Fannie Williams knows what it’s like to grow up in an area where dentists are scarce.

Williams grew up in Bertie County, North Carolina, where she now serves as interim principal of Windsor Elementary School in the town of Windsor. She knows first-hand how hard it can be for Bertie County families to visit the dentist. Seeing children with tooth decay, tooth loss and tooth pain is part of the daily routine for teachers and school nurse, Ms. Georgetta Smallwood.

The Bertie County School Based Oral Prevention Program will offer dental services to all public elementary and middle school students in Bertie County over the next two years. (Photos by Cliff Hollis | Video by Bryan Edge)

“I believe we only have one dentist in the county, and many families don’t have the transportation to get to a dentist,” said Williams.

In fact, Bertie County, located in the state’s northeast quadrant, has only one or two licensed dentists for a population of over 21,000 people.

Now, a $400,000 grant from the Duke Endowment is making it possible for the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine to go a step further in delivering oral health care to children in Bertie County through the Bertie County School Based Oral Prevention Program.

According to the 2015-2016 Kindergarten Oral Health Status Report by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Oral Health Section, 19% of the kindergartners screened in Bertie County had untreated tooth decay. The same study found that 15% of kindergarteners screened state-wide had untreated tooth decay.

Counties with demographics like Bertie’s are the reason the ECU dental school was created and why it has opened eight community service learning centers in rural and underserved areas of North Carolina–where faculty, students, residents, and staff treat patients every weekday.

The program, which is already underway at Windsor Elementary School, will offer comprehensive dental exams, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride varnish application, and dental sealants to all public elementary and middle school children in Bertie County over the next two years.

An ECU dental team will care for the children on site at each school. Of the 385 students at Windsor Elementary School, 137 students have been enrolled in the program by their parents. The team works with the children in an annex set up at the school like a dental office.

Dental hygienists Jennifer Buck (left) and Rachel Stewart provide cleanings, fluoride treatments and/or dental sealants as recommended for each child by a faculty dentist.

“Dental disease is 100% preventable when consistent measures are taken to ensure that children have access to oral health care,” said Dr. Wanda Wright, the dental school’s division director of dental public health. Wright is author of the grant proposal and director of the program.

“We know that programs based in schools are effective but have not been widely replicated in our region,” Wright said. “Bringing these programs to Bertie County will provide students with needed dental care in safe, convenient, and accessible locations.”

Dr. Ford Grant, faculty director of the dental school’s community service learning center in Ahoskie, drives 30 miles to Windsor several times each month to give each child in the program an oral exam.

Dental hygienists Rachel Stewart and Jennifer Buck, the program’s case managers, provide oral health instruction in every classroom and have created bulletin boards in the school’s hallway to remind the children to brush their teeth.

Stewart and Buck take x-rays, and provide cleanings, fluoride treatments and/or dental sealants as recommended for each child by Grant. They send reports to the parents after treatment, and if restorative dentistry is indicated, they help parents coordinate a visit to their child’s dentist or to the dental school’s community service learning center in Ahoskie.

Every child who participates in the program will be seen twice a year by a faculty dentist and dental hygienists.

The program intends to become self-sustaining after the two years of grant funding through patient reimbursement fees from Medicaid and/or private dental insurance companies. Resources from grant funding, in combination with existing resources from the dental school, will work to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project and provide a comprehensive oral health program for low-income children in Bertie County.

Dental hygienists Jennifer Buck and Rachel Stewart presented oral health instructions for every child at Windsor Elementary School and created bulletin boards reminding children to brush.

Wright hopes that in time a program such as this can be extended to other counties in the northeastern part of the state with similar demographics.

“One reason that I’m so positive about this program is that along with preventive applications, we can actually offer families a dental home at the school’s center in Ahoskie,” she said.

The ECU School of Dental Medicine accepts Medicaid and most private insurances, and works with uninsured patients. About 88% of the children in the program at Windsor Elementary School are Medicaid recipients, about 2% carry private insurance and about 9% are uninsured.

“We have seen oral health programs come and go at our schools,” said Williams, “but we think this program has a very good chance of success. To see so many children enrolled in a program of this type is unusual. I think the fact that it’s an ECU program has a lot to do with the numbers.

The East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine has announced the creation of its first distinguished professorship in honor of Dr. Jasper L. Lewis, Jr., a Greenville pediatric dentist and visionary supporter of the school.

The Jasper L. Lewis, Jr. Distinguished Professorship positions the dental school to place a more specialized emphasis on evolving topics, treatments and research in the realm of pediatric dentistry and add rich educational experiences to classrooms and clinics.

Dr. Jasper L. Lewis, Jr.

“We hope to attract an outstanding scholar, researcher and practitioner to join our talented pediatric dentistry faculty,” said Greg Chadwick, dean of the dental school. “Ultimately, we want to prepare our students and residents to serve North Carolinians with the same spirit, energy and dedication that Dr. Lewis has shown for more than four decades.

The School of Dental Medicine has already raised $800,000 in gifts and pledges from an enthusiastic group of friends, family and professional colleagues. The school looks forward to securing at least $200,000 in additional support in the coming months, making the professorship eligible to receive a match from the UNC Distinguished Professors Endowment Trust Fund. Upon reaching its goal, the professorship would become one the largest endowments of its kind on the ECU Health Sciences campus.

Dr. Jasper Lewis, Jr. grew up in eastern North Carolina, where he returned after pursuing his education and later serving as a dental officer in the U.S. Air Force. He received a BS in biology from Wake Forest University, earned his dental degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed a postdoctoral degree in pediatric dentistry from UNC in 1973—the same year he opened his Greenville practice.

He has held leadership positions in dental organizations, including a term as president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and another as vice president of the North Carolina Dental Society. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and he has lectured across the country and around world on topics including pediatric dentistry and practice management.

Many have heard Jasper Lewis say, “It’s all about the kids.” He has been a driving force in East Central Dental Society’s annual “Give Kids a Smile” Day since the program began nationally in 2003. At the event each year, he makes sure that decision makers witness first-hand the disparities in children’s oral health care.

“I’m thrilled about this professorship for our school,” said Chadwick, “and particularly thrilled that it’s been named in honor of Jasper.”

For information on making a gift to the Jasper L. Lewis, Jr. Distinguished Professorship, contact Jon Jones, senior director of development at the ECU School of Dental Medicine, at 252-744-2239.

Dr. Linda May, Dr. Mark Moss, Dr. Brian Muzyka and Dr. Wanda Wright were honored at ECU’s Research and Scholarship Awards Ceremony on March 2, 2020, for their recently funded projects over $100K. The event, sponsored by the ECU Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement (REDE), also recognized ECU faculty for Lifetime Achievement, 5-Year Achievement, Scholarship of Engagement, Coastal Scholarship and Invention.

Primary Investigator: Linda May, PhD, MS, FAHA, Associate Professor
Research Title: ENHANCED By Mom
Sponsor: American Heart Association, Funded $200,000

Primary Objective: This is the first study to assess functional and metabolic changes due to maternal exercise in the skeletal muscle of offspring via stem cells and neuromotor skills. The work is significant since it documents how exercise during pregnancy influences the child’s skeletal muscle development and overall cardiovascular risk. The findings will have a significant impact on United States public health regarding heart disease and obesity prevention during pregnancy.

Primary Investigator: Mark Moss, DDS, PhD, Associate Professor
Research Title: Implementation Coaching for School-based Oral Health Expansion Project.
Sponsor: Duke Endowment, two-year project, Funded $493,800
Primary Objective

Primary Objective: Faculty provides technical assistance to 16 school-based oral health expansion programs funded in North Carolina by the Duke Endowment. The primary role is that of coaching for success. There are two phases that are part of the funding – a 6-month Readiness Phase and a 3-year Implementation Phase. Dental faculty work closely with the grantees to accomplish planning and implementation around 15 key domains that are hallmarks of successful school-based programs. These include activities that relate to working with the schools, development of a care plan for service delivery and development of a business plan that tracks impact and leads to sustainability so that the project can continue after the funding ends.

