Daily Inspiration: Meet Wendy Clark

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Clark

Hi Wendy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into dentistry started early – when my little brother was born with a cleft lip and palate requiring complex dental needs throughout his childhood. I was inspired by the team of dental specialists who supported both him and our family. I chose the specialty of prosthodontics (tooth replacement and complex care), and after 11 years of higher education, I was fortunate to practice in Atlanta with some of the same doctors that helped by brother years before.

The team of specialists that I practiced with (Drs. Goldstein, Garber and Salama – aka “Team Atlanta”) always strive to provide the very best care, use cutting edge of technology in dentistry, and share that knowledge with others. This inspired me to be a lifelong learner and educator – so much that I found a passion for teaching.

My teaching experience started with continuing dental education; the learners were practicing dentists looking to learn new skills, tips or techniques. I worked on my speaking skills with a local Toastmasters group, my presentation skills, and immersed myself in the technology and evidence base that was being used in the field of prosthodontic dentistry.

I absolutely love my time in private practice and appreciate the opportunity to serve patients as their dentist. I have had the privilege of meeting so many amazing people and helping them build confidence with their smiles and dental health. My true passion though, is teaching. After 7 years of full time private practice, I made the career change to be a full time educator at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. Carolina quickly became my family’s home as I became a Tar Heel – its easy to fall in love with this place!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle for me was the transition from private practice to academics. It was so hard to leave my wonderful team, and make sure that all of my patients had a smooth transition to a new provider. Having grown up near Atlanta, this also moved me further from my family and friends, so I had to build a new support system. Last but not least, teaching the future leaders of the profession required a different mindset than working in practice. I spent a lot of time learning from mentor educators and taking courses/training on teaching in higher education.

The first student course I ever directed was in spring of 2020. We went fully remote halfway through the course, and I had to think outside the box on how to teach a very hands-on lab course virtually. I learned so much software and shared so many virtual techniques that year. It really set the tone for my future teaching, adding more technology to every course while maintaining strong foundational knowledge.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I just had my 7th anniversary here at the UNC Dental School – I truly believe I have the best job in the world. I get to share my passion for teaching an learning with the most amazing, inspirational group of people. I learn as much from them as they do from me! I have found a really cool niche combining digital dentistry (especially using 3D printing technology) and removable prosthodontics (more affectionately known as dentures!). The subject of dentures has been a notoriously dreading subject by dental students and dentists alike. Infusing it with digital design, scanning, and 3D printing has been a game changer. I have had the privilege of working with industry leaders, providing continuing education on the subject, sharing it with my peers, and especially sharing it with my students.
It has been so rewarding to teach and learn technology in dentistry alongside my students. Once I teach them the basics, it is not uncommon for them to develop even more predictable or successful workflows and protocols.

I have been truly honored by the accolades from my students. In 2020, I received the Richard F. Hunt Memorial Teaching Award, and in 2023 I received a University Distinguished Teaching Award in Post-Baccalaureate Instruction. These are two of the most prestigious awards at UNC – and both stemmed from student nominations.

What matters most to you?
Of all the many hats I’ve worn in my career, there has been nothing more rewarding than working with dental students and watching them grow into incredible clinicians. I love when I get messages from former students sharing their amazing work. I have been here long enough now to see my former students reach incredible heights: opening successful practices, providing charity care, advancing their education to different specialties, starting companies, and some even becoming educators themselves. I consider my greatest success to be when my students succeed and thrive.

Dental care is not easy to access for many, especially tooth replacement for missing teeth. Individually, we can certainly make an impact on access to care. Collectively, however, we can make a huge difference. I hope and strive to inspire my students to provide high quality services to their patient population, and to give back to the community. The future of oral health is literally in their hands, and I hope the serve as a good shepherd and role model.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drwendysworld/
• Other: https://www.carolinadentistry.org/