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GATOR DENTIST TIMES

Message from the PresidentChelsea Brinkman, D3

We l c o m e to the

fi rst newsletter of the new 2012-2013 ASDA Board! ASDA

is the largest national organization solely dedicated to dental students’ concerns and we are excited for another successful and active year. As in the past, we have numerous events and benefi ts planned for our members including Mighty Molar, the Vendor Fair, the ASDA banquet, and lunch and learns. We also have some new ideas in the works that we hope will be successful. Th is includes ASDA e-mail updates every 6 weeks, Spring Business Fair for 3rd and 4th years and residents, and a variety of social events including a Halloween Party and numerous fundraising events. We are also planning to have

board and general members attend the annual District Meeting, ADA Annual Convention, ASDA Annual Session, the new ASDA National Leadership Conference, State Lobby Day, and National Lobby Day.

Our goal is to keep our members involved in organized dentistry and informed about important news and information concerning our education and future career. We hope that as members you will support and enjoy our events. We welcome feedback and ideas from all of you throughout the year so that we can continue to improve as a group and better serve our members.

Th ank you and Go Gators!

Th e ASDA Mission Statement“Th e American Student Dental Association is a national student-run organization that protects and advances the

rights, interests and welfare of dental students. It introduces students to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry and provides services, information, education, representation and advocacy.”

Connect. Support. Advance. Find out more at www.asdanet.org.

UFCD ASDA News www.UFASDA.com August 2012

CalendarSeptember

3 Labor Day Holiday

13-15 District 5 Meeting (Destin, FL)

23 MIGHTY MOLAR!

October

18-21 ADA Annual Meeting (San Francisco, CA)

15-19 Fall Break

November

2-4 National Leadership Conference (Chicago, IL)

9 Homecoming

12 Veteran’s Day Holiday

22-23Th anksgiving Holidays

December

17 - 31 Semester Break

Class of 2016Page 3

NBDE Part 1Page 3

Dentistry in the MediaPage 4

UF Service tripsPage 5

2012-2013 ASDA Board Page 7

Ethics CornerPage 8

White CoatPage 9

ADPACPage 10

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Letter from the EditorsDear Readers,

We would like to welcome you to the fi rst publication of the UFCD American Student Dental Association (ASDA) newsletter for the 2012-2013 academic year! We are eager and thrilled to provide our readers with coverage of new and upcoming ASDA events planned for this year, as well as to discuss a multiplicity of topics aff ecting our profession. As the new editors, we are committed to our fellow colleagues, faculty, staff , and school to providing the most accurate and current information revolving around ASDA, UFCD, and hot topics in the fi eld of dentistry. We also want to thank Carolyn Norton, last year’s UFCD ASDA newsletter editor and current National ASDA newsletter editor for her guidance during the transition.

If you have any comments, questions, or if you would like to contribute a topic or article in future editions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards,

Juliana Chang (jchang2@dental.ufl .edu) & Roshan Patel (ropatel@dental.ufl .edu)

Th e publication of this newsletter was made possible by UF Student Government.

SAVE THE DATE!Mighty Molar

SundaySeptember 23

Mighty Molar is ASDA and the dental school’s largest annual charity event. It is a cookout

and a competitive competition among the four dental classes and pre-dental students. Th is

event is also an important charity aff air, and the donations we receive will go toward Smile Train, an international program that provides cleft palate surgery

to those in need. Th ere will be games and raffl es for plenty of

prizes. We hope to see you there!

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Welcome Class of 2016!Haley Freymiller, D3

Congratulations to the Class of 2016 on their acceptance to

dental school!! Your years of hard work and commitment have certainly paid off . Th e 83 members

of the Class of 2016 were selected from a competitive group of 1,539 applicants for their seats in the class. Th ey had an average DAT score of 20 and an average GPA 3.52. Th e 83 person class is made up of 47 females and 36 males, and has 5 out of state students. Th ey range in age from 21 to 36 with an average age of 24.

As you embark on this new journey in your lives, you will build new relationships and fond memories with classmates, faculty, and patients in the college. You will be faced with challenges that will ultimately shape you into a future dental professional. You will develop the mentality of a life-long learner and start to develop your own professional personality. As you begin dental school, here are a few tips to help make the transition

into dental school a little easier:

1. Understand it, don’t memorize it - Not only will this make study time more effi cient, but it will save you time when you relearn material in future classes and for your national boards. Make connections with topics you’ve already learned to help better integrate new material.

2. Learn time management - Th e material in dental school isn’t necessarily hard, it is the huge amount of material and the little amount of time you have to learn it. Plan ahead and don’t procrastinate.

