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THE ART OF DENTISTRY
A PUBLICATION OF THE SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE
Dentistry Is All in the Family
Page 6
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY Winter 2008 ❙ volume 8 ❙ issue 1

THE ART OF DENTISTRY
A PUBLICATION OF THE SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE
Dentistry Is All in the Family
Page 6
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY Winter 2008 ❙ volume 8 ❙ issue 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE ART OF
DENTISTRY
Winter 2008 ❙ volume 8 ❙ issue 1
IN THIS ISSUE
Message from the Dean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
The School of Dental Medicine Today. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Alumni Perspective: Edward Ferreri ‘40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Dentistry Is All in the Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Dentistry in the Future – It’s the Journey . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Alumni Association President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Alumni Association Board of Directors Application . . . . 13
Honor Roll of Donors Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2007 Reunion Challenge Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Second-year Case Western Reserve University
Dental Student Relieved Children’s Pain . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
A Gift That Lasts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Gift Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Preceptor Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Staff Service Milestones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Volunteer Faculty Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Reunion Weekend 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Department of Periodontology Celebration . . . . . . . . . . 24
2008 Alumni Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
COVER: Dentistry Is All in the Family—story on page 6
CASE WESTERN
RESERVE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF
DENTAL MEDICINE
Jerold S. Goldberg, D.D.S.
Dean and Interim Provost
(216) 368-3266
jerold.goldberg@case.edu
Heather M. Siegel
Executive Director of Development and
Alumni Relations
heather.siegel@case.edu
Sara Y. Fields
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
sara.fields@case.edu
Jennifer M. Wallace
Assistant Director of Development
jennifer.m.wallace@case.edu
Diana L. Coston
Department Assistant
diana.coston@case.edu
Office of Development
and Alumni Relations
Phone: (216) 368-3480
Toll free: (877) 468-1436
Fax: (216) 368-3204
Web: http://dental.case.edu/
THE ART OF DENTISTRY
Sara Fields
Editor-in-Chief
Margaret Mulligan
Editor and Copywriter
Susan Griffith
Senior News and Information Specialist
Liz Long
Contributor
Academy Graphic Communication, Inc.
Design and Production
Daniel Milner
Photographer
Send correspondence to:
The Art of Dentistry
School of Dental Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106-4905
dentalalumni@case.edu

MESSAGE
FROM THE DEAN
Dear Friends,
I have been spending significant time and effort working with many of my academic and administrative colleagues as we spearhead
the effort to envision and create the strategic plan for the university. The plan involves both comprehensive plans for the university
and each of the schools. This process requires steering committees from both the university and schools to continuously share information
to identify common goals and strategies so that the work of various components has alignment. This is critical in order for the
institution to clearly identify what it is and what it wants to become, in order to formulate a realistic yet innovative plan as to how it
will get there.
One of the reasons I felt so comfortable with handling the
university’s strategic plan is that approximately ten years ago,
the dental school faculty and staff created an outstanding
strategic plan that, with occasional updates, we have carefully
followed. This plan and its execution has allowed the School of
Dental Medicine to flourish. We see this in many tangible ways,
from the superiority and increased number of our dental school
applicants, to the quality of our faculty, research, curriculum
and support from alumni. The school enjoys stability while
leading the way in dental education through our many
innovations on the teaching and research fronts.
With all these successes, the School of Dental Medicine has not
been resting on our laurels. We are currently revising the strategic
plan for the school. Through this process we will create a new set
of priorities and goals that will take us through the next five-
to seven-year timeframe. We continue to evaluate each aspect
of our new curriculum and envision how it should look in the
future. We consider how our research program should grow and
how the clinical experience of our students will evolve over this
time period.
We also want to think about and plan for how best to engage
our alumni, students, applicants and the rest of the university.
We must consider the best administrative structure to accomplish
this while being mindful of how we will meet our financial
obligations as the external environment will change. Avishai
Sadan, D.M.D., chairman of the Department of Comprehensive
Care, is chairing the steering committee. He can be reached at
avishai.sadan@case.edu.
Members:
Sami Chogle J. Martin Palomo
Yiping Han Leena Palomo
Roma Jasinevicius John Smolik
Marius Laniauskas Kristin Victoroff
I enthusiastically encourage you to contact Avishai or anyone on
the committee to share your thoughts on what you believe to be
our priorities or how we should envision ourselves going forward.
Jerold S. Goldberg, D.D.S. ’70
Dean, School of Dental Medicine
Interim Provost, Case Western Reserve University
jerold.goldberg@case.edu
1

2
THE SCHOOL
OF DENTAL
MEDICINE TODAY
CBCT OFFERS REAL-TIME, REAL-WORLD 3D IMAGES
BY MARGARET MULLIGAN
The Craniofacial Imaging Center (CIC)
in the School of Dental Medicine
(http://ImagingCenter.case.edu) is using
cone-beam computed tomography
(CBCT), which allows practitioners to
study a patient’s 3-dimensional (3D)
image. The technology and its use is the
primary focus of the work of J. Martin
Palomo, D.D.S., M.S.D. ’97, Associate
Professor, Department of Orthodontics.
Dr. Palomo is one of the few people who
explored computer applications in the
days when they were less than user-friendly.
“I was a computer kid,” he says. “As a
child I watched as technology made
information easier to attain and process
for many different uses. Later, I asked
myself, ‘How could I use this in my specialty
of orthodontics? How can technology
make clinical work more efficient?’ I have
worked since 1996 creating and using 3D
images of the head and neck. In the past,
the use of 3D images was not practical or
user-friendly, which prevented broader
use of such images. The development of
CBCT solved many problems not only
for dental medicine, but also for other
clinicians using head and neck images.
This allowed me to merge my interest in
computers with my work in orthodontia.
With the support of my department and
the School of Dental Medicine, we
jumped into the game early.
There are several possible ways
to visualize a CBCT image.
A) soft tissue view using the
surface mode, B) radiographic
mode, in which the 3D image is
turned into 2D as in a traditional
radiography, C) slice view,
divided by sagittal, coronal, and
axial view, D) skeletal rendering
using the surface mode, and
E) maximum intensity projection
(MIP) mode which provides a
3D radiographic view.
“We have a machine from Hitachi
Medical Systems that is serial number 1,”
he says. “We were one of the first schools
to have and use such technology, and
others have followed suit.” In less than
five years, there have been more than 800
CBCT units installed across the country.
This early involvement in the technology
growth spurt has paid off. “We have been
able to travel to Hitachi headquarters in
Japan and present [our] research findings
to their engineers,” he says. “Based on the
suggested conclusions of research projects
done at CWRU, [the engineers] modified
the machine. The impact of our research
was such that other imaging centers using
this machine subsequently asked to have
their scanners modified according to the
recommendations posed by those articles.
“Now we are taking that experience and
developing interpretation tools to further
help a multidisciplinary audience of clinicians
and researchers,” says Dr. Palomo. “In
short, we can evaluate and improve the
clinical situation, making them sometimes
less invasive and with a better prognosis.”
SHARING THE TECHNOLOGY
WITH THE COMMUNITY
The CBCT scanner is available at the
CIC at the School of Dental Medicine.
“It’s really about providing the highest
level of treatment that a patient can
attain, so we want to provide the CBCT
technology as a service to the community,”
notes Dr. Palomo. “For example, we
recently assisted in the treatment plan for
a five-year-old patient who was referred to
us from Japan. The CBCT technology
enabled her pediatric dentist to perform a
minimally invasive procedure, leaving
developing follicles untouched. Upon review
of the CBCT image, the treatment plan
was changed so that only the supernumerary
teeth were removed. The additional
information gained from the CBCT scan
allowed for the preservation of the deciduous
teeth, thus preventing a little girl from
going for more than one year without her
front teeth.
“We want to let people know that Case
Western Reserve University and the School
of Dental Medicine is a source of technology
that seamlessly fits into day-to-day clinical
routines and helps to simplify clinical
challenges,” says Dr. Palomo.
For the academic and professional
community, the CIC has produced
several peer-reviewed publications in both
medical and dental journals, presentations
in national and international venues, as
well as ongoing research grants.
Interdisciplinary collaborations have
involved several specialties of not only dental
medicine, but also medical specialties
such as Plastic Surgery, ENT, and
Anesthesiology. Other collaborations
include chapters on Craniofacial Imaging

for books both here and in other
countries, images for the latest version
of Gray’s Atlas of Anatomy, and videos
and images for the permanent exhibit
on medical imaging hosted by the
Great Lakes Science Center here in
Cleveland.
KEEPING STUDENTS AHEAD
OF THE TECH CURVE
Dr. Palomo uses the CBCT technology
when teaching DMD students and
residents in the various specialties as
well as in an elective course for all
dental students in the dental school. It
has been the vehicle to support a number
of residents in the preparation of their
FIRST-YEAR DENTAL STUDENTS RECEIVE WHITE COAT
BY SARA FIELDS
In July we welcomed the Class of
2011, to our qualified, diverse and
talented student body.
Admission to the School of Dental
Medicine remains highly competitive.
With the admissions process behind
them, the highlight of orientation week
was the annual White Coat Ceremony.
At this event, the incoming students
received a white coat welcoming them
into the dental profession. They recited
the oath before an assembly of proud
family, friends, faculty and staff.
The class represents less than three
percent of the almost 3,400 applicants.
The average age is 24.8 years. The
overall GPA is 3.54, with a science
GPA of 3.45. Both represent the
highest averages in our history. The
average DAT score is 19.67; the PAT
(perceptual ability) average is 19.54.
These both represent the highest
averages on the DAT in the school’s
masters’ theses and projects. This way,
students have exposure and real-time
experience with the newest and most
cutting-edge applications by the time
they graduate. As a result, the center
gets referrals from all over the world.
In addition, our students and residents
graduate and take the knowledge they
gain here and go into practice.
“I am optimistic that 3D imaging
gives our graduates a head start and a
competitive advantage, I am confident
it will be an integral part of their
professional life,” says Dr. Palomo.
EMAIL: juan.palomo@case.edu
Photographer – Daniel Milner
history. The students come from 19 states
and 2 countries. There are six Canadian
students and two Korean students. Fiftyone
different undergraduate colleges/
universities are represented as well.
By using a combination of sculpting and
segmentation we are able to view a single
tooth and study surface that cannot be viewed
either clinically or with traditional radiography,
since there would be adjacent teeth present.
Note the reference lines showing the area
being analyzed.
Nationally, the overall applicant pool was
45% female and 55% male. There was
a total of 12,010 applicants. The typical
applicant applies to ten dental schools.
3

