HONORING A DECADES-LONG - FRIENDSHIP p8 - NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE - University at Buffalo School of Dental ...
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NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE WINTER 2021
HONORING A
DECADES-LONG
FRIENDSHIP p8
To Alumni and Friends of the UB School of Dental Medicine,
As someone who lived through the turmoil of the 80’s, it’s fair to say that this has been
the most challenging year in recent memory. “Wear Your Mask”, “Social Distance” and
similar slogans will be embedded in our collective consciousness for years to come.
First and foremost in my mind and in the minds of everyone at the School is the
health and safety of our patients, students, faculty, and staff. We have gone through
extraordinary planning and implemented protocols throughout the School to provide a
safe and secure environment. Like you, most people in our School have been touched by
the pandemic whether through sickness, isolation, or the death of family and friends.
In this issue of UB Dentist, there are stories from our students about the disruption
COVID has caused to their lives and education. But through unflagging attention to
infection control, surveillance testing, research laboratory planning and commitment
to process by our faculty and staff, we continue to fulfill our mission.
We are making progress on renovations in Squire Hall. Last month, the Cunat
Conference Room in the Department of Orthodontics opened. This month, construction
begins on the Buhite-DiMino Center for Advanced Education and Dentistry. A few
FROM
weeks ago, the Stephanie T. Niciszewska-Mucha and Joseph J. Mucha Patient Welcome
Center opened. These projects together with our already completed Simulation Facility
and dental unit replacement program represent about half of the improvements
THE
planned for Squire Hall.
The School is assisting in the COVID vaccination program. In
DEAN
addition to the Governor’s vaccination site established this week
in Harriman Hall, we’ve applied to become a Point of Distribution
for the COVID vaccine. To support this and the state’s program,
more than 100 faculty and students have volunteered to assist in the
vaccination program.
We are extremely grateful for the extraordinary support we’ve received over the past
year. A challenge grant last spring of $50,000 from the UB Dental Alumni Association
and a matching grant of $50,000 this winter from the 8th District Dental Society
provided desperately needed money for our Student Emergency Fund. A $1 million gift
from the Sunstar Foundation is being matched through the SUNY Chancellors office
to establish the Sunstar Robert J. Genco Endowed Chair in Oral Biology. Our long-time
benefactor, Dr. Murray Rosenthal, continues to support dental student education,
making a critical difference in the lives of 20 alums and counting. And there has been
an outpouring of support from industry and individual donors for the Sebastian
G. Ciancio Chautauqua Dental Congress and the Sebastian G. Ciancio Memorial
Symposium scheduled for this fall.
Finally, there is light at the end of the COVID tunnel. Many of our students, faculty and
staff have received the first of the COVID vaccinations. I anticipate that by the spring,
most will have been fully immunized. And just yesterday, President Tripathi and
Provost Weber announced plans to return this fall to in-person instruction throughout
the University. That will be an important sign pointing toward the end of the pandemic.
Until then, I encourage all of our alumni and friends to follow the recommendations
and to stay safe.
Joseph J. Zambon DDS, PhD
Dean and SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor
University at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine
ON THE COVER:
IN
THIS
Sunstar Group Chairman
Hiroo Kaneda (left) and
Dr. Robert J. Genco greet
each other in 2003, as they
did in 1986 in the inset photo. ISSUE WINTER 2021
UBDentist
News from the University at Buffalo
School of Dental Medicine
UB Dentist is published three
times a year by the School of
Dental Medicine.
Winter 2021 | 21-DEN-001
SDM EDITORIAL GROUP
8
SUNSTAR
ROBERT J. GENCO
10
DENTAL EDUCATION
ADAPTS TO COVID
16
ROSENTHAL
SCHOLARS
Pamela C. Jones, PhD ENDOWED CHAIR
Assistant Dean COVID brought many Recipients recall a special
School of Dental Medicine
IN ORAL BIOLOGY changes to dental education, scholarship that comes with
Sherry Szarowski
The chair will recognize some of which may be so much more.
Alumni Coordinator gifted teachers who are also permanent.
UB Dental Alumni Association scholars who facilitate medical
and dental collaboration.
Joseph L. Rumfola, ’02
Clinical Assistant Professor
Kevin J. Hanley, ’78
Treasurer, UB Dental Alumni
Association
4 NEWS BRIEFS
Grove Potter
Managing Editor 15 REMEMBERING SEBASTIAN CIANCIO
David Donati 24 UBDAA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Art Director and Designer
26 CE COURSE CALENDAR
Office of the Dean
325 Squire Hall
28 CLASS NOTES / IN MEMORIAM
Buffalo NY 14214-8006
(716) 829-2836 30 ALUMNI NEWS
pcjones@buffalo.edu
dental.buffalo.edu
UB Dental Alumni Association
337 Squire Hall
Buffalo NY 14214-8006
800-756-0328, ext. 2
(716) 829-2061
Fax: (716) 829-3609
ss287@buffalo.edu
Publication of UB Dentist is made possible by the generous support
dental.buffalo.edu/alumni
of the University at Buffalo Dental Alumni Association.
NewsBriefs
1
Faculty and Oral Diagnostic Sciences Pennsylvania. He earned a Dr. Patrick
Welcome to: Pamela Certificate in Orthodontics Battista
Staff Transitions
Fuhrman (Dental Assistant), and Dentofacial Orthopedics accepted
Since July 2020, the Alyaa Kattoof (Educator). from BronxCare Health the role of
School has welcomed Goodbye to: Alan Ruttenberg System, Department of Predoctoral
a number of new faculty (10 yr), Joseph Capuana, ’79, Dentistry at Icahn School of Clinical Group
BATTISTA
and staff, lost a few and GPR Cert.,’80 (passing away Medicine at Mount Sinai. His Leader. Dr.
advanced others. after 40 years of service in PhD in Biomedical Sciences Battista became a faculty
June 2020). is from Augusta University. member at UB in 2012. He
Clinical Dentistry
received his DDS in 2009,
Welcome to: Susan Camizzi Dr. Yoly Periodontics and Certificate in General Dentistry
(Infection Control Monitor), Gonzalez- Endodontics (’10) and Certificate in
Yvonne Cox and Obiamaka Stucker Welcome to: Janae Garofalo, Endodontics (’12) from UB. He
Alaku (Sterilization Supply accepted the ’19, Alicia Hulme, ’18, is currently Clinical Assistant
Technicians), Oneida de Jesus role of Interim Catherine Loveric, ’99, GPR Professor and Director of
(Dental Assistant), Brenden Chair when Cert., ’00 and Allyson
GONZALEZ-
Predoctoral Endodontics.
