Lenora Colaruotolo, LMSW, Wins URMC Excellence Award

Lenora Colaruotolo’s title is Senior Social Worker, but she takes on many different jobs:  educator, pioneer, advocate, mentor, diplomat, and fundraiser.

Anyone who knows her will say she’s easy to talk to and quickly earns your trust and confidence–and that she’s compassionate, resourceful, dedicated, insightful,  professional, and very persistent.

“She just doesn’t give up,” said URMC’s chief social worker, Mardy Sandler. “She knows what’s right for the patient and tenaciously pursues it.”

One recent example was a 4-year old boy with severe decay on more than half his teeth, several of which were decayed into the nerve of the tooth, causing pain and infection, and making it difficult to chew.  Denied twice by insurance for treatment in the operating room, Lenora stepped in to facilitate an appeal, and for months, worked closely with the boy’s family, EIOH pediatric dentists, his pediatrician, day care providers, the URMC medical director, legal counsel and even the New York State Attorney General’s office. Lenora simultaneously researched other options to cover this child’s treatment in case the appeal was also denied.  But her persistence paid off. The appeal was approved, and the child was treated successfully. Today he is a thriving, healthy youngster.

For the last eight years, Lenora has worked diligently to help countless kids like him and to improve the oral health of our area’s low income residents. Because she understands the detrimental effects of untreated dental disease, she is passionate about developing innovative approaches to ensure that patients have access to preventive dental care, while at the same time educating patients and providers about the importance of prevention and eliminating barriers to care.

“Lenora epitomizes the values that have shaped our mission and our community service since George Eastman established Eastman Dental almost 100 years ago,” said Cyril Meyerowitz, DDS, director of Eastman Institute for Oral Health. “Lenora consistently demonstrates how social work has become a valuable asset to the services we provide.”

“Lenora has made significant contributions to the Pediatric Dentistry Division,” said Robert J. Berkowitz, DDS , professor and chair, Pediatric Dentistry, EIOH.  “Her educational programs and case consults for the residents, staff and faculty concerning child abuse, child neglect and domestic violence has substantially raised the division’s level of the awareness, sensitivity, and response to these issues.”

“Her manner with patients is so caring and compassionate that she has successfully revealed information that other clinicians rarely uncover,” added David Levy, DDS, faculty member in Pediatric Dentistry and EIOH chief quality officer and medical director.  “Her skills in this area have helped faculty and residents understand and appreciate patients and their circumstances in a wider social context.”

Lenora is an integral part of the craniofacial team, and treats patients like family. Patients with craniofacial disorders oftentimes require several surgeries from infancy through adulthood, so her interaction with them spans many years.

“Lenora is a compassionate supporter of our patients and their families as they navigate the complex health care environment and seek multidisciplinary care,” said John Girotto, MD, director of the Golisano Children’s Hospital Cleft and Craniofacial Anomalies Center.  “For patients, finding the financial and support resources can be difficult across many government and local agencies. Whether it is the contact information for home nursing support, respite care for a stressed family, or the money to buy a patient Christmas presents, Lenora strives to ensure that no child has to ‘go it alone.’”

Jeffrey Karp, DMD, program director for Pediatric Dentistry, couldn’t agree more. “Her experience, work ethic, and commitment to advocacy for our patients allow us to provide interdisciplinary services despite numerous barriers to care in many situations.”After realizing that the unmet needs of dental patients prevented them from getting care, Lenora was among those who established Sponsor- a -Smile, an ongoing hardship fund that to date has raised more than $9,000. The funds help pay for dental expenses that insurance doesn’t cover, fill prescriptions, and help with transportation costs.  Sponsor-a-Smile also contributes to improving the overall dental experience, enhance socialization and literacy for young patients through purchasing play equipment, age appropriate reading material and music to reduce anxiety during procedures.

“Even with limited time, Lenora believes it’s important to invest in the future, and always mentors a  social worker intern, helps students with their research projects and provides great training for our future social workers,” added Sandler.  She’s also seen year-round at health fairs to help educate patients and parents of at-risk children.

Lenora has become involved in quality of life dental issues for patients who have finished their cancer treatment, like 33-year old Marguerite Guido, who was in frail health, experiencing much pain, was new to town and had few resources.

“Words cannot capture what is in my heart about Lenora,” Guido said. “Lenora is a woman whose genuine love for people is seen in all that she does.  Her knowledge, professionalism, and compassion are beyond anything I can describe…to me and my family she has been a true blessing.”

