event is $25.00.
All proceeds from the event will help provide needed dental care for women and children at the
Bluegrass Domestic Violence Center.
Please visit www.smilesforlife-aawd.com for additional information and registration.
UKCD faculty, Dr. Elizangela Bertoli, left, and Dr. Kristy Pepper, right, congratulate Class of 2013 graduate, Dr. Jessica McAuliffe.
21
student news
UK College of Dentistry Recognizes 2013 Graduates
Members of the class of 2013 were recognized at the
University of Kentucky College of Dentistry’s 48th College Convocation
for Presentation of Academic Hoods. Family, friends, faculty, staff
and honored guests were present at Memorial Hall to recognize the
achievements of the graduating class.
Dr. Sharon P. Turner, dean, UK College of Dentistry, presided
over the hooding ceremony. Dr. Michael Karpf, UK executive vice
president for Health Affairs, welcomed students and guests on behalf of
the medical center. Dr. Cliff Lowdenback (’03) brought greetings on behalf
of the UK College of Dentistry Alumni Association. He was joined by
Dr. Terry Norris (’78), immediate past-president of the Kentucky Dental
Association, and Dr. Scott Jenkins (’00 and ’06 Oral Surgery), president
of the Blue Grass Dental Society.
Dr. Craig Miller (’82) was chosen by the graduating class to
speak on behalf of the College. Dr. Justin Kolasa, president of the class
of 2013, spoke on behalf of his class. Dr. Thomas M. Cooper, professor
emeritus, UK College of Dentistry, led the assemblage in the singing of
the University Alma Mater and My Old Kentucky Home.
UKCD Class of 2013
The 2013 graduates from UK College of Dentistry and their future plans are:
Julie Anderson
Florence, Kentucky
AEGD, United States Air Force at
the Joint Base Langley-Eustis in
Hampton, VA
Shabnam Azhar
Isfahan, Iran
Entering a General Practice
Residency at the Robert Wood
Johnson University Hospital in
New Brunswick, NJ
Antoine Bach
Louisville, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice
Haregewoin Ezezew Baye
Debark, Ethiopia
Entering a General Practice
Residency at the UPMC
Presbyterian-Shadyside Dental
Center in Pittsburgh, PA
Curtis Benson
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Entering an Associateship in Idaho
22
Ashley Betz
Cortland, Ohio
Entering an Orthodontic
Residency at the University of
Kentucky in Lexington, KY
Graduated with High Distinction
James Tyler Bolin
Owensboro, Kentucky
Entering a General Practice
Residency at the University of
Virginia in Charlottesville, VA
Jon Bott
Versailles, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice in
Kentucky
Brittany Camenisch
Stanford, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice
Esther SeHee Choo
Seoul, South Korea
AEGD, United States Army in Ft.
Bragg, NC
Noel Dickens
Rochester, New York
AEGD, United States Navy at
Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC
Grant Dillingham
Lexington, Kentucky
Entering a General Practice
Residency at the Georgia Regents
University in Augusta, GA
Megan Easley
Bellbrook, Ohio
AEGD, United States Air Force at
Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, NE
April Fannin
Grayson, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice
Olivia Faulkner
Cynthiana, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice in
New Bern, NC
William J. Feltner
Hyden, Kentucky
Entering a General Practice
Residency at the University of
Kentucky in Lexington, KY
Anne M. Frazer
Lexington, Kentucky
Entering a General Practice
Residency at the Cleveland Clinic
in Cleveland, OH
Graduated with High Distinction
Angela Davidson Gabbard
Somerset, Kentucky
Entering a Pediatric Residency
at the University of Kentucky in
Lexington, KY
Paul Gannon
Lexington, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice in
Gainesville, GA
Tingting Wu Gonzalez
Tai’an, Shandong Province, China
Entering a General Practice
Residency at the University of
Kentucky in Lexington, KY
Adam Heck
Ashland, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice in
Lexington, KY
student news
Katie Hollenkamp
Cincinnati, Ohio
Entering a Private Practice in
Cincinnati, OH
Molly Housley
Hazard, Kentucky
Entering a General Practice
Residency at the Malcolm Randall
VA Medical Center, Gainesville, FL
Graduated with High Distinction
Sarah Austin Humphreys
Carrollton, Georgia
Entering a Private Practice in
Franklin, TN
EunJoo Ko
Seoul, South Korea
AEGD, United States Army
Justin Kolasa
Stanford, Kentucky
