The ASB Articulator Vol 8 Iss 2

Volume VIII, Issue 1

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

SUBMISSIONS

Christopher Chan

The ASB Articulator welcomes contributions. Articles should include a title and the writer’s full name. Photographs are optional, but highly encour-aged. Articles are subject to editing for space and clairty. Submit articles to [email protected].

The Voice of the Student Body of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

ARTICULATORThe ASB

Welcome to the second issue of the newly redesigned ASB Articulator. The summer trimester has been especially eventful at the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. A group of students returned from spring break after providing humanitarian oral healthcare at the AYUDA Belize International Clinic. Organized dentistry representatives attended National Dental Stu-dent Lobby Day and ADEA Annual Session. Faculty and Student Apprecia-tion Days were arranged to recognize the individuals that have made this institution a continuing success. The Pediatric Study Club and Student Na-tional Dental Association also held general meetings to introduce the student body to their organizations. Furthermore, the dental school graduated its 111th class this year. One hundred seventy-six dentists and 42 dental hygienists proudly received their diplomas to become the newest addition to the Trojan Dental Family. They will enter private practice, specialties, and academia to continue a tradition of excellence associated with USC. A heartfelt sense of gratitude goes out to all the contributors that have made this publication possible. This newsletter relies on student submis-sions to keep the student body abreast of the latest news and events around the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Without you, The ASB Articulator would not be possible. I hope this issue provides an enjoyable read and the crossword puzzle challenges your knowledge. Expect more in future is-sues and please do not hesitate to submit articles or even make suggestions. Have a wonderful summer and best of luck to the Class of 2013 on the Na-tional Board Dental Examination.

The ASB Articulator 2

ASDA Adopt-A-Park

Access to Care: A Growing Concern

SNDA

First Year

Major Change to Postdoc App Process

Nationall Dental Student Lobby Day

AYUDA Belize International Clinic

CONTENTS

3

3, 17

4

5

6

7

8-11

OKU Convocation Banquet

Pedo Study Club in Spotlight

The Great LA River Clean-Up

Atraumatic Restorative Treatment

A Day at Yellowstone Academy

Photo Collage

Crossword

SOCIAL MEDIA

[email protected] www.theasbarticulator.com

12-13

14

15

16

17

18-19

20

ASB EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

PRESIDENT

VICE-PRESIDENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

VICE-PRESIDENT OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

SECRETARY

Diana Lyu

Christopher Chan

Alex Boudaie

Sahar Hamedani

Jolie Relyea

ASB Office Hours are availalbe Wednesdays 12-1 PM in Room B-47-C [email protected]

ASDA Adopt-A-Park

TRANG PHAM 2013American Student Dental Association

On a sunny morning last November, the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) held its first An-nual SoCal Adopt-A-Park. More than 50 students from all four Southern California Dental Schools, alongside predental undergraduates, turned in handpieces and probes for rakes and shovels in an effort

to beautify Griffith Park. The event provided the opportunity for students to connect with each other and with their community, while soaking in the sun. Afterwards, volunteers relaxed and (of course!) enjoyed pizza for lunch. For 2nd year dental student Anne Scott, volunteering brought back childhood memories: “I grew up in Southern California and fre-quented Griffith Park numerous times as a child. Volunteering with the park’s clean up was a labor of love that helped trigger many joyous memories.” Thank you to everyone who came out! If you missed out and would like to be a part of future ASDA events, it’s never too late! For more information, please contact your ASDA class representative. ■


There are 233 federally designated dental health professional shortage areas in the US. 49 million Americans live in those shortage areas. Why is ac-

cess an issue? Why should dentistry care? What is CDA doing?In California alone, 14.6% of the population lives in poverty and the underserved face many barriers with little or no access to healthcare. Back in 2008, CDA affirmed concerns recognizing access to care issues at the House of Delegates and subsequently created two work groups, the Access Workgroup and Workforce Research and Forecasting Task Force, to engage in the study of all access barriers and possible solutions. In efforts to reduce barriers to oral healthcare and rethink our state oral health infrastructure, research was conducted on the capacity and efficiency of the current delivery system

