School of Dental Medicine
Our School
The East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine educates North Carolinians to be tomorrow’s solution
to the oral healthcare shortfall in our state. We prepare students who are inclined to serve rural and underserved
populations, and we teach them using a national model that includes the most modern technology, intensive
classroom instruction and hands-on experience at our statewide community service learning centers.
Faculty, students, and residents strive to meet patients where they are, to provide access to care close to their
home communities. Our clinics at ECU and centers across the state offer solutions to patients who might other-
wise not have access to dental care.
The State of North Carolina has funded the ECU School of Dental Medicine in building stand-alone dental
facilities called community service learning centers (CSLCs) in eight rural and underserved locations, including
Ahoskie, Brunswick County, Elizabeth City, Davidson County, Lillington, Robeson County, Spruce Pine, and
Sylva.
The centers are staffed by full-time and part-time faculty, residents, fourth-year students, dental hygienists, den-
tal assistants, and business staff. The centers provide hands-on experience for advanced students and residents
while also providing access to oral health care for more North Carolinians.
2 ECU ASDA Adapted from https://dental.ecu.edu/
Eighth Edition
American Dental Student Association
FIRST
IMPRESSION
Fall 2021, Eigth Edition
First Impression is the premiere Newsletter of the ECU Chapter of the American Dental Student Association and reports
on current dental trends, daily student life, and all the amazing happenings around the School of Dental Medicine.
Table of Contents @ecuasda @ecuasda ecuasda.org
Featured Articles MESSAGE FROM THE FIRST DELEGATE
4 Welcome and Greetings from First Delegate,
SPECIAL 36 Victoria Hardy
CARE
DENTISTRY LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
5 Meet the guy in town sailing the editor ship
MEET THE EDITORIAL BOARD
6 A new editor means a new crew helping to
sail the high seas
ROAD ECU ASDA LEADERSHIP BOARD
TO 8 Meet the ECU ASDA Leadership Team
RESIDENCY
ABOUT THE COVER
38 9 "Love that cover!" Read more about it here
ECU ASDA WELCOME WEEK
10 ASDA welcomed all students with a week
of awesome events
SOCIAL 40 WELLNESS
MEDIA & 12 Telehealth and Counseling
DENTISTRY
DIET AND DENTITION
DRUGS 14 Food. Delicious Food. Shall I say more?
AND
DENTISTRY DENTAL ORGANIZATION
16 Learn about all the cool ways to get
involved with the school
MED GALA
18 An event to raise money for cancer patients
CHRISTMAS IN SWAN QUARTER
19 Santa received a free oral cancer screening
Fall 2021 42
FIRST IMPRESSION 3
Message from the First Delegate
Victoria Hardy
Hi! I am Victoria Hardy and it is my honor to serve as ECU ASDA’s First Delegate for 2021.
At my first semester at ECU SoDM, I stumbled across ECU ASDA's Wellness week celebrations that first
September, and it piqued my interest into what the organization could offer not only just services but as a
possible leadership role as well. I was lucky enough to be selected as one of the first-year students who
were allowed to travel to Chicago and experience ASDA's National Leadership Conference. After that in-
credible experience, I was hooked. Not only did I get a chance to interact and learn from students at ECU
ASDA, but I had the opportunity to converse with dental student leaders across the nation. Since then,
I've held various positions within our leadership board and have learned so many valuable life lessons. It's
been an honor to follow in the footsteps of our most recent leaders; Amir Taha '21, Jordan Brunson '20,
and Ryan Le '19. Although this year looked different from years past, I am excited to continue working
with this amazing leadership board and proud (but not surprised) how much we've accomplished so far
in such a short amount of time. I hope to continue to bring the creativity, peristence, and passion to this
organization as I serve as your ECU ASDA First Delegate.
Victoria Hardy
Class of 2022
ECU ASDA First Delegate
4 ECU ASDA Eighth Edition
Letter from the Editor
Cody Phen
Ahoy there, Pirates!
Welcome to the Eighth Edition of ECU ASDA’s First Impression Newsletter. The theme of this
Newsletter is loosely centered around technology and the environment. Technology plays an
integral part of our lives and we wanted showcase how it benefits us everyday. The environment
is also really important, it's where we work, play, and eat. So being mindful of community fluoride
and other public health initiatives is essential for sustainable living and our overall well-being.
Furthermore, throughout these pages, you will see how students, staff, faculty, and residents all
live up to the mission of our school every day. I hope you enjoy this Newsletter as much as we
enjoyed making it!
Cody C. Phen
Class of 2023
ECU ASDA First Impression, Editor-in-Chief
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 5
Meet the Editorial Board
Editorial Board
Abigail Callahan Will Grine Victoria Hardy Brittanie Height
Class of 2024 Class of 2022 Class of 2022 Class of 2022
Abigail is from Mecklen- Will is from Pinehurst, Victoria is from Rocky Brittanie is from the
burg County, NC and ma- NC and double majored Mount, NC and grad- Class of 2022 and used to
jored in Biology at UNC - in Exercise and Sport uated from ECU with be an art historian. She
Chapel Hill. Her favorite Science and Anthro- dual degrees in Biology is very active in various
topic so far has been end- pology. He is currently and Economics. She also organizations in dental
odontics, because she was the Presdient of Den- holds a Master’s in Biol- school and is a big ad-
an endodontic assistant tal School Government ogy and is involved in a vocate for service. In
for 2 years before start- and active in a lot of lot of organizations and her free time, she enjoys
ing dental school. In her organizations. He en- projects. She has two cooking, traveling, read-
free time, she loves run- joys playing golf and beautiful dogs, Jefferson ing, photography, and
ning and listening to true tutoring at Sandhills and Franklin, that she visiting art museums.
crime podcasts. She has Community College. loves to spoil. Victoria
a pet dog named Stella is very active and cre-
that has more personal- ative. In her free time,
ity than most people she she likes to exercise,
knows. Being part of the work on block printing,
Newsletter Committee drawing and reading.
has given her an opportu-
nity to meet new people
and explore unique top-
ics related to dentistry.
Table of 28 Read 32 Read 34 Faculty 36 Students
Contents about the about the share ways attend the
importance of pros and cons and how they national
RESEARCH fluoride of virtual stay involved leadership
FLUORIDE interviewing in dentistry conference
VIRTUAL
STAYING INVOLVED
THE SUMMIT
20 Learn
about student Eighth Edition
experiences
from the
summer
research
program at
ECU
6 ECU ASDA
Scarlett Walston Yifei Wu Toothy
Class of 2022 Class of 2024 The Pirate Tooth
Scarlett is from Pitt Yifei is from Forsyth Toothy is our newest mas-
County, NC, and gradu- County and majored in cot for our First Impres-
ated from George Mason Biology at Wake For- sion Newsletter. Toothy’s
University with a degree est University. Before pronuouns are they/
in Biology and a minor starting dental school them. Toothy’s interests
in Business. Scarlett en- she worked as a den- include shadowing den-
joys reading and has a tal assistant for 2 years tal students, participat-
focus on special-care and was a professional ing in school events, and
dentistry. Between her, NFL cheerleader. Yifie randomly saying “Arrgh”
her mom, and her fiancé, doesn’t have any pets in conversations. A fun
they have four dogs: Gus, but is Stella’s aunt. Her fact about Toothy is that
Sadie, Stella, and Thor. hobbies include “in- they suffered a carious
She loves being part of haling food like it’s no- lesion as a developing
the Newsletter because body’s business and molar and is therefore
“because it is a great cre- learning random Tik- missing a piece of their
ative outlet and allows Tok choreography in my “leg” (apex of their root).
myself and others to ex- shoebox apartment.” Toothy is positive and-
plore different aspects of loves to eat sweets. Keep
dentistry that we might an eye out for Toothy,
not otherwise encoun- they might pop up in the
ter in the curriculum.” most unexpected places!
38 The ECU VETERAN'S DAY41 Student 48 There's 50 First
Military SPOTLIGHTShighlights. more to Delegate
Club hosted GREENVILLELearn more Greenville shares some
their annual about your than meets parting words
Veteran's 5k GOODBYE, HELLOclassmatesthe eye.and new
and faculty! Coffee leadership
Fall 2021 anyone? shares theirs
FIRST IMPRESSION 7
ASDA Leadership Board
The American Student Dental Association is a national
student-run organization that protects and advances the rights,
interests and welfare of dental students. It introduces students
to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry and provides
services, information, education, representation and advocacy.
Our Vision
To advance the dental profession by developing exemplary leaders
and inspiring member advocacy.
