alumni today - University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry · celebrating while raising funds for world class research and recognizing four outstanding honourees. Coming Full Circle

alumni todayUNIVERSITY OF TORONTO FACULTY OF DENTISTRYVOLUME 27 • ISSUE 2 • SPRING 2009

The single most important aspect of our investment portfolio is our students

2 alumni today SPRING 2009

Volume 27 • Issue 2 • Spring 2009

www.utoronto.ca/dentistrywww.utoronto.ca/dentistry

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INSIDE

Message from the Dean 4Guaranteeing the Future

Message from the Alumni President 5Rising to the Challenge

Alumni News 6Reunions, updates and news.

Awards of Distinction Gala 12Our annual Gala was a fantastic success.650 attendees enjoyed an evening ofcelebrating while raising funds for world class research and recognizing fouroutstanding honourees.

Coming Full Circle 16Ability, drive, vision – these are just a fewof the attributes that define Dr. Paul Santerre.

Research Day 20

Continuing Dental Education 22Whether it is with our traditionallecture-based programs or the e-learning initiative, the Faculty’s goal is to assistdentists in expanding their knowledge, skill and judgment.

alumni today SPRING 2009 3

Development & ContinuingDental Education

SUSAN ALKSNIS

Director of Advancement

DR. ROBERT CARROLL

Assistant DeanContinuing Dental Education &Professional Relations

BARRY CHAPNICK DDS 7T0, DIP. ENDO.

DirectorContinuing Dental EducationNew Course Development

RAISYL WAGMAN

CoordinatorContinuing Dental Education

EditorBARBARA J. MURRAY

Alumni Relations & CDE StaffANNETTE CHAN

MONIQUE TOULCH

SARA VANOS

Photography RITA BAUER

JAMES FIEGE

CHRISTINE NICOLAU

BRUNO RAKIEWICZ

SARA VANOS

Art Direction & Production ROGER MURRAY AND

ASSOCIATES INCORPORATED

Alumni Today is published by the Office ofAlumni Relations, University of TorontoFaculty of Dentistry, for and about Alumni,staff and students. Material published does notnecessarily represent the official position of theFaculty of Dentistry or the editor.

Letters, comments, news items and articlesshould be submitted to:

Editor, Alumni TodayUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry124 Edward Street, Room 527, Toronto, OntarioCanada M5G 1G6

Telephone: 416.979.4940 ext.1Facsimile: [email protected]

The editor reserves the right to edit, asnecessary, all materials submitted.Photographs will be returned if requested.

Continuing Dental Education: 416-979-4902;e-mail: [email protected]

Alumni Relations: 416-979-4940;e-mail: [email protected]

Development: 416-979-4940;e-mail: [email protected]

CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL

AGREEMENT #40636048

Faculty News 24An update on appointments, grants and awards.

Dean’s Breakfast 26Taking time to say ‘thank you’.

Message from the DSS President 27A tribute to teamwork and commitment.

Student News 28From their involvement in the community to the Dentantics production and the DSS/Alumni Association Awards ofDistinction Night, it’s been an outstanding year for students.

Message from Professional Relations 31and Continuing Dental Education

Mark Your Calendar Now!Check out the back cover for an importantAlumni meeting.

his is an important message to remember during these difficult economictimes to ensure that we guarantee the future while surviving the present. Asyou will see in these pages, your Faculty is ensuring your investment in the

future of oral health and our profession. The single most important aspectof this investment portfolio is our students. This issue includes coverageof various student programs as well as our annual Research Day, alldemonstrating the promising dividends we can expect.

The prominence of the leadership role our Faculty plays in the Universityof Toronto has once again been reinforced with the appointment of Dr. Paul Santerre as the new Director of the Institute of Biomaterials andBiomedical Engineering. This is a multidisciplinary institute, combiningthe Faculties of Dentistry, Engineering and Medicine, and has become aworld leader in its field. The Faculty will miss Paul’s talents andleadership as Associate Dean, Research but our prominence inbiomaterials and bioengineering is enhanced by having ‘one of ours’ asits leader. The new Associate Dean, Research Dennis Cvitkovitch hasalready demonstrated his ability to not only move into the house thatPaul and his predecessors built, but do some redesigning of his own.

Also, once again, an alumnus of the Faculty has assumed theresponsibility of leadership in our profession. Dr. Larry Levin, the latestin a long line of UofT alumni Presidents of the Ontario DentalAssociation, is highlighted in this edition.

We continue to work towards finding a new and improved home for our Facultyand I hope to have something significant to report fairly soon. In the meantime, wecannot stand still. Dan Haas and Grace Bradley have initiated a total curriculumreview of our DDS program, working closely with the discipline heads and coursedirectors. This will undoubtedly be a long and challenging process, but a necessaryone to ensure that we don’t become complacent and hence irrelevant. Dentistry ischanging and therefore dental education must do the same, not necessarily to followbut more to lead.

On that note, I’m pleased to welcome Ms. Susan Alksnis to the Faculty of Dentistryas Director of Advancement. Susan brings extensive experience in biomedical andhealth related fundraising at Yale University, and you will all hear more from her asshe gets settled in.

I am grateful for, and proud of, the strong support the Faculty of Dentistry gets fromits alumni and friends. Our annual Gala was a fantastic success, attended by 650! Itwas a great party, celebrating deserving honourees and raising funds for world classresearch.

Enjoy your magazine and feel free to contact us with any newsworthy items foryour colleagues.

DAVID MOCK 6T8


message from the dean

Guaranteeing the Future

“An investment in knowledgepays the best interest.”

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

T


t is hard to believe that another academic year is coming to an end. It has been a challenging year in some respects, but we have been ableto rise to the challenges and overcome them.

It is expected that during difficult economic times, donations andsupport tend to suffer. However, our alumni, friends andcorporate sponsors have come through for the Faculty with theirrenewed commitment and continued support. We are mostgrateful for their and your generosity.

As patrons of the Faculty, you have supported every Alumnievent this year. Our Golf Tournament was sold out once againand Dentantics was well-attended and well-supported by bothalumni and sponsors.

Although some of our events rely on financial support, there aremany student focused initiatives which depend on the generosityof our alumni in volunteering their time. This was evident in thesuccess of this year’s Mentorship Program. The AlumniAssociation will continue to develop this program to the benefitand appreciation of our students.

When we started our planning for this year’s Awards ofDistinction Gala, one of our goals was to increase theattendance of dentists. We have always enjoyed the support ofour corporate sponsors, but we wanted to introduce moredentists to this great evening for networking and supportingthe Faculty. It is my firm belief that when we reach out to ourcolleagues and friends for a worthwhile cause, they willalways come through. This year’s Gala proved this. We brokeall records for attendance with over 650 guests and the mostsubstantial increase among dentists. It was an entertaining andelegant evening for all and a resounding success.

It is in this spirit of reaching out that I ask you, our alumni, toconsider taking a more active role in the Alumni Association. Please step upto the challenge by volunteering on our Board, on one of our committees oras a mentor. Our past successes could not be achieved without our alumni,and our future growth can only be enhanced with greater participation. Weall enjoy the benefits of an excellent profession thanks to our alma materand it is important that we now give back to our students and our school.This will ensure the future strength of our profession.

