Volume 14, Issue 1 Summer 2020
A look into the modern flossify of the VCU School of Dentistry
This Newsletter is brought to you by the American Student Dental Association at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry.
vcuasda.com
NEWSLETTER CONTENTS
ABOUT THE PROBE
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
PAGE 2
PAGE 3
HELLO D1S AND D2S
GALLERY
PAGE 5
PAGE 8
GIVE KIDS A SMILE 2020
WHITE COAT CEREMONY
PAGE 15
PAGE 12
ASDA DISTRICT 4
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
PAGE 17
FUN FACTS ABOUT OUR GPGS
IDP TRANSITION
PAGE 22
PAGE 32
STAYING FIT AND ACTIVE PAGE 33 01
The Probe | Summer 2020
PAGE 19
DENTAL DOODLES BACK PAGE
WELCOME
JULY 2020
The Probe The
Probe
Newsletter
is
of
the
VCU
ASDA
School
of
Dentistry.
The two goals for 2020-21 are (1) to highlight moments and people at
VCU
SOD
and
(2)
to
share
encouragements, reflections, and information excellence
as in
we
pursue
dentistry
for
our
patients.
Please
submit
questions
to
articles, Jasmine
art,
or
Lee,
at
leejj10@vcu.edu.
Message from the Editor
Stay in the loupe!
Dear VCU School of Dentistry, Amidst all that is going on, here is a simple collection of
@vcu_asda
words of welcome and encouragement to our returning and new students, some highlights of VCU SOD events from the past academic year of 2019-2020, and a few stories shared
@VCUASDA
by members of our community. Thank you to everyone who contributed and I am looking forward to how we will continue to encourage and support one another on this journey to provide the best care for our current and future patients. The next issue of The Probe will be published around September/October, so please contact
vcuasda.com Clicking on any blue links in this newsletter will lead you to the site.
me with many submissions for the fall issue! Jasmine Lee, D2022 The Probe Newsletter Editor
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02
DEAN'S MESSAGE DEAN DAVID C. SARRETT, D.M.D., M.S. Welcome students and residents. Thank you for your patience, perseverance and professionalism during these challenging times. When
you
returned
to
campus,
you
noticed
a
changed environment including new entrances and
exits,
barriers,
COVID-19
additional
measures.
These
screening,
PPE,
and
protective
plexiglass
social
distancing
measures
are
Photograph by VCU University Marketing
in
place because safety is our top priority. Your safety, and the safety of patients, faculty and staff are crucial while executing our mission of
We
education,
situations, including anticipated waves of
research,
and
patient
care.
It
is
will
be
flexible
COVID-19
infections.
guidelines and best practices.
we
prepared
for
your
return
to
changes
address
important for all of us to do our part to prevent As
and
to
in
new
requirements,
campus and welcomed our incoming D1s, DH1s and
new
residents,
we
were
guided
by
local,
state, national and industry principles:
As we prepared for student and resident life in the pandemic, we also prepared to create a welcoming
in
which
you
can
We are following applicable CDC, state and
thrive. One that fosters inclusion and a sense
VCU Health guidance.
of
We are evaluating and implementing health
challenging times. A measurable action plan is
and safety supplies and measures to support
being
your experience on campus.
forward. From initiating university approval for
We are encouraging flexibility in addressing
a
the
professionalism,
needs
of
vulnerable
members
of
the
dental school and Richmond community. We
are
monitoring
the
health
of
community
put
deanship
diversity our
into
especially
place
for
to
guide
inclusive
to
the
statement.
during
our
journey
excellence
creation Our
these
of
a
and
school
commitment
is
relentless and we pledge to be faithful to it in
community and will respond promptly to any
all
increase
with
School of Dentistry and VCU Dental Care is
science
responsible for creating a clinical, educational
the
in
infection
advice
of
rates
medical
professionals.
03
environment
The Probe | Summer 2020
consistent and
of
our
actions.
Every
member
of
VCU
and research environment that is welcoming
WELCOME
JULY 2020
and inclusive of all. Through this journey, we will continuously accept criticism and learn from our mistakes with transparency and humility. We may look and feel different on campus, or not as you’d expected if you’re a new student or resident, but our commitment to you and your education has never changed.
Your
student
body
comes
from
all
backgrounds,
races
and
ethnicities,
genders, religions, sexual orientations, and other histories and experiences. We cannot survive if any one of us feels afraid to speak out, feels threatened and ultimately withdraws from our community. As a health care institution, the diversity of our SOD community enriches us all – students, faculty, staff and patients. In fact, racism and systemic injustice are public health issues. We
condemn
and
will
actively
work
to
dismantle
systemic
racism
and
inequalities entrenched in our health system.
I want to remind you that you have a voice here. You are valued here. You matter here. You are needed here.
