Health Ministry Provides Oral Health Screenings

In addition to worship, church is often the focal point for socialization and fellowship in many communities.  A new member of the Health Care Ministry at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, EIOH Urgent Care Dental Assistant Vera Graham was excited to integrate dental health into the regularly sponsored educational events and screenings focusing on both healing and health.

 Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Richard Douglass, Graham’s church has a long history of serving as a place where health professionals and lay people work together to keep people well, to empower and educate, to advocate for health and to care for people in need.

 Graham recently asked EIOH Social Worker Lenora A. Colaruotolo to help organize a dental screening at her church during Children’s Dental Health Month.  Graham also recruited Urgent Care’s James Burk, DDS, a General Practice Residency Program resident, Derval Clarke, DDS, Lead Dental Assistant Christie Washington-Rodriguez, Dental Assistant Manager Carletta Carter, along with Rachelle Smith, RDG at Unity, to complete oral health screens and provide dental health education and guidance for church members.

 Eastman Dental was pleased to contribute hygiene items and brochures.

 Graham reports the oral health screening event was well received.  Many children had dental exams and were given a Dental Health Certificate; some adults participated as well.

 “We are looking forward to planning another event during the coming months,” said Graham, who emphasized the important connection between dental and general health.

UR Students Promote Dental Awareness

Brandon McDonald, who just earned a UR bachelor’s degree in Public Health, along with Yasmin Mattar, who will graduate next year with a UR bachelor’s degree in Molecular Genetics and Visual and Performance Art, won recognition from the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) for their leadership and action in the dental field.

After writing to the university’s leadership requesting that an annual Dental Awareness Week be held on the UR campus, they produced a video explaining their reasons (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7EcNEg1pbA ).  They talked about a general lack of access to oral health care for many Americans,  a low awareness on the UR campus, not only about the importance of oral health, but their low rate of seeing a dentist and flossing.  McDonald and Mattar started a few efforts on campus, including gathering student signatures in support of Dental Awareness Week, meeting with the Dean of Students and making a giant gold tooth sculpture to display on campus. 

The amount of people who do not value their dental hygiene due to ignorance or inaccessibility is what attracts McDonald to dentistry and spent time at Eastman Dental last year, which had a positive impact on him.

 ”I spent a great deal of time with Clare Shaffer, developing a deeper understanding for the etiology of dental caries,” the Rochester, NY native said. “I shadowed Dr. Levy and engaged dental residents while witnessing a typical day in pediatric dentistry.”

 “The fact that many people do not properly care for their teeth worries me, especially because of the consequences that stem from improper oral health,” added McDonald, who developed a deeper understanding of detrimental oral care practices during an internship at Cleveland Clinic.

 “My time there changed my outlook on oral health and the many different ways to address the oral health problems in lower-income areas,” McDonald said.  “I wish to dedicate my career to the community by attacking the problems from the front line.  I will aid in the battle to change the way oral health is viewed by understanding the dilemmas low-income people face.”

Mattar, of Philadelphia, PA, has always tapped into her creative side as her way of learning, and dentistry is no exception.

After participating in a Pre-Dental Enrichment Program when she was in high school, she knew it was a good fit.

“Dentistry will allow me to use my hands in a creative way while still helping people,” said Mattar, who made the giant gold tooth.  “I’ve never been so driven about something to the point wher everything I do in life, I try to relate it to dentistry…whether it be an ordinary conversation with friends or family, creating art, or public health.”

 When Mattar graduates, she will continue to dental school to earn a dental degree and a master’s in public health.

Dental Assistant Shares Experience on Spider Man 2 Set

Nova Jay Monett, a dental assistant at Eastman Dental School #17, may soon trade his

Eastman Dental’s Nova Monett on the set of Spider Man 2.

dental mirror for sunglasses and a new swag after Spiderman 2 hits the big screen.  Monett, who has worked at Eastman Dental for about five years, was hired as an extra for the movie, but wasn’t allowed to talk about it until the filming in Rochester was complete.

Q. Are you an aspiring actor?

A.  LOL No…growing up I thought acting would be awesome, but I think I was more interested in the fame. In middle school I took drama classes because I once wanted to be an actor but at the time I didn’t see the sense in memorizing pages of dialect when I had math, biology and other subject to study for. I was a real minimalist when it came to school, I just wanted to do what was needed to move on to the next grade, no more no less lol.

Q. Why did you audition for the movie?

A.  Dr. Gajendra knows how much of a comic book nerd I was growing up and  told me about the auditions.  I started thinking about how cool it would be to be in a movie and not just any movie, this was Spider-Man 2.  How many people can tell their kids they were in the new Spider-Man movie? I can now, it’s too bad the movie won’t be out for another year but my two daughters are excited!