4
Ohio Dental Association program gives
CWRU dental students a reason to dream
BY LIZ LONG
ODA TODAY STAFF WRITER
It's a success. On July 13, 2007, the ODA Street of Dreams event was launched at the
Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine for the first time.
The program, which has been successfully
operating at The Ohio State University
College of Dentistry for over 15 years,
allows dental students a glimpse into the
real-life practices of ODA members—
giving them valuable insight into the
possibilities that await after graduation.
While wildly successful at OSU, when
the program was first tried at CWRU
about 10 years ago, it was not well
received. Giving it a go once more, the
ODA worked with the CWRU Alumni
Board and the Greater Cleveland Dental
Society to resurrect the event at CWRU.
Suzanne Payne, director of events and
special projects, said the feedback from
CWRU students has been positive.
“I have a feeling the program may stick
this time,” she said.
Dr. Linda Records, who served as the event’s
tour guide, echoed Payne’s observations.
“I think there was a positive response and
the help from the CWRU Alumni Board
was great,” said Records, who has assisted
with the event at OSU since its inception.
“I cannot really say what the administration
or the school will do and if they will allow
the students the time off to participate in
the program, but I think the students got
a lot out of it.”
The Street of Dreams program gives
students a realistic look into the everyday
logistics and management of a practice—
valuable information that is often not
fully explored in dental school, said Records.
“The students are happy to meet the
dentists and have an opportunity to see
different types of practices and how they
work,” said Records. “It gives dentists a
chance to tell their stories and their
pitfalls. Dentists are able to tell students
how they went from being a new dentist
to where they are now. It gives the
students some food for thought to use
when they make their choices.”
In total, 18 dental students participated
in the event which began with a tour of
three different dental offices in the
Cleveland area. Participating dentists
included Drs. Stuart Katz, Tom Kelly
and Mario Pavicic.
At each stop, the students received a tour
of the practice as well as information
about the practice’s inner workings—
everything from billing and staffing, to
solving common problems associated
with being a small business owner.
“The program got them out there and
gave them a taste of what a real practice
is like,” said Katz, CWRU Street of
Dreams participant and clinical instructor
at the university. “The students looked at
all the high tech stuff and got real excited
about it. But the day-to-day tasks like
dealing with staff, patients and insurance
companies— the not quite so glamorous
stuff—was news to them.”
Katz said he was impressed by the students’
high level of excitement and curiosity.
“They were so enthusiastic,” he said.
“They could not stop asking questions.
I had an outline of stuff to talk about and
I did not get an opportunity to even say
one thing from it.”
Continued on page 22
ONE STUDENT’S EXPERIENCE
Kari Cunningham
’10, is a sophomore
and the student
representative to the
Alumni Board of
Directors. “I really
saw how important
technology is in a
modern dental practice,” she notes. “I
also observed how Dr. Katz ’69,
incorporated the human element into his
practice—particularly his relationship
with his staff.
Dr. Kelly ’89, gave the students an
idea of what it is like to open a
completely new clinic. Questions that
came up include, does one bring in
another dentist? If so, as an associate or a
partner?
In general, Cunningham saw the exercise
as an opportunity for her to start
thinking about how she will build her
clinical practice. “I see the importance
of technology, though I may not lose
the paper files,” she says. “For me,
important aspects of my practice will
include patient education and comfort.
Technology can be used to great effect
to show patients what you are talking
about. Like Dr. Pavicic ’92, I may
incorporate things like paraffin wax
treatments to relax and calm patients.”
After talking to other participants, the
general consensus was that the program
was worthwhile and very valuable.
Suggestions included adding specialists
and women practitioners to the offices
visited. Thank you to the ODA for
sponsoring such a great event.
The Ohio Dental Association will sponsor
the next Street of Dreams event in July
2008. Students can contact the Office of
Development and Alumni Relations at
dentalalumni@case.edu for information
and registration.

ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE:
EDWARD FERRERI ’40
SERVICE WITH THE 4TH GENERAL HOSPITAL—
FIRST IN THE FIRST WAR, FIRST IN WAR AGAIN…
The 4th General Hospital—Lakeside Unit, which served during World War II—was initially
commissioned by the U.S. War Department on October 1, 1933, acknowledging the
sacrifice and professionalism of doctors and nurses from Western Reserve University and
the Cleveland area who had served during World War I at the U.S. Army Base Hospital
No. 4—Lakeside Unit.
The 4th General Hospital was activated
at the dawn of World War II. Approximately
200 members of the Cleveland medical,
dental and nursing community left their
homes at a moment’s notice to answer
their country’s call. The medical/dental
corps sole survivor, Edward Ferreri ’40,
was deployed in early 1942 with his
colleagues.
FERRERI’S SAGA
“The Cleveland doctors were the first in
World War I, and they did such a good
job that the government asked them to
serve in World War II,” explains Dr. Ferreri.
He became involved because “the army
was shy two dentists with hospital training,”
he says. “Hospital training ultimately
saved me from the infantry. I was in the
first military draft, which started in 1939.
I received a deferment for a year because I
was in an oral surgery residency program
at what was then City Hospital in Cleveland.
“I approached the dental reserve corps in
1940, but they weren’t taking applications,”
says Dr. Ferreri. “Then I tried to get into
the Navy. I was deemed six pounds
underweight. I went to a dietitian, who
put me on a high-vitamin, high-caloric
diet. Two weigh-ins later, I was still one
pound underweight. It was looking like
I was going to be a private in the army.”
But, “in August 1941, Dean Wendell
Wylie of the dental school told me of
an opening at the Medical College of
Virginia School of Dentistry in Richmond.
I interviewed there and was hired
immediately.”
On January 17, 1942, Dr. Ferreri received
a telegram from Joseph Wearn, M.D.,
of the WRU medical school. “‘Your
commission has come through as first
lieutenant in the dental corps,’ he told
me. ‘Wire your acceptance to the Surgeon
General.’ Which I did, on a Wednesday.
On Saturday of the same week, I received
a call from the headquarters of the [Army]
in Columbus, Ohio. They told me to report
to the Brooklyn [N.Y.] port of embarkation
by [the next day]. I got a [military] uniform
that afternoon and was at the port by
9:00 am. I was told, ‘Edward Ferreri,
your task force unit number [is] 6414Z.’
I didn’t know where I was going once I left
New York.” He ended up going halfway
around the world, to Melbourne, Australia.
DOWN-UNDER CLINIC
“The Aussies were happy to see us,” says
Dr. Ferreri (who was honorably discharged
as a captain). “Our first Marine division,
after Guadalcanal, came to our hospital—
the brand new Royal Melbourne Hospital—
for medical and dental care. I spent a year
in Melbourne. When we received orders
that someone had to go to Oro Bay, at the
362nd station hospital in New Guinea,
three degrees off the equator, I went.
“The hospital facility was primitive,” says
Dr. Ferreri. “The ward was a slab of
concrete, 200 feet by 30 feet. It was
supported by posts. It had a tin roof, no sides.
The surgery suite was like a MASH unit.
When I got there, we had no electricity to
run the dental drill. I had to have a man
operate a foot treadle while I worked. It
wasn’t too long before we got electricity.”
After about a year in New Guinea, Dr.
Ferreri was sent back to the 4th General
Hospital, which was now in New Guinea,
as a patient (he had a skin infection). “To
the relatives of the members of the 4th
General Hospital I would say that I felt
very fortunate to serve with so many
experts in the fields of medicine, dentistry
and nursing,” he says.
Dr. Ferreri resides in East Cleveland,
Ohio, at the A. M. McGregor Home, an
independent and assisted-living facility on
32 wooded acres where, he says, “I have
no neighbors except wild deer and turkeys.”
He lives with Jeanne, his wife of 58 years.
The couple has seven daughters and one son.
5

BY MARGARET MULLIGAN
Dentistry Is All in the Family
Laurie Brightman Gittess, D.D.S., M.S.D. ’86, ’88, met her husband Robert Gittess, D.D.S. ’93, when she taught his sophomore
orthodontics class at the CWRU School of Dental Medicine. She follows in the footsteps of many family members, including her
grandfather, Joseph H. Goodman, D.D.S. ’14.
Clockwise from left: Laurie Brightman Gittess, D.D.S., M.S.D. ’86, ’88,
Robert Gittess, D.D.S. ’93, Adam and Jennifer
Joseph’s son Donald J. Goodman, ADL, D.D.S. ’43, ’45, was
inspired by his father and his uncle Isadore (“Uncle Doc”)
Goodman, M.D. ’13, calling them “the guiding lights of
my life.” The inspiration endured across generations. Laurie
remembers “going to my grandfather’s office
when I was 3 or 4 years old. Uncle
Donald practiced across the street.
My grandfather's brother, William
Goodman, D.D.S. ’21, also practiced
nearby, as did Uncle Doc. My father,
Earl Brightman, M.D., an orthopedic
surgeon, practiced in the same area for
many years,” she explains. “At age 14, I
decided to be an orthodontist. I thought
that tooth movement was fascinating, and
I wanted to learn to create beautiful smiles.
6
William Goodman, D.D.S. ’21 (photo taken 1984)
“Becoming the third generation of
dentists graduating from the dental
school, and the fourth generation
attending CWRU was the biggest
factor in my choice,” she says. “My
Uncle Donald and my aunt, Nancy
Goodman Blumenthal, FSM ’52
were pleased that I was carrying on
our family tradition. But I also chose
CWRU because of the excellent
reputation of the dental school. ”
Dr. (Donald) Goodman and his wife Ruth are ensuring that
continued excellence by the establishment of the Dr. Donald J.
and Ruth Weber Goodman Philanthropic Fund. It will benefit
the CWRU schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine, as well as
other philanthropic organizations.
“I didn't know I would fall in love with Robert,” Laurie says,
“but he told his best friend, during orthodontics class, ‘See that
girl, I'm going to marry her.’ We were married just before he
graduated in 1993. Robert’s father (also an endodontist) and I
were thrilled to present him with his diploma.
“I love practicing with
my husband,” she adds,
“we work together very
well. Orthodontics and
endodontics are a good
blend because they are
non-competitive with
general dental referrals.
Once we leave the office,
our more difficult job
begins—that of raising
our two children, Adam,
13, and Jennifer, 10. We
are encouraging them to
go to dental school.”
Ruth and Donald Goodman,
ADL, D.D.S. ’43, ’45
Joseph Goodman, D.D.S. ’14
(photo taken 1964)