I thank the Alumni Association for yet another opportunity to serve as yourPresident. It has been an honour and I enthusiastically welcome our nextPresident, Dr. Valerie Stavro. Best wishes for a wonderful summer!

CAROLYN POON WOO 8T5

message from the alumni president

Rising to the Challenge

I

“It is my firm belief thatwhen we reach out to ourcolleagues and friends for aworthwhile cause, they willalways come through.”


alumni news

As part of its commitment to maintaining a connection withalumni from across the country, the Faculty hosts areception at the Pacific Conference held each year inVancouver. This year’s reception took place on ThursdayMarch 5th. The reception not only provides an opportunityfor all alumni practicing in western Canada to reconnectwith the Faculty, it also provides a venue for alumni whohave travelled to the conference from all parts of Canada tomeet and renew friendships. This year’s reception was agreat success, attended by over 200 alumni and friends ofthe Faculty from the dental industry.

While the main purpose of the reception is to provide acasual environment to meet colleagues and discuss issues ofcommon interest, it also provides the Faculty with anopportunity to inform our alumni of exciting new initiativestaking place at the Faculty. To this end, Dean David Mockdiscussed the research that is underway at the DentalResearch Institute, and updated Alumni on plans for a newFaculty of Dentistry building.

Dr. Robert Carroll, Assistant Dean, Continuing DentalEducation and Alumni Relations discussed exciting newinitiatives at the Continuing Dental Education Centre, andthe Faculty’s e-learning program. Information on thecalendar of alumni events was distributed and staff wasavailable to answer questions.

We look forward to next year’s Pacific Conference and hopeto see many of you there.

Pacific Conference

Just had a Reunion?Please send yourreunion pictures andstories to the AlumniToday editor.(Pictures can be 4 x 6 glossy prints oremail them as high resolution jpegfiles to [email protected])

The 40th reunion of the Class of 6T8, organizedby Dr. David Ellis and Dr. David Hough, washeld on April 10th at 89 Chestnut Street.

REUNION OF THE CLASS OF 6T8


Mexican RivieraThe most recent Seminar at Sea in the Mexican Riviera wastruly a collegial affair. There were over nine hours of lecturesfocused on several different areas of dentistry, which were allwell-attended. The topics covered ranged from management ofacute dentoalveolar pain and novel management strategies fortreatment of chronic periodontitis, to management ofmucocutaneous diseases.

The attendees really seemed to involve themselves in thelectures and consistently asked excellent questions that led tomuch interesting and challenging discussion. The great partwas that this was done in the relaxing environment ofa cruise run by the Faculty of Dentistry, and inparticular Dr. Barry Chapnick who tended toeveryone's myriad needs! So we accomplished ourgoals to teach practicing dentists’ material that theycould literally use in their offices immediately onreturn, while at the same time developing newfriends, strengthening the links between the Facultyof Dentistry and its alumni, along with developingfurther ties with dentists trained at other institutions.Truly a wonderful experience!

Just Cruising Along...

Poster Sales to Support Student Activities,Scholarships and Faculty ResearchThe University of TorontoDental Alumni Associationstill has posters availablecelebrating the 120thAnniversary of the DDSdegree at the University ofToronto. In full colour, 22inches wide by 34 inches high,the poster can be mounted orframed and would identifyyou as a supporter of theUniversity of Toronto. Theprice for the poster is $65(unframed) which includesmailing. An income tax receiptfor $50 will be issued. Allproceeds will support studentactivities, scholarships andFaculty research.

Orders may be placed bycalling Sara Vanos in the alumni office at 416-979-4940 ext.1 andpayment can be made by credit card.

Share your Storyabout GettingLicensed as a DentistTHE OFFICE OF THE FAIRNESS COMMISSIONERWANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU.

It is doing research to gather first-handinformation – from the applicant’s point ofview – about registration and licensing inOntario’s regulated professions.

You can help: Please complete our confidential survey at:www.fairnesscommissioner.ca/survey. Whether you were educated here in Ontario,in another province or territory, or in anothercountry, your input is valuable.

The Office of the Fairness Commissioner is an arm’s-length agency of the Ontario government. Its mandate is to ensure that certain regulatedprofessions have registration practices that aretransparent, objective, impartial and fair.

profile


ODA President, Dr.Larry Levin, has alot of happymemories connectedto the University ofToronto.

Not only did hegraduate from U ofT’s Faculty ofDentistry in 1969,

but his father and mother are both former graduatesfrom there as well. Larry met his future wife Jacki inhigh school and she also attended U of T, graduatingwith a BScN at the same graduation ceremony as his.They will soon celebrate their 39th weddinganniversary.

Born and raised in Toronto, Larry graduated fromForest Hill Collegiate. His dad, an optometrist, andhis mom, a physical education teacher, encouragedLarry and his younger brother James to pursue

professional careers. One of his proudest momentswas during his Presidential Installation in May 2008,when his mom, Rose, now 93, was among theattendees. Says Larry, “She is, and always has been,my biggest fan.”

With the encouragement of his parents, Larrydecided to study dentistry. “I went into dentistrybecause I liked the combination of the technicalnature of the work and the opportunity to improve aperson’s health.” In the summer of his third year indental school, an interesting opportunity presenteditself. Says Larry: “I had been asked to help Dr. DonCoburn do a time motion study of ergonomics in thedental operatory. Upon graduation he invited me tojoin him as an associate in his Hamilton practice. Ihad never been to Hamilton before, and as it turnedout, once I started my practice there, I never left.”

At the same time Wilson Southam was establishing adental company, with Don Coburn, called CoxSystems (later renamed the Group at Cox). RecallsLarry: “I worked three days a week in generalpractice and two days a week at Cox for five yearsdoing ergonomic and dental office environmentstudies as well as staff support. This was a fantasticopportunity to learn about the importance of goodoffice and equipment design, as well as how criticalit is to pay attention to the people-side of theequation. Following this experience I set up my ownoffice in Hamilton, and have happily been in generalpractice now for 39 years.”

A visiting lecturer at the University of WesternOntario, Larry also taught in a dental assistingprogram at a Hamilton High School for many yearsas well as being on the Dental Staff at ChedokeMcMaster Hospital in Hamilton. A constant studentand proponent of continuing education, Larry hastaken his staff to many conferences and courses,including to California, to study cosmetic dentistry.

“It’s a worthwhile experience for the whole team.They come back energized,” he says.

His impressive CV lists many achievements

A Bike-Riding Santa Claus with Many Gifts

including five Fellowships, an HAD President’sAward, and the ODA Award of Merit. Larry has heldnumerous leadership roles in his Hamiltoncommunity, serving as a Cub leader, acting as Chairof the United Jewish Appeal for many years, andserving on the Medical Admissions Committee atMcMaster University for six years. When notinvolved in his professional arena, or serving in thecommunity, Larry enjoys photography, skiing, scubadiving and riding motorcycles – as evidenced by theimages shown here!

Speaking about his current role as president of theODA, Larry says that he first became involved withthe ODA in 1982. “I’ve been a component society

president, a committee member, a council member, aboard member and a line officer. And now aPresident.”

But one of his favourite roles is not listed on his CV.For the past two years, Dr. Levin has graciouslyconsented to don a Santa Claus suit and officiate atthe ODA staff Christmas party, where his off-the-cuffrepartee has been one of the highlights of the annualaffair.

