Fall 2024 Penn Dental Medicine Journal

PDMJ

PENN DENTAL MEDICINE JOURNAL | FALL 2024

DEAN WOLFF REAPPOINTED

MARK S. WOLFF, DDS, PHD, WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE AT THE HELM OF PENN DENTAL MEDICINE THROUGH JUNE 2030

Looking Forward Together

IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE that it has been six years since I joined Penn Dental Medicine as Dean, and I am honored and humbled to have been asked to continue in this leadership role for a second term (see page 14). The tremendous faculty, sta , students, and alumni who make up our Penn Dental Medicine community inspire me with your excellence and dedication. I look forward to continuing to work together to advance our shared goal of providing exceptional dental education, research, and patient care. Thank you all for your support and commitment to moving our mission forward on many fronts.

New initiatives underway this academic year include launching a newly imagined predoctoral curriculum, the most significant set of changes since its last major revision in 2015 (see page 32). This evolution in the curriculum is designed to further enhance students' learning and patient care and to provide enrichment opportunities for student growth and wellness.

In the research arena, we are creating a new research core that will soon bring spatial transcriptomics, a revolutionary advance in genetics research, right to the heart of Penn Dental Medicine (see page 22). The state-of-the-art equipment in the core will enable our researchers to map the location of each cell in a tissue and identify the transcripts of hundreds to thousands of genes in each cell, taking the science of our research to a new level and positioning us at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.

And in our care centers, our patients and students continue to benefit from the skills and knowledge of the many alumni who serve on the School's faculty (see page 43). Thank you for enhancing our education and patient care across disciplines and inspiring a new generation of leaders in all fields of dental medicine.

Indeed, vital to all we do is the ongoing support and engagement of our alumni. In FY2024, 1,350 donors made a gift to a Penn Dental Medicine Fund (see page 36) — thank you for your investment in the School's mission and the many ways you continue to propel Penn Dental Medicine forward.

Stay well and stay connected.

Mark S. Wol , DDS, PhD Morton Amsterdam Dean

INSIDE

Six More Years: Dean Mark Wolff Reappointed

Penn Dental Medicine’s 12th Dean will continue to serve at the helm of the School through June 2030.

Zooming in on Gene Expression

A new Spatial Transcriptomics Core is positioning the School at the forefront of this evolving field. 2 13 20 26 36 On Campus School News in Brief

Faculty Perspective Views on Dental Topics & Trends

Research Spotlight

Translating Science to Practice

Academic Update

Department/Faculty News & Scholarship

Alumni Giving & Engagement

A Year in Review | FY2024 Alumni Giving

Alumni Highlights

Profiles, Gatherings & Engagement

Student Perspective

Views on the Educational Experience

Class Notes

News from Fellow Alumni

In Memoriam

Remembering Members of the Penn Dental Medicine Community

Calendar

Upcoming Events & Programs

32

From Strength to Strength

New curriculum changes prioritize integrative learning and patient-centered care.

PENN DENTAL MEDICINE JOURNAL: Vol. 21, No. 1 University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine www.dental.upenn.edu

Dean: Mark S. Wolff, DDS, PhD

Vice Dean of Institutional Advancement: Elizabeth Ketterlinus

Associate Dean for Leadership Giving: Maren Gaughan

Director, Publications: Beth Adams

Contributing Writers: Beth Adams, Judy Hill, Laura Dattaro

Photography: Lisa Godfrey, Mark Garvin

Office of Institutional Advancement: 215-898-8951

Penn Dental Medicine Journal is published twice a year by the Office of Communications for the alumni and friends of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. ©2024 by the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Penn Dental Medicine. We would like to get your feedback — address all correspondence to: Beth Adams, Director of Publications, Robert Schattner Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, 240 South 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104–6030, adamsnb@upenn.edu

ON THE COVER: Dean Mark Wolff and some of Penn Dental Medicine’s student leaders in the Care Center for Persons with Disabilities Personalized Care Suite. (left to right) Kristen Lee (D’25), President, Executive Student Council; Dean Emanuel (D’27), President, Class of 2027; Madeline Dwamena (D’26), President, Student National Dental Association, Penn Dental Medicine Chapter.

ONCAMPUS

SCHOOL NEWS IN BRIEF

Summer Institute Connects, Supports Incoming Class

This summer, members of the DMD Class of 2028 had the chance to connect with each other as well as upper classmen, faculty, and school administrators in advance of reporting to campus through the Penn Dental Medicine Summer Institute. This was the third year for the program, which was launched to promote and support student wellness.

“The goal of the program is to help students be better prepared for dental school and to decrease the level of anxiety they have on the first day of orientation,” says Margaret Yang, Director of Student Affairs and Engagement at Penn Dental Medicine. “I would say that through our survey of attendees, we have accomplished this goal very well.”

Ninety-one percent of the students who completed a post-event survey said that they felt better prepared for dental school through the program, and 100% of them said that they would recommend the program to the next cohort of students. Attendance to the half-day, virtual program is not required, but this year,

130 of the 167-member class participated with similar levels of participation the first two years.

Held on July 16, the program included remarks by Dean Mark Wolff, a welcome from the offices of Student Affairs and Admissions, an overview of the new curriculum, a faculty panel on the preclinical lab courses, a financial aid session, and a student panel. There was also time allotted for student questions.

Along with learning about what they could expect when they started their dental education, a majority of participants shared that they were also able to build social connections through the program.

“All in all,” wrote one student on the survey, “I felt very driven to work hard and become the best dental professional that I can be with the curriculum and resources I have access to.”

By the Numbers: Recent Grads, Incoming Class

DMD Class of 2024

181

DMD GRADUATES IN THE CLASS OF 2024, INCLUDING 132 WOMEN AND 49 MEN

88 students graduated with honors and 7 with dual degrees (Master’s in Bioethics, Law, Public Health, & Education)

60 entering dental practice

53 entering a general dentistry residency or an advanced education in general dentistry program

41 pursuing postdoctoral study in a dental specialty

51 Program for Advanced-Standing Students (foreign-trained dentists earning their DMD to practice in the U.S.), representing 20 countries

19 entering the military

12 National Health Service Corps scholars

DMD Class of 2028

DMD STUDENTS IN THE CLASS OF 2028, INCLUDING 124 WOMEN AND 43 MEN

27 states, U.S territories, and Canadian provinces represented 29 languages spoken

ABOVE: Some of the members of the Class of 2028 after this year’s White Coat Ceremony, which welcomes first-year students to the study of dental medicine.

3.84 overall average GPA 2,852 applicants

Delta Dental Grant to Advance Care for Persons with Disabilities

Penn Dental Medicine is continuing to advance care for persons with disabilities through the support of the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation Access to Care Grant Program, recently awarded a $620,900 grant over three years for educational programming targeted to caregivers.

“Penn Dental Medicine is tremendously grateful to the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation for this investment in our oral health education programming for caregivers to persons with disabilities,” says Dr. Stephen Abel, Clinical Associate Professor at Penn Dental Medicine and the principal investigator on the grant. “Enhancing the knowledge and attitudes of caregivers can lead to behavior changes that result in improving the oral health of those individuals with disabilities under their care, as well as their own.”

Studies have shown that individuals with disabilities and their caregivers often encounter heightened challenges in understanding basic health information, stemming from lower health literacy, which, in turn, is linked with poorer oral health status and less likelihood of adhering to preventive oral health messages.

“Effectively transforming oral health habits among individuals with disabilities and their caregivers requires a foundational shift in knowledge and attitudes toward oral health,” notes Abel. “For optimal oral care delivery, it is crucial

to educate caregivers using engaging, culturally sensitive methods at appropriate literacy levels, and that is our goal with this project.”

The educational initiative supported by the Delta Dental grant will build upon the prevention-oriented treatment delivered within Penn Dental Medicine’s Care Center for Persons with Disabilities Personalized Care (PCare) Suite, which opened in 2021 and has become a major dental care provider for individuals throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond. Last fiscal year, nearly 2,000 patients were treated in the PCare Suite, representing approximately 5,400 patient encounters; a quarter of the patients were over the age of 65.

“I am excited by the potential impact of this program to improve the health of persons with disabilities by educating them and their caregivers on the importance of good oral health and hygiene,” says Penn Dental Medicine’s Morton Amsterdam Dean, Dr. Mark S. Wolff.

A key aspect of treatment within the PCare Suite is working with patients and their caregivers to minimize disease through personalized

care visits that find the best accommodations to receive care and improved home oral hygiene — this grant will significantly expand resources is this area. The first stage of the project will involve a series of focus groups of home caregivers, nurses, and other direct service providers to learn more about their attitudes and behaviors when it comes to carrying out oral hygiene procedures on persons with disabilities under their care. Information collected from these focus groups will serve as the basis for the design and content of a series of oral health education videos and other training tools, to be developed in collaboration with consultants from a wide array of professional and advocacy groups.

The funding will also support a full-time oral health educator and part-time hygienist who will deliver targeted, individualized training sessions along with group sessions in multiple clinical and community settings, including the School’s PCare Suite. The Arc of Philadelphia, an advocacy and resource center for individuals with disabilities, will serve as a project consultant and will also be a principal training site for staff and clients. Training sites will also include multiple locations of the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, a community agency for older Philadelphians and people with disabilities. Over the three years of the grant, it is estimated that 4,350 seniors and another 9,750 adults below 50 years of age will benefit from this educational initiative.

“At Delta Dental, we’re driven by our purpose to improve health by providing access to quality care, just like Penn Dental Medicine,” said Kenzie Ferguson, vice president of foundation and corporate social responsibility for Delta Dental of California and affiliates. “We believe that good health starts with a healthy mouth. By improving access to oral healthcare, we can help people live healthier lives. We’re proud to support the work of Penn Dental Medicine and to be part of this shared commitment to our communities.”

This is the most recent support from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, which has advanced education, research, and patient care programs at Penn Dental Medicine for more than a decade through thoughtful philanthropy.

ABOVE: The Care Center for Persons with Disabilities Personalized Care Suite has become a major dental care provider for individuals throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond.

CiPD Awards Accelerating Oral Health Innovations

The Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry (CiPD), Penn Dental Medicine’s joint center with Penn Engineering, is working to accelerate the development of oral health innovations through its growing number of awards, funding transdisciplinary research collaborations across the University.

Its newest prize is the CiPD-IBI Artificial Intelligence in Oral Health Innovation Award. The Penn Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBI) within Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine, facilitates collaborations among faculty, staff, and students across the campus and teamed with the CiPD to create this new award. The CiPD and IBIfunded award, to be presented annually, provides $25,000 in unrestricted funds to further develop collaborative research using artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches to advance innovations in oral-craniofacial health sciences. A key goal of this award is to develop transformative solutions while helping generate preliminary data for extramural funding applications and the publication of the collaborative work.

The inaugural recipients of this prize were announced at the CiPD’s 3rd Annual Symposium, held at Penn Dental Medicine in May. This year’s award recipients are Dr. Flavia Teles, Associate Professor in

the Department of Basic & Translational Sciences at Penn Dental Medicine, and Dr. Shefali Setia Verma, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Perelman School of Medicine, for a project titled “Advancing Periodontal Care: Harnessing AI and Comprehensive Patient Data for the Prediction of Disease Progression.” In their study, they hope to advance periodontal healthcare by harnessing AI-based approaches for integration and analyses of molecular (genetic, immunological), clinical, and demographic (gender, race, ethnicity) data aimed at predicting disease progression.

Another CiPD award, now in its third year, is the Innovation in Dental Medicine and Engineering to Advance Oral Health (IDEA) Prize, jointly funded by CiPD and Penn Health-Tech (PHT). The IDEA Prize supports collaborations at the interface of dental medicine and engineering to develop new solutions to study, diagnose, prevent or

Through its growing number of awards, the CiPD is funding transdisciplinary research collaborations across Penn.

treat oral diseases, craniofacial disorders, and cancers. The $80,000 award supports collaborative teams investigating novel ideas using broad engineering approaches to kick-start competitive proposals for federal funding or private sector/industry for commercialization.

The 2024 recipients of the IDEA Prize are Dr. D. Kacy Cullen, Professor of Neurosurgery at Perelman School of Medicine; Dr. Anh Le, Chair and Norman Vine Endowed Professor of Oral Rehabilitation in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Pharmacology at Penn Dental Medicine; and Dr. Justin Burrell, a fellow in the CiPD NIDCR T90/R90 Postdoctoral Training Program, for a groundbreaking project titled “Anti-Degenerative Therapeutic for Restoring Immediate and Lasting Recovery Following Nerve Fusion.” The project will apply a revolutionary approach to enhance nerve fusion for patients afflicted with currently intractable craniofacial nerve injuries.

A third CiPD award — the RESTORE Prize — will launch this academic year. This new award, jointly funded by the CiPD and the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery’s Schoenleber Fund, provides $80,000 to support collaborative teams investigating novel ideas using regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and computational approaches. A major focus will be on the translational potential to improve the treatment and outcomes for patients; while also helping kick-start competitive proposals for extramural funding and high-impact publications.

ABOVE: The CiPD-IBI Artificial Intelligence in Oral Health Innovation Award is the newest CiPD award to help advance innovations in oral health sciences.

Celebrating 70 Years of Water Fluoridation in Philadelphia

Penn Dental Medicine joined with the PA Coalition for Oral Health (PCOH) to co-organize and host a special event and continuing education program celebrating 70 years of community water fluoridation in Philadelphia and promoting water fluoridation as an essential public health measure. Held May 1 at Penn Dental Medicine, the program was attended by representatives from the American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists’ Association, and the Philadelphia County Dental Society, as well as government officials from Pennsylvania’s Department of Health and Department of Human Services, and leadership and staff from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the Philadelphia Water Department, and Penn’s Water Center.

The morning session featured a continuing education program, “Water Fluoridation: Separating Myths from the Facts,” facilitated by the American Fluoridation Society. Dr. Johnny Johnson, co-founder and President of the American Fluoridation Society, and public health consultant Matt Jacob, spoke

on the elements of effective advocacy. They discussed the importance of understanding the common arguments of opponents to fluoridation and also shared communication techniques to enhance the impact of public health messages on fluoridation.

The day’s luncheon program included an award to the Philadelphia Water Department for “70 years of Service for Community Water Fluoridation.” Frank Franklin, Philadelphia’s Interim Health Commissioner, presented the award from the American Dental Association and American State and Territorial Dental Directors to Randy Hayman, Commissioner

“Described by the Centers for Disease Control as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century, community water fluoridation is indeed an effective and efficient way of reducing tooth decay at the population level.”

— DR. JOAN GLUCH

of the Philadelphia Water Department, in recognition of the Department’s dedication to improving community health through drinking water.

The afternoon session, “Water for Health,” included speakers from the PCOH, the Philadelphia Water Department, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Dental Association, and Penn’s Water Center.

“Described by the Centers for Disease Control as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century, community water fluoridation is indeed an effective and efficient way of reducing tooth decay at the population level,” says Dr. Joan Gluch, Chief of Penn Dental Medicine’s Division of Community Oral Health and Board Chair of PCOH. “It was an honor to come together to recognize Philadelphia’s commitment to community oral health through water fluoridation.”

ABOVE: As part of the program at Penn Dental Medicine, Frank Franklin, Philadelphia’s Interim Health Commissioner (right), presented an award from the American Dental Association and American State and Territorial Dental Directors to Randy Hayman, Commissioner of the Philadelphia Water Department (center), in recognition of the Department’s dedication to improving community health in Philadelphia through drinking water.

CENTER SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Modupe Coker Named CCTR Director

PHILADELPHIA — After a national search, Penn Dental Medicine has named Dr. Modupe Coker to lead the School’s Center for Clinical and Translational Research (CCTR) with appointments of Assistant Dean of Clinical and Translational Research and Associate Professor with tenure in the Department of Basic and Translational Sciences. She took on this leadership role August 1. As Director of the CCTR, she is responsible for the strategic oversight and operational management of the Center and for expanding the clinical research portfolio at the School, identifying and nurturing opportunities that have the potential to make significant contributions to the field of dental and translational sciences.

“We believe Dr. Coker’s experience supporting research activities across disciplines will be a tremendous resource here at Penn Dental Medicine,” says Morton Amsterdam Dean Dr. Mark S. Wolff. “We are excited to have her bring her leadership to the CCTR team and mentorship and guidance to our students and faculty.”

Dr. Coker comes to Penn Dental Medicine from Rutgers University School of Dental Medicine, where since 2019, she served as an Assistant Professor of Oral Biology and established a robust research program, mentoring master’s and doctoral students. During that time, she concurrently held adjunct faculty positions at multiple institutions, including: Rutgers University, School of Public Health and School of Environmental and Biological Sciences; Dartmouth University Geisel School of Medicine; Clemson University; and the International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria.

Dr. Coker’s research interests focus on the study of the microbiome and its relationship with early-life infections, behavioral factors, and environmental influences on oral and dental health. Her research is driven by a passion to uncover therapeutic interventions that can improve health outcomes, particularly for the vulnerable. Her work not only seeks to advance scientific understanding but also to translate research findings into practical solutions that benefit populations and communities.

Dr. Coker holds a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (2015), a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (2007), and a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria (2004). She succeeds Dr. Pat Corby, who was the founding Director of CCTR from 2019 through May 2023.

Dr. Kyle Vining Earns Hartwell Foundation Award

Every year, thousands of American children are diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer. The disease begins in bone marrow, when immature cells called “blasts” run amok and overwhelm the tissue.

Through an Individual Biomedical Research Award from The Hartwell Foundation, Penn Dental Medicine’s Dr. Kyle Vining, Assistant Professor in Preventive & Restorative Sciences, is now exploring a novel approach to improving treatment for childhood leukemia. Vining is among ten researchers representing eight institutions selected as the most recent cohort of Hartwell Foundation awardees.

Each year, the Hartwell Foundation invites a select group of biomedical research institutions to nominate faculty for the highly competitive awards, which provide significant financial support for three years, specifically for early-stage, innovative, and cutting-edge biomedical research that has not yet received outside funding. Research proposals must focus on improving the lives of children in the United States.

To date, cellular immunotherapy has shown great promise in treating childhood leukemia by engineering immune cells to target cancerous tissue. However, many patients

Dr. Modupe Coker

suffer relapses and require additional treatments, risking serious side effects.

One reason that some children do not respond to immunotherapy or relapse after treatment may be changes in their bone marrow itself. Vining’s team recently identified fibrotic tissue — that is, tissue that has hardened or scarred — in the bone marrow of such children.

With the support of the Hartwell Foundation, Vining’s lab will undertake two research projects to investigate whether structural changes in these children’s bone marrow is suppressing the effectiveness of immunotherapies.

First, the lab will investigate how engineered immune cells respond when placed in a synthetic material that mimics the fibrotic bone marrow that one of his collaborators — hematopathologist Dr. Vinodh Pillai at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia — previously identified in children. Second, the lab will study the use of engineered immune cells to treat leukemia in an animal model.

By identifying the mechanisms in fibrotic bone marrow that interfere with cellular immunotherapy, Vining’s research may open the door to new treatments, potentially improving the efficacy of immunotherapy in children with leukemia.

“Together, the proposed studies lay the foundation to make a major scientific impact in the childhood leukemia field and ultimately improve outcomes for children,” says Vining.

Faculty Honored as Leaders in their Fields

Two Penn Dental Medicine faculty members have been honored for their leadership and accomplishments in their respective fields.

Dr. Eric Stoopler (D’99, GD’02), Professor of Oral Medicine, was recognized by the American Academy of Oral Medicine as this year’s recipient of its Craig S. Miller Diamond Pin Award. The award was presented as part of the Academy’s annual meeting, held in April.

The Academy’s highest honor, the Craig S. Miller Diamond Pin Award is presented for exceptional and dedicated service to the Academy.

Dr. Stoopler has been involved in the Academy throughout his dental career. He became active in the Academy in 2002 during his residency, going on to serve on several committees before being named to the Executive Committee. He served as Secretary from 2013–2015, as Vice-President from 2015–2017, and went on to lead the Academy as President in 2018–2019.

Dr. Peter Greco (D’79, GD’84), Clinical Professor of Orthodontics, is the 2024 recipient of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award — the ABO’s highest honor. Created by the ABO in 1936, this

award is presented annually to an individual who has made a notable contribution to the science and art of orthodontics.

Dr. Greco, who recently completed his 40th year on the faculty, is also the attending orthodontist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he is an adjunct instructor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. In addition, he serves on the faculty of the Einstein Medical Center Department of Orthodontics and maintains a private practice in Philadelphia and Ardmore, Pa.

Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics since 1989, Dr. Greco was elected to the ABO board of directors in 2002 and served as ABO president in 2009–2010. He continues as an ABO examiner. The ABO also presented him with the Earl E. and Wilma S. Shepard Distinguished Service Award in 2018.

