New Faces at TUSDM
Mark E. Nehring, M.Ed., D.M.D., M.P.H. was appointed the
Delta Dental of Massachusetts Professor in Public Health and
Community Service and Chair of the Department of Public Health
and Community Service effective February 1, 2012.
Dr. Nehring received his MPH degree in 1992 from Johns Hopkins
University, after having received his DMD degree from Boston
University in 1981 and Master of Education in 1972 from the
University of Maine.
Prior to coming to Tufts, Dr. Nehring was the Acting Chief Dental Officer, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), concurrently held while Chief Dental Officer of HRSA's Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) in Rockville, Maryland. Dr. Nehring has worked for the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) for most of his career. He has extensive leadership and program management experience and possesses exceptional interpersonal skills.
The Delta Dental of Massachusetts Professorship in Public Health and Community Service was established by the generosity of Delta Dental of Massachusetts in 2006, to improve care and access to dental care for persons with special needs and other underserved populations, and expand Tufts' use of a clinical database to create best practices for dental treatment guidelines for persons with special needs.
Robert H. Kasberg, Jr., Ph.D. was appointed Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs, effective March 1, 2012. Dr. Kasberg's most recent position was Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD), a position he held for seven years. Prior to that, he was Director of Admissions at IUSD for three years. From 1996-2002 Dr. Kasberg was Assistant Dean of the Graduate Office, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.
As Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Kasberg will be responsible for overseeing the Office of Student Affairs which encompasses Admissions, Student Records/Registration, Student Affairs and Financial Aid. The Associate Dean serves on the Dean's senior leadership team and is organizationally responsible for ensuring the integrity and quality of all non-academic services provided to the School's applicants and students; playing a direct role in attracting and selecting students to the School's predoctoral program; determining registration and School-specific financial aid policies; executing student life-related events and activities; and leadership in diversity initiatives and student wellness programs.
Life After Death - The Nazis ripped away everything that was dear to him, but John Saunders, D52, was determined to write his own ending to his story.
Closing the Gap - Seeking to identify connections between health and an increase in cavities in children, two dental students come up with unexpected results.
Gatekeepers of Health - Dean Huw Thomas talks about the growing importance of dentistry to our national welfare.
International Education & Research - See the depth and breadth of the Dental School's presence in the international arena.
Auspicious Beginnings - Tufts welcomes the Class of 2015 at the professional schools.
The General Dentist - Gerard Caron, D78, commands the medical wing at the country's most renowned militaty base.
A Pain in the Mouth - A dental researcher find causes of an elusive oral ailment that afflicts mostly middle-aged women.
$1.2 Billion Achievement - Beyond Boundaries campaign makes a Tufts education even better.
Press Release: Tufts University has completed its $1.2-billion Beyond Boundaries campaign
Tufts University has completed its $1.2-billion Beyond Boundaries campaign, the largest fund-raising effort in the university's history.
Nearly 140,000 donors contributed $434 million for scholarships and other support to enhance the student experience, creating more than 630 new endowed and term scholarships; $386 million for faculty recruitment and research; and $137 million for new facilities.
Successful completion of the campaign comes as Tufts President Lawrence S. Bacow prepares to step down following 10 years of service. Alumni and friends contributed more than $41 million in honor of Bacow in the last year of his presidency to support financial aid and the completion of athletics facilities started during his tenure.
Beyond Boundaries garnered the six largest gifts in Tufts' history, including two gifts exceeding $100 million. The campaign added $608 million to Tufts endowment.
"To be able to garner this kind of support, particularly in this economy, is not only a good story for Tufts, it's a great story, period," said Jonathan Tisch, trustee and co-chair of the campaign. Tufts Board Chair James A. Stern, E72, said: "Tufts has come into its own under Larry Bacow's leadership and during Beyond Boundariesby attracting the most talented and worthy students and recruiting prominent scholars in virtually every discipline represented across the university."
Beyond Boundarieshasenabled Tufts to create innovative financial aid programs. These include scholarships to allow needy undergraduates to attend summer school, elimination of loans for students from families with modest income, paid non-profit summer internships, and a first- of-a-kind university-wide loan repayment assistance program to help alumni working in public service or nonprofit jobs to repay a portion of their educational loans.
