Topics at a glance: Diagnostic Sciences Research Awards: Crohn’s disease, tooth loss and a ‘persuasive toothbrush’ … DH2 fall candle fundraiser now under way … Reduce your risk of viral misery: Get a flu shot! … Volunteers needed for Texas Special Olympics Fall Classic Special Smiles screening event … SAVE THE DATE: UT Health Science Center Fun Fest 2009 is Oct. 23

Diagnostic Sciences Research Awards:
Crohn’s disease, tooth loss and a ‘persuasive toothbrush’

Dr. Jeremy Schaefer, Dr. Wenjian Zhang and Dr. Muhammad Walji are the 2009 winners of the Department of Diagnostic Sciences Research Awards.

By Rhonda Moran, Dental Branch

The Department of Diagnostic Sciences has announced winners of the department’s 2009 research awards. Instructor Jeremy Schaefer, Ph.D., received the Bar Levy Award for Innovative Research ($10,000). Assistant Professor Muhammad Walji, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor Wenjian Zhang, D.D.S., Ph.D., tied for second place ($5,000 each).

Jerry Bouquot, D.D.S., professor and chair of the Department of Diagnostic Sciences, thanked everyone who submitted protocols to the department’s research review committee. “It was an outstanding selection. Unfortunately, we could not fund everyone,” he said.

The three researchers and their collaborators are working on a wide variety of projects. Schaefer’s work may someday lead to a way to screen for or treat inflammatory bowel disorders, such as Crohn’s disease. Zhang is studying one of the most common plaque-forming types of bacteria, P. gingivalis, to see how it affects bone and tooth loss. Walji is developing and testing a smart toothbrush that will record how effectively you brush your teeth, then provide feedback via e-mail. FULL STORY.

DH2 fall candle fundraiser now under way

The season of gift-giving is rapidly approaching, and the Dental Hygiene Class of 2010 has made shopping a little easier by offering a selection of scented candles for sale now through Tuesday, Oct. 20. The candles come in seven different scents: Christmas Cookie (8 oz. only), Pumpkin Spice (8 oz. only), Hot Apple Pie, Sweet Pea, Butter Vanilla, Hazelnut Cappucino and Strawberry Shortcake. Prices are $13 for a pack of assorted votives, $9 for the 8-ounce, $13 for the 10-ounce, and $19.50 for the 22-ounce candle. Cash or checks are accepted; make them out to UTDH 2010.

Don’t know any DH2 students? Contact a class officer. They include Jessica McCrorey, president; Samantha Ware, vice president; Diana Tejeda, secretary; Montsy Rodriguez, historian; and Sarah Allen, treasurer.

Reduce your risk of viral misery: Get a flu shot!

UT Employee Health Service will give flu shots from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 in B-25, DBB. The shots are $25 each and protect against seasonal flu, not H1N1 (swine) flu. For information, contact Cindy.A.Crosley@uth.tmc.edu or 713-500-3254.

Students are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza vaccine to protect themselves and their patients. Flu shots will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you currently interact with patients, you are in a priority group for receiving the vaccine and are strongly encouraged to do so. UT Student Health Services will administer the seasonal flu vaccine in the UT Professional Building, 6410 Fannin, Suite 510, according to the following schedule:

9 - 11 a.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
2 - 4 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
2 - 4 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays

The cost of the vaccine will be covered by your insurance and student fees. No appointment is necessary. For more information, contact UT Student Health Services, 713-500-5171.

Volunteers needed for Texas Special Olympics
Fall Classic Special Smiles screening event

Volunteers from The University of Texas Dental Branch will team up with Special Olympics to provide free dental screenings for up to 400 athletes at the Texas Special Olympics Fall Classic Special Smiles Screening Event from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Brazos County Exposition Center, 5827 Leonard Road in Bryan. A block of rooms at a local hotel has been reserved for volunteers who participate both days and need overnight lodging.

Third- and fourth-year dental students who volunteer must attend a one-hour course in advance to learn the Special Olympics/CDC standardized exam technique. Training is scheduled for 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 in Room 132; and noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 in Room B-14.

Dental practitioners who attend the dental screener training will get one hour of continuing education credit and will then be eligible to count the time they spend at the Special Smiles event as additional continuing education hours. To volunteer, contact Vanessa Ponce in the Pediatric Dentistry Department, 713-500-4142 or Vanessa.Ponce@uth.tmc.edu.

SAVE THE DATE: UT Health Science Center Fun Fest 2009 is Oct. 23

Attention everyone with a UT badge: Join the fun from 2-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 in Grant Fay Park at the UT School of Public Health. This fun rodeo carnival will feature music, dancing, free food, giveaways and the popular Chili Cook-Off and the Hot Salsa Contest (all faculty, staff, students, individual departments and "interdisciplinary" teams are eligible to compete). Be sure to dust off your boots and shape your cowboy hat to enter the Western Wear Competition. It's not too late to volunteer for Fun Fest 2009: Rodeo Carnival! Contact Rose.M.Betancourt-Trevino@uth.tmc.edu in the Office of Public Affairs, 713-500-3209