Message from UW Orthodontic Department Chair
Greg Huang
Dear Alums,
I hope all of you have had a great year, and are getting ready for the busy holiday season. As I begin my 17th year as Chair, I am very proud of the state of our Department. Earlier this month, the School of Dentistry, as well as our Department, underwent a comprehensive site visit by CODA, the Commission on Dental Accreditation. This process occurs every 7 years, and I am very proud and pleased to say that our graduate program meets all current CODA standards. The site visit was quite thorough, and I must thank Anne-Marie for spearheading the accreditation effort. She has worked tirelessly for over a year preparing our self-study documents, as well as meeting with students, faculty, and administrators in order to prepare our Department for this important event. Thanks also to Geoff Greenlee and Heather Woloshyn for their work on the clinical aspects of the site visit, as well as Burcu Bayirli for her help with the Pre-Doc documents and our graduate research section.
Accreditation is a team effort, and I am thankful for the camaraderie, friendships, and support that the faculty provide to each other. I have often thought that one of the great advantages of being in academics is the privilege of working with a lot of very smart, talented, ambitious orthodontists, and having daily interactions with them. And each of us have opportunities to work with other colleagues at the SoD, as well as colleagues nationally and internationally. Sue, Zee, and Kathy will be hosting a research team from London next year, Rooz is a member of the Angle mid-Atlantic chapter, and I have been working with colleagues in Florida, Canada, Japan, and Korea on a new theory about bone recovery when dehiscenses and fenestrations occur. So to each of our faculty in the Department, thank you for your efforts within the school, as well as beyond the school, where you truly extend the influence and reputation of our Department.
We are very happy to have hired Dr. Sanghee Lee, who was trained by two of our alums, Henry Fields and Zongyang Sun, at Ohio State. Sanghee, or Sunni, has become an instant and substantial contributor to our clinical, teaching, and research mission, and I hope she will spend her entire academic career at UW. Please make an effort to meet Sunni the next time you attend a meeting.
In closing, my very best to each of you. The end of the year is a time for thanks, joy, celebration, and reflection. Thank you for your ongoing support of UW Orthodontics. Enjoy the holidays with your families and friends. Be appreciative of all the blessings in your life, and consider how you can utilize your talents to bless others.
It has been a great year for the Department, and under Sam Finkelman’s leadership, a great year for the alumni association. I hope it has been a great year for you, too!
Sincerely,
Greg J. Huang, DMD, MSD, MPH
Professor and Chair
Message from UWOAA Board President
Samuel Finkleman
Dear Alums,
The UWOAA sponsored several great events this year. The summer picnic at Newport Yacht Club was a highlight. Thanks to Sam and Lori Lake for hosting. We also had receptions at both the AAO and PCSO conferences. It was great to see many of you in Palm Springs! Two of our third year residents, Dayton Oki and Sophie Cohanim, presented their research.
As we near year-end, please consider making a donation to support the UWOAA. Donations to specific funds support specific activities such as faculty positions, new initiatives, etc. Details can be found on our website. General donations support graduate student research, assist our recent graduates in registration for the oral ABO exam, and cover the cost of receptions at the AAO and PCSO meetings. Thank you for your continued support.
The next UWOAA event will be Thesis Day on March 21, 2025. Dr. Barbara Sheller will be our Alton-Moore Lecturer. Please save the date. I hope to see you there!
Lastly, the board has been working hard to modernize the UWOAA website. The goal is to encourage additional alumni engagement on a regular basis. Please keep an eye out for these changes in the coming months.
Hope that you have a wonderful holiday season!
Sincerely,
Samuel Finkleman (UW ’19)
Alumni Profile with Bill McNeill (UW ’64)
ROSS KAPLAN, PHOTOGRAPHER
Monterosa Glacier, Swiss Alps
As orthodontic residents and practitioners we have all become involved in photographic documentation of our work, clinical and otherwise. Ross Kaplan (UW ’73) has, in his retirement years, taken that early interest a major step further. Here is a synopsis of recent conversations with Dr. Kaplan about his avocation:
Bill McNeill — Ross, I understand from our conversations that photography has been a lifelong interest of yours. How and when did that get started?