THE ‘WRIGHT’ STUFF—100+ YEARS
The Wright family boasts four generations of CWRU dentists.
Frank Monroe Casto, M.D., D.D.S., Ph.D., was dean of the
Western Reserve University (WRU) dental school from 1917 to
1937. He began his teaching career at WRU in 1904 as professor
of orthodontics, where he organized the school’s first orthodontic
clinic. He practiced in Cleveland and later in California with his
son, William A. Casto, ADL, D.D.S. ’27, ’29.
William’s nephew, Laurence Casto Wright, D.D.S. ’55, is
currently retired and living with his wife, Joan. He was honored
as a distinguished alumnus for 1989-90. The original practice
Larry opened in 1956 is still operating and drawing patients
from all over, says Douglas F. Wright, D.D.S., M.S.D. ’83,
’92, who continues in the practice with his brother, David M.
Wright, D.D.S. ’81. Both credit their father as a career example.
“Dad did not pressure us,” says David, “but we felt his influence,
in that we were around the practice in the summertime
and we talked about dad’s patients around the dinner table.”
Douglas notes that “I looked only at the CWRU dental school,
but I didn’t make the decision to become a dentist until my
junior year of college. Perhaps my children will decide more
quickly!” Douglas and his wife Laurie have three children: Andy,
a sophomore biology major at SUNY Geneseo; Timothy, a
senior in high school “who is interested in science,” and
daughter Lindsay who is in 8th grade.
According to David, “When I applied to dental school in 1976,
I knew that even with good grades and test scores, admission
would be difficult. But today I can honestly say that CWRU
was the right choice. It was a tough and challenging school that
made me a good dentist. I would
highly recommend CWRU to any
pre-dental student.” David lives in
Amherst, New York, with his wife
Dana Jace Wright, N.D. ’82. They
have a son William, 24, and a
daughter, Karen, 22, an athletic
trainer who may have an interest
in dentistry in the future.
Left to right: Andy, Laurie, Lindsay, Timothy,
and Douglas F. Wright, D.D.S., M.S.D. ’83, ’92
Frank M. Casto, Dean
1917-1937
The family looks forward to carrying on the tradition, says
David. “While my dad didn’t show much emotion when I
was first accepted to dental school, I know now that he was
absolutely delighted. As we go forward, we hope to get a dentist
out of the next generation of our large extended family—
18 grandchildren—and we hope that they choose CWRU.”
Continued
David M. Wright, D.D.S. ’81; Laurence C. Wright, D.D.S. ’55;
and Douglas F. Wright, D.D.S., M.S.D. ’83, ’92
7

THE VALLERAS: FIRST-GENERATION SUCCESS
Education was a priority growing up in the Vallera household in Steubenville, Ohio.
“Our parents never attended college, but were determined to see that their three
children were afforded that privilege,” says John J. Vallera, D.D.S. ’84. His sisters,
Joann Vallera, D.D.S. ’92, and Janice Vallera Yanni, D.D.S. ’99, agree.
John discovered his passion “during my high school years, when I became very interested
in the health sciences. Dentistry seemed very appealing to me as it would allow me to
provide direct patient care in both a scientific/diagnostic and artistic manner. I relished
the challenge of being able to alleviate pain while creating attractive smiles for patients.
“I found myself in the favorable position of being able to choose from a handful of
dental schools,” he continues. “My visit to CWRU left me with a profound impression.
The chance to provide direct patient care in the first year was too good to pass up. The
doctors and administrative/faculty members who interviewed me made me feel very
welcome, especially Philip Aftoora, the Director of Admissions at that time.”
Joann became interested in dentistry thanks to John. “I grew up without the benefits
of fluoride,” she explains. “John needed patients [for clinicals] and I needed dental
work, so that's how I was introduced to the profession. It was amazing to watch my
brother fabricate my gold crown by hand then insert it into my mouth the next day.
It's still fine 20-plus years later!”
Adds John, “Joann and Janice spent hours in the [CWRU] clinics on several occasions.
I feel this first-hand exposure had an impact on their decision to pursue a career in
dentistry. Once they reached that decision, to be honest, other dental schools were not
even considered. Joann’s uncanny ability to net extremely high scores on college entrance
examinations—plus a very high GPA—secured her entry into dental school straight
out of high school. Janice applied early to dental school and earned her undergraduate
and dental degrees in seven years.
John J. Vallera, D.D.S. ’84; Janice Vallera Yanni, D.D.S. ’99;
Joann Vallera, D.D.S. ’92; and Steven Landman, D.D.S. ’92
8
“I always knew both my sisters looked
up to me,” he says, “but the sense of
pride, respect and happiness that I felt
when dentistry became a reality for
both of them was enormous. I felt like
I made a difference in someone's life
in an extremely positive manner.”
In following her brother to CWRU,
Joann met her husband, Steven J.
Landman, D.D.S. ’92. Joann and
Steven have triplets (4 years of age)
so they are busy raising the next
generation of CWRU alums.
Marion ’80 and Erica Wazney ’05
“I love the flexibility the dental field offers
for our family,” says Joann. “I also love
the aspects of owning and managing our
practices. My husband and I have offices
in Connecticut and Massachusetts.”
John presented Joann with her diploma,
“a day surpassed only when Janice
graduated. Janice, an orthodontist with
offices in Connecticut and Massachusetts,
“has surpassed us all,” says Joann, “and
we are so very proud of her. On the day
John, Steve and I presented Janice with
her diploma, our mother was in the crowd
with tears in her eyes. And our father was
smiling down from heaven. I think that
sums up family and dentistry for me!”
John and his wife Susan “hope that one
or both of our children, Megan and Brian,
will have the opportunity to attend the
School of Dental Medicine. My greatest
honor would be to present my children with
a dental diploma from CWRU,” he says.

WAZNEYS BROUGHT THE FAMILY TO CWRU
According to John L. Wazney, CIT, D.M.D. ’74, ’79, he and
Marion [Marion Wazney, WRC, D.M.D. ’74, ’80] both
moved from Bucks county Pennsylvania to attend CWRU undergraduate
schools. John graduated from Case engineering school
and Marion graduated from WRU with dual degrees in Biology
and Chemistry. They were married after their sophomore year of
undergraduate school. Three years later they began a new life
journey at the CWRU School of Dental Medicine.
Perhaps it was predestined Erica would also become a dentist.
Says John, “Erica was born the evening I graduated from dental
school,” he explains. “Marion still had a year to go, and now we
had a baby to raise. She was back in summer clinic after a short
two-week break. After graduating dental school she undertook
four more years of oral surgery residency.”
John now practices in Willowick, Ohio, He has recently added a
new associate to his practice, the couple’s daughter, Erica Wazney,
D.M.D. ’05. Marion has a private practice in oral surgery in
Lyndhurst, Ohio.
The Wazneys are proud to represent three generations in the field
of dentistry. John’s father, Joseph T. Wazney, was a professor at
the Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University.
DENTAL SCHOOL—AT A ‘MELLION’ M.P.H.
Two generations of the Mellion family—Joseph T. Mellion,
D.D.S., M.S.D. ’78 ; his late brother, Francis E. Mellion,
D.D.S., M.S.D. ’83; and Joseph’s sons, Zachary J. Mellion,
D.M.D., M.S.D. ’04; and Alex T. Mellion ’11 have sped
through their undergraduate and dental school programs at
CWRU in compressed time frames. Alex is currently in his third
year of a six-year undergraduate/graduate program as he pursues
his D.M.D. degree. Joe’s brother Nick received his D.D.S.
degree from The Ohio State University.
Joe, Alex, Zach Mellion at Grand Teton National Park in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Daughter Sarah is attending medical
school at the University of Cincinnati,
“but we let them attend family events
anyway,” jokes Zach. John T. Mellion,
LAW ’47 uncle to Joe, Frank and
Nick, is a WRU graduate.
Joe made the decision to become
a dentist early. “In tenth grade, I
decided to become an orthodontist. I had
Francis E. Mellion,
D.D.S. ’83, M.S.D.
worked for an orthodontist while I was in high school and in
college. He was my mentor and is still my friend.” Joe interviewed
at the dental school in 1973 and “I immediately felt at
home. I was accepted to the school during my interview,” he says.
“I found the people at CWRU to be very personable and I felt
that their program would fit my needs. I was never disappointed.”
They met as children, and in his first year of dental school,
Joe married Dianne Fisher Mellion, M.S.N. ’78. “All of our
children worked in our practice,” says Joe. “Some decided they
wanted to go into orthodontics, but we never pushed their choice.”
He adds that Zach had “many different college opportunities,
but chose the six-year program at CWRU because of the value
of the education offered here.”
Zach and Nick are in practice with Joe. Frank was also in the
practice before he died in 2003. Zach and Joe both say that
having multiple generations in the practice improves it. “Zach
came from school with a lot of great ideas,” says Joe. “We are
now treating the second and third generations of some of our
patients. To address this, Zach came up with the ‘Generations
of Smiles’ concept.” Adds Zach, “being exposed to my father’s
practice prior to dental school gave me practical experience with
clinical issues, but more important, patient and practice
management.” Zach also credits his father with being receptive to
new ideas. “During dental school and residency I learned many
different ways to make a practice more patient-friendly. My dad
has been open to new ideas and willing to make those changes.”
Alex decided on dental school after “being surrounded by
dentists, and by seeing my dad’s passion for his profession.
I did look at other careers—business, medicine—but I was
pulled back to dentistry.
“I chose CWRU because I wanted to stay in Ohio. I was also
impressed with the facilities, and the changes they are making to
the curriculum. Things like the sealant program are very exciting.
I also really enjoy the problem-based learning modules, and the
big-picture approach they teach here.”
9