Primary Investigator: Brian Muzyka, DMD, MS, MBA, Associate Professor
Research Title: Reduction in Oral Mucositis with Avasopasem Manganese (GC4419) – Phase 3 Trial in Patients Receiving Chemoradiotherapy for Locally-Advanced, Non-Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer
Sponsor: Galera Therapeutics, Funded $215,814

Primary Objective: This is a phase 3 multi-centered clinical drug trial to assess the effect of intravenously (IV) administered GC4419 on the incidence and severity of severe oral mucositis (SOM) in people receiving chemotherapy with cisplatin plus radiation therapy (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy, IMRT) for locally advanced, non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity or oropharynx. CG4419 is designed to convert superoxide caused by radiation therapy to hydrogen peroxide, which is then converted to oxygen and water. As a result, GC4419 significantly reduce the immediate and long-term radiation damage to normal tissue.

Primary Investigator: Wanda Wright, RN, DDS, MS, MSD, Assistant Professor
Research Title: Bertie County School-Based Oral Preventive Program
Sponsor: Duke Endowment, two-year project, Funded $400,000

Primary Objective: The ratio of dentists-to-population in Bertie County, North Carolina, is very low with only one or two licensed dentists for a population of approximately 21,000 people. The grant supports ECU dental faculty and dental hygienists in offering preventive oral health care to all students in public elementary and middle schools in Bertie County, including comprehensive exams, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride varnish application and sealants. The program also connects children and families with a dental home at the ECU School of Dental Medicine’s community service learning center in Ahoskie, N.C.

Ashley Fowler peered into the manikin’s mouth illuminated by an operatory light and examined its teeth with all the care, compassion and confidence of a seasoned dentist. After a moment, she sat back, looked down at her gloved hands and smiled.

For Fowler and 17 other students from seven schools in two counties, it was the classroom come to life.

Students from Elizabeth City schools, Pitt County Schools’ Health Sciences Academy and Elizabeth City State University participated in the School of Dental Medicine’s Preparing Tomorrow’s Dentists: Dental CSI program March 7 at the dental school’s community service learning center (CSLC) in Elizabeth City. The annual spring event provides students interested in health careers a hands-on experience in dentistry. Participants use X-rays and case studies to match them with patient manikins whose teeth reflect the visual and written clues; they also learn in detail about specific dental specialties.

Fourth-year SoDM student Akeadra Bell works with participants in the Preparing Tomorrow’s Dentists: Dental CSI event March 7 at the CSLC-Elizabeth City.

“Right now, I’m trying to explore different opportunities in health sciences,” said Fowler, a senior at Northeastern High School in Elizabeth City. “This has been great, and I’d definitely do it again. It really means a lot that people are taking the time on a Saturday to come teach us about dentistry.”

ECU dental student volunteers, faculty and staff joined forces with Eastern AHEC and the U.S. military to provide the most interactive experience possible for students accustomed to learning about careers in the classroom—but not in the clinic.

“This is an exposure to a health profession that is so needed and that they never would otherwise have the opportunity to learn about,” said Claire Mills, director of Eastern AHEC’s Elizabeth City office. “It lets the kids see the importance of their own health, and it gives them exposure to the possibilities for their futures.”

Getting a clue about dental school

Dental CSI is one program in the dental school’s Preparing Tomorrow’s Dentists (PTD) initiative, which provides hands-on experiences to promising students from underrepresented minority groups and from rural communities.

The initiative not only allows students to picture themselves as dentists, but also offers them resources that lead to success on their pathway to dental school.

To date, 40 (11.5%) of the 347 students who have participated in PTD programs have matriculated to the ECU School of Dental Medicine. About 25% of ECU SoDM students are from minority and underrepresented groups. The school’s pipeline educational programs geared toward K-12 and undergraduate college students around the state have impacted hundreds of students, including more than 60% minority participation. Nine of 52 students in the SoDM class of 2023 participated in Preparing Tomorrow’s Dentists programs.

“As kids, we all have dreams, but reaching those dreams can be continents away for most,” said Lamont Lowery, director of admissions for the SoDM. “Being able to allow a child to further solidify their career path is very rewarding. It also champions the need for programs like these.”

The Dental CSI event also highlighted the dental school’s commitment to using the eight CSLCs across North Carolina not only to treat patients in rural communities—but to use them to serve their towns and counties through outreach and education.

“Our CSLCs are strategically placed in rural areas and are ideal platforms to expose students to the many opportunities in dentistry,” said Dr. T. Rob Tempel, associate dean for extramural clinical practices in ECU’s dental school. “This event was a perfect example of the innovation of the ECU SoDM teams and strong relationships with AHEC, local education, armed forces recruiters and private citizens.”

During the CSI event, students took turns examining the manikin patients—called DXXTR Dental X-Ray Trainers and nicknamed “Dexter heads”—comparing notes and clues to the teeth in front of them and carefully studying X-ray images. They used real dental instruments in operatories to examine each manikin for evidence of environmental factors that impact dental health—from smoking to not brushing teeth and not visiting the dentist. The students learned about how daily decisions impact their own oral health while getting a real-world view in a dental office close to home—making future careers more accessible and within reach, especially in communities where those professions are needed.

“If we encourage one child to further their education, then that’s a step in true regional transformation,” Lowery said.

From dental care to dental career

For fourth-year ECU dental student Akeadra Bell, the CSI event was a homecoming. The Elizabeth City native and graduate of Elizabeth City State University is also in the home stretch toward graduation—a fact that made her an even more enthusiastic example of health-care career dreams becoming reality.

The students hung on Bell’s every word as she walked them through different dental procedures and encouraged them to explore every avenue of dentistry while they were visiting the CSLC.

“Opening doors for future dental students is such a rewarding experience and a true passion of mine,” Bell said.  “As a previous educator, I pride myself on helping others reach their goals, assisting with these programs is just one way I love giving back.”

Bell found the CSI experience a learning opportunity of her own through watching the students succeed as they used their new knowledge to match X-rays with the teeth in front of them.

“Seeing them develop their own strategic approach to matching the Dexter dentition with the radiographs, was remarkable,” she said. “Their leadership qualities, critical thinking skills and passion to learn about the profession of dentistry gleamed.”

SoDM students begin to learn in their first days of dental school the importance of being active and visible members of not only the ECU community—but also their home communities and the towns and counties where they complete extensive clinical experiences.

Second-year SoDM student Brittanie Height, from Charlotte, decided to volunteer at the event because she has seen firsthand the power of the experience.

“I want these students to see that they have access to dental care and a dental career,” she said. “It’s important that we reach out to the community and engage students; it’s one way we can eliminate barriers to care.”

Tina Cole, student services coordinator for the Eastern AHEC Elizabeth City office recruits area students to participate in programs like Dental CSI and oversees the Youth Health Service Corps in eight area counties, using curriculum that encourages students to learn about health care careers and take a closer look at health challenges relevant to their communities.

“We recognize the difficulty in recruiting and retaining certain health professions,” she said, “and programs like this is an opportunity for students to see the importance of this profession right here in their own community.”

‘They are blossoming’

Clara Thomas, health sciences educator at Northeastern High School, roamed the dental operatories and clasped her hands together as she heard students make connections between the X-rays and the teeth they examined.

“It’s absolutely amazing to see them so engaged and learning,” Thomas said. “I’ve actually been tearing up. They are just blossoming.”

Sherrita Gavin, a Lumberton native and graduate student in biology at Elizabeth City State University, saw her pathways open up as well during the event. Her dream of being a dentist has followed her throughout her higher education experience, and the CSI event cemented her future goal.

Second-year SoDM student Brittanie Height works with participants in the March 7 Preparing Tomorrow’s Dentists: Dental CSI event as they learn to read radiograph images.