Lewandowski (Service and STUCKER Dr. Heidi Crow, Supowitz (Clinical Assistant
Repair Mechanic), Gina MS Oral Sci., Professors), Asal Barem Restorative Dentistry
Marsillo (Staff Assistant). ’91, TMD Cert., ’91, stepped (Clerical Assistant), Chika Welcome to: Samuel Carocci,
Goodbye to: Dwight Beverly, down in October. Dr. Crow Kobayashi (Dental Assistant). ’86, GPR Cert., ’87, Casey
Janice Blinston (retiring after served for 6 years as Chair. Goodbye to: Stephen Abel Depauw, AEGD, ’20, Tyler
20 years), Tiffany Jordan, Thank you so much. (retiring after 7 years), Joseph Ferguson, Rafael Khavis, ’19,
Christine Lee (retiring after Breloff, ’75, John Lazarus, ’85 AEGD, ’20, Michael Marrone,
35 years, but rehired as IDP Dr. Gonzalez has been a (16 yr), Michael Levine, ’71, ’84, Alexander Sikora, ’19,
Coordinator), Sharmain faculty member at UB since PhD Oral Biol.,’72 (retiring MS Biomat., ’16, and Niusha
Robinson. 1991. She is currently again after 45 years) and Zohur, ’06, (Clinical Assistant
Associate Professor and Timothy Violante, ’15, MS Professors), David DiPalma,
Office of Information Director of the Advanced Oral Sci.,’11, Perio Cert.,’18. ’17 (Clinical Instructor/
Resources Education Program in Also a very sad goodbye to Implant Fellow), LaKishia
Goodbye to: Kevin Baron Orofacial Pain. She holds Sebastian Ciancio (passing Varner (Dental Hygienist),
and Kelli Sieber. DDS degrees from the away in October; see pg. 7). Jessica Scates (Staff
Universidad Central de
Associate).
Oral and Maxillofacial Venezuela and from the Dr. Robert
Surgery Goodbye to James Hoddick
University at Buffalo (’05). Schifferle
Welcome to: Sanil Nigalye, (retiring after 27 years),
She has Certificates in TMD accepted the
’01, Oral Surg. Cert., ’07 Joshua Hutter, ’15, Zachary
and Orofacial Pain (’96) and position of
and Armando Uribe-Rivera Teach, ’14, AEGD, ’15.
Periodontics (’02). Her Interim Chair
(Clinical Assistant Professors) Master’s degree is in Oral when Dr. Ciancio Drs. Latifa Bairam, Pros
SCHIFFERLE
Sciences (’95). She also stepped down Cert.,’81, MS Oral Sci.,’84,
Oral Biology
received a Master of Public last year after 51 years as Dana Keblawi, ’17, Pros
Welcome to: Christian
Health from UB. chair. Dr. Schifferle has been Cert.,’08, MS Oral Sci.,’09,
Ahearn and Lu Li
teaching since 1984 at UB. Christopher Pusateri, ’02,
(Postdoctoral Fellows), Carly Orthodontics He is currently Professor and Pros Cert.,’05, MS Oral
Hoffmann, Matthew Welcome to: Heather Waddy Clinical Director of the Peri- Sci.,’08 and Lata Shenoy, ’77,
Smardz, and Michele (Staff Assistant), Ashish Gurav odontal Disease Research Pros Cert.,’82, were promoted
Sveinsson (Research (Assistant Professor-FT) Center. He received both to Clinical Associate
Technicians), Dimiter Kunnev
his DDS in 1981 and PhD in Professor. Dr. Bairam also
(Research Scientist). Dr. Gurav has dental degrees Oral Biology (’93) degrees accepted the role of Senior
Goodbye to: Peter Pajic and from the Maharashtra from UB. His Certificate in Clinical Group Leader.
Sasikumar Ponnusamy. University of Health Sciences, Periodontology and MMSc
Nair Hospital Dental College in Oral Biology are from
and the University of Harvard University.
4 UBDentist WINTER 2021
NewsBriefs
2
Dr. Eugena
Stephan
accepted the
position of Awards and Honors
Assistant Dean
A number of students, staff and faculty received awards and
for Clinical
STEPHAN honors during this academic year. These include:
Affairs replacing
Dr. Mary Bush. Dr. Stephan is
Sebastiano Jaewon Kim, Resident
Clinical Associate Professor
Andreana, Professor, in Periodontics: 1st
and Predoctoral Clinical
Restorative Dentistry: place poster at the
Group Director. She has over
International Team for Saudi International
27 years of teaching
Implantology (ITI) Periodontics Confer-
experience. Her DMD is from
Fellow. ence. Mentored by
the University of Medicine ANDREANA KIM
Dr. Praveen Arany,
and Dentistry of New Jersey,
Susan Camizzi, Department of Oral Biology; 2020
and her Certificate in
Infection Control American Academy of Periodontol-
Prosthodontics (’92) and PhD
Monitor: President of ogy (AAP) Nobel Biocare Student
in Oral Biology (’98) are from
the American Dental Scholarship.
UB. The Class of 2020 named
Assistant Association.
her Educator of the Year.
Sehie Koh, Class of
Congratulations Gina! CAMIZZI
2021 Dental Student:
Sheryl Harvey, 2020 Oral Health
Student and
Academic Registrar, Academic Foundation Student
Affairs Affairs: Recognition Scholarship from the
Dr. Mary Bush for 50 years Pierre Fauchard
KOH
accepted the of service to the Academy.
position of University at Buffalo.
HARVEY
BUSH Interim Assistant Hyuk-Jae Edward
Dean for Dana Keblawi, Clinical Kwon, Assistant
Student Affairs, Community Associate Professor, Professor, Oral Biology:
and Professional Initiatives Restorative Dentistry: 2020 K UB Clinical and
replacing Dr. Stephen Abel SDM 2020 Richard A. Translational Science
who retired. Thanks much to Powell Award as Institute (CTSI) Scholar.
KWON
Dr. Abel for his service to outstanding dental
KEBLAWI
students and to community educator. Stefan Ruhl, Professor,
initiatives. Oral Biology: 2020 UB
Denise Kennedy, Exceptional Scholar,
Dr. Bush is currently Operations Manager, Sustained Achievement
Associate Professor in Academic Affairs: Award; American
Restorative Dentistry. She SDM 2020 Charles S. Association for the
RUHL
previously served as Lipani Award for Advancement of
Assistant Dean for Clinical exceptional service. Science (AAAS) Fellow. Ruhl was
Affairs and Predoctoral KENNEDY
recognized for his distinguished
Clinical Group Director. She contributions to the field of oral
has served at UB as a faculty biology, particularly for work on
member since 2005. Her glycan-mediated microbial adhesion
DDS (’99) and Certificate in in the oral cavity. Congratulations
Advanced Education in on this prestigious distinction!
General Dentistry (’00) are
from UB.
WINTER 2021 UBDentist 5
NewsBriefs
3 Construction Update
Just a few weeks ago the new
Patient Welcome Center opened
its windows to patients. The
lettering above the main feature of the
Stephanie T. Niciszewska- Mucha and Joseph
J. Mucha Patient Welcome Center is up, as
well as most of the walls, and counters.