Meantime, 23 new named professorships have helped Tufts attract and retain world-class researchers, and new construction and renovations have benefited students, faculty and staff at all three of Tufts' Massachusetts campuses.
The campaign at the School of Dental Medicine: Selected gifts and impacts
At the School of Dental Medicine more than $47.5 million was raised, exceeding the $40 million campaign goal, to support of facilities, faculty development, student financial aid and community outreach. Nearly 50% of the 8400 dental alumni worldwide made a gift to support the Beyond Boundaries campaign.
The Vertical Expansion Initiative added 95,000 square feet to One Kneeland Street while raising the building from 10 to 15 stories, transforming teaching, research and clinical care at the dental school. The expansion added 73 state-of-the-art operatories in new postdoctoral clinics graced with views of the Boston skyline; a state of the art Simulation Learning Center; research clinics, continuing-education and administrative suites; the 75-seat Rachel's Amphitheater named by Dr. Louis A. Fiore D62, and his wife, Jean to honor his mother Rachel Fiore.
Gifts totaling $8.17-million from Nobel Biocare AB, of Sweden, world's largest manufacturer of dental implants, named the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic and provide educational and research support.
A $5-million gift from the state's largest provider of dental benefits endowed the Delta Dental of Massachusetts Professorship in Public Health and Community Service.
Deserving students from across the globe have benefited from the Dr. Alfred Osher, DG62, and D. Suzi Osher Scholarships, established by Mrs. Osher, of Portland, Maine, in memory of her late husband, a longtime faculty member at the School of Dental Medicine.
Planned gifts from several donors account for nearly a quarter of the total achievement and include an anonymous $3-million gift made in honor of Dean Lonnie Norris from an alumnus to support a named professorship and a $1.5 million gift from a former faculty member which will endow a scholarship fund. The former CEO of Delta Dental of Massachusetts, Dr. Robert Hunter, D63, and his wife, Constance, included a $500,000 gift to benefit the School of Dental Medicine in their estate plans, in honor of Dean Lonnie Norris.
These achievements were attained through the dedicated efforts of many alumni, faculty, students, staff and friends of the School of Dental Medicine.
Q&A with Huw Thomas
The incoming dean on rugby, Southern cooking, his favorite book, and more...
If there were one thing you could bring from Wales to New England what would it be?
It would have to be two, my mum and dad!
What is your favorite Welsh dish?
FWB - Full Welsh Breakfast: Bacon, eggs, cockles and laverbread (seaweed), mushrooms, tomatoes, etc.!
What do you say in Welsh when you get frustrated?
Welsh as a language is a reserved tongue. Cursing is mild and often evocative of some religious threat. My favorite is 'uffern dan' - hell's fire! |
What acquired taste will you bring with you from the American south?
Grits are always good and can be flavored in numerous ways, but sweet potato fries are excellent.
Rugby or football?
I love all sports but rugby is my passion, I think it's the best team sport in the world.
What in your view is the best way to fill a free afternoon?
One of two extremes; either relaxing with a good book or hiking!
What are you reading at the moment?
I have two books on the go. One is The Cave by Saramago, the other a series of essays on the Royal Society edited by Bill Bryson called Seeing Further. My favorite book is The Hobbit by Tolkien.
If not a dentist what would you have been?
An archeologist! I took part in excavations on a Roman villa in Wales when I was thirteen and was hooked. Still am!
Commencement 2011 - Full coverage of Tufts' 155th graduation ceremonies.
A Life of Firsts - Temba Mudenda, D71, a pioneer in Zambian health care, comes back to Boston for his 40th reunion.
New Leader for Dental School - Huw F. Thomas, dean at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to join Tufts in August.
New Accolade for the Dental School - William J. Geis Award recognizes leadership in teaching, research, community service and diversity.
How does fluoride strengthen teeth and why add it to the public water supply?
Dental Force - Military dentists tend to the nation's 2.4 million Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen.
Home Care - Yen Tran, D13, returns to her native Vietnam on a medical mission.
Exchange with India - Tufts residents gain a world view of dental practice.
Is Once Enough? - Everything you need to know about brushing, but were afraid to ask.
Alumni Volunteer Q&A with Paul Desjardins, the new Chair of Overseers.
Bite & Balance - Could wearing a mouth guard lessen pain and improve athletic performance?
