• Recognizes and promotes excellence in leadership with an
• Provides support and respect for our peers.
• Addresses oral health needs and education throughout the United States and the world.
• Fosters an atmosphere of collaboration.
International College of Dentists USA Section will be known as the leading honorary dental organization committed to
KEY, the USA Section Journal of Events for the International College of Dentists. The College disclaims and is wholly free from responsibility for the opinions, statements of alleged facts, or views therein expressed by contributors to the KEY.
EDITORIAL POLICY
THE DEADLINE FOR THE 2025 KEY IS JANUARY 15, 2025. Items of interest & all communications intended for publication in the 2025 edition of the KEY should be provided as follows: Microsoft Word text documents with photo captions included. High resolution photo files are appreciated. Submissions should be emailed to the editor at roadcap1@yahoo.com. Items can also be mailed to: Dr. Richard F. Roadcap, ICD USA Section Editor 1849 Duke of Gloucester Street, Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Sending the material prior to the deadline date is greatly appreciated. We will try our best to accommodate late submissions, but cannot promise that they will be included. The editor reserves the right to edit all contributions.
P OSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
Dr. Elaine C. Wagner, ICD Executive Director International College of Dentists 610 Professional Drive, Suite 201 Gaithersburg, MD 20879
5
Planning for a Sustainable and Charitable Future by ICD Global Secretary General
Joseph R. Kenneally, DMD
6
Editor's Note – Heart and Soul by Richard F. Roadcap, DDS
25
The Great Resignation USA Section Journalism Award Winner, Division I Leadership Editorial/Article by Ruchi K. Sahota, DDS
36
Mission Trip to Chichicastenango, Guatemala Fellow in Action, Steve P. Niergarth, DDS
42
News for Nigeria Fellow in Action, Bruce E. Cunningham, DMD
48
A Nepal Adventure by ICD USA Section Vice President Timothy R. Langguth, DDS
92
A Letter of Gratitude by Robert French, DMD
2024 USA Section Officers
Ira R. Titunik (NY)
President
Eliot L. Paisner (NH) President-Elect
Timothy R. Langguth (MN) Vice President
Daniel W. Fridh (IN)
Immediate Past President
Ronald P. Lemmo (OH) Treasurer
Richard F. Roadcap (VA) Editor
Elaine C. Wagner (VA)
Executive Director
Keith W. Suchy (IL)
Registrar
Richard M. Smith (TX)
Treasurer Emeritus
Richard J. Galeone (PA)
Editor Emeritus
Robert E. Brady (MD)
Secretary General Emeritus Registrar Emeritus
Carol I. Turner (TX)
Registrar Emeritus
Ira R. Titunik Eliot L. Paisner Timothy R. Langguth Daniel W. Fridh Ronald P. Lemmo
Richard F. Roadcap Elaine C. Wagner Keith W. Suchy Richard M. Smith Richard J. Galeone
Robert E. Brady Carol I. Turner
2024 USA Section Regents
Jeffrey E.
District 1
Rekha C. Gehani District 2
Ronald K. Heier District 3
Michael Conte District 4
Bruce E. Cunningham District 5
Samuel Vincent Veltri II District 6
Denise L. Hering District 7
D. Spencer Pope District 8
Karen A.
District 9
Teresa L. Fong District 10
Thomas D. Pollard District 11
Mark S. Chaney District 12
Craig S. Yarborough District 13
Karen D. Foster District 14
Roland S. Davies District 15
Scott W. Cashion District 16
Rodrigo Romano District 17
2024 USA Section Office Staff
Paula
Gwen
Jennifer
Jeffrey E. Dodge Rekha C. Gehani
Ronald K. Heier
Michael Conte
Bruce E. Cunningham
Samuel Vincent Veltri II Denise L. Hering D. Spencer Pope Karen A. Johnson Teresa L. Fong
Thomas D. Pollard
Mark S. Chaney
Craig S. Yarborough
Karen D. Foster
Roland S. Davies
Scott W. Cashion Rodrigo Romano
Kylie M. Evans
Jennifer J. Greenville
Paula W. Rinaudo
2024 USA Section
Vice Regents
David Leon Fried
District 1
Edward J. Miller
District 2
Bernadette A. Logan
District 3
James K. Feldman
District 4
Chris L. Adkins
District 5
H. Fred Howard
District 6
Rebecca J. De La Rosa
District 7
Sharon J. Perlman
District 8
Steven A. Sulfaro
District 9
Paul J. Tronsgard
District 10
Mary K. Smith
District 11
Douglas Auld
District 12
Donald P. Rollofson
District 13
W. Brian Powley
District 14
Karen A. Walters
District 15
Justin R. Norbo
District 16
M. Reza Iranmanesh
District 17
2024 USA Section Deputy Regents
DISTRICT 1
CT – Aditya Tadinada
ME – Barry C. Saltz
MA – Celeste V. Kong
NH – Lindsey D. Jackson
RI – David J. Ward
VT – Richard A. Dickinson Sr.
DISTRICT 2
NY (North/Central) –
Rekha C. Gehani
NY (Bronx/Long Island) –
Chandurpal (Chad) P. Gehani
NY (Brooklyn/Staten Island) –
Lois A. Jackson
NY (County) – Richard L. Rausch
NY (East) – Edward J. Miller
NY (West) – James A. Hoddick
DISTRICT 3
PA (East) –Seth A. Walbridge
PA (West) – Joseph J. Kohler III
DISTRICT 4
DE – David L. Isaacs
DC – Kim A. Menhinick
MD – James W. Taneyhill
NJ (North) – Amey G. Patil
NJ (South) – Cynthia Jetter
PR – Mario R. Rodriguez
Air Force –
Donald Wayne Sheets Jr.
Army – Paul M. Colthirst
Navy – Susan D. Johnson
VA & PHS – David A. Stanczyk
DISTRICT 5
AL – Richard A. Simpson
GA – Bradley K. Greenway
MS – Melinda G. Lucas
DISTRICT 6
KY – Jonathan W. Rich
MO – Arnold S. Jacobson
TN – James (Jay) R. Hight Jr.
WV – Warren C. (Trey) Wilcox III
DISTRICT 7
IN – Steven J. Holm
OH – Sharon K. Parsons
DISTRICT 8
IL – Sherece B. Thompson
DISTRICT 9
MI – Steven A. Sulfaro
WI – Edward J. Chiera
DISTRICT 10
IA – Alberto Gasparoni
MN – Venetia Laganis
NE – James F. Jenkins
ND – Bradley J. Anderson
SD – Eric G. Unkenholz
DISTRICT 11
AK – Thomas D. Pollard
ID – Spencer J. Lloyd
MT – David C. Keim
OR – David J. Dowsett
WA – Mary K. Smith
DISTRICT 12
AR – R. Mark Bailey
KS – Mark H. Armfield
LA – Kristi M. Soileau
OK – Paul M. Mullasseril
DISTRICT 13
CA (N) – Wallace Bellamy
CA (SF/Central Coast) –
Gail H. Duffala
CA (Central) –
Elizabeth A. Demichelis
CA (LA Area) –
M. Sadegh Namazikhah
CA (San Diego/Inland Empire) –
D. Douglas Cassat
DISTRICT 14
AZ – W. Brian Powley
CO – Stephanie L. Hedstrom Kaufmann
HI – Russell S. Tom
NV – Daniel L. Orr II
NM – Jennifer L. Thompson
UT – Keith N. Warr
WY – Rodney C. Hill
DISTRICT 15
TX – Partha Mukherji
DISTRICT 16
NC – Scott W. Cashion
SC – Megan E. Finkbine Griffin
VA – Elizabeth C. Reynolds
DISTRICT 17
FL (N) – Jeffrey C. Ottley
FL (C) – M. Reza Iranmanesh
FL (S) – Jason E. Portnof
International Council Governance
2023-2024 INTERNATIONAL
Vice President Julio H. Rodriguez (WI)
Treasurer Keith W. Suchy (IL)
Secretary General Joseph R. Kenneally (ME)
Speaker of the International Council Peter P. Korch III (PA)
Secretary General Emeritus Robert E. Brady (MD)
Margaret M. Culotta-Norton, Chair of the Delegation (DC)
A. Stuart Loos (GA)
James C. Setterberg (CO)
Ronald K. Heier (PA)
Charles L. Smith (WV) 2023-2024
R. Donald Hoffman (PA)
PLANNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND CHARITABLE FUTURE
Submitted by Joseph R. Kenneally, DMD, ICD Global Secretary General
ICD Global makes organizational changes for future success
The International College of Dentists has changed its tax status under US tax code, a significant development for the organization. The ICD, incorporated in 1928 as a 501c 6 nonprofit, was primarily an honor society recognizing dentists’ contributions to leadership, humanitarian service, dental education, and research. As of August, 2023, ICD Global has been reclassified as a 501c 3 public charity, allowing for tax-deductible donations and eligibility for foundation grants. This change, achieved through the efforts of the ICD Global staff, legal team and a donation from Section XII International Councilor H.C. Liu, will help the College tap into new revenue streams and reduce the financial burden on its members. These improvements will enhance the value of ICD Fellowship for those who truly wish to embrace the global aspect of the College and expand upon the things that made them Fellows in the first place.
Expanded Partnership Initiatives
The College has enhanced its partnership with longstanding partner Henry Schein, Inc. The ICD Global Visionary Fund and Henry Schein Cares Foundation renewed an agreement, which has so far supported over 30 global humanitarian initiatives with nearly $150,000 in combined cash grants and donated supplies. This multi-year collaboration aligns with both organizations’ missions to serve and improve health in underserved communities. In addition to this agreement, the ICD is now taking over the former Global Child Dental Fund's Senior Dental Leaders Programme, rebranded as the ICD Global Oral Health Leadership (GOHL) Institute, which develops leadership skills, fosters collaboration and promotes innovation among oral health leaders worldwide. Supported by Henry Schein and in cooperation with Harvard University and King’s College London, the GOHL Institute will continue offering intensive training and annual conferences encouraging collaborative conversation and problemsolving to advance the global oral health agenda. The College will play an important role in leading this initiative and ensuring it exemplifies ICD core values and mission.
International Council Initiatives
The International Council, the governing body of the ICD, was graciously hosted by ICD Section XI in Seoul, South Korea, on November 3-5 for their 2023 annual meeting. Twenty-four Council members participated in person, and four joined virtually through Zoom. Many ICD guests visited the meeting to observe, contribute or present information. During the meeting, Councilors shared reports of the humanitarian and educational activities, successes and challenges of their Sections, discussed membership practices and engagement strategies, tackled organizational issues, discussed future meetings and adopted a 2024 budget. Membership recruitment and retainment, financial development and organizational structure were the priority discussion topics. In addition to the meeting, Fellows and guests enjoyed local cuisine and live music during a riverboat excursion and celebrated collegiality and Fellowship during a joint induction ceremony of the Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese Sections. Immediate Past International President Ho-Youl Chang exchanged the presidential gavel and chain with incoming International President Argirios Pissiotis, and the new global officers were installed. The 2024 ICD International Congress will be held in New York City, November 30 – December 1, 2024.
Follow along and engage with your International Sections’ and Fellows’ activities through ICD Global’s online network: Web: www.icd.org
“These improvements will enhance the value of ICD Fellowship for those who truly wish to embrace the global aspect of the College and expand upon the things that made them Fellows in the first place.”
Joseph R. Kenneally, DMD ICD Global Secretary General
EDITOR’S NOTE
by Richard F. Roadcap, DDS HEART AND SOUL
The Double Helix is James D. Watson’s freewheeling account of the 1953 discovery of the structure of DNA. He calls the landmark event “a profound insight into the nature of life itself.” He could not have known at the time how this discovery would transform science and medicine in the years to come. But Watson told his sister, on the eve of publication, that it was “the most famous event in biology since Darwin’s book.”1
Practicing dentists in the US have a few things in common: a license granted by one of the 50 states (Wisconsin now grants a “privilege” to graduates of a certain dental school); liability insurance; a degree from a CODA (Council on Dental Accreditation) approved school; and most likely, permits and certificates that must be renewed on some prescribed basis. Recently I heard Dr. Omar Abubaker, who has been nominated for ICD Fellowship, say in a lecture on opioid safety that we would not have become dentists if we were not compassionate people. He went on to say that we can use this compassion that we all have to understand the nature of substance abuse disorders. Dentists express this penchant for public service (i.e., compassion) in a myriad of ways. We volunteer at free clinics, treat Veterans in our offices at no charge, teach dental and dental hygiene students, and undertake missions to remote corners of the world to deliver care that Americans can easily access on a daily basis. We donate to charities, and serve in our communities in so many ways that make our world a better place to live. And we happily eschew recognition knowing we’re doing what’s needed to make our professional careers complete.
The International College of Dentists has, for over 100 years, sought to recognize doctors who’ve made a difference in the world with their compassion and desire to serve the public. I posit that not one prospective Fellow has made these efforts in the hope of crossing the stage at an annual USA Section Convocation. The satisfaction of doing the right thing is reward enough. But one of the goals of Fellowship is to harness this desire and provide opportunities for service that might not exist for an individual otherwise. The ICD hopes to leverage these small acts of kindness and service
to create something much greater. We hope that recognition creates resources, and resources provide opportunities that translate into actions that were heretofore in the realm of the impossible.
It's cliché to complain that our profession is at a crossroads. When I entered the profession most applicants to dental schools had studied the liberal arts, that is, the sciences and the humanities. A former dental school dean told me recently that now students majoring in engineering and information technology dominate the applicant pool. I don’t know what this portends for that fourth leg of our careers, the one that’s known as good works on behalf of others. The ICD can perceive this as either a threat or an opportunity. I would hope for the future of our profession, as the world’s leading dental public service organization, we would discount the former and embrace the latter. Both the profession and the College would benefit.
Last year Sister Bernadette Kenny, MMM, was named an Honorary Fellow of the USA Section, ICD. Her book, Better For Being With You, details her life in service to others, and how she founded a medical mission to serve the people of Appalachia. She writes at length about the Mission of Mercy projects that began in 2000 in southwest Virginia, and says that we cannot provide effective medical or dental care if we fail to comprehend patients’ culture, demographic, and desires. She warns “Technology and judgmental healthcare providers have labeled patients compliant or non-compliant.” She goes on to say “An effective provider will present an atmosphere that is welcoming and non-judgmental… Respect cannot be bought or sold. Respect is earned.”2 It’s a cautionary tale for doctors who exchange digital workflows for the
As compassionate dentists, we seek ways to serve others because it’s in our DNA. Some of us have found ways to express that part of our genome, while others could benefit from our support and encouragement. Only a few years ago the USA Section reduced from ten to five the years since graduation as a requirement for Fellowship. Public service is not reserved for only the retired, late career and mid-career doctors. Recent graduates deserve an opportunity to serve and be recognized for Fellowship in the Section and other accolades. If the desire to serve others is genetic, then it’s futile to suppress it.
Richard F. Roadcap
CLASS OF 2023
DISTRICT 1 • REPRESENTING CONNECTICUT, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, NEW HAMPSHIRE, RHODE
ISLAND, VERMONT
District 1 Regent: Jeffrey E. Dodge
Albert G. Abena • Ashish R. Agarwal • Charles Badaoui • Arifa Bakerywala
Kamar Baloul • Brenda Berkal* • Manish Bhagania • Laurie R. Fleisher
Shanna L. Gagnon* • Michelle Henshaw • Melissa Kennell*
Rajesh V. Lalla • Sujey Morgan •Brianna Muñoz • Iris Anastasia Panos*
Sarita B. Patel* • Naman Rao • Michael J. Safian*
Shibani Sahni • Adam E. Saltz • Andrew Shur* • Nguyet Tau
Michael A. Ungerleider • Roya Zandparsa
* Inducted Virtually
Executive Director Report — Elaine C. Wagner, DDS
“Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters.”
– Margaret Peters
Reading this quote, I immediately thought of the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day”, starring Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a cynical, self-centered, unpleasant, self-important television weatherman. In the movie, Phil gets caught in a time loop on location in Punxsutawney, Pa. where he is forced to relive Groundhog Day, February 2nd , again and again and again. At first, Phil responds to this strange phenomenon much as you’d expect: he indulges in binge eating, one-night stands, robbery and other dangerous activities. He uses his increasing knowledge of the town and its citizens to manipulate people and events to his advantage, knowing that the next morning, he will awaken to the strains of “I Got You Babe” and to another February 2nd. However, over time, even
this miscreant realizes that he’s become more miserable than he was before and begins a quest to use his understanding of the loop, the town, and the townspeople to change himself and the town for the better. At the end of the film, you see Phil delivering an eloquent, emotional speech about Groundhog Day that stuns his crew. He spends the rest of his day helping little old ladies, saving children from accidents, showing kindness to strangers, and preventing a homeless person from dying. That evening, the adoring townspeople regale Phil’s film crew with tales of the good deeds and kindhearted actions that he had performed that day. And of course, the next day, Phil finally wakes up on February 3rd, seemingly changed forever. It's a poignant and funny movie, but more importantly, it illustrates what our Fellows have already learned: “At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” – Denzel Washington, “A Hand To Guide Me”
I am exceedingly proud to be associated with the USA Section of
the ICD, with this group of amazingly generous and gifted dentists. It’s inspiring to read and hear about all that our Fellows are doing to improve oral health in this country and around the globe. Whether you volunteer your time at a Mission of Mercy, serve at a free dental clinic, participate in Give Kids a Smile!® Day, mentor the next generation of dentists, provide dentistry in remote areas overseas, or offer free dental care for a Veteran, you are not only giving back, you’re also (whether you know it or not) inspiring other dentists to “Serve Others” and to experience the joy and sense of fulfillment that volunteer service brings. I’ll close with a quote from Margaret Mead: “Never forget that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” The USA Section ICD Fellows are a small group of committed citizens and I believe we can change the world, one smile at a time!
In Fellowship,
Elaine C. Wagner, DDS Executive Director, ICD
USA Section
Immediate Past President Report – Daniel W. Fridh, DDS
It has been my honor to serve as Immediate Past President of the USA Section this year. Thank you to our outstanding staff for all you do for the USA Section. We have an excellent leadership team this year and a very enthusiastic Board of Regents. Our future is very bright for the coming years.
As chair of the Annual Meeting Location Task Force, I can report that my diverse committee has worked very hard to recommend cities for the next three years that are convention ready, convenient to major airports, and family friendly.
As chair of the Annual Meeting Review Committee under the Finance Committee,
I will review the expenses for the meeting, survey the new Fellows for their value of the experience, and compare the experience
of our new Fellows of both on site and virtual Convocations.
As founder of one of our Service projects, Operation: Stand Down, I would like to report that our Fellows and local dentists have treated a few more than 5,000 Veterans who were in need of help with their dental care. Estimating the average value of each Veteran’s care at $2,500, that adds up to approximately $12.5 million of donated dental care. I am very proud of all of our Fellows who have stepped up to help our Veterans in need. I will continue to offer help to any Fellow who would like to organize an Operation: Stand Down in their district.
It has a pleasure to serve the ICD USA Section as your Immediate Past President.
In Fellowship,
Daniel W. Fridh, DDS
Immediate Past President, ICD USA Section
President Daniel W. Fridh presents outgoing District 9 Regent Stephen R. Harris with a Presidential Citation for exemplary service to the USA Section.
President Report – Ira R. Titunik, DDS
Serving as President of the USA Section of the International College of Dentists during this exciting time for our organization is both an honor and a privilege. We are currently undergoing a significant transition in the time of year of our annual meeting, which took place September 4-7 this year in Nashville, Tennessee.
Last year, we updated our five-year strategic plan during the spring meeting, and we are successfully progressing towards achieving our goals. One of the goals to be achieved is the three-year planning ahead for our Annual Meeting and Convocation. By so doing, better hotel selection and contracts will be realized for the Section.
Another positive change we have achieved is in the nominating process. Only one letter will be needed for nomination for Fellowship: the letter from the nominator. Another positive change is the doing away of the need for membership in any nationally recognized organization. The nomination of any individual will stand on the merits of individual achievements and serving others. Credit should be given to the 2018 USA Section President, Joe Kenneally, who was prescient in starting a process, that is playing out now in our Annual Meeting and Convocation.
The five-year post dental school time for nomination remains. Memberships in organizations will be listed in the individual’s CV.
In our new initiatives and planning, we are keeping in step with the Global College. As we all know, we are a Section within a global entity: International College of Dentists, which includes over 140 countries in 16 Sections. The USA Section is Section I.
The close working relationship with the 17 Regents of the USA Section, the Officers, our Executive Director Elaine Wagner and our Section office staff - Paula, Kylie, Jennifer, and Mary Jo, who has been with us for 24 years - is the key to achieving our goals. Change is both necessary and exciting.
In 2023, 286 candidates were honored with ICD Fellowship during in-person and virtual convocations. In 2024, it appears as we go to press, we have over 310 individuals who have accepted Fellowship. Many more have been nominated who have deferred for this time period.
It is the strength of character within our Fellowship that will ensure the continued growth of the College. The future looks bright, and I express my gratitude for the privilege of serving as your President.
In Fellowship,
Ira R. Titunik, DDS President, ICD USA Section
President-Elect Report – Eliot L. Paisner, DMD
It is an honor to work with the Board as the President-Elect of the USA Section of the International College of Dentists. It is exciting to be a part of the leadership team of such a wonderful organization, work with dedicated staff and fellow officers, and most importantly to meet so many ICD Fellows throughout the country and the world. My focus this year is to assist Section President Titunik in his duties as facilitator of Board meetings and to attend committee meetings ex-officio and fulfill my duties as outlined in the by-laws.
President-Elect. It will be the duties of the President-Elect to: 1. Assist the President as requested, and to perform the duties of the President in his/her absence, or his/her inability to serve; 2. Fill the office of President in the event there is a vacancy in that office. In case of
such vacancy, the policy will be the PresidentElect will assume the office as President for the unexpired term, and then will continue as President for the term to which he/she was elected; 3. Serve as Chair of the Governance Committee; 4. Provide oversight and coordination of all standing and Ad Hoc Committees; 5. Serve as a member of the Nominating Committee and to serve ex officio non-voting member on all other committees of the Section. 6. Serve as chair of the Applied Strategic Planning Committee.
[GC 01-21]
Your Board of Regents is committed to ensure the health of this organization and its continued mission of “Recognizing and promoting excellence in leadership with an emphasis on service, providing support and respect to our peers, addressing oral health needs and education throughout the United States and the world, and fostering an atmosphere of collaboration.” We support this mission through our committees, our financial contributions, and by seeking new, qualified members.
It has been a pleasure to attend a variety
of committee meetings, in part to answer questions as they may arise and also to learn from groups of talented individuals. You can rest assured that your Board of Regents is focused on and prepared to deliver the best College imaginable. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful organization.
I invite you to be involved in the College. Attend your state or district ICD events. Find a way to contribute to these events- help plan or execute a district dinner; offer to present a topic or help prepare the program. There are many ways to contribute. I invite all Fellows, in fact I challenge you, to find and nominate dentists whom you feel fit the mold of FICD as a Fellow once nominated you. “Share the honor.”
I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during the coming years. If you see me at a meeting, please introduce yourself to me. It is my honor to serve you.
In Fellowship,
Eliot L. Paisner, DMD President-Elect, ICD USA Section
USA Section officer reports
Vice President Report – Timothy R. Langguth, DDS
It is an honor to be serving as your Vice President of the USA Section of the International College of Dentists. Having had the opportunity to serve in Minnesota as a Deputy Regent, Vice Regent and then recently Regent I have come to see the value of our organization as we continue to “Serve Others”. The COVID era has forced us to adapt in many ways including our meeting strategies. The Zoom meetings that resulted have allowed us as an organization to easily attend committee meetings that have become more active and involving more Fellows. Our virtual convocations have allowed those whose travel was difficult to become members, but I feel it is unfortunate they miss the relationships that develop when attending in person. The branding of our College to “Serve Others” is a challenge and a major emphasis and we will continue to build the structure and communicate to you our Fellows.
I ask you to challenge yourself to find out about service projects in your area, nationally, and/or internationally that you could participate in. Look to our publications The KEY and KEYNOTES, and our messages through various message options for information. Consider contacting your state or section officers for ideas.
I also challenge you to look to your colleagues as worthy nominees for Fellowship. The honor and the values you found should be shared with others. The relationships that develop and encouragement to continue to serve in various ways can not be understated.
I look forward to my continued service as your Vice President and as a Fellow in “Serving Others.” I enjoyed seeing many of you in Nashville in September. Feel free to contact me with any thoughts about our College. I can be reached at trlangguth@aol.com or 218-260-9855.
In Fellowship, Timothy R. Langguth, DDS Vice President, ICD USA Section
Congratulations
USA Section 2023 Board of Regents in ICD regalia at the Convocation and Awards Ceremony in Orlando.
• Silvana Barros
• Tinnysha Chopra
• Hillel D. Ephros*
• Lorna Flamer-Caldera
• Ronald Kosinski*
CLASS OF 2023
• Claudia A. Mahon-Vazquez
• Guy Minoli
• Gary A. Nord*
• Katayoon Noroozi-Leibowitz
• Anabella Oquendo
• Luiz Andre Pimenta
• Stefan Ruhl*
• Douglas Schildhaus
• Pratix K. Shroff
• Ivan A. Vazquez
*Inducted Virtually
Meet our
REKHA C. GEHANI, DDS
Jackson Heights, NY
District 2 Regent
Dr. Rekha Gehani has enjoyed the field of Dentistry for over 40 years as an orthodontist in private practice as well as an educator at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York for many years. She enjoys sharing knowledge by teaching dental students and residents at a few hospitals in New York. She also enjoys volunteering in dental schools in the US and abroad and has been involved in organized dentistry for many years. The University of Bombay has established a scholarship in her name as the Rekha C. Gehani Orthodontic Scholarship for a deserving dental student in Mumbai, India.
Dr. Karen A. Johnson is the new District 9 Regent and presently serves as the ICD Wisconsin Secretary/Treasurer.
Dr. Johnson received her BA in Biology from Albion College and earned her DDS from Northwestern University Dental School, where she stayed on as faculty until the school’s closure in 2001. Since 2001, Dr. Johnson has been in private practice in Clintonville, Wisconsin.
Besides being a Fellow in the ICD USA Section, Pierre Fauchard Academy, and American College of Dentists, Dr. Johnson is extremely involved in her state’s dental society. She is presently a Wisconsin Dental Association trustee, ADA delegate, and is an avid participant and lead for multiple-state Mission of Mercy events. She is a passionate participant in the Special Olympics Give Athletes a Smile Day annually.