Larry’s focus during his presidential term has beenon communication. He is passionate about the roleof the component societies within the ODA. “MostODA members don’t know too much about theBoard – but every ODA member is a componentsociety member,” he explains. “The experience of amember interacting with the other members of theircomponent society is an area that I hope to enhanceduring my term as President.”

As Larry continues to promote dentistry both locallyand provincially as President of the ODA, he isextremely proud of his University of Toronto rootsand the alumni he meets almost every single day.


WHAT ARE YOUUP TO NOW?If you know of any Alumni that have astory they should be sharing, or if youyourself are involved in an endeavour,organization, or event that you thinkwould make interesting reading for otherAlumni, please send it to:The Editor, Alumni Today, University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, 124 Edward Street, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6or email: [email protected]


In MemoriamGerard Maggisano 7T1Gerry will be remembered as aconscientious and dedicated dentistwho devoted one hundred percent ofhis knowledge and energy toward thebetterment of his patients. His transitionfrom a solo practice to his partnershipwith his daughter at her Woodbridgepractice was marked by his likeablenature, skill and humour, which alwaysmade his patients comfortable. Gerryspent some time as the dental editor of amagazine called VitaSanta, a generalinterest publication on health matterswith articles in both English and Italian.Any spare time was spent at his farm,just north of the city, in Hockley Valley.

Gerry passed away from his battle withcancer on December 15, 2008. He will bemissed by his family, friends andpatients.

W. Bruce Hudgins 5T8Born and raised in Kingsville, Ontario,Bruce established a 30 year familypractice in Alliston where he happilydevoted much of his spare time tovolunteering. For 50 years he was amember of the Ontario DentalAssociation. He was a clinician at theFaculty for a number of years andserved on the Board of Governors of theODA. He was also a founding memberof the Toronto Academy Crown andBridge Study Club. Married to hisbeloved wife Noreen for 55 years, Brucepassed away on October 21, 2008.

Donald A. Cheetham 4T2Dr. Don Cheetham died peacefully atJohn Joseph Place in Owen Sound onWednesday April 1, 2009. He was 91. Dr. Cheetham had been a dentist inOwen Sound since the mid 1940s.

“One of our most remarkablealumni, Don was a pastrecipient of the Alumni ofDistinction Award (2000). Thisobituary mentions only some ofhis contributions to dentistryand his community.” DR. CAROLYN POON WOO 8T5

Don was born in Toronto and grew upon Lee Ave., in the Beaches area. Heattended Malvern Collegiate Instituteand then the University of Toronto,from which he graduated as a Doctor ofDental Surgery in 1942. Beforegraduation, Don had enrolled in theCanadian Army. He was a member ofthe Royal Hamilton Light Infantry andsaw active service as a dentist inCanada, England, The Netherlands,Belgium, and Germany from 1942-45.

Don dedicated himself to public service.He was president of his graduatingclass at UofT, then active in the RedCross, the Lions Club, the local hospital,and other organizations in OwenSound. He was the representative forGrey-Bruce to the Royal College ofDental Surgeons of Ontario from 1967 –1976. In 2000, the Faculty of Dentistry

honoured him as a DistinguishedAlumnus.

Don met Enid MacKenzie in highschool; they were married in Toronto in1942 and moved to Owen Sound justafter WW II. Enid died in 2008 afteralmost 66 years of marriage. Don issurvived by their only child, Mark, hiswife Elizabeth Harvey, and theirchildren, Nicholas and Anthea.

alumni news

WE MOURN THE LOSSJohn Ackerman 4T6Donald A. Cheetham 4T2Allan Coote 4T5Victor Anthony Galante 6T5William C. Garner 7T1Brad Holmes 6T5W. Bruce Hudgins 5T8Kenneth Seymour Kay 6T5Gerard Maggisano 7T1John Spence 7T3

Alumni obituaries should be sent to:

Editor, Alumni Today, University ofToronto Faculty of Dentistry, 124Edward Street, Room 527, Toronto,Ontario M5G 1G6, or e-mail:[email protected]

Donations honoring the memory of Alumni can be made out to the University of Toronto

and sent to the Faculty of Dentistry

124 EDWARD STREET, ROOM 527, TORONTO, ONTARIO M5G 1G6



CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR 2010Please fax or email your nominations for Honourees of Distinction no later than July 1, 2009. Fax: 416.979.4941; e-mail: [email protected]

another outstanding evening!

Each year it seems asif the party cannot getany better...and yeteach year, thanks tothe hard work of ourGala Committee andthe volunteers whowork so tirelessly toorganize and administer this event, we enjoy yetanother outstanding evening with colleagues,friends, and honourees.

Over 650 guests gathered this year to honour fourexceptional individuals. From the beautifullyplated food, to the silent auction and speeches andfinally – for those who still had energy – thechance to dance the night awayto the music of George St. Kitts’Midnite Starr Band, it was anunforgettable evening.

Thank you to all alumni whohave helped make a difference by supporting this event.

We’ll see you again next year!




Visit www.utoronto.ca/dentistry/alumni for more pictures.

Over $100,000 wasraised, and will be usedto fund valuable researchprojects at the DRIwhich will help improvethe quality of life forchildren born withcongenital facial deformities.

Calling Paul Santerre an‘academic’ is a little like calling alion a large cat. There’s rather

more to it than the label implies. ForPaul, that title in this day and age has to

include manycomponents – in his casethat of scientist,engineer, entrepreneurand manager. “You’vegot to do it all,” he says,“because that is whatwill be asked of yourstudents when theyleave here [the Institute

of Biomaterials and BiomedicalEngineering].”

Let’s backtrack a little and follow theroute that Dr. Santerre took to arrive atwhere he is today, Director of theInstitute of Biomaterials and BiomedicalEngineering (IBBME).

In the summer of 1982, anundergraduate in chemistry, Paul wasworking as a summer research studenton a project which looked at theinteractions of DNA with plastics. “Thiswas the first time I got to see my scienceapplied and I loved the concept of it

being driven by something thatsomebody needed,” he explains. Thispivotal experience turned his interesttowards the applied world, and resultedin his decision to do his Masters inchemical engineering rather thanstraight chemistry. The fascination withplastics and polymers led him to theUniversity of New Brunswick, and thenon to the McMaster Institute forPolymer Production Technology(MIPPT) to do his PhD in chemicalengineering. He worked with aprofessor studying blood interactionswith polymers, and was introduced tothe whole interfacial idea of biology andengineering. He also got something hedidn’t bargain for – a strong dose of theMcMaster social conscience. “That wasthe school that introduced problembased learning – getting students tothink about their clients and who theyare serving,” he explains. Thatexperience drove home even deeper thefeeling that what he did in his sciencesomehow had to have an applicationdown the road.

PhD now in hand, and newly married,Paul received a post doctoral fellowship

profile


Coming Full Circle:Applying Science to Client Needs

“Probably the most important role that Paul has filled, not only asAssociate Dean of Research but as a constant role,is that of a strong mentor. He is always there tooffer guidance and advice to other faculty andstudents, both graduate and undergraduate. Hiskeen sense of priority and well-grounded andlevel-headed approach to science and life ingeneral is an inspiration to all of us. He truly helps people achievegoals that they never even dreamed were possible.”DENNIS G. CVITKOVITCH

Associate Dean of ResearchDirector of DRI

to work in France at a university inNorth Paris – an alluring invitation. Butsomething else was on the table toconsider. “The lead biomaterialsengineering job at the Artificial HeartProgram at the University of OttawaHeart Institute was also offered to me.The chance to work on Canada’s firstartificial heart program – a twentymillion dollar project – with aphenomenal team was just too big toturn down.”

