Dr. Sharon Gordon, the incoming dean of the UConn School of Dental Medicine, has worked on many sides of dentistry.
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Dr. Sharon Gordon, the incoming dean of the UConn School of Dental Medicine, has worked on many sides of dentistry.
She's worked in private dental practice — as both a dentist and on the business side — as well as a researcher and in academic settings developing curricula and mentoring future dentists.
Before taking the UConn job, Gordon worked as an associate dean for innovation and discovery at East Carolina University's School of Dental Medicine in Greenville, N.C.
On Aug. 31, she'll become the first woman dean of UConn's dental school.
What are your priorities at UConn?
From my vantage point the School of Dental Medicine is poised to continue its positive trajectory of success. Strengthening relationships both within and outside of the university will further position the school to advance its contributions. For example, dentistry has a role to play in the Connecticut pain consortium.
You have done research in pain management. How important is that in the dental field?
From historical depictions of dentistry to contemporary portrayal of the dentist in the media, pain and dentistry are linked. We continue to seek better ways to treat pain and to minimize pain from procedures used to treat dental problems. As can be seen from the opioid epidemic, more research is needed to discover these alternatives.
What do you think are the most important issues in the field today?
There are three main influences on dental practice: technology and scientific advances, the evolving landscape due to changes in the population and financing of health care, and globalization. Dental schools must adapt to the rapid pace of change in these areas to prepare our graduates for their future dental practice.
What challenges do you foresee entering your new position at UConn?
It's a challenge to come into a new environment, but important to adapt quickly in order to be effective as quickly as possible.
Do you get offended by people who hate going to the dentist?
Fear of pain is one of the top reasons cited for avoiding dental visits, so alleviating it helps improve access to oral health care.
