Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Inside
This Issue
Give Kids A Smile 1
Legislative Update 2
Exhibitor’s Fair 2
Western Regional 3
Second Year 4
PPID Program 4
Ask a Dental Student 5
Dean Park’s Dinner 5
BDP Update 6
ASB Camping Trip 6
Pedo Club 7
HDA Update 7
Faculty Interview 8
Dental Diversions 12
One of the American of significant legislative and political developments and to help you
StudentDental express your concerns through letter-writing campaigns, political
Association’s most action committee fundraising, and other political activities. To this
important duties is to end, you have probably noticed a number of email messages from
maintain an active me alerting you to recent developments in current legislative issues.
presence in the nation’s In addition to these emails, our local ASDA Legislative Committee
capitol by monitoring organizes a number of events on campus for student involvement.
and influencing the During fall quarter, we hosted the very popular “Sushi & Politics”
legislation and regulations that affect
the dental profession. The ASDA
Legislative Grassroots Network (LGN) is
dedicated to increasing the
understanding and involvement of
dental students in the political process
by working to inform legislators how
proposed legislation will affect dental
students, dentists, and patients. At the
same time, LGN Legislative Liaisons at
each dental school provide dental
students with the information they need
to form opinions on political issues
concerning dentistry, such as amalgam
bans, dental health aid therapists,
medical malpractice reform, and
funding for residency and specialty
programs.
As the ASDA Legislative Liaison for
UCLA, it is my job to keep you informed
Tal Masserman and Gil Ivry, 2010, listen intently at our fall Sushi and Politics event.
event, in which attendees enjoyed a free lunch from Sushi Mac and
learned about the importance of political activity from a
representative of the ADA Legislative Department. Later, we held a
fundraising drive for the American Dental Political Action
Committee (ADPAC), a bipartisan organization that works to elect
candidates who understand the importance of dentistry and the
nation’s oral health. We raised nearly $500.
In March, UCLA sent six delegates to Washington D.C. for the
annual ASDA Student Lobby Day. The purpose of Lobby Day is for
dental students to inform lawmakers about critical legislation and
petition personally for their support. This is one of the most
important legislative events of the year for ASDA.
The leadership of ASDA recognizes that legislative issues can have
a dramatic impact on the practice and profession of dentistry.
Therefore, it is critical that practitioners (and future practitioners)
play a substantial role in shaping legislation, both for the benefit of
patients and the profession as a whole. For this purpose, it is my
hope that the ASDA Legislative Committee will continue to provide
our students opportunities to be involved with various legislative,
regulatory, and public policy initiatives.
Sushi!
Diastema News 2
Exhibitor’s Fair A Success ASDA News
On the evening of
November 7th, 2007, ASDA
hosted its 13 th annual
Exhibitor’s Fair. The
Exhibitor’s Fair is an event
that allows attendees to
interact with colleagues and
other dental professionals
while they learn about the
latest dental products.
Nearly fifty vendors as well
as three hundred students,
alumni, and faculty filled the
Ackerman Grand Ballroom
located on North campus in
support of the event. Even
some members of the
undergraduate pre-dental
club took the time to make
an appearance! Chris Chau, Amy Yen, Melissa Bailey and Aldrich Sy recruit new ASDA members at the Exhibitor’s Fair.
At the fair, visitors had the opportunity to place orders available. During the fair, Chanel was able to engage in
for merchandise at discounted rates and obtain a few dialogue and make connections with vendors that she
promotional items along the way. In the meantime, the hopes will serve as resources in her future.
event served the local chapter of ASDA by raising funds At the end of the night, many students happily walked
to support other activities throughout the year. away with their hands full of valuable raffle prizes
Chanel McCreedy, a 2nd year student, noted that she donated by ASDA and various vendors. Such prizes
found the event to be a particularly rewarding, as she is included handpieces, iPods, LED headlights, gift cards, and
beginning to spend more time in clinic and can exam preparation courses.
appreciate the clinical relevance of the resources
Diastema News 3
Campus Life
A Night with Dean Park
Jane Refela, 2009
As the sun began to set, Dr. Park proposed a deal: any
On August 17th 2007, Dean Park hosted a dinner party student willing to sing would win a ticket to a UCLA home
for the Class of 2009 at football game. Leedia
his home in Brentwood. Riman was the first
The night included a brave soul and sang the
lovely outdoor dinner well-known “Take Me
overlooking Los Angeles. Out to the Ball Game.”
Throughout the night, Two students impressed
Dean Park shared stories the crowd with foreign
and photographs from songs. Ryan Hodges
his last trip to China, his sang a beautiful Korean
favorite getaway country. song that he learned
Dr. Carol Bibb was also while living in Korea,
present and spoke of her and Juan Carlos
trips to Japan with the Mendoza showed off his
UCLA-Asahi-Meikai professional vocals
Exchange Program. Mrs. during his rendition of a
Park took the students on romantic Spanish song.
a tour of her beautiful After sunset, the
garden. Several admiring Class of 2009 members dine at the Parks’ Brentwood residence. students took
students received fresh cut flowers from Mrs. Park. spectacular photos with the city lights on the horizon.
