Spring 2019 Penn Dental Medicine Journal

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PDMJ PENN DENTAL MEDICINE JOURNAL | SPRING 2019

ORAL CARE ENHANCING CANCER CARE NEW CLINICAL TRIAL IN COLLABORATION WITH PENN MEDICINE IS COMBATING ORAL SIDE EFFECTS OF RADIATION TREATMENT


FROM THE DEAN

Building on Strengths Together IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE that commencement for the Class of 2019 is nearly upon us. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our graduating students, their friends and families, on this outstanding accomplishment. A rewarding career in dental medicine awaits each of you, and Penn Dental Medicine, your faculty, and I wish you all great success and happiness. Even as you move on, know that you are now a member of the Penn Dental Medicine family, and we are always here as a resource. We look forward to your continued growth and development. I hope you’ll maintain close connections to the School and each other. This first academic year in the deanship has been a tremendously rewarding time for me. Getting to know our students, faculty, staff, and alumni has reinforced what a special school this is and the great potential we have to build on the School’s strengths together. I respect and value the input I’m receiving from so many within the Penn Dental Medicine community as we come together to explore new ways to support each other and advance the School’s mission of education, research, and patient care. In the area of research and clinical care, we recently welcomed Dr. Patricia Corby to the newly created role of Associate Dean for Translational Research (see story page 12). Along with helping to support other faculty in moving their own research forward to clinical application, she is also leading an exciting clinical trial in collaboration with Penn Medicine and its Roberts Proton Therapy Center. She has shown that comprehensive, prophylactic dental care of head/neck and oral cancer patients receiving radiation can combat oral mucositis, an often-debilitating side effect of radiation treatment. This large-scale trial will continue to build on that work.

It is also heartening to see the level of student engagement in the School’s research activities – as the future of dental medicine, it is vital to cultivate leaders who can apply science and practice across disciplines. Through the School’s AADR Travel Award Program (see story page 20), 16 DMD and postdoctoral students and junior researchers will be attending and presenting their work at the upcoming AADR/IADR/ CADR Annual Meeting in June. If you are attending the meeting, I hope you will plan to join us for the reception we will be hosting where you can meet them and the faculty attending from the School. In this issue, we also highlight the record number of current National Health Service Corps (NHSC) scholars at the School (see story page 30) and alumni of the NHSC initiatives, all of whom have made a commitment to bring dental care to underserved communities around the country. Indeed, great work through great programs. Finally, I want to use this moment to extend an open invitation to you, our alumni, to come back and visit – whether through our alumni events or when you happen to be in Philadelphia; I’m eager to continue to get to know you. You are one of the School’s greatest resources, and I welcome your feedback and input as together, with the entire Penn Dental Medicine community, we set goals and launch new initiatives.

Mark S. Wolff, DDS, PhD Morton Amsterdam Dean


INSIDE 12 2 11 17 26 35

Supporting Cancer Care, Expanding Clinical Research Recent Recruit Dr. Patricia Corby, New Associate Dean for Translational Research

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 Highlights Profiles, Gatherings & Engagement

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AADR Travel Award Program Cultivating the Next Generation of Dental Researchers

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Paying It Forward

Dental Students and Underserved Patients Alike Reap Rewards from the NHSC's Programs

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Class Notes News from Fellow Alumni

PENN DENTAL MEDICINE JOURNAL: Vol. 15, No. 2 University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine www.dental.upenn.edu

In Memoriam Remembering Members of the Penn Dental Medicine Community

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2019 Calendar Upcoming Events & Programs

Dean: Mark S. Wolff, DDS, PhD Senior Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations: Elizabeth Ketterlinus Associate Dean for Leadership Giving: Maren Gaughan Director, Publications: Beth Adams Contributing Writers: Beth Adams, Juliana Delany, Debbie Goldberg, Katie Unger Baillie Design: Dyad Communications Photography: Mark Garvin, Peter Olson Printing: The Pearl Group at CRW Graphics Office of Development and Alumni Relations: 215-898-8951

ON THE COVER: Penn’s Roberts Proton Therapy Center, where Penn Dental Medicine’s recent recruit, Dr. Patricia Corby, will be collaborating with Dr. Alexander Lin, Chief of the Head and Neck Oncology Service and Medical Director of the Proton Therapy Center, on a study looking at how a thorough oral cleaning can help reduce or eliminate oral mucositis, a common but debilitating side effect of radiation treatment for head/neck and oral cancer patients.

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. ©2019 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.

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ONCAMPUS

SCHOOL NEWS IN BRIEF

By the Numbers: Online Learning LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES Penn Dental Medicine’s Learning Technology Team (LTT) is continuing to leverage the use of technology in learning and teaching — from the development of Apple Books to video lectures. Since 2017:

New Look, New Equipment to Enhance Pediatric Care With bright, kid-friendly colors and new stateof-the-art equipment, the pediatric patient care center at Penn Dental Medicine has undergone renovations throughout to enhance clinical care and the patient care experience. The renovations were debuted at an open house celebration held February 12 when the Penn Dental Medicine community of faculty, staff, and students joined with alumni to tour the facility and see the updates to both the clinical care and patient waiting areas. “We are excited to have the updated operatories and equipment to support our clinical services and the refreshed look and feel throughout make it a welcoming environment for patients,” says Dr. Betty Hajishengallis, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Dentistry. All 10 operatories have been outfitted with new equipment, including new dental chairs with rear-delivery instruments, new radiology units, and new cabinetry. One of the most significant changes was the creation of a new operatory designed to accommodate patients who use a wheelchair; it is outfitted

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with a wheelchair lift onto which the chair can be parked and the patients reclined so they can be easily treated without having to leave their wheelchairs. “We see a significant number of patients on wheelchairs and having an operatory equipped specifically to accommodate their needs will make it easier and more convenient for them to receive care and for us to deliver the dental care this special group of pediatric patients deserves,” says Dr. Hajishengallis. Finishes throughout the clinical care and the patient waiting areas were refreshed through the renovation, including new flooring, new ceiling, new lighting, and a new coat of paint. There is also new seating and a new television for video entertainment/education in the waiting area. In 2014, the pediatric care center at Penn Dental Medicine was expanded with the creation of an open bay area with six treatment areas; this section of the facility, used predominantly for treating older children, did not go through any changes in this recent renovation.

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FACULTY WORKED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE LTT TO DEVELOP DIGITAL EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES APPLE BOOKS, TOTALING 12,153 PAGES AND 476 INTERACTIVE WIDGETS, WERE CREATED

HOURS WERE RECORDED OF RESIDENT CASE PRESENTATIONS

ONLINE AND BLENDED-LEARNING COURSE PROJECTS, TOTALING 150 HOURS, WERE FILMED IN THE LTT STUDIO

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS In addition, a growing number of alumni and continuing education programs have gone virtual (streaming live), enabling participants to “attend” from across the country and around the world.

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ALUMNI PARTICIPATED VIRTUALLY IN THE 2018–2019 ALUMNI LECTURE SERIES FROM 34 STATES, AND 10 COUNTRIES INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ALUMNI PARTICIPATING VIRTUALLY IN THE 2018–2019 SERIES VIRTUAL ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALUMNI, STUDENTS, AND FACULTY WERE PRESENTED IN FY2019

ABOVE LEFT: Dr. Betty Hajishengallis (right), Chief of the Division of Pediatric Dentistry, with resident Dr. Allison Brand (GD’19) in one of the newly renovated operatories.


Five Students Assume National Leadership Roles in American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Five Penn Dental Medicine students will be serving in national leadership roles in the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) for the 2019–20 academic year, including the group’s top post. This is the second year in a row for a Penn Dental Medicine student to be chosen to lead this national organization — the first time since 1979–1980 that there have been back-toback ASDA presidents from the same school. Second-year student Craig McKenzie (D’21) succeeds Roopali Kulkarni (D’19) as President, who will also continue to serve on the Board of Trustees. In addition, Leslie Tay (D’20) was appointed to Council on Communications Chair; Nasim Levin (D’20) was appointed Advanced Standing/International Dental Student Advisory Committee Member; and Julia Cheung (D’21) was elected District 3 Trustee. The nation’s largest dental student organization, ASDA aims to protect and advance the rights, interests, and welfare of dental students and represents 24,000 members nationwide. “I’m extremely proud that these Penn Dental Medicine students will have a hand in advocating for their fellow dental students across the nation in these capacities,” says Morton Amsterdam Dean Mark Wolff. “As they take on these leadership positions, I look forward to seeing how these students — the future leaders in our field — work with their peers to improve and expand opportunities in dental education.” McKenzie, who recently held the role of Trustee to the national ASDA Board, was elected President by ASDA’s House of Delegates —

representing all 66 U.S. dental schools — during ASDA’s annual meeting in Pittsburgh, March 2. This is the first time in recent history for a second-year student to be elected to this leadership role. He has also served as a national predental consultant and chapter development chair for ASDA District 3, and founded and led the ASDA predental chapter at Virginia

In addition, Julia Cheung takes on the national trustee position, building on previous experiences as Treasurer and Social Committee Chair for Penn Dental Medicine’s ASDA chapter and as Co-Content Coordinator on the Meetings Committee at the district level. In her role as District 3 Trustee, Cheung will represent the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Howard

This is the first time since 1979–1980 that there have been back-to-back ASDA presidents from the same school. Tech University as an undergraduate. McKenzie is completing a dual degree at Penn Dental Medicine, working toward a Master of Science in Education alongside his dental degree. Chosen from a competitive field of highly qualified national candidates by the ASDA Board of Trustees, LeslieTay and Nasim Levin will play key roles in achieving the association’s goals for the coming year. Tay has been active in ASDA, serving on the chapter (as Secretary), district (as Chapter Liaison) and national levels (as Council on Communications Associate) in the 2018–2019 term and as Social Media Chair on the district level during the 2017–2018 term. Levin previously served as International Student Program representative for District 3.

University, University of Maryland, and University of Pittsburgh on a national level. As one of 11 trustees, she also serves on the Board of Trustees as well as the Council of Professional Issues. Roopali Kulkarni, who served as President of ASDA national for the 2018–2019 academic year, will continue on the Board of Trustees as immediate past president. Penn Dental Medicine was well represented at this year’s annual meeting of ASDA, with 20 students in attendance — more than any other school. ASDA represents 92 percent of all dental students, introducing members to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry and provides services, information, education, representation, and advocacy.

ABOVE LEFT: Craig McKenzie (D’21) getting pinned as the newly elected ASDA President by outgoing President Roopali Kulkarni (D’19) at the ASDA national meeting. RIGHT: The 20 Penn Dental Medicine students representing the School at the meeting.

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ONCAMPUS

Educating Dentists to Care for Persons with Disabilities Penn Dental Medicine is helping to improve access to care for persons with disabilities through a commitment to provide continuing education and educational content to dentists on how to manage this special population. AmeriHealth Caritas, one of the nation’s largest Medicaid managed care organizations, has partnered with Penn Dental Medicine and Temple University’s Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry to utilize the schools’ education programs as part of its Inclusive Dental program, a new initiative by the company aimed at expanding community-based dental care for persons with disabilities.

In conjunction with the April 1 launch of Inclusive Dental in Southeastern Pennsylvania, the inaugural continuing education program of this partnership was held at Penn Dental Medicine on March 30 and at Temple on March 29, drawing more than 80 practitioners from the region. The program included lectures on defining disability; communicating effectively with parents, caregivers, and patients; principles of dental care for persons with disabilities; and treatment options through the lifespan. “It is vital that we teach dentists how to deliver care to persons with disabilities in a culturally sensitive way, in the office, in the community setting,” says Penn Dental Medicine’s Morton Amsterdam Dean Mark Wolff, who committed to the Inclusive Dental project prior to joining Penn Dental Medicine through his work with Project Accessible Oral Health (PAOH) — a ABOVE: Dean Mark Wolff with U.S. Congressman Dwight Evans; Paul Tufano, Chairman and CEO of AmeriHealth Caritas; and Amid I. Ismail, Dean of Temple University’s School of Dentistry at the press conference announcing the launch of the Inclusive Dental program (Photo Credit: Martin Regusters).

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national nonprofit focused on improving access to oral health care for the disabled community, where he serves on the PAOH Education Committee with AmeriHealth Caritas Corporate Dental Vice President Dr. Lawrence Paul. At a press conference held Friday, March 29, to announce the launch of Inclusive Dental, Dr. Paul noted that in talking with dentists in the company’s network of providers one of the key barriers to treating individuals with disabilities was lack of training. “Both Penn and Temple have made institutional commitments to really create a program that begins to address the training needs of dentists,” said Dr. Paul. “While we at Penn and our partners at Temple have made this commitment to develop educational programs for current practitioners, we have an even stronger commitment to developing new practitioners who will be fluent, current, and capable of delivering care,” adds Dean Wolff. “At Penn, we’re devoted to educating every dental student to competency so they are capable of managing people with disabilities in their offices, because if we don’t find a solution to this in the dental offices, we are going to fail.” Expanding clinical care services for persons with disabilities and increasing the educational experiences with this population for students is a top priority for Dean Wolff, with plans moving forward to create a patient care center at Penn Dental Medicine devoted exclusively to serving these individuals. “As a dental school, we can bring resources to this issue on multiple levels," stresses Dean Wolff, "Through these continuing education programs and educational resources for practitioners in the community, through the hands-on education of our students, and by being a center of care in the community.”

SERVING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES If you treat persons with disabilities and are open to referrals or would like more information about training on this topic, let us know at alumni@dental.upenn.edu.

Dr. Arnold Weisgold Joins Dean’s Council

Penn Dental Medicine recently welcomed Arnold Weisgold, DDS, FACD, to its Dean’s Council. The Council serves as an external advisory group to the School’s Dean on matters relevant to advancing the mission of Penn Dental Medicine. As a longtime member of the faculty, Dr. Weisgold brings close ties to the School to the role. Presently Adjunct Professor in the Department of Periodontics at Penn Dental Arnold Weisgold, DDS, FACD Medicine, Dr. Weisgold joined the School’s faculty in 1967 as an Assistant Professor, advancing to serve as Clinical Professor from 1976 through 2005 before becoming Adjunct Professor. Among his other appointments at Penn Dental Medicine, he was founding Chair of the former Department of Form and Function of the Masticatory System (1976–1984); served as Director of Postdoctoral Periodontal Prosthesis (1973–2006) and Associate Dean for Clinical Sciences (1984–1987); and was the first Director of the former Implant Research Center (1990–1996). Dr. Weisgold earned his dental degree from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1961. After graduation, he served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps for two years, and then came to Penn to pursue postdoctoral study, earning a certificate in periodontics/ fixed prosthodontics in 1965. In 1965, he was also named the first Coordinator of Occlusion at Temple University, where he developed a fouryear program in the discipline. In addition to his faculty position at Penn Dental Medicine, Dr. Weisgold has held appointments at New York University School of Dentistry, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, and Kaohsiung Medical College School of Dentistry (Taiwan). He has also had affiliations with the U.S. Army and Naval Dental Corps, the Veteran’s Administration, Albert Einstein Medical Center, and the Medical College of Pennsylvania.


Serving Moms, Babies with Freestanding Lactation Suite

Penn Dental Medicine has eliminated one stress for nursing mothers — finding a private, secure spot to nurse or pump when coming to the School. As a service to moms and babies alike, Penn Dental Medicine recently unveiled a freestanding Mamava lactation suite — the first site within the University of Pennsylvania to acquire one of the specially designed units, according to the Vermont-based manufacturer. “We want to ensure Penn Dental Medicine is a welcoming, supportive environment for all,” says Morton Amsterdam Dean Mark S. Wolff. “This innovative space offers a comfortable, clean, and stress-free environment for breastfeeding mothers while here at the School.” The 26-square-foot, self-contained, mobile “pod” at Penn Dental Medicine features two benches, a fold-down table, a mirror, a power outlet for plugging in a breast pump, a USB port, occupancy-activated lighting and ventilation, and a lock indicating if vacant or occupied. While meant for individual use, it can fit a stroller and more than one person to accommodate mothers with other children in tow. The suite is located on the second floor of the School’s Robert Schattner Center, near a main patient waiting area and convenient to other clinical care areas, making it readily accessible to patients. Patients, other visitors to the School, and members of the Penn Dental Medicine community can access the suite via the Mamava app (free for iOS and Android). The app unlocks the pod via Bluetooth technology and once a mother is inside and locks the dead bolt, the pod registers as “in use” on the app. The Mamava app also showcases the location of the other 600 Mamava suites nationwide and notifies users when they are in the immediate vicinity of a pod. Nursing mothers at Penn Dental Medicine can also gain access to the nursing pod via an access code available at the School’s security desk. Penn Dental Medicine has had a dedicated lactation space within the School for use by faculty, staff, and students for some time. Coinciding with the unveiling of the Mamava suite in February that additional space was relocated and upgraded as well — it features two private nursing areas and a refrigerator. The Mamava suite is a supplemental resource for the nursing mothers within the Penn Dental Medicine community.

Serving Those Who Serve

With the goal of better serving those who have served our country through the armed services, Penn Dental Medicine is building upon its outreach to Veterans. The School opened its doors to Veterans in December for a day of free oral screenings and assistance in getting the dental care they need at Penn Dental Medicine. The service day was booked to capacity with 54 Veterans from the region participating. “Through our working relationship with the Philadelphia VA Hospital, we know the dental care needs are great for many Veterans,” says Dr. Joan Gluch, Division Chief of Community Oral Health. “We want them to know Penn Dental is a place they can find care.” On this day of service, Penn Dental Medicine students and faculty provided free comprehensive screening exams, including oral cancer screenings, as well as free x-rays as needed. Participating Veterans also received oral health care information and supplies, and clinical staff worked with them to schedule follow-up care. “Our students, staff, and faculty did a tremendous job in making this day a success,” says Dr. Najeed Saleh, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, “and participating Veterans were greatly appreciative. We look forward to continuing to serve them.” With the goal of supporting Veterans’ oral health care needs on an ongoing basis, Penn Dental Medicine has introduced a Veterans discount for dental care at the School, with an initial 20% discount followed with a sliding scale fee schedule. In addition, a special appointment line devoted solely to serving Veterans has been established at 215–573–VETS.

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ONCAMPUS

Inaugural Delta Dental Community Scholars Selected

Three outstanding Penn Dental Medicine students will receive scholarships of $25,000 each through the new Delta Dental Endowed Community Scholars program. Sooji (Cindy) Choi (D’20), Timari C. Yow (D’19), and Lisenia M. Collazo (D’19), were chosen based on their community service as students, academic achievement, and their future plans to work with vulnerable populations post-graduation. The program is funded by Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, the philanthropic branch of insurer Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, which awarded a $1 million grant in 2018 to establish this program. SOOJI “CINDY” CHOI (D'20)

TIMARI C. YOW (D'19)

LISENIA M. COLLAZO (D'19)

Sooji "Cindy" Choi is a member of the class of 2020 and already a community service standout at Penn Dental Medicine. She is the Secretary of her class and co-president of Philly Phaces at Penn Dental, a student organization she co-founded. This group works with a local, non-profit group that advocates for families of individuals with craniofacial differences. Choi is currently completing requirements for the community oral health honors program, working with interactive programs in Philadelphia’s Korean community. She has been a volunteer with Mission of Mercy (MOM) Clinics in North Carolina and Washington, DC. The MOM program brings dental care to underserved, low-income areas. She is also a volunteer coach with Special Olympics.

