As part of the American Medical Student Association’s
Achieving Diversity in Dentistry and Medicine Leadership Training Program,
Jocelyn Elders, M.D., former Surgeon General of the United States, delivered
the keynote address.
Nationally renowned clinical researcher John
O. Burgess, D.D.S. M.S., Louisiana State University School of Dentistry,
gave a Restorative Dentistry Update Friday, July 15.
In honor of its 100-year anniversary, the Dental
Branch at Houston was recognized by the Texas Legislature with the passing
of two independent resolutions.
Judith Buchanan, D.M.D.,
Ph.D., from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, presents
“Preparing Dental Providers for the 21st Century: Focus on Improving
Learning,” during the Centennial Speakers Series.
The
Jan. 3 Centennial Kickoff Celebration served as the
official start to The University of Texas Dental Branch's
100-year celebration. Below you will find a recap of
the event and photos of the faces that played a role
in its success.
Dean
Catherine M. Flaitz, cuts into one of the Centennial
cakes, which were donated by the DB Parents'
Association.
Fourth-year
dental students Sandra Shambarger, Roxana Rosales and
Megan Weiskircher, gathered in the lobby of The University
of Texas Dental Branch at Houston the afternoon of Jan.
3. The music was live, the building was colorful and
the message clear – the Centennial year was here.
The budding
dentists quickly fell into the line that led to sandwiches,
cake and punch. The long wait gave the group an opportunity
to share the emotion that the event evoked in them and
their fellow classmates — pride.
“This
school has a long history of tradition that is welcoming
and makes you feel a part,” Shambarger said as
Rosales and Weiskircher nodded in agreement. “And
we are proud to be a part of that.” The classmates
added that they have felt that sense of pride since
they entered as freshman and were told they would be
training at the oldest dental school in Texas.
Approximately 400 students, faculty and staff, also
attended the in-house Centennial Kickoff
Celebration as a way to reflect on the
Dental Branch’s 100-year history and focus on
its future.
“(This
celebration) represents new beginnings – a new
year full of anticipation, growth and resolve to be
the best that we can be no matter what our role is
at the Dental Branch,” Dental Branch Dean Catherine
M. Flaitz, D.D.S, said to those in attendance. “It
also represents a new milestone in which we officially
start a new century of dental education, discovery
and community service.
“From
the beginning, the Centennial Committee wanted this
to be the Dental Branch’s initial celebration
- to recognize all the administrators,
Employee
Relations Committee members Ronda Lowe, Rubie
Armelin and Mamie Ellis help to prepare for
the celebration.
faculty,
students and staff who, working together, represent
the critical pieces of our mission and who are an
integral part of our legacy. Each of you play an important
role in the success of the Dental Branch in the “here
and now.”
Each of you make a difference in how the Dental Branch
will be remembered and how we will impact the dental
and dental hygiene profession for generations to come.”
James T. Willerson, M.D., president of
the UT Health Science Center, the Dental Branch’s
educational umbrella organization, echoed Flaitz’s
focus on the school’s future.
“I hope that you all know that we
are actively
Dr.
Richard Wainerdi, president of the Texas Medical
Center, talks with Dr. James T. Willerson, president
of The University of Texas Health Science Center
at Houston, during the kickoff.
working a plan for a new building — a new home
— for this school,” he told those in attendance.
“We will need everyone’s input for this
building and we hope to have the support of our Dental
Branch alumni, our state legislators and others to
achieve this goal.
“I
can’t think of a better way to celebrate the
school’s 100-year anniversary than to lay the
groundwork for a new building in which our faculty,
staff and students will flourish over the next 100
years.”
Remarks
by Flaitz and Willerson set the tone for the celebration,
providing a sense of pride and purpose to the gathering.
Cakes imprinted with the Dental Branch Centennial
mark, and the sounds of local guitarist John Acevedo
left no doubt that it was an occasion to celebrate.
The gift of a Kavo Diagnodent, a device that detects
caries (decay), through a laser was presented to the
student body from the Dental
First-year
Dental students enjoy the cake and celebration.
Branch Parents’ Association. Kay Lee Benoit,
president and Ron Collins, D.D.S., secretary/treasurer,
represented this group who contributed so generously
to the luncheon.
Members of the Dental Branch faculty and staff said
they were equally pleased with the start of what promises
to be a year like no other. “This is an important
milestone for the school,” said Reva Danforth,
a support specialist in Advanced General Dentistry
and an employee of the Dental Branch for 18 years.
“It’s good to see that the celebration
is inclusive of all the employees.”
Kathy O’Keefe, a clinical associate professor
in Restorative Dentistry, said it was exciting and
yet interesting to know that the school has been in
existence for so many years, while at the same time
playing such an important role in the development
of dentistry in Texas.
A large historical display, which highlighted important
facts and photos about the school, as well as a presentation
of the Dental Branch’s history by Bryant Boutwell,
Dr. PH., associate dean for Community Affairs at the
UT Medical School, gave attendees an opportunity to
educate themselves on the true significance of the
year. Although the in-house celebration was catered
to the current Dental Branch family, several proud
alumni, including representatives from the UTDB Alumni
Association were in attendance. Special guests included
Michael McKinney, M.D., senior executive vice president
of the health science center and Richard Wainerdi,
Ph.D., president of the Texas Medical Center.
The generous support of the UTDB Alumni Association
was also greatly appreciated. The association was
well represented by the presence of president-elect
Jerry Long, D.D.S. and vice president Jim Condrey,
D.D.S. during the reception.
Additional events for alumni and others are scheduled
throughout the year. Watch the Centennial Web site
for details.
For more Centennial celebration photos,
click here.