The VCU Code of Conduct is explicit and defines real expectations of all employees. Similarly, the VCU Student Code of Conduct sets expectations for students. All members of the VCU Community are required to engage in responsible social conduct that reflects credit upon the University community and to model good citizenship in any community. In addition, the following resources are available to all students, staff, and faculty at VCU:
Division of Inclusive Excellence (http://www.inclusive.vcu.edu/) University Counseling Services (http://www.students.vcu.edu/counseling/) Wellness Resource Center (http://thewell.vcu.edu/ The VCU Dean of Students, Dr. Reuban Rodriguez (vcudean@vcu.edu) Equity and Access Services and Title IX Compliance (http://equity.vcu.edu/) VCU Employee Relations (emprel@vcu.edu or 804-828-1510) VCU Ombudsperson (http://ombudsperson.vcu.edu/) VCU Helpline (www.vcuhelpline.com) VCU Employee Assistance Program (http://www.anthemeap.com) VCU Dental Care Employee Assistance Program (1-800-327-2255) VCU Dental Care Employee Relations (804-828-8873)
We are so glad to have you on campus. I appreciate your support and professionalism and I encourage you to come to me with any concerns, questions or suggestions to help make your school experience a positive one.
Welcome back.
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04
A WELCOME TO THE NEW D1 CLASS! FROM NEEKO FELTEN, D4 PRESIDENT Welcome! As the Class President
I want you to know that your four years here
of 2021, I wanted to
doesn’t have to be something you dread. Your time
take a moment to
here
should
be
enjoyable,
memorable,
and
a
welcome you all to the
period of growth. It can be the best time of your
VCU School of
life. It’s all about how you approach these new
Dentistry.
upcoming challenges and the effort you put into them.
You have all been through many challenges, but
there’s
nothing
quite
like
dental
school
to
Dental
school
is
a
time
to
build
new
relationships, meet new people, and experience a
make you question your decisions in life. You will
new
have some of the worst days of your life here and
academics, but don’t neglect your personal life,
there will be moments when you hit a brick wall,
your health, or your sanity. This is where you will
lose all motivation, and lay on your bedroom floor
meet
in
for
memories. When the going gets tough remember
daunting,
that you made it into dental school! Never lose
defeat.
dental
Nothing
school.
can
Dental
truly
school
prepare can
be
you
tedious, and it can be absolutely miserable. Every dental student has experienced both sides, misery and success, and you will too. It will
city.
It
is
steadfast
important
friends
to
and
do
make
your
best
in
unforgettable
sight of this. You have put in the hard work to achieve
your
dreams.
You
have
earned
this
wonderful opportunity. This is your time.
be easy to get lost in the minutia of your daily
From myself and the dental students here at
tasks and be overwhelmed by the mountain of
VCU, we are excited to meet you all and we hope
studying you have to do and the short amount of
that you find your home here at VCU.
time you have to do it. Are you feeling stressed yet?
05
The Probe | Summer 2020
WELCOME
JULY 2020
KEEPING THE SPARKLE A MESSAGE TO D1S AND D2S
FROM KRISTEN RICHEY, D3 PRESIDENT
Remember how you had spent years of your life
D1s-I am so excited for you to start on your
dreaming
dental school journey.
dream when
is
of
being
about
you
first
to
a
dentist
become
found
out
and
real? that
now
your
Remember you
were
This year may look a little different from years past,
but
do
not
be
it
takes
a
discouraged
Sometimes
next chapter of life learning about teeth every
new
day? Remember how excited you were when
experience
you
you
some great innovation and change in practices
heard that you had your own mailbox at your
of the school and I am excited for. D1 is a busy
dream
that
year and it can be very tough at times. My
was? Dental school is a wild journey and you
hope for you is that you keep the sparkle and
are about to start your first or second year of it.
energy that you have right now throughout your
My hope for you is that you can keep the same
entire year and schooling career. Remembering
enthusiasm
for
why you love dentistry and your passion for this
dentistry now at the beginning of your journey
field will help keep your mind focused and your
for your entire dental school career.
priorities straight even when there are tough
first
joined
dental
your
school
and
class
and
sparkle
groupme
how
that
and
exciting
you
have
"This year may look a little different from years past, but do not be discouraged by this. Sometimes it takes a wildfire to encourage new growth."
times.
The
I
new
D2
know
that
changes
class
has
to
this.
accepted and then could not wait to start your
growth.
wildfire
by
encourage
your
that
been
class
will
so
will
result
excited
in
to
meet you as you saw from their involvement in your
interview
students’
day
resource
and
experience experience. become
and Use
friends
accepted
them with
as
a
them
because they will be the ones who you work with in lab and later, in clinic. You have a busy, fun, tough, exciting, and unique year in front of
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06
you and you are on your way to achieving your goal of becoming an excellent dentist. Just remember to keep the sparkle.
