Dentistry Commons^™

Llu Dentistry 2026 Summer Edition, Loma Linda University School Of Dentistry

Articulator (Dentistry)

In this issue:

4 | Dean's Message
9 | LLUSD Homecoming 2026: A Celebration of Legacy & Future Growth
19 | Celebrating 48 Years A Tribute to Kathleen Moore Rychman
21 | A Natural Calling: Dr. Yawen Peng, Program Director
22 | A Legacy of Excellence R. David Rynearson, DDS'71, MS'87 honored with the O.B. Vaughan Special Recognition Award
25 | CDA Presents Anaheim
32 | Dental Hygiene Pinning Ceremony
36 | Called to Serve Baccalaureate and the Class of 2026
40 | Commencement
45 | President's Award
46 | Prince Award
54 | Dental Hygiene Student Awards
56 | …

Llu Dentistry 2025 Winter Edition, Loma Linda University School Of Dentistry

Articulator (Dentistry)

In this issue:

4 | Dean's Message
5 | Transforming the Future of Dental Education: The Strategic Vision and Growth Plan
8 | Honoring a Legacy of Excellence: Celebrating Leif K. Bakland, DDS
12 | Transitions
14 | Welcome New Faculty
16 | Celebrating Excellence in Dentistry: 2025 ICD USA Section Annual Meeting & Convocation
18 | LLUSD faculty publish study on Dental Unit Waterline treatment in the Journal of the American Dental Association
21 | Celebrating 15 Years of PNAM Treatment at LLUSD
23 | A Journey of Healing: Shirely's Transformation
24 | Exploring Future Careers in STEM: The …

Commencement Program 2025, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

2 | Message from the President

3 | 2025 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

The Programs, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

29 | School of Medicine

50 | School of Pharmacy

63 | School of Dentistry

81 | School of Public Health

94 | San Manuel Gateway College

101 | School of Allied Health Professions - Allied Health …

Llu Dentistry - Volume 34, Number 1, Loma Linda University School Of Dentistry

Articulator (Dentistry)

In this issue:

4 | Dean's Message
6 | Caring for the Future: A Mission in Honduras
8 | Homecoming 2025
11 | Mission Emphasis Breakfast
18 | Welcome New Faculty
20 | Mahmoud Torabinejad, DMD, MSD, PhD, Professor Emeritus
21 | Where are they now? Lane Thomsen, DDS
22 | Rolando Zeledon New Senior Development Officer
23 | Chan Family Legacy
25 | Remembering Paul Richardson, DDS'72, MEd
28 | CDA Dennis Shinbori Student Table Clinic Awards
34 | 2025 Commencement Weekend
41 | Commencement Speaker Samuel Young, DMD
42 | Prince Award
43 | President's Award
44 | …

Llu Dentistry - Volume 33, Number 2, Loma Linda University School Of Dentistry

Articulator (Dentistry)

In this issue:

4 | Dean's Message
5 | 39th Annual Children's Day
6 | Leading the Way: The Journey of an RDAEF Program Director
8 | Charles Goodacre, DDS'71, MSD - Fellowship in the Royal College of Surgeons and Dr. Thaddeus V. Weclaw Award
9 | LLU Shines with Silver at Men's NCPA National Pickleball Tournament
10 | Summer Programs
11 | Yumi & Ashangbi Luikham Endowed Scholarship
12 | Where are they now? Travis Tramel, RDHAP, MA, PhD
14 | Ukrainian Children Find Hope & Healing
16 | The Global Burden of Oral Health
22 | Yearbook Roundup …

Llu Dentistry - Volume 33, Number 1, Loma Linda University School Of Dentistry

Articulator (Dentistry)

In this Issue

6 | Dean's Message
8 | Service Learning - Caring for those in Cuba
12 | Homecoming Recap
20 | Dean's Circle Breakfast | Mission Inn
21 | Mission Emphasis Breakfast
22 | Honoring Class Gathering
24 | Alumnus of the Year - Dr. John Kershner
25 | Institute for Health Policy and Leadership
26 | $4M National Cancer Institute Grant Awarded to Dr. Chi Viet
28 | Dental Hygiene class graduates in China
30 | DDS Class of 2024 Profile
32 | LLUSD Continuing Education
34 | CDA Reception
40 | President's Award
41 | Prince …

Impact Of Maximal And Minimal Mouth Opening On Mandibular Flexure Via Scanning, Kangyeong Lim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Mandibular flexure during mouth opening affects prosthodontic outcomes, but digital scanner research is limited.

Methods: Seventy dental students (35 males, 35 females) had two impressions taken: one with maximum and one with minimum mouth opening.

Results: First molars showed higher deviations than premolars. Females had larger deviations, though not statistically significant.

Conclusion: First molars exhibit greater flexure than premolars.

