newsletter
2016/17 SCHOOL OF
Dental Science
WELCOME In this newsletter we celebrate the impressive achievements of our students, staff and alumni. It was a year filled with significant events. Key milestones included the launch of GradLink 2016, the Dental Council Review of Allied Programmes and the Trinity Quality Review. 2016 saw a significant increase in student activities, changes in the curriculum, preparation and planning for a proposed new modular postgraduate course and important developments in research and research funding. The lunchtime seminars organised by our Director of Research, Dr Gary Moran, have been very successful (see page 3 for further details) and our students and staff have received awards in a wide range of research projects. One of the most significant events was the launch of GradLink 2016 which took place in the Dental Hospital in October. The GradLink programme provides a link between students and alumni and aims to connect final year students to alumni mentors from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. The evening was a great success, with 24 final year students and 18 mentors taking part. GradLink is a wonderful opportunity for alumni to give back to the School and I look forward to meeting many of you at next year’s event!
Professor Brian O’Connell
Dean of Dental Science
Newsletter 2016 2014 – 2017 2015
GradLink Mentor Programme GradLink aims to develop current students’ knowledge of the labour market and career paths, through nurturing career learning relationships with alumni mentors working in a range of career areas. All the mentors are experienced dental practitioners who are willing to share their knowledge, time and expertise and who welcome the opportunity to assist students in their personal and career development. Topics of interest to students in the past have included: •
Researching and exploring particular jobs in the public and private sectors
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Preparing a CV and professional profile
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Networking and introductions to other professional colleagues exploring post graduate studies
At the launch, mentors were invited to give a brief review of their career experience. This was followed by a reception where students
GradLink Mentor Programme 2016-17
and mentors had the opportunity to mingle informally and get to know one another. Students were then matched to mentors to maximise the benefit of the programme. Students and mentors aimed to meet at least three times between the launch in October and the close of the programme in January 2017.
The feedback from students and mentors has been extremely positive — all the participating students feel they benefited enormously from the exchange of ideas with graduates and the mentors welcomed the opportunity to keep in touch with Trinity.
€2.9 million for Oral and Oesophageal Cancer Research Scientists from the School of Dental Science (Dr Jeff O’Sullivan) and the School of Biochemistry & Immunology have been awarded a prestigious Horizon 2020 grant from the European Research Council to train upcoming researchers in the latest
developments in the fight against oral and oesophageal cancer (OOC). The award of €2.9 million will allow the Training in Cancer Mechanisms & Therapeutics (TRACT) research programme to carry out high-quality research in three interconnected thematic areas
(Biomarker Discovery, Molecular Resistance Mechanisms and Metabolic Transformation Mechanisms) in order to address current diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic clinical needs in OOC.
Ranking of Scientists in Irish Institutions Dublin Dental University Hospital were delighted to see that Professor David Coleman and Professor Derek Sullivan are included in the latest top 100 rankings for all scientists in Irish institutions according to citations.
Professor David Coleman
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Professor Derek Sullivan
SCHOOL OF
Dental Science
Trinity Quality Review 2016 The 2016 Dental School Quality Review was one of a series of reviews that College is required to undertake in accordance with the 1997 Universities Act and the 2012 Education and Training Qualifications Act. This legislation requires the seven universities in the higher education sector to establish specific quality assurance procedures, to evaluate the quality of education and to publish the outcomes. Since the last Dental School Quality Review in 2009 there have been extensive refurbishments to the clinical and teaching facilities and the additional professorships have allowed us to double the number of international students to 36% of the total first year intake to the Bachelor of Dental Science.
stage. The Directors of Undergraduate Teaching and Learning, Postgraduate Teaching and Learning of Research and of the Allied Courses produced documentation pertinent to their area of responsibility and from these sources, the self-assessment document was compiled.
representatives of the Dental Council and a tour of the Dental Hospital. The reviewers also looked at the link between the School research initiatives and University strategy, the Trinity Education Project, on-line education projects, the student lifecycle and the difficulties in fitting the Dental School curriculum to the modular design of Student Information System (SITS) which is used throughout the rest of University.
Preparations for the review began in September 2016 with a series of meetings with the Quality Office and senior staff to identify requirements and plan a timeline for each
The three eminent external reviewers appointed were — Dr Margaret Kellett, Emeritus, University of Leeds, Professor Jeremy Bagg, University of Glasgow Dental Hospital and Professor Richard Valachovic, American Dental Education Association. During their visit in February meetings were scheduled with the Vice Provost’s Office, the School Governance and Finance Officers, the School Executive, Course Directors, Global Relations Office, student representatives, on-line education representatives and external stakeholders. The review included the teaching, assessment and curriculum development of the Dental Science programme, meetings with
Research News
Research Seminars
Our research is recognised internationally and many Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH) staff members are active in the international research arena through publishing in high impact journals, presenting and chairing at international conferences and through membership of editorial boards. Some of the current challenges we are facing in research include improving our international standing, further embedding the culture of research in the School, mentoring new staff and the recruitment of research active staff. Our vision for the future is to continue to be the leading research-led dental school in Ireland and to produce research with potential to enhance oral health and support undergraduate and postgraduate training.