D2s-The best thing that you can do is be a supportive class for the D1s. Dental school as we know it is going to look very different than it was last fall. Instead of focusing on the differences, stop and take the time to get to know the D1s and help them on their journey which will have challenges that are going to be very different from the ones you
faced
being
when
negative
you
and
were
a
D1.
comparing
Instead
your
work
of to
their work or your D1 experience to theirs, ask them
about
their
days,
ask
them
about
themselves, and learn to become friends and mentors to them. The D1s will be the people you work most closely with in clinic—this year when you are sharing Woolwine with them, get to know them and form bonds with them that can grow even more in clinic. I have already been very encouraged by your classes’ interest in the new class whether it be through meeting them outside of their interview rooms or bringing snacks for them during interviews or going out to dinner with them at accepted students’ day, you all have really been there for the incoming class! I encourage you to keep this momentum and continue to form bonds with them. These bonds will help make the dental school environment even better than it currently is. I am excited for all of you to really delve into the dental classes that you take in D2 year and learn so much more in lab. D2 year is very different from D1 year. One of my favorite ways that it was different is that it really bonds your class together—the amount of time spent in lab, doing group projects, and going through white coat seals your class together in a special way during D2. I am very excited for you all to experience this. The D3s will be happy to be a resource for you in any way that we can and are excited for you to join us in clinic so soon. Throughout this year just remember to keep the sparkle.
07
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VCU SOD EVENTS
JULY 2020
Gallery: Looking Back Photos and captions provided by ASDA historian, Clairise Cash
September 2019 From group runs, healthy snack stations, and step challenges to yoga classes at Humble Haven, Roots Natural Kitchen lunchand-learns with a registered dietician, and cycle classes at Boho cycle
ASDA Health and Wellness Month was a studio,
October 2019
8 of our chapter’s leaders were selected to attend the
ASDA National Leadership Conference in Chicago, IL!
success thanks to our amazing Health and Wellness Chairs, Erin Britt and Julia Cove!
It was a great weekend of getting inspired, networking, CE, and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza! The Probe | Summer 2020
08
November 2019
ASDA Advocacy Week included a lunch and learn with the VDA, “guess that famous smile”, a popcorn and politics event, and a visit from our friend, the molar bear! We learned more about ASDA’s current hot issues like teledentistry, licensure reform, and student debt.
A huge shoutout to our
December 2019
legislative liaison, Sungmin Soh for a great week!
Llamas, donkeys, and mini horses, oh my! Our annual
ASDA Petting Zoo was the G.O.A.T. and lifted VCU ASDA bowled a strike in our spare time at the D1/D2
Bowling Social at Uptown Alley!
everyone’s spirits during finals week!
09
The Probe | Summer 2020
VCU SOD EVENTS
JULY 2020
January 2020
At the
ASDA District 4
Meeting in Greenville, South Carolina, our chapter won awards for our excellence in Social Media and Events, and the VCU ASDA Unsung Hero was awarded to Clairise Cash! We had a great weekend connecting with other students in district 4 and learning.
Dental students and dentists teamed up to lobby our state legislators on the VDA’s bill on teledentistry on
VDA Lobby Day. The
day was a success and the bill passed! The Probe | Summer 2020
10
VCU ASDA volunteers made cards for the children at the Ronald McDonald House of Richmond at our
cardmaking service event.
March 2020
ASDA Annual Session was held in St. Louis, MO, where we elected our national and district 4 leaders, and voted on resolutions. We had a great weekend from networking and learning, to attending the President’s Gala and Gold Crown Awards. Mackenzie Bates and Jacob Mirpanah were the voting members that represented VCU!
May 2020 Although graduation looked a little different this year, VCU ASDA is so proud of our graduated D4 students for all of their hard work and earning their DDS.
Congrats Class of 2020! 11
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VCU SOD EVENTS
JULY 2020
We are VCU SOD! Congratulations to the Class of 2022 for their White Coat Ceremony
Caty Malone shares her thoughts from her White Coat Ceremony. From
the
matriculation
at
VCU
School
of
Dentistry, the class of 2022 has always been connected in a way that has made us bond like
family.
My
thoughts
during
orientation
week of our first year were how blessed I was to
be
in
a
class
with
such
awesome
and
inspiring future dentists. Since then, we have accomplished so much and I could not be more honored to be a part of this class.
Considering
how
well
our
class
has
connected up to this point, our White Coat Ceremony
felt
no
different.
Receiving
our
professional white coats from professors all of us as a class had picked, reciting our oath together,
and
celebrating
with
all
of
our
loved ones made for a memorable night. It was
one
that
made
me
feel
even
more
connected to my class. We each had a dream and we all are a part of a class that works together to achieve that dream. When I say we work together, I mean everyone helps with notes
if
someone
missed
something,
study
guides are always being sent out with key points, advice in woolwine lab is always being shared
so
practicals, teamwork
everyone and and
so
can much
do
their
more.
positivity
has
best
on
Everyone’s greatly
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12
influenced my experience in dental school so thank you all
for
making
friendly hope
the
such
environment!
we
mindset
it
can
moving
world
I
keep
just that
forward
needs
a
as
positive,
understanding, and cohesive leaders.
Some may say it was no big
deal
and
not
that
exciting since we have had this
white
around
coat
collecting
sitting
dust
and
dirt the whole first two years of dental school, but there are many others who would disagree. While I saw other professional schools receive their white coats first semester, we were hard at work in gross anatomy lab so I quickly forgot about ours. I was reminded about my white coat again when the class above us had their ceremony and that fueled my excitement for dentistry again. Looking back the anticipation of having our White Coat Ceremony half way into dental school was so exciting and motivating to get me through the end of second year.
