From the Desk of Dr. Quiñonez
I have been on the job for almost a month now. I have met with almost every leader in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and with almost all the faculty and senior staff within the School of Dentistry.
What have I learned? I have learned that we have an amazing group of people who are ready to do what is asked of them to help improve patient care in our clinics, learner education, and the culture within our school. People are anxious for change, and in partnership with you, I hope I can facilitate that change in the coming months and years ahead.
In fact, with senior members of the faculty and staff, we have already started laying the bases for a governance review, which will feed into a curriculum and operational review. In short, we can do better, and we must do better. The short and long term future demands it, whether it be: faculty and staff recruitment and retention challenges, accommodating the continued challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, or rethinking how dental education might function in an environment where many more people will be covered for their dental expenses by the new national dental care program.
As in any institution, the challenges are endless, but they can be overcome, one small step at a time. And I believe we are up to the challenge! I will report in more detail in the months to come, but will say for now that everyone at the Schulich School of Dentistry has already risen to the challenges imposed by the pandemic, and it is that gumption and spirit that will see us through into a bright future.
Enjoy your summer, I will see you in the fall!
- Carlos
Carlos Quiñonez, DMD, MSc, PhD, FRCD(C)
Vice Dean and Director of Dentistry
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western University
