The importance of the whole face and mouth, not just teeth, has been the cornerstone of Professor David Wilson’s international career.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As Charles Sturt University’s Head of the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences, Professor Wilson hopes the institution will produce graduates who understand how important oral health is to the health of the entire body.
A graduate of dentistry from the University of Otago in New Zealand, Professor Wilson came to Orange two years ago via positions in Canada, Adelaide, the Middle East and Malaysia.
Within his field of oral pathology, Professor Wilson has taught, researched and done forensic work with coroners.
He said it was important for oral health professionals and the public alike to understand that dentistry is about much more than just teeth.
“Most people think it’s only about teeth. With the curriculum here we’re trying to produce students who recognise that the whole facial region is very important to general health,” he said.
“Dentists are trained to diagnose and manage these things. Dentists are health care professionals, not just tooth care professionals.”
There are 80 students studying the new dentistry course at the Charles Sturt University Orange campus in first and second year.
While the Head of School is a largely administrative role, Professor Wilson enjoys the opportunities to interact with students where possible.
“We have a good mix of young people. Some are graduates from other degree programs, some are part-way through university and some are straight from high school. We have a good mix of males and females and students from rural and regional backgrounds,” he said.
Nearly 700 people applied for the 40 places available in dentistry at CSU Orange this year.
Professor Wilson said the popularity of dentistry might have something to do with the increasing importance of work-life balance for young people.
“It’s a worldwide phenomenon. Generation Y don’t necessarily want a nine to five job, five days a week,” he said.
Dentistry provides that flexibility in your life. These young people might just have it right.”
Professor Wilson hopes to stay around long enough to see those young people graduate and start their careers.
“I’m here for good. We love this part of the world. This is what New Zealand looks like. It’s beautiful countryside. My wife and I are adapting to small town living and it’s great,” he said.