Little did we know, we would have a quarantine break for the rest of the semester. After white coat, we had our last spring break of dental school, which was a fun time to celebrate. At
the
point
when
we
receive our white coats, we have earned it and it makes me
feel
knowing
so
much
that
I
better
have
done
what it takes to, in a few weeks,
be
caring
for
patients. What we all have been dreaming of is seeing patients
and
everything
we
provide upmost
them care.
COVID-19
doing can with
Even
has
to the
though
interrupted
the completion of some of our preclinical courses, we
13
The Probe | Summer 2020
VCU SOD EVENTS
JULY 2020
"An affirmation on the part of aspiring dentists that their purpose will be pure and that they can be trusted to honor the tradition of the learned professions in placing the interest of patients above self. "
will be living that dream here soon.
the
part
of
aspiring
dentists
that
their
purpose will be pure and that they can be White coat ceremony made me feel
trusted
to
honor
the
tradition
of
the
eager to practice the future career we
learned professions in placing the interest
have chosen. Donning the white coat
of
means we are to meet the expectations
ceremony
of its symbolism. This requires us health
opportunity
professionals to be trustworthy, affable,
symbolism
caring, and passionate leaders. Since
person I was made to be! I have my family,
the color white is a symbol of purity, I
friends,
think Dr. David Nash said it best, “The
professors to thank for the transformation.
white
coat
symbolizes
the
purity
patients
above has to of
for
self.” me
celebrate
The
been as
transformation
mentors,
white
coat
both well into
classmates,
an
as
a
the
and
of
purpose being affirmed in becoming a
Nash DA. On the symbolism of the white
health professional… an affirmation on
coat. J Dent Educ. 2014;78(12):1589 1592.
‐
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14
Give Kids a Smile 2020 By Sam Bergeron and Caitlin Harrah
Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) is a day that many at the dental school are very familiar with. It’s a jam-packed day, marked by noisy hallways and busy clinics, where kids from underserved communities receive free dental care. This year, many may have noticed that GKAS looked a little different, and we are very excited to share these changes with you. Under new leadership, the faculty and student coordinators re-evaluated the mission of GKAS. We found
that
the
beyond
providing
service,
but
dental
organization’s care
rather
health
“is
crisis
in
during
mission a
designed three
single to
extends day
address
distinct
areas:
of the to
provide care now to people who are suffering from untreated disease; to strengthen and expand the public/private
safety
net;
and
to
bring
disease
prevention and education into communities.” In
order
to
changed GKAS.
the
This
access
achieve
to
this
structure
year,
we
dental
of
mission how
VCU
prioritized
care
more
fully,
takes
patients
(largely
we
part with
in no
undocumented
children who do not qualify for Medicaid). We held screening
days
prior
to
the
main
GKAS
event,
in
order to identify patient needs and schedule them accordingly. Some patients were scheduled outside of GKAS Day, i.e. if they required extensive treatment that couldn’t be completed within one appointment. Other
patients
enroll
in
were
Medicaid,
given to
information
receive
more
on
how
to
long-term,
continuous care. And those treated on GKAS Day (64 kids, treated with $33,135 of free dental care) were seen
with
greater
attention
than
years
prior,
and
were added to the pediatric clinic patient list to be scheduled for future follow-ups.
15
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VCU SOD EVENTS
JULY 2020
"The organization's mission extends beyond providing care during a single day of service... " By continued
providing care,
we
more were
relationships
with
our
communities
that
they
careful able
to
patients, are
a
treatment establish
and
part
and
better
therefore of.
With
the
these
changes, GKAS hopes to serve as a bridge between VCU
Dental
Care
and
these
underserved
communities. For
those
interested
in
getting
involved
in
community-based, oral hygiene education initiatives, there will be more opportunities throughout the year. As this is the first year we’ve adopted these changes, there is a lot of room to grow. We are hoping that as many people can be a part of that as possible! Thank you for those that volunteered this year, and please reach out if you have any ideas on how to make next year even better.
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16
ASDA District 4 Updates
ASDA
is
organized
into
districts
and
VCU
belongs to District 4 of ASDA which includes other schools in our region such as UNC, ECU, Georgia, Meharry, Tennessee, and MUSC. The
By Kristen Richey
leader of District 4 ASDA, the district trustee, is Christina Aponte who goes to Meharry.
What is ASDA and how is it organized?
"At vcu, we are lucky because every student is automatically ... able to benefit. "
ASDA, the American Student Dental Association, according to its mission statement is a “national student-run advances
organization
the
rights,
that
interests,
protects and
and
welfare
of
dental students. It introduces students to lifelong
This year, I am serving as VCU’s district liason
involvement in organized dentistry and provides
which means that I will help transmit information
services, information, education, representation,
about what is happening in ASDA at a district
and advocacy.”
level to all VCU students as well as report on VCU’s ASDA involvement to the district. During
At VCU, we are lucky because EVERY student is
the
automatically
means
important information, education opportunities,
that EVERY student is able to benefit from the
and resources to dental students. In this article,
resources,
this
I will highlight some of the District happenings in
the
ASDA so that VCU students can be in the know
an
ASDA
education,
organization.