3. Talk to upperclassmen - Th ey will give you tips on how to navigate more challenging courses.

4. Pay attention in Dental Anatomy - Th is class, and other foundational courses will serve you for the rest of your career. Knowing the material in these courses well will help you in future operative courses and clinics.

5. Join a club - Th ey oft en have fun socials and events and are a great way to meet upper classmen. Not to mention it will look great on your resume!

6. At some point, go on a service

trip (Before clinics, if possible)- You’ll get tons of experience giving injections and extracting teeth, which will give you more assurance once you’re in clinics. Plus it’s a lot of fun and very rewarding to travel to a foreign country to help others with unmet dental needs!

7. Be respectful to your classmates - Th ey are a wealth of information and oft en very willing to help if you’re struggling with anything in class. Later on in clinics, if you’re lacking in requirements, your classmates can be a lifeline to help you get requirements met on time.

8. Don’t forget to sleep! - It is tempting to stay up the whole night before that block of exams starts, but your brain needs a break!

9. Don’t forget to have fun!! - Play sports, exercise, read for fun, have family time, go out with friends! Whatever you do, don’t forget to have a life outside of dental school. It will help you reduce stress that you’ll undoubtedly experience.

10. Always keep the end goal in mind - All of this hard work will one day pay off when you’re a D.M.D!

How to Study for the NBDE Part 1

Chelsea Brinkman, D3

Studying for National Boards Part 1 can be daunting. Although

it is a comprehensive test, before we begin studying for boards, we have prepared with numerous basic science and dental courses in order

to have a better understanding of our patients and their medical concerns and needs. For four years now, our school has accomplished a 100% passing rate for the NBDE Part 1, and that success can be attributed to our quality education, work ethic, and determination. As second years, it might be overwhelming to think about beginning to study for this

exam, but here are some useful tips that can help you when it comes to studying and passing with fl ying colors. Th e following ideas are what some of my classmates and I did to prepare, but as a disclaimer, all students study diff erently and you need to fi nd out what materials and strategies work best for you to feel confi dent.

Continued on page 6

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Dental Sedation in the MediaCassie Lichkay, D3

On July 12, 2012 ABC Nightline aired an investigative

report titled, “Death, Greed at the Dentist: A m e r i c a n Children at Risk.”

Th e ABC investigator was looking into the deaths of children around the country due to oral sedation at the dental offi ce. Eight year old, Robin Maria Blanco and fi ve year old, Diamond Travis both died aft er going to the dentist aft er routine care. It was found on autopsy that Robin was administered three times the amount of oral sedatives that a child her age should be given. Diamond’s dentist also gave her an

excessive amount of oral sedatives as well as “demonstrated a complete lack of understanding of conscious sedation”. Th e report continued investigating the requirements dentists need in order to give oral sedatives. Th e report found that in some states, all a dentist needs is a weekend long course. ABC even quoted a company that off ered these courses saying “Pain-free dentistry can mean tens of thousands of dollars of extra income in your pocket annually, and as much as half a million extra in your pocket at retirement.”

While the media may portray us as greedy and uneducated dentists due to those few that may not uphold to certain principles and ethics others hold closely, we all do not have to

fall victims to these stereotypes. Th ere are protocols and guidelines for the administration of oral sedatives on both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association websites. Th e majority of dental anesthesiologists, pediatric dentists as well as general dentists have been through extensive training and have done much more than the three-day courses ABC reports. For example, minimal sedation is a minimally depressed level of consciousness produced by a pharmacological method that retains the patient’s ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond normally to tactile stimulation and verbal command.

Continued on page 5

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UFCD Service TripsFrank Berdos, D2

A growing issue in today’s society is that millions of people across

the world have limited or no access to dental care. UFCD students have a

20-year history of commitment to providing dental care nationally and internationally. UFCD off ers many trips throughout the year that encourages students to experience diff erent cultures, learn from extreme dental cases, and revitalize their passion in the fi eld away from the stress of classes. Th ese trips include Ecuador, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.

During the summer break in June 2012, the Guatemala mission trip and fi rst of two Dominican Republic service trips took place. Th e Christian Dental Society (CDS) sponsored the trip to the small town of Palin, outside the capital of Guatemala

City. “It was an amazing experience to be able to travel out there and serve over 500 people physically and spiritually,” said Sergio Jacas 2DN. Students worked in teams to get to know patients, record their medical histories, identify problems, and subsequently take action to provide treatment. Th e students even had a little time to make it out to the United

States vs. Guatemala FIFA World Cup qualifi er. Th e faculty advisor for this trip was Dr. Spencer.

