Preparing Students for Successful Practice with Ergonomics in Dental Education
More than two-thirds of dentists lose days of practice each year because of unavoidable muscular-skeletal pain. University of Maryland Baltimore College of Dental Surgery Dean Christian S. Stohler has launched an initiative to bring renewed attention to ergonomics to dental education.
Starting with the current semester, every incoming student at the institution must take the course Ergonomics in Dentistry before he or she can practice simulations or live-patient dental work. The school wants to be the place where dentist and dental hygienists learn to practice ergonomically correct practices, says Dr. Stohler.
Retired Professor Dr. Michael M. Belenky has taught what he refers to as "human center ergonomics" at the school for many years. "We first ask a student to identify how he or she would like to stand for optimal visual and physical comfort and effectiveness," says Dr. Belenky. "Many dentists eventually need years of physical therapy, go to a chiropractor, or even have surgery, but seldom do you hear about the need for preventive solutions, the etiology of the problem."
Dr. Lance M. Rucker, Director of the Clinical Ergonomics and Simulation at the University of British Columbia, was recruited as the world's leading authority on dental ergonomics to kick off its course with a lecture and workshops. He greeted the new students with, "If you want to be a healthy, well-postured individual, statistically you have chosen the wrong profession. However, you do have a choice."
Nova Southeastern University Recognized for Community Commitment
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is one of the 115 U.S. colleges and universities that recently earned The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching's 2010 Community Engagement Classification.
"The classification acknowledges significant commitment to and demonstration of community engagement," said Carnegie Foundation President Dr. Anthony S. Bryk. "It's awarded to colleges and universities that are dedicated to improving teaching and learning, as well as generating socially responsive knowledge to benefit communities." There are currently over 1,000 community engagement projects taking place at NSU.
The NSU College of Dental Medicine provides dental care to underprivileged children at the nonprofit Kids in Distress in Wilton Manners.
"Earning this prestigious classification is a testament to NSU's commitment to the community and to volunteerism in general," said NSU Chancellor Mr. Ray Ferrero, Jr. "Part of this university's mission and vision is to be actively engaged in the many communities we serve. NSU is proud to be among the few prestigious colleges and universities nationwide that were recognized by Carnegie."
To see the complete list of institutions earning the 2010 Community Engagement Classification, which includes several other ADEA Member Institutions, visit http://classifications.carnegiefoundation.org/downloads/2010_classified_institutions.pdf.
ASDOH Receives $2,000 CVS Caremark Community Grant
The Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ASDOH) is the recipient of a $2,000 community grant from CVS Caremark Corporation.
The funds will support restorative care to children from low-income families who are suffering from untreated tooth decay, pain, swelling, and infections. ASDOH's community dental clinics, located in Mesa and Glendale, Arizona, will provide care to these children.
"With one in four of Arizona's children growing up in poverty, this community grant from CVS Caremark enables us to provide oral care for children who have no other resources," said ASDOH Dean Jack Dillenberg.
ASDOH was selected to receive a grant through the CVS Caremark Community Grants 2010 grant application process. Grants were awarded to organizations that share a common interest with CVS Caremark of supporting programs for the uninsured, which help to make health services affordable and easy to access. The goal of the program is to provide relief for both adults and children who lack medical insurance to get the proper medical attention needed.