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  Home  About Us State Unit Leadership Membership Information Latest News Calendar of Events Links CSPD Foundation Advocacy, Legislation and Regulatory Matters Member Directory Members Only Online Continuing Education Professional Opportunities Contact Us of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry  |
 
CSPD Foundation's Fourth Year News and Articles: 2004-2005Spring 2005 President's Message
Richard Sobel, DDS It is a great honor to serve the leadership of our Foundation. As most of you know, when the dreams of our past presidents to form a foundation became a reality, we knew there were great challenges. Dave Good started us crawling in the right direction, helping to formulate an early structure, a direction and goals. Mark Lisagor taught us how to walk, leading us to clarify our role and focusing on the crisis in pediatric dental education. We began funding postdoctoral student projects and stimulating early faculty involvement through programs on mentoring and identifying students for potential academic careers. Well, it is time again to move ahead, more rapidly, more decisively, and more confidently. As growing children do, it is time to learn how to run, to see our projects begin to fulfill the strategic goals of the Foundation. Beyond our current projects of funding support for students, we are beginning to examine the role of the pediatric dental educator. What would it take to identify students early in their professional training and to develop a curriculum in which interested students could move beyond their clinical and didactic coursework? The disciplines of education and research are both necessary to insure long-term faculty positions. Simultaneously, we are developing a prototypical program to aid the experienced practitioner who desires to become a part-time instructor. Consistency of teaching guidelines and materials, coupled with the hands-on guidance of a faculty mentor will help clinicians that make the commitment to teach. We believe that these faculty members will be primary motivators for students, mentoring them through their educational experiences. Pilot projects in this will soon be considered for funding. We are also looking forward to the results of the USC pediatric dental department retreat, predominantly underwritten by our grant. This program is designed to identify evidence- based information to help standardize teaching techniques and procedures. During the next few issues of this Bulletin we shall be reporting, in greater detail, the activities of the Foundation. You will have more specific information regarding our projects, their funding and progress. We will share with you, and ask for your opinions and aid with new programs. Remember that our major goal is to increase the number of pediatric dentists who see academics as part of their professional careers. Thank you for your support of our Foundation. As we reach out to corporate, government and other institutions for funds, it is necessary to demonstrate the overwhelming involvement of the members of CSPD. Your direct contributions are indicative of this involvement. Therefore I ask that you participate in our annual fund raising campaign at any level that is possible.
CSPD Foundation's Third Continuing Education Course
Ron Johnson Highlights Recruitment and Retention of Educators
Madeliene Brandli, Trustee Former colleagues and residents from pediatric dental programs in Los Angeles remember Ron Johnson as a superb mentor, known for his dedicated hands-on approach to guiding students. In a presentation crackling with humorous anecdotes, he offered serious solutions for problems faced by schools in their efforts to recruit and retain students and faculty. Dr. Johnson observed that recognition of potential faculty could begin as early as the first week of dental school. He presented evaluation mechanisms to be used by students and their counselors to identify areas of strength and weakness in a proactive manner early in their pre-doctoral careers. Acknowledging the impact of attitude in mentoring, Dr. Johnson cited the need for faculty to emphasize the positive attributes and advantages of teaching, encouraging academics as part of a student’s career plans. For the clinician considering a return to teaching, he recommended the enhancement of the teaching environment and programs to assist clinicians in developing competency as clinical faculty. Dr. Johnson concluded his remarks by addressing the need for clinical training in pre-doctoral and residency programs to simulate the real world environments they will enter upon graduation.
