Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter and Dr. Na Tian

During the 2015 International Association for Dental Research (IADR) General Session & Exhibition held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts, Dr. Na Tian PhD 14, was nominated as an IADR Hatton Award Finalist for her project, “Salivary Proline-rich Proteins and Gluten: Do Structural Similarities Suggest Immunogenicity in Celiac Disease?” She presented this work during the final poster session of the meeting, which was held on March 14, 2015. Dr. Tian was mentored by Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology Dr. Eva Helmerhorst.

The focus of Dr. Tian’s research at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) was the role of oral bacteria and proteins in the pathogenesis of celiac disease. Celiac disease is a gastrointestinal disorder caused by an immune response to ingested gluten. Dr. Tian and her colleagues have studied the structural similarities between a group of salivary proteins called “proline-rich proteins” and gluten, and explored the potential role of this group of salivary proteins in celiac disease. They also investigated the gluten-degrading activities of resident oral microorganisms.

The study found that Rothia mucilaginosa, a natural microbial inhabitant of the oral cavity, effectively cleaves gluten (gliadin) proteins at regions that are resistant to degradation by mammalian digestive enzymes. This is an important finding since these enzymes could potentially lead to therapeutic applications for the treatment of this autoimmune disease. Dr. Tian was able to demonstrate through her research that Rothia enzymes cleave gluten into small fragments that have strongly reduced immunogenicity as compared to the longer fragments. She also showed that these fragments are much less prone to be deamidated by the enzyme tissue transglutaminase, a key step in the pathomechanism of celiac disease. Overall, the results showed that oral bacteria can have functions that are beneficial to the host, or can be exploited as such. The discovered enzyme activities of Rothia open promising new avenues for developing novel therapies to neutralize the deleterious effects of gluten in celiac disease patients. The results of this study were published in the American Journal of Physiology – Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology in October 2014 in an article titled, “Effect of Rothia mucilaginosa enzymes on gliadin (gluten) structure, deamidation, and immunogenic epitopes relevant to celiac disease.” Co-authors on this paper included Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology Dr. Guoxian Wei, Director of Molecular and Translational Medicine at Mainz University Medical Center in Germany Dr. Detlef Schuppan, and Dr. Helmerhorst.

Dr. Tian also gave a presentation on her work during the 2014 Science Day event, where she won an award in the Post-doctoral Student Oral Presentation category.

“Congratulations to Dr. Na Tian on her nomination as a finalist for this award and for her part in this outstanding work,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “The impact of this research could prove beneficial for sufferers of this disease.”

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter and Richa Wahi AS 16 with her poster

Richa Wahi AS 16 was the recipient of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Lion Dental Research Award at the IADR/AADR (American Association for Dental Research) General Session & Exhibition held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts March 11–14, 2015. This prestigious award recognizes junior researchers who are conducting outstanding and innovative research in basic dental science with the goal of improving public oral health.

Dr. Wahi has been working under the mentorship of GSDM Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Athanasios Zavras, along with students from Columbia University, Boris Ryabtsev, Sarah Stein, and Tong Xiao, to calculate the total financial burden of oral cancer on the economy of the United States. The group also evaluated the economic performance of high risk screening for oral cancer. Dr. Wahi was presented this award at the IADR/AADR annual meeting in Boston on Thursday, March 12, 2015. The award was accompanied by a stipend to help continue her research efforts.

In order to calculate the economic burden of head and neck cancer, Dr. Wahi and the other researchers in her group utilized health care expenditure data and patient epidemiology from previous studies, incidence data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, and the American Cancer Society. They also used wage data from the World Bank, a United Nations sponsored financial institution which provides loans to developing countries. The economic burden was calculated for each of the four stages of cancer, and stratified by payer status (private vs. public health sector.) A cost-effectiveness analysis was then performed using a Markov decision model with various cost and utility input values.

The researchers found that the total financial burden for an annual cohort of head and neck cancer patients in the US is estimated at $4.75 billion. In 2014, private payers were responsible for $3.2 billion, while the US government spends an estimated $855 million on head and neck related health care costs. Total dental rehabilitation expenditures are estimated at almost $610 million, and the annual projected loss of wages due to hospital stay is almost $75 million.

The United States Preventive Services Taskforce does not currently recommend routine population screening for head and neck cancers. While data may not exist for the population at large, Dr. Wahi suggests that a more efficient preventative method may be to target those at highest risk and to enroll them in annual screenings. The early detection of cancer greatly improves chances of survival and preserves quality of life. In addition, the group’s research revealed that the no-screening arm in the Markov model was “dominated,” indicating that a nationwide program screening all high-risk individuals in the US is cost-effective. Thus, an annual cancer screening program for high risk individuals would be a beneficial investment to help alleviate the economic burden of head and neck and cancer.

Dr. Zavras was thrilled to have Dr. Wahi’s hard work recognized by the IADR, and hopes that she will continue her research. “As a research assistant, Dr. Wahi has been a major force in moving the research forward,” said Dr. Zavras. “I hope that this achievement will offer her the encouragement and motivation required to consider a full-time academic career devoted to discovery and scientific innovation to improve the public’s oral health.”

GSDM students on the steps of the State House

On April 15, 2015, dentists and dental students from around New England descended on Beacon Hill for Beacon Hill Day 2015, an annual event where dental professionals come together to learn more about issues of concern to the dental community and to lobby their state legislators to take action on those issues. Several students from Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) took part in the events of the day.

The 110 attendees—90 dentists and 20 dental students, 10 of whom were from GSDM—joined together at the Omni Parker House Hotel for a morning of information sharing and a conversation about issues of concern to dentists and dental students. They learned as much as possible about the issues they would be discussing with the legislators and, after everyone was fully briefed, they walked to the State House for individual meetings with legislators.

“I was surprised at how receptive legislators were to student perspectives,” said Mike Mayr DMD 16.

The main topics of discussion with legislators this year were electronic health records, dental benefit plans, and of particular interest to the dental students, dental licensure.

“I met with State Representative Brad Hill and had the opportunity to share my thoughts on dental licensure and student debt,” Mayr said. “When legislators see students take time out of their busy schedules to advocate for dentistry, I think they realize how important these issues are to us.”

In the afternoon, participants were invited to attend a continuing education course on the topic of pain management by Clinical Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine Dr. David Keith.

“I am proud of the students who attended Beacon Hill Day,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter.  “It is important that our students are actively engaged in the legislative process.  I hope they remain vocal with legislators throughout their dental careers so that oral health remains an important topic to law makers.”

