Academic Dentistry: You Might Be Surprised

ABSTRACT

Objective

This article is meant to spark interest in readers of the rich experiences that Academic Dentistry can offer as a career pathway for dentists. Opportunities have evolved in the last 20 years making it more appealing financially full-time or it can be a compatible hybrid with other pathways such as private or corporate dentistry, public health, community clinic dentistry, or research.

Methods

Each of the five authors came to Academic Dentistry at different stages and from diverse expectations in their professional lives. These disparate histories are presented to provide a full and rich perspective on Academic Dentistry. Both challenges and rewards in academic are discussed.

Conclusions

Academic Dentistry, whether entered early or late in one’s professional life, or in combination with another pathway, may provide opportunity for renewal of one’s interest and enjoyment in the dental profession. With many individuals choosing to stay in the workforce longer, academics may increase longevity of career as well. With data indicating the actual shortage of dental faculty and the continuing expansion among dental schools, opportunities to join academics are available.

KEYWORDS:

• Academic dentistry
• dental faculty
• dental education
• faculty recruitment
• hybrid dental career

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Terry Hoover

Terry Hoover received his DDS from the University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry. He currently serves as a Professor at the University of Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and is Vice Chair of the Department of Diagnostic Sciences.

Parvati Iyer

Parvati Iyer received her DDS from the University of Michigan and an MA Ed from Benerd College, University of the Pacific. She serves as Course Director in the Integrated Clinical Sciences curriculum strand at the University of Pacific, Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry.

Laura Reid

Laura Reid received her DDS from the University of Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. She currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Preventative and Reconstructive Department at the University of Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.

Kim Benton

Kim Benton received her DDS from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry and her MPH from Capella University. She currently serves as the Director of the Pacific Health Care Collaborative and Sacramento Programs at the University of Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.

Mythili Kalladka

Mythili Kalladka received her BDS in India followed by an MSD and Fellowship in Orofacial Pain at Rutgers University. She currently serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Eastman Institute for Oral Health of the University of Rochester.