Foundation Funds Research and Mentoring GrantThe Foundation recently approved funding for a new project proposed by Drs. José Polido and second-year pediatric resident Andrea Pinnick of USC. Dr. Pinnick will be participating in a year-long seminar series as part of a “Core Curriculum in Scholarly Skills” training program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. This seminar series is designed to strengthen the training of pediatric subspecialty fellows at CHLA and provide unique interactions of the pediatric dentistry resident with fellows from other medical specialties. The research study she and Dr. Polido have developed in conjunction with the seminar will evaluate the surface roughness of new composite materials vs. the traditional composites by use of a profilometer and scanning electron microscopy. Funding will not only cover costs for the scanning electron microscopy and the associated equipment and materials but also a poster session presentation at the Saban Research Institute at CHLA, as well as a presentation to pediatric dentistry residents and faculty. The Foundation felt this proposal was a very relevant submission to the Internal Faculty Development Grant Program mainly because it is tied into an established core curriculum for scholarly skills. This combination of scholarly core programs and research may begin to attract pediatric dental residents into academics. In addition to a mentoring component for this project, the primary focus of funding for this proposal is the potential pediatric dental educator in support of his/her research. Spotlighting Dr Ann TornabeneDr. Ann Tornabene, a second-year pediatric dental resident at UCSF, gave a short presentation during the Foundation CE Course in Monterey describing a mentorship program that she has organized and implemented at UCSF. As a former teacher, she realized the importance of having a good role model in encouraging students to enter the teaching profession and wanted to design a program at UCSF that would pair residents and students with pediatric dental educators for a one-on-one experience in mentoring. Another key part of the mentoring process includes the opportunity for the professor to help his/her mentee in developing predoctoral lectures and exposing them to daily academia. Under the guidance of Dr. Kenneth Troutman, Dr. Tornabene’s program has been underway for almost one year. To conclude the project, a dinner is planned for all participants at the CSPD annual session. It will include a presentation as well as a publication of the program’s achievements. Dr. Tornabene received good feedback regarding her presentation: "I had so many people come up to me and thank me for presenting and were very interested in the program." This project was funded by the Foundation’s Internal Faculty Development Grant Program which strives to create innovative ways to address the shortage of pediatric dental educators in California. For further information, please contact the Program chair, Gila Dorostkar, at giladorostkar@aol.com. AUCTION AT MONTEREY AQUARIUMWorking the crowd with enthusiasm, under the watchful eyes of the inhabitants of Monterey’s large tank, out-going Foundation president Dr. Mark Lisagor auctioned off seven donated items for the Foundation. Auction items and winning bidders:
Thanks to all the donors and successful bidders. The Foundation raised $3,775!! Winter 2005 President's Message
Our fourth annual giving campaign is well underway and I am happy to report that the response from CSPD members is, so far, greater than in any prior year. For as little as one hundred dollars, each of you has the opportunity to play a role in shaping the future of our specialty in California. If you haven’t already done so, please send your check in soon. The Foundation Board is moving ahead on many fronts, building a "war chest" as quickly as possible, while implementing short term and intermediate strategies aimed at both understanding and addressing the critical issues in pediatric dental education at all levels. The third in our series of Thursday afternoon programs in conjunction with the Annual Meeting will feature Dr. Ron Johnson, no stranger to pediatric dental education in California. Dr. Johnson, Vice President of Strategic Affairs and Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Texas Health Center (and former dean), will focus on the identification and preparation of our next generation of pediatric dental residents, faculty, and practitioners. This looks to be an especially informative presentation and discussion and I encourage all members to arrive in Monterey early enough to be participants. Thanks to many generous donors, another live auction will take place in Monterey, with exciting items for some lively bidding (a box at the Hollywood Bowl, Pageant of the Masters Tickets, etc.) If you have tickets to a sporting event or the theater, or maybe a condo in a ski resort, it’s not too late to add your name to the list of auction donors. Also in Monterey, we are pleased to invite all Presidents’ Circle level donors to a special "Taste of Monterey" reception in their honor. This event has been completely underwritten by some of the anesthesiologists around the state who provide their services for our patients. (It’s not too late to increase your donor level; we’d love to have you join us!) As I complete my second and final term as President, I would like to express special thanks to Executive Director Mel Rowan and Executive Secretary Lynne Marian. They both have demonstrated their commitment and passion for this cause in so many ways, and have made my job a true pleasure. The same holds true for a very dedicated Foundation Board. Special thanks to Randall Wiley who will be completing his service this term. Thanks for your continued support! Mark Lisagor, DDS
The CSPD Foundation presents
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The Lovingier family enjoy the generous donation from Dr. & Mrs. Ron Bills of their beach home and Padres tickets!!
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Andy & Donna Soderstrom, along with John & Erica De Lorme, enjoy their evening at the Hollywood Bowl donated by Dr. & Mrs. Mark Lisagor!
A major goal of the CSPD Foundation is to encourage more pediatric dentists to participate as faculty members throughout California. Grants have been awarded to enhance the research experience and mentoring relationships for pediatric dental graduate students. Recently two new graduates receiving grants have embarked on careers that have included academic participation. The Foundation has interviewed these members to review those aspects of their education or experience that encouraged them to seek faculty positions.
| Mary Le is a 2003 graduate of UCSF who is now a full time faculty member at UOP. |
Tami Fujino is a 2004 graduate of UCSF who now teaches one day per week at UCSF while associating in two pediatric dental practices. |  |
ON EXPERIENCES, GUIDANCE, MENTORING:
MARY: "I had always considered academics throughout
dental school but was uncertain as to how this could occur. Most of my experiences came from faculty members who shared their varied roles. Pam DenBesten shared her position as both a full time scientist and administrator. Weyland Lum spoke repeatedly of the value of an academic component at various stages throughout his clinical career. Richard Sobel raised my eyebrows by convincing me that you can be a full time academician early in your career with little clinical experience; and that this can be a financially viable alternative to practice."