Posted in Community Dentistry, Craniofacial disorders, Craniofacial team Univeristy of Rochester, Dental Care for the Indigent, Dentistry Awards, Eastman Dental Center, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Patient Care, Pediatric Dentistry, Social Work Dentistry | Leave a comment

Golisano Foundation and Eastman Institute Partner to Help People with Developmental Disabilities

The B. Thomas Golisano Foundation and Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester Medical Center today announced a partnership to address the unmet oral health needs of people with developmental disabilities in the Rochester area.

While it is widely known that there is a critical lack of trained and experienced dental providers to work with people with developmental disabilities, no concrete data exists related to the extent and type of unmet need for the estimated 135,000 New Yorkers affected.

A newly formed community taskforce of experts will, for the first time ever, engage the community and help in the process of gathering reliable data in Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans and Wayne counties to determine the areas of significant need, clarify available resources, identify gaps and barriers for meeting needs, and develop realistic and practical recommendations to improve this complex situation.

The taskforce is led by Cyril Meyerowitz, D.D.S., director of Eastman Institute for Oral Health, which treats hundreds of patients with developmental disabilities and is the safety net provider for underserved populations. Other members include Project Coordinator Larry Belle, Ph.D., representatives from EIOH and the UR Medical Center, Rochester General Hospital, Finger Lakes Developmental Disabilities Services Office, CP Rochester, community service providers, parent advocates, dentists and dental hygienists. The taskforce will call upon national experts including Paul Glassman, D.D.S., director of Community Oral Health at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in California, and Steve Perlman, D.D.S., senior global clinical advisor and founder, Special Olympics Special Smiles and professor of Pediatric Dentistry at Boston University School of Dental Medicine.

“Dental care is frequently cited one of the leading unmet healthcare need among individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities,” said Ann Costello, director of the Golisano Foundation, which is funding the study. “This project is a critical first step toward improving oral health care for these individuals in our region. We know anecdotally that this is a longstanding problem so we are rolling up our sleeves to expedite this process. We have the right people around the table who can help us determine how best to proceed to improve access and availability of care. We’ll look forward to seeing the results of the task force and how we can address their recommendations.”

Several factors contribute to the poor oral health and hygiene of people with developmental disabilities, including physical limitations, complex medical conditions, behavioral issues, and increased incidence of early decay. Other challenges arise due to access, transportation, insurance, and the small number of available dentists who can accommodate the unique needs of this population.

A project website– www.urmc.rochester.edu/dentistry/developmental-disabilities/ has been established. Family members, caregivers, group home staff, medical and dental providers are encouraged to visit to provide input, and join the discussion about how to break down barriers and find ways to improve oral health care for people with developmental disabilities in our area.

“It’s estimated that 80 percent of adults with developmental disabilities now live in group homes, and the issues around measuring and tracking how patients receive care have become very complex and multi-layered,” said Meyerowitz. EIOH treats hundreds of patients with developmental disabilities and is the safety net provider for underserved populations “The website will serve as a central portal for stakeholders to provide critical information, as well as find resources and share ideas.”

By summertime, the task force will have formed recommendations that will be used to seek support from state and federal agencies and foundations for launching a program designed to significantly improve the oral health services available to all people with developmental disabilities.

The B. Thomas Golisano Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the nation devoted exclusively to supporting programs for people with developmental disabilities so that they may achieve their maximum potentials by integrating independence, self-determination, and productivity into all facets of their lives.

Eastman Institute for Oral Health is a world leader in research and post-doctoral education in general and pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics and oral surgery. Patients are seen at many sites throughout the Rochester community.

Posted in Cyril Meyerowitz, Dental care for developmentally disabled, Eastman Dental Center, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Golisano Foundation | Leave a comment

Dentistry Participates in Annual Safe Crib Distribution

Even though cribs are a necessity for infants and toddlers, good, safe, affordable cribs can be very hard to come by for needy families.

Eastman Institute for Oral Health social work, pediatric and general dentistry staff recently participated at a local event to help address that problem.  Seventy-five cribs, mattresses and crib sheets were given to pre-screened families through participation in prenatal and parenting outreach programs.  During the annual Safe Crib and Car Seat Project distribution, pregnant women were given the opportunity to learn about child safety and other issues including oral health and breast feeding.