10
This article originally appeared in the Spring/Summer 2007 issue of Global Health Nexus, the magazine of the NYU College of
Dentistry. It is reprinted with permission of the NYU College of Dentistry.
JEROLD S. GOLDBERG, D.D.S. ’70, DEAN, SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE
DENTISTRY IN THE FUTURE –
IT’S THE JOURNEY
Dr. Paul Goldhaber, the former Dean at Harvard, is said to have remarked, “Dentists are the most over-educated people for what they
do and the most under-educated people for what they might do.” In recent years, a number of dental schools have begun to address
this imbalance, which is essentially a disconnect between the knowledge of basic science that dentists acquire in dental school and
the clinical science that they practice. But how far have we actually come in our ability not only to produce clinicians, but also to
educate dentists who demonstrate the added value that is the difference between a professional education and a technical education?
That question was on my mind in May,
2003, during a faculty and staff retreat
convened by the School of Dental Medicine
to consider the skills, knowledge, and values
that will define the superior dentist in 2020.
The retreat was intended as a first step in
designing a new curriculum to provide
CWRU students with the education required
to become superior dentists of the future.
As I listened to the discussions, I found
myself wondering what that future might
be. Would it be a refinement of the past,
a continuation of the status quo, or could
it be something bolder? And it occurred
to me that perhaps before we rethink the
curriculum, we should rethink the future
of dentistry. This essay is intended to
share my thoughts on the subject, rather
than to offer a prescription to others.
How well do we, in dental education,
promote a culture of inquiry and continuing
evaluation that consistently links basic
biological and clinical sciences in order to
produce not solely the next generation of
practitioners, but also the next generation
of educators and researchers? Are today’s
practicing dentists critically evaluating
their patients’ general health; frequently
writing prescriptions; routinely updating
their understanding of the new drugs
their patients may be taking; and are they
engaging in risk assessment and applying
this information to patient care?
Dentists and all healthcare professionals
must have a deep understanding of how
the body works, how disease processes occur,
and how interventions (both pharmacologic
and surgical) work. But dentists tend not
to think of themselves as treating disease,
which puts dentistry at a disadvantage
when it comes to public funding, because
policymakers only fund those who treat
disease. It is perhaps even more important
that we dentists know how to monitor
patients and help populations of patients
to maintain their health. To do this, we
must be able to find information, evaluate
it, and apply it to patient care. How else
can we continually evaluate new drugs and
procedures and bring new understanding
to issues related to health and disease? In
this regard, are we doing enough to help
our students understand newer technology,
to learn to think critically, and to conceptualize,
rather than to memorize. In short,
are we doing enough to enable them to
become lifelong learners?
Are we teaching students that an interdisciplinary
approach is no longer optional?
That whether we’re generalists or specialists,
we are integral members of the larger
medical and surgical healthcare team,
professionals who share a similar
background and vocabulary and bring
interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to
the challenge of improving the well-being
of individuals and populations?
I would hope that all dentists would
recognize untreated COPD (chronic
…before rethinking the curriculum, we first had
to rethink the future of dentistry…
obstructive pulmonary disease) in a
patient and would follow up to ensure
that the condition is being addressed.
Similarly, a prosthodontist might play
a role in smoking cessation; a general
dentist could assist his or her diabetic
patients in relation to weight loss; and,
on the flip side, physicians in rural areas
could benefit their patients by applying
fluoride varnishes. Perhaps it is time for
a team consisting of a dentist, advanced
technician, hygienist, and nurse practitioner
or physician’s assistant all working together
to provide a different array of care.

Ultimately, these thoughts helped to shape
not one, but two curricula at CWRU.
One curriculum focuses on restructuring
the predoctoral program (our primary
program) to ensure not only technical
excellence—which remains the foundation
on which all else is built—but also to
foster a culture of inquiry. To this end,
we are using a new pedagogy called the
REAL curriculum, a set of core principles
which promote communication skills,
independent learning, leadership, the use
of technology, lifelong learning, and
careful evaluation of science and practice to
nurture practitioners who are appropriately
educated not only for what they do, but
for what they might do. At CWRU we
believe that what they might do is to
evolve into a different kind of primary
healthcare provider, one with a broader
scope than currently exists.
The other curriculum supports a five-year,
combined degree program (for between
two and six students) that offers both a
dental and a medical degree. The combined
DMD/MD program shares all of the goals
and methods of the REAL curriculum
and, in addition, aims to create a cadre of
new healthcare professionals who, by
virtue of their dual training, transcend
traditional categories, allowing them to
think more expansively about the care
they provide, especially in the areas of
behavior modification and compliance
with treatment for chronic conditions,
two of the most important challenges in
health care today.
REAL is an acronym for Relevant,
Experiential, Active Learning. Because
we at CWRU believe that dental education
should be Relevant, we have deleted
unnecessary information and replaced
it with new information and emerging
technologies. Dental education should
also be Experiential, a focus derived from
our extensive, health promoting, first-year
experience in which students travel to
almost 100 elementary schools to provide
care, including the placement of sealants,
three months after entering dental school.
Students tell us that their ability to learn
concepts such as infection control, materials,
child management, etc., is sharpened by
the fact that they will so quickly be
challenged to provide care. The REAL
curriculum builds on this approach by
including four similar experiences during
the first two years so that students are
continually challenged to prepare for
something that is “just around the corner.”
The REAL curriculum also emphasizes
small group, Active Learning methods
(problem-based, case-based, and teamlearning).
In addition, subject material
has been reorganized according to themes
that cut across traditional disciplines;
namely, health and well-being, maintenance
of health disease processes, and restoration
of health. The curriculum also emphasizes
comprehensive care in a multi-doctor office
setting, the ability to apply management
principles, and vertical integration of clinical
experiences over four years.
It is very difficult to paint a picture of the
future, but I am convinced that these
concepts point the way to dentistry’s
potential and, indeed, obligation, to
demonstrate increased professionalism
and value to the public. A basic tenet of
leadership is that you spend time doing the
things that only you can do and delegate
the rest to others. In this way of thinking,
dentists learn to share responsibility and
to delegate so that they can involve themselves
more with evaluation, diagnosis, treatment
planning, office management, continuous
learning, and communicating with
patients and other healthcare providers.
Another core principle that emerged from
our deliberations is the value and importance
of students in different healthcare professional
training programs working together to
solve patient problems. This principle
is reflected in CWRU’s new DMD/MD
program, which will begin in fall 2008.
The DMD/MD curriculum is fully
integrated between the dental school and
the medical school so that the educational
objectives of both programs are met and
merged, rather than being presented as
discrete entities, one followed by the
other. The students in the DMD/MD
program are required to achieve all the
outcomes of the REAL curriculum, but
they are also expected to develop an
expanded ability to diagnose, treat, and
prevent a much broader array of health
problems. For many years, the Institute
of Medicine (IOM) has called for health
professional schools to stop educating
students in “silos” when patients expect
them to work in collaborative teams in
clinical practice. We feel that the DMD/
MD program is a step in that direction.
Importantly, it allows students to work
together in the clinic, as well as the classroom.
Equally important, it places CWRU
in an excellent position to continue to
research the many evolving links between
oral health and general health.
Another benefit is that students in the
DMD/MD program are exposed to an
additional group of professional role
models. It is our hope that from this
non-traditional education and experience
will come a new kind of healthcare
provider, one who synthesizes the best
of both dentistry and medicine.
Continued on page 23
11

12
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
THE ALUMNI ‘FAMILY’ CELEBRATES
We have been asking you what types of events would be of interest. You responded and
we listened. In particular, you have told us that you would like to have more familyfocused
events. In response to your suggestions, we are planning more fun and family
activities for the upcoming year. We hope that many of you will join us.
Over the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday weekend, we participated in the Gospel
Brunch at the House of Blues. We enjoyed food, music and fun, and came together
with fellow alumni, staff and students in a family atmosphere. This summer we are
considering having a cookout with the senior dental students. There has been talk of
having a clown and face painter. In the fall, we are planning a reception on campus.
Afterward, we plan on going to the Museum of Art for their special exhibit: “Artistic
Luxury: Fabergé Tiffany Lalique.”
Of course, our signature event is Reunion Weekend. This year, a trolley tour of the
CWRU campus has been added because so many alumni have asked about the many
changes going on at the University. So be sure to take part in it. We will also be
honoring two Distinguished Alumni this year, Marsha Pyle ’84 and Ron Lemmo ’84.
Both have distinguished themselves through their many contributions to organized
dentistry and to the School of Dental Medicine. The weekend is filled with wonderful
activities including an art show, lectures, class dinners—events to help you enjoy your
classmates and have a great time.
We are looking for more members to join the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
I invite all alumni to get involved with the Alumni Association. As a member of the
Board of Directors, you are an ambassador for the school. Some of the responsibilities
include supporting the school, students, events and activities of the Alumni Association.
We are accepting applications for membership to the Board of Directors. The
application is on the next page of this magazine and also on the school website at
http://dental.case.edu/alumni/resources.html. The current deadline for applications
is Friday, March 21, 2008. Voting will occur at the April 2008 Board Meeting. The
Board of Directors meets three times a year. The three-year term is July 1, 2008–
June 30, 2011. Won’t you consider serving in this capacity?
R. Malcolm Taylor, Jr. ’92
E-MAIL: mtay4219@aol.com
THE 2007–2008 ALUMNI
ASSOCIATION BOARD OF
DIRECTORS OF THE SCHOOL
OF DENTAL MEDICINE, CASE
WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
OFFICERS
R. Malcolm Taylor, D.D.S. ’92
President
Frank Petrakos, D.D.S. ’95
Vice-President
Scott S. Whitney, D.D.S. ’92
Secretary
2008–2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Term Ends June 2008
John W. Ball, Jr., D.D.S. ’85
Francis M. Curd, D.D.S. ’77
Bruce W. Forbes, D.D.S. ’57
Peter G. Gordon, D.D.S. ’65
Martin Hritz, D.M.D. ’98
André K. Mickel, D.D.S., M.S.D. ’91, ’94
Mario Pavicic, D.D.S. ’92
Peyman Vaziri, D.D.S., M.S.D. ’98, ’01
Term Ends June 2009
Philip H. Dixon, D.D.S. ’83
R. Huck Finn, D.D.S. ’57
T. Roma Jasinevicius, D.D.S. ’76
Stuart B. Katz, D.M.D. ’69
E. Karl Schneider, D.D.S. ’71
Marion L. Wazney, D.M.D. ’80
EFDA REPRESENTATIVE
Shelly Feiwell
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Kari Cunningham ’10

SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
APPLICATION FORM
The Alumni Association Board of Directors is seeking outstanding alumni leaders. Board members represent the interests of our
diverse alumni population and articulate the school's mission to other alumni and friends of the school and university. To nominate
yourself to serve on the School of Dental Medicine Alumni Association Board of Directors, please complete the information below
and return to our office no later than March 21, 2008 to be considered for the 2008-2011 term. Board members will represent the
diversity of the alumni community in age, gender, culture, race, and religion. Return completed form by fax to (216) 368-3204
or by mail to: Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, Office of Development and Alumni Relations, 10900
Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-4905. For a list of Board Member responsibilities, please call us at (216) 368-3480, toll free
(877) 468-1436 or email dentalalumni@case.edu.
NAME: ______________________________________________________ YEAR(S) OF GRADUATION: ______________________________
PHONE NUMBER: ___________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________
COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES (DENTAL AND NON-DENTAL): ________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU WOULD BE A GOOD ADDITION TO THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE JOIN US
American Student Dental Association
Annual Golf Outing
Monday, May 5, 2008
$200 Per Golfer
Quail Hollow Country Club
11080 Concord-Hambden Road
Concord OH
Join the students, faculty and alumni
for a fun day of golfing with the
CWRU ASDA Chapter.
Questions? Contact
Kari Cunningham
President at
kari.cunningham@case.edu
SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY — HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
Our apologies for the following omissions/corrections from
the 2007 Honor Roll of Donors publication:
$25,000+ Cumulative Giving
Joseph G. Mirci, D.D.S.,
M.A.G.D. ’82◆
Partners In Progress I
($1,000 a year for 3 years)
Bertha O. Alarcon, D.D.S. ’89
Vincent A. Donatelli, D.D.S. ’87
Bradley W. Hylan, D.D.S. ’79
Robert P. Naugle, D.D.S. ’77
Stephen Wotman, D.D.S.
Dean’s Club Associates
($1,000-$2,499)
Allan Sheridan, D.M.D.,
M.S. ’64, ’68
Contributor ($100-$249)
Herbert L. Adelstein, D.D.S. ’46
Established Endowment Funds
Department Funds
Milton Rabine Memorial Fund
Tribute Gifts-In honor of
Sanford Neuger, D.D.S. ’53
Allan Sheridan, D.M.D.,
M.S. ’64, ’68
Thank you so much for your
continued support of the school!
◆Denotes those alumni and friends who
have given ten or more years
13

14
CELEBRATE THE PAST, EMBRACE THE FUTURE
RESULTS OF THE 2007
REUNION CHALLENGE
All gifts received between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007 counted toward your class giving total.
Many of you responded generously to
our Reunion Giving Challenge and
we are most appreciative. The school
depends on alumni and friends, like
you to make up the difference. We
appreciate your support.
The classes with the highest giving
total and the largest percentage increase
in the number of donors are honored
on the Reunion Giving Plaque.
The class of 1957 had the highest
total class giving of $71,075.
The class of 1962 had the largest
increase in the number of donors.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! The
plaque will be on display at the
dental school.
Highest Giving Amount
1st place:
Class of 1957 – $71,075.00
2nd place:
Class of 1962 – $27,975.00
Percentage Increase in the
Number of Donors
1st place:
Class of 1962 – 67% increase
2nd place:
Class of 1992 – 59% increase
Class of 1957: Highest giving total
REUNION GIVING CHALLENGE JULY 1, 2006– JUNE 30, 2007
Degree Year # of Active Alumni # of 2007 Donors Total 2007 Commitments
1942 6 3 $105.00
1947 17 8 $3,700.00
1952 25 7 $1,175.00
1957 41 23 $71,075.00
1962 49 10 $27,975.00
1967 51 7 $27,261.00
1972 62 10 $3,945.00
1977 93 26 $16,388.12
1982 92 35 $12,930.00
1987 87 12 $1,585.00
1992 75 11 $5,040.00
1997 60 12 $23,550.00
2002 67 8 $775.00
Totals $195,504.12

CLASS NOTES
1948
Willis McCune is working on the Shade
Tree & Beautification Commission in
Fremont, Ohio, where he resides with
his wife, Christine Ruth.
1953
Russell Corio and his wife, Mary Jane,
recently celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary in Tuscany. He is still actively
engaged in the practice of oral and
maxillofacial pathology at the Johns
Hopkins Hospital. The couple’s recent
travels have taken them to Hawaii,
London, and Paris.
EMAIL: rlc@jhmi.edu
John Hedgepeth and his wife, Evelyn,
are enjoying their timeshare in a condo at
the ocean at San Juan Capistrano, as well
as taking in the splendor of the Joshua
Tree National Park. He also is active in his
church, singing in the church choir and
keeps in shape by “working out vigorously—
five times weekly—at World Gym.” The
couple spends their winters in Indio,
California, and their summers in Cleveland.
EMAIL: flash4156@yahoo.com
Walter Yankovich and his wife, Mildred,
have relocated back to Cleveland after 16
years of living in Sarasota, Florida.
1960
David Stevenson, currently Clinical
Professor of Removable Prosthodontincs
at the University of Southern California
School of Dentistry, has been awarded a
Bronze Tommy Trojan award, commemorating
his 40 years as a faculty member
at the school. He and his wife have five
grandchildren. Their son, Mark, is a
diplomate in endodontics and has a
practice in Concord, California.
EMAIL: polardoc@sbcglobal.net
1962
Richard DePaul, Sr.
recently returned from a
mission to El Salvador.
He went to the village
of Santiago Texcuangos,
in November 2007 with
the Helping Hands Medical Mission,
sponsored by a local religious organization.
He was introduced to the group by another
Cleveland-area dentist, Edward Jimenez.
The dentists, physicians, and support
personnel—more than 50 strong— treated
and saw hundreds of people during the
week they were in El Salvador. Conditions
were primitive, so it was not possible to
provide comprehensive care. “All we could
really do from a clinical standpoint was
extractions,” says Richard. “However, the
real value of this endeavor was the goodwill
factor. We were representing the United
States. We wanted to show the people of
El Salvador that people here do care about
them. It is no exaggeration to say that I
received much more in return than what
I gave,” he adds.
1968
Robert Goldman
has been in private
practice in West Palm
Beach, Florida, since
1995. He has also
been teaching
periodontology and oral medicine at the
Medical University of South Carolina in
Charleston. He recently received a fellowship
to attend two conferences in August
2007: Changes in Dental Education
(sponsored by the American Dental
Education Association) and the Academy
for Academic Leadership.
EMAIL: rag42@bellsouth.net
Phillip Peck and his wife, Elizabeth, just
welcomed their tenth grandchild into the
world. This baby makes it five boys and
five girls, he says. The Pecks live in
Calabasas, California.
EMAIL: fishyphil@charter.net
1970
Jerold Goldberg and
Irving Tapper (former Pedo
chairman) enjoyed lunch
during the American Dental
Association annual session in
San Francisco in the fall.
1972
David Bruck and his wife, Sandra, send
greetings and a challenge to all dental
alumni. They have established the
Dr. David and Sandra Bruck Scholarship.
They will double any gift to the scholarship’s
endowment, up to $10,000. Says David,
“we want to support the direction being
taken by the dental school under Dean
Goldberg’s leadership. We are particularly
excited about the improvements to the
curriculum and facilities for the students,
and we are proud to establish this scholarship
in support of those efforts.” Please
specify the fund name with your gift.
1978
Scot Lyall tells us that “life is good”; he
and his wife, Vicki, are traveling back and
forth to their new condo in Playadel,
Carmen in Mexico, when he is not
working Monday through Wednesday
and enjoying “four-day weekends.”
EMAIL:scotvicki@comcast.net
1982
Mark Iacobelli and his wife, Linda,
welcomed their son, Matthew, into the
world on August 20, 2007.
EMAIL: mark@iacobellidds.com
15

16
CLASS NOTES
1983
Marty Eichner is keeping busy in
Pittsburgh; he is a delegate to the American
Association of Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgeons and a delegate to the Pennsylvania
Dental Association. He and his wife,
Elyse, note that their son, Scott, is a
freshman at the University of Maryland
and son, Max, is in the 10th grade.
EMAIL: mee2th@earthlink.net
Michael Gallagher is
living in Westlake, Ohio,
with his wife, Catherine
and family. He continues
to run triathlons and keeps
busy as head cross-country
coach at St. Ignatius high
school and serving on the
board of trustees at St.
Joseph Academy. Both
schools are in Cleveland.
EMAIL: drmcgalls@aol.com
1988
Thomas Copulos and his wife, Georgia,
are keeping busy with their four children.
He is also practicing periodontics “in
beautiful Boca Raton, Florida.”
EMAIL: tacperio@aol.com
Cheryl Cushman is the
current president of the
Georgia Society of
Periodontists. She also
built a new dental office
in 2005 in Lithia Springs,
Georgia. She is looking to
add an associate this year.
Her husband, William,
is teaching history and coaching sports.
Their son Mead is in the third grade. The
family visited Puerto Vallarta in July.
John Richard sold his practice in
Brooklyn, New York, five years ago and
opened a practice in East Petersburg,
Pennsylvania. He says “I am now living
and practicing in one of the best places
on the East Coast!” He and his wife,
Joann, spend their free time with their
son, John.
EMAIL: EastPeteDDS@comcast.net
Nellita Ludington and her family—
husband Brud, children Freddie, Katelyn,
Luke and Logan—send greetings from
Stratham, New Hampshire.
EMAIL: drludington@yahoo.com
Richard Torrey says he enjoys spending a
few weekends every year in Cook Forest,
Pennsylvania, in a cabin by the river in
the woods with a group of friends. He
also plays basketball and organized volleyball.
EMAIL: rrtorrey@mstar2.net
1989
Kristin Williams and husband, Stanley
Roberts, welcomed their son, Michael
Christopher Roberts, into the world on
December 20, 2007.
EMAIL: kristin.williams@case.edu
1990
Lisa Elias was
involved in the
design, creation,
and sponsorship
of a guitar for the
United Way of
Cleveland’s “Guitar
Mania Project.” Her work, entitled,
“Passionately Pink for a Cure,” was
created in honor of those affected by
breast cancer. Four of her original designs
were approved for sponsorship after a
juried art submission process.
EMAIL: DrLElias@aol.com
1993
Gregory Beten is president-elect, Greater
Cleveland Dental Society; an Ohio Dental
Association Annual Session committee
member, and a delegate to the House of
Delegates. He is also President of Delta
Sigma Delta Lambda Chapter Corporation,
as well as a member of the Academy of
General Dentistry, International College of
Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
EMAIL: drgregwp@aol.com
Marie Crocker-Blum has built a new
office in Cambridge Springs,
Pennsylvania. She enjoys riding fourwheelers,
swimming, and skiing with her
boys: Travis, Trevor, and Tanner. Her
husband, Dale, owns and operates a
construction firm.
EMAIL: SPADENTAL1@verizon.net
Timothy O’Keefe and his wife, Margaret
Pallone O’Keefe ’94, are keeping busy
enjoying their five children: Ryan, Colin,
Connor, Caitlyn, and Elizabeth. They all live
in Lewiston, New York.
1996
Felix Gen and his wife, Elina, welcomed
their daughter, Amelia Faye, into the
world on July 2, 2007.
Jeffrey Sobecks’ wife, Erin, gave birth to
their son, Ryan, on November 6, 2007.
1997
Ravipan Smith and
her husband, Bradley
Norman, are enjoying
life: biking, surfing, and
being at the beach. “Of
course I am also working
on building my practice!” she says.
EMAIL: raviperio@yahoo.com
Faisal Quereshy (oral
surgery, M.D. – 1997) has
a private dental practice in
Medina, Ohio. He received
the Ohio Dental Association’s
N. Wayne Hiatt Rising Star
Award for his commitment to the dental
profession and his community.
EMAIL: faq@case.edu

