Dear Colleagues:
 
Over the holidays I had a chance to speak with a number of staff, faculty, and alumni at winter events on and off campus. These were perfect opportunities to share news and answer questions about our college. One question came up surprisingly often as people asked, "What will the transition to a new university president mean for the College of Dentistry?"
 
Since I was here for Ohio State's last change of presidents, I have been able to tell others what occurred during that transition. I let people know that Ohio State acts quickly and deliberately when a president steps down, and this helps to ensure a smooth transition in leadership. With the change of presidents in 2013, an interim president was identified and a national search was launched. In just over a year, we had a new president on board.
 
Because of the swift and thoughtful actions taken by the Board of Trustees, business proceeded nearly as usual during the 12-month hiatus between presidents. The search process moved along without delay and, like other units on campus, our college continued to make progress on all fronts, including our plans for a new facility.
 
There was much that I enjoyed about the search process, especially the campus-based focus groups that sought input from staff and faculty about the attributes, credentials, and experience a new president should have. In those meetings, I was able to offer my opinion and hear what others were thinking. It helped me understand better what Ohio State needs in a leader, and it acquainted me with the broad range of responsibilities and challenges that each new president must deal with.
 
As I shared these thoughts with those who recently asked me about the next president's impact on our college, I added that this will be a time of change that is accompanied by a host of new opportunities for us. Although I do not know what these may entail, I know that every president brings new ideas, new priorities, and new agendas -- all of which have the potential to offer our college new ways to support and be engaged with the university's most senior leader.
 
I am excited about the search for Ohio State's next president and all that comes with this process and the final outcome. I am looking forward to learning about our new leader and seeing how we can work together to advance the university's goals and those of our college. I believe there is a wealth of new experiences, endeavors, and opportunities on the horizon.
 
Wishing you all a happy New Year!
Patrick M. Lloyd, DDS, MS
Dean and Professor
January 2020 Edition
COLLEGE NEWS
Ching Chang Ko, DDS, MS, PhD is Orthodontics Chair 

Dr. Ching Chang Ko will join the College of Dentistry as its new Chair of the Division of Orthodontics  on January 27, 2020.
 
Dr. Ko earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Kaohsiung Medical College in Taiwan, and a Master of Science degree in bioengineering at Taiwan's National Yang-Ming University. He continued his education by completing a PhD in bioengineering and biomaterials at the University of Michigan, after which he earned a certificate in orthodontics from the University of Minnesota.
 
Throughout his career, Dr. Ko has held research-related positions in biomedical engineering at the National Yang-Ming University and in the Department of Biological and Materials Science at the University of Michigan. He was also a research associate and an assistant professor in the Department of Oral Science at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. In 2006, he joined the faculty at the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Dentistry at Chapel Hill, where he has served in the Department of Orthodontics as an associate professor, a full professor, a program director, and the department's vice chair. In 2017, he was appointed as Chair of the Department of Orthodontics.
 
Dr. Ko maintains an active research program focused on bone diseases that affect dental health, biomaterials for bone cell regeneration, biomimetic bone cements for dental implants, and nanocomposite scaffolds for TMJ-related tissue engineering. His work has been consistently funded by the National Institutes of Health through the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research, as well as numerous other philanthropic and corporate organizations.

Dr. Ko is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and he has received numerous honors that include distinguished alumni awards from his alma mater, and three Faculty Member of the Year awards from the Department of Orthodontics at UNC's School of Dentistry.
Sarah Peters, PhD, Joins Division of Biosciences 

On March 1, 2020, Dr. Sarah Peters will join the college as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Biosciences.

Dr. Peters earned a BS degree in environmental science from the Florida Institute of Technology, after which she completed an MS degree in atmospheric science at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany. Continuing her professional education at SUNY, she earned a PhD in biological sciences in 2014. She has since served as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology in the School of Medicine at the University of Alabama, where her research is funded by a K99/R00 grant from the National Institutes of Health - National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).

The NIDCR's funding supports Dr. Peters' examination of the mechanisms that regulate afferent innervation in the dental pulp. Her other research interests include the development and regeneration of the tooth, mandible, and long bone; skull vault formation via neuronal-mesenchymal cellular communications; and the study of mouse submandibular salivary gland development and branching morphogenesis and differentiation.

