WINTER 2018-19 | VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3
THE EXCAVATOR We've Got the Scoop! Bringing You the Latest ASDA and DCG News since 2018
IN THIS ISSUE 2
Apnea Attitude Dr. Cristi Y. Cheek, C'00
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No Cure for ASDA Fever Alex Howell, C'19
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'TIS THE SEASON FOR ASDA FEVER! Emily Williams, C'2020 | DCG ASDA Newsletter Editor
NLC = TLC
Welcome to 2019! Though we may still be groggy from MLK
Meaghan Cleary, C'20
weekend, this latest edition will hopefully inspire you to increase
Advocating for Advocacy
your learning both on and off campus. DCG ASDA has many
Steph Jaipaul, C'22
opportunities (often fully funded) to improve leadership skills,
New Clinics on Campus
make new friends, and discover new and exciting facets of the
Rocio Jacobo, C'20
dental profession. In this issue we cover the D.C. advocacy trip
A Parking Solution?
and National Leadership Conference, as well as Alex Howell's
Emily Latteri, C'21
own journey catching "ASDA Fever," leading her to become a
Shante' Q&A
national vice president of the organization. We will see many of
Sarah Dickey, C'21
you at the District 4 conference in Chattanooga! Enjoy wisdom
Year of the Dawgs
from alumna Dr. Cristi Cheek, as she discusses her struggle with
Boyd Wilson, C'20
sleep apnea and how continuing education helped her improve
Thankfulness: A Satire
both her life and those of others. Discover new facets of
Sarah Ă–ztĂźrk, C'21
Shante' Perrin, the face behind the emails, or ponder ways to
Adventures of Petey
avoid the dreaded campus parking. Lastly, we are pleased that
Derrick Coleman, C'20
the newsletter now has a sponsor, Affinity Bank. Sponsorship
Events Calendar
helps support our ASDA chapter as well as fund other
Macy Malcom, C'20
community service organizations on campus. Happy new year!
The
Excavator
Apnea Aptitude: The Educational Journey That Led Me to Better Breathing and Better Sleep Cristi Y. Cheek, DMD, C'00 The summer of 2000, after graduating from the Medical College of Georgia (now DCG) where I received an excellent education, I entered private practice. In the dental profession, you are never really done with your education, however. As dental techniques constantly improve and we discover more about the human body, recommendations for treatment change. I continued my education by taking courses offered by various study groups including Dawson and Spear and joined the Hinman Dental Society where speakers from around the world help keep our society members abreast of changes, improvements, and new ideas in dentistry. The more courses and lectures in which I participated, the more I realized there was so much more to learn!
A series of courses I took from Dr. Pete Dawson right after graduation helped me recognize I had some serious occlusion and TMJ issues. I sought the
2015 before surgery: hidden issues
opinion of a well-known TMJ surgeon, who said I
When I hit my early 40s, I started waking
needed surgery to correct my bite. After viewing
in the night with my heart racing and
my MRI, I learned I had permanently displaced both
had trouble falling back asleep. I often
discs, probably sometime in college after having
dreamed of drowning or being choked.
been a teenager with a popping and locking jaw. I
My MD prescribed me an anti-anxiety
remembered thinking years ago that when my jaw
medication and Ambien for sleep, but
joints stopped popping, my jaw must have fixed
even on these, I woke most nights with
itself, not knowing the discs actually had moved
my heart pounding, sometimes with a
permanently out of position. Neither my previous
gasp, and then lay awake for a couple
dentist nor I gave much thought to the cause of the
of hours. I assumed my sleep issues and
anterior open bite I developed: my condyles seated
new inability to concentrate and
more superiorly without the discs in place. But my
remember things could be attributed to
forward-thinking TMJ surgeon recommended
being in my forties with the stress of a
surgery and said that without surgical correction of
busy practice and three elementary-
my jaw position, I may develop sleep apnea. I
aged kids. I also had headaches starting
decided against the surgery at the time since I was
from the neck area, so I was getting
a new dentist about to buy a practice, get married,
regular massages, chiropractic
and start a family. After all, I was functioning fine
adjustments, acupuncture, and physical
and was relatively asymptomatic. I had no idea of
therapy. For several years I wore a hard
the maladaptation of my occlusion that would
occlusal guard at night for the bruxism
occur over the next 15 years.
that had worn my posterior teeth flat.