This was very much an applied-drivenproject. Senior investigators from theUniversity of Ottawa worked togetherwith teams composed of a wide rangeof engineers, scientists, biologists, andindustrial partners. Paul was able tospend time in the operating room to seethe challenges that surgeons were tryingto overcome with the implantabletechnologies and the OR roomequipment. It drove home to him theneed to talk to the clinicians becausethey are the client: they know where theneeds are, and from those needs hecould go back to the lab and, as he putsit, ‘reinvent the wheel’.

His position at the Heart Institute wasalso his first experience of management,both in terms of the diversity of whathis role covered and that of varioustypes of people. It was to serve him wellin the days ahead in his career.

At the Heart Institute, twenty percent ofhis time was allowed to be designatedto his own personal research. In his PhDhe had worked with a family ofmaterials called polyurethanes whichare pervasive throughout the

biomedical field. At that point in timethe media were reporting extensively onthe biodegredation of polyurethanefoam coated silicone – specificallysilicone breast implants. The other bigstory was that of pacemaker leadswhich were also undergoingdegradation. Paul met with a biochemist and they started developing aprogram on how to study thedegradation of plastics in the body. Thatoriginal research has resulted indesigning coatings for implantablemedical devices to prevent rejectionand, at the same time, supplymedication which measures the severityof infection and releases the requiredamount of drug.

It was during the time of this researchthat Paul left Ottawa and took on aposition as Assistant Professor to teachundergraduate biomaterials and expandthe biomaterials research effort at theUniversity of Toronto Faculty ofDentistry. This subsequently led to hisappointment as the Associate Dean ofResearch. He also developed a new

company – Interface Biologics Inc. (IBI).In the beginning, IBI was a partnershipbetween the University of Toronto,Paul’s lab and the investors. Howeverthe investors became increasinglyimpressed with what they saw, and in2004 invested $10 million into thecompany. At that time the technologydeveloped and patented by Paul wastransferred to the company. Today Paulstill sits on the board of directors, and isthe scientific officer, but Interface has itsown CEO and president.

The decision to move to the Universityof Toronto was a strategic one for Paul.“The University of Toronto isrecognized as being the front runner inbiomedical engineering. It’s one of thetop four in North America, and by andlarge the North American groups prettywell dominate the world scene. Cominghere to work with the type of peoplethat the university had attracted was theultimate,” he explains. “I have receivedmany offers to go to other places butthere has just not been a place that iscomparable to the resources, the people,


“As a result of his leadership and steadfast determination to raise theprofile of science within the Faculty of Dentistry,Paul was directly involved in hiring someexcellent new faculty members, as well aspromoting the idea that a central goal of dentalfaculties is to advance the field in complementaryways. His recognition of faculty members whocontributed to the scientific enterprise, and his dedication to makingthe Faculty as strong academically as possible, will be greatlymissed.”DR. CHRISTOPHER MCCULLOCH

Professor and DirectorCIHR Group in Matrix DynamicsUniversity of Toronto

profile


the collaborations and the networkingthat I can achieve here.” Paul goes on tosay that he thinks the Faculty was‘pretty brave’ to hire a chemicalengineer, and one of the most open-minded schools in terms of science thathe has ever seen. “The department ofbiomaterials is a reflection of that; wehave one dentist, a biologist, ametallurgist, a chemist and a chemicalengineer. The Faculty have put theirfaith completely in these non-dentistswho assist in the training of dentists byensuring that they have a strongfoundation in materials that they will beusing in patients. It’s been a fabulousexperience for me because it was aninstantaneous introduction to anotherhealth sciences field.”

That introduction resulted in a wholenew platform of polymers relevant tothe dental school. Paul translated hisprogram and knowledge of degradationto open up a completely new area oflooking at oral salivary esterases andthe interaction with restorativematerials. It’s a fascinating story andone that has just spun off a brand newgrant, started this year, that willresearch a new generation of bio-activecomposite resins that deal with bothplaque and filling at the same time.Although still in the initial stages, theramifications are tremendous.

Being appointed Associate Dean ofResearch at the Faculty held otherchallenges separate from that ofresearch. The most pressing one was toraise the profile of the DRI. Toaccomplish this an identity had to beestablished, and, along with this, anacademic plan needed to be developedthat reflected the wants and needs of

faculty members. At the time that Pauljoined the Faculty, there was no physicaloffice – no central point in the Facultythat was the ‘home’ of the DRI. Paul’sfirst job was to establish that space.Paul’s successor, Dr. DennisCvitkovitch, credits Paul with being thedriving force behind the manyimprovements and renewed enthusiasminherent throughout the Faculty. Hisimplementation of an Annual Reportwhich clearly laid out the goals andquantified the results each year led toaccountability and a sense of purposeand achievement for all of theresearchers. He was instrumental indrafting the current academic plan forresearch in the Faculty until 2010,setting out several major objectives, allof which have progressed significantly.Paul’s determination to see that researchtranslated into clinical and industrialpractice, and the basic concept thatresearchers’ ideas need to have patentprotection in order for companies to

develop them into useful products, hasresulted in an increased number ofpatent filings – 15 in 2008 alone. Theadded value that this gives research willeventually have significant payoffs forthe Faculty, the University and societyas a whole.

Paul was also instrumental in hiringnew faculty, and even with the spacecrunch he was able to find lab space forthe new hires by essentiallyrestructuring space assignmentguidelines that considered both theneeds of the new scientists and theestablished investigators – no small feat!

Last, but certainly not least, Paul hasplayed an important role in the ongoingprocess of obtaining funding for a newbuilding to house the Faculty ofDentistry. Although plans are on theback burner at the moment due to thedifficult financial times we are allhaving to endure, they are certainly notburied. The need for more space has not

Coming Full Circle: Applying Science to Client Needs

“Dr. Santerre took the Dental Research Institute to the next level bybringing to it cohesion and direction. Up until thenit had been more of a virtual entity, or anaggregation of scientists and clinicians, largelywithout focus. He created an active research officethat not only managed the ‘business’ of research butacted as a disseminator of information for academicstaff and was the focal point of activity. Dr. Santerre ensured that newfaculty members were properly mentored and supported as theyworked at establishing themselves at UofT. I have no doubt that hewill do even more for IBBME. He has a strong vision for where hethinks the Institute can and should go, as well as the ability and driveto ensure it gets there.DEAN DAVID MOCK

decreased, and is in fact becoming moreurgent than ever.

In 2008, Paul moved from his position atthe DRI to take on a new challenge thatwould utilize all of the skills andabilities that he had honed to this point:that of Director of the Institute ofBiomaterials and BiomedicalEngineering. The only tri-Facultybiomedical engineering program inNorth America, it is managed by theFaculties of Dentistry, Medicine andEngineering. For Paul, it speaksvolumes to the pathway he hastravelled: he started in engineering, hisfirst job was in medicine, the next indentistry, so he understands thedifferent communities very well. At theInstitute there are approximately 80faculty, 38 core and the rest crossappointed faculty, who cover the gamutof engineers, doctors, dentists,pharmacists and scientists. Paulconsiders that he has come full circle.From the beginning he realized that hehad to have his science connected to theclient, and effectively that is whatIBBME does. It brings the client not onlyto the researcher, but to the studentsthemselves. In IBBME’s Masters ofHealth Science clinical engineeringprogram, students spend an internship

in a dialysis unit, an internship in asurgical unit and one additional unit oftheir choice. They also do two workplacements, either in a hospital workingwith the medical engineeringdepartment or in a company. TheInstitute’s graduate programs have over220 graduate students.

