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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 Find a Pediatric Dentist Leadership Development Members Only Online Continuing Education Professional Opportunities Contact Us of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry  |
  
I hope you all had a marvelous holiday season and that your New Year is off to a great start. Winter has officially set in, and as I’m writing this rain is pouring down outside. We are finally in for a series of storms that will bring plenty of needed water to our state. However, to put it all in proper perspective, I just returned from a trip to Cleveland (Brrrrrrrr!) where I was reminded of how lucky we are to live and work in a state with exceptional weather! Giving Campaign - The 2009-2010 Giving Campaign is off to a great start. Donor contributions are coming in daily. For those of you, who have not yet sent in your contributions, please remember to do so as soon as possible. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those members who have increased their pledge to the President’s Circle level. For those of you, who are reaching or have attained the end of your President’s Circle pledge, please consider re-pledging to this worthy endeavor. You might also want to consider contributing "In Honor" or "In Memory of" those who are special in your lives. Remember, all donated amounts will be accrued, allowing you to move forward and be recognized as a premier donor. It is worth noting that this year the Foundation has extended its hand to various CSPD supported public and private entities from outside our membership -- in order to grow and fulfill our mission of addressing the crises in pediatric dental education in California. Feasibility Study - After many months of searching, I am pleased to announce that the Foundation has contracted with Netzel Grigsby Associates to conduct a feasibility study. They are one of the leading development consulting firms in the area of fundraising, planning and managing campaigns for non-profit organizations. This study will help us set goals and objectives, determine a plan of action as well as a timeline. The study will help identify prospective donors (including individuals, corporations and foundations), help determine the organizational structure and campaign budgets and focus and clarify our priorities. We will be able to better recommend ideas and actions to the leadership required to launch a successful campaign to help attract more pediatric dentists into teaching. I would like to thank Dr. Mark Lisagor, who will spearhead this study along with Drs. Dave Good, Dick Mungo, Lisa Brennan, Matt Hamilton, Ken Szymanski. All have stepped up and volunteered to help me facilitate this study. Richard Sobel, and Mel Rowan will act as advisors. It is only through the devotion of individuals like these that our goals and aspirations can be achieved. Technology, the Future, and YOU - Social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are now mainstream tools of communication around the world. Information is readily available at a touch of our fingertips. Even at home, I see my son consistently online or on his cell phone playing games, doing homework, texting, or just "surfing the web." While these are all marvelous tools, will they be responsible for creating a new generation of socially (i.e. unable to communicate face-to-face) inept cave dwellers? I see this everyday when interviewing new employees. Put them in front of a computer and they are totally at ease and VERY proficient for the task at hand. Put them in a live, interpersonal situation, and their communication skills lack what is needed to be successful. I realize that as a dentist you visit with people everyday, but not in a social setting. Now more than ever, it is important to attend live, personally interactive meetings where one is able to visit with old school friends, get advice from seasoned experienced colleagues, find new associates, or make new friends in a fun, relaxed social atmosphere. Therefore, I hope to see all of you at future CSPD annual meetings. A Final Note I can’t conclude without expressing my heartfelt sorrow at the losses suffered by those in Haiti. While it may seem like a tragedy of that magnitude will never happen to us, remember that it is not if, but when the "Big One" will hit California. So I urge you to put an emergency plan in place for your families and your employees. There are many resources available to help you. Please visit www.quakekare.com for more information. If you would like to remain anonymous please forward to: 9129 Lurline Ave. / Chatsworth, CA 91311 / Attn. Steve Gross As always, I am available for your questions and comments at 800-423-3270 or steve@theatg.org Hope to see you all soon!
