The School of Dental Medicine hosted the Old North State Dental Society (ONSDS) for its annual spring meeting on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Ledyard E. Ross Hall. The meeting began with welcoming remarks from Dr. F. Vincent Allison, III, ONSDS president, and Dr. Greg Chadwick, dean of the School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Isabel Gay, division director of periodontology, and surgical sciences colleagues offered instruction in dental implants for general dentists during a workshop at the dental school.

The school’s Department of Surgical Sciences Periodontology Division presented a half-day continuing education program entitled “Implant Site Development and Socket Grafting for the General Dentist.” The program reviewed the rationale, biology, evidence and techniques of atraumatic tooth extraction and bone grafting for ridge preservation and improved dental implant outcomes. The program was led by Dr. Isabel Gay, division director, and Dr. Acela Martinez Luna and Dr. Alex Gillone, clinical assistant professors.

Dr. David Paquette, chair of the Department of Surgical Sciences, served as moderator. In the second half of the program, participants were guided through a hands-on simulation of socket grafting. Using dental models, approximately 30 dentists and dental student were instructed in placing bone grafting materials in sockets, sizing and fitting resorbable membranes over site defects, and suturing.

The program awarded ADA CERP (Continuing Education Recognition Program) credit and was sponsored in part by Zimmer BioMet.

Old North State Dental Society president Dr. F. Vincent Allison, III (at left) thanked Dr. Acela Martinez Luna, Dr. Isabel Gay, Dr. Alex Gillone, and Dr. David Paquette for their participation in the workshop.

Faculty dentists, students, and residents are helping to improve the health and quality of life of North Carolinians across the state. Dr. Dianne Caprio, faculty director of the school’s Community Service Learning Center in Bolivia, N.C., discusses her center with Amy Myers of Novant Hospital’s Health Watch program. The interview airs daily at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on ATMC TV CH 3 during April 2018.

Dr. Richard W. Valachovic, D.M.D., M.P.H., president and CEO of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) explores the benefits of creating a dental school committed to educating dentists for practice in rural areas of the state. Will the investment in the ECU School of Dental Medicine pay off for the people of North Carolina? Dr. Valachovic examines the topic in his monthly Charting Progress newsletter at https://adeachartingprogress.wordpress.com/2018/01/16/placing-dentists-where-they-can-do-the-most-good/

A study led by researchers at East Carolina University and New York University showed that adults with diabetes are less likely to visit the dentist than people with prediabetes or without diabetes, even though they are at increased risk for periodontal disease.

The study, published by The Journal of the American Dental Association, used data from 2004 to 2014 that showed an overall decline in dental visits among adults with and without diabetes. People with diabetes were consistently the least likely to obtain oral health care.

Dr. Wanda Wright is an assistant professor and division director of dental public health at the ECU School of Dental Medicine.

“Other studies have shown that adults with diabetes receive oral health care at a lower rate than adults without diabetes and that individuals with diabetes see the dentist less than they see other health specialists as part of their comprehensive diabetes care. However, those studies used data collected over a decade ago,” said Dr. Wanda Wright, division director of dental public health at the ECU School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Wright says that more recent data on dental care visits among individuals with diabetes have not been published and there were no studies assessing trends of dental care visits in population with diabetes, prediabetes, and no diabetes. So, the authors of the study thought that it was important to look at the trends in dental care visits using more recent national data.

In addition to Wright, the study’s authors include Dr. Ronny Bell and Dr. Huabin Luo of ECU’s Brody School of Medicine, Dr. Qiang Wu of the ECU Department of Biostatistics, and Dr. Bei Wu of the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing.

Research has shown a two-way relationship between diabetes and oral health. People with diabetes are at an increased risk for periodontal disease, a chronic inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissue and bone, which has an adverse effect on blood glucose control and can lead to tooth loss.

Dr. Wanda Wright and other researchers at ECU and NYU uncovered an unfortunate trend in dental care among people with diabetes.

Eating a well-balanced diet, practicing good oral care at home, and regular dental check-ups can help keep glucose in the normal range, according to the American Dental Association.

Dr. Wright thinks Interprofessional efforts are needed to increase awareness of the interrelationships between oral health and diabetes.

“Health care professionals who treat patients with diabetes, such as endocrinologists, primary care physicians, oral health professionals, and public health professionals need to make a concerted effort to promote oral healthcare in patients with prediabetes and diabetes and encourage them to seek dental care,” Wright said. “ They should also advocate for dental insurance coverage for these populations.”

Leading organizations in diabetes care have put forth treatment guidelines for people with diabetes recommending dental visits at least once every 6 months and more frequent visits are recommended for those with periodontal disease, added Wright. “Expanding dental insurance coverage and improving access to dental care are needed to improve dental visits in patients with diabetes. Faculty, staff, and students at our school’s clinics across the state are actively engaged in screening, counseling and referral of patients with chronic medical conditions like diabetes to our health professional colleagues.”

ECU School of Dental Medicine assistant professor Luís Henrique Schlichting has been honored with a 2018 Judson C. Hickey Scientific Writing Award in the clinical report category from The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry for “Simplified treatment of severe dental erosion with ultrathin CAD-CAM composite occlusal veneers and anterior bilaminar veneers,” an article he co-authored with Tayane Holz Resende, Kátia Rodrigues Reis from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and Pascal Magne from the University of Southern California.