Keywords: Mandibular flexure, deformation, mouth opening, digital, intraoral scan, three dimensional(3D), prosthetic

Comparison Of Thickness Between Thermoformed And Printed Orthodontic Aligners, Omar Souman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: The fabrication of thermoformed orthodontic aligners involves processes that irreversibly alter material properties, resulting in aligners that exhibit high variation in thickness. The non-uniform thickness can lead to unpredictable forces that can adversely affect orthodontic tooth movement. With recent technological advancements enabling the printing of orthodontic aligners, it is of clinical interest to investigate their variation of thickness.

Purpose: This study utilized Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) and Geomagic Control X metrology software to compare the thickness of thermoformed and direct printed aligners.

Materials and Methods: Intraoral scans of 13 orthodontic patients were used to generate standard tessellation …

Commencement Program 2023, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

1 | Message from the President

3 | 2023 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

25 | The Program, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

• School of Medicine, 26
• School of Pharmacy, 52
• School of Dentistry, 69
• School of Public Health, 93
• San Manuel Gateway College, 108
• School of Allied Health Professions—Allied Health Studies, Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Clinical Laboratory Science, Communication …

Seventy Years Of Commitment To Dental Progress, Loma Linda University School Of Dentistry

Articulator (Dentistry)

Seventy years of dental progress at Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry, 1953-2023.

3 | Dedication to Dr. Melvin Lund
4 | Introduction
6 | Reducing Pain and Anxiety
9 | What is Dental Caries?
10 | Restoring Teeth - Innovative Methods & Materials
12 | Replacing Missing Teeth - Dental Implants
14 | Periodontics - The Loma Linda Group
15 | Orthodontics - Innovative Use of Computer Tomography
16 | Biocentric Cements - A Major Endodontic Innovation
17 | Advances in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
17 | The Role of Pediatric Dentistry in Orofacial Clefts
18 | Progress in …

Maxillary Central Incisor Rr In Hispanic And Non-Hispanic White Patients With Rme, Madison Healy

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Apical root resorption is one of the most common adverse effects of orthodontic treatment. Forces used during orthodontic tooth movement can cause permanent loss of apical surfaces of teeth and although most reported cases of root resorption are asymptomatic, the process is irreversible and often unpredictable. Thus, it is of clinical interest to investigate which patients may be at greatest risk.

Purpose: This study utilized Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to evaluate whether rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in Hispanic patients increased the severity of orthodontically induced apical root resorption.

Materials and Methods: Pre-treatment (T1) and post-treatment …

Force Comparison Of Rotational Tooth Movements For Loop-Design And Traditional Aligners, Robert Olsen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the force (F) and torque (Tq) exerted on a rotated canine and molar tooth by two different aligner systems. An ArchForm loop clear aligner (AFL) was compared to a traditional clear aligner (T) with the force (F) and torque (Tq) compared. A reduction in F and Tq with AFL aligners could possibly decrease the incidence of Orthodontic Root Resorption (ORR), while also creating more effective forces for tooth movement.

Materials and Methods

Two types of T aligners varying by material thickness were compared to two types of AFL aligners varying by loop width. All …

Commencement Program 2022, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

1 | Message from the President

3 | 2022 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

27 | The Programs, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

• School of Medicine, 28
• School of Pharmacy, 52
• School of Dentistry, 67
• School of Public Health, 92
• School of Allied Health Professions - Allied Health Studies, Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Clinical Laboratory Science, Communication Sciences and Disorders, …

Titanium Particles Within Mucosa During Non-Surgical Implant Debridement, Holvin Louie

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Titanium implants affected by peri-implantitis lesions are often treated non-surgically with various instruments, which may produce titanium particles that can become lodged within the peri-implant mucosa. Thus, a foreign body reaction may ensue. The aim is to assess the embedment of titanium particles into soft tissues from titanium implants via a stainless-steel ultrasonic scaler (SSU) versus a titanium hand scaler (TH). Sand-blasted, large grit, acid-etched surface-treated titanium implants were implanted into pig legs after creating peri-implantitis defects. Each implant was subjected to only one instrument type. Sequential strokes were conducted followed by thorough irrigation with sterile water. Soft tissue curettage …

Effect Of Splinting Implant Scan Bodies Intraorally On The Trueness Of Complete Arch Digital Impressions: A Clinical Study, Kawther Mahmoud Ali

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of splinting scan bodies intraorally on the trueness and scan time of implant digital impressions of the edentulous arch.