Th e fi rst of two service trips to the Dominican Republic took place in the town of San Francisco de Macorís. Th e students saw an extraordinary amount of patients and performed extractions, fl uoride treatments, and restorative treatments. “Th e mission trip showed me why we do this everyday. To help others through dentistry was invigorating,” said Kirsten Kimbler 2DN. Th e faculty advisor was Dr. Garvey.

Th ese trips provided an invaluable experience that can only make students better when they come back to the states. Whether you’re a fi rst or fourth year, there is something to learn and grow from these experiences. All students are encouraged to attend information meetings to learn more about traveling abroad to help those in need.

In order for the dentist to administer this, he or she must successfully complete training consistent with ADA guidelines or an ADA certifi ed advanced education course, as well as be certifi ed in basic life support for health care providers. Th e educational requirements for the administration of sedation and general anesthesia by the dentist are outlined on the ADA website.

While knowing the guidelines and protocols are extremely important,

being able to deal with a medical emergency is equally important. Th e Raven Maria Blanco Foundation, Inc was established aft er the death of the eight year old to help protect pediatric dental patients by increasing awareness of medical emergency preparedness in dental offi ces. IMEP, a program our college is implementing that provides a monthly scenario to students, is actually working with the foundation to try to help improve emergency preparedness. I encourage all of you to further educate yourselves and review the sedative and

anesthetic protocols as well as review scenarios to better help you in the event of a medical emergency.

Below are some of the websites where you can fi nd guidelines and information on sedation and general anesthesia in dentistry:

http://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/G_Sedation.pdf

http://www.ada.org/sections/about/pdfs/anesthesia_guidelines.pdf

Robin Maria Blanco Foundation Website: http://www.rmbfi nc.org/

Sedation continued from page 4

Students setting up supplies in Guatemala. Photo by Alex Tapper

Th e Guatemala group at the FIFA World Cup qualifer. Photo by Alex Tapper

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1. Breathe, stay calm. Second year is a challenging year in your life, and you will have plenty of things on your plate besides just studying for boards. Th e best thing you can do is try to manage your time wisely and stay organized. Try and plan out when you want to start studying, which subjects you are going to study when, which resources you are going to use, etc. and try to stay on top of that schedule as best as possible. Th ings will NOT go exactly how you planned, but as long as you are studying, you should be fi ne.

2. Start studying in the spring. Yes, some people did begin studying in the fall, but many of us found it plenty suffi cient to wait to open up my boards’ material in the spring. Th e boards review class will help get your wheels turning about studying, but realistically you probably will not open the boards’ material until around spring break time (depending on when your test is scheduled).

3. Focus on a couple of resources. It is very helpful to ask upperclassmen what they used to study for boards, but keep in mind, everyone likes diff erent sources depending on if they prefer reading a book, using fl ashcards, etc. I fi nd it best to pick 1-3 sources, and focus on fully understanding their material; instead of trying to half-way know 5 or 6 sources’ information. For example, I used the Dental Decks and the First Aid book, but there are numerous other sources to choose from as well.

4. Use practice tests. Not only are practice tests a great way to gauge how

your studying is going, but the NBDE 1 is notorious for having numerous repeat questions on the exam. Even if you do not happen to get a lot of repeats, it is very helpful to have an idea of how questions are asked as well as to work on timing yourself for the real test. It can also help you get used to sitting down and testing for a long period of time.

5. Take time for yourself. As I said before, second year is a diffi cult one, but you cannot expect yourself to study, study, study all day and every day. It is super important that you continue to take time for yourself, be it at the gym, hanging out with friends, going to Bicuspid Ball, etc. Taking breaks for yourself to breathe and take pleasure in life will make the days you are studying more bearable and productive.

Although it is a diffi cult, long and intimidating test, the NBDE 1 can be overcome, just as our past classes have shown. Feel free to ask me or any of the upperclassmen for tips on how to study or prepare, but we have confi dence that you will all do great! Good luck!

-Chelsea Brinkman, D3

All you need to pass NBDE Part 1 are: the dental decks (any year will do), old released exams, and your Basic

Sciences Review Course, which UFCD enrolls you in this Spring ’13 of the D2 academic year.

Th e decks consist of essential, yet easily digestible information that you will need to know for Part 1. Some of these you can fl y through and are lighter topics you can tackle when the semester is rough, like biomaterials and dental anatomy. Th at big stack of dental anatomy cards looks intimidating, but I promise UFCD has prepared us well and you will be able to get through more than you anticipate in a given time period. Th ere is no reason for you to not go through this topic at least 2 or 3 times.