Ross Kaplan — When I was a teenager growing up in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, I was given a Kodak Brownie camera. I used it to take “snaps” of commonplace things: my family, our dog, the house, my friends etc. The photos were all taken on black and white film which was developed at a local drug store. But then things took a step upward when I received my high school graduation present—a “real” camera, an Asahi Pentax SV single lens reflex with interchangeable lenses. With it I used Ilford black and white film and Agfa color slide film. This camera got me more interested in photography but I never did learn to use all its capabilities.
Bill — Did you take any classes or have any other instruction?
Ross — No I didn’t. I wish I had taken some classes or maybe joined a photography club in my hometown. But then came my move to Johannesburg for dental school at University of Witwatersrand during which time photography took a back seat to my studies. My interest in photography was reawakened when after dental school I moved to London and was afforded the opportunity to travel extensively in Europe and do much photography, including one memorable time at the Cannes Film Festival when I played the part of a paparazzi as I fell in with a group of professionals photographing one of the “starlets” on display. An interest in motor sports led me to take photos at a few British Grand Prix and during one of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Once again, however, I set my hobby aside while I attended the orthodontics programs at Eastman Dental Hospital in London and subsequently at University of Washington. When I left London for Seattle I entrusted my LP collection and all my European slide images to a friend; a friend who was trustworthy enough to keep my LPs but who discarded all my slides including those of Le Mans and the Cannes starlet!
Thus, even though I was an avid photographer, my first formal instruction in photography was under the aegis of Cliff Freehe during the first year of our University of Washington orthodontic residency. And, of course that instruction was limited to clinical photographic techniques; techniques which I was subsequently able to apply in my private practice and in my faculty activities at Oregon Health Sciences University.
Bill — In contrast to that clinical application, your current work embodies a variety of general subject matter. When did you begin to expand your field of interest?
Ross — When my children went off to college I decided to dedicate more time to photography, to become more technically competent, and to amplify my creativity. To this end I attended many interesting photography workshops, classes, and lectures and took photography focused trips to such places as Upper Peninsula Michigan, Arches National Park, Alaska, Mt. Rainier, Olympic National Park, Galapagos, Crater Lake National Park, Southern Oregon Coast, the Palouse, and Santa Fe. In addition the transition from analog to digital photography, which was taking place at that time, provided ample technical challenge and endless opportunity for creative expression.
Bill — Is some of that creativity realized in the processing of images and not just in the capture?
Ross — Yes, definitely. While technical skill and such subjective variables as composition and lighting are critical to the exercise of successfully capturing an image, the use of software programs, such as Photoshop, in processing allows digital manipulation with the intent of making one’s images painterly and unique. In recent years I have been exploring the use of such software as a means of creating distinctive abstract images. Even after years of using Photoshop I find its application intellectually and technically challenging and, to my great satisfaction, creatively stimulating.
Bill — Do you collaborate with other photographers or share your work in any other way?
Ross — I am a member and officer of the Portland Photographer’s Forum, a group of professional and amateur photographers with a broad range of styles and approaches. The P.P.F. provides a setting for exposure to the work of others and a forum for presentations by renowned speakers from all over the country. It also sponsors exhibitions—at several of which I have displayed examples of my photography. And I post some of my images on my website (www.rgkphotos.com) and on Instagram (@rossgkphotos, @ rgk_stilllife, @rgk_abstracts).
Bill — Are there any widely known photographers from the last century that you particularly admire?
Ross — I have particular regard for Henri Cartier-Bresson, renowned for his street photography; Ansel Adams, generally accepted to be the doyen of landscape photography; and Imogene Cunningham, Portland native and University of Washington graduate. Studying the work of such icons is a great motivator for me to continue striving in the development of my own distinctive art-form; an art-form illustrated in these examples of landscape, still life, and abstract images from my archives.
Still Life with Copper Kettle
Ross Kaplan
Multiple Exposure Abstract
Ross Kaplan
PCSO hosts Women Orthodontists Resident Social
PCSO WO committee members Dr. Barbara Sheller (upper left) and Dr. Lauren Todoki (lower left) hosted a get together for the female graduate orthodontic students and faculty. This inaugural PCSO Women Orthodontist Resident Social on Wednesday evening, October 16th, 2024, aimed to educate the female orthodontic students on the role of and volunteer opportunities available in our regional professional organization.
