NEWSLETTER
Preparing Leaders with a Passion to Serve Inside this issue . . . Elizabeth City page 2 NLI Grant
page 3
Apple’s Picks page 4 Students
page 5
Schweitzer
page 6
Spotlight
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Spring/Summer 2013
Greetings!
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he biggest story the School of Dental Medicine has to tell is the development of the school itself, focusing on primary care in rural areas of North Carolina to improve oral health across the state. We welcomed our inaugural class of 52 students in 2011. Our second class of 52 students was admitted in 2012, and a third class has been selected to join us in August. The applicant pool has been very strong and includes students from across North Carolina with wide-ranging life experiences. All of our students are North Carolina residents. Second year students and faculty are now screening patients in Ross Hall, our teaching and clinical home on the ECU Health Sciences Campus. This is a particularly exciting time for the students as they begin to see the impact they will make on the health and well being of patients. Without advertising, we compiled a list of over 800 people seeking appointments. Not all patients match the educational needs of our students or can give us the extra time necessary for students, but most are happy for the chance. ECU Community Service Learning Centers are running full speed ahead in Ahoskie and Elizabeth City, with faculty dentists, residents, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and front desk staff serving patients from 8-5 every week day. Centers in Lillington and Sylva are under construction, and construction will begin on centers in Spruce Pine and Davidson County in August 2013. Locations for the four remaining
centers will be announced in the coming months. In only one year, our inaugural class will begin to gain hands-on experience at community service learning centers across the state. As fourthyear students, each member of the class will complete three nine-week rotations, living and working in underserved communities. Our entire faculty and staff was engaged this spring in a comprehensive self-study for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Site visitors spent three intensive days with us in May reviewing our curriculum, policies, and operations. We are anticipating a favorable report from the Commission in late August. The dedication of our faculty, staff and students is truly amazing. Not only is everyone working hard on week days, but faculty and students volunteer with projects like the NCDS Missions of Mercy, the NC Baptist Men’s Bus, Relay for Life, and Give Kids A Smile. Over the past two years, our students have accrued over 3,000 hours of volunteer service. Sincere thanks to supporters of the School of Dental Medicine. Your continuing partnership is vital to our vision of preparing leaders with a passion to care for the underserved. Best wishes, Greg Chadwick, Dean
SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE
Elizabeth City Welcomes ECU Community Service Learning Center
The ECU Community Service Learning Center-Elizabeth City was officially opened in June. Left to right are Rodney Bunch, Pasquotank County manager; Jerry Parks, director, Albemarle Regional Health Services; Greg Chadwick, dean, ECU School of Dental Medicine; Bill Owens, former NC House of Representatives; Arthur Williams, former NC House of Representatives; Jeff Dixon, chair, Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners; Bobby Owens, ECU Board of Trustees; Phyllis Horns, ECU vice chancellor for Health Sciences; Wick Baker, president, Albemarle Health; Phil Donahue, vice president, Albemarle Hospital Foundation and Community Outreach; Michael Scholtz, interim assistant dean for extramural clincal affairs, ECU School of Dental Medicine.
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journey,” said Jerry Parks, health director for Albemarle Regional Health Services. “It is a day of thank-you’s.”
Local, county, and state officials cut the ribbon on the $3 million, 7,700-square-foot facility, which has been providing oral health care since April to residents of Pasquotank and surrounding counties.
Parks also challenged ECU dental students in the crowd. “I want to put you on notice to your importance to this community,” he said. “If eyes are the window to the soul, then oral health is a window to the health of the community.”
he ECU School of Dental Medicine officially opened a community service learning center in Elizabeth City, N.C., on June 10.
