United States Public Health Service
DENTAL NEWSLETTER
A publication of the Dental Professional Advisory Committee
Volume VI, Issue 3
July 2007
In this issue of the USPHS Dental
Newsletter:
Click on the titles below to go directly to
the articles.
COVER STORY
Report on 2007 USPHS Category Day__1
REGULAR SECTIONS
Chief Dental Officer Column
DePAC Chair’s Column
DePAC Vice-Chair Column
_
_
_
FEATURES
Links of Interest
Leadership Development Seminar
Senior Dental Spotlight
Junior Dental Spotlight
2
4
5
ADA President, Dr. Kathleen Roth
8
8
9
10
REPORT ON THE 2007 USPHS SCIENTIFIC
AND TRAINING SYMPOSIUM DENTAL CATEGORY DAY
June 5th, 2007
Dental Awards at Scientific and Training
Cincinnati, Ohio
Symposium Dental Category Day
7
Upcoming Events
11
CAPT Lynn Price
Co-Editor
CAPT Hsiao Peng
Another Successful Dental Category Day
Co-Editor
CAPT Coleman Palmertree
Consultant
CAPT Suzanne Saville
The 2007 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium Dental Category
Consultant
CAPT Steve Torna
The USPHS Dental Newsletter is published 3-4
times annually, and is distributed electronically
through the USPHS Dental Bulletin Board,
agency distribution lists, and the USPHS Dental
Directory. The next issue of the newsletter will
be published in October/November 2007. If you
have suggestions or comments about the
newsletter, or would like to submit an article,
please contact the editors, CAPT Hsiao Peng
hsiao.p.peng@uscg.dhs.gov and CAPT Coleman
Palmertree Coleman.Palmertree@dhs.gov or
consultants
CAPT
Steve
Torna
Steve.torna@mail.ihs.gov and CAPT Suzanne
Saville Suzanne.K.Saville@uscg.dhs.gov
Day which was held on Tuesday, June 5 in Cincinnati, Ohio presented a
wonderful opportunity for dental officers from various agencies to gather
and discuss topics and issues pertinent to our category and to the Corps.
The program agenda embraced the theme of the symposium, “The Many
Faces of Public Health.” and all in attendance enjoyed a variety of
speakers on a wide range of topics. Two dental students, one from Ohio
State University College of Dentistry and one from the University of
Kentucky College of Dentistry, were sponsored to attend the conference.
The day began with welcome and introductory remarks given by RADM
Christopher Halliday. The distinguished guests included RADM (ret)
George Blue Spruce, RADM (ret) Robert Collins, Dr. Kathleen Roth,
American Dental Association President, and CAPT (ret) Stephen Wyatt.
Dr. Wyatt, the Dean of the University of Kentucky College of Public
Health, gave a short presentation on the public health initiatives that the
University of Kentucky College of Public Health has embraced
especially as related to oral health. (continued on page six)
Page 2
USPHS Dental Newsletter
July 2007
RADM CHRIS HALLIDAY, DDS, MPH
Chief Dental Officer, USPHS
Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS
Greetings to the Dental Category. It’s hard to believe that we’re already half-way through the calendar year
(and three-quarters of the way through our fiscal year). Summer is now upon us and many exciting activities
have impacted the dental category since the last issue of the newsletter. Various meetings, Commissioned Corps
Transformation and deployment-related initiatives have highlighted the Dental Category, and I’d like to briefly
update you on some of these exciting events and developments.
The USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium offered attendees a unique opportunity to network directly
with many of the leaders of the Commissioned Corps and Dental Public Health field. During Category Day, a
“town-hall” session was offered which allowed those attending the opportunity to meet with RADM Canton
(Director of the Office of Commissioned Corps Force Management), RADM Furman (Director of the Office of
Commissioned Corps Operations), CAPT Rutstein (Director, Office of Force
Readiness and Deployment), CDR John Eckert (Commissioned Corps
Transformation Activities), and myself. Dental Category members had the
opportunity to rotate between tables “staffed” by each of these individuals
and ask questions discuss key issues
impacting the Commissioned Corps. The
interaction gave Dental Category a
chance to learn more about the current
Town Hall Meeting-Transformation
status of activities, as well as future/
Hosted by CDR John Eckert
pending initiatives.