Continued on page 4

Access to Care: A Growing Concern

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Student National Dental AssociationPATRICE ROOKS 2013SNDA Treasurer

The Student National Dental Association (SNDA) originated from concerned dental students at Meharry Medical College in 1970. Over fifty years after the inception and creation of the National Dental Associa-tion (SNDA’s parent organization), students at Meharry organized and put together the foundation of what

would become the largest minority student organization in the United States, “SNDA.” Given its humble beginning, the SNDA has grown nationally to approximately 1,100 minority dental students -- members who are from African-American, Hispanic, and Native American backgrounds -- along with encom-passing non-minority students from all backgrounds, as well. Since 1970, SNDA has become an integral part in rising awareness to the disparities in oral health, with the ultimate goal of improving the delivery of dental health care to all people, with an emphasis on minorities and the underserved. Furthermore, increasing the health manpower distribution among the minority population as defined by the Department of Health and Human Ser-vices. SNDA Regional and National meetings are held annually to advance and refine the collective efforts of the organization. The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC chapter, of the SNDA, strives to uphold our mission to rep-resent the concerns of minorities in dentistry, to elevate the global oral health concerns of underserved communi-ties, to enhance educational and financial opportunities (and public policy awareness), for its student members, and to recruit underrepresented minorities into the profession through advocacy and mentorship. We are optimis-tic that our chapter will continue to grow and always welcome new members from all backgrounds. USC SNDA is dedicated to creating a vehicle to enhance learning experiences and opportunities, as well as, aid underserved communities via dental-care, benevolence and philanthropy. Membership is open to ALL dental students enrolled at The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, or political belief. Benefits include: professional de-velopment and personal growth, scholarship opportunities, annual meetings (regionally and nationally), social activities, outreach opportunities, mentoring programs, networking, dinner with faculty members, plus much more… Join us for our monthly meetings and see how you may become involved! For more information visit www.sndanet.org or contact any USC SNDA Executive Officer @ [email protected]. ■

“ACCESS TO CARE: A GROWING CONERN” Continued from page 3of oral healthcare, the impact of workforce models on private practice, and the economics and sustainability of those workforce models with explicit focus on improved care for underserved populations. Though alternative models to providing dental care may certainly gain traction, there is no simple solution to alleviate these long-standing barriers to care.Dentistry is a science-based profession. As we all prepare to enter a contracted labor market, access to health-care is becoming more of a concern for CDA. A comprehensive report from the Access Workgroup and Work-force Research and Forecasting Task Force will be delivered at the 2011 House of Delegates and how resolu-tions unfold will invariably determine the working climate for those of us dental students who are to entertain the longest effects of this issue. ■


Firs

t Ye

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ANDREW YOUNG 2014

2010 has seen a number

of positive events: the

Chilean Miner Miracle,

the South African World Cup,

the unveiling of Apple’s iPad,

lest we not forget the com-

mencement of yet another class

of dental students at USC.

The 2014 class has been as

diverse as any. Prior to Week

1 orientation, each student

might have been familiar with

a particular label. Whether that

label was Dental Hygienist,

Laboratory Technician, Buyer,

Nurse, Customer Service Rep-

resentative, Private Tutor or

simply Undergraduate Student,

it didn’t matter because from

that first Monday he or she was

reassigned a seemingly famil-

iar label: Freshman.

Being a freshman isn’t easy.

In high school, being fresh

meat might have meant trying

to make the best first impres-

sions and meeting new friends

in hopes of finding a good

lunch table. In dental school,

the meaning remains the same

in terms of impressions and

new friends, but instead of

a lunch table, we look for a

foundation in dentistry that will

allow us to become the most

capable, well-rounded health

care practitioners.

With the new and revised

curriculum, the Class of 2014

has been more than fortunate

to find itself immersed in a

schedule that supplements a

problem-based learning peda-

gogy with fundamental pre-

clinical operative courses. In

just two short trimesters, many

of the 2014ers have developed

themselves into individuals

who are fully confident in their

knowledge of dental morphol-

ogy, proficient at romancing

mandibles from maximum

intercuspal position to centric

relation and even clinically

competent at preparing and

placing both amalgam and

composite restorations.