Our Gums, Ourselves - Hormonal changes make women prone to periodontal disease, researcher says.
Dean Lonnie Norris to Step Down Next Year - At the helm of the School of Dental Medicine since 1996, he led a $68 million facility expansion.
Alumni Volunteer Q&A
Paul Desjardins, DMD, PHD, DA75
Senior Vice President, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare
Chair, Board Of Overseers
Tufts University School Of Dental Medicine
Q. What's on the overseers' agenda? What are some of the pressing issues you and your board colleagues face?
A. As overseers we serve as ambassadors for Tufts within our social and professional networks. During the five years an overseer serves on the board, he or she is asked to set a philanthropic example by donating to the annual fund at a leadership level, and by participating in the capital campaign that provides essential resources for the university's growth and development. Overseers participate actively in two or three formal board meetings and in university events throughout the year. Members of the board serve as a resource for students and alumni, and assist in identifying good partners for research and potential academic allies. We work with the local alumni chapters to strengthen Tufts' volunteer networks.
Our critical charges as overseers are to advise the dean on the school's overall direction, to evaluate how the school is doing, and to help in identifying resources for the school. As leaders in our fields, we are asked to advance Tufts' excellence through generous philanthropy, effective advocacy and strategic advice. We have the ability to help Tufts thrive through our judgment, experience, networks and support.
Our members bring a wide range of experience to the board. Some are active in the political process in Massachusetts, and some in academia at other dental schools. We have the head of the American Dental Education Association, and we have a member of the National Institutes of Health who is quite active in the conversation on what dental schools of the future will look like. Several colleagues are longstanding practitioners who have served many years on the overseers. We act as a sounding board for the dean, and provide him a perspective on how the school is viewed by the rest of the world.
Q. What in your view does Tufts University School of Dental Medicine do really well?
A. It's quite clear the school educates dentists for practice who are quite highly regarded in our profession. Tufts dentists are viewed as some of the best in the country. Tufts offers an outstanding clinical education as well as opportunities for research. In recent years the Dental School has expanded its commitment to research to enhance its excellent training in clinical skills. Tufts also provides a valuable understanding of the dentist's role in the medical community and the public-health environment.
Q. What are some ways that Tufts Dental alumni can volunteer their services to the school?
A. One of the easiest ways to participate is by supporting the Dental Fund and fund-raising campaigns for Tufts. Joining the alumni association is a great way to stay connected to Tufts and remain part of the school community.
I feel it's important to give back. Tufts prepared me for one of the most satisfying careers I ever could have imagined. Tufts helped me accomplish things I never could have dreamed of. When Tufts is associated with your name it opens doors.
Board of Overseers, School of Dental Medicine
(Email announcement from Dean Lonnie H. Norris)
September 15, 2010
Dear TUSDM community:
Recently, I informed President Lawrence Bacow and Provost and Senior Vice President Jamshed Bharucha of my decision to step down as Dean effective August 31, 2011. I am honored to have served for 31 years on the TUSDM faculty, and as Dean for the past 16 years.
I joined the TUSDM community in 1977 as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery resident, and since those early days, I have been generously mentored with growth and leadership opportunities. It has been my true privilege and honor to contribute to the advancement of TUSDM?s mission.
I feel in my heart that the time is right for this transition. The school is in an excellent position. We have maintained a balanced budget while enhancing and improving all aspects of our academic standards, clinical operations, patient care, community service, and research. We are extremely fortunate to have a strong core of administrators, faculty and staff to support us. Our alumni are devoted and generous, and our /Beyond Boundaries/ campaign is within 90% of the goal and on target for completion in 2011.
Most recently, the successful completion of the Vertical Expansion project has afforded us space for growth and expansion. We are well positioned to continue to be innovative in the development of additional programs and services.
My wife Donna, my children, Marlaina, M99, and Michael, A01, and I have been embraced by the Tufts community and are fortunate to be a part of the Tufts family. We?ve enjoyed a special relationship with our overseers and trustees, and as we traveled the world, Tufts alumni have welcomed us warmly.
Over the next year, my plans include staying very active in the ongoing renovation projects, completing our capital campaign, supporting the development of our faculty and staff, and enhancing our educational and patient care programs. I?m focused on leaving TUSDM in its strongest position and in the most positive light.