Other topics are more diffi cult, like general anatomy and pathology. Th e review course is essential for studying these topics. As you review anatomy, so many things will click in your brain that you may have missed during that fi rst semester as a D1. Th is portion of the review course is a great time to break out those anatomy dental decks, while having Netters open nearby.

Th ere are two topics from Part 1 where I believe you could actually know everything. Th is is dental anatomy and general anatomy. Th ere is only so much they can ask. Work hard to know everything you possibly can on these two topics and it will surely boost your score.

Take practice tests to simulate exam conditions and review old questions. If anything, the most diffi cult part of this test is its length, so you don’t want to be surprised on test day. Do not underestimate NBDE Part 1; plan ahead, study hard, and you will pass with big smiles.

- Carolyn Norton, D3

NBDE continued from page 3

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Introducing the starting line-up for your new ASDA

2012-2013 Board!Desmond Foster, D2

With a very devoted and diverse group of leaders, be

rest assured that your membership in UF ASDA will be well worth every penny this year. Led by an energetic and

fully engaged President, Chelsea Brinkman, your ASDA leaders are set to provide a full slate of fun and informative events for the upcoming school year. Vice President Ali Best will be by her side to ensure effi cient function of the revamped UF ASDA machine.

Handling the orderly presentation of all things ASDA, Secretary Jessica Biggs and Corresponding Secretary Ashley Baptiste can be counted on for consistency. Look out for their emails to inform you of ASDA’s next event.

All of the fun events you can handle on a tight dental school schedule will be constructed by a strong triad of sorts. Fundraising Coordinators Tristan Hensley and Olga Lucas, Special Events Coordinator Cassie Lichkay, and Social Chairs Desmond Foster and Camie Miskovich all together, have every base covered. Believe me, they are fully motivated to ensure that ASDA members are provided with an abundance of opportunities to form closer bonds away from “Th e World of Shands.”

Who better to bring the freshmen into the fold of UF ASDA than the always energetic Membership Coordinator, Ann Hoang. Count

on her to generate excitement for the Class of 2016 from start to fi nish.

Extending a helping hand to those with dental aspirations, Pre-dental Chairs Haley Freymiller and Shawn Stott will keep the undergrad crew joined at the hip with UF ASDA.

As Legislative Liaisons, Frank Berdos, Sunny Patel, and Daniel Sabra will be sole sources of all the new and pertinent information concerning dental legislation. Th ese guys mean business.

With a close eye on the fi nances of ASDA, Treasurer Deborah Lowry will make sure that every move ASDA makes is on solid fi nancial ground.

In charge of putting free lunch food in your stomach and useful information in your ears, Lunch and Learn Coordinator Jacqueline Garcia and Lunch and Learn Secretary Sara Makary, has every Monday of fall semester planned for an experience to remember.

Everyone knows the man with the web page plan. Webmaster Eddy Sedeno strokes the keys to enhance your internet experience when surfi ng the UF ASDA website. Visit ufasda.com regularly to stay updated on information and view recent articles of ASDA achievements.

In the position of helping us help others is Community Service Chair, Courtney Sargent. UF ASDA will rely on her fi rm belief that we should always pay homage to those that we serve to keep the chapter actively involved, connected, and well-informed in the individuals, lives and places that make up our Gator community.

He is no Johnny Cash, but he will defi nitely make sure you “WALK THE LINE.” Be careful not to cross this guy with anything unethical. Give it up for everyone’s role model, Ethics Chair Sean Coyle.

Th is fi ne collection of articles will continue to be presented to you hot off the press by Newsletter Coordinators Roshan Patel and Juliana Chang. Th ey are defi nitely on top of their game and relishing in the task of collating top stories and providing enlightening tips within our profession and college.

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Th e Ethics CornerSean Coyle, D3

Welcome to the ethics corner! In each newsletter this year,

I will attempt to focus on ethical dilemmas that are relevant to our profession. Over

the past few decades, public opinion regarding the ethics of dentists is taking a turn for the worse. While we are still viewed as an ethical profession, our ranking in polls on “the most ethical profession” is declining. Th is decline could be due to increasing costs and decreasing

access to dental care, as well as an increasing number of media reported scandals and lawsuits. It certainly is unfair that a few bad cases are what make the headlines rather than the countless amounts of good being done by dentists all over the U.S. With the invasion of corporate dentistry, one must be concerned about losing the primary focus and drive of our profession, which is providing quality, comprehensive oral health care and establishing meaningful relationships of trust with patients. When we start becoming controlled by corporate business people who are driven by profi t margins, we jeopardize the

meaning of a profession deeply rooted in helping and bettering the lives of others. So it is up to us, the future of the dental profession, to keep the public regard of dentistry high. It starts at the very beginning of dental school. Cheating scandals have plagued school reputations in the past. Maintaining academic integrity is the key, and will serve us all for the better. When in the clinics, treatment plan using a patient-focused approach. Give them the proper alternatives and leave the decisions in their hands. Th e credits and requirements we need will come. Remember, without our patients, we don’t have anything!