A resident of Wolf Creek, Ore., Timari Yow will have completed requirements for both a DMD and a Master of Public Health upon graduation in May 2019. She is the Secretary for the Class of 2019 and completed the community oral health honors program with rotations at both Philadelphia FIGHT, a comprehensive health services organization for people living with HIV/ AIDS, and in a Global Pediatric Community Preventative Oral Health outreach project conducted in West Philadelphia and in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Yow has already produced a children’s book on preventive dentistry, distributed in three languages to low-income communities around the U.S. and abroad. She plans to complete a residency in pediatric dentistry, and says Yow, “My dream is to help children find their smile.”

Originally from Puerto Rico, Lisenia Collazo will also have completed requirements for both a DMD and a Master of Public Health when she graduates in May 2019. As a student, Collazo participated in the community oral health honors program, completing more than 120 hours of service at the Philadelphia FIGHT dental clinic. She opted to do a second year of community oral health honors service, working with the PennSmiles mobile program, serving schoolchildren throughout West and Southwest Philadelphia. Collazo was a Community Service Fellow for Penn, taking part in campus-wide efforts like the Tobacco Cessation Advocacy Project; she also represented Penn Dental Medicine nationally as Secretary for the Student National Dental Association. She plans to complete a residency in pediatric dentistry and to work with children from low socioeconomic and minority groups.

Visit www.dental.upenn.edu/powerofpenn to learn more about campaign initiatives.

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ABOVE: The inaugural Delta Dental Community Scholars include (left to right) Sooji “Cindy” Choi (D’20), Timari Yow (D’19), and Lisenia Collazo (D’19).


June Brings a Month of Continuing Education

This June will bring four continuing education programs to Penn Dental Medicine, ranging in topics from the state of the art in endodontics and esthetics to the latest research in periodontics. They include the 19th Penn Endo Global Symposium, June 13–15; The Power of Partnership, June 19; Advanced Esthetics Week, June 19–22; and the 4th Penn Periodontal Conference 2019, June 23–27. To register and learn more about these and all continuing education programs at the School, visit www.dental.upenn.edu/cde.

19TH PENN ENDO GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM

ADVANCED ESTHETICS WEEK 2019

June 13–15, 2019 The focus of Penn Endo Global Symposia is to educate and train general dentists and endodontists worldwide in advanced scientific concepts that translate biological principles into daily endodontic practice. With alumni from Penn Dental Medicine’s endodontics program in over 30 countries around the world, these symposia have been presented worldwide. This year, it comes home to Penn Dental Medicine, featuring Penn Dental Medicine speakers and live endodontic microsurgery in the School’s state-of-theart Syngcuk Kim Endodontic Clinic. The program will share changes in the field as well as the latest advances in new materials and technology with lectures on non-surgical endodontics, revascularization, traumatic injuries, vital pulp therapy, and advances in microsurgical techniques. www.dental.upenn.edu/pennendophilly

June 19–22, 2019 The Department of Preventive & Restorative Sciences presents the 2nd annual Advanced Esthetics Week. This fourday program will feature lectures and hands-on courses by renowned speakers on topics that range from digital smile design and minimally invasive esthetic and functional rehabilitation, to ceramics update, bonding protocols and veneers. Chairside CAD/CAM dentistry, digital full-arch solutions, and composite micro-esthetics will also be featured. www.dental.upenn.edu/AEW2019

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP June 19, 2019 The debut of this joint-partnership program will rejuvenate the longstanding ties between Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine and Penn Dental Medicine, while celebrating the visionary individual who launched this collaboration — the late Dr. D. Walter Cohen. The speakers topics will include the latest advances in esthetics and CAD/ CAM technology, endodontics, periodontics, full-mouth rehabilitations, and the global challenge of managing oral health. www.dental.upenn.edu/POP2019

THE 4TH PENN PERIODONTAL CONFERENCE 2019 June 23–27, 2019 Penn Dental Medicine launched the biennial Penn Periodontal Conference in 2013 to not only bring together leading researchers and educators in their respective fields of study, but also to encourage the development of junior researchers working with them — that dual focus continues to be a primary goal of the conference. This year’s program will include speakers in the areas of innate response, bone stem cells and epigenetics, microbiology, research update sessions on host response and microbiology, along with the latest trends in clinical periodontics. The program is structured to encourage interaction among participants and a poster presentation session is an integral part of the conference, providing the opportunity for participating researchers to share their work and talk one-on-one with each other. www.dental.upenn.edu/pennperio2019

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ONCAMPUS ESTABLISHING A PENN DENTAL PRESENCE

STUDENT PROFILE: CHRISTOPHER LAI (D’19)

4th-Year Student Christopher Lai Honoring Past, Shaping the Future By the time he graduates, fourth-year student Christopher Lai (D’19) will have completed two very different honors projects. Through the community oral health honors program, he is working with underserved patients in Philadelphia’s Chinatown to improve dental care in the low-income neighborhood where he spent part of his childhood. And, through the research honors program, he plans to patent a new product that could lead to safer dental care for countless patients. HONORING HIS PARENTS AND HIS PAST

A NEED FOR PREVENTIVE CARE

Born in Chinatown to immigrants from Hong Kong, Christopher moved to South Philadelphia when he was an infant, but continued to attend Holy Redeemer Elementary School in Chinatown. To support their children, his parents worked long hours in poor conditions. When his father died, Christopher balanced schoolwork with household duties and, with the help of his community, became the first member of his family to graduate high school. “It was definitely an environment of shared sacrifices, and that has fueled my passion to give back,” he says.

Like many low-income children in his ChineseAmerican community, Christopher did not visit a dentist until he was a teen. When he did, he was faced with significant oral health issues. For the next generation of children in Chinatown, Christopher wants something better: education-based, preventive oral health care. Two years ago, in his first year as a community health honors student, he developed a program of visits to Chinatown elementary schools, churches, retirement homes, and day care centers to educate residents about oral hygiene and refer them for care.

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Christopher’s goals for the Chinatown project included establishing Penn Dental Medicine’s presence in the community, promoting oral health through education, connecting ChineseAmerican residents to dental homes, providing translation of dental instructions and forms, and establishing oral health screenings to detect and manage issues. Along the way, he hoped to show young Chinese-Americans that a dental career is possible through hard work and study. With the help of fellow community health honors students Shimu Liu (D’19) and Effie Yanjing Ma (D’19), he has taken significant steps to meet these goals. “Over the past two years, we have participated in community health fairs and provided oral education and screenings for more than 250 adults,” says Christopher. “We translate for them, provide dental supplies and refer them to dentists at Penn Dental Medicine.” He is pleased to report that “a good number” have ended up becoming patients in Penn Dental Medicine’s clinic. Perhaps the most personally meaningful part of the project for him has been visiting his former school, Holy Redeemer, to discuss oral hygiene with students; set up a fun, educational interactive photobooth; and provide each child with a ‘dental report card’. In addition, by establishing an annual visit from the Penn Smiles mobile clinic to the school, the team has brought oral exams, restorative work, cleanings, and x-rays to Chinatown students of all ages. “I understand the challenges and struggles of immigrants in low-income areas,” he says. “Dental care is not on their minds because they are concentrating on survival. With Penn Dental Medicine supporting me, this was the perfect opportunity to go back and help.”

A PROMISING NEW DENTAL PRODUCT In addition to his groundbreaking work in Chinatown, Christopher has channeled another passion — this one for dental materials and products — into a project in Penn Dental Medicine’s research honors program. Under the guidance of Dr. Fusun Ozer, associate professor of restorative dentistry, Christopher has developed an innovative antimicrobial dental acrylic and is in the early stages of the patent process. The inspiration for the acrylic came from Christopher’s experience working in an orthodontist’s office before dental school. “I saw that


there was a big problem with bacteria growing on orthodontic appliances,” he explains. When he learned from Dr. Ozer about other dental products with antibacterial properties, he wondered if one might be developed for orthodontic work. He and Dr. Ozer began to formulate and test acrylic compounds, eventually finding one that worked well not only in orthodontics, but also in other aspects of dentistry. (As a side project, they are also working on a bonding agent with antibacterial properties.)

“Penn Dental Medicine has given me the flexibility to do all of the things that interest me. My success would not have been possible without the School's support.” — CHRISTOPHER LAI (D'19)

“AMAZING RESEARCH FACULTY” The research team is in the process of publishing a paper on the project, which Christopher will present in June at the Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Applications (SCADA) competition in Vancouver as part of the AADR/IADR/CADR Annual Meeting. “There are many amazing research faculty at Penn, including Dr. Ozer and Dr. Francis Mante [clinical associate professor of restorative dentistry],” says Christopher, who has also travelled to Florida and Japan to present his research. “They are wonderful mentors who have supported me throughout this project and watched my passion grow.” With a bright future ahead of him, Christopher hopes to combine all of his passions. He plans to pursue a residency in craniofacial orthodontics, helping children with cleft lips and palates in underserved areas. In addition, he will continue developing new dental products. “Penn Dental Medicine has given me the flexibility to do all of the things that interest me,” he says. “My success would not have been possible without the School’s support.”

New Pediatric Honors Program Launches Students with an interest in pediatric dentistry now have a new way to gain added exposure to the specialty with the introduction of a Pediatrics Honors Program. With this latest addition, there are now seven different honors program offerings at the School. “The past couple of years there has been an increasing interest from students in pediatric dentistry with a lot of our students applying to residencies,” says Dr. Maria Velasco (D'10, GED'10), Director of the Pediatrics Honors Program. “We try to give our DMD students

The honors program is structured to provide a comprehensive emersion in the specialty and Herman will spend every other Friday from July through March in the pediatrics clinic. Dr. Velasco explains that the honors student will work alongside the pediatric residents in the clinic, learning how to administer nitrous oxide and behavior manage those children who need nitrous and doing restorative treatment, extractions, and advanced operative procedures as needed. Herman will also be treating special needs patients and gaining experience with cases done in the

With this latest addition, there are now seven different honors program offerings at the School. the best exposure we can to pediatrics, but this honors program will give those students who are motivated to get additional experience in the specialty the opportunity to do so.” Students can apply to the competitive program in the fall of their third year with the program running from July through March of their fourth year. Presently, there is just one student per year selected for this new program. Annie Herman (D’20) is the inaugural pediatrics honors student and will begin the program this summer. “I’m so excited about this opportunity,” says Herman. “I hope to pursue pediatric dentistry and know this will be a great learning experience to prepare me for a residency.”

sedation suite. In addition, she will shadow in the operating room at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and attend the seminars that are part of the School’s pediatric residency program. “The goal is to have our honors student provide comprehensive treatment of patients,” adds Dr. Velasco, “so she will see patients through the multiple stages of care they may require.” Currently within the School’s other honors program, which include Research, Clinical Dentistry, Community Health, Oral Medicine, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Radiological Sciences there are 155 honors students. ABOVE: Dr. Maria Velasco (D’10, GED’10), Director of the Pediatrics Honors Program, with the first honors student of the program, Annie Herman (D’20).

PENN DENTAL MEDICINE JOURNAL | SPRING 2019 9


ONCAMPUS with emphasis on pediatric rheumatology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, radiology, oral medicine, and orthodontics. The December 8 program took place at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine with lectures on the growing facial skeleton, preventing disease progression, and recognizing distinct pediatric conditions affecting the TMJ. While the December 9 hands-on portion, held at Penn Dental Medicine, introduced participants to oral splint fabrication and surgical planning reconstruction using 3D technology. “TMJ disease affects so many — from children through adults, and we were pleased to spotlight our faculty’s leadership in this area and share their experience and expertise through this event,” adds Dr. Le. “In addition,

Lectureship Fund Honors Work, Leadership of Dr. Peter Quinn Penn Dental Medicine’s Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is honoring one of the School’s most highly respected leaders in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery with the creation of the Peter D. Quinn Lectureship Fund. Formation of the Fund was announced at a special reception honoring Dr. Quinn, held in conjunction with TMJ Disease in the Growing Patient, a two-day symposium presented by the Department’s Center for TMJ Disorders on December 8–9. To date, more than $200,000 has been committed to the fund from alumni, colleagues, and friends. The Fund will be a catalyst to enhance all levels of training within the Department with a special emphasis on building on strengths in the areas of digital technology, custom prostheses, and regenerative medicine therapies. Proceeds from this Fund will be used to bring expert speakers to the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for an annual lecture in honor of Dr. Quinn. The keynote speaker at the symposium — Dr. Leonard Kaban, the Walter C. Guralnick, Distinguished Professor and Chief, Emeritus of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Massachusetts General Hospital — was the inaugural Peter D. Quinn Lectureship speaker.

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“Dr. Kaban’s illustrious career in pediatric craniofacial reconstruction set the tone for more exemplary lectures to come,” says Dr. Anh Le, the Norman Vine Endowed Professor of Oral Rehabilitation and Chair of the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. “The recognition of Dr. Quinn through the Lectureship Fund is befitting for a colleague who has dedicated his life to advancing our profession.” Dr. Quinn, Schoenleber Professor of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Vice Dean for Professional Services, Perelman School of Medicine, and Senior Vice President for the University of Pennsylvania Health System, served as the Chair of Penn Dental Medicine’s Department of Oral & Maxillofacial from 1986 through 2008. He also built the School’s oral surgery postdoctoral program, one of the first to offer a combined MD and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery certificate. Dr. Quinn was also a pioneer in the area of alloplastic reconstruction of the TMJ, working to develop the Zimmer-Biomet Temporomandibular Joint Replacement System, which received FDA clearance in 2005, the first FDA-approved stock prosthesis in the U.S. The symposium program, organized by Dr. Eric Granquist, Assistant Professor of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Director of the Center for TMJ Disorders, highlighted a multidisciplinary approach to patient care

Dean Mark Wolff with honoree Dr. Peter Quinn and guest speaker Dr. Leonard Kaban.

we were particularly honored to recognize Dr. Peter Quinn for his tremendous contributions not only to Penn’s oral surgery program but to the field overall.” Plans for the next Quinn Lecture are already underway for Fall 2019. To learn more about the Peter D. Quinn Lectureship Fund, contact Maren Gaughan, Associate Dean for Leadership Giving, gaughan@ upenn.edu, 215–898-8952; and to make a gift to the Fund, visit www.dental.upenn.edu/quinnfund.

Visit www.dental.upenn.edu/powerofpenn to learn more about campaign initiatives.


FACULTYPERSPECTIVE VIEWS ON DENTAL TOPICS & TRENDS

Intentional Replantation: Better than a Last Resort Procedure WHAT IS IT? Today, modern endodontic root end surgery is considered the “second arm” of endodontics when it comes to saving teeth and giving them a second chance at remaining with the patient after unsuccessful root canal treatment or retreatment. During the clinical and radiographic assessment of these cases, however, root end surgery may be deemed not a favorable option. Ironically, the best alternative to avoid extraction and loss of the tooth altogether, is to actually perform the extraction and replant it; a treatment option established today called “Intentional replantation.” The procedure essentially involves removing the diseased tooth, repairing it outside of the mouth, and then reinserting it into its socket. No longer should this procedure be considered a “last resort,” but it should be recognized as a treatment alternative for patients.

CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CASE SELECTION – Patient motivation to save his/her tooth – Tooth with tapered root morphology and intact interseptal bone – Minimal periodontal involvement – Difficult access (i.e., 2nd molars) – Complications in the areas not accessible surgically (i.e., perforation, separated instruments) – Close proximity to nerve structures (i.e., mandibular canal, mental foramen) – Foreseeable difficult patient management (as with the elderly) for root end surgery

CLINICAL PROTOCOL The prognosis of intentional replantation relies heavily on the atraumatic extraction of the tooth being worked on in addition to its delicate handling during and after extraction.

The recommended extraoral time of the tooth is between 10–15 minutes. To begin, the tooth should be gripped just slightly above the CEJ with extraction forceps, and time taken to slowly extract the tooth without damaging the cervical area or causing a fracture. Apical curettage of the extraction socket is not advised and any granulation tissue could be removed using surgical suction to avoid touching the alveolar walls. After successful extraction, a rubber band is placed around the forceps to maintain a firm grip of the tooth and it is moved to above a basin filled with Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) or Pedialyte. Here the tooth is constantly bathed in the selected medium, which maintains cell viability for up to 30 minutes. The apical 2–3 mm is then resected using a Lindemann surgical bur or any straight carbide bur to avoid any bevel. After resection, the apex is stained with methylene blue and inspected under high magnification through a microscope to observe anatomical variation, presence of isthmus, missed canals, as well as any signs of fracture. Root end preparation is then completed using a 330 carbide bur to approximately 3 mm in depth. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) or Bioceramic (BC) Putty are the current materials of choice for root end filling due to their hydrophilic nature and biogenic with zero shrinkage properties. After condensing the material, the tooth is then inserted gently into its socket, and the buccal and lingual cortical plates are gently compressed with finger pressure and the patient is asked to bite down gently. Splinting is rarely required. Unnecessary splinting may cause ankylosis, which is the number one cause of failure for replantation. When indicated, however, sutures can be placed in a non-taut, diagonal manner temporarily to reduce mobility and incidence of ankylosis.

Contributed By: Drs. Sumin Lee, Nhan James Ngo, and Bekir Karabucak, Dept. of Endodontics

OUTCOMES OF INTENTIONAL REPLANTATION The survival rate of these replanted teeth can reach up to 93% at 12 years if performed with modern techniques and materials. The most recent systematic review states a success rate of 89.1%, along with the comments that a replantation is more cost-effective than a single tooth implant and if a replantation is not successful, there is always the alternative of an implant. In addition, our group’s recent retrospective study demonstrated that 88% of the cases (20 of 25) showed successful results, including 72% in the completely healed group and 16% in the healing group. Only 13% of the cases were considered failures with mean follow-up period of 22.3 months.

SUMMARY With the advent of magnification, bioceramics as well as updated instruments, intentional replantation has become a well-established, and scientifically supported treatment modality today in endodontics. It has been shown to be successful and most importantly very appreciated by many patients. Our challenge now as endodontists is to increase the awareness of our colleagues in the dental field of this very viable treatment option for patients when applicable. View full article at: www.dental.upenn.edu/replantation

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“My primary role here as the associate dean for translational research is to build up a program to support faculty in the whole spectrum of clinical and translational research.” — DR. PATRICIA CORBY


SUPPORTING CANCER CARE, EXPANDING CLINICAL RESEARCH RECENT RECRUIT DR. PATRICIA CORBY IS TAKING HER RESEARCH TO CANCER PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADIATION, WHILE LOOKING TO ADVANCE CLINICAL RESEARCH SCHOOL-WIDE

WHEN DR. PATRICIA CORBY, the new Associate Dean for Translational Research at Penn Dental Medicine, was leading clinical research operations at New York University (NYU)’s College of Dentistry and working with radiation oncologists at its Langone Medical Center, she started paying attention to the oral health of patients with head and neck cancer. Radiation therapy is commonly used to treat such patients, but can wreak havoc on their oral cavity. Oral mucositis, where radiation triggers painful ulcers that make it difficult or impossible for patients to eat and function normally, is a common but debilitating side effect of treatment.