Furniture is being set up in the back offices,
and network/data connections are being 1
installed, and the rest of the staff who will
be occupying the space are getting excited.
The construction on the John Cunat
Orthodontics Conference Room has been
completed. And it is open for education.
Thanks to so many who donated to make
the renovation a success.
Now on to the next phase of construction—the
Buhite-DiMino Center for Advanced Education
and Dentistry. Over the past month dental
chairs have been removed so renovations in
the 1st floor clinic can commence. Here is an
image of the floor plan.
1
2
3
4
1-3. REMODELED FRONT ENTRANCE TO SQUIRE HALL AND MAIN FEATURE OF THE PATIENT WELCOME CENTER; 4. SKETCH OF THE BUHITE-DIMINO CENTER FOR
ADVANCED EDUCATION AND DENTISTRY
6 UBDentist WINTER 2021
1
2
3 4
1. VIEW LOOKING OUT FROM THE PATIENT WELCOME CENTER; 2. OFFICE AREA IN THE PATIENT WELCOME CENTER; 3-4. JOHN CUNAT ORTHODONTICS
CONFERENCE ROOM
WINTER 2021 UBDentist 7
PHOTO BY DOUGLAS LEVERE
Sunstar Robert J. Genco
Endowed Chair in Oral Biology
I
n honor of the late Robert Genco, DDS,
PhD, a longtime professor and prolific
researcher in the University at Buffalo’s
School of Dental Medicine, multinational
oral health care company Sunstar Group has
donated $1 million to establish a new endowed
fund in Genco’s name.
It’s a fitting tribute to the 40-plus year partnership Genco
spearheaded for UB with the Japan-based Sunstar, which has led
to numerous pioneering advancements in periodontal health.
By Marcene Robinson “Dr. Genco guided Sunstar’s research and development at
UB and we sincerely appreciated his long-term support,
friendship and trust. He holds a special place in our hearts,”
said Mayumi Kaneda, Sunstar Foundation director. “He was a
visionary with science and technology and our chairman, my
father Hiroo Kaneda, is a visionary with business and
society—the two had a special bond. Together with UB, we
hope this funding will help the dental profession better and
more widely interact with the medical industry and bioinfor-
matics for the improvement of global public health.”
8 UBDentist WINTER 2021
SUNSTAR FOUNDATION DIRECTOR, MAYUMI KANEDA, PAYS
TRIBUTE TO ROBERT GENCO AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE ON
OCTOBER 11, 2019 AT UB.
“I was so pleased when I heard the news, and all I could
think of was how proud Bob would be to receive this honor.
Bob believed in inspiring and encouraging people through
recognition of their hard work,” Genco’s widow, Frances,
YASUHIRO
said. “I hope when people hear about this endowed chair, KATSURAGI,
they will honor what Bob stood for and will uphold his EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR OF
beliefs, not just about science, but his optimism and genuine THE SUNSTAR
interest in people and his warmness as a human being. FOUNDATION
IN 2019, HOLDS
“I’m very thankful to UB and the Sunstar Teams, I know
UP A PHOTO
they loved Bob and respected his work and his life, and they OF SUNSTAR
all pitched in to make this happen.” COLLEAGUES
WEARING UB
The Sunstar Robert J. Genco Endowed Chair in Oral CAPS THAT
Biology will be a new faculty position that recognizes and ROBERT GENCO
GAVE THEM
supports faculty who are not only gifted teachers but also MANY YEARS AGO.
scholars, researchers, and applied learning innovators, and KATSURAGI IS
who facilitate medical and dental collaboration in oral biology WEARING HIS CAP.
and periodontal medicine in the School of Dental Medicine.
The holder of the chair may also serve as a liaison between
UB and Sunstar to continue Genco’s research legacy. guished Teaching Professor and dean of the School of Dental
The endowed fund established by Sunstar also is part of Medicine. “I also had the good fortune to work with many
the innovative State University of New York (SUNY) Scholars outstanding young researchers from Sunstar early in my
of Excellence program, a giving incentive program funded career. The more than 40-year collaboration between Sunstar
by SUNY that supplements philanthropic investments to and UB culminating in the Sunstar Robert J. Genco Endowed
create endowed chairs and professorships and enable SUNY Chair in Oral Biology is a fitting tribute to the person who
institutions to fill these roles more expeditiously. shared Chairman Kaneda’s vision and made it a reality.”
A SUNY Distinguished Professor of Oral Biology, “Endowed faculty positions are critical to UB’s goal of
Periodontics and Microbiology, Genco passed away in March becoming a top 25 public university, so we are deeply
2019. He also held previous roles as UB Microbiome Center thankful to Sunstar for their generous investment in our
director, Department of Oral Biology chair, and UB Office of institutional mission,” said Rodney Grabowski, vice presi-
Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach vice dent for university advancement. “Our faculty research and
provost. The Journal of Dental Research described him as scholarship are among the hallmarks of UB and this is a gift
the “father of oral science.” that directly celebrates those attributes.”
“I had the honor of being a student and colleague of Bob’s The school anticipates that the Sunstar Robert J. Genco
for 40 years,” said Joseph J. Zambon, DDS, PhD, SUNY Distin- Endowed Chair will be appointed within the next year. UBD
WINTER 2021 UBDentist 9
DENTAL EDUCATI 10 UBDentist WINTER 2021
ON ADAPTS TO
COVID By Grove Potter
TRAINING TO BECOME A DENTIST HAS
NEVER BEEN EASY, but for current students
and residents the COVID pandemic has magnified
the challenge. Switching to all online classes,
limits on how many patients can be seen, changes
to protective garb and procedures, and increased
screening have all complicated studying and
clinical training.
WINTER 2021 UBDentist 11Dental Education Adapts to COVID
“I’m learning
how to get a little “It’s definitely
“We are seeing bit faster and a time when
about five have better time you have to be
patients per week management…” prepared to
instead of the —MIRA DALJEET adapt to change
usual 10.” quickly.”
—PETER DELIA —EVAN CONLEY
Yet through the array of threatening distractions, ZOOM LEARNING
students at the UB School of Dental Medicine have learned
to adapt and stay focused. First and second year students have spent considerable
“It’s certainly been a huge challenge,” said Peter Delia, hours in online classes, which pleases some but can be a bit
a fourth-year student and class president. Clinic work has frustrating to others. Recorded classes give the opportunity
been reduced because every other chair is kept empty to watch again and again, but open discussions are limited.
to reduce potential exposure. “We are seeing about five “I think a lot of people have had their studying
patients per week instead of the usual 10.” improved,” said Anthony Felli, second-year class president.
