Dr. Blashka’s comments are understandable—if dental schools need faculty, why won’t they hire the "average dentist"? Why wouldn’t they want his or her advice?
Dental schools use dentists for a variety of roles, including teaching basic general dentistry skills. However, the areas of greatest need often require very specialized expertise that many general dentists, and even specialists, may not possess.
In addition to skilled practitioners, dental schools need individuals with expertise in conducting and evaluating research, planning and evaluating curriculum, providing service and leadership on dental school and campus committees, developing educational materials and writing textbooks, developing new teaching methods and technology, and providing highly specialized care to patients with complex or unusual needs. Some of these needs require doctorates or other advanced degrees in basic sciences or additional clinical fellowships or other advanced specialty training.
Although dental schools may not be able to use the talents of all interested dentists in their faculty, many welcome the input and support of practitioners through alumni associations, advisory committees or dental society liaison activities.
Attending dental school–sponsored continuing education programs, clinic days and other events may offer opportunities for informal discussion and sharing of ideas that may lead to better understanding of needs and opportunities on both sides. A good place to start is by asking the questions: What are your needs? How can I help?