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Open bite that developed over many years of bruxism and TMJ changes. Then, I took a course at one of our Hinman
well as anxiety. The heart racing I experienced
Dental Society meetings that would change
during the night was my body saying, “Hey, I need
my life and my practice. The speaker
more oxygen!" Within days I signed up for another,
discussed our role in diagnosing sleep
more in-depth course on sleep disordered breathing. It became clear my anterior open bite
disordered breathing, a hot topic that is
had increased over the years, and I was holding my
somewhat new to the dental profession. I
mandible forward to get the anterior teeth to
learned some people brux as a response to
approximate. Eventually my retrusive mandible and
airway limitation, and the forward head
age-related loss of overall muscle tone contributed
position I held for years was my body‘s way of
to a posterior tongue position, cutting off my
creating a more open airway. My dad often
airway when my jaw muscles relaxed.
commented I, even as a child, needed to
stand up straight with my head and shoulders
I saw an ENT whose immediate assessment, even
back. Neither of us knew my perceived bad
after I detailed all my signs and symptoms, was
habit was actually a desperate attempt for my
that it was highly unlikely that I had sleep apnea. I
body to get the oxygen it needed. While my
did not fit the (now outdated) sleep apnea model
body’s coping mechanism somewhat aided my
of the older, overweight male. I pressed the ENT to
breathing, it also strained my neck muscles,
order a polysomnogram for me, and a few days
contributing to my headaches and neck pain. I
later in the fall of 2015, my sleep study results
now understand that not sleeping well can
showed I had moderate sleep apnea.
lead to concentration and memory issues, as
With the correct diagnosis I sought a “cure.” The pulmonologist I saw concerning the results of my sleep study commented that I didn’t really have to treat my sleep apnea since I didn’t have any associated health problems: no high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or obesity, etc. The preventative philosophy we dentists have did not seem to be held by the MD, but I convinced him to let me try a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. After three different masks and two kinds of CPAPs, I gave up. The masks leaked and woke me up, and the air went not only into my lungs but also into my esophagus and created horrible pressure in my stomach and intestines. I took a couple of courses on mandibular advancement devices (a
Large tori and flat posterior teeth:
bite guard that holds your lower jaw forward),
posterior tongue position
consulted with a colleague skilled at making
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Profile before surgery.
Profile after surgery.
September 2018: post-surgery and still undergoing orthodontics.
Decreased airway space before surgery.
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them, and made myself a device. Unfortunately,
When I first was diagnosed with sleep apnea, I was
the device caused pain in my TMJs, damaged by
frustrated dealing with this problem during such a
years of bruxism.
busy time of my life. But, I became a dentist to help people, and my journey has transformed my
In 2016, after bad experiences with CPAPs and
practice and made me a better dentist. I never
mandibular advancement devices, I began my
thought about my role in diagnosing sleep apnea
journey for a more permanent fix. My massive
and other breathing-related problems until I had
mandibular tori were removed to give my tongue
such a problem myself. Now I am acutely aware of
more room. I hoped this would be enough to
the signs and symptoms of breathing issues and
help improve the apnea, but a second sleep
help families by looking at tonsil size in children as
study gave disappointing results. I then had
well as jaw development, narrow arches, continued
orthodontics placed and a surgical procedure
thumbsucking, bed wetting, allergic shiners,
called PAOO (periodontally accelerated
hyperactivity, snoring: all signs of sleep disordered
osteogenic orthodontics) which softened my
breathing in children. And I am helping tired adults
bone and added additional bone to the buccal
and those with worn or broken teeth become not
surfaces of my alveolar processes, so my arches
only dentally healthy, but healthier overall by
Panoramic image after surgery. could be widened orthodontically without
recognizing potential sleep breathing issues that
pulling my roots out through the facial bone...
show up during dental examinations as TMD, tooth
all in preparation for orthognathic surgery. On
wear, broken teeth, scalloped tongues, etc. I hope
June 27, 2018, I underwent LeFort I (maxillary
that you, my future colleagues, will learn to
repositioning) and BSSO (mandibular advancement) to correct my occlusion and improve my airway. Within a couple of weeks after the surgery, I was able to sleep without waking up gasping and had more energy. The surgery was not easy, and the recovery as I continue orthodontically straightening my teeth and waiting for the feeling to return in my chin is certainly going to be a journey over this next year. But, I would do it all again. Breathing trumps everything!
recognize the signs and symptoms of sleep disordered breathing in your own patient: symptoms that could be decreasing their quality of life and may lead to health issues and dementia. And don’t forget, you are NEVER done learning!
Dr. Cheek is an MCG graduate and the owner of Cheek Dental in Marietta, GA. She is a member of the ADA, GDA, AGD, and the Hinman Dental Society and continues to further her education by taking numerous hours of continuing education each year in various topics.
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ASDA Fever: From D1 to VP Alex Howell, C'19 ASDA National Vice President 2018-2019 DCG ASDA President 2017-2018 If someone had told me as a D1 I would eventually
I stumbled upon ASDA my D2 year, running for
become National ASDA Vice President, I would
publications chair. My passion (affectionately
have laughed, or maybe cried out of pure
known as “ASDA Fever”) ignited once I under-
intimidation. How was I qualified? How would I
stood the vast impact of ASDA on students
get the knowledge or connections? Fast forward
nationwide. Making friends from dental schools
to February 2018, when I was elected to this
all over the country comforted me, as we shared
amazing job. Of my extracurricular activities, my
similar struggles and achievements in a unique
experiences with ASDA have been the most
camaraderie.
rewarding, transforming dental school into the best time of my life.
