Hi, I’m Tanya Sue Maestas. I’ve recently taken up a faculty position at the new dental school in El Paso, Texas – Woody L Hunt School of Dental Medicine.
Alongside being a clinician in a public health setting, I have found being a faculty member to be incredibly rewarding — so rewarding that I would recommend it as a possible career move for other dentists.
I was drawn to academia after working with students through my involvement in the American Student Dental Association; that experience was both wonderful and transformative.
On both a personal and a professional level, it has been extremely worthwhile to work alongside students.
Benefits of a Dental Faculty Position
In a Professional Capacity
In a professional capacity, I have found that working in education has given me access to the most recent, cutting-edge techniques that we are teaching as best practices.
The students themselves, are always excited to learn about the most technologically advanced methodologies in the field.
On a Personal Level
On a personal level, it has been fantastic to watch the students grow over the course of their studies.
Since I follow a group of students closely over a few years, I get to recognize their strengths and weaknesses and help them become the best dentists they can be.
Advice for Dental Students
Any dental students reading this may be wondering what advice I have for them — things that I consistently see in successful students or ways to make the most of dental school.
I will say this: fortune favors the bold.
Because you’re young, you might think that you don’t have access to opportunities like specialized clinical practice or research opportunities.
But you might be surprised at how often you can gain access to these opportunities even as a student.
Students often think that it’s the wrong time to reach out and develop themselves, but the right time is
often right now.
Building your network and developing professional relationships as a student will be helpful to you as you transition into your professional career.
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Photo by Cedric Fauntleroy