Entering an Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgery Residency
at the University of Kentucky in
Lexington, KY
Graduated with High Distinction
Tina Lefta
Berat, Albania
Entering a General Practice
Residency at the University of
Kentucky in Lexington, KY
Morgan Menard
LaGrange, Kentucky
Entering a General Practice
Residency at the University of
Louisville in Louisville, KY
Graduated with Distinction
Iniva Ryta Ngaka
Libreville, Gabon
Entering a General Practice
Residency at the Montefiore
Medical Center in New York, NY
Jillian Meeks Nyquist
Paducah, Kentucky
Entering an Orthodontic
Residency at the University of
North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC
Graduated with High Distinction
RJ Ochsner
Missoula, Montana
Entering Public Health in
Jacksonville, FL
Amy Parsons
Mt. Vernon, Kentucky
Entering an Associateship in
Kentucky
Steven Peterson
Rigby, Idaho
Entering a Private Practice in
Texas
Jessica McAuliffe
Fortaleza, Brazil
Entering a General Practice
Residency at the Loyola University
Medical Center in Chicago, IL
Michael Piepgrass
Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada
Entering a Periodontics Residency
at the University of Kentucky in
Lexington, KY
Sarah McEnrue
Lexington, Kentucky
AEGD at the Medical University of
South Carolina in Charleston, SC
Graduated with Distinction
Nathan Powers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Entering a Private Practice at
the Urgent Dental Care LLC in
Florence, KY
Jarrod Reid
East Bernstadt, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice in
Kentucky
General Practice Residency in Dentistry
Jessica Capellan, D.M.D., Lori Conrad, D.M.D.,
Arwa ElMaraghi, D.M.D., Stephen Fowler,
D.M.D., Jeremiah Gates, Jr., D.M.D., Adam
Tackett, D.M.D., and Kevin White, D.M.D.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Residency and
Doctoral Program – Reed Attisha, D.M.D.,
M.D., Drane Oliphant, D.M.D., M.D., and Tony
Sivori, D.M.D., M.D.
Lindsey Riley
Lexington, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice
Graduated with Distinction
Kimberly Roberts
Mount Sterling, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice in
Mount Sterling, KY
Susan Higdon Skaggs
Leitchfield, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice in
Louisville, KY
Tony Skanchy
Sandy, Utah
Entering an Orthodontic
Residency at the University of
Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee
Graduated with High Distinction
Barton R. Sloan
Lexington, Kentucky
Entering a Pediatric Residency
at the Children’s Hospital of
Wisconsin in Wauwatosa, WI
Chris Sung
Seattle, Washington
Entering a General Practice
Residency at the University of
California, Los Angeles in Los
Angeles, CA
Dan Thompson
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice with
Dr. Tom Heering in Gallatin, TN
Andrew S. Walden
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice in
Bowling Green, KY
Tyresia White
Seneca, South Carolina
Entering a Periodontics Residency
at the University of Kentucky in
Lexington, KY
Orofacial Pain Certificate Program
Isabel Moreno Hay, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Orthodontics Master’s Program
Paul DiFranco, D.M.D. and Jason Roedig,
D.M.D.
Fellowship in Craniofacial Biology
Mutlaq Alotaibi, B.D.S., Amir Mofid, D.D.S.,
and Lakshmi Sudha Gudhimella, B.D.S.
Megan Whitt
Henderson, Kentucky
Entering a Periodontics Residency
at the University of Oklahoma in
Oklahoma City, OK
Lindsey Lonneman Willoughby
Fort Mitchell, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice in
Northern Kentucky
Emily Winfrey
Greenville, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice in
Lawrenceburg, KY
Graduated with High Distinction
McKenzie Woods
Paducah, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice in
Paducah, KY
Benjamin Wortham
Paducah, Kentucky
Entering a Private Practice in
Birmingham, AL
William Yoder
Richmond, Kentucky
AEGD Residency in Seminole, FL
Graduated with Distinction
Emilee Young
Ashland, Kentucky
Entering a Pediatric Residency
at the University of Kentucky in
Lexington, KY
Graduated with Distinction
Brent Zastrow
Corona, California
AEGD, United States Navy in
Parris Island, SC
Evan Zeh
Louisville, Kentucky
Entering an Orthodontic
Externship at the University of
Kentucky in Lexington, KY
Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program
Amanda Grace, D.M.D., Misee Harris, D.M.D.,
Alexandra Mayes, D.M.D., and Joshua Raleigh,
D.M.D.