Town Hall Meetings-OFRD
Hosted by CAPT David Rutstein
Town Hall Meetings-OCCFM
Hosted by RADM Larry Furman
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USPHS Dental Newsletter
July 2007
In addition to the town-hall session, those attending Category Day were treated to exciting and informative lectures by
RADM George Blue Spruce (ret), Immediate Past President of the Society of American Indian Dentists, RADM Robert
“Skip” Collins (ret), former Chief Dental Officer of the USPHS, CAPT Nick Makrides, Chief Dental Officer of the
Federal Bureau of Prisons, CAPT Deborah Noyes, Chief Dental Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard, Dr. Kathy Roth,
President, American Dental Association, and Dr. Frank Wright, Forensic Dental Consultant for the Hamilton County
Coroner’s Office, Cincinnati, Ohio. The speakers presenting during Category Day delivered exceptional presentations
and the diversity of topics offered something of interest to all present.
ADM Grim with RADM Blue Spruce and Mrs. Blue Spruce
RADM George Blue Spruce (ret)
RADM Robert “Skip” Collins (ret)
The Transformation of the Commissioned Corps is moving along at a rapid pace. I encourage all Dental Officers to read
each issue of the Commissioned Corps electronic bulletin, available online at:
http://dcp.psc.gov/ccbulletin/ccbul_main.aspx . Each issue of the e-bulletin provides the latest information of events and
initiatives impacting the Commissioned Corps, and of special note are the series of articles in recent issues providing
updates on the Transformation of the Corps. The upcoming months will bring further progress in the Transformation
process, so I encourage all to thoroughly review the information provided in the e-bulletins and to closely follow the
information distributed by the DePAC.
The Deployments on the USNS Comfort have helped to further elevate the visibility, value and importance of the Dental
Category in humanitarian-related missions. The first team of USPHS Commissioned Corps Officers is currently operating
in this joint mission with the United States Navy, and two of our dental officers (CAPT Arturo Bravo and CDR Steven
Johnson) are participating in this initial phase of deployments to the Caribbean and Latin America. I have received
regular email messages from the dental team and am encouraged to hear how rewarding they are finding the experience to
be. There will be two dentists on each of the four teams, each deployed for one-month on the USNS Comfort. Feedback
from our colleagues at the U.S. Navy has been extremely positive and by all indications it seems that the USPHS
Commissioned Corps Officers have made an tremendously favorably impression upon the communities served and upon
their U.S. Navy colleagues. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who have deployed, and those who will
deploy, on the USNS Comfort as well as to all of you who remain at the USPHS duty stations and provide for the needs of
those populations we serve. We are a strong and committed dental public health team and we should be proud of the vital
role we play in the success of the United States Public Health Service.
In conclusion, I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe summer season. I am proud of each of you and am
thankful for the opportunity to work with you. I have spent quite a bit of time during the past three months meeting with
USPHS Commissioned Corps dental officers from virtually every Federal agency utilizing our skills and services, and
your continued enthusiasm, support, and dedication continues to impress me. Your altruism and contributions towards
meeting the mission of the USPHS are the foundation upon which we have had, and will continue to have, success in
meeting the needs of the populations we serve. Working together, we will continue to assure the promotion, protection
and advancement of the health and safety of those we serve.
Page 4
USPHS Dental Newsletter
July 2007
By CAPT Renée Joskow Renee.Joskow@dhs.gov
Greetings and Salutations! I would like to start this newsletter column by extending my congratulations to all officers who
were selected for promotion this year. For those officers who missed the promotion cutoff this year, I want to let you know
that the Dental Professional Advisory Committee (DePAC) has a Mentor/Protégé program as well as a workgroup that are
working on a career development initiative including assisting officers to prepare for promotion. For additional
information, see our website at http://www.phs-dental.org/depac/newfile11.html or feel free to contact me directly.