American Association of Orthodontists 2024 Annual Session
At the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session in New Orleans, Dr. Erin Yoshida (UW’23) received a Graber award for her research work. Erin gave an excellent presentation on “Mitigation of Aerosol Particles during Composite Attachment Removal”
Dr. Yoshida is pictured above second from left.
Dr. Sherry Wan (UW ’23) represented the UW Department of Orthodontics in the AAO Annual Session poster competition in New Orleans presenting her Master’s research: “Validity and Reliability of the Photographic Open Bite Severity Index (POSI)”.
Dr. Burcu Bayirli (far left) serves as the PCSO representative on the Council for Scientific Affairs – here pictured at the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session in New Orleans.
Western Orthodontic Conference 2024
Dr. Dayton Oki and Dr. Sophie Cohanim (Senior orthodontic graduate students) represented the UW department of orthodontics at the Western Orthodontic Conference Poster Competition (PCSO – RMSO combined meeting) in November. Both Dayton and Sophie presented their preliminary Master’s degree research findings. Thank you to the UWOAA for providing stipend support facilitating senior graduate student attendance at our national and regional orthodontic meetings.
Orthodontist Father & Daughter:
Dr. Bobby Cohanim, Affiliate Professor and Dr. Sophie Cohanim (Class of 2025)
WOCON UW Orthodontic Alumni, Student and Faculty Activities
Pickle ball is the unofficial sport of the UW Department of Orthodontics!
Pictured: Class of 2025 students Sophie Cohanim (upper left) and Dayton Oki (lower left)
(Right) Doubles with Chair Greg Huang and Tammy Justus (UW ’99).
UW Alums, Faculty and Senior residents at the WOCON / PCSO meeting
Left: Faculty and Residents with WSSO President Sam Finkleman
Right: Ameen Shahnam (UW ’23) is second from the left joining the senior residents, friends and faculty.
Above left: Alum Mina Katchooi (UW ’17) and family enjoying the fireside dinner
Above right: Parmis Sionit (’05) Alum Kelly Ryan (’07) with UW faculty and students at the UWOAA Reception
Dr. Enrique Reyes-Retana, Sr.
Class of 1977
Faculty Publications, Presentations & Honors
RECENT PUBLICATIONS:
Wan S, Huang G, Mancl L, Joondeph D, Greenlee G, and Bayirli B. Validity and reliability of photographic open bite severity index (POSI). AJO/DO Accepted for publication.
Nguyen K, Vinh V, Lee V, Joondeph D, and Huang G. Buccal alveolar bone changes in adult non-extraction clear aligner patients: a retrospective CBCT study. AJO/DO Submitted for publication.
Greenlee G, Knott-Willett E, Susarla S, Evans KN, & Sheller B. Does mandibular distraction osteogenesis for Robin sequence create altered craniofacial morphology and disrupt tooth development? In press, available online in Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2024 August
Greenlee G, Lewandowski L, Funkhouser E, Dolce C, Jolley C, Kau CH, Shin K, Allareddy V, Vermette M, the National PRBRN Collaborative Group, & Huang G. Treatment acceptance in adult anterior open bite patients: a National Dental PBRN Study. AJO/DO 2024 October Vol 166(4) 363-374
Popowics TE, Huang I, Lu J, Nguyen T, Sample M, Sangster A, Wang D, Dennison C, Romanyk D, Rafferty K, Greenlee G. In-vivo measurement of strain in the periodontal space of pig (Sus scrofa) incisors using in fiber Bragg sensors. Journal of Morphology Vol 285, Issue 6, e21738.
Oki DS, Yamakawa KM, Paranjapye NA, Meza LR, Wong C, Patel Z, Bollinger J, Huang GJ. Tensile forces in the neurovascular bundle: A contributor to orthodontic relapse? Orthod Craniofac Res. 2024 Apr; 27(2):313-320.
Finkleman S, Cohanim B, Tai SK, Khosravi R, Huang G. Does planned molar intrusion with aligners assist with closure of anterior open bite? AJO/DO 2024 Oct;166(4):330-349.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.04.016. Epub 2024 Jul 8. PMID: 38970571.
Greenlee GM, Lewandowski L, Funkhouser E, Dolce C, Jolley C, Kau CH, Shin K, Allareddy V, Vermette M, Huang GJ; National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Collaborative Group. Treatment acceptance in adult patients with anterior open bite: A National Dental Practice-Based Research Network study. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2024 Oct;166(4):363-374.