Dr. Johnson has been on numerous dental mission trips to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic and helped her daughter's annual mission trips through Straw 2 Bread by donating supplies to initiate an oral hygiene/fluoride program for orphans in Kenya.
Karen resides in rural Wisconsin where she, her husband Ted, and dental therapy dog Chip, enjoy the outdoors. Ted is a lake biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, their daughter Paige (20) attends Baylor University and son Bryce (29) resides in Madison, Wisconsin. She loves traveling, cooking, gardening and canning. Family though, is first and foremost.
Dr. Gehani is an ADA delegate and NYSDA delegate. She has been a past chair of ADA’s Council on Dental Education and Licensure and is a past chair and current extended board member of the New York State Board of Dentistry. She serves as a member of the office of professional discipline in New York and has served as an ADEX examiner for many years. She is a proud fellow of the American College of Dentists, and has served as an FDI World Dental Federation delegate. She is a former ICD NY Chapter President, was a Deputy Regent for many years and currently serves as the Regent of the ICD USA Section, 2nd District.
Dr. Gehani is married to a very successful endodontist, Dr. Chad Gehani, who is an ADA past president (2020). They have three children – two of them are orthodontists and the other is an otolaryngologist. They are very proud grandparents of six grandchildren.
Clintonville, WI
District 9 Regent
KAREN A. JOHNSON, DDS
This year Dr. Bruce E. Cunningham succeeded Dr. Brad Greenway as the 5th District Regent.
Bruce is a 1976 graduate of the University of Alabama (UAB) School of Dentistry. After four years in the US Army Dental Corps., he settled his family in Jacksonville, Alabama where he continues in private practice. Married to his high school sweetheart Evonne, since 1971, they have three daughters and eight grandchildren.
Bruce has held numerous and diverse leadership roles. Positions include those with his local school board, church, dental and alumni associations, and several charitable organizations. His passion is to use his skills in dentistry for service both locally and globally. He is volunteer, adjunct faculty for the UAB School of Dentistry where he directs an outreach clinic. He and his wife, Evonne, have built and equipped dental clinics in Nigeria and Uganda where he visits annually.
Dr. Bruce E. Cunningham is an ICD Fellow since 1998, and a member of the American College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
BRUCE E. CUNNINGHAM, DMD
Jacksonville, AL
District 5 Regent
Dr. Teresa L. Fong received her dental degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. She completed a residency at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, receiving her Certification in Pediatric Dentistry. She is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist.
Teresa moved to Minnesota in 1988 after marrying a Minnesotan. She and her husband, Ron, live in the Twin Cities and have an adult son. Dr. Fong was in private practice with Metropolitan Pediatric Dental Associates, Ltd. for just over 30 years. During her private practice years she enjoyed teaching part-time in the predoctoral pediatric dental clinic at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Dr. Fong retired from active private practice at the end of 2019.
TERESA L. FONG, DDS
North Oaks, MN
District 10 Regent
D. SPENCER POPE, DDS
Flossmoor, IL
District 8 Regent
She is now working as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Developmental and Surgical Sciences, Division of Pediatric Dentistry within the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, helping to coordinate the predoctoral clinical rotation in Pediatric Dentistry. She also teaches part time in the Health Partners AEGD program as their pediatric dental specialist.
Dr. Fong loves dentistry, loves to learn, loves to work with others, and loves being a part of the education of our newest dental healthcare professionals.
Effective as of the September 2024 Board of Regents meeting, Dr. Fong will relinquish her duties as 10th District Regent. Dr. Alberto Gasparoni (pictured right), Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Deputy Regent for Iowa, will become 10th District Regent.
Dr. D. Spencer Pope earned his DDS and Orthodontic specialty certificate from Northwestern University Dental School, and received the International College of Dentists Award for Outstanding Achievement. He joined the faculty of Northwestern University as an Assistant Professor and was appointed as the Director of Clinical Orthodontics. Currently, Dr. Pope is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Marquette University Dental School's Orthodontic department, serving on the faculty since 2000. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and serves as an examiner.
Dr. Pope is the current President of the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists and is a Past President of the Illinois Society of Orthodontists, the South Suburban branch of the Chicago Dental Society, and the Chicago Dental Society Foundation. He founded the Illinois Donated Orthodontic Services program, which provides free orthodontic care to children in need, and is the chair of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation Gifted Smiles program which does the same at a national level.
Dr. Pope and his wife Lydia have two sons, Ethan and Ian. In July of 2008, he reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Dr. Pope has private practices in Flossmoor and New Lenox, Illinois.
2023 MASTER FELLOW
Master Fellow Peter P. Korch III
A1991 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Peter Korch served as ASDA president in his fourth year. He is a secondgeneration dentist who maintains private offices in two locations, and his primary practice dates from 1915. Before dental school he attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where he received a graduate degree in insect biology and served as parliamentarian for its Graduate Student Senate.
Peter is president of his local dental society and in 2015 was named speaker emeritus of the Pennsylvania Dental Association where, since 2010, has served as its parliamentarian and chair of its bylaws committee. In 2024 he begins a 4-year term on the ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws, and Judicial Affairs.
In the International College of Dentists USA Section, Dr. Korch has served as a Deputy Regent and Regent for District 3. Dr. Korch served as a chair or member of many ICD USA committees, eventually becoming President of Section I in 2019. He is currently Chair of the Awards Committee and Audit Committee. At the global ICD level, he serves as Speaker of the Council, Parliamentarian, Chair of its Bylaws Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee. He is also a member of the Grants Committee for the ICD Global Visionary Fund. In 2023 the ICD, in recognition of his contributions, awarded him Master Fellowship. In addition to the ICD, Peter is a member of the American College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the American Institute of Parliamentarians, and the American Academy for the Advancement of Science, among other organizations.
Master Fellowship is a significant honor award conferred by the College to no more than four deserving USA Section Fellows each year. A Master Fellow has rendered conspicuous and outstanding service to the College, and must have maintained active Fellowship for at least 15 consecutive years. They must have served on either the USA Section Board of Regents, Foundation Board, and/or on the International Council for a cumulative total of ten years, but may not be a current Board or Council member.
Peter has worked as an adjunct associate professor of biology at his college alma mater where he also served a 15-year run as a board member of their alumni association, which included two years as its president. He established a scholarship at that institution for the student showing the most promise in the field of biology. He has published or presented papers on the topics of insect biology and history of dentistry. His involvement in Serving Others began in dental school, where he volunteered to travel to rural Kentucky to perform oral screenings on children. Since then, he has served as a Merit Badge Counselor for the Boy Scouts of America, presented oral hygiene instruction to the elderly and to geriatric health care workers in the Pittsburgh area, was education chair of the local chapter of the Audubon Society, and was alumni advisor to two different chapters of his college fraternity. He continues to be a regular volunteer at Mission of Mercy events in Pennsylvania, and is a long-time participant in Donated Dental Services and the ICD USAsponsored Peace Corps dental exam program.
Peter has a passion for music, especially when played on vinyl, as well as an inordinate fondness for British motorcars. He and his wife, Elizabeth Morgan, VMD live on a farm where tending gardens and caring for their animals is a labor of love.
Dr. Peter P. Korch III, Bigler, Pennsylvania
DISTINGUISHED DEPUTY REGENTS
The Distinguished Deputy Regent Award is presented annually by the USA Section Foundation of the International College of Dentists to recognize that individual who has demonstrated, and has performed, uniquely outstanding service in their Constituent.
Distinguished Deputy Regent R. Mark Bailey, DDS (2023)
Dr. R. Mark Bailey, Deputy Regent of the ICD Arkansas chapter, received the Distinguished Deputy Regent Award for 2023. Shortly after Dr. Bailey was inducted into the ICD in 2015, he became an active member in the Arkansas chapter. He agreed to take the position of Deputy Regent in 2021, even though he was already wearing many hats. Benjamin Franklin is attributed with saying, “If you want something done, ask a busy person,” and Mark Bailey fits this description. Whether it is due to his time management skills or his will to serve others, this colleague gets it done! After learning about the ICD Operation Stand Down mission, this concept of treating Veterans for free was made known to his chapter, and Dr. Bailey pounced on this mission. He engaged the members and encouraged the chapter to take this on for their new project to serve those who could
not receive the dental benefits they so rightly deserve. He spent countless hours sending emails to Fellows, obtaining commitments from Fellows who donated their clinic as a clinic site, and asking each Fellow to submit names of possible donors.
Dr. Bailey then contacted the majority of these possible donors and transformed them to confirmed donors. He did not waste time, but got busy contacting various dental supply companies, contacted radio stations for publicity, and reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs for collaboration on how best to inform Veterans of this free dental treatment. Lastly, he contacted dentists to get them signed up for treating patients.
When November 10, 2022, arrived for Arkansas Chapter’s Operation Stand Down event, everything was ready, largely due to Dr. Bailey’s determination and talents for obtaining so many dentists to volunteer their time and service. This ICD event was a major success, and we were very thankful that many of the volunteer dentists were not just ICD or ACD members, but were dentists who deserve to be in our College. He took this opportunity to nominate a young dentist for inclusion into the ICD, who was willing to serve in the Operation Stand Down
mission, and she in turn was impressed with ICD's initiative with this worthy event. It came to be “full circle,” when it was discovered her husband was a Veteran!
Dr. Bailey also has nominated worthy candidates for inclusion in the College and asked several members for second letters of recommendation. Mark Bailey is the epitome of what an ICD Fellow should resemble: someone who is ready to serve, works tirelessly on worthy endeavors, and encourages those around him. If only everyone could be like him, the world would surely be a more wonderful place!
Distinguished Deputy Regent Barry C. Saltz, DDS (2022)
Dr. Barry C. Saltz
Scarborough, Maine
Dr. Barry Saltz of Scarborough, Maine, is the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Deputy Regent Award. Dr. Saltz was inducted to ICD Fellowship in 2005 and was appointed as Deputy Regent of Maine in 2017. Barry took over the reins with enthusiasm and immediately turned his state’s recruitment statistics around. He has consistently been responsible for recruiting several newly inducted Fellows each year.
Vice President Eliot Paisner (District One Regent 2019-2022) states he has always been able to rely on Barry to participate in any District activity, offering to help in any means possible and contributing in a meaningful way to conversations and decision making. It is reassuring to “bounce ideas off” of his esteemed colleague.
District One has excelled in recruitment for the past few years in large part due to Dr. Saltz’s efforts. He is respected throughout the District and is deserving of this recognition.
Dr. Robbins Mark Bailey Waldron, Arkansas
Dr. Mark S. Chaney and Dr. M. Christine Benoit present Dr. R. Mark Bailey (center) with his Distinguished Deputy Regent Award sponsored by the ICD USA Section Foundation.
2023 HONORARY FELLOWS
Honorary Fellow Josephine Bicknell
Ms. Josephine Bicknell was appointed as Executive Director of the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach (CFDO) in 2018. She retired in May 2023 but continues to serve as an Emeritus member of the Board and Clinic Consultant for the Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic (CTMOM). In 2007, she was hired as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) in which she oversaw Connecticut’s Give Kids A Smile!® program and the inaugural CTMOM Free Dental Clinic. During this time, Ms. Bicknell also served on the CSDA’s Continuing Education Council and the Annual Scientific Sessions Council. In 2010, Ms. Bicknell was promoted to Director of Programs for the CFDO and CTMOM.
As the Director of CTMOM Free Dental Clinic, Ms. Bicknell was an administrator for the project and the Foundation that manages it. Her tireless work before, during and after the events has allowed care to be provided to more than 21,000 patients in need for the last 15 years. She has even been dubbed “Momma Jo” by the thousands of volunteers involved who rely on her care and guidance. She has participated in missions in Colorado, Georgia, Wisconsin, Iowa, New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon, Louisiana, and Rhode Island.
Ms. Bicknell began her career in the dental field in 1971 as a dental assistant for Dr. Alvin Berger (ICD Fellow). Prior to joining the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach and the Connecticut State Dental Association, she was an educator for the East Haven Board of Education in the Special Education Department. Ms. Bicknell is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Westbrook #1784, and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 83. She was co-owner of Robert Bicknell & Company Auctions, and Quality Floor Sanding, family businesses she shared with her husband. She has four children, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Honorary Fellow Ann Marie Gothard
Ms. Ann Marie Gothard has been described as “a visionary brand management and strategic communications advisor recognized throughout her career for driving the growth of businesses on an international scale.” Consistently, she has stepped into organizations and built the teams, processes, and protocols necessary to drive success across the global arena. This has given her extensive experience in conflict resolution and crisis aversion, identifying areas in need of restructuring or change to revitalize corporations.
Since 2016, Ms. Gothard has served as Vice President of Global Corporate Media Relations for Henry Schein, Inc. where, along with her team, she is responsible for contributing to the creation, development, and implementation of a global media relations strategy. A key focus of this is on enhancing the unique positioning of Henry Schein within the market and demonstrating the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts.
Ms. Gothard is also an experienced board director, advisor, executive sponsor, and mentor, having held positions at EmblemHealth, Mount Sinai Medical Center, and Aetna. She previously served as President of the American Association of Dental Editors & Journalists (AADEJ). Through her many and varied roles, she has continued to demonstrate a passion for diversity, inclusivity, and equity to ensure that all cultures and individuals have opportunities to thrive and excel.
Ms. Josephine Bicknell East Haven, Connecticut
Ms. Ann Marie Gothard Long Island City, New York
The USA Section Board of Regents may confer Honorary Fellowship upon individuals of outstanding achievement in or for benefactions or contributions toward the promotion of the dental profession. They may be non-dentists of the dental profession involved in teaching, scientific work or research, or in branches of science allied to dentistry; those who have given positive aid in the advancement of dentistry; or those whose Fellowship should be of significant benefit to the USA Section or College. We do not confer Honorary Fellowship to dentists who reside or practice within the jurisdiction of the USA Section.
Honorary Fellow Sister Bernadette Kenny
Sr. Bernadette Kenny grew up in Boston and entered the order of the Medical Missionaries of Mary in 1957. She spent five years in Ireland completing her original nurse and midwifery training in our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. After returning to the US for a short time, she went on to serve in Tanzania for ten years as a midwife delivering babies, then moved to Southwest Virginia in 1978 by request of the Richmond Diocese. Further education resulted in her acquiring a license as a nurse practitioner.
In 1980, frustrated because of legislation and regulations, Sr. Bernie founded the Health Wagon, the oldest mobile health clinic in the United States. The Health Wagon now includes five mobile units and three stationary clinics as well as the first FAA-approved drone medication delivery, accomplished in a joint venture with Remote Area Medical (RAM). The mobile units travel through small towns to community locations, going as far as providing care in families’ backyards to the medically underserved populations of Southwest Virginia.
The Health Wagon delivers diagnostics, primary, specialty, dental, vision care, and telemedicine to the medically underserved in poverty-stricken areas of rural Appalachia. The mobile clinics visit 13 sites in Southwest Virginia alone. Staff of the Health Wagon have presented at the United Nations and the World Health Organization. The Health Wagon continues to participate in outreach events each year, where Sr. Bernie can be found volunteering her time and services.
Honorary Fellow Diane K. Meyer, EdD
Dr. Diane Meyer has been an active supporter of dentistry as a humanitarian volunteer for over 40 years. Diane’s most recent book, “Encouraging Missions; Transforming Lives, Especially Yours,” is co-authored with Dr. Robert Meyer. The book comes from 25 years of personal, dental, and mission experience helping lead 50 mission trips overseas to over 40 developing countries, helping direct the restorative section of the Colorado Mission of Mercy clinic for 15 years, working at Kids in Need of Dentistry and the Mission of Mercy clinics in Colorado Springs, as well as encouraging, teaching, and helping others towards dental volunteerism at 42 major dental exhibit booths across the country.
Diane’s never-before-done doctoral research dissertation at Liberty University quantitatively and qualitatively documents the holistic benefits and detractors of dental, short-term volunteerism. This study was published in “The Journal of the American Dental Association” (December 2020) and also abstracted in the Pierre Fauchard Academy official publication, “Dental Abstracts,” (July/August 2021) which formed the basis of the book. This 270-page book captures the zeal for altruistic endeavors through lively, inspiring, true accounts and sound bites from over 60 highly-experienced, short-term trip volunteers.
Diane has also written four other books and numerous articles on dental volunteerism, and spoken widely about charitable service. She is active with the Christian Dental Society as a board member and board secretary who helps write, edit, and publish Christian Dental Society news-briefs, and informational booklets which can be viewed on the CDS website www.christiandental.org under “About Us.”
Diane is her husband’s inspiration and constant helper as they share the passion they have for dental charitable volunteerism. They both feel they could not have accomplished alone even a fraction of what they have been able to do together.
Sister Bernadette Kenny Clinchco, Virginia
Dr. Diane K. Meyer Colorado Springs, Colorado
DISTINGUISHED HUMANITARIAN AWARDS
Distinguished Humanitarians (2022)
Colonel (Retired) Robert D. Meyer, DMD and Diane K. Meyer, EdD
Colonel (Retired) Robert D. Meyer, DMD, MAGD, ABGD, FADI, FICD, is the Executive Director for the Christian Dental Society and is a full-time dental volunteer.
Dr. Robert Meyer earned his undergraduate degree from the US Military Academy, West Point, in 1974 and his dental degree from Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland in 1983. Colonel Meyer started a 32-year Army career at West Point, was chosen to command a Field Artillery Battery and also commanded the only airborne dental unit in existence, deploying dentists around the world. He received specialty dental training in the two-year Advanced Educational Program in General Dentistry and, for the last six years of his Army career, directed the Army’s Advanced General Dental Educational Program at Fort Carson.
Dr. Meyer is a diplomate of the Federal Services Board of General Dentistry and was Board Certified by the American Board of General Dentistry. His many military awards include the Legion of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, six Army Achievement Medals, two National Defense Service Ribbons and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. He has been awarded the Medical Order of Merit and the Surgeon General’s “A” Proficiency Designator. Dr. Meyer is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, a Fellow in the International College of Dentists, a Fellow in the Academy of Dentistry International, has authored scientific articles in numerous dental journals, and along with his wife, Dr. Diane Meyer, has published five books on portable mission dentistry.
From 1999-2015, Dr. Meyer provided comprehensive dental care in private practice until an eye injury redirected his life to full-time missionary dental service.
Both of the Meyers have provided dentistry to the less fortunate through the Kids in Need of Dentistry Clinic, the Mission Medical Clinic, a Remote Area Medical Clinic, and the Colorado Mission of Mercy Clinics within Colorado. They have traveled to over 60 countries utilizing 45 different organizations to provide dental care to the underserved in the developing world on over 70 mission trips.
The couple has been blessed with three married children and eight grandchildren. They have found their joy and significance in serving God and others.
The biography for Dr. Diane Meyer can be found in the Honorary section of this journal (p. 17).
Distinguished Humanitarian (2023)
Francis G. Serio, DMD
Dr. Francis G.
“Frank” Serio, a native of New York and the son of an ICD Fellow, earned his bachelor’s degree from The Johns Hopkins University and dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He earned a certificate in periodontics in 1986, a master’s degree in 1991 from University of Maryland School of Dentistry, and an MBA from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Serio held tenured faculty and administrative positions at the University of Maryland, University of Mississippi and East Carolina University. He has authored over 90 abstracts, textbook chapters, books and other publications, and currently lectures on the continuing education circuit on periodontics and global volunteerism. He recently retired as a staff dentist for Greene County Health Care, Inc., in eastern North Carolina where he continued his passion for working with the underserved.
In 1982, Dr. Serio made a one-man mission trip with the help of the Catholic Medical Mission Board to provide dental care in a remote region of the Dominican Republic (DR). Upon his return, he told his students at the University of Maryland about his experience. The next summer five students accompanied him on his mission to the DR. In a few years the project exploded with excitement and volunteer involvement at all levels, and the Dominican Dental Mission Project (DDMP) was born.
(Continued on page 19)
Francis G. Serio, DMD New Bern, North Carolina
Colonel Robert D. Meyer, DMD and Diane K. Meyer, EdD Colorado Springs, Colorado
The Distinguished Humanitarian Award is presented annually to a USA Section non-Board Fellow who has demonstrated an extraordinary dedication and commitment to serve those in need and who has contributed significant humanitarian efforts to help relieve human suffering and improve the quality of human life. They exhibit an outstanding history of participating in humanitarian and community activities related to providing dental care or other activities designed to improve the general health and well-being of those less fortunate, either within the United States or globally. Those activities should contain a significant level of participation, such as organizing these humanitarian activities, providing financial support or by exhibiting a high level of participation in these projects, generally well above what may be considered to be at a participatory level. They are held in high regard by Fellow colleagues and are known for their generosity and dedication to those in need.
(Continued from page 18)
The DDMP, founded and directed by Dr. Serio, provides care and education to poor, rural areas of the Dominican Republic. Over the last 41 summers the project has provided more than $22 million worth of dental care and dental and medical supplies to almost 70,000 rural poor in the DR. Today teams of 20-25 dentists from around the country and dental students from the University of Maryland volunteer their time to provide a variety of dental services in the DR. This mission changed the lives of some volunteers. Eight Dominican volunteers became dentists, three couples married, and many have published research articles
and branched out to work or launch other international volunteer groups and programs.
Dr. Serio was a founding member and former chair for the ADA’s Dentistry Overseas Steering Committee, was on the ICD Foundation Board of Trustees, and serves on the ICD’s Volunteer Seminar Committee where he presents programs on volunteer activities at major dental meetings. He was the primary author of the ADA’s “International Dental Volunteer Guide.” He has provided care at numerous Mission of Mercy and Remote Area Medical clinics and has worked with Habitat for Humanity.
Dr. Serio’s passion for “Serving Others”
by his humanitarian outreach efforts and love for educating students has earned him several accolades. In 1991, Dr. Serio received a President’s Volunteer Action Award from George H. W. Bush and in 2001 the Daily Points of Light Award from President George W. Bush. In 2015, the ADA awarded Dr. Serio with its highest honor, the ADA Humanitarian Award. Dr. Serio received a letter from a grateful DR patient who stated that because the dentists return every year, they know that God has not forgotten them. Frank states that giving people hope is perhaps the greatest power we have as human beings.
DISTRICT 3 • REPRESENTING PENNSYLVANIA District
CLASS OF 2023
This award sponsored by the ICD USA Section recognizes a graduating dental student selected by the dental school faculty who demonstrated Leadership in the following activities:
• Dental school student government
• Dental school class
• American Student Dental Association
• Student National Dental Association
• Research activities
• School committees/ activities
• Has demonstrated the potential to continue leadership roles after graduation
• Ranked in the upper third of their class
SPONSORED BY:
GERALD AND SANDRA KARR &
USA
Student Leadership Awards
52nd Year of Presentation
UAB School of Dentistry
Bryna A. Martinez
Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Allison D. Ghan
Midwestern University - AZ
Neha Kwatra
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
Natalie Noel Black
Loma Linda University
Sidney Lee
UCLA School of Dentistry
Lauren Pratt
University of California, San Francisco
Muruudul Otgonbold
University of the Pacific
Sarah Sultani
Western University of Health Sciences
Seraphina Oney
University of Colorado
Jacqueline Merz
University of Connecticut
Talia Staiger
Howard University
Javauny K. Hyde
Nova Southeastern University
Claudio Miro
University of Florida
Monica Bursian Ortiz
The Dental College of Georgia
Eric Wilkins
University of Iowa
Morgan Scholtes
Midwestern University - IL Kasey Schock
Southern Illinois University
Isaac Julius
The University of Illinois Chicago
Samantha Schaller
Indiana University
Joseph Wells
University of Kentucky Kalyn Gollar
University of Louisville
Kirsten Elizabeth Peterson
LSU Health Sciences Center
Dylan Thomas Mire
Boston University
Catalina Alicia Del Carmen Osses Albornoz
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
LECOM
Claudia Irene Battistini
Paulina Lauren Miller
Tufts University
Richard Truman Peterson
Naval Postgraduate Dental School
Mary E. Rondeau
University of Maryland
Kelly O'Keefe
University of New England
Joshua Philip Golden
University of Detroit Mercy
Hayden W. Sutton
University of Michigan
Ezinne Nwadinobi
University of Minnesota
Isabella Christianson Galina
A.T. Still Missouri
Colar Kuhns
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Alexandria M. Thomas
University of Mississippi
Medical Center
Jacqueline McGrath
East Carolina University
Fiondra Demita Baldwin
UNC Adams School of Dentistry
My-Lan Young
Creighton University
Adhm H. Asfan
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Nicklaus Hofmaier
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Irene Kontogiannis
UNLV School of Dental Medicine
Tanner Gregory Gamble
Columbia University
Nolan Wendling
NYU College of Dentistry
Meena Priya Bagavathy Perumal
Stony Brook
Karen Doh
Touro College of Dental Medicine
Sameer Bilal
University at Buffalo
Victoria M. DiVilio
Case Western Reserve University
Catherine Kenney
The Ohio State University
Christine Morgan
University of Oklahoma
Carley Jo Abbott
Oregon Health & Science University
Kunal L. Mansukhani
Temple University
Antonia E. Yuko
Penn Dental Medicine
Rendy Max Fernandez
University of Pittsburgh
Maia Wiesenfeld
University of Puerto Rico
Cesia M. Negron Losada
MUSC James B. Edwards
Price Matthew Watson
Meharry Medical College
Adrienne Hoffman
University of Tennessee
Health Science Center
Elvys Ferrufino-Mejia
Texas A&M University
Mark Thomas Ashby
The University of Texas
Clara M. Kohlmetz
UT Health San Antonio
Andrea Deveau Stager
Roseman University of Health Sciences
Priscilla Leung
University of Utah
Blake Eaton
Virginia Commonwealth
University
Joshua Adriel McKoy
University of Washington
Hara Chin
Marquette University
Margaret Ann Gentine
West Virginia University
Hunter Palmer
LEADERSHIP AWARDS
STUDENT
This award recognizes a Fourth Year Dental Student selected by the dental school faculty who:
• Exhibits an altruistic attitude to assist the underserved or less fortunate.
• Motivates others to serve and provide for the common good.
• Shows humility and generosity with time and talents.
• Has a history of significant participation in various school, local, state, and international projects.
• Has a leadership role in activities.
• Is involved in public health issues.
• Is involved in political issues that encourage humanitarian support.
• Shows responsibility, commitment, persistence, dedication, and is inspirational to others.
• Demonstrates the potential to continue to be a leader and a participant in humanitarian outreach programs after graduation.
