Congratulations to the following outstanding teachers among us. Winners of the teaching awards are student nominated and student chosen. Visit http://www.db.uth.tmc.edu/UTDB_eflash/archive/2007/032907_UTDB_eflash.htm to read what students are saying about these dental educators.

John Freeman Award - William Tate, D.D.S. William Tate, D.D.S., associate professor of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials, has been named the winner of the John Freeman Award. The John Freeman Award for Outstanding Non-Clinical Teaching is a student-chosen award that applauds faculty who demonstrate the most knowledge, competency and enthusiasm in the classroom, along with interest in students outside of the classroom. Tate is an alumnus of the UT Dental Branch, graduating in 1985. He has spent time in private practice and has enjoyed teaching at the Dental Branch since 1987. Tate says “I’m just here to learn,” and adds that he receives just as much from his students as he tries to instill in them. “I wouldn’t be the instructor I am today, if it weren’t for the faculty who work alongside me. It is the people that I work with who make me better.”

		Lorna Bruning Award - Ann O'Kelley Wetmore Ann O’Kelley Wetmore, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Periodontics/School of Dental Hygiene, received the Lorna J. Bruning Award for Clinical Teaching Excellence. The Bruning award recognizes dental hygiene faculty who demonstrate the most knowledge, competency and enthusiasm for teaching dental hygiene, along with the encouragement of critical thinking. Wetmore joined the Dental Branch on a permanent, part-time basis in November 2005 and has enjoyed the experience of being involved in academia and clinical education. Wetmore said this award means a tremendous amount to her because it is a sign she has greatly improved from her initial faculty evaluations.
“I have learned, through my graduate studies, to take current and contemporary teaching methods and apply them to clinical dental hygiene teaching,” Wetmore said. “There is nothing like the “aha!” moment when you know you have explained a concept the way a student can grasp it.” Wetmore obtained a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Eastern Washington University and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Dental Hygiene at Idaho State University.

Delattre to be featured on "Psychic Detectives" show

Veronique Delattre, D.D.S., associate professor of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials, will be featured as part of the Court TV Series Psychic detectives. The episode “Secrets in the Forest,” will air at 10 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time) Wednesday, April 11. For more information on the show and Delattre’s involvement in the case visit http://www.db.uth.tmc.edu/UTDB_eflash/archive/2006/100506_UTDB_eflash.htm

Dental student wins Women of Rotary Scholarship

Dental student Jason Vasquez received the Women of Rotary Club of Houston Scholarship at a March 24 luncheon. The $5,000 award was given from the establishment of an endowed fund the Women of Rotary have created specifically for dental students.

After graduation, Vasquez said he plans on attending a General Practice Residency Program at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center for one year.

“I am sincerely appreciative of the scholarship funding; however, it is the recognition that truly inspires and motivates me to continue on in my pursuit of dental excellence. One day, I hope to give back to up coming potential students with the same dreams and desires as I have.”

In addition to the student scholarship, the annual luncheon benefits the City of Houston dental clinics, Good Neighbor Healthcare Center Dental Clinic and Chimney Rock Center.

Deadline extended for Star Performer Award submissions

Nominate a star-quality employee or co-worker for the Star Performer Award, sponsored by the Employee Relations Committee. Reward those you work with! A quick and easy nomination form can be found at: http://www.db.uth.tmc.edu/UTDB_eflash/archive/2006/ 061506_UTDB_eflash_extra.htm.

Franklin appointed to national test management committee

Deborah Franklin, D.D.S., associate professor of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials, has been appointed to serve on the National Board Patient Management Test Construction Committee for a one-year renewable term beginning January 1, 2008. Congratulations Dr. Franklin.

Shetty finalist for legislative fellowship

Kishore Shetty, D.D.S., associate professor of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials, has been named a finalist for the 2007 ADEA/Sunstar Americas Inc./Harry W. Bruce, Jr. Legislative Fellowship, which is designed to familiarize dental school faculty with federal legislative process as it relates to dental education. Well done Dr. Shetty.

The UT Dental Branch in Distinctions

A story on the UT Dental Branch Open to Health initiative is featured in the April issue of Distinctions. Visit http://distinctions.uthouston.edu/archive/2007/April/DentalBranch.html. You will find Distinctions in your mailbox or on your local UT Health Science Center at Houston newsstand.

Health Information and Privacy Security Week

Next week, April 8-14 is Health Information Privacy and Security Week, sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association. The purpose of the week is to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, their employers and the public of the importance of protecting the privacy, confidentiality and security of personal health information.

This year’s theme is “Keeping It Personal – Health Information You Can Trust”
For more information about Health Information and Privacy Security Week visit http://www.ahima.org/hipsweek/.