The Commissioned Officers Foundation Scientific session held in Cincinnati this year was a great success. Of particular
note was Dental Category Day where some of our outstanding colleagues were recognized with Dental Category Awards for
their achievements and contributions to the field of dentistry and the nation and invited speakers provided outstanding
scientific and programmatic presentations with Continuing Education Credits available. We piloted a new format for the
Town Hall meeting whereby officers were able to participate in roundtable discussions with Commissioned Corps leaders
on topics such as Transformation, Readiness and Deployment, OCCO, OCCFM, and Dental Category. Attendees were so
engaged that we were challenged to conclude the roundtable discussions on time to begin the next session.
In addition, an entire day-long symposium was dedicated to training in Disaster Preparedness. Several presentations were
made emphasizing the importance of disaster epidemiology and breakout sessions were arranged for RDF, IRCT, and other
response teams. A presentation on distinguishing between a naturally occurring biological event and a bioterrorist (BT)
attack proposed an algorithm for processing information to assist in the decision making and requisite response during a
possible BT event. An overview of the history of BT events demonstrated that sometimes an intentional release is mistaken
for a naturally occurring outbreak of disease.
Comments and remarks by Dr. Runge, Acting Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer for the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), provided us with a view of the current interagency efforts underway and the role
that Commissioned Officers play in protecting the nation. Two Commissioned Officers were recognized by Dr. Runge for
their work within the DHS and he thanked RADM Moritsugu for his support and collaboration in moving to increase the
number of PHS Officers assigned to DHS.
On a related note of collaboration, CAPT Garcia (NIH) and CAPT Bailey (CDC) provided web-based PowerPoint
presentations to the DePAC on their experiences during the Health Diplomacy assessment team mission to Latin America
and the Caribbean. Their insight into the oral health needs of the host countries based upon their experience in clinical
practice and dental public health brought a depth and expertise that was greatly appreciated by the “Advance” team and the
DePAC. Thank you to CAPTs Garcia and Bailey for your commitment to serve those in need and your willingness to share
your experiences with the DePAC, the dental category, and those officers who already have or will deploy on the USNS
COMFORT.
In closing, I would like to tell you that the new PHS recruitment initiative has kept the Associate Recruiter (AR) Leads and
AR volunteers very busy over the past few weeks in an effort to increase the size of the Dental Category. We need your
help! If you are interested in becoming an AR, please go to http://dcp.psc.gov/ARP_Materials.asp to learn more about the
program or contact any of the AR Leads http://www.phs-dental.org/depac/newfile36.html for information or assistance.
The call for DePAC nominations will be released soon. Keep an eye out on the Dental bulletin board for the announcement.
Page 5
USPHS Dental Newsletter
July 2007
By CDR Lynn Van Pelt lynn.vanpelt@ihs.gov
In the last several years, many categories and several flag officers have created coins to represent the individual
category or the individual flag officer. The week before the USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium in
Cincinnati, OH, I came across a short and informative story on the coin challenge history and rules that was
posted on the USPHS Dental Bulletin Board. To refresh your memory of the history, please visit:
https://list.nih.gov/cgibin/wa?A2=ind0706&L=dentalbulletinboard&T=0&X=7AE45976C18B45027B&Y=lynn.vanpelt%40ihs.g
ov&P=58
The rules of engagement: (all these years – I didn’t know there were rules to this ritual)
RULES
#1 The challenge is initiated by drawing your coin, holding it in the air by whatever means possible and
state, scream, shout or otherwise verbally acknowledge that you are initiating a coin check. Another, but
less vocal method is to firmly place it on the bar, table, or floor (this should produce an audible noise which
can be easily heard by those being challenged, but try not to leave a permanent imprint). If you accidentally
drop your coin and it makes an audible sound upon impact, then you have just "accidentally" initiated a coin
check. (This is called paying the price for improper care of your coin.)
#2 The response consists of all those persons being challenged drawing their coin in a like manner.
#3 If you are challenged and are unable to properly respond, you must buy a round of drinks for the
challenger and the group being challenged.
#4 If everyone being challenged responds in the correct manner, the challenger must buy a round of drinks
for all those people they challenged.