OPPOSITE: Dr. Patricia Corby joined Penn Dental Medicine in April as Associate Professor of Oral Medicine, also taking on the new position of Associate Dean for Translational Research.

“It can affect the whole oral mucosa, the tongue, the throat, even the intestinal tract,” Corby says, who joined Penn Dental Medicine in April as Associate Professor of Oral Medicine, “and it’s a disaster. Severe cases place patients at risk for secondary infections and even sepsis due to open sores in the mouth. Sometimes it interrupts cancer treatment, and in the worst cases, treatment can’t continue.” Corby had a thought after seeing the poor oral health of some patients at the outset of radiation therapy: What if a thorough, professional cleaning of their mouths during cancer treatment, aimed at preventing the colonization of “bad” bacteria in the mouth, could help reduce or even prevent this side effect of cancer care? That thought led to a small pilot study, which has grown into an $8 million National Institutes of Health-funded project that she is embarking on at Penn this year. “I never look at the teeth, or even the mouth, as one thing,” Corby says. “I look at them in the context of the whole body, and systemic health.”

Joining Penn Dental Medicine with a wealth of experience in microbial genetics, bioinformatics, and clinical research operations, Corby is bringing this holistic approach to bear in her new role heading up clinical research at the School. Working with Morton Amsterdam Dean Mark Wolff, with whom she collaborated extensively on clinical trials while both were at NYU, Corby aims to develop a robust translational medicine program for the School, expanding opportunities and support right on campus for faculty to move their findings from the lab into the clinic.

PENN DENTAL MEDICINE JOURNAL | SPRING 2019 13


CLINICALRESEARCH A WAY TO HELP Upon graduating from dental school in Brazil, Corby began her career by opening her own practice. If a patient came for treatment and was unable to pay, she would see them anyway. But soon she came to the realization that there was a way to help patients and still have a sustainable career: by moving into clinical research. The field had the added benefit of being continually engaging. “I also saw how beneficial clinical research would be to bring novel approaches and new ideas to improve patient care and their health overall,” she says. She started her oral health research by designing studies examining the role of genetics and environmental factors in modulating the microbiome and affecting health and

“I saw how beneficial clinical research would be to bring novel approaches and new ideas to improve patient care and their health overall.” — DR. PATRICIA CORBY disease. The work involved 500 pairs of twins and tracked connection between heritable and environmental factors when it came to oral conditions such as caries, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. She found that, while genetics had a strong influence in healthy individuals, once oral health was compromised, the environment held much more sway. “Even if your genes didn’t predispose you to that disease,” Corby says, “once environmental factors such as bad oral hygiene lead to something like periodontitis or caries, it overrides what the genes dictate. Similarly, tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection increase the risk of oral and oropharyngeal cancer.” Those findings from early in her career underscored an important lesson: preventive approaches are critical. ABOVE: Dr. Patricia Corby reviewing head and neck cancer patients with Dr. Alexander Lin of Penn Medicine, her co-principal investigator on a clinical trial to study the impact of oral care on reducing the oral mucositis side effect of radiation treatment.

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“Everything I do,” she says, “it’s aimed not at treating disease, it’s to preserve health.” Armed with expertise in implants and periodontics, in addition to her genetics and microbial research, in 1998, she took a faculty position at the University of Pittsburgh. While there, she also earned a master’s degree in biomedical informatics to help understand how computer science and cutting-edge technology could inform her burgeoning studies of the microbiome, which she further explored during a few-year stint as a research associate at Harvard University and Forsyth Institute, Boston. By 2006, she joined the faculty of NYU, an institution that, at the time, had recently finished building a new center for clinical research—the first of its kind housed within a dental school. There she began leading operations for the center, overseeing hundreds of studies, from phase 1 through 4, which ran the gamut from medical to dental applications, for pharmaceutical clients and others. After seven years within the dental school, she moved over to NYU School of

Medicine’s Langone Medical Center. There as director of clinical research operations and interim director of the Office of Clinical Trials from 2015–2016, she was responsible for the oversight of roughly 3,000 active trials at any given time. At the same time, she carried out research alongside her administrative responsibilities and became skilled in managing the intricacies and details involved in applying for highly competitive, complex NIH grants. She assisted investigators in grant development, submission, and successful implementation.

THE POWER OF PREVENTION It was also during this time at NYU that she transitioned her work from looking primarily at caries and gum disease and their relation to systemic health, toward the pilot project involving cancer patients receiving radiation. It began by Corby simply asking the head and neck surgeons and radiation oncologists if she could do a thorough cleaning of patients’ mouths before commencing their therapy. She kept tweaking the protocol, eventually building up to weekly cleanings designed to rid their mouths of as much pathogenic bacteria as possibly, setting the stage for more beneficial microbes to recolonize. The cleanings involved clearing the dead, damaged, or infected oral mucosa tissues in combination with physically removing dental plaque and tartar.


After she had treated a dozen or so patients, she got a call from the medical director of the cancer center, a radiation oncologist. “He said, ‘Pat, I know you’ve treated a few patients but I want to know what you’re doing.’ I thought to myself, ‘Oh am I doing something wrong?” and asked him if there was anything wrong with the patients.” As it turned out, the opposite was true. Patients who received the weekly prophylactic cleanings from Corby were doing well: they weren’t losing weight like some other patients, and importantly were not experiencing the severe oral mucositis that untreated patients were. Because they had less pain and distress, they also felt much more positively about their treatment. Corby crafted a more formalized trial, showing that this proactive approach to cleaning patients’ mouths was not only safe, but beneficial. “The difference between the experimental group and the controls was amazing,” Corby says. In addition to looking for signs of oral mucositis, the study also involved collecting microbiome samples from the oral mucositis lesions, taking saliva samples to test for markers of local and systemic inflammation, and conducting a number of patient surveys to assess pain and quality of life. Because experiencing oral mucositis can compromise a patient’s ability to complete a round of radiation therapy, if one could reduce the incidence of this painful condition, it could increase the likelihood that a patient receives the appropriate treatment they need to tackle their cancer (see patient Erica Casucci’s story, page 16). Over the last two years, Corby used an NIH planning grant to prepare for a fullfledged clinical trial to test her protocol in a much larger population of cancer patients. And when she made the decision to come to Penn late last year, she began the process of transitioning the full study here.

A VISION FOR CLINICAL RIGOR To do so, Corby has made the most of her short time at Penn Dental Medicine, reaching out to Dr. Alexander Lin, Chief of the Head and Neck Oncology Service and Medical Director of the Roberts Proton Therapy Center in Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine, to be a co-principal investigator on the larger NIH study. The ARMOR Trial is a collaborative effort between faculty from Penn Dental Medicine’s Departments of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Oral Medicine (including Corby and Drs. Takako Tanaka,

and Katherine France) and Penn Medicine’s Department of Radiation Oncology (including Drs. Lin, Samuel Swisher-McClure, and John Lukens). Putting patient comfort and convenience at the forefront, patients will be recruited and receive their study-related oral cleanings in the same building where they receive their radiation therapy, one of the benefits of sharing a close partnership and proximity with Penn’s medical school. Yet looking ahead, as an expert in clinical trials, Corby has ambitious plans to build up the dental school’s capacity for supporting faculty conducting clinical trials in its own facilities. With support from Dean Wolff, Corby is overseeing the development of a clinical research center at Penn Dental Medicine, an area that may be small at first, but private and easily accessible for participating patients. She hopes to leverage the relationships with pharmaceutical companies that she and Dean Wolff developed during their past experiences working on clinical

“It [oral mucositis, a debilitating side effect of radiation] can affect the whole oral mucosa, the tongue, the throat, even the intestinal tract.” — DR. PATRICIA CORBY

RIGHT: Dr. Patricia Corby (center) with her collaborators on her clinical trial, including (left to right) Drs. Katherine France and Takako Tanaka (far right) of Penn Dental Medicine’s Dept. of Oral Medicine and Drs. John Lukens, Samuel Swisher-McClure, and Alexander Lin of Penn Medicine.

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CLINICALRESEARCH A CRUCIAL PART OF CANCER CARE Erica Casucci, an elementary school teacher from New York City, had been experiencing mouth discomfort for a long time, but around the holiday season of 2014, she couldn’t ignore it any more. “The pain was unbearable,” she recalls. After a bumpy road to a diagnosis, she learned that she had oral cancer.

“Without the evidence that clinical research provides, health care would never progress. That's the only way to find new technologies, new drugs.” — DR. PATRICIA CORBY trials to begin building a larger portfolio of clinical work to be conducted at Penn Dental Medicine. “We want to build up a hub for faculty conducting clinical trials, so that patients can be seen there, screened and included in studies,” Corby says. “And if they may need referrals for more comprehensive dental care, they’ll be right here in the clinic to receive that.” And Corby’s attention will not be solely on the trials themselves, but on the work that must be done to get a discovery or product to that stage of testing.

Dr. Corby hopes to encourage more faculty at Penn Dental Medicine to push boundaries and find new and useful applications for their work.

“My primary role here as the associate dean for translational research is to build up a program to support faculty in the whole spectrum of clinical and translational research,” Corby says, going from the beginning stages of developing pilot studies, designing the first-inhuman studies, and writing a grant, to implementing the projects and ensuring compliance with various regulations. In Corby’s view, with NIH supporting more translational research than in the past, there hasn’t been a better time to do the types of clinical research that she has overseen in her past positions, and she hopes to encourage more faculty at Penn Dental Medicine to push boundaries and find new and useful applications for their work. “Scientists can work for years, even decades, to find something novel in their lab, and pushing to test that for the first time in humans is really challenging,” she says. “I think without the evidence that clinical research provides, health care would never progress. That’s the only way to find new technologies, new drugs. How can you improve the care we offer to patients if you don’t do that?” — By Katie Unger Baillie

Radiation was going to be part of her treatment, and her surgeon at New York University brought up a study that Dr. Patricia Corby was conducting, intended to evaluate how intensive oral cleanings influenced a patient’s response to radiation. Casucci became part of the treatment group, and began having weekly visits with Dr. Corby. “She would clean my mouth, she’d floss my teeth for me, and put fluoride on my teeth,” says Casucci. “And she’d show me how to clean my mouth. She was amazing and so kind, always asking me generally about my oral health and how I was feeling.” Casucci had always paid attention to her oral hygiene, but she stepped up her efforts after learning about how crucial oral health was to overall health. And while her surgeon had warned her about the possible side effects of radiation, Casucci was fortunate, avoiding nearly all signs of oral mucositis. Since then she has weathered a recurrence of her oral cancer, but now, more than four years since her diagnosis, is healthy, has an energetic two-year-old, and remains appreciative of the care she received. “When you’re told you have something like cancer, you kind of just stop thinking,” she says. “To have people like Dr. Corby who can inform you and help you along the way so you can have a positive outcome is so important.” ABOVE: Erica Casucci, a cancer patient, who was part of Dr. Patricia Corby’s clinical trial, with her daughter

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RESEARCHSPOTLIGHT TRANSLATING SCIENCE TO PRACTICE

Advancing Discovery, Clinical Scholarly Impact Care Across Disciplines The Penn Dental Medicine research enterprise spans scientific disciplines to translate new knowledge into clinical therapies that are expanding our understanding of disease and advancing patient care. In 2018, faculty and research staff throughout our basic science and clinical departments continued to advance research and scholarship across their respective fields and beyond. Their commitment and passion for discovery are building on the School’s reputation as a leader in research and innovation. On the pages that follow, we are pleased to highlight some of these research and scholarly activities for 2018.

Highly Funded Researchers

The top 10 funded Penn Dental Medicine researchers for fiscal year 2018 based on research grant activity.

The impact of faculty publications measured by the h index* is presented for a selection of research and clinical track faculty for the past five years. Career h-indexes are also included. RESEARCH TRACK FACULTY (Tenure/Tenure Track/Research Track) FACULTY

SCOPUS LIFETIME H-INDEX

SCOPUS 5 YR. H-INDEX

Dr. George Hajishengallis, Microbiology

52

24

Dr. Songtao Shi, Anatomy & Cell Biology

71

21

Dr. Henry Daniell, Biochemistry

67

18

Dr. Hyun (Michel) Koo, Orthodontics/COH/Pediatrics 47

17

Dr. Dana Graves, Periodontics

64

14

Dr. Chider Chen, Oral Surgery

23

13

FACULTY/DEPARTMENT

FY18 TOTAL

Dr. Cagla Espinoza, Pathology

12

11

Dr. George Hajishengallis, Microbiology

$1,797,269

Dr. Gary H. Cohen, Microbiology

64

9

Dr. Henry Daniell, Biochemistry

$1,545,674

Dr. Kathleen Boesze-Battaglia, Biochemistry

27

9

Dr. Kelly Jordan-Scuitto, Pathology

$1,466,844

Dr. Mark Wolff, Preventive & Restorative Sciences

26

8

Dr. Shuyung (Sherri) Yang, Anatomy & Cell Biology

$1,253,319

Dr. Michel (Hyun) Koo, Orthodontics/COH/Pediatrics

$1,195,566

Dr. Dana Graves, Periodontics

$1,125,106

CLINICAL TRACK FACULTY (Clinician-Educator/Academic-Clinician Track/Academic Support Staff) FACULTY

SCOPUS LIFETIME H-INDEX

SCOPUS 5 YR. H-INDEX

Dr. Markus Blatz, Preventive & Restorative Science

26

10

Dr. Evlambia (Betty) Hajishengallis, Pediatrics

13

10

Dr. Bekir Karabucak, Endodontics

15

7

Dr. Frank Setzer, Endodontics

14

6

Dr. Jonathan Korostoff, Periodontics

19

5

The following patents were awarded to Penn Dental Medicine faculty in fiscal year 2018 as part of their research activities.

Dr. Mel Mupparapu, Oral Medicine

15

5

Dr. Thomas P. Sollecito, Oral Medicine

17

4

Administration of Plant-Expressed Oral Tolerance Agents Inventor: Dr. Henry Daniell, Biochemistry

Dr. Eugene Ko, Oral Medicine

4

4

Chloroplasts Engineered to Express Pharmaceutical Proteins Inventor: Dr. Henry Daniell, Biochemistry

Dr. Chun-Hsi Chung, Orthodontics

16

3

Dr. Eric Stoopler, Oral Medicine

14

3

Dr. Thomas Sollecito, Oral Medicine

$737,115

Dr. Bruce Shenker, Pathology

$687,588

Dr. Gary Cohen, Microbiology

$682,621

Dr. Claire Mitchell, Anatomy & Cell Biology

$674,075

FY18 Patent Awards

Use of Flaxseed and Flaxseed Derivatives for Treatment of Neurological Disorders and Viral Diseases Dr. Kelly Jordan-Sciutto, Pathology

* The h-index was developed by J.E. Hirsch, Department of Physics, UCSD and attempts to measure the impact of an individual’s publications. As an example, an h-index of 20 means there are 20 publications that have 20 citations or more each in journals covered by the Scopus database.

PENN DENTAL MEDICINE JOURNAL | SPRING 2019 17


RESEARCHSPOTLIGHT

2018 High Impact Original Articles: Clinical Sciences

Within the clinical departments, the following original research articles with faculty as first/senior authors were published in 2018 in high impact journals. AUTHORS

ARTICLES

JOURNAL

IMPACT FACTOR*

DEPARTMENT

Liu, Y., Naha, P.C., Hwang, G., Kim, D., Huang, Y., Simon-Soro, A., Jung, H.-I., Ren, Z., Li Y., Gubara, S., Alawi, F., Zero, D., Hara, A.T., Cormode, DP., Koo H.

Topical ferumoxytol nanoparticles disrupt biofilms and prevent tooth decay in vivo via intrinsic catalytic activity.

Nature Communications

12.35

Orthodontics/ COH/Pediatrics

Kim, D., Liu, Y., Benhamou, R.I., Sanchez, H., Simón-Soro, Á., Li, Y., Hwang, G., Fridman, M., Andes, D.R., Koo, H.

Bacterial-derived exopolysaccharides enhance antifungal drug tolerance in a cross-kingdom oral biofilm.

ISME Journal

9.52

Orthodontics/ COH/Pediatrics

Stoopler, E.T., Sollecito, T.P., Alawi, F.

A White Patch on the Tongue.

JAMA Dermatology

8.11

Oral Medicine, Pathology

Alharbi, M.A., Zhang, C., Lu, C., Milovanova, T.N., Yi, L., Ryu, J.D., Jiao, H., Dong, G., O'Connor, J.P., Graves, D.T.

FOXO1 deletion reverses the effect of diabetic-induced impaired fracture healing.

Diabetes

7.27

Periodontics

Jeon, H.H., Yu, Q., Lu, Y., Spencer, E., Lu, C., Milovanova, T., Yang, Y., Zhang, C., Stephanchenko, O., Vafa, R.P., Coelho, P.G., Graves, D.T.

FOXO1 regulates VEGFA expression and promotes angiogenesis in healing wounds

Journal of Pathology

6.25

Periodontics, Orthodontics

2018 High Impact Original Articles: Basic Sciences

Within the basic science departments, the following original research articles with faculty as first/senior authors were published in 2018 in high impact journals. AUTHORS

JOURNAL

IMPACT FACTOR*

DEPARTMENT

Cell

31.40

Microbiology

The Fas/Fap-1/Cav-1 complex regulates IL-1RA secretion in mesenchymal stem cells to accelerate wound healing.

Science Translational Medicine

16.71

Anatomy and Cell Biology

A dysbiotic microbiome triggers TH17 cells to Dutzan, N., Kajikawa, T., Abusleme, L., mediate oral mucosal immunopathology in mice Greenwell-Wild, T., Zuazo, C.E., Ikeuchi, and humans. T., Brenchley, L., Abe, T., Hurabielle, C., Martin, D., Morell, R.J., Freeman, A.F., Lazarevic, V., Trinchieri, G., Diaz, P.I., Holland, S.M., Belkaid, Y., Hajishengallis, G., Moutsopoulos, N.M. (co-senior authors)

Science Translational Medicine

16.71

Microbiology

Liu, D., Kou, X., Chen, C., Liu, S., Liu, Y., Yu, W., Yu, T., Yang, R., Wang, R., Zhou, Y., Shi, S.

Circulating apoptotic bodies maintain mesenchymal stem cell homeostasis and ameliorate osteopenia via transferring multiple cellular factors.

Cell Research

15.39

Anatomy and Cell Biology

Li, Y., Zhong, C., Liu, D., Yu, W., Chen, W., Wang, Y., Shi, S., Yuan, Y.

Evidence for Kaposi Sarcoma Originating from Mesenchymal Stem Cell through KSHV-induced Mesenchymal-to-Endothelial Transition.