Baldwin MC, Zarudnaya D, Liu ZJ, and Herring SW.: The nasal septum and midfacial growth. Anat. Rec. Special Issue 2023: 1-19.
Liu ZJ, Rafferty KL, Wang DS, Owart B and Herring SW: Bilateral treatment of the masseter with Botulinum toxin: Consequences for mastication, muscle force, and the mandibular condyle. J. Oral Rehabil. 50:775-81. 2023.
Leotta D, Ly D, Galil B, Wills E, Balu N and Liu ZJ: Tissue properties and respiratory kinematics of the tongue base and soft palate in the obese OSA minipig model. PLoS ONE 18(2): e0293907, 2023.
Rosero-Salazar D, Honnlee S, and Liu, ZJ. Tongue, palatal, hyoid and pharyngeal muscle activity during chewing, swallowing, and respiration. Arch Oral Biol. 157: e105845, 2024
Liu ZJ, Yang M, Deng MZ, Abdelfattah MY, Baldwin MC, and Weaver EM: Internal kinematics of the tongue base and soft palate during respiration in obese minipigs with obstructive sleep apnea. J. Morphol. 285:e21741. 2024.
Liu ZJ, Abdelfattah YM, Deng MZ, and Weaver EM.: Characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea in obese minipigs. Annals of Sleep Medicine, 4(1) 43-61, 2024.
Rosero Salaza DH, Honnlee L, Nguyen PH, Willis E. and Liu ZJ. Spatial relationships of oropharyngeal structures during respiration, chewing, and swallowing. Anat. Rec. In print, Oct. 2024
Rosero Salaza DH., Ly A, Simnhoung A, Dong YK and Liu ZJ. Dynamic characteristics of the tongue base in respiration, chewing and swallowing. J. Ortho & Craniofac Res. In print. Oct. 2024.
Rosero Salaza DH., Grewal R, Vimawala A. Leotta EF, Levendovszky RL., Liu ZJ. Functional morphology and adiposity of the pharyngeal airway in the minipig. J. Oral Bio. & Craniofac Res. Submitted, Aug. 2024
Huang GJ. The periodontal ligament-periosteum sandwich hypothesis: a thought experiment on fenestrations and dehiscences. AJODO. In press.
Liaw JJL, Wang SH, Tsai CY, Yao CC, Huang G, Park JH. Incisor torque recovery in a transfer case with iatrogenic perforation of the labial cortical plate. 2024. AJO-DO Clinical Companion 4 (3), 188-199.
Wang J, Banda AK, Kau CH, Huang GJ. Craniofacial management of anterior openbite: a clinical review. 2024. Frontiers of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine. 6.
Khosravi R, Ramos V. Principles of interdisciplinary orthodontic and restorative treatment. JBr Dent J. 2024 Sep;237(5):326-331.
Khosravi R. How to overcome obstacles in offering interdisciplinary dental care. Aligners. 2024 Nov;(2):6-13.
Tom K, Mancl L, Woloshyn H, Khosravi R, Bollen AM. Association between crowding estimation and extraction recommendations in orthodontics. AJO/DO 2024 Jan;165(1):64-72.
Frenkel ES, Mustafa M, Khosravi R, Woloshyn H, Mancl L, Bollen AM. Occlusal contact changes in patients treated with clear aligners. A retrospective evaluation using digital dental models. AJO/DO 2024 Jun;165(6):680-688.
PRESENTATIONS:
Joondeph, D. History of the UW Department of Orthodontics. UW Orthodontic Alumni Meeting. Suncadia, WA.
Joondeph, D.. Orthognathics and Asymmetries. UW Mini-residency, Seattle, WA.
Khosravi R., How to overcome obstacles in offering interdisciplinary dental care. EAS meeting, Valencia http://epaper.dental-tribune.com/dti/66f652e36420f/#6
Liu, ZJ. Large Animal Models & Oral Craniofacial Diseases. College of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University. Xi’an, China, Sep 15, 2023.
Liu, ZJ. Characteristics of OSA in Obese Minipigs. Research Day, School of Dentistry, UW, Jan 29, 2025.