Dr. Luís Henrique Schlichting

In the article Schlichting and his co-authors showcase how CAD/CAM technology combined with adhesive dentistry make it possible to fabricate a new class of restorative design: the ultrathin occlusal veneers. This innovative approach would shift perspective, the way moderate and severe dental erosion is treated.

Traditionally, clinicians remove additional and significant amount of sound tooth structure in order to place full coverage crowns. This process increases the chances of periodontal (concerning the  gums surrounding the tooth) complications (because margins usually are placed below the gumline) as well as increases the chances of endodontic (dental pulp) involvement.

Schlichting’s approach involves the fabrication and bonding of ultrathin CAD-CAM occlusal veneers to patient’s teeth allowing only strategic reduction of sound dental structure or even no preparation. There is no need of extending the preparation in order to hide margins or to obtain retention form.

“It’s like in a road with damaged pavement, when an asphaltic resurfacing will recover the original traffic conditions being highly cost-effective” he explains. The thickness of these composite resin or ceramic restorations when bonded will make them virtually imperceptible and the final appearance much more natural when compared to dental crowns. 

Dr. Schlichting joined the ECU School of Dental Medicine’s Department of General Dentistry in March of 2015. His work focuses on ultraconservative approaches based on biomimetic restorative dentistry.  He teaches operative dentistry for first year DMD students in the school’s clinical simulation lab as well as other classes in the clinics. He is also co-author of the textbook Routes for Excellence in Restorative Dentistry: Mastery for Beginners and Experts.

The Judson C. Hickey Scientific Writing Award is presented annually to writers of the most outstanding articles — in three categories: research/clinical sciences article, clinical report and technical article — published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry as determined by the publication’s editorial council. This award honors Dr. Hickey’s distinguished career as editor of The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistryand his contributions to dental education, research, and administration.

Iquebal Hasan, BDS, clinical assistant professor of oral medicine at the ECU School of Dental Medicine, presented “Commonly Seen Oral Manifestations of Systemic Diseases & Medications” during Grand Rounds for the ECU Brody School of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine on April 26.

Dr. Iquebal Hasan presented at the ECU Department of Internal Medicine’s Grand Rounds.

Dr. Hasan identified specific oral manifestations (symptoms) that are related to some of the more common systemic diseases. He presented three case studies showing conditions that he diagnosed and is now working with patients’ physicians to manage. In these cases, the conditions had gone untreated or unsuccessfully treated for years. Dr. Hasan discussed the diagnosis, treatment, and positive results.

Among Dr. Hasan’s primary interests are the oral manifestations of systemic diseases; Sjogren’s Syndrome; and dental management of medically complex patients. He can be reached at the ECU School of Dental Medicine’s Faculty Practice at 252-737-7122 or at hasani16@ecu.edu.

Amna Hasan, BDS, clinical assistant professor in the Department of General Dentistry at the ECU School of Dental Medicine, presented “Oral and Facial Pain Disorders” at the ECU Brody School of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine Grand Rounds on May 3, 2018.

Dr. Amna Hasan spoke about orofacial pain disorders at the Brody School of Medicine’s Grand Rounds.

Dr. Hasan spoke with approximately 60 physicians about conditions related to tempromandibular joint disorders that are caused by dysfunction of TMJ joint itself or the muscles that control the movement of the jaw and common facial nerve conditions. She cited how these conditions were diagnosed and treated in particular cases. She also discussed the efficacy of certain oral appliances fabricated for the management of obstructed sleep apnea and how all of these conditions are managed at ECU School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Hasan’s primary area of interest is in the management of orofacial pain with focus on tempromandibular joint disorders, headaches, neuropathic pain, teeth grinding, teeth clenching, snoring, and sleep apnea. She can be reached at the ECU School of Dental Medicine Faculty Practice at 252-737-7122 or at hasana16@ecu.edu

East Carolina University is proud to have bestowed the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree on the Class of 2018 on Friday, May 4. Listed here are the names of the graduates, their cities of origin in parentheses, their immediate professional plans, and their honors and awards. We will miss these exceptional dentists and wish them every success in their future endeavors.

Class of 2018 Graduates

Class of 2018 

Christopher Bryan Archer (Raleigh, NC)
Periodontics Residency, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH
American Academy of Periodontology Dental Student Award
Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society

Chelsea Hartsell Arthur(Midland, NC)
Private Practice High Point, NC

Evan Bowman Arthur(Huntersville, NC)
Private Practice High Point, NC
American College of Prosthodontists Predoctoral Student Prosthodontic Achievement Award

Erica Balbuena Tapia(Greenville, NC)
Private Practice Greenville, NC

Carlos Jose Baquero-Nunez(Charlotte, NC)
Private Practice Charlotte, NC

Robert Anslo Barton(Salisbury, NC)
Private Practice High Point, NC

Spenser Christian Briggs(Goldsboro, NC)
Private Practice Lynchburg, VA

Bruce Allen Bunch Jr.(Edenton, NC)
General Practice Residency
New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY
North Carolina Schweitzer Fellow