Holiday’s Just Around the Corner - With the holiday season upon us and the economy starting to recover, all of us should be thankful for what we have... and what we can give. This month, the Foundation will kick off its Annual Giving Campaign. For the first time, you will be able to achieve higher levels of recognition. We have restructured the campaign to allow you to accrue your giving year after year in order to climb to the top levels that are consistent with your ongoing donations. The Foundation is counting on each and every one of you. Our mission of supporting pediatric dental education can only be met through your continued generosity. Special Note: To those who are nearing the end of your pledges, this is a golden opportunity to climb even higher by re-pledging and becoming an honored member of the President’s Circle assemblage. Corporate Opportunities - This year will be the first year we call upon our corporate friends to join us as Foundation donors. Membership needs to continue to support these corporations so that they are able to give back to our cause. Foundation Update - Our last Foundation board meeting on October 4, 2009 was very successful in continuing our mission to support pediatric dental education in California. Feasibility Study - Your Foundation will contract with a company to conduct a feasibility study to guide our future. We hope to identify the next logical step for the Foundation, which will determine our most likely fundraising goals and a proposed campaign. The study will evaluate and develop a concise prospective of our organization helping us identify the most likely individuals, corporations, and foundations with the potential and vision of addressing the crisis of pediatric dental education. Grant Awareness for Faculty and Post-doctoral Research - Within the next few weeks, hard copy application forms will be mailed out to all postgraduate programs. A printable PDF of the application will be available online. As always, we are pleased to receive requests for grants. Please review the availability of our entire award and grant categories at http://www.cspd.org/foundation/. Auction in Cancun - In anticipation of the 2010 CSPD Annual Meeting in Cancun, the Foundation is foregoing the 2010 silent action, but will continue with a live auction at Saturday night’s gala event. We are looking for some unique and special offerings for this event. Notice the photos and article sent in by Wes Wieman on the next page. He and Jan had a wonderful time. These trips make wonderful auction items. Do it again. Please contact friends and associates who would like to donate to this special auction! I can be contacted at steve@theatg.org for further information and donations. Welcome aboard to Dr. Jung-Wei (Anna) Chen at Loma Linda! Dr. Chen is the new program director of the Advanced Education Program of Pediatric Dentistry. She is the new director of resident education, research and didactic curriculums. She has expressed great interest in taking advantage of all the CSPD and the Foundation has to offer. Thanks in advance to all members and our corporate friends for putting the Foundation on the top of your list of worthy organizations deserving your support. I know that our 2009-2010 giving campaign will be the most successful year ever. As always, I have an "open door" policy for all your comments and suggestions. Please forward any questions or comments to my e-mail, steve@theatg.org . If you would like to remain anonymous please forward to: 9129 Lurline Ave. / Chatsworth, CA 91311 / Attn. Steve Gross Finally, I would like to thank all the Foundation trustees for their hard work in guiding our organization. A happy and healthy Holiday Season to all!
With summer finally here most thoughts are directed towards busy days in the office. In general, most people think about summer vacations; beaches, mountains, and time with the family. This is the time when your Foundation begins its yearly journey, working harder than ever towards its goal: increasing funds for pediatric education throughout California. At the June meeting, our board was proud to announce that our financial position is stronger than ever! The 2009 budget was approved and we are in the process of identifying new programs and projects that will create the opportunity for additional levels of giving. As a result, both and past contributors will be able to increase their involvement at a variety of levels. New Areas of Donations:
Research Grants - Help us help you! Dr. David Good and his committee are awaiting your applications. For more information about the various grant categories available, and to download an application form, go to the Foundation link on the CSPD Website for more information. (http://www.cspd.org/foundation/) Congratulations: To Dr. Robert Jones at the UCSF School of Dentistry. After successfully surviving an evaluation and review similar to the NIH protocol, the Foundation has awarded him $20,000 over 2 years to conduct a study investigating the "Virulence Factors Associated with Lactobacillus Isolated from Children with Early Childhood Caries." Dr. Jones completed his residency in June and has moved into a faculty position at UCSF. To all the postdoctoral graduates who will be entering the work force and to those who are entering their programs in this constantly evolving honored profession: Remember where you’ve been, how you started, and who has helped you along the way! It is only through your support that we can continue to grow. Faculty Loan Repayment Bill Introduced: FYI - In July, 2008 Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (D-32nd California) introduced H.R. 6551. This legislation is intended to provide a loan repayment program to help alleviate the critical faculty shortages experienced in dentistry. Title VII contracts will grant up to $250,000 in aggregate over five years to recruit and retain faculty. This bill is endorsed by the A.D.A. and the American Education Association. Congressional Liaison, Dr. Heber Simmons Jr. worked in tandem with Ms. Solis, the original co-sponsors, and the AAPD to craft this important legislation. Since Ms. Solis was appointed as Labor Secretary, other members of the House are proceeding to take the lead on this bill. Take Note: The 2009 Annual campaign will launch early this fall. The Foundation will call on each and every one of you to give back in support of your foundation’s critical work. Special Thanks: Special thanks go out to the trustees of this foundation, who work evenings and weekends in order to provide a secure and successful future for pediatric dentistry in California. For any comments or suggestions, please feel free to call me at 800-423-3270 or email at steve@theatg.org.