The Safe Crib and Car Seat Project (SCCSP) is one of only two groups in the country dedicated to giving safe cribs and car seats to needy families. In just two hours, SCCSP gave  away 75 cribs, mattresses and crib sheets to pre-screened families through participating outreach programs.

Social Worker Lenora A. Colaruotolo, Social Work intern Carly Kalavrouziotis, pediatric dentistry residents Drs. Karine Nadeau and Cynthia Wong, and general dentistry resident Dr. Javier Cortex were available to help these soon-to-be moms understand the critical importance of good oral health for themselves and their babies.

Along with providing hygiene products, educational materials, and referral information for families without a dental home, Eastman Institute for Oral Health professionals counseled the women on how brushing, flossing, eating healthy foods, and getting dental checkups and treatment will help keep them and their baby healthy.  They also learned how they can best take care of their baby’s gums and teeth, along with giving their baby healthy foods, and taking their baby to the dentist by his or her first birthday.

“Families were engaged, appreciative, and asked good questions,” Colaruotolo said, “they have a sincere interest in giving their children the best possible start in life and a healthy smile.”

Posted in Community Dentistry, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Pediatric Dentistry, Social Work Dentistry | Leave a comment

URMC’s Friends of Strong Award Funds to Department of Dentistry

The University of Rochester Medical Center’s Friends of Strong Council has awarded $21,650 to the Department of Dentistry.

The funds were used to purchase a Stryker surgical drill which is used to extract teeth.

“We are delighted to accept this generous gift,” said Lee Pollan, D.M.D., M.S, chair of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Division. “This additional equipment allows us to accommodate our patients by significantly reducing the wait time to have a procedure done, and allows us to treat an additional 1,500 people a year.”

The Friends of Strong Council has been a steadfast supporter of the Department of Dentistry, and has donated funds each year, allowing them to update equipment and increasingly improve service to patients.

The Department of Dentistry at Strong Memorial Hospital, part of the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, includes oral health services to inpatients, services to patients with developmental disabilities, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Posted in Eastman Dental Center, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Friends of Strong, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Tagged | Leave a comment

Gajendra Named Clinical Chief of Community Dentistry for Eastman Dental

Sangeeta Gajendra, D.D.S, M.P.H., of Penfield, has been named clinical chief of Community Dentistry for Eastman Dental, part of the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

In this role, she has responsibility for all clinical, human resources, and financial oversight of Eastman Dental’s outreach sites including the SMILEmobile program, which provides care to thousands of children at 16 city schools throughout the year.

Sangeeta Gajendra, DDS, MPH

She speaks frequently at dental association meetings about her published research, including oral effects of smoking, oral health in patients with AIDS, the oral health status of children in foster care, and other dental public health related topics.

Gajendra won the Basil G. Bibby Award for Outstanding Scientific Merit from the Rochester Section of the American Association of Dental Research and a Certificate of Award for Outstanding Contributions in Genetics, Newborn Screening, SIDS and Oral Health from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Gajendra completed her dental degree at the A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences in India, her M.P.H. from University of Illinois at Springfield in 2001 and the requirements for the dental public health residency in the New York State Department of Health in Albany in 2002.  In 2005, she graduated from the International Postdoctoral Program in General Dentistry at Eastman Dental and was appointed assistant professor in Community Dentistry and Oral Disease Prevention. She is board certified in dental public health, and expects to earn an M.S. in Medical Management at the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester next year.

Eastman Institute for Oral Health is a world leader in research and post-doctoral education in general and pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics and oral surgery. Patients are seen at many sites throughout the Rochester community.

Posted in Community Dentistry, Eastman Dental Center, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Faculty, Research | Leave a comment

Social Work and Pediatric Dentistry: A Research Partnership

Kiran Ranganath, an Eastman Dental Pediatric Dentistry Resident, works closely with Social Work.  Dr. Ranganath, who has always had an interest in public health, collaborated with Social Work on two research projects, one while an AEGD resident and the other during his Pediatric residency.  Dr. Ranganath utilized data from a Social Work grant funded project, The Dental Home for Children Project, for his research.  Both projects resulted in presentations at the Rochester Section AADR; and one was accepted for presentation at the annual National Oral Health Conference in April 2010. 

Why is the social work component important in dentistry?
Many of the patients we serve have psychosocial issues and challenges that can be a detriment to health care.  I consult with Social Work when treating patients who miss appointments yet have untreated dental disease, or who do not have insurance, or who struggle with family issues, systems issues, and barriers to care, such as unreliable transportation, insufficient food, shelter, or clothing, and cultural or language differences.