“I am applying for dental school in the future,” she said, “and I try to stay active in dentistry to make sure it’s the right career path for me. CSI gave me the opportunity to communicate more with dental students, dentists, hygienists and admissions staff. The hands-on experience exposed me to how to properly take X-rays, hold instruments, and do impressions and sealants. The exposure and the conversation with each person I met at the ECU CSI event solidified my dream of becoming a dentist.”

Lowery said the firsthand view of dental education extends from participants and teachers to parents and guardians as well.

“We want to provide an opportunity for kids to make an informed decision about dentistry,” he said. “In addition, we want to offer specific programming that targets the parents and guardians surrounding oral health, how opportunities like these can benefit their child, how to pay for college and beyond.”

Melissa Roupe mulled over some of these considerations as she saw a dream take shape in her daughter Lauren’s eyes.

Roupe, of Greenville, peeked around a corner as Lauren, a sophomore at D. H. Conley High School, donned protective gear and gloves and set about using her hands to learn about dentistry for the first time.

“This is a phenomenal opportunity for her to learn about dentistry, but also have an opportunity to actually try things out for herself while she’s learning,” Melissa Roupe said, pausing to watch her daughter in action. “If anything, she’s even more excited about the future now. It’s just amazing to see her eyes light up.”

By Spaine Stephens, University Communications

Michael D. Webb, DDS, MEd, chair and clinical associate professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, has co-authored the chapter “Behavior Guidance and Medical Emergencies” in Clinical Cases in Pediatric Dentistry 2^nd Edition.

The book offers a wealth of real-world clinical cases in pediatric dentistry as a comprehensive resource for pre-clinical dental students, post graduate residents and pediatric dentists preparing for board examinations and recertification.

In chapter 6, Webb and co-author Amr Moursi, DDS, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry, offer case histories, diagnostics, treatment plans and self-study questions for seven specific pediatric dental cases.

Webb and Moursi’s cases examine nonpharmacological behavior guidance, intraoperative pain management, nitrous oxide, pharmacological behavior guidance, airway management, allergic reactions, and general anesthesia.

“The case-based nature of the book can help students apply basic and clinical science to real life scenarios,” said Webb. “It can also help residents prepare for the Oral Clinical Examination of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.”

Michael Webb received his dental degree from Northwestern University and completed a three-year residency in pediatric dentistry at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and a residency in dental anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. In addition to his clinical training, Webb has a certificate in health care administration and a master’s degree in education with a concentration in adult learning.

After residency training, Webb was the chief of dental services at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas and the graduate program director in pediatric dentistry at the Baylor College of Dentistry. He was an attending pediatric dentist/dental anesthesiologist at Children’s Medical Center and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital before moving to Richmond, VA, to be the graduate program director in pediatric dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Webb maintained a private practice of pediatric dentistry that focused on the use of sedation and general anesthesia in pediatric dentistry before returning to academics at ECU in 2014 to develop the pediatric dentistry residency program. He is also a certified emergency medical technician (EMT) – intermediate.

Forget air fryers and Snapchat filters, social distancing is the new trend of 2020.

With the COVID-19 pandemic now upon us, we are facing many transitions. Schools are shifting to online lessons, businesses are being forced to adjust, I am patiently waiting to return to dental school, and no one can find toilet paper.

During uncertain times as these, the first thing to go is our schedule. We might stay in our pajamas too long, and we might eat lunch at 3 p.m., but one thing that we need to remember to schedule time for is our oral health.

Will Grine is a second-year student and J. Bradley Wilson Albert Schweitzer Fellow at the ECU School of Dental Medicine.

One question I receive a lot is, “Should I go to the dentist during the COVID-19 outbreak?” The current CDC and the American Dental Association recommendation (and now requirement in some states) is to reschedule all “nonessential” dental services, such as teeth cleanings and cosmetic procedures. This does not mean that one should stop going to the dentist when emergencies arise. Toothaches and dental trauma are inconvenient in nature; they will not simply just stop due to a viral outbreak.

Our body gives us signs when something is not quite right, and choosing to ignore these signs has consequences. Tooth pain, for instance, is often an indicator of infection. When left untreated, this infection can easily spread to the brain or heart and become life-threatening. When in doubt, call your local dentist for advice on whether your condition requires an immediate visit.

However, just because recommendations are to stay put at home, and our schedules all look very different than they did just a few weeks ago, it is important now, more than ever, to take care of our teeth and gums. The mouth acts as the gateway of the immune system.

Transmission of COVID-19 occurs when respiratory droplets, produced from an infected individual’s cough or sneeze, travel through the air or direct contact to others. Since the virus is abundantly present in the saliva of infected patients, it is especially important that individuals not share toothbrushes. Frequent hand washing and keeping our hands away from our faces and mouths are two additional ways that we can take action to significantly reduce the chance of transmission.

While the novelty of the COVID-19 outbreak is currently causing panic, longstanding health concerns associated with poor oral health remain serious. A healthy mouth and a healthy body are interconnected. Poor oral health is associated with severe health risks, such as an increased incidence of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, and not taking proper care of one’s mouth has even been associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s. All of these conditions can weaken the immune system and reduce the ability to fight off infections, including COVID-19.

So while you continue to maintain a distance of six feet between you and others, wipe down those Amazon boxes before you bring them into the house, and pull out that next puzzle, don’t forget to schedule in consistent dental home hygiene.

Have a few new soft bristle toothbrushes, a couple of packages of floss, and fluoridated toothpaste added to your next grocery delivery. Remember that paying attention to the importance of your mouth could be the difference in your saying “not today, Corona.”

Written by Will Grine

Oral cancer represents 3% of all cancers in United States. It is the 8^th most common cancer in males and the 15^th most common cancer in females. In between dental visits, the public is encouraged to regularly check for signs and symptoms of oral cancer and to see a dental professional if they do not improve or disappear after two to three weeks. Signs and symptoms include:

• Any sores or ulcerations that does not heal.
• A red, white, or black discoloration of the soft tissues of the mouth.
• A lump or mass on the tongue.
• A sore under a denture that does not heal.
• A lump or thickening that develops in the mouth.
• A painless, firm, fixated lump felt on the outside of the neck.
• Hoarseness or sore throat that does not resolve within a few weeks.
• Difficulty swallowing; a sensation that food is getting caught in your throat.
• An earache on one side (unilateral) that persists for more than a few days.

The following videos from the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery explain how to perform a self-exam for oral cancer and contain useful oral cancer facts.

Always contact a dental professional right away if you have any immediate concerns. You can schedule an appointment for a full head and neck exam and oral cancer screening with an ECU SoDM Provider. Please see the closest location to you HERE.

We are also offering Teledentistry Virtual Consultations to our patients. Please see more information HERE.

Oral Head And Neck Cancer Facts (pdf)

Oral Cancer Self Exam (pdf)

For dental practitioners: you can see the 2017 American Dental Association for Evaluation of Potentially Malignant Disorders in the Oral Cavity Clinical Practice Guideline: HERE.

Alex Gillone, DDS, MS, clinical assistant professor, has been appointed division director of periodontology within the Department of Surgical Sciences at the ECU School of Dental Medicine.

Among his duties, Gillone will oversee the periodontology curriculum within the school’s predoctoral (DMD) program, advise on matters relating to periodontology for advanced education residency programs and oversee recruitment of periodontal faculty.

Alex Gillone, DDS, MS, clinical assistant professor, has been appointed division director of periodontology within the Department of Surgical Sciences at the ECU School of Dental Medicine.

“The appointment will broaden Dr. Gillone’s teaching role and serves as a catalyst for his faculty and leadership development,” said David Paquette, chair of the Department of Surgical Sciences. “We thank him for his dedication to the predoctoral program and look forward to his oversight in continuing a strong periodontology program at all levels of education and patient care.”