Andrew Dillon Burns(Saint Pauls, NC)
Private Practice Southern Pines, NC

Jamie Renald Carter(Greensboro, NC
Private Practice Asheville, NC

Zaneta LaNai Carver(Durham, NC)
Private Practice Charlotte, NC

Ethan K. Caudell(Saint Pauls, NC)
Private Practice Shallotte, NC

Lauren Margaret Cole(Holly Springs, NC)
General Practice Residency
Mountain Area Health Education Center, Asheville, NC

Shivani Vinayak Dave(Wesley Chapel, NC)
Orthodontics Residency
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, New York, NY
Colleen Kelly Davis (Sylva, NC)
Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency NYU Langone Health, Nashville, TN

Colleen Kelly Davis (Sylva, NC)
Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency NYU Langone Health, Nashville, TN 

Chad Jarrett Dickerson(Mooresville, NC)
Private Practice Huntersville, NC

Sara Ann Ducatte(Wake Forest, NC)
Private Practice Raleigh, NC
Academy of Operative Dentistry Student Award

Kristen Elena Eguren(Greensboro, NC)
Prosthodontics Residency
University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY

Marcus Ryan Gillon(Statesville, NC)
Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Internship
Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana-Champaign, IL
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Student Award

Danielle Marie Gough(Wake Forest, NC)
Private Practice
Leland and Chadbourn, NC
American Academy of Oral Medicine Award
Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society

Richard Alan Greene(Kings Mountain, NC)
High Country Community Health Newland, NC
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Predoctoral Student Award

Mariya Vinogradov Harn(Asheville, NC)
Private Practice Fayetteville, NC

Jon Brian Hartley(Lenoir, NC)
Private Practice Lenoir, NC
American Association of Endodontists Student Achievement Award in Endodontics 

Stephen Joseph Harward (Garner, NC)
Private Practice Cary, NC

Ljiljana Karan(Charlotte, NC)
Advanced Education in General Dentistry
ECU School of Dental Medicine CSLC – Davidson County, NC
North Carolina Schweitzer Fellow
Community Commitment Award

Mary Rebecca Keith(Kinston, NC)
Advanced Education in General Dentistry Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Dental Student Award
North Carolina Schweitzer Fellow
Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society

Seulah Lee Kim(Durham, NC)
Private Practice Durham, NC

Matthew Michael Kostelic(Clemmons, NC)
Private Practice Winston-Salem, NC

Chelsea Erin Kuyath(Kannapolis, NC)
Advanced Education in General Dentistry
ECU School of Dental Medicine CSLC – Davidson County, NC
American Association of Orthodontists Award

Brianne Elizabeth Leslie(Winston-Salem, NC)
General Practice Residency
Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC

Staci Bess Love(Sanford, NC)
Private Practice Metairie, LA
International College of Dentists Student Leadership Award

Joshua Stephen Lovick(Kinston, NC)
General Practice Residency
University of South Carolina Palmetto Health, Columbia, SC
Academy of General Dentistry Senior Dental Student Award

Jenna Simonne Montminy(Concord, NC)
General Practice Residency
Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC
Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society

Julio Lázaro Morales(Fayetteville, NC)
Private Practice Fayetteville, NC

Madison Brooke Owsley(Greensboro, NC)
General Practice Residency
The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY

Lydia Hormenoo Oyegunwa(Durham, NC)
Private Practice Wilmington, NC

Chetna R. Patel(Raleigh, NC)
Private Practice Raleigh, NC

Claudel Pilon(Raleigh, NC)
Private Practice Raleigh, NC

Laurent Pilon(Raleigh, NC)
Private Practice Raleigh, NC
North Carolina Dental Society Student Leader in Organized Dentistry Award

Domenik W. Randon(Hope Mills, NC)
Private Practice Hope Mills, NC

Kenitra Charmaine Richardson(Greensboro, NC)
Private Practice High Point, NC

Jonathan Dwyte Robinson(Fayetteville, NC)
Private Practice Blacksburg, VA

Anna Maria Rodriguez(High Point, NC)
Private Practice Asheville, NC

Olivia Caroline Roten(Danbury, NC)
Private Practice Walnut Cove, NC

William Aaron Setzer(Lincolnton, NC)
Private Practice Newton, NC

William Smith Seymour, Jr.(Greensboro, NC)
Private Practice Oxford, NC

Melanie Danielle Smith(Maysville, NC)
Private Practice Greenville, NC
Old North State Dental Society Community Commitment Award

Kaitlyn Anderson Spencer(Ayden, NC)
Advanced Education in General Dentistry Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC
American College of Dentists Outstanding Student Leader Award
North Carolina Schweitzer Fellow
Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society

Gregory Benjamin Stahr(Greensboro, NC)
Private Practice Kernersville, NC

Brittany Charlene Stofford(Concord, NC)
Private Practice Concord, NC

Daniel Joseph Tatarski(Reidsville, NC)
Private Practice High Point, NC

Thu Nina Tran Ho(Charlotte, NC)
Pediatric Dentistry Residency
University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY
American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Award 

Tommy James Wilson(Charlotte, NC)
General Practice Residency
Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC
American Student Dental Association Award of Excellence 

Marian Alexandra Wynne(Oxford, NC)
Private Practice Williamston, NC
International College of Dentists Student Humanitarian Award
Academy of Dentistry International StudentServant Leadership Award

Luis Guilherme Sensi, DDS, PhD, MS, division director of operative dentistry and clinical assistant professor, has received the Outstanding Faculty Award from the School of Dental Medicine’s graduating Class of 2018. Class president Dr. Joshua Lovick and vice president Dr. Chad Dickerson presented Dr. Sensi with the award at the school’s Graduation Convocation Ceremony on May 4 in Hendrix Auditorium.