Eastman Dental’s Social Worker collaborates with residents to address and ultimately help close the gaps in patient care.  In addition, I partnered with Social Work for both of my research projects.

How did you become interested in dentistry?
There was not much awareness of dentistry in India where I grew up.  Unfortunately, I needed some dental work as a child.  When visiting the dentist, I was fascinated by the gadgets.  And I enjoyed my dentist’s personality and looked forward to oral health care appointments.  I wondered why the other children were afraid to visit the dentist.  I still am in contact with the dentist who performed my first root canal on one of my primary molars when I was a child.  He became a family friend and was so influential during my early years, that I decided early on that I wanted to become a dentist.  I attended Dental School in a rural town named Bijapur, in India.  We have many medical doctors in my family; I am the first dentist, and the only dentist to date.

Why do you want to be a pediatric dentist?
As a Dental Health Resident at NYS DOH Bureau of Dental Health, I had the opportunity to make site visits to school-based dental sealant programs, and to work on the NYS Oral Health Plan, as well as Oral Health Guidelines for Pregnant Women and Children.  I recognized the existence of oral health disparities and the need for, yet lack of providers to treat children.  Following my two year program, during my AEGD residency at Eastman, I worked at the school-based community dental clinic at School #17, providing dental care to both adults and children.  I found that working with children was very rewarding.  I was able to educate families and focus on prevention.  Treating children was enjoyable and helped me realize that I wanted to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry.

Describe your experience with Eastman Dental.
I feel that our program is well rounded.  I have been exposed to the complexities of treating medically compromised children, and I have gained good clinical experience.  We have excellent faculty, and I always feel supported. Having an on-site Social Worker, along with skilled staff and a helpful administrator, has made working in Pediatric Dentistry a great experience.

What are your post-residency plans?
I have always been interested in serving the community and hope to become a faculty member of Community Dentistry and Oral Disease Prevention at Eastman Dental.

Posted in AEGD, Community Dentistry, Eastman Dental Center, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Pediatric Dentistry, Social Work Dentistry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Dr. Calnon Becomes ADA President

William R. Calnon, D.D.S.

University of Rochester alumnus and Spencerport resident William R. Calnon, D.D.S., has been installed as president of the American Dental Association, the nation’s largest dental association representing more than 156,000 dentist members. 

Calnon is the first from Upstate New York to be named ADA president since 1899, when Harvey J. Burkhart, who later became the Rochester Dental Dispensary’s first director, served. Calnon was inducted during the ADA’s 152nd Annual Session in Las Vegas.

“It is a great honor,” said Calnon, “to serve as president of America’s leading advocate for oral health. We will focus on raising public awareness of the important relationship between oral health and overall health, as well as address a growing faculty shortage, collaboration between the dental and medical communities, access to care, and improving oral health literacy and prevention strategies.”

Calnon is also president of the Eastman Dental Center Foundation Board. “In this role, Bill has had a first-hand view of the many challenges dental academic centers face,” said Cyril Meyerowitz, D.D.S., M.S., director of Eastman Institute for Oral Health, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center. “This understanding will serve him well as he addresses dental education issues during his presidency.”

Calnon’s service with the ADA has been extensive. He recently completed a four-year term as a trustee on the ADA Board representing New York.  He also served as a leadership representative at the 2010 National Summit on Diversity in Dentistry, was a member of the Council on Dental Practice, and served on key committees and subcommittees, including one on ergonomics and disability support services.

He is past president of the New York State Dental Association, the Seventh District Dental Society and Monroe County Dental Society. In addition, he is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Calnon graduated magna cum laude from the State University of New York (SUNY) college of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University and received his dental degree from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (UB Dental) in 1978. He completed his General Practice Residency in 1979 at what is now the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester Medical Center. 

Calnon lives in Spencerport, and is a partner in Calnon & Cilano, DDS, PC, a general dentistry practice in Chili. He and his wife Mary Kay have two sons, Christopher, a dentist, and Timothy, who is in his third year at UB Dental.

 The ADA is the premier source of oral health information. The monthly Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA’s flagship publication and the best read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit the www.ada.org.

Eastman Institute for Oral Health is a world leader in research and post-doctoral education in general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, Periodontics, prosthodontics and oral surgery. Patients are seen at many sites throughout the Rochester community.