Cancer Research

9.13

Microbiology

ARTICLES

Mitroulis I, Ruppova K, Wang B, Chen L-S, Modulation of Myelopoiesis Progenitors Is an Integral Component of Trained Immunity. Grzybek M, Grinenko T, Eugster A, Troullinaki M, Palladini A, Kourtzelis I, Chatzigeorgiou A, Schlitzer A, Beyer M, Joosten LAB, Isermann B, Lesche M, Petzold A, Simons K, Henry I, Dahl A, Schultze JL, Wielockx B, Zamboni N, Mirtschink P, Coskun Ü, Hajishengallis G, Netea MG, Chavakis T (co-senior authors) Kou, X., Xu, X., Chen, C., Sanmillan, M.L., Cai, T., Zhou, Y., Giraudo, C., Le, A., Shi, S.

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2018 High Impact Review Articles

The following review articles with Penn Dental Medicine faculty as first/senior authors were published in 2018 in high impact journals. AUTHORS

ARTICLES

JOURNAL

IMPACT FACTOR*

DEPARTMENT

Lamont, R.J., Koo, H., Hajishengallis, G.

The oral microbiota: dynamic communities and host interactions.

Nature Reviews Microbiology

31.85

Microbiology

Cormode, D.P., Gao, L., Koo, H.

Emerging Biomedical Applications of Enzyme-Like Catalytic Nanomaterials.

Trends in Biotechnology

13.58

Orthodontics/ COH/Pediatrics

Bowen, W.H,. Burne, R.A., Wu, H., Koo, H.

Oral Biofilms: Pathogens, Matrix, and Polymicrobial Interactions in Microenvironments.

Trends in Microbiology

13.58

Orthodontics/ COH/Pediatrics

Taylor, L.F., Yuan, Y.

Structure of Herpesvirus Capsid Sheds Light on Drug Discovery.

Trends in Microbiology

11.78

Microbiology

Kufta, K., Forman, M., Swisher-McClure, S., Sollecito, T.P., Panchal, N.

Pre-Radiation dental considerations and management for head and neck cancer patients.

Oral Oncology

4.64

Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

*The Impact Factor identifies the frequency with which an average article from a journal is cited in a particular year. This number can be used to evaluate or compare a journal’s relative importance to others in the same field. Journal impact factors are reported in Clarivate Analytics InCites™ Journal Citation Reports®. The JCR, 2017, was used for these figures.

2018 New Grant Awards In 2018, the following new grants over $150,000 were awarded to Penn Dental Medicine faculty. CLINICAL DEPARTMENTS Diabetes Reversal and the Subgingival Microbiota Principal Investigator: Dr. Dana Graves, Professor, Dept. of Periodontics (NIDCR/NIH/DHHS; Total Award $2,365,741; 8/2018-6/2023) Enzymatic Approach for Targeting Mannans/EPS to Disrupt Cross-kingdom Cariogenic Biofilms Principal Investigator: Dr. Geelsu Hwang, Dept. of Orthodontics (NIDCR/NIH/DHHS; Total Award $1,720,689; 7/2018 - 6/2023) Penn Dental Medicine Faculty Loan Repayment Program Principal Investigator: Dr. Joan Gluch, Professor, Division of Community Oral Health (Health Resources & Services Administration; Total award $993,600; 9/2018 - 8/2023) Glucosyltransferases Inhibitors and Anti-biofilm Activity Project Principal Investigator: Dr. Hyun (Michel) Koo, Professor, Dept. of Orthodontics & Divs. Pediatrics/Community Oral Health (Procter & Gamble Company; Total Award $150,000; 4/2018 - 3/2019)

BASIC SCIENCE DEPARTMENTS Oligodendrocyte Damage and Dysfunction in HIV Associated Neurocognitive Disorder Principal Investigator: Dr. Kelly Jordan-Sciutto, Professor, Dept. of Pathology (National Institute of Mental Health/NIH/DHHS; Total award $3,435,639; 4/2018 – 12/2022)

Roles of KSHV Tegument Proteins in Virion Assembly Principal Investigator: Dr. Yan Yuan, Professor, Dept. of Microbiology (NIDCR/NIH/DHHS); Total award $ 2,080,332; 4/2018 – 3/2023) Development of an Oral FVIII Therapeutic Principal Investigator: Dr. Henry Daniell, W.D Miller Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry (Shire Pharmaceuticals; Total Award $1,027,135; 12/2018 – 3/2021) Technology Transfer and the Cross Verification Studies for FVIII Immune Tolerance Program Principal Investigator: Dr. Henry Daniell, W.D Miller Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry (Shire Pharmaceuticals; Total award $700,474; 12/2018 – 3/2022) Immune Biomarkers for Clinical Monitoring Prevention and Reversal of FVIII Inhibitors Principal Investigator: Dr. Henry Daniell, W.D Miller Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry (Shire Pharmaceuticals; Total award $315,813; 12/2018 – 4/2020) Development of an Oral FIX Therapeutic Principal Investigator: Dr. Henry Daniell, W.D Miller Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry (Shire Pharmaceuticals; Total award $315,813; 12/2018 – 8/2021) Effect of HIV and ART Therapy on Developmental Myelination Principal Investigator: Dr. Kelly Jordan-Sciutto, Professor, Dept. of Pathology (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Total award $175,686; 6/2018 – 3/2020)

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AADR TRAVEL AWARD PROGRAM

CULTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF DENTAL RESEARCHERS

WHEN THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION for Dental Research (AADR) meets in Vancouver in June, 16 dental students and junior researchers from Penn Dental Medicine will have the opportunity to present their research projects at the prestigious conference with support from the School’s AADR Travel Award Program. The Penn Dental Medicine researchers will be presenting on topics ranging from the impact of diabetic complications on wound healing to the connection between abnormal oral microbe communities and end-stage lung disease. “This is a unique opportunity for selected students and research fellows not only to present research to their peers and to top dental scientists at this premier dental research meeting, but also to network with them,” says Dr. Hyun Koo, Professor, Department of Orthodontics and Divisions of Community Oral Health and Pediatric Dentistry at Penn Dental Medicine. Dr. Koo has been serving as Chair of Research Day, an annual showcase highlighting the quality, depth, and diversity of the Penn Dental Medicine research enterprise, at which the AADR Travel Award winners are selected.

OPPOSITE: The School’s AADR Travel Awards are presented annually at the School’s Research Day. Since 2014, a total of 74 dental students and junior researchers have received assistance to attend and present at the AADR Annual Meeting through the program.

“The travel awards program was created to advance ongoing research and leadership for students and investigators at Penn Dental Medicine and to showcase the research prowess of Penn Dental Medicine,” he says. “The AADR meeting is the premier dental research meeting in North America and attracts top dental scientists from around the world.”

THE IMPACT OF THE TRAVEL AWARDS Since the AADR Travel Award Program was established in 2014, a total of 74 dental students and junior researchers have received assistance to attend and present at the annual meeting. This year, the AADR is meeting in conjunction with the Canadian Association for Dental Research and the International Association for Dental Research, providing an even larger, international audience for those presenting. Another sign of the program’s success is that the number of presentations at Research Day has increased from 28 to 135 between 2014 and 2018. By providing an opportunity to participate at a high-level research conference, the travel awards program encourages students to think more broadly about their futures, says Dr. Dana Graves, Vice Dean for Research and Scholarship at Penn Dental Medicine. “Many academic careers in dentistry begin with a laboratory research experience and presentation at a national meeting,” he explains. “This is a wonderful opportunity to inspire dental students to think of a career that goes beyond clinical practice. It is also

advantageous for Penn Dental Medicine. Our reputation depends on an active research program, and one of the best ways to reinforce our position as a top dental school is by showcasing the excellent research done by our students.” Some examples of the impact of the AADR Travel Awards include 2016 recipient Mohammed Alharbi (GD’14, DScD’17), who won second place in the senior basic science category of the IADR Unilever Hatton Competition, and 2017 recipients Saro Atam (D’18) and Justine Chiou (D’19) who received the 2018 AADR Bloc Travel Grant. Dongyeop Kim, a postdoctoral fellow at Penn Dental Medicine, was a finalist for the 2018 AADR Joseph Lister Award for New Investigators, a prestigious competition for junior investigators sponsored by the AADR and CADR. “One of the rewards of participating in a rigorous research project is the opportunity to present the results to peers and colleagues,” Dr. Graves notes. “For many, it is a new experience and an inspirational one. The research provides an enriched and more diverse educational experience for our students and opens doors for them.” The 2019 Research Day will be held May 16 with Dr. Frank Setzer, Assistant Professor of Endodontics, as the new Chair. The AADR Travel Award Program was initially funded by Penn Dental Medicine’s Research Incentive Fund Committee, with additional support starting in 2016 from Dentsply Sirona and Johnson & Johnson, allowing for an increase in the number of annual awards.

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TRAVELAWARDS At Research Day 2018 last May, 16 Penn Dental Medicine students and junior researchers received AADR Travel Awards to present their research this June at the annual meeting of the American Association for Dental Research, which this year is meeting jointly with the Canadian Association for Dental Research (CADR) and International Association for Dental Research (IADR). The large international gathering will attract many of the world’s top dental researchers. Following is a closer look at four of the emerging Penn Dental Medicine researchers who received the AADR travel awards to attend this joint meeting in Vancouver.

MILO JINHO YU (D'20) MILO JINHO YU (D'20) Penn Dental Medicine student Milo Jinho Yu (D’20) will be traveling to his hometown of Vancouver in June to present his research on how certain toxins contribute to localized aggressive periodontitis, for which he received an AADR Travel Award. Yu’s research was done after his first year as part of the Summer Research Program, when he worked in the laboratory of Dr. Bruce J. Shenker, Professor in the Department of Pathology. Yu’s undergraduate background in microbiology and immunology made him a good match for Dr. Shenker’s lab. “I thought it would be a good opportunity whether I decide to pursue a career in research or private practice,” Yu says. “I learned the importance of evidence-based dentistry, understanding bias, and how studies are done.”

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response in macrophages in the mouth. Yu’s research goal was to determine whether a protein called cellugyrin is necessary to help the toxins do their damage. Studying two macrophage cell lines, Yu found that the cell line without cellugyrin indeed produced much less inflammatory response. Yu says presenting his research at the conference “is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the most current dental research and where it’s going in the future. Not only will I get the chance to present my poster,” he says, “but I will be able to learn about research coming from other institutions all over the world, as well as attend lectures by renowned researchers that will enhance what I have learned at Penn Dental Medicine.” Yu recommends that dental students consider opportunities in research even if they’re not sure they want to pursue a career in academic dentistry. “I think the Travel Award Program encourages students, including those without much previous research experience, to seek out mentorships and have a chance to experience first-hand dental research,” Yu says. “The process of coming up with an abstract, doing research, making the poster and presenting the findings is a great experience for everyone.”

“The Travel Award Program encourages students to seek out mentorships and have a chance to experience first-hand dental research." — MILO JINHO YU (D'20) For his project, titled “Escherichia Coli Cytolethal Distending Toxin Toxicity on Macrophages is Dependent on Cellugyrin,” Yu used E. coli as a model to study how toxins in the Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans contribute to localized aggressive periodontitis, which is characterized by rapid alveolar bone loss. These bacteria, along with several others, produce toxins that can lead to cell death in lymphocytes or an inflammatory

GRACE CHUNG, D’20 Antiretroviral therapy has helped significantly prolong survival for many infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but these life-saving drugs may also contribute to the neurocognitive disorders that affect about half of HIV-positive patients. As a participant in Penn Dental Medicine’s Summer Research Program, Grace Chung (D’20) learned that chronic stress from HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, or HAND, may trigger a stress response leading


And, importantly, the exposure to other dental researchers has fostered her interest in treating more medically complex cases and encouraged her to pursue the School's honors program in oral medicine, she says, “so I can treat patients who are traditionally not admitted for routine care.” Chung credits the Summer Research experience with providing the skills and knowledge to carry out the research and share the results to experts from around the world. “Working with Dr. Jordan-Scuitto and Dr. Cagla Akay-Espinoza and their team was a great experience,” she says. “They taught me that, without research, medicine will remain stagnant. It is the high-caliber research carried out by my mentors that makes me proud to display the Penn Dental Medicine emblem on my research posters.”

GRACE CHUNG (D'20)

DR. AUREA SIMON-SORO

DR. AUREA SIMON-SORO to over-activation of the PERK protein, which can result in neuronal damage. Her research focused on whether blocking PERK might protect those neurons from damage. Working under the tutelage of Dr. Kelly Jordan-Sciutto, Professor and Chair of Pathology, and Dr. Cagla Akay-Espinoza, Research Assistant Professor of Pathology, Chung experimented on rat neurons to determine the impact of time and dose-dependent activation of the PERK protein on neuron loss. “And indeed, our data suggest that pharmacologic PERK inhibition is a potential

mechanism for decreasing the neuronal damage of HAND,” Chung explains. “What I find most exciting is that our project will set the groundwork to determine if HIV-positive patients may benefit from drugs that target PERK.” The project, which she presented at Research Day 2018, earned Chung an AADR Travel Award to present the research this June at the combined AADR/IADR/CADR meeting and encouraged her to present her research at other conferences as well, including the Greater New York Dental Meeting in November.

Dr. Aurea Simon-Soro’s interest in how microbial interactions affect oral health and disease, as well overall systemic health, started when she was a DMD student in her native Spain. As her knowledge of microbiology, immunology, and clinical experience increased, so did her curiosity about the cause of dental caries, leading to an award at the Spanish Dental Student Meeting for her work on biofilm patterns on various dental materials. While earning a PhD in dentistry, she co-invented and received a patent for a caries risk assessment tool, the Salivary Immune and Metabolic Marker Analysis test, which evaluates salivary immune components, buffering capacity, and affinity of microbial adhesion. Now in the Biomedical Postdoctoral Program at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Simon-Soro received an AADR Travel Award to present her research on the effect of oropharyngeal microbes in lung transplant patients, based on her work last year in the laboratory of Dr. Ronald Collman, Professor of Medicine and Microbiology at Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine, and Director of the Penn Center for AIDS Research.

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TRAVELAWARDS Her research showed that the abnormal oral microbe communities in patients with end-stage lung disease normalized for up to about six months after a lung transplantation, but then reverted to the abnormal levels similar to those before the transplant. Referencing the connection between the abnormal microbes in the mouth and in the lungs, she notes, “whatever is happening in the oral cavity can also affect the rest of the body.” Currently, Dr. Simon-Soro is working in the Penn Dental Medicine laboratory of Dr. Hyun (Michel) Koo, Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Divisions of Community Oral Health and Pediatric Dentistry, where she is applying skills in bioinformatics, microbiome analysis, and biofilm imaging. At this year’s Research Day, she will present her latest study on early childhood caries, which she said affects 23 percent of children. She is researching the interaction of oral fungi and bacteria in saliva related to environmental factors, such as sugar intake, and how it affects the development of virulent dental plaque in early childhood caries. For Dr. Simon-Soro, the postdoctoral research experience at Penn underscores her ultimate goal. “My future is in basic research, that is what I want to do,” she says, noting that the AADR Travel Award will further that goal. “Presenting my research findings at the AADR meeting not only allows me to share the investigation that I am doing, but also to evolve scientifically through interaction and networking with the dental scientific community.”

DR. KANG KO, D’15, GD’20, DSCD’20 Dr. Kang Ko (D’15, GD’20, DScD’20) knew early on that research would be an integral part of his career, and he has worked toward that goal throughout his dental education, including his DMD degree, his residency in periodontics, and concurrent pursuit of a Doctor of Science in Dentistry — all at Penn Dental Medicine. During this time, his overarching research interest has been to understand how diabetes can complicate wound healing by interfering with mesenchymal stem cells, working under the mentorship of Dr. Dana Graves, Professor, Department of Periodontics.

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DR. KANG KO (D'15, GD'20, DSCD'20) “[AADR] is an ideal place for me to meet with experts to discuss and share research findings and interact with future colleagues." — DR. KANG KO (D'15, GD'20, DSCD'20) “This is an exciting field of research with important clinical relevance, as it combines stem cell biology and immunology,” Dr. Ko says. “Stem cell therapy offers promising regenerative outcomes in periodontics and orthopedics, however, its predictability may vary greatly in patients with diabetes.” In his latest study, for which he received an AADR Travel Award, Dr. Ko found that inhibiting a mechanism in the stem cells prevented the chronic inflammation that often impedes fracture healing in diabetic patients. As a potential clinical solution, Dr. Ko says, the findings could be extended to other disease models where persistent inflammation is linked to organ damage, such as rheumatoid arthritis. His interest in research was clear early on; he participated in the Summer Research Program after his first year at Penn Dental

Medicine, with Dr. Graves as his adviser, and then entered the research honors program. This is the second AADR Travel Award he’s received from Penn Dental Medicine, and he’s also been awarded the 2018 AAP Education Scholarship from the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation and the Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award from National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Attending the AADR conference, he says, has helped him acquire the knowledge and experience to further develop as a researcher. “It is an ideal place for me to meet with experts to discuss and share research findings and interact with future colleagues,” Dr. Ko says. “Every researcher investigates a unique set of questions. Learning their innovative approaches and adopting them for my own topic of research is particularly helpful.” Dr. Ko plans to pursue an academic career combining clinical practice, education, and research, and to continue to investigate how inflammatory conditions affect stem cell behavior in the oral cavity and bone. “Ultimately,” he says, “I hope that my work will contribute to advanced therapies to help patients with systemic diseases.” — By Debbie Goldberg


2018 AADR TRAVEL AWARD RECIPIENTS Sixteen dental students and junior researchers from Penn Dental Medicine were awarded AADR Travel Grants in 2018 and will present their work at the upcoming AADR/ IADR/CADR Annual Meeting in Vancouver in June — the recipients, their research projects, and faculty advisors follow. DMD STUDENT AWARDEES

Student/Project Grace Chung (D’20): Role of PERK in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders

Faculty Advisor Kelly Jordan-Sciutto Dept. of Pathology

Sahil Gandotra (D’20): Determining the Immunologic Profile of Primary HSV-1 Infection in Humans

Gary Cohen Dept. of Microbiology

Richard M. Kralik (D’20): NF-kB Promotes Mesenchymal Stem Cell Apoptosis and Inhibits Proliferation in Diabetic Fractures

Dana Graves Dept. of Periodontics

Iryna A. Mysnyk (D’20): Inhibition of Human Mast Cell MRGPRX2 Signaling Involved in Chronic Urticaria and Periodontitis

Hydar Ali, Dept. of Pathology

Noor Q. Omar (D’20): Regulation of MrgX2/GŒ±q Interaction in MCs by GRK2 and its RH Domain

Hydar Ali, Dept. of Pathology

Christopher M. Sohn (D’20): The Role of FOXO1 on TGFb1 Expression in Chondrocyte

Dana T. Graves Dept. of Periodontics

Sherry X. Wan (GEN’19, D’20): Binding Force Dynamics of Bacterial-Fungal Interactions in Oral Biofilms

Geelsu Hwang Dept. of Orthodontics

Milo Jinho Yu (D’20): Escherichia Coli Cytolethal Distending Toxin Toxicity on Macrophages is Dependent on Cellugyrin

Bruce Shenker Dept. of Pathology

ABOVE: The recipients of the 2018 AADR Travel Grants Awards with Dr. Dana Graves, Vice Dean for Research and Scholarship (left), and Dr. Michel Koo, Chair of Research Day 2018 (right), at the awards presentation at Research Day 2018.

