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 | …

Dental Rehabilitation With General Anesthesia And Analysis Of Waiting Time Periods, Hannah Shelton, Bethany Castro, Neena Patel, Robin Onikul, Amy Burleson, Jenna Sparks

Posters

Purpose: The aim of this research project is to understand how long patients are waiting to be seen to have dental rehabilitation completed under general anesthesia at Children’s Mercy Hospital. The data will help determine if additional surgical blocks are needed for dental providers to serve the patient population in a more reasonable time frame. Methods: A retrospective review of all appointments in the CMH dental clinic was conducted for all patients referred for general anesthesia. Data collected included patient wait times, patient age, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification, type of appointment in which GA referral was made, and …

Dental Findings Associated With Dandy Walker And Orofacial Digital Syndrome, Cailey C. Schell, Robin Onikul, Neena Patel, Jenna Sparks, Amy Burleson

Posters

Dandy Walker Syndrome is a rare congenital brain malformation in which the cerebellum does not fully develop. The cerebellum is responsible for controlling movement and balance and is located at the back of the brain1. Clinical symptoms associated with this syndrome include developmental delays, hydrocephalus, eye abnormalities and dental abnormalities including malformed or missing teeth1. Orofacial Digital Syndrome is another rare genetic disorder characterized by a combination of abnormalities affecting the face, mouth, hands and feet2. Clinical features of this syndrome include cleft lip, cleft palate, syndactyly, polydactyly, hypodontia and supernumerary teeth2. This presentation discusses a 9-year-old female patient who …

Dental Rehabilitation Of Pediatric Patient With Ellis-Van Creveld Syndrome: Case Report, Emma Kojima Dds, Robin Onikul, Neena Patel, Jenna Sparks, Amy Burleson

Posters

Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome, also known as Chondroectodermal dysplasia, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the EVC and EVC2 genes4. This syndrome is characterized by polydactyly of the hands, short limbs, ectodermal dysplasia, and congenital heart defects. Because Ellis–van Creveld syndrome affects all three embryonic layers, it presents with a range of oral manifestations, including absence of the mucobuccal fold, a serrated alveolar ridge, multiple labial frenula, abnormalities in tooth morphology, and congenitally missing teeth1. This report details a 20-month-old female who presented to the Children’s Mercy Dental Clinic in May 2019 for comprehensive dental care. The …

Evaluation And Treatment Of Pediatric Pre-Eruptive Intracoronal Resorption, Sophia Rosen, Robin Onikul, Neena Patel, Jenna Sparks, Amy Burleson

Posters

Pre- eruptive intracoronal resorption (PEIR), also known as “pre-eruptive caries,” is a dental condition characterized by the resorption of dental tissue prior to the eruption of the tooth.1PIER is typically found adjacent to the dentin-enamel junction, within the occlusal dentin of the tooth.2PIER may be referred to as “occult” or hidden caries due to the presence of sound enamel and is often an incidental finding on routine radiographs.3PEIR is often misinterpreted as traditional caries due to its radiographic appearance,3however requires careful evaluation for determination of treatment and long term success. Case report: This case report details a 13 year old …

Healthcare Systems & Policy Implications For Tele-Dentistry Policies On Access To Dental Care For Underserved Populations In The United States, Deeya Bhadresa

Posters - 2026

Access to dental care remains a significant public health challenge for people in rural and low-income communities. Tele dentistry has shown the ability to expand preventive services, improve care coordination, and reduce geographic barriers. However, inconsistent Medicaid coverage, limited infrastructure, and low provider participation restrict its impact. The main recommendation is standardizing Medicaid tele dentistry coverage and reimbursement across states to improve access and equity. Action is needed now to preserve post–COVID-19 telehealth gains and address persistent oral health disparities.

Bridging The Gap In Dentistry: Harnessing Behavioral Health To Improve Oral Health Outcomes For Autistic Youth, Serenity Richardson

2026 Research Poster Competition

Background: Autistic children have unique dental healthcare needs. Oral complications stemming from poor tongue and motor coordination, high sensitivity to toothpaste and flossing, and sensory reactions to fluoride, amalgam, and other dental products are common. Autistic youth are also prone to dental-related emotional (e.g., dental fear and anxiety) and behavioral (e.g., noncompliance, disruptive behavior, avoidance) symptoms. There is also a substantial gap in pediatric and autism-focused training for dental providers, and caregivers report significant challenges in finding dental practitioners who treat autistic children. Taken together, autistic youth and their families face barriers to accessing timely, equitable oral healthcare. Unfortunately, delayed …

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 …

New Dentist News (November 2025), Ada Committee On The New Dentist

New Dentist News

New Dentist News offers timely information on scientific, social, educational, political and economic developments affecting new dentists. This collection is historical and items may not reflect current standards. For up-to-date information contact the ADA. The New Dentist News was alternately titled ADA Lifeline, 1997-June 2001.

October 10, 2025 — Letter To Senator Sanders On The Health Care Workforce Expansion Act And Improving Outcomes In Rural And Health Professional Shortage Areas, American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

October 8, 2025 — Odc Letter To Cis On H-1b Visa Guidance, American Dental Association, Academy Of General Dentistry, American Academy Of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, American Academy Of Periodontology, American Association For Dental, Oral, And Craniofacial Research, American Association Of Endodontists, American Association Of Orthodontists, American Dental Education Association, American Society Of Dentist Anesthesiologists, American Student Dental Association, Hispanic Dental Association, American Academy Of Pediatric Dentistry

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

October 3, 2025 — Letter To Cms On Recent Guidance For The Rural Health Transformation Program, American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

October 2, 2025 — Letter To Cis On H-1b Visa Reforms, American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

August 19, 2025 — Coalition Letter - Reauthorization Of The Health Resources And Services Administration (Hrsa) Title Vii Health Professions And Title Viii Nursing Workforce Development Programs, American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

Academic Year In Review 2024-2025, Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Dugoni Academic Year in Review

The Dugoni School family makes a difference in the lives of thousands of people each year, and we are fulfilling our purpose of helping people lead healthy lives. Our Year in Review report highlights just some of the great happenings over the last year across our academic programs, clinical services, research, community outreach and other areas.

