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Mary Walker, D.D.S., Ph.D., Prosthodontist and Associate Professor, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry
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1. I chose this career because...
2. My typical workday involves...
3. What I like best/least about my work...
4. My career goals are...
5. When I'm not working, I like to...
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1. I chose this career because...
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Mary Walker conducts an intra-oral examination on a dental patient.
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I chose to become a prosthodontist because the profession combines my interest in science with my interest in caring for patients.
Dental School Decision
The first part of my career was focused in the field of microbiology. I worked in medical and research laboratories; however, I wanted more direct contact with patients. While working on a dentally-related research project, the project director encouraged me to apply to dental school. I was good with my hands, and had a strong aptitude in science. Both skills are necessary to pursue a career in dentistry.
Continuing Education at Mid-life
Following graduation from dental school, I owned and operated a general dentistry practice for twelve years. My practice flourished, and I truly enjoyed patient contact and the challenges of providing excellent dental care. Becoming more involved with complex patient treatments, like the use of dental implants and comprehensive intra-oral reconstruction, prompted me to further my education. I decided to pursue a specialty in prosthodontics while working towards a Ph.D. in biomaterials. Going back to school in mid-life gave me the opportunity to see advanced education from a different perspective. I enjoyed the academic environment and the challenge of research.
Current Job: Patient Care, Teaching and Research
My current position is associate professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. This position allows me to combine patient care, teaching, and research, and the experience and skills I gained from private dental practice.
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Medical Technology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
- Master of Science, Microbiology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, Lincoln, NE
- Specialty Certificate, Prosthodontics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, Kansas City, MO
- Doctor of Philosophy, Oral Biology (Biomaterials), University of Missouri-Kansas City
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2. My typical workday involves...
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Mary Walker examines the tooth arrangement on an articulator that simulates patient jaw movements.
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My typical workday varies depending on the responsibilities of the day, which include clinical care, teaching and research components.
Teaching in the Clinic
- I teach third- and fourth-year dental students in the dental clinic. With direct patient care, I instruct students on how to complete the intra-oral examination, read radiographs (x-rays), and make a diagnosis and treatment plan.
- During prosthodontic treatments, I teach dental students about restoring or replacing teeth, and in some cases parts of the jaws using crowns, bridges, dental implants, or dentures.
- In addition, I teach second-year students in pre-clinical prosthodontic courses that include lecture and laboratory components. We cover how to prepare teeth, make impressions, and perform prosthodontic restorations to replace damaged or missing tooth structure.
Teaching and Researching: Dental Biomaterials
Other aspects of my work include teaching and research associated with dental biomaterials.
- Teaching - I teach a biomaterials course in which dental students learn about the properties and application of many types of dental biomaterials, such as tooth-colored composite filling materials, porcelain crowns and veneers, and titanium implants.
- Researching - In my biomaterials research, I use mechanical testers, light microscopes, electron microscope, and other computer-based testing equipment to look at the properties and problems associated with dental biomaterials. For example, some of the investigations have looked at orthodontic wires, ceramic (tooth-colored) orthodontic brackets, and impression materials. Results from these investigations are published in dental journals. These research results may aide other practicing dentists in their selection of dental materials and ultimately, patient care.
Additional Roles: The Mentor Gets Mentored
- Mentor – I act as a mentor to both pre-doctoral and graduate dental students who are working on biomaterials research projects.
- Mentored – Other faculty members mentor me in their area of expertise such as patient-based clinical research, or the use of innovative technology and equipment to study the structures and properties of biomaterials. This training will allow me to expand my research capabilities.
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