Executive Committee
Victoria Hardy Joel Anil Bradley Schmidt Corey Winkler
First Delegate Second Delegate Treasurer Secretary
Team Coordinators
Octavia Miller Morgan Phillips Hieu Nguyen
Fundraising/Marketing Wellness Pre-Dental
Scarlett Walston Cody Phen
ADPAC Newsletter
Class Representatives
Omar Taha Rebecca Agner Shailey Aghera
Class of 2024 Class of 2023 Class of 2022
Eighth Edition
8 ECU ASDA
About the Cover...
Back Cover Front Cover
The cover is one of the most important aspects of the Newsletter. It captures
the audience's attention and sets a tone for the Newsletter.
The cover is a picture that was taken during ASDA's Week of Welcome.
The front cover showcases a serious pose and the back cover showcases a
funny pose.
It's quite fitting because as dental students we each bring something unique to
our school and the field of dentistry, through our work, our networks, and most
importantly our personalities.
We know when to work hard, but also know when to have a good time.
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 9
Welcome Week
ECU ASDA Welcome Week
by Toothy the Pirate Tooth
ECU ASDA’s Week of Welcome celebrated the start of the new school year by hosting various
events each day of the week from August 30th to September 3rd. Starting on Monday, the Class
of 2025 was introduced to ECU ASDA and what the organization is all about. As a dental student,
everyone at ECU is already registered as a national member so you can start taking advantage of
the benefits today. Tuesday was “Smiles n’ Sweets,” which consisted of a photo shoot with our pirate
tooth and some sweet snacks. Wednesday marked the D1’s frist exam and ECU ASDA provided
Coffee and Donuts. We also had our Newsletter table to accept donations for the Patient Care
Fund. Thursday was a big day after school as we all participated in Amalgames, ECU’s annual field
day consisting of various fun activities (Purple Team won this year). Finally, on Friday, we had Dr.
Desiree Walker come talk about the importance or exercise and posture. It was an amazing week!
10 ECU ASDA Seventh Edition
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 11
Wellness
Telehealth Counseling
&
Dental Students
by Carolyn Kleffman, MS, LCMHCA
Dental students are either in classes from 8:00am-
5:00pm, in the simulation labs well past their bedtimes, or in
clinic finishing up complex cases. Bottom line: they need to go
home and rest. Thankfully, the East Carolina University School
of Dental Medicine provides a licensed clinical counselor to
deliver telehealth as well as on-campus services. I have the
honor of being in this role!
I see approximately fifteen students per week for
counseling, give or take. It fills my heart to see people on
the other side of the WebEx camera logging on from their
cozy places such as beds and couches; usually bundled up
and comfortable. In counseling, we want the client to be
comfortable because most of the time, we are processing
uncomfortable things together. Offering telehealth services
to dental students gives them the option to receive care from
a space separated from school. It is important to “turn-off ”
the clinical brain and reset when arriving home. However,
some students prefer in-person counseling as it is a different
experience. Both avenues are advantageous because at the end
of the day, students are coping, learning, and healing- and that
is the whole purpose of counseling.
Studying with
Music
Toothy
By Cody Phen
One of Toothy’s favorite ways to study is by listening to
a genre of music called Lo-fi. Lo-fi stands for low fidel-
ity music and is created by using audio imperfections
as a deliberate aesthetic choice for sound. Lo-fi hip-
hop music is relaxing and calms the mind as it gives
the brain just enough stimulation to be alert, stress free
and allow productivity to occur. The reason why Lo-fi
is the best study music is because it allows one to play
it on an endless loop. On the left, Toothy has shared
their sample of songs that you should check out. Prom-
ise, once you give it a listen, it’ll help you study effec-
tively and maybe even help you pass the boards. :D
12 ECU ASDA Eighth Edition
Wellness
FEAR FACTOR: DENTAL ANXIETY
by Yifei Wu ‘24
Needles, blood, and drills, One method that has become Another innovative way
oh my!!! It’s no surprise that more relevant since the
COVID-19 pandemic started to alleviate anxiety using
many people have some sort is teledentistry. With modern
of fear or anxiety when they technology and high precision technology is virtual reality (VR).
visit the dentist. This anxiety cameras, patients can seek
can lead to consequences in dental consultations in the VR uses a combination of sights
patients’ oral health, affecting comfort of their own homes.
their appointment attendance New patients can do a video and sounds to immerse the
or treatment compliance. consultation with a dentist so
Studies have shown that that a level of trust and rapport patient into a virtual world that
anywhere between 35%-60% can be built before they have
of adults in the US have some to step foot into the office. enhances distraction from pain.
degree of dental anxiety. If this
issue is so prevalent, what are Clinical studies have shown
some innovative ways to help
patients feel more comfortable that dental patients undergoing
at the dental office?
periodontal treatment
experienced considerable pain
reduction when using VR in
comparison to participants
that watched a movie or didn’t
have any type of distraction.
A newer luxury concept for relieving stress at the dentist is the dental spa. Dental spas are dental
practices that also offer non-dental procedures such as spa services. The idea is to create a more relaxing
environment than the traditional dental office. Examples of additional services include massage
therapies, aromatherapy, facials, and reflexology. Some practices even have massage therapists that
are specially trained in TMJ reflexology and myofascial release which can help treat TMD-associated
pain. The calming spa-like atmosphere should make patients feel less anxious and more pampered.
It’s inevitable that dental providers will encounter individuals with dental anxiety, so it’s best to know
ways to manage it in order to give patients the optimal experience. Teledentistry, virtual reality, and dental
spas are just a few creative methods but are not the only ways to reduce anxiety. Good communication
and empathy will be just as beneficial in making patients feel relaxed and welcome in the dental office.
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 13
Food
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich by Yifei Wu ‘24
If there’s anything better than Thanksgiving dinner Directions
food, it’s the leftovers from it. This recipe is an easy one
to whip up using all those dishes your family sent you
back home with. Don’t worry if you’re missing some In a small bowl, mix together mayo and mustard. Spread
of the ingredients- you really can’t go wrong with any this mixture on one side of two pieces of bread. This will
combo of classic Thanksgiving staples. If you’ve already be the base of the sandwich.
devoured all the holiday turkey, just sub it out with Top each of the two slices of bread with 1 cup of turkey,
regular deli turkey. Nothing would be more satisfying ¼ cup of mashed potatoes, 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce,
between classes or after a long day in clinic! ¼ cup of stuffing, and then 2 tablespoons of gravy and
spinach.
Ingredients (yields 2 servings) Place second pieces of bread on top to complete
2 tbsp mayonnaise sandwiches. Feel free to grill both sides of the sandwich
2 tbsp Dijon mustard on a pan or panini press.
4 slices sourdough, toasted
2 cups leftover roasted turkey Slice in half and serve.
1/2 cup leftover mashed potatoes
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup leftover stuffing
1/4 cup gravy, warmed
1/4 cup baby spinach, packed
14 ECU ASDA Eighth Edition
Recipe
This no-bake recipe is easy to prepare and store. It’s packed with Holiday Photos by Yifei Wu '24
whole ingredients, making it the perfect pick-me-up in the middle of Energy
a busy day. You can store them in the freezer so that they’re always Bites
ready for you to enjoy or share with others!
FIRST IMPRESSION 15
Ingredients (yields 25 bites)
2 cups old fashioned oatmeal
1/2 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup holiday M&Ms, coarsely chopped or crushed
1/4 cup hemp seeds or ground flax seed
1/2 cup peanut or nut butter
1/2 cup honey
Directions
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Scoop out 1 Tbsp at a time to press
and roll into balls.
**If your mixture is very sticky, add more oats or chill mixture in the
fridge for 30 minutes and then roll into bites.
Chill in the fridge or freezer until ready to eat!
Store the bites in a sealed container.
Fall 2021
Engage with ECUStudent Organizations
Dental Organizations
ECU
American Student Dental
Association
The American Student Dental Association is a
national student-run organization that protects
and advances the rights, interests and welfare
of dental students. It introduces students to
lifelong involvement in organized dentistry
and provides services, information, education,
representation and advocacy.
Dental Career Network
The focus of this organization is to
explore various career avenues for
dental students and to connect them
with practicing North Carolina den-
tists, in the hopes of fostering connec-
tions with dental students and dental
practitioners.
DMD @ ECU
The School of Dental Medicine’s DMD organization
was started by students in 2011 as a vehicle for con-
ducting community outreach and gaining leadership
skills and as a way to develop the life-long practice
of giving back to the community. DMD also enables
students to attend social events to build relationships
and network with not only each other, but with other
organizations as well.