First let me thank everyone for the vote of confidence in appointing me as your new president of the CSPD Foundation. For those who don’t know me, I have been involved as a corporate executive in the dental industry for over 30 years. For the last three years, I have served as a non-dentist trustee for the Foundation. I have come to know and recognize and appreciate the Foundation’s mission in assisting pediatric education and enhancing oral health for infants and children. Additionally, I have been personally involved as a regular sponsor of the CSPD and the AAPD. Annual Meeting: Our Annual 2009 Board of Trustees Meeting was set in the magnificent venue of Olympic Valley at the Squaw Creek Resort. The activities and food were beyond expectation. The weekend presentations were exceptional and Friday’s presentation on stem cell research was fascinating. We have to thank Wayne Grossman for his relentless dedication and his vision for exploring new and controversial topics. Again, our silent and live auctions were a success, raising additional funds for our Foundation. Upon review, I am happy to report that the Foundation is healthy, and has made great progress on many of its ongoing projects, such as The Warren Brandli Leadership Intern Program, Master Clinician Program, and the Tom Barber Endowed Chair Campaign at UCLA. If you are not familiar with these programs, please visit http://www.cspd.org/foundation/ and get involved! The Future: It is my personal mission to shine a new light on the Foundation. There are many fresh and valuable projects ahead of us and, with your help, we can and will go far beyond its present goals. It is crucial that we explore means of generating additional funds from outside our membership. Our future growth is clear and the organization is strong. As a whole, we have an enormous influence on pediatric dentistry throughout the western region. As these new projects develop, our continuously evolving web site will become an integral part of our ever expanding potential. I am personally extending a challenge for each and every one of you to step up to the next level and increase your donations. This can be accomplished monetarily or by volunteering your time. Pediatric dental education needs you for its future and well being. Please review the revised giving campaign form located in this newsletter. Appreciation: I want to thank the outgoing board members for their perseverance and outstanding dedication to our mission: doctors Stephen Blain, A. Jeffery Wood, and Mark Lisagor. To our new board members, I welcome and thank you for volunteering when called upon: David Good, Matt Hamilton, Justin Shuffer and, Mahmoud Ashrafi. Last, but not least, I have to thank Mark Lisagor, Dick Mungo, Ray Stewart, Scott Fishman, and Mel Rowan for their words of support and encouragement. I would like to note that this year we lost a great friend of the CSPD, CSPDF, and pediatric dentistry: Tom Barber. His neverending commitment to pediatric dentistry was unrivaled. We can only hope for more like him in the future. Finally, a special thanks goes out to Past President Richard Sobel for his continued guidance and leadership of our foundation. For any comments or suggestions, please feel free to call me at 800-423-3270 or email at steve@theatg.org.
2009-2010 Annual Giving Campaign Donors
CSPD Foundation
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Steven Gross, C.D.T. President 9129 Lurline Ave. Chatsworth, CA 91311 800/423-3270 steve@theatg.org |
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Richard Sobel, D.D.S. Past President 2901 Lone Tree Way Antioch, CA 94509 925/757-4220 sobelrl@aol.com | |
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Richard Mungo, D.D.S. Vice President 7891 Talbert Ave., #103 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 714/841-4990 mungorpm@aol.com |
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Lisa Brennan, D.D.S. Secretary 368 N. Kanan Rd. Oak Park, CA 91377 818/889-5440 sflowerplc@aol.com | |
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Kenneth Szymanski, D.D.S. Treasurer 1755 Erringer, #20 Simi Valley, CA 93065 805/522-2164 kentalk@sbcglobal.net |
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Ray E. Stewart, D.M.D. Executive Director P.O. Box 221608 Carmel, CA 93922 831/625-2773 drstewart@aol.com | |
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Mahmoud Ashrafi, D.D.S Trustee 22455 Maple Ct.,Ste. 401 Hayward, CA 94541 510/886-8808 mhashrafidmd@sbcglobal.net |
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Wayne M. Grossman, D.D.S. Trustee 11230 Gold Express Dr., Ste. 302 Gold River, CA 95670 916/638-8778 toothtipgrossman@cs.com | |
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David L. Good, D.D.S. Trustee USC Dept. of PD Rm. 4308 925 W. 34th St. Los Angeles, CA 90089 213/740-2679 dgoodone@sbcglobal.net |
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Michael J. McCartney, D.D.S. Trustee 18102 Irvine Blvd., #101 Tustin, CA 92780 714/838-9120 mjmsinger@aol.com | |
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Lindsey Robinson, D.D.S. Trustee 453 South Auburn Street Grass Valley, CA 95945 (530) 272-5522 lindseyr@sbcglobal.net |
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Matthew C. Hamilton, D.D.S. Trustee 631 E. Alvin Dr., Ste. C Salinas, CA 93906 831/442-8878 mchamilt02@yahoo.com | |
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Justin A. Shuffer, D.D.S. Trustee 15 Mareblu, Ste. 220 Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 949/643-2222 fortyhertz@hotmail.com |
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Dr. Aparna Aghi has been awarded the 2010-2011 Warren Brandli Leadership Internship. Dr. Aghi, a Southern
California native, would like to have a career in academics along with a focus on public policy research.