Despite my new experiences and connections, I
felt underqualified to apply for higher leadership
Coming into school my first year, I didn’t even
positions, especially compared to other students
know what “organized dentistry” was. For those
with more knowledge and experience. However,
of you who still don’t really know, organized
my D3 year, a national ASDA leader specifically
dentistry describes the combined efforts of
encouraged me to apply for the position of
various dental organizations to advance our
District 4 Trustee. He knew the work required for
profession. Dentistry remains one of the top
this role but was confident in my work ethic and
careers in the nation, and dentists and dental
passion. The encouragement of older, more
students frequently work together to address
experienced students was all it took for me to
current issues and possible solutions. Additionally,
say yes. The courage for me to run for the
vocalizing issues as a student and making career-
position is the same that helps me to continually
long connections with other professionals are
step outside of my comfort zone. By challenging
such rewarding experiences.
myself, I have had experiences I could have
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never dreamed possible.
While the idea of juggling the positions of District 4 Trustee and Chapter President simultaneously seemed daunting amongst all of the usual stresses of dental school, I took a risk. That year, I experienced so much growth and gained skills I wouldn’t have gained through academics alone. With each new challenge, I expanded my limits and my perceived capabilities, learning a remarkable amount about communication, time management, public speaking, leadership – only a handful of the many skills ASDA has helped me develop. These skills prepared me for the next step of running for National Vice President, but more importantly, for the rest of my career. Today, I feel equipped to enter the workplace as not only a dentist, but also Alex Howell (R) with Abby Halpern, DCG C'18
an effective leader in my community.
and former ASDA Speaker of the House. As my classmates and I look towards our approaching graduation date that is (finally!) almost here, I still remember Dr. Mackert teaching us at D1 orientation that our brains do not have a limit on how much we can learn. He recognized dental school often feels like “drinking from a fire hydrant,” but with the right mindset, we realize we are capable of learning more than we can imagine. In the same way, ASDA has taught me my personal and professional growth is limitless. A spirit of determination and strength is cultivated within me, making me more confident in myself as a student and future dentist.
Though not every student feels a specific calling to pursue leadership through ASDA, I hope you all grasp the importance of developing leadership skills during school. When you become a dentist, you also become a leader. Even amongst the demands of dental school, you can experience profound personal R-L: Roopali Kulkarni, Penn '19 and ASDA President, Jeffrey Kerst, LSU '19 and ASDA VP,
growth; you are capable of so much! Strive to become the best leader you can
and Alex Howell, ASDA VP.
be, whether in ASDA or in your own life.
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NLC = TLC! A Beginner's Guide to ASDA's National Leadership Council Meaghan Cleary, C'20 DCG ASDA President While most steer clear of Chicago in November,
protects the rights, interests, and welfare of
for seven years dental students from across the
dental students. By creating a unified voice
nation have gleefully descended upon the windy
standing up against and/or for issues pertinent to
city for ASDA’s National Leadership Conference,
dental students, ASDA is a force for making us
affectionately known as NLC. For three days,
heard. NLC introduces students to what and who
students engage in general sessions from keynote
ASDA is, while helping students realize potential
speakers and attend breakout sessions following
as leaders in their respective dental schools and
five different tracks while meeting other dental
their futures as practitioners.
students. This year Georgia ASDA was fortunate enough to send 15 students to the frozen north to
This year, NLC had five different “tracks,”
learn about what it means to be an ASDA leader.
including career planning, leadership fundamentals, personal development and wellness,
As this was my second time attending NLC, I more
chapter management, and advocacy. Aside
fully appreciated the trip, while witnessing other
from general sessions and sponsored talks,
students becoming better acquainted with what
students could choose to attend breakout
ASDA means and does for dental students across
sessions throughout the day from any of these
the nation. As the largest dental student
tracks.
organization in the country, ASDA advances and
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The Career Planning track featured sessions such
“Trends in Medicare and Medicaid,” and “How to
as “How to Get Into the Residency of Your
Be Bipartisan in a Partisan World.”
Dreams,” “Post-grad Options,” “Women in Dentistry,” and “A Hands On Lesson in CV Writing.”
NLC hosted three general sessions from keynote
These sessions were led by residency program
speakers Valorie Burton, Dr. Ivan Joseph, and
directors, past ASDA national leaders, and recent
Matt Teney. Dr. Joseph’s session on self-
dental school graduates. The Leadership
confidence was particularly popular amongst
Fundamentals track included sessions such as
students. Dr. Joseph used visualization and other
“The Art of Networking,” “How to Not Fail
exercises with audience members to help them
Miserably in Private Practice,” and a chapter idea
gain a sense of their self-confidence levels,
exchange focused on leadership and organi-
resonating with me personally. As a past National
zation. Students gained tools to become better
Championship coach of collegiate men’s soccer,
leaders both within their chapter, as well as their
he spoke about how self-confidence can lead to
future practices.
success. With a Ph.D in Sports Psychology, Dr. Joseph used examples from his years as a soccer
The Personal Development
coach to engage students
and Wellness track focused
and help them understand
on giving students the ability
the importance of self-
to balance stresses of dental
confidence as a leader and
school and promote overall
as a successful practitioner.
wellness. Sessions within this track included “Identifying
Social events hosted by
and Overcoming Addictive
some of ASDA’s sponsors
Behaviors in Yourself and
gave students opportunities
Others,” “Perfectionism and
to mingle with leaders from
Overcoming Self-
other dental schools. These
Comparison,” “Managing and
relationships are invaluable
Dealing With Dental Guilt,”
as students head back to
and “Ergonomics: Setting
their individual institutions.