At
VCU,
member
and
which
benefits
Becky
Cerva
of is
incoming school president of the ASDA chapter.
17
The Probe | Summer 2020
COVID-19
pandemic,
ASDA
has
provided
about what is happening at a district level.
ASDA
District 4 Happenings
JULY 2020
Weekly Webinars District
4
ASDA
offers
weekly
webinars
on
topics
ranging
from
residency to communicating with patients in Arabic to bettering your public speaking skills. These webinars and free and available to any ASDA member. Updates about upcoming webinars are posted on the District 4 Instagram and website.
District 4 Book Club Starting in June, members of District 4 will be reading the book, Teeth by Mary Otto. This book is about the inequalities present in oral health in America and calls for radical change in the current system. This book club will allow students from our district to read and discuss important issues relating to dentistry.
Wellness Initiatives District 4 has been sharing workouts, healthy recipes, and is making a cookbook
with
some
of
the
members’
favorite
childhood
recipes.
Many of the wellness initiatives are launched on Instagram.
Advocacy Advocacy updates are emailed out to all members and updates are posted on the District 4 website. The licensure exams have been an important advocacy topic for ASDA in the past years and this year, partly due to COVID-19, important changes. The Virginia legislative updates are as follows: On May 8, the Virginia Board of Dentistry voted
to
crisis.
The
modify
the
licensure
Board
will
accept
a
requirements clinical
during
dental
the
COVID-19
examination
which
includes a simulated manikin exercise in restorative dentistry. The scaling exercise with live patients will also be waived.
Service District 4 has been raising money to donate to the New York food bank. In the past month, District 4 has donated over 5,000 meals to the food bank.
For more updates about what is happening in District 4 ASDA, refer to: Kristen's emails @district4asda on Instagram https://www.districtfourasda.com 18 The Probe | Summer 2020
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Teledentistry Legislation
By Matilda Sullivan '22, VCU ASDA Legislative
After a ton of hard work by VDA members since
Liason
last spring, SB122 (Barker) and HB 165 (Hope) have passed the legislature and been signed by
Exciting legislative bills have
the Governor. The core issues addressed in the
passed the house and senate
legislation
floor in Virginia through the
incredibly important as they offer a framework
help
of
the
Virginia
Dental
Association and VCU dental students who lobbied at this year’s VDA Lobby Day. important students
as to
VCU be
It is
dental
aware
of
ongoing changes in Virginia that
will
impact
• Requires a dentist practicing teledentistry to hold
an
active
unrestricted
formal dental training. Below is an updated list on major legislative changes, provided by
the
VDA
Website:
https://www.vadental.org /advocacy/virginiageneral-assembly
The Probe | Summer 2020
in
VA
and
of Dentistry. Hold
dentists
practicing
teledentistry
to
the
same standard of care as those practicing in a
•
practice
license
places them under the purview of the VA Board
public
private
and
• Defines teledentistry in the Commonwealth.
brick and mortar setting.
or
straight-forward
short-term:
our careers as we move into
upon the completion of our
19
very
for the future while ensuring patient safety in the
•
legislation
were
Requires
a
face-to-face
establishment
of
a
dentist-patient relationship through a two-way audiovisual
or
audio
telecommunications
technology (synchronous communication). •
Equates
statutory
treatment
of
digital
scans
and digital files to the traditional initial and final impressions
and
the
responsibility
of
a
dentist
and delegation of services to dental staff. • Provides privacy protection of all digital files & info established by Rules Governing the Practice of Dentistry.
ASDA
JULY 2020
Adult Dental Medicaid • The final budget contains significant dollars for DMAS to implement an adult Medicaid
Fluoride Varnish
benefit for adults -- $33M in year 1 and $93M in year 2. •
While
supporting
legislation, seat
front
benefit.
the
VDA
and
Over
the made
center
the
next
on
policy sure
of
we
had
designing
many
this
months
a
the the
DMAS Dental Advisory Committee (DAC) will be meeting to discuss the size and scope of the program with active VDA input to ensure
• Legislation adding medical assistants to the
list
of
individuals
that
can
apply
fluoride varnish has been signed by the Governor. • The goal of this effort supported by the VDA is to have more children treated with fluoride varnish.
the benefit is meaningful.
Balance Billing – Oral Surgeons in ER • The long debated balance billing legislation captures two scenarios:
emergencies and out
of network surgical or ancillary services provided at an in-network hospital. • If an oral surgeon is called into the ER to stitch up a facial laceration or wire shut a broken jaw, they will be governed by rules in the bill so no balance billing, collect the cost share from the patient, get paid by the carrier a commercial reasonable amount. • Same is true for an OMS performing non-emergency services at an in-network facility.
No
balanced billing, collect the cost share, carrier pays a commercially reasonable amount, negotiate if you don't like and arbitrate if you cannot find common ground.
• IMPORTANT: this legislation does NOT impact current balance billing and assignment of benefits policies outside of the emergency room setting.
The Probe | Summer 2020
20
It only takes 5 minutes to get engaged! Help our school's advocacy committee
win $100 by
sending in the most Engage letters by August 4th!