When not further honing

handskills on the 3rd floor

simulation lab, forming mecha-

nistic ideas and learning needs

in PBL case sessions, franti-

cally preparing presentations

for Triple Jumps or studying

to combat the COMBOT, first

year students seek balance in

family and friends. For some,

downtime might be spent with

spouses and children at Dis-

neyland or reserved for nature

hikes with friends. For others,

this same time might be found

participating in other dental

related extracurricular ac-

tivities such as research at the

Health Science Campus (HSC),

conventions sponsored by the

California Dental Association

(CDA), community clinics

with AYUDA or interdental

school picnics with UCLA,

Western University and Loma

Linda University.

The current trimester has

brought challenges: Single

Unit Indirect Restorative,

Sophomore Periodontics Block

and the beginning of Head and

Neck Anatomy at the Health

Sciences Campus, but with

the guidance of faculty and

the aidof upperclassmen, the

“freshmen” can only be excited

for further learning opportuni-

ties. ■


M a j o r C h a n g e t o P o s t d o c A p p P r o c e s sCHAPIN DENSMORE 2014ADEA Representative

The addition of the PPI is a result of an ADEA survey of advanced dental education program directors that asked them what they are looking for in candidates. The top attributes were found to be non-cognitive. Furthermore, the priority of these attributes varied among programs. Pro-gram directors expressed the lack of access to any indica-tion of these attributes as they screened potential interview-ees. The purpose of the PPI is to aid program directors in identifying applicants that they feel would be a good fit for their specific programs. The PPI is a tool that has been previously used by other graduate programs through-out the country to measure many non-cognitive qualities that correlate with success in graduate education. It covers 6 main personal trait categories: knowledge and creativity, communication skills, teamwork, resilience, planning and organization, ethics and integrity. There are 4 questions for each category. Evaluators use a 5-point scale to rate the applicant relative to other students. The 5-points on the scale are “Below Average,” “Average,”

“Above Average,” “Outstand-ing (Top 5%)” and “Truly Exceptional (Top 1%).” All ADEA PASS appli-cants are required to submit PPI evaluations from at least one, and up to five, evalu-ators. PPI evaluations are different from the Profes-sional Evaluations, which are required on a program-by-program basis. It is suggested that, in choosing evaluators, you “identify faculty mem-bers who know you well and can speak to your profession-al development, work habits, and ability to cooperate with others”(ADEA.org). For stu-dents applying to postdoctoral programs, your personal PPI account can be accessed from your ADEA PASS account. -For more information on the PPI and/or ADEA PASS, go to the ADEA home page (www.adea.org) and click appropriate tabs to follow the pathway: Dental Educa-tion Pathways » Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) » Applicants » ETS® PPI for ADEA PASS or to go directly to the page, the ad-dress is: http://www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/pass/Applicants/Pages/de-fault.aspx. ■

At the 2011 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition in San Diego this March, one of the topics that had everyone’s

attention was the upcoming change to the specialty program application process. The change is the addition of the Personal Po-tential Index (PPI). With the NBDE Part 1 moving to a pass/fail grading basis in 2012, the ADEA PASS (Postdoctoral Application Support System) will now incorporate the PPI. The PPI will be incorporated for the 2012 ADEA PASS application cycle that began May 18th, 2011.

The PPI is a tool that has been previously used by other graduate programs throughout the country

to measure many non-cognitive qualities that correlate with suc-

cess in graduate education.