TAMI: "During my dental education at Northwestern University, the department and faculty of pediatric dentistry encouraged me to specialize and include teaching in my activities. Both the organization
and the style of the faculty members were very positive influences. I also experienced an externship at a rural clinic in Colorado, which stimulated these desires. At UCSF only a very few students liked pediatric dentistry. I wanted to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for pediatric dentistry with these students."
ON CSPDF GRANT:
MARY:The CSPD grant was helpful even as early as the application process as I learned, with help, how to put together a request for funds and to convince someone that my project was worth funding. It was a glimpse into the future and a great experience. I gained a sense of financial responsibility and independence."
TAMI: "I was not very aware of the grant funding, although I knew that Dr. DenBesten was trying to get support for my presentation and attendance at the ORCA and IADR meetings."
ON SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE CSPDF PROGRAMS TO ENCOURAGE TEACHING:
MARY: "Most incentives relate to opportunities during a student’s training. The chance to see their potential skills, discover a new interest, or someone to plant the "seed" or "open the door" for them. Specific incentives may include a scholarship or funds for part-time teaching during, or directly following, their training."
TAMI: "Stimulus or encouragement is difficult. You have to truly want to teach students. Small benefits would be helpful as a new faculty member; a parking permit or things of that sort would be useful."
ON CHALLENGES FOR THE NEOPHYTE FACULTY MEMBER:
MARY: "The greatest challenge is how much time is devoted to preparation or for evaluations after a day of teaching. As a new faculty member you learn as you teach. There are no books to tell you what to do, so you need someone to help you with constructive and concrete criticism, advice and guidance."
TAMI: "One difficulty is that there is no specific guidance in the clinic on how to teach or deal with the students. Also there is little organization or consistency in teaching standards. A real challenge is to change the students' attitude towards pedo, to make them feel positive about treating children."
ON PERSONAL REWARDS OF TEACHING:
MARY: "Meeting people, being exposed to different ideas or points of view and having consultations readily available are great rewards. I also believe that the chance to learn from students, from a different perspective, is very valuable. "
TAMI: "The strongest rewards are having the students see the enjoyable side of dealing with children and come back to tell you how much of the clinical experience was positive. I love the balance between my days of practice and my one-day of teaching each week. I like that it stimulates me to read regularly and to keep up-to-date with new information."
To those who teach, the CSPD Foundation and CSPD members genuinely appreciate your effort. We sincerely hope others will make the time in their schedules to teach; we know you too will find great joy and rewards.
- Richard Sobel, DDS
Through June 30, 2004
| Recipient | Project | Funding |
| Ken Troutman/Ann Tornabene(UCSF) | Establishment of mentoring program for residents and dental students with faculty | $5,000 |
| Pam DenBesten (UCSF) | Resident presentation of research and mentoring at ORCA meeting in Germany 2003 | $3,500 |
| Clarice Law (UCLA) | Strengths Finder assessment research project to identify predictors of academic success | $2,625 |
| Jeff Wood (UOP) | Dental student presentation of research and mentoring at pediatric specialty meetings | $4,900 |
| Jose Polido (USC) | Faculty attendance to NIH seminar focusing on developing and presenting research proposals | $2,000 |
| Ken Troutman/Nancy Kwon (UCSF) | UCSF/UOP dental student presentations and dinners with faculty to encourage relationships | $5,000 |
| Richard Udin (USC) | Faculty retreat to assess restorative teaching program | $2,500 |
| Pam DenBesten (UCSF) | Resident and dental student presentation of research at the IADR Meeting in Hawaii 2004 | $2,300 |
| Total | $27,825 |
The Foundation continues to encourage innovative and creative projects for the Program. Please contact Program Chair, Gila Dorostkar, for further information and download the RFP application from the CSPD Foundation link on this web page.
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Recipient of numerous professional honors, Dr. Johnson has published and presented in many areas of pediatric dentistry and dental education. He has served the dental profession as the Dean of the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston, Associate Dean and Chair of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Southern California, Chair of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania and the Pediatric Dentistry Residency at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Program Director of the Pediatric Dentistry Residency at Martin Luther King Hospital, Los Angeles and Associate Professor in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Iowa.