SPONSORED BY: DR. WILLIAM AND CAROLYN HUNTER &
Student Humanitarian Awards
UAB School of Dentistry
Jenai Bostic
Bryna A. Martinez
Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Sandy Ashraf Youssef
Midwestern University - AZ
Kaitlin Stengel
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
Astrid Edith Noguera
Loma Linda University
Mohamed Gara
UCLA School of Dentistry
Skyler Chu
University of California, San Francisco
Annie Nguyen
University of the Pacific
Kara Ann Kremer
Western University of Health Sciences
Vineza Saraza Reduta
University of Colorado
Patrick Mugabee
University of Connecticut
DeCelia Browne
Howard University
Gawain O. Kiffin
9th Year of Presentation USA
LECOM
Willow H. Meline
Nova Southeastern University
Andrew Bretton
University of Florida
Emily Carroll
The Dental College of Georgia
Jaimisha Patel
University of Iowa
Guillermo Cortes
Midwestern University - IL
Jennifer Duong
Southern Illinois University
Kaitlin Carlson
The University of Illinois Chicago
Jessica Poon
Indiana University
Meyzgan Amin
University of Kentucky
Linzi Ralph
University of Louisville
Nicole Sanders Donaldson
Boston University
Pryscilla Kay Acosta
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Olivia Catherine Watrous
Tufts University
Gabriel Perez
University of Maryland
Ashraf Oreizi
University of New England
Adrea G. Tasselmeyer
University of Detroit Mercy
Oliver M. Daniel
University of Michigan
Brea Fleming
University of Minnesota
Abigale Enrici
A.T. Still Missouri
Brandon Dee Leavitt
University of Mississippi Medical Center
James Cutrer
East Carolina University
Raul Garcia
UNC Adams School of Dentistry
Stephanie Wangerin
Creighton University
Abdullah A. Shah
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Nicole Philips
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Khrystyna Hrebeshchenko
UNLV School of Dental Medicine
Seung H. Lee
Columbia University
Charlotte Martin
NYU College of Dentistry
Jacqueline Lauren Martinez
Stony Brook
Parmvir Kaur
University at Buffalo
Nardine Bastawros
Nawshin Chowdhury
Lynn A. Copeland
Shane Endres
Abigail Romano
Marybeth Ward
Case Western Reserve University
Laura Smith
The Ohio State University
Linda Tran
University of Oklahoma
Chandler Kate Roof
Oregon Health & Science University
Tyler L. Gimenez
Temple University
Maral Moosavi
Penn Dental Medicine
Sejal Vijay Menghani
University of Pittsburgh
Katherine Glickman
University of Puerto Rico
Cesia M. Negron Losada
MUSC James B. Edwards
Makena Rakouska
Meharry Medical College
Rachel Jackson
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Meraj Sayyed
Texas A&M University
Marzia Montgomery Zendali
The University of Texas
Andrew D. Phillips
UT Health San Antonio
Maryam Razaviasfali
Roseman University of Health Sciences
Emily Finkbinder
University of Utah
Clayson Knight
Virginia Commonwealth
University
Najah P. Lewter
University of Washington
Diana Flores
Marquette University
Sophia E. Altenburg
West Virginia University
Wijdan Dabeek
STUDENT HUMANITARIAN AWARDS
DENTAL JOURNALISM AWARDS 2023
51st Year of Presentation
SILVER SCROLL
Most improved publication
Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator, 3rd Quarter 2022, 2nd Quarter 2021, 3rd Quarter 2021, Amisha Singh, DDS, Editor.
PLATINUM PENCIL
Best use of graphics
Division I
Contact Point - Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Spring 2022, Kara Sanchez, Editor.
Division II
Virginia Dental Journal, January, February & March 2022, Richard F. Roadcap, DDS, Editor.
Honorable Mention
Tri-County Dental Society Connection, Winter 2022, Dan Jenkins, DDS, Editor.
SPECIAL CITATION
Unusual concept and/or presentation
The Nugget, February 2022, Dental Urban Legends, Nima Aflatooni, DDS, Editor.
Journal of the California Dental Association, October 2022, Looking to a Future of Equity and Excellence, Kerry K. Carney, DDS, Editor.
AAOMS: A Century of Progress - The History of the Organization and the Contributions of its Members 1918-2018, 2022, Daniel M. Laskin, DDS, Editor.
GOLDEN PEN
Article or series of articles of current interest to the profession
Division I
Texas Dental Journal, March 2022, C. difficile: An Update for Dentistry, Jacqueline M. Plemons, DDS, Editor.
Honorable Mention
Pennsylvania Dental Journal, Mar/Apr 2022, Turning the Tide of Opioid Addiction, Stephen T. Radack III, DMD, Editor.
Golden Pen (Continued)
Division II
Northwest Dentistry, September-October 2022, Mental Health, John E. Lueth, DDS, Editor.
Honorable Mention
AADEJ & ACD The Communicator, Volume 8, Issue 2, Writing Skills, Mali Schantz-Feld, Author.
Honorable Mention
SDDS Bulletin, September/October 2022, Check Banking Fraud at the Dental Office, Stuart Segelnick, DDS, Editor.
NEWSLETTER
Division I
San Antonio District Dental Society Newsletter, Nov/Dec 2022, Kelly Lemke, DDS, Editor.
Honorable Mention
The Bulletin, The Dental Society of Chester County and Delaware County, 2022, Jasmine Shafagh, DMD, Editor.
LEADERSHIP EDITORIAL/ARTICLE
Division I
Journal of the California Dental Association, August 2022, The Great Resignation, Ruchi K. Sahota, DDS, Author.
p. 25
Honorable Mention
Contact Point - Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Autumn 2022, An Unbroken Spirit, Marianne S. Jacobson, Author.
Division II
Northwest Dentistry, July-August 2022, Change, Amber D. Cziok, DDS, Author.
OUTSTANDING COVER
Division I
Pennsylvania Dental Journal, Mar/Apr 2022, Turning the Tide of Opioid Addiction, Stephen T. Radack III, DMD, Editor.
Honorable Mention
Texas Dental Journal, December 2022, X Marks the Spot, JFK Assassination, Jacqueline M. Plemons, DDS, Editor.
Division II
Wisconsin Dental Association Journal, September/October 2022, Mental health in the dental profession, Ryan Dulde, DDS, Editor.
HUMANITARIAN SERVICE
Article or series of articles that exemplifies ‘Serving Others’
Division I
Pennsylvania Dental Journal, Jan/Feb 2022, Bridging the Gap Between Health Care Disparities, Stephen T. Radack III, DMD, Editor.
Division II
The Nugget, May/June 2022, Make Time to Do Good - My Story, Nima Aflatooni, DDS, Editor.
Honorable Mention
Northwest Dentistry, September-October 2022, Hearts for a Wider Home: Our Dental Mission to Belize, John E. Lueth, DDS, Editor.
OUTSTANDING ICD NEWSLETTER
The District Notes, 2022, James J. Williamson, Editor. See p. 27
2023 Dental Journalism Awards Division I Leadership Article
Reproduced by permission of the California Dental Association.
In one of Aesop’s fables, a mighty oak tree stood tall in the middle of a forest. Next to it was a brook. Daily, the oak tree would admire its reflection in the water and beam with satisfaction. Around the periphery of the water were tiny reeds. They would bend and move as the wind blew, while the mighty oak stood tall and strong. The mighty oak was proud that it did not need to bend. It did not succumb to the wind. The mighty oak would direct the reeds to do the same. The reeds would politely decline. The mighty oak would still scoff at this and tell them to be “strong” like it. This went on for years. One day, the reeds grew tired and piped back. They warned the mighty oak that its ego would get the best of it one day. Soon thereafter, a heavy and strong windstorm blew through the forest. The oak tried and tried to fight through the gusts but was ultimately displaced. It toppled and landed next to the reeds. The reeds survived, as they had bowed and thus bared the gales. The reeds had proven that flexibility and a willingness to find a solution would help endure the toughest storm.
The pandemic proved to be quite the storm for our dental offices. Many realized that they could shut down for six weeks and still have a very productive year. Many survived because of government funded grants. Some dentists retired. And others grappled with the added pressures the pandemic presented to our profession. Some became nimble. Some fell.
During the early shutdowns, many offices laid off personnel. Offices reopened. They re-hired employees. Many months later, offices revved up their schedules to match pre-pandemic times. The storm was starting to weaken, but many of the roots of the offices
had been shaken. If trees did not fall, many of their branches did. Staff members began to resign.
A high number of resignations did not just plague dentistry. In fact, our nation hit a 20-year high in the “quit” number last November when 4.5 million workers left their jobs. Schools are seeing teacher shortages. Hospitals are enduring nursing shortages. Help wanted signs are browning as they weather the storms of the many months since they were posted.
The Great Resignation is upon us. After the stock market crash of 1929, our country endured the Great Depression. After the subprime mortgage crisis in 2006, our country suffered through the Great Recession. Our small businesses are now braving through an incredible shift in the labor market, labeled the Great Resignation.
Data elucidates that the labor issues had started to flash about even before the pandemic. But the fireworks went off more recently in our dental offices. Not only are hiring and recruitment more difficult, but retention is also challenging. CNN Business notes that employers are increasing wages but still struggling to find staff.
Historically, local dental society executive directors have helped with staff shortage issues. For many years, they teamed up with local dental assisting and hygiene schools. The dental societies housed graduates’ resumes. They were the hub of connection — creating a network of internships in member-dentists’ offices for the schools. However, just before the pandemic, a heavy storm hit. Budget cuts shut down many of the local dental assisting and hygiene schools or decreased their enrollment.
Ruchi K. Sahota, DDS, CDE, practices family dentistry in Fremont, California and serves on the CDA Board of Trustees. She is also a certified dental editor, a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association, past president of the Southern Alameda County Dental Society and a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, American College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Early in the pandemic, CDA identified helping fill staff shortages as a priority. For many years, local executive directors had proven to be like the reeds of the jungle. They had nimbly and patiently aided in connecting dental assisting schools with member-dentists. In 2021, the executive directors connected pipeline programs like the Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) and CDA.
The Bay Area JVS dental assistant training program is now being rolled out to Southern California as well because of CDA’s Smile
(Continued on page 26)
Ruchi K. Sahota, DDS, CDE
(Continued from page 25)
Crew CA bootcamps. The online self-led didactic program, in-person training and local internships are a conduit for the interested to go directly into CDA members’ offices. The Smile Crew CA campaign was marketed to specific service workers who had resigned from other industries. An expanded online career center was launched to connect CDA member-dentists to job-seeking auxiliary staff.
How else can we be nimble and bend like the reeds in the forest? CDA’s practice management analysts have pointed out a few key strategies to add glitter to a help-wanted notice: Consider a hiring bonus, additional vacation days or even paying for C.E. and licensure fees. A recent CDA online article notes, “The Society for Human Resource Management estimates that employers spend an average of $4,425 per job in hiring costs.” Perhaps many of us can attest that we have spent an above-average amount of time stressing about hiring and training new employees. The stress is often much more costly than dollars spent.
A trophic cascade occurs when a series of indirect interactions ultimately impact an entire ecosystem. For example, in the mid-
90s, there was only one beaver colony in the Yellowstone ecosystem. After the grey wolf was introduced, nine beaver colonies emerged. How? When the wolves disappeared in the 1930s, the elk had a chance to breathe. One of their major predators was gone. The elk multiplied. And because of their newfound freedom, the elk grew latent and loitered around willow plants. The beaver depends on the willow plants to survive. With less willow to feed upon, the beaver colonies dwindled. Once the wolf was reintroduced, the elk grew mobile. Vegetation started to return, The beavers got their willows back, and the ecological system of Yellowstone was rebuilt. What will be the key to tipping off the trophic cascade in dentistry? Will former restaurant staff members who sought benefits and more predictable schedules fill the employment holes in dentistry? Will former teachers who thrive with human connection find their way to dentistry? A recent Pew Research article noted that over half of adults who quit their job last year switched professions — especially those who were younger and did not have a postgraduate degree. In fact, this mixing is so common that
some economists say the Great Resignation may be a misnomer; the Great Reshuffle may be more accurate. The millennial and Generation Y populations seek purpose at their workplaces. They desire autonomy. They want to see a path to promotions before starting. Dentistry has a chance to weather this storm. Not only does our profession provide purpose and a sense of service toward the greater good, but it also features various channels of certifications that provide various stages of autonomy.
Where will dentistry end up on the other side of the Great Resignation? Will we be able to bow and bend through this latest economic era? Perhaps more of our staff’s day-to-day activities will become automated. A superbly intuitive virtual assistant may be able to navigate phone calls, reimbursement followups and schedule management. A robot may be able to suction, assist and take X-rays, while a drone completes pickup and delivery of sterilization of our instruments.
While we move through the Great Resignation, CDA will continue to identify the potential moments for us to bend and bow and prioritize the success of our businesses.
CongratulationsCLASS OF 2023
DISTRICT 4 • REPRESENTING DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, MARLYAND, NEW JERSEY & PUERTO RICO INCLUDES AIR FORCE, ARMY, NAVY, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS & PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
Deborah K. Adamec*
Shahid R. Aziz
Winifred J. Booker
Gail Cherry-Peppers
Kathryn Clark*
Hemal Desai*
District 4 Regent: Michael Conte
Hima Desai* Peter W. Duda*
Eoin M. Halpin
Benjamin D. Hunter II
Donald W. Jetter
Lyndsay C. Kuzmak
Jonathan Lang*
Mark D. Macek
Bhumika Patel
Herminio L. Perez
Christina L. Platia
Isabel Rambob
Michael J. Ribera*
Gillian Robinson-Warner
Deborah S. Rodriguez*
Scott J. Ruvo
Jordan Virden*
*Inducted Virtually
2023 Dental Journalism Awards
OUTSTANDING COVER
“The Pennsylvania Dental Journal has been honored to receive not one, but three, awards from the International College of Dentists for our 2022 publications, including two for our March/April ’22 issue, which explored opioid addiction and the crucial work being done in Pennsylvania to take on that very serious challenge. As the editor of the PDJ, it is very rewarding to know the work done by our Journal production team continues to be recognized for excellence, and a true honor to receive awards four years in a row!”
– Dr. Stephen T. Radack III
OUTSTANDING ICD NEWSLETTER
James J. Williamson (Honorary Fellow ) Newbury, Massachusetts
The Outstanding ICD Cover Award is presented to the editor for originality used in graphics and design for covers of dental publications.
The Outstanding ICD Newsletter Award is presented annually to the editor of a USA Section newsletter which demonstrates an overall quality of graphics, design and content.
Mr. James J. Williamson Wins ICD-USA Journalism Award for “The District Notes” (2023)
Mr. James (Jim) Williamson was inducted as an Honorary ICD Fellow in 2011. In 2017, Mr. Williamson became District One Editor, going on to produce many award-winning newsletters. His 2022 newsletter, “The District Notes” won the 2023 Outstanding ICD Newsletter Award for the fifth time in six years. Congratulations, Jim!
Mr. Williamson was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1968 for the Diocese of Norwich. He resigned from the priesthood in 1987 and became the Assistant Executive Director of the Early Childhood Foundation in Albany, New York. In 1991, Jim accepted the position of Executive Director of the Eighth District Dental Society in Buffalo. In 2022, he became the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Dental Society, a position he held until his retirement in 2015.
Jim has not been idle since retirement. He has held positions as the executive director of the Greater Derry Oral Health Collaborative Corporation from 2015-2022 and continues as a consultant on Oral Health Issues.
Jim and his wife Kathleen currently live in Newbury, Massachusetts. They have three children and eight grandchildren.
New! Franklin Monroe Kenward ICD USA Section Award
Established in 2024, this award is the highest honor granted to a Fellow of the USA Section of the International College of Dentists. It is named after a former Registrar of the Section who throughout his life exemplified our belief that “Serving Others” is our noblest goal. This award is not intended to be presented every year and recognizes extraordinary lifetime service to the ICD in the United States. To be considered for this award, a nominee must have maintained Fellowship in good standing for much of their career and held multiple positions or offices at all levels of the USA Section. However, those positions or offices alone do not necessary qualify a nominee to receive this award - the lasting impact to the USA Section of the winner of this award is the true measure of his or her contributions and thus, eligibility. This is indeed a rare and distinctive honor presented to a Fellow who has significantly elevated the Section through his or her actions and activities.
ELIGIBILITY:
1) The candidate must be an individual Fellow.
2) The candidate must have maintained continuous Active status in the USA Section for not less than twenty-five (25) years.
3) The candidate will have demonstrated long-term commitment to the USA Section by serving in multiple positions and/or elected offices at all levels (Chapter, District, and Section) of the organization.
4) A Fellow is not eligible for the Award until three (3) years have elapsed since he or she last served the Section at any level. Similarly, a Fellow serving as a paid employee of the Section who meets all of the other eligibility criteria is not eligible for the Award until three (3) years have elapsed following such employment.
2023 ORLANDO CONVOCATION ADDRESS
by Herbert P. Silva, DMD, FICD
Thank you, Dr. Fridh, for the introduction. It’s a bit intimidating speaking to a group with your accomplishments serving those in need. Thanks for what you have done and congratulations on your induction into the International College of Dentists.
Prior to dental school, I served in the Marine Corps for ten years where I learned commitment to mission with priority to serving the troops. I’m proud to be a Veteran. My service in the military instilled in me an obligation and determination to service Veterans in need. Before starting as a faculty member, I had a general family practice for 38 years in suburbia Saint Louis. Presently, I’m a fulltime clinical faculty member at A.T. Still University (ATSU), Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health in Saint Louis. I met President Dr. Fridh at the American Dental Association Give Veterans A Smile (GVAS) Summit at the ADA Headquarters in Chicago in May of 2022. The seminar facilitated investigating the scope of the problem of underserved Veterans’ access to oral health services. We bonded immediately, sharing the particulars of our earlier life experiences in the military, while discussing the variety of options presented during the seminar’s activities. Dr. Fridh’s interest in the program we’ve developed serving Veterans at our dental school resulted in you having to listen to me today.
So…
As you are aware, oral problems negatively impact overall health. Veterans are a historically underserved population with a significant lack of access to care. According to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, there are more than 18 million living Veterans. Currently, there are approximately 400,000 Veterans living in Missouri, almost 90% of whom cannot receive dental care from the VA. MOSDOH Smiles for Veterans targets Veterans in need that are not eligible for treatment through the VA, do not have the finances to afford care, and are candidates for removable complete and partial dentures. The MOSDOH Smiles for Veterans program is an innovative form of student-centered removable prosthodontics education in a communitybased environment. To date, this program has
delivered more than 1,000 arches of full and partial dentures at no cost to recipient Veterans. Dental students need defined procedures to graduate; Veterans are in need of many such required procedures. The Smiles for Veterans program simply puts the two together.
MOSDOH Smiles for Veterans Project began in 2017 to honor the 125th anniversary of MOSDOH’s parent institution, ATSU. Inspired by the university’s strong commitment to
caring for the underserved, this project has provided Veterans with much-needed oral healthcare, largely in the form of dentures and partial dentures provided to Veterans at no charge. Veterans participating in the project experience improved quality of life, workforce readiness, and overall health in our dental school environment.
Faculty, staff, and third- and fourth-year dental students (i.e., the team) are determined
“Veterans are a historically underserved population with a significant lack of access to care, and the M O S D O H Smiles for Veterans program is addressing this gap by providing much-needed oral healthcare, significantly improving the quality of life for our Veterans.”
to give back to Veterans who have already given so much for our country. They are providing critical oral care to as many disadvantaged Veterans as the grant allows.
Care is delivered at MOSDOH’s clinical facility, the St. Louis Dental Center, by third- and fourth-year dental students.
Recruitment of Veteran participants is ongoing utilizing Veteran organizations, media, and previously treated Veterans as sources of referral. MOSDOH adds additional Veterans in need of treatment during regularly scheduled “free dental exam” events provided for
Veterans. The team added 150 new Veterans at a screening event in July of 2023 with a similar event scheduled for July of 2024.
Participants are served on a first come, first served basis. Treatment plans are developed collaboratively by student dentists and supervising faculty—and ultimately approved by faculty. All removable prosthetic treatment is delivered at MOSDOH in collaboration with Affinia Healthcare, our FQHC partner. Completed full and partial dentures are delivered to Veterans in approximately 6-8 weeks from the start of treatment.
After Before
84-year old retired Air Force MP edendoulous since 1978.
Dr. HERBERT P. SILVA addresses an attentive audience at the ICD USA Section 2023 Convocation.
Project director Herbert P. Silva, DMD, FICD, is comprehensive care unit director at the St. Louis Dental Center. He is in his 7th year as MOSDOH faculty. Prior to joining the university, Dr. Silva served in general practice for 38 years and co-founded Chesterfield Dental Associates. Dr. Silva received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Southern Illinois University in 1977. His community involvement includes working with Operation Stand Down, Give Kids a Smile!®, and Focus Marines Foundation. Prior to his dental career, Dr. Silva served as a US Marine Corps officer, including a tour as an attack helicopter pilot in Vietnam.
Impact of the work on the intended audience:
Sudies reveal that oral health has a profound impact on general health and wellbeing, affecting annual income, employability, nutrition, self-esteem, social interaction, and mental health. Despite strong links between oral and overall health, many people have poor dental routines and limited interactions with dental health professionals. According to
2014 data from the Centers for Disease Control, Missouri ranked 41st for number of residents who saw a dentist. Cost is a key reason many fail to obtain professional care. A 2012 Congressional report found that as many as 130 million Americans do not have oral healthcare coverage, whether they have private insurance, Medicare, or Veterans’
Administration (VA) benefits. Veterans do not have any dental care provided by the VA unless they are considered 100% disabled. When people do have dental insurance, there are often high levels of cost-sharing, making care unaffordable for many families. During tough financial times, dental care may seem expendable. However, oral health problems have been linked to serious medical issues such as heart disease and stroke. Small oral health issues can escalate into much larger problems if left untreated, and advanced issues are more expensive to treat. Dental treatment is costly, but investment in oral health is an investment in general well-being. This project will improve Veterans’ overall health by providing access to life-changing care.
MOSDOH Smiles for Veterans serves as a model for other dental schools and/or FQHCs. Free treatment isn’t free. As always, personal, and corporate support is greatly appreciated. Donations have been received from multiple sources including: ATSU and MOSDOH administrators, faculty, staff, student organizations, parents of students, VFWs, Marine Corps League, Scripts Foundation, Distinguished Flying Cross Society, Goyanes Family Foundation, ogcares.org, as well as more than a dozen Vietnam Veteran squadron brothers.
MOSDOH’s Smiles for Veterans Program utilizes a three-pronged approach:
• Inspiration for students.
• Cost effectiveness.
• A model for dental student education servicing our Veteran population.
Funds are needed to offset reduced lab fees allowing continued dentures at no cost to Vets.
What can you do to help?
• Get the word out. Identify, treat or refer a Vet.
• Donate time, services and/or money. Financial donations can be made at: atsu.edu/support-mosdoh-vets MOSDOH Smiles for Veterans is 501(c)(3).
• Coordinate with local Vet organizations.
A PHOTOGRAPHIC CELEBRATION
October 2023 ICD USA Section Convocation, Fellowship Orientation Program & Meetings in Orlando
Flag bearers, Global Secretary-General Joseph R. Kenneally and District 17 (Florida) Vice Regent M. Reza Iranmanesh lead the recessional following the 2023 Convocation Ceremony.
The late First Lady Marti Fridh received a bouquet of roses from her husband, Daniel W. Fridh, as a thank you gift for supporting him during his USA Section presidency.
President Daniel W. Fridh (L) congratulates District 10 Regent Timothy R. Langguth on being elected as the 2024 USA Section Vice President.
2023 Fellows-Elect await their induction into our College.
The ICD draped Key is the backdrop for Active/Retired Navy Fellows and family during our 2023 Annual Convocation at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace.
Distinguished Humanitarian
and Diane
recipients, Francis
2023 ICD USA Section President Daniel W. Fridh presents incoming 2024 President Ira R. Titunik with the Symbol of ICD Presidency, a chain of links engraved with former ICD USA Section Presidents’ names.
Fellows and guests dance during the celebration dinner to honor the induction of new
earlier that afternoon.
2023 ICD Global President Ho-Youl Chang welcomes one of the many deserving 2023 new Fellows as each receive their ICD Key.
L-R:
Award
G. Serio (2023), Robert D. Meyer (2022)
K. Meyer (2022), gather for a photo with Honorary Fellowship recipient Ann Marie Gothard (2023).
Fellows
Guests enjoy hamming it up in the photo booth during the celebration dinner.
USA Section Past Presidents Risé L. Martin (2022) and Leighton A. Wier (2009) support the ICD USA Section Foundation’s Century Club along with all of the other Fellows displayed on this poster.
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PROMOTING OUR MISSION
ICD Leadership in Action! Regent, Honorary Fellow and New Fellow join forces to promote the ICD-USA mission.
ICD USA Section District 2 (NY) held an in-person networking dinner event with free CE for all ICD Fellows. Some non-Fellows joined the event as well, giving District 2 Regent Dr. Rehka Gehani the opportunity to promote the mission of the USA Section. She encouraged all the Fellows to participate in ICD activities and global initiatives for oral health.
Dr. Rekha Gehani introduced and thanked our leadership for their service and acknowledged the New Fellows who nominated a few candidates for Fellowship this year.
The attendees were fortunate to have a District 2 New Fellow, Dr. Luiz Pimenta, as presenter for the evening. Dr. Pimenta, from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, gave an excellent presentation on prosthodontics. It was an enjoyable presentation for all.
Special thanks was given to Honorary Fellow Mr. Steve Kess, former vice president of global professional relations at Henry Schein, Inc., long-time friend of Dr. Gehani and great supporter of ICD-USA. He represented Henry Schein, a company which is always at the forefront of donations to support all the humanitarian projects of ICD USA Section globally. Mr. Kess encouraged Fellows to get involved and collaborate.
NEWS FROM MASSACHUSETTS
Dr. Ana Keohane, ICD Fellow since 2019, has tremendously contributed to dentistry and her community. She has spent countless hours organizing community and oral health education fairs. She has provided oral health care for needy patients and her services are tailored for low-income, underserved populations and children. In 2024, the ADA named her a 10 UNDER 10 recipient, which recognizes 10 amazing dentists who graduated from an accredited dental school less than 10 years ago. Dr. Keohane volunteered on September 11, 2022, at the Brazilian Festival where the group offered free dental screenings, oral health education, toothbrushes and toothpaste for children and adults. On October 2, 2022, Dr. Keohane volunteered at the Boston Marathon, Miles and Smiles Jimmy Fund for Dana Farber Cancer Institute, helping to raise money to find the cure for cancer. On February 5, 2023, in celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Dr. Keohane and the Massachusetts Hispanic Dental Association, participated in the Give Kids A Smile educational health fair as pictured below. Approximately 30 kids and their families were educated about oral hygiene.
