Lewis promoted to Director of Dental Branch Administration
Employee liaison is a primary role

Effective June 1, Lynnette Lewis has been appointed the Director of Dental Branch Administration.

Lynnette Lewis		Lewis’ new position will involve partnering with Dean Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., to direct all administrative activities within the academic and clinical departments of the Dental Branch. In addition, Lewis will serve as the administrative interface between the Dean’s Office and classified employees, which includes: Helping staff to formulate solutions to internal problems that may arise Serving as the point of contact for classified employees who seek assistance from the Dean’s Office Providing guidance in the area of compliance to Dental Branch policies and procedures Serving as the liaison to the Department of Human Resources in arranging internal and external training and development opportunities.
“In addition to contributing to the administration of our school, I am excited about the opportunity to work closely with employees. We want to ensure that our staff is able to perform at their highest potential and the Dean’s Office understands that high performance comes from a healthy work environment,” Lewis said.   “My door is open. Employees should feel free to contact me when they need assistance." Lewis has worked in the Dean’s Office of the Dental Branch since 1991 and has worked within the UT Health Science Center since 1981. She is located in the Dean’s Suite and can be reached at: Lynnette.Lewis@uth.tmc.edu, (713) 500-4026.

DB faculty member awarded fellowship

Maria F. Fiocchi, D.D.S., clinical assistant professor of Periodontics, has been awarded a Fellowship to the Institute for Teaching and Learning in the Health Professions by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation.

Fiocchi received one of only four fellowships presented by the foundation. The $8,250 fellowship will cover the full tuition for the Institute's Program for Dental School Faculty. The Institute for Teaching and Learning in the Health Professions (ITL), Program for Dental School Faculty, is designed to prepare dentists and dental educators for successful academic careers. The ultimate goal of the ITL is to improve oral health by promoting excellence in academic dentistry, the foundation of the dental profession.

The program is presented in three phases over a five-month period in a dental school. This real-life context for learning provides for large and small group sessions, interactive exercises, case-based and problem-based learning, peer observation of teaching, and reflective journals, as well as mentored rotations with dental school faculty. The program will take place at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry.

New Star Performer Award

There’s always that one employee who outshines the rest. He or she is an example for others and, therefore, positively influences the productivity of the entire department.

You often say thank you, but is that enough? No.

Nominate your stellar employee for the Dental Branch’s new Star Performer Award and place him or her, and your department, in the running for great prizes and recognition. Watch your e-mail inbox tomorrow for a special message that will include the details.

Save the Date: End of the Year celebration

Mark 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Thursday July 20, on your calendar! Dental Branch faculty and staff will be celebrating the completion of another year during the End of the Year Celebration. More information to come as the date approaches.

LRC closed Friday

The Learning Resource Center will be closed 8 a.m.-noon, Friday, June 16, to accommodate guests of the summer enrichment program, who will be testing.