Periodontics Master’s Program
Allison Wright, D.M.D. and Benjamin
Syndergaard, D.M.D.
23
alumni news
Alumni Updates
Craig Miller (’82) received the Organization of Teachers of Oral
Diagnosis Lifetime Achievement Award on April 26, 2013 at the
American Academy of Oral Medicine annual meeting in San Antonio.
Col Frank Allara (‘88) has been selected as Commander, 18th Medical
Group, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. The 18th Medical Group
is the Air Force’s largest freestanding ambulatory clinic in terms
of assigned personnel and provides extensive medical, dental, and
support services to Department of Defense beneficiaries living on
Okinawa. The group comprises four squadrons and has over 500
personnel. Allara is currently completing a year-long deployment as
376th Medical Group Commander, Manas, Kyrgyzstan, in support of
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Reny de Leeuw (’98 OFP) was the editor of the fourth edition and is
one of the editors of the fifth edition of Orofacial Pain- Guidelines for
Assessment, Diagnosis, and Management. The UK College of Dentistry
has been instrumental in the publication of these guidelines since 1996.
Julie Rambo Vinton (‘04) and her husband, Scott Vinton, welcomed
their second son, Lucas Benjamin, on December 27, 2012. Lucas joins
his big brother, Bryce, age 3.
Brad Johnson (’05) and his wife, Aisha, announce the birth of their
daughter, Mila “Mimi” Johnson, born March 23, 2013. She weighed
7 pounds and 7 ounces and was 19 inches. Brad says that big sister,
Lydia age two, is very “helpful” with the baby. They live in Salt Lake
City, Utah where Brad practices at Magna Dental with his father and
brother. Youngest brother, Nate (UKCD ’12) is in the Periodontics
program at UKCD. His older sister, who was their hygienist, is a first
year dental student.
Chad Matthews (’06) and Rachel Matthews (’06) are happy to announce
the birth of their daughter, Lily Belle, born January 3, 2013. Chad and
Rachel live in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Anna Smothers Dressman (’07) was married in September 2011.
Laura Morris-Olson (’07) welcomed a new baby girl, Rhyan Kathryn,
on February 20, 2012.
24
Jay Claywell (’09) and his wife, Lauren,
are pleased to announce the birth of baby
girl Kennedy Elizabeth born December 6,
2012 in Lexington. She weighed 7 pounds
and 2 ounces and was 19 inches long.
Suzanne Parham (’07) married Jonathan Wallace May 12 2012. They
live in Hendersonville, Tennessee where Suzanne is practicing pediatric
dentistry.
Cameron Howard (’08) and wife, Haley, welcomed their first born son,
Cannon Monroe Howard, into the world on September 22, 2012. He
weighed 8 pounds and 15 ounces and was 21 inches long. Cameron
says mom and baby are doing well.
Phil Kuhl (’09) and his wife, Candace,
welcomed their first child, Caroline Joy
Kuhl, who was born on July 18, 2011. She weighed 8 pounds and 11 ounces and
was 21.5 inches. Phil recently completed
a pediatric dental residency at Temple
University in Philadelphia.
Michael Sexton (’09) and Emilee Young (’13) were married June 1, 2013.
Ben Johnson (’10) and his wife, Molly, welcomed their son Benjamin
Lee Johnson III on May 6, 2013 in Paducah.
Jessica Kress (’12) married David Shelley at Buffalo Trace on November
18, 2012. She opened Commonwealth
Smiles immediately after graduating
from UKCD in May 2012. Her practice
is growing and she was very excited to
host a Birthday Bash June 4, 2013. You
may follow her office at www.facebook.
com/commonwealthsmiles and check out
photos of Dr. Kress and her team reaching
out to the Lexington community.
Stephanie Werner (’12 Pediatric Dentistry) was named one of 15
recipients of the annual Richard C. Pugh Achievement Award.