Participants from GSDM were: Ramy Allam AS 16, John Barrett DMD 17, Shawn Jones DMD 18, Anna Komnatnaya DMD 16, Grace Lee DMD 15, Mike Mayr DMD 16, Thomas Mosley DMD 15, Luis Perez DMD 18, Nehar Serry AS 16, and Garrett Wingrove DMD 17.

Photos are available on the Massachusetts Dental Society Flickr page.

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter and Michael Faibish DMD 18

On March 11, 2015, Michael Faibish DMD 18 received word that he had been selected as the recipient of the Summer Dental Student Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an honor given to the top applicants from dental schools across the country. Faibish will be conducting research at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) in Bethesda, Maryland from May 26 to July 17.

The NIDCR Summer Dental Student Award gives talented dental students who are interested in research the opportunity to gain hands-on training and exposure to cutting-edge oral health research. The award is designed to give future oral health professionals a preview of a career in oral health research.

Faibish will be conducting research in an area that is new to him, “I will be working on research pertaining to cell motility/migration and interaction with the extracellular matrix,” Faibish said. His direct mentor will be Research Fellow Dr. Ryan Petrie who works under Principal Investigator and Head of the Cell Biology Section Dr. Kenneth Yamada.

“I have never worked in this field of research before,” said Faibish.  “But,” he continued, “I think it is important to open your horizons when it comes to research. I have worked in several different labs with different research interests, which has opened my scope of research knowledge. I am excited to have this opportunity to work in this prestigious lab, which is at the cutting-edge of this field.”

Faibish first became interested in research as an undergraduate student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He was required to complete a research project in order to be eligible to graduate. He ended up in a cancer laboratory with a mentor who inspired him to pursue research further.

During his time at the NIDCR, Faibish will spend eight weeks conducting research in Dr. Yamada’s laboratory, attend scientific seminars, and, at the end of the internship, he will present a poster of his research findings at the NIDCR Poster Day.

Dean Hutter and Associate Dean for Research Dr. Maria Kukuruzinska plan to visit Faibish in Bethesda during his eight-week research internship.

Dean Hutter said, “Congratulations to Michael on his receiving this prestigious award. I know he will do extremely well and will represent the School in a very positive light.”

(l to r) Rizwan Baig AS 16 and Amr Aly DMD 17

On Friday, March 27, 2015, the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Muslim Student Association (MSA), in collaboration with the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (ISBCC), held the second Healthy Smile, Healthy You event for the local community.

The aim of the Muslim Student Association at GSDM is to foster a sense of unity among students regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or origin. MSA’s mission is to hold service-oriented, educational, and social events to promote religious and cultural awareness among students, faculty, staff and the greater community of Boston. As future healthcare providers, the members of MSA are dedicated to making a difference within the communities of Boston, while striving to embrace Islamic values and culture.

At the event—which was open to the public—25 GSDM students, 7 faculty members, and 1 pre-dental student volunteered to provide a wide range of oral health promotion, education, age appropriate activities, and screenings for families and the general public. The event was a huge success. Sixty-two attendees were screened, which was more than at last October’s Healthy Smile, Healthy You event. Onsite, volunteers performed various functions: screening; recording; taking registrations; manning information tables; acting as runners; and greeting guests at the front door.

“I am very pleased with the outstanding participation of GSDM students and faculty at this event,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter.  He continued, “GSDM is committed to improving global health, around the world and right here at home in Boston.”

Amr Aly DMD 17 and Mona Hatami AEGD 15 organized the event. They praised all of the volunteers for their participation and contributions.  Hatami said, “It was a very successful event and people in the community are still talking about how much they enjoyed it.” She continued, “I was very touched with the way all the volunteers worked together to help people in the community.”

GSDM volunteers were: Passant Abdel Megeed AS 15; Mishali Alsharif DPH 17; Fahad Alwthinani PROS 16; Amr Aly DMD 17; Clinical Associate in the Department of Restorative Sciences & Biomaterials Dr. Obadah Attar; Rizwan Baig AS 16; Yousef Behbehani DMD 16; Clinical Instructor in the Department of Health Policy & Health Services Research Dr. Lina Benslimane; Rubbiya Charania DMD 16; Director of the Advanced Specialty Program in Endodontics Dr. Sami Chogle; Sara Elashaal DMD 17; Aisha Hakeem DMD 16; Mona Hatami AEGD 15; Faryal Hussain DMD 17; Ahmed Jawad DMD 16; Noor Jawad DMD 16; Safeer Jiwa DMD 17; Salman Khanani DMD 16; Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences & Biomaterials Dr. Ali Khiblil; Courtney Knapik DMD 16; Jiffry Kolonda DMD 18; Oral Health Promotion Director Ms. Kathy Lituri; Alyssa Mazzoli DMD 16; Clinical Instructor in the Department of Global & Population Health Dr. Mohammad Mourad; Nora Nakshabendi DMD 16; Jayesh Patel DMD 18; Daniella Rizzo DMD 16; Rohan George DMD 18; Clinical Instructor in the Department of General Dentistry Dr. Manal Saadoun; Hashem Shehadeh DMD 18; Yousef Sidki DMD 17; Zeeshan Wahab DMD 18; Syed Zaidi DMD 16; and Moaz Zanbarakji (Pre-Dental).

Photos of the event are available on Facebook and Flickr.

Dr. Laura Kaufman

Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Dr. Laura Kaufman was published in the March 2015 edition of The Journal of Physician Assistant Education for her paper “Introduction of an Interprofessional Oral Health Curriculum.” The paper discusses a novel approach to teaching oral health to physician assistant (PA) students, which Dr. Kaufman and her co-authors have been implementing at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) for the past year.

“Physician Assistants often work in underserved areas with patients who may not regularly see a dentist,” said Dr. Kaufman. “A PA might be the only medical professional some of these patients see. Our program aims to equip them with the skills necessary to do basic screenings, oral cancer assessments, and provide basic oral health education to the patients.” The training will also help PAs identify oral health problems early so that they can provide timely referrals to dentists and specialists.

Dr. Kaufman, along with co-authors Director of Research and Assistant Professor of Medicine at BUSM Dr. Oren Berkowitz and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at BUSM Dr. Matthew Russell, started incorporating oral health education into the PA curriculum during the 2015–2016 academic year. The new curriculum increases the total hours of oral health instruction for the students from a national average of just 3.5 hours, to 12 hours.

Dr. Kaufman said, “Since PAs are often on the front line when it comes to medical treatment of underserved patient populations, we realized there was a major deficit in their oral health training. Often, their oral health training only consisted of a few hours throughout the course of their entire program.” She continued, “The new oral health curriculum we put in place increases that training nearly fourfold.”

