The Alamolar 1st ed. - San Antonio ASDA by San Antonio ASDA

Vol. I, No. I

August 12, 2015

THE ALAMOLAR American Student Dental Association | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Pre-Dental Day College students all over the country poured into the dental school to pursue their passion. Read the full article on page 2.

Fellowship & Dentistry Mission trips and the impact they have on our students.   Read the full article on page 4.

A Long Journey Amsale’s journey has been shaped by her life in Ethiopia and subsequent transition to the United States.   Read the full article on page 5.

ASDA on the Hill ASDA went to the Hill advocating for their profession  Read the full article on page 6

The Alamolar

A Message from the Dean I have been asked to make some comments about our School’s direction but before I do, I would be remiss if I didn’t say something about this first edition of The Alamolar. This newsletter is a student initiative and I couldn’t be more proud of our wonderful students who have seen this as a way to enhance communication amongst themselves, the faculty and staﬀ, and the alumni. As you read through this first edition you can’t help but get a sense of our students’ diverse interests and backgrounds, their enthusiasm, and their commitment to the profession of dentistry. After reading the first edition I am sure you will agree with me that our future is in good hands. There is a great deal of anticipation in the air because as this is being written we are less than one month from moving into the Center for Oral Health Care and Research (aka UT Dentistry San Antonio), the new home for our clinical education and patient care programs. This fantastic structure will infinitely improve the experience for our patients and provide students and faculty with a training and care delivery environment that is uplifting and state-of-the-art. In short, we will have the finest academic dental facility anywhere. If you think my last statement is an overreach I invite you to come see for yourselves. The new building has also stimulated the faculty to re-think our curriculum and how it’s delivered and to strengthen our investment in research. Initiatives are underway in both of those areas that, when implemented, will address the need to teach in context, bring the “learning moment” closer to the need to know and elevate the impact of the outstanding research already being done on our campus to improve mankind’s health and quality of life. I believe as our plans come to fruition, especially those that enhance our academic and patient care programs, they will be models for other schools to emulate and will underscore our School’s reputation as a leading academic institution. I hope you enjoy this first edition! Dean William W. Dodge, D. D. S.

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August 12, 2015

Practice Link: Linking Students to Practicing Dentists

Pre-Dental Day

As dental students, with our heads in the books or our hands practicing dentistry, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. The details of dental school dominate our days and nights. When the stress seems to be too much to bear, all it takes is stepping outside of the walls of UTHSCSA and into a dental practice to clear our minds and realize why we’re all here: to become successful dentists. This year, San Antonio ASDA partnered with dental insurance company, Dentist Secure, to create a series of monthly events that have been incredibly successful. “Practice Link”, as they’ve been branded, links dental students to real-world practitioners by providing insight into their lives in the office. During these events, students are able to get a behind-the-scenes look at how dentists run their practice, while learning about the good, the bad, and the ugly on how they got to where they are today. Their life lessons become ours, and students leave the Practice Link events feeling a little bit wiser. We have been fortunate enough to build great relationships with successful clinicians all over San Antonio, most of whom are Dentist Secure customers as well. Free food and beverages were provided at each event, and some offices offered up freebies like USB drives and t-shirts, giving dental students the perfect opportunity to unwind and have a good time. Connecting students has always been a primary focus for ASDA, and we are happy to be able to add the Practice Link event series to the mix, as it not only connects student to each other, but also to practicing dentists in our area as well.

On February 21, 2015, undergraduate students from all over Texas came to UTHSCSA for Pre-Dental Day, hosted by San Antonio ASDA. The students toured the dental school and simulation clinics, allowing them to experience a day in the life of a dental student.   DS3 Shantal White (Pre-Dental Chair), and myself (PreDental Coordinator) were in charge of organizing the event. The last time UTHSCSA hosted Pre-Dental Day was in 2012, which made planning it uncharted territory for both Shantal and me. After attending ASDA’s National Leadership Conference in Chicago, I got the opportunity to speak with other ASDA leaders for ideas and suggestions on how to plan this event. I was very lucky to have such wonderful help and support from my fellow peer Shantal, the pre-dental committee, volunteers from ASDA, and the UTHSCSA faculty. Dr. Kevin Gureckis, Texas AGD President and General Practice Leader, was a key contributor and vital to the success of the entire event. The first step in planning Pre-Dental Day was getting predental students registered. After advertising the event to local predental societies, it sold out within two days! That was the moment I knew that Pre-Dental Day was going to be a Dr. Gureckis working with a pre- success, and I was so excited about it. dental student. In addition to working with amalgam and dental hand-pieces, the predental students were also oﬀered the opportunity to participate in a mentorship program called “Adopt a PreDent”. This program… (cont’d on page 3)

Marineé Cabera, Class of 2017 The Alamolar

Vol. I, No. I

allows pre-dental students access to an actual dental student who can address their questions and concerns about school. It also gives dental students the ability to share their experiences and talk about life lessons learned in dental school.

