National Children's Dental Health Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month and the LSU Health School of Dentistry Department of Pediatric Dentistry has a rich and storied legacy thanks to pioneering leaders like Drs. Robert Musselman and Clifton O. Dummett, Jr. Last year Jeffery Johnson, DMD, MPH, joined LSUSD as the new head of the department, which offers the most current and comprehensive training needed to treat the wide variety of oral health issues faced by children and adolescents.

 "Using my previous experiences in academia combined with 15 years of private practice and business acumen, I prefer to lead by building consensus and teamwork," says Dr. Johnson. "Our intent is to build on that legacy by becoming a nationally recognized program that is focused on patient care, resident and student education, and innovation and progressivity." 

The postdoctoral program prepares graduates to become highly qualified pediatric dental specialists. Postgraduate students obtain a Master's of Science through the Health Sciences Center and a certificate in pediatric dentistry. To date, LSUSD has educated 145 pediatric dentists.

 "Together we are working to create a program that is nimble enough to adapt to the ever-changing environment and economics of pediatric dentistry. Respect, compassion, hard work and inclusivity are the hallmark tenants of our program. Engaging with our staff, students, residents and faculty in new and exciting ways is key to achieving our goals," says Dr. Johnson. The COVID-19 vaccine is currently being administered to the LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry (LSUSD) community. The first doses of the vaccine were given to faculty, staff, students and residents in early January. "It is the hope that all personnel and students will be fully vaccinated by the end of February, but that goal is dependent on vaccine availability," says Dr. Robert Laughlin, LSUSD Dean.

 Give Kids a Smile Goes Virtual



 This year's Give Kids a Smile event went virtual on February 8th due to COVID concerns. First-graders at Dr. John Ochsner Discovery Health Sciences Academy were treated to a visit from some of our students and staff. Students Allyn Lacombe (D4), Carol Cash (D3), Elizabeth Sherman (D3) and Brook Vinturella (D3) spearheaded this year's effort. Drs. Jeff Johnson and Nicole Boxberger were also involved in the program. Dr. Boxberger donated the 78 goodie bags which were dropped off to the school prior to the event. The American Dental Association and the New Orleans Dental Association sponsored this year's Give Kids a Smile event at LSUSD.

                             Celebrating Achievement

 An LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry third-year dental student is a top winner of the Clifton O. Dummett, Sr. Essay Competition on Diversity in Dentistry & Dental Education. Kaleb Murray was one of three dental students from across the country who received $1,000 in prizes. Nineteen additional entrants were also awarded prizes of $500 and $250. The contest celebrates the legacy of Dr. Dummett, longtime professor at the University of Southern California and Dean at Meharry Medical College. The awards were underwritten by the Henry Schein Cares Foundation and Delta Dental of California.