That limited chair time has created an unexpected Limits on when students can be in Squire Hall mean more
benefit for Mira Daljeet, a third-year orthodontics resident. time to focus on studying. “It’s pretty nice to be sitting on the
“I’m learning how to get a little bit faster and have better couch watching lectures, drinking a coffee in my pajamas.
time management, which will be helpful for me going into At first I didn’t like it, but now I’m embracing it.”
private practice.” Felli, a Marine Corps veteran who worked on offshore
The limits have forced students to appreciate each and oil rigs before coming to dental school, said his younger
every patient interaction. classmates excel at the academic side of training. “My class
“I think we focus more on each learning experience,” said is incredibly smart. I don’t think that the didactic portion of
third-year student Evan Conley. “Across the board in dental things has really changed for many people. If anything, I’d
school you’ll see something and it could be the only time you say it’s probably gotten a little better.”
see this until you are in practice five or 10 years from now. For Megan Leun, third-year class president, studying
We’re trying to always catalogue things away.” with friends has been a solid strategy throughout dental
As safety procedures changed, often very quickly, school, but the pandemic threw a wrinkle into the study
students had to react. “It’s definitely a time when you have to sessions. Rather than getting together in person to prepare
be prepared to adapt to change quickly,” Conley said. “If the for weekly tests, her group has been gathering in online
CDC comes up with a new way to protect patients or students, study sessions. “Zoom has been our best friend,” she said.
you have to make some change in the way you do things, and “I can share my screen so we can go over the PowerPoints
you don’t have a lot of time to implement changes.” all together. We’re able to see notes and we’ll ask each other
questions.”
12 UBDentist WINTER 2021“It’s pretty nice to
be sitting on the
couch watching
lectures, drinking
a coffee in my
pajamas.”
—ANTHONY FELLI
“Zoom has been our best friend.”
—MEGAN LEUN
While the pandemic prevents gathering in person, the finding out if they have been in contact with anyone else who
online study sessions become a version of social life, she said. may have been sick.”
“Studying with friends is what makes all the tests and The more protective garb is crucial for dentists and oral
quizzes bearable, because you’re going though it with other surgeons, who deal with a more acute threat than many
people,” she said. “Studying with my best friends, what’s other health professionals.
better than that?” “The head and neck area is one thing that makes us
Some of the changes brought by the pandemic were different from some of the other specialties,” Soliman said.
fleeting. Sohaib Soliman, one of two chief residents in “Dentistry, ENT, some of the head and neck surgeons, we
the oral and maxillofacial surgery program, said when work around the face, mouth and nose all the time. That’s the
outpatient clinics were closed at the outset in March, most highly transmissible portion of the body, and you can’t
students could join in online lectures from around the really cover it while we’re working.”
country. “It was pretty interesting because you’d be on a Daljeet, the third-year resident in orthodontics, said the
Zoom call with 200 or 300 residents around the country use of tele-dentistry has accelerated. It is used to check up on
all listening to the same lecture by a famous speaker. That patients or make initial contacts. “We set up a Zoom meeting
was one positive of COVID because we never get that and have a faculty attend the meeting with us, as well. We
opportunity to listen to other faculty or the programs to ask the patients to show us their progress. If they have metal
actually get that interactive learning.” braces, do they have any issues? They can show us their
issues just by getting close to the cameras.”
In one private practice, she said all retainer checks are
LASTING CHANGES being done by tele-dentistry. Doctors check to make sure
Perhaps the most immediate, and possibly permanent everything is still in place and that the patients are wearing
change for everyone is the increased personal protective their retainers. “It decreases chair time, and it’s really quick,
equipment. Soliman said face shields and N95 masks are and the patients don’t have to come in,” she said. “One thing
just part of increased safety procedures now. Patients also that everyone has learned from this whole thing is that
are being checked more carefully before treatment begins. remote is good in a lot of circumstances.”
“We’re checking our patients and doing more detailed Daljeet said another change could impact office
histories making sure that not only are they not sick, but architecture. Orthodontic practices today are very open
WINTER 2021 UBDentist 13Dental Education Adapts to COVID
“We’ve “I hope that we
restructured can get together
“The head and the course to as a class for a
neck area is one incorporate celebration when
thing that makes a modular things are a bit
us different from approach to more normal.”
some of the other learning.” —ALYSSA TETZO
specialties.” —KATHRYN PAWLAK
—SOHAIB SOLIMAN
spaces, but that may change. “With aerosol procedures, diligent, be more proactive when we’re taking care of
barriers between chairs become more important. So that ourselves, be more aware of our surroundings, be more
might be something design-wise they might look into.” aware of the patient. I have a wife and a daughter and I think
Kathryn Pawlak, a second-year resident in pediatric about them. What am I bringing home to them that might get
dentistry, said the COVID changes created opportunities to them sick? It’s not as simple anymore as just me.”
improve training. She helped adapt a course for third-year Pawlak said the pandemic made a professor’s advice about
dental students and made it richer. “We’ve restructured the precious opportunities available to students and residents
the course to incorporate a modular approach to learning. even more valuable. “He said, ’You have five coins, spend your
We teach clinical based dentistry in the course on a virtual coins wisely.’ We only have so many opportunities, so we want
platform through Zoom. Then we want them to have a to make the most of each opportunity, for learning, teaching
hands-on experience in the simulation lab at the medical and certainly we want to be efficient.”
school,” she said. “In the spring, we will have them learn how
to manage medical emergencies, to do CPR and how to do
intubation. It’s a really great learning opportunity.” GETTING TOGETHER, SOMEDAY
Some traditions were lost due to the pandemic. For fourth-
year students, the sudden changes in March had a poignant
LIFETIME SKILLS LEARNED impact.
Studying during a pandemic has forced students to face “When the school shut down on the 13th, none of us
serious, unexpected challenges, something that can knew it would be our last time stepping into Squire as dental
strengthen them as professionals. students,” said Alyssa Tetzo, a resident in the Advanced
“I’d say we are learning a valuable lesson about Education in General Dentistry program. The lack of a
adaptation,” said Delia, the fourth-year student. “In any formal commencement after spending fours years together
medical field you need to be able to adapt to changes, and created a longing for the class to gather as a group at some
I think this has kind of been the ultimate challenge for point. “It was an emotional day for many reasons. We were
adapting to unexpected circumstances.” proud of our accomplishments, yet it was a bit bittersweet.
For Soliman, the pandemic has placed a much greater I hope that we can get together as a class for a celebration
value on constant diligence. “It’s never a bad thing to be when things are a bit more normal.” UBD
14 UBDentist WINTER 2021Sebastian Ciancio
With deep sadness, I write to you to share the news
of the death of our friend and colleague, Dr. Sebastian
G. Ciancio, DDS, MS, SUNY Distinguished Service
Professor, and immediate past Chair of the Department of
Periodontology and Endodontics. Dr. Ciancio passed away
unexpectedly and will be sorely missed by everyone here
at the SDM and throughout the global dental and research
community. Dr. Ciancio leaves us with over 50 years of
dedicated service to this University.