Posted in Community Dentistry, Cyril Meyerowitz, Eastman Dental Center, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Faculty, Patient Care | Leave a comment

Levy Appointed to Lead Quality Office at Eastman Dental

David Levy, D.M.D., M.S., of Irondequoit, has been appointed chief quality officer and Article 28 medical director for Eastman Dental, part of Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

In this new role, Levy works with quality assessment and improvement issues, review and resolution of patient concerns, compliance with local, state and federal regulations in billing, safety, and infection control.

Levy received his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1972, completed his Pediatric Dentistry Residency at Eastman Dental in 1977, and received his M.S. in Community Health from the University of Rochester in 1981.

David Levy, D.M.D.

An active faculty member in Eastman Dental’s Pediatric Dentistry for the past 30 years, Levy has received the Part-time Faculty Award twice, and most recently won the prestigious Iranpour Faculty Award for demonstrating sustained excellence in clinical education. He is a partner in a group private practice in Irondequoit, and is a member of American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, Monroe County Dental Society, and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Posted in Eastman Dental Center, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Faculty, Pediatric Dentistry | Leave a comment

Residents and Faculty Awarded for Clinical and Research Excellence

Eastman Institute for Oral Health residents and faculty members were recently recognized for their commitment, dedication and stellar performance:

The Rochester Section of the American Association for Dental Research presented two awards: the Basil G. Bibby Award to Thomas Nguyen, for his outstanding scientific merit among oral presentations by non-degree candidates, and the W.H. Bowen Award to Megan Falsetta, for outstanding scientific merit among oral and poster presentations in Ph.D. or postdoctoral programs.

Ronald Bellohusen, DMD, MS, clinical associate professor in Orthodontics, and Aldis Zuika, DDS, clinical instructor in General Dentistry, both earned the Part-time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching.  They have both exhibited their leadership and dedication to postgraduate education, and have consistently provided an overall positive impact on student learning.

Xiuxin Liu, an Advanced Education in General Dentistry resident, won the Bibby Fellowship Fund for Excellence Award , given to a resident who plans to contribute to the academic and research arena, and has written a comprehensive research proposal.  The award honors Basil G. Bibby, the second director of Eastman Dental Dispensary, who supported and encouraged young people to advance their education, fostered in-depth thinking and translational research.

The Shaffer-Devries Award was given to Marianne Frail, administrator for the Pediatric Dentistry Division, for her significant contributions and her demonstrated knowledge, skill and excellence in overall operations, communication, patient advocacy, ensuring high quality care and ethics.

The Handelman Award for Excellence was given to Abdulaziz Basha Hijazi, DDS, for his above and beyond performance and his demonstrated excellent clinical skills, leadership, initiative, ethics, communications skills.

Jack Caton, D.D.S., chair and program director, Periodontics Division, won the Iranpour Award for Excellence in Clinical Education for demonstrating sustained excellence in clinical education.

Catalina Morales won the New York State Dental Foundation Deans Award.

Posted in AEGD, American Association of Dental Research Rochester Chapter, Caton, Jack, Dental Faculty, Dentistry Awards, Eastman Dental Center, Eastman Institute for Oral Health, Jack Caton, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontology | 4 Comments

City School Students Thank Eastman Dental

Genell Johnson, a student teacher at School #2 and, an education major at St. John Fisher College, was planning a lesson on oral hygiene for her 9 and 10 year-old students and wondered whether Eastman Dental would be able to assist her.
Ms. Johnson discussed with EIOH Social Worker Lenora A. Colaruotolo how she wanted to demonstrate proper brushing technique given her observation that many of the children lacked good oral health care. Eastman Dental’s Pediatric Dentistry Division loaned its ever popular oversized tooth model and toothbrush for Johnson’s presentation.

“We also put together oral hygiene bags for the children with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and informational material about oral health care services available at Eastman Dental,” said Colaruotolo.

“The children thoroughly enjoyed the demonstration and asked good questions,” Johnson said. “I’m confident that the lesson will lead to increased tooth brushing and improved oral health care.”

When Ms. Johnson returned the models, she also dropped off a folder full of Thank You letters from the children.  “Hearing of the children’s excitement and reading their notes of appreciation, confirms our commitment to outreach activities dedicated to the promotion of good oral health,” said Colaruotolo.

 

 

Posted in Eastman Institute for Oral Health | 5 Comments