Embracing a truly interprofessional environment, Dr. Kaufman and her colleagues invited several dental students to help teach oral screenings and oral health assessments to the PA students during the year. The program has been well received by the PA students and dental students alike. “It was great to see the dental students working with the PA students,” Dr. Kaufman said. “It’s always encouraging to see the students learning from each other. We hope to increase the dental student participation in the course in the coming years.”

Dr. Kaufman and her colleagues received a grant from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Foundation in partnership with the National Inter-professional Initiative on Oral Health to get the program off the ground.

Dr. Kaufman’s paper can be found in the March edition of the Journal of Physician Assistant Education or online.

The DMD 17 students who helped teach screenings to the PA students were: Swati Agnihotri, Jing Guo, Jonathan Kuang, Jimmy Li, Parnian Paymozd-Yazdi, Krizia Prioa, Wenyu Qu, and Lihsin Wu.

On April 16, 2015, members of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA)

Participants in the Multicultural Night fashion show

Diversity & Inclusion Committee at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) hosted the School’s first Multicultural Night in Hiebert Lounge. The purpose of the event was to celebrate and appreciate the various cultures and ethnicities within the GSDM community.

The emcees for the evening—Nikkita Muwanguzi DMD 17 and Wenyu Qu DMD 17—kicked off the evening by greeting the audience in 12 different languages before inviting the guests to enjoy a Mediterranean and Italian themed meal. After dinner, 110 attendees enjoyed musical and dance performances featuring cultures from around the globe as well as a diverse cultural fashion show.

There were three featured dance performances. The Aftab Dance Group (an Iranian dance troupe in the Boston area) was up first and performed a traditional Persian dance. They were followed by an Indian duo (Romil Pasrija AS 16 and Lopa Shah AS 16) who performed colorful dances which included intricate body movements. Next was a group known as The Afrobeat Dance Crew (Debbie Desravines DMD 17; Jobren Dingle DMD 17; Sally Jacob DMD 17; and Nikkita Muwanguzi DMD 17) who performed a fusion of African, Hip Hop, and Stepping.

The first musical performance (Alex Okoye AS 16; Khanti Tjiang DMD 17; and Jessie Nam DMD 17) was a medley inspired by both Chinese and English elements guided by the musical sounds of vocals, piano, guitar, and violin. The next two musical performances were Southeast Asian inspired—the first of which was an Indian a capella love song by Ammar Pabaney AS 16, and the other was a vocal and guitar medley consisting of English and Hindi by local musician Kushal Zinzuvadia.

The fashion show closed out the evening, with students modelling clothing from:

• Africa— specifically from Uganda and Nigeria (Jobren Dingle DMD 17, Mahzad Kouchaki DMD 17, Sally Jacob DMD 17, and Shyam Shah DMD 17);
• Southeast Asia was well represented with attire from India (Rajesh Agarwal AS 16, Vaibhav Bajaj AS 16, Shraddha Kewalramani AS 16, Akanksha Bali AS 16, Aditya Mehta AS 16, Haranchal Bains AS 16, Romil Pasrija AS 16, Keerthi Peri AS 16, Shammi Saini AS 16, and Geetika Saini AS 16); Nepal (Neemi Lama Sherpa AS 16, Manisha Shrestha AS 16, and Smriti Singh AS 16); and Pakistan (Wajiha Amer AS 16, Ammar Pabaney AS 16, and Rizwan Baig AS 16);
• The Middle East—(Mahzad Kouchaki DMD 17 and Jobren Dingle DMD 17);
• East Asia, specifically from China (Lucy Dang DMD 17, Guanghui Ling AS 16, and Armita Mashkouri DMD 17);
• North America (Jobren Dingle DMD 17, Sally Jacob DMD 17, Mahzad Koochaki DMD 17, and Armita Mashkouri DMD 17) showcased attire from the United States where GSDM apparel was featured.

ASDA Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair Nikkita Muwanguzi DMD 17 said, “The Multicultural Night unified students, faculty, and staff across many cultures through food, music, and dance.” She continued, “The event was this Committee’s big event of the year and we hope to make it a tradition that will continue long after we graduate.”

“Nikkita and Wenyu did an excellent job organizing the School’s first Multicultural Night,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “I am proud of the students, faculty, and staff who participated to celebrate the various cultures and ethnicities within the GSDM community.”

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.

(l-r) Dr. Cataldo Leone, Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter, Jae Kwak DMD 16, and Dr. Joseph Calabrese

On April 29, 2015, Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter presented Jae Hee Kwak DMD 16 with the Pierre Fauchard Academy’s 2015 Foundation Dental Student Scholarship Award for her leadership and service to Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM).  Also present for the ceremony were Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Cataldo Leone and Assistant Dean of Students Dr. Joseph Calabrese.

Every year, the Pierre Fauchard Academy awards their scholarship to a dental student who has demonstrated the greatest potential for development into an outstanding leader in the dental profession.

This year, Kwak was selected because of her record of leadership throughout her time at GSDM. In addition to regularly volunteering for community events, Kwak is an active member of both the American Student Dental Association and the Asian Student Dental Organization. She has served on student government as the Treasurer of her Class for the last three years, and is the founding member and President of the Pediatric Dentistry Study Club. She hopes to turn the Study Club into a full-fledged student organization in the coming year, which will allow the group more opportunities to volunteer in the community. She is also involved with research, specifically focusing on pediatric head and neck pathology and quality of life issues among pediatric patients resulting from oral health factors.

Kwak is a member of the American Dental Association, American Student Dental Association, International Association for Dental Research, American Association for Dental Research, and the Massachusetts Dental Society.

Dean Hutter said, “Congratulations to Jae for receiving this prestigious award. She is certainly deserving of this honor.”

John Costello DMD 16 discusses healthy eating with a child

The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) chapter of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) provided free, interactive dental education to approximately 200 children between the ages of 7 and 12 at the Yawkey Club of Roxbury, a Boys and Girls Club of Boston, Tuesday, March 31, 2015.

The GSDM chapter of ASDA works with the Office of Global and Population Health to host the event each year as part of Give Kids a Smile, a nationwide initiative co-sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA launched the Give Kids A Smile program nationally in 2003 as a way for dentists across the country to join with others in their community to provide dental services to underserved children. The program initially began as a one-day event in February, but has since grown to local and national events year-round. Dentists and other team members volunteer their time and services, to provide screenings, treatments, and education to children throughout the United States. Each year, approximately 350,000 children benefit from more than 1,500 events, because of the efforts of 40,000 or more annual volunteers.