National Dental Student Lobby DayHEATHER STEPHENS 2012

ADEA/ASDA

Over 300 students from dental schools across the country met in Washington DC this past April to par-ticipate in the Third Annual National Dental Student Lobby Day. The student representatives from USC chosen to attend this conference were Diana Lyu, Robert Hann and myself. We first attended several pre-

sentations that provided information about the congressional system; how bills are created, passed by the house and the senate and then ultimately are either defeated or passed into law. As well as in depth information on the two bills that we would be lobbying for, we also met with our state’s Congressional representatives. The two bills that this year’s conference was lobbying for were the Dental Emergency Responder Act and funding for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The dental emergency responder act aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to specifically include den-tists and dental facilities, such as dental schools in the federal disaster response framework plans. The bill had been passed by a vote of 401-12 in the House of Representatives in March and we were looking for someone willing to introduce the legislation in the Senate to prevent the dental health workforce and dental clinics from being left out of our nation’s disaster response plans.

The NIDCR and NIH funding issue asked that congressional representatives pass the president’s proposed budget of 3.5 billion dollars in funding for the NIH and 468 million for the NIDCR. A 13% increase over fis-cal year 2010. We argued that while this funding may be difficult to justify in times of economic crisis a portion of this money, about 75% of NIDCR funding, is distributed to dental schools, universities and medical centers across the country stimulating state economies; in fact, in 2010 USC ranked 13th with 6.7 million in funding. We spoke with congressional staffers about the various research projects currently underway here at USC and how essential it is to sustain stable long term funding for ongoing, long-term projects. We informed them of the links between oral and systemic health, the promising future applications of salivary diagnostics, and the important role that research advancements have in reducing the country’s oral disease burden.

Lobby day provided the dental students who attended a chance to understand and actively participate in our country’s political process and to influence decisions that will affect the future of the dental profession. Overall it was a great conference, which I would encourage each of you to attend next year! ■


2011

AYUDA Belize International Clinic

BETHANY LOWE & PEHRSON HAWKLEY 2013AYUDA Representatives

At the end of April, over 40 dental students from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC culminated the end of the spring trimester with a service externship to Belize with the

student organization AYUDA. Through five intensive days of clinic, more than 900 patients were screened and treated with over $150,000 worth of dental care provided completely free of cost to Belizians residing in the islands of San Pedro and Caye Caulker. We asked a couple students—Josh Adcox DDS ’12, Austin Baruffi DDS ’13, Andrew French DDS ’13, and David Luker DDS ‘14—what their


WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT OF THE AYU-DA TRIP TO PANAMA?

“Trying to figure out the best treatment for my patient and being able to participate in an educated conversation with Dr. Beale, Dr. Palmer, and Dr. Rudelich about what the best course of ac-tion would be for the patient.” – Austin

“After a long, hard 8 hours of clinic in San Pedro, we took a boat ride to the poorer Caye Caulker and arrived at the com-pound to find no staff, no air conditioning and minimal gross water for showering…In that moment I realized that it didn’t re-ally matter that I had those taken for granted in America. All that really mattered was that I was in great company and had a roof over my head that would allow me to make it to the next day for the next clinic— that’s it, that’s all that mattered. Being able to share that with that small group of people was outstanding and I shall not ever forget the compound that I grew to love, or Caye Caulker for that matter.” – Andrew

“Walking door to door the first day of clinic with Bridger Jen-sen, DDS ’12 telling and encouraging the people to come ben-efit from the clinic. We saw 50-75% of the people we talked to show up. That made it personal.” – Josh

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLINIC STATION TO WORK IN AND WHY?

“I must admit I loved working in anesthesia. With my mind filled with the wisdom of the great Dr. Malamed I was given the perfect opportunity to practice arguably the most important aspect of dentistry: THE INJEC-TION!!! The knowledge and experience I gained in this station in how to approach giving patients the injection they all fear was outstanding. I loved the challenge of having to figure out which types of injections to give depending on which teeth needed to be numb. I loved to see the smile of patients’ faces when I told them the worst was over!!!” – Andrew

experiences were like volunteering during their spring break in Belize, and this is what they had to say...

DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN PANAMA IN ONE WORD OR PHRASE...

“unBELIZEable!” – David “Don’t Stop Belizin’” – Josh


WHO WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PATIENT AT THE PANAMA CLINICS?