GRADUATE DENTAL EDUCATION STUDENT AWARDEES

JUNIOR RESEARCHER AWARDEES

Student/Project Hanadi M. Alyami (GD’17, GD’18): NOD1/NOD2 Upregulation in Fusobacterium Nucleatum Induced NETosis

Faculty Advisor Denis Kinane, Former Dean

Junior Researcher/Project Xinhua Li: Ciliary IFT20 and IFT80 are Required for Intervertebral Disc Development and Maintenance

Research Lab George Hajishengallis Dept. of Microbiology

Sarah E. Bond (GR’22): PERK Haplotype Functions in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders

Kelly Jordan-Sciutto Dept. of Pathology

Jormay Lim: IFT20 Regulates the Cell Alignment in Osteogenesis through Ceramide-PKCζ Signaling

Shuying (Sheri) Yang, Dept. of Anatomy & Cell Biology

Zachariah W. Cole (D’17, M’20, GD’23): Nasal Reconstruction with Paramedian Forehead Flap – Case Report

Neeraj Panchal, Dept. of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery/ Pharmacology

Manunya Nuth: Poxvirus Antiviral: Protein-Targeted Degradation by Small Molecules as a Design Strategy

Robert Ricciardi Dept. of Microbiology

Kang I. Ko (D’15, GD’20, DSCD'20): Inhibition of NF-kB in MSCs Prevents Chronic Inflammation in Diabetic Fracture Healing

Dana Graves Dept. of Periodontics

Aurea Simon-Soro: An Aberrant Oropharyngeal Microbiome in Lung Transplantation Dominated by Facultative Anaerobes

Hyun (Michel) Koo Dept. of Orthodontics & Divs. of Community Oral Health & Pediatrics

The 2019 AADR Travel Grant Awards will be presented at Penn Dental Medicine’s Research Day 2019 on May 16, 2019.

PENN DENTAL MEDICINE JOURNAL | SPRING 2019 25


ACADEMICUPDATE

DEPARTMENT/FACULTY NEWS & SCHOLARSHIP

ANATOMY & CELL BIOLOGY

BIOCHEMISTRY

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Henry Daniell has been recognized with a named professorship, becoming the W.D. Miller Professor, effective March 1. This honorific title recognizes his many contributions to Penn Dental Medicine since his recruitment and appointment as Professor in the School’s Department of Biochemistry in 2012.

A selection of recently published work by department faculty (indicated in bold). Cakouros, D., Hemming, S., Gronthos, K., Liu, R., Zannettino, A., Shi, S., Gronthos, S., 2019. Specific functions of TET1 and TET2 in regulating mesenchymal cell lineage determination. Epigenetics Chromatin 12, 3. doi.org/10.1186/ s13072–018–0247–4 Chen, F.-M., Gao, L.-N., Tian, B.-M., Zhang, X.-Y., Zhang, Y.-J., Dong, G.-Y., Lu, H., Chu, Q., Xu, J., Yu, Y., Wu, R.-X., Yin, Y., Shi, S., Jin, Y., 2018. Correction to: Treatment of periodontal intrabony defects using autologous periodontal ligament stem cells: a randomized clinical trial. Stem Cell Res. Ther. 9, 260. doi. org/10.1186/s13287–018–1000–4 Li, Z., Liu, T., Gilmore, A., Gómez, N.M., Fu, C., Lim, J., Yang, S., Mitchell, C.H., Li, Y.-P., Oursler, M.J., Yang, S., 2018. Regulator of G Protein Signaling Protein 12 (Rgs12) Controls Mouse Osteoblast Differentiation via Calcium Channel/ Oscillation and Gαi-ERK Signaling. J. Bone Miner. Res. Off. J. Am. Soc. Bone Miner. Res. doi.org/10.1002/jbmr.3645 Liu, W., Zhang, L., Xuan, K., Hu, C., Liu, S., Liao, L., Li, B., Jin, F., Shi, S., Jin, Y., 2018. Alpl prevents bone-ageing sensitivity by specifically regulating senescence and differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells. Bone Res. 6, 27. doi.org/10.1038/s41413–018–0029-4 Ventura, A.L.M., Dos SantosRodrigues, A., Mitchell, C.H., Faillace, M.P., 2018. Purinergic signaling in the retina: From development to disease. Brain Res. Bull. doi.org/10.1016/j. brainresbull.2018.10.016

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NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department faculty (indicated in bold). Daniell, H., 2019. PBJ is ranked higher, publishes more original articles and offers free global access. Plant Biotechnol. J. 17, 3–4. doi.org/10.1111/pbi.13069 Daniell, H., Rai, V., Xiao, Y., 2018. Cold chain and virus-free oral polio booster vaccine made in lettuce chloroplasts confers protection against all three poliovirus serotypes. Plant Biotechnol. J. doi.org/10.1111/pbi.13060 Li, J., Manghwar, H., Sun, L., Wang, P., Wang, G., Sheng, H., Zhang, J., Liu, H., Qin, L., Rui, H., Li, B., Lindsey, K., Daniell, H., Jin, S., Zhang, X., 2018. Whole genome sequencing reveals rare off-target mutations and considerable inherent genetic or/and somaclonal variations in CRISPR/Cas9-edited cotton plants. Plant Biotechnol. J. doi.org/10.1111/pbi.13020 Swarup, A., Samuels, I.S., Bell, B.A., Han, J.Y.S., Du, J., Massenzio, E., Abel, E.D., Boesze-Battaglia, K., Peachey, N.S., Philp, N.J., 2019. Modulating GLUT1 expression in retinal pigment epithelium decreases glucose levels in the retina: impact on photoreceptors and Müller glial cells. Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol. 316, C121–C133. doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00410.2018 van Eerde, A., Gottschamel, J., Bock, R., Hansen, K.E.A., Munang’andu, H.M., Daniell, H., Liu Clarke, J., 2018. Production of tetravalent dengue virus envelope protein domain III based antigens in lettuce chloroplasts and immunologic analysis for future oral vaccine development. Plant Biotechnol. J. https://doi. org/10.1111/pbi.13065

ADVANCING KNOWLEDGE FOR GOOD Dr. Henry Daniell, W.D. Miller Professor and Interim Chair, Dept. of Biochemistry, was among the featured panelist at the London Campaign Kickoff Celebration for The Power of Penn: Advancing Knowledge for Good, held November 15 in Plaisterers’ Hall, London. Penn President Amy Gutmann hosted the event that drew Penn alumni, Trustees, and invited guests to learn about The Power of Penn campaign and how this historic campaign will grow inclusion, spark innovation, and accelerate impact both on campus and around the world.

ENDODONTICS

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS

A selection of recently published work by department faculty (indicated in bold).

Global Penn Endo Symposium will be held June 13–15, 2019 at Penn Dental Medicine www.dental.upenn.edu/ pennendophilly (see page 7) Dr. Syngcuk Kim, Louis I. Grossman Professor, was a keynote speaker on the use of microscope in endodontic procedures at the China Dental Microscopy Congress, held December 2018 in Beijing. Over 1,500 dentists attended and Penn Endodontics was recognized as a pioneer of the implementation of the microscope in clinical dentistry. Dr. Kim was also a featured lecturer on “Saving the Teeth” at The Young Dentists Clinical Symposium, held in December in Suzhou City, China.

Kattan, S., Lee, S.-M., Hersh, E.V., Karabucak, B., 2019. Do buffered local anesthetics provide more successful anesthesia than nonbuffered solutions in patients with pulpally involved teeth requiring dental therapy?: A systematic review. J. Am. Dent. Assoc. 1939 150, 165–177. doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2018.11.007 Setzer, F.C., Shou, H., Kulwattanaporn, P., Kohli, M.R., Karabucak, B., 2019. Outcome of Crown and Root Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Literature. J. Endod. 45, 6–19. doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2018.10.003


MICROBIOLOGY NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department faculty (indicated in bold).

ORAL MEDICINE

Atanasiu, D., Saw, W.T., Lazear, E., Whitbeck, J.C., Cairns, T.M., Lou, H., Eisenberg, R.J., Cohen, G.H., 2018. Using Antibodies and Mutants to Localize the Presumptive gH/gL Binding Site on Herpes Simplex Virus gD. J. Virol. 92. doi.org/10.1128/JVI.01694–18

Members of the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) elected Dr. Flavia Teles, Associate Professor, to serve at the next AADR Representative to the IADR/AADR Publications Committee. The Committee’s role is to review the quality and financial status of the Journal of Dental Research and other journals owned jointly by IADR/AADR.

LOCATION MATTERS

A study from the lab of Dr. George Hajishengallis found that the protein Del-1 takes on different functions depending on the cell that secretes it. When secreted by the immune system's macrophages, it acts as a bridge to help clear inflammation. See the following article: Kourtzelis, I., Li, X., Mitroulis, I., Grosser, D., Kajikawa, T., Wang, B., Grzybek, M., von Renesse, J., Czogalla, A., Troullinaki, M., Ferreira, A., Doreth, C., Ruppova, K., Chen, L.-S., Hosur, K., Lim, J.-H., Chung, K.-J., Grossklaus, S., Tausche, A.K., Joosten, L.A.B., Moutsopoulos, N.M., Wielockx, B., Castrillo, A., Korostoff, J.M., Coskun, Ü., Hajishengallis, G., Chavakis, T. (Co-author in Dept. of Periodontics), 2019. DEL-1 promotes macrophage efferocytosis and clearance of inflammation. Nat. Immunol. 20, 40–49. doi.org/10.1038/s41590-018–0249–1

Dutzan, N., Kajikawa, T., Abusleme, L., Greenwell-Wild, T., Zuazo, C.E., Ikeuchi, T., Brenchley, L., Abe, T., Hurabielle, C., Martin, D., Morell, R.J., Freeman, A.F., Lazarevic, V., Trinchieri, G., Diaz, P.I., Holland, S.M., Belkaid, Y., Hajishengallis, G., Moutsopoulos, N.M., 2018. A dysbiotic microbiome triggers TH17 cells to mediate oral mucosal immunopathology in mice and humans. Sci. Transl. Med. 10. doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.aat0797 Penkov, S., Mitroulis, I., Hajishengallis, G., Chavakis, T., 2019. Immunometabolic Crosstalk: An Ancestral Principle of Trained Immunity? Trends Immunol. 40, 1–11. doi.org/10.1016/j.it.2018.11.002 Reis, E.S., Berger, N., Wang, X., Koutsogiannaki, S., Doot, R.K., Gumas, J.T., Foukas, P.G., Resuello, R.R.G., Tuplano, J.V., Kukis, D., Tarantal, A.F., Young, A.J., Kajikawa, T., Soulika, A.M., Mastellos, D.C., Yancopoulou, D., Biglarnia, A.-R., Huber-Lang, M., Hajishengallis, G., Nilsson, B., Lambris, J.D., 2018. Safety profile after prolonged C3 inhibition. Clin. Immunol. Orlando Fla 197, 96–106. doi.org/10.1016/j.clim.2018.09.004 Wang, B., Lim, J.-H., Kajikawa, T., Li, X., Vallance, B.A., Moutsopoulos, N.M., Chavakis, T., Hajishengallis, G., 2019. Macrophage β2-Integrins Regulate IL-22 by ILC3s and Protect from Lethal Citrobacter rodentium-Induced Colitis. Cell Rep. 26, 1614–1626.e5. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.celrep.2019.01.054

WORLD WORKSHOP

Current and former faculty and residents from Penn Dental Medicine’s Department of Oral Medicine played key roles in the 7th World Workshop of Oral Medicine held in Gothenburg, Sweden, September 2018.

NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS Dr. Eugene Ko, Assistant Professor of Clinical Oral Medicine, and Dr. Takako Tanaka, Professor of Clinical Oral Medicine, Director of Postdoctoral Oral Medicine Program, both received Penn Dental Medicine’s 2018 Schoenleber Pilot Grant Awards; Dr. Ko for a project titled Role of TRPV1 Pain Pathways in Burning Mouth Syndroma, and Dr. Tanaka for a project titled Neural and Inflammatory Factors in Taste Disturbances in Burning Mouth Syndrome. In addition, Dr. Tanaka was named Chair of the ADEA section of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Hospital Administration, effective March 2019, and was appointed Chair of the AAOM Residency Program Director Committee, effective May 2019.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department faculty (indicated in bold). France, K., Sollecito, T.P., 2019. How Evidence-Based Dentistry Has Shaped the Practice of Oral Medicine. Dent. Clin. North Am. 63, 83–95. doi.org/10.1016/j. cden.2018.08.006

Kalladka, M., Navaneetham, A., Eliav, E., Khan, J., Heir, G., Mupparapu, M., 2018. Presentation of cysticercosis of the lateral pterygoid muscle as temporomandibular disorder: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. J. Indian Prosthodont. Soc. 18, 377–383. doi.org/10.4103/jips. jips_129_18 Kim, I.H., Singer, S.R., Mupparapu, M., 2018. Review of cone beam computed tomography guidelines in North America. Quintessence Int. Berl. Ger. 1985 2–11 doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a41332 Mupparapu, M., Wu, C.-W., Chen, Y.-C., 2018. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning: Futuristic concepts for new dental diagnosis. Quintessence Int. Berl. Ger. 1985 49, 687–688. doi.org/10.3290/j. qi.a41107 Sharp, R.C., Effiom, O.A., Dhingra, A., Odukoya, O., Olawuyi, A., Arotiba, G.T., Boesze-Battaglia, K., Akintoye, S.O. (Co-author in Dept. of Biochemistry), 2019. Enhanced basal autophagy supports ameloblastoma-derived cell survival and reactivation. Arch. Oral Biol. 98, 61–67. doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2018.11.013

France, K., Stoopler, E.T., Tanaka, T.I., 2018. Palatal Swelling in a Patient with Refractory Leukemia. JAMA Dermatol. doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol. 2018.2299

PENN DENTAL MEDICINE JOURNAL | SPRING 2019 27


ACADEMICUPDATE Silva, S.C., Nasser, R., Payne, A.S., Stoopler, E.T., 2019. Pemphigus Vulgaris. J. Emerg. Med. 56, 102–104. doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2018.10.028 Stoopler, E.T., Mirfarsi, S., Alawi, F., Sollecito, T.P. (Co-author in Dept. of Pathology), 2019. Recalcitrant Gingival Lesions in a Patient Previously Diagnosed with Behçet’s Disease. Compend. Contin. Educ. Dent. Jamesburg NJ 1995 40, 46–48.

ORAL SURGERY/ PHARMACOLOGY NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS The Department of Oral Surgery/ Pharmacology was well represented at the 100th Annual American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (AAOMMS) Conference in Chicago, October 2018: Dr. Neeraj Panchal, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Rabie Shanti, Assistant Professor, were invited speakers; and Dr. Eric Granquist, Director, Penn Center for TMJ Disorders, and Chief Resident Dr. Jennifer Caroline, both received AAOMS poster awards for: “Outcomes and Survivorship of a Titanium-on-Polyethylene Device: Results from an FDA Study of the Biomet Microfixation Total TMJ Replacement System” and “Parents' Perception of Opioid Prescription Patterns Following Third Molar Extraction,” respectively.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department faculty (indicated in bold). Hersh, E.V., Secreto, S., Wang, S., Giannakopoulos, H., Mousavian, M., Lesavoy, B., Hutcheson, M.C., Farrar, J.T., Wang, P., Doyle, G., Cooper, S.A., 2019. A Proof-of-Concept Study Using Quantitative Sensory Threshold Analysis to Compare 2 Intraoral Topical Anesthetics. Clin. Ther. doi.org/10.1016/j. clinthera.2018.12.009 Jazayeri, H.E., Carr, B.R., Lee, K.C., Chuang, S.-K., Le, A.D., Shanti, R.M., 2019a. Trainee Contribution Is Not Associated With Citation Frequency: A Retrospective Study. J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. Off. J. Am. Assoc. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2019.01.022 Jazayeri, H.E., Lee, K.C., Chuang, S.-K., Le, A.D., Wang, S., Shanti, R.M., 2019b. A 15-Year Review of Trainee Contributions to the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. Off. J. Am. Assoc. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2019.01.003

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Mao, Q., Nguyen, P.D., Shanti, R.M., Shi, S., Shakoori, P., Zhang, Q., Le, A.D., 2018. Gingiva-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Extracellular Vesicles Activate Schwann Cell Repair Phenotype and Promote Nerve Regeneration. Tissue Eng. Part A. doi.org/10.1089/ten. TEA.2018.0176

ORTHODONTICS NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS

Xu, Z., Qiu, Z., Liu, Q., Huang, Y., Li, D., Shen, X., Fan, K., Xi, J., Gu, Y., Tang, Y., Jiang, J., Xu, J., He, J., Gao, X., Liu, Y., Koo, H., Yan, X., Gao, L., 2018. Converting organosulfur compounds to inorganic polysulfides against resistant bacterial infections. Nat. Commun. 9, 3713. doi.org/10.1038/s41467–018–06164–7

Moore, P.A., Hersh, E.V., 2019. Analgesic Therapy in Dentistry: From a Letter to the Editor to an Evidence-Base Review. Dent. Clin. North Am. 63, 35–44. doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2018.08.004 Mousavian, M.M., Saraghi, M., Hersh, E.V., 2018. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: clinical pharmacology and dental implications. Gen. Dent. 66, 9–11. Sperry, M.M., Yu, Y.-H., Welch, R.L., Granquist, E.J., Winkelstein, B.A., 2018. Grading facial expression is a sensitive means to detect grimace differences in orofacial pain in a rat model. Sci. Rep. 8, 13894. doi.org/10.1038/s41598–018– 32297–2 Tong, W., Tower, R.J., Chen, C., Wang, L., Zhong, L., Wei, Y., Sun, H., Cao, G., Jia, H., Pacifici, M., Koyama, E., Enomoto-Iwamoto, M., Qin, L., 2019. Periarticular Mesenchymal Progenitors Initiate and Contribute to Secondary Ossification Center Formation during Mouse Long Bone Development. Stem Cells Dayt. Ohio. doi.org/10.1002/stem.2975 Zhang, Y., Shi, S., Xu, Q., Zhang, Q., Shanti, R.M., Le, A.D, 2019. SIS-ECM Laden with GMSC-Derived Exosomes Promote Taste Bud Regeneration. J. Dent. Res. 98, 225–233. doi.org/10.1177/0022034518804531 Zuniga, J.R., Papas, A.S., Daniels, S.E., Patrick, K., Muse, D.D., Oreadi, D., Giannakopoulos, H.E., Granquist, E.J., Levin, L.M., Chou, J.C., Maibach, H., Schachtel, B.P., 2019. Prevention of Opioid-Induced Nausea and Vomiting During Treatment of Moderate to Severe Acute Pain: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial Comparing CL-108 (Hydrocodone 7.5 mg/Acetaminophen 325 mg/Rapid-Release, Low-Dose Promethazine 12.5 mg) with Conventional Hydrocodone 7.5 mg/ Acetaminophen 325 mg. Pain Med. Malden Mass. doi.org/10.1093/pm/pny294