Only 2 steps required (1) Sign your name for each topic at:
http://cqrcengage.com/asda/app/write-a-letter? 32&engagementId=502505 (2) Forward the confirmation email you get with new subject "VCU / Engage" to d4asda.advocacy@gmail.com
Topics you can advocate for by signing the letters Urge your representatives to co-sign POST GRAD Act Take action to support the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act Support Measures to Alleviate the Student Debt Burden Support H.R. 2186: Student Loan Refinancing Act Advocate for the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act
21
The Probe | Summer 2020
CLINIC
JULY 2020
Story by Jasmine Jinhee Lee
Fun Facts from our
GPG Leaders and PCCs (Patient Care Coordinators) In order to find out more about our GPG faculty and staff, I asked our GPG Leaders and PCCs for a fun fact that students may not know about them as well as their favorite hobbies. I also asked our GPG leaders, "What is a quote or thought that motivates you to keep pursuing dentistry?" and "If you could go back in time and share one piece of advice with your younger self (when you were a dental student), what would you say?" Dentistry can seem intimidating when we first start out (and so can our faculty and staff around clinic!) but here are their interviews answers that were fun and encouraging for me to read. As a new D3, I am looking forward to learning more about dentistry and working together with our GPG Leaders and PCCs in clinic!
Find out who is else is in your GPG via the Intranet > "Student rosters" (VPN required if you're off campus) The Probe | Summer 2020
22
FUN FACTS FROM OUR GPG LEADERS + PCCS
GPG 1
"Every moment and every event of every man's life on earth plants something in his soul."
Dr. Vincent Sawicki Q: Fun fact? Former marathon runner (and maybe yet again).
Q: Favorite hobby? Drinking nice full bodied red Bordeaux, easy cello pieces, gym and languages.
Q: Motivational quote? "Every moment and every event of every
Cheryl Simms
man's life on earth plants something in
which does not kill us makes us
Q: Fun facts? A: I have been
stronger." (Friedrich Nietzsche)
school
his soul." (Thomas Merton) and "That
for
38
at the dental years
and
started as a dental assistant -
Q: Advice to younger self?
played softball for 19 years.
A: Keep your eyes wide open, so you
23
don't miss all those wonderful things that
Q: Favorite hobby?
are coming.
A: Going out on our pontoon.
The Probe | Summer 2020
CLINIC
JULY 2020
GPG 2 "Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist."
Dr. Louis Formica Q: Fun fact? A: I really enjoy espresso and practicing latte art.
Q: Favorite hobby? A: Cycling, Surfing.
Jennifer Howard
Q: Motivational quote? A: Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like
Q: Fun facts?
an artist - Picasso
A: Been in the dental field for 27 yrs.
Q: Favorite hobby?
Q: Advice to younger self?
A: Spending time with my
A: It's all worth it.
son\hiking\biking\going to the beach.
The Probe | Summer 2020
24
GPG 3
"It's a great profession that involves what I like best; science, art, and people."
Dr. Terry Imbery Q: Fun fact? A: I am the fifth of six children. Grew up in East Toledo, the right side of the river.
Sue Richmond
Q: Favorite hobby? A: Gardening, running and American History.
Q: Fun facts? A: I have two miniature
Q: Motivational thought?
schnauzers love to listen to ocean
A: It's a great profession that
sounds to fall asleep on my Alexa
involves what I like best; science,
love the smell of a wood burning
art, and people.
fireplace in the fall.
Q: Advice to younger self?
25
Q: Favorite hobby?
A: I should of taken art classes in
A: Reading, walking on the
undergraduate school to help with
beach.
hand skills.
The Probe | Summer 2020
CLINIC
JULY 2020
GPG 4 Dr. Peter Antinopoulos Q: Fun fact? A: Blackjack dealer in Las Vegas for 6 months prior to dental school.
Q: Favorite hobby? A: Riding bikes on Capital Trail, crosswords, anything Steelers!
Q: Motivational quote? A: Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. (Calvin Coolidge 30th US President)
"...Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
Q: Advice to younger self? A: Enjoy the journey and don't get caught up in STUFF! Learn your craft. The competencies, practicals and exams will take care of themselves.
Ann Graber
The Probe | Summer 2020
26
FUN FACTS FROM OUR GPG LEADERS + PCCS
GPG 5
Dr. Carlos Smith Q: Fun fact? A: I am big history & politics buff and ancestry/genealogy nerd too!
Q: Favorite hobby? A: Cycling/Spin and watching track & field.
"I have only just a minute... Didn't seek it, didn't choose it. But it’s up to me to use it. I must suffer if I lose it. Give account if I abuse it."
Q: Motivational quote? A: I have only just a minute, Only sixty seconds in it. Forced upon me, can’t refuse it. Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it. But it’s up to me to use it. I must suffer if I lose it. Give account if I abuse it. Just a tiny little minute, but eternity is in it. - This is a poem by noted educator Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays
Q: Advice to younger self? A: I think I'd offer this advice: you can actually "have it all" but likely not at the same exact time. Be
Donna Cowherd 27
The Probe | Summer 2020
true to your core passions and talents; everything else will fall into place!