Dr. Ciancio was one of the world’s leading figures in
periodontology, and he was the longest-serving department
chair in all of SUNY. Dr. Ciancio’s genius, tenacity, courage,
and leadership were overshadowed only by his exceptional
generosity, compassion, and long-term commitment to the
SDM and his loving wife Marilyn and their family.
Among his many achievements—he served as president
of both the American Academy of Periodontology and
the International Academy of Periodontology. He was the
founder and Director of the Center for Dental Studies,
adjunct Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, A PORTRAIT OF DR. SEBASTIAN CIANCIO ON THE MAIN STAGE IN THE CENTER FOR
and Consultant for the Veterans Administration Medical THE ARTS (CFA). PHOTOGRAPHED IN EARLY MARCH 2020 BY DOUGLAS LEVERE.
Center. He served as chair of the dental division of the
United States Pharmacopoeia, where he established
sections on the oral health effects of prescription drugs.
Dr. Ciancio published more than 150 papers in academic
journals, wrote more than 25 books and book chapters, incredibly fortunate to have known and interacted with
held two patents and served on numerous editorial him, and we are all the better for it. I am personally grateful
boards and professional committees. Dr. Ciancio was the for the invaluable counsel and advice Dr. Ciancio has given
recipient of national and international honors, including me over the years. He will be greatly missed by his family
the Distinguished Scientist Award in Pharmacology from as well as by the SDM community and the countless friends,
the International Association for Dental Research and colleagues, and students in many corners of the world.
the very first Presidential Citation from the American
We plan to celebrate Dr. Ciancio’s career and life at an
Association for Dental Research. Dr. Ciancio made an
upcoming symposium in his honor—“The Cutting Edge of
indelible impact on his students, colleagues, and the
Clinical Research in Oral Health,” to be held September 23–24.
profession. Dr. Ciancio mentored many of today’s leading
figures in research, academic dentistry, and industry. We extend our sincere condolences to Dr. Ciancio’s wife,
Marilyn, and the entire Ciancio family.
Dr. Ciancio was a true scholar in the very best sense of
the word and a very popular teacher. He always kept
his students’ attention with the depth and breadth of his
knowledge and his gentle approach to teaching. Most of all, —Joseph J. Zambon DDS, PhD
he was a generous friend and colleague who always had Dean and SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor
time to chat about anything and everything. He often talked University at Buffalo
about his family with much affection and pride. We all feel School of Dental Medicine
WINTER 2021 UBDentist 15Rosenthal Scholars
Rosenthal
Scholars
Recalling the impact of financial help and friendship
STORY BY NEIL DENGLER AND PAMELA JONES | PHOTO BY DOUGLAS LEVEREW
here does the time go? Twenty years ago,
Dr. Murray Rosenthal ’63, embarked
upon a journey to help students
in the School of Dental Medicine.
Over the years, not only have students over the country join us on Zoom. And
benefitted from Murray’s generous of course, there was Murray joining us
philanthropic support, but they’ve also from his apartment in New York, with his
developed friendships and attained a mentor Tony Awards proudly displayed in the
along the way. Dr. Rosenthal, who resides in background and the Empire State Building
New York City, has traveled to Buffalo twice a lit up outside his window,” Dengler said.
year—at his own expense—to better connect Former Rosenthal Family Scholarship
with his students. He has served as a friend recipients have gone on to do great things.
and a mentor and even collaborated on cases “Again, not having had contact with some
with his former students. of these folks in a few years, I think Murray
“In 1998, Eric Alcott (former Director of was in awe of their accomplishments,”
Development) came to my office to see if I Dengler said.
was interested in becoming a supporter of Several weeks later a virtual meet and
the School of Dental Medicine,” recalled Dr. greet with current dental school students
Murray Rosenthal. “After a few meetings, Sehie Koh, Marco Maronski and Bishoy “His generous
I felt I should give a bequest to the dental Seliman was hosted, in lieu of an actual
school, and a contract was signed in 1999 in-person gathering. These three students scholarship
for the purpose of providing scholarships
for dental students. With some thought
are the latest in the long line who have
benefitted from the Rosenthal Family
allowed me to
and some prompting from friends, I said to Scholarship. It’s amazing to see how many focus on what
myself, ‘Why not give a scholarship while
I’m alive? This will give me the opportunity
individuals have benefitted from one man’s
generosity and the ripple effect that his
was important
to get to know students.’ “ support has created. and not worry
“That may have been one of the most “Many have told me that they
important decisions of my life. Starting have benefitted from my support and so much about
in 2000, I have given annual scholarships experience. I encourage dentists to the finances.”
to students who have a financial need consider giving scholarships as I know it is
beginning in their sophomore year,” a win-win situation,” Rosenthal said. Kellie Alberry
Rosenthal said. “Every year since, I have
had a dinner with my recipients twice
Here are the Rosenthal Family Scholarship recipients, many of
yearly and have had a more ongoing
whom shared their reflections about the man and his impact
relationship with some during their final
on their lives and careers:
three years in school. Being a small part of
their lives has provided me with much joy.”
“Really the only downside to have
supported a scholarship for so many years
is you naturally lose contact with some
A MENTOR AND A FRIEND
folks,” said Neil Dengler, senior director
of advancement for the school. Sadly, as a KELLIE A. ALBERRY, ’07, CERTIFICATE
result of the pandemic, Murray was not IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, ’09 AT
able to return to Western New York for his UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO; BOARD
semi-annual student dinners in 2020. CERTIFIED
With every challenge comes Kelli works at KiddSmiles
opportunity. “Murray and I got talking Pediatric Dentistry, Long Island,
and we discussed the idea of reconnecting NY, practicing with Stacy Cho, a
with some of his former scholars virtually. 2018 alumnus of the UB Pediatric
It was awesome. We had folks from all Dentistry program.
WINTER 2021 UBDentist 17Rosenthal Scholars
“Dr. Murray Rosenthal came into my “Becoming a dentist comes at a high
life around 17 years ago and has definitely cost, both in terms of commitment and
made a lasting impression. I was getting financially. Murray’s generous scholarship
acclimated to life in dental school and definitely aided me financially. But the
studying hard, yet also facing one of my monetary amount is only half of the
mother’s first exacerbations of her multiple scholarship; the other half is a relationship.
sclerosis. His generous scholarship allowed Murray’s mentorship and advice led me
me to focus on what was important and not to a career path in academia, and I couldn’t
worry so much about the finances. This be happier. I realized that Murray is so
remarkable man not only wanted to relieve passionate about his scholarship for more
the economic burden that some students than aiding students financially; it’s the
may face, but really wanted to get to know relationships he forms with the recipients—
all of us on a personal level. relationships that I now get to form with my
He was always very busy in private students.
practice and in public health service. He I was awarded the scholarship over 13
became a mentor, a friend, and someone years ago, and I’m honored that I still get
to aspire to be like. His passion for life, invited to the bi-annual dinners Murray
Broadway, public health dentistry, and holds for his current recipients. I look
philanthropy are just some of the reasons forward to these events every semester.
why it would be difficult to not love him. The pandemic has put a hold on these for
During school, I always looked forward now, but modern technology via Zoom has
to our dinners with him, hearing his allowed me to maintain contact with Murray
fascinating stories about his life and sharing on a biweekly basis. I actually see him more
my stories as well. After graduation, we now than before. I can honestly say that
have always kept in touch, mostly through without Dr. Murray Rosenthal, I would not
e-mail. A few years ago, we worked together be where I am today.”