Sims, K.R., Liu, Y., Hwang, G., Jung, H.I., Koo, H., Benoit, D.S.W., 2018. Enhanced design and formulation of nanoparticles for anti-biofilm drug delivery. Nanoscale 11, 219–236. doi.org/10.1039/c8nr05784b

Note: Koo, H also has appointments in the Divisions of Community Oral Health and Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Hyun (Michel) Koo, Professor, was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science. Election as a Fellow is an honor bestowed upon members of AAAS by their peers for scientifically and socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications. First-year orthodontics resident Dr. Xuefeng Zhao was recognized for his research, taking first place in the Young Researchers Forum that was part of the Chinese Dentistry Research and Administration Society’s Third Annual Meeting, held in Chengdu, China, in November.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department faculty (indicated in bold). Chung, K.-R., Kim, Y.-J., Jeon, H.H., Kim, S.-H., Nelson, G., 2018. The Biocreative Strategy. Part 6: Class III Treatment. J. Clin. Orthod. JCO 52, 604–620. Koo, H., Andes, D.R., Krysan, D.J., 2018. Candida-streptococcal interactions in biofilm-associated oral diseases. PLoS Pathog. 14, e1007342. doi.org/10.1371/ journal.ppat.1007342 Lamont, R.J., Koo, H., Hajishengallis, G., 2018. The oral microbiota: dynamic communities and host interactions. Nat. Rev. Microbiol. 16, 745–759. doi.org/10.1038/ s41579–018–0089-x Ren, Z., Kim, D., Paula, A.J., Hwang, G., Liu, Y., Li, J., Daniell, H., Koo, H., 2019. Dual-Targeting Approach Degrades Biofilm Matrix and Enhances Bacterial Killing. J. Dent. Res. 98, 322–330. doi.org/10.1177/0022034518818480

PATHOLOGY SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department faculty (indicated in bold). Brown, A.C., Boesze-Battaglia, K., Balashova, N.V., Mas Gómez, N., Speicher, K., Tang, H.-Y., Duszyk, M.E., Lally, E.T. (Co-author in the Dept. of Biochemistry), 2018. Membrane localization of the Repeats-in-Toxin (RTX) Leukotoxin (LtxA) produced by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. PloS One. 13, e0205871. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205871 Jackson, D.P., Ting, J.H., Pozniak, P.D., Meurice, C., Schleidt, S.S., Dao, A., Lee, A.H., Klinman, E., Jordan-Sciutto, K.L., 2018b. Identification and characterization of two novel alternatively spliced E2F1 transcripts in the rat CNS. Mol. Cell. Neurosci. 92, 1–11. doi.org/10.1016/j. mcn.2018.06.003 Nice, J.B., Balashova, N.V., Kachlany, S.C., Koufos, E., Krueger, E., Lally, E.T., Brown, A.C., 2018. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Leukotoxin Is Delivered to Host Cells in an LFA-1-Indepdendent Manner When Associated with Outer Membrane Vesicles. Toxins 10. doi.org/10.3390/toxins10100414 Osickova, A., Balashova, N., Masin, J., Sulc, M., Roderova, J., Wald, T., Brown, A.C., Koufos, E., Chang, E.H., Giannakakis, A., Lally, E.T., Osicka, R., 2018. Cytotoxic activity of Kingella kingae RtxA toxin depends on post-translational acylation of lysine residues and cholesterol binding. Emerg. Microbes Infect. 7, 178. doi.org/10.1038/s41426-018–0179–x


Roy, S., Ganguly, A., Haque, M., Ali, H., 2019. Angiogenic Host Defense Peptide AG-30/5C and Bradykinin B2 Receptor Antagonist Icatibant Are G Protein Biased Agonists for MRGPRX2 in Mast Cells. J. Immunol. Baltim. Md 1950 202, 1229–1238. doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1801227

PERIODONTICS NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS The 4th Penn Periodontal Conference 2019 will be held at Penn Dental Medicine, June 23–27, providing a forum to exchange the latest research in the field of periodontics, www.dental.upenn.edu/ pennperio2019. (see page 7) Periodontics resident Dr. Kang Ko (D’15, GD’20, DScD'20) was selected by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Foundation as a 2018 recipient of the AAP Educator Scholarship.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department faculty (indicated in bold). Alharbi, M.A., Zhang, C., Lu, C., Milovanova, T.N., Yi, L., Ryu, J.D., Jiao, H., Dong, G., O’Connor, J.P., Graves, D.T., 2018. FOXO1 Deletion Reverses the Effect of Diabetic-Induced Impaired Fracture Healing. Diabetes. 67, 2682–2694. doi. org/10.2337/db18–0340 Canullo, L., Pesce, P., Tronchi, M., Fiorellini, J., Amari, Y., Penarrocha, D., 2018. Marginal soft tissue stability around conical abutments inserted with the one abutment-one time protocol after 5 years of prosthetic loading. Clin. Implant Dent. Relat. Res. 20, 976–982. doi.org/10.1111/cid.12683

Tallarico, M., Fiorellini, J., Nakajima, Y., Omori, Y., Takahisa, I., Canullo, L., 2018. Mechanical Outcomes, Microleakage, and Marginal Accuracy at the Implant-Abutment Interface of Original versus Nonoriginal Implant Abutments: A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies. BioMed Res. Int. 2018, 2958982. doi.org/10.1155/2018/2958982 Zhang, C., Feinberg, D., Alharbi, M., Ding, Z., Lu, C., O’Connor, J.P., Graves, D.T., 2018. Chondrocytes Promote Vascularization in Fracture Healing Through a FOXO1-Dependent Mechanism. J. Bone Miner. Res. Off. J. Am. Soc. Bone Miner. Res. doi.org/10.1002/jbmr.3610

PREVENTIVE & RESTORATIVE SCIENCES NEWS/ACHIEVEMENTS The 2nd annual Advanced Esthetics Week will be held at Penn Dental Medicine, June 19–22, 2019, www.dental. upenn/edu/aew2019 (see page 7) Dr. Leslie Stone Hirsh, Clinical Associate Professor, was awarded a Certificate in Implant Dentistry from the Academy of Osseointegration at the 2019 Annual Meeting, held in March in Washington DC. Dr. Fusun Ozer, Associate Professor, has been awarded a grant for faculty mentoring undergraduate research from Penn’s Center for Undergraduate Research and the Provost’s Office.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS A selection of recently published work by department faculty (indicated in bold).

Coelho, P.G., Pippenger, B., Tovar, N., Koopmans, S.-J., Plana, N.M., Graves, D.T., Engebretson, S., van Beusekom, H.M.M., Oliveira, P.G.F.P., Dard, M., 2018. Effect of Obesity or Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes on Osseointegration of Dental Implants in a Miniature Swine Model: A Pilot Study. J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. Off. J. Am. Assoc. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. 76, 1677–1687. doi.org/10.1016/j. joms.2018.02.021

Arslan, S., Lipski, L., Dubbs, K., Elmali, F., Ozer, F., 2018. Effects of different resin sealing therapies on nanoleakage within artificial non-cavitated enamel lesions. Dent. Mater. J. 37, 981–987. doi. org/10.4012/dmj.2017–027

Graves, D.T., Corrêa, J.D., Silva, T.A., 2019. The Oral Microbiota Is Modified by Systemic Diseases. J. Dent. Res. 98, 148– 156. doi.org/10.1177/0022034518805739

Blatz, M.B., Conejo, J., 2019. The current state of chairside digital dentistry and CAD/CAM materials. Dent Clin North Amer. 63(2):175–197.

Blatz, M.B., Conejo, J., 2018. Cementation and Bonding of Zirconia Restorations. Compend. Contin. Educ. Dent. Jamesburg NJ 1995 39, 9–13.

Blatz M.B., Goodacre C.J.,2018. Prothetische Protokolle fuer implantatbasierte orale Rehabilitationen. Quintessenz. Zahntechnik. 44,1–6.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURER

Dr. Markus Blatz, Professor and Chair, Dept. of Preventive & Restorative Sciences, was recognized as the 2019 M. G. Buonocore Memorial Lecturer by The Academy of Operative Dentistry during its Annual Meeting in Chicago, Feb. 20–22, 2019 and received the Distinguished Lecturer Award from the Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics during its Annual Meeting in New York, Nov. 30–Dec. 01, 2018. Breschi L., Blatz, M.B., Phark J.H., 2018. IAAD Newsletter. J. Adhes. Dent. 20, 562.

different cements. Clin. Oral Implants Res. 30, 178–186. doi.org/10.1111/clr.13404

Diaz E., Conejo J., Flores, J., Blatz, M.B., 2018. Full-mouth rehabilitation with the flowable injection technique. Quintessence Dent. Technol. 41, 204–18.

Ozer, F., Pak-Tunc, E., Esen Dagli, N., Ramachandran, D., Sen, D., Blatz, M.B., 2018. Shear bond strength of luting cements to fixed superstructure metal surfaces under various seating forces. J. Adv. Prosthodont. 10, 340–346. doi.org/10.4047/jap.2018.10.5.340

Gamborena, I., Sasaki, Y., Blatz, M.B, 2019. Novel approach for predictably matching a veneer to an implant crown. Quintessence Dent Technol. 42:6–14. Gamborena I, Sasaki Y, Blatz, M.B., 2019. The all-at-once concept: immediate implant placement into fresh extraction sockets with final crown delivery. Quintessence Dent Technol. 42:164–177. Gamborena I., Sasaki, Y., Blatz, M.B., 2018. The Slim Concept — Clinical steps to ultimate success. Quintessence Dent. Technol. 41,34–47. Irmak, Ö, Yaman, B.C., Orhan, E.O., Kılıçarslan, M.A., Mante, F.K., Ozer, F., 2018. Influence of cleaning methods on bond strength to saliva contaminated zirconia. J Esthet Restor Dent.Nov;30(6):551– 556. doi.org/10.1111/jerd.12416 . Nueesch, R., Conejo, J., Mante, F., Fischer, J., Märtin, S., Rohr, N., Blatz, M.B., 2019. Loading capacity of CAD/CAM-fabricated anterior feldspathic ceramic crowns bonded to one-piece zirconia implants with

Slayton, R.L., Urquhart, O., Araujo, M.W.B., Fontana, M., Guzmán-Armstrong, S., Nascimento, M.M., Nový, B.B., Tinanoff, N., Weyant, R.J., Wolff, M.S., Young, D.A., Zero, D.T., Tampi, M.P., Pilcher, L., Banfield, L., Carrasco-Labra, A., 2018. Evidence-based clinical practice guideline on nonrestorative treatments for carious lesions: A report from the American Dental Association. J. Am. Dent. Assoc. 1939 149, 837–849. e19. doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2018.07.002 Urquhart, O., Tampi, M.P., Pilcher, L., Slayton, R.L., Araujo, M.W.B., Fontana, M., Guzmán-Armstrong, S., Nascimento, M.M., Nový, B.B., Tinanoff, N., Weyant, R.J., Wolff, M.S., Young, D.A., Zero, D.T., Brignardello-Petersen, R., Banfield, L., Parikh, A., Joshi, G., Carrasco-Labra, A., 2019. Nonrestorative Treatments for Caries: Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. J. Dent. Res. 98, 14–26. doi.org/10.1177/0022034518800014

PENN DENTAL MEDICINE JOURNAL | SPRING 2019 29


“My mission has always been to become a compassionate and culturally competent dentist who provides patient-centered care. As an NHSC scholar, I am even more confident that I will have the opportunity to make a true difference.” — EMILY HUANG (D'21)


PAYING IT FORWARD

DENTAL STUDENTS AND UNDERSERVED PATIENTS ALIKE REAP REWARDS FROM THE NHSC’S SCHOLARSHIP AND LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS THROUGH THE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE National Health Service Corps (NHSC) scholarship program, top medical, dental, nursing, and physician assistant students at American universities receive funding for their education in exchange for job placement at community health care facilities in underserved areas after graduation. For each year of their scholarship, graduates complete a year of paid service at one of more than 5,000 NHSC-approved community health sites, which provide affordable, high-quality care to underserved populations in urban and rural settings. The NHSC selects candidates with excellent grades, interest and commitment to public service, and financial need. Across the country, around 1,300 students currently receive NHSC scholarships for a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years. Fewer than 100 are dental students, and of those, an impressive 11 are currently studying at Penn Dental Medicine. (See full list on page 34.)

Graduates of medical and dental schools across the country, including Penn Dental Medicine, also apply for the NHSC’s loan repayment program, which provides additional funds to allow recipients to reduce their educational debt by working at NHSC sites. For both underserved patients and financially burdened dental students and graduates with an interest in public health, NHSC’s scholarship and loan forgiveness programs are a win-win situation. “My mission has always been to become a compassionate and culturally competent dentist who provides patient-centered care,” says Emily Huang (D’21), one of Penn Dental Medicine’s current scholarship recipients. “As an NHSC scholar, I am even more confident that I will have the opportunity to make a true difference.” “The financial weight lifted off my shoulders is just a bonus to knowing that I can contribute in improving the quality of life for others,” adds NHSC scholar Lynn Le (D’20). “After graduating from Penn, I would like to move back to Florida to serve my commitment in a community health center there.”

FILLING THE GAPS IN COMMUNITY CARE The NHSC grew out of the health care crisis of the 1950s and ‘60s, when general physicians retired at high rates and medical students began choosing more lucrative specialties over private practice, leaving poor urban and rural communities with few primary care options. The government formed the NHSC in 1972 to fill the gaps, and today more than 11 million Americans rely on NHSC sites for primary care. From 2000–2001, Dr. Joan Gluch, Chief of the Division of Community Oral Health, served on a national committee that expanded the NHSC program to include dentistry. “More dentists choose to practice in suburbs and wealthier urban neighborhoods than in poor neighborhoods and rural areas,” Dr. Gluch says. “The NHSC’s dental program plays a huge role in righting these imbalances by providing financial incentives to practice in an underserved region.” LEFT: Current National Health Service Corps scholars at Penn Dental Medicine (see full list, page 34).

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NHSCPROGRAMS A COMMUNITY-FOCUSED CAMPUS For the competitive NHSC scholarships, Penn Dental Medicine applicants have the advantage of a campus that actively promotes student involvement in service initiatives and has community-based service learning as a required part of the curriculum. “From the first year of dental school, we provide a learning environment that offers consistent, in-depth community experience, allowing our students to build the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in community settings,” says Dr. Gluch, who has assisted many students in applying for NHSC scholarships.

SERVING NATIONWIDE NHSC scholars and loan repayment participants apply for many varied approved practice sites across the country, from major urban centers to remote villages. Presently, there are more than 2,070 NHSC-approved dental sites across the country, with sites in every state. (Florida, California, and Michigan are among the states with the highest numbers of sites.) Graduates have up to six months after graduation to find employment at an NHSC site through an online list of openings, and site placement is often deferred when graduates complete general, pediatric or public health residencies. There is a misconception that NHSC requires graduates to work for free, when in reality they are paid a competitive market salary in their NHSC approved position after receiving the NHSC scholarship funds. Those graduates participating in the loan repayment program receive funds each year to reduce their debt burden in addition to their salary. “NHSC loan repayment funds provide targeted incentives to place dentists in under-served locations most in need," Dr. Gluch explains. “The NHSC scholarship program allows graduates the freedom to work in community settings without the large financial debt burden common to many young dentists.” Together, both the NHSC scholarship and loan repayment programs serve a vital role to increase access to dental care by increasing the number of dentists in underserved areas.

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Since 2007, 18 NHSC scholars have graduated from Penn Dental Medicine, going on to serve at sites nationwide. Here we highlight a few of those scholars along with an alumna working in the NHSC loan repayment program.

“[NHSC Scholarship] relieved much of the financial burden of dental school and allowed me to focus solely on being an excellent clinician. I can devote all of my energy to classes and clinic.” DR. CHRISTINE (BENDER) MYLES (D’08): MAKING AN IMPACT

F

or alumna Dr. Christine (Bender) Myles (D’08), being an NHSC scholar led to 10 years of service at a federally qualified health center. After graduating from Penn Dental Medicine in 2008 , Dr. Myles moved to Pawtucket, R.I., about 10 minutes outside Providence, to join the dental staff at Blackstone Valley Community Health Care, situated in a federally designated health professional shortage area. There, the NHSC scholar completed her three-year NHSC service assignment and two years of NHSC loan repayment , then decided to remain at Blackstone in this public health role. “I treated underserved patients from infancy through old age in a community that included a lot of immigrants,” she says of her years at Blackstone. “The need for basic dental care and oral health education was great, and I really felt like I was making an impact.” Dr. Myles was named Director of Clinical Dentistry at Blackstone in 2011, taking over the position that had previously been held by another Penn Dental Medicine graduate, Dr. Lalita Battacharya (D’84), who went on to become Blackstone’s Director of Dental Education and Programming. When Dr. Battacharya left Blackstone in 2016, Dr.

— ANDREW NG (D'20)

Myles was promoted to Dental Director, taking over Dr. Battacharya’s role and continuing with her existing responsibilities. Gloria Hwang-Forzano (D’09) had the opportunity to work with both fellow alumnae while she completed a two-year NHSC service assignment at Blackstone; she left in 2014. While Dr. Myles worked at Blackstone, the clinic consisted of a freestanding dental office in downtown Pawtucket, with 11 operatories, five full-time general dentists, and one part-time oral surgeon. Just after she left, the clinic opened a second location, adding eight operatories and additional staff. With a desire to move closer to family, Dr. Myles left Rhode Island for Pittsburgh, Pa., last summer. While no longer working in a public health setting, she continues to provide much-needed community service in her current practice. A mother of two, she currently works for a for-profit, Pittsburgh-based company called Big Smiles, which provides traveling dentists to schools throughout western Pennsylvania, including many in remote and economically disadvantaged communities. Dr. Myles and her staff of two assistants and a hygienist carry their equipment into each school in suitcases, working with school nurses to identify, evaluate, and treat children who need care. The team practices all facets of dentistry that can be complet-


ed without sedation, including extractions, stainless steel crowns, and space maintainers. With permission from their parents, the children are able to receive care during the school day and return home on time with stronger, healthier teeth. Dr. Myles and her colleagues also provide their young patients with education and dental supplies. “We’re providing a tremendous service to children who otherwise might never see a dentist,” she says. “In schools that have a long-term mobile dentist, we see a dramatic difference in the level of care and hygiene.”

