West Virginia University School of Dentistry and University of Louisville School of Dentistry partnered in November to offer a unique continuing education opportunity to dental health professional educators.
WVU’s Dr. Mike Bagby, interim associate dean for academic affairs and professor, and Ashlee Sowards, associate professor in the department of dental hygiene, were guest speakers for “Teaching Dental Materials in an Ever-Changing Environment”.
The hour lecture addressed teaching dental materials in an ever-changing environment. The discussion focused on best practices for teaching common dental materials, lab activities, clinical exercises and integrating new materials and techniques. There was a review of CODA requirements for teaching about dental materials.
Participants in the online, live interactive presentation should be able to discuss best practices for teaching most common dental materials, explore various lab activities and clinical exercises that utilize various dental materials, define how new materials and techniques are integrated into the curriculum and review CODA requirements for teaching dental materials.
Dr. Bagby attended Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois where he earned a BA in biology and chemistry. He received his DDS from Chicago College of Dental Surgery, Loyola University. The veteran instructor (40+ years) on dental materials also earned MS and PhD degrees in biological materials from Northwestern University in Chicago.
Sowards, serves as the course director for seven dental hygiene courses in addition to her role as clinic supervisor for the third-year dental hygiene students. She completed both of her Dental Hygiene degrees at WVU School of Dentistry and began teaching full-time at the school in 2011. Sowards is very active in the West Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association serving as both treasurer and state liaison to the Institute for Oral Health. Aside from her service on multiple WVU School of Dentistry committees, she also serves as a WVU Faculty Senator. Sowards has a passion for education and is currently pursuing her second master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from WVU.