Student National Eighth Edition
Dental Association
In efforts to increase the number of minori-
ties in the dental field, USNDA works along
side the SNDA of dental schools to form re-
lationships and resources to current dental
school students and staff. Please be advised
that this organization is limited to members
of ECU School of Dental Medicine only.
16 ECU ASDA
Women in Dentistry Student Organizations
The purpose of the organization is to promote
a better understanding and appreciation of
dentistry for children among dental students at
East Carolina University.
The purpose of Women in Dentistry is to create a supportive Pediatric Dentistry Club
environment for the advancement of female dental students
through mentorship and collaboration, to facilitate professional
growth through collaboration and service, and to empower all
women to succeed in their endeavors.
Hispanic Student Interdisciplinary Oral Medicine The purpose of this organization is to integrate medicine
Dental Association Study Club at ECU and dentistry to promote optimal health in the patients
by increasing professional and public awareness of the
field of Oral Medicine and by educating ECU students
of all healthcare disciplines using an interdisciplinary
profession education (IPE) approach.
The Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) Chapter at
the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine aims
to create a unified voice for oral health students and faculty
and seeks to promote and advance the oral health issues of the
Hispanic community in Greenville and Eastern North Carolina.
ECU Special Care Dentistry The purpose of this organization is to research
and promote advances in Technology, Clinic
Workflow and Legislation needed to enhance
access to quality care and education through
Virtual Health.
The purpose of this organization is to bring together American Student
oral health care professionals interested in serving Teledentistry Association
patients with special needs through education and
networking, to ultimately increase access to oral FIRST IMPRESSION 17
health care to patients with special needs.
Fall 2021
Med Gala
by Yifei Wu and Abby Callahan ‘24 Eighth Edition
IOMSC hosted its inaugural Med Gala on
November 19, 2021 to raise funds for cancer
patients requiring dental treatment. Attendees
included students, faculty, and staff from all
departments of ECU Health Sciences. Speakers
Angie Nance and Dr. Andrew Ju shared their
stories and passion for supporting the cause.
Mrs. Nance was one of our SoDM’s very own
patients, and Dr. Ju represented the medical
school as well as Vidant Health. Everyone was
dressed to the nines, and the food, music,
and venue decor all contributed to a great
atmosphere. Overall, the event raised over
$16,000 for cancer patients at ECU SoDM and
Brody School of Medicine. The club looks
forward to turning the Med Gala into an annual
event and is excited for the many years to come!
18 ECU ASDA
Service
Christmas in
Swan Quarter
by Toothy the
Pirate Tooth
On December 4th, 2021,
students traveled to Hyde
County, North Carolina to
participate in “Christmas in
Swan Quarter” to provide
free oral screenings and
raise awareness of ECU’s
Dental Clinic coming to Hyde
County. The clinic hopes to be
operational by Spring of 2022.
The effort was coordinated by
Dr. Tempel (and his team) and
led by Dr. Moss on Saturday.
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 19
Research
A Peak into
the Summer
Scholars
Research
Program
by Joel Anil ‘23
Dentistry is a field that is constantly changing and that is why as
dentists we will be lifelong learners. To practice evidence-based
dentistry as we need to stay up to date with advances in our field
and learn how we can apply them clinically so that we can have the
best patient outcomes. As dental students, we have the opportunity to
create these advances within dentistry by conducting research during
our time within dental school. ECU SoDM is becoming a hub for research
within dentistry, and one of these avenues for research is the Summer
Scholars Research Program. This program is specifically tailored for
selected dental students in the incoming D1 class where they will have
the opportunity to conduct research the summer before they start dental
school. As a Summer Research Scholar, you can have in-depth research
experiences while under close mentorship with faculty investigators from
the School of Dental Medicine. Two students who were previously a part
of the Summer Scholars Research Program were Corey Winkler and Sara
Feggeler and here is what their experiences were like:
20 ECU ASDA Eighth Edition
Research
Sara Feggeler
Class of 2025
When were you a part of the Summer Scholars Research Program?
I was a part of the Summer Scholars Research Program in the summer of 2021. I
have also chosen to continue my research and am still involved today.
What was the subject of your research and who was your mentor?
The title of my project was artificial carious dentin for educational purposes. I
worked with Dr. Saulo Geraldeli and Dr. Michelle Oyen over the summer. The
goal of the project was to have an end product that was similar to carious dentin
and that could be used to create a model of a decayed tooth for dental students to
practice procedures on.
What was your favorite part of doing research while in the program?
My favorite part of research was being able to make connections with students and
faculty. Coming into a new school is always difficult and seeing some familiar faces
on the first day of class made the transition much easier.
What were some challenges that you didn’t expect to face while working on your research project and how did you
overcome them?
One of my biggest technical challenges involved creating a vessel for my hydroxyapatite gelatin. Every time we came up with a
new plan something would change. I was lucky enough to have two faculty and one post-doc mentor and between the four of
us we always came up with a new plan of action. To me, this was a big reminder that working with people gets you further than
working on your own.
What have been the biggest takeaways from your time doing research at ECU SODM, and how has it affected your
experience in dental school and your view on dentistry as a whole?
I learned a lot about problem-solving over the summer. You can have an image of something working perfectly in your mind
but when you actually get to the lab and execute it, things do not go as planned. I think this will benefit me in my dental career
because every mouth and every case is different. I believe that being able to work with the challenges that are given to you
without being derailed is invaluable is a dental practice.
Corey Winkler
Class of 2023
When were you a part of the Summer Scholars Research Program?
Summer 2019
What was the subject of your research and who was your mentor?
Color stability in resin-based composites
What was your favorite part of doing research while in the program?
I enjoyed being able to work with faculty in a research setting and being able to
apply the findings to a clinical setting.
What were some challenges that you didn’t expect to face while working
on your research project and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I faced was teaching myself statistics. I did not have a strong
background in statistics so expanding that skillset has been tremendously rewarding.
What have been the biggest takeaways from your time doing research at ECU SODM, and how has it affected your
experience in dental school and your view on dentistry as a whole?
Doing research at ECU SoDM has made me realize how reliant dentistry and medicine as a whole is on clinical research. Being
able to participate in the process as a student has made me want to continue to engage in research activities throughout my
career.
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 21
22 ECU ASDA Eighth Edition
Special Care Dentistry
by Joshua Walker ‘24
When Medicare was passed in July Our school recognizes the treatment When traditional dentistry
1965, more than half of all United need-utilization gap experienced by fails to meet the needs of the
States citizen 65 years or older retirees in our community. More communities that we serve, we must
were completely edentulous. The than 25 volunteers assisted in the innovate means to reach them. Our
perceived dental needs for senior organization and implementation of commitment to the public must
citizens in our community was a dental screening clinic sponsored reach the needs of our community
minimal and dental utilization by a non-profit with a rich history from the womb to the tomb. This
may have even been less. Today, in supporting the seniors of our is why we met members of our
we have a greater understanding community, the Pitt County Council community where they could be
of the role dental care serves on on Aging. With financial assistance served.Equippedwiththeknowledge
population health and wellbeing. from Henry Schein, students from gained during the screening, we
Unfortunately, many barriers to the ECU SoDM screened 14 patients empowered the elders that we
care prevent adults 65 years of age 65-94 years of age. Two of the served with information about their
and older from receiving necessary patients reported a health history health and resources for dental care.
dental treatment. Among Medicare with cancer of the head and neck Additionally, anyone with treatment
beneficiaries, nearly half do not and four more reported previous need diagnosed by students has
attend a dental appointment or current tobacco use. Sadly, all of access to medical transportation,
at least once each year despite these seniors had no dental home. effectively expanding their ability
nearly 90% having teeth. Dental For many of the seniors that we to receive dental care. I would like
utilization among this population met in the community, they relied to thank Ricky Ghai, Cody Phen,
is even lower among those with on public transportation and had Nathanial Mitchum, Harrison
lower income and/or who identify limited access to medical care. Conner, Joel Anil, Marguerite van
with a minority racial or ethnic der Vorst, Ruhi Patel, Aleasia Lee,
group. For these reasons and many Roa Saleh, Alec Whyte, Phuquain
more, students at the ECU School Morales, Brianna Smith, Pari
of Dental Medicine collaborated Prahalad, David Barrett, Dr. Robert
to provide dental screenings to Carter, Dr. Thomas Tempel, Brett
older adults in our community. Erwin, Jon Jones, Donna Cornwall,
Amanda Davis, Susan O’Beirne,
Tommy Bunting, Dr. Ford Grant,
Dr. Margaret Wilson, Kimberly
Werth, Dr. Andres Flores, and Allen
Waggoner for helping support this
event and making it a great success!