DR. JOSHUA SIMPSON (D’16): FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT

A

s Josh Simpson (D’16) completes his three-year NHSC scholarship service commitment at Philadelphia FIGHT, a clinic in Center City for underserved residents, including those living with HIV, he often thinks of family friend and former NHSC scholar Dr. John “Jack” Dewolf (D’81). Dr. Dewolf’s experience at Penn Dental Medicine and subsequent NHSC service in Lakewood, Wis., led Dr. Simpson to apply to the School — and later the scholarship program — himself. “Penn stood out for me because of the people,” he says, remembering his interview day. “I was impressed by my fellow applicants, current students, and faculty.” (Dr. Simpson now has a faculty appointment at Penn, supervising students on clinical rotations at FIGHT, and teaching in the first- and second-year community oral health courses.)

Presently, there are more than 2,070 NHSC-approved dental sites across the country, with sites in every state. As a Penn Dental Medicine student, Dr. Simpson completed the honors program in clinical dentistry. “Knowing that I was already committed to public health through the NHSC, I wanted to develop my clinical skills as much as possible prior to beginning my service commitment,” he says. “Honors clinic was the perfect venue for that, helping me learn dentistry from a ‘why, not how’ perspective and ultimately preparing me to apply those clinical skills in a public health setting.” After graduation, Dr. Simpson completed a one-year general practice residency at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, Pa., before returning to Philadelphia for his NHSC service. He learned about Philadelphia FIGHT from his fellow alumna, Dr. Kari Hexem (D’15), FIGHT’s Dental Director and a Clinical Assistant Professor in Penn Dental Medicine’s Division of Community Oral Health. “We’re caring for the people who truly need it most,” Dr. Simpson says of his work at Philadelphia FIGHT. “Patients present with decayed and abscessed teeth to the point it’s debilitating. Being able to smile and eat without pain is life-changing for them.” He is grateful for the opportunity that his NHSC service commitment has provided. “Working at an FQHC gives you the benefits and flexibility of working for a practice with a corporate structure, except the organizational focus is non-profit, patient-centered care,” says Dr. Simpson. Looking ahead, he plans to make public health a continued priority throughout his career.

DR. NGOZI OKOH (D’12): A COMMUNITY ROLE MODEL

A

fter graduating from Penn Dental Medicine in 2012 and completing her pediatric dentistry residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital in 2015, Dr. Ngozi Okoh (D’12) spent two-plus years fulfilling her NHSC scholarship service commitment at Greater Philadelphia Health Action (GPHA), a NHSC-approved site providing medical, dental, and behavioral health care. As the first and only pediatric dentist at GPHA, she treated patients whose families were accustomed to leaving their neighborhoods in order to see a dental specialist willing and able to treat their children. “The families I saw in Frankford and Point Breeze really appreciated having a specialist in the neighborhood,” she says. “And, as a black female dentist in largely black communities, I was able to set an example for the children of what is possible.” Dr. Okoh, who grew up in New York City, chose Penn Dental Medicine because it offered a chance to learn “a little bit of everything. I was never pigeon-holed,” she says. “It was handsdown the best training I could have received.” The mother of an infant son, she is currently working at Children’s Dental Health in West Philadelphia, where she treats mostly Medicaid patients, immigrants, and refugees. This summer, she plans to open her own practice, Farm Park Pediatric Dentistry, in East Norriston, Pa., which will also serve Medicaid recipients in the underserved areas around Norristown and Northwestern Philadelphia suburbs. Her staff will be compromised of a receptionist, expanded function dental assistant, hygienist, and office manager.

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NHSCPROGRAMS In June of 2018, Dr. Okoh returned to campus to moderate a predental recruitment workshop organized by several Penn Dental Medicine organizations, including the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Student National Dental Association. “When asked to be the moderator, I was humbled and excited to be able to speak to students whose shoes I walked in not long ago,” she says. "As a predental student, I remember looking up to minority dentists with so much hope and ambition in my heart. I can only hope to be a tangible role model to the young aspiring dentist.” “NHSC is a very plausible way to help with your education financially while allowing you to do a lot of good,” she adds. “There is never enough caring and compassion in health care. It’s fulfilling to help change that.”

DR. RENEE SCHAEFER (D’09): GOING HOME TO GIVE BACK

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orn and raised in Hughestown, Pa., Dr. Renee Schaefer (D'09) always knew she would return home after dental school to give back to underserved families. After completing her residency at Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, Dr. Schaefer accepted a position at Scranton Primary Health Care Center, a federal qualified health care center, as part the NHSC's loan repayment program. Dr. Schaefer worked as the center's Dental Director for five years, overseeing a staff of two full-time dentists, one hygienist, six expanded-function dental assistants, two receptionists, and a billing manager. Although she enjoyed her administrative role, she is

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“The financial weight lifted off my shoulders is just a bonus to knowing that I can contribute in improving the quality of life for others.” — LYNN LE (D'20)

now focusing her energies on patient care. “I wanted to commit solely to clinical dentistry to make a difference in more patients’ lives," she says. Caring for patients with advanced caries and medical complications, she knows her work is filling a significant void. "Our patients have a dental home here where they feel comfortable and cared for," she says. A born teacher, Dr. Schaefer has happy memories of working on the PennSmiles van while a dental student, visiting and talking to children about dental hygiene. She continues to enjoy staffing community health fairs and has educated local medical residents about oral health. In addition to her dental degree, Dr. Schaefer holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Scranton in Biology along with two minors in Biochemistry and English. She graduated from the University of Scranton in 2003 with a Master's of Clinical Chemistry. After moving back to the Scranton area, she started her own tutoring business at the University of Scranton, and also tutors Scranton Prep High School students in chemistry and biology. Dr. Schaefer plans to remain at Scranton Primary Health Care Center. “It is dear to my heart to give back to my home,” she says. “Now I'm taking care of the people who took care of me.” — By Juliana Delany

PENN DENTAL MEDICINE’S NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE CORPS SCHOLARS Penn Dental Medicine currently has eleven NHSC Scholars, “a significant number” for one dental school at one time, says Dr. Joan Gluch, Chief of Penn Dental Medicine’s Division of Community Oral Health. In addition, two current fourthyear students are the recipients of NHSC’s Students to Service loan repayment scholarship, awarded to fourth-year students in return for a three-year NHSC commitment after graduation. For Andrew Ng (D’20), the NHSC scholarship has made a world of difference. “It relieved much of the financial burden of dental school and allowed me to focus solely on being an excellent clinician,” he says. “With tuition covered in full, a monthly stipend, and a guaranteed job after graduation, I can devote all of my energy to classes and clinic.” After fulfilling his service requirement, Andrew hopes to continue giving back to NHSC sites in some capacity throughout his career. Here are our current NHSC scholarship recipients, listed below in order of class year: Aslam Aiman (D’19) Aiya Al-Beyati (D’20) Catherine Dang (D’20) Esther Hong (D’20) Lynn Le (D’20) Andrew Ng (D’20) Emily Huang (D’21) Ramon Penaranda (D’21) Soo Won Seo (D’21) Pouria Farhadi Amiri (D’22) Morgan Rhodes (D’22) Our current NHSC Students to Service scholarship recipients include: Lisenia Collazzo (D’19) Austin Labbe (D’19)


ALUMNIHIGHLIGHTS

PROFILES, GATHERINGS & ENGAGEMENT

2019 Alumni Awards

The Penn Dental Medicine alumni awards will be presented as part of Alumni Weekend 2019 at a special reception, May 17 at 5 pm. The following recipients will be honored.

THOMAS EVANS AWARD

ALUMNI AWARD OF MERIT

The Alumni Award of Merit recognizes love for and loyalty to Penn Dental Medicine, excellence in the profession of dentistry, and community involvement. The award acknowledges graduates who have maintained their ties with the School through their support of alumni activities, demonstrated leadership in the dental profession, and fostered and maintained the ideals of the School. This year’s recipients include:

The Thomas Evans Achievement Award is Penn Dental Medicine Alumni Society’s highest award of recognition, honoring alumni who have shown innovation, excellence, and leadership in the profession of oral health care nationally and internationally. This year’s recipient is Peter Quinn, D’74, GD’78. Dr. Quinn, who earned both a DMD and postdoctoral certificate in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Penn Dental Medicine, is currently Vice Dean for Professional Services for Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine and Senior Vice President for Clinical Practices of the University of Pennsylvania for the University of Pennsylvania Health System. He also remains on the Penn Dental Medicine faculty as Schoenleber Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. A member of the Penn Dental Medicine faculty for 35 years, Dr. Quinn was the Chairman of Penn Dental Medicine’s Department of Oral & Maxillofacial from 1986 through 2008, and built the School’s oral surgery postdoctoral program, one of the first to offer a combined MD and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery certificate. An internationally recognized expert in the field of temporomandibular joint surgery and surgical management of high-flow maxillofacial arterio-venous malformations, Dr. Quinn pioneered the development of the only FDA-approved stock temporomandibular joint implant that is now the most widely used jaw joint replacement device both within the United States and internationally. Among his other awards, he has received a Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching from Penn, the Alfred Stengel Health System Champion Award from Penn Medicine, the C. William Hanson Service Award from the Hospital of the University Pennsylvania and the Osborn Award for an Outstanding Educator from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

HONORARY ALUMNI AWARD

The honorary alumni awards are presented to individuals who are not graduates of Penn Dental Medicine, but have demonstrated a strong commitment to Penn Dental Medicine through their service to and involvement with the School. This year’s recipient is Dr. Markus Blatz, Professor & Chair Preventive & Restorative Sciences.

Peter Greco, D’79, GD’84 Najeed Saleh, D’94

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD OF MERIT

The Young Alumni Award of Merit recognizes Penn Dental Medicine alumni one to 15 years from graduation who have maintained their ties with the School through their support of alumni activities, demonstrated leadership in the dental profession, and fostered and maintained the ideals that the School of Dental Medicine has stood for since its founding. This year's recipients include:

Mark Koup, D’04

Mana Mozaffarian, D’06

DENTAL HYGIENE ALUMNI SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD The Dental Hygiene Alumni Special Achievement Award, given annually by the Penn Dental Medicine Dental Hygiene Alumni Association, recognizes the outstanding contributions of dental hygiene alumni to the growth and development of the profession of dental hygiene. This year's recipients include:

Elisabeth “Betty” Karen Combs McClellan Peebles, DH’59 Flickinger, DH’58

PENN DENTAL MEDICINE JOURNAL | SPRING 2019 35


ALUMNIHIGHLIGHTS Endodontics, with two Houston-area locations, in the mid 2000’s. Last year, he purchased Maestro Dental, a large group practice that brings together multiple specialties, including orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, and oral surgery, under one roof. This innovative model allows Dr. Morrison and his staff to complement the work of general dentists while co-managing patients with other specialists. “My goal is to build a portfolio of group practices that allow patients to understand the importance of oral health, while establishing an environment where the next generation of providers can enjoy new ways to practice dentistry,” he says.

Alumni profile: Dr. James Morrison (D’03) A Life in Balance

At Penn Dental Medicine, Dr. James Morrison (D’03) experienced the power of a great mentor, and has used what he learned to build a reputation for dental excellence, while caring for his family and his community. As he prepared to enter graduate school in Penn’s Post-Baccalaureate Program, Dr. Morrison — who, as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh, had originally planned to attend medical school — wasn’t sure dentistry was the right career for him. His concerns were put to rest through a series of talks with Dr. Raymond Fonseca, the Dean of Penn Dental Medicine from 1989 to 2003. “Dr. Fonseca showed me that dentistry — an art within the science of medicine — was indeed what I wanted to do,” Dr. Morrison remembers. “Our conversations exceeded dentistry and delved into the secrets of balancing life as a man, a provider, and a community leader. Dr. Fonseca taught me to take an introspective approach to navigating my life, and in the process, became my most important mentor.” ABOVE: Dr. James Morrison (D’03) with some Penn Dental Medicine students when he was a guest speaker at the School for this year’s Black History Month celebration.

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A PASSION FOR PROBLEM-SOLVING After graduating from dental school, Dr. Morrison, a native of Virginia, went on to Boston University to complete a residency in endodontics, a specialty that suits his passion for solving problems.

CARING FOR HIS COMMUNITY Dr. Morrison’s family has grown as well: He and Joi, who runs her own private pediatric practice, Pinnacle Pediatric Dentistry, have three children, Jalen, Kingston, and James III. Community service is important to the Morrison family. When Houston was devastated by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Dr. Morrison worked with fellow Houston professionals to give back to the city, eventually developing an ongoing service and education non-profit called WAIIT (We Are In It Together), of which he is the board president.

When Houston was devastated by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Dr. Morrison worked with fellow Houston professionals to give back to the city, eventually developing a service and education non-profit called WAIIT (We Are In It Together). “Endodontics allows me to address my patient’s issues quickly and efficiently,” he says. “I have a solution that can usually be executed in 20 to 40 minutes, ending my patients’ pain and restoring their comfort.” Dr. Morrison met his wife, Dr. Joi Shaw Morrison, a pediatric dentist, at a dental school conference. The pair settled in Houston, where Dr. Morrison has steadily built a successful practice. He opened Moberi

“In the aftermath of the hurricane, schools were closed and families were displaced,” Dr. Morrison explains. “Dental supplies were hard to come by.” Through the National Dental Association, Dr. Morrison petitioned the organization’s corporate partners, including Colgate, Proctor & Gamble, and Johnson & Johnson, to donate toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other resources, helping thousands of local schoolchildren keep up with their dental care during the disaster.


While visiting the reopened schools, Dr. Morrison and his team realized that seeing health professionals of color was a rarity for black schoolchildren in Houston’s poorer neighborhoods. The idea for WAIIT was born: Through an annual symposium for middle school students, African-American professionals would share their stories of challenge and success. In April, 200 students attended the event, which Dr. Morrison hopes to open to high school students in the near future. “I saw myself in many of those kids,” Dr. Morrison says. “I wanted a chance to show them what they could become.”

A GUEST OF HONOR This past February, Dr. Morrison returned to Penn Dental Medicine as a special guest at the School’s celebration of Black History Month, where he had the opportunity to inspire more young people — this time, dental students who were eager to learn how he had balanced a successful multi-office dental practice with the demands of family and community. The trip back to Philadelphia was an opportunity to reflect on how far he had come: “I am now living out many of the dreams I had back then.” His advice to current dental students was very similar to the words of wisdom he received decades ago from his mentor, Dean Fonseca: “I told them, ‘the art of making a living is founded in learning to live; just as much as you receive you should also be willing to give!’”

Resources to Stay, Get Connected

Looking to find a former classmate? Get your practice in front of potential patients? Hire a new associate? There are a number of resources to help Penn Dental Medicine alumni do just that. Here is a brief review of these easy online resources:

QUAKERNET

FIND A PENN DENTIST

QuakerNet is Penn’s secured alumni directory, where you can keep your contact information current as well as search for fellow classmates and peers. Simply create an account at www.myquakernet.com/dental. You can now also view Penn Dental Medicine news and Tweets directly from your QuakerNet profile. It’s an easy way to catch up on the latest news from the School, while connecting with other alumni!

Find a Penn Dentist, located prominently on the Penn Dental Medicine web site, allows visitors to the site (whether other clinicians or potential patients) to search a directory of Penn Dental Medicine alumni practices by city/state, zip code, or specialty. Register your practice by contacting the Office of Alumni Relations at 215–898–8951 or through the site directly at www.dental.upenn.edu/map.

CAREERS

SOCIAL MEDIA

Career Opportunities is an online resource for those beginning a job search and a place to submit a posting if you are seeking a new employee or looking to sell your practice. Visit www.dental.upenn.edu/careers.

Social Media offers a number of ways you can engage with Penn Dental Medicine. Join “Penn Dental Medicine” on Facebook or follow “PennDentalMed” on Twitter and Instagram. You can also connect to “Penn Dental Medicine Alumni” on LinkedIn (a private group of nearly 400 Penn Dental Medicine alumni and current students).

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ALUMNIHIGHLIGHTS

ALUMNI-STUDENT NETWORKING EVENT On October 18, Penn Dental Medicine alumni, students, and residents gathered at the Ritz Carlton Philadelphia to expand their professional networks. Over 200 were in attendance at this annual fall event.

ALUMNI SKI TRIP Our 2nd Annual Penn Dental Medicine Alumni Ski Trip was a great success! Almost 50 alumni and their guests joined us for a long weekend of continuing education, skiing, and fun in Vail, Colorado.

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CELEBRATING A LASTING LEGACY In December, a private celebration was held to honor Dr. Peter D. Quinn (D’74, GD’78) and his great impact on the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. This occasion marked the establishment of the Peter D. Quinn Lectureship Fund. The fund will be a catalyst to enhance all levels of training with special emphasis on building on our worldclass strengths (see story, page 10).

MEET THE DEAN IN SOUTH FLORIDA Dean Mark Wolff enjoyed meeting alumni on his tour of the Sunshine State in January. The trip began with a half-day symposium in Boca Raton, followed by a brunch in Palm Beach, and a cocktail reception in Coral Gables.

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ALUMNIHIGHLIGHTS Building Periodontics Scholarships Scholarship resources for the Department of Periodontics got a boost this past fall with proceeds from an event sponsored by the Cohen Amsterdam Education Foundation (CAEF) and Penn Dental Medicine. Approximately 300 guests attended a two-day continuing education program and testimonial dinner in Philadelphia remembering the late Drs. D. Walter Cohen and Morton Amsterdam, as well as honoring illustrious faculty and graduates, including Dr. Edward Rosenberg (GD’77, D’81) and Dr. David Garber (GD78, D81); Dr. Cy Evian (GD’79, D’81) and Dr. Robert “Slick” Vanarsdall, Jr. (GD’72) were also honored posthumously. A gift of $50,000 from CAEF will provide tuition remission for outstanding residents in the Department and be added to gifts made directly to Penn Dental Medicine

by alumni to honor Drs. Cohen and Amsterdam as well as long-time faculty member Dr. Arnold Weisgold (GD’65). Penn Dental Medicine and CAEF will reprise this event and seek to continue to build scholarship funds with a program June 5–6, 2020. Save the date to attend Dentistry 2020: Comprehensive Dentistry in Focus, a 12-credit continuing education program, featuring leading experts from around the globe speaking on digital dentistry, implants, laser therapy, and a diversity of periodontics and perio-orthodontics topics. A half-day, hands-on program will be offered on June 4 to a limited audience. The two-day program will close with a reception and scholarship benefit honoring Drs. John Kois (D’77) and Arnold Weisgold (GD’65) and posthumously honoring Dr. Jay Seibert (D’53).

DENTISTRY

20/20 Comprehensive Dentistry in Focus Save the Date

JUNE 5-6, 2020

Penn Dental Medicine Philadelphia, PA www.dental.upenn.edu/dentistry2020

The Secret to Long-Lasting Smiles. As dentists we devote our lives to people’s smiles. A great way to keep those smiles big and bright is to make a gift to Penn Dental Medicine through your will. You can support the programs you love with a gift that is easy to establish, costs nothing today, and is 100% free of estate or inheritance taxes. Gifts to Penn Dental Medicine have funded scholarships and fellowships, research and technology, and community programs, making people smile for years. Plan your gift today! Photo: Eric Sucar, University Communciations

DEN Ad Spring 2019.indd 1

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To learn more, or to request language specific to your giving situation contact: Elizabeth Ketterlinus Sr. Associate Dean Development & Alumni Relations Penn Dental Medicine 240 S. 40th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 215.898.3328 ekett@upenn.edu www.powerofpenn.upenn.edu/gift-planning

THE POWER OF PENN DENTAL MEDICINE 3/21/2019 11:48:51 AM


CLASSNOTES

NEWS FROM FELLOW ALUMNI

1950s

1980s Ann Marie Calabria (DH’67) retired from the North Carolina Court of Appeals this past December. She was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor, for her lasting impact on her community.