ADA’S 10 UNDER 10 AWARD NAMES FIVE ICD FELLOWS IN 2024
Developed by the ADA New Dentist Committee in 2017, this award recognizes 10 amazing dentists who graduated from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation less than 10 years ago. The ADA is celebrating dentists who demonstrate excellence and inspire others in science, research and education, practice excellence, philanthropy, leadership and advocacy. For consideration, nominees must be active ADA members and a graduate from a US accredited dental school between the years 2014-2023, or an international ADA member and a graduate of dental school between the years 2014-2023.
Pictured L-R: Dr. Zerita C. Buchanan (Lithonia, GA), Dr. Brittaney Hill, FICD (Chicago, IL), Dr. Ana Keohane, FICD (Boston, MA), Dr. Roopali Kulkarni, FICD (Philadelphia, PA), Dr. Austin Lee, FICD (San Antonio, TX), Dr. Brianna Muñoz, FICD (Avon, CT), Dr. Joseph Samona (Bloomfield Hills, MI), Dr. Martin Smallidge (San Antonio, TX, US Army), Dr. Rubin A. Sorrell II (San Francisco, CA) and Jessica C. Williams (Nashville, TN).
CONGRATULATIONS
CLASS OF 2023
DISTRICT 5 • REPRESENTING ALABAMA, GEORGIA & MISSISSIPPI
District 5 Regent: Bradley K. Greenway
Jessica S. Brown • Lindsay English*
Travis L. Garnto • Alexa L. Lampkin
Todd R. Schoenbaum*
Jay S. Smith* • Christa D. Spann
*Inducted Virtually
CLASS OF 2023
DISTRICT 6 • REPRESENTING KENTUCKY, MISSOURI, TENNESSEE & WEST VIRGINIA
District 6 Regent: Samuel Vincent Veltri II
*Inducted
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OPERATION STAND DOWN IN GARY, INDIANA
In April 2023, Indiana University Northwest Dental Hygiene School faculty and students volunteered for Operation Stand Down, a free dental event for Veterans.
On April 22, 2023, a cold Saturday morning, students, staff, faculty and volunteers gathered at the Indiana University Northwest Dental Hygiene School in Gary, Indiana, for Operation Stand Down. The volunteers had put the word out to the American Legion, VFW, local radio WJOB, and county Veterans Service offices, that a free event for vets was to be held that morning.
Operation Stand Down is a free program for any Veteran, started by Dr. Daniel W. Fridh, a past president of the Indiana Dental Association and Immediate Past President of the ICD USA Section. Radiographs were taken and each Veteran’s needs were triaged. Each was then assigned a volunteer dentist to complete their treatment.
FIRST FEMALE AMERICAN INDIAN DENTIST IS AN ICD FELLOW, ROLE MODEL AND ACTIVIST
Working to increase the dental workforce of the American Indian and Alaskan Native communities, Jessica A. Rickert, DDS, FICD, the first female American Indian dentist in the world, presented the Anishinaabe Dental Outreach (ADO) to the Michigan Indian Educational Council in March 2024.
She emphasized the oral-systemic health connection, especially for children. American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) children have the highest rate of severe dental disease in the US. AIAN youth were recruited into dental careers. There are 450 AIAN dentists in the US. To have parity, there should be 4,000.
Dr. Rickert also presented the ADO goals to the University of Michigan Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in April 2024. She discussed the innovative academic articulation between Bay Mills Indian Community College and Northwestern Michigan College to increase the number of AIAN Registered Dental Assistants. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is experiencing a severe dental workforce shortage resulting in AIAN not being able to access timely and adequate dental care.
One contributing factor to the low number of American Indian dentists is a lack of role models. In a 2013 interview by Juliet Farmer, Dr. Rickert notes, “Never having seen an American Indian dentist, students do not imagine themselves as dentists.” One way she hopes to change this is by featuring her own story and likeness in a coloring book, created in 2022 through a partnership with the Sindecuse Museum at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry. It has been distributed to thousands of young tribe members.
WHITE COAT CEREMONY AT UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
J uly 28, 2023
Stephen R. Harris, DDS, ICD Regent, District 9, pictured fourth from left with MDA President and ICD Fellow Eric W. Knudsen, DDS (tan jacket, pictured photo center).
Dr. Rickert is a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. She graduated from the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry in 1975.
SERVING THOSE WHO Served Our Country
FELLOW IN ACTION — James Jenkins, DDS, FICD
Current data indicates approximately 15% of US Veterans qualify for dental benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. In Nebraska, approximately 120,000 Veterans lack this coverage. The Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) conducted a state-wide survey of Veterans agencies to determine interest in providing a charitable dental clinic for Veterans in need. The results were overwhelmingly favorable. Dental, military, and health organizations in Nebraska then cooperated to provide dental services by holding a Veterans Mission of Mercy (VetMOM) clinic. Cooperation between each organization was unprecedented and very successful. The free two-day dental clinic provided restorative dentistry, extractions, prosthodontic services, radiology, endodontics, and dental hygiene services to Veterans in need.
The Titan Army Readiness Center at Camp Mead in Nebraska was identified as an excellent location for the VetMOM clinic. The facility is located between Lincoln and Omaha, the two largest cities in Nebraska. The clinic dates were October 6 and 7, 2023.
The NDVA worked with county Veteran agencies to promote the clinic to all Nebraska Veterans and verify eligibility. Provider and volunteer registration was set up by the Nebraska Dental Association on its website. Appointments were set up every 90 minutes
throughout each clinic day beginning at 8:00 a.m. with the goal of completing patient care by 5:00 p.m. Scheduling the appointments assured there would be no patients waiting for hours or turned away when capacity is reached.
The VetMOM clinic had 40 dental operatories available: 12 chairs each were reserved for oral surgery, dental hygiene and restorative dentistry; 4 chairs were for endodontics. The VetMOM was first time at a Nebraska charitable dental clinic where the technique of scanning and printing of dentures was utilized. This was accomplished using intra oral scanners in partnership with a local dental laboratory. Radiological services were completed with a digital panoramic machine and three portable NOMADs. There were 250 volunteers. A Nebraska Veterans Memorial display honoring Nebraska Veterans killed during their service during the Global War on Terror was also set up in the entryway for patients and volunteers to observe and reflect upon.
Patients were triaged and their chief one or two dental complaints were addressed. Each dental procedure was recorded using the standard ADA dental codes. For continuing care, each patient received a brochure with information on where to find an affordable “dental home” across the state of Nebraska, including Federally Qualified Health Centers, Health Departments, the two dental schools in Nebraska, and charitable dental clinics. 224 Veterans and 84 spouses were cared for in the two-day clinic. The average age of the Veterans seeking dental care was 65.5 years. Over 62% of the patients did not visit a dentist on a regular basis and 9% of the patients travelled over 250 miles to attend the clinic. The dollar value of dental services rendered was $406,512.14. We were able to provide 99 units of full and partial dentures.
It was an honor to serve those who sacrificed so much for our country.
Left photo – Veteran receiving oral health care at VetMOM. His spouse is smiling with appreciation.
Right photo – The Director of Nebraska Office of Veterans Affairs and his team observing Dr. Greg Bennett using a digital scanner to record patient records for fabrication of complete dentures.
Pictured above – US Army Major Scott Ingalsbe observing the Nebraska Vet Mission of Mercy Infection Control Section headed up by Kip Koll.
2024 Mission Trip to
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Chichicastenango, Guatemala
This clinic was established by Dr. Steve Niergarth, FICD and his wife, Lisa in 2012. Dr. Niergarth invites you to volunteer on a future trip to this fully-equipped dental clinic in Chichicastenango or in another location in Guatemala with Helps International.
Dr. Niergarth can be reached at: steve@deerhavendentistry.com
I took a recent mission trip to Chichicastenango, Gautemala, accompanied by seven dental students from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry (February 24March 2, 2024). This is the sixth such trip with U-M dental students. Go Blue!
These weeks always prove to be rewarding experiences for the students and myself, as the local residents are so appreciative of the treatment they receive.
Our translation “cheat sheet” board helped communication between the patients and volunteers. It lists commonly used phrases at the clinic in English, Spanish and K’iche’.
Most of the patients are of Mayan descent and live with many hardships and challenges, yet without exception are happy and kind people. Many of the dental students spoke Spanish. We also had translators who spoke Spanish and K’iche’, the local Mayan language.
REFERENCES
Chichicastenango is located in a mountainous region about 87 miles northwest of Guatemala City. Chichicastenango is a K’iche’ Maya cultural center. According to the 2012 census, 98.5% of the municipality’s population is indigenous Mayan K’iche’. Of the population, 21% speak only K’iche’, 71% speak both K’iche’ and Spanish and the remaining 8% speak only Spanish.2
The educational sessions with the kids are especially fun for the students, teaching them the basics of good oral hygiene, applying fluoride, and having a good time in the process. All the kids receive a beanie baby after a dental visit.
On our way back to Guatemala City, we spent the day at beautiful Lake Atitlán.
1 - Subject matter excerpts from Institute of World Languages, University of Virginia (UVA) Arts & Sciences: https://iwl.virginia.edu/language/kiche
2 -Subject matter excerpts from USAID: https://web.archive.org/web/20141106035815/http://nutri-salud.org.gt/content/chichicastenango and wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chichicastenango
3 -Subject matter excerpts from wikipedia.org: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Atitl%C3%A1n
Dr. Steve Niergarth (above right in blue scrubs) mentoring the University of Michigan School of Dentistry students.
Maya K’iche’ is spoken by over one million people in the western highlands of Guatemala, and diasporic Mayan communities throughout Central and North America.1
Our group: Front row: Jack Elwell and Ben Meyers Back row: Dr. Steve Niergarth, Sarah Carter, Mishti Sharma, Clayton Ford, Spencer Wills, Hanine Farhat
In Spanish: Lago de Atitlán Lake Atitlán is popular for being the deepest lake in Central America and is known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.3
CLASS OF 2023
DISTRICT 7 • REPRESENTING INDIANA & OHIO
District 7 Regent: Denise L. Hering
Tamara Gierke Button • Nivine Y. El-Refai • Darryl T. Hamamoto*
Kelly Kirtland • Jennifer Ashley Neese • James M. Oldham*
Joseph Richard Platt • Elizabeth Vi Simpson • Jonathan David Spenn Carroll Ann Trotman* • Abhilash Vemulapalli*
*Inducted Virtually
CONGRATULATIONS
CLASS OF 2023
DISTRICT 8 • REPRESENTING ILLINOIS
DISTRICT 2 • REPRESENTING NEW YORK
District 8 Regent: Mary A. Starsiak
District 2 Regent: Lauro F. Medrano-Saldaña
Paul L. Fischl* • Jessica Lynn Gibbs*
Nancy Hijjawi • Edward Dwayne Karateew*
Bryce Alan Larson* • John William Polivka
Jeffrey S. Wittmus • Gordon J. Ziols
*Inducted Virtually
MENTORING the NEXT GENERATION
William C. ("Dr. Bill") Sasser, DMD, FICD leads team of seventy to Ecuador, March 2024
Dr. William C. Sasser
DENTAL COMMUNITY
FELLOWSHIP
(DCF) was founded at the College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in 2003. One of its main goals is to organize international trips in order to introduce dental students to the delivery of care utilizing portable equipment to underserved populations. Over the past 21 years, hundreds of students have received instruction while providing basic dental care to include preventive, restorative procedures along with extractions.
Over the years a variety of different countries have received DCF teams, but every March we return to Quito, Ecuador. The only thing that stopped us was the COVID pandemic from 2020-2022. The March 9-16, 2024 trip was one of our best. Other than some flight delays, the trip was flawless.
Our team comprised of 17 graduate dentists, 27 CDM students representing all four classes, 3 hygienists, 2 pre-dental students, and a variety of helpers. The dental students gained tremendous experience rendering basic restorative and preventive care. In addition, each D3 and D4 student rotated through the extraction clinic.
There were many high points to celebrate over the week-long clinic. One that stood out for me, was the fact that nine dentists on the team had been part of DCF as undergraduates. This was personally encouraging since a major goal of these international trips is to train the next generation of dental volunteers. I am proud to have been a mentor to these fine young dentists. They are positive representatives for the future of dentistry who value the benefits of their dental education, but also recognize the responsibilities that accompany a DMD degree.
“… a major goal of these international trips is to train the next generation of dental volunteers. I am proud to have been a mentor to these fine young dentists.”
WILLIAM
Adjunct
C. ( “DR. BILL” ) SASSER, DMD, FICD
Faculty Member, MUSC
Executive Director, Dental Community Fellowship
Dental Director, North Charleston Dental Outreach charity clinic
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Connecting the ICD Community
10 YEARS OF MOM-n-PA
Several dozen ICD USA Section District 3 Fellows volunteered at the Allentown, Pennsylvania MOM-n-PA in June 2023.
MOM-n-PA, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing dental services to underserved Pennsylvanians, hosted its 10th annual mission in Allentown on June 2-3, 2023. In addition to being a “Champion” financial supporter, several dozen ICD USA Section District 3 Fellows volunteered their time and talents. In total, there were 879 volunteers treating 1,375 patients, performing 8,528 procedures and donating $1,357,899 of free dental care. Very impressive, given the total value of care provided during its first decade is $8.9 million!
20th ANNIVERSARY OF GIVE KIDS A SMILE!®
December 1, 2023, marked the twentieth anniversary of the Give Kids A Smile!® collaboration between the Community Volunteers in Medicine and The Dental Society of Chester County and Delaware County.
For more than 25 years, CVIM has provided free health care for people without insurance. The organization relies on community support, and more than 400 volunteer health care professionals, to bring much needed care to the uninsured in the community.
One day a year, the local dental society recruits volunteer dentists, assistants and hygienists to provide dental care under the auspices of the ADA Give Kids a Smile!® Program. Over the past 20 years, hundreds of children have received care totaling more than $250,000. In December, seven volunteer dentists saw 26 children and provided more than $15,000 in services. Local specialists including endodontists, orthodontists, oral surgeons and pediatric dentists volunteered to see the children who required additional treatment in their private offices. This on-going partnership has been a win-win for the patients, the community and the volunteers who manifest the ICD USA Section core value of Service.
GKAS event at the CVIM in West Chester, PA on December 1, 2023. ICD Fellow Stephanie H. McGann, DMD is pictured treating a child.
ICD Fellow Linda K. Himmelberger, DMD (seated) and Gina Farrell, RDH, BS, PHDHP, Associate Director of Dental Services at Community Volunteers in Medicine.
Many of the District 3 volunteers were able to take a break for a 2023 MOM-n-PA photo-op with ICD USA Section Regent Ronald K. Heier, DDS (pictured 8th from left in front of Champion support signage) on Saturday, June 3.
Leonard J. Bartoszewicz • Monish Bhola* • Drew J. Delforge • Shane A. Fisher • Richard F. Frenchi*
Seth W. Griffin* • John C. Hall • Nicole M. Jane • James J. Karam* • Sami Kawas* Elizabeth A. Knudsen
Shilpa Kolhatkar* • Jeremy H. Michaelson • Daniel Miller* • Kelly Misch • Sarah E. Quesnell
Jessica A. Rickert* • Matthew M. Turchi • James Wolf* • Christopher Yang
*Inducted Virtually
DISTRICT 10 • REPRESENTING IOWA, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA & SOUTH DAKOTA
District 10 Regent: Timothy R. Langguth
Kami Dornfeld • Sukirth M. Ganesan
Jennifer Hartshorn • Jackie Nord
Rosalie Perpich • P. Angela Rake*
D. Brad Rindal* • Erica C. Teixeira
*Inducted Virtually
DR. BRUCE E. CUNNINGHAM (CENTER, BACK OF ROOM, GESTURING) GIVING LOCAL DIGNITARIES A TOUR.
News for Nigeria
Bruce E. Cunningham, DMD and ICD Regent, Uses Grant Funding To Open Dental Clinic in Nigeria
Grand Opening – March 20, 2024
NIGERIA MISSION TRIP - MARCH 14-23, 2024
Having been told not to come to Nigeria in March because of the extreme heat, I found out why! Temperatures as high as 106 F were harsh even with the low humidity of their dry season.
But, my goal of completing the dental clinic to make it fully operational was achieved with flying colors.
With God’s help, the craftsmen, church leaders, health workers and I worked together to accomplish the remaining necessary steps.
In what I call a “God thing”, right before I came, the clinic was awarded a grant from Henry Schein Cares in collaboration with the ICD USA Section Foundation and the ICD Global Visionary Fund of $4,000 worth of dental instruments and supplies which were needed to start doing fillings.
On my first full day, while I was unpacking the dental instruments and
supplies, organizing and testing the equipment, the health workers were busy caring for patients. By the end of the second day, we had our first patient experience utilizing the full capabilities of the clinic.
On my third day, World Oral Health Day, nine years of planning and development culminated with the grand opening of the dental clinic including a celebration meal, speeches and ribbon cutting. After worshipping, praising God and recognizing the many contributors, an important meeting of leadership followed to begin to forge a sustainability plan.
My last day there, the longest and hardest, was filled with patient care to
include surgical extractions and toothcolored fillings. In total we saw 42 patients. A complete inventory of the clinic was the last item on the agenda before doing my personal packing.
God’s continued blessings are sought as we commence the next phase by developing a sustainable business plan in our efforts to share God’s love by improving the oral health and well-being of this region.
To God be the Glory,
Bruce E. Cunningham, DMD District 5 Regent, ICD USA Section
“As recipient of a grant from Henry Schein Cares in collaboration with the ICD USA Section Foundation and the ICD Global Visionary Fund for restorative instruments and supplies, the United Methodist Church of Nigeria, the Community Oral Health Initiative and I offer our profound appreciation.”
Nine years of training and equipping Nigerian Community Health Workers in oral disease prevention and the treatment of urgent oral health needs reached a milestone with the grand opening of a “first of its kind” dental clinic to provide basic restorative and surgical services. Although in the past this program only provided urgent oral treatments including extractions, this grant enables restoration of eligible teeth. A grand opening celebration was held on World Oral Health Day, March 20, 2024.
The presence of a well-equipped, well-supplied dental clinic in an area with a profound access issue is expected to be an incentive for the government to assign a dentist to the clinic. It will also attract national and international volunteer dentists.
As a component of the UMCN Rural Health Program Gwandum Hospital and Clinic, record keeping, accounting, and security is the responsibility of the facility director. A complete inventory of the dental equipment, instruments and supplies is being maintained. The current location in a hospital ward is considered to be an interim location until a more suitable building can be found or built.
Stakeholders are actively developing a business plan to sustain the clinic’s staffing, supply, and maintenance issues.
Respectfully submitted,
BRUCE E. CUNNINGHAM, DMD
USA Section District 5 Regent
WATCH THE TOUR WITH DR. CUNNINGHAM Scan the QR code above.
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Connecting the ICD Community
SERVING OTHERS THANKSGIVING DINNER
District 13 Regent Dr. Craig S. Yarborough and wife Nancy shared Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27, 2023) with Pacific Dugoni students who could not travel home.
Dr. Craig Yarborough, FICD, snaps a picture of his wife Nancy standing at the end of the table holding a (possible) future Pacific Dugoni member - Class of 2048! Nancy is holding the 8-month-old while the parents eat their dinners. Surrounded by students, family and guests, the Yarboroughs are “Serving Others” on the special holiday. They enjoyed a warm meal together with this extended family and had fun referring to the young children by the approximate class from which they could eventually graduate at the Aurther A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.
OPERATION STAND DOWN
The second Operation Stand Down in Arkansas was held on November 3, 2023 at seven different sites around the state. These clinics were located in Arkadelphia, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Pine Bluff and Mountain View. Each office was located in a different geographic region in the state.
Patients were pre-screened and scheduled for their appointments through the Department of Veterans Affairs to confirm their Veteran status. We would like to give a special thanks to Gina Chandler for coordinating the confirmation of Veterans’ status and getting Vets to the appropriate office location. For her efforts, she was presented a plaque of appreciation and a restaurant gift certificate during our spring meeting on March 2, 2024.
A total of 172 patients were treated and services valued at $142,894 were rendered.
Volunteers:
32 dentists
18 dental hygienists
59 dental assistants and auxiliaries
Participating ICD Fellows’ offices:
Dr. Ned Alley, Little Rock
Dr. Troy Bartels, Jonesboro
Dr. David Bell, Arkadelphia
Dr. Angela Broomfield, Fayetteville
Dr. Thomas M. Isbell and Dr. Thomas S. Isbell, Mountain View
Dr. Cara Jones, Pine Bluff
Dr. Charles Liggett, Fort Smith
Special thanks to Edmonds Dental Supply and Patterson Dental Supply for their donation of supplies and transporting supplies to each office.
A very special thanks to ArcBest for their donation this year of $2,500 and to Delta Dental Foundation of Arkansas for their donation of $15,000.
2023 MARKS 10 YEARS OF MOM IN WISCONSIN
The 2023 Mission of Mercy
took place on June 16-17 at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay.
Many ICD Fellows volunteered their time and talents. Last year marked the 10th Mission of Mercy for the Wisconsin Dental Association and WDA Foundation. The 2023 MOM clinic brought oral care to 702 individuals through 945 patient visits, with treatment valued at $844,705.
Dr. Ned Alley’s office in Little Rock was one of seven locations in Arkansas participating in Operation Stand Down on November 3, 2023.
CongratulationsCLASS OF 2023
DISTRICT 11 • REPRESENTING ALASKA, IDAHO, MONTANA, OREGON & WASHINGTON
District 11 Regent: Thomas D. Pollard
Zazell Staheli Cummings • Shahin Etemadi* • Scott R. Gardner*
Kevin L. Hamblin • Reza Heshmati • Brian Glen Holmes*
Alayna Schoblaske* • Kyle Siemen*
*Inducted Virtually Congratulations
CLASS OF 2023
DISTRICT 12 • REPRESENTING ARKANSAS, KANSAS, LOUISIANA & OKLAHOMA
District 12 Regent: Mark S. Chaney
Aubrey Baudean Jr. • James Burns • Ricky Caples*
Glen J. Corcoran* • Suzanne E. Fournier* • Catherine A. Hebert*
Eugenia Johnson* • Cara J. Jones* • Stephen A. Morgan Jr.
Charmaine Genevieve Ng • Trang M. T. Nguyen* • Abraham Nobel*
Aaron Noordmans • Noha Nour • David H. Okawachi • Krishna Prasad*
Kari Sakurai* • Martin Uribe Sanchez • Sandra Schmidt • Amy L. Scriven
Uday N. Shah* • Gilbert H. Snow* • Colleen Buehler Steinberg* • Cary Sun*
Scott O. Szotko* • Kevin R. Tanner* • Gaetan Tchamba • Abhi Thakkar
Ashok Veeranki* • Daniel S. Witcher • Tim Wong • Mark Wood* • Lenise N. Yarber
* Inducted Virtually
La Romana Outreach Program
Rutgers Health School of Dental Medicine students at La Romana (DR) Outreach Program, under the leadership of Dr. Herminio Pérez, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion at RSDM and ICD Fellow.
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine stands as a diverse dental institution committed to promoting humanistic oral care both locally and globally. Through its Outreach Programs, RSDM not only delivers essential dental services but also fosters cultural awareness and sensitivity within the framework of diversity, inclusion, and belonging. These programs play a pivotal role in cultivating cultural competence among all students and faculty.
For the past eight years, RSDM has conducted an outreach program in the La Romana area of the Dominican Republic. Under the leadership of Dr. Herminio Pérez, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Diversity, and Inclusion, and ICD Fellow, this program has made a significant impact in the community they serve. The dental team comprised of current RSDM students and alumni, and World of Smiles Dentists, Inc., an organization under the lead of Fellows Dr. James Hudson and Dr. Yakir Arteaga, along with local dentists.
Third-year students from RSDM have journeyed to the village of La Romana, to provide vital dental care to pediatric patients from the local school, and their parents. The parents are often facing financial constraints. Many are field laborers harvesting sugar cane for a living. Last year alone, six third-year dental students participated in this outreach program, treated over 120 patients of all ages and performed more than 200 procedures, including fillings, root canals, extractions and dentures. The RSDM team will continue to positively impact the lives of the children in La Romana, DR.
HERMINIO PÉREZ, DMD, MBA, EdD, FICD
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion,
RSDM
(Left) Children from La Romana, DR greeting the team with a sign that reads "Bienveni dos nues tra Escuela." Translation: "Welcome to our School."
A NEPAL ADVENTURE
by Timothy R. Langguth, DDS, 2024 ICD USA Section Vice President
A life-changing experience for USA Section Vice President Dr. Timothy R. Langguth and daughters
After the October 2022 ICD Convocation in Houston, where my daughter, Kirsten was inducted into the College, I returned home to pack. Four days later, my journey to Nepal started with my daughters, Kirsten and Stacy. It took forty hours of travel time to reach Kathmandu where we began our adventure to Mount Everest Base Camp.
We flew to the village of Lukla where we began our journey along the Lukla Everest Base Camp Trekking Route in the Sagarmatha National Park. This is the only trail to the base camp, and it is used by everyone traveling there, including trekkers and climbers, porters, horses, mules, dzos, and as we got higher, yaks. It is the route used to bring all supplies to the villages. Any food, merchandise, fuel, building materials and more are all carried along the trail by foot. There are no motorized vehicles beyond Lukla. The three of us carried our daypacks and were assisted by two porters, Pasang and Tilak, and our guide, Kiron. The day treks varied from five to eight to ten hours, and the trail was always up and down - we joked about Nepali flat-not.
We stayed overnight in lodges in the villages along the trail. Our rooms had a platform or two, with a pad to sleep on, and fortunately, a quilt. The dining halls would have a pot-bellied stove that burned for an hour or two at dinner, and we would gather around to warm ourselves. Temperatures dropped as we climbed in elevation, often into the twenties at night. We were able to purchase a bottle of hot water to place in our sleeping bags for 300 rupees, about two dollars. It felt so good. We were fortunate that each of the lodges that we stayed in had at least one toilet seat, otherwise there were only holes in the floor. In the morning we would often have to break through the ice layer in the barrel to get water to flush the toilet, and we would be sure to bring our own toilet paper. Breakfast was often oatmeal with apples, a hardboiled egg, and tea. Lunch and dinner were local fare with mainly rice, noodles, and tea. We quit eating meat after I realized it had to be packed out from Lukla on the same trail we were on, and this could take a few days.