“We are very excited about joining you in Elizabeth City,” said Dr. Greg Chadwick, dean of the ECU School of Dental Medicine, in remarks to elected officials, health care providers, ECU alumni, students, and local residents. “We look forward to being your neighbor. We think this will be a wonderful location for students and residents to live and gain experience practicing dentistry.” “Today is the end of a long, long 2
Word of Mouth • Spring/Summer 2013
Wick Baker, president of Albemarle Health, also spoke of the need for dental care in the region. He said the Albemarle Hospital, which is located across the street from the center and provided the site for the center, treats an average of three patients a day who come to the emergency room in need of dental care. The center contains 16 dental chairs and employs local staff members, including full-time and part-time
dental faculty, a business manager, dental assistants, dental hygienists and general dentistry residents. Beginning in 2014, fourth-year dental students will gain experience treating patients, managing business operations, and developing outreach programs during nine-week rotations at the center. Elizabeth City, a town of nearly 19,000 on the Pasquotank River in northeastern North Carolina, was one of the first sites named for what will eventually be eight to 10 such centers state-wide. The first center opened in Ahoskie in June 2012. Other named sites for ECU community service learning centers are Lillington in central North Carolina, Davidson County in the Triad, and Sylva and Spruce Pine in the western part of the state.
School of Dental Medicine
SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE
Grant Aims to Increase Diversity and Retention with the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, the NLI is a new training program dedicated to increasing recruitment and retention among underserved student communities at dental schools.
Dr. Ivelis Hernandez joined other SoDM faculty and students in helping undergraduate students from N.C. universities explore dentistry as a profession in June as part of the Dental Pipeline National Learning Institute.
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CU was selected last fall to implement a year long recruitment and retention campaign through the Dental Pipeline National Learning Institute (NLI). Introduced by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the premier association serving the dental education community, in partnership Student shines in Miss North Carolina Pageant Second year dental student Maggie Nelms was among the top ten finalists in the Miss North Carolina pageant on June 22. Maggie was crowned Miss KinstonLenoir County in December. Her platform has been “Smile Bright-
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Partnering with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the ECU School of Dental Medicine was chosen along with ten other dental schools to support the NLI’s goal of creating a diverse workforce of dentists who understand the oral healthcare needs of patients from underserved populations. With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, each NLI institution received $12,000 along with other support and resources, including a three-day training course about Dental Pipeline best practices, advocacy, and leadership; peer mentor match-ups; access to online courses; and fundraising and development tutorials.
Old North State Dental Society (ONSDS), and North Carolina historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have collaborated to implement the project, focusing on the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority (URM) dental students in North Carolina. The project builds on ECU’s commitment to meeting health needs of diverse and underserved communities, and on NC A&T’s track record of educating underrepresented minority students who are prepared to assume leadership roles in their professions and communities. “We are delighted to partner with the North Carolina A&T State University, the Old North State Dental Society and North Carolina Historically Black Colleges and Universities on this project,” says Dr. Margaret Wilson, ECU School of Dental Medicine associate dean for student affairs.
The ECU SoDM, NC A&T, the Shine Bright,” promoting proper oral hygiene. She has developed a coloring book for children on proper brushing and flossing. We’re so proud of you, Maggie!! Students receive ADA scholarships Second year student Kelly Walsh received an American Dental Association (ADA) Foundation
Predoctoral Dental Student Scholarship for $2,500 for the current academic year. Second year student Hannibal Alexander Crisp received an American Dental Association (ADA) Foundation Underrepresented Minority Predoctoral Dental Student Scholarship for $2,500 for the current year. Kelly Walsh is from Fayetteville, and Alex Crisp is from Burlington.
School of Dental Medicine
SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE
Apple Picks SoDM and Dr. Watkins
critical thinking. Watkins has created customized problem-based learning networks, implemented seven different e-books/ journals and has filed a patent for a new competency-based outcomes assessment engine in the form of a grid called XComP (extensible competencies platform). “Dr. Watkins is able to visualize and implement education for the current generation of professional students,” said Dean Chadwick. “The communication networks used by our students, faculty, and staff are truly remarkable.”
