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Dear Alumni –
I’ve served in the role of dean for the last seven months, and it’s exciting to see progress we’ve made during that short time. The faculty and staff are working to create transformative experiences for our students, patients and the entire MUSoD community.
In addition, we are working to develop a new GPR residency program for our students. Plus, the construction crews are working diligently to renovate our clinics in our beautiful building to better serve students and the community.
As always, your support continues to shape our positive and nurturing learning environment where students, faculty and staff can excel to bring inspired and well-trained professionals to our dental community.
I’m thankful to the rich community of alumni serving as our foundation of support as we go forward.
Dr. Elsbeth Kalenderian
Dean
Marquette School of Dentistry
P.S.: If you are in the Naplesm Fla. area, please join me for a reception at 5 p.. on Tuesday, March 26, at The Club at The Strand, 5840 Strand Boulevard. Thank you to Dr. Timothy G. Twohig, Dent '69, and Mrs. Merrie C. Twohig for hosting. Kindly RSVP to Dan O’Brien at (414) 902-0907 or daniel.obrien@marquette.edu.
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School News
Dental Abilities Day
The Special Care Clinic and the Marquette Special Care Dentistry Association Chapter commemorated the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. This day is celebrated worldwide every year on Dec. 3, as a day for inclusion and integration of persons with disabilities into our society. Because Dec. 3 fell on a Sunday, the event was held on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.
The aim of the event is to promote community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities – as well as the dentist’s shared responsibility toward their oral health. This event offered advice about maintaining good oral healthcare practices and available oral-hygiene aids to make routine oral healthcare easier and more effective for patients. The participants also learned about various ways to prevent common oral diseases.
Ultimately, the event helped improve the understanding and better oral health delivery for patients with disabilities. It also shared information to assist dental students, dental staff, as well as assisted parents and/or caregivers of people with disabilities who require supervised oral healthcare.
Special thanks to the volunteers, the Milwaukee Center for Independence, Special Smiles Wisconsin Special Olympics and Layton Family Dentistry for their support and participation.
Foot-Pedal-Powered Dental Engine Donated to Cedarburg History Museum’s Upcoming Civil War Exhibit
Cedarburg History Museum Director Joel Willems, left, is pictured with the Civil War dental machine and Marquette Dental School faculty Dr. Louis Boryc, center, and Dr. Peter Jacobsohn. Photo credit: Mark Justesen/News Graphic Staff
Recently, Marquette donated a surplus foot-pedal-powered Morrison Dental Engine from its Dental Museum to the Cedarburg History Museum. Prior to the donation, the Cedarburg museum had featured a vintage medical exhibit but it had no dental representation.
The museum currently features an exhibit and lecture series on Wisconsin in the Civil War. Part of that exhibit features medical equipment and pharmacology known to that era. More than 700 visitors came to view the exhibit during Cedarburg's Winter Festival.
Note: The dental engine was invented by Dr. Morrison in 1870, five years after the end of the Civil War. It was a major breakthrough in the treatment of dental disease. Many Civil War veterans and their families benefited from its use.
School of Dentistry, Medical College of Wisconsin Bridging Gap to Address Jaw Disorder
Marquette’s School of Dentistry and the Medical College of Wisconsin are bridging the gap between medicine and dentistry on the issue of temporomandibular disorder.
On Thursday, Feb. 8, students from Marquette’s School of Dentistry participated in a collaborative interprofessional event at the Medical College of Wisconsin, learning alongside first-year medical students about the necessity of coordinated care for this multi-faceted condition.
The interprofessional program, now in its second year, included 300 students from both campuses with plans to expand next year to include students enrolled in Marquette’s physical therapy program. Read the whole article here.
Walking on Sunshine Video
MUSoD’s ASDA chapter started making music videos in 2014 and they’ve garnered thousands of views on YouTube! This year, the student body chose to perform to the song "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and The Wave.
“The music video committee met before filming to plan out choreography and videography,” explains Francesca Malensek, MS, DDS Candidate. “We had four filming days with one day dedicated to faculty involvement and one filming day so the President of Marquette University, Dr. Michael Lovell, could join in on the dancing!”
The music video made its debut at the MUSoD Holiday Party and uploaded to Marquette ASDA's YouTube Channel. Enjoy the video here.
Awards
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Dr. Christopher Okunseri, professor and predoctoral program director for Public Health, is one of seven faculty members nationally to be selected this year to receive the distinction as Fellow of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR). Professor Okunseri will be recognized during the opening ceremonies of the 2024 AADOCR Meeting in New Orleans. AADOCR is the nation’s premier dental research society.