“A little girl on the first day who came in with her family. She did not have anything to be done besides cleaning and fluoride but we still had to check the rest of her family. She was very interested in looking in their mouths so we gave her the flashlight. After we finished with screening her family, she stayed and followed us around for the rest of the day with the flashlight helping us with screening.” – Austin

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE AYUDA DENTAL CLINIC IN PANAMA?

“The most challenging part of the AYUDA clinic came on the first day. After just completing a redeye from LAX to Belize we ar-rived in Belize around 10am tired with limited sleep on the plane. From there after a short 45min boat ride we arrived at San Pedro where the first clinic was and were asked to immediately report to clinic. Although ready for a nap, I instead changed into my scrubs and grabbed my loupes. Jumping right into the mix of the clinic was challenging, but after seeing the first few patients all of my complaints disappeared.” – Andrew

FUNNIEST THING THAT HAPPENED AT THE BELIZE CLINICS?

“Seeing David Luker, DDS ‘14 as my successor of the Josh Adcox technique (taking out a molar that had al-ready been extracted and then hearing him talk about how great and easy it was the rest of the trip until he found out that it was already extracted the put back in for him to take out). I can relate to this one because when I was a freshman they did the same thing to me; that’s why it bares my name.” – Josh

ANY EMBARRASSING MOMENTS ON THE AYUDA TRIP?

“At San Pedro I did my first injection and extraction. It wasn’t that hard, and Dr. Demming said I did a good job. So when a bunch of third years asked me to come help extract a third molar I thought, ‘How hard could it be?’ I must be amazing because it only took me 47 seconds. A new record. I have to say everyone was im-pressed. I didn’t find out until the end of the week that I extracted a tooth that had already been pulled …” – David

HOW DO YOU FEEL THE BELIZIANS REACTED TO YOU SHOWING UP IN THEIR SMALL VIL-LAGE AND PROVIDING A FREE DENTAL CLINIC?

“For most of the Belizians seeing a dentist is a rarity. However, they lined up for hours just to see us. I really got a great understanding of their appreciation for our service when we were on Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is such a small island that by the end of our second clinic I swear we had met over ¾ of all the people that lived on


“There is a mutual benefit to participating in AYUDA because as a student I get to better my skills and get a variety of experiences I wouldn’t get at school at the same time of serving and helping others. At AYUDA I have done many “firsts”, like my first amalgam, composite, injection etc...It has helped me be comfortable and competent at school with the many experiences I have benefited from participating in AYUDA. Through all of this I have de-veloped a desire as I see the need to give back. I feel that is has helped shaped my dental career into wanting to continue to become a dental professional that continually gives back in my community as well as internationally, just as AYUDA does. I hope to be able to participate in AYUDA or other similar program throughout my career.” – Josh

“AYUDA has been such a blessing in my life. It gives me a chance to practice what I’m learning here at school and give me a chance to work with others. I don’t think life is fulfilling without service and AYUDA takes that to a whole new level for me. There is a deep and wholesome satisfaction that I get from giving my time and helping people when they can’t help themselves. AYUDA has also given me confidence in my abilities to be a dentist and helped me strengthen areas I was weak in.” – David

The AYUDA leadership would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone that came and participated on our Belize trip! Your work is very much appreciated by the school, but most importantly by the Belizians for whom we provided dental care during our clinic. We feel that our efforts in Belize improved not only the lives of those we treated, but our own as well. The invitation to serve locally and internationally with AYUDA is extended to all USC students and we hope to see you at our next clinic! ■

that island. I recall riding around on my bike the day after our last clinic. Almost everywhere I went or any shop I walked into, I recognized someone I had met. Each time they greeted me with humble appreciation.” – Andrew

HOW HAS PARTICIPATING IN THE AYUDA INTERNATIONAL CLINIC AFFECTED YOU?“As a dental student just in those 5 days of clinic I have grown so much. My skills have nearly doubled in such a short period of time. I am so glad I was given this opportunity to finesse my skills in anesthesia, rubber dam place-ment, radiology, screening, diagnosis, operative and the list goes on. After interacting with many of the people of Belize after we had finished their dental work to see how much they appreciated what they gave them really im-pacted me. It helped me realize why I am locking myself up in SIM lab till 12am many nights, endlessly studying for 10 different final exams and giving everything I have to obtain a skill set that I can use to help better the lives of those in need.” – Andrew

“I don’t think life is fulfilling without service and AYUDA takes that to a

whole new level for me. “


OKU Convocation Banquet

BETH DUNHAMOmicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society

New Members of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society InductedOKU Zeta Chapter at Ostrow School of Dentistry only inducts top 12 percent of graduates each year.