Q. What is your role?

A. I play the role of a New York City construction worker. I submitted my picture with age, weight, build and car make and model, because the part was for drivers as well. When they told me I’d be a construction worker I figured it was my build. LOL. The other actors that were cast as construction workers also have an athletic build.

Q. Were you paid or was it volunteer work?

A.  I would have gladly did it for free because it’s Spider-Man 2 !!  I’m such a fan!!! Lol. Being paid is just an extra added bonus.

Q. Describe the experience

A.  The first 3 days were fun and exciting but the 4th and 5th day really started to feel like “work”! It felt like a regular job, you’re on your feet for long hours and you work long hours. It’s definitely been an experience, but a great experience.

Q. Did you assess people’s oral health in between takes? 

A. LOL.  No, but because I’ve been a dental assistant for so long I have a habit of glancing at people’s teeth when they are talking. Lol

 Q.  After this experience, will there be more acting and less dentistry in your future?

A.  No, I would love to be an actor or an extra but it’s not really a job for a family person, you’re always traveling and away for long days. I have two beautiful girls at home that like to see me, they also want to see their daddy in Spider-Man .  LOL.  Maybe this will jump start their dreams to want to grow up and be actresses.

Eli Eliav Named Director of Eastman Institute for Oral Health

Dr. Eli Eliav becomes EIOH director Sept. 1.

Eli Eliav, D.M.D., M.Sc., Ph.D., has been named director of the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester Medical Center and vice dean for Oral Health within the School of Medicine and Dentistry. A widely published expert in oral medicine and orofacial pain, Eliav has been serving as the chair of the Department of Diagnostic Sciences, director of the Center for Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain, and is the Carmel Endowed chair in Algesiology at the New Jersey Dental School, part of University of Medicine and Dentistry at New Jersey.

“Dr. Eliav’s demonstrated leadership abilities, combined with his extensive academic, clinical and research experience make him a perfect fit to lead the entire oral health enterprise within the medical center,” said Bradford C. Berk, M.D., Ph.D., chief executive officer of the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Among many career highlights, Eliav has a longstanding history for gaining support from National Institutes of Health, as well as funding for industry research and service grants. He has served on the editorial and scientific boards for several major journals, presently serving as editor-in-chief of Quintessence International, which provides vital information and special reports on clinical and research advances related to all dentistry disciplines.

“When I was a resident in Jerusalem in the early ‘90’s, I heard great things about Eastman and its excellence in postgraduate education, research and clinical care,” said Eliav. “I would have never believed it if someone told me then that one day I would be director of this fine institution. I’m excited about what the future holds for Eastman Institute and the Medical Center.”

Eliav earned his dental and post graduate degrees and completed his residency training in Oral Medicine at Hebrew University in his native Israel. He then completed a research fellowship at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research related to pain and neurosensory mechanisms. He joined the New Jersey Dental School as an associate professor in 2004.

“Eli’s career path as an academician, researcher and clinician make him an outstanding choice to continue the momentum that the Eastman Institute for Oral Health has gained through its recent clinical re-engineering initiative and other efforts to expand and enhance its education, clinical and research programs,” said Mark B. Taubman, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, who served as chair of the search committee.

“The blend of teaching, research and clinical components with Eastman Institute presents unique challenges, and Dr. Eliav has addressed them by offering a solid vision for Eastman, with some innovative and exciting ideas to maximize our potential in all three areas,” said William Calnon, D.D.S., acting EIOH director and president of the Eastman Dental Center Foundation Board.

Eliav begins September 1.

