Advancing, Connecting & Enriching
The Lives of Women Dentists
In This Issue:
Page 02: President’s Message
Page 03: Smiles for Successs
Page 04: 2019 Conference Highlights
Page 14: From the Editor
Page 16: Tales from the Dentist’s Chair
Page 17: Every Day Is Ladies’ Day
Page 18: Member News
Page 22: Student News
Page 27: Member Benefits
Page 29: New Members
Page 32: Corporate Members
Page 33: Calendar of Events
About CDR Brown
The American Association of Women Dentists recently awarded Mary Beth AichelmannReidy, DDS, with the Lucy Hobbs Taylor Award, the organization’s top honor. Dr. Aichelmann-Reidy is currently Division Chief of Periodontics in the Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and resides in Ellicott City, Maryland, with her family. She is embedded in periodontal education, directing pre-doctoral and postgraduate courses in periodontics, and she mentors periodontics resident research projects. Dr. Reidy has been recognized for her role in education as a recipient of the 2018 American
Academy of Periodontology Educator Award, for outstanding teaching and mentoring in periodontics. She maintains a practice specializing in periodontology and implant surgery at the University of Maryland Faculty Dental Practice. Dr. Reidy obtained her dental degree with honors from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1987 and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society. In 1989 she completed her certificate in periodontics at the University of Pittsburgh. She is board certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and has served as a director on this board since 2015 and is currently the co-vice chair.
Furthermore, Dr. Reidy is recognized as a Diplomate and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists. In addition to her role as an educator and researcher in periodontics and implant dentistry, she has represented women in dentistry and served on the board of the American Association of Women Dentists between 2003 through 2014. In 2013 she was president of the organization. Dr. Reidy has long been committed to mentoring women students and advocating the role of women in dentistry, serving in a variety of national roles, such as on the Women’s Affairs Advisory Committee of the American Dental Education Association, and as a women’s liaison officer. As the faculty advisor to the student chapter of AAWD at the University of Maryland, Dr. Reidy has mentored women dental students and guided the development of the first national program of student-based donated dental care for women, Smiles for Success, at the university. On the board of directors of the Smiles for Success Foundation since 2004, she has developed the national student chapter program and is currently serving as vice president and the director of student chapter programs of Smiles for Success. She is continuing this effort by running a dental clinic at the University of Maryland, mentoring women dental students to communicate and coordinate dental care with case managers from community centers to help uninsured women in the community of Baltimore and Prince Georges County, Maryland, who are seeking independence. AAWD President Dr. Brittany Bergeron states, “I am honored to present Dr. Reidy with this award. She has been mentoring students and women in our organization for years, and I cannot think of a more deserving candidate.” The Lucy Hobbs Taylor Award is the highest honor given by the AAWD. The organization presents this award to a member who exemplifies a true professional with accomplishment in one or more areas of dentistry, organized dentistry, academia, government, anthropology, archeology, philanthropy and consulting. Plan to celebrate with Dr. Reidy during the AAWD 98th Annual Conference, September 26-29, in Phoenix, Arizona.
In This Issue:
Page 02: President’s Message
Page 03: Smiles for Success
Page 04: Meet the 2019 Board
Page 06: From the Editor’s Desk
Page 07: Tales from the Dentist’s Chair
Page 09: Board of Directors Slate (2020-21)
Page 09: Member News
Page 10: Lucy Hobbs Taylor Award
Page 14: Annual Conference Update
Page 16: Ladies Day
Page 17: Interview with Yemen Dentist
Page 18: Student Awards
Page 20: Student News
Page 22: Conference Update
Page 23: Leadership Certification Program
Page 25: New Members
Page 28: Corporate Members
Page 29: Calendar of Events
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| Awardee | Attended School |
| Amanda Beck-Slumka | University of Michigan School of Dentistry |
| Amanda Phan | University of Iowa |
| Angelyn Rosenberger | University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry |
| AUDREY ELIZABETH MORRISON | Texas A&M College of Dentistry |
| Ava Kathryn Miller | Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health |
| Blaire Arnold | University of Kentucky College of Dentistry |
| Chelsea Alexandra Hope | UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry |
| Diana Huynh | University of Tennessee College of Dentistry |
| Elizabeth A. Patrick | University at Buffalo |
| Erin Standish | University of Louisville School of Dentistry |
| Hailey Taylor | University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry |
| Hilary Allen | The Ohio State University College of Dentistry |