“I am honored and humbled for this opportunity to further serve the students, patients and ECU School of Dental Medicine,” said Gillone.

Gillone joined the school’s faculty in 2017 and has directed the teaching module in periodontology for first-year dental students.

He earned a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Cagliari School of Dentistry in 2009. Thereafter, he began private practice as a general dentist in Cagliari while attending the advanced training program in endodontics at the University of Bologna School of Dentistry. In 2011, he received a master of clinical endodontics from the University of Bologna.

While greatly satisfied with private practice, Gillone realized a desire to pursue the surgical discipline of periodontics and study in the United States. He was admitted to the advanced specialty education program in periodontology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. He was awarded a certificate and master’s degree in periodontology in 2016.

His clinical and research expertise lies in implant dentistry, guided bone regeneration and periodontal regeneration, soft tissue management and cosmetic dentistry, relationship between systemic disease and periodontal disease, and quorum sensing within the oral microbiota.

Gillone is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology. He has won awards for his research, including the 2016 Billy M. Pennel Award (third place, basic science category) from the Southern Academy of Periodontology.

Acela Martinez Luna, DMD, MS, clinical assistant professor, has been appointed inaugural division director of clinical implantology within the Department of Surgical Sciences at the ECU School of Dental Medicine.

“This appointment deepens Dr. Martinez Luna’s teaching role at the School of Dental Medicine and serves as a basis for her faculty and leadership development,” said David Paquette, chair of the Department of Surgical Sciences. “Thanks to Dean Greg Chadwick and Dr. Linc Conn, chair of the Department of General Dentistry, for their support of this new division designation and of Dr. Martinez Luna’s significant contributions to our implantology program.”

Acela Martinez Luna, DMD, MS, clinical assistant professor, has been appointed inaugural division director of clinical implantology within the Department of Surgical Sciences at the ECU School of Dental Medicine.

In this newly established role, Martinez Luna will oversee and advise the school’s predoctoral and residency programs in matters relating to dental implants and serve as chair of the school’s Dental Implant Advisory Committee. She will also oversee the distribution and referral of dental implant cases among student, resident and faculty clinics; advise on the inventory of implant components and continuous review of quality care regarding implant services; and serve as the school’s liaison with dental implant and device companies, including continuing dental education events.

“I am very excited and honored for this opportunity, and I am eager to make a positive contribution to the School of Dental Medicine,” said Martinez Luna.

Martinez Luna joined the ECU dental faculty in 2017. She received a doctor of dental medicine (DDS) with honors from Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi in Mexico in 2009 and completed a certificate in restorative dentistry at Centro de Estudios Odontologicos de Queretaro in 2011.

After a year of private practice in her home country, Martinez Luna pursued specialty training and completed the advanced education program and master of science in periodontology at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in 2015. Following her specialty training, she completed a one-year fellowship in advanced implant dentistry at the UNC School of Dentistry.

Martinez Luna is the recipient of the Straumann New Periodontist Award (2017), Straumann SUPER Grant (2015), the North Carolina/American Association of Dental Research Section Derek T. Turner Student Research Award (2015), and the UNC-Chapel Hill Elsie and Baxter Sapp Fellowship Award (2014).

Her clinical and research expertise includes implant dentistry, digital dentistry, 3D printing, periodontal plastic surgery, and periodontal and guided bone regeneration.

She is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, American Dental Association, East Central Dental Society, Hispanic Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society, Mexican Association of Periodontology, and she is a Fellow of the International Team for Implantology.

The school is upgrading Teledentistry technology serving rural communities through a grant from the USDA.

Greenville, NC – A $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will help the ECU School of Dental Medicine upgrade and expand its teledentistry capacity in rural locations in North Carolina. The school is one of more than 130 schools and health care organizations to receive a Rural Utilities Service – Distance Learning and Telemedicine (RUS DLT) grant from the USDA.

The grant is the school’s fourth and largest RUS DLT grant to date. The grant program is designed to provide access to education, training and health care resources for rural Americans.

“With this award, we will again modernize our facilities with the latest technologies for collaboration and telemedicine,” said Phillip Allen, the dental school’s senior director of informatics, “increasing our ability to provide rural residents with a variety of specialty care.”

The school operates 10 clinical sites across North Carolina, including eight community service learning centers in rural locations where senior dental students and residents gain hands-on experience caring for patients. The school relies heavily on video teleconferencing to bring students and residents together with faculty to seamlessly continue their course work while on rotation.

Faculty, staff, students and residents at all clinical sites are able to consult with specialists at ECU through sophisticated teledentistry equipment, which can save rural patients the expense of an unwarranted long-distance visit to a specialist.

“Funding this technology also aids our rural residents by alleviating their need to travel for a specialty consult,” said Allen. “In addition to dental medicine, we have partnered with specialty providers across the university to provide patient consultations regarding pregnancy, nutrition, and diabetes care.”

With the grant, the school can replace a majority of the video conferencing equipment in Ross Hall, the school’s main teaching facility at ECU, and at four of the school’s community service learning centers located in rural areas, including Ahoskie, Elizabeth City, Lillington and Sylva.

Upgrades will include video conferencing technology in patient consultation rooms for meetings with specialists and the latest generation intra-oral cameras for consultations with dental specialists. Video conferencing equipment for educational seminars and meetings will also be upgraded.

RUS DLT grants are part of a multi-year initiative by the USDA to helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world. To learn more about the grant program, visit Rural Utilities Service – Distance Learning and Telemedicine (RUS DLT) grant from the US Department of Agriculture.

The School of Dental Medicine will be highlighted through May in a special feature section of the ECU website. The special pages give potential students, faculty, patients and friends a closer look at the School of Dental Medicine and how it serves patients and people across North Carolina. The section includes a faculty spotlight story on Dr. Ford Grant, faculty director of the Ahoskie community service learning center, as well as expert overviews on three more accomplished faculty members and recent news-making accomplishments in different areas of the school. Click here for more.

Following the university’s official commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 8, the School of Dental Medicine honored its graduates with a web-based celebration that included congratulatory messages from administrators, faculty, staff and fellow students. While their special day looks different than they imagined it would, the Class of 2020 has so much to be proud of as they embark upon their dental careers or additional educational endeavors. Congratulations, graduates!

Dr. Akeadra Bell is on a mission.

Now that the 2020 graduate of the ECU School of Dental Medicine is officially an alumna, she has her sights set on making a difference in dentistry—and making dental school a more accessible dream for others.

The Elizabeth City native—and the first School of Dental Medicine graduate from Pasquotank County—won’t forget her eastern North Carolina roots; she plans to stay in touch and stay involved.

Dr. Akeadra Bell is a 2020 graduate of the ECU School of Dental Medicine.

“I am thankful to have been a part of the SoDM story and hope to continue to be a ‘living mission’ for our great institution as I begin my career,” Bell said. “Long term, I plan to have an active role in our communities’ oral health welfare, from education to advocacy and even policy. I am most dedicated to supporting our next generation of dental professionals in achieving their life-long goals.”

Staying active in the dental community isn’t a stretch for Bell—she decided early on to take on leadership levels from Ross Hall to the national level. She served as president of the Student National Dental Association and president of the SoDM’s SNDA chapter. As a J. Bradley Schweitzer Fellow, she and classmate Briana Hudson developed and ran the HIV SMART initiative. She has been active in the American Student Dental Association and served as treasurer of the SoDM Class of 2020, among many other activities and roles.

“From a young age, I developed a strong work ethic and passion for service,” Bell said. “I love being busy and engaged in my school and community. I have always felt that being involved in organizations allows you to be better connected to the community.” 

In Her Own Words

What are your plans after graduation, as well as your long-term vision for your career?

“In July, I will begin a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Grady Hospital Systems in Atlanta. The program will provide me with the opportunity to gain more exposure to implantology, pediatrics, removable and fixed prosthodontics. After completion of my residency program, I plan to begin practicing in our great state, hopefully serving in an underserved community.”