Yourself Up for a Lifetime of
ASDA encourages students
Healthy Practice.”
to make connections and realize they are not the only
Chapter Management
ones battling the stresses
featured three sessions led
and struggles of dental
by our own Georgia
school. Idea exchange
Immediate Past President
breakout sessions also
and National Vice President Alex Howell, ’19.
allowed students the chance to talk to student
These included “How to Spread ASDA Fever to
leaders from other schools and learn from other
Your Administration,” “Break the Mold- How to
ASDA chapters’ failures and successes.
Bring Innovation to the Chapter,” and “Town Hall for Chapter Leaders.” Current and budding ASDA
NLC gives students an incredible opportunity for
chapter leaders especially took advantage of this
personal growth and leadership development,
track due to its importance and relevance.
within the confines of their dental schooling and into the future. Students often see dentistry in a
A new Advocacy track was unveiled this year. In
different light and form relationships that last far
the spirit of November being ASDA Advocacy
beyond the scope of the conference. In February,
month, students gained insight into current
chapter and national leaders will gather again for
issues pertinent to dental students and also
ASDA’s Annual Session in Pittsburgh, PA. Students will use knowledge they gained at NLC to vote on
how ASDA takes a stance against such
initiatives, and many will become future chapter
issues. Sessions offered in the Advocacy track
leaders. We wish them all the best!
included “Licensure 101,” “The Opioid Epidemic,”
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DCG attendees at the WWII memorial. Author Steph Jaipaul C'22 on far right.
Advocating for Advocacy: ASDA's Mid-Atlantic Advocacy Academy Steph Jaipaul, C'22 People that you don’t know—most who aren’t even in
controversial & flawed. It is not reliable, not ethical,
the dental profession—are currently dictating how
not valid, and not universally accepted.
you will practice as a dentist. Let that sink in. There is no positive correlation between students’ The inaugural Mid-Atlantic Advocacy Academy was
success in dental school and the outcome of their
held this October in Washington D.C. for ASDA
exam—the top 5% of a class is just as likely to fail
Districts 2, 3, and 4. This event aimed to empower
clinical licensure exams as the bottom 5% of a
dental students with the knowledge to advocate for
class. Along with that, there aren’t consistent results
their future profession, enhance student effective-
as it is impossible to standardize live patient exams.
ness at ADA Dentist & Student Lobby Day, and
Ethical issues arise as not all patients receive
educate attendees on specific issues within the
follow-up care, and some patients are left with
profession. The Dental College of Georgia had
irreversible tooth damage resulting from students
seven students in attendance: D1 Stephanie Jaipaul;
“failing.” Additionally, many patients have their care
D2s Maria Caras, Mike Jin, John Kim, Arman Ruhani,
postponed for months so they can be treated during
and Sholeh Nami; D3 Zach Patterson; and D4
the exam since the specific lesions are often hard to
Lincoln Fantaski.
find.
ASDA has taken a stance on a number of chief
The American Dental Association (ADA), along with
issues and different legislative priorities. The major
the American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
focuses of the conference included Licensure
and Student Professionalism and Ethics Association
Reform, Dental Student Debt, Midlevel Providers,
in Dentistry (SPEA) are committed to reforming the
and the Opioid Epidemic. As future dentists, it is
current licensure system: advocating for a new
crucial to be informed about these issues and be
exam to maintain the integrity of dentistry, as well
active advocates for our great profession. Our
as look out for the welfare of ourselves and our
responsibility is to understand how dentistry may
patients.
change and move it in the best direction by voicing
lawmakers…especially now, when the industry is
ASDA’s L-1 Policy: Components of an Ideal Licensure Exam:
undergoing major changes.
• Does not use human subjects in a live clinical
our opinions and supporting officials and
testing scenario.
Licensure Reform: Our current system of clinical
• Is psychometrically valid and reliable in its
licensure exams with the use of a live patient is
assessment.
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• Is reflective of the scope of current dental practice. • Is universally accepted.
Dental Student Debt: The growing student debt crisis is a top priority with the need for financially sustainable, long-term solutions. The ADEA notes the average debt per graduating senior is $287,331 (according a 2017 survey): a quadruple increase since 1990. Every year, the amount of debt with which a student graduates increases dramatically: according to the ADA, dental student debt has increased on average 4% every year after adjusting for inflation. This can prevent dentists from choosing their preferred career paths, whether that be opening a private practice or choosing to work in underserved areas.