New Dentist News (August 2025), Ada Committee On The New Dentist

New Dentist News

New Dentist News offers timely information on scientific, social, educational, political and economic developments affecting new dentists. This collection is historical and items may not reflect current standards. For up-to-date information contact the ADA. The New Dentist News was alternately titled ADA Lifeline, 1997-June 2001.

July 15, 2025 — Ada Letter To House Subcommittee On Health, Energy And Commerce Committee On "Legislative Proposals To Maintain And Improve Public Health Workforce, Rural Health, And Over-The-Counter Medicines.", American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

New Dentist News (June 2025), Ada Committee On The New Dentist

New Dentist News

New Dentist News offers timely information on scientific, social, educational, political and economic developments affecting new dentists. This collection is historical and items may not reflect current standards. For up-to-date information contact the ADA. The New Dentist News was alternately titled ADA Lifeline, 1997-June 2001.

Dental Considerations For A Pediatric Patient With Osteopetrosis: Case Report, Bethany Castro, Robin Onikul, Neena Patel, Jenna Sparks, Amy Burleson, Brenda S Bohaty

Posters

Introduction: Osteopetrosis is comprised of a group of rare hereditary disorders characterized by impaired osteoclast development or activity resulting in altered bone metabolism and high bone mineral density. Resulting bone is denser and heavier but more fragile than healthy bone. This condition can have oral manifestations such as malformed teeth, hypomineralization, or agenesis of teeth. The treatment for osteopetrosis can include hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and recommendations for prophylactic dental treatment7. The purpose of this report is to present a review of the literature regarding the dental considerations for patients with osteopetrosis. Case Report: This case report details a six-year-old …

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 …

Primary Molar Loss And Resulting Space Outcomes: A Systematic Review, Kaitlin Carlson, Meredith Clark, Richard Nguyen, Brenda S Bohaty, Amy Burleson, Robin Onikul, Neena Patel, Jenna Sparks

Posters

Premature loss of a primary molar can occur due to a multitude of reasons, including caries, infection, and trauma. When this occurs and restoration of the affected primary tooth is not possible, the AAPD recognizes space maintenance as a “Best Practice” to prevent loss of arch length, width, and perimeter after extraction. However, reports suggest that with proper intercuspation of first permanent molars, space loss from premature loss of a primary molar is minimal and a space maintainer in that area may not be needed. The clinical management for such cases has been controversial across pediatric dental providers, with factors …

Oral Surgical Needs In A Pediatric Hospital Dental Clinic, Meredith Clark, Richard Nguyen, Kaitlin Carlson, Brenda S Bohaty, Amy Burleson, Robin Onikul, Neena Patel, Jenna Sparks

Posters

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate and assess the oral surgery needs in a pediatric hospital dental clinic at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Methods: Following IRB approval, appointments over a 6-month time-period were reviewed and recorded when a referral was placed to an oral surgeon. The reason for referral, patient age and medical history were recorded and analyzed. Results: Half of the patients needing oral and maxillofacial procedures were between the ages of 8-10 years old. There was an equal number of patients needing extractions due to carious/non-restorable teeth with and without special health care …

Differential Diagnosis Of Oral Ulcerations: A Case Report, Richard Nguyen, Kaitlin Carlson, Meredith Clark, Amy Burleson, Brenda S Bohaty, Robin Onikul, Neena Patel, Jenna Sparks

Posters

The diagnosis of oral lesions in children can be challenging as it can be an unspecified symptom of several diseases. Differential diagnoses can range from infectious diseases of childhood, inflammations, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic diseases. Because of this, children with oral ulcers may be treated by different specialists such as pediatric dentists and pediatricians. The purpose of this poster is to report the case of a twenty-one-month-old female patient who presented to Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas City Emergency Department with chief concern for acute onset of intraoral oral ulcers, extraoral blisters near the lower lip, and fetid oral odor. Patient …

Trident - Spring 2025, Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Trident

The alumni newsletter of the Orthodontics program at University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

Contact Point Spring 2025, Arthur A. Dugoni School Of Dentistry

Contact Point

No abstract provided.

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 | …

March 18, 2025 — 2025 Coalition Letter Supporting Dr. Lorna Breen Reauthorization Act, American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

March 10, 2025 — Letter To U.S. House Of Representatives On Introduction The Action For Dental Health Act Of 2025, American Dental Association

Advocacy in Action letters

No abstract provided.

How To Make Brushing Your Teeth Fun For Kids, Maggie Mckay, Robin Onikul

Parent-ish Podcast

We all know getting your kids to brush their teeth twice a day can be a...challenge. But, there are ways to keep it fun for everyone! Dr. Robin Onikul discusses why good dental care is important for kids, and gives you ways to keep teeth brushing fresh and fun.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

New Dentist News (March 2025), Ada Committee On The New Dentist

New Dentist News

New Dentist News offers timely information on scientific, social, educational, political and economic developments affecting new dentists. This collection is historical and items may not reflect current standards. For up-to-date information contact the ADA. The New Dentist News was alternately titled ADA Lifeline, 1997-June 2001.