#5 Failure to buy a round is a despicable crime and will require that you turn-in your Coin to the issuing
agency.
WHEN – WHERE:
Coin checks are permitted, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE
EXCEPTIONS:
There are no exceptions to the rules. They apply to those clothed or unclothed. At the time of the challenge
you are permitted one step and an arms reach to locate your coin. If you still cannot reach it
-- SORRY ABOUT THAT!
A COIN IS A COIN:
The dental category is currently calling dental officers to submit their creative designs for the minted twosided dental challenge coin. Please forward your design electronically to CAPT Bill Stenberg (DePAC
Executive Secretary) at William.stenberg@ihs.gov by July 30, 2007. Please help us create a challenge coin
for the dental category.
Page 6
USPHS Dental Newsletter
July 2007
(2007 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium Dental Category Day , Continued from page one)
Dr. Wyatt’s discussion focused on the premise that prevention of disease is the best approach to controlling
costs, increasing access to health care and improving health status and that more and more individuals who
want to make a contribution to society see careers in public health as an avenue to accomplish their goals.
He lauded the nomination of his colleague at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Dr.
James W. Holsinger Jr. nominated to be the 18th U.S. Surgeon General, citing his longstanding
commitment to public health education, his accomplishments as an administrator, and his character which
exemplifies what the Commissioned Corps stands for: commitment to service, honor and integrity.
CAPT Nick Makrides, Chief Dental Officer of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, presented an overview of
Correctional Dentistry discussing the demographics of the incarcerated population and the need for a
“public health approach” to correctional dentistry. He also discussed the dearth of published studies on the
oral health conditions and needs of incarcerated populations and made recommendations related to raising
awareness and proposing a research agenda.
CAPT Deborah Noyes, Chief Dental Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard, gave a presentation on the mission of
the Coast Guard, including the types of health services provided and how dentistry fits into the structure.
She also took the opportunity to present information on military dentistry and readiness issues for PHS
dentists.
RADM (ret) George Blue Spruce, Assistant Dean of the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health,
explored his experiences during a 28-year career in public health dentistry as a Commissioned Officer. Dr.
Blue Spruce was the first American Indian Dentist in the United States, the first American Indian Dentist to
be Commissioned in USPHS, the first American Indian Dentist in the Indian Health Service, and the first
American Indian Dentist to attain the rank of Assistant Surgeon General. He gave an insightful discussion
of the lessons learned and how they apply to the challenges that many Commissioned Officers face today
and reviewed the many opportunities available to Dental Officers in the USPHS.
A town hall meeting was moderated by CAPT (sel) Renee Joskow, Dental Professional Advisory
Committee chairperson. The panel included RADM Christopher Halliday (Chief Dental Officer), RADM
Lawrence Furman (Director of the Office of Commissioned Corps Operations), RADM Denise Canton
(Office of Commissioned Corps Force Management), CDR John Eckert (Senior Public Health Advisor for
Transformation), and CAPT David Rutstein (Director of Office of Force Readiness and Deployment). The
town hall allowed participants to break out in small groups to discuss issues relevant to the Dental Category
and the USPHS..
Page 7
USPHS Dental Newsletter
July 2007
The David Satcher Keynote Lecture was presented by RADM (ret) Robert “Skip” Collins, Director, Division of
Community Oral Health and Director, Office of International Relations, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental
Medicine. Dr. Collins who was a past Chief Dental Officer for the U. S. Public Health Service, gave an enlightening
historical perspective of dental public health over the years. His presentation placed emphasis on the importance that
research, education, and advocacy has had on dental public health policies and initiatives in the past, present, and will
have in the future.
The luncheon portion of the program provided dental officers with a chance to network with colleagues from agencies
across the entire Public Health Service. CAPT Lee Shackelford gave a meaningful invocation and led us in a moment of
reflection in memory of those PHS dental officers who passed away during the previous year including Dr. Jack D.