I was the weak link in our group, and our guide paid close attention to my breathing. He would call for “two minutes” when he felt I needed it. The trail is rocky and mostly vertical, so care was often needed to determine where to place the next footstep. There were six or seven swinging bridges that spanned the deep valleys. We would occasionally have to wait for a team of pack animals to cross, since they had the right of way. We also had to be sure
to step to the uphill side as they passed, or they could possibly push us over the edge of the trail. Our guide, Kiron, was very attentive to our status. A couple of the days on the way out were designated “rest” days where we stayed in the same village a second night. We used the extra day to climb up and back down to help with acclimatizing – not restful. Above 3000 meters Kiron had us use some Diamox, but minimally. We had days that were above 4000 meters and one day above 5000. Breathing was labored, and sometimes I took one breath per step. At least once a day we all felt like, “I am done; I can go no further,” and then look down at our feet and take another step.
People ask, “Was it fun?” and the answer is no. It was by far the hardest thing each of us had ever done, but it was so worth the hardship. The people we met were so happy with so little, I did not hear a word of anger in the time we spent in Nepal. The opportunity to spend time in a very different world than ours was fantastic, and the scenery was spectacular. The weather was cold at times, but the sky was brilliantly clear each day. We were on the trail for twelve days and reached Base Camp on the eighth.
I feel fortunate to have been able to spend three weeks with my daughters in a difficult and trying adventure. I am so proud of them.
I was told by some friends who had been there that it would be a life-changing experience, and it has been. It is not possible to talk of it without becoming emotional. I do not want to go back, but I do not need to. I am so blessed and grateful to have had the opportunity. I would encourage anyone who has the same dream to follow it, but do it younger. Do not wait too long. I was one of the oldest on the trail but so appreciative to be there.
(Above) L-R: Section I Vice President Tim Langguth, Fellow Kirsten Langguth with Stacy Langguth in front of one of the swinging bridges they crossed along the Everest Base Camp trail.
Clockwise from left: Stacy Langguth, Dr. Tim Langguth, FICD, Pasang Sherpa and Dr. Kirsten Langguth, FICD in the Sagarmatha National Park near Base Camp.
Connecting the ICD Community
RSDM STUDENTS VOLUNTEER TO SERVE THE LAKOTA COMMUNITY
Supervising Rutgers Health School of Dental Medicine students who are volunteering to serve the dental needs of the Lakota Sioux community in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Dr. Robert A. Shekitka (pictured left top photo, center bottom photo) is an ICD Fellow and an assistant professor at RSDM.
Since 2005, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) faculty have volunteered to supervise a group of dental students, who have also volunteered to provide dental services, at Indian Health Service (IHS) hospitals on Native American Reservations in the Western US. RSDM currently has a collaborative agreement with the Great Plains Indian Health Service and Works at the dental clinic located in the IHS Hospital in Pine Ridge, serving the Lakota Sioux community. Dr. Robert A. Shekitka, an assistant professor at RSDM, is the current Director of the Externship Program. Dr. Shekitka is also a Delegate to the ADA House of Delegates, Fellow of the ICD, as well as a Fellow of the ACD and Pierre Fauchard Academy. RSDM’s mission for the Summer Externship is to improve the oral health of the Lakota community by providing preventive and restorative services to Lakota patients and to increase the intercultural experience for the RSDM faculty and students and Lakota community.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
October 2022 ICD USA Section
THE 2024 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT SAN ANTONIO
Convocation, Fellowship Orientation Program & Meetings
in Houston
Dominican Republic Immersive Global Oral Health Trip
m arch 9-16, 2024
the Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA), in partnership with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSA) School of Dentistry’s Global Health Student Association Chapter (GHSA) of the International College of Dentists and with financial support from the Bettie R. McKaig Student Experience Program, sponsored a trip to the Dominican Republic in March 2024. The experience allowed dental students to confront the challenges of limited access to care, deepening their understanding of global oral health disparities. Participants emphasized the profound emotional connections forged with patients and the valuable lessons learned, ultimately reinforcing their commitment to advocate for oral health promotion and serve the underserved. Seven UTHSA dental students traveled to the Dominican Republic, serving 795 adults and children.
The junior dental student participant team (current seniors) included:
Jasmine Nguon
Jacob Robinson
Eileen Salas
Tyler Stevens
Jiayi (Jenny) Qu
The sophomore dental student participant team (current juniors) included:
Isabelle Hornung
Connor Iacomini
Moshtagh R. Farokhi, DDS, FICD is the faculty advisor at UTHSA-SOD for the ICD USA Sectioninitiated Global Health Student Association.
This is a deliberate effort to support dental students’ global oral health outreach as a collaborative between the Christian Medical and Dental Association of San Antonio under the leadership of Mrs. Mitzi Roberts and co-organizers Dr. Michael Roberts, Dr. Benjamin Young and the University of Texas Health at San Antonio School of Dentistry’s Global Health Student Association under the direction of Dr. Moshtagh Farokhi.
Forty providers of seven dentists, seven dental students, three registered dental assistants, and nineteen interprofessional providers, including registered nurses, physicians, registered pharmacists, medical students, pharmacy students, and other professional students, teamed up with local staff to provide comprehensive dental and medical care. The dental students received infrastructure guidance from Mrs. Mitzi Roberts, area director of the Christian Medical and Dental Association of San Antonio, and global oral health-minded dentists who traveled with them.
The team served 427 dental patients (ages 6-60 years), including 231 children, 196 adults, and 368 medical patients, for 795 patients served at three different community sites.
Treatments included examinations, prophylaxis, extractions, restorative, oral hygiene instructions, Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), and fluoride varnish applications. Medical exams, evaluations, and screenings included consults, medication for deworming or eliminating intestinal worms, primary care for adults and children, cardiology and gynecology specialty care, and dispensing vitamins and other prescription medications.
The entire team attended local church services and visited the home of a local family. They also had one day to tour the city and see the local market. The program sites included a Dominican Republic church orphanage with a built-in dental clinic and two similar remote locations in rural villages where portable dental delivery units provide care.
The immersive nature of this experiential global oral/health initiative was not only about providing medical and dental care but also about the profound impact it had on the students. The dental students learned to think critically about barriers to care in an austere environment, including power outages. They were exposed to the effects of poverty, nutritional deficiencies, insufficient infrastructure, and lack of access to care. They experienced the contrast between children born in the USA and children born in the Dominican Republic. The dental students gained insights, as evidenced by their post immersion reflective words.
Participating in the 2024 Dominican Republic trip alongside fellow dental students was a transformative journey of service and solidarity. Meeting, speaking, and treating the kind people of Santo Domingo in their communities allowed me to connect with others on a deeper and more emotional level.
Witnessing the connections between providers and patients inspired me to provide my future patients with the same level of comfort and reassurance. I became more confident in discussing patients’ oral health concerns with them. I learned so much from the entire dental team.
The experience was invaluable as it allowed me to synthesize what I have learned in the classroom and deliver care in a clinical environment.
Serving this community touched my heart. This experience opened my eyes to the significant challenges individuals of the Dominican Republic face in accessing primary and affordable dental care. Serving this community reinforced my commitment to advocate for oral health promotion, improved access to dental care and mutual support for underserved communities locally and globally.”
As dental students, we can give our time and skills to others. I have always felt the urgency to serve others and never had the chance to commit until this trip. The Dominican Republic mission trip was my first time leaving the country to serve and treat patients. There were more experienced practitioners who looked over my shoulder and mentored me as needed. With the support of these mentors and a room full of individuals needing dental care, I worked hard from morning until early evening, collaborating with the entire team to treat several hundred patients over four days. I provided extractions, restorations, and silver diamine fluoride applications. My classmates were the providers I assisted, allowing us to talk through procedures together and combine our knowledge to provide the best outcome to the patients under the mentorship of expert dentists.
(Continued on page 52)
Pictured from the left are Jacob Robinson, Tyler Stevens, Eileen Salas, and Jasmine Nguon, all current senior dental students at the UTHSA, SOD, and members of the ICD Global Health Student Association (GHSA). Tyler is the 2024-2025 president of the GHSA Chapter.
(Continued from page 51)
Volunteering for the entirety of one’s spring break may not sound like the most 'fun' way to spend time off, but the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction I gained from providing my skills and learning from others while changing lives was unparalleled. I plan to be a part of a similar journey for years to come, either as a student or a practitioner supporting those students who come after me.”
I know it is not possible to answer to the calling of serving all underserved communities. Still, I’m honored to have done so in the Dominican Republic. There is much need for dental care in Santo Domingo, so much so that the underserved community waits only for annual visits involving the UTHSA dental students and CMDA for their dental care. I wholeheartedly answered the call to serve those in need.
My experiences in the Dominican Republic have been very touching, mainly because the people we met and treated were so kind and appreciative. As a future dental provider, I learned that we should not judge our patients for why they do not attend the dentist. While in the Dominican Republic, I was reminded about my training on social determinants of health and why patients may have life circumstances preventing them from receiving the oral care they need.
Because I am fluent in Spanish, I was blessed to understand the Dominicans’ stories and life circumstances. I was so happy to understand their concerns, needs, and wants. I had meaningful conversations with Dominican patients, especially when they had questions about their oral health and wanted to know how to improve it.
I recall a 40-year-old Dominican patient seriously asking me if I could explain periodontitis to him because he was told he had periodontitis but didn’t know what it meant. After I explained what periodontitis was, he asked me additional questions, like what he could do to heal his periodontitis. In another instance, I treated a 15-year-old girl who was at the highest caries risk level, so I demonstrated toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste and engaged her. We parted ways, and 30 minutes later, she returned to ask me more in-depth questions about fluoride toothpaste and where she could find fluoride toothpaste. These experiences taught me that dental providers are responsible for educating patients on the importance of oral health and hygiene.
My experiences in the Dominican Republic made me a better dental provider-to-be. I became a better provider by listening to patients and providing them with the care they needed and wanted. I’m not the same person who left San Antonio; serving Dominican Republic patients changed me in a significant way, and for that, I’m very thankful and blessed.”
Our team’s overall goal was to provide primary dental care and education to the underserved communities, and this experience proved to be both impactful and transformative. We began by visiting several communities with limited access to dental care. We set up temporary clinics in local schools and churches, allowing us to reach a broad
population segment. Many of these individuals had never seen a dentist before, and their gratitude was overwhelming. In addition to providing dental treatments, we emphasized the importance of oral hygiene and preventive care. We taught them proper toothbrushing and flossing techniques, and also distributed toothbrushes and toothpaste.
The primary reason I got into dentistry was to serve people, so when community outreach events arise, it’s never been a question for me whether to attend. This trip was a powerful reminder of why I chose this profession. Witnessing the transformative impact of dental care on someone's life was profoundly moving. The appreciation in patients' eyes and their heartfelt thank you reinforced my belief in the importance of such efforts. Participating in this trip, especially with my amazing classmates, filled me with immense appreciation. It deepened my commitment to serving others and underscored the need for equitable healthcare access.
Each patient interaction and smile we restored reminded me of our incredible potential as future dental professionals to change lives. Our trip to the Dominican Republic was an unforgettable journey of service and learning. It provided much-needed dental care to those in need and enriched our lives in countless ways. We are grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this mission and look forward to applying the lessons learned to our future careers in dentistry.”
looking back at my time
in the Dominican Republic, I appreciate the opportunity and experience. Over a week, I was lucky enough to serve a community of hardworking people who were gracious and thankful for everything we did. I had the chance to help by providing dental care to those who needed oral healthcare but could not access care. The experience was fulfilling in many ways, as it was an opportunity to experience another culture and assist those in need.
One experience that stood out to me was when we had dinner in the home of one of the hosting families. Witnessing how they lived and how happy they were made me appreciate the abundance of what we have back home. Genuine relationships were formed, as locals treated us like family members.
I am thankful for the chance to contribute through dentistry. I had the opportunity to provide operative, extraction, and prophylaxis procedures and assist others. But above all, we were most helpful by being there to show our support. The best part of the day was the reflection and debriefing at the end, reminiscing about the importance of this effort. Our local hosts were gracious and went above and beyond to care for us.
As I reflect on the trip, my overall feeling would have to be gratitude. Our goal was to serve the less fortunate community in the Dominican Republic, but I benefited the most by serving to this population. It is all about building connections and cherishing relationships. My time in the Dominican Republic was an incredible experience, and I’d recommend similar opportunities to attend and serve to anyone.”
whenour team of dentists, dental students, and medical professionals traveled to the Dominican Republic, I expected to serve as many people as possible and then return home. I did not expect the trip to profoundly impact me, and I am forever changed for the better because of such an experience.
I learned to improvise. During the first day of the dental clinic, the handpiece stopped working as I performed basic cleanings. I continued my efforts with just a toothbrush and toothpaste, brushing the teeth of those who showed up to the clinic hoping to have their teeth cleaned. For a moment, I thought, “Did I travel this far just to brush people’s teeth?” But that thought soon passed as I humbled myself and realized that the people attending appreciated my service.
Throughout the rest of the week, I focused on eagerly providing dental procedures necessary for our patients, whether as simple as brushing someone’s teeth or multiple restorations and complex extractions.
At one of our clinic locations, a church in Santo Domingo, I had the privilege of providing essential restorative treatment for the pastor of that church. At the end of the appointment, he stood up, looked me in the eye, and thanked me for providing him with the care he had been waiting for. He told me he had waited years to receive dental care since he could not afford the treatment. That moment humbled me and made me grateful for the dental education and training I’ve received to impact the lives of those I serve.
We also had a busy “pediatric treatment day” clinic. I performed extractions for children with non-restorable teeth and placed fillings for other children with large cavities. Many of them had previously experienced traumatic dental visits, so I learned a lot about techniques to help them remain calm so we could provide the necessary treatment for them, even when I didn’t speak the same language. I was proud when the patients walked away from our interaction with a positive view of dental providers, feeling motivated to focus on their oral hygiene in the future.
I’m grateful for the chance to visit the Dominican Republic and utilize my dental education and skills to serve. As a result of this simple but profound experience, I will continue to look for every opportunity to serve those who need care.”
According to Dr. Moshtagh Farokhi, ICD Fellow and the advisor to the UTHSA's GHSA chapter:
we are thankful for the support from the ICD's Bettie R. McKaig Student Experience Program, which partially made this opportunity possible for our dental students. This immersive approach empowers our students, as future dental practitioners, to effectively connect theoretical knowledge with practical clinical application. They gain insights into cultural sensitivity and understand how social determinants of health affect health outcomes. This level of experiential learning prepares future dental professionals to address the increasingly complex needs of diverse populations globally."
DISTRICT 14 • REPRESENTING ARIZONA, COLORADO, HAWAII, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, UTAH & WYOMING
District 14 Regent: Karen D. Foster
• Tanya Zuhair Al-Talib
• Robert K. Alder
• Nelle V. Barr
• Diana A. Batoon
• Richard T. Bauman
• Val Joseph Cheever*
• Angela Lee Christensen
• Cara C. Copeland
• Clark Dana
• David Densley*
• Jonathan Fairbanks*
• Nicole K. Furuta*
• David S. Hancock
• Rich Homer*
• Steven Howard*
• Autumn Hurd
• Lauren Johnson*
• David Gregg Julian*
• John R. McPherson*
• Christopher David Morgan*
• Randy Sanders
• Holly Schamber*
• Andrea Schmidt
• Leah E. Schulz*
• Jeffrey O. Young*
*Inducted Virtually
the icd welcomes our 2023 new fellows!
The identification and nomination of worthy candidates for Fellowship in the International College of Dentists give vitality and strength to this organization. Thank you to the many sponsors who took the time and interest to propose someone for this distinction.
2023 OUTSTANDING SPONSOR AWARD
Kristi M. Soileau, DDS, MEd, MSHCE
The Outstanding Sponsor Award is presented annually to the ICD non-board Fellow who sponsors the greatest number of candidates inducted in the USA Section in a given year.
Dr. Kristi M. Soileau of New Orleans is the recipient of ICD USA Section Outstanding Sponsor Award for 2023. Dr. Soileau sponsored eight candidates from three states: New York, Louisiana and Texas. They were inducted to Fellowship during the September 2023 ICD Convocation ceremony in Orlando.
Dr. Soileau graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in 1985, received a Certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry in 1986 and a Certificate in Periodontics in 1988, also from LSU. She obtained a master’s in education from the University of New Orleans in 1987 and a master of science in health care ethics from Creighton University in 2017. She is a board-certified periodontist and has maintained a private practice in New Orleans for 34 years. Dr. Soileau is editor for the New Orleans Dental Association since 1988, and is a past president of the New Orleans Dental Association, the Louisiana Dental Association, and the Alumni Association Board of Directors of LSUHSD. She was voted Alumna of the Year in 2016 for the dental school, where she is a clinical associate professor for the periodontal postdoctoral program. She is secretary of the LSU Health Foundation Board, is the volunteer dentist for Notre Dame Hospice, has worked in nursing home dentistry for 33 years, and has served on the Greater New Orleans Advisory Board. She lectured on hospice oral care at the 2018 ADA meeting in Honolulu.
She was president of the Southwest Society of Periodontists and has served on ten different committees of the American Academy of Periodontology. She now serves as secretary/treasurer on the AAP Board of Trustees. She served on the Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs and the Council on Dental Education and Licensure for the ADA from 2016-2020; and on the ADA House of Delegates for the past ten years. She is the Louisiana Deputy Regent of the International College of Dentists, is a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and is Area 6 Regent for the American College of Dentists. She is also a member of the Louisiana Museum Foundation.
Dr. Soileau is married to Fellow Dr. David DeGenova, an orthodontist, and they have three sons.
Dr. Kristi M. Soileau
District 1
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont
DISTRICT 1
Albert G. Abena
Portland, ME
Sponsored by Barry C. Saltz
Ashish R. Agarwal
Boston, MA
Sponsored by Ana Keohane
Charles Badaoui
Boston, MA
Sponsored by Wallace Bellamy
Arifa Bakerywala
Boston, MA
Sponsored by Breno Reboucas
Kamar Baloul
Boston, MA
Sponsored by Celeste V. Kong
Brenda Berkal
Derry, NH
Sponsored by Eliot L. Paisner
Manish Bhagania
Boston, MA
Sponsored by Anirudha Agnihotry
Laurie R. Fleisher
Ridgefield, CT
Sponsored by Celeste V. Kong
Shanna L. Gagnon
Farmingdale, ME
Sponsored by Barry C. Saltz
Michelle Henshaw
Taunton, MA
Sponsored by Celeste V. Kong
Melissa Kennell Gilford, NH
Sponsored by Eliot L. Paisner
Rajesh V. Lalla
Farmington, CT
Sponsored by Aditya Tadinada
Sujey Morgan
Boston, MA
Sponsored by Gabriela F. Lagreca
Brianna Muñoz
Suffield, CT
Sponsored by David Leon Fried
Iris Anastasia Panos
Boston, MA
Sponsored by Kristi Marsue Soileau
Sarita B. Patel
Northampton, MA
Sponsored by William Lee
Naman Rao Boston, MA
Sponsored by Deeba Kashtwari
Michael J. Safian
Shelton, CT
Sponsored by David Leon Fried
Shibani Sahni
West Newton, MA
Sponsored by Nadeem Karimbux
Adam E. Saltz
Portland, ME
Sponsored by Barry C. Saltz
Andrew Shur
Portland, ME
Sponsored by Barry C. Saltz
Nguyet Tau Shrewsbury, MA
Sponsored by Breno Reboucas
Michael A. Ungerleider Granby, CT
Sponsored by David Leon Fried
Roya Zandparsa Boston, MA
Sponsored by Firouz Massih Tehrani
Albert G. Abena Ashish R. Agarwal Charles Badaoui Arifa Bakerywala
Kamar Baloul Brenda Berkal Manish Bhagania Laurie R. Fleisher
Shanna L. Gagnon Michelle Henshaw Melissa Kennell Rajesh V. Lalla
Sujey Morgan Brianna Muñoz Iris Anastasia Panos Sarita B. Patel
Naman Rao Michael J. Safian Shibani Sahni Adam E. Saltz
Andrew Shur Nguyet Tau Michael A. Ungerleider Roya Zandparsa
DISTRICT 2
Silvana Barros
New York, NY
Sponsored by Ira R. Titunik
Tinnysha Chopra Brooklyn, NY
Sponsored by Rekha C. Gehani
Hillel D. Ephros Montclair, NJ
Sponsored by Lauro F. Medrano-Saldaña
Lorna Flamer-Caldera New York, NY
Sponsored by Gail Ellen Schupak
Ronald Kosinski New York, NY
Sponsored by Lauro F. Medrano-Saldaña
Claudia A. Mahon-Vazquez Shoreham, NY
Sponsored by Lauro F. Medrano-Saldaña
Guy Minoli New York, NY
Sponsored by Ira R. Titunik
Gary A. Nord New York, NY
Sponsored by Celeste V. Kong
Katayoon Noroozi-Leibowitz
Glen Cove, NY
Sponsored by Rekha C. Gehani
Anabella Oquendo New York, NY
Sponsored by Lauro F. Medrano-Saldaña
Luiz Andre Pimenta New York, NY
Sponsored by Stephen B. Mackler
Stefan Ruhl Buffalo, NY
Sponsored by Joshua Todd Hutter
Douglas Schildhaus New York, NY
Sponsored by James Emmanuel Lee
Pratix K. Shroff Floral Park, NY
Sponsored by Rekha C. Gehani
Ivan A. Vazquez Shoreham, NY
Sponsored by Lauro F. Medrano-Saldaña
District 2
New York
Silvana Barros Tinnysha Chopra Hillel D. Ephros Lorna Flamer-Caldera
Ronald Kosinski Claudia A. Mahon-Vazquez Guy Minoli Gary A. Nord
Katayoon Noroozi-Leibowitz
Anabella Oquendo Luiz Andre Pimenta Stefan Ruhl
Douglas Schildhaus Pratix K. Shroff Ivan A. Vazquez
District 3 Pennsylvania
District 4
Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Puerto Rico. Includes the Air Force, Army, Navy, Veterans Administration and Public Health Service
DISTRICT 3
Jennifer Davis
Cleona, PA
Sponsored by David Warren Swan
Ethel Akwaaba
Esianor-Mitchual
Mount Joy, PA
Sponsored by Isaac Jay Freedman
David M. Kaffey
Ambler, PA
Sponsored by Ronald K. Heier
Michael K. Kaner
Feasterville, PA
Sponsored by Linda K. Himmelberger
Michael J. Korch
Pittsburgh, PA
Sponsored by Peter P. Korch III
Jeremy D. Olen
Nazareth, PA
Sponsored by James A. Rinehimer
Antonino G. Secchi
Devon, PA
Sponsored by Bernadette A. Logan
Jasmine R. Shafagh
Winter Park, FL
Sponsored by Linda K. Himmelberger
E. Nelly Silva
Collegeville, PA
Sponsored by Isaac Jay Freedman
J. Matthew Stacy Jr.
Pittsburgh, PA
Sponsored by Dennis A. Zabelsky
Andrew Ross Steinkeler
Newtown, PA
Sponsored by Isaac Jay Freedman
Mark S. Wolff
Philadelphia, PA
Sponsored by Nancy Ruth Rosenthal
DISTRICT 4
Deborah K. Adamec
U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Sponsored by Phillip R. Sandefur
Shahid R. Aziz
Springfield, NJ
Sponsored by Maxine Feinberg
Winifred J. Booker
Owings Mills, MD
Sponsored by Vanessa Benavent Anderson
Gail Cherry-Peppers
Washington, DC
Sponsored by Andrea Denise Jackson
Kathryn Clark
Washington, DC
Sponsored by
Margaret M. Culotta-Norton
Hemal Desai
U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Sponsored by David A. Stanczyk
Hima Desai
Verona, NJ
Sponsored by Robert A. Shekitka
Peter W. Duda
Newark, NJ
Sponsored by Michael Conte
Continued on following page u
Jennifer Davis Ethel Akwaaba Esianor-Mitchual
David M. Kaffey Michael K. Kaner
Michael J. Korch Jeremy D. Olen Antonino G. Secchi Jasmine R. Shafagh
E. Nelly Silva J. Matthew Stacy Jr. Andrew Ross Steinkeler Mark S. Wolff
Deborah K. Adamec Shahid R. Aziz Winifred J. Booker Gail Cherry-Peppers
Kathryn Clark Hemal Desai Hima Desai Peter W. Duda
DISTRICT 4 (CONTINUED)
Eoin M. Halpin
Mays Landing, NJ
Sponsored by Jill A. York
Benjamin D. Hunter II
U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Sponsored by Phillip R. Sandefur
Donald W. Jetter
Voorhees, NJ
Sponsored by Cynthia Jetter
Lyndsay C. Kuzmak
Westminster, MD
Sponsored by
Stephen McLynn Dargan
Jonathan Lang Lutherville, MD
Sponsored by Vanessa Benavent Anderson
Mark D. Macek
Baltimore, MD
Sponsored by Vanessa Benavent Anderson
Bhumika Patel
Ewing, NJ
Sponsored by Anirudha Agnihotry
Herminio L. Perez
San Juan, PR
Sponsored by Ana Nereida Lopez
Christina L. Platia
Columbia, MD
Sponsored by Vanessa Benavent Anderson
Isabel Rambob
Hanover, MD
Sponsored by Lucciola Lambruschini
Michael J. Ribera
Washington, DC
Sponsored by Margaret M. Culotta-Norton
Gillian Robinson-Warner
Washington, DC
Sponsored by Jezelle Annette Sonnier
Deborah S. Rodriguez
Baltimore, MD
Sponsored by Vanessa Benavent Anderson
Scott J. Ruvo
Sparta, NJ
Sponsored by Pamela Louise Alberto
Jordan Virden
Ellicott City, MD
Sponsored by Vanessa Benavent Anderson
DISTRICT 4 (CONTINUED)
DISTRICT 5
Jessica S. Brown
Americus, GA
Sponsored by Chris L. Adkins
Lindsay English
Savannah, GA
Sponsored by Chris L. Adkins
Travis L. Garnto
Watkinsville, GA
Sponsored by Chris L. Adkins
Alexa L. Lampkin Jackson, MS
Sponsored by Bruce E. Cunningham
Continued on following page u
District 5 Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi
Eoin M. Halpin Benjamin D. Hunter II Donald W. Jetter Lyndsay C. Kuzmak
Jonathan Lang Mark D. Macek Bhumika Patel Herminio L. Perez
Christina L. Platia
Isabel Rambob
Michael J. Ribera Gillian Robinson-Warner
Deborah S. Rodriguez Scott J. Ruvo Jordan Virden
Jessica S. Brown Lindsay English Travis L. Garnto Alexa L. Lampkin
DISTRICT 5 (CONTINUED)
DISTRICT 5 (CONTINUED)
Todd R. Schoenbaum
Augusta, GA
Sponsored by Kim Capehart
Jay S. Smith
Atlanta, GA
Sponsored by Glenn Maron
Christa D. Spann
Phenix City, AL
Sponsored by Mary Taylor Wallace
District 6
Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee and West Virginia
DISTRICT 6
Lynne E. Barbour
Kahoka, MO
Sponsored by Robert E. Butler
Jeremy L. Bowen
Independence, MO
Sponsored by Jonathan Michael Copeland
Kelli Brooks
Weirton, WV
Sponsored by Kerri Thomas Simpson
Angela R. Cameron
Johnson City, TN
Sponsored by J. Allen Burleson
George H. Clayton
Brentwood, TN
Sponsored by James R. Hight Jr.
