Volume 41, Number 1
March 2026
President's Notes:
Happy New Year from soggy Seattle! What are the chances that I am writing to you just days before IU heads to the national college championship game and the Seattle Seahawks are just two games away from the Super Bowl? Is it luck or divine intervention? Or is it a classic example of when preparation and hard work meet opportunities? I’m not sure, but its good to feel like a winner especially during trying times when it seems like so many other things aren’t winning. Whether it’s an assistant who calls in sick Monday morning for the fourth time in as many months, a restoration that fell out of a perfectly well-behaved patient, or news of world affairs beyond your sphere of influence, it’s also common to sometimes feel like you aren’t winning at all. What I’ve learned to accept from all of this is the simple understanding that everything is just temporary. If things are going great – it’s just temporary. If things really are going lousy – it’s just temporary. Savor the moments that are great and don’t waste your time by overlooking it, and when things are bad, realize that this too shall pass.
So, what does this have to do with a Newsletter? Well, my goal is twofold – 1) Take advantage of your opportunities and realize you have a family at IU which means you have a large number of colleagues you can share your challenges with or learn from, because I can tell you with certainty they have their own challenges. The word “alumni” is Latin and means “to nourish or bring up”, and an “alumnus” was originally a foster child or pupil who was nourished by an institution. The term “alma mater” refers to the school who nourished the alumni, and it translates to “nourishing mother.” The concept of Our Tree is analogous to that very notion. 2) When things might feel challenging professionally, remember the education you received is world class and you are already as prepared as you can be to handle those challenges. Be kind to yourself and give yourself a little grace knowing this too shall pass.
I’m looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on August 7th. It sounds like another wonderful opportunity. Cheers, go Big Red, and go Seahawks!
Cody
PS- I would like to congratulate Dr. Jeff Dean as the new interim Editor of the Our Tree Newsletter! After decades of tenure in this position, Dr. Dave Avery has resigned his duties, and we are all thankful for what he has contributed to this
wonderful Newsletter. When asked about his experience, he said, “It’s been a great run! - Dave”
Chairman's Report
I am excited to announce that we will be launching an Advanced Standing Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry. This COD Aapproved program will be 36 months in length and is designed to validate the training of internationally educated pediatric dentists. The program will be comprehensive, encompassing both preventive and therapeutic care, and will include extensive clinical and didactic instruction. Upon completion, graduates will receive a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry. The goal of this program is to provide a pathway for internationally trained pediatric dentists to qualify for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry examination and to become leaders and advocates for pediatric oral health.
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Divesh Sardana, who will begin the program this July. I am also proud to announce that Dr. Angela Yepes has been appointed Predoctoral Pediatric Program Director, effective this February. Dr. Allison Scully will assist during the transition period and will assume a greater role within the postgraduate training program. These changes will help support and balance the evolving needs of the department. In our last newsletter, I shared plans for the remodel of the predoctoral clinic scheduled for this spring. Unfortunately, due to construction delays, the timeline has shifted and we are now anticipating completion in December. Please stay tuned for further updates.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Las Vegas this May at the AAPD Annual Meeting, and if not then, hopefully in Indianapolis this August.
Recent resident publication:
Cipich BN, Yepes JF, Wilson S, Scully AC, Walker Vinson LR, Jones JE, Eckert G. Comparison of pulse oximetry and blood pressure measurements between sensor locations in children during dental procedures. Pediatric Dent. 15(47):322-327,2025. PMID41121562
Your newsletter has a new editor!
After 55 consecutive years with IUPDAA in one official capacity or another, I think it is now time for me to relinquish the editor’s position over to someone with fresher ideas. Since the official establishment of this association in May 1971, I have been integrally involved. IUPDAA is my most beloved professional organization of my entire career. President Dr. Cody Mast has accepted my resignation and he has appointed Dr. Jeff Dean to succeed me. Thank you Cody and Jeff.
Our Associate Editor, Karen Jones, will continue in that position. Truth be known, she is really the person who makes the Newsletter happen! Additionally, she is really the strongest link in IUPDAA and makes it all happen. Thank you Karen.
Our membership keeps growing and remains strong. Thank you all!
Our Associate Editor, Karen Jones, will continue in that position. Truth be known, she is really the person who makes the Newsletter happen! Additionally, she is really the strongest link in IUPDAA and makes it all happen. Thank you Karen.
Our membership keeps growing and remains strong. Thank you all!