CLINIC
JULY 2020
GPG 6 "Use what talents you possess, the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best."
Dr. Al Russell Q: Fun fact? A: To help pay tuition during dental school, I worked at the County morgue in Columbus, OH. I like to tease squirrels.
Q: Favorite hobby? A: Doing things at home reading, working in the yard, kayaking, bike riding.
Q: Motivational quote? A: Use what talents you possess, the woods would be very silent if no birds sang
Ashley Powell
except those that sang best. Henry van Dyke
Q: Fun fact?
Q: Advice to younger self?
A: I could eat seafood all day!
A: Don't waste one minute. There is more to learn about
Q: Favorite hobby?
dentistry than you can possible
A: cheer mom, sports mom
absorb in your four years.
The Probe | Summer 2020
28
GPG 7
"The role of the artist is to ask questions, not answer them."
Dr. Rodney A. McDaniel Q: Fun fact? A: I have 2 tattoos!
Q: Favorite hobby? A: Playing classical piano and composing new pop/dance music.
Young Rhamel
Q: Motivational quote? A: "The role of the artist is to ask questions, not answer them." (Anton Chekhov)
Q: Advice to younger self? A: Don't sweat the small stuff by the way, it's all small stuff.
29
The Probe | Summer 2020
CLINIC
JULY 2020
GPG 8
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, it but a habit."
Dr. Mark Barry Q: Fun fact? A: I play the guitar.
Q: Favorite hobby? A: Tennis, Hokie Football, Fishing, Boating.
Q: Motivational quote?
Mara Constanza
A: We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, it but a habit.
Q: Advice to younger self? A: Get as much clinical experience as possible while you are in dental school and don't let perfect get in the way of good.
The Probe | Summer 2020
30
Student Spotlight
Featuring Manuel Capriles, Sara Short, Jacob Mirpanah, Tami Anwari, and Eva Miller
31
The Probe | Summer 2020
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
JULY 2020
IDP Transition By Manuel Capriles Be careful what you wish for because it might happen. The diversity of reasons as to why we, as an
and
international
families.
additional
dentist,
years
dental
for
our
Some
the United States is like. Throughout my process,
and
very
future
process of becoming an international dentist in
reasons
is
through
better
Some just require work or family-related relocation. serous
school
go
a
I've been asked several times what the
have
a
to
providing
vast.
others
at
decide
also
need
to
relocate; it can be related to social or economic
I
have
reasons happening in the country that you live in
reasons as to whether to pursue the goal or not.
that leads you to make that decision. And of course,
Also,
there are “the dreamers�. The dreamers may have a
successfully
strong reason to move to the United States but are
working against them. To me there is no excuse
mainly driven by a desire to challenge the process
-
and become better dentists on the way.
difficulties. You either wanted it or did not want
I
you
heard
meet
a
a
lot
lot
even
either
do
of
of
different
people
with
it
or
a
lot
not
-
opinions
who of
and
came
out
adversities
there
are
no
Of course, no matter what the reason is, the
it enough. One of my dear colleagues always
main goal has been always to develop the ability to
tells me, "You are not doing it all over again.
fulfill the necessity of helping others become better
You are just becoming better at it. Just let it
versions of themselves by providing oral health care
flow; always give your best and enjoy the ride.
inside the community we are, no matter where it is,
You are accomplishing your dream." The Probe | Summer 2020
32
“Always give your best and enjoy the ride. You are accomplishing your dream.”
Besides having some of the reasons one
of
mentioned my
main
your
above,
drives
is
schedule,
can
a
also
you
willing
the
accomplish
that
what
you
can
always
become always
no
already
know,
improve
better. look
matter
You
back
you
remember
everything
sense of accomplishment. It's feeling
but
to
were
do
your
to
dreams.
you
The important message is
and
that no matter what your
can
circumstances
while
are
always
are,
there
opportunities
remembering and wishing for
to advance yourself to the
those
next level especially if you
simpler
times
before
dental school took up most of
really love what you do.
Sarah Short’s
Top 5 Tips to Stay Fit as a Dental Student #1 Counteract all the sitting.
In
dental
school, we do A LOT of sitting. We sit during lectures, while we are working on teeth, and when
we
are
eating
lunch.
A
sedentary
lifestyle can have detrimental effects on our physical
health,
wellbeing
and
even
our
moods. Over time, sitting for several hours a day
can
start
to
take
years
off
our
lives.
Since it is obvious that our career requires an extraordinary
amount
of
sitting,
here
are
some ways we can hopefully gain some of those years back:
Take
the
stairs
when
transitioning
between classes. Stand up to stretch at least once every hour. Go on a brief walk during lunch to stretch your legs.
33
The Probe | Summer 2020
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
JULY 2020
#2 Plan your workouts in advance. do
not
have
a
we
are
exercises
plan
of
going
what
to
do
If we
types
of
throughout
I used to dread going on long runs to the point where I found I would rather just not work
out
at
all.