Paul’s time is typically spent betweenteaching and lecturing, administration,and research, and one half day a weekconsulting, which he gives to hiscompany Interface Biologics.

Paul is the first to acknowledge that hecould not have achieved everything hehas on his own. “You have to findcommitted people that believe in whatyou believe and whom you can rely onto do their share of the work,” he says.“And then you have to be able tocommunicate with them veryeffectively.”

Looking to the future, Paul wants tobroaden the graduate recruitment net atIBBME to increase the number of out-of-province and international students,and trainees. At the moment they areprimarily drawing from the Universityof Toronto and southern Ontario. Healso wants to introduce a curriculum forentrepreneurial training. “Unliketwenty years ago, fifty percent of our

graduate students have no intention offollowing an academic path,” heexplains. “They will be heading towardsindustry, and right now we don’t givethem the complete toolsets to allowthem a rapid transition, as highlytrained scientists, into that industrialenvironment.”

Undoubtedly, just as he set the bar highand developed the tools to make itattainable at the Faculty, he will do thesame thing at IBBME. New challengesare necessary, Paul says. Researchevolves that way, so teaching andadministrative responsibilities shouldalso evolve that way. “You don’t changefor the sake of change, but change ishealthy in an academic environmentbecause we are supposed to berenewing ourselves if we want to stay atthe forefront.”

Dr. Santerre has recently been appointedChairman for the 2016 World BiomaterialsCongress to be held in Montreal and aFellow of the American Institute forMedical and Biological Engineering, whichrecognizes the top two percent of scientistsin the field.


Provide a lasting legacy on a plaque, engraved with the nameof your choice, prominently displayed on a workstation. Haveyour name and year of graduation noted, honour the memoryof a friend or relative, or mark a special lifecycle occasion.

Dedications may be made with a donation of $1,800 and maybe paid over a three year period.

Contact the Development Office,Faculty of Dentistry at 416-979-4940 Ext. 1 for more information, or email:[email protected]

Dedicate a Workstation

Research Day


There certainly was a buzz in the air forthis year’s Faculty of Dentistry ResearchDay, held on February 10, 2009.

The theme of Tissue Engineering wassuccessfully incorporated with guestspeakers. Dr. Mark McKee, Ph.D.Professor, Associate Dean (Research),Faculty of Dentistry, McGill Universitykicked off Research Day with his talkentitled "Nature’s BiomineralizationStrategies and Harnessing them forTissue Regeneration and Tissue Repairin Bones and Teeth."

The attendees, which included 20registered Alumni, were also treated toother exceptional speakers including Dr. Cameron Clokie, D.D.S. Ph.D.FRCD, Professor, Faculty of Dentistry,University of Toronto who gave theafternoon talk entitled "Future ofRegenerative Surgery." An addedelement to this year’s Research Day wasthe introduction of two mini talks.Graduate student, Aileen Zhou gave atalk entitled "Enhancing Production ofRecombinant BMP…A look into theFuture", which was a seamlesscontinuation of Dr. Clokie’s talk, and

undergraduate student speaker,Kayvan Fathimani, gave a talkentitled "Heterotopic

Ossification: Regeneration Gone Wrong!Studies on the Pathogenesis of HO."

Faculty, staff and students filled theauditorium, along with the 63 posterpresenters and 22 judges, to view theoutstanding research on display thisyear while enjoying a lunch providedby the Faculty’s Dental ResearchInstitute. Clinical tables located in thecafeteria ran concurrently with theposter presentations.

This year the Departments thatparticipated with the Clinical Tablewere: Anaesthesia, Paediatrics,Periodontics, Prosthodontics, OralRadiology, Oral Surgery and theLibrary.

Recognizing Outstanding Research


Awards were presented to thefollowing recipients in the variousaward categories following theafternoon talks: Jeff Chadwick andAudrey McNamara (SummerStudent Category), HamidehEmrani, Joyce Magalhaes andKamna Singh (Basic ScienceGraduate Student Category), ZahraKurji, Dalia Madani and MichaelLandzberg (Clinical ScienceGraduate Student Category) and forthe new category, Education,Behavioural and Health SciencesResearch, Mariam Baghdady andSonia Chung were the awardwinners as well as Kirsten Krastelfor the Post-Doc and ResearchAssociates Category. The day’sevents were wrapped up with a Wineand Cheese in the cafeteria.

continuing dental education


Expanding Your KnowledgeThe Continuing Dental EducationDepartment has enjoyed a verysuccessful year. In the first full year ofoperation of the new Continuing DentalEducation Centre at 1440 Don MillsRoad many exciting programs havebeen held. Speakers from across Canadaand the United States have put on arange of courses that have been well

attended and received by theirparticipants. These speakers have beenunanimous in their praise for thisfacility as a venue for continuing dentaleducation programs, particularly thosethat have a hands-on component. In facta recent article in Oral Health, by one ofthe speakers who has presentedprograms for many years across North

America, complimented the Centre asone of the best of its kind.

The Department is in the process ofplanning next year’s calendar and isalso investing in its e-learning initiativelaunched this winter. The Facultyrecognizes that it is becomingincreasingly difficult for traditional CEprograms to meet the needs ofpracticing dentists especially in somecore academic areas. Concise programson-line will be developed so thatdentists have an opportunity to accessthis information at a time convenient tothem and without the high cost ofclosing the office to attend a lecture.

Whether it is with our traditionallecture-based programs or the e-learning initiative, the Faculty’s goalis to assist dentists in expanding theirknowledge, skill, and judgment, andenrich the enjoyment they obtain fromtheir professional career.

CE Courses September 2009 – June 2010 (at time of printing)*September 25, 26, 2009 The Veneer Studio: Veneer Preparation and Photography

Dr. Gary Radz, Dr. Tony Soileau

*October 30, 31, 2009 What’s New in All Ceramics: Techno-Clinical PerspectivesHands-on: Prep Design: Achieving Beauty, Function, and LongevityDr. Damon Adams

November 6, 7, 8, 2009 Oral Surgery for the General PractitionerDr. Howard Holmes, Course Director

November 13, 2009 4Th Annual Update in Dentistry (at the Winter Clinic)

November 20, 2009 Endo Instrumentation and Obturation – Dr. Manor Haas

*December 11, 12, 2009 Predictable Techniques for Total Esthetics – Dr. Robert Lowe

*January 22, 23, 2010 “Esthetics In Action” Clinical Techniques, Materials and TechnologyDr. Ross Nash

January 29, 30, 2010 Periodontal Surgery for the General PractitionerDr. Steven Corber, Dr. Gerry Pearson

February 5, 2010 Medical Emergencies – Dr. Dan Haas

February 6, 7, 2010 Nitrous Oxide/Oral Sedation – Dr. Dan Haas, Dr. Michelle Tang

*February 12, 13, 2010 Smile Design: The Art of Temporization – Dr Elliot Mechanic

*April 9, 10, 2010 How to Take, Manage and use Communication QualityPhotographs in Dentistry. Dr. James Dunn, Dr. Richard Young

April 30, May 1, 2010 Endodontics – Dr. John West

*June 4, 5, 2010 Advanced Technology in Aesthetic Surgery – Dr. Robert Miller

*Date to be announced An Easy Approach to Predictable Anterior Direct CompositeRestorations – Dr. Robert Margeas & Dr. Marcos Vargas

*Advanced Restorative Esthetic Continuum

The goal of the University of Toronto Advanced Restorative Esthetic Continuum is to provideparticipants with a logical and insightful perception as to how to examine, treatment plan anddeliver dentistry to their patients that is functional, esthetic and optimally maintainable.