Robertson for whom a very prestigious dental category award is named. Acting Surgeon General Kenneth Moritsugu
honored us with a visit during which he discussed the USPHS Latin America and South Pacific deployments and
missions. He congratulated our Dental Category awards recipients who were presented with their awards during the
awards ceremony presided by RADM Halliday. The dental award recipients were as follows:
Awards
Ruth Lashley Mid-Career Dental Award
Ernest Eugene Buell Award
LCDR Phillip Woods
CDR Tim Ricks
(Unable to Attend)
LCDR Philip Woods
Horowitz Oral Health and Policy Award
Senior Clinician Dental Award Hershel S.
CAPT Edward Sague
CAPT Monina Klevens
(Unable to Attend)
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USPHS Dental Newsletter
July 2007
Dental Responder of the Year Award
Jack D. Robertson Dental Award
CAPT Dean Coppola
CAPT Nicholas Makrides
We were honored to have as our guest the president of the American Dental Association, Dr. Kathleen Roth. Dr. Roth
was able to provide an update on ADA activities and dental public health initiatives which the ADA has been involved.
The afternoon session concluded with a very informative lecture on Bite Mark Analysis presented by Dr. Franklin Wright,
Forensic Dental Consultant Hamilton County Coroner’s Office, Cincinnati Ohio. This session provided an introduction to
human bite mark analysis and details of actual bite mark cases, including court testimony in selected cases. Dr. Wright
discussed techniques used to recognize and collect bite mark evidence and discussed actual cases he has been involved
with in his capacity as a forensic dental consultant.
On Wednesday, the Dental Category contributed papers sessions provided presentations on a wide-range of topics
delivered by the following dental officers: LCDR Lawrence Gettleman, CAPT (Sel) Renee Joskow, CDR Aaron Means,
Sr., and CDR (Sel) Philip Woods.
The 2007 PHS Scientific and Training Symposium was deemed a success by all those in attendance and copies of
PowerPoint presentations from the Dental Category Day speakers, contributed paper presentations, and Symposium
presentations will be available on the COA website later this summer for those who did not have the opportunity to attend.
Many thanks to RADM Halliday for his leadership and support of Dental Category Day activities and to the planning
committee members for their hard work and contributions to the success of the 2007 Dental Category Day. The
following sponsors are also appreciated for their contribution to a successful Dental Category Day: Pelton & Crane,
Dentsply International, DUX Dental/DUX DV, 3M ESPE Dental Products, Kerr Sybron, Dental Specialties, SS White
Burs Inc, GC America, Kavo Dental, Henry Schein Inc. and Oral Health Products Inc.
***Save the Date***
The 2008 USPHS Scientific and Training Symposium will be held the week of June 8 – 12, 2008 in Tucson, Arizona.
Hotel rooms are now available at the prevailing federal per diem rate (currently $83) at the Riverpark Inn
(www.theriverparkinn.com). Call (800) 551-1466. Rates are valid from June 4-15. Ask for the Commissioned Officers
Foundation or COF rate. Watch the Symposium web site, www.phscofevents.org, for additional details about the
Symposium and related events beginning this fall.
Links of Interest (click on links)
USPHS Dental Category Home Page
2007 Professional Advisory Committee Members
Division of Commissioned Personnel
USPHS Dental Listserv Home
Page 9
USPHS Dental Newsletter
Links to USPHS and Dental Organizations
July 2007
Links to previous newsletters
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR
For all
USPHS Officers & HHS Civil Service Health Professionals
August 7-9, 2007
Charleston, South Carolina – in the Historic District!
Featured speaker Harry Chambers is an award winning author who got rave reviews from attendees of the 2006
Leadership Development Seminar. His recent publications include “My Way or the Highway: the MicroManagement Survival Guide” & “No Fear Management”.
By CAPT Coleman Palmertree, Jr. DDS
Introduction: This edition’s senior dental provider is CAPT Ron Bajuscak, currently national consultant for Oral
Medicine, Pathology, Radiology for Bureau of Prisons.
Q) It is good to talk to you CAPT Bajuscak, let’s start by discussing your career in dentistry. Does any of your
career include work outside the PHS and if so please describe your duties and time lines?