A longstanding interest in public service has led her to practice in two public health clinics as well as a
hospital based program for underserved children. She has helped in initiating a rural mobile health program
and served as a lobbyist to the New Hampshire State Dental Board for children’s dental health concerns.
These experiences compelled Aparna to further her pediatric knowledge base by attending a pediatric
dental residency program. She is currently a senior resident at the University of California, San Francisco
under the tutelage of Dr. Pamela Den Besten. She hopes that this internship will offer her an opportunity
to hone her leadership skills to a level that will help her to reach her goal of making a difference in the
specialty of pediatric dentistry. Dr. Aghi views CSPD as a leader in organized dentistry with influence far
beyond our state borders. She is excited to learn about our governance activities, as well as experience
the camaraderie and collegiality of our board of directors and members.
The Foundation Board of Trustees, in adopting its new budget for the fiscal year 2009-10, will continued to provide funds to underwrite the activities of pediatric dentistry graduate students and faculty researchers. While no federal monies are involved in these awards, the Board has nevertheless agreed to limit the combined salary and bonuses paid to its executive director to less than seven figures!
Investigator-Initiated Research Grants are available to full or part-time faculty members of California’s pediatric dentistry training programs. Up to $20,000 is available to these researchers based on their study design and need. Post-doctoral students are also welcome to apply for funding for their required research projects.
In addition to funding for basic research, Travel Awards are available to offset the costs associated with the presentation of research findings at professional conferences such as the AAPD, ADA, or IADR. These travel grants are available to both post- doctoral residents and faculty up to $500 per applicant.
Applications and detailed information are available on the CSPDF website or can be obtained by contacting our Executive Director Dr Ray Stewart.
Financial Report
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Steven Gross was installed as the 4th President of the CSPD Foundation at its Spring Meeting in Squaw Valley. Steve, who lives in Calabasas with his wife, Ellen, and son, Jake, has been regarded as a member of the CSPD family for many years. As President of Success Essentials-Space Maintainers Laboratory, Steve has been a leading corporate sponsor and supporter of CSPD since the organization’s inception.
Mr. Gross has completed a term as a member of the Foundation board and now assumes this leadership position at a time when the Foundation will be looking beyond its membership for increased funding in support of a major effort addressing the critical shortage of faculty in California pediatric dentistry.
The CSPD Foundation is fortunate to have such a unique relationship with this devoted friend of pediatric dentistry. As CEO of a major corporation for many years, and as a person who is very much in touch with every level of pediatric dentistry, Steve brings a skill set which will serve the Foundation well as it prepares to launch major growth efforts in the next few years.
Preceding Steve Gross as President of the Foundation were Past Presidents David Good, Mark Lisagor and Richard Sobel.
Welcome back Dave!
Certainly we cannot merely list one of our CSPD Foundation Fathers as a New Trustee to the board. Dave Good is not only a Founding Father of the Foundation, but of the CSPD as well. He served as the President of the Foundation through its inception and developing years and now returns to serve as a Trustee. Dave does not need any introduction. Dave, we're glad to have you back.
Dr. Mahmoud Ashrafi is a board certified pediatric Dentist and a Diplomate of the American Board Pediatric Dentistry. He has over 25 years of experience in all aspects of pediatric dentistry dentofacial orthopedics and early orthodontic treatment.