The Parks’ home also includes many spectacular The night was so clear that Dodger’s Stadium was visible.
paintings, several of which Dean Park painted himself! Mrs. Park explained that during summer, fireworks from
He noted that inspiration for the paintings is derived from the stadium can be seen.
nature, famous paintings, and scenic views from his world At the end of the night, the students were grateful to
travels. Throughout the night, students viewed and Dean and Mrs. Park for the charming evening of
admired Dean Park’s artistic talent. fellowship.
Diastema News 4
The PPID Experience
Michael Oladubu, 2009
Campus Life
Diastema News 6
Pediatric Dentistry Club
Marissa Faeldan and Anne Reeves, 2009
Clubs & Community
Diastema News 7
Faculty Interview
Concerning his undergraduate the first two residents enrolled in this Last December, I was in India
time at UC Berkeley, Dr. Beumer said new program. In both oral medicine basically doing the same thing at a
the following, “I had a wonderful and prosthodontics, Dr. Beumer felt major cancer hospital in India (Tata
time. In those days, [the early 1960’s] like he had, “two of the best mentors Memorial in Mumbai). This has been
it was a wonderful place to be.” Dr. anyone could possibly have,” for Dr. interesting, exciting and rewarding
Beumer attended UCSF School of F. J. Kratochvil (prosthodontics) and work. I have had the opportunity to
Dentistry and noted, “That was the Dr. Sol Silverman (oral medicine) work with many talented and
perfect school for me, just like were giants in their respective accomplished people over the years
Berkeley. It was a very strong clinical disciplines. “I was pretty lucky. I like and have developed friendships with
school. It was not as strong in to call that a Beumer bounce.” colleagues in every part of the world.”
research in those days. Now it’s kind Nowadays, one of Dr. Beumer’s When asked for words of wisdom
of the opposite; it’s a very strong favorite pastimes is the international for dental students who are trying to
research school but a weak clinical outreach program he conducts. “For figure out what specialty to go into,
school. It was perfect for me because the last thirty years, I have had the Dr. Beumer responded with the
we obtained a lot of clinical opportunity to go all over the world following, “First, don’t worry about
experience, and we had many and set up programs devoted to the the financial return. You’ve got to find
dedicated clinical faculty who were rehabilitation of head and neck something that you enjoy. You’re not
wonderful role models.” cancer patients. It all started in 1978 going to be good at anything unless
Interestingly enough, Dr. Beumer in Egypt. “I went on an outreach you really like it. If you can find
did not go into prosthodontic mission on behalf of a charitable something that you enjoy and have a
training immediately after dental group called Project passion for it, it doesn’t matter how
school. Upon graduation, he Hope. I spent three
completed an oral medicine months at the Faculty
residency program, obtained an M.S. of Dentistry at the “ Dentistry is a wonderful profession.
in oral biology, and then served for 2 University of
years on the UCSF faculty before Alexandria in Egypt
You can make a very good living,
coming to UCLA in 1972 to run the and set up a provide valuable services for people
Maxillofacial Clinic. He then enrolled Maxillofacial Clinic and dramatically impact the quality
in the postgraduate training program and trained their
in prosthodontics directed by Dr. F. J. faculty. I’ve been of their lives. I highly recommend it. I
Kratochvil. Dr. Beumer was one of doing that ever since. have no regrets. ”
Diastema News 8
Faculty Interview
much money you make, you’re going wake of the recent negative publicity Although the actions of a few have
to enjoy your professional life, and that the school has received. As chair disappointed Dr. Beumer, he has a
an enjoyable and rewarding of the Faculty Executive Committee, positive message for students. “I
professional life will spill over into Dr. Beumer was involved in the wouldn’t be disheartened. These
your personal life. That’s the advice controversy concerning the things are part of the human
my father gave me when I was a orthodontics program last fall. We condition. Our profession is not
young man, and that’s the advice that asked him for his comments. “My immune to such incidents. What is
I give to young people. If you’re not resignation letter as chair of the FEC most important is to maintain a high
sure whether to pursue specialty speaks for itself. In my view, such level of professional and personal
training or are undecided about practices are quite inappropriate for integrity and stand up for those basic
which specialty to pursue, spend a any university, let alone a public principles in which we believe. When
couple of years in practice. However, university, such as UCLA. Since The these facts were brought to my
I would definitely recommend [Daily] Bruin article, several attention, I was disappointed, angry
specialty training because I think in additional people have come forward and ashamed. However, appropriate
today’s environment you can have a to corroborate the allegations. The corrections have been made, and in
more fulfilling career. continued denials by the the long term, the institution will be
“In addition, dental specialties are orthodontics faculty, as recently better off because of this experience.
much more developed and advanced published in The Bruin Orthodontist, I am confident such things will never
than when I got out of school. are disingenuous and happen again.”
