Temple University School of Dentistry - Odontolog Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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A Message From the Dean To the Class of 1992 For some reason, “firsts” are valued over and above their true worth. In Philadelphia we are proud of having the “first” zoo, the “first” hospital, which has nothing to do with the quality of either, but merely the fact that they got there first. At Temple, we even brag that we are the “second-oldest dental school in the nation in continuous existence,” as though this makes us something special. Contemplation makes us aware, however, that being first does bring something extra; the tradition and wisdom of age. Thus, the Class of 1992 is the “first” to benefit from the rich past and the assured future of the School of Dentistry. Through no fault of your own, you arrived at the right time, beginning your studies in a building that has educated thousands of the best dentists in the country and the world, and finishing your education from the newest and most modern clinical facility in the country. You are the link between the old and the new, combining the wisdom of age with the excitement and energy of youth. This indeed makes you special, and no other class will ever have quite the same experience. I hope the Class of 1992 will always be special—but any future claims to “first” will result from your own efforts. My wish for the Class of 1992 is that you will always be first in professionalism, in ethics, in service to others and in citizenship—and that you will further use those efforts to keep your alma mater first. Take pride in your school, and work to ensure that future graduates will be as proud as you are today. 6 Martin F. Tansy, Ph.D, Dean

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The Class of 1992 It is difficult to believe we are finally graduating from dental school. It was four years ago, on a Thursday morning, when we met for the first time in Room A. It isn’t difficult for me to remember that day. We sat there, in our dresses and jackets and ties, wondering what was about to happen and what we had gotten ourselves into. Some of us were petrified. We had no idea the amount of time we would spend studying and working in the lab. Some of us would never make it. After four years, almost 25 percent of our original class will not be joining us for graduation. We will never forget those students. Although the amount of time that has passed since then has seemed like an eternity, what we have accomplished is remarkable. We have gained an education, as difficult as it was, that lets us enter the world as professionals and allows us to provide for ourselves and our families, perhaps, for the first time in our life. We’ve met people that have become our husbands and wives and our boyfriends and girlfriends. We have molded friendships that will last far beyond dental school, friendships that will last a lifetime. It is these friends that helped us make it through dental school and thus, we must never foiget. For these friends are the ones we studied with, laughed with, cried with, celebrated with, and perhaps even slept with. As we leave Temple Dental, and go our separate ways, it is important for everyone to remember where we’ve been and what we have accomplished. No matter how different each of us is, we all had something to contribute to the class, to Temple, and to Dentistry. There is no doubt about it, dental school was hell. We would never do it again. But, putting all the hardships aside, we must step back and congratulate ourselves. In closing, as Senior Class President, it was an honor to serve the Class of 1992. I truly did my best to make things better for everyone. As Editor of the Odontolog, I must say the yearbook was the most difficult project I ever took on, a project that never would have materialized without the help of an incredible staff. I thank and love each and every one of you. May the wind always be at your back, and the road through life be as smooth as glass (ionomer). May you and your families all have a life of health, happiness and prosperity. Matthew D. Freedman Editor-in-Chief, The Odontolog Senior Class President 7