Materials and Methods: Nineteen edentulous jaws undergoing fixed complete denture treatment with a minimum of 4 implants were selected for this study. Verified master casts of the patients’ edentulous jaws were scanned with a desktop laboratory scanner and scan bodies to obtain a reference (control) scan for each patient. Intraoral scan bodies were hand tightened on all the implants in the edentulous arch and an intraoral scan was …

A Study In Fresh Human Cadaver Heads Examining The Incidence Of Maxillary Sinus Membrane Perforation During Crestal Sinus Elevation Comparing Osteotomes To Osseodensification Drills., Thaer Alqadoumi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Crestal sinus membrane elevation technique is a surgical procedure that helps gain vertical bone volume when there is a pneumatization of the maxillary sinus. Due to some visual limitations inherent to the procedure, the potential for maxillary sinus membrane perforations and subsequent complications exists. A crestal sinus lift using osseodensification drills has been used lately but there are not many studies to support the protocol. The primary aim of the study is to evaluate the incidence of sinus membrane perforation during Osseodensification compared to the incidence of bone added crestal sinus elevation using osteotomes (BAOSFE). The secondary aim …

Evaluating The Effect Of The Protector Cap Technique For Castable Implant Abutments On Reverse Torque Values, Mohammed Alfaifi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Statement of problem: The most common mechanical complication reported regarding the implant abutment is screw loosening attributed to masticatory forces and insufficient preload torque.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the differences in reverse torque value between UCLA abutments with no casting performed, UCLA abutments cast using a conventional manner, and UCLA abutment cast using protection caps and pegs.

Material and methods: Thirty implants with a standard diameter (4.3 mm) conical connection (NobelReplace Tapered Groovy 4.3 × 13 mm; Nobel Biocare) and thirty premachined 4.3 mm gold UCLA abutments (Branemark System™ Nobel Biocare, Inc) were used in …

The Effect Of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids On Periodontal Inflammation In Rats, Hardev M. Singh

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate any possible beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω-3 PUFAs) as a dietary supplement when incorporated into the diet of rats that had periodontitis induced via a ligature model.

Materials and Methods: 20 male rats (Sprague Dawley) were divided into 2 groups as following: 1) Control group with ligature-induced periodontitis and no Ω-3 PUFA in the diet; and 2) Test group with ligature-induced periodontitis and Ω-3 PUFA introduced in the diet. The ligature was placed around the mandibular first molars in the gingiva sulcus for a period of …

Comparison Of The Upper Airway Volume In Orthodontically Treated Cases With First Premolar Extractions, Krystal Park

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Comprehensive orthodontic treatment often entails extraction of teeth to accomplish treatment goals. A potential side effect of extraction therapy is arch length shortening resulting in decreased space for the tongue which may cause a low tongue posture and a possible reduction in airway space. The purpose of the study was to retrospectively determine if extractions of all first premolars during orthodontic treatment and the resulting movement of mandibular incisors are correlated with a reduction in airway volume.

Materials and Methods: The T1 and T2 CBCT’s of 80 patients were collected and reviewed. The cases were divided into treatment (extraction) …

Summary Description And Treatment Plan Elements Derived From Cbct And Mri Based Orthodontic Records, Mainer Cruz

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objectives: This study examined the agreement of summary description and treatment plan elements derived from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3-Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Methods: This retrospective study involved thirteen human subjects, all of whom had one CBCT scan (NewTom 5G, AFP Imaging, USA) and one MRI scan (Siemens Medical Solutions, DE) of the whole head performed within a two-week period. CBCT images were taken with a field of view of 18x16 inches and resolution of 0.3x0.3x0.3 mm, over an exposure time of 5.4 seconds. MR images were acquired using a 3.0T imaging system …

Evaluating The Treatment Effectiveness And Efficiency Of The Df2 Protocol Using Invisalign® For Treatment Of Class Ii Malocclusion: A Retrospective Comparison Study, Bryan J. Otis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This retrospective study evaluated the treatment effectiveness and efficiency of the DF2 protocol for correction of class II malocclusions in comparison to conventional protocol using Invisalign®.

Materials and Methods: Clinical and cephalometric data of patients that were treated for class II malocclusion between July 30, 2014 and July 22, 2021 were reviewed and selected. The selected patients were matched for age, sex, and treatment complexity and divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) —DF2 protocol and Group 2 (G2)—conventional class II Invisalign®. Clinical variables to represent the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes during treatment were assessed using pre-treatment (T1) …

Effect Of Finishing And Polishing Techniques On The Fit Accuracy And Dimensions Of Conventional And Cad-Cam Removable Partial Denture Frameworks, Majed Altoman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Rapid advancements in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) in removable dental prosthodontics have offered new modalities for fabrication of removable partial denture frameworks. The standard tessellation language (STL) files of the scans are used to digitally design the removable partial denture (RPD) framework, which are then printed in cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy and finished and polished according to manufacturers’ recommendations. There are few studies compare the fit accuracy of the cast DPD framework versus the CAD-CAM RPD frameworks which found that CAD-RP frameworks exhibited the highest discrepancies, using different methods of evaluation. Good fit between the denture base and the …

Accuracy Of Digital Indirect Bonding Technique Utilizing 3d-Printed Trays, Phillip Ha

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: This study investigated the bracket placement accuracy of a digital indirect bonding (dIDB) technique utilizing 3D-printed trays and the effects of dental crowding and tooth type on bracket placement accuracy.