Dr. Greco and Dr. Stoopler are both Penn Dental Medicine alumni and were also recognized with the Penn Dental Medicine Alumni Society’s Alumni Award of Merit in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Dr. Eric Stoopler (D’99, GD’02)

Dr. Peter Greco (D’79, GD’84)

STUDENT PROFILE: ADEAYO ADENUSI (D’26, ML’26)

Filling in the Gaps

For

Adeayo Adenusi (D’26, ML’26), advocating for those with special needs comes naturally.

Community service has been part of third-year student Adeayo Adenusi’s life for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Bowie, Maryland, he helped out at church as an alter server and donated to food drives. As a sophomore in college, he volunteered at free dental clinics and gave oral hygiene presentations to elementary school children.

Witnessing how important free dental care was to those who could not afford it or had no insurance left a deep impression on Adenusi (D’26, ML’26). “I knew that being able to provide this kind of service to people who may not have the opportunity to regularly receive dental care was something that I really wanted to do.”

So, when he enrolled at Penn Dental Medicine in 2022 with the support of a military scholarship through the Health Professions Scholarship Program, after two post-college years of working as a dental assistant in a

periodontist’s office, Adenusi actively sought out ways to help underserved communities.

As well as signing up for one-off community service opportunities during the school year, he eagerly jumped on the opportunity presented by the School’s Division of Community Oral Health to participate in Bridging the Gaps (BTG), a collaboration among multiple academic health institutions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey that connects students in the health professions with community organizations that serve the under-resourced. Penn

“I knew coming to dental school that I wanted to leave feeling confident that I had the ability to treat anyone with special needs. Knowing that for a lot of them, it’s really, really hard to seek care, I want to be that provider who can care for anyone regardless of what health condition they might have.”

— ADEAYO ADENUSI (D’26, ML’26)

Dental Medicine students have been participating in BTG since 1992 (see story, p. 10).

For the past two summers, Adenusi has worked with the BTG program, first as an intern at the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy in West Philadelphia and then as a mentor. “I was very nervous the first summer and not quite sure what to expect,” says Adenusi, whose tasks included assisting with the daily activities of the students and, when he returned for his second year, putting together oral hygiene kits and serving as a resource for the new BTG interns.

“As time progressed,” he says, “I began to feel much more comfortable and confident working in an unfamiliar environment, and I ended up developing close bonds and finding the experience very rewarding.”

This fall, Adenusi will return to HMS School once a week (through the Bridging the Gaps clinical/advocacy program) to work with teachers, physical and occupational therapists, and medical students to better understand the health conditions and specialized care needs faced by children with cerebral palsy. Adenusi will have the opportunity to observe HMS’s dentist at work and will also work on his own research project, which involves designing a survey to identify barriers to seeking oral healthcare for people with disabilities.

“I knew coming to dental school that I wanted to leave feeling confident that I had the ability to treat anyone with special needs,” says Adenusi. “Knowing that for a lot of them, it’s really, really hard to seek care, I want to be that provider who can care for anyone regardless of what health condition they might have.”

Adenusi is still debating whether he wants to specialize or work in general dentistry after fulfilling his four-year post-graduation commitment to the Navy. In addition to practicing, he also has a goal to work in healthcare policy and legislation because “the legal system affects everything, whether it’s how much dentists get paid for insurance reimbursement rates or access to care or any number of issues.” To that end, he is concurrently working on a Master in Law degree at Penn Carey Law.

He hopes the surveys he will conduct this fall with HMS can play a role in his future advocacy work. “As advocates, we have to work together with those who have special needs so that their voices are empowered, especially when it comes to oral hygiene, dental care, and policy making.” he says, “I want to try and take all the information that I’m learning in dental school and then apply it so that in the future there will be fewer barriers to dental care for people who have special needs.”

Meanwhile, after several years of involvement, Adenusi is serving this year as vice president of the Penn Dental Medicine chapter of the Student National Dental Association, which promotes and supports minority students in their academic and social environments. The SNDA, he says “feels like a second home” because “we shared many of the same experiences and struggles growing up, whether that’s being raised by West African immigrants or dealing with imposter syndrome, and they always have great advice for me to follow.”

Adding more to his already full plate, Adenusi is also an enthusiastic admissions ambassador for the School. “That honestly might be one of my favorite roles here at Penn,” he says, “because I love interacting with all predental students, especially other African American students who are in the same position I was, and encouraging them to apply to dental school.” In high school, he says, he didn’t feel encouraged to pursue dentistry. “And sometimes you really just need people, especially people who look like you, to support you and push you and help you pursue your goals.”

Project for Progress Award Building Community

Penn Dental Medicine’s Dr. Roopali Kulkarni, Assistant Professor of Oral Medicine, is part of one of the three teams selected for this year’s Projects for Progress (P4P) awards, presented by Penn’s Office of Social Equity and Community (SEC). Unveiled in 2020, the initiative provides University funding up to $100,000 for Penn teams piloting practical projects that address social justice issues in Philadelphia.

Kulkarni’s team project is the West Philadelphia Sanctuary — a daytime gathering place for West Philadelphians, especially socially at-risk and unhoused individuals, where they can gain respite in a safe, climate-controlled environment and access resources, including a food cupboard and living supplies pantry.

The team aims to reduce stigma, address loneliness, and create a generative space in which community members of all backgrounds can connect and engage with each other.

“The West Philadelphia Sanctuary was envisioned as a much-needed space for community, connection, and care,” says Kulkarni, who explains that the team came together through collaborative work in Penn’s Shelter Health Outreach Program (SHOP). “Through an in-depth needs assessment at SHOP, it was determined that these individuals are in need of community, as we all are. Our goal is to break down the current barriers, to allow all of those in West Philadelphia, especially those who are socially-at-risk, gather together in a safe space.”

In the project’s pilot phase, the team is partnering with Chosen 300’s West Philadelphia Outreach Center at 3959 Lancaster Street to host the Sanctuary and they are also working with nearby facilities and other partners to allow the space to grow.

“This is the first of its kind project in the area, addressing a major and current gap in building community among all in West Philadelphia,” notes Kulkarni, who currently works with undergraduate student and Penn Dental Medicine student volunteers at Chosen 300.

In addition to Kulkarni, the West Philadelphia Sanctuary team includes two undergraduate students (Aravind Krishnan and Aurora Yuan), one recent graduate (Neha Shetty), and Dr. Kent Bream, Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health at the Perelman School of Medicine.

Dr. Roopali Kulkarni

Students Bridging the Gaps of Community Care

This summer, 17 Penn Dental Medicine students joined with students from other health and social service disciplines to serve in the community through Bridging the Gaps (BTG) – the long-standing service and training internship. Working with academic health institutions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and approximately 100 community organizations, BTG links the provision of health-related service in under-resourced communities with interprofessional training of health and social service professionals. At the University of Pennsylvania, the participating schools are Dental Medicine, Nursing, Medicine, Social Policy and Practice, and Veterinary Medicine.

Participants are part of a site team that includes students from other health or social service areas and receive community service credit for the seven-week internship. The teams work with their respective sites to develop and present educational and service programming to the individuals they serve.

“Working with youth across Philadelphia through my site gave me the opportunity to engage with diverse communities and build relationships with the teens I mentored,” says Aaditi Diwan (D’27), who interned at Educators 4 Education that focuses on youth development and student achievement programs. “My BTG experience was rewarding because the program provided me with the tools to create meaningful connections with the communities we work and live in and effectively manage outreach efforts.”

This summer’s interns included the following second-year DMD students.

BTG Interns Site Placements

Noah Buzinkai

Southwest Community Development Corporation

Micaela Chin HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Reshma Davis Sankofa Community Farm @ Bartram’s Garden

Julia Denlinger Covenant House

Aaditi Diwan

Educators 4 Education

Lauren Ghong Get Fresh Daily

Sarah Haynes Students Run Philly Style

Maison Kennedy Educators 4 Education

John Kim

Social Needs Response Team, Penn Medicine Center for Health Equity Advancement

Sarena Oberoi Old Pine Community Center

Nidhi Rao Oruganti American Heart Association Breathe Free PA

Adam Paymer Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

Ilana Sacks HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Megan Tirrell Get Fresh Daily

Melanie Tsyryulnikov Mothers in Charge

Sneha Sara Varghese No More Secrets Mind Body Spirit Inc.

Tami Wong Beyond Literacy

All BTG participants presented a poster of their summer experience at the Bridging the Gaps 34th Annual Symposium, held in September at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Philadelphia.

Penn Dental Medicine has been participating in BTG since 1992. Dr. Joan Gluch, Division Chief of Community Oral Health, served as the faculty representative from Penn Dental Medicine for BTG until 2023, providing leadership in integrating oral health education into the overall BTG program. Now, Dr. Abigail Peterson, in the Division of Community Oral Health, manages the School’s participation in BTG.

“The words of Margaret Mead, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has’ apply perfectly to the experience of our Bridging the Gaps interns,” says Peterson. “They are immersed into the ongoing work of a diverse group of community partners, each addressing a specific need in our city. They have the opportunity to learn and grow throughout the summer session, and then bring that interdisciplinary perspective to their practice of dentistry.”

The BTG experience also builds a network for ongoing connection among the program’s 6,259 alumni. “All prior BTG interns are encouraged to join the alumni network to revitalize their call to action and service,” says Dr. Roopali Kulkarni, Assistant Professor of Oral Medicine at Penn Dental Medicine, a 2016 BTG intern and Co-Chair of the BTG Alumni Network. “The Network is an opportunity to stay connected with the BTG community and continue serving others throughout your professional career.”

To learn more on BTG, visit www.bridgingthegaps.info

OPPOSITE: BTG interns providing oral health education at HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Alumnae Dr. Nupur Patel Leading Prosthodontics Program

Dr. Nupur Patel

Dr. Nupur Patel, who completed her postgraduate training in prosthodontics at Penn Dental Medicine in 2021, has returned to the School to now direct the same program. Dr. Patel took on this leadership role as Director of the Postgraduate Prosthodontics Program in March of this year, joining the faculty as Assistant Professor of Clinical Restorative Dentistry.

Dr. Patel earned her DMD from Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University in 2018. She then earned her Prosthodontics certificate, along with a Master’s of Science in Oral Biology, at Penn Dental Medicine. Following that, Dr. Patel went on to complete a fellowship in Oral Oncology and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (2022). Most recently, she served as Assistant Professor of Restorative Dentistry at Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry, Temple University. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, and an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics.

“I was the first graduate to be certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics, which serves as a testament to the potential the program has offered from the beginning.”

— DR. NUPUR PATEL

“I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Prosthodontics Program that I have been a part of since the very beginning. The first class enrolled in 2017 and I began my training here in 2018, so I have been a part of the growth and development phase of the program,” says Patel. “I was the first graduate to be certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics, which serves as a testament to the potential the program has offered from the beginning. I have witnessed its evolution to one of the leading programs in the country, attracting highly sought after applicants each year. I am grateful for the commitment of the faculty and the potential and enthusiasm of the residents. I hope to lead the program to newer heights, while providing life-changing prosthodontic care to the patients at Penn Dental Medicine.”

Expanding Access to Care in the Community

Penn Dental Medicine and Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), along with Henry Schein Cares, hosted a community briefing in September on expanding access to oral healthcare and improving positive health outcomes through PHMC Dental on Cedar, Penn Dental Medicine’s latest community care site.

Leadership from Penn Dental Medicine, PHMC, and Henry Schein Cares convened local community members and clinical care providers at the PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar to highlight the integration and co-location of physical and oral health and the positive impact of this new resource on the community. The program included remarks by Michael K. Pearson, President and Chief Executive Officer of PHMC; Mark S. Wolff, DDS, PhD, Morton Amsterdam Dean of Penn Dental Medicine; and Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc.

“Having a dental care center as part of a facility with other healthcare services is a model for building community wellness. Individuals can’t have good overall health without good oral health — they are implicitly linked,” said Dean Wolff. “Here, patients can easily access both dental and medical care,

and clinicians across disciplines are building patient awareness of the oral and systemic health connection.”

PHMC Dental, which opened in January 2024, is part of the PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar, an innovative and integrated public health campus serving West and Southwest Philadelphia. The Campus also includes the PHMC Health Center on Cedar, a federally qualified health center (FQHC), and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) Cedar, which provides emergency, inpatient, and behavioral health services. Additionally, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers a crisis response center for pediatric mental and behavioral health emergencies, including a stabilization unit and acute inpatient psychiatry services.

The dental care center features 11 state-ofthe art dental operatories with care provided by Penn Dental Medicine DMD students as well as faculty and residents from the School’s

“Individuals can’t have good overall health without good oral health — they are implicitly linked.”

— MARK S. WOLFF, DDS, PHD

Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program. Henry Schein Cares, Henry Schein’s global corporate citizenship program, contributed to equipping the space, including a groundbreaking health information system.

“For many decades, Henry Schein has worked to expand equitable access to quality, affordable healthcare for all, and we are pleased to join Penn Dental Medicine and PHMC to ‘help health happen’ for the local community,” said Mr. Bergman. “Integrated, preventive care, such as regular dental checkups and cleanings, is essential in achieving optimal oral and overall health. Through PHMC Dental on Cedar, patients will have access to comprehensive care that will in turn help contribute to a healthier quality of life.”

To support the oral/systemic health connections, patients’ dental and health records are being integrated at Cedar with Penn Dental Medicine’s electronic health records, expanding access to care and Penn Dental Medicine’s resources. In addition, video resources have been developed for medical and allied-medical providers that focus on actionable oral health issues throughout the lifespan with the goal of developing interprofessional protocols to enact better oral/systemic management with measured outcomes.

“PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar was founded on the principles of delivering collaborative, patient-centered care to the local community,” said Michael Pearson, president and CEO, PHMC. “The addition of high-quality dental services expands the Campus’ continuum of care and improves access to comprehensive healthcare for our neighbors in West and Southwest Philadelphia.”

FACULTYPERSPECTIVE

VIEWS ON DENTAL TOPICS & TRENDS

Promoting Oral Health Equity

Contributed by: Elizabeth Powell, DDS, MPH, Assistant Director, Division of Community Oral Health, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry & Community Oral Health

To achieve oral health equity, we will need to re-examine the healthcare system and acknowledge that it perpetuates disparities. Addressing health equity requires the academic community to develop new approaches to teaching and research that considers the system of care impacting patients' oral health outcomes. Key to this issue is how individuals access care, their beliefs, and the availability of resources for those with unmet needs.

In West Philadelphia, where Penn Dental Medicine is located, there are numerous barriers to oral health services. Only 42% of children and 39% of adults visit the dentist each year. Additionally, 15% of adults are uninsured, 34% live in poverty, and 16% are food insecure. Penn Dental Medicine is committed to improving oral health equity in West Philadelphia by directing its education programs and resources to have the greatest

impact on the surrounding community. Our faculty have led the charge to address the unmet dental needs of the underserved patients in our community.

Dr. Joan Gluch, Chief of the Division of Community Oral Health, has pioneered partnerships with community organizations, leading to the establishment of communitybased clinics. These partnerships have transformed the Community Service-Learning Program and increased access to dental care for marginalized populations. Programs like these also enhance students' awareness of the social, cultural, and ethical implications of community oral health compared to traditional dental school experiences.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation has recently revised the clinical standards for dental education programs to include community-based learning experiences. This change

aims to encourage interaction and treatment of diverse populations in community-based clinical environments, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the lived experiences of individuals in the community. Penn Dental Medicine students treat a variety of vulnerable patients at community sites, including children, the elderly, and patients with special healthcare needs. Under the supervision of experienced Penn Dental Medicine faculty, student, and AEGD residents provide comprehensive care at five community sites.

Students begin shadowing in their second year, and third- and fourth-year students provide clinical care at community servicelearning sites, averaging 50 days of service prior to graduation. Elective honors programs in the third and fourth year allow 30 students to expand their community experiences beyond standard requirements. Last year, students completed over 6,500 patient visits and performed over 25,000 clinical procedures, highlighting the need for dental schools to provide students with enhanced training that raises social consciousness and creates opportunities to provide care in nontraditional settings to balance oral health equity for vulnerable populations.

Moving forward, the next steps include continued expansion of community service-learning experiences for Penn Dental Medicine students and advancing equity through oral health outcomes research. The academic community is responsible for leading scholarly activities that search for education pathways in our healthcare delivery system to advocate for unprecedented policy changes to reduce health inequality. At Penn Dental Medicine, we have demonstrated that innovative practices in academia can prepare dental students to treat patients in nontraditional community settings. This is critical to creating a new generation of clinicians who know how social justice can impact health equity. Advocacy that leads to policy change will assure a future of equitable care for all.

“A top priority going forward is to continue to elevate all we’ve been able to do together over the past six years, building on our accomplishments.”

— DR. MARK S. WOLFF

SIX MORE YEARS: DEAN MARK WOLFF REAPPOINTED

PENN DENTAL MEDICINE’S 12TH DEAN, MARK S. WOLFF, DDS, PHD, WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE AT THE HELM OF THE SCHOOL THROUGH JUNE 2030

THIS SUMMER, Penn’s Interim President J. Larry Jameson and Provost John L. Jackson Jr. announced the reappointment of Dr. Mark S. Wolff to a second term at the helm of Penn Dental Medicine as the School’s Morton Amsterdam Dean. The reappointment followed a comprehensive review by the Consultative Review Committee of the major accomplishments of Dean Wolff’s first term, along with an assessment of the new challenges and strategic opportunities that may face the School over the next six years, especially in support of the objectives of the University’s new strategic framework, In Principle and Practice.

“Provost Jackson and I are delighted that Dean Wolff will continue his exemplary leadership of Penn Dental,” said Jameson when announcing the reappointment. “The Consultative Committee unanimously supported his reappointment and highlighted his many accomplishments that have dramatically advanced the work of the Dental School. He has been an exceptional advocate for our University and has worked tirelessly with colleagues across campus to increase the stature and impact of Penn.”

As Dean Wolff begins this second term, which will run through June 30, 2030, we sat down with him to ask about some of his plans and priorities as he looks ahead, while we also spotlight some of the key initiatives that defined his first term.

IN THIS SECOND TERM AS DEAN, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TOP PRIORITIES?

A top priority going forward is to continue to elevate all we’ve been able to do together over the past six years, building on our accomplishments, and in turn, the strategic principles Penn is advancing as an institution – that of an anchored, interwoven, inventive, and engaged University.

I came here with so many ideas, and we launched significant initiatives (most notably opening four highly impactful centers around research, patient care, and policy, see p. 17) at an incredibly fast pace during incredibly challenging times. From the pandemic to a series of events that led to social unrest across the country and the

world, these all had tremendous effects on our School community, on our social structure. Yet, our centers opened, our students learned, our research continued, our patients were treated — we thrived. Together, we built a sense of group resilience that in this second term I feel is so important to nurture. I want to look at how we can continue to build connections with and resilience among our faculty, our students, our staff, our alumni and bring that about as the key equity item that Penn Dental Medicine has to offer.

I also see us taking the work of our centers to the next level. They are all already having a significant impact, but now, let’s multiply that impact exponentially for our region, nationally, and globally. We have the

“In the realm of research, I expect to see big scientific breakthroughs coming out of the School in the next few years that are going to reshape oral health.”

— DR. MARK S. WOLFF

ability to change the practice of dentistry in an evidence-informed way globally — we're just scratching at the surface now, but through our Center for Integrative Global Oral Health (CIGOH) and the research that is happening throughout the school, I see the potential for giant leaps forward in the years ahead.

My personal pride and joy is our Personalized Care Suite within our Care Center for Persons with Disabilities and the treatment we are providing there to our patients. Yet, equally important is the amount of knowledge we've been able to bring to dentistry and to all of dental education on the nature of care being delivered to this population. Another priority is to continue to make strides to improve access to care through education.

In the realm of research, I expect to see big scientific breakthroughs coming out of the School in the next few years that are going to reshape oral health. Our faculty have tripled their scholarly output and there’s been a tremendous increase in the number of people presenting at national and international meetings. I only see that continuing to grow. That's great both from a reputation standpoint, but more importantly, it is disseminating to the world the inventive research and education coming from Penn Dental Medicine. I would also like to see us be a global leader in moving oral health into overall health policy and the global concept of whole health, looking at how can we lead in making people's lives better as well as making their oral health better.

WHAT ENHANCEMENTS TO THE SCHOOL’S FACILITIES, IF ANY, DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE IN YOUR SECOND TERM?

A priority for our research enterprise is to develop facilities that match the work being done by our scientists. They’re doing 21st-century science, but in a mid-20th-century building. While we have continued to bring in the latest research technologies, we hope to be able to provide state-of-the lab spaces that will also promote new types of interdisciplinary collaborations, through both the renovation of the Levy Building and new construction. This will also give us the ability to expand our research faculty. This project will require a significant budget, but we have to make it a reality.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER FACILITIES PROJECTS PLANNED?