In October, Director of Research Dr Gary Moran launched a series of seminars aimed at enhancing the profile of research in DDUH and the Dental School. The seminars included: Professor Orla Shiels (Director of Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Professor in Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Trinity) presented The emerging roles of Liquid Biopsy and Circulating Tumour Cells in monitoring the Metastatic Cascade.
The Dental School takes great pride in the modern facilities which enable us to deliver the highest quality clinical teaching to students, provide professional clinical care to the public and undertake innovative research. We are confident that the outcome of the Quality Review 2016 will highlight the commitment of our staff and the achievements of the School over the last seven years.
Dentistry) presented Diagnosis and management of developmental defects of teeth. Dr Jimmy Walker (Scientific Leader for Water and Decontamination Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury) presented Safe water in healthcare premises — why won’t bacteria behave themselves? All the events were very well attended and generated an enthusiastic response from staff and students.
Dr Evelina Kratunova (Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago) presented Molar Incisor Malformation — A new entity? Professor Tim Wright (Bawden Distinguished Professor, University of North Carolina School of
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Newsletter 2016 2014 – 2017 2015
A Look Back — 2016 February — New Professional Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy Applications opened in February 2016 for our new Professional Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy. This twelve-month full-time course is aimed at those who have a qualification in either Dental Hygiene or Dental Nursing, have at least two years’ post-qualification workplace experience (private orthodontic practice/public health orthodontic clinic) and are listed on the appropriate register maintained by the Dental Council.
April — Dr Leah Finan Speaks at Relay for Life Cancer Conference A conference dealing with various aspects of cancer and recovery was hosted by Donegal Relay for Life in Letterkenny in April 2016. Among the speakers was Letterkenny native, Dr Leah Finan (Class of 2014) and Senior House Officer with the Dublin Dental University Hospital. Other speakers included Ms Una Cardin, Dr Rob O’Connor, and Dr Laura Coffey. The event covered a wide range of issues including an update on radiotherapy treatment in Altnagelvin Hospital, advances in cancer research, cancers in young adults, and advances in the mouth, head and neck cancers.
June — Author Lia Mills Awarded an Honorary Degree from Trinity Award-winning author Lia Mills received an Honorary Degree from Trinity in June 2016. This award was to mark her outstanding contribution to the development of a campaign to increase awareness about mouth, head and neck cancer in Ireland. In 2006, Lia was diagnosed and treated for mouth cancer. She then wrote an account of her experiences and went on to become a co-founder of the Mouth, Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Ireland (MHNCAI) Group. On June 23, Dublin Dental University Hospital hosted a special evening for Lia which was attended by cancer survivors, dental practitioners, alumni, students and staff of the Dental Hospital and Trinity and Lia’s family and friends. The Irish Cancer Society, The Irish Dental Association, and the Dental Health Foundation were also represented.
Professor Brian O’Connell and Lia Mills
July — Shanghai Medical Association This world renowned association with 76 specialty societies and 238 corporate members has achieved international recognition. The visiting delegates were particularly impressed with the Hospital facilities and teaching programmes provided in the Dental School.
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SCHOOL OF
Dental Science
August — Processes and Procedures for Effective Decontamination of Reusable Invasive Medical Devices (RIMD) in a Local Decontamination Unit (LDU) The Dublin Dental University Hospital recently launched an educational video Processes and Procedures for Effective Decontamination of Reusable Invasive Medical Devices (RIMD) in a Local Decontamination Unit (LDU). This video was produced by the staff as an educational tool to demonstrate the Health Service Executive Standards and Recommended Practices for the effective decontamination of RIMD in a local decontamination unit.
Professor David Coleman and staff of Dublin Dental University Hospital
September — Mouth Cancer Awareness Day a Success for Seventh Year Running On 21 September, for the seventh successive year, the Dublin Dental University Hospital hosted the national Mouth Cancer Awareness Day. The Hospital opened its doors to the public and its patients to provide information on mouth cancer, its symptoms and the life choices that can help prevent it. Nationally, over 350 dental practices participated in providing free mouth cancer exams and the DDUH had a hotline number in place to answer calls from general dentists with reference to mouth cancer. Representatives from the Irish Cancer Society, the Dental Health Foundation, Pamex Ireland Ltd, DeCare, GSK Ltd, Johnson & Johnson, Alcohol Action Ireland, ARC Cancer Support Centre and Cerviva were also available to provide patients and the public with valuable information on mouth cancer and how it can be prevented.