Periodontics is a good example. Perio counterproductive and further Dr. Beumer has a strong
wasn’t much of a specialty when I damage the credibility of the section conviction that UCLA dental
graduated, but today it has a
much wider range: you’re
placing implants, extracting
teeth, doing dentoalveolar
surgery in preparation for
implant placement, and
conducting bone grafts.
You’re doing a lot of
interesting things that were
a not a part of the practice of
periodontics 35 or 40 years
ago.
“Prosthodontics is much
more interesting than when
I started... Besides
c o n v e n t i o n a l
prosthodontics, there is now
implant prosthodontics,
maxillofacial prosthodontics,
and those who wish can be
trained to perform implant
surgery. So, my advice is find
something that you enjoy. If
you enjoy it, you’re going to Dr. Beumer and the UCLA Prosthodontics Group.
be good at it. When you find a of orthodontics and the School of graduates are the cream of the crop.
specialty that blends your talents Dentistry. I believe the FEC He believes in their abilities and
with your desires, dentistry can be a addressed the problem very encourages them to work hard and
very fulfilling career. Otherwise, it effectively. They developed a very maintain the excellent reputation
can be pure drudgery.” specific conflict of interest statement that former UCLA students have
Along with this helpful advice that clearly delineates what is created for the school. “The best way
about choosing a specialty, Dr. appropriate what is inappropriate for UCLA students to represent the
Beumer also has encouraging words with regards to the evaluation and school is to continue to do the
for the students and faculty in the selection of potential residents.” excellent job that our students have
see Beumer, page 11
Diastema News 9
GKAS - continued from page 1
activities including oral hygiene instructions, monster
teeth art projects and toothfairy puppet shows. Over 60
children were screened by third and fourth year dental
students.
The Smile Store was a bustling clinic, and 44 children
were treated in one day. Third and fourth year students
provided pediatric treatment, which included sealants,
extractions, composite fillings, fluoride and stainless steel
crowns.
“Give Kids a Smile Day was an excellent way to give
back to the community,” said third year Jennifer Egli.
“There was an excellent turnout for the event. We were
able to provide many children with the oral
health care that they needed in order for them to continue
Nini Chaichanasakul ‘09 poses with a happy patient at GKAS 2008.
to grow up healthy and strong.”
PPID - continued from page 5
Chicago - continued from page 3
For many PPID students, the reason for undertaking
another 2 years of dental school transcends a desire to
live the American dream and its attendant promises of
opportunity and prosperity. There is often a compelling
personal story to be told. From a desire to be with a loved
one here in the United States to fleeing religious
persecution for freedom of worship and/or speech to
pursuits of economic security, advanced training and
career satisfaction, the motivation to leave their home
countries and forge a new life in America are as real and
as diverse as the PPID students themselves.
It is not a difficult task to identify a PPID student. They
often have front row seats in every class, speak English
with more than a hint of a foreign accent and have a
Shamburg & Lowe with ASDA national leaders at Giordano’s. deferential mien towards their instructors. The
networking luncheons with the national ASDA leaders. demographics of the PPID class tend toward being female
The meeting also provided an avenue for dental students and married. By virtue of the fact that most are already
to voice their concerns regarding issues such as experienced dentists in their home countries, they tend
licensure, access to care and professional ethics. It was to be older than the average age of the regular class.
also interesting to learn about the successes of each Perhaps because of this, they are more acutely aware of
participating chapter. UCLA ASDA continues to carry the their own limitations than the traditional students and
reputation as one of the nation’s strongest chapters. therefore embrace the opportunity to (re)learn the
While the majority of the meetings were held in big didactic and clinical lessons that can be translated to
conference rooms, the Chicago nightlife provided an success after dental school. Beyond these, however, there
excellent backdrop for dental students to socialize. is a commonality of purpose, drive, and hard work that
Chicago’s small town, big city feel made everyone feel characterizes the PPID students as a whole.
comfortable. From local bars to trendy lounges, students
found themselves enjoying the best of what Chicago had
to offer. Many ASDA members also found that true
BDP - continued from page 6
Chicago pizza was no joke. A local hotspot, Giordano’s The course directors are
Pizza, proved to be a favorite as many of us indulged in always open to passionate
giant thick-crusted Chicago style pizza. The snowy people interested in
weather also helped add some winter-y fun as some contributing to the course. If
members ice-skated in an outdoor ice-skating rink. you would like more information
Overall, the trip was a great way to learn about about the course or how to
organized dentistry and become an active leader in the become involved, please visit our
profession. Many lasting friendships were made and will website: http://
continue. I encourage you who are interested to contact www.uclabdp.blogspot.com or
your class ASDA rep and become involved at our local email Eddie and Kristen at:
chapter. uclabdp@gmail.com. Chanel and Lindsay rock.
