In this issue:
Shaping the Future of Dentistry: Announcing the New Glidewell Fellowship and Internship Programs
Nearly five decades after its inception as a one-man dental laboratory, Newport Beach, California-based Glidewell Dental has grown into the largest privately owned dental laboratory in the world, pioneering restorative materials, implant components, medical devices and advanced digital technology, and spearheading programs that have provided continuing education to doctors across the nation. As a leader in both dental innovation and education, Glidewell has announced two new initiatives beginning this summer. The first is the Glidewell Fellowship, a one-year program that provides a clinical and research opportunity to a doctor who has recently completed specialty training in prosthodontics or periodontics, or advanced training in general dentistry. The second is the Summer Internship in Digital Dentistry, which affords two dental students the unique opportunity to cultivate their skills during an intensive eight-week program.
“Dental innovation relies on the forward-thinking ideas of committed clinicians,” said Dr. Neil Park, vice president of clinical affairs at Glidewell Dental. “The Glidewell Fellowship and Summer Internship in Digital Dentistry are intended to facilitate both intellectual and career growth for selected applicants. The programs aim to further each participant’s knowledge of the collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to dentistry, ranging from predictable clinical techniques to rigorous research, development and laboratory manufacturing methods.”
The Glidewell Fellowship is a one-year program open to candidates who have recently completed specialty training in prosthodontics or periodontics, or advanced training in general dentistry. The program represents an opportunity to treat patients, develop and conduct clinical research, learn about product development, and present research findings at global meetings.
For the Glidewell Fellowship program, the successful candidate’s primary responsibilities will include treating patients in the state-of-the-art operatory at the Glidewell International Technology Center, developing and conducting clinical research, presenting research findings at global meetings, and lecturing at courses and symposia. In addition, as part of a diverse team of dentists, scientists and researchers, the selected applicant will learn about product development; provide input to the Research & Development department on processes for cutting-edge digital technologies in imaging, design and fabrication; and receive focused training in both the restorative and surgical aspects of dentistry. After completion of this program, the fellow should have a keen understanding of the multifaceted approach for breakthrough dental procedures.
For the Glidewell Summer Internship in Digital Dentistry, students currently enrolled in North American dental schools are eligible to apply. The interns will observe and assist experienced dentists in clinical procedures related to digital dentistry, aid in research projects in basic sciences, and learn about the product development and manufacturing processes for prefabricated and custom medical and dental devices. In addition, the interns will gain experience in advanced digital technologies in imaging, design and fabrication, and participate in on-site dental CE curricula on implants, esthetic dentistry and digital dentistry at the Glidewell International Technology Center.
The Glidewell Summer Internship in Digital Dentistry program affords two dental students an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge clinical procedures and digital technologies. The interns will attend on-site dental CE courses and learn about the product development and manufacturing processes for restorative materials and medical devices.
Glidewell is home to an extensive research & development campus, and includes five high-tech operatories where staff dentists provide their expertise in evaluating the clinical performance of materials. Both programs emphasize collaborative scientific research, proven clinical techniques, sophisticated manufacturing methods, and innovative yet practical solutions for making quality restorative dentistry more affordable and accessible to patients.
“It is our philosophy that the more we teach others, the more we learn ourselves,” Dr. Park said. “These programs are important ways in which we can give back to the dental community, and at the same time, open our doors to talented and promising young doctors.”