1998
Martin Hritz and his wife, Dolly, reside
in Columbia Station, Ohio, with their
children Salena, Amelia, Zachary, and
Liliana. He has been busy with his
practice and his children. He also recently
returned from a stint in Iraq with the
Army Reserve. To relax, he and his family
spend the summers on their boat. “I
couldn’t do it without my hardworking,
lovely wife,” he says.
EMAIL: mahritz@aol.com
Thomas Turner and
his wife, Vikki, stay
busy with their
children, Ryan,
Brooke, Kelly, and
Sean. In his spare
time, Thomas enjoys
“scuba, scuba, and more scuba.”
EMAIL: TCTIIIDDS@yahoo.com
2000
Eric Johnson lives in
Alpharetta, Georgia,
with his wife, Kara,
and daughter, Alyssa.
He is in private
practice and
maintains memberships in the American
Dental Association and the Georgia
Dental Association.
WEB SITE: www.ejohnsondds.com
Jason Schermer and his wife, Michelle,
welcomed their daughter, Leah, into the
world on June 6, 2007.
EMAIL: drjschermer@adelphia.net
2002
Shahin Etemadi opened an endodontic
practice in Everett, Washington in 2005.
His wife, Emma ’03, practices dentistry
in Seattle. They have two children, Kian
and Alexander.
EMAIL: emtoothfxr@hotmail.com
2003
Efrat Cohen-Nehemia has finished her
specialty certification on orthodontics.
She has moved back to her native Toronto
from New York City. She married Joel
Pearlman in September. She says, “I still
keep in touch with many of my friends
from dental school especially Dawn
Polasky ’03, who is the best friend a
girl could have!”
EMAIL: ecohen20@hotmail.com
Irvin Kaw got married in August of
2007 to longtime love Jenny Wang.
The reception was in Los Angeles.
“Hope everyone is doing well!” he says.
Joanna Kleckner went to Tamil Nadu,
India, in March of 2005 with The Chapel
(based in Akron, Ohio) to provide medical
and dental relief for tsunami survivors.
She returned to India in October 2007 to
provide dental/medical care to the Dalit
people with a group from The Chapel.
EMAIL: drkleck@sbcglobal.net
Heather Petroff and her husband,
Michael Yondo, welcomed their son,
Caden James Yondo, into the world
on October 8, 2007.
2006
Benjamin Hale’s wife, Tara, gave birth
to their son, Seth, on August 23, 2007.
2007
John Bogle and fiancé,
Rachel enjoy hiking, biking
and traveling. They live
near the Mississippi River
with their, Blue Heeler,
Lucy. John plans to return
to Canada to open a private practice.
Ryan Speirs has been honored with a
Delta Dental Foundation Student
Leadership Award, consisting of a $2,500
cash gift for his “outstanding leadership
and volunteer activities in the dental
CLASS NOTES
profession and community.” He served as
class representative and president to the
American Student Dental Association,
and as a liaison to the Ohio Dental
Association subcouncil for new dentists.
He also organized a lobby day for students.
He participated in community health
activities, including an externship in the
Dominican Republic. He lives in Shaker
Heights, Ohio.
Corrections to Summer 2007 Issue
1967/Stanley Koss – We incorrectly
listed his information. Stan’s office has
been in the same location for over 35
years. He is a member of the Lorain
County Dental Society Board, Past
President of the Amherst Rotary, and a
part time instructor at Lorain County
Community College Hygiene School.
He and wife, Jane, have been married
over 45 years.
2002/Mohammad Razavi – We
incorrectly listed Mo’s title at the Case
Western Reserve University School of
Dental Medicine. He is a Clinical
Assistant Professor.
IN MEMORIAM
We mourn the loss of these School
of Dental Medicine alumni and
extend heartfelt condolences to
their loved ones.
Homer G. Bagley, D.D.S. ’66
Isadore E. Benis, D.D.S. ’48
Wendell A. Bircher, D.D.S. ’51
Donald B. Blair, D.D.S. ’52
Weldon G. Blodgette, D.D.S. ’50
Thomas W. Conklin, D.D.S. ’65
John Colella, D.D.S. ’94
Farrell T. Gallagher, D.D.S. ’58
Joseph R. Gould, D.D.S. ’33
Gary J. Guttmann, D.D.S. ’67
Alan G. Hadley, D.D.S. ’60
Charles G. Hippler, D.D.S. ’60
Michael A. Hosmer, D.D.S. ’74
Irving Kammen, D.D.S. ’39
Myron F. Levenson, D.D.S. ’51
Ray N. McClave, D.D.S. ’68
Sanford Neuger, D.D.S. ’53
Robert C. Nicol, D.D.S. ’63
Dan E. Reiss, D.D.S. ’81
Thomas Perry Render, D.D.S. ’53
Manuel M. Stier, D.D.S. ’42
17

18
BY SUSAN GRIFFITH
SECOND-YEAR CASE WESTERN
RESERVE UNIVERSITY DENTAL
STUDENT RELIEVED CHILDREN’S PAIN
DURING VOLUNTEER TRIP WITH THE HIMALAYAN DENTAL RELIEF PROJECT IN GUATEMALA
Seeing children in pain from a toothache makes Blake Rosacker, a second-year Case
Western Reserve University dental student, jump into action. Recently he made a number
of children feel better during a 10-day volunteer mission with the Himalayan Dental Relief
Project to San Martin Jilotepeque in the Mayan highlands of Guatemala.
Rosacker, from Greenwood Village, CO,
was part of a 14-member group of four
dentists, one hygienist and nine lay
volunteers. They set up a dental clinic
and camp in a local school where children
were provided care and oral health education
about how to keep their teeth healthy.
“The most rewarding aspect about the
trip was being able to work with the kids,”
said Rosacker. “I found them to be so
genuine, and it was great to provide a
helpful service to them.”
The trip provided some challenges in
that Rosacker speaks only a little Spanish,
but others in the group helped with the
interpretation. Also periodic power outages
slowed operations, but the group was
able to see 336 children and provide
106 cleanings and 263 restorations and
extractions in the five days they were in
the village.
Setting up a dental clinic in a school is
not new for Rosacker, a student at the
Case Western Reserve University School
of Dental Medicine. He has visited the
Cleveland’s schools as part of the dental
school’s community outreach and oral health
education initiative to reach thousands
of school children through the Healthy
Smiles Sealant Program. The Healthy
Smiles program has traveling dental
clinics that are set up in school cafeterias
and libraries. Case Western Reserve dental
students provide dental examinations, seal
permanent molars and refer children to an
area dentist or clinic when more extensive
dental services are needed.
Rosacker, who was interested in volunteering
on a mission, contacted the American
Dental Association, who sent him a booklet
on volunteer opportunities. Through
information received, he learned about
the Himalayan Dental Relief Project, a
nonprofit group established in 2000, to
provide free dental care and oral health
education to impoverished children and
families of Nepal, India and selected locations
in Vietnam and Guatemala. The group’s
mission is to return every two years and
continue care for the children seen
through the project.
The Himalayan Project teamed up with
the local nonprofit organization Behrhorst
Partners for Development that provides
basic health and education services to
60 indigenous villages.
Rosacker’s interest in doing a mission
outside the United States was inspired by
his participation in the Semester at Sea
program while an undergraduate at the
University of Colorado at Boulder.
“We traveled throughout the Pacific, and
my eyes were opened to the disparities in
our world,” he said. “Since then I have
wanted to go back and give more of my
time and abilities to help others.”
Rosacker has seen the “immense” difference
that the volunteer mission can make.
“Children would come in screaming in
pain from an abscessed tooth, and we
were able to take away their pain and
keep them safe from infection,” he said.
“Unfortunately, in Guatemala the children
have picked up the high-sugar diet of the
American culture but do not receive any
of the education about oral health,”
Rosacker said.
What Rosacker particularly liked about
the relief project was their attention to
educating the community. “Every day
we were there, hours of time were spent
educating everyone on how to brush and
the importance of oral health,” he said.

