Faculty at West Virginia University School of Dentistry used the university’s inaugural Week of Purpose to reflect on their journey in oral healthcare and advise students more about the path to dentistry.

The Week of Purpose was designed to deliver inspiring speakers, showcase University resources, offer diverse perspectives and introduce students to tools for success.

The path to a dentist’s purpose includes four years of academic study, preclinical training and direct patient care. Some students are admitted to the predoctoral program with a good idea of their sense of purpose. For others, it may take that one faculty mentor or an experience with a patient for them to feel even more confident about their career choice.

The dental school’s professors and educators have a variety of unique skills and worldwide experiences that make them experts in general and specialty dentistry. Some of them shared encouraging messages for future dentists during the Week of Purpose.

Serving with Purpose

"Our students are the future of our profession and our purpose. Their energy and enthusiasm are contagious and serve as the primary motivator for what we do every day. Our students are incredibly smart, talented and engaging. In all sincerity, I learn much more from them than they do from me. They are truly the best of the best and are making a difference every day."

Stephen Pachuta, DDS, MS, MABe, ABGD
Dean, School of Dentistry

Moments of Purpose

"Being able to see the 'light bulb' moment when a concept or a procedure clicks for a student or when a patient has something hurting or bothering them and you are able to help facilitate their treatment is incredibly humbling and rewarding. I don't take these moments for granted and I have a lot of appreciation to be involved in clinical education and patient care".

Lauren Godwin DDS, MHA
Associate Professor
Department Chair, Restorative Dentistry

Talents of Purpose

"I believe I have God-given talents and abilities. I feel it is my purpose on this earth to use them. I do not care what groups you feel you belong to. If you show up in my chair, I will try to help you. If you show up in my class, I will try to teach you."

Michael Bagby, DDS, PhD, MS
Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Pursuit of Purpose

"I got to where I am today because of my steadfast determination, confidence in myself, and consideration of my family's values. Everything is achievable when we combine these qualities with the appropriate individuals and circumstances!"

Juan M. Bugueno, DDS, MS
Assistant Professor of Oral Medicine
Department of Diagnostic Sciences

Passion and Purpose

“My purpose as an educator here at the School of Dentistry is to empower our students to become passionate about what they do. Passion coupled with purpose is the fuel to affect sustainable change.”

Valerie Perrine, DDS
Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Community Health and Outreach

Prescription for Purpose

"Purpose is like a remarkable story. Every person has one. My prescription for discovering one’s purpose is basic. Take note of opportunities that excite, spark zestful action, and yield fulfillment surpassing description. Eureka! Tap into your talent treasure and experience the purpose-driven exhilaration of transforming ordinary to extraordinary."

Shelia Price, DDS, EdD, MA
Associate Dean of Admissions, Recruitment and Access

Contributing to Purpose

"The personal connections made while observing improved health from my provision of dental hygiene procedures, tobacco cessation and while teaching WVU students, fuel my desire to contribute. Often the most effective health care providers or tobacco treatment specialists are those individuals that lead with empathy. Focus on the positive while sharing joyful compassion in whatever field you choose, and success will follow."

Suann Gaydos, MSDH, NCTTP
Professor & Director, Certified Tobacco Treatment Training Program   

WVU Health Sciences Center hosted multimedia projects, podcasts, galleries, philosophical discussions and stress relief resources and suggestions the week of Sept. 22.