From: Durham, Erika
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2005 12:15 PM
Subject: UTDB eflash (weekly edition) -- Wednesday, October 20, 2005

Wednesday, October 20, 2005

Street dedicated to late DB dean/TMC founder

Dental Branch faculty, staff, alumni and administrators joined representatives of the Texas Medical Center and UT Health Science Center for the unveiling of a street named after the late Frederick C. Elliott, D.D.S., former dean of the UT Dental Branch and founder of the Texas Medical Center.

The street, located off Holcombe Blvd., only a few blocks from the Dental Branch, is the first named street in the Texas Medical Center to include the honorees’ credentials. Richard Wainerdi, Ph.D., TMC president said “D-D-S were three letters Elliott was extremely proud of.”

Wainerdi gave additional remarks during the ceremony and was joined by Michael McKinney, M.D., senior executive vice president and chief operating officer of the UT Health Science Center at Houston, and Dental Branch dean Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., who also paid tribute to the late pioneer.

The outdoor ceremony was followed by a celebration in the Cooley Conference Room, named for Ralph Cooley, D.D.S., the father of famed heart surgeon Denton Cooley, M.D., who was in attendance at the ceremony.

Much appreciation is expressed to everyone who aided in the celebration’s success. Watch the Dental Branch centennial Web site at http://www.db.uth.tmc.edu/Centennial/index.htm in the coming days for a full story and photos.

Dental Branch faculty in attendance from left to right: Phil Pierpont, D.D.S., Paula O’Neill, Ed.D., Leslie Roeder, D.D.S., Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., Kenneth Abramovitch, D.D.S., Peggy O’Neil, Ph.D., D.D.S., John R. Ludington, D.D.S., Les Fullerton, D.D.S.

Dental Branch staff in attendance from left to right: Suann Lloyd, Brian Schnupp, John O’Black, Rhnea Holt, Sandra Miller, Erika Durham and Kathleen Kuznicki.

Ortho professor awarded for unusual research

Robert P. Lee, D.D.S., clinical director and clinical assistant professor in the department of Orthodontics, recently won the Southwest Society of Orthodontists Educator Research Award. Lee was recognized Oct. 15 during the society’s annual meeting for his work on “Long-term treatment results of posterior deformational plagiocephaly; a five-year follow-up.”

The research evaluated the difficulties that children with plagiocephaly, abnormal head shape, experience with specific regard to their teeth and jaws. As the father of a child with the condition, Lee has a passion for the research and said he is grateful for the opportunity to make changes in that arena.

“It is certainly an honor to be recognized for this research,” Lee said. “I am hopeful that it will affirm a new area of development for orthodontists and help to educate other professionals.”

Lee serves in the department of Orthodontics, chaired by Jeryl D. English, D.D.S.

DB cafeteria update

From Dental Branch Administration:

The UT Health Science Center’s contract with Mocha Delites, which occupied the Dental Branch cafeteria, expired last week. Leadership at the Dental Branch was informed only days before the closure. Food service in the cafeteria is under the direction of Auxiliary Enterprises, which manages all food service contracts for the health science center. Auxiliary Enterprises determined that the contract with Mocha DeLites should be discontinued due to limited patronage. Also, in the recent re-bid of food service for all university sites, the Dental Branch was listed as “optional,” and the new vendor, French Corner, chose not to include the Dental Branch.

A final decision has not been made regarding the future of food service at the Dental Branch. The presence of the Texas Medical Center Commons next door and the cost effectiveness of maintaining food service in this building are obvious factors. One potential solution would be to increase the number and variety of vending machines. If you have any suggestions or other ideas regarding food service at the Dental Branch, please send them to the president of the Employee Relations Committee: Ronda.K.Lowe@uth.tmc.edu, (713) 500-4241.

Dental Branch represented in wartime

Jeffery Chang, D.D.S., associate professor of Prosthodontics, has been deployed to Camp Shelby in Mississippi to ensure that the oral health of soldiers being sent overseas is up to standards. Chang is working with a team that examines and treats approximately 200 soldiers each day. Chang will be out on military leave from his Dental Branch position until further notice. The Dental Branch thanks Dr. Chang for serving his country.

Wanted: 100 walkers for 100 years of dentistry— Get Your Button!

Get your one-of-a-kind Centennial Heart Walk button today! For a $1 donation to the American Heart Association you can join the Dental Branch family in showing your support in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Be one of 100 walkers to represent the UT Dental Branch and the UT Health Science Center during this year’s Heart Walk.

Let’s show Houston that oral health is an important part of overall health, by representing dentistry in a big way. During our Centennial, we want not only to celebrate our past contributions to health care, but also to demonstrate the Dental Branch’s commitment to future health.

Join the team of Dental Branch walkers for breakfast, exercise, fellowship and lots of fun at 8 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, at Sam Houston Park.

For more information or your button contact: Mamie.L.Ellis@uth.tmc.edu, (713) 500-4221, or Scott.R.Makins@uth.tmc.edu, D.D.S., (713) 500-4224. Visit http://www.uthouston.edu/community/heartwalk/ for more details.

Support the SECC — make a difference

Between now and Oct. 31 sign up to contribute to the State Employee Charitable Campaign through payroll deduction, the easiest way to donate. Just a few dollars can make a difference. Visit the 2005 SECC Web site at http://www.uth.tmc.edu/2005secc/ for information on the more than 500 charities in the campaign.

For information please contact: Dental Branch representatives Gillian.Rittman@uth.tmc.edu, (713) 500-4359, or John.E.OBlack@uth.tmc.edu, (713) 500-4157.

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.