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 23
Feature
The
Road
To
by Will Grine ‘22
Graphic by Will Grine '22 Eighth Edition
24 ECU ASDA
The Road to Residency
We didn’t simply spin the wheel on the Game of Life and move five spaces into a unique profession,
which encompasses both challenge and variety. We purposefully chose the road with considerable
potential to leave a positive impact on others. Serving one’s community as a dentist demands a
holistic consideration of each patient’s individual needs. With a wide variety of different treatments,
our path begins to wind and branch with many distributaries and confluences. This is where versatility
as a provider becomes one of the profession’s greatest strengths. A comprehensive breadth of
knowledge allows a practitioner to address the broad needs of a population, but mastery of all dental
procedures requires copious time and experience. In ensuring what is appropriate and best for the
patient, case complexity may warrant a referral to a focused specialty within the field of dentistry.
There are twelve dental specialties currently
recognized by the American Dental
Association: Dental Public Health, Dental
Anesthesiology, Endodontics, Oral Medicine
and Pathology, Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology,
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral
Medicine, Orofacial Pain, Orthodontics and
Dentofacial Orthopedics, Pediatric Dentistry,
Periodontics, and Prosthodontics. Each of
these specialties has its own distinguishing
characteristics which aid in increasing access
to care and providing expertise to meet the
complex needs of a community. Choosing
to specialize offers an opportunity to gain
a new level of confidence and a chance
to become further immersed in the field.
In considering whether you wish to attain
additional training through residency
programs, what is most important is that you
remain true to your goals and that you pursue
work that is meaningful to you. Consider
the procedures toward which you gravitate.
Think back: have your favorite experiences in
dentistry involved salvaging teeth, extracting
teeth, or replacing teeth? You may be a budding
endodontist, oral surgeon, or prosthodontist
respectively. Perhaps you enjoy working with
“little” teeth as a pediatric dentist or serving
a population at “large” through dental public
health. Specialized training can prepare you
to serve others with a new level of proficiency
and passion. If you have specific interests
you wish to explore within dentistry, I strongly
urge you to give the spinner a whirl, buckle up
and turn your car down the road to residency.
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 25
Feature
LIKE&
COMMENT&
FOLLOW&
DENTISTRY by Abby Callahan ‘24
Social Media has quickly become a interested in what you’re posting. Engaging
part of our everyday lives and it isn’t your followers also means listening to what
going anywhere anytime soon. Social Media is they are saying. By responding to comments
controversial all on its own and is often looked and questions on your posts you are not only
down upon for its ability to quickly spread false keeping your audience interested but also
information. Social Media can be used for good showing potential followers that you are
as well. As healthcare professionals it can be passionate about the information that you are
used to educate your audience, promote your sharing.
brand and network with other professionals. One of the most important things when creating
Different platforms are beneficial for different content for your Social Media accounts is to
purposes. For example, your LinkedIn profile remain cognizant of what you are posting. You
should be aimed at growing your professional have to ask yourself if what you are posting
network and expanding your community could hurt anyone or be misconstrued in any
while your TikTok profile should be kept more way. Keeping your profile noncontroversial
lighthearted and be aimed at educating your is essential when promoting your brand and
followers. representing your practice. This also goes for
While it may seem silly, being present and engaging with other users in comment sections.
consistently posting on your profile can become Choose your battles when engaging in sensitive
overwhelming. Some dentists even hire outside topics and stray from using unsupported
companies to run their social media for them. information. Specific patients should never be
Posting regularly will help you not only retain shown or discussed on your account without
followers but expand your following and grow their consent. If you are questioning your
your brand. In addition to being consistent decision to post something at all, it’s better to be
in posting and promoting your brand, it is safe than sorry.
important to focus on engaging your followers. Long story short, Social Media can be an
For dental professionals, it is recommended to amazing marketing tool for you and your
post solely about dentistry and your practice. business but it has its shortcomings. Staying
Your followers chose to follow you for that consistent, cognizant and engaging will allow
reason and want to see dental related content. It you to slowly grow your platform and allow
will also allow the algorithms to continuously you to educate people from all over.
promote your profile to users that would be
26 ECU ASDA Eighth Edition
Social Media and Dentistry
Follow @ecuasda on Instagram for
more!
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 27
Feature
DFGelTubrheoaeartietde
by Will Grine ‘22
28 ECU ASDA Eighth Edition
Fluoride
It’s in your french fries, it’s in your bones, it’s in your tooth- within the hard tissues like teeth and bones. The stored fluoride
paste, and it’s probably in your glass of water. As the ionic is in equilibrium with fluoride in the blood serum. When blood
form of fluorine, the 13th most abundant element in the earth’s fluoride concentration diminishes, fluoride moves from the
crust, fluoride can be found just about everywhere. This is hard tissues back into the blood where it will eventually be ex-
fortunate for us because there has long been a connection creted by the kidneys until equilibrium is once again reached.
between fluoride and healthy teeth; however, this link was not
fully established until 1945 when Grand Rapids, Michigan, Despite the science behind it and thousands of studies
became the first U.S. city to fluoridate its public water supply. showing how fluoride prevents cavities, controversy stems
Five years later, school children of Grand Rapids were found from political, moral, ethical, economic, and health concerns
to have significantly fewer cavities than children from nearby pertaining to the fluoridation of public water. “The reality
communities. From there, the fluoride public health initia- is that there is no valid, peer-reviewed scientific study
tive took off. Since its launch 76 years ago, use of fluoride in which has demonstrated any adverse effects of fluoride at
community water systems has spread across the United States, the optimal level in water.” In fact, in the 75 years since
providing 73.0% of the population with access to fluoride. The community fluoridation has been in effect, hundreds of
health benefits have been tremendous. The resulting reduction millions of individuals have regularly consumed optimally
and control of cavities has led the Centers for Disease Control fluoridated water, and there have been no proven negative
and Prevention to hail fluoride as one of the top public health health consequences on humans, animals, or the environment.
achievements of the 20th century. The only perceived negative ramification of fluoride use may
be mild enamel fluorosis. Less than 25% of individuals in the
Despite thousands of studies proving its safety and efficacy United States have fluorosis, with most cases appearing at a
as a naturally occurring compound that prevents cavities and barely detectable level that has no adverse effect on cosmetics,
tooth decay, fluoride still represents a subject of heated debate form, function, or health of teeth. In fact, as science has shown,
nearly 8 decades after its very public debut in America’s water when teeth are mildly fluorosed, they actually become more
supply. While many misconceptions about fluoride (including decay resistant.
its use and its safety) persist , oral diseases undeniably remain
a global public health problem. Most in the dental profession Considerable economic benefits are associated with public
advocate the use of fluoride as a safe way not only to strength- water fluoridation. Namely, fluoridation reduces the need for
en teeth to prevent future decay, but also to arrest early decay. restorative dental treatment through an overall reduction in
Dr. Steven Slott, Communications officer and founding mem- caries. The cost of dental treatment poses a large economic
ber of the American Fluoridation Society (AFS), has spent the burden to families and health-care systems and can have an
past decade helping to shed light on fluoride, its use, and the enormous impact on oral health utilization costs throughout an
benefits of community water fluoridation (CWF). Dr. Slott is individual’s lifetime. Dr. Slott expounds upon this point adding
one of several healthcare professionals comprising the AFS, a that “for every $1 spent on fluoridation, there is a $5-$90 cost
non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to education of the savings to the community.” Commercially available fluoride
public, with evidence-based information on the public health products and dental treatments are available but are costly,
initiative of water fluoridation. and, as a result, not everyone in society can afford them. When
fluoride is made available in public water supplies, it no longer
Dr. Slott’s appreciation for fluoride quickly becomes appar- represents a discretionary commodity that is only accessible
ent through discussions of the science behind the ion, with to those familiar with its health benefits, those who can afford
reliable, peer-reviewed science being his consistent source of it and those who have access to it. Regardless of education,
information. As explained by Buzalaf, et al., in Monographs in socioeconomic status, age or race, everyone is able to benefit
Oral Science, fluoride’s presence in oral fluids at low, sus- from fluoride just by drinking public water. In this way, when
tained concentrations can absorb to the surface of the apatite public policy supports fluoridation of water supplies, it is the
crystal during an acidic challenge, thus inhibiting the process most vulnerable in society who benefit the most. At less than
of demineralization. Slott builds on this point stating that, “by $1 per person per year, fluoridation is by far the most cost-ef-
doing so, the ions render dental enamel significantly more fective means of providing significant dental decay reduction
resistant to the decay-causing acidic attacks of oral bacteria.” in entire populations.