What led you to the ECU School of Dental Medicine?

“Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a doctor from the young age of 4. Initially set on pursuing pediatrics, I began participating in health professional related programs. Wearing orthodontics for over 8 years, I never gave dentistry a real thought until I saw my smile transformation. My second orthodontist, Dr. Woodard, was adamant about me changing my pre-medical track to pre-dental, but I would only smile and laugh as he finished my checks each time.

Dr. Akeadra Bell (center) works with participants at the Preparing Tomorrow’s Dentists: Dental CSI program at the CSLC-Elizabeth City in March.

Towards the end of my undergraduate career, I had the unfortunate experience of watching my grandfather’s demise from complications related to type II diabetes. I prided myself on being by his side, but every cold provider interaction pushed me further away from pursuing pediatrics and medicine. With a passion for children, I decided to pursue teaching, while I researched and shadowed other health care professions.

Still not to intrigued by my orthodontist’s dental invitation, I completed my orthodontic experience and began consultation for the implant to replace #10. Talking to my dentist, Dr. Rice, during our initial visit, he took the time to hear my story and share his. I was amazed at how similar our stories were and took him up on the invitation to shadow. That conversation was a game-changer. I began shadowing Dr. Rice the following week, while on summer break from teaching, and witnessed the near instant impact dental work had on patients. Being intrigued from my first few days, I held a mirror up as he completed the seating of my implant crown and crown on #7 on my peg lateral. The moment I saw my new smile, I knew that dentistry was for me.

I still remember the day I was sitting in class, a few days after my ECU interview, when my phone rang with a Greenville number. I left my students in the classroom, ran in the hallway, to hear the great news. Crying and overjoyed, I had to regain composure before returning to the classroom. Thankful for the new journey I was about to embark on, I pondered how to tell my students over the next 5 months; it was the hardest thing I had to do. My students kept me motivated during dental school; I knew they were watching and refused to let them down.”

In what ways do you hope you’re leaving the SoDM ‘better than you found it?’ 

“Completing my dental training at the SoDM has provided me with more opportunities than I could have asked for. I hope that my involvement has reached beyond the walls of the dental school to inspire and encourage the next generation of dental professionals to attend our wonderful program.

I hope I have encouraged current students to push further and go beyond what is asked and that my participation and representation of ECU at all levels has shined a positive light on our institution. As an HBCU graduate and the first student to matriculate from Elizabeth City State University, I hope that I have left a lasting impression that will reflect highly on my undergraduate training and graduates of all HBCUs.”

In your opinion, what makes the SoDM student experience different from any other in the state and nation?

“Experience and support. As students at SoDM, we receive a tremendous amount of experience in comparison to students being trained at other programs. Our service learning centers provide us with the opportunity to increase our speed, knowledge base and skill set while being immersed in communities across the state. Rotating from location to location and learning under different leadership and management allows us to learn so much about our field.

Throughout my rigorous four years, I have been encouraged and supported in every endeavor. The support received after the loss of my grandmother during my first year re-solidified my choice of institution. The encouragement and kindness from my SoDM family was unbelievable.

There was something special about SoDM on the day of my interview, and that same feeling resonates now. I am a proud SoDM graduate.”

By Spaine Stephens

Since the School of Dental Medicine at East Carolina University first opened its doors to students, some of its leaders, faculty, students and alumni have understood that “chance favors the prepared mind,” in Louis Pasteur’s famous words. Over the past several months during the coronavirus pandemic, SoDM alumni have found that their preparations in dental school, residencies and clinical practice have helped them rise to occasion—when it matters most.

Whether they are providing emergency care in clinics across North Carolina or working hard in close proximity to coronavirus hotspots in some of the nation’s biggest cities, School of Dental Medicine alumni are showing what it means to serve. Here are some of their stories.

Calling on colleagues and strength

In the days before coronavirus changed her daily routine, Dr. Bianca Adams had her weeks down to an art. She spent six days working and learning as part of her general practice residency at Louisiana State University and saw patients on Saturdays at Louisiana Dental Center in Baton Rouge.

COVID-19 has transformed Adams’ routine in nearly every way.

Dr. Bianca Adams is completing a general practice residency at LSU in Baton Rouge.

“Things have changed drastically, especially since Louisiana is one of the epicenters for this virus,” said Adams ’19 from Fayetteville, N.C. “Like most dentists all over the country, we are only treating emergencies. We are also still pulling call in the hospital emergency room trying to do our part to help triage, treat and discharge patients so the hospital ED will not be overwhelmed.”

The pandemic has meant fewer dental cases for Adams, but more time to focus on providing outstanding care and honing her skills as a dentist.

“My days are a lot slower, but it has given me more time to take some online continuing education and prepare and present for LSU School of Dentistry Spring Rounds about treatment and treatment considerations for patients before, during and after cancer treatment.”

Adams said her preparation in the School of Dental Medicine—and the bonds she formed there—made her able to adjust and respond quickly as the pandemic arose.

“The relationships that were formed during my time at SoDM have been invaluable before and during this pandemic,” she said. “I have heard from colleagues, faculty and students who check in and see how I’m doing. An SoDM rotation that has been the most beneficial during this time is Dr. (Kimberley) Gise’s emergency rotation. The ability to triage, diagnose and treat patients correctly and in a timely manner has been the most beneficial in this pandemic for me.”

With solid support behind her, Adams has faced uncertainty but has found strength and growth in the experience.

“A pandemic is the last thing I would expect to deal with my first-year practicing dentistry,” she said. “I have experienced moments of fear and anxiety because things are so uncertain, but being at work and having a purpose every day has been so very beneficial.”

Alleviating emergencies and exposure

Dr. Patrick Monahan ’19 isn’t missing a beat in providing emergency treatment as a resident in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center.

Dr. Patrick Monahan is living and working in Pittsburgh, completing an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency.

“I think the one aspect that I love about being in residency is being able to stay open and see trauma patients, infection patients and emergency patients, as these cases are not elective and really have to be treated,” Monahan said. “One of the biggest challenges is not being able to see the patients in clinic that really needed and sought our help. We have a large impact on someone’s life when we perform surgeries that can be life-changing—whether it is orthognathic surgery, cleft lip/palate, full mouth rehab with implants or ruling out a cancer diagnosis for a biopsy.”

The Raleigh native provides care in two surgery/emergency clinics open during the pandemic to help relieve dental cases in hospital emergency departments—a task that dentists nationwide are prioritizing as the coronavirus situation continues.

“We have alleviated patients going to the ED at our five hospitals,” he said, “which helps lower the exposure of patients going to busy trauma centers and being heavily exposed to other patients and providers.”

Monahan has been able to pause and consider what he’s learning right now in addition to surgical skills, including the role he and colleagues perform daily in health care.

“We are all health care providers in this together, so we need to support one another,” he said. “With the amount of contacts and people offering help through Zoom meetings and telemedicine/dentistry, don’t hesitate to reach out to a colleague for advice or help on a situation. This time shall pass, and in the meantime, encourage others and figure out ways that you can make your practice better and more welcoming when this situation takes a turn for the better.”

Protecting patients and providers 

At Kintegra Family Dentistry in Mocksville, N.C., Brittany Stofford ’18 is committed to keeping everyone safe—from patients seeking emergency dental care to the dentists and staff who provide that care. While that’s always been at the forefront of practicing, the Concord native knows the pandemic is transforming dental care for the future.

“I have not entirely processed the experience,” she said, “but dentistry will undoubtedly change forever in terms of PPE and aerosols.”

Dr. Brittany Stofford is providing emergency care through private practice in Mocksville, N.C.

That realization has only made Stofford more determined to place health and safety at the helm of her treatment approach. As Kintegra only treats emergency patients during the pandemic, initial patient evaluations are done by phone or via video chat, to determine the nature of the emergency. Once they arrive at the office, patients call to notify staff and are triaged at the door before entering. Only patients under 18 are allowed to have any other people with them during their visit.