Center and the University of Rochester,
School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1977, Dr. Ashrafi accepted the faculty position at Marquette University and spent five years in full time teaching and practice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Ashrafi relocated to Rochester, New York, in 1983, practiced Pediatric Dentistry, taught part time at Eastman Dental Center and University of Rochester until 1995, and then moved to Northern California.
Dr. Ashrafi is a recipient of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Graduate Student Research award, and has numerous scientific publications in national and international dental journals.
Dr. Ashrafi is a clinical Professor of Pediatric Dentistry in the Department of Orofacial Science at the University of California in San Francisco and an active member of the medical staff at UCSF Medical Center.
Dr. Ashrafi is married to Dr. Sepi Jannati and has three sons. They live in Danville, CA.
Dr. Matthew Hamilton grew up in the San Joaquin Valley of CA. He attended the University of CA, Irvine to earn his B.S. degree. After graduating he pursued his DDS degree at the University of Southern CA and then went on to the University of Texas to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. While at UT Dr. Hamilton
received his M.S. degree and later was honored with a Graduate Student Research Award for his research on sedation of the ADHD Patient.
Currently Dr. Hamilton practices in the Central Coast of CA. He enjoys spending his free time taking his dogs to the beach and barbecuing. Dr. Hamilton is very excited to become part of the CSPD Foundation.
Dr. Justin A. Shuffer was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from California State University Los Angeles with a B.S. degree in Biology and spent the next two years as a program coordinator and teacher for several non-profit organizations helping at-risk children in the Los Angeles Unified School District system. Dr. Shuffer received his D.D.S degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry and completed a 1 year General Practice
Residency at University Medical Center and Central Valley Veterans Affairs in Fresno, CA. He then completed his 2 year Pediatric Dentistry Residency at UCLA, serving as chief resident in his second year. Since then, he has been in private practice, community outreach, and teaching. Outside of dentistry, his time is spent with his wife Sara and their newborn daughter Kaitlyn. His hobbies include music, tennis, bowling, comedy, and spending time with friends and family.
Need $20,000 for research? Put CSPDF to work for youWe support the science of staying healthy. We know there are multiple ways to look at teeth. Pediatric dental post doctoral students or recent graduates who have research ideas are encouraged to apply for Investigator- Initiated Research Grants up to $20,000. More details are available in the next few articles Need Research Dollars?CSPDF is seeking male or female PTFM (part time faculty member) age 25 to 75 passionate about pediatric dental topics. If you need $5,000 for a worthy project, we might be a match. Inspired researchers with great ideas should apply to the Chair of CSPDF Award & Grants Committee, David Good (dgoodone(at)sbcglobal.net) $500 Travel Money!CSPDF offers 2 categories of travel money to either faculty or residents to be able to present their research findings at a national or international meeting. For more info, contact Dr. Good. |
Congratulations are in order to Dr. Robert Jones at the UCSF School of Dentistry. After successfully surviving an evaluation and a review similar to the NIH protocol, the Foundation has awarded him $20,000 over 2 years. He will conduct a study investigating the "Virulence Factors Associated with Lactobacillus Isolated from Children with Early Childhood Caries". Dr. Jones completed his residency last June and has moved into a faculty position at UCSF.
The objective of his study is to test whether Lactobacillus isolated from children with Early Childhood Caries (ECC) or a history of ECC possess specific virulence factors that may contribute to the rapid progression of ECC. From this work, he hopes to identify one or more strains that possess virulence factors that allow Lactobacillus to effectively colonize and degrade tooth surfaces, especially dentin. It is the rapid progression of ECC, which is likely the result of several types of acid-producing bacteria such as Lactobacillus, that make ECC so devastating for young children.
C o n s e r v a t i v e P o l i c y - P o s i t i v e R e s u l t s
In these difficult financial times, filled with market declines, Ponzi schemes, and government bail-outs, it is with great pleasure that I report the CSPD Foundation funds are safe and growing. The conservative investment policies of the financial committee have protected the Foundation corpus and have actually realized a modest gain. A program of laddered or timed certificates of deposit has allowed us to protect and grow our principal while still maintaining adequate liquidity to fund our various programs and grants. We consider your support of the Foundation through your donations to be very important. We will continue to do our best to look after your investment in the Foundation so it can further benefit those projects that maintain the Foundation’s mission. As we near the end of another successful fund-raising campaign, I want to thank all the donors for your continued support of the Foundation, and encourage those who did not participate to do so in the future. You can be confident that we will make sure every one of your dollars invested will go to support the Foundation and it’s continuing good work. |
The Foundation's Live and Silent Auction at Lake Tahoe
Once again this was a great event. Thank to you for your participation in our worthy mission to increase funding for pediatric education and advance oral health for infants and children.