Participants will receive a certificate from the University of Toronto Continuing DentalEducation once completing each of the seven programs over a period not exceeding threeacademic school years. Each of the seven programs will take place on a Friday and Saturday inToronto, Ontario. Each program will consist of a full day lecture on Friday followed byhands–on participation on Saturday to allow each participant to fully understand and practicewhat they have learned the following day and to satisfy the University requirement to be able togive a certificate. Space is limited to 120 participants per session.

The courses are run in logical progression in order to give each doctor insight, perception, andthe vision to achieve their restorative esthetic goals. Treatment planning and working with adental team of specialists is stressed. Although there is no way to learn everything in sevensessions, participants will acquire a fundamental understanding and direction to continue theirquest for dental excellence.

CREATING DENTAL EXCELLENCE THROUGHCONTINUING DENTAL EDUCATIONFor a Complete Listing of Upcoming Live and On-line Courses, visit

www.cde.utoronto.caFor more information on Continuing Dental Education

Call 416-979-4902 or 1-800-743-3788

The Centre for Continuing Dental Education at1440 Don Mills Road


Dental Practice Management CertificationCanada’s most sought after dental speaker, Lisa Philp, and her colleague Linda Anderson,have teamed up with the University of Toronto to offer a comprehensive certificationprogram for dental professionals. Lisa currently teaches students the business of dentistryas part of their dental school requirements, and Linda is an experienced coach for hundredsof dental practices across the continent.

The program has been designed to assist any member ofthe dental team understand and implement provenstrategies for operational effectiveness and real lifebusiness principles specifically designed for the dentalprofession. This nine month course takes place at theFaculty of Dentistry on Saturdays (dates listed below) from9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Upon completion, participants willreceive a certificate in Dental Practice Management fromthe University of Toronto.

Learning Outcomes and Benefits

• Advanced scheduling• Managing difficult people• All aspects of the business of dentistry• Monitoring the financial health of your practice• Customer service• How to reduce no-shows and cancellations• Daily operating procedures• How to show initiative in the receptionist role• Economic model of the dental practice• Marketing strategies for growth• Enhanced leadership skills• Positive and productive problem solving• How to be a high performing team member• Proactive approach to goal setting• Communication that gives results• State-of-the-art recall systems• How to make dentistry affordable

Semester OneSeptember 12, 26, 2009October 17, 31, 2009November 7, 21, 2009December 12, 2009

Semester TwoJanuary 9, 23, 2010February 13, 27, 2010March 13, 27, 2010April 24, 2010May 8, 2010 (Graduation and Awards)

Register on-line at www.cde.utoronto, or call 416.979.4902 for completeinformation on this course and othercontinuing education courses.

faculty news


Appointments, Grants and Awards

APPOINTMENTS

Dr. Patricia Main

Dr. Patricia Main, CommunityDentistry, has accepted a part-time appointment at the rankof Associate Professor and hasassumed the role of Directorof the Graduate Program inDental Public Health.

Dr. Dennis Cvitkovitch

As of September 1, 2008, Dr.Dennis Cvitkovitch, OralMicrobiology, has acceptedthe appointment of AssociateDean, Research, replacing Dr. Paul Santerre.

Dr. Asbjorn Jokstad

Dr. Asbjorn Jokstad, Professorand Head, Prosthodontics atthe Faculty of Dentistry, hasbeen appointed externalexaminer for the M.Sc.Examination in Evidence-Based Health Care for threeyears at the University ofOxford, UK. This verycompetitive degree programis open to internationalapplicants within all healthprofessions.

Dr. Boris Hinz

Dr. Boris Hinz has acceptedthe position of AssociateProfessor in the CIHR MatrixDynamics group as of January1, 2009. He comes to us fromthe École PolytechniqueFédérale de Lausanne inSwitzerland. Dr. Hinz has astrong background in cell

biomechanics and connectivetissue remodeling and is wellpositioned to offer ongoingresearch collaborations withIBBME and the teachinghospitals.

Dr. Bernhard GanssDr. Bernhard Ganss, CIHR,has accepted the position ofResearch Coordinator for the2008-2009 academic year. As Research Coordinator, Dr. Ganss will be chairing theResearch Committee and theAnimal Care Committee.

Dr. Anuradha PrakkiDr. Anuradha Prakki hasaccepted the position ofAssistant Professor,Restorative Dentistry, here atthe Faculty. Dr. Prakkicompleted her PhD at theUniversity of Sao Paulo BauruDental School. She will beworking in the clinical/preclinical teaching andresearch areas.

.

GRANTS

Dr. Gajanan KulkarniDr. Gajanan Kulkarni,Pediatric Dentistry, hasreceived substantial CIHRgrant funding for Tactileand visual biofeedback inthe therapy ofcompensatory cleft palatearticulation. This is acollaborative effort with Dr. Tim Bressmann, SpeechLanguage Pathology/Hospital for Sick Children.

Dr. Céline LévesqueDr. Céline Lévesque, OralMicrobiology, has beenawarded substantial CIHRand CFI grants for herresearch. This is a majoraccomplishment so early inDr. Lévesque’s career, andthe awards are in the topmonetary range for awardsreceived by our Faculty todate.

Media Coverageof New DentalProcedureEducation SystemThe Faculty of Dentistrylaunched DPES (DentalProcedure Education System),an online resource forlearning about dentalprocedures late last year.Almost immediately this storywas picked up by over 50media outlets across Canada.DPES is a web-based tool thatuses plain language and richvisual media to help bothpatients and students learnabout dental procedures.Developed collaboratively bya team of leaders in dentaleducation and research, DPESprovides a clear and definitiveunderstanding of fundamentalprinciples in oral health care.DPES has received significantpraise from within theprofession.

ICD InductionCongratulations to CarolynPoon Woo 8T5, who wasinducted into theInternational College ofDentists in Vancouver inMarch.

Oral BiologyAwardThe 2009 Research in OralBiology Award was presentedto Dr. Christopher McCulloch,Director of CIHR, at theInternational Association forDental Research (IADR) 87thGeneral Session and

Exhibition in Miami, Floridaon April 1, 2009. This award isone of the highest honoursbestowed by the IADR. Itrecognizes outstandingresearch in the field of oralbiology. Dr. McCulloch’s workhas led to advances such asguided tissue regeneration,the first automated periodon-tal probe and clinical studieslinking metalloproteinasesand progression of periodon-titis, as well as several patents.