DS3 Jason Kang showing a pre-dental student how to hold a hand-piece.

I know that I am unbelievably lucky to be in dental school. There are so many people applying and we have been given the opportunity to make our dreams come true. I am thankful and proud to be the Pre-Dental Coordinator for ASDA and be given the chance to help other students make their dreams a reality, while attending one of the best dental schools in the nation!

Krishna Patel, Class of 2017

August 12, 2015

Fellowship Through Dentistry One of the main reasons I was attached to San Antonio for dental school was because I had heard of the great things that the Christian Medical & Dental Association (CMDA) does. Now that I am here, it has been everything that I imagined it would be. Since starting school at UTHSCSA, I have had the opportunity to go on several CMDA weekend mission trips that provided free dental and medical services to those in need. Being a part of these trips has expanded my knowledge and skill of dentistry, and, even more importantly, it has allowed me to see firsthand the great impact my profession can make on people’s lives. Mission work is of great importance to me. Going on these Texas border mission trips with the CMDA has allowed me to pursue my passion of service as well as increase my knowledge of what all goes into organizing such an event. For those unfamiliar with these CMDA trips, we take three trips per semester to different towns on the Texas-Mexico border. Each trip begins with the group carpooling down on a Friday night and having a short meeting to go over the next day’s schedule. We get up early the next morning, grab breakfast at the hotel, and drive out to the clinic sites to set-up for the day. We usually work until about 5pm and then head back to San Antonio that evening. At the sites we provide dental services such as exams, radiographs, extractions, fillings, and cleanings. The mission trips are just one of the many great things CMDA offers the students at UTHSCSA. The organization also hosts weekly luncheons where local churches provide a free meal to any and all who wish to attend. In addition to the great food, a guest speaker gives an encouraging and often educational message. There are also multiple different Bible studies and support groups organized through the ministry that seek to aid and assist the students. Without a doubt, the Christian Medical & Dental Association has and continues to be a great blessing to UTHSCSA. It has been a great pleasure to serve with the organization and I hope and plan to continue to do so throughout and after dental school. David Flanders, Class of 2016

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August 12, 2015

Practice Link: Dental students toured Dr. Chris Perry’s

ASDA members and the Dean’s office preparing for the Ice

practice in La Cantera

Bucket Challenge

Then DS1’s attending the ASDA Wine Social during Welcome Week The Ice Bucket Challenge to spread awareness for ALS

Fellowship Through Dentistry: UTHSCSA dental students providing care with the Christian Medical & Dental Association

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An Interview with Amsale Derese I had the opportunity talk with Amsale Derese, a second year dental student at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio School of Dentistry. Amsale’s journey has been shaped by her life in Ethiopia and subsequent transition to the United States. In this interview, we compare dentistry between the United States and Ethiopia and talk about some of the hardships that many students from other countries face. S: Briefly describe your life journey. A: Although I am now an American citizen, I was born, reared, and formally educated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I completed my primary and secondary education at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Ethiopia. Following secondary school, as more opportunities started opening up for women, I enrolled at Addis Ababa University School of Dentistry (one of the best in the country) to earn a Bachelor of Dental Science degree (BDS). Prior to finishing this program, I received and accepted an opportunity to pursue a DDS degree in the U.S. However, upon arrival in the U.S., I learned that despite the training and experience I had already received I could not be accepted into a dental school until receiving a bachelor’s degree from an American university. Not to be deterred from my goal, I enrolled at the University of Houston and earned my bachelor’s degree in Biology and Mathematics. Despite being the youngest, I am the first in my family to earn a college degree. And now, I’m at UTHSCSA pursuing my dream to become a dentist. S: How has your transition been in moving to the United States? A: It was a bit diﬃcult at first. Since the age of three, I’ve been speaking English as a second language. However I’m still learning new words and idioms everyday—and I enjoy every bit of it. It helps when you’re not afraid to make mistakes and be corrected. More than the transition, I was devastated, as I previously mentioned, when I found out that I couldn’t get into dental school right after moving to the United States. However, once I came to terms with the fact that the system here is simply diﬀerent, I accepted it and continued moving towards my goal of becoming a dentist. S: Why did you choose UTHSCSA? A: UTHSCSA is a prestigious school where you see highly qualified dentists that are able to “make lives better” for those in need. In my opinion, it is one of a very few schools that is fully committed to train professionals to be prepared to serve in diverse and disadvantaged communities. I can’t see myself attending school elsewhere.

