LETTER FROM T H E E D I TO R
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t is my pleasure to present to you the Fall 2018 Edition of the 925 Magazine – a magazine for you and by you! Between these covers lie some of the achievements and exemplary contributions your peers have made over the past year with ADEA and through research in the dental field. Not only do our students excel clinically, but they are constantly finding opportunities to grow professionally and academically. You will also find brief descriptions of several of the specialty study clubs open to all students. These are just a taste of what you can discover as the world of dentistry unfurls before you. Lastly, our student body is made up of incredible individuals whose passion for helping others extends beyond the walls of this school. This edition’s student spotlight highlights the local work of one of our Albert Schweitzer Fellows, Mackenzie Martin and her project “Smiles for Miles” in Long Beach Head Start Centers. Sharing the Trojan spirit abroad, the Open Wide Foundation graciously sponsored two students as they volunteered in a dental clinic in Peronia, Guatemala. At this time, I would like to take the time to thank all of the writers of this edition. Without their efforts, this magazine would not be possible. If anyone is interested in submitting an article for the next issue, please contact me at ulep@usc.edu. Happy reading!
Iriff Ulep, ‘19 Editor-in-Chief of the 925 Magazine
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2019 DDS C L AS S b oa r d President Mojtaba Ghalambor Vice President Judy Naziri Secretary Donghyuck Yang
E D I TO R I A L B OA R D Editor-in-Chief Iriff Ulep Contributing Photographers Rebecca Yamane Mehrdad Razaghy
Treasurer Nina Rastegar Yearbook Editor Kelsey Coria
2020 DDS CLASS board President Sai Patadia Vice President Angelica Chaghouri Secretary Hailey Logan Treasurer James Murayama Yearbook Liaison Mark Park
2018 ASB E X E C U T I V E B OA R D President Cory Nasoff Vice President of Internal Affairs Iriff Ulep Vice President of Financial Affairs Daniel Adelpour Secretary Samer Rashad
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TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S 3
ADEA: Dental Education Advocates
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Smiles for Miles
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Research Day
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Specialty Study Club Spotlights
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OPEN Wide in Guatemala
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2018 in Review
CO N T R I B U T I N G WRITERS ADEA..........................................Mylea Wilson
2021 DDS C L AS S b oa r d President Jessica Huang Vice President John Lamp Secretary Minalie Jain Treasurer Teresa Nguyen Yearbook Liaison Deborah Janfaza
2022 DDS C L AS S b oa r d
Smiles for Miles..........................Yeonghee Chrissy Jung
President Noura Hervani
Research Day.............................Ruhee Jaffer
Vice President Sean Mojaver
Study Clubs................................ Conor Perrin Mehrdad Razahgy Katie Kim Nicholas Nikchevich Micah Tabanfar OPEN Wide Guatemala.............Iriff Ulep Dominique Chagniot
Secretary Brandee Ma Treasurer Rebecca Long Yearbook Liaison Eric Ennuson
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a d e a : D e n ta l e d u c at i o n a d v o c at e s "...to inspire (future Ostrow students) to one day become dental educators themselves." What is ADEA?
The American Dental Education Association (ADEA), known as “the Voice of Dental Education,” helps unite the ideas of dental professionals and dental educators to address current issues facing the dental field on a national level. Our organization’s mission is to advocate for dental education institutions. ADEA accomplishes its advocacy by reporting on present-day issues affecting education, academic research and the delivery of quality oral health for the welfare of the public. We as an organization put forth effort in research, advocacy and faculty development, to promote the prosperity of dental education on a national level.
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Student Role in ADEA.
We as resident dental, undergraduate dental and dental hygiene students make up the ADEA Council of Students, Residents and Fellows (CoSRF). CoSRF makes the voices of those being educated through present academia, heard. Our council’s responsibility is to be a liaison between the dental healthcare professional student and the dental education bureau. By promoting our perceptions on our dental education our student council is able to reach not only the attention of the faculty and deans but also the ADEA House of Delegates who are the governing body of dental education across the nation.
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USC Student Involvement with ADEA On a local level, the USC ADEA student representatives and myself have recently introduced Academic Dental Careers Fellowship Program (ADCFP) to the student body. This program provides students and residents opportunities of exposure to dental academia from a research standpoint through a structured mentorship between an educator and one or more students. The studentfaculty mentorship is allowed the freedom to create what they want out it by making their research objectives either quantitative or qualitative; providing the student with a better look into what being a part of dental academia is like while providing the mentor with a better look inside how students obtain knowledge from their teaching tactics. From the mentorship the student obtains an understanding and experience of a dental school faculty member, and how to navigate the educational landscape through syllabus and presentation creations and handson strategies. Next Research Day Spring 2019 we hope our school’s first ADCFP Presentations ignite a spark in future Ostrow students to inspire them to one day become dental educators themselves.