Dr. Lovick said, “Over the course of our four years of education, Dr. Sensi consistently made an effort to build relationships with our class. Beyond his effective teaching of technical dentistry, he is always going above and beyond to connect with us in fun and entertaining ways. I have always looked forward to any time spent with Dr. Sensi.”

Class of 2018 president Dr. Joshua Lovick (at left) and vice president Dr. Chad Dickerson presented Dr. Luis Sensi with the Outstanding Faculty Award at graduation on May 4.

Dr. Sensi joined the School of Dental Medicine’s Department of General Dentistry in 2013 and teaches Operative Dentistry, which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases or trauma to teeth, and Dental Anatomy. He provides clinical coverage for pre-doctoral students and residents in the advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) program.

Originally from Curitiba, Brazil, Dr. Sensi earned a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degree in 1999 from the Pontifical Catholic University of Panama in Curitiba.

He holds a master’s degree and a PhD in operative dentistry from the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Florianapolis, Brazil, as well as certifications in endodontics and operative dentistry from the Federal University of Panama in Curitiba.

Prior to joining the ECU dental faculty, Dr. Sensi was a clinical assistant professor at the College of Dentistry at the University of Florida (2010-2013). He also served as an assistant professor in the department of Endodontics, Prosthodontics, and Operative Dentistry at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (2006-2010). While in private practice in Curitiba (2000-2006), he was on the faculty at the Tuiuti University of Panama and Federal University of Santa Catarina in Curitiba.

Cornelius Devante Martin, a fourth-year student at the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, has received a 2018 Pierre Fauchard Academy Foundation Dental Student Scholarship.

Mr. Martin grew up in Jacksonville, N.C., and is a graduate of Northside High School. He earned a bachelor of science in biology from Appalachian State University in 2015.

Cornelius Devante Martin ’19

While preparing for a career in dentistry at ECU, Mr. Martin has been active with Special Olympics Special Smiles, a program to help special needs athletes receive oral health care. He also serves as coordinator of the American Dental Political Action Committee for the American Student Dental Association, and he is active in the Student National Dental Association and the Student Chapter of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

“I am very appreciative to receive the Pierre Fauchard Academy Foundation scholarship,” said Martin. “It is an honor to have even been considered by our faculty. Receiving this scholarship is truly a blessing.”

“Our faculty selected Mr. Martin to receive the PFA Foundation scholarship in recognition of his strong academic achievements, his demonstrated leadership skills and his outstanding potential for making unique contributions to dentistry, to his community and to the lives of the patients he treats,” said Dr. Margaret Wilson, vice dean of the dental school.

Martin plans to become a pediatric dentist and focus on treating North Carolinians with mental and physical disabilities.

In the coming year, Martin and his classmates will gain hands-on clinical experience treating patients during 3 nine-week rotations at the school’s community service learning centers in rural areas across North Carolina.

Pierre Fauchard Academy
The Pierre Fauchard Academy is a global organization focusing on professionalism, integrity, and ethics for the advancement of dentistry worldwide. Its Foundation offers scholarships annually to selected dental schools for presentation to students who have demonstrate high leadership characteristics and above average academic qualifications. Scholarship recipients are recommended by members of the dental faculty. Read more about the organization at http://www.fauchard.org/.

Wanda Wright, RN, DDS, MS, MSD, assistant professor and division director of dental public health, has received ECU’s 2017-2018 Service-Learning Teaching Excellence Award.

“The award builds on and celebrates the strong service-learning tradition at ECU,” said Dr. Dennis McCunney, director of ECU’s Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement, which presented the award for the first time this year.

The award recognizes Dr. Wright for her work this spring with third-year dental students in her Community Oral Health Practice 8840 course. She asked the students to reach out to social services organizations in Pitt County to develop and implement oral health projects for target groups such as seniors, children, or staff members.

“I want students to be competent to communicate and collaborate with groups and individuals to promote oral and general health and to be able to select strategies, resources and interventions appropriate for the prevention of oral diseases in the community,” said Dr. Wright.

Dr. Wanda Wright (center) received ECU’s inaugural Service-Learning Teaching Excellence Award. The award was presented by Dr. Dennis McCunney, director of the ECU Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement and Dr. Virginia Hardy, vice chancellor for Student Affairs.

The students met in small groups with their organization on at least three occasions to fully understand the organization’s mission, to design the project, and to implement the project with the target audience. They also presented their projects to classmates, and each student wrote a reflection based on their experiences.

Dr. Wright views her course as an important stepping stone in preparing students for their fourth-year experience treating patients at the school’s community service learning centers across North Carolina and for a life time of caring for patients.