Construction will begin next summer on a new anesthesia suite, expanding our ability to deliver sedation from a single operatory in our periodontics clinic to a multi-chair facility. It will be located in the space within the Schattner Center now occupied by Saxby’s cafe, and with new faculty, we will create a state-of-the-art sedation center to both train our students and deliver care. We're hoping to break ground no later than June 2025 and anticipate a six-month construction timeline.

IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, THERE HAS BEEN A NOTED GROWTH IN THE SCHOOL’S GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT — WHY HAS THIS BEEN IMPORTANT?

When I look at a world that has over 3 billion people with oral health diseases, I think very much along the lines of “teaching a person to fish,” and through CIGOH, we're looking at how to do just that, leveraging what Penn does so well to teach others around the world how to improve oral health. Globally, it involves looking at expanding the oral health workforce, thinking smart about prevention, and moving health to the center of the picture.

So, we're interacting with the World Health Organization and the FDI World Dental Federation, and going into regions to coordinate with dental schools and bring the resources we have to lesser-resourced or under-resourced areas. It’s succeeding — our conference in Kenya in 2023 was highly impactful. We brought oral health educators and leaders from across Africa together and it has already sparked significant collaborations — in HIV research, in tooth decay, in education programs.

ARE THERE ANY PLANS FOR NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS?

We introduced three new masters and two new graduate dental education programs in my first term (see p. 18), and while there are no plans at this time to add any additional academic programs, we are looking for ways to adapt and leverage existing programs to give students more options to explore their interests and enhance their training. For example, we just started offering a Master of Science in Oral Biology to our DMD students who want to get a research-oriented dental degree. We're going to keep looking at other opportunities to do this type of thing.

This academic year, we will be seeing the first enrollees in our newest graduate program — the dual-boarded program in periodontics and prosthodontics. This is going to carry forward the Morton Amsterdam and D. Walter Cohen legacy of perio-prosthodontics at Penn Dental Medicine, while training a much more advanced practitioner than has ever existed before. It’s respecting our history and our future at the same moment.

ADVANCING RESEARCH, EDUCATION, PATIENT CARE

Key Initiatives from Dean Mark Wolff’s First Term

NEW CENTERS

Established the Center for Clinical & Translational Research in 2019 to provide centralized support to researchers to enable the conduct of human subject research, advancing the growth of clinical and translational research studies within the School.

Opened the Digital Design and Milling Center and the Center for Virtual Treatment Planning in 2020, fully integrating the latest in digital dental technologies at almost every stage of education and patient care.

Opened the Care Center for Persons with Disabilities in 2021 to serve individuals with a wide spectrum of disabilities and give students extensive experience caring for this population. Now, the Center is serving more than 8,000 patients of record with students immersed in their care. The Center is also a site for clinical research and CDE for practicing clinicians — to date offering 15,495 hours of free credits to 10,596 participants.

Established the Center for Integrative Global Oral Health (CIGOH) in 2021, the School’s first policy center, seeking creative evidenceinformed solutions to address unmet global oral health needs by providing critical infrastructure to develop and test effective interventions and policy. To date, holding two Global Oral Health Forums and a conference in Nairobi.

Launched the Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry (CiPD) in 2021, a research partnership with Penn Engineering that brings engineering approaches to address unmet oral health needs.

Established the Cochrane Oral Health Collaborating Center at Penn Dental Medicine within CIGOH in 2023. It engages researchers from around the globe in systematic reviews and meta-analysis of research to develop the best available evidence on a variety of oral health topics to help clinicians, policymakers, patients, and caregivers make well-informed care decisions.

COMMUNITY CARE

Established the Vulnerable Populations Clinic in 2019, providing care to refugees, survivors of psychological and physical violence, and intimate-partner abuse.

In 2020, opened a new community care site within Puentes de Salud, a non-profit health center that serves a vibrant community of Latin American immigrants in and around South Philadelphia.

Opened a new community care site in 2022 as part of the Langhorne, Pa.-based campus of Woods Services, a Pennsylvania- and New Jersey-based nonprofit that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries.

Expanded the School’s community care sites in 2024 with a new facility within the PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar in West Philadelphia.

Expanded the community care site at Mercy LIFE from 1 to 4 chairs in 2021, greatly increasing access to dental care for the elderly served at LIFE in West Philadelphia.

In 2024, created a partnership with Penn Medicine to expedite dental care for cancer patients, who are treated by the School’s AEGD residents. From January to July 2024, Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center referred 160 patients to the School.

ADVANCING RESEARCH, EDUCATION, PATIENT CARE

Key Initiatives from Dean Mark Wolff’s First Term

ACADEMICS

Added two new CODA-approved graduate dental education programs — an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program and the Dual Board Eligible Periodontics/ Prosthodontics program.

Hired 50 full-time faculty members and promoted 33 full-time faculty.

Expanded the advanced degree programs at the School with three new master’s programs — Master of Oral Health Sciences, Master of Advanced Dental Studies, and Master of Science in Oral and Population Health.

Expanded continuing education programming with extensive online offerings through the creation of the School’s CDE Portal (www.dental.upenn.edu/ cde_portal).

Established a new dual-degree with Penn Nursing in 2023, enabling qualified students to earn a Master of Science in Nutrition Science (MSNS) along with their DMD. This new offering brings the total number of dual-degree options to 10.

Launched the NIDCR T90/R90 Postdoctoral Training Program within CiPD in 2022.

STRATEGIC

Advanced an inclusive environment where, in the words of the School’s new vision statement, “each individual in our diverse community is valued, respected, and empowered.”

Piloted the Early Pathway Dental 3+4 admissions program in 2023 in which accepted students enter Penn Dental Medicine after their third year of undergraduate study, eliminating a year of undergraduate tuition.

Dean Wolff chaired the University Task Force on Antisemitism, a 19-member group created in November 2023. The Task Force published its final report to the Penn President in May 2024 on how members of the Penn community experience antisemitism, best practices for addressing antisemitism, and strategies to prevent and counter antisemitism. In combination with the outcomes of the Presidential Commission, empaneled at the same time as the Task Force, the recommendations are currently being implemented campus-wide.

Created a new mission and vision statement for the School focused on the core values of legacy, empowerment, aspiration, discovery, and social consciousness.

AS YOU LOOK AHEAD, WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU WANT TO SHARE ABOUT ANY SHORT-TERM GOALS FOR THE SCHOOL?

Personally, one short-term goal for me is to try to find better work/life balance. I stress the importance of quality-of-life balance to our students, faculty, and staff, but I often fail to do it myself. The Penn Dental Medicine family is just incredibly important to me, and I want to do all I can to be accessible. I truly do strive to make Penn Dental Medicine the best and happiest work and learning environment. That doesn’t mean it isn’t hard at times, but at the end of the day, everybody who works or studies here should be able to walk out with the satisfaction that we are setting this goal for dental education and society of always being better at caring for each other.

The University’s values statement (see sidebar) says that Penn’s culture is inspired by its founder, Benjamin Franklin, noting in part that he was “imperfect but self-improving, and relentlessly focused on enhancing social good.” That is what we’re striving for here.

WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BIGGEST REWARDS IN THE ROLE OF DEAN?

One of the greatest rewards over the past six years has been the number of things we've succeeded in doing here at the School and globally – it is just incredible. I feel very privileged to lead this group of people who have worked with me to make it happen.

We've also come through some terribly difficult things and each time we grow a little bit and do it a little bit better — that's a wonderful commentary on our community. It comes back to my earlier comments about building resilience in each other and moving forward. It's not to say that we always feel good, but we always have to be respectful of each other.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THIS SECOND TERM?

I’m looking forward to continuing the work of Penn Dental Medicine — there is so much more we can do together. While I don’t know what new projects will come to me in years 4, 5, and 6, I have every sense we will accomplish them. I’m also looking forward to celebrating the School’s 150th anniversary in 2028. We must continue to build on our legacy of leadership, and my goal over the rest of my deanship is to prepare us for the next 150 years. n

“I’m looking forward to celebrating the School’s 150th anniversary in 2028. We must continue to build on our legacy of leadership, and my goal over the rest of my deanship is to prepare us for the next 150 years.”

— DR. MARK S. WOLFF

University Values Statement

Penn’s values statement will help to inform the direction of Penn Dental Medicine in Dean Wolff’s second term.

“The University of Pennsylvania is a scholarly community that advances discovery and opportunity toward a better future for all. We embrace excellence, freedom of inquiry and expression, and respect. Penn’s culture is inspired by its founder, Benjamin Franklin — open-minded and curious, inventive and practical, exhibiting brilliance across fields, imperfect but self-improving, and relentlessly focused on enhancing social good. These values are enduring and inspire us to be a positive force for the world, while remaining anchored and committed to our Philadelphia home.”

RESEARCHSPOTLIGHT

TRANSLATING SCIENCE TO PRACTICE

Schoenleber Pilot Grant Program

The Schoenleber Pilot Grant Program at Penn Dental Medicine is designed to foster collaboration between clinical and basic science faculty as well as new collaborations. The funded projects (clinical or basic science) are required to have a translational component with priority given to projects that involve new collaborations with a co-investigator with whom the PI has not previously published. Only proposals that do not have other sources of funding are eligible. Proposals will be judged by the Clinical and Basic Research Advisory Committee on feasibility; scientific justification; likelihood of the project leading to extramural funding; novelty; and if the budget matches the scope of work. The 2024 recipients, awarded at the Penn Dental Medicine Research Day 2024 in May, include:

Marco Tizzano Dept. of Basic & Translational Sciences

(Co-Investigator, Bekir Karabucak, Dept. of Endodontics)

Role of taste receptors in pulp protection from bacterial infection. This grant focuses on the role of taste receptors and chemosensory cells in evoking innate immunity responses to protect the pulpal tissue from pathogenic bacteria. In the study’s hypothesis, taste receptors and the taste signaling transduction cascade expressed in dental pulp participate in the detection of bacteria, evoking protective responses with the goal of fighting bacteria trying to enter and infect the pulp.

“Our discovery of the existence of taste signaling elements in the dental pulp is novel and biologically relevant,” says Tizzano. “Because of their involvement in pulpal innate immunity, taste receptor modulation ultimately have significant therapeutic value for caries pathology and oral health.”

Katherine France Dept. of Oral Medicine

(Co-Investigator: Neeraj Panchal, Dept. of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery)

Mandibular overdenture implant healing in patients taking tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antagonists This study is the first to prospectively evaluate safety and tolerability of implant placement in patients taking TNF-alpha inhibitors by evaluating clinical and radiographic healing and subjective experience of 15 patients on and 15 patients not on TNF alpha inhibitors. Subjects will be evaluated before and after implant placement and followed for 12 months. They hypothesize that subjects will report discomfort after placement, but experience expected healing and no early implant failure.

Wenjing Yu Dept. of Orthodontics

(Co-Investigators: Chider Chen, Dept. of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery; Chun-Hsi Chung, Dept. of Orthodontics)

The Interplay of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Neutrophils during Rapid Maxillary Expansion

Maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD) patients show varied responses to rapid maxillary expansion (RME), which can be more challenging in skeletally mature patients due to the difficulty in opening the mid-palatal suture. New techniques such as TAD-supported or surgical-assisted RME aim to improve expansion efficacy, but the biological basis underlying RME, including cell populations and tissue heterogeneity within the mid-palatal suture, and the molecular mechanisms responding to mechanical forces during suture distraction osteogenesis, are still unclear. This study aims to clarify the biological role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their interaction with neutrophils during maxillary expansion. This could uncover previously unrecognized immuneMSC modulatory targets, potentially leading to improved patient management by modulating molecular processes in RME.

Joseph and Josephine Rabinowitz Award for Research Excellence

Myra F. Laird

Dept. Basic and Translational Sciences

(Co-Investigator: Kristin Krueger, Professor and Chair of Anthropology, Loyola University Chicago)

Multiscale Analyses of Longitudinal Human Dental Wear

Despite numerous studies on dental wear, our understanding of how teeth change with wear throughout an individual’s lifespan is limited. Longitudinal studies have been constrained to limited-term projects involving living subjects or studies of museum specimens. The central goal of this proposal is to investigate the impact of longitudinal dental wear in humans across 50 years of simulated chewing at four distinct scales: dental function, occlusal topography, dental microstructure, and elemental composition. To achieve this, an Artificial Resynthesis Technology (ART VII) chewing simulator to chew foods with different food material properties using unworn occluding pairs of adult third molars. The proposed study will: deliver the first integrated dataset of changes associated with longitudinal dental wear; document changes in elemental composition with dental wear; capture the onset and development of dental senescence; and establish a model for future projects combining multiple types of dental data.

“This study is significant because it will capture how teeth change with senescence, and these data are fundamental for directing future clinical innovations,” says Laird. “Thanks to support from the Rabinowitz Award, this project has also recently been awarded funding by the National Science Foundation.”

The Joseph and Josephine Rabinowitz Award for Excellence in Research was designed to help Penn Dental Medicine faculty undertake pilot projects that will enable them to successfully apply for extramural sources of funding. Designed through the lens of a researcher, this ongoing grant evaluates research proposals for their scholarly merit, creativity and innovation; the significance of the research in advancing scientific knowledge; the prospects for future extramural funding; the availability of alternate funding sources; and in the case of junior faculty, evidence that the applicant will be working as an independent investigator and forwarding of the School’s research objectives. Launched in 2002, this award was endowed through the generosity of the late Dr. Joseph “Jose” Rabinowitz, an active member of the School’s biochemistry faculty for 29 years, and his wife, the late Dr. Josephine “Josy” Rabinowitz, a fellow Penn alum. Recipients of the 2024 Rabinowitz Award were presented at Penn Dental Medicine Research Day 2024 in May — they include:

Chenshuang

Li

Dept. of Orthodontics

Global Transcriptional Analyses of a Novel Type of Protein-Based Reprogrammed Cells Patients suffering from congenital craniofacial disorders, degenerative pathologies, and trauma experience cumbersome difficulties in their daily lives due to bone and skeletal muscle deficits. Unfortunately, regeneration of damaged craniofacial tissue is extremely difficult and often unsatisfactory because the endogenous precursor cells are insufficient in number and/or regenerative capability. Meanwhile, the inherent tumorigenicity and/or tumor-supporting properties make the currently available pluripotent and multipotent cells undesirable candidates for tissue regeneration. Fibromodulin (FMOD) reprogrammed (FReP) cells are a promising multipotent cell source that can be potentially applied to craniofacial tissue regeneration with a low risk of tumorigenesis. This study will involve an in-depth transcriptomic profile of the transcriptomic profile of FReP cells in comparison with that of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to confirm the non-tumorigenic nature of FReP cells is independent of the sex and age of their parental fibroblasts; and track the transcriptomic alteration of bioenergetic-related genes during FMOD reprogramming to gain insight into advancing this technology.

Kyle Vining

Dept. of Preventive & Restorative Sciences and Dept. of Materials Science (Co-Investigator: Shu Yang, Penn Engineering) Anti-Cavity Metal Organic Framework Resin Composite

The Vining lab has developed triacrylate-based biomaterials that promote dental pulp stem cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Triacrylate thiolene resins also have high strength (>1 GPa nanoindentation modulus) and strong adhesion (>20 MPa) to dentin. Co-Investigator Shu Yang’s lab is developing metal organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles for drug delivery. MOFs bearing organic ligands and inorganic nodes have emerged as a promising class of crystalline nanoporous materials to deliver small molecules or inorganic materials due to abundant binding sites, tunable pore size (1-5 nm) and ultrahigh porosity (up to 90%). In this project, they propose to develop a composite of triacrylate thiolene resin and stannous fluoride (SnF2) MOFs, which will deliver SnF2 upon exposure to an acidic environment, such as plaque biofilms of carious margins of existing restorations

daughter of Jose and Josephine Rabinowitz; Dr. Chenshuang Li; and Dean Mark Wolff.

ABOVE (LEFT TO RIGHT): Dr. Esra Sahingur, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Student Research; Dr. Kyle Vining; Dr. Myra Laird; Lois Lamond,

Dr. Eric Larson with the Xenium Analyzer, which maps the location of each cell in a tissue and identifies the cell’s transcripts of genes. A selection of images generated by the Analyzer courtesy of 10x Genomics, Inc.

ZOOMING IN ON GENE EXPRESSION

A NEW SPATIAL TRANSCRIPTOMICS CORE IS POSITIONING THE SCHOOL’S RESEARCHERS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THIS RAPIDLY EVOLVING FIELD

A NEW RESEARCH CORE will soon bring spatial transcriptomics, a revolutionary advance in genetics research, right to the heart of Penn Dental Medicine. When it opens later this fall, the Spatial Transcriptomics Core will enable researchers to measure how genes are expressed by any given cell in a slice of tissue.

Every cell in the body carries DNA, which contains information needed to make proteins — the building blocks of life. It relies on RNA to make those proteins, starting by copying the genetic information in a process called transcription.

Though DNA is the same across an organism’s cells, the extent to which each gene makes proteins changes from cell to cell, from condition to condition, and throughout one’s lifetime. It is also influenced by factors such as stress and disease. Each gene makes one molecule of RNA, and the set of RNA molecules expressed in a cell is called the transcriptome — sequencing it provides valuable information about why these changes occur.

The ability to sequence one RNA — one transcript — was discovered in the 1960s. By 2010, researchers could sequence thousands of transcripts in a process called bulk RNA sequencing. It could analyze all the transcripts in a collection of cells, but it required pooling together hundreds to millions of cells and reading the average expression across the group. It was impossible to tell what the individual cells were doing.

Improved technology created the ability to read the transcriptome of each cell individually, a process called single-cell RNA sequencing. However, some of a cell’s functions are intrinsically tied to its location. So, for the last decade, researchers have been trying to read the transcriptomes of individual cells while keeping the tissue intact. And in December 2022, the company 10X Genomics released an instrument — the Xenium Analyzer — that does just that. It creates a map of the location of each cell in a tissue and identifies the transcripts of hundreds to thousands of genes in each cell.

It was the breakthrough Dr. Dana Graves, Vice Dean for Scholarship and Research at Penn Dental Medicine, had been waiting for.

“I recognized the importance of the technique and how it could really take the science of Penn Dental researchers to a new level,” says Graves. “The key thing about this technology is that it tells you the type of cell, what the cell is doing, and where it is located. By creating this Core, we are providing our researchers with unparalleled access to stateof-the-art technologies and positioning them at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.”

DEVELOPING THE CORE

With the release of the Xenium Analyzer in 2022, Graves began thinking about the potential of a core facility featuring this technology. To get if o the ground, he first brought the idea to other researchers at Penn Dental Medicine, encouraging them to think about how spatial transcriptomics might elevate their own work. Then, in February of this year, he approached Dr. Eric Larson to direct the core. Larson, who holds a PhD in Physiology, joined the School’s Department of Basic & Translational Sciences in 2023, and his background in bioinformatics and data analysis made him a clear match. Larson enthusiastically agreed.

The Xenium Analyzer uses a complex microfluidic and robotic system coupled with a high-resolution microscope and high-performance computer.

With Larson on board, Graves submitted a proposal in March to Penn’s Research Facilities Development Fund to fund half of a nearly $500,000 project to establish the Spatial Transcriptomics Core at Penn Dental Medicine with matching funds from Penn Dental Medicine. It included money to purchase the Xenium Analyzer and renovate the room in the School’s Levy Center for Oral Health Research where the machine is located.

“The nice thing about this kind of science is it’s widely applicable to different types of tissues and cell types,” says Larson. “Doing transcriptome measurements is always going to be helpful to understand what is going on in a tissue.”

The new Transcriptomics Core works in partnership with staff in the School’s Tissue Processing Core, whose expertise is crucial in preparing and reading samples. Larson oversees a staff member who functions in both cores, who will not only help with sample processing for the Xenium, but also tissue sectioning, which requires researchers to strategically place small pieces of tissue on specialized microscope slides. One slide can hold roughly two square centimeters of tissue, enough to fit about three slices of a mouse’s brain, for example. One Xenium experiment processes two of these slides simultaneously.

Once tissues are sectioned on to the slides, researchers perform a series of reactions to prepare the slides for imaging. Importantly, “probes” that are matched to specific RNA molecules — representing up to 5,000 genes — are bound to the RNA within the tissue section and prepared for detection.

What happens next is an impressive display of technology and sophistication. Each probe is linked to a unique barcode, which the Xenium reads using a complex microfluidic and robotic system coupled with a high-resolution microscope and high-performance computer. The probe has two components — one that recognizes a specific transcript and another that consists of a “barcode.” A mix of different fluorescent molecules bind to the barcodes and is imaged by the microscope coupled to a powerful camera. After multiple cycles of labeling and imaging, a pattern emerges for each probe. This pattern corresponds to a specific RNA molecule produced by a gene.