ASDA encourages lawmakers to include the following in future state & federal legislation: • Expansion of tax deductibility of interest on education debt, student scholarships, and loan repayments. • Reduction of student loan interest rates. • Improved access to public service loan forgiveness and scholarship programs, including for those practicing in underserved areas after graduation. • Tax deductibility and rebates for dentists
course of post-collegiate education, yet are
practicing in underserved areas.
allowed to perform irreversible dental procedures
• Prohibiting the compounding of interest during
and prescribe medications to patients. Midlevel
loan repayment and capping of interest rates
provider programs started due to barriers to care,
upon graduation.
beginning in Alaska. Today, Alaska, Minnesota,
• Strengthening regulations for the protection
Maine, and Vermont currently allow “dental
of private student loan borrowers.
therapists” to target low-income and dental
shortage areas. However, the field of midlevel
In addition, ASDA also lobbies for the following
providers is growing, with more states looking to
Reauthorization of Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA): concepts to be included in the
allow this.
• Alleviating educational debt.
ASDA does not believe midlevel providers are the
• Allowing students to refinance their loans
solution to addressing barriers to care and, to
more than once.
protect patients, opposes midlevel legislation.
• Alleviating barriers for students who want to
Outlined in
work in underserved areas.
only trained dentists should carry out certain
procedures on the public including:
In 2016, more than 380 dental students lobbied
• Diagnosis & treatment planning.
members of Congress to support two bills (HR
• Prescribing work authorizations.
649 & HR 4223) aimed at easing the dental
• Performing irreversible dental procedures.
student debt burden and since then, 36 members
• Prescribing drugs and/or other medications.
Policy Number C-2, ASDA believes
of Congress have added support to these bills!
ASDA states that though we must combat barriers
Midlevel Providers: Midlevel providers are
to care, especially in areas with dental shortages,
those who have not yet completed a four-year
everyone still deserves the same high quality care
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DCG attendees with Dr. Abby Halpern, C'18 (fourth from right).
from healthcare providers with four-year dental
lobbied Congress to create legislation that would:
degrees. Furthermore, underserved patients
• Require continuing education for opioid
served by midlevel providers often have more
prescribers.
difficult and systemic health conditions; less
• Impose prescribing limits of no more than seven
educated providers not only jeopardize dental
days for the initial treatment of acute pain.
care, but also overall health & safety.
• Support the use of prescription drug monitoring
programs.
Opioid Epidemic: In 2016, opioids killed more
• Improve the quality and integrity and inter-
than 42,000 people in the United States, and
operability of state prescription drug monitoring
40% of those deaths involved prescription pain
programs.
relievers. ASDA wants to ensure students are able to effectively discuss opioids with their patients.
Now that you’re informed, join ASDA in protecting and advancing our rights, interests, and welfare
While dentists make up a smaller percentage of
as future dentists. Learn more about other key
healthcare providers that prescribe opioids, there
issues and the stances ASDA has taken by
is still much that can be done on our part to make
visiting:
www.asdanet.org/index/getinvolved/ advocate/issues-and-legislativepriorities.
a big difference in the opioid epidemic.
ASDA’s B-13 policy states: • ASDA encourages all dental schools to provide
Participate in the discussion and processes that
education on evidence-based prescribing as
impact your life as a dental student and future
outlined in the CODA-accreditation Standards.
career as a dentist by using ASDA’s action alert
• ASDA urges dental schools to provide resources
system, Engage:
for dental students to appropriately address
www.ada.org/en/advocacy/adpac
opioids with their patients. • ASDA encourages the American Dental
Support the American Dental Political Action
Education Association to create resources that
Committee (ADPAC), the bipartisan legislative
establish evidence-based prescribing practices
arm of the American Dental Association, to ensure
for dental school clinics.
that dentists and dental students continue to have
cqrcengage.com/asda/
political voices heard: In April 2018, more than 500 ASDA members
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New Clinics Come to Campus Rocio Jacobo, C'20 programs to collaboratively perform screenings, provide oral hygiene instructions, and connect patients with the DCG. Last fall, they successfully paired various patients with student providers and continue to do so. The clinics also impact more residents from the Central Savannah River Area by participating in the Clinica Latina, Peds Clinic and Women's Clinic Health Fair.
These past six months have inspired Carly and Rocio to continue fostering the partnership between DCG and these clinics. Their vision is to advocate for preventive oral care, reach those most in need, and ensure sustainability of this interdisciplinary collaboration. The most pivotal factor turning this vision into reality is continuous faculty and student involvement. Therefore, keep While dental students share a building with
an eye out for opportunities to get involved! In
medical students and frequently cross paths on
the words of Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so
the way to clinic or the anatomy lab, differences
little; together we can do so much.�
in schedules and curricula can hinder collaboration and interdisciplinary relationships. In
To find out more information about these clinics,
attempt to change this, Clinica Latina and the
visit: www.alas-csra.org/clinica-latina-esp/
Pediatric Clinic invited the Dental college of Georgia (DCG) for the first time this year to join their efforts to provide comprehensive, preventive care to low-income members in the community. These campus, studentrun clinics meet in the Health Science building every first and third Wednesday and are made possible thanks to the partnership between AsociaciĂłn Latina de Servicios del CSRA and the Georgia Volunteer Health Care Program.