“By interacting with people from various cultures, students are able to work effectively with a greater depth of understanding about human and cultural diversity and issues related to disparities in access to dental care,” she said.

Student Kiersten Bethea’s group chose to review oral hygiene instruction, denture care, and tobacco cessation with a group of aging adults at an assisted living center in Greenville. The students also discussed with the staff how to properly help residents maintain oral health and hygiene.

“The experience opened my eyes to the fact that the elderly population is often overlooked within the dental profession. Several research articles that my group referred to emphasized that the elderly population, and especially those that are in assisted living facilities, are often lacking dental care or are receiving sub-par or infrequent dental care,” said Kiersten.

She added, “As a future dental professional, I will ensure that my office has some form of outreach specific to the elderly population and that we have a presence in local assisted living centers to ensure that this population is being optimally cared for.”

Matthew Moore and his group also worked with aging adults. The group developed a BINGO game that provided oral health lessons with a dose of fun. Matthew said he learned as much from his audience as they learned from him.

“For example, he said, “some of the patients did not have full cognitive function, which caused us to adjust not only our hearts but our materials and to slow down the pace of the game as well. We learned how to approach patients within their safe space. I was also under the impression that most of the patients would not have their natural teeth or that most would have some sort of removable prosthesis, which was not the case and caused us to adjust our presentation.”

Laura Mercer and her group partnered with an adapted physical education class at Farmville Central High School in Farmville, N.C. Though she had not previously worked with special needs students, Laura had some preconceived ideas about the students’ abilities and readiness to learn about oral health and nutrition. After spending time with the students and their adapted physical education representative, her perspective changed.

She said, “To my surprise, I learned a lot about myself and about others. I learned that mentally disabled persons are not at all what movies make them out to be. All of the students were very kind and smart. This experience is relevant to my life. It is important for my career, because more than likely, I will see patients with mental disabilities in my practice. I need to see them without judgment and provide the treatment they need.”

The experience prompted Laura to explore the concept of implicit biases and become more aware and pre-emptive regarding her own biases.

Morgan Barnes was also in the group that partnered with the adapted physical education class. Her experience was similar to Laura’s. “I had a preconceived notion that all students with special needs would be low functioning in terms of social, physical, and mental abilities,” she said.

After a few weeks of getting to know the students, exercising with them in the gym, and observing their interactions with each other and with their instructor, Morgan’s perceptions also shifted.

“Going forward, I will no longer view these individuals with the label ‘special needs’ and will rather see them as human beings just like everyone else. I plan to carry this view point as a health care provider and treat those with special needs just as I would treat other patients,” she said.

Dr. Wright said, “By reflecting on the service-learning experience and expressing the reflection verbally and in writing, students demonstrated a greater understanding of their potential role as dental care providers and advocates for change.”

Dennis McCunney said, “Dr. Wright represents the best of ECU – bringing together scholarship, service, and teaching to enhance our local communities. She is a passionate educator and health professional, and we are thankful for her great work on behalf of ECU.”

As fourth-year students in 2018-2019, Kiersten, Matthew, Laura, and Morgan and their classmates will gain hands-on experience treating patients at the school’s community service learning centers in Ahoskie, Brunswick County, Davidson County, Elizabeth City, Lillington, Robeson County, Spruce Pine, and Sylva.

Each student will complete nine-week rotations at three different centers, allowing them time to get to know the people and the terrain. Their experiences in Dr. Wright’s class will serve them well as they continue learning from diverse populations.

Alex Gillone, DDS, MS, clinical assistant professor of periodontology at the ECU School of Dental Medicine, has been awarded an American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Foundation Scholarship to attend the 2018 Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL) program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in August. The four-day ITL program is designed for new dental faculty in building competencies in teaching and other academic skills in the context of career planning and peer-networking.

Dr. Alex Gillone

Dr. Gillone received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Cagliari School of Dentistry in Italy in 2009. Thereafter, he began clinical 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 the credential “master of clinical endodontics” from the University of Bologna. While greatly satisfied with private practice, Dr. Gillone realized a desire to pursue the surgical discipline of periodontics and to study in the United States. He applied and was successfully admitted to the advanced specialty education program in periodontology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) School of Dentistry. He completed the program and was awarded his certificate and master’s degree in periodontology in May 2016.

Dr. Gillone joined the faculty of the ECU School of Dental Medicine in May of 2017. His areas of clinical interest include 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.

Greenville, NC, July 9, 2018—Brianna Chavis-Locklear, a third-year student at the ECU School of Dental Medicine, has received a scholarship sponsored by Crest/Oral B and distributed by the Society of American Indian Dentists (SAID) for the 2018-2019 school year.

Ms. Chavis-Locklear, who is originally from Prospect, N.C., earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a student member of the Society of American Indian Dentists and a member of the Lumbee Tribe. This is the second year in a row that she has received a scholarship from the Society of American Indian Dentists.

Ms. Chavis-Locklear serves as the president of the ECU Student Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also an active member of the Student National Dental Association. As a second year dental student, she played an active role in bringing an oral health and hygiene presentation called Lessons in a Lunch Box to Prospect Elementary School, her former school in the Prospect Community of Robeson County.