“I can developing a UB dental alumni chapter of
greater New York City. Life became very
honestly say busy as my family grew, but I often think of
GRATEFUL FOR
that without Murray. Hopefully in the near future, when
Broadway reopens, I would love to go to a CONTINUED ADVICE
Dr. Murray show with him.”
JASMIN K. DHANJAL, ’18, MBA ’18 AT
Rosenthal, I UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO;
GPR ’19 AT
would not be WOULDN’T BE HERE NEW YORK MEDICAL
where I am WITHOUT HIM
COLLEGE
today.” PATRICK J. BATTISTA, ’09, AEGD
Jasmin was the
first to complete
CERTIFICATE, ’10, CERTIFICATE IN
Patrick Battista a dual DDS/MBA
ENDODONTICS, ’12 AT UNIVERSITY
degree at UB. She
AT BUFFALO; BOARD CERTIFIED
practices general
Patrick is a full-time Clinical Assistant dentistry at Westend
Professor at UB, directing the predoctoral Dental LLC in Indianapolis, IN.
endodontics discipline and serving as a “The Rosenthal Family Scholarship
Clinical Group Director. He was named helped me in dental school in many ways.
the Educator of the Year in 2018 and Other than the financial burden it helped
2019. He also received an Endodontic lift, having a relationship with Dr. Rosenthal
Educator Fellowship Award from was by far the most rewarding. Being able to
the Foundation for Endodontics. He have a mentor like Dr. Rosenthal throughout
currently serves as the President of dental school really helped put things in
the Voting Faculty at the School. perspective for me personally.
18 UBDentist WINTER 2021Being the first UB DDS/MBA graduate, with me. He remembers all of us and is just
I had a lot of questions about what I could so thrilled to hear what we have been doing
do with my future. Dr. Rosenthal became since leaving school. His generosity and
someone I would talk to about my unique commitment to the future generations of
position and someone I could count on for dentists is very special to the school and to
advice and guidance. I realized through the students.
the years what my passion was in the field I paid for my education through student “He remembers
of dentistry, and how as a young dentist, I loans I took out myself. At the time the
would be able to accomplish the goals I had loans barely covered living expenses, and all of us and is
in mind. I took a part-time job waiting tables on the just so thrilled
Despite being out of school for almost weekends. I clearly remember having about
two years now, I am happy that I still have $100 to my name when I was awarded the to hear what
a similar relationship with Dr. Rosenthal.
Although it is now mostly through e-mail,
scholarship. It allowed me to work less and
continue to focus on my studies and not
we have been
I am sure to reach out to him with updates have the stress of not being able to pay for doing since
on what is going on in my life and see what rent, groceries, etc. I think of Dr. Rosenthal
exciting things he is up to in his. I do miss often and his generosity and passion for leaving school.”
meeting up with him for dinners and talking dentistry and for the arts. I look forward to Jason Grinter
about his latest adventures in theatre, but seeing him in person very soon!”
being able to count on him after the end of
the scholarship makes me grateful.” JOSHUA M. HAREMZA, ’05; GPR ’06 AT
STRONG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Joshua practices in family dentistry
SCHOLARSHIP in Palmyra, NY. He received the 2010
Dental Towne Choice Award.
RELIEVED STRESS He also serves as a dental
JASON M. GRINTER, ’04; GPR ’05 product evaluator.
AT ADVOCATE ILLINOIS MASONIC “The scholarship
MEDICAL CENTER; MPH ’10 AT helped me by offsetting
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS some of the cost of school
and afforded me the
Jason practices at Park
opportunity to meet Dr.
City Dental in Rockford,
Rosenthal, who I think very
IL, and operates ONSITE
highly of.”
Dental providing care
on-site at schools,
nursing homes and
community centers.
He previously served
as Dental Director at
Milestone Dental Clinic,
one of the leading non-profit
dental clinics exclusively treating patients
with developmental disabilities. He was also
Director of Special Patient Care at Advocate
Illinois Masonic Medical Center. He was the
Lead Oral Health Advocate for DentaQuest
from 2008-2015. He is also a Past President
of the Special Care Dentistry Association.
“Dr. Rosenthal has been a mentor and
friend to all of the scholarship recipients
through school and long after. He often says
we are his kids and that has always stayed
WINTER 2021 UBDentist 19Rosenthal Scholars
‘NOTHING BUT GRATITUDE’ “I was a father of three school-aged
children and attended dental school, so
CALEB HOLMES, ’19; GPR ’20 AT the scholarship was enormously helpful
ROCHESTER GENERAL HOSPITAL to me. The annual dinners with Murray
Caleb, originally from Cuba, NY, and the other scholarship recipients were
returned to practice in the area with alumni, also helpful. He had wide ranging interests
J. Nicholas Porcello, ’04, and David unrelated to dentistry that gave him joy. He
Lamb, ’12, at Valley View Dental in was inspirational.”
Alleghany, NY.
“The scholarship I
received through the generosity
of Dr. Rosenthal helped me A MENTOR AND FRIEND
immensely. Throughout dental JOSEPH D. MELUNI, ’20; CURRENTLY A
school, I lived as frugally as GPR RESIDENT AT ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL
possible just to get by. With the help HEALTH CENTER IN SYRACUSE, NY
of this scholarship, I was able to worry
While a student, he along with
less about finances and focus on doing
classmates, Ronald Lowe and Lawrence
well in school and becoming a competent
Nguyen, created Saving Smiles, Inc., with a
clinician. I have nothing but gratitude and
“The world would esteem for Dr. Rosenthal.
mission to financially assist underserved
children who have undergone cancer
be a much better Dr. Rosenthal took the time to e-mail
me and check on how I was doing in school
treatment to obtain essential dental work.
“The cost of dental school is a real
place if everyone as well as in life... and still does even after
burden. Dr. Murray Rosenthal’s generous
graduation. During dental school, Dr.
were so gracious.” Rosenthal would make the trip from NYC
scholarship fund certainly helped ease some
of that burden over my final three years of
Caleb Holmes
to Buffalo and take his scholars to a nice
dental school. Murray and I stay in touch
dinner every single semester. I really can’t
via e-mail and will make a point of grabbing
thank you enough Dr. Rosenthal. The world
lunch/dinner together when he is in town.
would be a much better place if everyone
He has taken a role as a mentor as I begin my
were so gracious.”
dental career.”