Pictured with Assistant Dean Dr. Todd Watkins, fourth from left, are dental students, left to right, Vivek Thanawala, Diana Luckhardt, Isaac Morton, Loren Moles and Barry Price. Photos by Cliff Hollis, ECU News
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pple executives visited the School of Dental Medicine in April to celebrate the school’s designation as an Apple Distinguished Program 20122013 with students, faculty, and staff. The Apple Distinguished Program title is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership and educational excellence and demonstrate Apple’s vision of exemplary learning environments. The school uses innovative technology in all aspects of its teaching, problemsolving and clinical education programs. The school has created an environment with 31 rooms and clinical spaces connected through video teleconferencing, integrated seminar rooms, and simulation labs within Ledyard E. Ross Hall on campus and community service learning centers in rural North Carolina communities.
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“Connectivity between our teaching and clinical spaces is central to our daily operations,” said Dr. Greg Chadwick, dean of the School of Dental Medicine, “but the technology is only a means to our goal of excellence in education and successful patient outcomes. Around here we call it ‘innovation with purpose.’” While visiting the school, Dr. Sarah Farrell, Apple Education development executive, also recognized Dr. R. Todd Watkins, assistant dean for dental education and informatics, for being accepted into the Apple Distinguished Educators Class of 2013. As the first faculty member hired by the school, Watkins was tasked with developing and implementing a new vision for health sceince curriculum, which involves an emphasis on problem-solving and
The Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) Program began in 1994. Today it has grown into a worldwide community of visionary leaders who are doing amazing things with technology in and out of the classroom. As part of Apple’s program, Dr. Watkins will join a global community of educators who explore new ideas, seek new paths, and embrace new opportunities. He will meet other educators from around the world at a conference in Austin, Texas, in July.
Dr. R. Todd Watkins patented the XComP grid to more accurantly assess student competencies.
School of Dental Medicine
SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE
In the past two years, ecu dental students have completed over 3,000 hours of volunteer service.
The School of Dental Medicine’s DMD student organization was named Outstanding Organization 2012-2013 by the ECU Office of Student Activities and Organizations. Dental students started the group in 2011 as a vehicle for conducting community outreach and gaining leadership skills. For example, the students provide oral health education to families at local health centers.
Faculty and students conduct oral cancer screenings at ECU athletics events.
The dental medicine Relay for Life Team raised $6,545.00 (2nd place out of 84 teams!), all of which will benefit individuals battling cancer and support cancer research. Congratulations on yet another successful year, and a big THANK YOU to all supporters and participants!
Students in the DMD oganization and faculty advisors routinely volunteer at the Joy Soup Kitchen in Greenville.
Six second year students were inducted into the East Carolina University Servire Society in March. Students gain hand-on experience caring for underserved patients at NC Dental Society Missions of Mercy Clinics. SoDM students volunteered 381 hours at MOM Clincs this winter. Pictured are second year student Shannon Holcomb (left) and first year student Loren Moles at the NCDS MOM Clinic in Charlotte in December. 5
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Students and faculty members volunteered their services at the 11th Annual Give Kids A Smile Day in Greenville in February. The event is sponsored by the East Central Dental Society and geared to improving children’s overall health.
The Servire Society is reserved for faculty, staff, and students who have achieved 100 hours of volunteer service during the previous year. Seated left to right are Diana Luckhardt, Kelly Walsh, and Amanda Stroud. Standing are Sheena Neil, Vivek Thanawala, and Christin Carter. School of Dental Medicine
SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE
SoDM Schweitzer Fellows serve communities the program will eventually extend to young students in North Carolina communities where the school’s community service learning centers are located.
Schweitzer Fellow Amanda Stroud helps young students learn about foods that “make teeth happy.”
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our dental medicine students translated their passion and community-building skills into action as Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of North Carolina Albert Schweitzer Fellows in 2012-2013. Holland Killian, Amanda Stroud, Shannon Holcomb, and Christin Carter partnered with communitybased organizations to develop and implement year-long mentored service projects to improve the health and well-being of underserved populations. Killian and Stroud initiated a program called Bringing Rural and Underserved Schools Health Education through Dentistry (B.R.U.S.H.E.D.) in partnership with Pitt County Boys and Girls Clubs and Martin County Community Action. B.R.U.S.H.E.D. lesson plans focus on nutrition, oral health, and healthy decisions and habits. The program reached over 325 children and showed a 70% increase in the tooth brushing duration. Killian and Stroud hope
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“The Schweitzer program has been invaluable in helping me learn to plan delivery of public health information,” said Amanda Stroud. “The practicality of determining behaviors that need to change and measuring the change has become instrumental in my approach to community service and patient care.” Dr. Michael Scholtz, interim assistant dean for extramural clinical affairs, served as faculty mentor for Killian and Stroud.