Dental students Brianna Chavis-Locklear (at left) and Rudy Oxendine were presented with scholarships at the Society of American Indian Dentists Annual Conference at the University of Washington, June 20-24, 2018. The students are pictured with Winifred J. Booker, DDS, president of the Society of American Indian Dentists.

In the past year, she has participated in oral health outreach projects such as Passport to Oral Health at the Boys and Girls Club in Pitt County, Give Kids a Smile day in Greenville, and Special Olympics Summer Games at NC State University.

“My number one goal is to bring positive change through oral health care to American Indians and other underserved North Carolinians,” said Chavis-Locklear. “I have realized that this change begins with mothers and their children. By teaching young children the advantages of proper oral health care, we can begin to reverse the current poor state of oral health among American Indians.”

She added, “I hope I can also serve as a role model for other American Indians who may be thinking about careers in dentistry so that they can help enhance and advance the dental health of American Indian people and other underserved North Carolinians.”

“Brianna’s dedication to serving the oral health needs of underserved North Carolinians—especially the American Indian population—exemplifies the mission of our dental school. We are very proud of Brianna and of our other students and alumni working to end disparities in oral health,” said Dr. Margaret Wilson, the dental school’s vice dean and associate dean for student affairs.

During her fourth-year of dental school, Chavis-Locklear and her classmates will gain hands-on experience treating patients during rotations at the school’s eight community service learning centers located in rural areas across North Carolina, including a center in Robeson County near Pembroke.

Greenville, NC, July 9, 2018—Rudy Oxendine, a second-year student at the ECU School of Dental Medicine, has received a scholarship sponsored by Crest/Oral B and distributed by the Society of American Indian Dentists (SAID) for the 2018-2019 school year.

Mr. Oxendine, who is originally from Rowland, N.C., earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from East Carolina University in 2009. He is a student member of the Society of American Indian Dentists and a member of the Lumbee Tribe. He served as a police officer with the Greenville Police Department from 2003 until entering dental school in 2017.

Dental students Rudy Oxendine (at right) and Brianna Chavis-Locklear (at left) were presented with scholarships at the Society of American Indian Dentists Annual Conference at the University of Washington, June 20-24, 2018. The students are pictured with Winifred J. Booker, DDS, president of the Society of American Indian Dentists.

He now serves as the dental school’s Class of 2021 representative to the American Student Dental Association, and he is an active member of the Student National Dental Association. He traveled to Seattle, WA, in June to receive the scholarship at the 2018 Society of American Indian Dentists Annual Conference. He and his wife, Tina, are the parents of a 6-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son.

“I am extremely grateful for this scholarship and for all forms of assistance that I have received in dental school, including financial assistance, advice, mentorship and friendship,” said Oxendine. “These things have all led me to this point and ever closer to a dream.”

“Rudy is a passionate, caring individual who had an outstanding career serving the public prior to dental school. His passion for helping others continues to shine through and will be evident as he works to improve the oral health of North Carolinians and fulfill the mission of the ECU School of Dental Medicine,” said Dr. Margaret Wilson, the dental school’s vice dean and associate dean for Student Affairs.

During his fourth-year of dental school, Oxendine and his classmates will gain hands-on experience treating patients during their rotations at the school’s eight community service learning centers in rural areas across North Carolina, including a center in Robeson County near Pembroke. He plans to remain in eastern North Carolina to practice dentistry.

Greenville, NC, July 19, 2018—Briana Hudson, third-year student at the ECU School of Dental Medicine, has received a scholarship from the Old North State Dental Society (ONSDS).

Ms. Hudson, who is from Raleigh, N.C., earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science from UNC-Chapel Hill. She has been active in the school’s Dental Student Government and will serve as the organization’s president in 2018-2019.

Briana Hudson ’20 received a scholarship from the Old North State Dental Society. Dean Greg Chadwick and Vice Dean Maggie Wilson presented the scholarship to Briana

She has served as the event and networking chairperson for the ECU Chapter of the Student National Dental Association. She has also been selected to become a Fellow of the North Carolina Albert Schweitzer Fellows Program and in the coming year will join other Fellows from ECU and across the state in service projects that address the state’s chronic health issues.

“I am delighted to be our school’s recipient of the Old North State Dental Society Scholarship. The Society has lightened my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on the most important aspect of dental school, which is learning. Their generosity has inspired me to help others and to continue to give back to my community,” said Ms. Hudson. “I hope to one day be able to help students achieve their goals, just as the ONSDS has helped me.”

“Briana is very deserving of the Old North State Dental Society Scholarship, which recognizes her strong academic achievements, demonstrated leadership skills and potential for making a significant contribution to dentistry and to the lives of the patients she treats,” said Dr. Margaret Wilson, the dental school’s vice dean and associate dean for Student Affairs.

During her fourth-year of dental school, Ms. Hudson and her classmates will gain hands-on experience treating patients during their rotations at the school’s eight community service learning centers in rural areas across North Carolina. She plans to remain in North Carolina after graduation and continue to provide dental care for the underserved.