BY MARGARET MULLIGAN
DR. ROBERT KALINA’S MEMORY
A GIFT THAT LASTS
SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED IN DR. KALINA’S MEMORY
Robert A. Kalina, ADL ’58, D.D.S. ’62, was a beloved dental practitioner in Willoughby, Ohio, for more than 40 years. His tragic death
at age 70 in 2006 stunned his many friends, colleagues, and patients. His love of his family, patients, community, and the major Cleveland
sports teams were apparent to all who knew him. And now, thanks to the efforts of his lifelong friend, Martin E. Weisblatt, ADL ’58,
Dr. Kalina’s memory lives on in the newly established scholarship that bears his name. The funding of this scholarship was initiated by
his sister, Jean Kalina Grod.
The Robert A. Kalina Memorial Scholarship
Fund will have its first award granted in
May 2008 and going forward it will be
awarded every other year. “Bob was a very
good student, but he was not at the top of
his [dental school] class,” Mr. Weisblatt
explains. “He had to work his way through
dental school while he was married, often
working weekends and evenings. In establishing
this scholarship, we wanted to assist
someone in a similar situation. We are
looking for someone who isn’t getting any
assistance, who may not have the highest
GPA at the moment, but who is someone
who will grow, and hopefully become the
kind of clinician that Bob turned out to
be.” Candidates will be long time residents
of either Lake or Cuyahoga County (Ohio)
and in their first year of dental school. The
award will offset the recipient’s tuition for
their sophomore year. Applicants must be
in average standing/rank in their respective
class and demonstrate financial need, but
cannot be receiving any university aid. The
aspiring dentists must complete an application
and write a brief essay explaining
their plans for life after dental school.
Dr. Kalina’s clinical competence was
without question. He was an assistant
clinical professor in the MetroHealth
residency program. But as everyone who
knew him acknowledges, “his patients
were his life,” says Mr. Weisblatt. “At 70,
he was still on the Lake County West
(Ohio) hospital staff, taking emergency
night call. Everybody in Lake County
knew him. His patients came from all
over the region to be seen by him.”
RESPECT FROM PEERS,
LOVE FROM PATIENTS
In his eulogy to Dr. Kalina, David
Willen, D.D.S., said, “Dr. Robert Kalina
was the consummate professional. Certainly,
he had earned the respect and recognition
of his professional peers: Fellow of the
American College of Dentists; Fellow of
the International College of Dentists; a
Master-level Fellow of the Academy of
General Dentistry, and so on. These are
important hallmarks of professional
distinction, but I was not asked to review
a resumé…instead [I will] talk about how
a consummate professional applies his
knowledge and skill to the care that he
provides to real people, in real life.
“As a practitioner of general dentistry [he]
was dedicated, empathetic and gentle…
For him, the contact between professional
and patient was an interaction based on
trust and mutual respect…for him there
was no other way [to practice].
Dr. Robert Kalina in his first year at dental school.
“Another dimension of Bob as a professional
was [his] role in teaching and training
general practice dental residents at
MetroGeneral Medical Center…for the
[more than] 200 men and women whom
he guided over a period of 35 years, Bob
Kalina was a master clinician. He didn’t
just tell us—he showed us—what diagnostic
and clinical excellence meant.
“To his fellow practitioners,” said Dr.
Willen in summary, “Bob was an unfailing
resource. He freely shared his time and
expertise with those who asked him for
advice in professional matters. He was a
valued colleague who believed that it is
always a responsibility—but never a
burden—to mentor and to teach.”
How fitting then, that Dr. Kalina’s
memory inspired a scholarship that will
allow his example to continue his work of
mentoring and teaching the next generation
of dental practitioners.
If you are interested in making a gift to
this fund, please contact the Office of
Development and Alumni Relations at
(877) 468-1436 or dentalalumni@case.edu,
or return the enclosed envelope and
note the Robert A. Kalina Memorial
Scholarship Fund.
19

20
MAY WE WRITE YOU A CHECK?
SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF THE SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE
With a Charitable Gift Annuity
It has never been easier to provide for the financial security of
you and your loved ones while also supporting the School of
Dental Medicine and its future.
Your gift of appreciated stock or cash can provide you with:
Payments for life, a portion of which may be tax-free
Guaranteed, fixed income at a high rate (up to 11%
depending upon your age)
A current income tax deduction for a portion of your gift
Security in the knowledge you are supporting Case Western
Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
For more information, including a personalized illustration of
how a Charitable Gift Annuity can work for you or to review
the full range of ways to meet personal planning objectives while
securing the future of Case Western Reserve University School
of Dental Medicine please contact the Office of Planned Giving
at (877) 477-1143 toll-free or (216) 368-4460.
SAMPLE RATE CHART FOR A $25,000 GIFT ANNUITY ON A SINGLE LIFE
Annuitant age at gift Age 65 Age 70 Age 75 Age 80 Age 85
Annuity rate 6.0% 6.5% 7.1% 8.0% 9.5%
Charitable deduction* $7,775 $8,984 $10,387 $11,740 $12,747
Annual payment $1,500 $1,625 $1,775 $2,000 $2,375
*The deduction will vary with the federal discount rate at the time of your gift.
Note: Charitable Gift Annuities are not investments or insurance and are not regulated by the insurance department of any state.

PRECEPTOR CORNER
BY MARIUS LANIAUSKAS ’80
“Change is only another word for learning; therefore, the theories of
learning will also be the theories of changing. If you want to
change, try learning one might say, or more precisely, if you want to
be more in control of your change, take learning more seriously.”
—Charles Handy
(quoted at the introduction to the paper “The Dialogue of Learning and Change”)
With the rapid influx of new
materials and technological
advances into the dental
profession, one major criticism
of dental schools, including
ours, has been their inability
to “change.” Under the leadership
of Dean Goldberg ’70
and our chairman Dr. Avishai
Sadan, the Department of
Comprehensive Dentistry has
Preceptors attending lecture
not been afraid to change.
With our department taking a more serious approach to learning, we have effectively
controlled the changes taking place.
Twice a month, our department has enjoyed meeting collectively to expand our horizons
on contemporary topics such as bleaching, new ceramic materials, adhesive dentistry,
malpractice, and enhancement of communication skills. These seminars are taught by our
faculty, based on much of the research being done at CWRU’s School of Dental Medicine
and elsewhere. Other seminars, dealing with medical topics such as seizures and sleep
disorders, have been taught by staff from the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals
Case Medical Center.
The emphasis on learning has taken our department to meetings in San Diego and Boston.
We plan to attend the 22nd International Symposium on Ceramics in Los Angeles in June
2008. Internationally acclaimed lecturers have accepted invitations to our school to specifically
address our department’s needs. These have included Dr. Eric Van Dooren (Antwerp),
Dr. Galip Gurel (Instanbul), Dr. Mauro Fradeoni (Pesaro, Italy), Dr. Didier Dietschi (Geneva),
and Dr. Sonia Leziy (Vancouver, Canada). Through all-day lectures (including hands-on
training in new techniques) we have been exposed to many cutting-edge procedures that
are being incorporated into our day-to-day preclinical and clinical teaching.
Change can be good! Change is exciting! We are not afraid to change, and we are
changing by continuing to learn!
E-MAIL: mmldds@gmail.com
STAFF SERVICE
MILESTONES
The faculty and students of the School
of Dental Medicine would like to thank
the entire staff for their hard work and
dedication. We are fortunate to have a
devoted group of employees. Below we
recognize those who have reached years
of service milestones in 5 year increments
as of December 2007.
Carolyn Calhoun – Dispensary:
5 years
Diana Coston – Development and
Alumni Relations: 5 years
Jennifer Dixon – Oral Surgery: 5 years
Angela Harris – Community
Dentistry: 5 years
Marna Negrelli – Faculty Practice:
5 years
Sherry Norman – Community
Dentistry: 5 years
Brian Sherman – Admissions: 5 years
Cheryl Silas – Admissions: 5 years
Connie Watkins –
Community Dentistry: 10 years
Cynthia Archibald –
Finance/Operations: 20 years
Margaret Samp – Dispensary: 25 years
Dorothy Caplin – Dean’s Office:
35 years
Celestine Fomby – Pediatrics: 35 years
21

22
VOLUNTEER FACULTY RECOGNITION
MANY THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEER FACULTY!
The students, faculty and staff of the School of Dental Medicine wish to recognize and thank those who volunteer their time and talent
to help educate the next generation of dentists. Your hard work, dedication and sacrifice are appreciated.
Yumi Abei
Eniko Alicea
Scott Alperin
Lisa Alvetro
Yasser Armanazi
David Ash
Maryam Azadi
Charles Babbush
Rebecca Barnes
Kenneth Basel
Ivy Batos
Peter Baum
Sebastian Baumgaertel
Andrea Bazzucchi
Jeffery Becker
Joseph Belhobek
Ronald Bell
Rouzeberry Bell
When told it was time to move on to the
next office, Katz said the students were
not ready to leave.
“The only problem was they needed more
time to ask questions,” Katz said.
For Katz, he believes the Street of Dreams
program is one he would have benefited
from when he was still in school. As a
dental student, Katz wanted to be an oral
surgeon and decided to visit an oral
surgeon’s office every Saturday. He then
decided he wanted to be a periodontist
and visited a local periodontist’s office. It
was during his junior year he went to a
general dentist’s office and decided to
pursue general dentistry.
“I did that many, many times,” he said.
“It was very helpful to focus on what I
wanted to do.”
Anthony Berdis
Murray Berkowitz
Andrew Berman
Stanley Berman
Patti Berns
Paul Bertin
Roger Bielefeld
Richard Bis
John Blakemore
William Blood
Richard Bobulsky
Charles Boester
Therese Bonamer
Keith Bram
B.H. Broadbent, Jr.
Elizabeth Bujack
Kenneth Callahan
Alberto Campos
Emily Chou
Bradley Cohn
Renee Commarato
Ze’ev Davidovitch
Rebecca Davis
Richard Davis
David Dean
Sara Debanne
D. Daniel Degesys
Norman DeLoach
Coleen Demas
Gregory Devor
Didier Dietschi
Frank Ditzig
Louis Ebersold
Salvatore Esposito
Jeffrey Esterburg
William Falk
OHIO DENTAL ASSOCIATION PROGRAM GIVES CWRU DENTAL
STUDENTS A REASON TO DREAM continued from page 4
Katz encouraged the students to do the
same, and invited them to come back to
his office to visit.
“Hopefully, those who were enthusiastic
will come back and we can spend more
time one-on-one,” he said.
After all three dental office visits, the students
returned to the Greater Cleveland Dental
Society office for pizza. Participating
dentists joined the students for dinner
and a question and answer session, as did
Greater Cleveland Dental Society
Executive Director, Carla Alderdice, and
Dr. John Grady a retired ODA member.
Upon reflection of the day’s events, Payne
said she believes the program was not
only fun and advantageous for students,
but also for the participating dentists.
Constantin Farah
Charles Fenell
Clifford Fox, Jr.
Lawrence Frankel
John Fredieu
Eric Fried
Frederick Gehrke
John Gerstenmaier, Jr.
Daniel Gindi
Christina Gitto
Daniel Glick
Peter Gordon
Mark Gorman
Pinkaj Goyal
John Grady
Alan Gray
Jeffrey Gross
James Gurley
“Dentists who hosted the students in
their offices really seemed to enjoy the
program and eagerly gave their time,”
Payne said.
When asked if he would participate in
the program again Katz said, “Absolutely
and it was fun.”
The ODA's Street of Dreams event has
been nationally recognized by the
American Dental Association and has
served as a prototype for similar events
held by dental associations throughout
the country including Minnesota, New
York and New Jersey.
Reprinted by permission of ODA Today.