Once the pH of the oral cavity is re-established, remaining
fluoride in the oral cavity will be highly supersaturated with Despite decades of evidence supporting the role of community
respect to fluorhydroxyapatite, which will in turn help to speed water fluoridation in caries prevention, persistent misconcep-
up the remineralization of enamel, thereby making teeth decay tions confirm the need to educate our patients and anyone who
resistant. “Fluoride’s action can occur through both topical may ask, on the benefits of fluoride. It is essential to speak with
exposure of the teeth to fluoride and systemic incorporation of other healthcare providers, medical and dental, to make sure
fluoride into the saliva and pre-erupted teeth.” While topical that they understand and support proper fluoride use and can
fluoride strengthens teeth already present in the mouth, system- help others to make educated decisions regarding their dental
ic fluoride becomes incorporated into the body and helps with health. There are many factors at play when it comes to keep-
formation of tooth structures. One-half of ingested fluoride is ing teeth healthy, but by adding a glass of water to your daily
rapidly excreted by the kidneys while the other half is stored routine you can safely and effectively protect your mouth.
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 29
Feature
DEDNRTIUSGTSR&Y by Brittanie Height ‘22
Since the
crackdown on
opioid prescribing
began, parties in
medicine, dentistry,
and pharmacy have
engaged in never-
ending finger-pointing
around who should
take responsibility for
the millions of Americans
who are living with opioid
use disorder. Many dentists
were often in denial that we
played any part in this crisis
at all. However, according
to an article in the American
Journal of Preventative
Medicine that examines the
prescribing of opioids by dentists
between 2011 and 2015, dentists
are responsible for prescribing
1 in 10 opioid prescriptions.
The study went on to reveal was
that 29% of these prescriptions
exceeded the recommended amount
of morphine recommended for acute
pain management and 50% exceeded
the amount recommended in a day
making this very much a dentist’s problem.
The truth is that the responsibility for the opioid crisis is multifactorial and complex. There
were issues at every level of the patient-prescriber chain—lack of awareness of the addictive
potential of these drugs, non-evidence-based claims by pharmaceutical companies, a desire
to get patients out of pain, non-regulated pharmacy fill records and the list goes on and on.
Regardless of the origin of this issue, the truth is that we as practitioners of dental medicine now
have a responsibility to practice good stewardship when it comes to the prescription of opioids.
30 ECU ASDA Eighth Edition
Drugs and Dentistry
When prescribed properly, opioids can help 3 tablets 10 mg/325 mg oxycodone with acetaminophen
patients to overcome severe postoperative pain (Percocet) per day
when given in a limited, appropriate course. 10 tablets of 5 mg /300 mg hydrocodone and acetaminophen per
There is much debate among practitioners, day
however, about what this looks like and when 2 tablets of 15 mg oxycodone extended release per day
should these be given, if at all. The ADA has
partnered with the Providers Clinical Support <3 tablets of 5 mg methadone per day
System to create a curriculum to assist
providers in the proper prescribing of opioids 44 tablets Tylenol 1 7.5 mg codeine + 300 mg acetaminophen
as well as the management of patients with per day
opioid use disorder. 22 tablets Tylenol 2 15 mg codeine + 300 mg acetaminophen per
Though the chief recommendation for day
management of acute pain according to these 11 tablets Tylenol 3 30 mg codeine + 300 mg acetaminophen per
modules is still NSAIDs. Studies have shown day
that pain relief with opioids did not increase 5.5 tablets Tylenol 4 60 mg codeine + 300 mg acetaminophen
though the potential for long-term use did. per day
Despite this analysis, there are situations 13 tablets 2.5 mg/325 mg oxycodone with acetaminophen
where an opioid may need to be prescribed (Percocet) per day
for the management of acute pain. In these 6 tablets 5 mg/325 mg oxycodone with acetaminophen
situations, a thorough review of the patient’s (Percocet) per day
medical history and current medications is 4 tablets 7.5 mg/325 mg oxycodone with acetaminophen
critical as concomitant use of opioids with (Percocet) per day
benzodiazepines increases the risk of an opioid
overdose. They maintain that if opioids are While the genesis of the opioid crisis is unclear
prescribed, that they should be prescribed and its causation multifaceted, what is clear
in a 3-to-7-day course which falls under is that we as dental practitioners must protect
the. The dose should also fall under the our patients and weigh the benefit versus risk
CDC’s recommended 50 morphine milligram when deciding whether to prescribe narcotic
equivalents (MME) per day to reduce the risk of pain medications.
overdosing.
So what does this amount look like in It is important to consider both the short-
prescriber’s terms? and long-term consequences of actions and
to educate our patients on the importance of
proper use and disposal of unused medication.
Furthermore, we must educate ourselves on
how to provide the safest level of care possible
to our patients living with opioid and substance
use disorders. Through mindful prescribing
and compassionate care, we can do our part to
mitigate this crisis’ impact on our communities.
Fall 2021 Resources
Suda KJ, Zhou J, Rowan SA, et al. Overprescribing of
opioids to adults by dentists in the U.S., 2011–2015.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2020;58(4):473-
486. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2019.11.006.
Chou R. Opioids for Pain Understanding and Mitigating
Risks. Providers’ Clinical Support System for Medication
Assisted Treatment.
About CDC’s opioid prescribing guideline. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/
opioids/providers/prescribing/guideline.html. Published
February 17, 2021. Accessed December 2, 2021.
FIRST IMPRESSION 31
Feature
The Good, the Bad,
and an Experience Like no Other
of Virtual Interviewing
by Jarod Ruffing ‘22
Interviewing for dental schools in the year importantly, online interviewing allowed more
of 2021 was like none other. Everyone that students to interview at schools in locations that
interviewed during this cycle was familiar with may have not been in their financial budget.
the interview location, home that was. Sixty- Not interviewing in person absolutely had its
six dental schools with over 8,000 applicants pros, however there were downsides as well.
interviewed virtually during 2021. Whether Not being able to see the school in person for
the Wi-Fi was down, shoes were chewed the interview and not getting a feel for what the
by the pup, or coffee was spilled on pants, school was like was unsettling for many and
one was protected by the webcam’s camera made decisions regarding schools a bit trickier.
angle this dental school application cycle. On the contrary, many schools were not able to
see candidates in the same way compared to as
Many students found virtual interviewing if they were interviewing in person, which may
to be a positive thing. Many students that have altered the interview selection outcome.
interviewed were pleased to be behind
a computer screen. There was a special Allison Tempel, a member of the class of 2025
something about being the pioneer of virtual stated, “We all faced different challenges when
interviewing. Like everything at first, there COVID-19 hit, and for pre-dental students
were certainly challenges involved with one of the biggest ones was the interview.
virtually interviewing thousands of applicants, Having previous experience with an in person
but nonetheless, many students were happy interview I thought would be an advantage, but
with the interview process and results. this was something completely different. Now it
wasn’t just making sure you dressed and acted
The benefits of virtual interviewing certainly professionally but making sure your internet
are plentiful. For example: not having to travel was working well too. I was very impressed with
across the country to visit a school, being able how well all of the schools and students were
to be in the comfort of your own room, knowing able to adapt to this and still manage to come
where the bathroom was, having less interview across genuine through a computer screen.”
anxiety, just to name a few. Perhaps most
32 ECU ASDA Eighth Edition
Virtual Interviewing
Without having to make way through a nation from over webcam. I believe for long
new city, applicants were not completely distance interviews this should still be the
off the hook from navigation. Many virtual case but being in person really lets you get a
interviews had internet troubles and feel for the school and faculty personalities.
technical difficulties that took precious Over web cam, good conversations were
interview time away from candidates. Along made but it just wasn’t the same with
with this, many of the virtual tours were regards to the personal connection. After
shortened due to connection problems. applying 7 years in a row, maybe virtual
Some believed that the interview process interviews helped me get in from having
distorted who they were as a person, and this lower anxiety and stress going into it versus
may have led to a lack of acceptances among in person. Unfortunately, ECU Dental school
institutions. If not familiar with virtual will only have in person interviews moving
webcam meetings, there may have been forward so this was a once in a lifetime
even more anxiety involved with the virtual opportunity and I’m glad I was a part of it”.
process when compared to the traditional in
person interviews. Interviewing virtually was one for the books,
and it was certainly impressive to
Clinton Cherry, a member of the Class of see how all the schools were able to adapt to
2025 stated, “After having both experiences this new selection process. Many students
of interviewing in person and online, I would found this year of interviewing to be a
still prefer to interview in person. However, positive thing, while others were upset
online interviewing has many benefits as with the asynchronies involved with the
well. I was able to save so much time by virtual interviewing process. All in all, it was
being able to wake up at my own house and rather amazing to see the imitative taken
get right into the interview compared to by institutions and the different programs
getting a hotel room and preparing well in involved with the big “Interview Day”.
advance. Also, the previous year I had a few Hopefully this interview cycle will not have
weeks’ notice to get an airplane ticket and fly to be repeated, but if it does, dental schools
all the way to Utah for an interview. In 2021, across the country will be more prepared
I was able to save thousands of dollars and this time around.
time by being able to interview across the
“We all faced different challenges when COVID-19 hit, and for pre-dental students
one of the biggest ones was the interview. Having previous experience with an
in person interview I thought would be an advantage, but this was something
completely different. Now it wasn't just making sure you dressed and acted
professionally but making sure your internet was working well too. I was very
impressed with how well all of the schools and students were able to adapt
to this and still manage to come across genuine through a computer screen.