Applications Open for Clinical Doctorate in Dental Surgery (D.Ch.Dent.)
Mouth Cancer Awareness Day
Mouth Cancer Awareness Day
The DDUH provides a number of postgraduate programmes leading to the award of Clinical Doctorate in Dental Surgery (D.Ch.Dent.), which results in postgraduate awards from Trinity. This year the Dental School opened applications for the following programmes: •
Oral Surgery
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Special Care Dentistry
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Periodontology
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Prosthodontics
•
Pediatrics
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Newsletter 2016 2014 – 2017 2015
A Look Forward — Upcoming in 2017 Modular CPD Programme The Director of Postgraduate Teaching and Learning, Dr Michael O’Sullivan, has been working closely with the Dean of Graduate Studies, Professor Cox, to develop a modular programme for dentists in practice. This flexible three-year blended learning course can be taken at module, certificate, diploma or master’s level. The modules reflect contemporary themes and will be multidisciplinary. The programme has received outline approval by Graduate Studies and was announced at the Irish Faculty of Primary Dental Care Annual meeting in DDUH in November. It is expected that the first modules will be offered in autumn 2017.
Visitation from Dean of Jordan University of Science & Technology
Joining Professor Al-Jundi in the photo are the postgraduate students (L-R) Saleh Alkadi (Oral Surgery), Areej Alqadi (Paediatric), Professor Suhad Al-Jundi, Thikrayat Bani Hani (Paediatric) and Lina Khasawneh (Prosthodontics)
Last October Professor Suhad Al-Jundi, Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) visited the Dental Hospital. During her visit she met with Professor Brian O’Connell, Dr Michael O’Sullivan, the various programme directors and the Jordanian postgraduate students. The possibility of cooperating with JUST on a senior leadership programme was discussed and the visit included a tour of the hospital clinical areas and the teaching facilities.
Around the World with our Alumni — from Dublin to Australia via Boston John Ahern Joins Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) as a Fulbright Scholar from Dublin
John Ahern and Dr John Hegarty, Fulbright Commission Board Member, former Provost of Trinity
Boston Calling — a dual-qualified clinician in medicine and dentistry, Dr John Ahern (MD, DMD, MPH) has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to HSDM. After receiving his dental (2010) and medical (2015) degrees from Trinity, John went on to work as a medical and dental clinician in primary, secondary and tertiary care settings in Ireland while pursuing a part-time master’s in public health from the London School
of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. As a Fulbright, John will be based in the Office of Global and Community Health at the HSDM and will pursue his interest in facilitating greater access to oral and general health by early detection of disease and the delivery of preventative interventions.
DDUH. Following that, I moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to take up an Oral and Maxillofacial surgery house officer position (similar to Max Fax Senior House Officer) and I am delighted to
report that I have recently been accepted to Oral Maxillofacial Program at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This is a six-year joint training programme leading to an MD/MSc in
Alero Boyo — Canada “After graduation in 2015, I returned to Canada and took up a general practice residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto — very similar to general duties as Junior House Officer in 6
SCHOOL OF
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The programme utilises the facilities of the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, IWK-Grace Health Care Centre and Dalhousie University. Glad to have had a great academic and clinical foundation from the Dental School, five wonderful years in Dublin and delighted with all the support you’ve given me since I left Dublin!” During her second year as an undergraduate in the School of Dental School, Alero was
Dental Science
awarded a Wellcome Trust Biomedical Vacation Scholarship to allow her to pursue a research project with Dr Gary Moran in the Division of Oral Biosciences. The project carried out research to identify a newly described group of bacteria associated with periodontal disease and it was the first time this prestigious award was made to a student in the School of Dental Science.
Alero Boyo
Shane Boggs — Australia
Shane Boggs
“A devoted food culture, a near fanatical commitment to good coffee and a purposeful approach to gentrification have ensured Melbourne has always been high on the placesto-live list. Having graduated in 2015, I worked in private practice in Ireland and at the end of summer 2016, I made the move to Australia. After getting lost in Hong Kong and recovering from jetlag, I finally arrived in Melbourne at the
start of the Australian summer of 2016. I soon found that, in a city with the same population as Ireland, the job and housing markets are extremely competitive. Having a certain amount of preparation done before I left helped (for example, your registration can take up to three months so getting this applied for well ahead of time is a must), but it was only when I got to Melbourne that I realised how much work is involved in moving to the other side of the world. However, as I am sure many DDUH alumni have come to realise, the quality of the training I had from my undergraduate stood to me in the end. After a few weeks I started work in the Primary Care Department of the Royal Melbourne Dental Hospital. It is a challenging position, working closely with the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital, providing everything from Oral Surgery to Paediatric Dentistry. One thing for certain is that no two days are the same.
