UTDB eflash

Mary Sayles has joined the Dental Branch as the executive assistant for Development and is the newest member of the team responsible for school advancement.

Sayles has several years of experience in health science and higher education organizations; having held positions at the Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Xavier University at Louisiana and Tulane University Medical School.

Sayles will support John Greer, director of Development for the Dental Branch, and, together, they will be responsible for the administration of the $65 million fundraising initiative to construct a new school.

Sayles said both the similarities and differences in the position, compared to her previous employment, attracted her to apply.

“The opportunity to be a part of a new and exciting project is what peaked my interest most," Sayles said. "I was also attracted by the promise of interaction with the community and donors. I enjoy working with people who are interested in progress.

“I am grateful and elated to be a part of a fundraising team. I will be able to use my administrative experience so that this initiative is a success.”

Sayles enjoys singing, reading and sewing. She and her husband, Eric, have two children; LaToya and Eric Jr.

Sayles is located in B-28 and can be reached at Mary.Sayles@uth.tmc.edu or 713-500-4386.

The UT Dental Branch, along with the UT Health Science Center, invite you to join the grand opening celebration of UT Dentists, the new faculty practice plan of the Dental Branch. The entire health science center and members of the Houston community are welcome to attend the celebration 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18.

The event will showcase UT’s newest clinic in the Texas Medical Center, which is dedicated to convenient and comprehensive dental care. Door prizes, refreshments and tours will be available. For more information call 713-500-4200.

If you have not completed the mandatory Social Security compliance training, please do so immediately. All training was to be taken by Dec. 15, 2006. To date, the Dental Branch has only obtained 50 percent compliance.

All employees, including employees that do not have regular access to Social Security Numbers, are required to take this training.

The training is electronic, is accessible via the Internet on Blackboard and only takes approximately 30 minutes to complete the course. Please log on to http://blackboard.uth.tmc.edu using your UT Health Science Center User-ID and click on "SSN Privacy Certification." You will be required to review the material and complete a 10-question test in order to pass the training.

Jeff Schaefer, a first year dental student, was awarded a $1,000 travel grant to attend the International Association for Dental Research meeting in New Orleans. Schaefer’s mentor is Charles Streckfus, D.D.S., professor of Diagnostic Sciences.

The grant funds will come from the American Association of Dental Research Travel Grant for dental students, which was awarded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Join the UT Health Science Center at Houston Wellness Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17, in the Medical School Leather Lounge. Get a power massage, blood pressure screening and glucose check. You can also take advantage of free dental and vision screenings.

Do you sing, dance, act or have another special talent? Show off another side of your life at the annual Dental Branch Talent Show.

The show, Thursday, Jan. 25, is open to faculty, staff, students and residents. It's not too late to audition! Contact: John.R.McFarlane@uth.tmc.edu for details.