USC and ADEA
Over the years, USC has made a name for themselves on both a faculty/dean involvement level and a student involvement level. One of many prime examples of our faculty notoriety at ADEA was the presentation of Dr. Tae Kim on his innovative CAD CAM Denture technology that has been recently integrated into the removable courses and clinical requirements for students at our school. From a student standpoint, students Brandon Lynch DDS ’19, Eumi Choi DDS ’21, and myself, along with our USC ADEA Faculty member Dr. Yaara Berdan were fortunate to travel to the University of California, San Francisco in March 2018 to take part in the first westcoast “Hack-A-Thon.” A “Hack-A-Thon” is a competition that mixes a group of dental students from different universities, provides them with a dental curriculum prompt and allows them to collaborate their ideas on what the best option would be. A panel of judges, consisting of deans and faculty members judge the groups on organization, presentation and innovation as pertaining to the students’ prompts.
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SMILES FOr MILES "...helping those who didn't have access to adequate health care." Mackenzie Martin is currently a senior at Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Last year, as a recipient of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, she carried out her project: Smiles for Miles. Mackenzie’s interest in public health began long before dental school. She received a Master’s of Public Health with a Dental Emphasis, during which she carried out a similar project in Mobile county, Alabama. She also built experience in community health centers during those years. When she started at USC, and heard about the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, she was immediately drawn to it. She knew big cities like Los Angeles have just as much needs as small rural towns. She wanted to help make a difference in helping those who didn’t have access to adequate health care. The goal of ‘Smiles for Miles’ was
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to develop an educational program focused on oral health and nutrition for children ages 3-5 years, including a series of materials pertaining to preventing tooth decay and ECC. This was expected to be achieved through assessing the oral health behaviors of Head Start children through surveys and classroom interviews. As an additional part of the program, several resources and materials were also developed for parents to use at home and for the teachers to use in future oral health lessons. The target population was low-income students ages 3-5 years enrolled in Long Beach Head Start Centers, their parents, and Head Start teachers. Two Head Start sites in Long Beach were selected to participate in the program based on their geographic location in the areas of highest need within the city.
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Each classroom at these sites received four separate lessons. During these lessons, they were presented with a 30-minute oral health education presentation with both visual and interactive segments. Each lesson was different in an attempt to captivate their attention and build on topics to empower them to better their oral health. Because of the interactive nature of the presentation, she found the children were engaged and attentive during the entire presentation.
Examples of the Lessons Include: 1. Reading a story about brushing.
Following the end of the presentation, students were asked some follow-up questions and asked to demonstrate their brushing ability individually. She found it was important to also use a prize or positive reinforcement system with the students to create a positive association with the dentist and dental visits. The data collected from the students, which were grouped by site, showed significant difference among several categories in terms of those children who knew how many times a day to brush and whether or not they did brush. There was a correlation between lower rates of positive oral health habits and higher rates of poverty and other demographic features, supporting previous studies showing the effect that low SES, education, and other lifestyle factors have on the incidence of early childhood caries.
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Additionally, Mackenzie also found that overcoming and preventing dental anxiety in adults has a lot to do with traumatic childhood experiences and the importance positive interaction and education can have in building a more positive outlook on future dental visits.
3. Playing an interactive game about foods that made teeth “happy or sad�.
Mackenzie believes that growth on both ends has occurred. Her students learned to form a positive association with not only brushing but also the dentist, and she has grown as a healthcare professional in learning that not all patient interactions are quick and easy nor require the same tact.
2. Demonstrating the technique on a dental model.
There are many different approaches one can take with oral health education, and finding the right fit for each patient is extremely important. With the proper techniques, children can become excited about the topic and be more likely to remember, use, and share the take-away message. Mackenzie remembers that every time she went back many of the students would greet her and want to tell her stories about their toothbrush or when they last brushed. She believes that moments like these solidified her desire to work in serving communities that need dentists the most.
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The USC Research Day signifies the annual crescendo of scientific curiosity and discovery from all the research facilitated by faculty and students throughout the year. The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, the Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, and the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy continue to emerge at the forefront of thought leadership, culture change, and cutting-edge research. Each year, USC receives significant funding from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Much of the research has significant relevance in clinical outcomes and application for direct patient care.
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At the 2018 Research Day, the prodigious line-up of keynote speakers included: Martha J. Somerman DDS, PhD., Parish P. Sedghizadeh DDS, MS., and Beth E. Fisher, PT, PhD, FAPTA. Each of the speakers have contributed significantly within their areas of expertise to elevate the future of healthcare.
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USC ESEARCH D AY
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K E Y N OT E S P E A K E R S Dr. Martha J. Somerman, DDS, PhD Dr. Somerman currently serves as the Director of the NIDCR and is the Chied of the Laboratory of Oral Connective Tissue Biology at the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. She previously served as the Dean of the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Dr. Somerman’s research focuses primarily on defining key regulators controlling development,maintenance and regeneration of dental orocraniofacial tissues.