With a relatively new way of doing business, Stofford has had to reevaluate the way she and her colleagues prioritize patient needs and identify true dental emergencies. The added uncertainty of coronavirus and its trends in spread and infection add to the responsibilities of oral health care providers.

“The pandemic has made it difficult to practice dentistry without fear for the safety of the patient, staff and myself due to so much that we just don’t know about this virus,” she said, adding that she and her colleagues are driven to serve patients to the best of their ability while also staying safe.

Stofford’s efforts are also keeping potential patients out of hospitals that are faced with the possibility of exhausted resources because of coronavirus.

“By keeping up with good oral health care habits, you prevent dental problems that may arise and lead to visiting emergency rooms. Hospitals are actively fighting COVID-19, and taking care of ourselves can prevent potential hospital overloads. Stay home, stay healthy and stay safe.”

By Spaine Stephens

The North Carolina Albert Schweitzer Fellowship has announced the selection of its 2020-21 class of Schweitzer Fellows, including four students from the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine.

Victoria Long

Rachel Cantrell, Ashley Huff, Josh Stewart and Victoria Long join a class of 25 NC Schweitzer Fellows who will develop and implement service projects that address the root causes of health disparities in under-resourced communities, while also fulfilling their academic responsibilities. Each project is implemented in collaboration with a community-based health and/or social service organization.

The NC Schweitzer Fellows will lead a variety of service initiatives including care for the homeless, low income new moms, those who are food insecure, cancer patients, people struggling with chronic health conditions and more. The students work under the guidance of faculty mentors.

Rachel Cantrell

“The School of Dental Medicine’s unique model addresses the state’s oral health care needs from every angle—preparing students who are advocates for patients, special populations and communities,” said Dr. Greg Chadwick, dean of the ECU School of Dental Medicine. “The Schweitzer Fellows program opens doors to student experiences that promote our social mission and provide healthier lives for North Carolinians.”

Cantrell and Huff are J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows and will work together on a project educating women about the systems of autoimmune diseases to streamline diagnosis and treatment. They will complete their fellowship requirements in campus clinics and in some of those in the school’s community service learning centers located across the state. They will complete their project under the guidance of faculty mentors Dr. Ramiro Murata and Dr. Iquebal Hasan.

Stewart and Long will team up as J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows working to accelerate the dental clearance process for cancer patients, so that they can begin treatment earlier. They will also lead student and provider education to improve the delivery of medical and dental care to these patients. They will complete project requirements at the ECU School of Dental Medicine, and the ECU Department of Radiation Oncology. They will complete their project under the guidance of faculty mentors Dr. Stevan H. Thompson and Dr. Iquebal Hasan.

Ashley Huff

Schweitzer Fellowships have an intensive leadership component so Fellows can inspire others to improve the health of those who experience barriers to care. Fellows work under the close guidance of community and academic mentors during their fellowship year. The class of 25 graduate students will spend the next year learning to effectively address the social factors that impact health and developing lifelong leadership skills, following the example set by famed physician-humanitarian Albert Schweitzer, for whom the fellowship is named.

“This is a passionate and dedicated group of students who are seeking to improve health care and access to care,” said Barbara Heffner, director of the NC Albert Schweitzer Fellowship. “During these extraordinary times of the pandemic, it is essential that we focus on giving the Fellows the skills and ingenuity needed to meet the changing landscape of health needs of vulnerable communities. I am impressed with the way they are working with their academic and community site mentors adapting their projects in light of current social distancing guidelines.”

Josh Stewart

The NC Fellows will join approximately 250 other 2020-21 Schweitzer Fellows working at program sites across the country: Alabama, Chicago, Columbus-Athens, Oh.; Dallas-Fort Worth; Detroit; Houston; Los Angeles; New Orleans; New Hampshire/Vermont; Pittsburgh; San Francisco and Tulsa. Upon completion of their Fellowship year, the Fellows will become Schweitzer Fellows for Life and join a vibrant network of more than 3,600 Schweitzer alumni who are skilled in, and committed to, addressing the health needs of underserved people throughout their careers.

The NC Schweitzer Fellowship is funded through the generosity of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, Duke University School of Medicine, ECU Brody School of Medicine, North Carolina Central University School of Graduate Studies, Pitt County Memorial Hospital University Health Systems of Eastern NC, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences and individual donors.

The East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine has received a $3.1 million grant to enhance resident training in the care of patients with special needs in eastern North Carolina and across the state.

The award from the Health Resources and Services Administration, one of the largest in the dental school’s history, will focus on improving dental care for pediatric and elderly patients as well as those with mobility issues and other complex health problems and those with mental, emotional and behavioral challenges.

Members of the grant project team from the School of Dental Medicine and College of Allied Health Sciences meet via teleconference, led by principal investigator Dr. Michael Webb, right. (Photo by Jon Jones)

“This grant highlights our mission and strong community partnerships,” said Dr. Greg Chadwick, dean of the School of Dental Medicine. “It positions our residents and future dentists to work in rural communities and learn to engage and respond to patients’ complex health challenges.”

The five-year project, titled “ECU Leadership Training in Special Needs Population Oral Health Care,” will address three specific goals—assessing and treating the needs of vulnerable populations, expanding pediatric dentistry training to a rural location and developing tools and training for population health management.

“This project is intended to take dentists who have basic knowledge and skills in treating special populations and expand on these so that they are able to be leaders in the care of these patients,” said Dr. Michael Webb, principal investigator and chair of the School of Dental Medicine’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Caring for special populations

The team will work to address three significant gaps in the current oral health care workforce, including the lack of readiness in treating children and adults with special health care needs.

According to the American Dental Education Association’s 2018 national Survey of Graduating Seniors, students expressed less confidence in their skills related to providing care for patients with physical, mental and developmental disabilities.

“This grant will allow the School of Dental Medicine to expand the scope of training for dental providers at all levels so that they are better prepared not only in the technical aspects of oral health care but also in working with community partners to provide total health care,” Webb said. “We are hoping to foster leadership skills in our residents so that they can extend this work beyond the time spent in the residency throughout their professional careers.”

The grant, led by Dr. Michael Webb, center, will focus on improving resident education and dental care for patients with special health needs, including those treated in Ross Hall’s Special Needs Clinic, above. (Photo by Jon Jones)

The project will include academic input in the areas of pediatrics, nursing, pediatric dentistry, general dentistry and dental public health. Pediatric dentistry training will be expanded to a rural site in Hertford County. Residents from the existing Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program will be offered a second year of training that emphasizes oral health care delivery for vulnerable populations.

According to data from the 2016 National Residential Information Systems Project, about 60% of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are covered by Medicaid. Most dentists do not participate in Medicaid because reimbursement is low, which makes it difficult for these patients to get access to dental care, with little opportunity for prevention or early intervention. As a result, dental disease is more advanced and dental treatment needs are more complex.

Once the planning year is complete, the project will provide enhanced training to three residents per year. Trainees will be recruited from the existing programs that include 21 AEGD residents and six pediatric dentistry residents.

Providing dentists for rural North Carolina

The second gap in oral health care that the grant will help address is the shortage of dentists in rural and underserved areas of the state.

“Rural communities in North Carolina have a need for dentists, especially pediatric dentists,” Webb said, “who are part of a medical-dental health-care team that can address social determinants of health. Underserved populations including patients with special needs and those in rural communities have multiple barriers to care that need to be addressed.”

Those factors, the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, and can include socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, social support networks, as well as access to health care, take interprofessional teams to address.

Also leading the project is Dr. Mark Moss, co-project director and associate professor in the dental school’s Department of Foundational Sciences. Other dental school team members include Dr. David MacPherson, clinical assistant professor and director of the AEGD program; Dr. Ford Grant, director of the school’s community service learning center in Ahoskie; Dr. Robert Carter Jr., director of the special care dentistry program; and Dr. Wanda Wright, assistant professor and division director of dental public health. Dr. Molly Jacobs, a health economist and assistant professor in health services and information management, represents the College of Allied Health Sciences.