Once
I
discovered
the week, chances are we are not going to
weightlifting, I no longer had this pit in my
do
stomach
any
because
we
clearly
are
not
all to
day
working my
There are so many forms of exercise and if
going to work on:
you
one
gym
I
in which I split up the muscle groups I am
found
to
and
started
not
forward
out
prioritizing working out. Here are some ways
have
look
about
you
time.
enjoy,
I
encourage you to try others. Here are some Designate
days
body
other
and
for
out
upper
examples of what students throughout our
lower
body.
school do to stay fit:
working
days
for
Then figure out which days out of your week are better suited to perform those
Bike riding on trails
exercises.
Yoga
Alternate muscle groups. If you did heavy
YouTube videos
legs yesterday, then you probably are not
High intensity interval training (HIIT)
going to want to do that again today.
Walking
Allow your muscles the time they need to
Running
recover
Sports (i.e. tennis, golf, racquet ball, etc.)
and
focus
on
other
muscle
Swimming
groups in the meantime. Decide
whether
you
prefer
morning
or
Weightlifting
evening workouts and build it into your
Use cardio equipment (i.e. elliptical, stair
daily routine.
master,
row
machine,
stationary
bike,
treadmill, etc.)
#3 Pack your gym clothes the night before school. We all have those frantic
#5 Track your progress.
mornings where we are trying to get out the
remember what workout we did one week
door and just simply will not be on time to
ago, much less four weeks ago. If we do not
school
I
keep track of our workouts, then how will we
usually keep my gym bag near my bedroom
know we are making progress? It is hard to
door to remind me to pack it before I turn
keep
off the lights at night. Creating a nightly
since you must carry it around with you. I
routine to prepare for the next day is very
have found that it is much easier to quickly
important to sticking to your goals.
type out my workout in the “Notes� app on
if
we
must
pack
our
gym
bag.
up
with
a
fitness
It
is
journal,
hard
to
especially
my phone since I always have my phone on
#4 Do workouts that you enjoy.
So many
me. I mainly write down what I do in the gym
people talk about going to the gym like it is
to make sure that I am accomplishing all my
a chore. If we have this mindset, we are
goals for the week and working out at least
never
5 days a week. If you do not keep track of
going
to
reach
our
goals.
It
is
important to find a form of exercise that we
the
enjoy
accidentally take more rest days than you
and
can
perform
multiple
times
a
week without getting board. For example, I
days
you
exercise,
it
is
easy
to
planned and fall behind in your progress.
The Probe | Summer 2020
34
A peek into the workout routine of our ASDA Vice President, Jacob M.
JACOB MIRPANAH: STAYING ACTIVE Dental school is very much like a scale – some days things tip in your favor, other days not so much. Each day
is
a
graded Anything
collection
on
the
we
of
order
can
countless
of
do
microassessments
fractions
to
of
tackle
a
millimeter.
each
of
these
assessments with calm confidence - it makes all the difference.
For
me,
that
thing
is
staying
active.
By
starting each weekday with a workout intense enough to momentarily forget about anything other than the task at hand, I walk into school each morning with a sense of momentum. I feel this momentum when I walk into Woolwine before a practical, into clinic before assisting with patients and even into Lyons 442 before sitting and listening to a series of lectures.
Pre-Covid, combination
of
weekday High
moderate-to-heavy
workouts Intensity
resistance
were
typically
Interval
training
a
Training,
and
always
ended with my favorite form of Low Intensity SteadyState Cardio: the Stairmaster. It is nice to have the gym as a separate space within which to workout. Having a designated place to exercise lent structure and order to my day and provided the sensory cue to my mind and body to prepare for the workout ahead. Three months into the stay-at-home order, I have had to
adapt.
movements
Kettlebell and
circuits,
plyometrics
are
resistance the
majority
band of
my
current routine. That, coupled with a daily walk on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, feels like the best I can do at the moment. I understand I am extremely fortunate to have even that, and that there are many
35
The Probe | Summer 2020
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
JULY 2020
more
“Anything we can do to tackle each of these assessments with calm confidence - it makes all the difference. For me, that thing is staying active.”
important
consider
at
this
things
time,
but
to I
do
space
-
much
like
a
library
for
studying, is temporarily no longer.
miss the gym. Current workouts are
in
the
basement
corner
and
of
are
the often
As we prepare to go back to school
and
Rosey
are
ever to do what we need to stay
always welcome interruptions) or
calm and confident. Regardless of
a
the
family
member.
walking
dogs
The
through
cue
of
journey
as
important
our
education,
family
is
in
interrupted by Fluffy, Buddy and (our
it
continue
ahead,
or
as
however
Larrick’s
different it might look from what
automatic doors and having my
was previously envisioned; I know I
fingerprints
will do my best to continue to stay
scanned
like
some
kind of Langley Operative...those
active,
are
importance
gone.
The
disconnect
that
comes with having a designated
very to
aware my
past,
of
its
current,
and future success.
The Probe | Summer 2020
36
Please submit
Dental Doodles
articles, art, or questions to Jasmine Lee, at
The Probe's Back Page
leejj10@vcu.edu.
"Don't give up. Great things take time!"
By Eva Miller
By Eva Miller By Tami Anwari