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S: How did your science classes in Ethiopia (high school or college) compare to here? A: I’d say it’s about the same. I took freshman and sophomore college level courses when I was in high school which helped ease my transition. However, dental school is diﬀerent there; in the first year, you are taking mainly undergraduate level and only some dental-related courses. S: How do you become a dentist in Ethiopia? A: Ethiopia follows the British educational system. One must pass a standardized exam after senior year of high school (which is the equivalent of freshman year in college in the U.S.). If the score is good enough, you can get into medical or dental school. When I was growing up, there were no DDS programs; only 3-year Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) programs were available. As a BDS graduate, you get to perform most dental procedures since the schools will expose you to many real life case-studies.

S: What dental specialties are recognized/common in Ethiopia? A: All dental specialties are recognized in Ethiopia; however, there are no specialty programs available in the country. All the specialists who are practicing in the country are trained abroad. S: What is the health care system like in Ethiopia? A: Most people pay cash to get treated; for people seeking financial help, the government has many hospitals and clinics throughout the country where most procedures are performed for a minimal price or sometimes even for free. The Alamolar

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S: How does the cost of dental procedures in Ethiopia compare to the USA? A: The cost of dental procedures in Ethiopia is relatively cheap compared to the U.S. Most, if not all, dental clinics are open for walk-ins. S: How does Ethiopian culture affect dental practice? A: Ethiopia is still a developing country where determinants of health among traditional societies continue to be poorly understood, especially in the rural areas. Many avoidable dental diseases persist due to practices such as using chewing sticks, charcoal brushing, and other practices that often cause severe damage to enamel and gingival margins. Gum tattooing is another common tradition, especially among rural women. The other thing to consider while working with patients is that fasting for religious purposes is common, which could greatly affect how you approach many dental surgical procedures. S: What is a stereotypical Ethiopian diet? Is it high in caries-inducing carbohydrates and sugars? A: The typical Ethiopian diet is high in fiber, protein and minerals. However, the upcoming generation is now getting more exposure to diets rich in carbohydrate and sugar. S: Is there a push (or is there already) community water fluoridation in Ethiopia? A: I would say community fluoridation is readily available throughout most parts of Ethiopia. However, there are still some rural areas that struggle just to get clean water. S: Any plans to do community service work in Ethiopia? What are your plans after graduating? A: After graduation, I plan to work in underserved areas of Texas, especially in the San Antonio area. In the future, I want to travel to rural parts of Ethiopia or any part of the world where there is a need and spread awareness and provide treatment. I also plan to get married and start a family. S: How do you say "dentist" in Amharic (the official language of Ethiopia)? A: Ye ters hakim (yay t-ir-s ha-kim).

Shravik Sethi, Class of 2018

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August 12, 2015

National Lobby Day First off, let me just say this: I love dentistry. I love the patients, I love working on teeth, and I love my fellow colleagues. But perhaps my favorite thing about it is how passionate dentists are for their own profession. We have organizations like ASDA that boasts a 90% participation amongst dental students, and we have nationwide advocacy events such as National Dental Student Lobby Day that attract hundreds from across the country just to advocate for student rights. People love being dentists and, what’s more, they love to stand up and fight for their own profession! National Dental Student Lobby Day is an annual event where over 350 dental students from all across the nation convene in Washington D.C. to advocate for legislation that directly impacts us. The goal is to focus on a few important bills on the agenda to get them sponsored by congressmen. This year, the bills we supported were the “Action for Dental Health Act” (H.R. 539) and the “Student Loan Refinancing Act” (H.R. 649). H.R.539, increased access to care and provided dental services to the underserved. It allowed dental organizations to use CDC grant money to provide services to the underprivileged. This increases funding and opportunities for programs like Missions of Mercy and Give Kids a Smile. The second bill, H.R. 649, directly impacts us as we start repaying our immense student loan debt down the road. Federal loans are given with a fixed interest rate determined by the economic conditions at the time they are applied for. This bill allows us to refinance this interest rate at any time during the life of the loan if the economy strengthens and better interest rates become available. When the average dental student has over $240,000 in loans to pay back, refinancing to a lower interest rate can save us thousands of dollars. The legislators were very receptive of these two bills. The money is already in place for the grants in “Action for Dental Health Act” (H.R. 539), it’s just a matter of allowing more organizations to access it. There are so many benefits that will save countless dollars down the road, such as increased water fluoridation and increased access to care. The congressmen had no problem promising co-sponsorship on this philanthropic bill. Student debt is a huge issue on Capitol Hill right now, so the congressmen were very understanding of our plight. What really helped is that the “Student Loan Refinancing Act” (H.R. 649) wasn’t asking for loan forgiveness or tax deductions for our debt; it was merely allowing for refinancing of our loans according to the economy at the time. All in all, we were met with surprisingly little opposition and a great deal of enthusiasm for our efforts. It was unforgettably heart-warming to advocate for our profession and see our efforts pay off in such a great way. Opportunities like Lobby Day are exceedingly unique and rewarding, and I cannot speak enough to how great it feels to take part in something that influential. I highly encourage every dental student to take a strong role in advocacy and legislation to protect our own profession. If the chance arises, try and attend next year’s Lobby Day in Washington. I promise it will change how you view dentistry and make you proud! David (Dave) Faltys, Class of 2016