Dr. Peters' role in the college will include conducting research and contributing to the didactic teaching responsibilities of the Division of Biosciences. She will also support curriculum development to ensure the highest quality of educational experiences for pre-doctoral students. 
Outstanding Staff Award Presented to Ms. Lauryn Betterton  

Ms. Lauryn Betterton, a Student Services Specialist in the Office of Student Affairs, received the college's Outstanding Staff Award that honors an employee whose actions inspire others to outstanding work place performance. The award includes a $500 cash prize. 

Dean Lloyd presented the award at the annual Dean's Appreciation Reception on December 17th. He said, "Those who nominated Lauryn for this award said she is 'very competent, takes the initiative, and completes tasks ahead of time,' and that she is 'diligent with all her work, and she does every job with a smile.' Other nomination remarks stated that she 'provides excellent customer service for students, staff, and faculty,' and that she 'always comes through in a pinch,' and is 'friendly and a pleasure to work with.' "

The dean congratulated Ms. Betterton, saying, "Your fellow full-time staff members  nominated you for this honor, and you were then selected by the Dentistry Staff Development Committee. I congratulate you for your excellence that makes you stand out as an example for others, and I thank you for all you do for our college."

Mark Dawson Award for Excellence Received by Ms. Tamara Kolli

 

Ms. Tamara Kolli, a Research Assistant in the Division of Biosciences, has been honored as the recipient of the Mark Dawson Award for Excellence, which recognizes outstanding contributions by a staff member who significantly facilitates the college's mission. The award includes a $500 cash prize.

 

The award was presented at the December 17th Dean's Appreciation Reception. Dean Lloyd said, "Dawson award winners are chosen by the college's Faculty Council, but nominations may be submitted by any student, staff, or faculty member. Those who nominated Ms. Kolli described her as being 'dedicated, intelligent, hard-working, and responsible.' Other comments included the statement that she is 'among the top 2% of research assistants at any university' and that she 'excels in all aspects of her job performance.' " 

He added, "Without the support of our staff members, we could not  accomplish all that we do each year as we educate students, conduct research, and provide patient care. I congratulate Ms. Kolli for winning this award that recognizes excellence."

Alumni Reception at Yankee Dental Congress: Friday, January 31, 2020

The Yankee Dental Congress takes place in Boston from January 30 - February 1, 2020. In conjunction with the meeting, the college will host a reception for alumni on Friday, January 31st. 

We invite you to join us for this Buckeye gathering that offers refreshments and a chance to connect with colleagues and former classmates. We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Friday, January 31, 2020
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location:  Westin Boston Waterfront;  425 Summer Street; Boston, MA 
Questions?  Call 614-292-1891 or send an email to:  DentalAlumni@osu.edu
Alumni Reception at Midwinter Meeting, Chicago Dental Society: Friday, February 21

On Friday, February 21st, the College of Dentistry will host an alumni reception at the Midwinter Meeting of the Chicago Dental Society.

We hope you'll join Dean Lloyd and college faculty for this event that offers updates on the latest college news, including the Strategic Plan's Ethics and Professionalism Initiative and the expansion of Postle Hall. Enjoy refreshments and reconnect with your fellow alumni. We look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Friday, February 21
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Location:  Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile; 540 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Questions?  Call 614-292-1891 or send an email to:  DentalAlumni@osu.edu
Implant Retained Overdenture Essentials:
Friday, January 24, 2020

Hands-On Course with Limited Seating:  This course presents ways for dental practitioners to increase their comfort and confidence in providing removable implant prosthodontic care for their patients. Treatment planning factors, including case selection and step-by-step restorative procedures, will be presented. The hands-on experience will provide the opportunity to learn and practice using various procedures, attachment systems, and impression techniques related to implant-retained overdentures.

Date: Friday, January 24
Time: 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location:  Postle Hall, room 3089 B
Presenters: Damian Lee, DDS, MSAssociate Professor,  Division of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry; Burak Yilmaz, DDS, PhD, Professor, Division of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry
CE credits:  5
Questions?  Get more details or register online


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