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Dr. Dennis Abere, Arts ’71, Dent ’75, Grad ‘85, was the winner of the Part-Time Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Abere’s passion for teaching and commitment to the success of the school’s students is evidenced by the praise and accolades shared by students and faculty alike. Congratulations!
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Dr. Mary Cimrmancic, Dent Hy ’78, Dent ’84, clinical assistant professor & CPMG leader, was honored as the Marquette University Faculty All-Star during the men’s basketball game on Dec. 6, 2023, at the Fiserv Forum. She’s flanked by members of the cheering squad, the president and provost, and of course ... security. Thank you, Dr. Cimrmancic, for all you do to achieve this honor.
Promotions/Role Changes/Appointments
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Dr. Toni Roucka has assumed her new role as director of Graduate Studies where she’ll work closely with graduate program directors to ensure the school meets program accreditation requirements, graduate program policies and procedures are developed and revised, and action plans are established to ensure students achieve academic goals. As associate dean for Academic Affairs, she led MUSoD through the 2022 CODA accreditation cycles with high accolades and was instrumental in leading her team to create and facilitate many innovative initiatives to track student progress and facilitate early intervention for students experiencing academic challenges.
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Dr. Aymen Ahmed – promoted to clinical professor, General Dental Sciences
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Dr. David Liu – promoted to professor, Developmental Sciences
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Dr. Michael Grady, Dent ’88 – promoted to clinical professor, General Dental Sciences.
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Appointments
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Dr. Cesar Gonzalez, associate professor & chair, Department of Dental Developmental Sciences, was invited to serve as an examiner for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) for the 2024 Oral Clinical Examination (OCE).
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Dr. Mary Cimrmancic, Dent Hy ’78, D’84 clinical assistant professor & CPMG leader, clinical associate professor in General Dental Sciences at MUSoD, was elected as president-elect of the American Society of Forensic Odontology.
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Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, clinical associate professor and director, Predoctoral Program in Endodontics, was selected by the American Association of Endodontics to be member of the Research and Scientific Affairs Committee for three years.
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Research
Research Day
The Marquette University School of Dentistry Research Day celebrated its 25th year with another successful event. Many of this year’s student, resident and faculty posters will also be presented at the upcoming AADOCR meeting in New Orleans.
Here’s to another 25 years of discovery and pushing the boundaries of knowledge!
The Dr. William R. Proffit Resident Scholar Award program was established by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) in 2004. It is an excellent platform for orthodontic residents to show their basic and clinical research. Dr. Ahmed Youssef (second-year orthodontic resident) was selected to be among the 25 orthodontic residents awarded to present their research work at the upcoming 2024 American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) meeting at New Orleans on May 4, 2024. Congratulations!
Continuing Education and Alumni Events
Continuing Education Calendar
There are many opportunities in the coming months to fulfill your continuing education requirements. Find all the opportunities available here. If you have questions, please call 414-288-3093 or email nicole.schickowski@marquette.edu.
Chicago Midwinter Meeting
On Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, Marquette University hosted its annual reception during the Chicago Midwinter Meeting. It was great to see more than 300 students, alumni, faculty and staff gathered for the event. Our thanks to the sponsors who helped make this happen. See photos here.
Mark your Calendar for the School of Dentistry Alumni National Award Weekend, September 20 - 22, 2024
Marquette University School of Dentistry is planning an alumni award weekend Sept. 20 - 22, 2024. More details will follow but mark your calendar to join us!
The tentative schedule:
Friday, Sept. 20
Continuing Education Course
Celebration Dinner
Conferral of the 2024 Dental Alumni Awards
130th Anniversary of MUSoD
Saturday, Sept. 21
Tours of the School of Dentistry
Reunion receptions/dinner
Sunday, Sept. 22 Mass & Brunch
Our Doors Are Open
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Fox Cities, left to right: Dr. Chris Bergstrom, D’98; Dr. John Rydlewicz, D’02; Dr. Nicholas Tseffos, D’15; Dr. Tim Zuck, parent; and Dr. Matt Swanson
By Daniel O’Brien, Director of Advancement
It is always great to have visitors come through our doors. It’s one thing to talk about MUSoD but it is completely different to see it in action.
On a recent visit, an alum and I visited the sim-lab, chatted with several students, made our way into the Admissions Office, visited Student Services, and finished in one of the pre-doc clinics. As I was talking with her, I kept thinking “How can anyone not be impressed with this school and community?”
We are “the ministry within the ministry” providing a service unlike anywhere on campus; a true dental hospital in the heart of Milwaukee.
Please visit us! We cannot do this without our alumni; 100% of your donation supports and stays at MUSoD.
