Providing care and connection

Clinical excellence provides more than  patient satisfaction at the School of Dentistry.  It fosters relationships and shapes empathetic, caring providers for the future.

Linda Marlin headed to her dentist’s office in 2023 for what was sure to be a basic, uneventful check-up. A then-73-year-old retired nurse, Marlin takes great care of her teeth and does not miss her appointments. But upon examining her teeth, Marlin’s dentist found several concerning issues that would require treatment. 

“All I can remember is that the estimate was several thousand dollars, and I  immediately responded with, ‘I just can’t afford that,’” recalled Marlin, who did not have dental insurance. 

Noticing her concern, Marlin’s dental hygienist asked if she had ever heard of the School of Dentistry. She hadn’t—but after looking it up online, she decided it was worth a shot. She didn’t know it then, but that decision marked the beginning of a provider-patient relationship that would result in growth and healing. 

New beginnings

Marlin was a bit nervous on her first trip to the school—would the drive from her home in Plymouth be long? Would parking be difficult? She asked her sister to join her, to help her feel more supported. When she entered the waiting room, “I was struck by how many dental students were coming  and going,” she recalled. “The waiting room seemed so big, and it was full!” 

She heard her name called. Enter Jessie Walsh, DDS ’25. Originally from Lima, Peru, where she graduated from Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Walsh joined the School of Dentistry’s Program for Advanced Standing  Students. This 29-month program allows learners who received their  degree outside of the United States and Canada to earn their DDS and practice general dentistry in the US.

Walsh moved to the United States in  2010, while she was still in dental school. “I chose the School of Dentistry because of its outstanding academic program, cutting-edge research and comprehensive clinical training,” she explained. “Even back then, I knew I wanted to continue my career in  dentistry here. I was drawn to the idea of working with a diverse patient population, learning from different perspectives, and practicing in a  setting with advanced technology and evidence-based approaches.”

Walsh brought Marlin into the clinic, where she introduced herself and dis-cussed what would take place during that day’s visit. “From the first day, I try to make my priority listening to my patient, and developing a treatment plan that suits her needs,” Walsh explained. 

That is exactly what Marlin—who considers herself a good judge of people—felt. “I was instantly drawn to Jessie because of her caring concern for me. What transpired that day was a complete, thorough and professional clinical intake of my past medical and dental history,” she said.  

“I was so impressed at the depth with which she collected my health history. What has transpired since then is a very special student/patient relationship that actively involves the faculty and support staff.” 

Excellence made evident

What Marlin experienced on her first day at the school is no accident—it is born of the culture of the School of Dentistry’s clinical education and the emphasis placed on excellence from day one. 

“Patient care is at the heart of everything we do,” explained Keith A. Mays, DDS, MS, PhD, Dean of the School of Dentistry. “We prepare our DDS, Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene students to be excellent, empathetic oral health care providers. Learners enter the clinics after rigorous preclinical and classroom training. They enter the clinics initially by observing and learning. Then, after completing the didactic and preclinical training, they are allowed to treat and care for patients themselves under the supervision of licensed faculty experts.” 

Walsh experienced this focus on patient care, which was “both rigorous and  extremely rewarding.” 

“The introduction we receive to patient care ensures that we are able to integrate theoretical, academic information into practical and clinical settings,” she explained. “We achieve clinical confidence from the beginning. Our hands-on  experience allows us to provide better care for patients, which helps us to become better health care providers in the future.” 

Walsh has seen improvements in her clinical experience and her ability to communicate effectively with patients. “The emphasis on  clinical care and community service provided me with exposure that improved my skills—and it has helped us provide more patients with oral health care and wellbeing,” she said. “I love caring for patients because it lets me  make a tangible difference in their lives. Dentistry isn’t  just about teeth—it’s about boosting confidence, providing oral health care and improving quality of life.” 

Marlin has witnessed all of those benefits and more during her time as a patient. “I am so happy I decided to go this route,” she reflected. “I have been aware of how every  patient is acknowledged, greeted and made to feel import-ant from the time their name is called. I have observed doctors of all specialties actively working with students. I’m in awe of the way faculty teach and students learn. A successful dental experience consists of lots of big things, but also has elements of being aware of all the little things that can make a big difference in the outcome of a visit.”

More than provider and patient

For Marlin and Walsh, working together as provider and patient has become more than transactional. They have built a relationship together—Marlin’s healing and Walsh’s education are inextricably linked. 

“My relationship with Linda was built on trust, communication and mutual respect,” Walsh explained. “I want my patients to feel like they’re receiving the highest standard of care. Their health and wellbeing are my top priorities.” 

For her part, Marlin believes she was matched “with the best student ever.” She appreciates that her care plan was carried out with Walsh throughout the process. 

“I am grateful for the way Jessie and I are able to communicate with one another,” she said. “We have discussed my treatment plan at length, as well as expectations of the outcomes and timelines. Jessie is a perfectionist with the work that she does. She also has wonderful people skills, and takes the time to explain everything to me. I appreciate that so much.” 

It’s no surprise that Walsh receives such high praise from Marlin—because what  Marlin sees in her is exactly what she values. “Seeing a patient leave the clinic with a smile on their face is the most rewarding part of  my day.”

Walsh graduated in 2025, and is employed  as an associate dentist in Burnsville, Minnesota.  “My training taught me that dentistry is about much more than treating teeth—it’s about listening, building trust and creating treatment plans that address both immediate concerns and long-term oral health,” she reflected.  “The skills I developed in school, especially in comprehensive care and patient communication, have shaped the way I practice every day. They allow me to connect with my patients, understand their priorities and provide care that’s both thorough and compassionate.”

Meanwhile, Marlin has continued her dental care under a new student.

“I miss Jessie, but am thrilled that she is all done with school,” she said. “Each time I arrive for an appointment, I am reminded how thankful I am to be surrounded by so many highly skilled, well educated, competent and friendly professionals. It’s been so great–and so reassuring.” 

And looking back now, Marlin would not change a thing about her decision to seek care at the school.

“There are so many friendly, helpful people everywhere,” she said. “I would strongly recommend the School of Dentistry to anyone who is contemplating having a dental procedure done or any future cleanings. I cannot say enough about my experience here. Here’s to being well taken care of, and placed in the competent hands of this outstanding school and its students.” 

This story initially appeared in the 2025 edition of Dentistry Magazine.