School of Dentistry

In 2009, Shirley Hontz was healthy and working full-time as a nurse when she began experiencing a number of debilitating health issues. These medical conditions included pancreatitis, gallstones, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. As Shirley fought to stay alive, her main concern was not her teeth. However, once she began improving and getting stronger, she knew she needed to have dental care.

Shirley made an appointment to see her local dentist and was given the devastating news she needed 12 crowns. She was overwhelmed and afraid she would eventually lose her teeth. That same day, she happened to have an appointment with one of her doctors, who suggested she seek a second opinion. Shirley had heard of Loma Linda University Health and it wasn’t far from where she lived, so she decided to visit the Loma Linda University Faculty Dental Practice. She was seen by Dr. Steven Powell, an assistant professor in the School of Dentistry.

Dr. Powell was able to assist Shirley with a different approach. He had her take part in a rigorous treatment process that involved stabilizing the pH levels in her mouth. It has been almost four years since Shirley first saw Dr. Powell. Thanks to his expertise, she only had to have a few crowns. She is so grateful to Dr. Powell and Loma Linda University for saving her teeth.

“Looking back, I can see that God connected me to Dr. Powell, and I’m so grateful,” she says. Thank you for empowering your faculty to be on the cutting edge of healthcare approaches through Vision 2020!

School of Dentistry Accomplishments

• Because of generous alumni support, every student that applied for a School of Dentistry scholarship the last few years has received one.

• Thanks to a gift from the Price family, we have completely remodeled a clinic that now has state-of-the art imaging and comfortable patient areas, enhancing our teaching and service to the community.

• Provided expert dental care to 900-1,000 patients each day (pre-

COVID-19), allowing for students to get valuable experience while serving our community.