What can the Faculty of Dentistry learn from alumni?
By Sarah MacFarlane
What’s working at the Faculty of Dentistry? What isn’t? How can the Faculty tailor programming to its community? The Faculty is tackling these questions — and many more — this summer through its qualitative research study. The goal of the study is to gain insight into what’s important to the dentistry community so that the Faculty can offer services and supports that align with alumni priorities. Nearly 200 alumni, students and donors volunteered for the 18 interview spots — more details will be released about the results as the study continues to unfold. Since there were so many more volunteers than spots available, we wanted to hear from more of the alumni who’d offered to share their thoughts. In the Q&A below, Karen Burgess and Peter Kearney weigh in on what the Faculty can learn from its alumni.
Dr. Karen Burgess 8T5, MSc 9T5, Dip OP 9T5 teaches oral diagnosis, oral medicine and oral pathology and is director of the Oral Diagnosis and Emergency clinics at the Faculty of Dentistry.
Why did you volunteer for the study?
I had a great time in dental school. I wanted to teach here right from the beginning. I had so much fun, made close friends and loved the Faculty, but not everybody did. I want everyone to love the Faculty as much as I do, so if there’s any way I can help, I’m happy to do so.
What kinds of Faculty communications are useful for alumni?
I think alumni want to know what's going on at the Faculty in teaching and research. It’s interesting to see what alumni are doing and what the Faculty is building. We’re currently building a new sterilization area, for example.
What do you think of the Faculty’s events? Could they be improved?
I really enjoy the Faculty events, but I would like to talk to more alumni. We used to do the alumni event at Steam Whistle, and that was very nice, but it would be nice to do something virtually because a lot of people can’t come to Toronto. The last event the Faculty did for alumni was a cooking class over Zoom — that was fabulous, but I wanted to chat with the other participants. It would be great to have virtual events where people could get together in breakout rooms and just chat because travel is tricky.
Would you want to see more virtual events even post-pandemic?
Maybe a variety. I live in Toronto, so I can easily go to events that are held here, but it is more difficult for people across the country. I would love to be able to see previous students and classmates in person, but virtual events would be nice as well. It would be a great way to find out what people are doing now and where they have ended up working and living.
Dr. Peter Kearney 7T9 is a general dentist at the Howe Sound Dental Group in North Vancouver.
What motivated you to volunteer for the survey?
I've been involved in organized dentistry almost since I graduated. My class has always been engaged through reunions, and we've done a couple of large fundraisers for the Faculty. I feel a commitment to the Faculty.
Why did you choose U of T Dentistry?
I’m from Vancouver, but I got into U of T. It was the largest dental faculty in Canada. It had the most grad specialties. It had world-class people teaching at the Faculty. It was a huge opportunity. I just didn't really know it at the time. It was only after I graduated that I realized I should have been more curious in school.
Why do you donate to the Faculty?
Dentistry has given me a very nice lifestyle, and I've met tremendous people. If I'm in a position to give, I'm happy to do that. When our class has done large fundraisers, it’s been for something specific as opposed to the general fund, and I like that approach. Part of what we would like to see is a continued effort to ensure a positive educational experience for students. I'm not in Toronto; I can't come to the Faculty as a clinical demonstrator to help the students, so I think by giving financially, I'm doing something.
Any feedback or suggestions for the Faculty?
Stay in touch with both the younger and older alumni. They communicate differently. I like email or paper. I think that's a generational thing. It’s important to keep newer grads engaged, and you have to use social media to do that. Continuing education is also a valuable tool for the Faculty because it's a requirement for our profession. We're always looking for reliable, unbiased sources for continuing education, and universities do a nice job of that. Beyond that, keep doing what you’re doing. Asking the alumni, students and donors what they think is a great start. Covid has really emphasized how important our contribution is to our patients' complete health. What we have learned about diagnosis, triage and treatment with our background in proper infection control is something to be proud of. We are truly part of 'Team Healthcare'.