Topics at a glance: UT System Regents to review final plans for new building at Aug. 21-22 meeting ...UTDB students, faculty volunteer at CT Church Back-To-School Health Fair ...UTDB featured in ‘Texas Dental Journal’ this month...Dr. Katancik presents at Medical School’s Grand Rounds...Scenes from UTDB’s July 31 End-of-Year Fiesta...

The latest sketch of the Dental Branch replacement building shows the proposed six-story building, to be located at 7500 Cambridge Street.

UT System Regents to review final plans for new building at Aug. 21-22 meeting

Pending approval in August by The University of Texas System Board of Regents, a new building for The UT Dental Branch could be under construction by late 2009, with completion in 2012. The $155 million project, designed by WHR Architects of Houston, will replace the current 1955 facility and allow the school to increase enrollment by approximately 20 percent.

Interim Dean John A. Valenza, D.D.S., said that as currently planned, the new building will have six stories and approximately 285,000 square feet. Additionally, Dental Branch researchers will have approximately 15,000 square feet in other UT Research Park facilities. While the economic recession has helped reduce construction costs from initial estimates, the new building will be a core facility on which to build, and the Dental Branch will have a list of high-priority projects — such as an auditorium or advanced simulation clinic — ready to go as additional funds become available. Clearly, philanthropy will play a major role in UTDB’s future. FULL STORY.

UTDB volunteers include (from left) Huma Hamid, Vickie S. Martinez, Dr. J. Welch, Vinitha Jacob and Liz Gold. Not pictured are Laura Dillon, Dr. Matt Mayer, Dr. Joe Ontiveros and family members of the volunteers.

UTDB students, faculty volunteer
at CT Church Health Fair

University of Texas Dental Branch students and faculty volunteered at the annual Back-to-School Health Fair at CT Church in southeast Houston.

The students gave oral hygiene instructions and performed simple dental screenings, making referrals as appropriate.

Toothbrushes and toothpaste were distributed. The Hispanic Student Dental Association sponsored UTDB’s participation.

Volunteers included fourth-year dental students Vickie S. Martinez, Vinitha Jacob, Huma Hamid, Liz Gold and Laura Dillon; recent UTDB graduate Matt Mayer, D.D.S.; and faculty members Joe Ontiveros, D.D.S., and J. Welch, D.D.S., as well as several family members.

The 12-member dental team saw approximately 275 patients. Health Fair Director Susan Nordin said nearly 4,000 people attended the health fair. In all, 260 volunteers did free dental screenings, eye exams, haircuts and immunizations, in addition to distributing more than 3,000 bags of school supplies and 35,000 pounds of groceries.

UTDB featured in ‘Texas Dental Journal’ this month

The August 2009 edition of the Texas Dental Journal features a special article, “Innovation in Dental Education in Texas,” written by Interim Dean John Valenza, D.D.S.; Assistant Professor Muhammad Walji, Ph.D.; Educational and Technology Services Director David Taylor, Ed.D. and Clinical IT and Web Services Manager Kristine Estes. Additionally, the August edition includes an editorial by Dr. Art Jeske, associate dean for strategic planning, who also serves as editor of the journal. To see the articles, CLICK HERE.

Dr. Katancik presents at Medical School’s Grand Rounds

Congratulations to Dr. James Katancik, associate professor and chair of the Department of Periodontics, who presented “Periodontitis and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease” at the Medical School’s Grand Rounds on July 31.

Scenes from UTDB’s July 31 End-of-Year Fiesta

Photos by Rhonda Moran

Dr. Edgar Starcke (center) wins a door prize while visiting with Interim Dean John Valenza, D.D.S.		Employee Relations Committee members Loraine Alexander (left) and Ronda Lowe gave tickets to badge-wearing employees.
Dr. Shiela Koh won a carrot cake.		Second-year dental student Alan Urbach checks out the cake selection.
The ever-popular cake walk drew a crowd and raised more than $100, according to Loraine Alexander, Employee Relations Committee president. The proceeds will go toward the annual holiday party in December. Alexander said approximately 10 ERC members helped decorate, set up and clean up after the End-of-Year Party, which was attended by nearly 200 employees and residents.