Please take pride as an alum of the only dental school in Wisconsin, it is undoubtedly an important place for our city and state. Your advocacy, your mentorship of future dentists, your support and influence are critical to our ability to thrive far into the future.
Thank you for your support.
Daniel O’Brien
daniel.obrien@marquette.edu
414.902.0907
Wisconsin Reactivates Component
The Wisconsin Dental Society of Anesthesiology held its inaugural meeting of the reactivated component in September at the Marquette University Alumni Memorial Union. Treasurer, Dr. Robert Bosack, presented the half-day program.
ADSA Past President (1989-91) and namesake of the ADSA Distinguished Service Award, Dr. Peter Jacobsohn, Dent ’62, was the guest of honor. Dr. Jacobsohn presented President, Dr. Sami Kawas and Secretary/Treasurer, Dr. Michael Issac, with the original charter of the society along with the original podium banners.
UCLA School of Dentistry’s Inaugural Dr. Henry H. Takei Endowed Periodontal Symposium
Dr. Takei pictured, center
On Aug. 5, 2023, the UCLA School of Dentistry’s inaugural Dr. Henry H. Takei Endowed Periodontal Symposium brought together more than 150 colleagues, mentees and associates of the distinguished emeritus professor. The campaign to endow the symposium series was held in honor of Dr. Takei, Dent ’65, MS ’67, upon his retirement from UCLA Dentistry.
“I was so pleasantly surprised by the turnout of so many former students, faculty and friends,” says Dr. Takei, who co-founded the UCLA Periodontics Residency Program in 1976. “That was my intent when the thought of an endowment was considered; it was a truly gratifying day for me.”
WDA Recognizes 16 for Contributions to Organized Dentistry and Public Oral Health
The WDA’s annual Pyramid of Pride Awards were held November 3, 2023, in Middleton, Wis. The following winners are Marquette alumni:
Dr. Cliff Hartmann, Dent ’75, Grad '77 (New Berlin), a retired pediatric dentist, is the recipient of the 2023 Wisconsin Dental Association Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his long history of service to the profession and leadership as WDA president.
Dr. Lakisha Arif-Holmes, Dent ’08 (Wauwatosa) was recognized for her commitment to health equity and service to vulnerable populations. In addition to being an active member of the ADA, WDA, Greater Milwaukee Dental Association and Special Care Dentistry Association, she serves as co-chair for Give Kids a Smile Day, which provides free dental screenings for underserved children.
Dr. David Gundersen, Dent ’11 (Fitchburg) was recognized for his commitment to improving the oral health of children. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Gundersen is the founder and president of Hometown Smiles, which supports collaboration among schools, dental offices, prevention programs and community partners.
Dr. Thomas Nockerts, Dent ’81 (Green Bay), a retired general dentist, was recognized for his steadfast support of the WDA Foundation and the 2023 Mission of Mercy. As president of the WDA Foundation, Dr. Nockerts raised funds, served as a site lead and coordinated innumerable logistics.
Dr. Jay Banez, Dent ’16 (Delavan/Whitewater) was recognized for his outstanding work with the WDA’s Communications Committee. Under his leadership, the WDA launched the InspireSmiles public awareness/social media campaign to help address the dental workforce shortage by promoting the many advantages of dental hygienist and assistant career paths.
Dr. Emily Eckdahl, Dent ’16 (Brookfield) received the New Dentist Leadership Award in recognition of her dedication to organized dentistry at the local, state and national levels. Dr. Eckdahl serves on the WDA Dental Benefits and Legislative committees, as well as on the Board of Directors for the Greater Milwaukee Dental Association.
Dr. Kenneth Geiger, Dent ’83 (Sheboygan) received the Outstanding Leadership in Mentoring Award in recognition of his continued efforts as co-chair of the MUSoD-Pierre Fauchard Academy-WDA Mentor Program and his longstanding service as a mentor. Dr. Geiger also supports the WDA by serving as a state committee member for Mission of Mercy.
Dr. Rick Mueller, Arts ’76, Dent ’80 (Hales Corners), received the award in recognition of his service to organized dentistry at the component, state and national levels. Dr. Mueller retired from private practice in 2020, after 40 years of serving patients in southeastern Wisconsin.
Please share ideas for future editions of eImages
Thanks for reading eImages newsletter from Marquette School of Dentistry. If you have achievements or ideas for topics you’d like us to share in the next edition, please email Carol Trecek.
When you support the School of Dentistry, you allow our school to maintain and expand the ways we provide access to an excellent dental education and high-quality oral health care to the communities we serve. Please consider making a gift today.
