Episode 52 | Interview with Dr. Nate Lawson Part 2
Nov 21, 2023
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Dr. Nate Lawson, Associate Professor and Director of the Division of Biomaterials, discusses ethics at a DSO, the importance of mentorship, and the value of study clubs. They explore career paths, generating research projects, and daily operations in a dental research lab. They also emphasize understanding dental materials and promote upcoming courses on Dental Online Training.
Mentorship and continued education are crucial for success in dentistry.
Joining study clubs can enhance dentists' knowledge and skills.
Research projects and master's projects contribute to expanding knowledge and finding solutions to clinical problems in dentistry.
Deep dives
The importance of mentorship and continued education
Nate emphasizes the significance of mentorship and continued education in dentistry. He shares how mentorship has positively impacted his career and encourages young dentists and dental students to seek guidance and support from experienced professionals. He also highlights the value of joining study clubs and attending continued education events to enhance knowledge and skills.
The journey to finding passion in dentistry
Nate discusses his personal journey in dentistry, including his experiences in dental school, residency programs, and academia. He shares his initial struggles and doubts, his transition into research and teaching, and how he found his passion for making dentistry more digestible and simplified. He emphasizes the importance of loving what you do and finding fulfillment in your career.
The role of research projects
Nate provides insights into the process of selecting and executing research projects in dentistry. He explains that research projects often come from industry collaborations, addressing specific product testing or validation needs. He also mentions the importance of master's projects and how they contribute to expanding knowledge and finding solutions to clinical problems.
Challenges and rewards of academic dentistry
Nate discusses the challenges and rewards of pursuing an academic career in dentistry. He emphasizes the need for effective time management, troubleshooting skills, and the capacity of mentors in overcoming obstacles. He highlights the benefits of engaging with organized dentistry and study clubs, which provide opportunities for learning, networking, and mentorship.
The power of finding joy in dentistry
Nate emphasizes the significance of finding joy and passion in dentistry. He encourages dentists to invest in continued education, seek mentorship, and actively pursue the aspects of dentistry they love. He highlights the positive impact that loving dentistry can have on professional growth, confidence, and overall happiness.
In this second part of this two-part episode, our host Dr. Dennis Hartlieb and guest Dr. Nate Lawson discuss ethics and practices working at a DSO, the importance of mentorship to a dental career, and the value that study clubs bring to all dentists.
Dr. Lawson is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Division of Biomaterials at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry.
Check out Nate's work!
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