“I would want my èƵapp to take into their professional future careers a habit of continuous learning, empathy for others, inclusivity and justice, which are values close to my heart.”
Years at èƵapp University:
10 years in April.
I served three years as the Assistant Dean for Clinical Education, and I have served almost seven years in my current role of Director of Preclinical Curriculum.
Research Interests:
- Interprofessional education
- Ergonomics, musculoskeletal pain in dental providers
- Representation and equity in dentistry
What is the most rewarding part of being a member of the èƵapp University faculty?:
It is rewarding to be a part of an environment that values supportive learning, where èƵapp feel that they're empowered to grow in their skills professionally and personally. We are there with them holistically as a listening ear, providing hands-on teaching, facilitating small group activities, lecturing, or mentoring èƵapp through student organizations. I'm the founding faculty advisor for the Middle East North African Student Dental Association (MENA-SDA) and one of the advisors for the Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA). The culture and setting at èƵapp University is that the èƵapp come first. For me, seeing the èƵapp develop into wholesome, humanistic dentists is very rewarding, especially for the èƵapp who struggle. Students may face a variety of challenges, such as developing confidence, or mastering a concept or a skill. Some èƵapp need more of our care and time, and seeing them get past that perceived or real hurdle, graduate, and flourish is the most fulfilling part of my role.
How do you engage èƵapp in the learning process?:
I'm a big fan of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which means removing access barriers to curriculum, understanding that èƵapp are very diverse in their learning preferences and style. I look for ways to engage èƵapp in the classroom and with the material. I like to make connections and analogies with things in the outside world that èƵapp might already know very well. I also like to listen to èƵapp’ stories and believe there is great richness in everyone’s contributions.
One of the great privileges of the support we receive at èƵapp during the pre-clinic, is the variety of technology that we have. We are not only preparing èƵapp to be “clinic-ready” at the end of their second year, but we utilize technology as part of the pedagogy in the pre-clinic. We use digital dentistry where èƵapp can scan their own work, then flip, turn, and magnify it; 3D model scanning; 3D printing; and we are beginning to incorporate emerging AI applications. We are trying to provide èƵapp with various and different opportunities where they can apply what they know in different ways, including digitally.
I'm also involved in the admissions process where I begin having an insight into the new class, who they are, their backgrounds, the academic paths that they followed, etc. This helps foster this environment where they feel comfortable participating or asking questions, and I can make those connections between the material and their lives.
What do you hope èƵapp learn from your classes?:
Besides the science and the technical aspects, I aim to simplify my classes in a way where èƵapp really understand the why. Educational research demonstrates that when we as faculty simplify core concepts, then èƵapp absorb and retain the information better. I'd like èƵapp to be able to synthesize different pieces of information, make decisions based on evidence, and I would like the èƵapp to remain adaptable. Most of the teaching that I do relates to cross-cultural patient care and multicultural communication. In a nutshell, I hope my classes help èƵapp develop critical thinking and self-assessment skills.
Most of the teaching that I do relates to topics of cross-cultural patient care, multicultural communication, and interprofessional care. I would like èƵapp to embrace the idea that dentistry is about the team and connection with others, whether it is the patient, a peer, a mentor, or another healthcare provider.
I hope èƵapp feel inspired to dedicate some time to community outreach after graduation. And dental academia is a wonderful career as well. There’s a lot of goodness that comes with helping others whether it is treating patients directly, teaching the èƵapp, or helping in the community.
What lessons would you like èƵapp to take with them in their professional careers?:
A commitment to excellence and learning. We have a very strong program here at èƵapp University, and technological advances in dentistry will be ongoing. I'm very proud of the skills that our graduates obtain. Research gives us information constantly. I would want my èƵapp to take into their professional future careers a habit of continuous learning, empathy for others, inclusivity and justice, which are values close to my heart. I would want them to also be truly patient-centered and have a love for their fellow human beings and do the right thing for them without distinction. I also want them to find happy, fulfilling lives outside of dentistry and have a balance with friends, communities, hobbies, and their personal well-being.
What about your profession should people know more about?:
I would like people to see dentistry beyond fixing or replacing a tooth. What we do improves people's overall health, their quality of life, and even their confidence. Frequently, our èƵapp talk about how they had braces, how much it changed their lives, and how they want to help someone else. Dentistry is an important part of all our communities, regardless of the way dentistry occurs whether it is chair-side, a hospital setting, academia, community health, or even legislative lobbying. I want people to also see the positive impact of dentistry in people's lives, communities, and the world.