Donald Gustovich
Edward Hadaway
Joong Hahn
Nicholas Hammermeister
Richard Hanson
Craig Hatch
Michael Hauser
Robert Heckel
Hudson Heidorf
Thomas Herberger
Roger Hess
Edward Hills
Donna Homenko
Martin Hritz
Kevin Huff
Nadia Ibrahim
Safa Iranpour
Young Jeon
Edward Jimenez
Lucia Johnson
Eugene Jordan
Joy Jordan
James Julian
Igor Kantorovich
Frank Karfes
Roger Karp
Dale Kates
J. Lawrence Katz
Stuart Katz
Janet Kearney
Christopher Kesling
Matthew Kirlough
Kenneth Kmieck
William Koenig
Howard Kossoff
James Kozik
Charlene Krejci
Mark Kriwinsky
Elizabeth Lambert
Kent Lamoreux
Mace Landau
Gerald Lander
Kenneth Lawrence
Hui-Jin Lee
Sangyoon Lee
Ronald Lemmo
Harris Levine
Donald Lewis, Jr.
Deborah Liederbach
Giuseppina Lombardi
Donald Machen
Michael Maguire
Edward Marshall, Jr.
Michael Matheis
Kelly McClintock
Thomas McCune
Lance McGannon
Thomas McLaughlin
John McMahon
Edward Meckler
Zachary Mellion
Philip Michaelson
Richard Miller
Kunihiko Miyashita
Thomas Montagnese
Neal Murphy
John Neary
William Nemeth
Veronica Ng
Imad Nouneh
Donald Novotny
Jeffrey Orchen
Ronald Orr, Jr.
Stanislav Pechan
James Perhavec
Clair Pernsteiner
Heather Petroff
Mohammad Razavi
Jay Resnick
Paul Ricchetti
M. William Rose
Fredrick Rosenberg
Edward Ruch
Christopher Ruszkowski
Richard Rymond
Fredrick Rzepka
Lynda Sabat
Michael Sabat
Gerald Samson
Sharon Schmahl
Robert Schmidt
E. Karl Schneider
Stuart Sears
Burton Siegel
William Simko
Michael Skerl
Andrew Skorobatckyj
Brian Smith
J. Michael Smith
John Solooki
Richard Stanco
Cheryl Stern
Kingman Strohl
Deborah Studen-Pavlovich
Krishnamoorthy
Subramanyan
Richard Sundheimer
Ira Sy
Chi-Min Teng
Geza Terezhalmy
Bryan Terhune, Jr.
Evan Tetelman
Sandra Tolbert
James Trouton
Apostolos Tsolakis
J. Michael Uhrich
Najia Usman
Ashima Valiathan
Vinson Vig
Marion Wazney
Lee Weisberg
Richard Weiser
Laura Wellener
Ryan Wenger
Terrence Wenger
John White
Scott Whitney
David Wiesenfeld
M. Thomas Wilcko
David Willen
Frank Williams
N. Stephen Wilson
Patricia Wilson
Robert Winter
Gary Wolf
E. Ronald Wright
Tian-Min Xu
Jeffery Young
Marc Zechel
Michael Zetz
Yan-heng Zhou
We have tried to ensure that this list is reported accurately. If you notice an error, however, please notify the Office of
Development and Alumni Relations, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4905, (216) 368-3480, toll-free at (877) 468-1436 or by e-mail dentalalumni@case.edu.
DENTISTRY IN THE FUTURE –
IT’S THE JOURNEY
continued from page 11
Both the REAL and the DMD/MD
programs are part of a wave of change
occurring in dental education. I
believe it is important that many
approaches be tried so that we can
learn from and adopt the best practices.
But it is also important to recognize that
dental schools alone can’t determine
the future of the profession. Students
derive their values, knowledge, and
goals from what they see the
American Dental Association (ADA)
do, from their colleagues and associates,
from the practicing community, and
from what they see in magazines and
movies, as much as from what they
learn in the classroom and clinic.
That’s why I say that rethinking the
future of the profession is as important
as rethinking the curriculum. That’s
the journey we must all make, whether
it be dental schools, the ADA, the
licensing community, or individual
dentists.
On a personal note, I want to thank
Dr. Richard Vogel and the staff of Global
Health Nexus for the opportunity to
share my views on the challenges and
opportunities dental education faces in
preparing students to become 21st
century healthcare providers. I think
that in making the decision to invite
outside opinions, the NYU College of
Dentistry has introduced a welcome
innovation in dental school publications.
23

24
2008
Reunion Weekend
Save the Weekend!
In October 2007, Dr. Nabil Bissada
hosted 45 graduates of the periodontic
program at a dinner celebrating the
program’s 100 graduates. One of the
night’s biggest surprises came when his
former residents and friends of the
program presented Dr. Bissada with
a check for $20,000, as well as a personal
gift of an etched glass vase acknowledging
him as their teacher and mentor.
May 16, 17 & 18
Remember your years in dental school? It’s time to return to celebrate your reunion. You
can reconnect with your classmates, the faculty and staff at the Case Western Reserve
University School of Dental Medicine on May 16-18, 2008. Reunion Weekend is your
time to make new memories.
Plan your return to campus for three days of events including lectures, tours, dinners,
parties, and commencement—many events are free. Special reunions will also be celebrated.
We are highlighting classes with graduation years ending in 3 and 8. The Distinguished
Alumni Award will be presented to Marsha Pyle, D.D.S., M.Ed. ’84 and Ronald
Lemmo, D.D.S. ’84. Events occurring at the Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland, The Renaissance
Cleveland Hotel and at the University.
Go to http://dental.case.edu/alumni/2008weekend for details or call the Office of
Development and Alumni Relations at (877) 468-1436. Don’t miss it!
DEPARTMENT OF PERIODONTOLOGY
CELEBRATES 100 GRADUATES
BY MARGARET MULLIGAN
The graduates and friends of the Department of
Periodontics presented Dr. Nabil Bissada with a
$20,000 check to the department.
Celebrate the Past, Embrace the Future
The gesture confirmed Dr. Bissada’s belief
in the quality of the program he has been
associated with for 35 years. “I was
humbled to receive these gifts,” he says.
“In this very tangible way, the students
are saying that they made the right decision
to come to Case Western Reserve. We have
taught a very diverse group of people. Yet
in spite of our differences, we have emerged
with a common love of learning and now,
teaching and leading others. This program
has produced graduates who have gone
on to positions of national and international
leadership in academia, clinical practice
and administration. Not many other
programs can make that claim. Events
like this one help give them a sense of
their ‘periodontic family’ that has been
formed here.” Dr. Bissada thanks all his
former residents for their generosity,
particularly Kathy Stetler, D.M.D.,
M.S.D. ’85, who organized the surprise
and gifts.
CELEBRATION DONORS
Mohammad S. Al-Zahrani, M.S.D., Ph.D.
Jeffery J. Becker, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Richard Bobulsky, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Juzer Chinwalla, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Kyriaco A. Damascus, D.M.D., M.S.D.
Constantin F. Farah, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Lawrence S. Frankel, D.M.D., M.S.D.
Syamak Ghiai, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Henry Greenwell, III, D.M.D., M.S.D.
Yiping W. Han, Ph.D.
Roger S. Karp, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Charlene B. Krejci, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Lincoln W. Lawrence, D.M.D., M.S.D.
Joan M. Lewis, D.D.S., M.S.D.
M. Manouchehr-Pour, D.M.D., M.S.
James I. Matia, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Saeid Motademi, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Nuha Museitif Nakib, D.D.S., M.S.
Veronica Ng, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Leena Palomo, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Meyer I. Perlstein, D.D.S., M.S.
Lee H. Silverman, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Robert Skillicorn, D.D.S.
Kim W. Smith, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Anthony M. Spagnuolo, D.D.S., M.S.D., P.C.
Kathy J. Stetler, D.M.D., M.S.D.
James A. Wallace. D.D.S., M.S.D.
Hom-Lay Wang, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Morris W. Wasylenki, D.D.S., M.S.
Perry Westbrook, D.M.D., M.S.D.

2 0 0 8 A L U M N I E V E N T S
March
MARCH 14, 2008
Alumni Reception at the
Hinman Dental Meeting
Georgia World Congress Center
Atlanta GA
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
MARCH 30, 2008
Reception at the American Dental
Education Association
Annual Session
Hilton Anatole
Dallas TX
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
April
APRIL 10, 2008
Alumni Reception at the American
Association of Endodontists
Annual Session
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Vancouver, B.C. Canada
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
May
MAY 17, 2008
Alumni Reception at the American
Association of Orthodontists
Annual Session
Denver CO
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m
MAY 16-18, 2008
Reunion Weekend and Commencement
Highlighting the classes ending with 3
and 8. The Distinguished Alumni Award
will be presented to Marsha Pyle, D.D.S.,
M.Ed. ‘84 and Ron Lemmo, D.D.S. ‘84
on Saturday evening. Events occurring at
the Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland, Renaissance
Cleveland Hotel and at the University.
Commencement activities for the class of
2008 will occur on Sunday.
MAY 24, 2008
Alumni Reception at the American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Annual Session
Washington, D.C.
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
July
JULY 28, 2008
Alumni Reception at the
National Dental Association
Annual Convention
Detroit Marriott Hotel
at the Renaissance Center
Detroit MI
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
September
SEPTEMBER 19, 2008
Alumni Reception at the
Ohio Dental Association
Annual Session
Hyatt Regency Columbus
Columbus OH
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
October
OCTOBER 2-5, 2008
Case Western Reserve University
Homecoming and Alumni Weekend
Two great events, one great weekend!
For details, go to
http://www.case.edu/alumni/weekend
For more information and to RSVP, contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (216) 368-3480, toll free
(877) 468-1436 or email dentalalumni@case.edu. Additional event information is on our website at
http://dental.case.edu/alumni/events.html
25

your Gift
$100,000
$200,000
$300,000
GoaL
$415,000
fiscal year
07-08
school of dental medicine
case Western reserve university
10900 euclid avenue
fiscal year
06-07
$417,839
Raised to date:
$266,570
cleveland, ohio 44106-4905
Parents:
if this issue of The Art of Dentistry
is addressed to your daughter
or son who has established a
separate permanent address,
please notify us of the new address:
(877) 468-1436 or dentalalumni@case.edu
counts!
$415,000
GoaL
$300,000
$200,000
$100,000
thank you to all
alumni and friends
who helped us raise $417,839 in
the 2006-2007 fiscal year. We
surpassed our goal of $415,000,
and we couldn’t have done it
without you. We are counting
on you to help us reach this
year’s $415,000 annual fund
goal by June 30, 2008. so far,
we have received $266,570.
Please help us continue our
legacy of academic excellence
with your financial support.
to make a gift to this year’s
annual fund call (216) 368-3480
or toll free (877) 468-1436. you
can also make a gift online at
http://dental.case.edu/alumni/,
click on the lavender “make a Gift
today” button. Gifts may be
tax deductible!
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