“If you spend a little time here things start to make sense,” Moss said. “There are a lot of people in North Carolina who want to make their communities better places to live. There are a lot of young dentists who want to be part of a better future. We feel like we have the perfect opportunity to make ECU a pillar in this endeavor.”

The project will be based at Ross Hall with some components at the school’s community service learning center in Ahoskie and other sites around the state. During the grant’s first planning year, the team will also enlist consulting expertise from Dr. Lorrie Basnight, executive director of the Eastern Area Health Education Center and associate dean for continuing medical education at the ECU Brody School of Medicine, and Crystal Adams, program director of the Department of Dental Hygiene at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, N.C. Adams coordinates an online training program for community dental health coordinators (CDHCs) that prepares dental hygienists and dental assistants to work with communities to improve access to care.

The diverse team reflects the interprofessional approach of the grant itself, in the spirit of collaborating to provide more complete care to patients.

“This type of collaboration is what makes the Health Sciences Campus at ECU so unique,” Jacobs said. “While these issues are important to us all, these large endeavors are only possible when individuals with diverse abilities and expertise are able to collaborate. This type of project is important to everyone at ECU. We all want to better serve our community and provide better training for everyone moving forward.”

Preparing for an evolving health care system

The third component of the grant will work to help new dental professionals evolve along with the changing health care delivery system.

The gap for vulnerable populations is due to both gaps in Medicaid reimbursement and Medicare funding—where currently no dental benefits exist—and a shift toward an aging population.

“ECU is supporting the dental workforce transition in an emerging health care system,” Webb said. “It will no longer be acceptable to simply provide late-stage repair. A proactive approach will be necessary, especially as the demographics of the population shifts with more ‘baby boomers’ moving into an age category that is characterized by many more complex medical conditions.”

The grant will allow the team to meet these factors head-on by integrating medical, dental and societal factors that impact health care and producing professionals who can navigate the new system.

“Medically complex patients are increasingly being seen in dental offices,” Webb said. “As medical science advances more and more, patients are needing dental care that have conditions they may not have even survived a few years ago. Integration of care is essential so that there is communication among the health care providers to provide the patient the best treatment possible.”

By Spaine Stephens

The second-year student in the ECU School of Dental Medicine doesn’t take for granted any of the time he spends in the school’s home facility in Greenville. Nowlin graduated from ECU with a BS in public health studies; while he was working toward that degree, his ultimate goal was being accepted to the dental school.

Jonathan Nowlin, a second-year dental student, wants to help others through providing oral health care. Photo by Rhett Butler

“One thing that motivates me is something that a faculty member said at the start of my first year of dental school,” Nowlin said. “They said, ‘You guys are here for a reason. Out of all of the hundreds of applicants that applied for these 52 seats, we chose you.’ That has always stuck with me. Dental school is definitely not easy, but the fact that the admissions committee at the school saw something in me that made them believe I was capable of being successful in their program continues to keep me going.”

Nowlin also stays motivated because the school’s fourth-year curriculum sends students to rural communities across the state to serve patients in the school’s community service learning centers. That opportunity for exposure to real-world experience through the school excited Nowlin from the start and lends itself to his penchant for helping others.

“As a longtime resident of this state, I was excited about attending a dental school that recognizes the needs of our state’s underserved citizens since I’ve spent much of my life volunteering and trying to help others,” he said. “The community service learning centers are a great example of the school’s commitment to providing care to communities in need.”

It was a conversation with his orthodontist that originally placed Nowlin on the path toward dental school. During a routine visit, Nowlin asked the doctor what he enjoyed most about his career; his answer passed a proverbial torch on to Nowlin.

Jonathan Nowlin, a second-year dental student from Jacksonville, presents his research at the Student National Dental Association National Convention in Washington, D.C. in July 2019

“My orthodontist helped me realize that my enjoyment of using my hands, my desire to challenge myself and my passion for helping others are all qualities of a good dentist,” he said. “After becoming a dental student, my decision to pursue this career has only solidified as I continue to learn everything this field has to offer and all of the different ways that I will be able to help improve people’s smiles in the future.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic altered some parts of dental school for Nowlin and his classmates, he is keeping his eye on the course and cementing plans for the future. After earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, he hopes to complete an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency to give him extra experience and training to be able to provide even better care for future patients.

As for other future dentists, Nowlin recommends that undergraduates considering a career in the health field shadow a dentist to learn more about the profession.

“Shadowing is a great way for you to really see what this profession is all about, from the various surgical procedures, to the doctor-patient interactions and the overall workflow at a dental office,” Nowlin said. “If after shadowing a few dentists you still think that drilling into teeth is cool, then I think that you are well on your way to becoming a future dentist yourself.”

STATISTICS

Name: Jonathan Nowlin
College: School of Dental Medicine
Major: Doctor of Dental Medicine
Age: 25
Classification/Year: Second year
Hometown: Jacksonville
Hobbies/interests: Going to the movies, eating at local restaurants, playing board games with my family and friends and listening to audio books on my way to school
Clubs and Organizations: Student National Dental Association

FAVORITES

Favorite hangout: Home. A relaxing weekend at my house is my favorite kind of vacation.

Favorite place on campus: The dental school. I spent so much of my time during undergrad trying to make it into the ECU SODM, that finally being here is a dream come true. Being able to spend the last two years here has been so amazing and exciting.

Favorite place to eat: I Love Pho in Winterville

Favorite class: The endodontic course at the end of my first year of dental school. I grew up hearing about how “scary” root canals were. Once the faculty sat us down and went over the entire process, step-by-step, it actually became very fascinating. It was as if the magician revealed what was behind the curtain. I hope to be able to help provide that same kind of comfort to future patients, in order to alleviate any confusion or fears they might have towards root canal treatments.

Professor who influenced you the most: I can’t say that there has been one professor that has influenced me more than the others. There are so many different disciplines in dentistry and I am very fortunate to be able to work with such a diverse group of faculty who are experts in each of their own respective fields. This has allowed me the chance to learn about dentistry from multiple different perspectives and each one of the faculty have already had such an impact not only on my dental education, but on my future dental career as well.

Favorite TV show: “Breaking Bad”

Favorite band/musician: I don’t have a particular favorite band. If I listen to music, then it is simply whatever is on the radio at the time.

Favorite movie: “The Martian,” “The Departed,” all of the Marvel movies

Favorite website: YouTube

MOTIVATIONS

Dream job: General Dentist

Role model: My dad, Robert Nowlin

Your words to live by: Consistency is key.

What advice do you have for other students? Don’t let a single bad test or day keep you down. Learn from your stumbles and keep moving forward towards your dreams.

What is something cool about ECU that you wish you knew during your first year? I didn’t find out about Sup Dogs until my junior year of undergrad at ECU, right after I moved away from my dorm that was right next to downtown Greenville. So many missed opportunities for a delicious meal.

By Spaine Stephens

The ECU School of Dental Medicine has received a $3.2 million grant to continue its Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) program, funding scholarships for economically disadvantaged students over the next five years.

The grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is a renewal of a similar award in 2016 and provides opportunities for the school to increase the recruitment, retention and graduation of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including under-represented minority students, who will eventually practice as primary care dentists in underserved areas of North Carolina.

“The scholarship program is exactly in alignment with our school’s mission,” said Dr. Margaret Wilson, vice dean of the School of Dental Medicine. “HRSA has been wonderful in their support of us.”

School of Dental Medicine students work alongside a faculty member to provide oral health care to a patient in Ross Hall. (Photo by Jon Jones)

The number of scholarships awarded through the grant will vary depending on the number of eligible students who apply, said Dr. Wanda Wright, project director, assistant professor and division director of dental public health at the School of Dental Medicine.