DCG faculty and students, led by coordinators Carly Egan (Pediatric Clinic) and Rocio Jacobo (Clinica Latina), work with members from various disciplines including the medical school, pharmacy, dental
Above left: coordinators Rocio Jacobo (L) and Carly Egan (R) with Dr. Marlen Robles.
hygiene, and physician assistant
Bottom right: student and faculty volunteers gather at the clinic.
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Saving the Planet on the Way to School Emily Latteri, C'21 The average emissions for a 10 mile roundtrip commute in a midsize car five days a week for a year is 1.3 tons of CO2. As striking as this statistic is alone, it only accounts for one person. Think about Augusta University’s footprint as a whole with over 15,000 students, faculty, and staff. The time has arisen to consider greener transportation options, like cycling. After moving to Augusta from Philadelphia, where biking is commonplace, I decided to bike to and from school everyday. My ride is a quick 2.6 miles, and I can confidently say it is the best part of my day for many reasons beyond the gratification of doing my part to save our planet.
1. Biking provides a great workout. Have you noticed that Washington Road to DCG is almost strictly downhill? This makes for a nice and easy ride to school and a kick-butt workout on the way home. If you often find yourself skipping the gym due to time constraints, a biking commute is an easy way to incorporate exercise into your day. Plus, studies show biking to school or work can be a serious boost to your health. Recently, a biking commute was linked with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Who wouldn’t want those benefits?
The author on her favorite mode of transportation. 2. Since transitioning to commuting by bike,
become an invaluable method of self-care, which
I’ve noticed a substantial change in my state
we all know is so important during these years.
of mind. I find myself more focused, sleeping better, and more confident when I bike to
3. By the off-chance you aren’t already
school. Skipping the infuriating traffic and
thoroughly convinced biking is awesome, I have
enjoying the fresh air on brisk mornings
another reason: parking. For every parking spot
automatically puts you in a better mood.
this campus is lacking, there is a bike rack in
After a rough day at school, taking out stress
excess. Not to mention these bike racks are in
by getting your heart pumping and feeling
prime locations. It takes me a fraction of the
the wind in your hair is always therapeutic.
time to ride right up to Harrison or CL and lock
Truly, there is truly nothing like airing out after
my bike as it would to struggle to find a distant
an afternoon cadaver lab session. Biking has
parking spot in Lot 69. Your pocket will benefit
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from this too! In addition to the money you save
be, and there aren’t true bike lanes in many
on gas, you can also skip the parking pass, as
parts of the city.
the price keeps creeping up on us. Especially once the gravel lot undergoes its latest
Get used to checking the weather everyday, and
metamorphosis, these bike racks will be even
have a back up plan. Regrettably, I know from
more appealing on busy mornings.
experience biking in the rain can really dampen one's mood and DCG gear.
If you are now sold and want to bike to school Roll up your right pant leg. You will totally look
immediately, great! Georgia winters are mild
like a real biker, but more importantly, your bike
enough to bike year-round if you layer up. Want
chain will eat up scrubs in an instant if you don’t
to hold off for warmer spring weather? Though
get them out of the way.
the holidays have come and gone, think how happy your parents would be if you asked for a
Buy a bike lock. There have been several
bike like you’re 8 years old again.
attempts, some successful, of bike theft on our
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you take the cycling plunge:
campus.
Do a dry run on the weekend. You can perfect your route and know exactly how much time it will
You don’t have to commit to biking every day at
take you to get to school.
first. Set a goal to bike a few times a week on on your shorter days (do those really exist?) until you
Lastly, get excited to embrace the change and all
feel more comfortable with your commute.
the good that will come with it. Know you are helping the planet while helping yourself,
Invest in a good helmet. Though biking is relatively
something you can feel great about!
safe, we all know how crazy Augusta drivers can
Bikes abound on the Ed Commons patio.
“Environmental Benefits.” https://youcanbikethere.com/environmental-benefits/
Murane, Kevin. “New Research Indicates Cycling to Work has Extraordinary Health Benefits.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinmurnane/2017/04/25/new-research-indicates-cycling-to-workhas-extraordinary-health-benefits/#1f94d75f3e62
15
The
Excavator
Shante': Behind the Screen Sarah Dickey, C'21 What do all quizzes and exams have in common, besides a dental student’s lack of sleep and ExamSoft? If you are anything like me, you have probably had issues once or twice while taking an exam, submitting an exam, connecting to Wi-fi…. The list goes on and on. Luckily for us, we have a tech expert, Shante' Perrin, to help us during times that could otherwise be very stressful. Shante’ is a joy to be around, happily and readily available whenever we may need assistance. Since Shante’ is so integrated into our lives, I sat down with her to learn more about the face behind the computer screen.
