Topics at a glance: Dean Flaitz announces leadership changes at UTDB … Kristine Estes joins Dental Branch IT staff … TDA Alliance Scholarships awarded … UTDB alum is American Academy of Periodontology president-elect … Retirement reception for two draws well-wishers 

Dean Flaitz announces leadership changes at UTDB

Dean Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., has announced a slate of promotions and faculty changes for the Dental Branch, effective immediately.

Kristine Estes joins Dental Branch IT staff

Kristine Estes

The Educational and Technology Services department has a new employee, Kristine Estes, who joined the UT Dental Branch staff Aug. 11 as a systems analyst and manager of clinical information technology and Web services. She reports to Educational and Technology Services Director David Taylor, Ed.D.

Estes is a native of Nederland and a graduate of Lamar University in Beaumont, where she earned a bachelor of business administration degree in management information systems. She was most recently employed by American National Insurance Company as a staff programmer/analyst. At UTDB, she will be working with a variety of technical applications, including electronic patient records (EPR) and all Dental Branch Web applications.

She and her husband have a 9-month old son and will be relocating to Pearland soon, having recently sold their home in League City. House-hunting will take up her free time for the next few weeks, but Estes also enjoys watching sports (Texans, Astros and Rockets).

At the Dental Branch, you can find her in Room 239-C. The telephone extension is 4424, and the e-mail address is Kristine.Estes@uth.tmc.edu.

Pictured with UTDB Dean Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., are TDA Alliance Scholarship winners (from left) Anthony Gonzalez, Deborah Solorzano, Poonam Vallabhbhai, Sepideh Shirali and Sean Bastani.

TDA Alliance Scholarships awarded

Five third-year dental students have been chosen to receive scholarships of $1,200 each from the Alliance of the TDA, a nonprofit organization for spouses of dentists. The endowed memorial scholarships are presented once a year in the fall. The TDA Alliance established the scholarship funds at all three dental schools in Texas.

UTDB alum is American Academy of Periodontology president-elect

University of Texas Dental Branch alumnus Samuel Low, D.D.S., of Gainesville, Fla. is the new president-elect of the American Academy of Periodontology's board of trustees. He was installed during the board's 94th annual meeting this week in Seattle. Low is associate dean and professor of periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry in Gainesville, Fla. He is also an advisory faculty member to the Pankey Institute. He received his dental degree, specialty training in periodontics and master's degree in biomedical science from the UT Dental Branch. He also earned a master of education degree from the University of Florida College of Education.

The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Retirement reception for Mayhew, Ferguson draws well-wishers

Retiring Clinical Associate Professor Robert "Bob" Mayhew, D.M.D., Ph.D., accepts a water ski covered in writing by well-wishers at a recent reception. Associate Dean Art Jeske, D.M.D., Ph.D., made the presentation. Photo by Brian Schnupp.

Waterskiing professor gets unusual trophy

A recent retirement luncheon and reception honored two long-time faculty members, Clinical Associate Professor Robert "Bob" Mayhew, D.M.D., Ph.D.; and Associate Professor James P. "Jay" Ferguson, D.D.S., both of the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials. At the event, Mayhew was presented with an autographed ski in recognition of his enjoyment of water skiing.

Assistant Professor Gary Frey, D.D.S., (left) and Special Patient Clinic Director Sheila Koh, D.D.S., share a moment looking at the award created in honor of their colleague, retiring Associate Professor James "Jay" Ferguson, D.D.S. (center). Photo by Brian Schnupp.

Bronze molar award
will honor Ferguson

Associate Professor Robert "Rod" Dosch, D.D.S., created an award in Ferguson's honor. The award featured a bronze maxillary molar on a wood-and-granite base. Dosch waxed the molar himself and had it cast in bronze by a Houston foundry. The award's official name and criteria for winning it will be announced later, once Ferguson decides on them.