TENNESSEALANT | Spring 2016

Spring Edition

May 12, 2016

THE TENNESSEALANT What's Happening in ASDA Advocacy Brief By: Jim Hollingsworth

What is lobbying and why should you, a busy dental student, care?

Lobbying is the attempt to influence government officials and lawmakers to create or support legislation that will help organizations. Through combined efforts with the ADA, ASDA has continuously lobbied in support of legislation that lowers student debt, promotes the use and safety of amalgam and fluoridation, and removes barriers to adequate dental care for the underserved.

These are perfect examples of how lobbying has impacted dentistry.

Last month, students from UT attended ASDA’s National Dental Student Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. to lobby bills that impact dentistry today. Look for more details on Lobby Day 2016 in the new monthly newsletter from UT ASDA combining dentistry and politics, Pulpolitico.

Ethan Ake (left), Kyle Coghlan (middle), and Drew Benbow (right) receive one of the coveted first annual "Stainless Steel Crown" Awards at the 2016 District 4 ASDA Meeting in Charlotte, NC.

District 4 Meeting 2016 For those of you that are new to ASDA, the organization as a whole is split up in to 11 districts. District 4 is comprised of the University of Tennessee, Meharry Medical College, the Dental College of Georgia, the Medical University of South Carolina, East Carolina University, the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Each year all 7 schools in ASDA's fourth district convene for a weekend of speakers, sponsors, and in this case, NASCAR.

Visit: asdanet.com/advocate #MakeASDAGreatAgain

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Spring Edition

Q & A: Dr. Connie West Dr. Constance West graduated from Emory Dental School in 1986. She has been an assistant professor and group leader in the Clinical General Practice department since March 2012.

Q. Did you always want to be a dentist? What was your backup plan?

In the second grade I had 7 baby teeth pulled. After leaving the office I turned to my mother and said, "I’m gonna be a dentist because I can do better than these fools." I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with an English/Writing Degree so journalism was my back up plan.

May 12, 2016

Charlotte, NC hosted the meeting this year, and certainly did not disappoint.The weekend consisted of content packed meetings covering everything from local chapter improvement and contract negotiations to leadership and continuing education.

Keynote speaker, Dr. David Rice, shared his philosophy of “CRUSH it Leadership” and the career resources available to students and new clinicians at his website, igniteDDS.com.

Former National ASDA Vice President, Dr. Jason Watts, spoke about the art of negotiating a successful contract and Dr. Alex Barton reiterated the importance of starting NOW to establish your professional network. The opportunities to further develop leadership and our ASDA chapter were endless, however, an ASDA meeting wouldn't be complete without a little social networking and relaxation.

The first night of the conference ended at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Encircled with racing simulator cars, memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and contests - the venue provided the perfect backdrop for socializing and networking. A Vendor Fair took place on the second day of the conference and on the final night, Henry Schein hosted a cocktail reception before the Award Ceremony. UT stood out by receiving a Stainless Steel Crown Award and I think it's safe to say a great time was had by all!

Article by: Holly Green

Q. How is dental school different today compared to when you attended?

My class had 12 women out of 103. This was the most females (continued on page 6)

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Spring Edition

May 12, 2016

If you’re reading this you were either caught by the catchy phrase “Fit Tips” or you’re wondering who is Jay and why is he giving me fit tips. I’m not a fitness guru with the secret to get the body you have always wanted (far from it). What I am is a former athlete who struggled with his weight after his athletic career was over until he finally figured out what worked for him. ASDA believes in five keys to overall wellness that I also agree with. Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Occupational and Environmental wellness make up those five keys.

Hopefully, if you’re pursing the dental profession the Intellectual, Occupational and Environmental wellness are already on the right track. For the last two, Personally I believe that by increasing one’s physical wellness it can have positive effects on one’s emotional beliefs as well.

Although I don’t have “wash board abs” (Man bod is in!) I’ve lost over 60lbs in the past 3 years and here are 5 tips that worked for me leading to a better overall ASDA physical wellness.

1. Healthy eating – Chicken breasts, Turkey and an occasional salad (gasp) are all good ways to get started eating healthier. I used to eat an entire large pizza at a time… now I only eat half.

2. Buddy system – This was probably the key for me. My friends and I started working out together making it more of a ritual and we had fun doing it.

3.Walk, Jog, Run – Get outside and move. If you can’t run then walk.

How far? Start small and progress at your own comfort.

4.Jump Rope - I love it. It’s vital to get loose before exercising. Jumping rope is a great, easy way to get your blood flowing and you can see your improvements easily. (By not marking up the back of your legs) 5. Set Obtainable Goals - Set small achievable goals. If you ran one mile the last couple times you ran, try one and half next time. Everybody loves accomplishing goals, no matter where you start.