Material and Methods: Thirty digital mandibular models of various amounts of arch length discrepancy (ALD) were categorized into 3 groups according to the amount of ALD. Digital bracket placement was performed from second molar to second molar using Indirect Bonding Studio (3ShapeTM, Copenhagen, Denmark) and this virtual model was used as the control. Indirect bonding trays were designed using Appliance Designer (3ShapeTM) and 3D-printed with the SprintRayTM …

Accuracy And Reproducibility Of Cone Beam Computed Tomographs For The Assessment Of Bony Tissues, An Ex-Vivo Study, Saad Hamad Almujel

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of implant blooming artifact on the assessment of the peri-implant buccal bone thickness, the accuracy of two CBCT devices, and the reproducibility of CBCT images obtained in different exposure timelines.

Materials and Methods: Four dental implants were placed in the mandible of a cadaver head. The distances between dental implants and the thickness of the peri-implant buccal bone were measured with a high precision caliper. The cadaver head was scanned using 2 different CBCT devices, 12 repeated scans were made while the cadaver head in its initial …

Rotational Forces Generated By Traditional And Loop-Design Clear Aligners, Grant Essink

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: This study aims to evaluate force (F) and torque (Tq) generated by a novel “loop-design” clear aligner compared to the F and Tq generated by a traditional clear aligner design. The novel design may reduce the risk of orthodontic root resorption (ORR), by reducing forces during tooth rotation.

Materials and Methods: Traditional clear aligners (T) and ArchForm Loop clear aligners (AFL) were compared for differences in F and Tq exerted on selected canine and molar teeth. The test tooth was sectioned out of the test model, attached to a load cell and replaced in the test model …

Llusd Articulator - Volume 32, Number 1, Loma Linda University School Of Dentistry

Articulator (Dentistry)

Contents:

5 | Dean's Message
9 | Faculty arrive & advance
10 | Zina Johnston leads Clinic Administration; Shelly Withers chairs Dental Hygiene
11 | Paul Richardson retires
13 | Drs. Li & Zhang retire
14 | Kris Marshall retires
15 | LLUSD Student Research runs the CDA table
18 | LLUSD's 2021 virtual commencement
39 | Faculty awards
45 | NEWS
Pickleball Champs
46 | Melvin Lund visits
47 | Tina Saw restores
49 | Sara Chang ninja
51 | Monty Suprono fights the virus
52 | Chi Viet awarded & serves
53 | Elisabetta Cotti resigns
54 | …

Commencement Program 2021 (School Of Dentistry), Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

1 | Message from the President

2 | 2021 Events of Commencement

4 | University Administration

5 | Significance of Academic Regalia

8 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

10 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

23 | The Program, The School Honorees, and The Speaker

26 | Candidates for Degrees

41 | The Dental Pledge

42 | Awards

Llusd Articulator - Volume 31, Number 2, Loma Linda University School Of Dentistry

Articulator (Dentistry)

Contents:

5 | Dean's Message
8 | Faculty arrive and faculty advance
10 | Mary Hartwell concludes 40 years
11 | LLUSD's 2020 virtual commencement
26 | Student research surmounts the virus
38 | The legacies left by
Dr. Donald Peters,
Dr. Doug Roberts, &
Dr. Elmer Kelln

A Comparison Of The Area Of The Internal Nasal Valve In Cbct And Mri, Chantelle Ghiam

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objective: This study compared the agreement between whole head Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods to assess the cross-sectional area of the internal nasal valve.

Methods: Thirteen human subjects (mean age 15y11m) were used in this study. All scans were preformed [sic] within two weeks of one another. CBCT images were made with an 18x16 inch field of view, exposure time of 5.4 s, and resolution of 0.3x0.3x0.3 mm. 3T MR images were captured as contiguous sagittal images of the whole head with a T1-weighted 3D imaging sequence (Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition by …

Attitudes And Understanding Of Orthodontic Treatment Using Comic Vs. Text Format, Darron Miya

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objectives: To examine adolescent patient attitudes and understanding of basic orthodontic treatment information presented in either comic book format or plain text.

Methods: This study involved subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment at the Loma Linda University Graduate Orthodontic Clinic. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 subjects received an orthodontic comic book to read, while Group 2 subjects received a plain text information sheet containing the same pertinent information as Group 1. All subjects completed an identical survey regarding the material they read. Statistical analysis consisted of a chi-square test at α = 0.05 to determine potential …