The whole process takes three to five days and during that time, the computer is actively processing terabytes worth of data. Coupled with a complex algorithm that determines cell boundaries, the final output gives the researcher a picture of which genes are detected in which cells. Dr. Faizan Alawi, Professor of Pathology at Penn Dental

“It represents a transformative investment in our research infrastructure, positioning our institution as a leader in spatial multi-omics and driving discoveries that will advance our understanding of complex biological systems, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic interventions.”

— DR. DANA GRAVES

Medicine, will also help researchers connect transcriptomic data with the structural elements of the tissue from which it came.

“It’s a really cool device,” Larson says. “People are going to start realizing how much of an impact this type of data is going to make on the field, now that we’re able to start combining this spatial element with all of the other single-cell transcriptomic studies that have been done.”

Larson, for example, has been studying cells in the mouth and nose that respond to different chemicals — a line of research that is potentially relevant for people who have lost their sense of smell or taste after a Covid infection. He has used single-cell transcriptomics to study how these cells in the nose sense inhaled irritants, such as cigarette smoke particulate matter, and other allergens. He is interested in how injury and disease alter that process.

Spatial transcriptomics could take his research a step further. By performing transcriptomic measurements on the entire tissue, cells in healthy areas could be directly compared to cells at the site of infection, potentially revealing local transcriptomic changes directly caused by the infection.

Dr. Kang Ko, Assistant Professor of Periodontics at Penn Dental Medicine, is hoping to use the new core to probe the

healing process in the mouth, which tends to be much more efficient than in other parts of the body. Biting into a slice of hot pizza, for example, kicks off a speedy cellular process that prevents the mouth from burning or scarring the way skin anywhere else might in response to such high temperatures. The fibroblast cells that make up the mouth’s tissues quickly summon immune cells to repair damage, and just as quickly shut the process down.

Ko is studying the mouth’s extraordinary ability to heal by examining how fibroblasts regulate this immune response. He has found that some fibroblasts express genes that enable them to sense damage and communicate with the immune system. However, to understand this process more precisely — and, hopefully, apply it to improve wound healing elsewhere in the body — Ko needs to locate those fibroblasts and map how they interact with immune cells.

“The distance matters at the cellular level,” Ko says. “Spatial transcriptomics will be essential in adding to that missing link.”

PUSHING RESEARCH FORWARD

The new core may not only make research questions like Larson’s and Ko’s easier to answer technically, but it may also help to support its funding. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), for example, rewards a researcher’s use of new technology in grant applications as a way to encourage innovation. Now, investigators can highlight using the Xenium in those applications. “Hopefully, this will help make our investigators more competitive for funding,” Larson says.

Furthermore, the Xenium can analyze both animal and human samples, aligning with the NIH’s emphasis on human-focused studies. It will enable investigators to explore clinical samples from diverse disease states, including those that are paraffin embedded. “The versatility of the Xenium platform will empower our researchers to leverage existing sample resources and pursue new experimental avenues,” notes Graves.

The Core also promises to foster interdisciplinary collaborations. Its potential to bring researchers together was evident at a July informational launch, garnering interest

“The nice thing about this kind of science is it’s widely applicable to different types of tissues and cell types.”

— DR. ERIC LARSON

both on and off campus. In attendance were investigators from Penn Dental Medicine as well as over 100 researchers across Penn and from nearby institutions — Drexel, Temple, Thomas Jefferson, the Wister Institute — all of whom came to learn how they could use it in their work. Their interests ranged from neurosurgery, pediatric rheumatology, and mathematics to veterinary medicine, immunology, oncology, and neonatology. (Penn Dental Medicine researchers will get priority when requesting time with the machine.)

Ultimately, the machine will keep Penn Dental Medicine researchers on track with a shift in the way research is done, Graves says: from hypothesis testing to hypothesis generating. For years, genetics research meant identifying a select few genes of interest, and then designing an experiment to test that gene’s functions. Spatial transcriptomics instead enables studies that test hundreds, or even thousands, of genes in an unbiased way, potentially uncovering findings no one had thought to look for.

“Because this is the way research is headed, for researchers at the dental School to maintain competitive, they need access to this technology. That’s the purpose of developing this core,” Graves says. “It represents a transformative investment in our research infrastructure, positioning our institution as a leader in spatial multi-omics and driving discoveries that will advance our understanding of complex biological systems, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic interventions.” n — By

Laura Dattaro

ABOVE: Image of a tissue section processed with Xenium. In the magnified inset hundreds of RNA molecules (small dots) can be visualized within cell boundaries (colored outlines). The tissue visualized here represents only a fraction of what is processed in a single Xenium experiment. Image courtesy of 10x Genomics. Inc.

OPPOSITE (LEFT TO RIGHT): Dr. Eric Larson, who directs the new research core, and Dr. Dana Graves, Vice Dean for Scholarship and Research, who led the creation of the core.

ACADEMICUPDATE

DEPARTMENT/FACULTY NEWS & SCHOLARSHIP

BASIC AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCES

A selection of published work (Jan.– July 2024) by department researchers (indicated in bold).

Alawi F. Is the practice of oral pathology reaching a crossroads? Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology. 2024;137(4):321-2. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2023.12.004.

Boesze-Battaglia K, Cohen GH, Bates PF, Walker LM, Zekavat A, Shenker BJ Cellugyrin (synaptogyrin-2) dependent pathways are used by bacterial cytolethal distending toxin and SARS-CoV-2 virus to gain cell entry. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 2024;14. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1334224.

Castro Dos Santos N, Westphal MR, Retamal-Valdes B, Duarte PM, Figueiredo LC, Faveri M, Shibli J, Soares G, Miranda T, Fermiano D, Borges I, Goncalves C, Tanaka CJ, Teles F, Goodson M, Hasturk H, Van Dyke T, Ehmke B, Eickholz P, Nickles K, Schlagenhauf U, Meyle J, Kocher T, Kim TS, Doyle H, Feres M. Influence of gender on periodontal outcomes: A retrospective analysis of eight randomized clinical trials. J Periodontal Res. 2024 May 6;. doi: 10.1111/jre.13272. PubMed PMID: 38708933.

Chaki S, Amponnawarat A, Levenstein B, Hui Y, Oskeritzian C, Ali H Glatiramer acetate induces mast cell degranulation via MRGPRX2, implications for local and systemic adverse reactions. Allergy Eur J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2024;79(3):75861. doi: 10.1111/all.15978..

Failer T, Amponsah-Offeh M, Neuwirth A, Kourtzelis I, Subramanian P, Mirtschink P, Peitzsch M, Matschke K, Tugtekin SM, Kajikawa T, Li X, Steglich A, Gembardt F, Wegner AC, Hugo C, Hajishengallis G, et al. Developmental endothelial locus-1 protects from hypertensioninduced cardiovascular remodeling via immunomodulation. The Journal of clinical investigation. 2024;134(9). doi: 10.1172/ JCI181599.

Grubaugh CR, Dhingra A, Prakash B, Montenegro D, Sparrow JR, Daniele LL, Curcio CA, Bell BA, Hussain MM, Boesze-Battaglia K Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein is necessary to maintain lipid homeostasis and retinal function. FASEB Journal. 2024;38(5). doi: 10.1096/fj.202302491R.

Guan H, Nuth M, Scott RW, Parker MH, Strobel ED, Reitz AB, Kulp JL, Ricciardi RP Potency of a small molecule that targets the molluscum contagiosum virus processivity factor increases when conjugated to a tripeptide. Antiviral Research. 2024;226. doi: 10.1016/j. antiviral.2024.105899.

Hajishengallis G, Chavakis T. Central trained immunity and its impact on chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2024 Jun 10:S0091-6749(24)00604-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.06.005.

Hariani HN, Ghosh AK, Rosen SM, Tso HY, Kessinger C, Zhang C, Jones WK, Sappington RM, Mitchell CH, et al. Lysyl oxidase like-1 deficiency in optic nerve head astrocytes elicits reactive astrocytosis and alters functional effects of astrocyte derived exosomes Exp Eye Res. 2024;240. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109813.

Holmes MA, Terhune CE, Chalk-Wilayto J, Yoakum CB, Taylor P, Ramirez R, Solís MP, Polvadore TA, Ross CF, Taylor AB, Fogaca MD, Laird MF Ontogenetic changes in jaw leverage and skull shape in tufted and untufted capuchins. J Morphol. 2024;285(5). doi: 10.1002/jmor.21705.

Kepp KP, Aavitsland P, Ballin M, Balloux F, Baral S, Bardosh K, Bauchner H, Bendavid E, Bhopal R, Blumstein DT, Boffetta P, Bourgeois F, Brufsky A, Collignon PJ, Cripps S, Cristea IA, Curtis N, Djulbegovic B, Faude O, Flacco ME, Guyatt GH, Hajishengallis G, Hemkens LG, Hoffmann T, Joffe AR, Klassen TP, Koletsi D, Kontoyiannis DP, Kuhl E, La Vecchia C, Lallukka T, Lambris J, Levitt M, Makridakis S, Maltezou HC, Manzoli L, Marusic A, Mavragani C, Moher D,

Mol BW, Muka T, Naudet F, Noble PW, Nordström A, Nordström P, Pandis N, Papatheodorou S, Patel CJ, Petersen I, Pilz S, Plesnila N, Ponsonby AL, Rivas MA, Saltelli A, Schabus M, Schippers MC, Schünemann H, Solmi M, Stang A, Streeck H, Sturmberg JP, Thabane L, Thombs BD, Tsakris A, Wood SN, Ioannidis JPA. Panel stacking is a threat to consensus statement validity J Clin Epidemiol. 2024 Jun 17;173:111428. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2024.111428.

Kim TJ (Co-Author in Periodontics), MacElroy AS, Defreitas A, Shenker BJ, Boesze-Battaglia K A Synthetic Small Molecule, LGM2605: A Promising Modulator of Increased ProInflammatory Cytokine and Osteoclast Differentiation by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Cytolethal Distending Toxin. Dent J (Basel). 2024;12(7):195. Published 2024 Jun 26. doi:10.3390/dj12070195

Ko EK, Anderson A, D’Souza C, Zou J, Huang S, Cho S, Alawi F, et al. Disruption of H3K36 methylation provokes cellular plasticity to drive aberrant glandular formation and squamous carcinogenesis. Dev Cell. 2024;59(2):187-98.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.12.007.

Laird MF, Polvadore TA, Hirschkorn GA, McKinney JC, Ross CF, Taylor AB, et al. Tradeoffs between bite force and gape in Eulemur and Varecia J Morphol. 2024;285(5). doi: 10.1002/jmor.21699.

Lazki-Hagenbach P, Kleeblatt E, Fukuda M, Ali H, Sagi-Eisenberg R. The Underlying Rab Network of MRGPRX2Stimulated Secretion Unveils the Impact of Receptor Trafficking on Secretory Granule Biogenesis and Secretion Cells. 2024;13(1). doi: 10.3390/cells13010093.

Li Y, Yang ST, Yang S Deficiency of Trp53 and Rb1 in myeloid cell lineage spontaneously develops acute myeloid leukemia in a mouse model. Genes and Diseases. 2024;11(1):4-6. doi: 10.1016/j. gendis.2022.12.004.

Mastellos DC, Hajishengallis G, Lambris JD. A guide to complement biology, pathology and therapeutic opportunity. Nature Reviews Immunology 2024;24(2):118-41. doi: 10.1038/ s41577-023-00926-1.

Mitroulis I, Hajishengallis G, Chavakis T. Bone marrow inflammatory memory in cardiometabolic disease and inflammatory comorbidities. Cardiovasc Res. 2024;119(18):2801-12. doi: 10.1093/cvr/ cvad003.

Omari S, Roded A, Eisenberg M, Ali H, Fukuda M, Galli SJ, et al. Mast cell secretory granule fusion with amphisomes coordinates their homotypic fusion and release of exosomes Cell Rep. 2024;43(7). doi: 10.1016/j. celrep.2024.114482.

See LP (Co-Author in Endodontics), Sripinun P (Co-Author in Orthodontics), Lu W, Li J, Alboloushi N (Co-Author in Endodontics and Oral Medicine), Alvarez-Periel E (Co-Author in Oral Medicine), Lee S (Co-Author in Endodontics), Karabucak B (Co-Author in Endodontics), Wang S (Co-Author in Oral Surgery & Pharmacology), Jordan-Sciutto KL (Co-Author in Oral Medicine), Theken KN (Co-Author in Oral Surgery & Pharmacology), Mitchell CH Increased Purinergic Signaling in Human Dental Pulps With Inflammatory Pain is Sex-Dependent. Journal of Pain 2024;25(4):1039-58. doi: 10.1016/j. jpain.2023.10.026.

Shenker BJ, Korostoff J (Co-Author in Periodontics), Walker LP, Zekavat A, Dhingra A, Kim TJ (Co-Author in Periodontics), Boesze-Battaglia K Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Cytolethal Distending Toxin Induces Cellugyrin-(Synaptogyrin 2) Dependent Cellular Senescence in Oral Keratinocytes. Pathogens. 2024;13(2). Epub 20240208. doi: 10.3390/pathogens13020155.

ENDODONTICS

INFLAMMATION

INSIGHTS

A collaborative study from the Hajishengallis lab highlights key insights into an aging-related condition known as clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) that raises the risk for several inflammatory diseases. See the following article:

Wang H, Divaris K, Pan B, Li X, Lim JH, Saha G, Barovic M, Giannakou D, Korostoff JM (Co-Author in Periodontics), Bing Y, Sen S, Moss K, Wu D, Beck JD, Ballantyne CM, Natarajan P, North KE, Netea MG, Chavakis T, Hajishengallis G Clonal hematopoiesis driven by mutated DNMT3A promotes inflammatory bone loss. Cell. 2024;187(14):3690711.e19. Epub 20240604. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.003.

Sirisereephap K, Surboyo MDC, Rosenkranz AL, Terao Y, Tabeta K, Maeda T, Hajishengallis G, Maekawa T. Protocols for collecting mouse PDL cells and bone marrow cells, differentiation, and data analysis. STAR Protoc. 2024 Jun 26;5(3):103162. doi: 10.1016/j. xpro.2024.103162.

Vergadi E, Kolliniati O, Lapi I, Ieronymaki E, Lyroni K, Alexaki VI, Diamantaki E, Vaporidi K, Hatzidaki E, Papadaki HA, Galanakis E, Hajishengallis G, et al. An IL-10/DEL-1 axis supports granulopoiesis and survival from sepsis in early life Nature Communications. 2024;15(1). doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-44178-y.

Wang J, Kan S, Liao X, Zhou J, Tembrock LR, Daniell H, et al. Plant organellar genomes: much done, much more to do. Trends Plant Sci. 2024;29(7):754-69. doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.12.014.

Whishaw IQ, Mah MA, Casorso JG, Chacon EM, Chalk-Wilayto J, Laird MF, & Melin AD. The platyrrhine primate Cebus imitator uses gaze to manipulate and withdraw food to the mouth Animal Behavior and Cognition. 2024;11(1):1-23.

Xi R, Ali M, Zhou Y, Tizzano M A reliable deep-learning-based method for alveolar bone quantification using a murine model of periodontitis and microcomputed tomography imaging. Journal of Dentistry. 2024;146. doi: 10.1016/j. jdent.2024.105057.

Yan X, Zheng J, Ren W, Li S, Yang S, Zhi K, et al. O-GlcNAcylation: roles and potential therapeutic target for bone pathophysiology. Cell Commun Signal. 2024;22(1). doi: 10.1186/ s12964-024-01659-x.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

A selection of published work (Jan.–July 2024) by department researchers (indicated in bold).

Alajlan N, Carrasco-Labra A (Co-Author in Preventive & Restorative Sciences), Karabucak B, Lee SM Systemic Corticosteroid Uses in Endodontics—Part 1: Managing Postoperative Pain. Journal of Endodontics. 2024;50(6):724-34. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2024.03.004.

Alajlan N, Carrasco-Labra A (Co-Author in Preventive & Restorative Sciences), Karabucak B, Lee SM Systemic Corticosteroid Uses in Endodontics—Part 2: Enhancing the Success of Local Anesthesia Journal of Endodontics. 2024;50(7):899906. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2024.03.002.

Aminoshariae A, Nosrat A, Nagendrababu V, Dianat O, MohammadRahimi H, O’Keefe AW, Setzer FC Artificial Intelligence in Endodontic Education Journal of Endodontics. 2024;50(5):562-78. doi: 10.1016/j. joen.2024.02.011.

Huang J, Farpour N, Yang BJ, Mupparapu M (Co-Author in Oral Medicine), Lure F, Li J, Setzer FC Uncertainty-based Active Learning by Bayesian U-Net for Multi-label Cone-beam CT Segmentation Journal of Endodontics. 2024;50(2):220-8. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2023.11.002.

Lee SM, Marmo M Intentional Replantation: No Longer a Last Resort for Saving a Natural Tooth Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2024;45(3):152-6. PubMed PMID: 38460140.

Vinothkumar TS, Doshi K, Sureshbabu NM, Somasundaram J, Arthisri AS, Setzer FC, et al. Comparison of Reverse Sandwich Restorations Versus Composite Fillings for the Restoration of External Cervical Resorptions: An In-Vitro Study. European Endodontic Journal. 2024;9(1):57-64. doi: 10.14744/ eej.2023.27146.

ORAL MEDICINE

NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS

Roopali Kulkarni, Assistant Professor, has been inducted as a fellow into the International College of Dentists.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

A selection of published work (Jan.–July 2024) by department researchers (indicated in bold).

Akay-Espinoza C, Newton SEB, Dombroski BA, Kallianpur A, Bharti A, Franklin DR, Schellenberg GD, Heaton RK, Grant I, Ellis RJ, Letendre SL, Jordan-Sciutto KL Genetic Variations in EIF2AK3 are Associated with Neurocognitive Impairment in People Living with HIV. Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology. 2024;19(1). doi: 10.1007/ s11481-024-10125-x.

Akintoye SO, Adisa AO, Okwuosa CU, Mupparapu M Craniofacial disorders and dysplasias: Molecular, clinical, and management perspectives. Bone Reports. 2024;20. doi: 10.1016/j. bonr.2024.101747.

Aldosary S, Ramachandran M, Alfaifi A, Kulkarni R Atypical gingival swelling. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2024;155(5):426-9. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2023.07.008.

Anbinselvam A, Akinshipo AWO, Adisa AO, Effiom OA, Zhu X, Adebiyi KE, Arotiba GT, Akintoye SO Comparison of diagnostic methods for detection of BRAFV600E mutation in ameloblastoma Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine. 2024;53(1):79-87. doi: 10.1111/jop.13506.

Festa LK, Grinspan JB, JordanSciutto KL White matter injury across neurodegenerative disease. Trends in Neurosciences. 2024;47(1):47-57. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.11.003.

France K, Urquhart O (Co-Author in Preventive and Restorative Sciences), Ko E, Gomez J, Ryan M, Hernandez M, Gabinskiy M, Corby PM, Wolff M (Co-Author in Preventive & Restorative Sciences) A Pilot Study Exploring Caregivers’ Experiences Related to the Use of a Smart Toothbrush by Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Children (Basel). 2024;11(4). Epub 20240411. doi: 10.3390/children11040460.

CONTINUING DENTAL

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Relevant, high quality programs

Goldschmidt S, Anderson J, Evenhuis J, Stoopler E, Sollecito TP Case report: Sepsis secondary to infected protracted parotid sialocele after maxillofacial oncologic surgery in a dog. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2024; 11. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1382546.

Grinspan JB, Jordan-Sciutto KL White matter loss and oligodendrocyte dysfunction in HAND. HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders. 2024. p. 81-93.

Gueiros LA, Ottaviani G, Jessri M, Shiboski C, Farag A, Sollecito TP, et al. World Workshop on Oral Medicine VIII: barriers to research in oral medicine: lessons learned from a bibliometric analysis of the oral potentially malignant disorders literature Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology. 2024;138(1):46-65. doi: 10.1016/j. oooo.2024.03.014.

Kulkarni R Stoopler ET, Sollecito TP Oral mucous membrane pemphigoid: updates in diagnosis and management. British Dental Journal. 2024;236(4):2936. doi: 10.1038/s41415-024-7064-x.

Lim J, Helgeson ES, Lalla RV, Sollecito TP, Treister NS, Schmidt BL, et al. Factors associated with oral hygiene compliance in patients treated with radiation therapy for head and neck cancer Journal of the American Dental Association 2024;155(4):319-28.e2. doi: 10.1016/j. adaj.2023.11.018.

Mahajan R, Davila A, Sollecito TP, Stoopler ET, Kulkarni R Oral adverse events following immunization against SARS-CoV-2: A case series. Oral Diseases. 2024;30(3):1559-63. doi: 10.1111/ odi.14606.

