FIRST THURSDAY
COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY NEWS
|
|
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
Dear Colleagues:
Just before the winter break, I attended a meeting of the Big Ten dental school deans. That gathering included senior leaders from the Universities of Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, as well as Indiana and Rutgers Universities. They convene regularly throughout the year and this was my first meeting with them. I enjoyed the time with my colleagues very much (some are old friends), and it was interesting to see how much we have in common as schools.
We face many of the same most pressing challenges -- preparing for new surges of COVID-19; ensuring that our students benefit from contemporary facilities and curricula; and recruiting new faculty members, to name a few. Faculty recruitment, in particular, is always a highly competitive endeavor.
Throughout the country, dental faculty are retiring at the same time that others are being recruited. This has created an increased need for faculty at many dental schools, including our own, but I am glad to say that we continue to get applicants who are eager to join THE Ohio State University and its College of Dentistry.
In this newsletter, we introduce two of our newest faculty recruits -- Dr. Leonardo Mohamad Nassani and Dr. Diana Leyva del Rio. They will join our Division of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry, and provide support for our predoctoral restorative courses. They bring the knowledge they have gained from their doctoral and advanced education programs, in addition to “real world” experience as general dentists.
Their desire to join our ranks is a testimony to our college’s outstanding reputation, and the many ways we are moving forward to educate students, conduct research, and provide care for patients. Please join me in welcoming Drs. Nassani and Leyva del Rio.
While we are adding talented new faculty to our college, we are also recognizing staff who go "above and beyond." We recently honored two staff members who have demonstrated excellence and dedication in the performance of their duties. It was a delight for me to present the Mark Dawson Staff Award for Excellence to Ms. Natasha Jackson, a Senior Dental Assistant, and the Outstanding Staff Award to Ms. Cindy Beyer, an Information Associate.
Please take a moment to read about these staff and faculty who are featured in this edition of our newsletter. As a college, we have a great deal to be proud of and I am glad to have an opportunity to share all this good news with you!
Sincerely,
Dean Carroll Ann Trotman
|
|
Leonardo Mohamad Nassani, DDS, Joins Restorative and Prosthetic Faculty
Dr. Leonardo Mohamad Nassani will join the Division of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry as an assistant professor-clinical on January 10th. His education includes a DMD degree from McGill University's Faculty of Dentistry in Montreal, Canada. Dr. Nassani also completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at Case Western Reserve University's School of Dental Medicine, and he is currently pursuing an MS degree in healthcare administration at the University of Montreal.
Prior to joining Ohio State's College of Dentistry, Dr. Nassani was a practicing general dentist, and he served as a resident dentist at the Cleveland Medical Center's University Hospitals. As a member of the college faculty, he will support the Division of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry by directing and teaching predoctoral courses in restorative dentistry.
|
|
Diana Leyva del Rio, DDS, Joins Restorative and Prosthetic Faculty
On February 7th, Dr. Diana Leyva del Rio will join the Division of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry as an assistant professor. She received her DDS degree from the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Continuing her professional education, she completed an MS degree in craniofacial biology at the University of Southern California's Ostrow School of Dentistry. She then enrolled at The Ohio State University's College of Dentistry, where she is completing a PhD in oral biology.
Dr. Leyva del Rio's professional experience includes serving as an assistant professor in the graduate prosthodontics program at the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, and practicing as a general dentist. In her new role in the college, she will provide support for didactic and clinical courses in the predoctoral restorative dentistry curriculum.
|
|
Ms. Natasha Jackson Receives Mark Dawson Staff Award for Excellence
Ms. Natasha Jackson, a Senior Dental Assistant in radiology, was recently honored as the recipient of the Mark Dawson Award for Excellence. Presented to one staff member annually, the award recognizes those whose outstanding contributions significantly facilitate the college's mission. The award includes a $500 cash prize, a certificate, and the addition of the recipient's name to a plaque in Postle Hall.
Dean Trotman presented Ms. Jackson with the award in December (2021) for her actions that have a positive impact on her co-workers and the radiology unit, and her contributions that demonstrate a commitment to the college and its mission.
|
|
Ms. Cindy Beyer Receives Outstanding Staff Award
Ms. Cindy Beyer, an Information Associate in the Office of Clinic Administration, has been honored with one of two Outstanding Staff Awards presented by the college each year. Given in recognition of employees whose dedication and excellent performance inspires others, each award includes a certificate, a cash prize of $500, and the addition of the recipient's name to a plaque in Postle Hall.
Dean Trotman presented the award to Ms. Beyers in December (2021) for her efforts that go above and beyond the duties required by her position, and for her dedication to excellence in all her endeavors.
|
|
On-Demand Continuing Education Courses:
Available Online -- Anytime, Anywhere!
|
The self-paced course discusses the history of opioid use in medicine and the Ohio guidelines for prescribing opioids. The presentation also reviews OARRS, non-pharmacologic and non-opioid pain treatment options, addiction and substance use disorders, and more. The course satisfies the two-hour Ohio State Dental Board biennial CE requirement for mandatory opioid prescribing education
- Digital Intraoral and Panoramic Imaging: Digital radiography offers instant access, easy transmission, and manipulation of images. Get an overview of the different types of digital imaging, including CCD, CMOS, PSP systems, and panoramic imaging.
- Infection Control and Prevention: In the era of COVID-19, infection control and prevention are vital topics for dental professionals. Learn about common infectious agents, and review infection prevention protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and the State of Ohio Dental Board.
|
|
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Postle Hall, 305 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