Allison Tempel, Class of 2025
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 33
Feature
Staying Active
after Dental
School Study Group 101
By Victoria Hardy, Dr. Daniel Harris and Dr. William Lee
“You’ve earned your degree(s), now you know everything and it’s time to relax!”
-Said no medical professional ever
There is always something to learn or something to improve upon. And to have a speaker the group considers it. If deemed worthwhile we invite
for those that happen to be a specialist in a specific field, then great, a speaker.
it’s time to help teach others what you know. Dentistry, in particular, is a Our club has a president, vice-president, and treasurer. Dues are
field that constantly ebbs and flows with new materials, new techniques, collected at the beginning of the year (September). President responsible
and new patient considerations. Earning a DMD or DDS degree doesn’t for running each meeting. Vice-president responsible for coordinating
mean that your education is finally over. It means that it has just started. speakers for each meeting. Treasurer responsible for collecting dues,
Continuing education workshops and seminars are one way to add paying honorariums for speakers, and paying the dinner bill. We meet at
information to our repertoire but don’t overlook the more informal study Walnut Creek Country Club in Goldsboro. They have a meeting room set
groups that can be formed. Dr. Harris and Dr. Lee have been known to up for us with screen projector, drinks, snacks for the meeting. Anyone
share their vast information and experiences with students in clinic, so I who wishes to stay for dinner is welcome and that is part of the dues
knew they’d be the perfect people to ask about how they keep learning paid. We also invite our speaker to have dinner with us. The “business”
after more than 40+ years in the dental field. part of the meeting lasts from 4-4:30, the invited speaker will talk from
Question: How did you first get involved with a post-education study 4:30-6:00 pm. In our younger days, several of us would meet at 10:00 am
group? and play golf prior to the meeting.
Harris: Similar like-minded fellow dentist got together to discuss forming We also started a “stock club” in the early 2000’s. That was optional for
a group to meet and discuss topics/cases of interest. Once the group was folks to join by contributing $500 to start and then agreeing to $50/month.
formed, we would have programs presented by outside “experts” or we We had a stockbroker who came and met with us each month (prior to
would present programs ourselves, often with power point presentations, the start of the study club) to discuss investing strategy and what to do
mounted cast, etc. with our club money.
Lee: I was invited by colleagues that I had gone to school with. They had So, we were a very diverse group with lots of different interests. For
become affiliated with a dental study club and invited me to come visit. I many years we had an “Away Trip” each calendar year. We would go
joined in 1981, 1 year out of dental school. somewhere for a long weekend with the members/spouses. We always
Q: Are you involved with multiple study groups? had a real dental meeting while we were gone, typically given by one
H: I was involved in two study groups. One met every month; the other of the specialists in our club. Some of our destinations: New York City,
met every two months. Boston, Charleston, S.C., Bahamas, Bermuda, etc. Fun times, great
L: Yes, my regular dental study club, PRIMA Dental Study Club. PRIMA bonding for our club members, and a chance for us to get to know
is the now the oldest continuous meeting study club in N.C. We were spouses, as well.
the 2nd club formed (after Loblolly SC-they disbanded about 6-8 years Pankey study club was a much more serious study group. By and large,
ago because all of their members got older and retired/died). Pankey we facilitated the meetings ourselves. Each meeting one or two folks
Study Club of Eastern N.C.-several of us who have attended the many would provide a case either completed or to be done for discussion and
continuums of the Pankey Institute decided to form a study group analysis. We all greatly valued the thoughts and opinions of our group
approximately 20-25 years ago. and this “held our feet to the fire” in terms of maintaining superior quality
Q: How are the study groups ran? Does someone rotate presenting a in all that we did. We spent quite a bit of time going through Dr. Peter
topic/paper? Do you discuss knew techniques and technologies, etc? Dawson’s book, one chapter at a time. His book was the “Bible” of TMJ
L: The PRIMA study group meets every 1st Thursday afternoon of each diagnosis and treatment for us and we felt that every bit of dentistry we
month, September thru June. Each month we have a different speaker on did needed to be considered from the aspect of how it might affect the
many various topics (all disciplines of dentistry, pharmacology updates, stomatognathic system.
pathology refreshers, dental lab updates, insurance, estate planning,
dental technology updates, etc.). Any time a member expresses a desire Eighth Edition
34 ECU ASDA
Staying Involved
Graphic by Victoria Hardy '22
We occasionally had outside speakers but 90-95% of our study was Q: What do you feel is most helpful about being in a study group?
facilitated by ourselves. We also took an “Away Trip” each year with our H: Camaraderie. You aren’t the only one having problems. (we all
spouses to a place of outstanding quality. Because we held our practices shared the same ones), educational experiences, don’t let yourself grow
to the highest standards, we wanted to experience those places that stagnant, .i.e., don’t become a drill, fill, and bill dentist, social aspect
provided outstanding service. We always had someone from each place of seeing colleagues. We went on trips to meetings such as the ADA
that was responsible for their superior customer service speak to us meetings together. -Harris
about how they differentiated themselves from the rest of those in the L: So many things!! Staying current with dental technology and advances.
same business. Invaluable was the info that we gleaned on these trips. The camaraderie with fellow dentists-we always say that you can tell
Victoria: What a great tidbit to learn how we can incorporate the same your spouse your frustrations about dental practice, but NO ONE can
ideal into our practices and to our staff! appreciate what you’re dealing with like another dentist.
Those of us in the study club were all blessed to have been in the dental Victoria: PREACHH Dr. Lee!!
profession and felt the need to give back. Two things we did toward L: Sometimes it’s just good to know that what we’re dealing with isn’t just
this end. First, we made a significant donation to the UNC School of in our office. Some of my best dental friends are folks that I’ve known for
Dentistry during their time of redoing the dental school facilities and now approximately 40 years. My PRIMA club even made a covenant that if
have a meeting room named for the Pankey Study Club of Eastern NC. one of us “went down”, we’d band together to keep the practice going.
Second, we sponsor a continuing education seminar every year during Over the years we had several guys that dealt with major health issues
alumni weekend. It’s the Pankey S.C. lecture and we usually have a (blood clot, heart attack, cancer, etc.). Our group went into their offices
guest lecturer that either teaches at the Pankey Institute or is affiliated for weeks to keep the practice going until they recovered and got back to
with the Pankey Institute. This has been very successful and has allowed work. They are, indeed, some of my best friends and I knew that I could
us to share Dr. Pankey’s philosophy of dental practice which so greatly count on them if I ever needed them. Fortunately, my private practice life
enriched our lives. didn’t require it, but they would have been there if I’d called.
Q: How large is your study group and how often do you meet? Q: Any other information that is helpful on this subject?
H: One group has 18 members, which I consider too big. It has evolved H: Don’t get too big. I think about 7-8 people is perfect, no more than 10.
in number and has become a “meet and eat” study club. Each member You have your local dental society, your district dental society, and NCDS
is responsible for lining up a program every 18 months. While I enjoy meetings that will have large number of dentist present at those meetings.
meeting monthly with all of my friends, and we all talk dentistry, it is not There is always one person who must lead; at least in the beginning while
as “in depth” as to the knowledge presented all the time. you are getting established. But no one person should dominate, or it
My other study club was outstanding. We were all Pankey alumni, and won’t work well.
we presented our own cases through power points, mounted models, L: It’s very important that everyone be committed. It’s easy to say that
articles, etc. Everyone would critique your case (scary but you learned so I’ll participate and then find reasons to back away. Everything works so
much). It was a really great experience. much better if folks agree to set aside time for the benefit of the club and
L: PRIMA SC has 20-22 members, all from eastern NC and we meet once sticks to that agreement.
per month from September through June. Pankey SC has 8 members,
all with significant post-grad education at the Pankey Institute in Key
Biscayne, FL. This group meets approximately one time every 6-8 weeks
with about 6 meetings per year. Both groups include a meeting away from
home to include the spouses.
