From: Schnupp, Brian K.
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2005 8:58 AM
Subject: UTDB eflash (weekly edition) -- Wednesday, July 28, 2005

Wednesday, July 28, 2005

Former U.S. Surgeon General, president of the ADA and others fire up student leaders

Photo by Brian Schnupp, Dental Branch
Elders gives a “thumbs up” to the crowd during her talk on diversity Wednesday, July 27.

Thumbs up to M. Joycelyn Elders, M.D., former U.S. Surgeon General, who received a standing ovation after her talk on diversity at the UT Dental Branch, Wednesday, July 27. Elders outlined the problems and solutions associated with access to health care and diversity.

“(The UT Dental Branch) is doing a fine job of emphasizing the importance of oral health in relation to overall health care, but I don’t think this is the case everywhere,” Elders said. “We, as physicians and dentists, need to do a better job of stressing this fact. We need more trained leaders to make sure this, and other important health care issues, are brought to light.”

Elders spoke to a group of dental and medical students from schools nationwide as part of the American Medical Student Association’s 2005 Leadership Training Program, hosted by the UT Dental Branch and UT Medical School. Elders’ visit was sponsored by the Lone Star Legacy Society.

Later in the day Richard Haught, D.D.S., president of the American Dental Association, spoke about the need for diversity in today’s dental population and the importance of reaching underserved areas. Charles Terrell, Ed.D., vice president for Diversity Policy and Programs at the Association of American Medical Colleges, reminded the student leaders to “Never Compromise the Dream,” when advancing diversity in medicine.
This year’s conference was organized by student leaders Alice Luan, a fourth-year dental student, and Rowena Reyes, a fourth-year medical student, under the direction of Paula O’Neil, Ed.D., associate dean for Educational Research and Professional Development.

Outstanding employee award

Congratulations to Employees of the Quarter, Reva Danforth, Advanced Education in General Dentistry, and Gloria Bailey, department of Orthodontics. Danforth and Bailey were honored by the Employee Relations Committee during a reception Friday, July 22. Congratulations on a job well done.

DB helps host health fair

The Dental Branch will co-host a health fair offering free immunizations and dental screenings, 9 a.m.-noon, Thursday, July 28 and 9 a.m.-noon, Friday, July 29, at the Iglesia Episcopal San Mateo, 6635 Alder Dr. Contact: Tracey.M.Godwin@uth.tmc.edu, (713) 926-6229, for information or ways you can help.

ERC partying success

The Employee Relation Committee’s end of the year party held Thursday, July 21, was a tropical treat for everyone who attended. The circular drive of the Dental Branch was transformed into a festival with food, music, games and prizes. The Employee Relations Committee and president Ronda Lowe send a warm thanks to everyone who helped make the event successful.

Continuing education courses

Ask yourself “Are You Practicing By the Rules?,” during a continuing education course hosted by Boyd Shepherd, D.D.S., J.D., 9 a.m.-noon, Friday, July 29, at the Dental Branch, Room 207. Registration is at 8:30 a.m.

That same day learn “Jurisprudence Review for Dental Assistants”, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., presented by Jayne McWherter, R.D.H., M.Ed., at the Dental Branch, Room B-25. Registration is at 8:30 am.

“Enteral Sedation Renewal Seminar”, will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, July 30, presented by Clark Whitmire, D.M.D., at the UT Dental Branch, Room 207. Registration is at 8:30 a.m.

For more information on these courses or the speakers visit http://www.db.uth.tmc.edu/cont-ed/Schedule.htm.

UTDB eflash is an electronic newsletter produced by The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. Submit items for consideration to Erika.Durham@uth.tmc.edu by Tuesdays at noon. Items may be edited for length and style.