I look forward to completing my final year working together with you, my remarkable colleagues.
(Email announcement from Jamshed Bharucha, Provost and Senior Vice President)
September 15, 2010
To the Tufts community:
Earlier this morning, Lonnie H. Norris, dean of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM), announced that he will step down from his position in August 2011. I am sharing his statement to the Tufts Dental community below.
Dean Norris has led the school with vision and creativity since 1996 and established himself as one of the most outstanding deans in Tufts? history. Thanks to his service, TUSDM remains a premier location for dental education and research.
President Bacow summarized the feelings of many at Tufts and beyond: ?Lonnie Norris is one of the very best academic leaders I have ever had the privilege of working with. He is widely admired not just at Tufts, but nationally and internationally. Beloved by students, faculty, staff, and peers alike, Dean Norris has literally brought Tufts University School of Dental Medicine to new heights. He has elevated its scholarly reputation, strengthened its commitment to public service, and constructed new facilities that will serve the school well for generations. He will be missed.?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a master?s degree in public health, Dean Norris began his career as a clinical instructor with TUSDM in 1980. During his tenure as dean, TUSDM has expanded its educational and clinical programs, dramatically increased the enrollment of students of color, continued to build a world-class faculty, and created exemplary community and public health programs. Dean Norris?s dedication to building an institution that is focused on the pursuit of new knowledge and innovations in patient care has made TUSDM a national leader in clinical research.
Recently, Dean Norris spearheaded the school?s impressive Vertical Expansion project, which involved the construction of five new floors with 95,000 square feet added to the top of the school building. The $68 million project was completed on budget and ahead of schedule in 2009, even while the school remained fully operational for educational and clinical programs during construction. Dean Norris?s prudent management of TUSDM?s growth has been supported by the generous philanthropy of individuals, corporations, and foundations worldwide. During his tenure, the school has raised more than $55 million, a sign of the high regard that donors and alumni have for Dean Norris and the TUSDM mission.
The search for Dean Norris?s successor will begin immediately. A search committee is being assembled and a search firm will be engaged to facilitate the process.
Over the coming year, we look forward to celebrating Dean Norris?s many accomplishments. In the meanwhile, please join President Bacow and me in thanking him for his many contributions to the university, the profession of dental medicine, and the communities served by TUSDM?s educational and clinical programs.
Jamshed Bharucha
Provost and Senior Vice President
Sleep Interrupted - A pioneering program at the dental school is leading the way to a good night?s rest.
An End to Adult Tooth Decay? - Study holds out the potential for a life without cavities--and drilling.
Hans-Peter Weber, Dr.med.dent., DMD was appointed as Professor and Chair of Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine effective February 1, 2010.
Dr. Weber received his DMD degree in 1990 from Harvard, after having received a dental degree in 1976, a certificate in removable prosthodontics in 1979, and a certificate in periodontics and fixed prosthodontics in 1984 from the University of Berne in his native Switzerland. He is an active member of a number of professional organizations of which he holds leadership positions in the Academy of Prosthodontics and the International Team of Implantology. He was awardedHonorary Membership in the American College of Prosthodontists in 2002.
Prior to coming to Tufts, Dr. Weber was the Raymond J. and Elva Pomfret Nagle Professor of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences and served as Chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He has been very active in administration, teaching, clinical practice and research, with over 100 publications and 12 textbook chapters to his credit. He serves on the review boards of several other dental journals and is a Co-Editor of "Clinical Oral Implants Research."
Dr. Weber's primary research interest and expertise is in translational and clinical research in implant dentistry and related areas. He has conducted or participated in a number of clinical trials with various designs over the years, and has lectured around the world on his clinical and research work.
Dr. Weber, his wife and two children reside in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
New Heights at the Dental School - Nearly 1,200 celebrate the completion of the five-story expansion project. See pictures of the process of Vertical Expansion, and learn how the complex project was completed.
Vertical Expansion - Watch the VEI Grand Opening video.
A Village Thrives in Zambia - Dr. John Morgan talks about his work leading a dental project in Muchila, a village in Zambia.
Finding Dental Care at a Discount - WBZ-TV Boston profiles Tufts' Orthodontics Clinic.
Leaders of the Pack - For the first time, two women serve as dental school class presidents.