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DONORS |
WINNERS |
| Private Box Seats - Hollywood Bowl | Mark and Terri Lisagor | Ken Szymanski |
| Santa Barbara Film Festival | Stephen Blain | Lisa Brennan |
| Santa Barbara Film Festival | Stephen Blain | Mark Lisagor |
| Fly Fishing Trip | Ray and Penny Stewart | Wesley Wieman |
| Mexico Vacation | Richard Sobel & Leticia Mendoza-Sobel |
Joel Berg |
| Chair Side Space Maintainer Kit | Denovo Dental | Richard Mungo |
| 6 bottles of Jordan Wine | Steve and Ellen Gross | Ginny Aubuchon |
| SOP Procedure Manuals | Freeman and Associates | Grace Lee |
| Nutrition for Dentistry | Merced Pediatric Dentistry | Richard Mungo |
| Golf Clubs | Space Maintainers Laboratory | Ray Stewart |
| Dodger Tickets 5/7/09 | Steve and Ellen Gross | Myla Bodrov |
| Web Listing | Dentist4Kids | Randall Wiley |
| 22" Acer Computer Monitor | KSB Dental | Greg Warren |
| Dodger Tickets 8/9/2009 | Scott and Grace Fishman | Ken Szymanski |
| SOP H.R. Policy | Freeman and Associates | Rebecca Lee Pair |
Dr. Jay Golinveaux, Past Intern
In 2005, I left behind a promising career in pharmaceuticals to become a dentist. My sales career came with a comfortable salary and lifestyle, but I quickly learned that I needed more than creature comforts to keep life interesting. Fortunately for me, the University of Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, provided me with an opportunity to follow my dreams. I was grateful to be accepted into dental school, and I made a commitment to give back to the profession.
Dental school proved to be a source of both personal development and daily challenges, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that I had made the correct decision to go back to school. My years in school were stressful, but ultimately energizing. To fulfill the commitment I made, I seized opportunities to work with student organized dentistry groups and was able to use the skills I’d learned in previous jobs to make significant contributions. In addition, I discovered my passion for working with children by volunteering to organize community outreach programs.
Following dental school, I decided to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry. As a first year resident at UCSF, I continue to encounter new challenges and develop my skills as a pediatric dentist. Although our residency schedule is hectic, I continue to volunteer in the community and seek out opportunities to participate with dentistry leadership organizations.
When I learned about the Warren Brandli Leadership Intern Program I felt that this would be a great opportunity to jump start my professional life following residency and continue fulfilling the commitment I made. As a board intern, I will get the chance learn how the board operates and continue developing my leadership skills. The CSPD is the leading organization advocating children’s oral health, and I look forward to the upcoming year and future opportunities in which to participate. I am grateful for this opportunity and appreciate CSPD and the Foundation very much.
Dr. Wayne Grossman, Trustee
There are currently three research projects ongoing with grants provided by the Foundation. The investigators are uniformly enthusiastic about their projects and the assistance provided by the CSPDF.
A project is currently underway at the UOP School of Dentistry with Jeff Wood as the principal investigator and with the support of dental student, Taylor Stephens. The project, titled "Dental student prediction of pediatric patient anxiety" is evaluating dental students' ability to assess their pediatric patients' anxiety level to facilitate appropriate treatment. Soon to be Dr. Stephens, is graduating and will enter a pediatric residency program in Cincinnati. Taylor will continue to work on the study from there. Furthermore, Jeff reports that the favorable buzz about the project has peaked interest in both pediatric dentistry and academic inquiry among the dental students. This has made it easy to recruit a new research associate at UOP and has also served to meet the goals of the undergraduate program's mission to expose students to research.
Two CSPDF funded projects are under way at UCSF. Principal investigator Cassandra Krupansky, incoming third year Pediatric Dental resident, is being mentored by noted researcher and current Dental School Dean John Featherstone. The study investigates the effect of xylitol wipes on maternal transmission of cariogenic bacteria to their infants. Cassie reports that the project is proceeding well with all patients recruited and the six-month data already collected. She predicts that all her data will be in by December.