Twenty-two members of the Ostrow School of Dentistry DDS class of 2011 were welcomed into the Zeta chap-ter of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society at a banquet on May 9.

Along with the recognition of new inductees, who represent the top 12 percent of the graduating class, three Ostrow faculty members were inducted into OKU, and the winners of seven scholarships were announced.

Dean Avishai Sadan gave opening remarks, noting that induction into OKU is an “extremely unique distinction.”

“It means that you are the top students at one of the top dental schools in the world,” he said. “You are, very literally, the best of the best.”

This year’s keynote speaker was Stephen Sobel, retired associate professor of clinical dentistry and former OKU Zeta Chapter president, who spoke of the importance of leading by example.

“In every interaction we have, we are teaching and setting examples for others,” he said. “We are all teachers, all the time.”

Class of 2011 OKU Zeta Chapter InducteesBehzad Rajaei Esther Moon Hany YouseffJoseph Yu Niel Oishi Oden WaitePaul Lee Shalini Kalia Steve LimSteven Chang Wilson Lee Bridgette SabatChristopher Luevano Heather Russell Kevin YenMi Young Kim Nima Mirmoghtadaei Richard WaddellSree Laxmi Garlapati Stephen Rupert Thu MaiYee Hung


2011 Faculty InducteesAbdi Sameni, DDSRobert Gerber, DDSJane Forrest, RDH, EdD

2011 OKU Scholarship Winners

John (Jack) Sundbye Memorial ScholarHema Kishore Chapala

Donald C. Curnette Memorial ScholarNima Mirmoghtadaei

Everett Payne Memorial ScholarEsther Moon

Charles S. O’Grady Memorial ScholarTaylor Berry

Robert Wallin Memorial ScholarChandler Ho

Dexter Smith Memorial ScholarAndrew Kiss

OKU- Zeta Chapter Scholar – 2nd yearPeter Byung Chan Lee


Pedo Study Club in the Spotlight

TRISHIA CONTRERAS 2012Pedo Study Club President

This month, the Pedo Study Club continued its presentation series with USC’s Pediatric program director and Associate Professor, Dr. Richard Udin with the topic of “The Formocre-

sol Pulpotomy Revisited - Looking for Alternatives.” As we have studied, pulpotomies are performed on primary teeth by removing the coronal pulp tissue that is inflamed or infected as a result of deep caries. Afterwards, a medicament is placed on the intact radicular pulp tissue before a coronal restoration is placed. Dr. Udin shared his knowledge on the various medicaments used for pulpotomies and discussed their efficacies, as well prospects of their usage. Traditionally, formocresol has been the medicament of choice. It is widely available and delivers the best long-term results. However, some may not agree due to concerns about its toxicity, both locally and systemically. These concerns have grown recently with formal-dehyde, one of the important components of formocresol linked to certain forms of cancer. Over the last few years, there have been many ongoing attempts to find a suitable alternative to formocresol. One medicament that has generated a lot of interest is ferric sulfate. Ferric sulfate has been an excellent hemostatic agent because of its ability to form a ferric ion-protein complex with blood, which stops further bleeding by seal-ing the vessels. It has already been widely used to control gingival bleeding, prior to impression taking and also in endodontics. It has also now been shown to be as effective as formocresol in medium-and long-term studies when used in a concentration of 15.5%. (Marie Thérèse Hosey, Monty Duggal, Richard Welbury, eds. 2005. Pediatric Dentistry) In the future, we may see ferric sulfate emerge as the most suit-able alternative to formocresol. In light of recent news, ferric sulfate can be used as a suitable alternative for those who are especially concerned about the toxicity of formocresol. However, it must be remembered that ferric sulfate does not contain any “fixative” proper-ties, as does formocresol. For this reason, an accurate diagnosis of the state of the remaining pulp on which ferric sulfate is being applied is crucial. Aside from ferric sulfate, other alternatives being studied include electrosurgery and antibiotics. Hopefully, further research will provide us with more evidence on various alternatives so that we may treat our pediatric patients with the highest quality and standards of care. ■


