A valuable contribution | A message from the Dean

My career began as a part-time faculty member, teaching in both the preclinic and clinic. I grew to really enjoy the preclinical teaching because it was in a space that I often saw the “aha moment”—that moment when a novice learner understands the concepts being taught. Understanding what you are trying to achieve is fundamental for the development of psychomotor skills, leading to excellence and proficiency. I found great joy in serving as a part-time faculty member and continued to learn by teaching students.

The School of Dentistry has 131 dedicated adjuncts who provide valuable instruction throughout our curriculum. They contribute to our advanced education, dental hygiene, dental therapy and DDS programs. The instructional mission of our school could not be achieved if it weren’t for these particular faculty. In whole, our faculty work as a team, providing various components of our curriculum. We are deeply in debt to each of our adjunct faculty, and we thank you for the contributions you make to the School of Dentistry.

Adjuncts, your perspective on our profession is important for our students to frame their knowledge. Some of you serve as mentors and have regular conversations with individual students and groups of students. Your voice, experience and thoughts are valuable to our students, and therefore our school. As we begin to bring the school year to a close, it is important to acknowledge your contributions to our program and to thank you for your service.