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White Coat CeremonyJacqueline Garcia, D2

On June 29th 2012, the UF Philips Center for the Performing Arts

was full of family and friends ready to celebrate the much-anticipated transition from classes to clinics

for the students in the Class of 2014. Th e 14th annual White Coat Ceremony not only celebrated the hard work the juniors have put forth during the past two years, but also reminds them of the responsibility that comes with being a dental professional. Th e ceremony is held at the end of second year as a symbol of the transition from classroom to direct patient care. It was developed by the UF Academy of Alumni and Friends to congratulate students on their hard work and dedication, and to emphasize the responsibility placed on them as they begin working in the dental clinics. According to Dean Dolan, DDS, MPH, who presided over the ceremony, the use of white coats began in the 17th century as a means of protecting both patients and physicians from contamination in the operating room. Today, it is a symbol representing the culture of lifelong learning, professionalism, and dedication to providing the best care possible. Th e UF Academy of Alumni and Friends has provided funding for this event every year since its beginning to

remind students of their ability and responsibility to give back to their community, as well as promote ethics and professionalism in their practice of dentistry.

Th e White Coat Ceremony was a celebration for the rising juniors as well as a way for them to show how talented their class truly is. Magda AbdelFattah, Kayanna Beckmann, Alexandra Best, Steven Garrett, Robert Pierre, Adam Walters, and Johnny Williams sang the National Anthem and the University of Florida Alma Mater. Class President Lauren Dupre led the Class of 2014 in the Dentist’s. Keith Polizois was elected by the class to deliver a speech about student professionalism. He refl ected on the past two years and reminded the class of the Code of Conduct that they strive to follow each day. Other speakers at the ceremony included the President-elect of the FDA Dr. Kim Jernigan, DMD and the President of the

Academy of Alumni and Friends, Dr. James Edward Martin III, DMD. Dr. Jernigan, the fi rst female president of the FDA and a UF grad, told students about her experiences in practice and congratulated them on getting to this point in their careers. Dr. Martin congratulated the students and gave them a reminder of the great things the students are able to do as dental professionals. Each member of the class was given custom monogrammed coats by Dr. Nereyda Clark, DMD, and Dr. Marc Ottenga, DDS, who were both elected by the class to perform the coating. Th eir class advisor, Dr. Neel Bhattacharrya, DMD, MS, called the students’ names as they walked across the stage. Dean Dolan closed the ceremony with a fi nal congratulations, and a class photo was taken on the staircase in the atrium before the students were showered with hugs, kisses, and photo ops by their families and friends.

Th e Class of 2014 pose in their crisp new white coats. Photo by UF College of Dentistry

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What is ADPAC?Sunny Patel, D3

ADPAC stands for the American Dental Political Action Committee. Th eir goal is to elect congressional candidates of any political affi liations who understand the importance of dentistry and who are committed to

improving the nation’s oral health. ADPAC has interests in improving the life of dental students, the dental profession, and access to care. It is important to our profession that we have a clear and receptive voice in Congress that can relay and act on our concerns.

Where do we fi t in as dental students? Legislation today on Capitol Hill will aff ect how we practice dentistry when we graduate, whether you choose to be a general practitioner or a specialist. So, getting involved as an active ADPAC member by discussing and becoming aware of newly passed legislation is integral to our future. Th is is especially important considering that this year

is an election year. UF students historically have shown great interest in legislative issues. Every year, we have students go to Tallahassee to discuss dental issues at the Capitol. Our UF ASDA Legislative Liason, Frank Berdos, discussed pre-professional student issues with the U.S. Department of Education Secretary Mr. Arne Duncan in Washington, D.C.. Students at UF have the opportunity to get involved both locally and nationally. Students every year also have the opportunity to attend the Florida National Dental Convention (FNDC) in Orlando. Students also can attend and discuss at meetings held by our local FDA. According to ADPAC, “Legislation can aff ect where we will practice, who will compensate us, what materials we will use, and how we will practice.”

ADPAC members can form a combined voice and give weight to oral health issues by electing offi cials that are knowledgeable and care about the dental profession. ADPAC’s strength is in its numbers. Being an informed voter can change our future and secure credibility and strength in our profession.

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