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 35
Leadership
by Victoria Hardy ‘23
Connecting with others. Conquering new heights.
The national ASDA website states that The Summit is a leadership conference where you can learn “the
skills you need to become a successful business owner, team leader and manager are usually left out of
the dental school curriculum. The Summit bridges the gap by taking the most popular elements of AS-
DA’s National Leadership Conference and combining it with interactive, deep-dive learning experiences
that will reignite your passion for leadership. The Summit is much more than a conference. It’s an immer-
sive experience for you to connect, then conquer as a leader.”
“The Summit conference was a great experience. I
learned about how to be a successful practitioner
by being a good leader. I also developed new soft
skills such as the ability to networking and connect
to people on a professional level as well as on a
personal level. There were several breakout sessions
and workshops about writing a CV and applying to
residency which I found very valuable. And finally,
I learned more about one of my favorite topics in
dentistry which is managing dental emergencies
and trauma. The conference was so much fun, and
the social events were very enjoyable.”
Dalia Nashed, Class of 2024
“My favorite aspect of The Summit conference was
the networking events we had with other dental
students as well as future colleagues. It was helpful to
be able to form solid connections that could lead to
future opportunities”
Corey Winkler, Class of 2023
Graphic by Victoria Hardy '22
36 ECU ASDA Eighth Edition
Conference
“My favorite part about attending the ASDA 2021
Summit was learning more about dentistry in ways
that textbooks do not teach. I also loved meeting so
many other driven people and forming closer bonds
with my peers at ECU SoDM. I am hopeful to attend
the Summit in upcoming years to continue to strength-
en my knowledge for dentistry as well as my passion
for serving others.”
Jarod Ruffing, Class of 2025
“The 2021 ASDA Summit was an absolutely incredible experi-
ence. Being able to network with dental students from all across
the country, learning about field related skills from fantastic
speakers, and getting to see the club operate on a national level
only fueled my desire to be active, involved member even more!”
Omar Taha, Class of 2024
“The ASDA Summit was a blast! We learned so much about
practice management, applying for residencies, and negotiating
business contracts as a dentist. I especially loved getting to meet
students from other dental schools while also growing so close
with our little group of ECU students. I will definitely be back for
more next year!”
Cam Smith, Class of 2025
“The Summit highlighted the sense of community that the dental
profession provides. My favorite part was connecting with dental
students across the country and strengthening my bond with my
fellow ECU students.”
Alex Betancourt, Class of 2025
Fall 2021 “Attending the ASDA Summit was such a rewarding
experience. My favorite part of the conference was the
many information sessions available to us. I loved that
the sessions not only aimed to help us become better
student doctors, but also better health and business
professionals post-graduation.”
Kayla Kinard, Class of 2024
“The sessions at ASDA Summit were incredibly
insightful. My favorite session was called “Consid-
erations Before You Sign” by Dr. Chris Salierno. We
reviewed an example contract for an associateship, and
he taught us how to negotiate effectively.”
Bradley Schmidt, Class of 2024
FIRST IMPRESSION 37
Veteran's Day
Veteran’s Day
at ECU
by Victoria Hardy and Rachel Linares‘22
3rd Annual ECU SoDM Military Club Veterans Day 5K
Over the past two years, we have focused on helping veterans through multiple Fisher House locations. These
homes are for military members and their families to stay in a “home environment” while receiving hospital
and rehabilitation care. However, this year, we wanted to focus our efforts closer to home and were able to
raise over $6,000 for the ECU Smiles for Veterans Patient Care Fund! This fund was established in 2021
which was created to help the estimated 92% of veterans who do not have access to dental VA benefits. Many
of those are low-income patients who also do not have access to other types of dental insurance due to cost.
The ECU Smiles for Veterans Patient Care Fund aids those who require emergency treatment at Ross Hall or
at one of our clinics across the state. Oral health care is vital to overall health but is often overlooked due to
cost. With the committee members hard work and the generosity of local businesses and members, we hope
this kickstart to the fund will provide much needed treatment for our veterans. Not only did our donation
amount grow this year but so did the number of participants. On November 13th, 2021, we hosted approximately
97 runners and a large group of volunteers. Each year we’ve seen improvement in the size of the event
and the size of our donation check. We look forward to seeing everyone next year on November 12th, 2022!
THANK YOU TO OUR TOP SPONSORS!!!
NC Oral Health Collaborative
Wimco Corp
Fleet Feet
Panera of Greenville
OSOK Apparel Co.
Law Office of Matthew Davenport
Moore Surveying
Snap Fitness
Dr. Paul Lindauer
Uptown Brewing Company
Time Financial Services
Usual Suspects
Eastern Medical Associates
Eastern Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry
And many, many more!
38 ECU ASDA Eighth Edition
On Thursday November 11, 2021 an oath of FIRST IMPRESSION 39
office ceremony was held for D2 students signing
up for service in the Air Force: Kendyll Holbdy
and Bradley Schmidt.
Fall 2021
40 ECU ASDA Seventh Edition
Student
Spotlights
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 41
Student Spotlight
Class of 2025 Sarah
Feggeler
Moore County, NC
What has been your favorite part of dental What did you do before dental school?
school?
After finishing my degree at UNCG I worked for
My favorite classes have been in lab learning about an oral surgeon in Greensboro as a sterilization
waxing and impressions. But my favorite part of my technician. After my first year at the office I was
entire experience here is being surrounded by people trained as a dental assistant and worked for one more
who have the same interests as me. year before moving to Greenville before school to
complete summer research.
What has been your biggest challenge?
What advice would you give yourself on the
My biggest challenge was getting used to being in a first day of dental school?
school setting again. I worked for two years between
undergrad and dental school so getting used to I would remind myself to take school one day at a time
studying and sitting in a classroom was a challenge for and to remember that everything has a learning curve.
me.
What are some hobbies/things you like to do
What organizations have you been involved in your free time?
in?
I have practiced yoga for eleven years and it has been
I am currently involved in the Interdisciplinary Oral a constant in my life especially when I am busy. I also
Medicine Study Club, Women in Dentistry and I have enjoy reading and try to set aside some time each week
participated in some ASDA events! to sit down with a good book.
What’s your future goal with dentistry?
One of my goals in my dental career is to be an
advocate for the underserved community and to make
as much of a difference as I can in access to care.
42 ECU ASDA Eighth Edition
Class of 2024 Student Spotlight
Ken
Holbdy
Wake County, NC
What has been your favorite part of dental What did you do before dental school?
school?
Before dental school, I took a gap year working in
Beside from the life long friends I have made, seeing a dental office as a sterilization tech to further my
the development of my hand skills from wax lab to knowledge and understanding of the day-to-day
now has been my favorite and most encouraging part activities of a dental practice
of dental school so far What advice would you give yourself on the
first day of dental school?
What has been your biggest challenge?
No matter how much you question your abilities, just
My biggest challenge in dental school so far has been keep pushing forward because its all mental
developing the mental fortitude to continue! There
have been a lot of times I felt that I was experiencing What are some hobbies/things you like to do
imposter syndrome or that I just wasn’t good enough in your free time?
to be here; reassuring myself that I not only deserve
this, but that I will be able to excel at what I do has During my free time, I love exercise and play golf! Ive
been my largest obstacle. found spending time with friends helps me to take my
mind off of dental school and remind me the world is
What organizations have you been involved bigger than Ross hall!
in?
SNDA and DMD.
What’s your future goal with dentistry?
As of now… GRADUATE!
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 43
Student Spotlight
Class of 2023 Kayla
Morris
UNION County, NC
Hi everyone! My name is Kayla Morris and I am a D3 at ECU What did you do before dental school?
SODM! Before dental school, I took a year off after graduating from
What has been your favorite part of dental school? UNCC (Go Niners) and worked at a hospital in Charlotte for
My favorite part of dental school undoubtedly is being in clinic! an orthopedic surgeon. I could not wait to get out of there and
I love seeing, interacting, and working with patients. I also love pursue my career in dentistry LOL. As I was working, I studied
using the skills I’ve developed over the past couple of years and for the DAT and worked a second job as a hostess so I could start
finally being able to put them to the test. It’s very fulfilling to see saving up for dental school. Working at the hospital helped me
the results of your work in real life! a lot with pharmacology; I knew so many drugs from constantly
working with patients, their refills/ requests, etc.