Liu, ZJ. Compensation of Nasal Air Conditioning in Midfacial Hypoplastic Pigs. The 102st General Session of International Association of Dental Research (IADR), New Orlean, March 13-16, 2024.
Liu, ZJ. Muscle Activity and Respiration in Enlarged and Reduced Tongue-Base Volume. The 102st General Session of International Association of Dental Research (IADR), New Orlean, March 13-16, 2024.
TEXTBOOKS:
Littlewood, S., Kandasamy, S. and Joondeph, D. Stability, Post-treatment Changes and Retention. Orthodontics: Current Principles and Techniques. CV Mosby Company, Seventh Edition.
Rosero-Salazar D and Liu ZJ: Oral Biology and Dental Models. In: The Minipigs in Biomedical Research. eds. P. A. McAnulty, A.D. Dayan, N-C. Ganderup, and K.L. Hastings, CRC, Taylor & Francis Group, London, New York, The Second Edition, in print, 2024.
HONORS AND SERVICE:
Z-J Liu: PI: NIH/NIDCR R01 DE028864, “The Tongue Base in Respiration and Swallowing”.
Z-J Liu: Co-PI: Discovery Award, Department of Defense, “Noninvasive Focused Ultrasound Stimulation of Hypoglossal Nerve to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea”,
Z-J Liu: Co-I: Subcontract with University College London, UK, “Unravelling the mechanobiology of the craniofacial system- towards a novel therapy”.
Z-J Liu: Chair: NIH/CSR Respiratory, Cardiac, and Circulatory Sciences (RCCS) Review Branch, the ZRG1 RCCS M03 Study Section, March 2024.
Z-J Liu: Member: NIH/CSR ad hoc Panel – Small Business: Respiratory Sciences, ZRG1 RCCS 11-B, July 2024.
Z-J Liu Member: NIH/CSR/Respiratory, Cardiac and Circulatory System (RCCS) Branch – Translational Investigations of Pulmonary and Immunological Diseases, ZRG1 RCCS-B (81), Oct. 2024.
Z-J Liu Member: Research Advisory Committee of School of Dentistry, University of Washington
Z-J Liu Co-Chair: Graduate Supervisory Committee for Michael Baldwin (PhD program, Dept. Oral Health Sciences, School of Dentistry. UW)
Burcu Bayirli : 2024-25 AAO Council on Scientific Affairs PCSO Representative
New Faculty
Sanghee “Sunni” Lee, DDS MSc MS
Assistant Professor, Orthodontics
Dr. Sanghee (usually goes by Sunni) Lee, is originally from South Korea. She studied chemical engineering and transitioned to dentistry, subsequently specialized in orthodontics after being inspired by her volunteer work at a cleft palate clinic. Her Korean name, Sanghee, which translates to “higher hopes,” reflects her ambitious and forward-looking approach to her professional and personal life.
Sunni’s passion for orthodontic education called her to the United States to pursue post-graduate orthodontic specialty training. After one year of an orthodontic internship, Sunni earned her Master’s in Science degree and orthodontic certificate in 2022 from Ohio State University, under Dr. Henry Fields and Dr. Zongyang Sun (proud alumni of the University of Washington orthodontic program!) During her residency, she conducted research on AI, CBCT technology, and TADs with Dr. Ching Chang Ko, the current chair, and Dr. Toru Deguchi, the former program director of the orthodontic program at Ohio State University. After graduating, Dr. Lee joined Nova Southeastern University as a full-time faculty serving as an assistant professor and clinic director.
Sunni finds great fulfillment in teaching, sharing her knowledge, and watching students grow. She kept pursuing an academic career and joined the University of Washington’s orthodontic faculty in January 2024. As an Assistant Professor and a board-certified orthodontist, Sunni teaches and supervises resident clinics on Mondays and Wednesdays. She also mentors residents in their research activities. Her research focuses on applying artificial intelligence in orthodontics, with interests in areas like aligner treatment effectiveness and CBCT imaging diagnostics.
Dr. Lee’s professional goals include establishing a strong research background and contributing to the department’s educational mission. Her long-term goal is to serve on editorial boards of peer-reviewed journals and be a board member of the American Orthodontic Association. When she’s not in the office, Sunni enjoys exploring Seattle’s culinary scene, staying active through Pilates and pickleball, and spending time with her twelve-year-old cat, Kancho.