The Alamolar

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August 12, 2015

My Journey to Dentistry I am often asked, “How are you going to dental school even though you’re a mom?” In order for me to answer that question, you have know how I got here in the first place. The biggest problem I faced before applying to dental school was that I did not believe in myself. I had this false perception that the only way to become a dental student was to be accepted straight out of college. At the time, I was married with one child and I had never taken a college course in my entire life. I thought there was no way I could be a mom, wife and student. I felt hopeless, like my time had passed. So I worked as a dental assistant instead. At some point, though, my relentless desire to become a dentist became intolerable. I strived to better myself and my family, by living my life without regret. I took the plunge and started on the road to becoming a dentist by getting my bachelor’s degree. After graduating from college, I realized that the only thing holding myself back was me. So with the love and support of my husband, we, as a team made the decision to apply to dental school (he didn’t really apply, but he was devoting just as much time and effort as I was). After being accepted, I came to the realization that when you believe in yourself and others around you do too, you can do almost anything. I started dental school with a clear mind and strong focus. I know the struggles I have are a little bit different compared to most of my peers. However, as a dental student, I do not believe my journey is any more difficult. Yes, being a mom, wife and student can be hard at times. I know that the guilt I carry for being away from my kids on nights that I have to study late or practice in lab can seem unbearable. However, when it comes to my kids, I know they are loved, happy and healthy— that’s all I can ask for. Despite the never-ending guilt I feel (which is just part of being a mom), I believe having kids has also made school a little bit easier. My kids have forced me to not only organize my life, but to prioritize it as well. Above all, they remind me of what is truly important rather than the next exam or practical. So my advice to anyone following their dreams is that whatever limitations you think you have, do not matter. The most important thing is to keep a core support system surrounding you at home and at school. Personally, I am lucky to have found both. I not only have a strong support system at home, I also have great friends at school who keep me grounded. There are so many school-related frustrations that only your friends and classmates will understand. After all, we are all running through the same obstacle course: dental school. Sometimes all you need is someone telling you “You are smart” and “You can do it, if you just put your mind to it”. It certainly took a little encouragement for me to get started, and it will take a similar drive to finish, but I will. After all, if I want my children to be inspired by anyone, I want it to be me. The road I have traveled to get here has perhaps been longer compared to others in dental school, but it has molded me into the person I am today. I am thankful for my experiences; they have made me a better student and will hopefully make me a better dentist. Kristan Rodriguez, Class of 2017

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August 12, 2015

TEAM SMILE American Student Dental Association | The News Team

Daniel Yates, Class of 2018 Editor-in-Chief

Dhea Patel, Class of 2018 Managing Editor

Shravik Sheti, Class of 2018 Copy Editor and Writer

Krishna Patel, Class of 2017 Writer

Marinee Cabrera, Class of 2017 Writer

Kristan Rodriguez, Class of 2017 Writer

David Flanders, Class of 2016 Writer

David Faltys, Class of 2016 Writer

Tao Zhou, Class of 2018 Contributor Jason Daeyong Kang, Class of 2017 Contributor Eliana Melendez, Class of 2018 Photographer

The Alamolar

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August 12, 2015

TEAM SMILE American Student Dental Association | The 2015-2016 Officers

Antonella Botto

Daniel Yates

Andrea Bakke

President

President Elect

Immediate Past President

Lauren Flynn

David Rice

Nancy Wong

Tiffany Chung

Treasurer

Financial Coordinator

Membership Chair

Membership Coordinator

Krishna Patel

Olivia Gassman

Anisa Maredia

Devon Fulbright

Pre-Dental Chair

Pre-Dental Coordinator

Vendor Chair

Lunch & Learn Coordinator

Ai Ton

Catherine Walker

Marinee Cabrera

Tao Zhou

Philanthropy Chair

Philanthropy Coordinator

Events Chair

Events Coordinator

Peter Dang

Jason Kang

Dave Faltys

Jennifer Tran

Arif Karim

Fundraising Chair

Fundraiser Coordinator

Legislative Chair

Legislative Coordinator

Historian

dental.uthscsa.edu Contact Us: Sara Piety: piety@uthscsa.edu Daniel Yates: YatesD@livemail.uthscsa.edu

The Alamolar

ÂŠ 2015 San Antonio ASDA