Similarly, Joanne Rahman reports great progress on her study titled "Multi-generational colonization and transmission of mutans streptococci in early childhood caries." Resident Rahman is mentored by Ph.D. Charles Hoover. Joanne says that half of her targeted sample has been recruited and much of the early lab work required has been performed. She too is very grateful to the Foundation for its support and continuing interest in her project.
Awards and Grants Committee Chair David Good reports that there is funding available for additional grants under the Part-time Faculty Development Grant Program and in the Investigator-initiated Research Grant Program. "Additionally," David adds, "a second travel grant is being awarded to allow the presentation of research at a professional meeting." In this case, UCSF resident Robert Jones will receive funding to present at the IADR meeting in Toronto ("Collagen Enhances Lactobacillis Biofilm Formation") Previously UCSF Resident Ginelle Sakima was awarded a travel grant to present her research related to the oral health of agricultural worker's children at the AAPD meeting in Washington, D.C.
David and his committee are awaiting your applications. For more information or to download an application form, go to the Foundation link on the CSPD Website or contact David directly at dgoodone@sbcglobal.net.
Download CSPD Warren Brandli Leadership Intern Program Application
The California Society of Pediatric Dentistry is accepting applications for the Warren Brandli Leadership Intern Program. Current pediatric dental residents and individuals in their first five years of post-residency residing in California are eligible to apply. This opportunity was created for individuals who are in training programs or in the early stages of their career to participate in the CSPD governance and advocacy activities, attend internal organizational and inter-professional meetings, and complete a project designated by the CSPD Board President by the end of the program.
Through these activities, CSPD hopes to:
Applicants must be willing to attend all regular meetings of the CSPD Board of Directors as well as the Society’s Leadership Orientation Session at the annual meeting and Strategic Planning Session, which is held every third year. Other opportunities may include attendance at the meetings of the Dental Board of California, California legislative hearings, California Dental Association-sponsored advocacy events and community leadership and/or Public Policy Advocate.
The CSPD will arrange transportation and lodging and will cover all program-related administrative costs and supply needs. Selection will be based on the applicant’s 1) completion of an application, 2) submission of a short essay about the candidate’s interest and specific personal goals for the program, 3) relevant activities or roles within their professional sphere and 4) two required letters of reference (one of which should be from the program director if the applicant is a current pediatric dental resident).
Applications are due December 1st and selections will be made and announced prior to the next annual session. The internship period will begin with the final meeting of the Board of Directors held in conjunction with the annual session and will finish 12 months later at the final meeting of the next Board of Directors at which time each intern will give a final report about their project.
CSPD Foundation Grants and Awards Update
CSPD Foundation Grants and Awards RFPs
"The Foundation is ready to put its money to good use," states Treasurer Ken Szymanski, "I'm ready to write more checks." Szymanski is referring to four categories of grants that have been established to further the goals of fostering research and developing faculty at California's pediatric dental programs. "The CSPD Foundation is foremost concerned with strengthening the Pediatric Dental Programs that exist in California," President Richard Sobel reminds us. "These grants and awards are great starting points and can really help each program."
Two categories of travel awards exist to help either faculty or residents to be able to present their research findings at national or international meetings. Up to $500 is available to help defray travel expenses.
Research grants are now available for up to $20,000 ($10,000 per year for two years). Pediatric dental post-doctoral students or recent grads are eligible for theses awards on topics that will contribute to the knowledge base in Pediatric Dentistry. This Investigator-Initiated Research Grant will initially be funded in January of 2008. Completed proposals are due October 1st for 2007. Inquiries should be directed to the chair of the CSPD Awards and Grants Committee, David Good (dgoodone(at)sbcglobal.net).
In an effort to further assist the state's pediatric dental programs, CSPD has developed the Faculty Development Grant for part-time Pediatric Dental Educators. These grants are designed to facilitate the recruitment and retention of clinicians to teach part-time and may be available to each program annually. The Faculty Development grant will provide a maximum of $5,000 to attract and retain clinicians who desire to be teachers, thereby bringing mid to late career clinicians into the educational system. These grants have deadlines for submission. More detailed information and applications can be obtained from Dr. David Good or from the CSPD office. Complete RFP's, application forms, and additional information is available on the CSPD website via links to CSPDF.
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