Perio Coming to CU!
Jennalyn SlootmakerWhat does a Periodontist do? Periodontology is the branch of dentistry concerned with the health of the tooth supporting structures, (ie. the gingiva, periodontal ligament, root cementum and alveolar bone). It also involves the placing of dental implants to replace missing teeth.
If you are interested in specializing in perio, then listen carefully. Yes, the rumors are true! ADA approval to accept applications for the new periodontics program is set to start in July of 2007 at our very own University of Colorado. Interviews will be held early this December to fill 2 or 3 resident positions. The 2 or 3 residents will then spend the next three years on the first floor. Dr. Raymond Yukna |
The residency Director, Dr. Raymond A. Yukna, D.M.D., M.S. was accepted here at the University of Colorado with his LSU residents when hurricane Katrina caused significant damage to their dental school. Dr. Yukna lead LSU students as their periodontal program director for the last 20+ years. Before his years in Louisiana, Dr. Yukna practiced here in Colorado and shares that it is "nice to be back." Dr. Yukna left such a positive impression on Dean Denise Kassebaum, he was then asked to begin a program here.
Dr. Yukna explained how this perio program has many attractive qualities that stand out among other programs in the country. It is modeled on the program at LSU, however, it will have an emphasis on systemic diseases and their manifestation on the periodontium. The program will also provide the latest technology for the residents to better treat the patients. Residents will be trained to use microscopes during treatment, and even more exciting is the use of laser surgery. Not only will residents be learning the latest and greatest techniques, there will also be research opportunities for both residents and undergraduate dental students to help broaden the base of knowledge in this field.
The addition of the periodontics program to our school "is taking the school in a different direction" Dr. Yukna says. "This program is likely to be the first of a growth of specialties here at University of Colorado. Next the school will work toward building a prosthodontics and endodontics program."
If you are interested in learning more about the program, Dr. Yukna is happy to make time for interested students. Also, if you are interested in the future of specialty programs here contact Dean Kassebaum and she will share her vision for our school.
Katrina to Colorado
Dr. Mohamad Husam AlbzrehControl. A big word, but what does it really mean? Can we be in control? And how do you define being in control? I thought I was in total control and I felt as thought life couldn't get any better. I was wrong, and I was wrong again. How can I be in control when I didn't know how this sentence would turn out before I started typing it? I had never thought this way before. Then I had a life changing experience that altered the approach I now have on life.
 Dr. Mohamad Husam Albzreh |
My name is Husam. I had just started my third year in Periodontics residency at LSU in New Orleans, LA before the unthought-of happened; Katrina. I was on top of the world. I was a year away from being done with school forever. I knew where I wanted to work. I had the best friends in the world. School was going perfectly. I loved the city of New Orleans and I had my future planned out. I even had a hotel reservation in Denver for the annual periodontal meeting, which I ended up switching to an apartment lease. Quite odd, don't you think?
I still remember Friday the 26th of August 2005. We had are monthly TGIF, an LSU tradition, where everyone in the dental school gathers in the school park for one purpose, having a good time. We went out afterwards till early morning. Lots of fun. It was fun until we were out and I got a ton of phone calls from my friends telling me that I needed to get our of town because a hurricane. "Katrina", one of the strongest storms in modern history had gained strength in the Gulf of Mexico, and was headed towards New Orleans. Having lived there for a couple of years, I thought "yeah a free vacation", as was the case the year before. I drove out of town, waited a couple of days, and came back when CNN said the storm changed directions at the last moment. Not this year though. I went to Longview, TX to stay with a friend for a couple of days. It became a couple of months, and instead of going back to New Orleans, I ended up in Denver, CO to finish up my program. You all know what Katrina did to New Orleans. It is impossible to know what it did to the people. Every single resident had the story that you all know, in addition to a story that they never told. You are now reading mine.
 Playing on the CU dental soccer team was a fun stress reliever for this refugee. |
My first two days after the storm were pure denial paired with the false hope that everything would be fine in a week or so. After waiting for the good news that I knew would never come, I started getting nervous. I knew that I had lost control. I now officially had no control of my life. After a month of desperate waiting, life started getting better. I was among the lucky ones who didn't get property damage. I salvaged most of my belongings, but the really good news was that I could sense glimpses of my future again. The University of Colorado offered us the chance to continue our residency in Denver. This opportunity was greater than any help anyone offered me at my time of hardship. This was the toughest experience I've ever been though. This one tested my inner strength, and made me realize that no matter how strong or tough I thought I was, I am still human. I do have weaknesses. By overcoming them, I got stronger.
Colorado has become home to me, not by birth or by residency. The people of Colorado made me feel at home. I never imagined that the world had so many good people. My Colorado experience was nothing but positive. The University of Colorado gave me the chance to finish my program and graduate on time. People offered me their help, their time, their support, their compassion, and above all their friendship. I got to make great friends, experience life in the great city of Denver, and do a lot of activities. However, the most important thing I learned was the fact that no matter how good life seems, it could even get better. I have great friends who would stand by me and support me when I need them. I don't need to be in control to be happy. I don't need to plan my future anymore. I'd rather enjoy the moment instead. I don't want fate laughing at me when my plans don't work, but smiling for me when I make the most out of everything it throws at me.