ECU School of Dental Medicine student Kiersten Bethea and Brody School of Medicine student Samantha Forlenza broke new ground in 2017-2018 as the first interdisciplinary dental-medical team to be awarded an NC Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, a year-long leadership program for graduate health professional students to learn how to address health disparities in vulnerable communities.

Schweitzer Fellows Kiersten Bethea (at right) and Samantha Forlenza developed a clinic that combined dental and medical services for the homeless.

With sponsorship from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, the Fellows developed a clinic that combined dental and medical services for the homeless.

Studies demonstrate that many dental conditions, such as infections, are strongly correlated with systemic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

“Unfortunately, for many people dental care is either not an option or is low on the priority list,” Bethea said. Now in her fourth year of dental school, Bethea is passionate about increasing access to oral health care and educating the public about the connection between oral health and overall health.

Forlenza’s undergraduate degree in public health and nutrition sparked her interest in interdisciplinary care. When she volunteered at the Greenville Homeless Shelter Clinic, she noticed the long wait times that patients experienced before receiving dental care at the James D. Bernstein Community Health Center, a local safety net provider which serves patients on a sliding scale fee.

The students believed they might be able to care for some of the patients on the Bernstein Center’s waiting list. Thus, the idea for their Schweitzer project was born. The pair launched the Holistic Interprofessional Program (HIP), a free clinic providing emergency dental care, diabetes testing, and nutrition counseling for homeless people in the Greenville area.

HIP was housed in the School of Dental Medicine’s Emergency Care Clinic in Ross Hall once a week from August 2017 through March 2018 and integrated into the fourth-year dental school curriculum. Patients were referred to the program by local free clinics. Dental students provided oral health care for patients while medical students provided diabetes testing and nutrition counseling.

In total, the program provided 43 patients with free services worth nearly $8,700, with part of the funds coming from the School of Dental Medicine’s Patient Care Fund.

“With two different specialties, we wanted to deliver care in a way that would be comfortable for the patients and provide cross education between specialties,” said Bethea. “The medical students observed the dental students interviewing patients and performing initial assessments, and the medical students modeled diabetes testing and motivational interviewing concerning diet.”

“Interprofessional collaboration translates into improved health care delivery,” said Dr. Kimberley Gise, director of the dental school’s emergency clinic and an academic mentor on the project. “HIP is a special project that has improved the coordination and communication between dental, medical, and social work healthcare professionals. This collaboration has been a safety net for our homeless, uninsured and underinsured community members and has improved access to care and health equity.

Dr. Tom Irons, ECU associate vice chancellor for regional health services, also served as an academic mentor for HIP.

“It’s very exciting that dental and medical students are working together to provide quality health care services for those in most need and for everyone,” he said. “Interprofessional education must be our vision for the future in order to meet the needs of a population with complex medical conditions.”

Also advising Bethea and Forlenza were site mentors Dr. Robert Doherty, dental director of the James D. Bernstein Community Health Center, and Maudia Ahmed, a social worker at Access East/Health Assist.

“The project needed a care manager to communicate and follow up with patients from local shelter clinics,” said Forlenza. “Maudia Ahmed and AccessEast stepped up to this challenge and integrated HIP as another site in their organization. Ms. Ahmed’s communication between the dental school and the patients was the glue that made the project work.”

The students also gained help from two Greenville churches, whose members provided patients with transportation to the dental school from area shelters and shelter clinics.

Although Bethea and Forlenza’s project ended in April, Barbara Heffner, director of the North Carolina Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, announced in mid-July the list of 2018-2019 Schweitzer Fellows. Among them is another ECU dental/medical team that will continue the HIP program.

Dental student Jiwon Lim and medical student Niki Winters are planning to expand the Holistic Interprofessional Program (HIP) next year byaccepting patients from Vidant Medical Center’s minor emergency department as well as from local shelters and shelter clinics. Patients will be referred to the James D. Bernstein Community Health Center for continued medical and dental needs.

“I came into medical school positive I would go into primary care, and those thoughts have not changed, but what has changed for me is the importance of partnering with a dentist later on in my practice,” Forlenza said. “The crossover between oral health and medical preventive care is unavoidable. No matter what specialty you go into, oral health impacts patients’ overall health.”

Greenville, NC, September 18, 2018—Akeadra Bell, third-year student at the ECU School of Dental Medicine, has been named president-elect of the national Student National Dental Association (SNDA) 2018-2019.

The SNDA was established over 40 years ago to promote, aid and support the academic and social environment of minority students. In her new role, Ms. Bell will be responsible for learning the operations, policies and programs in preparation to become SNDA national president next year.

Akeadra Bell

Ms. Bell, who is from Elizabeth City, N.C., earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Elizabeth City State University. She has served as vice president and then president the ECU Chapter of the Student National Dental Association. She has also served in leadership roles with the National SNDA Executive Board Corporate Roundtable, American Student Dental Association Pre-Dental Committee, ECU School of Dental Medicine Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Student Academy of American Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Educational Association and the dental school’s Class of 2020. She has been an academic tutor for other dental students since 2017.

Ms. Bell was recently selected to receive the J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellowship 2018-2019, through which she and classmate, Briana Hudson, will co-direct the HIV S.M.A.R.T. program to provide dental treatment and oral health education for HIV patients in Greenville, N.C.