Dr. Parish Seghizadeh, DDS, MS Dr. Sedghizadeh is USC’s very own Associate professor of Clinical Dentistry, Director of the USC Center for biofilms and Section Chair of Diagnostic Sciences. He also serves as the Director of the Oral Pathology and Radiology Hybrid Distance Learning Program. With over 80 peer-reviewed publications, he is a savant in the treatment and characterization of microbial biofilm infections associated with osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis. He has developed treatment modalities with bone-targeted antimicrobial therapies.
Dr. Beth Fisher, PhD, PT, FAPTA Dr. Fisher is currently a professor of Clinical Physical Therapy in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy here at USC. She serves as the director of the Neuroplasticity and Imaging Laboratory which studies brain-behavior and motor control in individuals with neurologic disorders.
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Awards were based upon submission category and were independently judged by an expert panel. In addition to all the research candidates that worked tirelessly on research throughout the year, there were hundreds of students that eagerly participated in the day’s events. The USC Student Research Group consists of over twenty-five active members under the tutelage of Dr. Yang Chai and Dr. Parish Sedghizadeh. The overwhelming participation in the research day is simply a testament to the hard work and commitment to scientific discovery here at the University of Southern California. As Trojans we continue to forge ahead in our academic journey and remain staunchly committed to research and the promise of new discoveries.
This year, one hundred and forty posters were submitted and presented at the symposium. Each of the student research submissions were categorized into one of eleven divisions including: Advanced Specialty Program Residents; Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy Doctoral Candidate; Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy Student; Dental Hygiene Bachelor’s Student; Dental Hygiene Master’s Candidate; Graduate Post-Doctoral Trainee; Graduate Pre-Doctoral Candidate; Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student; Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Professional Student; Doctor of Dental Surgery Student – Basic Sciences; Doctor of Dental Surgery Student – Clinical Sciences.
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S P E C I A LT Y
Mehrdad Razaghy Biomimetic & Prosthodontics
Conor Perrin Biomimetic
Nicholas Nikchevich Oral Surgery
BIOMIMETIC RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY STUDY CLUB Changes to today’s traditional practice of dentistry continues to accelerate with the advent of new technological advancements and clinical techniques. As it can be difficult to incorporate these rapid changes into the academic curriculum, The Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry Study Club bridges the gap to provide students with knowledge beyond what is taught in the classroom or even continuing education courses. The study club, a student run initiative, progressively deepens the understanding of critical problems faced in the dental world of today, while educating tomorrow’s leaders who will help address and solve them. The study club hosts literature review sessions, once monthly each trimester, under the guidance of Dr. Pascal Magne who pioneered the practice of Biomimetic dentistry; an approach focused on embracing tooth preservation and natural esthetics. At these events, students present to one another on recently published literature relating to each meeting’s dental-related theme. Additionally, the study club hosts a variety of lecture series each trimester, inviting several dental innovators to present to the USC dental student body on novel approaches and advancements in their realms of expertise. By establishing a forum for both education and discussion, the Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry Study Club hopes to cultivate student interest in the revolutionary field of ‘biomimetics,’ while also providing them the opportunity to build a community with fellow classmates focused on fostering dental knowledge and ingenuity. PROSTHODONTICS STUDY CLUB Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry takes pride in holding one of the top prosthodontic specialty programs among dental schools in the U.S. Currently, there is very little opportunity for students in the four-year D.D.S. program to get exposure to what this specialty offers. The Prosthodontics Study Club was created to close this gap and encourage dental students to learn more about this unique field in dentistry. The main goal behind creating this organization was exposing the D.D.S. students to the art of prosthodontics and relative resources that could add to their theoretical and clinical knowledge. Another goal of this organization is to create opportunities for students to shadow and assist prosthodontic specialty residents; this can become a great opportunity for students to closely follow treatment planning of complex full mouth rehabilitation cases done at the school. Lastly, we aim to hold lectures by the prosthodontic department faculty and residents to create an additional learning avenue available to all students at school. We are working hard to encourage the D.D.S. students, who are interested in this specialty program, to get involved early on.