Members of the Dental Hygiene Class of 1958 reunited for lunch in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., with Beverly Chester Bromberg (DH’58), Estelle Fermon Whitman (DH’58), Marilyn Schwitz-Geckman-Greenberg (DH’58), Minnie Cotler Zack (DH’58), and Judy Zack Bendit (DH’81).

Mickey Goldin (D’64) celebrated his 80th birthday with friends (Myron Allukian, D’64; Frank DeFrino, D’58; Mal Freedman, D’64; Mike Abedon, D’64; Ernie Marino, D’65; Ed Rossomando, D’64; Jeff Becker, D’66; Neil Hiltunen, D’73) from his time at Penn Dental Medicine. Many chose to support the Goldin Lecture series in lieu of gifts. This fund supports educational selectives for students at Penn Dental Medicine. As professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Edward F. Rossomando (D’64) is making the most out of his retirement. He keeps himself busy working with the nonprofit he founded, called the Center for Research and Education in Technology, as well as with the e-journal Dental Hypotheses. He enjoys volunteering with the United Theater, the Dante Society, and Literacy Volunteers in his community of Westerly, R.I.

1970s Beverly Bizup Hawkins (DH’75) loves working at the Amsterdam Dental Group. She especially likes working with the new perio-pros associates, Brian Kasten (D’13, GD’17) and Caleb Cross (D’11, GD’15).

Tara Sexton (D’88) was named one of the 2018 Top Dentists for Cosmetic Dentistry in Main Line Today, as well as Philadelphia Magazine.

1990s William W. M. Cheung (D’81, GD’82) and his daughter, Stefani Cheung (D’11) connected with current fourth-year students Adam Groyer (D’19), Eddie Mao (D’19), Ben Truong (D’19), and Ed Yao (D’19) during their externship in Hong Kong.

Sari Zimmer (D’91) was selected for inclusion in the Trademark Women of Distinction 2018 Honors Edition. She was chosen due to her excellent skill, dedication, and care as a dentist. The value she places on building quality, lasting relationships with her patients makes her an excellent dentist and person. She is a pediatric dentist with another Penn grad, Cynthia GilbertPattison (D’91). Luis J. Fujimoto (D’90, GD’93) was elected as President of the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) and was bestowed the American Association of Dental Boards- Citizen of the Year Award. He is currently the president-elect for the New York County Dental Society (NYCDS).

In recognition of his leadership in the endodontic community, Louis Rossman (D’75, GD’77) received the Edgar Coolidge Award in 2019. This award is due to his extraordinary vision, leadership, and dedication to the specialty of endodontics. Robert Fleisher (GD’76) has recently been pursuing passions other than dentistry, by publishing a debut thriller, The Divine Affliction. He hasn’t strayed too far from his roots though, as this thriller has plenty of medical elements woven throughout. He is currently working on his next novel.

Steve Lewis (D’81) retired two years ago. He keeps in touch with the dental community through lecturing occasionally at ClearChoice Dental Implant centers around the country, as well as attending the Academy of Osseointegration meetings, of which he is a past president. But his favorite free time activity is riding his Indian motorcycle. Jonathan Korostoff (D’85, GS’91, GD’92) was voted a Top Dentist by Philadelphia Magazine for 2019. Russell Taichman (D’86) was named Dean of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. A nationwide search was conducted and Dr. Taichman was chosen from a strong pool of candidates. When he begins his appointment in July 2019, he will be the school’s ninth dean.

The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) awarded John Rawa Jr. (D’96) Diplomate status. The Diplomate status is the gold standard in dental sleep medicine, demonstrating the in-depth knowledge and clinical skills needed to provide optimal oral appliance therapy care. He underwent numerous hours of continuing education focused solely on OSA, treatment through oral appliance therapy, and presented multiple case studies to the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine to accomplish the elite Diplomate status.

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CLASSNOTES

2000s

Joshua A. Bresler (GD’05) was recently inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Dentists. He is Medical Director of Red Lion Surgicenter, Assistant Professor at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, Assistant Professor at Penn Dental Medicine, and co-owner and pediatric dentist at Doc Bresler’s Cavity Busters, which recently announced the opening of its eighth location in Doylestown, Pa. In addition, Dr. Bresler was the recipient of the 2019 My City, My Place Brighter Futures Legacy Award from The City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Intellectual Disability Services. The Doc Bresler’s practice owns and operates Special Touch Dentistry, dedicated to the care of special needs and autistic patients of all ages.

2010s

Rosa Mathai (D’12) was married on September 2, 2019 at the Annadel Estate Winery in Santa Rosa, Calif. Penn Dental Medicine classmates in attendance included Rob Lin (D’12), Lauren Katzel (D’12), Elizabeth Heindel (D’12), Marisa Colas (D’12), Carly Dominica (D’12), Benjamin Mancia (D’12), Alison Baraty Mancia (D’12), Jared Rosenstock (D’12), and Joseph Yang (D’12).

SHARE YOUR NEWS Submit a Class Note to www. dental.upenn.edu/classnotes

Karen Choi (D’13) practices general dentistry at Inspire Dental Group, with three offices in Western New York. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Society, and the Eighth District Dental Society. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, she now resides in downtown Buffalo. Leslie-Anne Fitzpatrick’s (D’13) practice, Smile Beautiful Dental, received a Top Consumer Satisfaction Award for 2018 by Washington Consumers’ Checkbook. She is an active member of the American Dental Association and continually strives for excellence in dentistry.

Sheldon Rozman (D’17) married Aleksa Frid on August 19, 2018 at Tribeca Rooftop in New York City. He is currently completing his orthodontic residency in Georgia.

Or, you can send your submissions to: Robert Schattner Center Penn Dental Medicine Office of Development and Alumni Relations 240 South 40th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104–6030

Caroline Fulop (D’15) and her husband welcomed daughter Alice Jane Witherspoon into the world on December 7, 2018. Dr. Fulop currently practices hospital dentistry in Ottawa, Canada focusing on oral oncology, special care dentistry, and medically complex care.

DON’T MISS OUT ON NEWS YOU CAN USE FROM PENN DENTAL MEDICINE Stay up to date on continuing education programs, alumni events, job postings, and more. Jeff Li (D’12) married Jacqueline Tieu this Fall with Penn Dental Medicine groomsmen Matthew Sones (D’12), Michael Segall (D’12), Alex Apple (D’12), and Alex Volchonok (D’12) by his side.

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Update your info at www.alumni.upenn.edu/updatemyinfo


INMEMORIAM

REMEMBERING MEMBERS OF THE PENN DENTAL MEDICINE COMMUNITY

Arthur H. Blakeman (C’38 D’42) Brooklyn, NY July 12, 2018

Milton A. Grant (D’52) Ocean View, NJ December 22, 2018

Elliot W. Salloway (GD’61) Worcester, MA October 31, 2018

Howard J. Ritt (D’76) Manchester, NJ January 10, 2019

Betty Z. Doeringer (DH’42) Huntington Beach, CA June 24, 2018

Joseph W. D’Anna (D’53) Brownsville, VT February 9, 2019

Cynthia Cruver Thoman (DH’62) Cortland, NY October 21, 2018

Laurence B. Cohen (D’77) Wyncote, PA January 11, 2019

Mary Hurd Goodwillie (DH’42) York, PA November 15, 2018

Murray J. Klauber (GD’53) Longboat Key, FL November 22, 2018

Donald M. Tilghman (GD’64) Eden, MD September 18, 2018

Ralph J. Bozza (D’79) Terryville, CT October 11, 2018

Jerry A. Cohen (D’44) West Hartford, CT January 30, 2019

John Allan Bier (D’54) San Francisco, CA September 28, 2018

Paul F. Zizza (D’64) Fresno, CA November 27, 2018

H. Douglas Cluck (D’79) Duncansville, PA September 20, 2018

Alice Farr Cowles (DH’45) Savannah, GA November 4, 2018

Errikos Constant (C’52, D’54) Okemos, MI February 8, 2019

Martin H. Frost (D’65) Delray Beach, FL September 18, 2018

Michael J. McDonald (D’81) Santa Ana, CA August 25, 2018

Betty Meyer Jenkins (DH’45) Springfield, VA January 10, 2019

Harry S. Riley (D’54) Norfolk, VA November 26, 2018

Robert J. Genco (GR’67) Kenmore, NY March 6, 2019

Ralph J. Van Brocklin (D’81) Johnson City, TN September 8, 2018

Mariel Derby Runkle (DH’48) Fayetteville, NC September 1, 2018

Donald B. Dolan (D’55) Bradenton, FL September 12, 2018

James W. Fey (D’69) Ithaca, NY July 19, 2018

William S. Lyon (D’49) Regina, Canada January 30, 2019

Richard W. Marcus (D’55) San Diego, CA July 1, 2018

George S. Kolbe (D’69) Middletown, NY October 23, 2018

George J. Whinston (D’49) Waban, MA October 2, 2018

Morton S. Weinstein (C’53 D’56) Mountainside, NJ December 5, 2018

Barton L. Mackey (D’69) Wilmington, DE October 3, 2018

Edwin M. Reiersen, Jr. (D’50) Venice, FL February 14, 2017

Richard H. Martindale (D’57) Bloomfield, CT January 17, 2019

David P. Rossiter III (D’70 GD’74 GR’76) Marblehead, MA October 26, 2018

Margaret Jones Cain (DH’51) Raleigh, NC March 8, 2018

Kenneth W. Werley (GD’58) Camp Hill, PA November 18, 2018

John R. Amsterdam (D’72, WG’72) Bala Cynwyd, PA February 3, 2019

John D. Davies (D’51) Pinehurst, NC January 31, 2018

Alfred H. Greenberg (D’59) Statham, GA February 23, 2019

Robert N. Poss (D’72) San Mateo, CA December 29, 2018

Kenneth G. Krout (D’51) Walla Walla, WA January 11, 2019

John J. Tully (D’59) Gettysburg, PA February 17, 2019

Jack L. Greenbaum (D’73) Reston, VA August 30, 2018

J. Raymond Shipp (C’49 D’51) Lincolnwood, IL October 14, 2018

Robert P. Vanvalin (D’59) Malvern, PA December 9, 2018

Eric Lewis (D’76) Chula Vista, CA September 29, 2018

NOTABLE PENN DENTAL MEDICINE FACULTY Edward “Ned” T. Lally (GD’73, GR’79) Department of Pathology West Chester, PA February 11, 2019 Jerome H. Sklaroff Department of Orthodontics Philadelphia, PA March 18, 2019

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2019CALENDAR

UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS

MAY

JUNE

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

MAY 11, 2019

JUNE 13–15, 2019

SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

NOVEMBER 3, 2019

Oral Cancer Walk/5K and Community Wellness Event Penn Dental Medicine

CDE: Global Penn Endo Symposium Penn Dental Medicine

Alumni-Student Networking Event Penn Dental Medicine

American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Alumni Reception Chicago, IL

JUNE 19, 2019

SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

CDE: The Power of Partnership Penn Dental Medicine

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) Alumni Reception Boston, MA

MAY 14, 2019 Senior Farewell The Bellevue, Philadelphia, PA MAY 16, 2019 CDE: Research Day Penn Dental Medicine MAY 17–18, 2019

JUNE 19–22, 2019 CDE: Advanced Esthetics Week Penn Dental Medicine JUNE 20, 2019

NOVEMBER 15, 2019 Micro Prosthodontics Hands-On Course Penn Dental Medicine

SEPTEMBER 20–22, 2019

NOVEMBER 22–23, 2019

CDE: Academic Review of Endodontology Penn Dental Medicine

CDE: Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Analgesia Certification Penn Dental Medicine

Alumni Weekend Penn Dental Medicine

Penn Dental Medicine Reception at the IADR/AADR/CADR Joint Session Vancouver, BC

MAY 20, 2019

JUNE 23–27, 2019

OCTOBER 11, 2019

DECEMBER 2, 2019

Commencement Irvine Auditorium, University of Pennsylvania

CDE: Penn Periodontal Conference Penn Dental Medicine

CDE: Quarterly TMJ Lecture Series Penn Dental Medicine

CDE: Quarterly TMJ Lecture Series Penn Dental Medicine

JULY

MAY 23, 2019 American Academy of Oral Medicine (AAOM) Alumni Reception New Orleans, LA MAY 25, 2019 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Alumni Reception Chicago, IL

JULY 12, 2019 CDE: Quarterly Combined TMJ Lecture Series Penn Dental Medicine JULY 26, 2019 CDE: Micro Prosthodontics Hands-On Course Penn Dental Medicine

AUGUST AUGUST 12, 2019 White Coat Ceremony Annenberg Center, University of Pennsylvania

44 WWW.DENTAL.UPENN.EDU

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 18, 2019 Ortho Alumni Day The Union League of Philadelphia OCTOBER 31, 2019 American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) Reception Miami, FL

DECEMBER

CDE: Penn Dental Medicine CE Day at Greater NY Dental Conference Javits Center, NYC Greater NY Dental Alumni Reception The Penn Club, NYC Young Alumni after Party Stout Midtown, NYC

Learn More... 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.


PENN DENTAL MEDICINE ALUMNI SOCIETY 2018–2019 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Eric Spieler, D’84 President Charlene Fenster, DH’75 Vice-President Members-at-Large Marc Ackerman, D'98 Deena Alani, D'13 Pam Alberto, D’80 Seyar Baqi, D’14 Judith Zack Bendit, DH’81 Hope Berman, C’77, D’83 L. Bui, D'18 Larry Chacker, D’85 Scott Chanin, D'83 Stefani L. Cheung, C’08, D’11 Gail Spiegel Cohen, C’76, D’80 Keith Dunoff, D’84 Lee B. Durst-Roisman, D’83 Wesam El Shafee, D’12 Marshall J. Goldin, C’60, D’64 Alyssa Marlin Greenberger, D’02 Mark Guevarra, D’16, GD’18 Wendy Halpern, D’99, GD’02, GD’03 Sehe Han, D'18 JV Kracke, D’17, GD’19 Daniel Kubikian, D’01, GD’04, GD’05 Bernard Kurek, D’73, WMP’03 Rachel Levarek, D’11 Jeff Li, D’12 Helen Mo, D’16 Mana Mozaffarian, D’06 Ngozi Okoh, D'12 Michael B. Rulnick, D’74, GD’76 Trevan Samp, D’14 Matt Sones, D’12 Joseph Spina, D’02 Ann Eshenaur Spolarich, DH’82 Tejjy Thomas, D'06, GD'11 Steven Ureles, D’83 Gary Wegman, D’83 Michael Yasner, C’79, D’83, GD’84, GD’86

BOARD OF OVERSEERS

PDMJ ADVISORY COMMITTEE

William W. M. Cheung, D’81, GD’82, Chair, Power of Penn Dental Medicine Campaign Co-Chair Nancy Baker, Esq. Stanley M. Bergman, PAR’02 Sidney M. Bresler, Esq. Dirk Brunner Julie Charlestein Joanne Chouinard-Luth, D'79 Richard Copell, D’80 Teresa Dolan, DDS, MPH Matthew J. Doyle, PhD Patrik Eriksson C. Mitchell Goldman, WG'75, Esq. Anne E. Klamar, MD Anne L. Koch, D’77, GD’93 Madeline Monaco, PHD, MS, Med Haruo Morita Lewis E. Proffitt, D’73, WG’80 Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD Ken Serota Alfred L. Spencer, Jr. David Tai-Man Shen, D’79, GD’81, Power of Penn Dental Medicine Campaign Co-Chair David S. Tarica, D’83 Larry L. Turner, Esq. Robert Zou, WG’94

Beth Adams Director of Publications

Ex Officio Members Martin D. Levin, D’72, GD’74, Chair, Dean’s Council Eric Spieler, D’84, President, Alumni Society

DEAN’S COUNCIL Martin D. Levin, D’72, GD’74, Chair Robert Brody, C’80, D’84 Egidio Farone, D’84 Joseph Fiorellini, DMD, DMSc Howard P. Fraiman, D’91, GD’93, GD’94 Joseph E. Gian-Grasso, C’67, D’71 Jeffrey Grove, D'04 Elliot Hersh, DMD, MS, PhD Anil J. Idiculla, C'98, GD'06 Brian Lee, D’00, GD’04 Saul M. Pressner, D’79 Howard Rosa, D’82 Louis Rossman, D’75, GD’77 Tony Saito, D’95 Gail E. Schupak, D’83 Tara Sexton, D’88 David Silver, D’85, GD’86, GD’88 Robert M. Stern, D’87 Susan Stern, C’77, D’81 Arnold Weisgold, GD’65

Dr. Faizan Alawi Associate Professor of Pathology Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Markus Blatz Professor of Restorative Dentistry Chair, Department of Preventive & Restorative Sciences Corky Cacas Director of Admissions Sarah Burton Flynn Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving 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 Senior Associate Dean of Development & Alumni Relations Dr. Robert Ricciardi Professor, Department of Microbiology Chair, Department of Microbiology Susan Schwartz Assistant Dean for Student Life Dr. Thomas Sollecito Professor of Oral Medicine Chair, Department of Oral Medicine

DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS Elizabeth Ketterlinus, ekett@upenn.edu Senior Associate Dean of Development & Alumni Relations Maren Gaughan, gaughan@upenn.edu Associate Dean for Leadership Giving Sarah Burton Flynn sburton@upenn.edu Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving Lindsay Murphy, lhonzak@upenn.edu Assistant Director of Annual Giving Megan Connolly, megcon@upenn.edu Assistant Director of Development & Alumni Relations Events Beth Adams, adamsnb@upenn.edu Director, Publications Office of Development & Alumni Relations 215–898–8951 Office of Continuing Education 215–573–6841

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).


Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PA ID Permit No. 2563 Philadelphia, PA

Robert Schattner Center University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine 240 South 40th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104–6030

JUNE 2019 CDE Join us to in June when we will present four continuing education programs on topics that range from the state of the art in endodontics and esthetics to the latest research in periodontics. Learn more and register for all upcoming programs at www.dental.upenn.edu/cde.

19TH PENN ENDO GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM June 13-15, 2019

www.dental.upenn.edu/pennendophilly

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP June 19, 2019

www.dental.upenn.edu/POP2019

ADVANCED ESTHETICS WEEK 2019 June 19-22, 2019

www.dental.upenn.edu/AEW2019

THE 4TH PENN PERIODONTAL CONFERENCE 2019 June 23-27, 2019

www.dental.upenn.edu/pennperio2019

Connect with us online!

www.dental.upenn.edu


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