“Students will be awarded each year, and each student will receive between $20,000-40,000 per year,” she said.

Students must apply for the scholarship each year, so some might receive the scholarship all four years while others might receive it for one, two or three years.

For some students with talent, potential and the desire to serve, cost is the biggest barrier to an education in the health sciences, Wright said.

The School of Dental Medicine enrolled its first class in 2011. To qualify for the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students, the school had to first gather data showing that its graduates trended toward practicing in underserved areas. Once it had a foundation of data available, the school was eligible to apply for the 2016 SDS grant.

Since then, 32 students per year in the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree program were supported by SDS scholarships. To date, 24 SDS recipients have graduated from the school, and 18 of them practice as primary care dentists in North Carolina. The other six SDS graduates are all pursuing advanced training in primary care. Of the 18 SDS graduates practicing as a general dentist, 10 practice in a medically underserved community.

During the academic years 2016–2019, 26% of full-time enrolled ECU School of Dental Medicine students were underrepresented minority students, 24% of graduates practiced in medically underserved communities and 92 of the graduates practiced as primary care dentists.

The School of Dental Medicine will use HRSA guidelines to identify students who meet eligibility criteria for Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students. Priority will be given to students with severe financial need.

Once students are accepted into the dental school, they can apply for the scholarship funding, show that they meet HRSA’s strict program requirements and outline their intent to eventually practice as primary care dentists in one of the state’s areas of need.

Part of the win-win format of the grant, Wright said, is that many of the students who benefit from the scholarships come from rural areas. They, in turn, are familiar with the challenges these areas of the state face and are likely to practice in similar communities.

“Our curriculum has a heavy emphasis on how to care for patients in rural areas,” she said. “This grant is really helping us fulfill the mission of the school.”

The ECU School of Dental Medicine also recently received a $3.1 million HRSA grant, directed by Dr. Michael Webb and Dr. Mark Moss, to provide intensive instruction to residents on how to care for patients with special needs.

By Spaine Stephens

After a hiatus from patient care that lasted more than three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ECU School of Dental Medicine students have returned to campus clinics and the school’s community service learning centers (CSLCs) across the state.

Safely re-incorporating students into patient care across the state involved carefully crafted layers of planning among school and university leadership and input from state and national health experts and organizations.

Nicole Alley, dental clinic administrator for the ECU School of Dental Medicine, screens dental student Omar Glover at Ross Hall before he begins providing clinical care to patients. Fourth-year dental students have returned to Ross Hall clinics and community service learning centers across the state. (Photo by Cliff Hollis)

The school’s response effort has been organized through the SoDM COVID-19 Response Team, led by Vice Dean Dr. Margaret Wilson. The team was created in March as the pandemic evolved and school leaders made operational decisions based on input from the SoDM community and many overlapping, strategically chosen units.

“The COVID-19 Response Team has worked diligently to make decisions through a combination of knowledge, expert guidelines, scientific evidence and considerations for the safety of the SoDM community,” Wilson said. “The decision to bring our students back to campus and clinics for direct patient care was made with confidence in our faculty, staff, students and residents, and represents a positive step forward during an extraordinary and uncertain time.”

Since the pandemic crisis began impacting patient care in the dental school’s clinics on campus and across the state, the school’s faculty and AEGD, PED and GPR residents continued treating emergency patients to alleviate strain on hospitals and emergency departments.

There were both immediate and gradual updates in safety protocol, including additional personal protective equipment (PPE) for providers such as face shields, and clinic equipment updates like additional sneeze guards in clinics and patient-traffic areas. Other safeguards evolved, based on input from those working with emergency patients throughout the pandemic.

A Clinical Operations Team also led much of the school’s efforts to assess the safety and process of re-incorporating students to patient care environments. The school organized into sub-units that assessed specific functional areas including clinic, educational operations,

administrative functions, IT capabilities, research and student, staff and faculty needs.

Information from the American Dental Association, American Dental Education Association, the CDC, OSHA, ECU and other sources were utilized to develop re-entry plans for dental students. Plans were vetted through the sub-units, routed to the dental school dean, the vice chancellor for Health Sciences and finally the ECU’s Main Campus Experiential Learning Committee.

One of the most important steps of the process begins right at the door—where anyone who enters a campus facility or CSLC is screened for temperature and asked a series of health questions to determine any presence of illness or symptoms. The eight CSLCs used the same screening protocol, tailored to their facility-specific design.

That screening process has been vital to preserving safety inside buildings and to acclimating students with a more intricate routine upon arrival and heightened awareness in patient care areas.

“The key to keeping us all safe is having a consistent screening process for literally everyone who comes in,” said Kimberly Werth, interim associate dean of student affairs for the dental school. “It has helped the students appreciate what they need to do as growing professionals.”

‘How can I help?’

Robert Pinner, a fourth-year dental student (D4) on rotation at the school’s CSLC–Elizabeth City, said returning to clinic renewed his sense of purpose in health care.

“It was refreshing to get back to work,” Pinner said. “I can focus on dentistry and my patients—that’s what I want to do. I’ve had some patients that needed immediate treatment; being able to get them out of pain makes me feel like an integral part of the health-care field.”

D4 students are treating patients with both emergency and routine cases. D3 students have returned to Ross Hall to complete curriculum benchmarks in preparation for direct patient care in the coming weeks. The Class of 2023 continues with remote instruction, and the school plans to welcome the Class of 2024 on August 10.

With those plans in motion, students are eager to move forward and bring smiles back to patients’ faces.

“I’m excited to get back to work, and I’m excited to have the support of my school,” Pinner said. “Situations like this COVID-19 pandemic require guts to navigate. It makes me proud to see our administration go to bat for us. They’ve worked immeasurably hard to get us back in the clinic so soon, and they’ve allowed us to get back to serving the people of North Carolina.”

School of Dental Medicine Dental Clinic Administrator Nicole Alley takes student Emory Byrd’s temperature as she screens students outside Ross Hall. Fourth-year dental students have returned to providing patient care in clinics and community service learning centers across the state. (Photo by Cliff Hollis)

Caitlin Melvin, D4, is adjusting not only to new regulations in providing care—but also to a new community. She began a rotation at CSLC–Lillington at the end of June and has spent time navigating new PPE, learning the layout of a new setting and trying to recover her sense of connection with patients. While the added PPE creates barriers between patient and provider, they also help Melvin recall why she chose her field.

“That connection is what drew me to dentistry,” she said “There is just something about being able to sit down face to face with my patients and talk with them and really get to know them. The whole atmosphere has changed since COVID. I feel I am less able to focus on getting to know them, and that in itself places a mental barrier between us.”

That less tangible obstacle is one Melvin is determined to overcome, especially with a sense of renewed energy in the normalcy of once again treating patients.

“I was so excited to return to clinic,” she said. “Seeing patients brings me so much joy. I have several patients that are getting quite a bit of work done, and I have been checking on them periodically throughout the pandemic. Being able to finally get them back in the chair has been awesome.”

Having more patients back in those chairs means considerations that come with dental work. Much of the upgraded equipment focuses on containing aerosols—fine mists or particles that result from some dental procedures and are the greatest airborne infection threat in dentistry.

“We have a lot of guidelines in place to make sure that aerosol is contained and rooms are disinfected properly,” Melvin said, adding that upholding new safety guidelines has been a team effort.

That teamwork derives from school faculty, staff and leadership—who have guided the School of Dental Medicine family to adapt to multiple challenges along the way. The dental school’s Office of Student Affairs has also offered resources to guide students as they return, Werth said, and students themselves have adapted to extraordinary circumstances as changes to classroom, curriculum and clinic have transformed their education as they once knew it.

“Students have consistently risen to the challenge and shown such patience throughout,” she said. “They’ve said to us, ‘What can I do to make this transition smooth? How can I help make it happen?’”

By Spaine Stephens