Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Holds Alumni Weekend

Dozens of alumni from Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics attended an Alumni Weekend on June 27 and 28. During the two-day reunion, alumni reconnected during several social events and academic presentations.

The Alumni Weekend took place in honor of Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Dr. Jack Bednar.  Dr. Bednar said the Alumni Weekend was one of the highlights of his academic career.

“The weekend was not only enjoyable but equally emotional seeing everyone and watching e-mail videos from past residents,” said Dr. Bednar. “I will definitely miss teaching but I look forward to the future years practicing with my daughter, Katy, who recently completed her orthodontic residency at Boston University.”

Alumni gathered at 100 East Newton Street at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 27 for the start of the weekend, which included two academic presentations and several other events in which alumni could reconnect with fellow students and faculty.

The first presentation, delivered by Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Dr. Paul Rigali, was entitled: “The ABCs of CBCT.”

Dr. Rigali is engaged in research regarding facial pain and CBCT. He lectures frequently both nationally and internationally about complex Orthodontic treatment and the use of CBCT in Orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.

Dr. Roger Wise, a GSDM lecturer and former faculty member and lecturer in the Department of Orthodontics and Periodontics at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, delivered the second and final presentation of the Alumni Weekend.

Dr. Wise’s lecture was entitled: “Utilization of the CBCT as it applies to Complex Orthodontic Cases.” Dr. Wise was aided in his presentation by assistant professor in the Department of Oral Medicine Infection & Immunity at Harvard School of Dental Medicine Dr. Bernard Friedland.

After the presentations, at 7 p.m. on June 27, all the alumni, as well as guests, gathered at The Ritz Carlton Boston Commons Hotel for a special dinner. After welcoming remarks from Dean Hutter, several faculty shared their praise of and experiences with Dr. Bednar. One of the most memorable speeches of the night was delivered by the man the Alumni Weekend was honoring, Dr. Jack Bednar.

On Sunday, the alumni gathered once more to say their goodbyes over an 11 a.m. brunch.

“It is always a wonderful occurrence when our alumni are afforded the opportunity to reconnect with both each other and the faculty that helped them succeed during their time at GSDM,” said Dean Jeffery W. Hutter. “By all accounts, the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Alumni Weekend was a great success.”

Photos from the Alumni Weekend can be found on Facebook and Flickr.