School of Dentistry News
Creighton Honors Former Dental Dean - April 27, 2009
The late Benjamin L. Lynch, D.D.S., former faculty member and dean of Creighton University's School of Dentistry, was honored during a reception at the University's School of Dentistry Reunion Weekend and Spring Dental Assembly on April 23.
A plaque of his likeness was placed on the Faculty Wall of Honor at the Boyne Dental School. Attending the ceremony were members of his family, dental school faculty, staff, alumni and students as well as colleagues that knew him over the years.
Lynch, a graduate of Creighton, received his Bachelor of Science in dentistry in 1945, his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1947 and a Master of Arts in education in 1953, all from the University. In 1954, only six years after his initial appointment as assistant instructor in oral surgery, he became dean. During his seven-year tenure, Lynch focused on elevating the local and national reputation of Creighton's dental program.
He received Creighton University's Alumni Merit Award in 1978 and was very active in dental alumni activities, including serving on the Dental Alumni Advisory Board. Active in many professional organizations, he was a fellow of the American College of Dentists, past president of the Omaha District Dental Society and founding member of the American College of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeons, to mention a few.
He had six children, several who attended Creighton University.
Creighton Offers Life-Saving Oral Cancer Screenings - April 15, 2009
Creighton University's School of Dentistry will offer free oral cancer screenings in observance of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week on Wednesday, April 29 from 8-10 a.m.
Dental students and faculty will conduct these 10-minute, painless, life-saving screenings. The event at the Boyne Dental School, 2802 Webster St., is open to the public. Participants will be taken on a first-come, first serve basis.
More than 35,000 Americans were diagnosed with oral cancers of the head and neck last year; with about 20 percent dying from these diseases. Unfortunately many Americans do not recognize the symptoms of these life-threatening diseases.
Creighton Expands Efforts to Give Kids Healthier Smiles - January 28, 2009
Creighton University School of Dentistry will provide free dental exams, x-Rays, cleaning, fluoride and dental education plus some new services to more than 100 metro-area children on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The University is working with several community groups not only to offer additional health-related services but to get the word out about the program.
A new service is being provided by the Nebraska Freemasons Child Identification Program (CHIP). Parents will receive a CHIP kit, which includes a video interview, fingerprints, tooth prints (bite impressions), a DNA cheek swab and still photograph. These materials can be used for identification purposes if their child is missing. More than a million children are reported missing in the United States each year.
"As a University, Creighton instills in its students, faculty and staff the importance of service to others. Many community groups are helping us get the word out and make sure those who may not have access to dental care, get it and know how important it is," said Gary Westerman, D. D.S, professor and Oscar S. Belzer Endowed Chair in the Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry.
More than 120 dentists, dental students and other volunteers are expected to participate in "Give Kids a Smile Day," held in conjunction with National Children's Dental Health Month. Similar events are planned at more than 2,000 locations across the country. This is the ninth year for the Creighton event.
Children between the ages of 3-14 years are eligible and must be accompanied by an adult. Each child will also receive a bag of dental supplies.
The event will be held at the Creighton University School of Dentistry, 2802 Webster St. To register, call Creighton's Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at (402) 280-2863.
Creighton Dental Faculty Member Receives Teaching Award - January 23, 2009
Creighton University's Nicole Kimmes, D.D.S., assistant professor of general dentistry, has been selected as the winner of the 2009 Omicron Kappa Upsilon Charles Craig Teaching Award. This award recognizes young dental educators who have demonstrated new and innovative teaching techniques in teaching the art, science and literature of dentistry.
Candidates must be full-time dental educators in an American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation accredited dental school and a dental educator for no more than seven years.
Kimmes received her bachelor's degree from Northern State University in 1997 and her D. D. S. degree from Creighton University in 2001. In addition to her teaching duties, she maintains a private practice in Omaha and has served as a clinic volunteer at the Indian-Chicano Health Center. She also received the Organization of Teachers of Oral Diagnosis Award in 2001.
Kimmes is the fourth Creighton faculty members to receive this award in the past eight years. The recipient receives a certificate and a $1,000 cash award. She will be recognized at the OKU Supreme Chapter's Annual Business Meeting on March 15.