Ortho Resident Ages 50+ years in Minutes

Kirk Round, DMD, and what he could look like with advanced age

      A 33-year-old orthodontic resident from Litchfield, CT watched himself age some 50+ years during a special presentation in his Craniofacial Growth & Development class last week.
      Assistant Professor and Orthodontist Michael Spoon, DDS, invited world-renowned sculptor Phillipe Faraut to demonstrate how one’s face changes with age, an important consideration before removing teeth or changing jaw position.
Before the class began, Faraut picked first-year resident Kirk Round, DMD, from the audience, to serve as his model.
      “I was excited for class that morning, and was all ready to sit back with my cup of coffee and watch,” Round said. “Little did I know…”
       During the next 45 minutes Faraut sculpted Round’s face from clay, as he quipped and answered audience questions. He explained he would make Round a little younger initially before he started aging him.
       The audience learned that ligaments attached to the facial bones extend and soften with age; that there are small compartments of fat in the face, which move and shift over time. The cartilage in the nose grows with age, lips thin, and ears will actually get bigger and longer.
      “Skin is the heaviest tissue in the body, so therefore, more affected by gravity,” Faraut said.
     “How do men and women age differently?” asked one resident.
     “Women don’t age,” Faraut said without hesitation, greeted by audience laughter and applause.
       Spoon said he wanted his class of future orthodontists to understand that the outcome can be very different with the same procedure when working on young teen vs. an adult whose lip may drape differently over teeth, or who is missing teeth, which affects the facial bones and cheeks.
     “The experience served to show immediately what will happen to the face, which orthodontists study in depth but never get a chance to see in fast forward,” Round said after class. “Above all, the experience was a chance to see what the non-orthodontists in the room concentrated on, and how they reacted. Usually they are biased in our office when talking about facial changes as it is either their own, or their child’s.”
      After looking at the finished product–a much older version of himself—Round said he could live with that outcome.
      “None of the changes he made shocked me,” said Round, “until he said ‘…and then when you lose your teeth…’ which is anathema to how any dentist sees himself in the future. But after it was finished,” he added with a smile, “I’m hopeful that he aged me not just 50 years, but around 80 years.”

This Patient Appreciates Dentist’s Approach

Scott Davis recently attended the luncheon held to honor this year’s recipients of the Golisano Foundation Leadership Award, where two Eastman Dental dentists, Dr. Maricelle Abayon and Dr. Lisa DeLucia were honored for their leadership in providing services to people with intellectual differences.

It turns out that Davis is a patient at Eastman Dental.

“When I come, everything is wonderful at Eastman,” Davis said. “It starts with the staff  who greet you, then it goes to the assistant before the doctor comes in…everyone is very warm and friendly.”

Davis started coming to Eastman Dental because the location was more convenient.  But when he met his dentist, Dr. Linda Rasubala, he knew he found a dental home.

“She is very gentle with her patients, and explains step by step what she would do next,” he said.

Davis really appreciates that Dr. Rasubala takes the time to explain what she’s doing.  He doesn’t feel that way because of his blindness, but because he thinks it’s important to communicate with your patient no matter what, especially when so many people are generally uncomfortable or fearful in a dental chair.

“Some dentists I’ve had in the past would just do what they needed to do, and I didn’t like not knowing,” he added.

When Davis isn’t working some 30 hours a week at the ABVI Goodwill on South Clinton, he’s active supporting the Pro Life movement, a cause near and dear to his heart.  Davis is primarily Catholic, but he is an appointed deacon at Reformation Lutheran ELCA church.

Davis, who is 40 years old, said he refers to birthdays as ‘target’ days.

“Sometimes we get off the trail, and birthdays are a good time to get back on target and to think about where I have missed the mark,” he explained.  “It’s an opportunity to align yourself.”

Inaugural Meeting of the Dental Practice Based Research Network in the Northeast

The Northeast Region of the National Dental Practice Based Research Network invites you to the 2013 Inaugural Meeting

Connect with national experts and colleagues  to discuss results and provide input on upcoming studies that directly impact your daily practice

Dates:
March 15 – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
March 16 – 7:45 am – 4:00 pm

Location:
Del Monte Lodge Hotel and Spa and,
Eastman Institute for Oral Health University of Rochester Medical Center

Register online or call 585-273-5272

Keynotes and Group Discussions

• History and Future:  NIDCR-Sponsored  Practice-Based Research Networks
  Donald DeNucci, DDS, MS
  Dena Fischer, DDS, MSD, MS
• The Nation’s Network: Its Functioning and Future Research
  Gregg Gilbert, DDS,  MBA, FAAHD, FICD
• What Clinical Questions Can Become National Dental PBRN Research Questions?
• How Will a Study from the PBRN Fit into Daily Practice?
• Past Practice-Based Research-Direct from Practitioners
  Replacement or repair of dental restorations
  Implant success and failures
  Outcomes of endodontic therapy in general practice

Who should attend?  National Dental PBRN practitioner-investigators, or other dentists and hygienists.

Priority is given to National Dental PBRN members enrolled in the network at the time of registration. Still need to enroll?

Visit NationalDentalPBRN.org to enroll for free.

Meeting attendance and one night hotel accommodations are free. Don’t delay. Space is limited. Register early but no later than February 15, 2013!

Questions? Email Kathy_Bohn@urmc.rochester.edu or call 585-273-5272

learn • discuss • network • collaborate