Quick Summary: Dr. Natasha Lee stands out in her dedication to student achievement through her exemplary leadership, commitment to service, and innovative teaching methods. Her active role in organized dentistry, combined with her creative instructional techniques, significantly benefits both the students at UOP Dugoni School of Dentistry and the wider community they serve.
Dr. Natasha Lee, DDS, an assistant professor and course director for practice management and jurisprudence at the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, has recently been honored with the prestigious CDA Foundation’s 2024 Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni Faculty Award.
This esteemed accolade is a testament to the late Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni’s legacy of altruism and excellence within the field of dentistry. It recognizes California’s dental school faculty who demonstrate outstanding leadership, pioneering spirit, collaborative efforts, empathy, commitment to philanthropy, and unwavering integrity in the realm of dental education. Candidates are nominated by members of the California Dental Association (CDA), including students and faculty from the state’s dental schools.
A leader in organized dentistry
Dr. Lee’s passion for leadership and community involvement has been evident since her days as a dental student. She began engaging with organized dentistry as an active participant in the American Student Dental Association and as a student representative on the board of directors for the San Francisco Dental Society.
Throughout her impressive career as a practicing dentist, Lee has accumulated a wealth of volunteer and leadership positions. She adeptly balances her responsibilities as the owner and clinician at Better Living Through Dentistry in San Francisco with her position as a faculty member at UOP Dugoni School of Dentistry. Among her notable leadership roles, she serves on the ADA Committee on the New Dentist, the Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery, has held the presidency of the San Francisco Dental Society, and is involved with UOP’s Strategic Planning Oversight Committee.
In her ongoing support of CDA members, Lee has taken on numerous leadership roles, notably serving on the Board of Trustees and as president in 2018. Currently, she holds the position of president of the TDIC/IS Board of Directors. “Her dedication to leadership over the course of her career has positively influenced countless students and young dentists, helping them recognize the value of service to their profession,” stated her colleague Judee Tippett-Whyte, DDS.
Commitment to student success
Lee’s colleagues frequently highlight her unwavering dedication to ensuring that new graduates of dental school are well-prepared for success, thanks to her extensive leadership and teaching experience. “She always has the mind of the student and new dentists at the forefront of her actions,” Tippett-Whyte noted.
This student-centered approach is exemplified by her innovative teaching methods. As the course director for Practice Management and Jurisprudence, Lee has introduced dynamic learning strategies aimed at engaging students. Recognizing that studying practice management can sometimes seem tangential to clinical training, she incorporates a hands-on practice simulation model that effectively animates the business side of dentistry, immersing students in essential leadership skill development. Under her guidance, students collaborate in small teams to explore the intricacies of establishing and operating a thriving dental practice.
Moreover, Lee has successfully integrated CDA benefits into the UOP dental school experience, leveraging member resources to enhance students’ understanding of the business aspects of dentistry and encouraging participation in CDA Presents courses and invaluable networking opportunities embedded within the curriculum.
Contributions to the future of dentistry
By introducing students to the power of organized dentistry, Lee plays a vital role in ensuring their promising futures. Her colleagues recognize that she extends her commitment beyond the classroom, forging partnerships that enrich dental students’ educational journeys and involve them in shaping the future of the profession.
Among her peers, Lee is celebrated as a role model who effectively exemplifies leadership and community service virtues. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she has taken on the role of SCOPE Faculty Advisor, participated in dental missions to Fiji and the Philippines alongside students, and volunteered her time with students at RAM and CDA Foundation clinical events.
“By leading students in these community experiences, she reflects the importance of giving to one’s community and to those who need assistance outside our dental offices,” shared Tippett-Whyte.
UOP students view Lee as a dedicated instructor committed to their long-term success. They value her coherent teaching style and her unwavering support as they aspire to become accomplished practitioners after graduation. Her willingness to assist students even post-graduation is notable. For instance, she collaborated with student leaders to organize a speed-networking event aimed at connecting students with dentists seeking associates. “Contacts” is held each spring to facilitate connections between students and alumni from UOP Dugoni School of Dentistry who are potential employers.
“Lee walks the CDA mission daily,” Tippett-Whyte observed, “and in doing so, reflects her passion for our profession and the success of students and new dentists.”
The CDA Foundation will begin accepting nominations for the 2025 Dugoni Faculty Award starting January 1. To learn more about the award and to view a list of past recipients, visit the CDA Foundation website.
The CDA Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to dental professionals and community-based organizations throughout the state that deliver essential dental care to underserved populations. To discover more about other grants, awards, and programs offered by the Foundation, please visit the Foundation website.
**Interview with Dr. Natasha Lee: Celebrating Excellence in Dental Education**
*Interviewer:* Dr. Lee, congratulations on receiving the CDA Foundation’s 2024 Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni Faculty Award! This is a tremendous recognition of your commitment to dental education and community service. Can you share what this award means to you personally and professionally?
*Dr. Natasha Lee:* Thank you! This award is incredibly meaningful to me. It honors the memory of Dr. Dugoni, who was not only a mentor but also an inspiration in the field of dentistry. Receiving this recognition motivates me to continue my commitment to teaching, service, and leadership, ensuring that future dentists are well-prepared to serve their communities with empathy and integrity.
*Interviewer:* Your involvement in organized dentistry is extensive. Can you tell us about how your experiences as a dental student influenced your active role in leadership roles like the presidency of the San Francisco Dental Society?
*Dr. Natasha Lee:* My experiences as a student truly shaped my understanding of the importance of organized dentistry. Being engaged in the American Student Dental Association taught me that active participation makes a profound difference. Through leadership roles, I’m able to advocate for new dentists’ needs and ensure that they understand the substantial resources and support that organizations like the CDA can provide.
*Interviewer:* You’ve developed innovative teaching methods aimed at engaging students in practice management. What are some of the strategies you’ve implemented that you feel are particularly effective?
*Dr. Natasha Lee:* I believe in experiential learning, so I’ve created a hands-on practice simulation model for my Practice Management and Jurisprudence course. Students work in small teams to simulate the operations of a dental practice, allowing them to experience the challenges and rewards of practice management directly. This dynamic approach makes the material relatable and shows how these skills are crucial as they prepare to enter the workforce.
*Interviewer:* Your colleagues have praised your dedication to student success. How do you ensure that your students are prepared for the realities of being a practicing dentist?
*Dr. Natasha Lee:* I prioritize a student-centered approach in everything I do. I try to anticipate the needs of my students and provide them with tangible tools and resources. Integrating CDA benefits into our curriculum helps students understand the business side of dentistry and highlights the importance of networking. I want them to leave dental school not just as competent clinicians, but as confident leaders in their field.
*Interviewer:* Lastly, what is your vision for the future of dentistry, particularly regarding the next generation of dental professionals?
*Dr. Natasha Lee:* I envision a new generation of dentists who are not only skilled practitioners but also community leaders and advocates for organized dentistry. It’s vital that they understand the power of community engagement and collaboration as they shape the future of our profession. I’m dedicated to continuing to forge partnerships that enhance education and create opportunities for students to be active, contributing members of their communities.
*Interviewer:* Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Lee. Your dedication to your students and the field of dentistry is truly inspiring!
*Dr. Natasha Lee:* Thank you! It’s an honor to share my journey, and I’m excited about what lies ahead for our profession.