Diastema News 10
ASB - continued from page 6 clinical faculty, I believe our predoctoral curriculum is
while playing a came called “Mafia.” The night was fun, stronger than it has ever been. In addition, I am very
and we were all glad that we didn’t have to freeze. The confident in its future because of the excellent leadership
fire kept us warm all night and erased the stresses of being provided by Drs. Eleni Roumanas and Ting-Ling
dental school from our minds. The next morning, we Chang.”
packed up and headed back home relaxed and ready for According to Dr. Beumer, real satisfaction in life comes
another year of dental school. from being the best you can be in your profession. In
prosthodontics, he has found an element of flexibility and
HDA - continued from page 7
forgiveness that is satisfying. “I know the sleepless nights
Drew Medical Center an opportunity to meet Santa, play I have had in my life were when I screwed up- when I’ve
games, and receive a toy. Additionally, HDA fundraised made mistakes on patients that have impacted their form
over $400 for the HDA Sponsor a Family event; HDA and function. One of the things I love about
members hand delivered toys and shared dinner with a prosthodontics is that you can go back and fix your
grateful family of six. mistakes. If you’re a surgeon or a periodontist or even
Furthermore, HDA organized both recreational and an orthodontist, many of the mistakes you make are
educational events for dental students this year. In irreversible. I think that’s tough to live with. You know,
January, they hosted an exhilarating Salsa Night at mistakes happen; nobody’s perfect. We all make
Monsoon’s in Santa Monica. HDA also hosted a successful mistakes, or sometimes outcomes of our therapies are
“operative dentistry tutorial” for first year members. In not what we expect. Particularly in the surgical
the upcoming months, HDA plans to continue its disciplines, you can execute a perfect surgical procedure,
dedication to serving the community and students. If you but the outcome isn’t what you expect because there are
are interested in joining HDA at UCLA or would like more so many variables that come in to play. In prosthodontics,
information, please contact UCLA_HDA@yahoo.com. most of the things we do are reversible. You can say to
yourself, ‘You know, this isn’t quite done at the level that
I would like it to be done; I’m going to go back and do it
over again.’ I know when I was in school, I had this phobia
about doing things over again. Once I got over that
barrier, and I was working on human beings, these
decisions were easy. I’d think, ‘Well, this isn’t quite right.
Let’s just scrap it and start over again, or let’s go back to
the previous step and do it over again.’ And then you go
home, and you sleep at night, and you feel good about
yourself. Dentistry is a wonderful profession. You can
HDA OHI school visit.
make a very good living, provide valuable services for
Beumer - continued from page 9 people and dramatically impact the quality of their lives.
done in the past when they go off into residency and I highly recommend it. I have no regrets.”
practice. If you’re wondering if you’re cut out for pros, Dr.
“When you look at our students, 50-60% of them go Beumer mentions a few skills you should have. “You have
into residency training programs. UCLA graduates are to enjoy making things and not be bothered by the
highly sought after - much more so than, for example, tedium of laboratory work. Even now, I sometimes sit
students from my old school. At my old school, UCSF, only down in the lab and do some work. All good
about 25-30% of their kids gain entrance into specialty prosthodontists I know are artistically inclined. They are
programs. I’m sure a lot of them do fine, but UCLA kids very creative and have an excellent sense of color and
have a big advantage because the people who have shape. If you have an artistic flare, you should consider
preceded them have done so well. maxillofacial prosthodontics. It presents the clinician
“One of the challenges we face as a faculty is to with some terrific challenges, and every patient is
maintain the balance we have been able to achieve among different. I’m going to have a tough time giving it up
our three missions – education, research and service. I because I enjoy it so much, but I realize retirement for
am particularly proud of the balance we have been able me is just around the corner.”
to strike in our division. With the creation of the When it comes to relaxing, Dr. Beumer doesn’t give
Weintraub Center and the addition of Ichiro Nishimura, fluffy suggestions. “Dentistry by nature is a stressful
Neal Garrett and Tak Ogawa, we have created the best profession...The things that have precipitated stress in
research group in prosthodontics in the world today my life are making mistakes and having unfinished
without compromising the quality of our educational business. If I don’t have all my work done, I become
programs. Indeed, with the continued development of stressed. If I’ve done something on a patient that doesn’t
our implant curriculum and the addition of Drs. Kumar go as well as I like – that causes stress. That’s what I like
Shah, Niki Moghami and Bhavani Venkatachalam to our about pros: you can re-do it.”
Diastema News 11
Dental Diversions