Adjunct Faculty Feature: Dr. Wayne Cutinha
Winter 2023/24
As we commence 2024, we welcome many new adjunct faculty members into the Schulich Dentistry community. One new member is Schulich Dentistry 2021 graduate Dr. Wayne Cutinha, a new clinical instructor covering the General Dentistry cubicles.
In his earlier days of teaching, Dr. Cutinha taught as a Teaching Assistant in the Anatomy and Physiology Department during his undergraduate studies at McMaster University. He recalls “I was always passionate about teaching and wanted to continue sharing my knowledge to the next generation of dentists.”
Looking back on dental school, Dr. Cutinha explains that the one unexpected aspect of dentistry he encountered was the importance of communication. “Explaining your thought process to patients which is critical in developing strong patient clinician relationships…This is a skill that does take time as it requires breaking down a dental diagnosis into something a patient would understand.” His interest for pursuing dentistry came from his passion in making a difference in the lives of others by alleviating people's pain and simply making individuals more comfortable going to the dentist. Some of his fondest memories from dental school also include playing on the Schulich Dentistry intramural teams as well as valuable time spent with friends.
As a current practicing general dentist at two offices in Sarnia, Ontario and his own practice in Georgetown, Ontario, Dr. Cutinha takes pride in teaching students about the hands-on aspects of Dentistry. “I think the most rewarding part of working with future students is teaching them the practical skills that will equip them best as they prepare to go out into private practice,” says Dr. Cutinha.
His current practice focuses on all aspects of dentistry including restorative, endodontics, oral surgery, fixed and removable prosthodontics as well as implant dentistry. Dr. Cutinha counts some of his favourite procedures being related to oral surgery, implant dentistry, and endodontics.
When asked about his best piece of advice, Dr. Cutinha advises that students considering a career in dentistry should “shadow a dentist to get a better understanding of the multiple aspects that make up the profession.”