Happiest of Birthdays Sunni! The graduate students surprised our newest faculty member with an amazing cake from Paris Baguette – a French inspired bakery café with South Korean roots. Sunni shared the day and her cake with the students and department.
New Affiliate Faculty
Adam Skrypczak, DDS, MSD
Affiliate Assistant Professor, Orthodontics
Dr. Adam Skrypczak (pronounced Skrip-check) was born in Houston, TX, just a few years after his parents came to America from Poland. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Texas (hook ‘em!) and stayed to attend the University of Texas Dental School. After his education in Texas, Dr. Adam came up to the beautiful Pacific Northwest for his orthodontic residency at the University of Washington. Following completion of his residency, he worked for 3 years in corporate and private practice settings before officially purchasing a practice in Bellevue.
Dr. Adam’s mission is that all patients feel comfortable, heard, and confident throughout their treatment. He has dedicated his lifelong orthodontic education to treating the most difficult cases in the most esthetic, efficient, and comfortable way possible. He has extensive experience with clear aligners (Invisalign, Ulab, 3M, Angel Aligners), traditional braces, lingual braces (Incognito, Brius, and Inbrace), and TAD’s.
Dr. Adam is board certified with the ABO and is a member of the WSDA and PCSO.
When he isn’t nerding out about straightening teeth, he and his lovely wife Sandra love to travel, hike, kayak, cook, garden, and watch sports. A perfect night to Dr. Adam would be cooking a porterhouse steak dinner, then snuggling up with his wife and cats and watching the Rockets. He is still waiting for Seattle to get their basketball team back!
Clinical Faculty
Orthodontic Mini-Residency August 2024
Nineteen orthodontists from Japan traveled to the University of Washington School of Dentistry for a week-long “Orthodontic Mini-Residency” presented by the orthodontic department faculty. During their visit, they toured the UW campus (pictured here in the Suzzalo Library) and checked out the numerous sights and activities Seattle has to offer.
KOKICH – SHAPIRO
ENDOWED GUEST LECTURER
Dr. Kelton Stewart
Indiana University School of Dentistry
Assistant Dean of Faculty Development, Chairperson – Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics, Clinic Director – Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics, Professor
April 2024
In 1991, Dr. Vince Kokich and Dr. Peter Shapiro established a fund to sponsor a two-day visit from a well-known academician/orthodontist. The first Visiting Scholar was Lysle Johnston in 1992 and there has been at least one scholar per year since then. By 1996 enough money had been donated for the fund to be endowed as the Kokich-Shapiro Endowed Scholar Fund. As the fund has grown, it recently was renamed the Kokich-Shapiro Fund for Excellence in Orthodontics.
Robert L. Kaplan Scholar & Research Keynote Speaker
Orthodontic Department Chair Greg Huang was this year’s Robert L. Kaplan Scholar and Research Keynote Speaker, at his alma mater the University of Florida, March 2024
UWOAA Summer Picnic
The UWOAA decided to host an annual picnic event every summer following last year’s successful reunion in Suncadia. Thank you to Dr. Sam Lake (UW ’81) our gracious sponsor of this summer’s inaugural event on Sunday, July 14th at the Newport Yacht Club in Bellevue. The event included a cookout, boat rides, and (of course!) pickleball! Pictured above are Dr. Geoff Greenlee, Dr. Irena Baker, Dr. Heidi Horwitz, Dr. Jaqueline de Leon-Estes and Dr. Burcu Bayirli.
Fun fact:
Pickleball was invented in 1965 just outside Seattle on Bainbridge Island by three Dads.
Fun fact #2:
The first-ever pickleball tournament was held in Tukwila, WA in 1976.
Fun Fact #3:
Pickleball is vying to become the “official” sport of the UW Department of Orthodontics 🙂
Meet the Class of 2027
Dr. Lara Fu
Hometown:
Beijing, China
Education:
BASc, Engineering Science, U of Toronto, 2013
MS, Bioengineering, U of Pennsylvania, 2014
DDS, UCSF School of Dentistry, 2024
Personal Interests:
Having lived in various places growing up, I enjoy traveling and learning new cultures. I love animals (turtles, dogs, and two cats of my own) and plants (alocasia and monstera particularly). I like doing DIY projects. I built an indoor greenhouse with an Ikea cabinet during covid. I also enjoy city walks to explore nice coffee/dessert shops.