First off, why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself? I’m from Augusta, Georgia, born and raised. I went
What do you like to do with your free time outside of work?
to technical school right after high school and now am a student at Augusta University. I have an associate's degree in Computer Support, and I’m
I’m still a bit of a geek outside of work! I like to
going to school part-time and planning on
read about technology, mostly about mobile
graduating next year with a bachelor's degree in
phones. I do like to casually binge watch a little
Information Technology. After that, I’m planning to
TV. Right now, I’m watching all of the Criminal
get my master’s degree in information security. I got into computers at age five when my parents bought a computer. After that, I stopped going outside as much as I used to because I stayed on the computer playing games! I didn’t really start getting into fixing them until I was around 13. I’ve been at Augusta
Minds episodes. You can never guess what’s going to happen - it’s so unique! Besides that, I also volunteer with Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization, on the Summerville campus. We teach girls in middle and high school how to get involved in computer science because there’s not as many
University for ten years and at the Dental College for about eight. I primarily work with dental students but assist other colleges if they need help every now and then, like medical or nursing.
women in the technical field.
Congratulations on your recent marriage! Is there anything you would like to share? Yes! We got married here in Augusta, and it was
What is a normal work day for you? It can really vary. On most days, I start off going to a
very simple. Shortly after that, we went on a weeklong honeymoon to the mountains in Helen, Georgia.
quiz or exam at 8:00. After that, I’m taking phone
I don’t know the last time I’ve done this, but for
calls and emails even during those exams. You can
once, I turned off the email notifications on my
see me in an exam, and I’m there if you need me,
phone, and we tried to keep the phones and
but I’m probably also remotely helping someone -
technology away. We brought board games and just
controlling their computer and everything!
relaxed. We both work really hard, so it was nice to spend time with each other and get away.
What do you like the most about your job? I like helping people, especially with technology.
with technology. Technology can do a lot but can
If you could give one piece of tech advice to students what would it be?
cause people to get a little anxious and afraid. I
I know you hate to hear this, but…. If you’re having
work to resolve their problems and show them it’s
a problem, close the application and try to open
okay. We can work it out! Helping people really is
it back up. If that doesn’t work, restart your
the best part.
computer!
Part of my goal is to relieve anxiety about working
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3
2018: Year of the Dawg? Boyd Wilson C'20 DCG ASDA Treasurer
D3 students (author second from right) enjoy a Georgia game. Please ignore the Auburn memorabilia.
Let’s face it: Saturdays in the fall in the South just
champs made their way to Mercedes-Benz Stadium,
mean more. Why you ask? Because of football. Good
talk was circulating around Atlanta whether or not
ol'-fashioned, pigskin slinging, hard-hit smashing,
UGA could tackle the seemingly unbeatable University
greasy-foul smelling football. Families, friends, and
of Alabama. After another incredible performance by
mortal enemies meet on common ground twelve (or
both squads, U of A left the field with the victory. In
thirteen) weeks of the year to cheer on their favorite
what could be described as a replay of the 2017
team, wearing their favorite colors, and reminiscing
National Championship game, it was a continuing
on their favorite memories. I’d like to specifically draw
nightmare for Dawg Nation. Alabama faced off
attention to the University of Georgia Bulldog football
against Clemson in this year's National Championship
team. With apologies to all the Clemson, Alabama,
(again! Ugh…) earlier this month, though at least this
and Ohio State fans around, here’s a year in review:
time Clemson came out on top. Sorry Bama! Y'all got
2018. Year of the Dawg.
your trophy already.
UGA started off the 2018 football season highly
Sadly, the Dawgs also lost against the University of
ranked in the Top-25 best college football teams in
Texas in the Sugar Bowl, one of the New Year’s Six
America. With a favorable schedule and a solid group
bowls. However, looking back at what UGA
of players returning to the field, everyone’s minds
accomplished this season, their playing was truly
were yet again filled with thoughts that the Bulldogs
remarkable. They won eleven games in their third
were destined for greatness. The first six games
season with Kirby Smart at the helm, even with a vast
seemed to breeze by: not much of a challenge. Then
majority of the starters being freshmen and
came LSU, and let’s just say our ego was a little too
sophomores. 2019 is just as promising. Exciting games
big for what we could handle. After chalking up a loss
include Notre Dame (with added motivation for them
in Baton Rouge, UGA went on to win the rest of its
getting into the 2018 CFP) and Texas A&M.
remaining regular season games by an average score
of 20.5 points. These wins included games against a
We have a lot to be grateful about as Dawgs fans,
top-10 ranked Florida team, a top-10 ranked Kentucky
and look forward to many more of the Saturdays we
team—who claimed it was their most impactful game
love in Athens. So from one UGA grad to the next, I
at the time—and a top-20 ranked Auburn team. By the
say, Go Dawgs!
time the one-loss defending SEC and Rose Bowl
17
The
Excavator
Thankfulness: A Satire Sarah Öztürk C'21
As holidays wind down and the new semester gears up, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the multitude of reasons we have to be thankful. Bear with me as I step away from a long semester to draft an even longer list of feelings cultivated through my current yearand-a-half journey through dental school.