A) I started and developed a hospital-based dental GPR in the county hospital that treated ACCESS patients with low
income. This was a predominantly oral surgery clinic with three residents each year for the past eight years. We expanded
with an additional clinic in another part of the city to outreach to other poorer communities. I wrote for a HRSA grant and
we received over $550,000 over three years to expand the care. I also am an associate Professor at the new dental school
in Mesa, AZ and frequently lecture on topics in Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Radiation.
Q) How did you obtain your specialized degrees that you have received either while in PHS or prior that have
aided you in your work for the Corps and your agency?
A) I did a two year hospital based Oral Medicine/Radiology Residency with the US Naval Dental Corp at Bethesda
Hospital, MD. I am a Diplomat of the Academy of Oral Medicine since 1994.
Q) Very impressive, can you tell our readers what led you to a career in the PHS dental program?
I met CAPT Karl Meyers, former CDO of FBOP, who convinced me to transfer from the Navy to the USPHS in 1995. He
really loved his job and spoke so highly of his positive experiences with the USPHS.
Q) What do you consider as your greatest accomplishments (strengths) in your career in PHS dentistry?
A) Having been the Chairman of the DePAC allowed me opportunities to be active in my Category at the highest levels.
This allowed me a voice in areas such as bonus pays, Multi-year Retention Bonuses’, development of the web-site, peer
programs, mentoring, etc. As a member of the CCRF, I was given tremendous opportunities to deploy to the World Trade
Center disaster, Hurricane Charley/Ivan, Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma. I got to serve at increasing levels of leadership
from a strike team leader, liaison officer, SERT Commander, and Response Team Commanding Officer. This allowed me
to make life saving decisions.
Q) What do you see as your greatest challenge(s) (weaknesses) for the future in PHS dentistry?
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USPHS Dental Newsletter
July 2007
A) Our category is no longer competitive with entry salaries for students that now graduate with tremendous debt. They
cannot afford to serve with us with salaries they could not live on. Another area is roles in the transformation. I feel that
our category still needs to get better support for its ability to lead and perform in the many roles needed during disasters.
Q) How has your family interacted to support you in your role as a PHS dental provider?
A) My family has been completely supportive of my career and endured numerous days of my deployments without me
being home.
Q) Do you have any words of encouragement/support that you can give our dentist in PHS related to your
experiences as a PHS dental provider?
A) It is important for all officers to become informed about career choices, opportunities and advancement. Be mobile,
without exposure to other agencies, you can get stuck in your career path. Be proactive, without a mentor you will not
know where to go or how to get there. And most important, we are in a field of medicine that has tremendous shortages,
therefore, what we can offer is of the highest needs, everywhere!!
Thank you for your devotion and service to the PHS Commissioned Corps CAPT Bajuscak.
Page 11
USPHS Dental Newsletter
July 2007
By CAPT Coleman Palmertree, DDS
Introduction: This edition’s junior dental provider is LCDR Philip Woods, National Periodontal Consultant for BOP, who
was recently promoted to CDR. Congratulations and thank you for your service and devotion to the PHS.
Q) Sir, does any of your career in dentistry include work outside the PHS and if so please describe your duties
and time lines?
A) While most of my career in dentistry involves my duties associated with my job as Chief Dentist at MCC San Diego
and National Periodontal Consultant, I also serve as an adjunct clinical faculty member of the UNC School of Dentistry
and preceptor for the UNC/MCC San Diego DISC clinical rotation. I do what I truly enjoy when there – clinical teaching.
Q) Do you have any specialized degrees that that have aided you in your work for the Corps and your agency?
A) I am a Periodontist. I completed a fellowship in Medically Compromised Patient Care and Periodontal Research, and
I have a Masters in Public Health. As the BOP National Periodontal Consultant, I assist BOP Chief Dentist Nick
Makrides managing periodontal concerns throughout our 116-facility system. I developed web-based training and lectures
for general dentists caring for periodontal patients. As Chief Dentist of a 1000+ inmate federal detention center, I manage
dental needs of a dynamic population, many with significant systemic diseases and associated oral conditions.
Q) What led you to a career in the PHS dental program?