Fun fact: I ran my first marathon in Paris, France
Favorite Netflix show to binge: Grey’s Anatomy, Stranger Things, Queen’s Gambit
Favorite Trader Joe’s item: Dark Chocolate Hold the Cone & Apple Blossoms
Dream vacation: Santorini, Greece
Starbucks order: Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
Dr. Dan Hovander
Hometown:
Edmonds, Washington
Education:
DDS, U of Washington, 2023
Fun Facts about me:
I have an identical twin who is practicing dentistry in Lynnwood, Washington. My other brother, who is an optometrist, accidentally hit me in my left eye with a pellet gun growing up. I like to think I helped find his inspiration for the career.
Favorite things about Seattle:
I have grown up around Seattle all my life. Like most people, I have always imagined moving somewhere new, but nothing has been able to match the joy Seattle brings me. It’s hard to find another city that is surrounded by water, mountains, and forests which come together with incredible balance.
Favorite Costco Item: Chocolate muffins
Favorite Netflix Show: Great British Baking Show
Dr. Laila Lee
Hometown:
Seattle, WA
Education:
BA in Health and Human Sciences, Minor in Japanese, U of Southern California, 2019
DDS, U of Michigan School of Dentistry, 2024
Personal Interests:
I love finding new hobbies. I have gone through various phases of being into ceramics and wheel throwing, learning new songs on the piano, knitting, playing tennis, golfing, and skiing!
Favorite Netflix show to binge: The Good Place, The Great British Baking Show
Favorite Trader Joe’s Item: Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches
Dream vacation: I want to go to Japan, specifically the town of Koza where my grandmother grew up. I also have dreamed of going to Lake Como!
Starbucks order: Chai latte with no water, or iced lavender cream oatmilk matcha
Dr. Lauren Lee
Hometown:
Seattle, WA
Education:
BS in Biochemistry, Minor in English, U of Washington, 2019
DDS, U of Washington School of Dentistry, 2024
Personal Interests:
Growing up in Seattle, I have grown to love anything outdoors such as hiking or camping. I also like exploring new cities or towns and going on random spontaneous adventures with friends! When I’m home, I also enjoy hobbies like sketching, crocheting, and playing piano.
Fun fact: This summer I went to Belize where I was able to explore ancient Mayan ruins and swim with sharks
Favorite Netflix show to binge: I really like Ozark, Breaking Bad and the Vampire Diaries, or if I want a comedy then New Girl was good too. I also always like all the cheesy reality shows like Love Island or Love is Blind.
Favorite Trader Joe’s item: The TJ’s Ube ice cream is my favorite
Dream vacation: I want to go back to Japan. My family hasn’t been back in almost 20 years and I want to visit my grandma’s hometown again to see our distant relatives that are still over there
Starbucks order: Grande soy white mocha
Dr. Maggie Wodicka
Hometown:
West Lafayette, Indiana
Education:
BS in Applied Math & Statistics, Johns Hopkins University, 2020
DDS, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, 2024
Personal Interests:
I love watching (and playing) sports and have already joined two recreational basketball leagues since moving to Seattle! I am also a big coffee fan and have recently been crafting my own drinks with my new nespresso machine, although I do still love splurging on the $9 lattes at my local cafes. I enjoy spending time outdoors and finding new scenery to take in. One of my favorite road trips ever was from Indiana to Seattle this past summer where I got to visit 3 different national parks
Favorite things about the Seattle-area: I love seeing the mountains everyday (at least in the summer) and enjoy being so close to some incredible hikes at Mt. Rainier and in the North Cascades. Seattle also has so many fun restaurants to explore, and I like that fresh seafood is always accessible
Favorite Trader Joe’s item: Pork Gyoza Potstickers
Favorite Netflix show: Parks & Recreation
Dream Vacation: Relaxing in the Swiss Alps
The Class of 2026
Top: Dr. Rachel Teitelbaum and Dr. Neal Quinn
Bottom: Dr. Tammy Nguyen, Dr. Anessa Sangster, and Dr. Julie Kim
Second Year Students attend Tweed Study Course
In early September, the Class of 2026 traveled to sunny Tucson, Arizona to attend the Tweed Study Course™ for advanced training with the edgewise appliance. Thank you to the Dr. Jack Hou & Dr. Kortne Frederick and the UWOAA who generously provide a stipend for the second year graduate students.