25 Years of ServiceThe following people havereceived awards for their 25years of service as staffmembers of the Faculty ofDentistry, University ofToronto: Peter Birek, DarlingChambers, Mair Cove, EmmaLino, Mary Lino, Maria Lima,Alison Mahoney, AngelosMetaxas, Michael Sigal andTiiu Tarmet.

Scientific ChairDr. Metaxas will be theScientific Chair of the annualmeeting of the Great LakesAssociation of Orthodontiststo be held at Sheraton CentreToronto, October 29 toNovember 1, 2009. Dr.Richard Marcus will be theGeneral chair and Dr. MichaelSherman will be the chair ofthe social program.


New Director of AdvancementIn March the Faculty welcomed Susan Alksnis as Director ofAdvancement. Susan will oversee Development andCommunications, including fundraising for the newbuilding, alumni giving andpublic relations initiatives.Susan is eager to hear fromalumni and friends withsuggestions and reflectionson the Faculty’s fundraisingefforts, success stories, andopportunities. She will becollaborating closely withDr. Robert Carroll, AssistantDean, Continuing DentalEducation and ProfessionalRelations.

Susan brings to the Faculty over 18 years experience as adevelopment professional. She worked at Yale Universityfor over 10 years, where she headed Development andPublic Relations for the School of Public Health and wasinstrumental in securing industry funds for a majorpartnership in China. Susan also raised significant supportfor clinical and basic science projects in Yale’s MedicalSchool during the University’s $1.5 billion campaign. Susandeepened her understanding of fundraising for directservice through her work as Director of Development for amajor women’s shelter. Susan also brings experience fromSheridan College, international fundraising, special events,and a variety of community advocacy and campaigningefforts. Susan holds a BA from Yale University. She flossesdaily and loves her daughter’s orthodontist who trained atUniversity of Toronto. She can be reached at 416-979-4940ext. 4678 or [email protected].


The Dean’s breakfast was an opportunity tothank Gala sponsors, committee members andvolunteers. Without each of their contributionsthe Gala would not be possible, and the fundsthat are raised to continue the importantresearch being done would also be limited.

Our Faculty has a long tradition of excellence inoral health research. One such research area inwhich the Faculty has assumed leadership isthe diagnosis and treatment of craniofacialdeformities. The costs associated with research,particularly clinical research, have escalatedover the years while funding has become moredifficult to obtain, particularly in our presenteconomic environment. The funds raisedthrough this year’s Gala help ensure thatthe exciting and innovative researchinitiatives being conducted in the area ofcongenital facial deformities at the DRIcan continue.

The Dean’s Breakfast

alumni todayNEXT ISSUE: FALL 2009DEADLINE: AUGUST 6Send your reunion, class news, comments, questions,letters or other input, along with photographs, to:Editor, Alumni Today, University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, 124 Edward St., Toronto, Ontario M5G 1G6,or e-mail [email protected] no later thanThursday, August 6. Submissions may be edited due to space limitations.


Celebrating Teamwork andCommitment

s DSS Presidentand a graduatingmember of the

Class of 2009, I look backand appreciate the manydifferent experiences thathave allowed me to matureas an individual in dentalschool, and the remarkableopportunities I have been given. Here are some of themany activities that the DSS and student body wasable to embark on at the end of the 2008-2009academic year.

Our thirteenth annual Dental Students’ Society (DSS)and Alumni Association Awards of Distinction Nightwas held on March 30th at the University of TorontoFaculty of Dentistry. We were able to acknowledgeand honour faculty, staff and students who have madean outstanding and positive contribution to theoverall atmosphere within the Faculty of Dentistry.

We also hosted the second annual President’s Cupbetween the UWO and U of T dentistry hockey teamsat Varsity Arena on April 4th in an effort to raisemoney and awareness for cancer research at PrincessMargaret Hospital. It was a fun night even thoughUWO won the game! Thank you to all the sponsorswho helped support this event such as the ODA,CDA, U of T alumni association, DSS and the ZIPFraternity.

Community outreach at our Faculty has always beenan important component of our student life. I hopethat each one of us continues in giving back to ourcommunity in one way or another in the future. In themonths of March and April, the student body tookpart in the BRUSHAMANIA program where weprovided oral hygiene to various different schools inthe region. I would like to thank Ali Sigal, a first yeardental student, for initiating a non-profit organizationthis year called Oral Health, Total Health, which isaffiliated with Mount Sinai Hospital. The purpose ofthis organization is to advocate, educate and improveoral health care for persons with special needs, since it

is one of the top un-met health needs facing thispopulation today.

This year’s Alumni Mentorship Program was a greatexperience for everyone who took part in it. Thankyou to all the alumni and student mentors whohelped out with the program.

Thank you also to our awesome Dentantics Reps, LaniKraus and Cara Lindsay, along with the Class of 2010and the rest of the student body who showcased theirmany talents in this year’s Beatles-themed Dentanticsproduction, “Dentalmania.” All proceeds from theevent were donated to the Princess Margaret HospitalFoundation to establish a fund for Oral CancerResearch. Dentantics is just one of many examples ofthe phenomenal teamwork and commitmentdemonstrated by our dental student body outside theclassroom that enables us to engage in such creativeand admirable initiatives. I would like to wish futureDentantics Reps, Shayna Levitan and ElenaGershenzon, and the Class of 2011 all the best withnext year’s show.

It was a privilege to be a part of the 2008-2009 DSSCouncil, which was made up of a very creative,motivated and dedicated core of students. Thank youfor always being by my side in every initiative that wetook, and for making this year such a success for theentire student body. Congratulations to next year’sDSS president, Fanar Swaida. I hope you will be asfortunate as I was to work with such an awesome DSSCouncil and student body.

Thank you once again to Dean Mock, Dr. Carroll, thefaculty, staff and alumni association who helped thestudent body in every way possible despite our manydemands and needs. You are an instrumental part inthe education process and life experiences that havehelped us to grow as individuals and future healthpractitioners.

GLEN FERNANDES

DSS President 2008-2009

A

message from the dss president


DSS/Alumni Association Awards of Distinction Night

Our thirteenth annual Dental Students’ Society(DSS) and Alumni Association Awards ofDistinction Night was held on Monday March30th at the Faculty of Dentistry, University ofToronto. Every year at this Awards ofDistinction Night, we recognize students fortheir outstanding extra-curricularcontributions and leadership within theFaculty. In addition, we have the privilege ofhonouring those faculty and staff memberswho have made a significant difference to studentlife over the past year. Although it is always hardto acknowledge and individually honour everysingle individual who has made a positivecontribution to the overall atmosphere within theFaculty of Dentistry, the Awards Night gives usall an opportunity to celebrate the year and togather together to enjoy a fun and memorablenight.

I would like to thank everyone who made thisnight possible, especially Dr. Carroll and SaraVanos along with the Alumni Association forfunding the food and drinks, and to Sahra Kanji,Fanar Swaida and Ed Yoon forhelping me organize thisevent. On behalf of the DSSand the student body, wewould like to once again thankeveryone from the facultymembers to the janitorial stafffor all their help and supportthroughout the years.


TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD:Dr. E. Freeman for his dedication and commitment to the Class of 1T2Dr. A. Mazzulli for his dedication and commitment to the Class of 1T1Dr. D. Haas for his dedication and commitment to the Class of 1T0Dr. A.P. Garzon for his dedication and commitment to the Class of 0T9

THE ANITA ARBOR AWARD:Presented in recognition of staff members who have been a friend and an invaluable help to the dentalstudents in 2008-2009.Mariam Mousavi, Connie Farramenta, Jennifer Lanteigne, Terry Jancen, Elizabeth Gerezand Fatima Gomes Aguiar.

