Class of 2018 Represents 27 Countries

More than 70 Eastman Institute for Oral Health students and residents received their certificates for completing their advanced, specialty training in various programs.

“As you leave Eastman for new adventures, with additional knowledge and skills, I hope you carry on the legacy of Eastman Institute for Oral Health,” Dr. Eli Eliav told the graduates during his keynote address, “which encompasses innovation, leadership, collaboration, and doing the right thing.”

The EIOH Director since 2013, Dr. Eliav’s leadership has led to increased number of faculty, improved collaboration between physicians and dentists, improved patient access through UR Medicine’s Complex Care Center and a new SMILEmobile, in addition to new and enhanced educational programs.

He also told the graduates--who represented 27 different countries this year--that they became part of something special during their time at Eastman. “Through your training, you became part of the bridge we’re building between medicine and dentistry, and a bridge to improve access for patients with special needs.”

“I also hope you will continue the legacy of an Eastman Institute graduate, and welcome all patients in your care, in your offices, in whatever part of our world you will be in, and consistently provide access and excellent treatment – without compromise – to all people,” he added.

But many factors are changing the landscape of dentistry, he said, causing new and complex challenges. These include the aging population, people’s increasing complex medical and dental needs, insurance challenges, and the lack of trained professionals and appropriately designed facilities available.

“The world, dentistry and our patients need good leaders,” Dr. Eliav said to a standing-room only crowd.

“I’ve learned that many people are afraid or reluctant to take the lead. They agonize over why they should do that, or they may be afraid,” he added. “Our profession needs your fresh thinking, your unique perspectives and your leadership to address the critical issues our profession and patients face. You’re among a select group who was accepted to EIOH programs. You have the tools to become excellent leaders.”

Consider taking leadership roles, he emphasized. “Get involved in professional associations, academics, research and volunteer work.  Be a part of our profession’s exciting future.”

AWARDS
Before the trainees received their certificates, many awards were given to deserving faculty, staff and residents.

The Director’s Award was presented to Dr. Richard Myers, who is retiring after 40 years of teaching part time in the Orthodontics Department.  Dr. Myers has been actively making a difference serving on numerous committees in county, state and national dental professional associations and holding leadership positions. He served as president for the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation Board of Directors. He was awarded the James E Brophy AAO Distinguished Service Award and the Joseph D DiStasio Distinguished Service Award. He’s known as the flying faculty, because he often flew an airplane to Rochester from his winter home in Florida. Students of his business management class have learned a great deal from his business acumen, like how to negotiate and read contracts. Residents and staff find him to be kind, smart, friendly, funny and engaging. 

Dr. Chia Taw Huang was awarded the Bejan Iranpour Award, for Excellence in Clinical Education. Dr. CT Huang has demonstrated his dedication and commitment to EIOH’s program goals and mission, and more importantly to patients and residents. After he graduated from the EIOH Pediatric Dentistry residency program and earned his Master’s degree at the UR, he went into private practice for about 20 years.  But then he joined EIOH faculty full time, and held a joint appointment in Pediatric Dentistry and Community Dentistry, where he oversaw residents at School 17, in the operating room and others who rotated through. For the last 20 years, he has worked hard to help residents reach their full potential.  Dr. Huang doesn’t hesitate to go out of his way to make a positive difference in the lives of people. He sets a high standard and leads by example. Very honored to receive an award with Dr. Iranpour’s name, he shared a story about a woman he met 35 years ago who was unable to talk as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. He introduced her to Dr. Iranpour, who accepted her case to both help her and also to teach his residents. He was able to fully restore her speech and function. Dr. Huang hadn’t seen her since, until she came to see him three months ago, hoping to see Dr. Iranpour again, to thank him.  She was unaware that Dr. Iranpour passed away a couple years ago, but Dr. Huang will send her a picture of himself with the award.   

Each year, the Dentistry faculty and residents are given the opportunity to nominate part-time faculty who give a great amount of personal time and understanding to those involved in our educational programs. This year’s recipient is Dr. Mark Cohen, a clinical instructor in the AEGD program for the past 25 years.  He graduated from the AEGD program in 1978, and the GPR program a year later, Dr. Cohen invests a lot of time to enhance his many advanced skills to stay current, and was recognized by New York State Dental Association for the many hours of continuing education. People describe him as humble, easy going, ethical, witty and a family man. He always makes the residents feel at ease, and is well respected by everyone who knows him. “I’ve learned from faculty and students for more than 40 years,” he said when he accepted the award.

The Shaffer-Devries Award for Excellence in Administrative Operations or Clinical Service was awarded to Jane MacBride,  who has been a member of the EIOH family for 17 years, starting her career as a patient representative, and today is a Lead Patient Representative for Faculty Practice at Eastman.  She is highly respected for her skills and ability to multitask in a very busy environment. Always pleasant and informative and willing to go the extra mile, she is exceptional in all her interactions with our patients.

Basil G. Bibby Fellowship Award
Basil Bibby who served as the second director of the Eastman dispensary between 1947 and 1967 strove to lead and help early investigators into productive and meaningful careers. 

He encouraged young people to think and to participate in research with the realization that research caused one to focus attention and foster thinking. Dr. Davide Romeo was chosen for this award.

Stanley L. Handelman Fellowship Award
Training future leaders in dentistry is at the core of the Eastman mission.  Dr. Stan Handelman, widely known as the Father of Postdoctoral General Dentistry, established a Fellowship fund to provide support to students and residents interested in pursuing a dental academic career.  To date, more than 100 Eastman alumni, faculty and friends have contributed to the fund.

This award is not given out each year, but only when an exemplary resident or student, such as this year’s awardee Dr. Alf Bunes, has been identified as truly embracing the spirit of the Handelman fund.

Another Handelman Award recognized Drs. Carlos Henrique Loureiro Xavier and Davide Romeo for their performance during the program of going beyond the expectations and demonstrating excellent skills in leadership, ethics, initiative, and communications, as well as showing an interest in enhancing other residents’ experience at EIOH.

American Association for Dental Research – Rochester Section
Each spring, a special event highlights research projects completed throughout the year. Out of 80 poster presentations, a team of judges selected five to receive scientific merit awards.

Basil G. Bibby Award
Outstanding scientific merit among presentations by non-degree candidates.

Dr. Abdullah A. S. Al Madani
Dr. Evangelia Lampraki

Michael G. Buonocore Award
Outstanding scientific merit among oral and poster presentations by degree candidates.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Ms. Elizabeth Lindsay

Gerald N. Graser Award
Outstanding clinical case series and/or case reports that describe original, innovative and/or evidence based clinical treatments.

Dr. Alejandro Sanchez Lara Murguia

William H. Bowen Award
Outstanding scientific merit among poster presentations by candidates in postdoctoral programs.

Dr. Xuelian Huang