Insights from Dental Experts

Gifts for endowed lectures at the School of Dental Medicine are bringing experts to Tufts to speak about oral and maxillofacial surgery, forensic dentistry, and periodontology.

The named gifts, which increase endowed lectures at the school from two to five, enrich opportunities for alumni, faculty, and students to deepen their knowledge and gain new perspectives, said Aruna Ramesh, DI04, A16P, D20P, E21P, EG22P, associate dean for academic affairs at the School of Dental Medicine.

“Endowed lectures are always exciting because we hear firsthand from people who are leading experts,” she said. “Dental students, faculty, staff, and alumni can all benefit from that interaction. We are grateful to these donors who help us strengthen this commitment to lifelong learning.”

Roderick W. Lewin, D57, created the Dr. Roderick W. Lewin, D57, Lectureship in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery on the occasion of his 65th reunion. “My father believed you should lend a helping hand to those who follow you, and I’ve tried to practice that in my own life,” said Lewin, who served as assistant professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Tufts in addition to having a private practice. “I’ve tried to live the best life I can,” he said, “and give back in a meaningful way.”

Joan Viantha Qureshi, D85, established the Sarah Umeko Qureshi Memorial Endowed Lectureship in Forensic Dentistry and Forensic Sciences in memory of her daughter. The lectureship funds speakers on topics that include forensic anthropology and crime scene investigation. Lena D. Karkalas, the first board-certified forensic odontologist in Rhode Island, kicked off the lecture series in October 2022.

“Our objective right now is awareness: what forensic dentists do and the importance of what we do, in our offices, to help support that field by keeping good records,” said Andrea Ferreira Zandona, professor and chair of the Department of Comprehensive Care. “At any time, dentists may be called upon to provide records that might help identify a body. In cases involving violence and abuse, records may be pivotal to identify bite marks. Your records might provide a breakthrough in a tragic situation.” That’s especially important knowledge for third-year students who are starting to see patients in the school’s clinic, she said.

Another endowed lecture brings to Tufts experts in periodontology—the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum disease—and in the placement of dental implants. The Esther Wilkins Periodontal Lecture carries forward the legacy of “the godmother of dental hygiene,” Esther M. Wilkins, D49, DG66, who was a clinical professor of periodontology at Tufts. (A periodontal clinic has also been named in her honor.) The inaugural lecture was given by Andreas O. Paraschis, DG85, an adjunct assistant professor of periodontology at Tufts.

“It was a tremendous honor for me to be invited back to my alma matter to lecture on periodontal maintenance, a subject on which Dr. Wilkins spent a significant part of her career,” said Paraschis. “She was a great teacher and most significantly the role model of an educator for all of us.”

Natalie Jeong, D97, DG00, associate professor and chair of the Department of Periodontology, said the new lectureship is a fitting tribute to Wilkins, author of a seminal textbook on dental hygiene. “Throughout her career, she brought her signature enthusiasm and intelligence to bear by improving dental education and access to quality dental care,” she said. “All of us at the dental school are thrilled that we can honor her life with a lectureship that, like her, will be invigorating and insightful.”