At the March event, children visited five dental themed tables to learn about proper brushing and flossing; healthy eating; tooth protection such as mouth guards, fluoride, and sealants; smoking and oral piercing; and careers in dental medicine.

With around 200 visitors, this year’s program was twice as popular as it has been in prior years. Oral Health Promotion Director Ms. Kathy Lituri said, “For the first time in all the years we have participated in this program, we actually ran out of goody bags!” She continued, “The program was a huge success and I was thrilled to see every child totally engaged with the students.”

Thanks to all the students who organized and participated in the Give Kids A Smile Program: Nicolas Branshaw DMD 16; John Costello DMD 16; Tien Do DMD 18; Jenny Kye DMD 16; Lana Le DMD 16; Jina Lee DMD 16; Alyssa Mazzoli DMD 16; Vrushali Mirajkhar AS 16; Mona Najafi DMD 16; Mike Navy DMD 16; Jenny Ng DMD 16; Jeremy Ngyuen DMD 18; Luis Perez DMD 18; Michelle Prieto DMD 16; Richa Rashmi AS 15; Daniella Rizzo DMD 16; Megan Sullivan DMD 18; Nobiru Suzuki DMD 18; Mike Whitcomb DMD 16; Amanda Yip DMD 16; and Moaz Zanbarakji (Pre-Dental).

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.

(l-r) Dr. Maria Kukuruzinska, Dr. Avrum Spira, and Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter

Translational research was the theme of the 2015 Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Research Retreat which took place on April 13^th, 2015, in the Hiebert Lounge. Translational research applies findings from basic science to enhance human health. Along with team science, a translational science approach to research is increasingly important in the development of successful research programs which impact public health and well-being. Faculty from GSDM and the Boston University Medical Campus community presented a variety of topics relevant to translational research, and gave an overview of its successful implementation at Boston University.

The morning began with a poster viewing session followed by opening remarks given by Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter and Associate Dean for Research Dr. Maria Kukuruzinska. Dr. Kukuruzinska then introduced the first speaker Associate Provost for Translational Research and Director of the Boston University Clinical and Translational Science Institute Dr. David M. Center. Dr. Center’s talk, “Performance Enhancing Science,” was followed by four presentations given by GSDM faculty who are engaged in ongoing translational research:

• Professor, Director for the Center of Clinical Research (CCR), and Assistant Dean for Faculty Development Dr. Judith Jones gave a presentation titled “Center for Clinical Research,” which discussed the CCR and how clinical researchers can take advantage of its services.
• Professor and Chair in the Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Dr. Leslie Will gave a presentation titled “The Use of Salivary Biomarkers in Addressing Problems in Orthodontics.”
• Professor in the Department of Health Policy & Health Services Research and Director of Behavioral Science Research Dr. Belinda Borrelli presented “Translating Basic Science and Health Behavior Theory to Improve Public Health.”
• Professor and Chair in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry Athanasios Zavras presented “Pharmacogenetics of Head and Neck Adverse Effects.”

Associate Professor of Medicine, Pathology and Bioinformatics and Chief of the Division of Computational Biomedicine in the Department of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine Dr. Avrum Spira gave the keynote address for the event. His talk titled, “Translating gene expression signatures into personalized approaches to disease management,” discussed how many clinical problems are best solved with a team science approach. Dr. Spira’s research group discovered a gene expression signature which is being used to develop less invasive clinical procedures for diagnosing lung cancer.

The retreat concluded with closing remarks followed by lunch. Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Boston University School of Public Health Dr. Yvette Cozier won an award for Best Poster, as voted on by attendees. Her project was titled “Self-Reported Oral Health of Middle-Class Black Women in the United States.”

Dr. Maria Kukuruzinska said, “I am very pleased with the quality of the presentations at this year’s Retreat. I feel they truly highlighted the important translational work being conducted within our School and University.”

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.

Guests enjoying a poker table at the Goldman Gala

On April 24, 2015, students, faculty, staff and friends of Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) gathered at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Grand Ballroom for the 2015 Goldman Gala where casino games were a feature of the evening. The theme for this year’s annual celebration was Casino Royale, inspired by the 2006 James Bond film.

The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception featuring a signature drink, the Diamond Fizz, a photo booth, and casino games. Upon arrival, guests received $2,000 of play money which could be cashed in for chips to try their luck at the casino tables. Poker, black jack, roulette, craps, and money wheel were the featured games of the evening.

Following the cocktail reception, the 478 guests took their seats in the ballroom for a dinner consisting of Thai infused salmon; grilled chicken breast; or herb risotto. Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter took the stage to welcome everyone and to pay tribute to several special guests in attendance.

He opened the evening by recognizing Megan Sullivan DMD 18, who ran the Boston Marathon on April 20, 2015. Megan had previously participated in the fateful 2013 Boston Marathon, but was unable to finish the race due to the tragic terrorist attack at the finish line. This year, Megan braved the cold temperatures and strong winds, and courageously ran the race again. For the last several hundred yards of the race, Megan was joined by her sister who had been waiting for her at the finish line in 2013 when the bombs went off. They crossed the finish line together. Assistant Dean of Students Dr. Joseph Calabrese escorted Megan to the stage where Dean Hutter presented her with a bouquet of flowers. “Megan, you are truly a wonderful example as to why we as a University and a School of Dental Medicine continue to be Boston Strong,” said Dean Hutter. He then asked the attendees to join him in a moment of silence for those whose lives were tragically taken in the 2013 attack.

Dean Hutter then said to the guests, “The Goldman Gala is truly for our students, especially for those who will graduate and become our newest alumni, and Mrs. Hutter and I are absolutely delighted to once again have the honor and privilege of hosting you this evening. We’re so pleased that we have such a wonderful turnout of students, faculty, staff, and alumni.”

He went on to recognize each of the classes in attendance and asked that students from the graduating DMD, AS, and post-doctoral classes of 2015 stand for a special round of applause.

Dean Hutter welcomed the following special guests: Dean’s Advisory Board Member Dr. Shadi Daher and his wife Dr. Milagros “Millie” Serrano; Dean’s Advisory Board Member Dr. Suneel Kandru; President of the Alumni Association and Dean’s Advisory Board Member Dr. Bing Liu and his wife Mrs. Helen Dong; Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board Dr. David Lustbader and his wife Mrs. Wendy Lustbader; Dean’s Advisory Board Member Dr. Mina Paul and her husband Mr. Ajay Saini; Immediate Past President of the Alumni Board Dr. Mitch Sabbagh; and Dean’s Advisory Board Member Dr. Ron Weissman and his wife Mrs. Maria Weissman.