KRISTIN M. LAWSON, ’12; CERTIFICATE
IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, ’14 AT
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IN COLUMBUS, ALLOWED ME TO ENTER
OHIO, MS DENTISTRY, ’14 AT OHIO STATE
UNIVERSITY; BOARD CERTIFIED
PUBLIC HEALTH
LUKE-HIEU Q. NGUYEN, ’13; CURRENTLY A
Kristin practices at Just for Kids
RESIDENT IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AT THE
Pediatric Dentistry in Scarborough, ME,
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON CENTER FOR
and works as an Assistant Clinical Professor
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
at University of New England College of
Dental Medicine. Luke previously practiced in north east
Arizona and then Cherokee, Oklahoma. He
was active in several councils of the
Oklahoma Dental Association, and
ROSENTHAL IS is a graduate of the ODA 2017
‘INSPIRATIONAL’ Leadership Academic Class.
“The financial assistance
ANTHONY R. LISTER, ’06; GPR ’07 AT
helped me tremendously.
ROSWELL PARK CANCER CENTER
It allowed me the flexibility
Anthony owns a private practice in Old
to go into public health and
Forge in Central New York. He previously served
serve in rural communities in
as a GPR Program Director at Rochester General
the Midwest and the Southwest,
Hospital and Roswell Park Cancer Center.
20 UBDentist WINTER 2021and return for my pediatric training. Equally, TREASURING PERSONAL
I had the opportunities to meet and learn
from other Rosenthal scholars during our
CONNECTION
annual dinners. AMBER L. ROSENBERG SHAY, ’16, AEGD ’17,
Murray and I e-mailed back and forth AT UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO
throughout the years. In 2019, I had a CE in
Amber practices general dentistry at
NYC and we arranged to have dinner at one
Rosenberg Dental in Cheektowaga, NY.
of Dr. Rosenthal’s theater friends’ ’hanging
She is a part-time Clinical Assistant
out’ dining spots. In 2020, I attended his
Professor in the Department of
Zoom reunion, where I met many of the
Restorative Dentistry at UB. She is
Rosenthal scholars before my time at SDM. It
also active in organized dentistry.
has always been a great time to catch up with
“When I decided I wanted to be a
Dr Rosenthal and hear many of his stories.”
dentist, I knew that it would require
a huge investment of time and money
EMILY W. PETERS, ’08; GPR ’09 AT ST.
to reach my goals. Dr. Murray Rosenthal’s
JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL HEALTH CENTER IN
scholarship was immensely helpful in
SYRACUSE, NY
easing the financial burden. I especially love “I especially
Emily practices general dentistry in that Murray takes the time to get to know
Alexandria Bay, NY. his scholars, and we get to know each other. love that
As a student, it was great to have that
personal connection with Murray and the
Murray takes
older students, and it’s nice to get to know the time to get
‘AMAZING MAN AND
AN INSPIRATION’
the younger scholars more closely now that
I’m a member of the faculty. While COVID
to know his
BURTON L. RANKIE, ’10; CERTIFICATE
has delayed some recent gatherings, I’m scholars, and
looking forward to a reunion soon!”
IN ORTHODONTICS AND DENTOFACIAL we get to know
ORTHOPEDICS, ’12 AT EASTMAN INSTITUTE
FOR ORAL HEALTH each other.”
Burton practices at White Mountain UPLIFTING AND Amber Rosenberg
Orthodontics in Naples, ME. He is also part ENCOURAGING
of the Jessie Albert Dental & Orthodontic
KATELYN R. SEABACK, ’11; GPR ’12 AT ELLIS
Center, giving back to the underserved
HOSPITAL DENTAL HEALTH CENTER IN
community; and Maine Medical Center
SCHENECTADY, NY
Cleft Lip and Palate Team. He is involved
in continuing education on a regional and She practices at The Smile Zone
national level. in Albany, NY, where she enjoys
“I am so grateful for Dr. Rosenthal’s surgical procedures, cosmetic
help, support and most importantly cases, as well as helping
friendship. The financial burden of dental many patients receive care
school is tremendous, and Dr. Rosenthal’s despite dental anxiety. She
gift certainly helped relieve some of the has participated in annual
stress of financing my education. The most dental mission trips to Mexico,
meaningful part of my experience was the Dominican Republic, Tennessee, and
interactions I have had with Dr. Rosenthal through the NY State Mission of Mercy.
while at UB and beyond. He truly is an “While in dental school, the scholarship
amazing man and an inspiration.” allowed me to take out less in loans and
therefore reduce my overall student debt
after graduation. The financial burden of
dental school was a weight that I carried
mentally and often contributed to the
overall stress of dental school, knowing that
WINTER 2021 UBDentist 21Rosenthal Scholars
“During dental the debt I was accruing was so significant. Memphis, Fall 2016). As anyone who has
So, it was such a relief to receive this been on one of these dental mission trips
school, Murray scholarship and know that it would help will tell you, the trips are unforgettable and
was such a make it easier for me to pay off my student
loans faster after graduation.
life changing to say the least! Many students,
like myself, paid entirely for school with
great positive In addition to the obvious financial student loans, so anytime that debt load can
aid, receiving the scholarship helped me be lessened is a true blessing!
influence, always form relationships with other scholarship While finishing up dental school, Dr.
uplifting and recipients, and especially with Murray. Murray would always try to meet up with
During dental school, Murray was such a the recipients while he was in town for the
encouraging.” great positive influence, always uplifting BNDM, which always ended with an evening
and encouraging. It was such a blessing to full of great stories and laughs! We’ve
Katelyn Seaback
have the financial and more importantly connected a few times via e-mail since, but
emotional support from Murray during this is a nice reminder for another message
dental school. to be sent!”
After dental school, I maintained a
relationship with Murray, visiting with
him in NYC, going to a Broadway show and
dinner together. Since having kids in the ‘AN ANSWERED PRAYER’
past couple years, and then halting all travel DENISE C. (BROWN) SWASTY, ’03;
and socializing due to Covid, I haven’t seen CERTIFICATE AND MS IN ORTHODONTICS,
him in a while, but we still keep in touch by ’06 AT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT SAN
e-mail and with holiday cards. I look forward FRANCISCO
to bringing my young boys to NYC in the next
Denise has offices in Summerville, West
couple years so they can meet Murray and
Ashley, and Goose Creek in South Carolina
see the city through his bright cheerful eyes.”
and also owns Kidz Planet
Pediatric Dentistry with
five offices throughout
ALLOWED ME TO MAKE the Lowcountry of
South Carolina.
SERVICE TRIPS “Dr. Rosenthal’s
COLE A. STAINES, ’17; CERTIFICATE IN scholarship was a
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, ’19, AND MSD AT Godsend. Since I was an
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY out-of-state student, my
Cole practices at Issaqueena Pediatric student loans did not cover
Dentistry in Clemson and Seneca, SC. all of my educational expenses.