DENTAL STUDENTS SOCIETY HONOURARY MEMBER AWARD:In recognition of faculty members who have made an outstanding contribution to undergraduatestudents at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry..Dr. M. Sigal, Dr. D. Haas, Dr. R. Carroll, Dr. L. Valenzano, Dr. A. Fenton, Dr. G. Anderson,Dr. L. Chapnick and Lucy Ferraro.

DSS/DENTAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION STUDENT HONOUR AWARD (150 PT AWARD)Ali Khadivi, Jaclyn Chin, Fehmida Dosani, Bryan Waxman, Chris Harper, Conor McDonough, John Yun, Matthew Dang, Stephanie Falcomer, Marijana Eic, Vipin Grover, Tehchin Hsieh, and Rachel Mills.

DSS/DENTAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION STUDENT AWARD OF DISTINCTION (300 PT AWARD)Sahra Kanji, Corina Chapeskie, Kayvan Fathimani and Edward Yoon.

DSS/DENTAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HIGHEST ACHIEVEMENT STUDENT AWARD (450 PT AWARD)Glen Fernandes and Sepehr Zahedi.

SPORTS AWARDS:MEN’S MVP TROPHY

Men’s Hockey: Conor McdonoughOutdoor Soccer: Derek AversaIndoor Soccer: Sepehr ZahediCo-Ed Volleyball A: Matt DangCo-Ed Volleyball A: John YunCo-Ed Volleyball B: Glen Fernandes Men’s Basketball: Shawn ChopraCo-Ed Basketball: Ron Ho

WOMEN’S MVP TROPHY

Co-Ed Volleyball A: Nicole MacielCo-Ed Volleyball B: Sahra KanjiWomen’s Volleyball: Lily CaulleyWomen’s Soccer: Meredith EvansCo-Ed Basketball: Trang Nguyen

Congratulations to the following dentistry sports teams formaking it to the final playoffs despite heartbreaking losses:Women’s Volleyball, Men’s Outdoor Soccer, Men’s Hockeyand Coed Volleyball.

THE STUDENTS NEED YOUR HELP!They require extracted teeth for variouslaboratory exercises. Please save all the intact teeth you extract in your office.Call us at 1-416-979-4902 or toll free at 1-800-743-3788.We will arrange and pay for shipment. You will beproviding the students with a valuable teaching tool.

After removing teeth:

• immerse for 24 hours in a glass jar containing evenparts of Javex and water.

• Store thereafter in a plastic jar containing equalparts of alcohol and water.

As our 'Thank You', the names of all dentists whosupply teeth by the end of June 2009 will beeligible for a Draw Prize. Congratulations to Dr. Kenneth Lawless 6T9, last year’s winner.


The Isabel BaderTheatre was the place tobe on March 5th and 6thas the dental students atthe University ofToronto Faculty ofDentistry showcasedtheir many talents inthis year’s Beatles-themed Dentantics production, “Dentalmania.” Theaudience roared with laughter and enthusiasm asprofessors were impersonated and the daily life of dentalstudents was comedically portrayed. The combination oftalented singers, actors, dancers, and musicians was arecipe for success! All proceeds from the event are beingdonated to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation toestablish a fund for Oral Cancer Research.

When asked about the production on opening night, hereis what co-producers, Cara Lindsay and Lani Kraus, hadto say: “We want to thank all of our classmates, families,and friends for their continuoussupport and encouragement. Weare so proud to witness thephenomenal teamwork andcommitment of our peers outsidethe classroom.” Congratulations tothe class of 2010 on an outstandingperformance!

LANI KRAUS AND CARA LINDSAY

Dentantics Producer and Director

Dentantics 2009


message from professional relations and continuing dental education

For many years the Alumni Association has benefitted from the leadershipand dedication of many volunteers. This year was no exception. Thesuccess of the Awards of Distinction Gala, the Golf Tournament and alumnimentorship programs speak to the hard work and talents that many ofyour colleagues give freely to the Association and Faculty. The enrichmentof Faculty programs and student activities that results from these efforts isprofound, and is helping to build a new and better relationship betweenthe Faculty and its students and alumni. On behalf of the Faculty I wouldlike to thank President Carolyn Poon Woo and all alumni for theirvolunteer efforts. They not only made a valuable contribution to thequality of Faculty programs, but also provided opportunities for manyalumni to maintain and re-establish connections with their Alma Mater.This support is essential to the quality of education at the Faculty and themaintenance of this Faculty’s reputation as a great dental school to havegraduated from. On September 9, at 7:00 p.m., the Association will meet atthe Faculty to elect next year’s executive. Your presence at this meeting willgive you an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Associationand how you can become involved. It will also provide a forum to makeyour views known on the direction of theAssociation and how it can be morerelevant to you. I encourage you toseriously consider attending.

Plans are underway for the 2009-2010Continuing Education Calendar withspecial emphasis being placed on hands-on programs. These programs takeadvantage of the Faculty’s newContinuing Dental Education Centrewhich provides the Faculty with a uniqueability to offer these comprehensiveprograms at a cost that is unmatched bymore commercially driven courses.

My first year in this role has been a rewarding experience. I have met awonderful group of volunteer alumni, enthusiastic students, people fromthe dental industry who provide amazing support to the Faculty and theprofession, and Faculty members who have dedicated their professionallife to the advancement of the art and science of oral health care. I haveenjoyed the great support of my staff and I would like to acknowledge andthank Dr. Barry Chapnick, Raisyl Wagman, Sara Vanos, Monique Toulchand Annette Chan for their commitment to the success of the programs wesupport and operate. I would also like to acknowledge Fay Rotman whoserves the Faculty as the Awards of Distinction Gala coordinator. Fay’sdedication to detail and amazing organizational skills resulted in awonderful evening enjoyed by all. As we continue our planning for a newschool year, our success will be defined not just by the programs we put inplace, but by the support of faculty, staff and alumni whose combinedefforts will continue to enhance the reputation that this Faculty enjoys.

Defining our Success

DR. ROBERT CARROLL

Assistant DeanContinuing Dental Educationand Professional Relations

“Alumni support is essential to thequality of education at the Facultyand the maintenance of this Faculty’sreputation as a great dental school tohave graduated from.”

124 Edward Street,Toronto, Ontario

Canada M5G 1G6Telephone: 416.979.4902 Facsimile: 416.979.4941

[email protected]

CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS

MAIL AGREEMENT #40636048

You are invited…to attend an Alumni Association meeting at the Facultyon Wednesday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m. to elect newboard members for the coming year. All alumni arewelcome.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS NEEDED…

Your support is essential to the quality of education at the Faculty and themaintenance of this Faculty’s reputation. This meeting will provide anopportunity to learn more about the work of the Association and how youcan become involved.

It will provide a forum to make your views known on the direction of theAssociation and how it can become more relevant to you.

Please give serious consideration to attending this important meeting.

The fall issue of Alumni Today will include a short profile of each board member.

You Can Make a Difference…

Documents

alumni today - University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry · celebrating while raising funds for world class research and recognizing four outstanding honourees. Coming Full Circle