| Iriff Keisha Ulep | Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC |
| JaTerra Ross | Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine |
| Jennifer Ashley Caughey | Penn Dental Medicine |
| Jennifer Matika Wood | Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry |
| Jennybeth Hendrick | University of Mississippi School of Dentistry |
| Julia Collazo | Nova Southeastern University, College of Dental Medicine |
| Kalimah Anderson | Meharry Medical College – School of Dentistry |
| Katie oates | Western University of Helath Sciences |
| Kelsey L. Wittorf | Creighton University School of Dentistry |
| Keni Leonce | Howard University |
| Kimberly Baumgardner | Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine |
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| Awardee | Attended School |
| Lauren Ziegler | James B Edwards College of Dental Medicine, Medical Univ of SC |
| Linda K. Powers | University of Maryland school of Dentistry |
| Lindsey Roberts | University of Alabama School of Dentistry |
| Lisa Fredrickson | University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine |
| Madeleine M. Gamble | University of Minnesota |
| Madison Day | University of Utah School of Dentistry |
| Mariah Aron | UCLA School of Dentistry |
| Mary Alexandra Ricker | Indiana University School of Dentistry |
| Mina Ghorbanifarajzadeh | University of Florida College of Dentistry |
| Molly Wagenknecht | Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health |
| Nancy B. Epstein | Tufts University School of Dental Medicine |
| NHUNG CHRISTY PHAN | UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA LAS VEGAS SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE |
| Nicole Buzzi, DMD | Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine |
| Niki Haj Hariri | NYU Dentistry |
| Pamela Vainer | Columbia University College of Dental Medicine |
| Rana L. Shammas | The University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston |
| Samantha Ben-Ezra | Rutgers School of Dental Medicine |
| Samantha Nicole Lee | University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry |
| Surabhi Swarup | Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry |
| Tessa Eleanore Holmes | Marquette University School of Dentistry |
| Uzma Hajiyani | OU College of Dentistry |
| Wendy Fang | Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine |
| Zuleima Santiago | UPR School of Dental Medicine |
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The American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) recently named the Student Chapter at the University of Florida College of Dentistry the 2019 Chapter of the Year.
According to the nomination, submitted by AAWD chapter faculty advisor and clinical associate professor Dr. Susan Nimmo, the UFCD chapter of AAWD began in 2005 with only 25 members and has now has grown to nearly 100 members. Nimmo states, “I am proud of UFCD’s AAWD Student Chapter, not just today, but for all the women dental students at the University of Florida, who started this chapter 15 years ago and developed it into the powerhouse student organization it is today.”
One of the most active organizations in the College of Dentistry, the AAWD chapter hosted more than 30 community service and social events last school year. The chapter recruited alumni and successful women in dentistry to speak and inspire their members to reach their full potential, as well as serve as mentors. They also instituted tutors and big/little mentors to help with transitions year to year in dental school. Additionally, the chapter hosted multiple residency panels of women dentists and residents, who will be or are currently pursuing a career in a specialty field. The panels helped to promote the advancement in education of women dentists ranging from periodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and pediatrics.
The UF AAWD Student Chapter supports several volunteer organizations throughout the Gainesville, Florida, community. For Girl Scout Patch Day, local scouts are invited to our campus for a program to teach them about oral hygiene and healthy diets to earn their dental patch. Members also participated in the Guest Chef Fundraiser for Peaceful Paths, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. At the Gainesville Rabbit Rescue, students provided care for rescued and abandoned animals. A joint service project at the Alachua County Humane Society was undertaken with Smiley Gators, UFCD’s pre-doctoral student organization for pediatric dentistry. The UFCD Super Sealant Saturday harnesses the efforts of the entire student body, as well as faculty volunteers. AAWD also hosted a women’s oral health booth to educate and support mothers about oral health for their children. Through community service programs, the UF AAWD was able to provide opportunities for all of its members.
Other events the chapter hosted include socials, painting parties, a “Friends-giving” Dinner, pottery parties, and a “GALentine’s” social, which brought members together to share unique experiences. Their chapter also placed an emphasis on improving the mental and physical health of their members through events and socials, such as Yoga in the Park, Friday Pamper Night, Pool Social, and Finals Week Sheet Masks.