This award is given to the top three percent scores of the qualifying
examination in Pediatric Dentistry. Stephanie is the second pediatric
resident in the last two years to receive this award. Laurie Tedder (’09
and ’11 Pediatric Dentistry) received the award in 2012.
Anne Frazer (’13) married Ben Clemons June 8, 2013 in Lexington,
Kentucky.
Molly Housley (’13) and Ryan Smith were married on May 25, 2013
in Hazard, Kentucky.
alumni news
2013 UK College of Dentistry
Alumni Association Golf Tournament
On Saturday, June 15th, the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry Alumni Association held
the seventh annual golf scramble for alumni and friends at the University Club of Kentucky Wildcat course.
Golfers enjoyed lunch prior to playing golf with perfect weather.
Players included UKCD alumni, faculty, students and friends striving for low scores. Golfers shot for
hole in one prizes including a Mercedes, his and her Rolex watches, a trip for two to the Masters Championship,
and a vacation for four to the Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada.
First place trophies were taken home by Drew Mefford, Nathan Wilson and Jim Zettler, all from the
class of 2004, with a score of 55. There was a tie for second place with a score of 60 and after the tie breaker, our
second place team was Evan Cox (’16), Scott Smith (’84) and Terry Wright (’89). Third place, from the class
of 2012, went to Beth Felts, Derrick Gregory, Brad Hall, and Ken Randall. The closest to the pin winner was
Drew Mefford, the longest putt winner was Greg Carman, and the longest drive winner was Beth Felts, our only
female golfer at the scramble.
The UKCD Alumni Board would like to thank our extraordinary hole and event sponsors who allow
us to hold such exciting outings:
HOLE SPONSORS:
SPONSORS:
AXA Advisors – Mr. Gene Glowatch
James Motor Company
Dr. Jackie Banahan
White, Greer & Maggard Orthodontics
Drs. Louis Beto and Amy Bogardus
Blue Grass Dental Society
Bluegrass Orthodontics – Drs. Stan Ferguson
and Ed Tipton
Derby Dental Laboratory
Gaines Dental Laboratory
Dr. Leslie Horn
Jenkins and Morrow
Kentucky Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Lexington Endodontics – Dr. Greg Carman
Morgan Dental Services
Macky Beto and Bob Henry
Neuman Bluegrass Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry of Hamburg – Drs. Rodney Jackson, Michael Day and Morgan Dillow
Steckler Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Sharon and Mr. A.W. Turner
UK Federal Credit Union
In Memoriam
’69
Dr. Stanley Adcock
December 8, 2011
’69
Dr. Ervin Belcher
February 26, 2013
’70
Dr. Hugh Burkett
January 13, 2013
’71
Dr. John Perel
November 28, 2012
’76
Dr. Keith Lemmerman
Periodontics
November 25, 2012
’79
Dr. Joseph Schuler
October 12, 2012
’83
Dr. Marilyn Brown-Anderson
April 1, 2013
’98
Dr. Lea Ann Davenport
’00 Pediatric Dentistry
April 17, 2013
Dr. Vincent Barr
Friend
July 15, 2013
Dr. Leo Kupp
Faculty 1993-1997
July 22, 2012
Two of our first place finishers,
Drew Mefford and Jim Zettler
Scott Smith, Evan Cox and Terry Wright
3rd Place Finishers
25
alumni news
Fourth Annual Bourbon Tasting and Silent Auction
The UK College of Dentistry held the Fourth Annual
Bourbon Tasting and Silent Auction on Friday, February 1 at the
Hilton Lexington Downtown. This was held as a fundraiser for the
UKCD Alumni Association Scholarship which is awarded annually
to a fourth year dental student.
A record number of 265 people attended and a great time
was had by all! Our featured distillers were Four Roses, Maker’s Mark,
Town Branch by Alltech, Willett Distillery, and Woodford Reserve.
The tasting included samples from local microbrewery, Country Boy
Brewing, and Alltech’s Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stout.