Owosho AA, Aguirre SE, Dayo AF, Omolehinwa TT, Shintaku WH. Radiographic Orofacial Findings of Systemic Diseases Dental Clinics of North America. 2024;68(2):409-27. doi: 10.1016/j.cden.2023.10.004.

Patel P, Effiom OA, Akinshipo AWO, Akintoye SO Differential Profile of Primary and Recurrent Ameloblastomas Among Afro-descendants and Non-Afrodescendants—a Systematic Review Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. 2024;11(1):92-100. doi: 10.1007/ s40615-022-01500-6.

Robbins M. Pharmacology of Psychiatric and Neurologic Drugs. Contemporary Dental Pharmacology: Evidence-Based Considerations, 2024. p. 79-94.

Sollecito TP, Helgeson ES, Lalla RV, Treister NS, Schmidt BL, Patton LL, et al. Reduced mouth opening in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiation therapy: an analysis of the Clinical Registry of Dental Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients (OraRad). Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology. 2024;137(3):264-73. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2023.11.012.

Sperotto F, France K, Gobbo M, Bindakhil M, Pimolbutr K, Holmes H, Monteiro L, Graham L (Co-Author in Leon Levy Dental Medicine Library), Hong CHL, Sollecito TP, et al. Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Infective Endocarditis Incidence Following Invasive Dental Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Cardiol. 2024. doi: 10.1001/ jamacardio.2024.0873.

Starr A, Nickoloff-Bybel E, Abedalthaqafi R, Albloushi N, JordanSciutto KL Human iPSC-derived neurons reveal NMDAR-independent dysfunction following HIV-associated insults. Front Mol Neurosci. 2023;16:1353562. Epub 20240129. doi: 10.3389/ fnmol.2023.1353562.

Stoopler ET, Villa A, Bindakhil M, Díaz DLO, Sollecito TP Common Oral Conditions: A Review. JAMA 2024;331(12):1045-54. doi: 10.1001/ jama.2024.0953.

ORAL SURGERY & PHARMACOLOGY

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

A selection of published work (Jan.July 2024) by department researchers (indicated in bold).

Bandyopadhyay S, Duffy MP, Ahn KJ, Sussman JH, Pang M, Smith D, Duncan G, Zhang I, Huang J, Lin Y, Xiong B, Imtiaz T, Chen CH, Thadi A, Chen C, et al. Mapping the cellular biogeography of human bone marrow niches using single-cell transcriptomics and proteomic imaging Cell. 2024;187(12):3120-40.e29. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.013.

Douglas JE, Wei K, Panara K, Lee DJ, Kohanski MA, Shanti RM, Panchal N, et al. Combined Transnasal, Transoral Excision of Odontogenic Cysts Offers Reduced Recurrence Rates and Favorable Sinonasal Outcomes. Laryngoscope. 2024;134(6):2489-91. doi: 10.1002/ lary.31441.

Ha S, Lankalis J, Panchal N Unilateral temporomandibular joint swelling with progressive malocclusion and chin deviation Journal of the American Dental Association. 2024;155(7):625-9. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2023.09.008.

Hershberger MW, He P, Francois K, Lerner D, Bear A, Adappa N, Panchal N Is maxillary sinusitis and radiographic maxillary sinus opacification associated with an altered microbiology of MRONJ? Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology. 2024;137(4):345-54. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2023.12.003.

Li W, Xiang Z, Yu W, Huang X, Jiang Q, Abumansour A, Yang Y, Chen C. Natural compounds and mesenchymal stem cells: implications for inflammatory-impaired tissue regeneration. Stem Cell Research and Therapy. 2024;15(1). doi: 10.1186/ s13287-024-03641-3.

Miranda-Hoover A, He P, Chau T, Cimba MJ, Francois K, Day S, Shanti R, Foote J, Wilder-Smith P, Messadi DV, Le AD Telehealth Utilization in Oral Medicine and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Telemedicine and e-Health. 2024;30(3):780-7. doi: 10.1089/ tmj.2023.0099.

Nadella S, Wang TT, Gross AJ, Wang S Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Mandates: Current Landscape and Legal Considerations for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2024;82(4):383-5. doi: 10.1016/j. joms.2023.11.020.

Oh MJ, Yoon S, Babeer A, Liu Y (Co-Author in Preventive & Restorative Sciences), Ren Z, Xiang Z, Miao Y, Cormode DP, Chen C (Co-Author in Oral Surgery & Pharmacology), Steager E, Koo H Nanozyme-Based Robotics Approach for Targeting Fungal Infection. Advanced Materials. 2024;36(10). doi: 10.1002/ adma.202300320.

Sui B, Wang R, Chen C, Kou X, Wu D, Fu Y, Lei F, Wang Y, Liu Y,Chen X, Xu H, Liu Y, Kang J, Liu H, Kwok RTK, Tang BZ, Yan H, Wang M, Xiang L, Yan X, Zhang X, Ma L, Shi S, et al. Apoptotic Vesicular Metabolism Contributes to Organelle Assembly and Safeguards Liver Homeostasis and Regeneration. Gastroenterology. 2024;167(2):343-56. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.02.001.

Theken KN, Hersh EV Cannabidiol for Toothache: Ups, Downs, and Regulatory Considerations. Journal of Dental Research. 2024;103(3):225-6. doi:

ORTHODONTICS

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

A selection of published work (Jan.–July 2024) by department researchers (indicated in bold).

Babeer A (Co-Author in Endodontics), Bukhari S (Co-Author in Endodontics), Alrehaili R, Karabucak B (Co-Author in Endodontics), Koo H Microrobotics in endodontics: A perspective. International Endodontic Journal. 2024;57(7):861-71. doi: 10.1111/iej.14082.

Kang J, Jeon HH, Shahabuddin N Does aligner refinement have the same efficiency in deep bite correction?: A retrospective study. BMC Oral Health. 2024;24(1):338. Epub 20240315. doi: 10.1186/ s12903-024-04099-8.

Mu Y, Tran HH, Xiang Z, Majumder A, Hsu E, Steager E, Koo H, Lee D. Spiky Magnetic Microparticles Synthesized from Microrod-Stabilized Pickering Emulsion. Small. 2024 Jun 12:e2402292. doi: 10.1002/smll.202402292.

Oh MJ, Kim JH, Kim J, Lee S, Xiang Z, Liu Y, Koo H, Lee D Drug-loaded adhesive microparticles for biofilm prevention on oral surfaces. Journal of Materials Chemistry B. 2024;12(20):4935-44. doi: 10.1039/ d4tb00134f.

Park TH, Shen C, Chung CH, Li C Vertical Control in Molar Distalization by Clear Aligners: A Systematic Review and MetaAnalysis Journal of Clinical Medicine 2024;13(10). doi: 10.3390/jcm13102845.

Park J, Xiang Z, Liu Y (Co-Author in Preventive & Restorative Sciences), Li CH, Chen C (Co-Author in Oral Surgery/ Pharmacology), Nagaraj H, Nguyen T, Nabawy A, Koo H, et al. Surface-Charge Tuned Polymeric Nanoemulsions for Carvacrol Delivery in Interkingdom Biofilms ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2024. Epub 20240715. doi: 10.1021/acsami.4c06618.

Shen C, Park TH, Chung CH, Li C Molar Distalization by Clear Aligners with Sequential Distalization Protocol: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Functional Biomaterials. 2024;15(6). doi: 10.3390/jfb15060137.

Tran HH, Watkins A, Oh MJ, Babeer A, Schaer TP, Steager E, Koo H Targeting biofilm infections in humans using small scale robotics Trends in Biotechnology. 2024;42(4):479-95. doi: 10.1016/j. tibtech.2023.10.004.

PERIODONTICS

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

A selection of published work (Jan.–July 2024) by department researchers (indicated in bold).

Albuquerque-Souza E, Shelling B, Jiang M, Xia XJ, Rattanaprukskul K, Sahingur SE. Fusobacterium nucleatum triggers senescence phenotype in gingival epithelial cells. Molecular Oral Microbiology. 2024;39(2):29-39. doi: 10.1111/ omi.12432.

Barack D, Lin YTE, Wang Y, Neiva R. Immediate single-tooth replacement with acellular dermal matrix allogeneic bone and ossifying collagen scaffold: A case series. International Journal of Oral Implantology. 2024;17(1):105-17 . PMID: 38501402

Bergamo ETP, Witek L, Ramalho IS, Lopes ACDO, Nayak VV, Torroni A, Slavin BV, Bonfante EA, Uhrich KE, Graves DT, et al. Sustained Release of Salicylic Acid for Halting Peri-Implantitis Progression in Healthy and Hyperglycemic Systemic Conditions: A Gottingen Minipig Model ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering. 2024;10(5):3097-107. doi: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00161.

Ceccanecchio R, Sourvanos D, Yang W, Dimofte A, Fiorellini JP, Zhu TC, editors. Characterization of a 660 nm Light Source for Clinical Photobiomodulation Therapy. Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE; 2024.

Chang Y, Choi M, Wang YB, Lee SM (Co-Author in Endodontics), Yang M, Wu BH, Fiorellini JP. Risk factors associated with the survival of endodontically treated teeth: A retrospective chart review. Journal of the American Dental Association 2024;155(1):39-47. doi: 10.1016/j. adaj.2023.09.022.

Chen Z, Debnath R, Chikelu I, Zhou JX, Ko KI Primed inflammatory response by fibroblast subset is necessary for proper oral and cutaneous wound healing Molecular Oral Microbiology. 2024;39(3):113-24. doi: 10.1111/omi.12442.

Culshaw S, Zhang P, Sahingur SE Regulation of metabolism and inflammation: The host response. Molecular Oral Microbiology. 2024;39(3):91-2. doi: 10.1111/omi.12466.

CELLULAR SENESCENCE: A KEY DRIVER OF GUM DISEASE

A study from the lab of Dr. Esra Sahingur reports that cellular senescence is one of the key drivers of periodontal diseases, affecting cellular function, tissue metabolism, and inflammation. These findings offer novel insights for innovative prevention and treatment strategies. See the following article (an image from the study is featured on the JDR cover):

Easter QT, Fernandes Matuck B, Beldorati Stark G, Worth CL, Predeus AV, Fremin B, Huynh K, Ranganathan V, Ren Z, Pereira D, Rupp BT, Weaver T, Miller K, Perez P, Hasuike A, Chen Z, Bush M, Qu X, Lee J, Randell SH, Wallet SM, Sequeira I, Koo H (Co-Author in Orthodontics), Tyc KM, Liu J, Ko KI, et al. Single-cell and spatially resolved interactomics of toothassociated keratinocytes in periodontitis Nat Commun. 2024;15(1):5016. Epub 20240614. doi: 10.1038/ s41467-024-49037-y.

Huang CY, Chen SH, Lin T, Liao YW, Chang YC, Chen CC, et al. Resveratrol attenuates advanced glycation end productinduced senescence and inflammation in human gingival fibroblasts. Journal of Dental Sciences. 2024;19(1):580-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.10.016.

Lander B, Rascon A, Sourvanos D, Fiorellini J, Neiva R. Maintaining toothimplant distance following root amputation of a compromised adjacent tooth: A clinical case report. Clinical advances in periodontics. 2024;14(1):9-14. doi: 10.1002/cap.10236.

Park DH, Jun JH, Yun SH, Choi BS, Fiorellini JP, Tallarico M, et al. Semi-customized three-dimensional ultra-fine titanium meshes in guided bone regeneration for implant therapy in severe alveolar bone defect: a case report Int J Implant Dent. 2024;10(1):17. Epub 20240329. doi: 10.1186/ s40729-024-00535-0.

Rattanaprukskul K, Xia XJ, Jiang M, Albuquerque-Souza E, Bandyopadhyay D, Sahingur SE Molecular Signatures of Senescence in Periodontitis: Clinical Insights Journal of Dental Research 2024 Jul;103(8):800-808. doi: 10.1177/00220345241255325.

Rattanaprukskul K, Neiva R, Korostoff J Optimizing esthetic zone periodontal regeneration in a 1–2-wall infrabony defect using recombinant human plateletderived growth factor BB and β-tricalcium phosphate: A case report. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research. 2024;10(3). doi: 10.1002/cre2.908.

Rojas L, Tobar N, Espinoza J, Ríos S, Martínez C, Martínez J, Graves DT, et al. FOXO1 regulates wound-healing responses in human gingival fibroblasts Journal of Periodontal Research. 2024;59(3):611-21. doi: 10.1111/jre.13257.

Sourvanos D, Sun H, Zhu TC, Dimofte A, Byrd B, Busch TM, Cengel KA, Neiva R, Fiorellini JP Three-dimensional printing of the human lung pleural cavity model for PDT malignant mesothelioma. Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy. 2024;46. doi: 10.1016/j. pdpdt.2024.104014.

Sourvanos D, Sun H, Zhu TC, Dimofte A, Yang W, Busch TM, Cengel KA, Byrd B, Neiva R, Fiorellini JP, editors. Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy Delivery for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Using 3D-Printed Models and Optical Scanning Technology. Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE; 2024.

Sourvanos D, Zhu TC, Dimofte A, Busch TM, Lander B, Burrell JC, Neiva R, Fiorellini JP A novel investigational preclinical model to assess fluence rate for dental oral craniofacial tissues. Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy. 2024;46. doi: 10.1016/j. pdpdt.2024.104015.

Sourvanos D, Zhu TC, Dimofte A, Busch TM, Yang W, Burrell J, Neiva R, Schoenbaum T, Chen Z, Ko KI, Fiorellini JP, editors. Optimizing Biophotonics and Immune Response Research: A Proposal for In Vivo Dose Escalation and Light Dosimetry Analysis in Porcine Models Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE; 2024.

Sourvanos D, Zhu TC, Dimofte A, Busch TM, Yang W, Ceccanecchio R, Neiva R, Schoenbaum T, Chen Z, Ko KI, Fiorellini JP, editors. Assessing 661nm Photobiomodulation Light Fluence Rate Transmission for Optimal Dose Delivery Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE; 2024.

Yang B, Alimperti S, Gonzalez MV, Dentchev T, Kim M, Suh J, Titchenell PM, Ko KI, Seykora J, Benakanakere M, Graves DT Reepithelialization of Diabetic Skin and Mucosal Wounds Is Rescued by Treatment With Epigenetic Inhibitors. Diabetes. 2024;73(1):120-34. doi: 10.2337/db23-0258.

Yang W, Sourvanos D, Johnson M, Zhu TC, Dimofte A, Busch TM, Neiva R, Fiorellini JP, editors. Red and nearInfrared light dosimetry: A comprehensive analysis of tissue optical properties Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE; 2024. doi: 10.1117/12.3005238

Zhang M, Liu Y, Afzali H, Graves DT An update on periodontal inflammation and bone loss. Frontiers in Immunology. 2024;15. doi: 10.3389/ fimmu.2024.1385436.

Zhang P, Sahingur SE, Culshaw S. “Regulation of Metabolism and Inflammation: Links with Oral and Systemic Health”: Part I Host-Microbial Interactions. Molecular Oral Microbiology 2024;39(2):27-8. doi: 10.1111/omi.12461.

PREVENTIVE & RESTORATIVE SCIENCES

NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS

Dr. Rajnikant K. Shah, Clinical Professor of Restorative Dentistry, and Dr. Lauren Yap, Clinical Associate in the Division of Pediatric Dentistry, were inducted as fellows into the International College of Dentists.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

A selection of published work (Jan.July 2024) by department researchers (indicated in bold).

Almalki A, Conejo J, Kutkut N, Blatz M, Hai Q, Anadioti E Evaluation of the accuracy of direct intraoral scanner impressions for digital post and core in various post lengths: An in-vitro study Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. 2024;36(4):673-9. doi: 10.1111/jerd.13159.

Alshahrani AM, Lim CH, Wolff MS, Janal MN, Zhang Y Current speed sintering and high-speed sintering protocols compromise the translucency but not strength of yttriastabilized zirconia. Dental Materials. 2024;40(4):664-73. doi: 10.1016/j. dental.2024.02.012.

Atlas AM, Janyavula S, Elsabee R, Alper E, Isleem WF (Co-Author in Periodontics), Bergler M, Setzer FC (Co-Author in Endodontics). Comparison of loupes versus microscope-enhanced CAD-CAM crown preparations: A microcomputed tomography analysis of marginal gaps. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. 2024;131(4):643-51. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2022.04.008.

Ayub JM, Blatz MB What’s Trending in Resin-Based Restorations. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2024;45(2):96-7. PubMed PMID: 38289628.

Beaton L, Boyle J, Cassie H, Clarkson J, Colthart I, Duane B, Duncan E, Fennell-Wells A, Felix DH, Field J, Fisher J.Garbutt D, Girdler J, Glenny AM, Glick M, Goulao B, Ikiroma A, Johansson M, Jones D, Martin N, Mawdsley G, Nevin G, Ord F, O’Kane C, Purnell G, Ramsay C, Robinson A, Rutherford S, Salter J, Stirling D, Tothill C, Walsh T, West M, Wolff, M Sustainable oral healthcare: what is it and how do we achieve it? British Dental Journal. 2024;236(11):907-10. doi: 10.1038/s41415-024-7460-2.

Carrasco-Labra A, Verdugo-Paiva F, Matanhire-Zihanzu CN, Booth E, Kohler IV, Urquhart O, Makino Y, Glick M Barriers to and facilitators for the creation, dissemination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of oral health policies in the WHO Africa region: A scoping review protocol F1000Research. 2024;12. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.139689.2.

Carrasco-Labra A, Polk DE, Urquhart O, Aghaloo T, Claytor JW, Dhar V, Dionne RA, Espinoza L, Gordon SM, Hersh EV (Co-Author in Oral Surgery/ Pharmacology), et al. Evidencebased clinical practice guideline for the pharmacologic management of acute dental pain in adolescents, adults, and older adults: A report from the American Dental Association Science and Research Institute, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pennsylvania. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2024;155(2):102-17.e9. doi: 10.1016/j. adaj.2023.10.009.

Cesar PF, Miranda RBDP, Santos KF, Scherrer SS, Zhang Y Recent advances in dental zirconia: 15 years of material and processing evolution. Dental Materials. 2024;40(5):824-36. doi: 10.1016/j. dental.2024.02.026.

Chai H, Russ J, Vardhaman S, Lim CH, Zhang Y A Bilayer Method for Measuring Toughness and Strength of Dental Ceramics. Journal of Dental Research. 2024;103(4):419-26. doi: 10.1177/00220345231225445.

Conejo J, Yoo TH, Atria PJ, Fraiman H, Blatz MB In vitro comparative study between complete arch conventional implant impressions and digital implant scans with scannable pick-up impression copings. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry 2024;131(3):475.e1-.e7. doi: 10.1016/j. prosdent.2023.12.012.

Daly KA, Heyman RE, Shuster M, Smith Slep AM, Wolff MS Exploring dental students’ attitudes toward patient-centered management of dental fear Journal of Dental Education. 2024;88(1):42-50. doi: 10.1002/jdd.13400.

Dawson T, Pahlke S, Carrasco-Labra A, Polk D. Patient Values and Preferences for Managing Acute Dental Pain Elicited through Online Deliberation JDR Clinical and Translational Research. 2024;9(2):104-13. doi: 10.1177/23800844231174398.

Dong MP, Dharmaraj N, Kaminagakura E, Xue J, Leach DG, Hartgerink JD, Zhang M, Hanks HJ, Ye Y, Aouizerat BE, Vining K, et al. Stimulator of Interferon Genes Pathway Activation through the Controlled Release of STINGel Mediates Analgesia and Anti-Cancer Effects in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biomedicines. 2024;12(4). doi: 10.3390/biomedicines12040920.

Eggmann F, Mante FK, Ayub JM, Conejo J, Ozer F, Blatz MB Influence of universal adhesives and silane coupling primer on bonding performance to CAD-CAM resin-based composites: A laboratory investigation. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. 2024;36(4):62031. doi: 10.1111/jerd.13165.

Fisher J, Splieth C, Matanhire-Zihanzu C, Glick M Advancing the concept of global oral health to strengthen actions for planetary health and One Health. International Journal for Equity in Health. 2024;23(1). doi: 10.1186/ s12939-024-02176-6.

Heyman RE, Daly KA, Slep AMS, Wolff MS Leveraging technology to increase the disseminability of evidence-based treatment of dental fear: An uncontrolled pilot study. Journal of Public Health Dentistry. 2024;84(1):36-42. doi: 10.1111/jphd.12598.