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S T U DY C LU B S
Dominique Chagniot Oral Surgery
Nathan Nourian Periodontics
Micah Tabanfar Periodontics
PEDIATRIC STUDY CLUB The Pediatric Study Club is a student-run initiative with the goal of educating predoctoral students on various topics pertaining to pediatric dentistry. Lunch-and-learn lectures are hosted once a month where practicing pediatric dentists are invited to speak on subjects ranging from behavior management to applying to residency. Through these monthly lectures, we hope to increase awareness of the treatment of the pediatric population and interest in the specialty itself. ORAL SURGERY STUDY CLUB The Oral Surgery Study Club was created to prepare doctoral students to become future Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMFS) with the primary goal of helping students match into competitive OMFS residency training programs across the country. The club meets monthly for didactic lectures about topics related to oral surgery and has numerous additional workshops and seminars throughout the year. Students also get mentorship and assistance with the application process as well as additional exposure to the specialty in the Oral Surgery Clinic. PERIODONTICS STUDY CLUB The purpose of the Perio Study Club is to further students’ knowledge in the field of periodontology and to provide information to students interested in pursuing a residency in the field. The organization to build a stronger connection and communication between the Perio residents, faculty, and the pre-doctoral students. The Perio Study Club holds presentations on current periodontology research being performed at USC and advises students on how to further pursue research opportunities. Additionally, the Perio Study Club is connected to the American Academy of Periodontology. This connection allows the Perio Study Club to host practicing periodontists from all over Los Angeles to speak about innovations in patient care and new, more effective, surgical techniques. This collaboration has also opened up shadowing opportunities at premier private practices across the city. *Specialties featured are based on responses from study clubs but, are not limited to those represented here.
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OPEN WIDE IN G UAT E M A L A The Open Wide Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in June 2011 by Imtiaz Manji, Dr. Glen and Lisa Wysel, and Drs. Frank and Charlene Spear. These individuals sought to redefine what it means to provide “humanitarian dentistry� to underserved communities around the world where little to no access to skilled dental care exists. The clinic model that came about is one that is centered around sustainability and education. To be chosen, communities must: 1. Have great need. 2. Ask for their involvement. 3. Invest in the project. 4. Agree to sustain the clinic. 5. Have local universities who are committed to OWF mentoring of local dental students.
The idea of sustainability is one of the most distinctive goals of the OWF mission and is what makes it stand apart from other volunteer initiatives offered, especially at USC. Through government support and local partnerships, the permanent clinic creates and develops a long-lasting relationship with the community. The year 2017 marked the completion of OWF’s 5-year plan to turn over their first clinic in Peronia to the its local community. The work provided at the clinic is also an opportunity for community dentists to mentor local dental residents. In addition to addressing the oral health needs of the community, the presence of the clinic also initiates the dialogue for oral health education. Now, community members have a dental home to address their needs and learn about preventive oral health practices.
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Antigua
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Lake Atitlan
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The plane landed and all at once, a wave of emotions
Sky tour group, hotel and flight accommodations,
washed
and even a ziplining tour the day we flew back!
over
me:
nervousness,
anticipation,
and excitement. It was my first international volunteer mission trip and as much as I tried to anticipate what I could encounter through our orientation and volunteer resources, there was no way of truly knowing until we arrived.
During the week, the staff and doctors were very obliging, even going out of their way to make the clinic feel as similar to school as possible. As students, Dominique and I were able to do composites, extractions, and cleanings on both
Thankfully, I was sharing this experience with
pediatric and adult patients. It was impressive to
Dominique Chagniot, my co-recipient for the Open
see patients returning solely for routine cleanings
Wide Foundation Scholarship. A recently added
because it shows just how effective the clinic is in
scholarship for dental students, the Open Wide
establishing a standard for oral healthiness. We
Foundation Scholarships are the brainchild of
also worked with and learned so much from local
Youth Ambassador for the Open Wide Foundation
dental students on rotation at the clinic. It was
(OWF), Ryan Guggenheim, that offers the unique
inspiring gaining their perspectives on their dental
opportunity to provide community outreach in the
education, experiences, and lives in Guatemala.
OWF Peronia Dental Clinic in Peronia, Guatemala.
It was incredibly humbling to be shown so much
Our volunteer trip to Guatemala totaled six days
hospitality and warmth by the doctors, students,
with four of those days at the Peronia clinic.
staff, and patients during our short stay. After our
Several months of careful planning and preparation
days in clinic, Dominique and I had the evenings
were spent in order to maximize our clinical and
to take in the beautiful city of Antigua. We walked
cultural experiences over the week. One of the
through the cobblestone streets admiring the
most integral individuals in making this trip come
architecture, interacting with the locals, and
to fruition is the Open Wide Foundation Executive
enjoying the delicious food. Our trip culminated
Director, Charity Crawford. Her attentiveness and
in a breathtaking Superman zip lining tour over
flexibility to our needs allowed me and Dominique
the foliage of El Tenedor del Cerro where we
to seamlessly create an itinerary that included
took in the landscape of Antigua one last time.
our private tour of Lake Atitlรกn with the Maya
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2018 IN REVIEW STUDENT APPRECIATION DAY
research day & vendor fair
dental gala
commencement
NEW FIGS SCRUBS!
white coat ceremony
psi o & delt fraternity initiations
usc business day
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