Throughout the year, many chapter members were active in oral health research targeting women’s issues. Lauren Arguelles (Class of 2020) and Emily Waikem (Class of 2021) have been working on a retrospective caries risk assessment project that details the different parameters in which the college measures and assesses caries risk. One of the factors of importance is gender and is signified as an important differentiating factor. Arguelles and Waikem received grants to present the findings of their research in Vancouver in June 2019.
Additionally, Emma Domingoes (Class of 2019) worked on a retrospective analysis to characterize the clinical and epidemiological features of vesiculoulcerative conditions with emphasis on potential associations with other medical conditions such cancer, arthritis and hypothyroidism, which literature supports affect more women than men. Domingoes won a grant in 2018 to present her research at the International Association for Dental research in London, England.
“As the faculty advisor,” Nimmo states, “I am inspired by these dedicated young women, who are not only passionate about Dentistry but also support each other through the trials of dental education. If there is a ‘secret’ to cultivating a successful chapter, I mostly stay ‘out of the way’; the officers and executive board select their own projects and goals. Their success is their own.”
At the time of the nomination, the University of Florida College of Dentistry’s AAWD Chapter officers were Lauren Arguelles, president; Amanda Panousis, vice president; Morgan Kubis, vice president; Jessica Brewer, secretary; and Kelly Calderon, treasurer.
AAWD President Dr. Brittany Bergeron states, “We had many competitive applications this year; however, this chapter’s nomination stood out to the committee as being exceptional. I am so proud of the UF Chapter. They have grown so much over the past few years and truly become an inspiration for other student chapters within our organization. I look forward to seeing how they continue to develop in the years to come!”
The University of Florida College of Dentistry’s AAWD Chapter will be recognized September 28, 2019, during the organization’s annual conference, in Phoenix, Arizona. More information on the conference can be found at https://www.aawd.org/2019-aawd-conference/.
About AAWD
Founded in 1893, the goal of the American Association of Women Dentists is to serve as the leading resource for advancing, connecting and enriching the lives of women dentists. AAWD offers a variety of programs and services that benefit the unique needs of women dentists. For more information, visit our website at https://www.aawd.org or call 800-920-2293.
The American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) recently selected University of New England’s Yalda Rostamnezhad as the organization’s 2019 Student of The Year.
Yalda Rostamnezhad is a fourth-year student at the University of New England College of Dental Medicine, in Portland, Maine, and will graduate in May 2020. Originally from Westwood, Massachusetts, Rostamnezhad attended Westwood High School. Afterward, she attended the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, where she received her bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in public health.
According to her nominator, AAWD chapter faculty advisor Dr. Michelle W. Tsao, assistant clinical professor, Rostamnezhad was nominated for her “unwavering dedication to her AAWD student chapter.” The nomination states that Rostamnezhad has been a member of the UNE AWWD chapter since 2016, when she entered dental school, and has been a pivotal player in the successes and achievements of the chapter. Tsao continues, “From the beginning, she has supported the chapter to flourish into what it is now through her community service efforts, spearheading of chapter events and recruitment of new members.” Rostamnezhad also helped spearhead and organize all of AAWD’s events and played a pivotal role in increasing membership numbers this year by more than 40 members.
In keeping with AAWD’s mission is to advance, connect and enrich the lives of women dentists, Rostamnezhad dedicated much of her time and effort in 2019 to organizing numerous events, allowing for members to expand their horizons and explore new opportunities. She organized UNE’s first-ever powderpuff game, called the “Brush Rush,” which focused on member bonding through football; planned the chapter’s first-ever “Prosecco and Pearls Panel,” which featured a team of female faculty members in a discussion about being a woman in dentistry; organized a professional image building workshop for members; participated in the Polar Plunge into Sebago Lake to raise money for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program; volunteered at a local high school to speak to the sophomore class about pursuing a career in dentistry; organized a clothing drive for donations to the Florence House in Portland; organized a monthly lecture series to cover topics in dentistry that members would like to learn more about from faculty members at UNE; and volunteered at the Preble house soup kitchen on Saturdays, preparing meals for women at the shelter.
After dental school, Rostamnezhad plans to move back to Boston and work for a private practice office. “I have always wanted to open my own practice,” Rostamnezhad states, “and will aim to do so within a few years after graduating and learning the ins and outs of running a practice.”