The Great LA River Clean-UpMICHAEL SILVA 2013Class of 2013 Community Service

In a secluded community filled with the worries of exams, issues with patients,

and the constant threat of remediation we, as dental stu-dents, can often become obliv-ious to the very basic needs of the larger communities we reside in. As one of the largest cities in the United States, Los Angeles has become burdened with the ever present concern of pollution and subsequently the increasing degradation of the precious few pockets of natural habitats that still remain. Yet far too often we willfully neglect to notice these issues. As advocates of both overall health and in-dividuals destined to inherit the triumphs and problems of America’s cities, we should expand our interests and ad-dress such dilemmas. Over Spring Break a group from the 2013 DDS Class did just that. Sponsored by the 2013 Class ASB Board the group, along with other Ange-lenos, we spent the day clean-ing up the section of the Los Angeles River along Los Feliz

Boulevard. The class’ effort, in conjunction with the more than 5,000 other reported volunteers in sites across the city, removed over 25 tons of debris along the river in what was the largest clean-up in the city’s history and was part of the proposed twenty year plan to beautify and revive the area’s natural resources. Clogged with shopping carts, tattered remnants of clothing, a few bicycles, an assortment of other metal objects, and countless masses of plastic shopping bags the sections of the river that had once been the pitiful epitome of the care-less wastefulness and indif-ference that plagued so many citizens was transformed back into the vibrancy and serenity that is often so hard to find in the inner city area. Yet, as city councilmember Bernard Parks stated, the work is not over. We all need to “take heed to the fact that [we] can step out of [our] homes and ensure that [our] commu-nities are clean,” for in doing so we all benefit. Such is chal-

lenge members of the 2013 Class hope to undertake as they begin to schedule future volunteer projects. In so do-ing, it is this dental student’s opinion that we as a class, can embody the true calling of a doctor: to ensure and preserve the wellness of both ourselves and our neighborhoods. With just a little routine, conscien-tious effort we can all inherit a community we are proud to live in, a community that all residents can be proud to call home. ■


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CHRISTOPHER CHAN 2013AYUDA Belize International Clinic Volunteer

As students of a great dental school, we are blessed to be utilizing some of the finest materials in dentistry today. Our faculty

has reviewed research and utilized evidence based dentistry to ensure we are achieving clinically superior results for our patients. Materials and methods are always changing with the advent of technology and our faculty ensure we are ahead. What may have seemed advanced years ago can now be a common procedure on the clinic floor. Furthermore, there is constant collaboration at the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC to ensure proper instruction on the best ways to utilize these advancements. The dentistry we practice here truly is unrivalled and affords great clinical care. Over this past spring break, however, I was introduced to another facet of dentistry. I had the opportunity to attend the 2011 AYUDA Belize International Clinic organized by USC Faculty Dr. Harris Done. Belize was selected because the country is impoverished and has a Gross Domestic Product on par with Sub-Saharan Africa. These factors along with a shortage of dentists and low standards of living contribute to a substantial need for oral healthcare. Over the course of the trip, I was introduced to Dr. Charles Shuler. Dr. Shuler was the former USC Associate Dean of Academic Affairs & Student Life prior to Dr. Mahvash Navazesh. He is now Dean of the University of British Columbia School of Dentistry and brought a few students to aid AYUDA in its efforts. On the third day of clinic, I personally worked with him and his group. We noticed that all the operatories were filled with patients and there was still a tremendous line of Belizeans awaiting our care. He subsequently withdrew his Blackberry and introduced me to the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART). I learned that ART was developed in the 1980s by humanitarian dentists working in Tanzania and re-