Himabindu Dukka
Louisville, KY
Sponsored by David K. Okano
Brett Tyler Durbin
Springfield, MO
Sponsored by Ron Wilkerson
Prashanth Konatham
Haribabu
St. Louis, MO
Sponsored by Marsha L. Marden
Valencia McShan
Gallatin, TN
Sponsored by Veran A. Fairrow
Nicholas Gregory Norvell
Mt. Juliet, TN
Sponsored by Anita N. Sykes-Smith
Shaista Rashid
St. Louis, MO
Sponsored by Marsha L. Marden
Christen Simpson Raynes
Charleston, WV
Sponsored by Diane Paletta
Karl E. Shanker
St. Louis, MO
Sponsored by Marsha L. Marden
Rob Tait
Lees Summit, MO
Sponsored by Robert E. Butler
Richard J. Vargo
St. Louis, MO
Sponsored by Marsha L. Marden
Jennifer L. Wheeler
Chesterfield, MO
Sponsored by Danielle Marie Riordan
Todd R. Schoenbaum Jay S. Smith Christa D. Spann
Lynne E. Barbour Jeremy L. Bowen Kelli Brooks Angela R. Cameron
George H. Clayton Himabindu Dukka Brett Tyler Durbin Prashanth Konatham Haribabu
Valencia McShan Nicholas Gregory Norvell Shaista Rashid Christen Simpson Raynes
Karl E. Shanker Rob Tait
Richard J. Vargo Jennifer L. Wheeler
DISTRICT 7
Tamara Gierke Button
Michigan City, IN
Sponsored by Daniel W. Fridh
Nivine Y. El-Refai
Medina, OH
Sponsored by Denise Leonard Hering
Darryl T. Hamamoto
Columbus, OH
Sponsored by Denise Leonard Hering
Kelly Kirtland
Cleveland, OH
Sponsored by Barry C. Saltz
Jennifer Ashley Neese
Zionsville, IN
Sponsored by Steven J. Holm
James M. Oldham
Indianapolis, IN
Sponsored by Kevin David Ward
Joseph Richard Platt
Fort Wayne, IN
Sponsored by Steven J. Holm
Elizabeth V. Simpson
Indianapolis, IN
Sponsored by Jeffrey A. Platt
Jonathan David Spenn Plainfield, IN
Sponsored by Robert Daniel Meyer
Carroll Ann Trotman
Columbus, OH
Sponsored by Denise Leonard Hering
Abhilash Vemulapalli
Lafayette, IN
Sponsored by Anirudha Agnihotry
District 7
Indiana and Ohio
District 8
DISTRICT 8
Paul L. Fischl
Evanston, IL
Sponsored by David B. Lewis Jr.
Jessica Lynn Gibbs Antioch, IL
Sponsored by Susan B. Bishop
Nancy Hijjawi
River Forest, IL
Sponsored by Mary A. Starsiak
Edward Dwayne Karateew
Chicago, IL
Sponsored by George Alexander Mandelaris
Bryce Alan Larson Naperville, IL
Sponsored by Gordon L. Barkley III
John William Polivka La Grange, IL
Sponsored by Sharon J. Perlman
Jeffrey S. Wittmus
Chicago, IL
Sponsored by Brett Gilbert
Gordon J. Ziols
Park Ridge, IL
Sponsored by Mary A. Starsiak
Illinois
Tamara Gierke Button Nivine Y. El-Refai
Darryl T. Hamamoto Kelly Kirtland
Jennifer Ashley Neese James M. Oldham Joseph Richard Platt Elizabeth V. Simpson
Jonathan David Spenn Carroll Ann Trotman Abhilash Vemulapalli
Paul L. Fischl Jessica Lynn Gibbs
Nancy Hijjawi
Edward Dwayne Karateew
Bryce Alan Larson John William Polivka
Jeffrey S. Wittmus Gordon J. Ziols
District 9
Michigan and Wisconsin
DISTRICT 9
Leonard J. Bartoszewicz
Grand Rapids, MI
Sponsored by Connie M. Verhagen
Monish Bhola
Livonia, MI
Sponsored by Stephen R. Harris
Drew J. Delforge
New Glarus, WI
Sponsored by Julio H. Rodriguez
Shane A. Fisher
Milwaukee, WI
Sponsored by Julio H. Rodriguez
Richard F. Frenchi
Royal Oak, MI
Sponsored by Mark Edward Frenchi
Seth W. Griffin
St. Joseph, MI
Sponsored by Stephen R. Harris
John C. Hall
Traverse City, MI
Sponsored by Phillip Carl Yancho
Nicole M. Jane
Livonia, MI
Sponsored by Irene A. Tseng
James J. Karam
Warren, MI
Sponsored by Stephen R. Harris
Sami Kawas
Madison, WI
Sponsored by Julio H. Rodriguez
Elizabeth A. Knudsen
Escanaba, MI
Sponsored by Eric William Knudsen
Shilpa Kolhatkar
Livonia, MI
Sponsored by Stephen R. Harris
Jeremy H. Michaelson
Dearborn, MI
Sponsored by Daniel P. Murphy
Daniel Miller
North Muskegon, MI
Sponsored by Susan H. Carron
Kelly Misch
Ann Arbor, MI
Sponsored by Francine Misch-Dietsh
Sarah E. Quesnell
New Berlin, WI
Sponsored by Julio H. Rodriguez
Jessica A. Rickert
Traverse City, MI
Sponsored by Phillip Carl Yancho
Matthew M. Turchi
Flint, MI
Sponsored by Steven Anthony Sulfaro
James Wolf
Alpena, MI
Sponsored by Robert Daniel Meyer
Christopher Yang
Sheboygan, WI
Sponsored by Julio H. Rodriguez
Leonard J. Bartoszewicz Monish Bhola Drew J. Delforge Shane A. Fisher
Richard F. Frenchi Seth W. Griffin John C. Hall Nicole M. Jane
James J. Karam Sami Kawas Elizabeth A. Knudsen Shilpa Kolhatkar
Jeremy H. Michaelson Daniel Miller Kelly Misch
Sarah E. Quesnell
Jessica A. Rickert Matthew M. Turchi James Wolf Christopher Yang
DISTRICT 10
Kami Dornfeld
Williston, ND
Sponsored by Bradley J. Anderson
Sukirth M. Ganesan
Iowa City, IA
Sponsored by Alberto Gasparoni
Jennifer Hartshorn
Iowa City, IA
Sponsored by Howard Jeffrey Cowen
Jackie Nord
Grand Forks, ND
Sponsored by John E. Clayburgh
Rosalie Perpich
Stillwater, MN
Sponsored by Teresa Louise Fong
P. Angela Rake Elko, MN
Sponsored by Gary C. Anderson
D. Brad Rindal
St. Paul, MN
Sponsored by Gary C. Anderson
Erica C. Teixeira
Iowa City, IA
Sponsored by Alberto Gasparoni
District 10
Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota
DISTRICT 11
Zazell Staheli Cummings
Kotzebue, AK
Sponsored by Ned Murphy
Shahin Etemadi Everett, WA
Sponsored by Marissa Natividad Bender
Scott R. Gardner Nampa, ID
Sponsored by Spencer J. Lloyd
Kevin L. Hamblin
Twin Falls, ID
Sponsored by Kim B. Keller
Reza Heshmati
Vancouver, WA
Sponsored by Purnima Kumar
Brian Glen Holmes Florence, OR
Sponsored by Jack M. Levine
Alayna Schoblaske Medford, OR
Sponsored by Thomas D. Pollard
Kyle Siemen Pocatello, ID
Sponsored by Spencer J. Lloyd
District 11
Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington
Kami Dornfeld Sukirth M. Ganesan Jennifer Hartshorn Jackie Nord
Rosalie Perpich P. Angela Rake D. Brad Rindal Erica C. Teixeira
Zazell Staheli Cummings Shahin Etemadi Scott R. Gardner Kevin L. Hamblin
Reza Heshmati Brian Glen Holmes Alayna Schoblaske Kyle Siemen
District 12
Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma
District 13
California
DISTRICT 12
Aubrey Baudean Jr.
Marrero, LA
Sponsored by Kristopher Paul Rappold
James Burns
River Ridge, LA
Sponsored by Mark S. Chaney
Ricky Caples Monroe, LA
Sponsored by Kristi Marsue Soileau
Glen J. Corcoran
Mandeville, LA
Sponsored by Kristi Marsue Soileau
Suzanne E. Fournier
Metairie, LA
Sponsored by Kristi Marsue Soileau
Catherine A. Hebert
Mandeville, LA
Sponsored by Kristi Marsue Soileau
Eugenia Johnson Tulsa, OK
Sponsored by Wm. Ben Johnson
Cara J. Jones
Little Rock, AR
Sponsored by Robbins Mark Bailey
Stephen A. Morgan Jr. Houma, LA
Sponsored by Kristi Marsue Soileau
DISTRICT 13
Hasnain Abbas Dallas, TX
Sponsored by Anirudha Agnihotry
Elizabeth Andrews Upland, CA
Sponsored by Robert Dee Stevenson
Gisella Angarita Ontario, CA
Sponsored by Donald P. Rollofson
Beatriz Bezerra Los Angeles, CA
Sponsored by Flavia Queiroz Pirih
John L. Blake Seal Beach, CA
Sponsored by Craig Steven Yarborough
Ruth Wauqua Bol San Francisco, CA
Sponsored by Craig Steven Yarborough
Jeffrey Eastman Brockett La Jolla, CA
Sponsored by Ronald E. Fritz
Hubert K. Chan
Pomona, CA
Sponsored by Craig Steven Yarborough
Continued on following page u
Aubrey Baudean Jr. James Burns Ricky Caples Glen J. Corcoran
Suzanne E. Fournier Catherine A. Hebert Eugenia Johnson Cara J. Jones
Stephen A. Morgan Jr.
Hasnain Abbas Elizabeth Andrews Gisella Angarita Beatriz Bezerra
John L. Blake Ruth Wauqua Bol Jeffrey Eastman Brockett Hubert K. Chan
DISTRICT 13 (CONTINUED)
James Jonley Chen
Fresno, CA
Sponsored by Shih-Yen Paul Hsiao
Chuen Chie Chiang
Sacramento, CA
Sponsored by Donald P. Rollofson
Megan Clarke
San Diego, CA
Sponsored by D. Douglas Cassat
Katherine Vo Cook
San Francisco, CA
Sponsored by Gail H. Duffala
Margaret Delmore
Granite Bay, CA
Sponsored by Wai Ming Chan
Monica Diba
Canoga Park, CA
Sponsored by M. Sadegh Namazikhah
Charles L. Drury
Carlsbad, CA
Sponsored by
Craig Steven Yarborough
Misako Hirota
National City, CA
Sponsored by Nicholas Charles Salvati
J. Kevin Jetton
Yucaipa, CA
Sponsored by Ronald E. Fritz
Kevin M. Kurio
Rocklin, CA
Sponsored by Eric Wong
David K. Lam
San Francisco, CA
Sponsored by Craig Steven Yarborough
Jacob K. Lee
San Clemente, CA
Sponsored by Steven D. Chan
Emily Letran
Huntington Beach, CA
Sponsored by Antonette P. Masters
Sayeh Massoumi
Bakersfield, CA
Sponsored by M. Sadegh Namazikhah
James Mattingly
Walnut Creek, CA
Sponsored by Donald P. Rollofson
Virginia Padua Mattson
San Diego, CA
Sponsored by Robert J. Hanlon
Jeffrey McComb
Roseville, CA
Sponsored by Jeffrey V. Sue
Ruth “Candy” McComb
Roseville, CA
Sponsored by Jeffrey V. Sue
Sahar Mirfarsi
Pomona, CA
Sponsored by M. Sadegh Namazikhah
Rebecca Moazzez
San Francisco, CA
Sponsored by Craig Steven Yarborough
Clifton Nakatani
Sacramento, CA
Sponsored by Donald P. Rollofson
Charmaine Genevieve Ng
San Francisco, CA
Sponsored by Jeffrey S. Jang
Trang M. T. Nguyen
San Francisco, CA
Sponsored by Craig Steven Yarborough
Abraham Nobel
Los Angeles, CA
Sponsored by M. Sadegh Namazikhah
Continued on following page u
DISTRICT 13 (CONTINUED)
Clifton Nakatani Charmaine Genevieve Ng Trang M. T. Nguyen Abraham Nobel
James Jonley Chen Chuen Chie Chiang Megan Clarke Katherine Vo Cook
Margaret Delmore Monica Diba Charles L. Drury Misako Hirota
J. Kevin Jetton Kevin M. Kurio David K. Lam Jacob K. Lee
Emily Letran Sayeh Massoumi James Mattingly Virginia Padua Mattson
Dilek Uyan Talmadge D. Wilkins IV Ellen Paulisick Wolf
District 17
Florida
DISTRICT 17
Daniel M. Branca
Brandon, FL
Sponsored by M. Reza Iranmanesh
Shana Hernandez Capra
Delray Beach, FL
Sponsored by Jason E. Portnof
Natalie Carr Bustillo
Riverview, FL
Sponsored by M. Reza Iranmanesh
Bradley Cherry
St. Augustine, FL
Sponsored by M. Reza Iranmanesh
Thanhphuong Dinh
Lakewood Ranch, FL
Sponsored by William Thomas Bell
S. Donovan Essen
Stuart, FL
Sponsored by Douglas L. Starkey
Deborah George Miami, FL
Sponsored by Michael R. Ragan
Craig Kara
Indian Harbour Beach, FL
Sponsored by John Xavier Cordoba
Luis E. Martinez
St. Petersburg, FL
Sponsored by
Christopher Michael Bulnes
Stephanie Mazariegos
Tampa, FL
Sponsored by M. Reza Iranmanesh
Samira Meymand
Jacksonville, FL
Sponsored by Jason E. Portnof
Joseph Richardson
Eustis, FL
Sponsored by M. Reza Iranmanesh
Michael J. Roseff
Wellington, FL
Sponsored by Jason E. Portnof
Samuel S. Wakim
Clermont, FL
Sponsored by Jason E. Portnof
Daniel M. Branca Shana Hernandez Capra Natalie Carr Bustillo Bradley Cherry
Thanhphuong Dinh S. Donovan Essen Deborah George Craig Kara
Luis E. Martinez Stephanie Mazariegos Samira Meymand Joseph Richardson
Michael J. Roseff Samuel S. Wakim
How to Nominate an ICD Candidate
1. Go to our website www.usa-icd.org
2. Click Sign in in the upper right corner. (If first time, skip Sign In blank fields and select “Forgot username?” before proceeding.)
3. Click on your NAME in the upper right corner to access profile page.
4. Click the Nominate New Fellow button on the left to complete the Sponsor form and click Submit.
5. Add your letter of support and click Submit.
For assistance, please contact Kylie Evans at the ICD USA Section Office: kylie@usa-icd.org 301-251-8861
Please note: The Class of 2024 is now closed. New candidate nominations will automatically be considered for the Class of 2025.
VETERANS AND IMOM AT IOWA
The VETS 2011 Fund started in 2019 at the College of Dentistry, University of Iowa to help Veterans who experienced financial difficulties and did not qualify for VA dental care support. Since the beginning of the program, the College of Dentistry has helped 26 vets with $9,767 in treatment. The College has received independent financial donations to cover necessary procedures for Veterans’ use.
The Everyone for Veterans program began in 2017. Since then, the College has supported dental care for 32 veterans with $87,705 worth of treatment during the National Prosthodontic Awareness Week. The Department of Prosthodontics and the College of Dentistry donate these services.
In addition, the College of Dentistry takes care of the underserved with internal funds at the College, and by volunteering at the Iowa Mission of Mercy since its inception in 2008 in Waterloo with students, supervising faculty, residents, and staff (with the exclusion of 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID pandemic).
Students, residents, staff, and faculty of COD, University of Iowa at the IMOM in Sioux City. Incoming District 10 ICD USA Section Regent, Dr. Alberto Gasparoni is an associate professor at the Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics.
Photo by IMOM Steering Committee Dr. Carrie McKnight
CLASS OF 2023
DISTRICT 15 • REPRESENTING TEXAS
District
15
Regent: Roland S. Davies
Monica “mOe” Anderson • Juliana A. Barros * • Heather Blackmond
Eva D. Boldridge * • Stephen M. Chan • Naomi Dakota Cooper
Jennifer M. Roe • Ali Sajadi • Vinu T. Sista • Marvin Leif Stromberg * Kayleigh Eaves Temple * • Joshua C. Willard
* Inducted Virtually
M. Christine Benoit (RI) President
Niki C. Carter (AR) President-Elect
Michael L. Bydalek (PA)
Immediate Past President
Margaret M. CulottaNorton (DC) Treasurer
Thomas A. Howley Jr. (PA) Secretary
Bradley K. Greenway (GA) Trustee
Arnold S. Jacobson (MO) Trustee
Cynthia Jetter (NJ) Trustee
Curtis R. Johnson (SD) Trustee
Gerald R. Karr (TN) Trustee
James E. Lee (MA) Trustee
Mary A. Starsiak (IL) Trustee
Daniel W. Fridh (IN)
M. Christine Benoit Niki C. Carter
Michael L. Bydalek
Margaret M. Culotta-Norton
Thomas A. Howley Jr.
Bradley K. Greenway Arnold S. Jacobson
Cynthia Jetter
Curtis R. Johnson
Gerald R. Karr
James E. Lee Mary A. Starsiak
Robert
Daniel
Fridh
Scott W. Cashion
A Message from the ICD USA Section Foundation President
M.
Christine Benoit, DMD
The International College of Dentists USA Section Foundation greatly appreciates and applauds the extraordinary generosity of ICD Donors. Your contributions support effective programs which provide humanitarian dental care, collaborations, shared knowledge and compassion that better humanity. Each program’s outcome is exponentially beneficial. A few of the nearly two dozen ICD USA Section Foundation’s Grant Programs are highlighted in this report.
One shining example of an ICD grantee is Operation: Stand Down (OSD), an ICD USA Section Foundation supported program, which helps needy Veterans receive free dental care. OSD originated in 2012 in La Porte, Indiana, and has expanded throughout our country. In cooperation with OSD, ICD volunteers and area dentists provide screenings, imaging and treatment planning. In April 2023, the program took place in Gary, Indiana, where 50 Veterans were screened and referred to area volunteer dentists for free dental care. The value of the donated dental treatment averages $2,500 per patient. Nationwide, 5,000 Veteran patients have been helped. Data is submitted to measure the program’s success. The next one is scheduled in November 2024 in La Porte. Only 8% of Veterans are eligible to receive dental care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. There are thousands more who served our country who have unmet dental needs. Veterans may have social, psychological, economic or medical issues that impede their access to dental care. OSD founder and ICD USA Section Foundation board member Daniel Fridh reports patients are greeted by a staff ‘guardian angel’ who warmly thanks the Veteran for their service. Although the wait time is minimal, patients and their families relate to one another and staff with cordial remarks of appreciation. Remarkably, local communities come together in support of OSD/ICD funded programs. OSD/ICD programs are explained to dentists at local dental meetings to help recruit new volunteers to provide care to these Veterans. Dental hygiene schools send volunteers to help and Foundation-funded vans or buses transport the patients. Radio announcements are aired, community groups put up posters, and the VA Hospital and Veterans Retirement Home also promote OSD/ICD funded programs.
(Continued on page 74)
M. Christine Benoit, DMD
(Continued from page 73)
A 3-year collaboration with Henry Schein, with the help of humanitarian dental volunteers, serves to address the challenging needs of patients in under-served populations in the United States and abroad. ICD Fellows volunteering in developing countries bring good will, empathy, skill and hope to international patients who suffer for years with oral infections and pain.
This year there is a new ICD grant project for the surgical treatment of impoverished children with cleft lip and cleft palate defects.
It is anticipated that 100 needy children will be treated.
Another grant recipient is the American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists (AADEJ). Since the founding of the International College of Dentists a century ago, disseminating scientific information has been, and continues to be, a pillar of the College. In following ICD’s original mission, the ICD USA Section Foundation funds the AADEJ Meeting and its prestigious Journalism in Dentistry Awards. The USA Section journalism
subcommittee reviews approximately 150 articles, series of articles and journals. Submissions concern varied topics including scientific knowledge and breakthroughs, technical skills, artificial intelligence, burnout, implicit bias, humanitarian efforts and many more. Award recipients and citations are presented during the fall meeting and results are published in the KEY. Promoting excellence in dental journalism, sharing best practices, and providing networking opportunities have farreaching benefits.
The entire ICD USA Section Foundation thanks each donor and volunteer for their generosity. The potential benefit of collective giving is immeasurable. We want you to know, with certainty, your gift will grow in exponential ways benefiting humanity for a long time.
OFFICERS:
M. Christine Benoit, President
Niki C. Carter, President-Elect
Margaret M. Culotta-Norton, Treasurer
Thomas A. Howley Jr., Secretary
Michael L. Bydalek, Immediate Past President
Trustees:
Bradley K. Greenway
Arnold S. Jacobson
Cynthia Jetter
Curtis R. Johnson
Gerald R. Karr
James E. Lee
Mary A. Starsiak
Daniel W. Fridh
ex officio: Daniel W. Fridh
section ambassador: Scott W. Cashion
asp
facilitator:
Robert L. Frazer Jr.
staff:
Kylie M. Evans
GRANT STORY
Transforming Smiles and Lives: A Community Dental Initiative
the San Antonio District Dental Society Foundation in collaboration with The San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic and the San Antonio District Dental Society (SADDS), initiated a community-based project to establish a free dental clinic in San Antonio - Smiles of Hope Clinic. The two-day clinic was held on October 25-26, 2023. The primary aim of this project was to address the oral health needs of underserved individuals residing in San Antonio and Bexar County. The clinic extends charitable care to low-income community members who are not current patients and are unable to afford essential dental treatments.
This volunteer-driven dental project was a resounding success, directly impacting the lives of many through the use of product donations provided by the International College of Dentists USA Section Foundation in partnership with the Global Visionary Fund and Henry Schein Cares. These products were essential in providing the necessary supplies, which were used over two intensive days to deliver crucial dental care to the community. Volunteers, including ICD Fellows who played pivotal roles in both planning and treatment, performed a wide range of procedures, such as prophylaxis, scaling and root planning, fillings, and extractions.
The project was far reaching, with over 80 individuals contributing to its planning and execution, ultimately serving 126 patients. These patients received a total of 303 treatments, including 71 fillings, 47 extractions, 42 fluoride
WATCH THE VIDEO WITH DR. AKSHAY THUSU
Scan the QR code above.
treatments, 37 prophylaxes, oral healthcare instructions and more. The total value of the free dental care provided was almost $183,000.
In addition to the immediate benefits of the treatments, the project emphasized long-term sustainability. Patients were not only treated but also educated on oral hygiene and provided with information about free or discounted community clinics throughout San Antonio. The event took place at the San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic, which offers ongoing dental care as part of their mission. All patients were informed about the clinic’s open enrollment in January 2024, encouraging them to establish a continuous dental care relationship. The goal is to help patients maintain their oral health all year round, reducing the need to wait for the next project.
Data collection was a critical component of this project. Information gathered included the number of unique patients and procedures, volunteer demographics, patient ethnicity, age, and type. This data is instrumental in understanding the impact on vulnerable populations. The sustainability and impact of this initiative are ensured through the ongoing partnership with the San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic. They will continue to host this event annually. This initiative is a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and the profound difference that welldirected donations can make in the lives of those in need.
Smiles of Hope is a free dental clinic in San Antonio. The ICD USA Section Foundation, in partnership with the Global Visionary Fund and Henry Schein Cares, donated product support to Smiles of Hope in the amount of $3,408 in 2023. ICD Fellow Dr. Akshay Thusu, pictured right above, volunteers at the dental clinic and submitted for the grant.
BECOME A CENTURY CLUB DONOR!
Increase your blast radius of impact by engaging with the ICD USA Section Foundation
As a second-generation dentist from Massachusetts, I grew up living above my father’s general dentistry practice and learned the incredible impact dentists can have on their communities from an early age. Dentistry is a healing profession. It was inspiring to grow up around the profession and witness my father, Dr. Ted Lee, use his clinical skills to transform the lives of his patients from all walks of life and backgrounds.
Now in his seventh decade of life and having practiced for nearly four decades, my father continues to practice with a smile because he cherishes giving back to a community that has given him so much. We, as dentists, can accomplish so much good within the four walls of our operatories, practices and institutions. However, increasing our blast radius of impact beyond our four walls requires us to think bigger, seek meaningful collaboration, and engage with our International College of Dentists USA Section Foundation. We have an incredible Foundation that empowers humanitarian efforts, education, leadership, public health, and provides care to those in need both in the United States and around the world. I am proud to be involved with our Foundation because it is a force multiplier that empowers me to use my gifts and talents to accomplish more with greater impact.
As I reflect on my first decade of practice, having graduated from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine in 2014, I am honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to serve in organized dentistry leadership at the local, state, and national levels. While serving as chair of the American Dental Association’s New Dentist Committee, I loved meeting with dentists and students from across the country and hearing the incredible ways they were positively impacting their communities. These inspiring dental professionals proved that no matter who you are or where you are from, everyone has something to bring to the table and everyone can have a positive impact. I invite you to engage with our ICD USA Section Foundation and share your unique gifts and talents. In this new and exciting chapter of our Foundation, we need your engagement to navigate and address the challenges of tomorrow. Thank you for your leadership!