A big thank you goes out to everyone who supported this
event. We would like to thank the Kentucky Center for Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgery and Pediatric Dentistry of Hamburg for cosponsoring the tasting and silent auction with the UK College of
Dentistry Alumni Association. We would like to thank the following
businesses and individuals who donated items for the auction:
Dr. Steven Wyatt Receives
Distinguished Alumni Award
The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry recently awarded the 2012
Distinguished Alumni Award to Dr. Steven Wyatt, founding dean of the UK College of
Public Health.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor that the College of
Dentistry Alumni Association can
bestow upon a UKCD alumnus and is
based upon demonstrated loyalty to
the College and an excellence in the
profession of dentistry. They also look
for evidence of merit of work in his
or her field of dentistry, community
leadership and having reached and
remained at the pinnacle of his or her
field of dentistry.
Wyatt began serving as dean of
the UK College of Public Health in
November 2004, following six years of research, teaching and service at UK, while serving
as the associate director for Cancer Control at the Markey Cancer Center. Over the past
eight years, the College of Public Health has experienced tremendous growth; from a
faculty of 20 to more than 80 faculty, collaborative research contributions of more than
$46 million annually, and serving more than 300 degree-seeking students each year. The
College was recently recognized as one of the Top 25 schools of public health nationally
– the highest ranked “new school of public health” in the U.S.
During his career, Wyatt has been recognized for his contributions to the
Public Health Service through twelve commissioned corps honor awards, including the
Meritorious and Distinguished Service Medals. In addition, in 1998 he was awarded
the Jeffrey P. Koplan award, the highest award given by the National Center for Chronic
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, for his contributions to chronic disease control.
Two national cancer control organizations have recognized Wyatt’s career contributions: in
1995, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation recognized Dr. Wyatt with the Betty
Ford Award; in 2002, the American Cancer Society honored him with their Distinguished
Service Award. From 2007 to 2012, he represented the Association of Schools of Public
Health on the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the accrediting body for
public health schools/programs. In 2012, he served his third term as President of CEPH
and has been elected president for 2013.
Dr. Wyatt is a native of Kentucky and is a 1980 graduate of the University of
Kentucky College of Dentistry. He attended the University of Alabama-Birmingham,
School of Public Health and holds a master’s of Public Health degree from the University
of Illinois-Chicago, School of Public Health.
26
Bellini’s Restaurant
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Chick-fil-A
Churchill Downs
Cincinnati Reds
Crossfit Maximus
Embassy Suites
Firehouse Subs
Scott Fitzpatrick
Four Roses Distillery
Graeter’s Ice Cream
Greenbrier Golf & Country Club
Hananoki Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
Hilton Lexington Downtown
Hyatt Regency Lexington
Joe Bologna’s
Joseph-Beth Bookstore
Keeneland
Kentucky Horse Park
Christine Levitt
Massage Envy
Dr. Tom McConnell
National Corvette Museum
Old Kentucky Chocolates
Prive’ Med Spa
Puccini’s Smiling Teeth
Raising Cane
Jeremy Reiss
Savane’ Silver
Sutton’s Restaurant
Tempur-Pedic
Two Chicks & Co.
UK Federal Credit Union
University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
University of Kentucky Marketing
Willett Distillery
The College hosted a reception for alumni and friends at the Hinman meeting in
Atlanta on March 22. Thank you to everyone who stopped by. From left to right,
Karen Parvin (’05), Kelly Dingrando (’05), Kristy Pepper (’05), and Charis Brooks (’12).
AlumniSPOTLIGHT
We continue the celebration of our 50th anniversary with
an alumni spotlight on Dr. Benjamin W. Nero ‘67. Accepted into
our second class in 1963, Dr. Nero was the first African American
graduate of the UK College of Dentistry. With more than 40
years as a practicing orthodontist, he has accomplished much
since his humble beginnings in
Greenwood, Mississippi.
“I grew up on the
family farm that my grandfather
bought, shortly after he was freed
from slavery,” said Dr. Nero. “I
graduated from a segregated
high school. We didn’t have
nearly as much as students at the
all-white school when it came
to supplies and equipment, but
what we did have was a stellar
group of devoted teachers. A
good number of those at my
school went on to earn graduate
degrees and distinguished
themselves in various careers.”
Dr. Nero excelled not
only in the classroom, but also
on the gridiron where he was
quarterback of the state finalist Broad Street High School Tigers.
Strangely enough, his involvement in football helped lead him to his
lifelong career.
“I first gained an interest in dentistry by talking to one of
my former high school football coaches who left coaching and went
to dental school. He was doing quite well and was highly regarded
in his community.”