fined over the years in Thailand and Zimbabwe. It arose from a need for dentistry in third world coun-tries where skilled practitioners and facilities are limited, and the population need for care is high. After reviewing medical histories, we selected pediatric patients from the line with obvious caries on deciduous dentition. I worked with the UBC students using only a spoon excavator to excavate the gross caries from patients on a table. We then cleaned residual debris with cotton rolls and loaded the area with a modified glass ionomer cement. Dr. Shuler informed me that the cement released fluoride and arrested caries so the deciduous tooth would not be prematurely exfoliated. That day, ART allowed us to treat more patients than the AYUDA operatories could accommodate. It was not ideal dentistry, but we had to provide the best care at the moment with the materials we had available. We were able to provide this service to needy children that would not have seen a dentist otherwise. What was even more impressive was that we did not require a high-speed dental hand-piece or amalgam restorations that necessitate a full operatory. ART is currently recognized by the World Health Organization as an acceptable caries treat-ment for millions of people in less-industrialized countries where restorative dental care is scarce. It has helped dentists reach needy communities that would not have received oral healthcare by carrying only a handbag of instruments and mate-rials. In addition, numerous longitudinal studies have confirmed the benefits of the procedure. The American Journal of Public Health concluded in a study in 2005 that, “Atraumatic restorative treat-ment needs to be considered as a preventive and treatment modality for caries in communities with no dentists.” The ART manual can be found online at http://www.dhin.nl/art_manual___main.htm. ■


Yellowstone Academy is an inner-city school located in the 3rd ward of Houston, Texas that my church, family, and friends have been actively involved with since its recent opening in July of

2001, whether it be through volunteer work, after school programs, or as a teacher. I personally have only been able to help out indirectly while living in Los Angeles but was excited when the opportunity opened to visit the classrooms. Over the winter break, my sisters and I hosted a cookie exchange and many of the teachers from Yellowstone Academy joined in on the festivities. When I asked how their students were doing, many of them expressed concern about the student’s oral hygiene and lack of dental care. I learned that most of the students did not own a toothbrush and had visible facial caries. Concerned and eager to be able to help, I spoke with the principal the following week who informed me that there were a lot of recent reports of students missing class due to “tooth-aches” as well. There had been no previous formal education in the past such as the DOC program that we, as USC first year dental students participate in, and thus agreed it would be beneficial to provide something similar for the students at Yellowstone Academy. Over the following trimester, enough donations were collected so that every student from pre-school through the 5th grade (225 students) received a toothbrush and toothpaste after participating in a 15 minute oral hygiene demonstration. The dem-onstrations mostly consisted of brushing techniques, as well as nutritional counseling. Volunteer, Diana Lyu and friends from the UT Houston Dental school also helped put together the project and were present to give demonstrations. At the end of the day, flyers were passed out so that the students could share the information they learned with their families at home, as well as have information on the dental services offered at the UT Dental School. The day was not only a success but rewarding to see, what we consider to be basic dental knowledge, have an immediate and positive impact on the community. Plans to continue dental education at Yellowstone Academy are al-ready in process. We are currently collecting donations and seeking any interested volunteers to participate during our next visit. Our goal is to again be able to purchase a toothbrush and toothpaste for every student in the 6th through the 8th grade as well as encourage families to visit the dental school. ■

A Day at Yellowstone Academy

JOLIE RELYEA 2012


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2. former car salesman6. 5-10 seconds7. amount file diameter increases per mm9. in-and-out motion10. root canal anatomy of permanent teeth12. penicillin on postoperative pain14. continuous clockwise instrument rotation15. cup of coffee, publication

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1. ‘90s Valley girl3. radiographic concept4. determines presence of PDL inflammation5. molar access shape8. sodium hypochlorite9. removes unexposed silver halide11. complications and management of bleach13. tetrafluoroethane

THEME: Endodontics

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Documents

The ASB Articulator Vol 8 Iss 2