In Fellowship,
ICD USA Section Foundation Trustee
James E. Lee, DMD, FICD, FACD, FPFA
Malden, Massachusetts
Fellow James E. Lee (R) poses proudly with his father, Dr. Ted Lee. Dr. James Lee is the newest member of the ICD USA Section Foundation Board of Trustees.
FULL SPEED: THE RMD AS A DONATION VEHICLE
Aby Ilyssa Peters, CPA
Senior Director of Tax Preparation, Georgetown University
Certified Public Accountant
B.S. Accounting & Supply Chain Management, University of Maryland, College Park
publicly-supported 501 (c) (3) organization that supports charitable endeavors in furtherance of education and delivery of dental care in underserved populations, the International College of Dentists USA Section Foundation, Inc. (“the Foundation”) primarily relies on charitable gifts from donors to fund its missions in the US and abroad. Interested donors can contribute to the Foundation through a variety of tax-deductible and non-tax-deductible methods, including required minimum distributions (RMDs) from individual retirement accounts (IRAs), other retirement plan accounts and bequeaths from estates.
General Rules for Tax-Deductible Donations to 501 (c) (3)s:
In order to be tax-deductible, donations, regardless of the means through which they are contributed to a 501 (c) (3) organization, must meet specific criteria. Depending on the donor’s unique financial circumstances, qualified donations are typically subject to deduction limitations on individuals’ IRS Form 1040, US Individual Income Tax Return. Donors should consult their tax advisors on how to maximize the tax benefit of their charitable contributions. Cash donations to qualified charitable organizations, such as the Foundation and other 501 (c) (3)s, are tax deductible to the donor as long as the funds are not earmarked for use or for the benefit of any specific individual. Charitable organizations are prohibited from furthering private interests; therefore, individuals with personal or private interests in a 501(c)(3) organization may not benefit from its earnings. Additionally, conditional gifts which are contingent upon future actions or events are generally nondeductible to the donor, but that does not entirely preclude donors from imposing restrictions on the use, or timeframe of the use, of their contributions. Donor-restricted contributions, barring those earmarking the funds for the benefit of particular individuals as stated previously, allow donors to allocate their donation for particular projects or missions. Donors may also require that their monies be spent by particular dates.
Spotlight on Donations via RMDs and Estate Bequeaths:
For tax year 2023, individuals 73 and older must withdraw required minimum distributions annually from their retirement accounts. Such retirement accounts owned by the original holder or their beneficiaries include IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, SEP IRAs, and other retirement plan accounts such as 401(k) and 403(b) plans. Roth IRAs do not have withdrawal requirements until the death of the individual owner, but beneficiaries of Roth IRAs are subject
to RMD rules. If the minimum RMD withdrawal is not made for a particular year, the account owner or beneficiaries will be subject to a 50% excise tax on the shortfall. While the calculation of an individual’s RMD in a given year can be complex, it should be confirmed by a tax professional or financial advisor due to the hefty tax for noncompliance. RMDs provide an opportunity for account holders to make potentially tax-deductible charitable donations.
While each individual donor’s tax benefit will vary depending on their financial circumstances and tax strategies, such as whether to elect the standardized or itemized deduction option on their Form 1040, donors can receive a tax benefit for the donation of all or part of their annual RMD if certain conditions are met. If a donation is made directly from the retirement account to a qualified 501 (c) (3) organization, this income is not taxable to the individual. The individual cannot take this donation as an itemized deduction on their individual tax return, but they instead receive the benefit of the donated portion of the RMD being tax-free income. Alternatively, if a donor elects to recognize the full value of the RMD withdrawn as taxable income to them, and they subsequently donate all or a portion of this withdrawal, the donated amount is then eligible to be taken as an itemized deduction. Donors may prefer to contribute their RMDs directly to charities as this method could reduce their adjusted gross income (AGI) into a lower tax bracket, whereas recognizing the RMD as taxable income at the time of withdrawal likely results in the income being taxed in a higher tax bracket. Regardless of the timing of the donation, an individual donating RMD funds has the potential to reduce their AGI either by lowering their taxable income starting point or by increasing their deductions. Retirement plan administrators can instruct account holders on how to direct their RMD withdrawals to the Foundation.
Donors can elect to restrict their donated RMD funds for specific programs and initiatives or choose to make a non-donor-restricted contribution in support of the Foundation’s numerous mission-driven activities. ICD dental humanitarian and educational programs thrive due to the generosity of RMD donors. The ICD USA Section Foundation supports top-notch programs and gives reason for contributors to be incredibly proud.
LEGACY SOCIETY
THE LEGACY SOCIETY is a program the ICD USA Section Foundation initiated to recognize those Fellows who support the Foundation from their estate. To receive such recognition, a minimum of $5,000 must be given by the estate. This donation may be given in a variety of ways: required minimum distributions from retirement accounts, estate/will bequeaths, retirement benefit bequeaths or insurance benefit bequeaths.
The participating Fellow will not only receive all the normal benefits of a charitable donation, but also will be recognized in ICD publications for their generosity. They will be periodically updated on what the USA Section and Foundation are doing and for what types of activities their contributions are utilized. In this way the Fellow will remain engaged with what is happening while supporting key activities and programs.
What types of things will be supported by this effort? Our guiding principles are Integrity, Leadership, and Service, and both the Section and Foundation have initiated many projects to support those principles. Examples of some of these projects are: the Bettie R. McKaig Student Experience Program that supports US dental students’ volunteer trips both here and overseas; awards (leadership and humanitarian awards to dentists and dental students); Mission of Mercy free dental clinics; grants (approximately $140,000
per year to domestic and international humanitarian efforts); volunteer symposia (presented throughout the USA to assist dentists in their volunteer opportunities and actions); journalism (both publications as well as journalistic organizations); and dental student scholarships.
In order to become a member of the Legacy Society, your financial advisor/tax preparer/estate planner will assist you in determining the best method to accomplish your donation. You need to decide how much you want to provide the ICD USA Section Foundation. It should be a simple process that can be dealt with by a codicil to your will. The donation recipient should be identified as “ICD USA Section Foundation.” The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law.
Once the amount and method are determined, please complete the Legacy Society Form on our website at http:// www.usa-icd.org/Foundation/Donations/Legacy_ Society and submit it to the USA Section Foundation as designated on the form. When this information is received, your Legacy Society benefits will be initiated.
Your generosity will leave a lasting legacy, supporting impactful dental humanitarian efforts through ICD for years to come.
ICD Contact: International College of Dentists
USA Section Foundation Legacy Society 610 Professional Drive, Suite 201 Gaithersburg, MD 20879
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Dr. Elaine C. Wagner
301 - 251 - 8861
San Antonio - Smiles of Hope Clinic - OCTOBER 2023
Dominican Republic - with financial support from the Bettie R. McKaig Student Experience PrograM - March 2024
2023 GENERAL GRANTS • ICD USA SECTION FOUNDATION
Approved by the ICD USA Section Foundation for use in 2024.
$35,000
ICD USA Section Bettie R. McKaig Student Experience Program
$8,000
ICD USA Section Fellowship Orientation Program Reception
$5,000 each
Afghan Refugees ‘Learn and Serve’ Approach to Urgent Dental Care, a project of the University of Texas Health at San Antonio
Arizona Mission of Mercy, a project of the Arizona Dental Foundation
Baja Smiles of Mexico, a project of Smiles International Foundation
Colorado Mission of Mercy - Adams County, a project of GB Dental Associates
Costa Rica Smiles, a project of Smiles International Foundation
Dental Tree Program, a project of Dallas County Dental Society Foundation
Healing California Pop-Up and Mobile Dental Clinics, a project of Healing California
Jamaica Dental Mission
Mending Faces Medical Mission (pediatric facial deformities)
Minnesota Mission of Mercy, a project of the Minnesota Dental Foundation
Portable Pediatric Oral Health Clinic, a project of Healthy Smiles of Spartanburg, Inc.
Prof. Nkanta Frank Ekanem Foundation Dental and Health Missions Program
Project Angkor, Kingdom of Cambodia
SMILE Mobile Dentistry Clinic, a project of the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry
Sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Gerald R. Karr and ICD USA Section
$3,000 each
Rhode Island Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic, a project of the Rhode Island Oral Health Foundation
Texas Mission of Mercy, a project of the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation
Virginia Mission of Mercy Program, a project of the Virginia Dental Association Foundation
ICD USA Section Journalism Awards $1,300
ICD USA Section Fellowship Orientation Program Keynote Speaker $1,000
$139,800 ( 2023 TOTAL )
Spice Isle Smiles Grenada, West Indies
2023 PRODUCT GRANTS
Henry Schein Cares in collaboration with the ICD USA Section Foundation and the ICD Global Visionary Fund awarded the following Product Grants for ICD Fellows in 2023! The grant allows ICD USA Section Fellows to acquire essential dental products for many impactful humanitarian projects in the US and around the world!
$34,459 ( 2023 TOTAL IN PRODUCT SUPPORT )
$13,967
$6,896
$5,251
$4,937
$3,408
Agape Hospital Dental Clinic - American Council of the Asian Christian Academy of India
Serving Our Heroes - Hispanic Dental Association/ Greater San Antonio Hispanic Dental Association
Heal Elgin Project - Elgin Adventist Church
Mending Faces Medical Mission (pediatric facial deformities)
Smiles of Hope Clinic - San Antonio District Dental Society Foundation
2023 FELLOW HUMANITARIAN
STIMULUS GRANTS
The following is a list of Fellow Humanitarian Stimulus Grants in the amount of $1,000 approved by the ICD USA Section Foundation for use in 2023.
A Collaborative Urgent and Preventive Care
Dental Treatment Plan
Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center
ChangetheRx
Cura Smiles Free Community Dental Clinic
Doctors Tom United Cerebral Palsy Dental Clinic
Expansion of Endodontic Therapies for dental patients treated at The Esperanza Center in Baltimore
Heal Elgin Project, a project of Elgin Adventist Church
Louisiana Mission of Mercy, a project of the Louisiana Dental Association
Miles and Smiles Jimmy Fund - Boston Marathon
Operation: Stand Down
Seattle/King County Clinic
Serving Our Smiles
Silicon Valley Healthy Smiles
Smiles4Heroes
“Teledentistry: The ‘Key’ to Our Mission”
Tooth Talk and Senior Smiles
$16,000
2023 ICD USA SECTION FOUNDATION DONORS
Your caring support of the International College of Dentists USA Section Foundation makes a great difference in the lives of thousands. THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND DONATION! A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR ICD USA SECTION FOUNDATION SPONSORS!
Henry Schein Cares
Dr. & Mrs. William A. Hunter
Century Club
Dr. & Mrs. Gerald R. Karr
Dr. & Mrs. Herbert K. Yee Foundation
Legacy Society
Join our planned giving program and pledge to donate $100 per month / $1,200 annually for five years. Contributions help continue to fund humanitarian, educational, leadership and public health programs.
Dr. Jay C. Adkins
Dr. Melodee R. Armfield
Dr. Dexter E. Barnes
Dr. William J. Bennett
Dr. M. Christine Benoit & Dr. Bruce D. Gouin
Dr. Susan B. Bishop
Dr. Niki C. Carter
Dr. Jack W. Clinton
Dr. Francis A. Connor Jr.
Dr. James J. Conrardy
Dr. Mark A. Crabtree
Dr. Bruce E. Cunningham
Dr. Roland S. Davies
Dr. Wayne D. Del Carlo
Dr. Henry L. Diversi, Jr.
Dr. Jeffrey E. Dodge
Dr. Thomas E. Emmering
Dr. Thomas G. Fellman
Dr. William M. Fraser
Dr. Robert L. Frazer Jr.
Dr. Daniel W. Fridh
Dr. Richard J. Galeone
Dr. Ronald K. Heier
Dr. R. Donald Hoffman
Dr. Margaret M. Culotta-Norton
Dr. David R. Holwager
Dr. David E. Houten
Dr. H. Fred Howard
Dr. Thomas A. Howley Jr.
Dr. William A. Hunter
Dr. Paul G. Isler
Dr. Arnold S. Jacobson
Dr. Curtis R. Johnson
Dr. Gerald R. Karr
Dr. Joseph R. Kenneally & Dr. Lisa P. Howard
Dr. W. Michael Kenney
Dr. Peter P. Korch III
Dr. Keith V. Krell
Dr. Billie Sue Kyger
Dr. James E. Lee
Dr. Ronald P. Lemmo
Dr. Carmine J. LoMonaco
Dr. Risé L. Martin
Dr. Bettie R. McKaig
Dr. Michael N. McKee
Dr. Edwin L. Morris
Dr. M. Sadegh Namazikhah
Dr. Jeanne M. Nicolette
Dr. Eliot L. Paisner
Dr. Ronald J. Paler
Dr. D. Spencer Pope
Dr. Richard F. Roadcap
Dr. Theodore M. Roberson
Dr. Julio H. Rodriguez
Dr. Donald P. Rollofson
Dr. Robert A. Seminara
Dr. Francis G. Serio
Dr. James C. Setterberg
Dr. Charles M. Simons & Mrs. Alice Simons
Dr. Charles L. Smith
Dr. Richard M. Smith
Dr. Douglas L. Starkey
Dr. Mary A. Starsiak
Dr. Paul E. Stubbs
Dr. Keith W. Suchy
Dr. Ira R. Titunik
Dr. Bruce G. Toy
Dr. Carol I. Turner
Dr. Richard E. Vachon
Dr. S. Vincent Veltri II
Dr. Andrew G. Vorrasi
Dr. Leighton A. Wier
Dr. Richard A. Williamson
Dr. Craig S. Yarborough
Dr. Vangel R. Zissi
• Fore more information about the Century Club turn to page 76.
The Legacy Society recognizes Fellows who provide support from their estate for the ICD USA Section Foundation’s 501 (c) (3).
Dr. Theodore M. Roberson Dr. Ross Vaughan
• Fore more information about the Legacy Society turn to page 79.
• To make a donation, scan this QR code:
2023 FOUNDATION DONORS
• To make a donation, scan this QR code:
District 1
$1,000 +
M. Christine Benoit & Bruce D. Gouin
Jeffrey E. Dodge
James Emmanuel Lee
Eliot L. Paisner
$500 - $999
Joseph R. Kenneally & Lisa P. Howard
Dr. John B. Lathrop Memorial Fund
Dr. Alejandro M. Aguirre
Dr. James R. Allen
Dr. Melodee R. Armfield
Dr. Dexter E. Barnes
Dr. William J. Bennett
Dr. Susan B. Bishop
Dr. Francis A. Connor Jr.
Dr. James J. Conrardy
Dr. Margaret M. Culotta-Norton
Dr. Francine T. Cwyk
Dr. Roland S. Davies
Dr. Henry L. Diversi, Jr.
Dr. Thomas G. Fellman
Dr. William M. Fraser
Dr. Richard J. Galeone
Dr. Linda K. Himmelberger
Dr. R. Donald Hoffman
Dr. David E. Houten
Dr. William A. Hunter
Dr. Curtis R. Johnson
Established in 2012, the Dr. John B. Lathrop Memorial Fund honors Dr. Lathrop’s leadership and dedication to the ICD in leadership roles, including President of the USA Section, nine years as a member of the International Council, and as President of the ICD USA Section Foundation. Donors who contribute $1,000 receive a framed set of six dental-themed stamps from his collection and a Sapphire* Level Lapel Pin.
Dr. Gerald R. Karr
Dr. Joseph R. Kenneally & Dr. Lisa P. Howard
Dr. W. Michael Kenney
Dr. Steven R. Kilpatrick
Dr. Peter P. Korch III
Dr. Keith V. Krell
Dr. Carmine J. LoMonaco
Dr. Risé L. Martin
Dr. Michael N. McKee
Dr. Edwin L. Morris
Dr. Terry L. Norris
Dr. Eliot L. Paisner
Dr. Ronald J. Paler
Dr. John D. Pitts
Dr. Theodore M. Roberson
Dr. Julio H. Rodriguez
Dr. Robert A. Seminara
Dr. James C. Setterberg
Dr. Charles M. Simons & Mrs. Alice Simons
UP TO $499
Ronald Albert
Thomas V. Brady
Donald Cassidy Jr.
Barbara Mancini Cavicchio
Maureen L. Colella
Brian D. Collins
Michel Emile Couret
Nicholas M. Dello Russo
Richard D'Innocenzo
Ellen Eisenberg
Robert A. Faiella
Anthony N. Giamberardino
Neil S. Hiltunen
Kathryn Horutz
Donna L. Kalil
Heather Keeling
John B. Kenison
David Richard Kerr
Berdj Kiladjian
Robert Kubaska
Jack M. Levine
Carolyn J. Malon
Shibly D. Malouf Jr.
Andrew J. Molak
Lonnie H. Norris
Joshua Tran Osofsky
Michael J. Paisner
Hugh R. Phillis
Geraldine A. Schneider
Earle W. Simpson Jr.
Mark P. Small
Maria A. Smith
J. Steven Tonelli
Craig A. Van Dongen
James J. Williamson
Francis Joseph Zaino
John Joseph Sexton
Mark P. Small
Maria A. Smith
Dean George Tourigny
Tina M. Valades
Craig A. Van Dongen
Samuel Robert Zwetchkenbaum
District 2
UP TO $499
William P. Caldon
Joseph A. Craddock
Dr. Charles L. Smith
Dr. Richard M. Smith
Dr. Kristi M. Soileau
Dr. Dennis Song
Dr. Douglas L. Starkey
Dr. Paul E. Stubbs
Dr. Keith W. Suchy
Dr. Ira R. Titunik
Dr. Bruce G. Toy
Dr. Richard E. Vachon
Dr. Andrew G. Vorrasi
Dr. Leighton A. Wier
Dr. Vangel R. Zissi
The Dental Society of Chester County & Delaware County, PA
The Pennsylvania Dental Association
ICD USA Section Foundation
District 3
$1,000 +
Ronald K. Heier
$500 - $999
Michael L. Bydalek
UP TO $499
Alan J. Borislow
Ellsworth T. Bowser
Richard F. Cassie
Michael D. Cerveris
Lennie M. Checchio
Brian D. Christian
Samuel P. Cimino
Judith Marylyn Davenport
Gary S. Davis
Alan V. Dilsaver
Frank A. DiNoia
Edmund DeNorde Effort
Renee Fennell
Matthew D. Freedman
Richard J. Galeone
Edward M. Grosse
Priscilla H. Hamilton
R. Donald Hoffman
Thomas A. Howley Jr.
Steven Roland Jefferies
Joseph John Kohler III
Raymond R. Lancione
Christine Marie Landes
Michelle M. Lee
Robert Marus
David A. Redding
Theodore John Rockwell
John M. Staivecki
Laurence H. Stone
Bruce R. Terry
Brandon Michael Walsh
Marian Schmitt Wolford
District 4
$1,000 +
Margaret M. Culotta-Norton
Edwin L. Morris
$500 - $999
Elaine C. Wagner
UP TO $499
Mary Elizabeth Dunn
Bernard Fialkoff
Rodney Fils-Aime
Robert S. Goldberger
Joseph T. Izzo
Kenneth W. Judy
Philip J. Klein
Chris R. Klimecko
Mary Ellen Currigan Lukaswitz
Michael Joseph Maloney
Maria Christina Maranga
Edward J. Miller
Mercedes Mota-Martinez
Sari R. Rosenwein
Mitchell V. Sabbagh
Jose E. Santana
Gail Ellen Schupak
Todd Ellis Shatkin
Jay Skolnick
Douglas B. Smail
Eugene D. Stanislaus
Jennifer A. Sylvia
Roger W. Triftshauser
John Bishop Wahlig
Martin A. Alfano
John R. Bailey
Martin A. Barley
Ioana Bettios
Carol Ann Blake
Warren A. Brill
Cavan Michael Brunsden
Usa Bunnag
Charles D. Calhoon
Vincent Joseph Castellano
Sally J. Cram
Stephen McLynn Dargan
Robert C. Director
Maxine Feinberg
Cecile A. Feldman
Dominic Michael Gioffre Jr.
Leslie Edwina Grant
M. Lamar Hicks
James Michael Hill
J. Terrell Hoffeld
Stephen I. Hudis
Joyce Phelps Huey
Cynthia Jetter
Blair A. Jones
Gary George Kaihara
Eric A. Katkow
Lawrence Adam Katkow
Karen M. Keith
Tristram Coffin Kruger
Cheryl Yvonne Lee
Kim Anna Menhinick
John Mohler III
Joseph Daniel Molinaro
Iris Jeffries Morton
Kevin George Murphy
• To make a donation, scan this QR code:
Craig A. Palmer
Alan B. Perkin
Harold Jay Pincus
Frederick G. Preis
Jeffery B. Price
Marsha Pyle
Isabel Rambob
Leslie A. Rye
Arturo Santiago
Andre C. Santos
Barbara S. Shaffer
Robert A. Shekitka
Rachael L. Simon
Michael Samuel Stern
Howard R. Strauss
Andrew J. Sullivan
District 5
$1,000 + Bruce E. Cunningham
Dr. Richard G. Shaffer Memorial Fund
Established in 2012, the Dr. Richard G. Shaffer Memorial Fund honors Dr. Shaffer’s distinguished career and contributions to the ICD as Secretary-General/Registrar for 10 years and Convocation Committee Chair for 25 years. Donors who contribute $500 receive a Shaffer Memorial Coin, a special pouch crafted from retired Convocation robes and Foundation Lapel Pin.
UP TO $499
Leonard F. Allen IV
John P. Anderson
Louis S. Belinfante
Henry B. Benson Jr.
Janine J. Bethea
James David Brown
Lewis L. Brown
James L. Cassidy Jr.
Benjamin Joseph Cumbus
Jennifer Davidson Davis
Bradley K. Greenway
Barry L. Langley
G. Lewis Mitchell
Dr. James R. Allen
Dr. Melodee Armfield
Dr. Dexter E. Barnes
Dr. William J. Bennett
Dr. Susan B. Bishop
Dr. Thomas Brady
Dr. Michael L. Bydalek
recognizing
Dr. Raymond O. Bydalek
Dr. Francis A. Connor Jr.
Dr. James J. Conrardy
Dr. Margaret M. Culotta-Norton
Dr. Roland S. Davies
Dr. Henry L. Diversi, Jr.
Dr. Thomas G. Fellman
Dr. William M. Fraser
Dr. Richard J. Galeone
Dr. R. Donald Hoffman
Dr. David E. Houten
Dr. William A. Hunter
Dr. Curtis R. Johnson
Dr. Gerald R. Karr
Dr. Joseph R. Kenneally & Dr. Lisa P. Howard
Dr. W. Michael Kenney
Dr. Peter P. Korch III
Dr. Keith V. Krell
Dr. Carmine J. LoMonaco
Dr. Derek R. Mahony
Dr. Risé L. Martin
Dr. Michael N. McKee
Dr. Edwin L. Morris
Dr. M. S. Namazikhah
Dr. Jeanne M. Nicolette
Dr. Eliot L. Paisner
Dr. Ronald J. Paler
CAPT (Ret) Kenneth W. Peters
Dr. Philip J. Rinaudo & Mrs. Paula Rinaudo
Dr. Theodore M. Roberson
Dr. Theodore M. Roberson II
Dr. Julio H. Rodriguez
Dr. Donald P. Rollofson
Dr. Robert A. Seminara
Dr. James C. Setterberg
Dr. Charles M. Simons & Mrs. Alice Simons
Dr. Charles L. Smith
Dr. Richard M. Smith
Dr. Douglas L. Starkey
Dr. Paul E. Stubbs
Dr. Keith W. Suchy
Dr. Ira R. Titunik
Dr. Bruce G. Toy
Dr. Richard E. Vachon
Dr. Jody B. Vance
Dr. Andrew G. Vorrasi
Dr. Leighton A. Wier
Dr. Richard A. Williamson
Dr. Vangel R. Zissi
ICD Maryland Chapter
Mark J. Schulte
Doxey R. Sheldon
Kerri Thomas Simpson
John Hugh Sullivan
James F. Szarko
Edward G. Vaughan
William Herschel Wall III
Kevin M. Walsh
District 7
Melissa Seibold Nix
Richard O. Noblet
Leigh-Anne Tucker Nevins
Hal S. Raper
$1,000 + Ronald P. Lemmo
UP TO $499
Kevin M. Sims
Leonard F. Anglis
Henry Jackson Proctor
Joe A. Baumgartner
Christopher L. Rautenstrauch
Calvin O'Neal Sanders Jr.
Thomas M. Skafidas
Gregory A. Berger
Richard Wesley Bowen
Gale Eugene Coons
Robert A. Corns
Joseph P. Crowley
James J. Ware
Deena Holliman Smith
Karyn L. Stockwell
Jeremy Robert Ward
District 6
$10,000 + Gerald R. Karr
$1,000 + Arnold S. Jacobson
Samuel Vincent Veltri II
$500 - $999
UP TO $499
Kevin H. Bailey
Charles L. Smith
K. Jean Beauchamp
Michael Wayne Berry
Scott Gibson Blackman
Jerry E. Bouquot
Steven Earl Brock
Victor Ronald Canestraro
Danny A. Chacko
Harold Groves Cooke III
Ernest De Wald
Marie B. Farrar
Eben A. DeArmond Jr.
David Miskel Eller
Amanda Leigh Fitzpatrick
Robert Carroll French
Sami Mitri Ghareeb
Steven A. Ghareeb
Peggy Jan Henley
Mike Lamb
George Robert Hopper Jr.
Thomas W. Jarrett
William Terrence Kane
Jon Atherton Mather
John B. Mattingly
James William McDaniel
David Eugene McNeely Jr.
John E. Petty
Kimberly C. Norman
Michael John O'Connell
Charles F. Poeschl
Louis H. Rohlfs
Michael L. Richardson
Matthew Scott Scarberry
David J. Farinacci
Seymour I. Glick
Christopher W. Gall
Tara L. Haid
Lauren Marie Czerniak
Lawrence I. Goldblatt
Adel Helmy Hanna
Brian T. Henry
Denise Leonard Hering
Steven J. Holm
Hubert (Bert) Joseph Jacob
Lamont B. Jacobs
Paul Thomas Jansen
Harold Stewart Jeter
James Earl Jones
Binnaz Leblebicioglu
Thomas Matanzo
Mark J. Mihalo
Philip G. Polus
Kelly Ann-Crawford Roth
Jennifer Louise SatterfieldSiegel
Stuart Barry Sears
Mark R. Stetzel
Alfred C. Uveges Sr.