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chweitzer Fellows Shannon Holcomb and Christin Carter provided preventive oral health care education and access to care for women and children at the Bernstein Community Center in Greenville and at the Grimesland Community Resource Center. The Fellows also organized a mobile dental bus at the Grimesland center in January that delivered free screenings and treatment to 32 patients with the assistance of SoDM faculty, students, Schweitzer Fellows, and ECU Brody School of Medicine students. “Brody School of Medicine students currently run the center in Grimesland, said Holcomb, “and we are very glad to add a dental component to the program.” Additionally, the Fellows secured a sustainability grant through the
Schweitzer Fellows Shannon Holcomb (left) and Christin Carter organized a free dental clinic day in Grimesland, N.C. Schweitzer program that will allow the school’s DMD student organization to offer oral health education and free dental clinics for another 18 months at the Bernstein and Grimesland centers. Dr. Frank Serio, former interim vice dean and associate dean for clinical affairs, served as faculty mentor for Holcomb and Carter.
Scrubs and Stilettos hosts area dentists
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he student organization Scrubs and Stilettos hosted a networking night with area dentists in March. The organization advances dental education through the interaction of female students, faculty, and professionals. Pictured left to right are Dr. Jamison Padgett; Dr. Natalie McCarthy; Dr. Laura Davila; Anna Liakh, president of Scrubs and Stilettos; Dr. Cheryl Serio, faculty advisor; and Dr. Karen Shaw.
School of Dental Medicine
SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE
In the SpotlightEventstt
Dr. Alex White, division director, public health dentistry, was among ten ECU faculty members to complete the ECU Engagement and Outreach Scholars Academy this fall. Dr. White is conducting research on “Measuring What Matters: Evaluating the Outcomes and Impact of ECU School of Dental Medicine Community Service Learning Centers.”
Dr. Linda May, assistant professor in the Department of Foundational Sciences and Research, has published a book entitled Physiology of Prenatal Exercise and Fetal Development. Dr. Nancy Jacobson, clinical associate professor in the Department of General Dentistry, published “The Use of Porcelain Repair Technique to Improve the Plane of Occlusion of an Existing Restoration” in the Journal of General Dentistry.
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Dr. John Stockstill, clinical associate professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, has published “Orthodontics and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Curriculum Proposal for Graduate Programs” in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Dr. Alison Yeung, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Surgical Sciences, was named Outstanding Advisor by the ECU Department of Student Involvement and Leadership for her work in the formation of the DMD student organization and for her role in the organization’s outreach projects. Ms. Kristen Ward, SoDM director of development, completed the 2013 Chancellor’s Leadership Academy. The Academy is a one semester intensive professional development experience for faculty and staff who are ready to expand their capacity for leadership in higher education and who are committed to enhancing their contribution to the university. Participants must apply to the program. The program has existed since 2004.
Mr. Chris Chappell, director of SoDM Student Services, was recognized this spring by the American Student Dental Association for his consistent commitment to and enthusiasm for working with students.
Mr. Chris Chappell’s acrylic and ink “Napa Train Tracks,” “Golden Gate,” and “Fisherman’s Wharf Pier” were published in the 2013 edition of Type Cast, a publication of the ECU Brody School of Medicine, which displays the talents of the ECU Health Sciences community.
NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE AT EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
Spring 2013 Volume 1, Issue 2
Dean Greg Chadwick, DDS MS http://ecu.edu/sodm Peggy Novotny, Editor Director of External Affairs E-mail: novotnym@ecu.edu Phone: 252-737-7031
School of Dental Medicine