Hillier, A., Walsh, K. M., Crawford, B. A. (2024). Recommendations for implementing an online asynchronous course about racism for graduate professional students. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education Advance online publication. https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/ dhe0000603

Kim YH, Pavone J, Wasmuht-Perroud VAB, Frare RW, Baker PR. The left ventricular assist device: a literature review and guidelines for dental care. General Dentistry. 2024;72(1):34-42. PMID: 38117639

TEACHING AWARDS

The Class of 2024 recognized faculty with the annual teaching awards, presented at the Senior Farewell in May. This year’s recipients included: Dr. Katherine France (D’16, GR’16, GD’18), Assistant Professor of Oral Medicine, who received the Earle Bank Hoyt Award, presented for excellence in teaching to a Penn Dental Medicine graduate who is a full-time junior faculty member; Dr. Frank Smithgall (C’79, D’83), Clinical Associate Professor of Restorative Dentistry, who received the Robert E. DeRevere Award, presented for excellence in preclinical teaching by a part-time faculty member; Dr. Mel Mupparapu (D’96), Professor of Oral Medicine and Director of the Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology, received the Basic Science Award, presented for excellence in teaching within the basic sciences; Dr. Victor Iradi (D’92), Clinical Associate in the Division of Restorative Dentistry, who received the Joseph L. T. Appleton Award, presented to a part-time faculty member for excellence in clinical teaching; and Art Kofman, C.D.T. Director of Laboratory Affairs and the Office of Laboratory Affairs Supervisor, who received the Senior Outstanding Teaching Award, presented to a faculty/ staff member who has gone beyond the scope of his/her responsibilities to significantly impact the class’s education. In addition, Logan Moseley, restorative clinic clerk, was the inaugural recipient of the Outstanding Service Award, recognizing an individual who has consistently gone beyond their formal responsibilities to significantly enhance the overall experience of the Senior Class at Penn Dental Medicine.

Koup MA, Blatz MB The Selective Enamel Etch Technique. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2024;45(5):243-6; quiz 7. PubMed PMID: 38900462.

Ozer F, Batu Eken Z, Hao J, Tuloglu N, Blatz MB Effect of Immediate Dentin Sealing on the Bonding Performance of Indirect Restorations: A Systematic Review. Biomimetics (Basel). 2024;9(3). Epub 20240317. doi: 10.3390/ biomimetics9030182.

Rivera M, Blatz MB Precision Matters: The Evolution of Impression Systems and Materials. Compend Contin Educ Dent 2024;45(3):158-9. PubMed PMID: 38460141.

Shakibaie B, Sabri H, Abdulqader H, Joit HJ, Blatz MB Peri-implant soft tissue volume changes after microsurgical envelope technique with a connective tissue graft. International Journal of Esthetic Dentistry. 2024;19(2):126-38.

Spitznagel FA, Prott LS, Hoppe JS, Manitckaia T, Blatz MB, Zhang Y, et al. Minimally invasive CAD/CAM lithium disilicate partial-coverage restorations show superior in-vitro fatigue performance than single crowns. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. 2024;36(1):94106. doi: 10.1111/jerd.13169.

Sulaiman TA, Suliman AA, Abdulmajeed AA, Zhang Y Zirconia restoration types, properties, tooth preparation design, and bonding. A narrative review. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. 2024;36(1):78-84. doi: 10.1111/jerd.13151.

Tan J, Hao J, Vann D, Pavelić K, Ozer F Effect of Zeolite Incorporation on the Ion Release Properties of Silver-Reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement Biomimetics (Basel). 2024;9(6). Epub 20240617. doi: 10.3390/biomimetics9060365.

Tanum J, Kim HE, Lee SM (Co-Author in Endodontics), Kim A, Korostoff J (Co-Senior Author in Periodontics), Hwang G Photobiomodulation of Gingival Cells Challenged with Viable Oral Microbes Journal of Dental Research. 2024;103(7):745-54. doi: 10.1177/00220345241246529.

Terry DA, Burgess JO, Powers JM, Blatz MB A Novel Concept for Developing a Precise and Predictable Post and Core Complex Using the Injectable Resin Technique Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2024;45(3):128-34; quiz 35. PubMed PMID: 38460136.

Terry DA, Burgess JO, Powers JM, Blatz MB A Novel Concept for Developing a Precise and Predictable Post and Core Complex Using the Injectable Resin Technique (Part 2). Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2024;45(4):184-90; quiz 91. PubMed PMID: 38622077.

Urquhart O, Matanhire-Zihanzu CN, Kulkarni R (Co-Author in Oral Medicine), Parrado EA, Aljarahi H, Bhosale AS, Braimoh O, Button J, Chifamba T, Emmanuel AT, Gatarayiha A, Kohler IV, Martins-Pfeifer CC, Ojukwu BT, Robbins M, Sofola O, Taiwo OO, Uti O, Makino Y, Glick M, Carrasco-Labra A Oral Health Policy and Research Capacity: Perspectives From Dental Schools in Africa Int Dent J. 2024 Aug;74(4):722-729. doi: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.01.020.

Verdugo-Paiva F, Rojas-Gómez AM, Wielandt V, Peña J, Silva-Ruz I, Novillo F, Ávila-Oliver C, Bonfill-Cosp X, Glick M, Carrasco-Labra A Evidence-informed guidelines in oral health: insights from a systematic survey. BMC Oral Health 2024;24(1):746. Epub 20240627. doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-04445-w.

Verdugo-Paiva F, Urquhart O, MatanhireZihanzu CN, Martins-Pfeifer CC, Booth E, Booth HA, Aljarahi H, Button J, Pinto-Grunfeld C, Villanueva J, Kohler IV, Glick M, Carrasco-Labra A Barriers to and facilitators for creating, disseminating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating oral health policies in the WHO African region: A scoping review. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2024 Jun 3. doi: 10.1111/ cdoe.12984. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38828735.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Art Kofan, Dr. Mel Mupparapu, Dr. Frank Smithgall, Dr. Katherine France, and Logan Moseley.

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

NEW CURRICULUM CHANGES PRIORITIZE INTEGRATIVE LEARNING AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD

THIS FALL, PENN DENTAL MEDICINE LAUNCHED a newly imagined predoctoral curriculum, the most significant set of changes since its last major revision in 2015. This evolution in the curriculum is designed to further enhance students’ learning and patient care and to provide enrichment opportunities for student growth and wellness. We sat down with Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Faizan Alawi, who led the two-year faculty-wide planning initiative, to learn more.

HOW OFTEN IS THE CURRICULUM REVIEWED AND WHAT DOES THAT PROCESS LOOK LIKE?

Every year our accrediting body requires us to review our courses, so it’s an ongoing process. Our most recent accreditation was completed two years ago, and we received a glowing report with the external reviewers highlighting some of our institutional strengths. Despite the outstanding outcomes associated with our current curriculum, we recognized the need to further modernize and innovate in a rapidly changing world increasingly reliant on technology, social connection, and mechanisms of sustainability.

THE LAST MAJOR CURRICULUM REVISION WAS IN 2015. WHAT WERE ITS MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS?

What it achieved was integrated learning. We moved out of discipline-based courses like biochemistry, pathology, anatomy, radiology, and reorganized the content in a much more thematic and intuitive manner.

As just one example, before 2015, the topic of bone was taught across several different courses from the standpoint of biology, anatomy, radiology with no real continuity or links across disciplines or with the patient either. So, we developed an entire course focused on hard tissue from the standpoint of radiology clinically — how to interpret bone on a radiograph, how to diagnose bone disease on a radiograph — how to manage some of these bone disorders in practice, and basic science instruction focused on the biology, structure, and anatomy of bone, particularly craniofacial bones.

From a student learning standpoint, courses are being further consolidated around patient-centered themes.

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE MOST IMPORTANT REVISIONS SINCE 2015?

In 2020, we significantly revised clinical scheduling, which created more opportunities for students in community care settings and in the care for persons with disabilities. We also found ways to get our patients into care more quickly. And we implemented a state-of-the-art digital dentistry curriculum and augmented and strengthened clinical requirements across all disciplines.

These changes enabled our third- and fourth-year students to spend 20 percent more time in general dentistry clinical experiences and made it possible for our students’ clinical engagement as primary practitioners to begin in their second year.

HOW DOES THIS MOST RECENT CURRICULUM REVISION ENHANCE STUDENTS' LEARNING AND PATIENT CARE?

From a student learning standpoint, we are now taking those courses we had previously integrated and further consolidating around patient-centered themes.

I am co-directing a new first-year course, for example, called Building Bridges: Patient Care, Community and the Science of Oral Health. This introductory, interdisciplinary course marries best practices in patient interaction and examination with an introduction to human histology, gross anatomy and physiology, radiology, and the considerations around the ethical and inclusive treatment of all patients. Every course will begin with case presentations, to reinforce to students that they are learning this because of this patient in front of them who has X, Y, and Z. And

“These

changes enabled our third- and fourthyear students to spend 20 percent more time in general dentistry clinical experiences and made it possible for our students’ clinical engagement as primary practitioners to begin in their second year.”

— DR. FAIZAN ALAWI, ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

throughout the course, we're going to refer back to those cases whenever appropriate. Everything is being taken out of the theoretical and grounded in reality and much more tied to the specific case of a patient. So now when a student is learning about the cardiovascular system, they see how it directly relates to a particular patient. And they’re seeing what happens in a clinical setting when patients come in stressed because they're fearful of dentists and their blood pressure is increasing, and what they have to do in that context.

Each course will also have distinct lectures or topics focused on patient individuality. Not every patient who has hypertension or diabetes is the same. Patients have different risk factors. Patients respond differently to medications. We need our students to understand that there is an array of non-medical factors that may influence their patients’ oral and systemic health; examples include potential access-to-care difficulties, food insecurity, discrimination, financial stress, health literacy, and access to safe drinking water. All of our new courses and many of the case presentations will incorporate these vital discussions to emphasize that patient diagnosis and management must be tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

THE NEW CURRICULUM FEATURES BLOCK EDUCATION AS THE PRIMARY LEARNING MODEL FOR FIRST- AND SECOND-YEAR STUDENTS. WHAT IS THAT AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM A TRADITIONAL MODEL?

Block education is an innovative and holistic approach where students dedicate all their attention to mastering one subject at a time, rather than studying multiple subjects simultaneously. Courses are completed over a few weeks, rather than spanning an entire semester or year. After finishing one block, students move directly to the next subject, providing a clear and structured learning path.

This model is fairly common in medical school environments, but not at all in dental school environments. Some of the newer dental schools have used this model, but for a legacy school like ours to do what we’re doing is unique.

to think about student wellness with any changes they envision, and we made this one of our priorities. When I was a student we had exam weeks, which is a stress in and of itself. We had as many as 10 exams in seven days when I was a first-year student. Rolling examinations is the other way to administer assessments in a traditional model, which is what we had been doing. But we recognized that with the way our materials were laid out, our students often had an exam every week, which was exhausting and overwhelming, and a challenge in terms of time management.

With the block schedule, our students learn for roughly two weeks, and then they have an examination for all the content they’ve learned during those two weeks. Then they learn for the next two weeks and have another examination. The only other courses running at the same time are either their clinical experience course or their preclinical laboratory course where they’re developing their hand skills.

We have very high-achieving students. They all do really well. They all graduate. But it’s how they get there that we’re focused on now. And what this new curriculum structure has enabled us to do is to reduce our students’ time management stress while promoting deeper understanding and retention of the material.

in the schedule and provide students with the equivalent of at least one unstructured day per week, usually Fridays, for most of the first- and second-year students. This time can be used by students to personalize and enrich their education through participation in research, including via an Honors program, one of our many dual degree programs, or the new combined DMD/Master of Science in Oral Biology program. This time can also be used to volunteer or participate in elective or continuing education courses, including leadership development programs and wellness programs. Students can also use this time to catch up with their studies, further refine their hand skills, or even earn income through employment.

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE “FLIPPED CLASSROOM” LEARNING MODEL IN THE THIRD-YEAR?

In the third year, all course content will be delivered asynchronously via prerecorded lectures and all classroom instruction will be in the form of small-group interdisciplinary, case-based seminars. This will allow the faculty to better engage the students with real world clinical understanding and application. Each student will be assigned to one seminar per week and each seminar will be used to apply the knowledge presented in the asynchronous lectures in a clinical context.

In addition, each third-year student will be scheduled the equivalent of one additional clinic session per week compared to the current curriculum. This will not only provide the students with more clinical experiences, but it will also provide greater continuity and timely progression of patient care.

CAN YOU TALK TO ME ABOUT ONE HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY?

One Health describes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The principles underlying One Health have long been recognized but the importance of oral health to One Health has only recently gained attention. We are working closely with Dr. Julian Fisher, Director of Oral and Planetary Health Policies within our Center for Integrative Global Oral Health, to further develop this important component of our curriculum.

I believe we are the first dental school in the United States incorporating climate action, sustainable development, and sustainability into the curriculum, and one of the only schools in the world doing this. We’ve already made changes in our environment within the school. We have less plastic usage than we had last year. We have also done away with amalgam, and this restorative material is no longer being used in most cases.

But we have more to do, and I’ve always felt that should start in the classroom. It’s critical at this point. This is the next generation of practitioners who may experience challenges in their own practice environments because of extreme weather conditions and other environmental factors that can influence their patients’ health and well-being. Our students need to be cognizant and prepared to face these challenges. And so, we felt it was important to start this education now. One Health has been introduced in our first-year curriculum, and we’re going to include lectures throughout the four years of instruction that relate back to this core principle.

DOES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

FIGURE IN THE NEW CURRICULUM?

How could it not? It’s everywhere and we can’t escape it. We have to incorporate it in ways that are meaningful and evidence based. These students are going to be using AI as soon as they leave dental school. We’re not sure yet exactly where and how it’s going to fit into the curriculum, but we are partnering with a third-party AI company and will be launching a pilot initiative this fall. It may take a couple of years before AI gets implemented fully, but I’m already incorporating generative AI into my coursework on how to diagnose certain diseases. We’ll also be including lectures on topics such as the ethics of using AI, and how AI and the human brain share some conceptual similarities but also operate in fundamentally different ways.

Core Educational Principles

• Ensure continued excellence in patient care and community health via reliance on evidence-informed decision-making

• Develop a systematic understanding of health, function and disease

• Reinforce maturation as critical and integrative thinkers

• Embody diversity, equity and inclusion in patient management and clinical practice

• Be respectful of individual patients’ needs while remaining cognizant and accommodating of treatment challenges they may have and historical mistrust they might harbor

• Incorporate principles of One Health, climate action and sustainable development / sustainability

• Incorporate modern and future tools in practice including artificial intelligence

• Provide more opportunities for personal and professional enrichment

AFTER TWO YEARS OF FACULTY-WIDE WORK ON THIS CURRICULUM, WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

I’m excited to see the educational outcomes. I’m excited to see how our students apply this integrated learning to patient care. I’m excited to see how our students accommodate all aspects of their patients’ individuality to optimize the care they provide. I’m excited to learn what students will do with their unstructured Fridays.

I firmly believe block education will become the paradigm for dental education going forward. I think we’re setting the standard for what dental education should be in the future. It has to be flexible. It has to accommodate students. Most importantly, it can’t compromise the education. What we’re doing now truly will be an integrated curriculum.

OPPOSITE: A seminar taught by Dr. Thomas Sollecito, Professor and Chair, Department of Oral Medicine. In the third year, classroom instruction is in the form of small-group, case-based seminars.

• Embed infrastructural curricular support to promote student wellness

We have a number of amazing initiatives within the school. We have a larger-thanever community footprint, which is critically important for our students. We have the Persons with Disabilities Care Center, an initiative for which we are the standard bearer nationally and internationally. Our students are graduating having completed more clinical work than ever before. They’re much more experienced today as freshly minted dentists than they were even five years ago. But we can’t rest on our successes, and we have to keep evolving to stay current and relevant. Our faculty are motivated to deliver the best and most modern evidence-based education we can, and our students are eager to learn. That’s what Penn Dental Medicine is all about. n — By Judy Hill

ALUMNI GIVING & ENGAGEMENT

CELEBRATING PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT & ENGAGEMENT IN 2023–2024

$8.2M

DOLLARS committed to programs supporting Penn Dental Medicine’s mission of transforming global oral health and wellbeing through exceptional clinical care, innovation, scholarship, and research

$404,868

DOLLARS raised for the Penn Dental Medicine Annual Fund, which supports the daily operations essential to training the next generation of proud Penn Dentists

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS

The support and engagement of our alumni, friends, and partners continues to sustain our students, the patients we serve, and ongoing research across disciplines. Thank you for your investment in the work we do — it is an incredible testament to your belief in the School’s mission, and we are so grateful for the many ways you continue to propel Penn Dental Medicine forward. We are pleased to share these philanthropic highlights from the 2023–2024 Fiscal Year, which ended on June 30, 2024. We also invite you to view the full 2024 Giving Report online at www.dental.upenn.edu/report or by scanning the QR code in the bottom right corner.

1,350 DONORS made a gift to a Penn Dental Medicine fund

99

NEW DONORS made their first gift to the School

9

ALUMNI SCHOLARS providing support to students of all backgrounds pursuing their dream of a career in dental medicine

71

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SOCIETY members recognized for their leadership in unrestricted support, including nine Young Alumni members

1979 1984 4 21 $4.4M

HIGHEST CLASS PARTICIPATION

of members supporting philanthropic priorities at Penn Dental Medicine followed by 1974, 1983, 1971, and 2003

ESTATE GIFTS

received in support of priorities like scholarship and unrestricted aid

INDIVIDUALS

made a charitable contribution to the school through a qualified charitable deduction

Create a Lasting Impact

CHARLES CUSTIS HARRISON SOCIETY

Providing ongoing appreciation and acknowledgement for the generosity of those who have named Penn as a beneficiary of a will, living trust, retirement plan, or life insurance policy, or have set up a life income gift. Learn about ways to support the school through legacy planned giving options as well as assets to give at www.dental. upenn.edu/giving

TAKE A SEAT

Alumni and friends have named over 200 seats in the Cheung and Corby Auditoriums at $1,000/seat. Take a seat by visiting www.dental.upenn.edu/takeaseat.

ALUMNI SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Support a predoctoral or postdoctoral student in their education by establishing an Alumni Scholar. With a minimum annual commitment of $2,500, alumni can sponsor a student and follow their progress. To learn more visit www.dental.upenn.edu/alumnischolars

ANNUAL GIVING

Essential support for the School’s highest priorities comes from donations made to the Penn Dental Medicine Annual Fund. These funds are critical to the School’s success in adapting programs to stay at the forefront of the profession or address unforeseen needs. Explore ways to give and current priorities at www.dental.upenn.edu/giving.

www.dental.upenn.edu/report

DOLLARS received through planned giving options, such as charitable bequests, gift annuities, and charitable giving using an IRA

1,700+

ALUMNI & STUDENTS participated in a Penn Dental Medicine Institutional Advancement event or continuing education course

ALUMNIHIGHLIGHTS

PROFILES, GATHERINGS & ENGAGEMENT

ALUMNI PROFILE: REBECCA GOLLUB (GD’22)

Let’s Discuss

Rebecca Gollub (GD’22) missed talking about “hot topics” in her field, so she started the Penn Pediatric Study Club.

After finishing her specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Penn Dental Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Rebecca Gollub (GD'22) returned to Boston, where she had earned her DMD at Boston University. Now a pediatric dentist in a multi-specialty private practice in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, Gollub is happy to once again be in striking distance of her favorite New England towns, and to be back with her close network of friends.

That said, she misses Penn fiercely. “As chief resident, I was very involved in many aspects of the residency program,” says Gollub, “and I was sad to graduate because I loved being in that environment where you're constantly learning. We had patients coming from all over the world to be seen at CHOP. It was truly an incredible place to train.”

She also misses her mentors, particularly Division Chief of Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Betty Hajishengallis. The two had often talked about starting a study club focused on pediatric dentistry as a way to re-engage alumni. “It's something she's always wanted

to do,” says Gollub, “but she has so much on her plate, so I told her, ‘When I graduate, I'll start this study club, and that way it will be like I never left.’”

Spurred on by encouraging conversations with alumni, co-residents, and faculty, and with support from Penn Dental Medicine's O ce of Institutional Advancement, Gollub got the program up and running within a few months of finishing her residency, and the first Penn Pediatric Study Club session took place in the fall of 2022.

The club meets quarterly on Zoom, and while the format always includes a presenter

“We're trying to cover hot topics in pediatric dentistry most relevant to what alumni want to learn about.”

— REBECCA GOLLUB (GD'22)

speaking on a particular subject in pediatric dentistry, participants send in questions beforehand and almost half the session is saved for collaborative discussion. The club is free to all Penn pediatrics alumni and participants receive continuing dental education (CDE) credit for attending the sessions.

“It’s always a very stimulating conversation because everyone wants to talk about topics that are top of mind right now,” says Gollub. “In residency, you're learning about all of the new innovative techniques and materials alongside the foundational research and literature, and then once you graduate, you’re not necessarily in that academic environment anymore. We're trying to cover hot topics in pediatric dentistry most relevant to what alumni want to learn about.”

Since the first meeting, which focused on restorative materials, other topics have included the use of CO2 lasers in pediatric dentistry for procedures such as tongue-tie release (frenectomy), removal of potential pathology, and gingivectomy; the use of CAD CAM in pediatric dentistry; and endodontic treatment of traumatized immature permanent teeth.