His academic and athletic success led him to Tougaloo
College for one year before he transferred to Kentucky State College
(now University). He quarterbacked the team, completed a degree
in biology with minors in chemistry and English, and was active in
the civil rights movement.
“I participated in some sit-ins around Frankfort. While we
faced the usual threats of arrests or assaults, we escaped without harm
and I believe we made an impact in those difficult times.”
While at UKCD, Dr. Nero was influenced by many
outstanding faculty. “Dr. Sheldon Rovin, who was my advisor, took a
personal interest in me because I worked for him in Oral Pathology as
a histopathology technician in the year before I began dental school.
Drs. Harry Bohannon and Alvin Morris were always great encouragers
to me. Many others, including Dr. Stephen Dachi, Dr. James Little,
Dr. Thomas Mullaney and Dr. John Mink also supported me during
my years at UKCD.”
Upon graduation, Dr. Nero began a rotating internship at
Albert Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia in a three-year residency
in Orthodontics. While completing his residency, he took over the
orthodontic practice of the first African-American orthodontist
in Philadelphia—the late Knowlton Atterbeary—after his sudden
passing in 1970.
Dr. Nero is concerned that the number of African-Americans
pursuing careers in dentistry is on
the decline. “During my early years
in Philadelphia, we had sizeable
numbers of African-American
dental and medical students. But
in recent years, it has slowed down
considerably in part because of
the cost and also because so many
other professions are now open
to and attracting African-American graduates. African-American
specialists in dentistry are hard to find, probably for the same reasons.
It is unfortunate that I’ve found it difficult to find African-American
orthodontists to purchase any of the four practices I have had. “
During his accomplished career, Dr. Nero has served as
the second president of the New Era Dental Society of Philadelphia,
traveled to Haiti to provide dental care to island residents, and has
mentored many dental students and young dentists.
“Pursuing a career in dentistry has allowed me to support my
family and to give of my resources with those who are disadvantaged.
Having the opportunity to talk with my young patients about their
educational goals and career ambitions and sharing my background
with them has been tremendously rewarding. I’ve had three patients
who have gone on to finish dental school, and I am honored to think
that I provided some of the inspiration for them to pursue dentistry
as a career.”
A scholarship was established in 2010 to honor Dr. Nero and
Dr. Robert H. Biggerstaff, the first African-American faculty member
at UKCD. “I’m overwhelmingly grateful to the university for this
honor. It came as a true surprise to me and I’m sure that the funds
raised will be a true blessing to the students selected as recipients over
the years. I plan to continue to work and support this scholarship.”
Now semi-retired, Dr. Nero plans to continue to share
his knowledge and experience by joining the teaching staff in
orthodontics at Albert Einstein--returning to the institution where
he served his postgraduate internship and residency nearly thirty
years ago. He currently practices part-time in New Jersey and in his
spare time is an avid golfer. Dr. Nero is the proud father of one son,
Benjamin W. Nero II.
If you would like to support the Nero & Biggerstaff
Scholarship, please contact Scott Fitzpatrick at scott.fitzpatrick@uky.
edu or 859-323-6918.
27
Remembering Mark Thomas
By Craig Miller, DMD (’82)
We all loved Mark, and I feel we were brothers
of different but similar mothers. He and I grew
up in Louisville, just a few blocks from each
other. Both as children of the 50’s and 60’s
in the Seneca school district. Both growing
up with mothers who were teachers during
a time when learning and exploration was
encouraged; during an era of “live and let live.”
Experiences with his father and uncle’s tool
and die business led to his hands-on and fix
it mentality, and experiences with his artistic
aunt layered his being with creativity and
became the inspiration for the Sausalito study
club later in life. His understanding for human
suffering was developed from his experiences
with the U.S. Navy in Vietnam as part of the
medical rescue and evacuation efforts.
Mark was one of the smartest people I knew.
As a first year dental student, I remember
the talk in the school was about the “perfect
score” on National Boards that was obtained
by Mark. His intellect was honed from his
many mentors here at the College of Dentistry,
during the enlightened age of the 70’s and early
80’s. Yes, Mark was smart, a virtual walking
Wikipedia of knowledge, but not black and
white in his presentation. Instead, Mark
voiced knowledge in a humble and humorous
way, and he understood the importance of
grey – that is the nuances of interpretation of
facts and rules. Knowledge flowed through
Mark’s veins, and invigorated his life and the
others around him.