He also asked the members of the Goldman Gala Committee, who organized and planned the evening, to stand for a round of applause: Richa Bhatt AS 15, Development & Alumni Coordinator Ms. Leslie Caiola, Assistant Dean of Students Dr. Joseph Calabrese, Christopher Connell DMD 15, Administrative Assistant for Meetings & Events Ms. Diane Dougherty, Andrew Grinsell DMD 17, Marissa Kobewka DMD 15, Pardis Koleini DMD 17, David Lane DMD 16, Emma Lattouf DMD 15, Lauren Liebman DMD 18, Associate Director of Student Affairs Ms. Erica Manczuk, Matthew Mara DMD 16, Keely Matheson DMD 15, Jessica Metcalf DMD 15, Michael Nardi DMD 18, Student Affairs Coordinator Ms. Amy Nelson, Hilary Reiter DMD 16, Amrita Sandhu DMD 15, Azeez Swarup AS 15, and Ryan Vaughn DMD 16.  Dean Hutter then made a special acknowledgement of the efforts of Assistant Director of Meetings & Events Mrs. Lindsay McHugh and presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

Dean Hutter then took a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the birthdays of Dean’s Advisory Board Member Dr. Ronald Weissman and his wife Mrs. Maria Weissman, who share an April 24 birthday. They were presented with a large cake as everyone in attendance sang them Happy Birthday.

Dean Hutter took one last opportunity to remind everyone that “what goes on in the photo booths and the Casino, stays in the photo booths and the Casino.”

After dinner and dessert, guests hit the dance floor serenaded by the band Night Rhythm, took casino-themed photos in the photo booth, and tried their luck one more time at the casino tables.

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.

Dr. Oreste Zanni

Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) announced at Commencement on Friday, May 15, 2015 that it has received a bequest of more than 3 million dollars from the estate of the late, beloved alumni and faculty member, Dr. Oreste Zanni.

On July 15, 2013, Clinical Associate Professor and Clinic Director in the Department of Periodontology Dr. Oreste Zanni suffered a heart attack in the Patient Treatment Center and tragically passed away at Boston Medical Center. He was 66 years of age.

The bequest will be used to establish an endowed full scholarship in Dr. Zanni’s name for a resident enrolled in the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Periodontics; and to name the Post-doctoral Periodontic Patient Treatment Center in the proposed new GSDM clinical facility: “The Dr. Oreste Zanni Post-doctoral Periodontic Patient Treatment Center.”

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter shared the news of the gift with graduating students, residents, and their families at Commencement in the Walter Brown Arena, “We are so very grateful for this generous bequest, which speaks to Dr. Zanni’s love of the profession of dentistry, his affection for his alma mater, and the importance he placed on education.”

Dr. Zanni was born and raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He received a B.A. in Biology from Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts in 1968 and a DDS from Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry in Cleveland, Ohio in 1973. He also completed an Internship at Tufts New England Medical Center Department of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts in 1974; and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Periodontics at Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry in 1976.

In both 2009 and 2010, Dr. Zanni was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award presented by the residents enrolled in the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Periodontics at GSDM. In addition, in 2008 and 2009 he was honored with the Educator Award from the American Academy of Periodontology. Dr. Zanni’s professional activities are numerous and include memberships to societies including: the American Academy of Periodontology; the Massachusetts Periodontal Society; the Merrimack Valley Dental Society; and the Greater Lawrence Dental Society.

The winning team (l-r) Andrew Mancini DMD 15, Jon Enright DMD 15, Lyle Smith DMD 15, and John Vasko DMD 15

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, family, and friends/sponsors of Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) participated in the 6^th Annual BU ASDA Golf Tournament on May 9, 2015. The event was held at the Norwood Country Club in Norwood, Massachusetts on a beautiful Spring Saturday.

Registration began at 12 p.m., followed by a putting contest. Garrett Wingrove DMD 17 won the putting contest after sinking a remarkable 50 foot putt. A shot gun start at 1 p.m. quickly got the day rolling for the 46 golfers, including 58 students, 3 faculty members, 4 staff members, 3 alumni, and 10 family members, friends, sponsors, and many others in attendance to help support the players. Playing with a “best ball” format, the winning team included Jon Enright DMD 15, Andrew Mancini DMD 15, Lyle Smith DMD 15, and John Vasko DMD 15. They had a team score of 58, which was 13 under par.

Following the tournament, the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine American Student Dental Association (BUGSDM ASDA) hosted a well-attended awards presentation and buffet dinner. Various awards were given including “Closest to the Pin” to Adrian DeVincenzo DMD 15. Keely Matheson DMD 15 won the “Ladies Long Drive” and Spencer Burns DMD 15 won the “Men’s Long Drive.” There was no winner for the $5,000 hole-in-one contest, but there is always hope for next year, which is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2016.

Staff volunteers from GSDM included: Clinical Affairs Administrative Coordinator Ms. Krista Aronson, Assistant Dean of Students Dr. Joseph Calabrese, Associate Director of Student Affairs Ms. Erica Manczuk, Director of Alumni Relations Ms. Stacey McNamee, and Student Affairs Coordinator Ms. Amy Nelson.

Student volunteers included: Mira Daljeet DMD 18, Sloane Kaminski-Ditzel DMD 18, Corrine Kunkle DMD 18, and Alyssa Mazzoli DMD 16.

BU ASDA wishes to thank the generous sponsors including: Allen Dental Associates; Tim and Meghan Auger DMD 91; Dental Dreams; Dr. Richard D’Innocenzo & the GSDM Oral Surgery Group Practice; Elmwood Sports; Farmington Insurance Agency; Gentle Dental; Kappa Dental Group; Massachusetts Dental Society; David Olivo DMD 91; Paquette Family Dental; Patterson Dental; Paul Farsai, DMD 94; Pleasant Family Dental (Bing Liu DSC 99, DMD 03); Rodman Ford; Attleboro Periodontics and Implantology; Peter Caviris DMD 91; Eastern Dentists Insurance Company; InsMed Insurance; Douglas Schildhaus, DMD 91; and Norwood Country Club.

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.

(l-r) Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter, Melissa Parsa DMD 15, Dr. Jason Zeim, and Dr. Joseph Calabrese

On May 1, 2015, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) teaching assistants (TAs) were recognized during the annual Teaching Assistant Appreciation Lunch. Sixty-nine TAs from three pre-clinical courses joined together in the Dean’s Conference Room for lunch in recognition of their support throughout the year.

