Sheila Koh, D.D.S., associate professor in Restorative Dentistry, has been asked by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to serve on the Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry of the Human Resources and Services Administration, beginning immediately until September 2008.

The purpose of the Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry is to provide advice and recommendations on a broad range of issues dealing with programs and activities authorized under section 747 of the Public Health Service Act.

This committee will also meet with other committees, including the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice' Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Linkages; and Council on Graduate Medical Education.

“I feel honored by this selection because it is a very important committee to primary care medicine and dentistry to promote and advocate for the issues that are critical to us,” Koh said. Congratulations Dr. Koh!

Gene Apodaca, Channel 13 news reporter, listens to Art Jeske, D.M.D., Ph.D., explain the use of carbocaine in dentistry in the UT Dentists clinic just a few hours before the 6 p.m. news cast Thursday, Oct. 12. Jeske was sought out as an expert to explain the drug which was included in a local story.

Dorothy Roberts-Goff, executive assistant, in the Office of Patient Care is often the one to the rescue.

Whether it’s a carjacking victim who has missing teeth or a candidate for the Western Regional Examination Board who needs to know what supplies to bring — each situation is an emergency to the voice on the other end of the phone.

And Goff is often their saving grace.

These cries for help come in person, through the phone or through e-mails all day, every day.  “I respond to each and every one,” Goff said. “I truly enjoy helping people. “

What makes Goff an office favorite is her role as the site coordinator for the Western Regional Examination Board that is hosted by the

Dental Branch once each year and twice every three years. In this capacity she is responsible for assembling the candidate school information handbook, coordinating with other departments to make sure the building is ready and all equipment is working properly, arranging the catering of meals for WREB staff, and distributing essential information to help candidates take the test successfully.

“I also am available throughout the three-day exam to handle any situations or needs that may arise and make sure that everyone’s happy.” Goff said. 

On top those responsibilities, she, along with Deborah Noel, senior executive assistant, also supports Peggy O’Neill, Ph.D., D.D.S., interim associate dean for Patient Care. “With many thanks to Dorothy, the WREB board is always complimentary of the smooth way the exam runs when they are in Houston,” O’Neill said.

O’Neill added that Goff is always at least two steps ahead of her with what needs to be done. “She has it done before I even think about it!”

But Goff says it’s not work for her. “I love what I do. There is always something new to do and someone new to meet. I truly enjoy dealing with patients, students, faculty and people in general.”

Goff and her husband, Tim, have a blended family of five children and a 1-year-old granddaughter, Tatiana. Goff enjoys family days, where everyone can get together, cook, eat and dance the night away.

Goff is located in the Office of Patient Care and can be reached at Dorothy.Roberts-Goff@uth.tmc.edu, (713) 500-4002.

Dental Hygiene students traveled to Texas City as part of the “Sealants Across Texas Project,” sponsored by the Bay Area Dental Hygiene Society, Oct. 7.

While there, 17 patients were seen, 38 sealants were placed and several prophys were completed. Of those patients, eight had active decay and were advised of the need for immediate dental care. Thank you School of Dental Hygiene for representing the Dental Branch well!

From top left to right: Katie McLaren, Allison Samo and Feiona Maxwell Bottom row: Prindricka Black and Tammy Staffori