LDAlsu school <strong>of</strong> dentistryEric J. Hovland, D.D.S., M.Ed., M.B.A.Reflections on Tenure as Dean <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> LSUSDIt has been nearly 15 years since I joined <strong>the</strong> LSU<strong>Dental</strong> School. As I reflect on my tenure as dean, ithas been some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most rewarding years <strong>of</strong> my life.The accomplishments, friendships and experience I’vegained will always be treasured. I am so proud <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>accomplishments <strong>of</strong> those who have helped <strong>the</strong> schoolto expand and excel—in academics, research andpatient care.I remember <strong>the</strong> editorial I wrote for The Times-Picayune in which I boasted that, even though<strong>Louisiana</strong> may be <strong>the</strong> last in many things, we are, infact, first in dental education and <strong>of</strong>fer quality dentalcare throughout this state. That is still true today.I also remember when <strong>the</strong> <strong>Louisiana</strong> Board <strong>of</strong>Regents gave <strong>the</strong> dental school a standing ovationat one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir meetings. After showing a videohighlighting <strong>the</strong> dental school’s mission and statewideimpact, one member commented that “All <strong>Louisiana</strong>universities should emulate what <strong>the</strong> LSU School <strong>of</strong>Dentistry has accomplished.” It was definitely a highpoint in my career.The dental community has been extremelysupportive over <strong>the</strong> years. Because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> strongleadership and focused members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Louisiana</strong><strong>Dental</strong> <strong>Association</strong>, legislators have been educatedabout <strong>the</strong> dental school’s statewide impact, whichenabled us to secure funding for some very importantefforts.Following Hurricane Katrina, dental companiesacross America and even from Canada rallied behind<strong>the</strong> school, donating nearly $3 million in equipmentand materials to help establish a temporary dentalschool in Baton Rouge. And, 178 dentists from around<strong>the</strong> state opened <strong>the</strong>ir doors to help students andresidents continue <strong>the</strong>ir clinical education and graduateon time. To those dentists, I owe a world <strong>of</strong> gratitude!Last March was ano<strong>the</strong>r high point when ADEApresented <strong>the</strong> school with <strong>the</strong> William J. Gies Awardfor Outstanding Innovation to recognize our rebuildingefforts following Katrina. Being surrounded by thosewho helped to bring back <strong>the</strong> school at such a pivotalpoint in history was overwhelming and unforgettable.Since returning to New Orleans in August <strong>of</strong>2007, <strong>the</strong> progress continues. Operations are runningsmoothly. Our patient base is sound, reaching 10,530statewide and 3,286 in New Orleans alone. Studentapplications are also strong. Total applications for <strong>the</strong>D.D.S. program topped 250 in 2008, providing a wellqualifiedpool for <strong>the</strong> annual 60 freshman openings.Following <strong>the</strong> storm, LSUSD lost approximately30% and 60% <strong>of</strong> its faculty and staff, respectively.Since <strong>the</strong>n, 18 full-time and 30 part-time faculty havebeen hired to address <strong>the</strong> shortage.The school continues to undergo significant repairsand renovations. The patient lobby and receptionareas on <strong>the</strong> first floor <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> clinic building have beenrebuilt. The research infrastructure is making a strongcomeback with <strong>the</strong> refurbishing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> basic sciencelaboratories, and <strong>the</strong> teaching auditoriums will berenovated by <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year.I believe we are now positioned and ready for futuregrowth. It is a good time to bring in new leadership as<strong>the</strong> school continues to rebuild.Again, I want to thank everyone for <strong>the</strong>irexceptional support and friendship over <strong>the</strong> years. Iam honored and grateful for <strong>the</strong> opportunity to haveserved as dean <strong>of</strong> <strong>Louisiana</strong>’s only dental school. I lookforward to working in my new position at LSU in <strong>the</strong>areas <strong>of</strong> community-based dentistry and various publichealth initiatives.www.ladental.org14 LDA <strong>Journal</strong>
Hurricane Recovery ResourcesVisit www.ladental.org and click on <strong>the</strong> “HurricaneRecovery” link in <strong>the</strong> What’s New scrolling section fora wealth <strong>of</strong> information in preparing for a hurricaneand post-hurricane recovery resources. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>information available on <strong>the</strong> link:Friday, October 3In Honor <strong>of</strong> Dr. Harold Wirth“The Science <strong>of</strong> Creating Wealth”featuring Dr. Michael Schuster withDrs. Bruce LeBlance & Michael RobichauxLSUHSC School <strong>of</strong> Dentistry, New Orleans8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (4:30 til’ TGIF)Celebrating 40 years <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dental</strong> Education(1968-2008)For more information, please call (504)941-8193 or visit www.lsusdce.org. Application(resource from <strong>the</strong> Florida <strong>Dental</strong> <strong>Association</strong>)If <strong>the</strong>re is anything fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> LDA can assist youwith, e-mail us at info@ladental.org or call (800)388-6642 or (225) 926-1986.Setting dentists freefor over 40 years.Daniel J. Paige, D.D.S.has associated withW. Brian Gardiner, D.D.S.Baton Rouge, <strong>Louisiana</strong>AFTCO is pleased to have representedboth parties in this transaction.Call for a $2500 value freepractice appraisal!Practice SalesPractice MergersEquity Associateships800.232.3826 . www.AFTCO.netPre-sale ProgramStockholder ProgramFall 2008 15
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