Students selected to be TAs are all fourth year DMD and second year Advanced Standing students and must: have an interest in the subject matter; be in good academic standing; have no past or present disciplinary action; and, have a history of cooperation, positive faculty interaction, and time management skills. Individual course directors may have other specific requirements as well.

At the appreciation lunch, Dr. Ferriero spoke highly of his TAs. “My course is much better because of the invaluable support from the TAs. The students in the course love being taught by their peers, and the TAs get a refresher in the subject matter they originally learned to appreciate several years prior.”  He also thanked the TAs who assisted in the Pre-clinical Removable Prosthodontics course and read a statement by Director of Pre-clinical Removable Prosthodontics Dr. Ronni Schnell, who was unable to attend the lunch.

Director of Pre-doctoral Endodontics Dr. Jason Zeim also expressed his thanks to the students who assisted in his Pre-clinical Endodontics course. “It was just recently that we added TAs in the Endodontic Pre-clinical Course and I could not be happier,” he said. “The TAs are extremely helpful in all aspects of the course from the initial start and set up to the final summative exam.  They are a great benefit to the course as they are knowledgeable, eager, reliable and always supportive.”

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter called each student up to the front of the room and individually presented each of them with a certificate of participation.

Certificates for Pre-clinical Endodontics were awarded to: Ingy Alhelawe DMD 15, Adam Barsoum AS 15, Puneet Brar AS 15, Erin Breen DMD 15, Amanda Brogly DMD 15, Brad Dressler DMD 15, Michelle Dube DMD 15, Ahmed El Zanfaly AS 15, Siavash Golaby Sanajany DMD 15, Destinee Ingrao DMD 15, Golnaz Kavand AS 15, Young Kwang Kim DMD 15, Hedieh Kousedghi  AS 15, Brian Leibtog DMD 15, Derek Leung DMD 15, Yanling Liu AS 15, Antonio Maceda-Johnson DMD 15, Amit Merchant AS 15, Thomas Mosely DMD 15, Ashish Papneja DMD 15, Melissa Parsa DMD 15, Ryan Pasiewicz DMD 15, Richa Rashmi AS 15, Marianella Romero AS 15 , Shivani Shirgavi AS 15, Neha Sood AS 15, Azeez Swarup AS 15, Diana Torres Cardona AS 15, Maria Vasilakos DMD 15, Joshua Williams DMD 15, and Yoshika Yamamoto DMD 15.

Certificates for Pre-clinical Removable Prosthodontics were awarded to: Passant Abdel Megeed AS 15, Roua Al Timimi AS 15, Hussain Alsarraf DMD 15, Harpriya Bal DMD 15, Sonya Hasan DMD 15, Delphine Jeong DMD 15, Golnaz Kavand AS 15, Reefat Malhotra AS 15, Keely Matheson DMD 15, Federico Perez AS 15, Andrew Pham DMD 15, Snehal Pingle AS 15, Sarah Procknik DMD 15, Marium Qureshi AS 15, Richa Rashmi AS 15, Lyle Smith DMD 15, Neha Sood AS 15, Zhi Sun AS 15, Azeez Swarup AS 15, Bernadete Therriault AS 15, and Joshua Williams DMD 15.

Certificates for Pre-clinical Occlusion were awarded to: Omar Alazizi DMD 15, Eamon Chory DMD 15, Christopher Connell DMD 15, Benjamin Cooperman DMD 15, Michelle DaRocha DMD 15, Michelle Dube DMD 15, Cassandra Fevelo DMD 15, Tina Giannacopoulos DMD 15, Sonya Hasan DMD 15, Justine Karanian DMD 15, Brandon Ladeau DMD 15, Emma Amal Lattouf DMD 15, Keely Matheson DMD 15, Jessica Metcalfe DMD 15, Daniel Moynihan DMD 15, Sarah Procknik DMD 15, and Maria Vasilakos DMD 15.

Dean Hutter said, “I wish to express my thanks to each and every Teaching Assistant. Your efforts in support of these pre-clinical courses are truly appreciated and are invaluable to both the course directors and the students you are teaching.”

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.

Attendees watch a slideshow of International Elective Externships

On Thursday, April 30, 2015, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) students gave a well-attended presentation to the GSDM community about their International Elective Externship trips this past winter.

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter opened the meeting by congratulating all students who participated in an International Elective Externship (IEE) and praised them for their dedication to serving those in need. Following Dean Hutter’s remarks, the presentation began with a slideshow showing GSDM students around the world providing much-needed dental care to underserved populations.  Following the slideshow, students from each IEE gave a presentation describing their unforgettable trips and the cultural experiences they participated in.  A total of 16 students discussed their experiences of 5 different externship trips to Guatemala, Panama, India, and Nicaragua. At the conclusion of the meeting, Dean Hutter presented each student with a certificate of recognition.

The DMD 15 students who participated in the IEEs this past winter were: Jasnoor Mann, Andrew Soule-Hinds, Anne Tran, and Josh Williams, who went to Guatemala January 8–19, 2015; Ingy Alhelawe, Justine Karanian, Emma Amal Lattouf, and Linda Linsinbigler who went to Guatemala January 15–26, 2015; Christopher Chan and Ramandeep Samra who went to Panama January 15–26, 2015; Sonal Chhanabhai, Amrita Patel, and Samita Sandhu who went to India January 18–February 2, 2015; and Michelle DaRocha, Stephanie Leung, and Keely Matheson who went to Nicaragua February 9–18, 2015.  Dr. Thomas Kilgore was also recognized for his participation in the IEE to Guatemala.

Director of Global Initiatives Ms. Kathy Held said, “I’m so very proud of the international elective externship volunteers this year. It is hard to imagine the physical and emotional stresses such a mission can bring unless you have participated in one.” She added, “I have been fortunate to be a member of some of these teams in the past and have seen firsthand how dedicated and committed the GSDM students are to providing care.”

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.

(l-r) Dr. Sami Chogle, Dr. Seymour Melnick, Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter, and Mrs. Judy Melnick

Assistant Professor in the Department of Endodontics at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Dr. Seymour Melnick was honored by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) with the Part-Time Educator Award at the AAE Annual Session in Seattle, Washington which took place May 6–9, 2015. The award is presented annually to an AAE member with a minimum of 20 years of teaching history whose contributions have instilled a desire in his/her students to pursue excellence.