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"FIT TIPS" WITH JAY

Spring Edition

May 12, 2016

COMIC CONTEST

The "Lose Your Denture Tooth" Scenario By: Joseph Lee 9

Comic by: Brooklyn Byrd

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After the excitement of the acceptance letter and the “congratulations” from everyone you know dies down, the reality of dental school sets in, and it’s a much more stressful path than you might have imagined. As a fourth year student, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the first year of school seems to shed no light on the foreseeable future. The most important thing to remember, especially as a D1, is that it’s okay to have a life outside of dental school. You will hear that you can’t eat, sleep, go visit your family, or watch TV without missing a chance to study.

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12, 2016 Put the books down, subscribe to May Netflix, get a dog, go on some dates – be “normal”.

We all come in to dental school being the top of the class – being the “best”, if you will. You will quickly learn that not everyone can be number one in dental school, and that is okay. Don’t compare yourself to everyone else around you. The truth is, the people who say they aren’t studying just want an excuse if they do badly on a test. The ones who study 24/7 are probably miserable. Find your happy medium and stick with it.

Article by: Chad Slaven

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(Continued from page 2) in one class up to that point and there were only 2 female professors. Often the professors expected more from the female students.

On the flip side, I would say the academic volume was smaller than it is now. There are a lot more drugs to memorize and a lot more people being prescribed these drugs than when I was in school.

May 12, 2016

Q. What is your biggest clinic pet peeve?

When students hang bibs from the lights before a procedure. Also, not being prepared before a procedure. For example, if you know you’re going to be doing a composite restoration prepare before hand by reading over material and getting the

Q. How long would you recommend to wait after graduating to start your own practice?

proper supplies (ex. Finishing strips) before the patient arrives.

At least 3-5 years, 5 years being more ideal. The bank wouldn’t loan me money

Q. What advice do you have for students in

until my school loans had been paid back

clinic?

and I needed those years working under other people to get that money, experience

Treat your patients as you would your mother, father, sister, brother. There is no

and speed needed for a successful private

room for entitlement in the clinic.

practice.

Q. What do you wish more people knew about Q. What do you miss most about private practice now that you’re teaching?

The patients. It’s very heartwarming to share that bond with your patients. Also,

you?

I’m a yankee; I was a wrestling managerit’s my favorite sport; and Philadelphia really does have the best cheesesteak.

there is much more control with a private practice and much bigger salary.

Q. If you could be one person’s dentist living or dead who would it be?

Q. What brought you to Memphis and UTHSC

David Bowie

College of Dentistry?

I was attracted to the newly formed ‘Clinical Group Leader Program’ (started in July 2012). Also, my five beautiful grandchildren are here in Memphis.

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May 12, 2016

2ND ANNUAL SKIT NIGHT

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May 12, 2016

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Kyle Coghlan ASDA President

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Spring Edition

May 12, 2016

CURRICULUM VITAE

Many students do not know what "CV" stands for, let alone what it should look like. Furthermore, students tend to think that a CV is only important when applying to a residency. However, ASDA firmly believes every student should have a well formatted and meaningful CV. It is absolutely necessary when applying to residency, but it can also be very a very useful reference tool for a future employer.

This example was taken from the resources section on the national ASDA website, and can be found at www.asdanet.org/CV. We strongly encourage all ASDA members to utilize this website for the latest news in dentistry, various member resources, and information on how to become more involved with ASDA at a national level.

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Spring Edition

May 12, 2016

Dear UT Faculty, D4's, D3's, D2's, and yes, even D1's, I hope you find this newsletter entertaining, enticing, and creative. My goal as editor this year, is to provide a good quality means of communication between ASDA's executive council and all members of #UTASDA. One thing I hear often, is that members don't know what their ASDA dues are going to. I would like to provide a few examples of where your dues money is going. I hope you noted that UT ASDA sent two of our members to Washington D.C. for National Lobby Day. This conference is one in which dental students from all over the country, meet with Senators, Representatives, and their staff, to discuss important bills that effect various aspects of our profession. The reason that ASDA and the ADA are able to step into a congressman's office and plead their case, and actually cause action from that meeting, is because we can say that ASDA represents about 85% of dental students across the country. Think about it, how effective would it be for a small group to go to a senator's office and plead a case, but have to state that they only represent 30% of all dental students? By everyone paying your dues to ASDA, you can rest assured that your have a voice, a powerful voice, and that it is being used by dentists, dental students, and others to lobby on your behalf to help continue making this profession the greatest health profession in the United States of America.

Sincerely,

Stephen Raines ASDA

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