“To be able to serve and lead the SNDA, which has been so instrumental in my development as a student and a dentist, is truly a dream come true,” Bell said.

“Akeadra is to be commended for her leadership at our school and now at the national level of the SNDA,” said Dr. Margaret Wilson, the dental school’s vice dean and associate dean for Student Affairs. “She will be a strong advocate for students across the country. We’re proud of her academic achievements, demonstrated leadership, and potential for making a significant contribution to dentistry and to the lives of the patients she treats.”

During her fourth year of dental school, Ms. Bell and her classmates will gain hands-on experience treating patients during their rotations at the school’s eight community service learning centers in rural areas across North Carolina.

After graduation from dental school, Ms. Bell hopes to complete a one-year general practice residency to gain further experience serving patients and then return to dental education in the future.

First-year students Wesley Shaw, Colby Godwin, Branden Sumner, and Jonathan Nowlin participated in the school’s 2018 Summer Scholars Research Program, which pairs beginning students with research faculty and projects for three months prior to dental school.

Thus far, the students have presented their research at the ECU Medical Student Research Day and at the dental school’s Celebration of Research and Scholarship in August.

First-year students (left to right) Wesley Shaw, Colby Godwin, Branden Sumner, and Jonathan Nowlin participated in the school’s 2018 Summer Scholars Research Program.

Wesley Shaw presented “Understanding the Effects of Arrabidaea chica extract on Inflammatory Signaling Pathways” by W. Godwin, W. Shaw, M. A. Foglio, and R. Murata. Wesley will represent the school at the American Association of Dental Research meeting in 2020.

Colby Godwin presented “Cytokine Profile of Human Gingival Fibroblasts Following Exposure to Lipopolysaccharide and Zymosan Present in Cell Wall of Microorganisms,” by W. Shaw, W. Godwin, C. Gay, and R. Murata. Colby will represent the school at the Hinman Student Research Symposium in 2019.

Branden Sumner presented “Influence of Maternal Diet and Physical Activity on Dental Maturity and Caries Occurrence in Offspring,” by B. Sumner, T. Windley, J. L. Current, A. Kordis, and L May.

Jonathan Nowlin presented “Qualitative Analysis of Attitudes and Barriers to Oral Health Care as Perceived by Psychiatric Patients and Dental Providers,” by J. Nowlin, J.G.L. Lee, P. Averett, V. Ananda, J Benjamin, and W. Wright. Jonathan will represent the school at the “SCADA” student research competition at the American Association of Dental Research meeting in 2020.

Updated: October 11, 2018 8:41am

Because of the anticipated wind and rain bands as the remnants of Hurricane Michael move through eastern North Carolina, East Carolina University will cancel classes starting at 3 p.m. or later today, Thursday, Oct. 11.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for eastern North Carolina. The region is forecast to receive tropical storm force wind gusts, periods of heavy rainfall, flash flooding in low-lying areas and downed trees.

For employees, beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 and continuing until 5 a.m. Friday, Oct. 12, the university will be operating under Condition 1 of the UNC System Adverse Weather and Emergency Event policy.

Employees should check with their managers regarding schedules and alternate work locations. For details about the Adverse Weather and Emergency Event Policy and Condition levels, visit www.ecu.edu/prr/06/45/02.

University officials recognize that other areas may experience more adverse weather than campus, and conditions experienced by individuals will vary. Because of this, all students and employees should exercise good judgment as everyone is responsible for their own actions and safety.

Note: Classes are expected to resume as scheduled on Friday. ECU officials continue to monitor Hurricane Michael and will adjust the university schedule as necessary. Any notification of such change will be issued via ECU Alert. Monitor www.ecu.edu/alert for updates.

The School of Dental Medicine is pleased to announce that Jennifer Rominger, DMD Candidate 2017, has been awarded an American Dental Association (ADA) Foundation Scholarship for the 2015-2016 school year.

Besides her excellent academic credentials, Jennifer serves as a historian for the Class of 2017 and as vice president of the school’s DMD student organization. She is also the founder of Josh’s Jog, a 5k run in memory of her brother who passed away in 2013 from cancer. Josh’s Jog benefits CureSearch for Children’s Cancer.

“We were delighted to nominate Jennifer for the ADA Foundation Scholarship and very pleased that she was selected to receive the award,” said Margaret Wilson, vice dean and associate dean for Student Affairs at the ECU School of Dental Medicine. “Jennifer is helping to fulfill the vision and mission of our school through her dedication to improving both oral and overall health.“

“I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity to apply, and I feel grateful to have been awarded the scholarship,” said Jennifer.

When Jennifer and her classmates become fourth-year students, they will complete rotations at ECU School of Dental Medicine Community Service Learning Centers in rural and underserved communities across the state, a unique opportunity among dental schools.

Jennifer is the daughter of Mr. Mike Rominger and Ms. Denna Rominger of Advance, N.C.

ADA Foundation dental student scholarships help predoctoral dental students defray a part of their professional education expenses. The program facilitates the education of academically gifted dental students. Students must have a minimum accumulative grade point average of 3.25 based on a 4.0 scale to qualify for the scholarship. The Foundation awards approximately 25 dental students up to $2,500 annually.