The AAE Annual Session brought together endodontists from around the globe to take part in several days of scientific, clinical and research presentations, continuing education courses, hands-on workshops, and looking at new products in the Exhibitors’ Hall. Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter and Director of the Advanced Specialty Program in Endodontics Dr. Sami Chogle also hosted a reception for GSDM Endodontic alumni. During the Annual Session, three GSDM alums were recognized for receivingcertification by the American Board of Endodontics. They were Christopher Dorr ENDO 06; Laila Kafi DMD 07, ENDO 12; and Michael Pauk DMD 10, ENDO 12.

Siraj Dakhil ENDO 15 received one of the top ten scores in the AAE/DENTSPLY Resident Award Contest for his oral presentation titled “Post-surface Pretreatment with Dimethyl Sulfoxide to Enhance the Interfacial Bond Strength Between Fiber Posts and Resin Cements.” He was awarded $1,000 and recognized at the Edgar D. Coolidge Awards Luncheon held on Saturday, May 9.

Prior to receiving his award, Dr. Melnick was honored at the  alumni reception hosted by Dean Hutter and Dr. Chogle at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel on the evening of May 7. Approximately 100 alumni and their guests attended the reception. Dr. Chogle served as Master of Ceremony as several GSDM alums took to the podium to speak about the impact Dr. Melnick had made on them during their time as residents.

“Dr. Melnick’s class gave us a real world skill,” said Shari Bernadett ENDO 91. “He showed us the practical application of what we would be doing on a daily basis in our practices.” She went on to thank Dr. Melnick for his service to his students and patients and added, “hundreds of thousands of patients have benefitted from treatment by endodontists trained by Dr. Melnick at GSDM. It’s really quite a remarkable legacy for one man.”

Another former resident, Mark Desrosiers ENDO 06, said, “When you look back and think about the many years that Seymour volunteered it is overwhelming.  The people in attendance, here tonight at this reception are testament to our appreciation.” Speaking directly to Dr. Melnick, he continued, “We all leave legacies.  The many people here at this reception as well as the hundreds of other residents that you have touched throughout the years are part of your legacy in improving our profession.  Thank you and congratulations for an honor well deserved.”

The other speakers were: Normand Aubre ENDO 87; Justin Aurbach ENDO 72; Howard Bittner ENDO 95; and Jason Conn DMD 10, ENDO 12.

Dean Hutter praised Dr. Melnick for his years of service and in recognition of his award presented him with a Gurgling Cod in the color of Nantucket Coral from Shreve, Crump, & Low on behalf of the School.  Since its introduction in 1964, the Gurgling Cod has become a well-known symbol of Boston. “Dr. Melnick has spent his lifetime educating the future generations of endodontists. He is an asset to our School and is certainly deserving of this prestigious award,” he said. Endodontic Alumni Association President Marshall Michaelian ENDO 01 spoke about the impact Dr. Melnick has had on GSDM and presented him with a Boston University Captain’s Chair on behalf of the alumni. Dr. Melnick thanked everyone and announced to everyone’s pleasure that he has no plans to retire.

Dean Hutter said, “I also wish to extend my congratulations to Drs. Dorr, Kafi, and Pauk for receiving their board certifications, and to Dr. Dakhil for his excellent oral presentation. We certainly do have remarkable faculty, students, and alumni at the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.”

The Part-Time Educator Award was presented to Dr. Melnick during the Edgar D. Coolidge Luncheon on Saturday, May 9. The award was presented by Chair of the Honors and Awards Committee Dr. Shepard S. Goldstein and President of the AAE Dr. Robert S. Roda. Dr. Melnick, who has served on the faculty of GSDM since 1967, was nominated for this award by Dr. Chogle with letters of support from several faculty members and former residents.

South Asia is comprised of 8 countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) students Baljeet Khaira DMD 17 and Sanjay Kataria DMD 16 recently organized the first South Asian Student Dental Association (SASDA) in an effort to create an organized form of representation for the many South Asian students at GSDM.

The student-run organization was established with the goals of promoting awareness of South Asian culture and providing opportunities for social interactions. It further aims to promote cross cultural integrity and academic and professional ethics and values while emphasizing cultural diversity. SASDA serves as a platform for students to interact with each other and have a better understanding of the student life at GSDM from a South Asian perspective.

Broad goals of the group include organizing South Asian cultural events to celebrate various occasions/festivals throughout the year, participating in cultural activism, and establishing a network between SASDA and other South Asian dental student organizations within the district.

According to Kataria, who is SASDA’s Vice President, “SASDA is really about intertwining South Asian culture with our GSDM experiences. We aspire to promote greater cultural awareness and experience the many facets involved in being part of the South Asian culture and heritage. We hope to create an environment where everyone can explore and experience South Asian culture.”

GSDM SASDA officers are: President Sanjay Kataria DMD 16; Vice President Baljeet Khaira DMD 17; Secretary Aisha Hakeem DMD 16; and Treasurer Aditya Mehta AS 16. Faculty advisors are Associate Professor in the Department of General Dentistry and Director of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology Dr. Anita Gohel and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. Ishwar Bhatia.

Membership is open to all GSDM students.

Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science

This past fall, Professor and Assistant Dean for Faculty Development Dr. Judith Jones was invited by the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science (AACCS) at Stony Brook University to attend a one and a half day workshop hosted by the Boston University Medical Campus (BUMC) where a variety of scientists learned improvisation and how to pitch their projects to various audiences.

The AACCS works to enhance understanding of science by helping train the next generation of scientists and health professionals to communicate more effectively with the public, public officials, the media, and others outside their own discipline. The AACCS believes that scientists from all fields of study have a responsibility to communicate directly and vividly in order to enhance their career prospects, help secure funding, collaborate across disciplines, compete for positions, and serve as effective teachers. Providing proper training for these scientists will help them uphold this responsibility and strengthen their communication skills.

After completing the fall workshop, Dr. Jones felt it was so informative that she and other scientists from BUMC arranged for an AACCS facilitator to provide a similar workshop for Boston University dental students, medical students, family medicine residents, and physician assistant students. Four Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) students are now enrolled in the workshop, which met for the first time on Wednesday, May 27, and will meet two more times before concluding. The four students participating are Vishal Gohel DMD 17; Matthew Jones DMD 18; Alex Nguyen DMD 17; and Heidar Zohrehei AS 17.

At the first meeting, the students learned about improvisation. They learned what it is and how to practice it. The second and third meetings will focus on “distilling the message” by progressively condensing the message within various time-constraints—Three minutes;  one minute; thirty seconds; and fifteen seconds. These lessons will help the students fine-tune their message to their audience and will enhance their overall communication.

According to Dr. Jones, “the benefit of the workshop to dental students is clearer communication of their research to other students and faculty. It also carries over to having better communication with patients.”