MOMENTS OF CURIOSITY Why doesn't our white coat ceremony occur until second year? Or, after receiving this pristine token marking our transition from lab classes to clinic-based ones, when are we supposed to actually wear this coveted garment? In class, does attendance count for us or only against us? But perhaps the best moments are when the universe is in our favor and we finish lab early, making us ask the hardest question: what are we supposed to do with ourselves during daylight hours outside of school?
LUCK We all had our definitions of luck before school. Maybe it was winning tickets to a sold-out sporting event or finding a stellar sale on designer heels. Our definitions of luck evolved here: we consider ourselves
REAL LIFE APPLICATION
lucky if we’ve never had to take a quiz or
We're grateful when our education
exam on paper because we have religiously
transitions to daily life and we actually feel like
updated our devices, connected to the
rising clinicians. Our smart watches mandate
school's Wi-Fi flawlessly, and in return
increased movement, so we take the stairs: our
uploaded our assignment in
pounding hearts and shaky breathing make us recall
one quick click.
the ASA classification table from our clinic manual. Am I ASA V? During pathology and anatomy lectures we internally deliberate diagnosing ourselves with whatever ailment with resonating symptoms is on the
PERSONAL GROWTH
slide. Who needs WebMD anymore? As family
We’ve racked up hours with Bob, and
gatherings unfold over holidays, the real test of our
occasionally mark this improvement by
education will be if we correctly answer
achieving an effortless streak of sign-offs.
our extended family's dental
We feel like our hands are top-notch and
questions concisely.
weekends logged in the practice lab were worth all the skipped brunches we millennials love. But alas, other weeks hit when we know our hand skills are improving not because of how many pity sign offs we've attained, but because our winged eyeliner goes on miraculously in one swooping flick the first try.
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The Adventures of Petey the Dental Student Derrick Coleman '20 | DCG ASDA Publications Chair
THE THIRD FLOOR DIVERSITY
On practical day, stars align and we tear the
In an ever evolving world we must give
butcher paper perfectly, marking the excellence
thanks for diversity: when the class Spotify
about to go down during our practical. Or, we sit at a
playlist is on shuffle for once and gifts our ears
Bob in the practice lab and the swivel's light actually
with the harmony of a song, unique from the
works, and we cut a prep in half the time allotted. These
same ten that seem to loop on endless repeat.
moments may be few and far between, but when they
Or when our stomachs grasp that weekly Lunch
happen, they warrant a hair flip or two. At the beginning of
and Learns may include food besides pizza. Or
school, we all questioned how we’d fill a multi-shelved
when we feel we got our money's worth with our
locker. Yet semesters deep into lab classes, our
undergraduate Spanish majors and minors
astonishment has changed: why are our instruments
because we can bromear and charlar
vanishing? How to fit casts, a tackle box, a book bag,
with the hispanohablante professors.
loupes, and supplies in such a confined space? Most importantly, how to juggle everything we need in one trip to the sim lab?
COMIC RELIEF How would we stay sane otherwise? Reflecting on our initial thoughts of a day-inthe-life of a dental student, we realize we had no idea how much shaping wax, pouring stone, and cutting plastic would dominate our weekly todo list. In the summer, we endured stab-lab; our partner's textbook-efficient anesthetic dispensing made us skip lunch, bite our tongue, and drool during the afternoon lectures. Or irony: though Finally, let us raise a toast for moments
we're educated on what spikes a caries risk
of tranquility and bliss: the humming of hand
assessment, around the holidays we egg-on
pieces comes to a lull, no 5 AM alarms are set
each other's Streptococcus mutans
and we realize we have reached break!
activity via candy-grams.Â
But until April comes around, remember to always be thankful!
19
EVENTS CALENDAR MACY MALCOM, C'20 | DCG ASDA SECRETARY
JANUARY AAWD GENERAL BODY MEETING
1/23
DMA GENERAL BODY MEETING
1/23
MCO MISSION TRIP LUNCH & LEARN
1/31
FEBRUARY GIVE KIDS A SMILE
ASDA DISTRICT 4 ANNUAL
CODA SITE VISIT 2/1
2/2-3
MEETING IN CHATTANOOGA
ASDA GOLF TOURNAMENT
ASDA PRE-DENTAL DAY
DCG 50TH ANNIVERSARY
CMDA MONTHLY DINNER
2/7
SNDA IMPRESSIONS PROGRAM
2/9
ASDA AND DRS TABLE CLINIC DAY
MARCH AND BEYOND 3/5-7
3/27
4/5
4/26
CELEBRATION
HOODING CEREMONY
5/10
2/13
AND VENDOR FAIR
ASDA PLATINUM RECEPTION
@
2/13
EVENTS TO
BODEGA ULTIMA
AAWD LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
ASDA TALENT SHOW
ASDA NATIONAL ANNUAL SESSION
PLEASE EMAIL
2/16
2/27
2/27-
3/2
MMALCOM@AUGUSTA.EDU
Questions? Comments? Want to edit, write, or just get involved?
Contact our Editor-in-Chief, Emily Williams, C'20: emiwilliams@augusta.edu Media kit is available including advertising rates