DB says goodbye to Ernie Delaune

As he ended his 20-year career with the Dental Branch on Monday, Feb. 6, Ernie Delaune, former Associate Dean for Management, told his family and friends that he most looks forward to his new full-time position as “Pa-Pa” to his grandson, Louie.

Delaune, who began working at the Dental Branch in 1986, was bid farewell during a roast and retirement reception in his honor on Monday afternoon. His service was celebrated in Mardi Gras fashion, the season of his birth. Monday was also Delaune’s birthday.

Joe Morrow in the Dental Branch Dean’s Office emceed the event. Delaune was roasted by Dental Branch employees Jon Coy, John A. Valenza, D.D.S., Karen Storthz, Ph.D., Peter Triolo, D.D.S., and Randy Scott, Ph.D. of the School of Health Information Sciences. Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., dean of the Dental Branch, also delivered her well wishes. The Dental Branch wishes Delaune all the best and appreciates his years of service.

		Right is a caricature the group presented as a small going away gift. Delaune also was given an oak rocking chair bearing the name of the UT Dental Branch at Houston and his years of service.
Delaune’s grandson, Louie, has the best seat in the house at his “Pa-Pa’s” retirement celebration.

DB wins 1st in ADEA challenge

		The UT Dental Branch won first place in the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) membership challenge. Seventy-five percent of the Dental Branch – 176 faculty and staff, joined ADEA. The initiative was coordinated by Sheila Koh, D.D.S., associate professor of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials and vice president of the ADEA Council on Hospitals and Advanced Education Programs, and supported by Dean Flaitz, D.D.S. “Open membership is a great opportunity to bring faculty, staff and students together under this umbrella organization to advance dental education. Leadership, educational research and networking opportunities for professional development are valuable benefits for those who actively participate,” Flaitz said.
(left to right) Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S. dean, of the UT Dental Branch (center blue suit), Liza Shevchenko, second-year dental student and ADEA representative, along with Sheila Koh, D.D.S., associate professor, far right (burgundy suit) who chaired the initiative, activate their ADEA memberships with other Dental Branch students during the campaign.

According to ADEA, schools like the UT Dental Branch contributed significantly to the dramatic increase in membership in January.

DB celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month

On Friday, Feb. 3, the UT Dental Branch Mobile Van crew set-up at the Fort Bend New Hope Clinic in conjunction with the Greater Houston Dental Society. The mobile van was staffed by Tracey Godwin, D.D.S., assistant professor of Community Dentistry, along with two pediatric dentistry residents and two fourth-year dental students.

Keeping with the tradition of reaching out to the community, the Dental Branch also was involved in community service dental care Jan. 21 in the Boys and Girls Club Spring Branch Unit.

More information regarding National Children's Dental Health Month is available through the American Dental Association Web site at http://www.ada.org/public/events/ncdhm/index.asp.

DB resident and student receive awards

Second-year periodontics resident Syed Yusuf Shere was presented with the Minority Faculty Association Student Scholarship given to one awardee from each of schools in the UT Health Science Center. Second-year Dental Branch student, Gracieal Rodriquez received the Mary Helen Padilla Scholarship, which was presented by Patricia Starck, D.S.N. dean of the School of Nursing. The Padilla Scholarship, a distinguished award, is presented to one student per year from all the health science center schools.

Starcke earns with achievement award

		Edgar N. Starcke, D.D.S., clinical professor in the department of Prosthodontics, was presented with an award for his distinguished achievement in collecting, organizing and restoring the Dental Branch Historic Articulator Collection during the departments’ holiday celebration. “His series of articulator articles in the Journal of Prosthodontics and establishment of the Articulator Archives Web site have brought credit to himself, the Department of Prosthodontics and the Dental Branch, “said Thomas Huff, D.D.S., chair of the department. Congratulations to Starcke. Development changes at the DB Suann Lloyd, director of Development, has accepted a position at Baylor College of Medicine Office of Development. Friday, Feb. 10, will be her last day at the Dental Branch. While at the Dental Branch, Lloyd was instrumental in building the foundation for future fund-raising, including last year’s Centennial Salute campaign. She also laid the framework for the
		Dental Branch’s part of the health science center’s comprehensive campaign. Well wishes to Suann in her new position.

HR training available at the DB

Human Resources-Training and Development is conducting two new courses: Adversity: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities and Samurai Leadership: No Fear Leadership at the Dental Branch later this month. For dates, times, locations and registration information visit http://hr.uth.tmc.edu/Training_Development/calendar_course.html. All classes are free. Contact Denise.S.Carpenter@uth.tmc.edu, (713) 500-3083.

Valentine’s Day bake sale