UTA PRE-DENTAL SOCIETY 3RD SPRING MEETING

DAT QUESTION OF THE DAY Biology: Which of the following would result in allopatric speciation? A. Two squirrel populations separated by a river B. Two birds living in different parts of a tree C. Two lion prides living in the same savannah D. A group of insects with the same mating call E. Two groups of dogs that have different fur colors. Correct Answer: A. Two squirrel populations separated by a river In allopatric speciation, two species result due to the geographical barrier between the two species.

CURRENT EVENTS IN DENTISTRY Pediatric Robot Improves Dental Care Date: 1/22/16 Source: Dentistry Today Many children feel anxiety when they go to the dentist. MEDi from Rx Robots can provide these kids company. In fact, studies have shown that the 23-inch android reduces the pain perception of children undergoing medical procedures by half. When young patients arrive at the office, MEDi can introduce itself and explain the upcoming procedures, including cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and even root canals. It also teaches kids about sitting still in the dental chair and not being afraid if, for instance, a needle or nitrous oxide needs to be used. MEDi encourages patients that they’re doing a good job, too. MEDi also can keep patients in the waiting room or even the operatory occupied (and distracted) with a library of songs, dances, stories, and games. The robot has been tested in hospital settings as well. In addition to reducing pain, the robot increased vaccination rates by 10% by calming children who were screaming, kicking, and biting nurses during another study. MEDi succeeds by teaching patients coping strategies like breathing, guided imagery, and framing, which replaces negative thoughts with positive ones. This is good because when a dentist or a health professional says ‘Take a deep breath,’ it’s kind of harder to follow along and more intimidating than when that polite request or suggestion comes from a robot.

BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER When/Where: March 2 nd from 9-1 in front of the UTA library All proceeds will go to Ethiopia Smiles! We will have a sign up for people to work during the bake sale and people can also sign up to bring baked goods. If you would like to donate anything in support of this cause UTA-PDS will accept any aid, such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and band-aids, for Dr. Alexander.

SOCIAL Let’s get to know each other and have some fun!!! Bowling ($2 Tuesdays) Where: AMF Spare Time Lanes, 3149 S Cooper St, Arlington, TX When: March 8 th at 8 PM Not just bowling, they have an arcade and billiards/pool

PROJECT SMILES When: March 1 st Where: Boys and Girls Club EAST branch Wynn Terrace, Arlington, TX 76010

TMOM TMOM Marlin – March 5 th Sign up at: TMOM Fort Worth – May st This event will happen after school ends, so PDS will not form a carpool, but it is in town this time! We will have a carpool to the Marlin TMOM, but we will need drivers PDS will pay $20 for gas and those carpooling will compensate the driver for the remainder of expenses

DENTAL FAIR When: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Where: Boys and Girls Club MAIN branch (608 N. Elm Street, Arlington, TX 76011) Come out and judge childrens’ dental projects and play games with them

ASDA DENTURES FOR NEW ADVENTURES 5K RUN When: April 2nd ASDA partnered with Mission Arlington Allen Saxe Dental Clinic and Baylor Dental School to sponsor patients at the clinic. The waiting list for dentures at the clinic is long and the money raised helps offset the cost for the clinic. Visit these sites to sign up or fund the event:

GUEST SPEAKER Dr. Maria Dao

NEXT MEETING March 11th– Guest Speaker: Dr. Alexander