A number of opportunities are available for volunteer, part-time, and full-time dental faculty for those interested in academic dentistry and having an impact on future generations of dentists, according to an ADA News article.
Dentists looking for information on academic dentistry may consult various resources, including TeachDentistry.org, which was launched in 2012 by the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and assists dentists and other dental practitioners in identifying a mentor. In addition, the upcoming ADA 2014 conference in San Antonio will feature a program titled "Transitioning from Practice to Dental Education" on Saturday, October 11, the organization noted.
An academic career has many advantages, according to Joseph McManus, DDS, an associate professor of dental medicine at Columbia University. It offers a stable income and the opportunity to have an impact on future generations of dentists, he noted.
Burton Edelstein, DDS, a professor of dental medicine at Columbia University, said the need for dental school faculty has been around for some time. "Even before the recent expansions of dental schools, there has been a long-standing need for additional dental school faculty because of the graying of existing faculty and the increasing demand by students for ever more personalized education," he said to ADA News.
Schools are looking for clinicians, mentors, research advisors, classroom teachers, and program administrators -- professionals who can contribute to developing the next generation of dentists, he noted.