What has been your biggest challenge? What advice would you give yourself on the first day of
My biggest challenge honestly has been making sure I don’t dental school?
compare myself to others. It’s very hard to not compare when
everyone is learning and going at different paces than you. The advice I would give myself on the first day of dental school is
Sometimes you feel behind or lost or not good enough and it to not worry about anyone else and to not strive to be perfect! You
can become very discouraging. I’ve learned to “put the blinders are going to mess up, you are not going to be great or perfect at
on” and just focus on myself and not worry about what others everything, and that’s okay! As long as you are trying, seeking help
are doing or how well they are doing because I’m here to develop when needed, humbling yourself and learning from others, you
Kayla and her skills, no one else’s! will be just fine!
What organizations have you been involved in?
What are some hobbies/things you like to do in your
free time?
I am involved in SNDA, Sports Medicine Club and Aesthetics During my free time, I like to travel, cook, shop and spend time
Dentistry Club which is a new club at ECU and everyone should with my friends! My family lives all over the US which I love so
come to our meetings and check us out! I’m always traveling somewhere and there’s so much to explore
What’s your future goal with dentistry? on this planet, why not?! I am a vegetarian, so I had to learn how
I am planning on being a general dentist, but I love cosmetics and to cook my meals at a young age and after that, I grew to love
all that it has to offer so I am interested in learning more about cooking.
that and possibly taking CE courses/ additional education to
enhance those skills.
44 ECU ASDA Seventh Edition
Class of 2022 Student Spotlight
Dino
Salvanera
Stanly County, NC
What has been your favorite part of dental What did you do before dental school?
school? I worked as a dental assistant for a traveling geriatric
dental clinic
Learning about removable prosthodontics and
applying it clinic. What advice would you give yourself on the
first day of dental school?
What has been your biggest challenge? Be patient. Trust the process. Enjoy every moment of it
because it will fly by. You’re going to be just fine, kid.
Time management. What are some hobbies/things you like to do
in your free time?
What organizations have you been involved Play basketball, play tennis, play the piano, watch
in? movies
ASDA, Periodontics Study Club, American Student
Teledentistry Association at ECU, Interdisciplinary
Oral Medicine Study Club
What’s your future goal with dentistry?
Specializing in prosthodontics and partnering with a
periodontist
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 45
Faculty Spoptlight
Faculty Dr.
Amna
Hasan
Where are you from? Where did you go to dental school? I chose to switch from general dentistry, I made this choice because
I grew up in India and obtained my dental education in India. of my interest in Orofacial pain. I had the opportunity to specialize
I have a BDS from India, which is equivalent to DDS in North Amer- in other areas, which would have been financially better for me, but I
ica. I also completed a one year Internship from India which is like would not have been happy.
an AEGD/GPR. After moving to the US, I completed my residency What is some advice you would give to first year dental students?
in TMD/Orofacial Pain from University of Kentucky, College of Always aim for the sky and never underestimate or second guess your
Dentistry under Dr. Okeson. My residency included Dental Sleep abilities and don’t forget that compassion is a very important compo-
Medicine and some components of Oral Medicine. nent of what we do.
Why did you decide to go into dentistry? How do you spend your free time?
I was always interested in a career in healthcare. There were parts of I really enjoy travelling and trying new restaurants.
medicine which interested me and then there were certain things in What do you love the most about dentistry?
dentistry which attracted my attention. As a teenager I was stuck in
a dilemma from which I thought I would never get out of. I started It perfectly combines art and science.
investigating and came to the conclusion that if I join dental school What is something you hope to see change in dentistry
I will have the opportunity to have the best of both worlds. My over the next few years?
research on dentistry helped me in understanding that dentistry
has moved way beyond just treating teeth and has several specialties There are several changes that are needed in dentistry to increase
which do not have much to do with teeth. Armed with this informa- accountability for providers. Like medicine, dental billing must man-
tion I was certain that this was the route I wanted to take. date a diagnostic code. We need to better define the scope and limita-
tions of practice for the sake of the patient’s well-being. In medicine
Why did you choose to specialize in Orofacial pain? you will rarely see a family doctor trying to manage congestive heart
failure or a dermatologist attempting to do a GI surgery or take the
Orofacial pain is one of the most challenging and complex specialties role of the family doctor. Unfortunately, this is not the case in den-
and I like challenges. Most of the times people fail to understand it’s tistry. Most of the patients I see come to me after their treatment has
entire scope of practice and complexity due to lack of awareness. I am been attempted and failed by several providers who are not trained in
hoping with ADA recognition this will change in the coming years. treating facial pain. By the time I see them the patient has already suf-
Orofacial pain also provided me the opportunity I have been looking fered for months if not years and the condition has become chronic.
for to have the best of both worlds. Last but not the least, I got the This makes it way more difficult to treat. This is not in the best inter-
opportunity to train under Dr. Okeson who is considered the God of est of the patient and at times I feel it is almost a disservice to them.
OFP and there was no way I would have missed that opportunity. This needs to change and we should be more willing to refer patients
to each other and accept each other’s role in patient care.
What is some advice you would give to students about to
graduate and begin their career?
First, I would like to say that if and when you get an opportunity for
higher education and your circumstances allow you to do it, go for it!
I would also like to say that you should pursue what you enjoy doing.
Most of the time people make career choices based on financial con-
siderations which may not be such a good idea in the long run. When
46 ECU ASDA Seventh Edition
Spring Events
Mark your calendars!
ASDA D4 Conference
Sonrie Clinic Burnisher’s Ball
Fall 2021 FIRST IMPRESSION 47
Greenville
Around the City
Whether you are looking for a quiet place to study or somewhere to unwind after
a long day, Greenville is full of great spots.
by Abby Callahan
48 ECU ASDA Simply Natural Creamery
If it’s a nice, warm day and you’re looking for some-
thing to do with friends, Simply Natural Creamery
in Ayden is a great option. Spend an afternoon
hanging out on their big porch enjoying homemade
ice cream and introducing yourself to their sweet
dairy cows. They also offer tours of their farm where
you can milk a simulated cow!
Seventh Edition
Coffee and Spice Brileys Farm Market
This new coffee shop is located right down the Although Halloween has already passed, next
street from the Dental School. It’s a great place for year make sure you head over to Briley’s to
a midday pick me up if you’re tired of Starbucks grab your pumpkin at their pumpkin patch.
for the 5th time that week. Not only do they have a They also have lots of fun things to do around
great coffee and tea menu, they are also a lunch and the farm while you are there. Visit with the an-
dinner restaurant with unique and yummy food and imals, take a hayride, get lost in the corn maze
cocktails. and much more!
South Tar River Greenway Dickinson Avenue Public House
There’s a reason this one shows up in every edition! This is by far my favorite restaurant in Greenville. This
It is a great place to go on a stroll with friends or industrial, yet modern spot is a great place for a date
your dog to decompress after a long day in class. night, girls night or just a quick cocktail. They have a
This shady 3 mile trail runs alongside the Tar River great menu with lots of fun options for food and drinks.
and has a bunch of entrances along the way. If you’re I strongly recommend the Korean BBQ Beef Fries.
going in the summer, don’t forget your bug spray
though! FIRST IMPRESSION 49
Photos by Abby Callahan '24
Fall 2021
Farewell...
It’s not goodbye, but rather, see you later. The past four years that I have been involved
with ASDA have been the absolute best. I’ve been lucky to meet and create relationships
with students, staff, and faculty that I might have not gotten the chance to without ASDA’s
influence. I’ve held positions in ASDA within our local chapter and at the district and
national level. Each position has taught me something new and allowed me to be creative
and focus on things outside of just being a dental student. As we all know the daily grind
of dental school can wear you down if you don’t have an outlet. ASDA was my outlet and
I’m so thankful for it. I’m thankful for my friends and fellow dental students that supported
all my crazy ideas for events, fundraisers, and socials. I’m thankful for my leadership and
executive team that kept me sane and helped execute every little detail that was needed
for our chapter to be as successful as it has been. I always like to leave a project better
than I found it and I am so excited to see how this chapter continues to grow and expand.
To Joel, Corey and Bradley, thank you for all of your hard work and dedication this past
year. I couldn’t have done it without you. To anyone that is on the fence about getting
involved while juggling dental school. Do it! You won’t regret it.
Your now past ECU ASDA First Delegate,
Victoria Hardy Seventh Edition
Class of 2022
50 ECU ASDA
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ECU ASDA First Impression 8th Edition Fall 2021
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