The club has also discussed techniques in minimally invasive dentistry designed to stop the progression of caries or avoid the removal of tooth structure. Most recently, the club focused on intraosseous delivery of local anesthesia. This is a “cutting-edge topic,” says Gollub, “because kids often come to the

dentist and are worried about numbing, and now there's a new technology that can deliver the anesthesia in a different way that's essentially painless.”

Making a visit to the dentist not just painless but actually enjoyable for children is something that has motivated Gollub since she decided to go into dentistry. She was fortunate to have an “amazing experience” with her pediatric dentist, who later became a mentor. “She is so warm and kind and all the patients truly looked forward to going to see her,” she says, “and that's what I'm trying to do, make this a fun experience for the kids.”

Drawing on her artistic side — a neuroscience major at Dartmouth College, she also took many studio art classes — Gollub began weaving glittery “tooth fairy” tinsel into the hair of children who had a tooth removed. “Kids love it. It’s really motivating for them” she says. “So, for me, even if they need a filling or an extraction or some more involved procedure, finding a way to make it more fun is always the goal. I want them to leave smiling and excited to come back, and tinsel hair certainly helps with that!”

Response to the study club has been overwhelmingly positive in its first two years, with around 50 participants attending each session, representing a full spectrum of faculty, current residents, and recent alumni, as well as retired alumni who are still interested in learning.

“Everyone is so eager to learn from these expert speakers we bring in and to go back for a moment to residency days when you were able to ask your questions and be surrounded by like-minded people.” says Gollub. “For me, it's been really special to be able to stay connected to Penn and to Dr. Betty through this study club. It’s also fantastic to see everyone else so excited by it.”

Alumni interested in participating in the study club can contact alumni@dental.upenn.edu or 215-898-8951 and view/earn CDE credits of many of the study club past presentations via the Penn Dental Medicine CDE portal — www.dental.upenn.edu/cde_portal

Pediatric Dental Resident Excellence Fund

Earlier this year, the Division of Pediatric Dentistry established the Pediatric Dental Resident Excellence Fund with the support and lead donation from Dr. Tony Saito (D’95). The fund was established to provide direct support to the Division and critical resources for pediatric dental residents for essential travel and research opportunities that will ensure they have the necessary resources to continue to excel, innovate, and thrive in their pursuit of excellence within the field of pediatric dentistry.

Class of 2024 OKU Inductees

Penn Dental Medicine’s ETA Chapter of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society (OKU) welcomes its newest members, inducted from the Class of 2024 in May. New inductees are selected based on scholarship, exemplary traits of character, and potential qualities of future professional growth. The new OKU members from the Class of 2024 include:

Analis Alba Valdes

Kitty Battalora

Arianna Borges Rodriguez

Gabriella Ciancimino

Sonia del Carmen Diaz Quevedo

Samuel Dolan

Nazbanoo Farpour

Sara Abdul Rasol Jawad

Alayna Jones

Anabel Kelso

Carjay Lugtu

Domenica Paredes

Ankit Patel

Anahita Sabet-Payman

Anwar Radwan

Madeline Stein

Chintan Thakore

Neelam Vohra

Anqi Wan

Alvin Zad

ABOVE: Class of 2024 OKU inductees and other OKU members at the Senior Farewell in May.

Alumni Events

ALUMNI WEEKEND

This May, alumni returned to the School for Alumni Weekend 2023 to celebrate their five-year milestone reunions for classes ending in “4” and “9.”

SENIOR FAREWELL

In recognition of the Class of 2024’s transition from predoctoral students to members of the Penn Dental Medicine Alumni Society, the Office of Institutional Advancement hosted the annual Senior Farewell at The Bellevue Hotel.

A Lasting Legacy

Penn Dental Medicine alumnus Dr. Theodore Lerner (D’57) has had a career-long passion for sharing his skills and knowledge with developing clinicians, and now, through a generous planned gift, he and his wife, Barbara Bernstein Lerner, have created a lasting legacy that will continue to support future generations of Penn Dental Medicine students. As an unrestricted gift, their support will provide vital resources for priorities and new initiatives that advance the School’s mission.

In recognition of their gift, a central gathering spot at the School has been named the Dr. Theodore R. Lerner and Barbara Bernstein Lerner Pavilion. Situated off the atrium of the School’s entrance, this first-floor space is a widely used area for students and visitors to relax as well as an event space for the School.

“The success and rewards I’ve enjoyed throughout my career in dentistry would not have been possible without my Penn Dental Medicine education,” says Dr. Lerner. “I want to give back to the institution that has given me so much and support its ongoing strength and growth.”

“I want to give back to the institution that has given me so much and support its ongoing strength and growth.”

— DR. THEODORE LERNER (D’57)

“Under Dean Wolff’s leadership, the Dental School has not only heightened its profile within the University, but is also making a great difference in the lives of students and patients alike,” he adds. “Barbara and I felt this was the right time to add our support.”

After earning his dental degree at Penn Dental Medicine in 1957, Dr. Lerner initially began his career following in his father’s footsteps as a family dentist, but quickly realized he would be better suited for a specialty and joined a practice that would change the path of his career, developing his skills as an endodontist. He would go on to build his own endodontics practice, training and mentoring many others in the specialty along the way, including other Penn Dental Medicine alumni. His New York City practice grew to three locations with 27 chairs and 14 full-time endodontists.

Along with developing a successful practice, Dr. Lerner was equally engaged in building professional connections and advocacy through organized dentistry. Dr. Lerner was President of the Second District Dental Society (SDDS) of New York (joining in 1958). He held a host of leadership roles with SDDS that included chairing a variety of committees and serving on the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Lerner also led the Dental Society of the State of New York as President, served on its Board of Governors and Executive Committee, and chaired the Finance, Budget and Audit Committee. In addition, he served as a Delegate to the American Dental Association (ADA) and as chairman of ADA Reference Committee on Dental Licensure. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Greater NY Dental meeting. Dr. Lerner is a Fellow of the American Association of Endodontists, the American College of Dentists, and the International College of Dentists and a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.

In 1992, the Lerners moved to Florida in pursuit of a more low-key lifestyle. Dr. Lerner established a thriving, private, fee-forservice, endodontic practice in Boca Raton, where he practiced until the pandemic forced closures of many offices, capping a 65-year career in the profession.

“The many patients from all over the world that I had the pleasure of serving throughout my career continued to motivate me,” recalls Dr. Lerner. “It was an honor to be a primary source for quality care in endodontics and help move the specialty forward.”

ALUMNI SHARING SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AS FACULTY

Penn Dental Medicine is pleased to acknowledge those alumni sharing their skills and knowledge training the next generation of Penn Dental Medicine graduates as members of the School’s faculty.

COMMUNITY ORAL HEALTH

Judy Bendit, DH’81

Robert J. Collins, D’71

Lee B. Durst, D’83

Cecile Arlene Feldman-Zohn, C’80, D’84, GD’85, WG’85

Charlene Jennings Fenster, DH’75

Kari Hexem, D’15

Leonard Jensen, D’77

Randolph Mitchell, D’81

Mana Mozaffarian, D’06

John Newland, D’84

Abigail Quinn Peterson, C’96, D’02, GR’22

Andres Pinto, D’99, GD’01, GR’07, GR’17

Derek Sanders, D’06

Shabnam Sedaghat, D’16

Tatyana Straus, GR’15, D’16

ENDODONTICS

Louay Abrass, GD’00

Amenah Albagle, GD’21, GD’21

Mohammed Alharbi, GD’15, GD’17

Alan Atlas, D’86

Seung-Ho Baek, GD’95

Frederic Barnett, D’78, GD’81

Sarah Bukhari, GD’15, GD’16

Rina Campbell, GD’15

Prasad Challagulla, D’07, GD’11

Noah Chivian, D’59

Gilberto Debelian, GD’91

Rami Elsabee, D’17, GD’19

Ameir Eltom, GD’12

Spyridon Floratos, GD’09, GD’10

Kara Fraiman, D’92, GD’94

Garrett Guess, GD’02

Hiroshi Ishii, GD’06

Yi-Tai Jou, D’99

Jean Kang, GD’00

Bekir Karabucak, GD’97, D’02

Eui-Seong Kim, GD’99

Jessica Kim, GD’05

Jung Baik Kim, D’91, GD’93

Lindi Orlin Kimelman, D’08, GD’16, GD’16

Anne Koch, D’77, GD’93

Eunah Koh, D’00, GD’03

Meetu Kohli, D’02, GD’05

Samuel Kratchman, GD’91

Lyudmila Kuznetsova, D’05, GD’08

Brian Lee, D’00, GD’04

Kenneth Lee, C’91, D’95, GD’98

Michelle Lee, D’04

Sumin Lee, GD’13, GD’15, D’20

Martin Levin, D’72, GD’74

Nasim Levin, D’20, GD’22

Francesco Maggiore, GD’99

Ritu Manchanda, D’09, GD’21

Michael Stephen Marmo, D’95, GD’98

Paula Mendez, GD’10

Marlene Oviedo-Marmo, D’94, GD’00

Rinku Parmar, D’02, GD’09

Kara Rosenthal-Fraiman, D’92, GD’94

Louis Rossman, D’75, GD’77

Vanessa Cabrera-Saez, D’17, GD’19

Chafic Safi, GD’15

Lily See, GD‘23

Frank Setzer, GD’06, GD’07, D’10

Su-Jung Shin, GD’04

Martin Trope, GD’82, D’83

Helmut Walsch, GD’00, GD’01

Allen Yang, GD’02, D’04

Kaname Yokota, GD’16

Ya-Hsin Yu, GD’18, D’20

ORAL MEDICINE

Marc Ackerman, D’98

Adeyinka Dayo, D’22, GR,24

Scott DeRossi, D’95, GD’97

Katherine France, D’16, GR’16, GD’18

Martin Greenberg, GD’68

Join Fellow Alumni on the Faculty

Share your skills and knowledge with the next generation as part of our clinical faculty, teaching third- and fourth-year students. Part-time faculty positions are available within the clinics at the School as well as those at our community sites. To learn more, contact alumni@dental.upenn.edu.

Roopali Kulkarni, D'19, GR'19, GD'21, RES'21

Juan-Carlos Mora, D’06

Sean Meehan, D’92

Mel Mupparapu, D’96

Temitope Omolehinwa, GD’14, GD’17, D’20

Andres Pinto, D’99, GD’01, GR’07, GR’17

Agnieszka Radwan-Woch, D’01

Dennis Sharkey III, D’89

Thomas Sollecito, D’89, GD’91

Geetha Srinivasan, D’06

Eric Stoopler, D’99, GD’02

Takako Tanaka, GD’06

ORAL SURGERY & PHARMACOLOGY

Laura Barunas, D12, M15, GD18, GD18

Lee Carrasco, GD’02

Rita Chuang, GD’11

Bruce Cutilli, D’86, GD’92

Douglas Ditty, D’99, RES’00, M’02, GD’05

Joseph Foote, D10, GD22, RES22

Brian Ford, D’09, M’12, GD’15

Eric Granquist, M’07, GD’10, RES’10

Sang Kim, D’06

John Lankalis, M’20, GD’23

Christopher Perrie, M’05, GD’08

Peter Quinn, D’74, GD’78

Donald Rebhun, D’80

Rhae Anna Riegel Alcorn, D’11, M’14, GD’17, RES’17

Manal Sabir, GD’18, D’21

Joseph Spera, D’91

Steven Wang, D’09, M’12, GD’15

David William Wedell, GD’88

ORTHODONTICS

Paul F. Batastini, GD’89, GD’91

Normand Boucher, GD’82

Matthew Busch, GD’99

Chun-Hsi Chung, D’86, GD’92

Guy Coby, GD’87, GD’90

Patrick Cuozzo, GD’97

Hayward Drane IV, C’06, D’12, GD’14

Joseph Ghafari, D’83

Peter Greco, D’79, GD’84

Douglas Scott Harte, D’88, GD’91

John Hayes, GD’86

Eric Howard, D’95

Hyeran (Helen) Jeon, GD’14, GD’16, D’20

Sam Kadan, D’95

Kevin Lucas, GD’89

Arnold Malerman, GD’72

Vincent Mongiovi, D’99, GD’01

Vanessa Morenzi, D’83, GD’84, GD’89

Hyun-Duck Nah-Cederquist, D’97

Robert Anthony Penna, D’93, GD’96

Michael Angelo Perillo, D’93, GD’95

Mohammad Qali, GD’21

Mandy Pen Shui, D’91, GD’91, GD’93

Abby Syverson, D’19, GD’21

Nipul Tanna, D’90, GD’91, GD’10, GD’11

Gustavo Viggiano, GD’89, GD’91

Todd Welsh, D’00, GD’05

Douglas White, D’85, GD’88

Joyce Yin, D’18, GD’21

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Joshua Bresler, GD’05

Carols Gómez, D’03, GED’22

Evlambia Hajishengallis, D’16

Hamid Hayat, GD’79, D’82

Sara Gholam

Joanie Jean, D’19

Kristianne Kracke, D’17, GD’19

Constance Killian, D’81

Christine Landes, D’94

Catherine Lee, D’18, GD’20

Bret Lesavoy, D’19

Rochelle Lindemeyer, GD’79

Asal Mirhadizadeh, D’16, GD’21

Neil Moscow, GD’76

Irada Rahman Lahnemann (D’19)

Sara Rashedi, C’01, D’04

Tony Saito, D’95

Deep Shah, D’13

Abhinav Sinha, D’05

Yoosung Suh, D’96

Patti Werther, D’78, GED’78, GD’81

PERIODONTICS

Mahsa Abdolhosseini, GD’14

Abdulaziz Alblaihess, GD’20

Sultan Alghaithi, GD’18, GD’19

Abdulaziz Alhossan, D’21

Harold Baumgarten, D’77, GD’82

Robert Benedon, D’81, GD’84

I. Stephen Brown, GD’69

Yu-Cheng Chang, GD’15, GD’16, D’18

Robert Denmark, D’91

Howard Fraiman, D’91, GD’93, GD’94

Rebekka Gerson, GD’07

Dumitru Gogarnoiu, D’89, GD’92

Reza Hakim Shoushtari, D’16, GD’20

Pouya Hatam Ebrahimi, D’95, GD’98

Jay Laudenbach, D’02, GD’06, GD’06

Hazeka Kadri, GD’23

Brian Kasten, D’13, GD’17

Yongkun Kun Kim, D’94, GD’98

Jonathan Korostoff, D’85, GR’91, GD’92

Vu La, GD’15, D’17

Richard Levitt, C’68, D’72, GD’77

M. Jeffrey Morton, D’76

Alan Meltzer, D’72

Mana Khalil Nejadi, D’04, GD’09

Louis Rose, GD’70

Hector Sarmiento, GD’14

Mehrdad Soheilimoghadam, GD’14, D’17

Tun-Jun Wang, GD’21

Arnold Weisgold, GD’65

Michael Yasner, C’79, D’83, GD’84, GD’86

Thomas Yoo, D’18, GD’22

PREVENTIVE & RESTORATIVE SCIENCES

Alan Atlas, D’86

Evanthia Anadioti, D’17

Lilyana Angelova, D’08

David Appleby, D’74

Continued on p. 46

STUDENTPERSPECTIVE

VIEWS ON THE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Reflections on Continued Training in Advanced General Dentistry

Contributed by Rachel Branzer, DDS (AEGD’24)

Halfway through my fourth year of dental school, I began researching postgraduate programs that were committed to practicing general dentistry. I was, in every sense of the term, a non-traditional dental student. Before entering dentistry, I enjoyed a career as a classical musician and in the nonprofit sector as in-house management for the Ronald McDonald House Charity for over a decade. This non-traditional background inspired me to pursue postgraduate training that would go beyond providing additional experience in “bread and butter dentistry.” During my search of General Practice Residencies (GPR) and Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) programs, the AEGD at Penn Dental Medicine stood out for several reasons.

The initial draw to Penn’s AEGD program was its commitment to not only developing the practitioner’s skillset, but also training dentists in advanced procedures, such as implants, and understanding the unique challenges of special needs patients. The program’s focus on providing patient-centered care, along with its devoted director and attendings, solidified my decision to pursue advanced training at Penn Dental Medicine. As an AEGD resident, my skillset and approach to general dentistry drastically improved. I received advanced training in restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, periodontic therapy, and treatment planning.

While at the Ronald McDonald House Charity, which provides housing to families with children undergoing extensive medical treatments, I witnessed children with neglected dental health needs because their physicians did not have dentists to recommend to their patients. This sparked a personal commitment to receive training in special needs dentistry.

One of the aspects of the AEGD Program that sets it apart from other programs is its pledge to provide its residents with training for this underserved population. The collaboration with Woods Mikey Faulkner Dental Center allowed me to be the primary dental care provider to their patients. Woods Services Community is a non-profit health network advocacy organization providing dental, medical, behavioral, educational, housing, and case management services to more than 22,000 children and adults with complex intellectual or developmental disabilities. The training that I received at the Woods facility allowed me to learn the didactic and clinical skillsets to manage and treat this patient population, whether in a traditional dental setting, using enteral sedation, or the OR.

Another unique component of the AEGD program was its involvement in providing dental consultations and management to oncology patients. I found myself having the privilege of treating vulnerable patients with very fragile immune systems who were fighting for their lives. In addition to gaining clinical experience in providing dental consultations for oncology patients, I also learned about evidence-based

prophylactic protocols from the program’s dedicated director, Dr. Marc Henschel, that are unique to oncology patients who have a history of previous radiotherapy to the head and neck regions. This skillset I will carry with me throughout my career, and provides me with another tool to prevent radiation-related complications.

I also learned more about implantology, in the didactic and clinical settings. I was fortunate enough to have had the experience of placing seven implants. While rare for an AEGD resident, it has provided a foundation to expand upon with continuing education. The program emphasized developing skills for digital dentistry, including digitally fabricating complete dentures. The program’s didactic courses advanced fundamental knowledge while also expanding on new topics evolving

“Thanks to the AEGD program at Penn Dental Medicine and its wonderful team, I gained an immense amount of quality clinical experience in a very short period.”

— RACHEL BRANZER, DDS (AEGD’24)

within the dentistry field. Throughout my tenure, our director, Dr. Henschel relentlessly advocated for his residents and always maintained an open-door policy.

Thanks to the AEGD program at Penn Dental Medicine and its wonderful team, I gained an immense amount of quality clinical experience in a very short period. The faculty were tireless supporters for the residents and patients, in a manner I believe is nearly unparalleled in dental education. I now feel prepared for a career in private practice and am equipped to practice in the most competitive markets in the country.

CLASSNOTES

NEWS FROM FELLOW ALUMNI

1960s

Dr. Michael Unger (D’61) and Dr. Arthur Zack (D’60) recently reunited for the first time in almost 64 years at a Memorial Day program in Boca Raton, Florida.

Dr. Morris Weinman (D’65) has been doing volunteer work since retiring as a Colonel from the Air Force Dental Corps. In Florida, he served as Chairman of the Delray Beach Housing Authority, supporting low-income families. After returning to his home in Texas, he resumed volunteering at the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a place he and his wife Patti cherish. He says life is good and remains proud of all he has achieved through Penn Dental Medicine.

1970s

Dr. Kenneth Ingber (D’71) has retired from his practice in Washington, D.C., and returned to Penn Dental Medicine as a clinical instructor. He has also joined the Penn Dental Medicine Alumni Executive Committee and encourages his peers to reconnect and get involved with the School.

Dr. Richard Levitt (C’68, D’72, GD’77) was recently promoted to Associate Clinical Professor in Periodontics at Penn Dental Medicine. Having retired from his periodontal practice near Atlantic City, N.J., he has been part-time at Penn Dental for over 20 years. He remains an active biker and sailor and serves as chairman of the Northfield New Jersey Planning Board.

Dr. Robert Martin (D’72) is enjoying his retirement in Palm Desert, California, following a 42-year career in pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Harry Tatoian, Jr. (D’72) is enjoying life after decades of private practice. Now, he is providing care to underserved populations with in-school mobile dental teams in Virginia.

Dr. Benjamin Iuvone (D'74) returned to Penn Dental Medicine in May to celebrate his 50th reunion with his classmates. He shared his enjoyment of visiting Philadelphia and remarked on the significant changes in areas such as the Philadelphia Naval Base over the years.

Dr. John Gershey (D’76) recently retired after practicing orthodontics for 45 years in Scranton, Pa. He also served as the president of the Scranton District Dental Society.

Dr. Richard Friedman (D’79) retired after 15 years of practicing dentistry and 27 years in radiation oncology. He wants to thank his parents, patients, partners, friends, family, and coworkers for a fulfilling and wonderful career.