She also states, “Receiving this award is a tremendous honor for me, as AAWD has been a substantial part of my dental school experience. When I first joined AAWD my D1 year, I was inspired by our former president and vice president, Colleen Ahearn and Maeve Daly, for bringing AAWD to our school and establishing our UNE chapter. Since then, I have worked incessantly on improving our AAWD chapter at UNE and expanding our members. I felt that it was my calling to empower the women in our chapter to work together and support each other on this journey to becoming the best providers we can be.”
Rostamnezhad continued, “By enriching their lives with mentorship from other AAWD members and female faculty members, we have united as a tight knit group of strong, independent women. I have learned so much from other chapters this experience has lead me to, such as our exemplary President Dr. Brittany Bergeron, along with all the members of AAWD who have reached out to collaborate with us. Being our chapter president has made me a better leader, a better listener and above all a better provider to my patients. I am so grateful for the steadfastness of the women before us who paved the way for our generation of women and aim to continue their work by eliminating the disparities that women in dentistry still face.”
Rostamnezhad says her message to other AAWD student members and chapters is to strive to leave everything they touch better than when they found it. “Work hard for what you have a passion for, and you will feel truly rewarded when your hard work comes to fruition,” she states.
AAWD President Dr. Brittany Bergeron states, “When I first met Yalda, I knew immediately she was different from other dental students I had encountered. She is a radiant star in our industry, and I’m delighted to be able to present her with this award!”
In This Issue:
Page 02: President’s Message
Page 03: Smiles for Success
Page 04: Board Meeting
Page 05: Member Benefits
Page 06: Meet the 2019 Board
Page 09: Tales from the Dentist’s Chair
Page 10: Member News
Page 15: Ladies Day
Page 16: Exquisite Heritage
Page 17: Student News
Page 22: Announcements
Page 23: New Members
Page 24: Corporate Members
Page 25: Calendar
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] AAWD and PPP are teaming up to commemorate Women’s History Month! While some risks are worth taking, others are not. During the month, we will highlight women known for taking distinct risks to lead the way in the field of dentistry, while also pointing out some risks that dentists shouldn’t take in their dental office. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3516″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Dr. Evangeline Jordon (1865-1952) was a pioneer in Pedodontics, the care and treatment of children’s teeth. She introduced techniques to help reduce children’s fear of the dentist. Jordan also promoted the positive effect a good diet has on children’s teeth. Jordan was also the first president of the Federation of Women Dentists in 1921, which became the American Association of Women Dentists in 1928.
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Medical rights of patients and minors can be confusing and should be dealt with carefully. Obtaining the appropriate consent for a minor is just as critical for a first time patient as it is for a family who has been patients of the practice for generations. If you feel additional services are needed outside of what was scheduled, you should always obtain consent from a guardian before proceeding. If a guardian can’t be reached, it’s best to delay treatment until contact can be made unless traumatic injury or emergency conditions are present. A best practice in the dental office would be to have on file any other adult who is permitted to give consent for the treatment of a minor when a parent can’t be reached, such as a grandparent or adult sibling.
For more information on PPP, please visit https://www.protectorplan.com/.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] AAWD and PPP are teaming up to commemorate Women’s History Month! While some risks are worth taking, others are not. During the month, we will highlight women known for taking distinct risks to lead the way in the field of dentistry, while also pointing out some risks that dentists shouldn’t take in their dental office. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3501″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Dr. Leonie Von Meusebach-Zesch (1882-1944) earned her dental degree from the San Francisco College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1902. She started out a dentist’s assistant, but Von Zesch later traveled by dog sled to treat Alaskan earthquake refugees. She also worked at a women’s prison, training inmates to work as her assistants.
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Vicarious liability is a crucial coverage to have on a professional liability policy, especially if you are an employer dentist. The employer dentist is responsible for the actions of all of their staff, including employee dentists. Therefore, if an employee dentist causes injury to a patient, the employer dentist can be named in that claim as well.
The PPP has encountered vicarious liability claims where the employee dentist was at fault, but had lower policy limits than the employer dentist. In one specific claim, the employee dentist’s malpractice carrier took a “no pay” position and pointed to the employer’s policy limits to respond to the claim. Even though the employer dentist never treated the patient, his policy had to pay out a settlement of over $2,000,000 and almost $120,000 in legal expenses.
Dentists insured with the PPP are offered vicarious liability and their defense expenses are paid in addition to the limit. This is a feature that not all professional liability policies have. If a PPP dentist has a claim, the legal costs and fees to defend the claim are not taken out of the dentist’s policy limits.
For more information on PPP, please visit https://www.protectorplan.com/.
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