3rdDr. Greg Folse, Mike Burrough (Sullivan Schein), Randy Montgomery(Sullivan Schein) and Dr. Nathan FontenotDr. Dexter Harrison, Dr. Marty Garrett, Gaines Garrett and RyanBowker2ndDr. Todd Canatella, Jared Trauth, Lenny Bazile and Dr. Roger GrimballDr. Chris Sorrel, Dr. Eric Sanders, Pete Ciesla and Mark LundyDr. Trey Guillory, Dr. Kurt Gauthier, Dr. Trey Carlton and Dr. ClayCouvillionDr. Ed Hebert, Dr. Tom Foster, Dr. Nelson Daly and Christopher Kuna(The Olivier Group)Dr. Brad Comeaux, Dr. Donnie Boudreaux, Dr. John Theriot and Dr.Patrick DooleyDr. John Oubre, Dr. Mike Malone, Dr. Gerard Beyt and Chris Richert(Robert Ellis and Associates)22 LDA <strong>Journal</strong>
LDAlsu school <strong>of</strong> dentistryEric J. Hovland, D.D.S., M.Ed., M.B.A.Dean, LSU School <strong>of</strong> DentistryGiving ThanksAs we look toward a new year, I am grateful for <strong>the</strong>relatively smooth relocation back to New Orleans.Although we experienced some challenges, <strong>the</strong> majorconcerns—student admissions, education and patientcare—have been resolved in a short period <strong>of</strong> time.Student admissions continue to be strong. This fall,a total <strong>of</strong> 112 students were accepted: 60 dentalstudents, 44 dental hygiene students and 6 dentallaboratory technology students. For <strong>the</strong> 2007-2008academic year, <strong>the</strong> school has a total <strong>of</strong> 342 studentsand 61 residents. Classrooms and clinics are fullyoperational, although some areas continue to undergorenovations and improvement.In September, a press conference welcomed newpatients to LSUSD. Since <strong>the</strong>n, 900 individuals wereaccepted as patients. By <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, <strong>the</strong> schoolexpects to accept a least 1,800 more, which will bring<strong>the</strong> LSUSD clinics to full patient capacity. Patientrecords are now paperless thanks to a generousdonation from axiUm!In addition to <strong>the</strong> LSUSD clinics, <strong>the</strong> pediatric clinicat Children’s Hospital and <strong>the</strong> HIV Outpatient <strong>Dental</strong>Clinic in downtown New Orleans are both fullyoperational. Through Children’s Hospital, <strong>the</strong> ToothBus is providing dental care to underserved childrenthroughout <strong>the</strong> New Orleans region. In addition,recently secured HRSA funding has supported <strong>the</strong>development <strong>of</strong> a mobile dental van in which dentalservices will be provided to HIV-positive individualsand o<strong>the</strong>r “at-risk” populations.In o<strong>the</strong>r areas <strong>of</strong> <strong>Louisiana</strong>, our satellite operationsin Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Alexandria continue toprovide much needed dental care to underservedpopulations. Also, general practice and oral andmaxill<strong>of</strong>acial residents are providing care throughseveral hospitals statewide—Earl K. Long, Huey P. Longand University Hospital.With regard to academics and research, <strong>the</strong>establishment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> LSUSD Department <strong>of</strong> Oral andCrani<strong>of</strong>acial Biology was <strong>of</strong>ficially approved by <strong>the</strong><strong>Louisiana</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Regents. This initiative will assist in<strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> a more streamlined basic-sciencecurriculum to enhance and streng<strong>the</strong>n dentaleducation. LSUSD administrators and faculty are alsopreparing for <strong>the</strong> school’s upcoming accreditation visitin March 2009; this is a significant challenge as we arestill refining our operations in New Orleans. Through<strong>the</strong> accreditation process, <strong>the</strong> ADA Commission on<strong>Dental</strong> Accreditation will evaluate <strong>the</strong> school’s collectiveprograms, processes and outcomes.Renovations continue on <strong>the</strong> first floors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> clinicand administration building. Both floors will havelimited use due to FEMA regulations. Auditoriums A &B renovations should be complete by <strong>the</strong> Summer 2008and architectural drawings have been completed for anew campus building, which will house a state-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>the</strong>artsurgery, es<strong>the</strong>tic and clinical research clinic. Afaculty dental practice clinic will also be housed in <strong>the</strong>new building.Our efforts are moving forward successfully and Iam extremely optimistic about <strong>the</strong> future <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> LSUSD.The search for a new dean is still in progress and everyeffort will be made to communicate a decision once acandidate is selected. For now, I continue to strive forexcellence to ensure that <strong>Louisiana</strong>’s only dental schoolcontinues to retain its position as one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best in <strong>the</strong>world. I also sincerely give thanks to all those whohave helped <strong>the</strong> school through this challengingtransition. Please accept my best wishes for aprosperous and healthy 2008!tWinter 2007 23
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