Dr. Sandra Grzybicki (DH’79, D’97) is married and has a daughter studying chemical engineering at The Ohio State University. After graduating from Penn Dental Medicine, she completed a residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital and opened a practice in Paoli, Pa. Since 2002, she has been a solo practitioner providing holistic care for children and special needs patients.

Dr. Joseph Shapira (GD’79) is a Professor of Pediatric Dentistry and formerly served as the Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Hebrew University-Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine in Jerusalem. He also serves as Director of the Prevention Program for Oral Health at SHALVA — The National Center for Care and Inclusion of Children with Disabilities.

1980s

Dr. Pamela Alberto (D’80) recently received the 2024 Daniel M. Laskin Award for Outstanding Predoctoral Educator.

Dr. William Cheung (D’81, GD’82) was elected to the Council of the FDI World Dental Federation for a term of three years.

Dr. William Cheung (D’81, GD’82), Dr. Stefani Cheung (C’08, D’11), and Dr. Steven Poon (GD’20) recently shared insights and stories of personal growth, multi-disciplinary care, preventative dentistry, and the value of lifelong learning with the Penn Club of Hong Kong.

Dr. Joseph Iuliano (D’84) sold his practice in July of 2022. He now enjoys the rewards of a wonderful career and spending time with his 8 (soon to be 9) grandchildren.

Dr. Wayne Maibaum (D'84) is pleased to announce that a paper he co-authored with Dr. Steven Spitzer (NYUCD '75), a practicing endodontist, will be published in the New York State Dental Journal later this year. This achievement comes five years into Dr. Maibaum's retirement from dentistry.

1990s

Dr. Jeong Hwan Kim (D’91) began forming a network of Penn Dental Medicine alumni in South Korea. Initially a small group of four, it has now expanded to over 18 members. This past April, 11 of these alumni gathered for a dinner, traveling from various parts of South Korea to attend.

Dr. Tony Saito (D’95), Dr. Debra Carri (D’95, GD’99), Dr. Bill Cummings (D’95), and Dr. Anne Annone (D’95) are looking forward to seeing the Class of 1995 at Penn Dental Medicine’s Alumni Weekend 2025!

2010s

Dr. Kenneth Jainandan (D’11) has successfully opened his first boutique dental practice in the heart of Tampa Bay's Seminole Heights neighborhood. Specializing in general and cosmetic dentistry procedures, Heights Dental Tampa has so far treated over 2,500 patients in the first 18 months of opening while providing excellent patient care in a modern setting. He performs a wide range of services including endodontics, oral surgery, implant placement, fixed and removable prosthetic fabrication, cosmetic procedures, and more.

Dr. Jyoti Dangi (D’14) is thrilled and honored to announce that she is one of the recipients of the Pennsylvania Dental Association's (PDA) 10 Under 10 Award. She had a wonderful time reconnecting with friends and classmates and meeting their families at their 10-year reunion.

JOIN US FOR TRAVEL & CDE

Enjoy leisure time with fellow alumni at unique travel destinations around the globe while also earning continuing education credits — plans are being finalized for exciting programs in Bali and Switzerland.

Bali Alumni Adventure

JANUARY 12–19, 2025

Explore Indonesia’s Cultural Heartland with Penn Dental Medicine

LEARN MORE 

2020s

ALUMNI SKI TRIP

FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2025

Join us in Zermatt, Switzerland for the annual Alumni Ski Trip, learn more 

Dr. Elizabeth Bailey (D’21) married Thomas Magrino in Columbus Ohio on August 3, 2024. Penn Dental Medicine alums Dr. Nicolette Almer (C’18, D’21, GD’23), Dr. Madison Richards (D'22), and Dr. Phyllis Immitti (D'22) were in attendance to celebrate the special day.

Dr. Zinah Shakir (D’24) says, “It’s a privilege to be a Penn graduate. The Penn experience continues to influence my career. My 12-year-old son attended my graduation and visited the campus; he even gave a presentation about Penn for his 7th-grade class. I’m grateful to be his role model and look forward to seeing him graduate from Penn as well.”

ALUMNI SHARING SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AS FACULTY

Continued from p. 43

PREVENTIVE & RESTORATIVE SCIENCES

Lyusya Badishan, D’13

Joy Bockstein Abt, D’94

Myung (Brian) Chang, D’98

Scott Chanin, D’83

Meeta Chawla, D’15

Stefani Cheung, C’08, D’11

William Cheung, D’81, GD’82

Nicole Deakins, D’14

Pamela Doray, GED’76, D’84

Jay Dubin, C’80, D’84

Keith Dunoff, D’84

Evan Eisler, C’11, D’15

Olimbi Ekmekcioglu, D’05

Mandana Etemad, D’96

Cassandra Gafford, D’13

Michael Glick, GD‘88

Ronald Goldenberg, D’75

Kunaal Goyal, C’87, D’91, CGS’02

Edward Grossman, D’91

Karina Hariton-Gross, D’10

Kenneth Ingber, D’71

Victor Iradi, D92

Patrice Ierardi, MT’80, D’84

Donna Marie Jankiewicz, D’88

Irena Jug-Weiss, D’87

William Kessler, D’20

Jae Woo Kim, D’07

Stephen Kohn

Hua-Hsin Ko, D’17

Brian Korff, D’76

Mark Koup, D’04

Shaun Lavallee, D’13

Marie Valentine Lim, D’93

Yuan Liu, GD’19

Arturo Llobell Cortell, GD’15

Ghina Maliha, D’91

Francis Mante, D’95

Mamle Mante, D’92

Ewa Matczak, D’90

Maria Hodap Morgan, D’17

David Nepa, D’91

Fusun Ozer, D’13

Nurpur Patel (GD’21)

Isaac Perle, D’79

Janet Romisher, DH’84

Andrew Rosenfeld, D’80

Hal Rosenthaler, D’76

Najeed Saleh, D’94

Steven Alan Schwartz, D’76

Olivia Sheridan, D’90, GD’92

Jeffrey Sibner, D’83, GD’84

Mary Sidawi, D’02

Francis Smithgall, C’79, D’83

Eric Spieler, D’84

Joann Stettler, D’98

David Tecosky, D’79

Wilferd Vachon, Jr., D’71

Sharon Verdinelli, D’90, LPS’08

Lori Vespia, D’91

John Weierbach II, D’81, GD’82

Peter Wiesel, D’86

While every attempt was made to ensure this list was complete, however, should we have missed any alumni who are currently faculty, please let us know at alumnifeedback@dental.upenn.edu so our records can be corrected.

ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND

INMEMORIAM

REMEMBERING MEMBERS OF THE PENN DENTAL MEDICINE COMMUNITY

Arthur A. Levin (D’40) Okemos, MI; May 10, 2024

Joseph M. Margiotta (D’45) West Palm Beach, FL; April 18, 2019

Betty Hogan Holderbaum (DH’46) Fairport, NY; March 1, 2024

Mary Aspinwall Connell (DH’48) Stratford, CT; March 2, 2022

Edwin Cowen (C’49, D’51) New Rochelle, NY; May 14, 2024

Elizabeth Chapman Reinhardt (DH’51) Dayton, OH; March 18, 2024

Edward B. Lewis (D’52) Hershey, PA; June 10, 2024

Col. Richard C. Rushmore (D’52) Waverly Township, PA; April 7, 2024

Caroll Kaestner Van Zanten (DH’53) Pinchurst, NC; July 31, 2024

Rodney H. Stauffer (D’53) New Holland, PA; May 18, 2024

Inez Horan Cullen (DH’54) Niantic, CT; March 8, 2024

Drew F. Seibert (D’56, GD’58) Lakewood, NJ; August 23, 2024

Dorothy Zimmerman Horowitz (DH’56) Pompton Plains, NY; September 16, 2024

Bernard J. Zeldow (D’56) Bellevue, WA; July 16, 2024

Herbert M. Dietz (D’57, GD’60) West Chester, PA; April 16, 2024

Robert M. Siegel (D’57) Spring Valley, NY; August 2, 2024

Howard A. Silver (D’57) West Palm Beach, FL; April 1, 2024

Allen Vershel (D’57) New York, NY; August 5, 2024

John M. Fosnocht (D’58) Silver Springs, MD; April 9, 2024

Karen Combs Flickinger (DH’58) State College, PA; July 3, 2024

Barron M. Hirsch (D’58) Irvine, CA; April 5, 2024

Marvin H. Sitrin (D’58) East Windsor NJ; February 20, 2024

Barry D. Trabitz (GD’59) Manchester, CT; September 29, 2024

Richard C. Durbeck (D’60) Hancock, NY; July 12, 2024

Remembering Karen Combs Flickinger (DH’58)

Penn Dental Medicine remembers long-time faculty member Karen Combs Flickinger (DH’58 ), a joyful and passionate advocate for prevention and oral health equity, who passed away on July 3, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer. Karen graduated from the University of Pennsylvania dental hygiene program in 1958 and went on to teach in both the Penn Dental Medicine hygiene and predoctoral dental programs for over 30 years. She was instrumental in developing the preventive dentistry and health promotion courses that continue in the predoctoral program. In 2019, Karen was recognized with Penn’s Dental Hygiene Special Achievement Award.

Carole Hjerpe Joyce (DH’60) Winter Garden, FL; May 1, 2024

Robert L. Graeff (D’61) Reading, PA; May 30, 2024

William B. Linenberg (C’52, GD’61) Haddonfield, NJ; May 3, 2024

Donald B. Bershtein (D’62) Edision, NJ; May 22, 2024

Francis A. Castano (C’60, D’63, WG’73) Centennial, WY; April 7, 2024

Michaela Klepak Gold (DH’63) West Barnstable, MA; November 20, 2022

Helve Viitel Clough (DH’64) North Chesterfield, VA; June 4, 2024

C. William Springer (D’64) Holladay, UT; July 7, 2024

David J. Cantor (D’65, GD’67) Rockville MD; June 27, 2024

Jo Anne Kessler Hobberman (DH’65) Lock Haven, PA; June 4, 2024

Leonard M. Slater (D’65) Seal Beach, CA; December 25, 2023

Carole Hjerpe Joyce (DH’66) Winter Garden, FL; May 1, 2024

Gertrude Stahl Epstein (DH’66) Canton, MA; April 30, 2024

Joseph A. F. Plate (D’66) Rochester, NY; May 3, 2024

Michael D. Ryan (GD’66) Chesapeake City, MD; June 7, 2024

Edwin L. Cohen (D’67) Glen Head, NY; May 14, 2024

Laura Lotka Levin (DH’67) Palm Beach Gardens, FL; April 25, 2024

Gerald P. Sternberg (D’67) Pennington, NJ; April 11, 2024

Eric T. Rippert (D’68, GD’76) Vero Beach, FL; May 6, 2024

Helen Cavanaugh Komazec (DH’68) Tinton Falls, NJ; July 8, 2024

L. James Snyder (D’68) Bryn Mawr, PA; April 30, 2024

John M. Uhl (C’64, D’68) Columbia, SC; April 25, 2024

Stephen D. Smith (D’69) Exton, PA; April 30, 2024

Stuart B. Fountain (GD’70) Asheboro, NC; July 31, 2024

Donald H. Shubert (C’66, D’70) Hacks Point, MD; September 4, 2024

Michael Elliott (D’71) Loveland, CO; August 21, 2024

Joel H. Goldberg (D’71) Port Richey, FL; September 4, 2024

Debra More-Williams (DH’72) Silver Spring, MD; June 25, 2024

William E. Munley (D’75) Broomall, PA; September 14, 2024

Kathy Powell Roebuck (D’75) Mountain Brook, AL; July 31, 2024

John A. Wittner (D’75) West Chester, PA; February 14, 2024

David M. Fenster (D’77, GD’80) Princeton Junction, NJ; September 9, 2024

Kenneth J. Mello (D’77) Newport News, VA; March 17, 2024

Thomas A. Clary, Jr. (D’84) Auburn, NY; April 18, 2024

Elizabeth L. Culver (D’86) Merion Station, PA; April 22, 2024

2024/2025CALENDAR

UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS

NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 7, 2024

American Academy of Periodontology Alumni Reception Marco Island, FL

NOVEMBER 18, 2024

CDE: 3rd Global Oral Health and Climate Change Conference Online

NOVEMBER 20, 2024

CDE: National Coalition of Dentists for Health Equity (NCDHE) Webinar Online

NOVEMBER 21, 2024

CDE: From Scan to Smile: Digital Implant Dental Implant Planning Online, JMEC Law Auditorium

DECEMBER

DECEMBER 2, 2024

Greater New York Alumni Reception New York City, NY

DECEMBER 5, 2024

Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics Alumni Reception New York City, NY

DECEMBER 11, 2024

CDE: NCDHE Webinar Online

JANUARY

JANUARY 13-17, 2025

CDE: Bali Alumni Adventure Bali, Indonesia

JANUARY 24, 2024

CDE: Quarterly Combined TMJ Lecture Series Online

JANUARY 31, 2025

Boston Alumni Reception Boston, MA

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 8, 2025

Sarasota Florida Alumni Brunch Sarasota Yacht Club, Sarasota, FL

FEBRUARY 9, 2025

West Palm Florida Alumni Brunch The Breakers, West Palm Beach, FL

FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 1, 2025

CDE: Alumni Ski Trip Zermatt, Switzerland

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Chicago Dental Society Mid-Winter Meeting, Pop-up Reception Chicago, IL

MARCH

MARCH 6, 2025

Alumni-Student Networking Event Penn Museum

MARCH 13, 2025

AADOCR Meeting Reception New York, NY

APRIL

APRIL 3, 2025

American Academy of Oral Medicine Alumni Reception Las Vegas, NV

APRIL 3, 2025

American Academy of Endodontics Alumni Reception Boston, MA

APRIL 5, 2025

Penn Endo Alumni Activity Boston, MA

APRIL 16, 2025

Research Day Penn Dental Medicine

APRIL 25, 2025

American Association of Orthodontics Alumni Reception Philadelphia, PA

APRIL 25, 2025

CDE: Quarterly Combined TMJ Lecture Series Online

APRIL 25, 2025

Visit www.dental.upenn.edu/events or call 215-898-8951 for information on alumni events

Visit www.dental.upenn.edu/cde or call 215-573-6841 for information on continuing dental education programs

CDE: 10th International TMJ Interdisciplinary Research Meeting Penn Medicine and Online

MAY

MAY 13, 2025

Senior Farewell Philadelphia, PA

MAY 15, 2025

ACCE Day Penn Dental Medicine

MAY 16-17, 2025

Alumni Weekend

Penn Dental Medicine

MAY 19, 2025 Commencement Irvine Auditorium

MAY 24, 2025

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Alumni Reception Denver, CO

MAY 29, 2025

CDE: CiPD Symposium Philadelphia, PA

JULY

JULY 28 - AUGUST 1, 2025

CDE: 7th Penn Periodontal Conference

Penn Dental Medicine and Online

PENN DENTAL MEDICINE ALUMNI SOCIETY 2024–2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Alyssa Greenberger, D’02 President

Katherine France, D’16, GR’16, GD’18 Vice-President

Members-at-Large

Abdalla Asi, D’22

Pam Alberto, D’80

Judy Bendit, DH’81

Carolyn Izu Bergmann, D’83

David Boschken, D’98, GD’00

Scott Chanin, D’83

Travis Chirman, D’24

Gail Spiegel Cohen, C’76 D’80

Milan Doshi, D’07

Keith Dunoff, D’84

Caryn Siegel Finley, C’95 D’99

Kara Fraiman, D’92, GD’94

Andrew Fraser, D’16

Maria Perno Goldie, DH’71

Andrew Henry, D’12 M’15 GD’18

Stephen Howarth, D’16

Ken Ingber, D’71

Donna Jankiewicz, D’88

Ana Kodra, D’19, GD’24

JV Kracke, D’17 GD’19

Daniel Kubikian, D’01 GD’04 GD’05

Roopali Kulkarni, D’19 GR’19 GD’21

Bernard Kurek, D’73 WMP’03

Kristen Leong, C’16 GED’20 D’21

Bret Lesavoy, D’19

Kevin Luan GD’17

Craig McKenzie, GED’20, D’21

John Newland D’84

Stephanie Ng, D’24

Ngozi Okoh, D’12

Nimesh Patel, D’09

Lindsay Pfeffer, D’08, GR’08

Lisa Schildhorn, DH’75

Shabnam Sedaghat, D’06

Janet Shear, D’22

John Shin D’23

Josh Simpson, D’16

Matt Sones, D’12

Ann Eshenaur Spolarich, DH’82

Shari Summers D’83

Ben Truong, D’19

Eric Verdeyen D’23

Gary Wegman, D’83

Michael Yasner, C’79, D’83, GD’84, GD’86

Sarah Yoon D’07, GD’13

Brigitte White Zinkovic, CGS’04, D’07

DEAN’S COUNCIL

Martin D. Levin, D’72, GD’74, Chair

Gail E. Schupak, D’83, Vice Chair

Robert Brody, C’80, D’84

Stefani Cheung, C’08, D’11

Charlene Jennings Fenster, DH’75

Joseph P. Fiorellini, DMD, DMSc

Howard P. Fraiman, D’91, GD’93, GD’94

Joseph E. Gian-Grasso, C’67, D’71

C. Mitchell Goldman

Jeffrey N. Grove, D’04

Elliot Hersh, DMD, MS, PhD

Anil J. Idiculla, C’98, GD’06

Christopher Joy, D’80

Meetu Kohli, D’02, GD’05

Brian Lee, D’00, GD’04

Richard Levitt, C’68, D’72, GD’77

Daniell J. Mishaan, D’03

Saul M. Pressner, D’79

Michael Ragan, D’77

Daniel Richardson, D’02

Louis Rossman, D’75, GD’77

Derek Sanders, D’06

Trina Sengupta, D’08

Tara Sexton, D’88

Robert Stern, D’87

Susan Stern, C’77, D’81

Arnold Weisgold, GD’65

BOARD OF ADVISORS

David Tai-Man Shen, DMD, D’79, GD’81, Chair

Stanley M. Bergman - Emeritus

Dirk Brunner, MSC, MBA

Julie Charlestein

William W. M. Cheung, DMD, D’81, GD’82 - Emeritus

Joanne Chouinard-Luth, DMD, D’79

Terri Dolan, DDS, MPH

Matthew J. Doyle, PhD

Egidio Farone, DMD, D’84

Allen Finkelstein, DDS

Ruchi Goel, WG’04

Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD

Steve Kess, MBA

Anne Koch, DMD, D’77, GD’93

Vincent Mosimann

Catherine O’Hern Lynons, MBA, C’86

Joan O’Shea, MD

Daniel W. Perkins

Garry Rayant, DDS, GD’77

Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD

Tony Saito, DMD, D’95

Thomas Schweiterman, MD

Alfred L. Spencer, Jr.

Heather Trombley

Joerg Vogel

Robert Zou, WG’94

Ex Officio Members

Martin D. Levin, DMD, D’72, GD’74, Chair, Dean’s Council

Alyssa Greenberger, DMD, D’02, President, Alumni Society

PDMJ ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Beth Adams

Director of Publications

Dr. Faizan Alawi

Associate Professor, Basic & Translational Sciences

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Dr. Markus Blatz

Professor of Restorative Dentistry

Chair, Department of Preventive & Restorative Sciences

Sarah Burton Flynn

Director of Strategic Development & Alumni Relations

Maren Gaughan

Associate Dean for Leadership Giving

Dr. Joan Gluch

Division Chief and Professor of Clinical Community

Oral Health, Associate Dean for Academic Policies

Dr. Dana Graves

Professor, Department of Periodontics

Vice Dean for Research and Scholarship

Elizabeth Ketterlinus

Vice Dean of Institutional Advancement

Dr. Robert Ricciardi

Professor, Acting Chair,

Department of Basic & Translational Sciences

Dr. Thomas Sollecito

Professor of Oral Medicine

Chair, Department of Oral Medicine

Margaret Yang

Director of Student Affairs and Engagement

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Elizabeth Ketterlinus, ekett@upenn.edu

Vice Dean of Institutional Advancement

Maren Gaughan, gaughan@upenn.edu

Associate Dean for Leadership Giving

Sarah Burton Flynn, sburton@upenn.edu

Director of Strategic Development & Alumni Relations

Lindsay Murphy, lhonzak@upenn.edu

Associate Director of Annual Giving

Jennifer Pacitti, jpacitti@upenn.edu

Special Events Coordinator

Domenic Gaeta, dtgaeta@upenn.edu

Development Coordinator

Beth Adams, adamsnb@upenn.edu

Director, Publications

Pam Rice, pamrice@upenn.edu

Senior Director of Continuing Education

Rachel Dager, rdager@upenn.edu

Associate Director of Continuing Education

Office of Institutional Advancement: 215–898–8951

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228, Philadelphia, PA 19104–6106; or (215) 898–6993 (Voice) or (215) 898–7803 (TDD).