Mark was known to be quite the speaker and
an impish entertainer. Given the opportunity
to share knowledge, time was irrelevant to
Mark. Information emanated, simultaneously
humility was expressed, and humor crept into
the discussion. I believe Mark was the Mark
Twain of dentistry for our time. He was a
story-teller and a narrator; someone who
28
could weave numerous interesting events
around a single point of intention. Although
I heard not a story of the “Celebrated Jumping
Frog of Calaveras County,” I heard equally
entertaining and descriptive stories of travels,
adventures and of Ms. Turnip – each putting
a smile on our faces.
More than once in the undergraduate dental
clinic, I witnessed an ever-expanding line of
students waiting for Mark to examine their
patient. And the length of the line never
bothered Mark. He often told me at these
moments in his soothing and confident voice,
and with a twinkle in his eye as well a sweeping
hand, “These students are in this line, because
they all want to drink from the fountain of
knowledge.”
Our Mark Twain, our fountain of knowledge,
our time irrelevant friend was one of the
few people I knew who could disagree with
you without getting emotional. He enjoyed
endless discussions of different points of
view, and always took time to share. Mark
enjoyed an intellectual discussion, and when
you were able to get in words edge-wise, he
respected your opinion. Like Mark Twain,
Mark V. Thomas grew up in the Midwest
whose mothers were Kentuckians, apprenticed
with relatives who enjoyed day labor, and
traveled as a young adult on water on boats. He
achieved great success as a speaker and writer,
and was popular with the dental community
and his family. Mark was a true educator
and academician, and much can be learned
from Mark’s life. His giving personality was
evident on all levels. He was an advocate of
knowledge, fairness, intellectual debate and
living in the present. We will all miss Mark
and what he offered to each and every one of
us. His passing on Father’s day serves as a
strong reminder of what fathers such as Mark
bring to our very existence.
Since Mark Thomas passed away
more than a year ago, many alumni
and friends have expressed an interest
in contributing toward something at
the college that would permanently
honor his memory and the lasting
impact he has left on UKCD and its
graduates.
Eight years ago, Dr. Thomas had
the vision to launch a drive to endow
a professorship in periodontology
and oral health research, named
for UKCD alumnus J. Gary Maynard.
$700,000 had been raised toward the
required $1 million endowment level,
and Dr. Thomas was preparing to relaunch the campaign to raise the final
$300,000.
To honor not only Dr. Thomas’
legacy, but also his vision to have this
endowed professorship at UKCD, we
are pleased to announce that the fund
will be re-named the J. Gary Maynard
and Mark Thomas Professorship in
Periodontology and Oral Health
Research. This has been done with the
blessing and support of Sally Maynard,
widow of J. Gary Maynard.
If you wish to suppor t the
Maynard/Thomas Professorship,
please contact Scott Fitzpatrick at
[email protected] or call
859-323-6918.
Mark Your Calendars Now!
UK College of Dentistry
2013 Fall Symposium
and Alumni Weekend
October 3-6, 2013
Make plans now to attend the 37th Annual
Fall Symposium and Alumni Weekend.
Weekend events include a Thursday night
Young Alumni Reception for the classes of
2003 through 2013, Friday and Saturday
morning CE courses, Keeneland, Reception,
Dinner, Dash for Dan 5K, Football Watch
Party and a Sunday farewell brunch.
Hotel reservations at the Hilton Lexington/
Downtown may now be made by calling 877539-1648 before the cut-off date of September
18. When making reservations, please refer
to the group code UKDENT.
We will be honoring the classes of 1968, 1973,
1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008.
All alumni are invited to attend. More
information about specific events and ticket
purchases will follow.
College of Dentistry
Office of Alumni Affairs
University of Kentucky
College of Dentistry
138 Leader Avenue
Lexington, KY 40506-9983
UKCD Former and Current Deans: Dr. David Nash (1987-1997), Dr. Al Morris (1961-1968),
Dr. Emmett Costich (1986-1987), and Dr. Sharon Turner (2003-present)
Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage Paid
Lexington, KY
Permit 51