The inspiring story of Dr. Charles Thomas received attention in the recent film 42, the story of Jackie Robinson’s journey to play baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers.  In a June 3 ADA news post, the story of Thomas’ friendship with Brooklyn Dodgers’ general manager Branch Rickey was discussed as a major inspiration and influence in Rickey’s decision to recruit Robinson.  Thomas and Rickey knew each other when Rickey coached the Ohio Wesleyan University baseball team between 1903 and 1907, of which Thomas was the only black ballplayer.  While Rickey went on to pursue professional baseball, Thomas played on a number of what were termed “Negro baseball teams” at the same time as he earned his dental degree from Starling-Ohio Medical College.   Thomas practiced dentistry in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was one of the first black dentists in New Mexico.  Rickey and Thomas remained friends throughout their lives.

The above photo of Dr. Charles Thomas is from the 1905 Ohio Wesleyan University varsity baseball team photo.  Photo from the June 3 ADA news post, used courtesy of the Ohio Wesleyan University Historical Collection.

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Three of Richview Family Dentistry’s assistants have recently completed their Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) training.

Amber Lifsey has been a dental assistant for more than 8 years.  The EFDA training confirms for her the importance of her role in the dental office, and she says her primary goals are to be a productive member of her work family and to take good care of her patients.  The most memorable moment during the training for Amber was when the professor asked to take a picture of her work to use as an example with the rest of the class.

Tina Mansfield has been a dental assistant for 6 years.  Tina feels like the EFDA training will allow her to bring more to the Richview Family Dentistry team because with her additional responsibilities she can better help the dentists and care for more patients.  Tina enjoyed the EFDA course and learning from the great teachers very much, and for her the most memorable moment of the training was graduating and receiving her EFDA certificate.

Esther Torbenson has been a dental assistant for more than 7 years.  Esther feels the EFDA training has expanded her knowledge considerably, and she is excited about putting her new skills into practice.  Esther’s work was also praised and used as an example by the professor to demonstrate an exercise to the class.

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