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter with Khalid Alamoud and his poster

On March 31, 2015, Khalid Alamoud Ortho 19, DScD 19 was awarded the Goldman School of Dental Medicine Dean’s Award for Student Research at the Graduate Research Symposium, an annual event highlighting research being conducted by Boston University graduate students. Participants in the symposium come from both the Medical Campus and the Charles River Campus. Five Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) students participated in the event which took place in the George Sherman Union. Participants presented posters during one of two poster sessions, which included presentations from over 160 participants.

Alamoud received the award for his poster titled, “Targeting the N-glycosylation regulating gene DPAGT1 for Oral Cancer.” He is conducting his doctoral research in the lab of Associate Dean for Research and Professor in the Department Molecular & Cell Biology Dr. Maria Kukuruzinska.

Dr. Kukuruzinska’s lab is investigating the molecular events that underlie oral cancer development. Oral cancer, which presents primarily as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is an aggressive disease with limited available treatment options. The Lab’s research has shown that protein N-glycosylation is regulated by the DPAGT1 gene which functions at the first rate limiting step in the N-glycosylation pathway. Alamoud’s poster discussed how this gene promotes oral cancer cell migration in vitro, and tongue tumor formation and metastasis in vivo, identifying DPAGT1 as a likely and novel candidate target for OSCC therapies. Additional collaborators on this work included Research Technician Mr. Trevor Packer, Research Associate Dr. Jie Hui Li, and Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology Dr. Manish Bais.

Alamoud was honored to receive the award and is grateful for the support he has received at GSDM. “It is with deepest appreciation that I express my thanks to Dean Hutter for his continued support, Dr. Kukuruzinska for her guidance and expertise, as well as the Graduate Research Symposium,” he said. “It is an honor to be acknowledged by a symposium which highlights research from so many different disciplines across the university.”

The other GSDM student poster presentations at the symposium included:

“Oral Squamous Cancer Cell-Bone Interactions and Resistance to Alendronate (Fosamax) Drug Therapy in 3D-Live Bone-Microenvironment” by Melody Hwang PERIO 17 (MSD); post-doctoral student Zhongyan Wang; Professor and Chair of the Department of Periodontology Dr. Serge Dibart; and Research Associate Professor in the Department of Periodontology Dr. Erdjan Salih.

“Sex-linked Skeletal Phenotype of Lysyl Oxidase Like-1 Mutant Mice” by Eileen Daley ORAL BIO 17 (PhD); Loai Alsofi ORAL BIO 08, ENDO 11 (MSD), ENDO 12; post-doctoral student Elise F. Morgan; Zachary D. Mason ENG 10; Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dr. Jesus F. Acevedo; Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dr. R. Ann Word; Louis C. Gerstenfeld GRS 82; and Professor and Director of Graduate Programs in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology Dr. Philip Trackman.

“Densitometric Analysis of Protease Enzyme Activities in Whole Saliva” by Daniah AlHarkan ORAL BIO 17 (MSD), PERIO 17; Laboratory Supervisor Ms. Nerline Grand-Pierre, Grace Hannawi DMD 17, Post-doctoral Associate in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology Na Tian ORAL BIO 14 (PhD), Yi Zhong ORAL BIO 15 (MSD), Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology Dr. Guoxian Wei, and Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology Dr. Eva Helmerhorst.

“Not-yet-cultivated Bacteria of in vivo Formed Early Dental Biofilm” by Debora Heller ORAL BIO 16 (PhD), Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology Dr. Eva Helmerhorst; Adam Gower ENG 12; Associate Professor of Dentistry and Biochemistry at Western University in Canada Dr. Walter Siqueira; Chair of the Department of Microbiology at the Forsyth Research Center Dr. Bruce Paster; and Professor in the Departments of Periodontology and Molecular & Cell Biology and Henry M. Goldman Distinguished Scientist Dr. Frank Oppenheim.

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter said, “The Graduate Research Symposium is an excellent opportunity to highlight the exceptional research being conducted at GSDM.” He continued, “I would also like to congratulate Khalid on his excellent poster. We are very proud of the great work he is doing.”

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.

OKU inductees with Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter, Dr. Stephen Polins, and Ms. Catherine Sarkis

On April 29, 2015, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) proudly inducted its newest members into the Lambda Mu Chapter of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society (OKU). The induction ceremony was held in the Trustee Ballroom at the Boston University Questrum School of Business and was presided over by Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter, Lambda Mu Chapter President Dr. Stephen Polins, and Lambda Mu Chapter Secretary Ms. Catherine Sarkis.

Dean Hutter delivered the opening remarks of the ceremony by welcoming the family and friends of inductees in attendance, and congratulating the newest OKU members. “You are the best of the best,” he said, “and I know that I speak for the entire faculty, staff, and alumni of the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine when I say that we feel privileged and deeply gratified that you made the decision to attend our School and while doing so, set a standard of excellence for all of your classmates and future students to emulate.”

Dr. Polins then addressed the inductees before calling them forward. “Each of you is here tonight,” he said, “because of the success you have had so far, and, by virtue of that success, you have validated that you possess the criteria essential for induction into this prestigious National Dental Honor Society.”

He continued, “In addition to scholarship, you have demonstrated exemplary traits of character, and qualities for future professional growth and attainment through act and deed. You are proven examples of what is possible when you are serious about your education and committed to service and achievement.”

Dr. Polins then read a brief biography of each of the inductees and individually called them forward. Dean Hutter and Ms. Sarkis presented them with an OKU stole to be worn over their regalia at Commencement, an OKU key, and a certificate. There were a total of 23 students and 2 faculty members inducted.

Student inductees were: Layth Al Kaissy AS 15, Harpriya Bal DMD 15, Richa Bhatt AS 15, Spencer Burns DMD 15, Jasmine Chopra AS 15, Adrian De Vincenzo DMD 15, Kostantina Giannacopoulos DMD 15, Destinee Ingrao DMD 15, Brahmleen Kaur AS 15, Jeongyun Kim AS 15, Brian Leibtog DMD 15, Linda Linsinbigler DMD 15, Reefat Malhotra AS 15, Keely Matheson DMD 15, Daniel Moynihan DMD 15, Andrew Pham DMD 15, Snehal Pingle AS 15, Sara Saremi DMD 15, Cara Seidel DMD 15, Lyle Smith DMD 15, Diana Torres AS 15, Anne Tran DMD 15, and Na Wei AS 15.

Faculty inductees were: Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry Dr. Louis Brown and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of General Dentistry Dr. Frederick Hains.

Photos are available on Facebook and Flickr.