A) CAPT Jeff Gaskin, my undergraduate dental school classmate at UNC, recruited me to the PHS after several years in
dental education, private practice and community health center dentistry. We discussed possibilities in the PHS and he
felt it would be a good career fit for me…he was right! I was attracted to a career in PHS by its freedom, training
programs and the potential for adventure, while serving those in greatest need.
Q) What do you consider as your greatest accomplishments (strengths) in your career in PHS dentistry?
A) Three highlights come to mind immediately. First I was selected as the 2007 recipient of the Ernest Eugene Buell
Award in recognition by my peers for my work as a dentist in the PHS, (see page 7). Second passing my Periodontal
Boards nearly 20 years after completing my training with associated pressure going through the exam process, balanced
by strong support from BOP and many PHS mentors and peers. My final highlight was co-authoring the first chapter on
Dentistry in a premier textbook published by Elsevier last year on Correctional Medicine working under the direction of
CAPT Nick Makrides, along with CAPT Ron Bajuscak and CAPT Dan Hickey. This effort is the first collaboration of
PHS Dentists in a text book, and first full chapter on Dentistry in Pusis’s Clinical Practice in Correctional Medicine.
Q) What do you see as your greatest challenge(s) (weaknesses) for the future in PHS dentistry?
A) Challenging times exist for our profession in terms of financing federal oral health programs. The greatest challenge
for PHS Dentistry in the future will be devising creative ways to reduce disparities in oral health. We must improve
access to oral health care for our nation’s at-risk populations including American Indians, low income populations,
immigrants, minorities, refugees and Americans in rural settings. By increasing Workforce Development, and the
diversity of our profession through enhanced recruitment of qualified minority high school and college students to health
careers in the PHS while increasing their retention, we will be better able to provide a workforce which is culturally
competent. This will allow us to fulfill our mission, "Protecting, Promoting, and Advancing the Health and Safety of the
Nation."
Q) How has your family interacted to support you in your role as a PHS dental provider?
A) I am single, and my family lives in the East, nearly 3000 miles away. They are very proud and supportive of all I do
in my PHS career, seeing it as a continuation of a proud family tradition started by my forbearers, grandparents, uncles
and aunts – each devoted their lives to Public Service. Here in San Diego my friends and church members comprise my
“family” as well as CAPT Jeff Gaskin and other PHS colleagues, to whom I am eternally grateful for their support.
Q) Any words of encouragement/support for our dentist in PHS related to your experiences in PHS?
A) Pursue any and every dream you might have as a dentist in the PHS, be it completing an MPH degree or learning
about forensic dentistry, Spanish or specialized training for OFRD missions. It is all possible, and the only limiting factor
will be your imagination. Enjoy your career!
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USPHS Dental Newsletter
July 2007
UPCOMMING EVENTS
Organization
Meeting
American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD)
Annual Conference
National Dental Association (NDA)
Annual Convention
American Dental Association (ADA)
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons,
American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
American Academy of Periodontology
American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics
American College of Prosthodontists
Annual Meeting
Annual Meeting
American Public Health Association (APHA)
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Academy of Microscope Enhanced Dentistry
Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S. (AMSUS)
Hispanic Dental Association (HDA)
Annual Meeting
Annual Meeting
Annual Scientific Session
Annual Meeting
Annual Meeting
Annual Meeting
54th Annual Meeting
Annual Session
Meeting date
Location of
meeting
July 19-21
Colorado Springs,
CO
July 27- Aug Atlanta, GA
1
Sep. 27-30
San Francisco, CA
Oct 8-13
Honolulu, HI
Oct. 27-30
Oct. 28-31
Oct. 31- Nov.
3
Nov. 3-7
Nov. 7-11
Nov. 8-10
Nov. 11-16
TBD
Washington D.C.
Miami, FL
Scottsdale, AZ
Washington, D.C.
Las Vegas, NV
TBD
Salt Lake City, UT
Miami, FL
Note from the Editors
The DePAC Communications Work Group would like to thank all who have contributed to this edition of the DePAC Newsletter
for 2007. We would encourage each officer to contribute information for publication through their DePAC work groups to help
improve our newsletter and communication to all dental officers for this year!