FALL 2009

In this issue:

Dean Somerman’s message

Top stories

Other news
Honors and achievements

Department news
SoD in the news

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A word from the Dean

 

The start of the academic year is always exciting. The clinics are buzzing again, and it’s always a pleasure to welcome another new first-year class.

This autumn, however, brings even more excitement than usual. In just another few weeks, we’ll see the unveiling of our new Advanced Technology Center. This facility, being organized under the leadership of Dr. Ricardo Schwedhelm, will give our students an exposure to state-of-the-art clinical tools. Just to cite one example: The ATC will boast a cutting-edge Cadent iTero digital impression system, which was delivered to our School during the summer, thanks to a generous gift by Issaquah Dental Lab. I don’t have the space to tell you everything about the ATC now, but I promise that you’ll be hearing a lot more about it in the weeks and months ahead.

In addition, we’ve seen a successful transition to our new AxiUm patient software, to which we switched over in July. I can’t say enough about the hard work and dedication of all our School’s administrators and staff who made this happen, and I know that our patients and our School alike will benefit.

Digital radiography, another long-time goal, is also making rapid progress. We are nearing the final phase of implementation, led by Dr. Dan Chan and Dr. Curtis S.K. Chen.  Training is scheduled to begin in late November, and we expect to go “live” early in 2010.

Sure, we have plenty of challenges ahead of us. Preparation for November’s accreditation site visit has been exhaustive, with time-consuming documentation  required for almost every aspect of our activities -- both online and on paper. The economic environment and budget situation continue to be daunting, to say the least. But even as the days grow short and the skies turn gray, you don’t have to look very hard to see a bright future ahead for our School.

 

Martha J. Somerman

 

Top stories

Drs. Beirne, Izutsu stepping down: The two department chairs are giving up their posts. Read more>>>

Dr. Berg named Associate Dean: The mission of the new Hospital Affairs post is to cement working relationships between the School and the Puget Sound hospital community. Read more>>>

Dr. Pamela Robey keynotes Research Day: One of the nation's leading craniofacial researchers highlights the School's signature annual event. Read more>>>

White Coat Ceremony: Dr. John Wataha offers his wisdom as the Class of 2011 observes a rite of passage. Read more>>>

Helping the homeless: School of Dentistry volunteers provide screenings and services at the annual Community Resource Exchange on Sept. 11. Read more>>>

Living history: Dr. John Ingle, who founded the Endodontics-Periodontics Department and authored a major textbook, returns to the UW and lectures. Read more>>>

Faculty Practice: Dr. Mats Kronstrom of Restorative Dentistry is the new director. Read more>>>

RIDE kicks off second year: Orientation in Spokane for the new students; back to Seattle for the second-years. Read more>>>

UW hosts national endocontics meeting: More than 200 people gather at the Health Sciences Center for the Advanced Programs in Clinical Endodontics Symposium. Read more>>>

 

So much fun it's scary

Pediatric Dentistry staff got into the Halloween spirit the day before the holiday. Jessica Woods (below left), Elizabeth Sullivan (center) and Tammy Schneider were among those dressing up, while a jack-o'-lantern named "Flamebrain" (at right) adorned the reception area.

Far right: "The Nightmare Before Finals", created by Yen Nguyen-Tran, won first prize in the Dean's annual pumpkin-carving contest. Caroline Teel earned second prize, while third prize went to Troy Robeck.

Other news

State oral health leaders at the UW: Up for discussion: The Washington State Oral Health Plan. Read more>>>

Dr. Berg knows his ABCD: The Pediatric Dentistry chair testifies to Congress about the success of the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry program. Read more>>>

Regional conference: Faculty give a research update at the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference in Seattle. Read more>>>

Thailand workshop: School faculty members discuss clinical dentistry research methods. Read more>>>

Staff Appreciation Day: Recognizing those who go above and beyond the call of duty. Read more>>>

A 44-year Husky: Anita Lawson retires after a long career at the School of Dentistry. Read more>>>

Passings: Ruth Herr, a longtime staff member in Graduate Periodontics, dies at the age of 91. Read more>>>

 

Honors and achievements

Filerman Prize: Dr. Douglas A. Conrad of Dental Public Health Sciences wins the 2009 award for innovation in health care management education. Read more>>>

Hinman award: Student Emily Chu wins a coveted national student clinical research award. Read more>>>

Research Day: Student Dean Whiting wins the the ADA/Clinician Scholar Award. Read more>>>

 

Department news

Dental Public Health Sciences

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral Medicine

Pediatric Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry

 

SoD in the news

Coverage on the Web, in print and on TV. Read more>>>

 

    For the latest on what's happening at the School of Dentistry,

     check our Web site's News & Events page.