The Class of 2025
Dr. Dayton Aoki, Dr. Daniel Lander, Dr. Sophia Cohanim, Dr. Mariam Mustafa, and Dr. Nilou Amintavakoli
Save the Date
44th Annual
Alton Moore Lectureship
and Thesis Day
Friday, March 21st, 2025
Walker-Ames Room, UW Kane Hall
Barbara Sheller, DDS, MSD
Division Chief, Pediatric Dentistry, Seattle Children’s Hospital
UW Affiliate Professor in Orthodontics
&
The Class of 2025
Drs. Amintavakoli, Cohanim, Lander, Mustafa, and Oki
Welcome to our Orthodontic Clinic
Mariia Goriaieva, Orthodontic Assistant
Back in Ukraine, I worked as an orthodontist for five years, creating beautiful, healthy smiles and loving every step of the process. Now, I’ve taken on a different role as an orthodontic assistant, embracing the challenges and learning opportunities that come with this transition. I am passionate about creating healthy beautiful smiles and truly enjoyed the process. I believe that one day I will pass my exams and become a student again. I really enjoy participating in the student process and have so much joy helping students every day. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family and friends, especially hiking and discovering new places around the country.
Stephanie Addy, Sterilization Technician
Hey there, I’m Stefanie! I’m a CDA and I’ve made the switch from general dentistry to be the sterilization tech for the Orthodontic clinic here at UW. I chose to work for the School of Dentistry because I want to help make my contribution to the next of generation of orthodontists. I love bicycling, bees and being outside!
Celebrating 5 Years in our Orthodontics Clinic
Coleen Hillman, Financial Coordinator
Hi, Coleen with only one L here! I am the financial coordinator for the Orthodontics Clinic and I’ve been in the dental field for almost 40 years. I really enjoy helping patients get their full insurance benefit whenever possible. I enjoy reading, fishing and visiting my daughter and fur grandbabies in Alaska as often as possible.
Stephen Perdue, Patient Services Specialist
Hi! I’m Stephen, and I’m the front desk person for the Orthodontics clinic. I love serving patients and helping remove obstacles to people accessing care. Outside of work, I’m usually saving fictional worlds in games or sitting my friends’ many cats.
Nahid Hashem, Orthodontic Assistant
My name is Nahid Hashem. I am an orthodontic chair side assistant at the University of Washington, Department of Orthodontics. I have been working in this field for 23 years and for the last 5 years I have been working in the graduate clinic UW department of Orthodontics. I like to work with patients especially helping our residents to learn every step of orthodontics. Other than orthodontics, I love acting!! I am a member of a Bengali drama group in greater Seattle!!
Becky Allen, Clinic Manager
Hi, I’m Becky and I am the Clinic Manager at the UW Orthodontic Clinic. I have been in orthodontics for over 25 years and love it! My favorite part is seeing a patient finish their treatment and watch their confidence soar. A smile can change a life, and being part of that is priceless. I also love being a part of helping these amazing students become orthodontists – what an achievement! It is such a blessing to watch and help them on their journey.
When I am not at work you can find me shopping or traveling with my mom, or hanging out with my husband and our kitties and dog.
Riis Keyes, Orthodontic Assistant
Hello!
Since my dental assisting schooling at Seattle Central, I’ve been at the UW since 2021 when I started my externship/work at the Faculty AGD clinic till 2022 when I moved to the Grad Orthodontics clinic, which I have been at till now. The Ortho clinic has been such a great experience, and I hope to be here for many more years.
In my free time I enjoy watching fun movies, hanging out with my cat and making jewelry, painting, making miniatures and about every other craft you can think of.
Annual Orthodontic Calendar Contest
Photographs were submitted for the department calendar by graduate students, staff, and faculty. Three photos were selected:
Calle Rosa de Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
Jacqueline de Leon-Estes
King Penguins, South Georgia, Antarctica
Zee Liu
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Geoff Greenlee
We value your opinions and news!
Please contact Heather Woloshyn with any updates, questions, or comments
[email protected]
CALL
206.543.5788
EMAIL
[email protected]
FAX
206.685.8163
Our mailing address is:
UW Department of Orthodontics
Box 357446
Seattle, WA
98195-7446
