Each Thursday since early January, I have attended a one-hour lecture with the entire D1 class and the many faculty who contribute to the course. This is followed by three hours of lab instruction and exercises that focus on the fundamentals of tooth preparation for full-coverage restorations. It is an afternoon -- four hours -- of learning and activity when everyone is busy and time goes so quickly.

 

Of the many things I enjoy about my new role as a faculty member in the course, the most invigorating is the time I spend with the eleven students I have been assigned to oversee. Although it has only been five weeks, I have already come to appreciate the uniqueness of each of them. I have learned how they organize their instruments on their benches. I can tell when they want me to look at what they have done. I value how they express their gratitude when I have helped them. It is a rewarding and fulfilling part of my week that has benefited me in ways I had not expected.

 

My time in the pre-clinical lab has also allowed me to connect with our faculty in a way that is different from how I have related to them over the past several years. Here I can ask questions, get advice, and offer suggestions as one of them. We talk about how things are going in the course, from the progress our students are making to the criteria we use to assign grades. I get to experience the satisfaction we have as a group while we help educate Ohio State's next class of oral health care providers. And, I have a feeling of camaraderie with these faculty that gives me a fresh perspective which benefits me in my service as dean of the college.

 

Monday will always be that very special day for me, but Thursdays have now become something extra special in my work week. I am grateful for this opportunity and all that it affords me.