He completed a course though the I had no cash personally and took the
Virginia Leadership in Education in deficit through a decreased room and board
Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, allowance. As a result, I ran out of money a
and has a focus in practice on couple of weeks prior to my second semester
serving children with special loan disbursement and subsequently ran out
healthcare needs. of food in my apartment.
“Receiving the scholarship helped Luckily, at that time we had an ASDA
provide opportunities in dental school meeting and a couple of large pizzas were
that otherwise may not have been possible. left over afterwards. I brought one home
BOCA and RAM trip travel expenses are and that was my entire meal plan for a week.
typically out of pocket for the student. Dr. When I received the Rosenthal Family
Rosenthal’s scholarship facilitated paying Scholarship, I never had to worry about
for these expenses for me, allowing me to going without food again. It was truly an
get both clinical and life experience along answered prayer. Ironically, I currently live
the way (BOCA—San Francisco de Macoris, on Murray Boulevard and, yes, I still like to
Dominican Republic, Summer 2015; RAM— eat pizza—just not every day.
22 UBDentist WINTER 2021Murray and I have exchanged a few ‘HEARTWARMING AND
e-mails over the years. I regret not reaching
out more frequently. My life has been
UNFORGETTABLE’
extremely busy between owning multiple MICHELLE L. ZOCCOLILLO, ’15; MD, ’18
practices, actively practicing orthodontics AT LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
four days a week, and as a mom to my 12-year- HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER, WHERE SHE IS
old son, and a wife (I nearly left out my CURRENTLY IN HER LAST YEAR
husband. At least he can fend for himself!). OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL
I do hope to get back in touch on a more SURGERY RESIDENCY
regular basis and I am forever grateful for
Next year she will be doing
the scholarship, which not only provided
a yearlong orthognathic/TMJ
much of my food budget but also the gas
fellowship in Charlotte, NC.
money to get back home during the summer
“I am honored to have been a
and holidays to visit and stay with my five
recipient of the Rosenthal Family
younger sisters. I would like to extend a
Scholarship while attending UB
huge ’thank you’ to Dr. Rosenthal. He rocks!”
Dental School. It did bring some piece
of mind as a dental student while helping
me to minimize my student debt load.
SOMEONE TO EMULATE More importantly though, the scholarship
offered a connection with Murray and the
LAUREN E. VITKUS, ’14; CERTIFICATE other scholarship recipients which was “I would like to
IN ORTHODONTICS, ’17 AT EASTMAN
INSTITUTE OF ORAL HEALTH, MS, ’17,
heartwarming and unforgettable.
I really enjoyed getting to know
extend a huge
IN DENTAL SCIENCE AT UNIVERSITY OF
ROCHESTER SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND
everyone at our dinners. Murray is a ’thank you’ to
remarkable man and he has the best stories!
DENTISTRY Murray and I still keep in touch via e-mail Dr. Rosenthal.
Lauren owns two orthodontic practices and I’m looking forward to meeting up again He rocks!.”
located in Central New York. She serves on when things get back to some kind
the AAO Council on Communications and of normal.” Denise (Brown) Swasty
the ADA New Dentist Committee.
“In the short term, the financial assistance
eased the burden of the cost of dental school.
Bigger picture, this scholarship showed me These are amazing stories and testify to what
firsthand how supportive and inspiring can come from supporting young dentists and
the UB dental school community can be. nurturing the family of UB School of Dental
Murray’s generosity and kindness are Medicine.
something we can and should all
try to emulate. I have been For information on how you can support
very fortunate to remain or perhaps even create a scholarship and
connected to Murray develop the kinds of mentoring relationships
all these years later. that Murray Rosenthal now has with these
My fondest memory scholars, please contact Neil Dengler at
is when Murray and I (716) 881-7486 or ndengler@buffalo.edu. UBD
caught up over dinner
and then saw a play in
New York City.”
WINTER 2021 UBDentist 23UB DENTAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ADDS NEW
MEMBERS AND SEEKS MORE
Story by Kevin Hanley, ’78
FOR YEARS, the UB Dental Alumni alumni booth and spoke with Dr. Charles “I joined the Executive Council because
Association (UBDAA) has operated with Marchetta about the organization. “I I wanted a way to stay involved with the
an Executive Council of Past Presidents. approached Dr. Marchetta and asked school and give back in some way. As a
The Council has always looked for new how to get involved with UBDAA. I think student, I was always very appreciative
blood to assist it in its mission of aiding it is really important recent grads take of the resources and events the
the UB School of Dental Medicine in any part in learning from those alumni UBDAA offered. I want to help ensure
way possible. The Alumni Association who have been helping the school for both students and alumni are able to
has always been there when the dental many years so that there continues to enjoy the many benefits the Alumni
school needs assistance of any kind. be a strong organization to support the Association provides for years to come.”
Its mission is to aid students during dental school and its students for years Dr. Kolber is currently splitting her
their education in hopes that recent to come.” time as an attending at Erie County
graduates would see the importance of Once Dr. Mooney joined the Medical Center and as an associate
the Association and volunteer their time Executive Council, she learned about all with the Buffalo Dental Group.
and talents so the UBDAA can continue the association does for the school and Dr. John Eberz, Class of 2003, said
its efforts. the students. “I had not realized this he joined “to get involved with the
These volunteers have been few and before. I am very thankful for my time dental school community, form deeper
far between in past years. However, at the dental school and proud to be a connections with dental students and
that is changing. In the past two years, UBSDM alumna. I am very excited to be colleagues, and give a private practice
seven alumni have joined the Executive part of the Executive Council so we can perspective” to the organization.
Council. We asked these individuals why provide a continuous stream of support Dr. Eberz owns Healthy Smiles Family
they decided to join. The reasons are as to the school and students.” Dentistry in West Seneca, NY, and is also
varied as the individuals volunteering. Dr. Mooney resides in Leroy, NY, with a partner at Sheridan Family Dentistry in
However, one reason seems to be her husband Justin. She works as an the Town of Tonawanda, NY.
foremost in their reasoning: They all associate at Summit Family Dental in Dr. Amy Nagai, Class of 2009 and
want to help support the dental school Warsaw and Geneseo. She also serves as Pediatric Dental graduate UBSDM 2011,
and its mission. the Eighth District Dental Society’s New has consistently served in organized
Dr. Ashley Mooney, Class of 2017, was Dentist representative on NYSDA’s Council dentistry and leadership within the
attending the Buffalo Niagara Dental on Dental Education and Licensure. professional dental community. She
Meeting in 2019 with her classmate, Dr. Mooney’s classmate, Dr. Brooke said joining and serving on the UBDAA
Dr. Brooke Kolber. They stopped by the Kolber, echoes Dr. Mooney’s sentiments. Executive Council is another way to
Dr. Ashley Mooney Dr. Brooke Kolber Dr. John Eberz
24 UBDentist WINTER 2021You can also read