Alan R. Weinstein
Michael S. Winick
Herb J. Yekel
District 8
$1,000 +
D. Spencer Pope
Keith W. Suchy
UP TO $499
Randal P. Ashton
Christopher Joseph Couri
Susan Becker Doroshow
Dean Warren Drake
Trucia A. Drummond
Joseph F. Hagenbruch
Mary J. Hayes
Mark Allen Heiss
YiHsiung Huang
Mark J. Humenik
Don Charles Kalant Sr.
Donald Lee Rastede
(Continued on page 86)
Dr. Vangel R. Zissi Memorial Fund
Established in 2024 to honor Master Fellow Dr. Vangel R. Zissi, this fund celebrates his life and legacy. Dr. Zissi began serving ICD as District One Massachusetts Deputy Regent in 1985, and was elected through the chairs, becoming the 2005 ICD USA Section President. He continued his service through 2012 as USA Section Deputy Registrar and the ICD Global Deputy Secretary-General.
District 1
Dr. M. Christine Benoit & Dr. Bruce D. Gouin & Dr. Brendan Gouin
Dr. Margaret M. Culotta-Norton & Mr. Robert Norton
Dr. Joseph R. Kenneally & Dr. Lisa P. Howard
Dr. Eliot L. Paisner & Mrs. Leslie Paisner
Dr. J. Steven Tonelli & Mrs. Margaret Tonelli
(Continued from page 85)
Kevin P. Ryan
Thomas E. Sullivan
Larry N. Williams
Thomas J. Wodniak
Susan Kathryn Zelazo-Smith
District 9
$500 - $999
Ned Murphy
UP TO $499
Scott Arbit
William D. Beck
Vincent V. Benivegna
Matthew R. Bistan
Tammy Boudry
Daniel M. Briskie
Edward J. Chiera
James J. Conrardy
Paula Sherman Crum
George William Davidson III
Larry De Groat
Timothy B. Durtsche
Dennis Walter Engel
Naila S. Farooq
Raymond F. Gist
Steven Michael Hall
Douglas John Hinterman
Dr. Herbert K. Yee Memorial Fund
Established in 2024 to honor Master Fellow Dr. Herbert Y. Yee, this fund celebrates his life and legacy and will be used to help support many ICD charitable projects. Passionate about the College, he served in 1972 as California Deputy Regent and eventually became the ICD USA Section President in 1985. He served as a USA Section Foundation Trustee from 1989-1990 and Vice President from 1991-2000. Dr. Yee represented the USA Section on the International Council from 1988 until he served as ICD Global President in 1996. In 2019 he was honored with ICD’s esteemed Ottofy-Okumura Award.
Michael D. Jennings
Karen Agnete Johnson
Timothy F. Kosinski
Ronald J. Lambert
Joseph W. Lasnoski
Paul S. Levine
Conrad A. Nenn
Luis A. Perez
Neil E. Peterson
George E. Rooney
Bobby Dean Russell
Joseph M. Schmidt
North Arthur Shetter
Steven Dean Shoha
Craig Winsor Spencer
Robin Paxton Steely
James R. Stewart Jr.
Ronald P. Stifter
Sheila Elizabeth Stover
Jay A. Werschky
District 10
$5,000 + William A. Hunter
$1,000 + Curtis R. Johnson
UP TO $499
Paul R. Abrahamson
Alejandro Martin Aguirre
Geoffrey D. Bentley
Bryce W. Bonness
Amber A. Determan
Steven M. Erlandson
Thomas G. Fellman
Robert Peter Gardetto
Stephanie Guy Gruchalla
Larry D. Haisch
Daniel L. Hall
Larry K. Hoffman
Daniel G. Kegler
Bruce A. Kudak
Venetia Laganis
Stephen F. Litton
David G. Merritt
George John Muller II
Howard C. Peterson Jr.
Ernest W. Sigler
Cindy Trosen Sundet
Paul J. Tronsgard
Debra S. West
Roger C. Wilson
James K. Zenk
District 11
UP TO $499
Kenneth James Bagby
Dexter E. Barnes
Brian R. Crawford
Mike B. Dingman
Michelle Terese Green
Katherine Mary Hakes
Rita Ann Harding
Spencer S. Jilek
Kevin G. Kempers
John C. Kois
Thad Langford
Derrick G. Luksch
Philip W. Madden
Phyllis L. Pendergrast
Thomas D. Pollard
Jill Shelton Wagers
Amy Michelle Winston
District 12
$1,000 + Niki C. Carter
Dr. & Mrs. Herbert K. Yee Foundation
$500 - $999
Philip L. Carruth
Up to $499
Mark H. Armfield
Darlene T. Bassett
Mark S. Chaney
G. Frans Currier
Mark W. Goodman
Karen Cox Haymaker
Valerie Ribando Hemphill
Jill Colleen Jenkins
Donald Todd Johnson
David Owen Marks
Glenn A. Mead
George B. Morledge III
L. Stephen Ortego
Harold M. Smith
Thomas Matthews Spivey
Jason Edward Wagle
District 13
$5,000 + Herbert K. Yee & Inez F. Yee Foundation
$1,000 +
M. Sadegh Namazikhah
Craig Steven Yarborough
UP TO $499
Pamela Susan Arbuckle Alston
Donna N. Arase
Rommel K. Bal
Richard William Barnes
Sylvia Beeman
Edward J. Billy
J. Michael Boyd
Cynthia K. Brattesani
Alan Wythe Budenz
D. Douglas Cassat
Robert H. Christoffersen
Steven C. Crowson
Robert C. Daby
Kent S. Daft
Edgardo De La Vega
Gail H. Duffala
Naomi L. Ellison
Ronald E. Fritz
Gary B. Grantham
Robert J. Hanlon Jr.
Henrik Erik Hansen
Eddie Kenji Hayashida
Philip M. Hernon
Brock E. Hinton
Terrence W. Jones
Oariona Lowe
Paul J. Markowitz
Max B. Martinez
Terrence F. McCarthy
Mark C. Mehrali
Ronald S. Mito
Bijan Modjtahedi
Hien Si Nguyen
Philomena O. Oboh
H. C. Pebley
Melissa Denise Primus
Ryle A. Radke Jr.
Gabrielle D. Rasi I
Donald P. Rollofson
Evangelos Rossopoulos
David L. Rothman
Lynn Sayre-Carstairs
Donald M. Schinnerer
Janice Gale Scott
Charlotte L. Senseny
Susan E. Soderstrom
Christina Joy Thompson
James H. Thompson
Judee Tippett-Whyte
Fred S. Tsutsui
G. Bruce Valentine
William A. Van Dyk
James H. Van Sicklen Jr.
Erich Manfred Werner
H. Wesley Yee
District 14
UP TO $499
Robin S. Berrin
Harold H. Biddle
Chris Brady
Jan B. Buckstein
William Brent Carroll
Malcom How Ming Chang
James R. Cole II
Karen Diane Foster
Patsy Kate Fujimoto
Stephenie Lea Hedstrom
Kaufmann
David Jackson
Michael R. Keim
Kenneth A. King
Karl R. Koerner
Nathaniel William Kunzman
Lisa A. Lear
(Continued on page 88)
Dr. H. Clifton Simmons III Memorial Fund
The Dr. H. Clifton Simmons III Memorial Fund, established in 2019, honors his legacy. Dr. Simmons was a beloved leader of the ICD USA Section and served as its Editor. The Fund supports the projects he championed, reflecting his commitment to service and humanitarian work.
Dr. Michael Bydalek
Ms. Kylie M. Evans
Dr. Gerald R. Karr
Dr. Ned Murphy
Dr. Richard F. Roadcap
Dr. John Hugh Sullivan
Dr. Leighton A. Wier
Dr. Vangel R. Zissi
• To make a donation, scan this QR code:
Dr. Bettie R. McKaig Memorial Fund
Established in 2020 to honor Dr. Bettie R. McKaig, this fund celebrates her dedication to the ICD, and is used to promote the projects that she championed in the ICD USA Section: International Student Experience, Leadership Development, international relationships and student support. Dr. McKaig began as the North Carolina Deputy Regent. She then became the 16th District Regent and continued serving through the chairs of ICD Global, serving as President in 2019.
Dr. Michael Bydalek
Dr. Margaret M. Culotta-Norton
Dr. Richard Scott Eidson
Ms. Kylie M. Evans
Dr. Harald O. Heymann
Dr. William A. Hunter
Dr. Arnold S. Jacobson
Dr. Gerald R. Karr
Dr. Joseph R. Kenneally & Dr. Lisa P. Howard
• To make a donation, scan this QR code:
Dr. Stephen B. Mackler
Dr. Sandra Madison
Dr. Ned Murphy
Dr. John S. Olmsted
Dr. Theodore M. Roberson
Dr. Richard M. Smith
Dr. Ross Vaughan
Dr. Leighton A. Wier
Dr. Vangel R. Zissi
Dr. Samuel R. Zwetchkenbaum
(Continued from page 87)
Sloan Mebane McDonald
James Robert Oates
David K. Okano
Wynn H. Okuda
Richard J. Schilling
James C. Setterberg
Donald Clinton Simpson
Steven J. Steed
Raymund Minoru Tanaka
Russell S. Tom
Calvin D. Utke
Brian Wilson
District 15
$1,000 +
Robert L. Frazer Jr.
Risé L. Martin
Carol I. Turner
Leighton A. Wier
UP TO $499
Alan R. Bryant
Rita M. Cammarata
James Preston Coleman III
Ron Collins
Kenneth A. Crossland
William John Cruse
Roland S. Davies
T. Bob Davis
Leslie O. Fullerton
Ronald J. Garza
Kathy Tyler Gibson
Michael L. Giesler
Gayle Glenn
Glen David Hall
Larry D. Herwig
Harold K. Heuszel
Michaell A. Huber
Jennine Kirsten Huet
S. Jerry Long
Elgene G. Mainous
Herbert Rhea Marsh Jr.
Charles Webb Miller
Donna G. Miller
Alan B. Moore
Sarah J. Morris
Partha Mukherji
Glenda Gail Owen
Dan C. Peavy
H. Philip Pierpont
Richard Michael Potter
Carol Louise Price
John M. Purdy
Susan Lynn Putthoff
Thomas B. Randers Jr.
Glenn A. Ruthven Sr.
Gregory B. Scheideman
Linda Jimenez Sierra
John Duncan Smith
Steven G. Stutsman
Jim Gordon Tyree
District 16
$1,000 +
Michael Norman McKee
Richard F. Roadcap
$500 - $999
Scott William Cashion
UP TO $499
Randy Adams
Richard William Bates
William J. Bennett
Catherine W. Bickley
William H. Bragdon
John F. Brent
Evelyn M. Brown
Byron E. Capps
Scott R. Cayouette
Mark A. Crabtree
Roslyn Moore Crisp
Mona W. Ellis
Loretta K. Felder
Megan Elise Finkbine Griffin
William Francis Freccia
Marlon A. Goad
Felicia Louise Goins
Zaneta Hamlin
Sharon Nicholson Harrell
Gary R. Hartwell
Stephanie Freccia Heaney
David Joel Hedgecoe
Robert Perry Hollowell Jr.
George Allan Jacobs
E. LaRee Johnson
Martha Ann Keels
Robert M. Kriegsman
Karen E. Lanier
Melanie Love
Stephen B. Mackler
Karen S. McAndrew
David Jason Mohorn
Samuel E. Molind
William E. Morris
William Berry Munn
Randy J. Norbo
John Stephen Olmsted
Gary Donald Oyster
Anthony R. Peluso
Anh Huu Pham
Alessandra L. Ritter
Michael W. Roberts
Harold Edward Rogers
Francis G. Serio
Robert L. Sherman
Edward Philip Snyder
Cynthia Martin Southern
David B. Swartz
James H. Tanner
John B. Tullner
Joel M. Wagoner
Donald A. Worm Jr.
Brenda J. Young
District 17
UP TO $499
Mark Allen Abdoney II
Eva F. Ackley
Nolan W. Allen
Gary Ian Altschuler
James W. Antoon
Carmen A. Ciardello
John Xavier Cordoba
Maria Fe Corpuz-Bato
Michael D. Eggnatz
C. Bruce Gordy
Kris Harth
James R. Hayslett
Arthur C. Helgerson
M. Reza Iranmanesh
John P. Krueger
Peter G. Lemieux
Richard Christopher Mariani Jr.
James E. Martin III
Oscar Menendez
Rory E. Mortman
Donald F. Nelson
Gregory E. Oxford
Jolene O. Paramore
Rodrigo Romano
Douglas L. Starkey
Robert A. Uchin
Richard E. Valentine
ICD USA Section Foundation 2023 Donors!
We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this donor report. Please contact Kylie Evans at the ICD USA Section Foundation office if you see that a correction should be made at (301) 251-8861.
Dr. Larry D. Herwig serving at the Agape Hospital Dental Clinic (2023 Product Grant recipient)
Jerry J. Adelson (2005) NY
Richard L. Alpert SC
John P. Anderson OR
Chris T. Armen NH
Justin Errol Aurbach (2020) TX
Bruce J. Barrette WI
Samuel Berkowitz FL
Joseph S. Bienstock (2022) FL
John C. Brown UT
* Roland Henry Bryan NH
Alan Wythe Budenz CA
Ebenezer B. Bush (2016) CA
G. Revis Butler GA
William E. Campbell (2017) TN
Dale J. Cartwright (2022) MO
Ashur G. Chavoor VA
Ronald L. Clowson OH
Stuart H. Coleton NY
Charles Acker Cooper AL
Jay N. Cranford GA
George J. Darke (2022) OR
Vincent DeAngelis (2019) MA
** Ross J. DeNicola LA
Lawrence B. DiBona (2019) MA
Donald H. Downs CO
Joseph J. Dusek TX
Neal R. Fee NY
Emilio D. Ferrara OH
Richard G. Fischl IL
*** Roger Holmes Flagg VA/Navy (Ret)
Warren B. French MO
Edward L. Fritz IN
Herald D. Green Jr. (2019) VA
Anna T. Hampel WI
Roland W. Hansen (2022) CA
Harry H. Hatasaka (2022) CA
Michael Patrick Healey (2022) GA
Jeran Joe Hooten TX
Milton Isaacs (2020) PA
Hilton Israelson TX
Bertram A. Josephson (2022) FL
E. Newton Kelley (2014) NE
James K. Knell (2018) UT
Past New Hampshire Deputy Regent
Past D-12 Regent;
Past D-16 Vice Regent
Hammond M. Knox (2021) DE
Walter C. Kovaleski III AZ
~ Linda Smith Krill OH
+ Raymond R. Lancione PA
William M. Leavitt MA
Michael R. Lewis NY
James Benjamin Lowe OK
Stanley Markovits (2020) NY
George C. Martin AR
Stephen G. Meisel CT
Morton Melman FL
Charles A. Murray (2022) MI
Leo G. Naber Jr. (2020) OH
M. Paul Nestor (2022) FL
Leonard M. Nevins (2020) FL
Oleg N. Obuhoff (2020) CA
Sherman Pessin (2022) NY
Cecil A. Pless Jr. NC/USAF (Ret)
Myron R. Porter CA
Harry E. Ramsey Jr. VA
J. Keith Roberts IN
++ Baxter B. Sapp Jr. NC
George I. Slaman OH
Robert C. Soderberg UT
Robert M. Sommerfeld (2020) FL
Norman D. Sperber (2022) CA/Navy (Ret)
Murray Stein OH
Otto Stevens Jr. (2022) WA
Lyldon E. Strickland AL
Rodney P. Thomas RI
Richard G. Topazian (2022) CT
Charles W. Tucker IA
A. Joseph Venneri PA
Wallace C. Volz (2021) WA
Robert Lee Warren NC
Isabel Whitehill-Grayson NY
Craig Mathewson Wright TX
Joe M. Wright (2022) WA
Bernard Yanowitz (2022) DC
Martin H. Zais (2022) AZ
+++ Vangel R. Zissi MA
Joseph J. Zukoski Jr. (2022) LA
Past Ohio State Counselor
Baxter Boone Sapp Jr., DDS
1925 - 2023
PAST PRESIDENT, USA SECTION
Dr. Baxter Boone Sapp Jr., 98, of Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina, passed away on Sept. 19, 2023. Baxter was born on May 19, 1925, in Durham. During his early years, his family moved to Raleigh’s Five Points area where he spent the rest of his childhood.
He is survived by his loving wife Elsie Macon Sapp of 64 years, sons Baxter B. Sapp III and Hal Thomas Macon Sapp, DDS, daughter Marinda Warren Sapp and spouse Neal Gagnon, as well as his grandchildren, Alison Sapp and Mary Macon Sapp.
Dr. Sapp served the ICD as Regent of District 5 from 1980-1985, before North Carolina was assigned to District 16, and was elected USA Section President in 1988. In 1978, he was part of an educational delegation to four countries in East and Southeast Asia, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the ICD, which took place in Japan and included visits to dental schools in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines (Manila). He represented the USA Section as an International Councilor in 1991 and 1992. Dr. Sapp served as the first Vice President of the USA Section Foundation from 1989-1991, then continued his service from 1992-2000 as the USA Section Foundation President.
Baxter’s early decision to pursue the study of dentistry led him to graduate from the University of North Carolina with a bachelor of arts in chemistry in 1947, followed by admission to Temple University School of Dentistry where he graduated with a doctor of dental surgery degree in 1951. After six months in practice, he was inducted into the US Air Force and assigned to the Air Defense Force at Itazuke Air Force Base in Fukuoka, Japan on the Island of
Kyushu where he served his tour of duty. While there, he was invited as a principal speaker at the Far East Dental Seminar at Tachikawa Air Force Base in Tokyo, served as a member of the Airmens Promotion Board, and organized the first InterService Dental Seminar among US military facilities on Kyushu. After his discharge as a captain in 1954, he was invited to join the dental staff of Duke University’s Private Diagnostic Clinic (renamed Duke Health Integrated Practice in 2023), where he practiced dentistry until 1971.
He then resigned in order to begin private practice in a newly constructed office in Durham, where he practiced with his son Macon for 25 years. Dr. Sapp was president of his local and district dental societies, and vice president of the North Carolina Dental Society. In 1972 he served on the UNC School of Dentistry Search Committee to select a new dean for the school and after serving three years as a trustee on the Dental Foundation of North Carolina, he was elected its president. He became the 3rd recipient of the John C. Brauer Award given by the UNC Dental Alumni for his service to the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. He and his wife established the Baxter and Elsie Sapp Fellowship Award. This award assists students with financial support for their dental education, and is ongoing. He was also involved with the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, Academy of Operative Dentistry, American Association of Endodontics, and American College of Dentists.
Dr. Sapp had many interests throughout his life. As a young man he enjoyed oil painting and photography while working for the “News and Observer” (Raleigh). Later in life he enjoyed flying his small passenger plane around the country with his good buddy, Eric Johnson. In his 60’s, he and his son Baxter, enjoyed scuba diving together and took many trips. He loved spending time at the beach and going out on his boat to fish with his family and friends.
After retiring at 88 years old, Baxter enjoyed working out, swimming, biking, photography, playing the clarinet and tenor sax, listening to big band music (at full volume) and spending time at the beach with his family.
Vangel R. Zissi, DMD
1936 - 2023
PAST PRESIDENT AND PAST
DEPUTY REGISTRAR, USA SECTION
PAST DEPUTY SECRETARYGENERAL, ICD GLOBAL COLLEGE
Dr. Van Zissi was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, to a family of Albanian immigrants, Dimitri Zissi and Anastasia (Theodor) Zissi. In 1958, he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, where he was a member of the men’s varsity lacrosse team and a brother in the Theta Chi fraternity. He then received his DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1962. As a member of the Navy Dental Program while at Tufts, Van was assigned to active duty at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, immediately after graduation. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam and became the Senior Dental Officer, 1st Dental Battalion, 25th Marine Reserve Unit, 4th Marine Division (1965-1967), completing his obligation in June 1972, with the rank of lieutenant commander.
Upon his return from active duty, Van continued at Tufts in a two-year program, where he was one of the first two graduates of the endodontic program, receiving his certificate in 1967. He then joined the faculty, helped build the program, and mentored many of its graduates. He was a principal in a group practice, Limited to Endodontics, from 1966 to 2016. He was extremely proud of his practice and loved going to work every day. In 1970, Van became a diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.
Dr. Zissi was inducted into the International College of Dentists in 1971 and received the Spark Plug Award for unselfish and dedicated service to the USA Section in 1990. He served as Regent of District One from 1998 to 2002. Van instituted the District One Deputy Regents’ Appreciation Dinner, which is a staple of the ICD events at Yankee Dental Congress. He was elected President of the ICD USA Section in 2005, and then went on to hold the position of Deputy Registrar of the USA Section as well as Deputy Secretary-General and Councilor of the ICD Global College. He received the District One ICD Distinguished Service Award in 2009. This award has been renamed the Vangel R. Zissi Distinguished Service Award in his honor. In 2013, the ICD honored Dr. Zissi with Master Fellowship and the title of Deputy Registrar Emeritus. Van had a knack for identifying future ICD leaders. Some of his appointees included future District One Regents and International Councilors, who had been his students at Tufts.
Dr. Zissi served as editor of the Tufts Journal; he was a past president of the Tufts Alumni Association (1989); and was a past president of the national dental honor society, OKU (1988). Dr. Zissi was an active member in numerous other dental societies on both a national and local level. He lectured extensively nationally, and in France. For his many contributions and years of service, Dr. Zissi was awarded the Tufts University Dental School Distinguished Alumnus Award.
He received the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Annual Alumni Association Achievement Award in 2007, the Distinguished Service Award in 2008, and the Provost Award for Outstanding Teaching and Service, and awarded Emeritus status in May of 2013. He has held the roles of director and president of the Dental Alumni Association and is also an emeritus member of the Tufts University Alumni Association. He was awarded the Faculty Sesquicentennial Award and was awarded the prestigious Dean’s Medal. He also served as a member of the President’s Council of Tufts University.
Dr. Zissi was always active in community service, particularly with youth sports and coaching. Van and Barbara, his wife of 48 years, had two sons, Jonathan and Christopher. Dr. Zissi enjoyed traveling with his family, and listening to jazz music. He was an avid Boston sports fan, enjoyed skiing and the mountains, and was a huge supporter and mentor of the Tufts University Men’s Lacrosse program.
IN MEMORIAM
Dr. Warren Bernard French Frontenac, Missouri 12/27⁄1937 - 3⁄12/2024
My family’s and my heartfelt appreciation goes to the International College of Dentists USA Section Foundation for the excellent and prompt response. Contact Kylie Evans at 301-251-8861 if you would like to discuss establishing a memorial donation page to the ICD USA Section Foundation honoring your loved one.
A LETTER OF GRATITUDE
BY ROBERT FRENCH, DMD, FICD
Dear ICD Foundation,
My father Warren B. French, DDS, MAGD, FICD, passed away in March 2024. In lieu of flowers, we chose to provide the opportunity for his friends and colleagues to donate to organizations that were special to his life and supported his passions: Pheasants Forever, Brittany Rescue and, foremost in his heart, the International College of Dentists. Despite retiring and giving up his license and involvement in the ADA, AGD and several other professional dental organizations, Warren continued his involvement in the ICD. He cherished the camaraderie and fellowship of the ICD. The spring Missouri meeting was his favorite engagement. Contact Missouri Fellow Bob Fox at togbf@icloud.com regarding this very special event at the Lake of the Ozarks.
I soon realized the ICD website was not accessible to non-members for charitable contributions. After discussing this with Missouri Deputy Regent Arnie Jacobson, he contacted ICD USA Section Foundation President Christine Benoit, as well as Kylie Evans at the ICD USA Section offices. Within days, Kylie Evans had set up a beautiful memorial website page complete with a user-friendly link so that Warren’s friends and colleagues could make donations. Remarkably, even in the dental community, most people were unaware of the charitable work of the ICD USA Section and its Foundation. We were proud to highlight the ICD at his memorial, as my father would have been.
" WITHIN DAYS, KYLIE EVANS HAD SET UP A BEAUTIFUL MEMORIAL WEBSITE PAGE… SO THAT WARREN’S FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES COULD MAKE DONATIONS."
I encourage others to consider the ICD USA Section Foundation for their memorial services and advanced directives. My family’s and my heartfelt appreciation goes to the International College of Dentists USA Section Foundation for the excellent and prompt response.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Robert French, DMD, FICD
Congratulations
CLASS OF 2023
DISTRICT 16 • REPRESENTING NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA & VIRGINIA
District 16 Regent: Scott W. Cashion
Christopher Hooper • C. Danielle Howell • Sujit K. Mohanty*
Christopher Phelps* • Dilek Uyan* • Talmadge D. Wilkins IV* • Ellen Paulisick Wolf* *Inducted Virtually
DISTRICT 17 • REPRESENTING FLORIDA
CLASS OF 2023
District 17 Regent: Rodrigo Romano • District 17 Vice Regent: M. Reza Iranmanesh
Daniel M. Branca* • Shana Hernandez Capra • Natalie Carr Bustillo
Craig Kara • Luis E. Martinez • Stephanie Mazariegos • Samira Meymand
Joseph Richardson • Michael J. Roseff • Samuel S. Wakim
*Inducted Virtually
610 Professional Drive, Suite 201
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
WHAT'S INSIDE:
2023 NEW FELLOW IS WORLD’S FIRST FEMALE AMERICAN INDIAN DENTIST
34 Dr. Jessica A. Rickert Activist, Role Model, 2023 New Fellow
MENTORING THE NEXT GENERATION
38 William C. (“Dr. Bill”) Sasser Leads Team of Seventy to Ecuador A GRANT STORY: TRANSFORMING SMILES AND LIVES
75 A Community Dental Initiative at Smiles of Hope in San Antonio with Dr. Akshay Thusu
Integrity Leadership Service
The USA Section of the International College of Dentists is happy to share the 2024 KEY Journal of Events with you. We invite you to review how the Section, Foundation, and individual Fellows are enhusiastically Serving Others. Celebrate the many ways we strive to carry out our mission. Please consider sharing with us your successes and humanitarian efforts for our next publication.
To
ABOVE: ICD USA Section District 12 - Louisiana Deputy Regent and 2023 Outstanding Sponsor Award recipient, Kristi Marsue Soileau, DDS, sent in this snapshot of Louisiana Fellows gathered for a celebration dinner following the 2023 Convocation honoring new ICD Fellows in Orlando.