Having worked only in private practice since graduating I am really enjoying being back in a hospital setting with a large and diverse team. Melbourne itself is a fantastic city. In many ways it feels like a European city yet it also has its own identity. Every weekend brings a new activity — the list of sporting events is endless, the restaurant scene is fantastic and there are plenty of nearby beaches and towns for getting out of the city. Something to note for those considering the move — dentists have been taken off the ‘skills list’, meaning that getting a four-year sponsored visa before coming out is unlikely for many. I am currently on a one-year visa, and the coming months will tell whether I will stay in this great city or move onto the next chapter. Either way, I am delighted I made the leap, and would recommend Melbourne to any wanderlust DDUH dentists out there.”
Dental Overseas Voluntary Electives The Dental Overseas Voluntary Elective (DOVE) is an integral part of fourth year, with many students contributing time and hard work in a bid to raise funds to help finance this important and often life-changing experience. Many of our alumni will have fond memories of their own DOVE experiences! The DOVE committee work extremely hard to organise various fundraising events throughout the year, ranging from Tasty Tuesdays, where they sell baked goods in the Common Room to the infamous In-the-Dental-Hospital
Annual Panto — always a great evening’s entertainment and enjoyed by staff and students. Proceeds from all DOVE fundraising events go towards sending members overseas to volunteer in some of the world’s more impoverished locations, providing dental care to those that need it most. The work involved is likely to be emergency care, basic dental care and oral hygiene instruction. In 2016 our DOVE students travelled to places as far apart as Kenya, Malta, Sudan, Cambodia, St Vincent & Grenadines and Pakistan.
on a DOVE elective
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Alumni Chair Message - Where Did the Time Go? This coming November will mark my 30th anniversary of becoming a Dublin Dental Hospital Alumnus! I find it hard to comprehend how quickly the time has slipped by – literally in a flash! Graduation day seems like it was yesterday. Quite a lot happened in Ireland back in 1987 – Johnny Logan won the Eurovision Song Contest, Roddy Doyle released the book The Commitments, Stephen Roche won the Tour de France, U2 released The Joshua Tree, Beaumont Hospital opened, and the Irish Soccer team qualified for its first major tournament, Euro 88.
Dr Paul Dowling
In 1987 we also witnessed the appalling kidnapping of one of our alumni, John O’Grady, by ex-IRA member, Dessie (the Border Fox) O’Hare. John received his BDS degree from the National University of Ireland in 1972. I had the pleasure of getting to know John over the last decade and was very saddened by his death earlier this year. I understand that he never spoke of his ordeal afterwards. John was the
definition of a gentleman and my sympathies go to his family and all who were close to him. My sympathies also go to the family and friends of Billy Fenlon on his untimely death. Billy graduated from Trinity in 1984. I was in the first Paediatric Dentistry module supervised by Billy. He was an outstanding teacher and I always enjoyed his refreshing honesty and directness both as a student and in later years, as a friend and colleague. Our thoughts are with all his family, in particular with his wife Celine and his brother Michael – both also alumni of the Dublin Dental Hospital. Preparations are underway for the annual November alumni gathering and details will follow shortly. We are grateful to the Dublin Dental University Hospital for facilitating our meeting again and I look forward to catching up later in the year. Dr Paul Dowling President, Dental Alumni Association
Dental University Hospital Library External Membership DDUH Library has one of the largest collections of dental literature in Ireland. We provide services to DDUH students, DDUH staff and registered external members only. Practicing dental professionals wishing to access the library may apply for external membership. Interested individuals should contact the
librarian by phone (+353 1 612 7286) or email (isabel.fleischmann@dental.tcd.ie) for further information. For questions on online resources, please see www.dentalhospital.ie/wp-content/ uploads/2010/10/FAQs1.pdf
Get Involved
Upcoming Alumni Events
Class Notes
Trinity has a long tradition of outreach and community engagement. To find out about the numerous ways you can get involved with Trinity both at home and abroad, see www.tcd.ie/alumni/volunteer
Alumni Weekend 25-27 August 2017
Do you have any news or updates that you’d like to share with your fellow alumni? Submit your news with an image, subject of study and year of graduation to alumni@tcd.ie
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The School of Dental Science Trinity College Lincoln Place Dublin 2, Ireland T. +353 (0)1 896 1690 E. info@dental.tcd.ie
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