We welcome Wendy A. Clark as DESS Opinion Leader (KOL)

Saturday, March 8th marks International Women's Day, so we couldn't start this week in a more special way: we’re thrilled to introduce our new Key Opinion Leader (KOL), Wendy A. Clark. Wendy is not only a recognized expert in implant dentistry, but also a leader in the industry, proving that excellence and innovation have no gender. Her career is an example of leadership, dedication and passion for dentistry, inspiring new generations of professionals. We are proud to have her on our team and to continue to support female talent in the dental industry.

With her long history in prosthodontics and digital dentistry, Dr. Clark will provide industry professionals with exciting resources, driving the development of advanced solutions.

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A look at Dr. Wendy A. Clark’s Career

From academic training to clinical excellence

Dr. Clark has a strong academic and professional background in the field of prosthodontics:

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Marquette University School of Dentistry.
  • Master of Science in Prosthodontics from the University of Alabama, Birmingham.

Prior to joining the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry full-time, she practiced for 7 years with Team Atlanta (Goldstein, Garber & Salama).

Since 2017, she has been named a ‘Leader in Continuing Education’ by Dentistry Today, presenting on a wide range of prosthodontic topics. In addition, she has published several articles in leading journals.

Teaching and clinical practice experience

Dr. Clark has been a practicing dentist for more than a decade, working in private clinics and at medical institutions such as the University of Alabama and the University of North Carolina. During her extensive career, she has combined clinical practice with teaching, leading educational programs in removable prosthodontics and digital dentistry.

She currently serves as a professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of North Carolina.

Passion for digital dentistry and dental innovation

Expertise in advanced oral rehabilitation

Dr. Clark is an expert in designing and creating removable prostheses and their integration with advanced implant dentistry. Her focus relies on improving treatment efficiency and accuracy through digital workflows, including CAD/CAM design and 3D printing.

Research and scientific contributions

Her commitment to innovation has led her to participate in numerous scientific research projects and publications. She has authored several chapters in reference books on prosthodontics and has published articles in specialist journals on the strength of materials, 3D printing in prosthodontics and bonding of dental resins.

Lectures and education for the dental community

In addition to her work at the University, Dr Clark is a regular speaker at international conferences and events.

Establishing herself as a leading voice in the field, she has lectured on:

  • Digital Dentistry.
  • Prosthetic materials.
  • Optimized clinical workflows.

Dr. Wendy A. Clark's role as DESS KOL

Driving innovation in implant dentistry and prosthodontics

As a DESS KOL, Dr. Wendy A. Clark will contribute to the advancement of the dental community by sharing her expertise in advanced prosthodontics and implant dentistry.

  • She will share innovative strategies and techniques to optimize the use of DESS Solutions in restorative treatments.
  • With her expertise in the use of digital technologies applied to oral rehabilitations, she will show dental professionals how to integrate DESS components into advanced workflows for optimal results, and how DESS products can improve accuracy and efficiency in implant treatments.

How? Through clinical cases, comparative studies and specialized training.

Training and outreach for dental professionals

Dr. Clark will actively participate in training sessions, webinars and workshops organized by DESS, sharing her knowledge with other professionals. Her purpose is to help clinics and laboratories to integrate digital technology into their daily practice, improving the patient's experience.

Having Dr. Clark as KOL allows us to continue providing advanced solutions to professionals in the sector. Her expertise and digital approach will be key to the future of implant dentistry and prosthodontics.

Next steps for Dr Wendy Auclair Clark as DESS KOL

Dr. Clark is already preparing her first contributions as DESS KOL. Follow our social media and subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with her lectures, training sessions and analysis on the latest developments in the field - don't miss out!


Talking with Dr. Wendy A. Clark: Her Vision on Dentistry, Innovation, and Female Leadership

In order to gain a deeper understanding of our KOL and to properly honor International Women’s Day, we conducted a brief interview with Wendy A. Clark.

  • Your journey in dentistry has been remarkable, from clinical practice to becoming the Director of Digital Dental Education at UNC. What initially drew you to prosthodontics, and how has your career evolved over the years?

Thank you so much! I knew I wanted to specialize in a field that allowed me to work with a multidisciplinary team to treat complex cases. I fell in love with prosthodontics in my second year of dental school. The ability to engineer, create, and problem-solve truly explores the artistic and scientific possibilities of dentistry. I was fortunate to work in an amazing private practice with Team Atlanta, living the dream of working in a multidisciplinary team and treating patients with complex dental needs.

  • Do you have any female mentors or role models who have inspired your career?

I graduated dental school in 2007, and mine was the first class to have 50% women. We had a few phenomenal female faculty members, but the overwhelming majority were male, especially in prosthodontics. I had an amazing full-time faculty member, Dr. Lillian Mitchell, in my residency program. It's been incredible transitioning to full-time faculty myself, where we routinely have classes with over 60% women and so many inspirational women faculty and leaders. I was fortunate to find incredible mentors here at UNC, including Drs. Ingeborg De Kok and Carol Haggerty. Today, I get my greatest inspiration from my dental students and residents. Their vision and talent are incredible, and the future of dentistry is bright!

  • What challenges have you faced as a woman in the dental industry, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was thriving in a specialty where the majority of professionals were male. This sometimes made it difficult to find female mentors and role models. Over time, I have seen a positive shift of women succeeding in the dental industry, and prosthodontics specifically, which is very encouraging. By staying focused on my passion for prosthodontics and continuously seeking opportunities for growth and learning, I have been able to overcome these challenges.

  • What advice would you give to young female clinicians or dental professionals aspiring to become leaders in the field?

My advice to young female clinicians or dental professionals is to be authentic and be confident in yourself and achievements. Seek out mentors and role models who uplift others and are achieving what you'd like to achieve. Don't be afraid to take on leadership roles and advocate for yourself. The dental field is evolving, and there are many opportunities for women to make significant contributions. Stay committed to your goals, continue learning, and embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth.

  • What drew you to partner with DESS Dental, and what excites you most about working with our solutions?

From their DESSLoc® abutments to my favorite scan abutments, DESS has a solution for everything. And if they don't have a solution yet, they will develop one! This has saved me numerous times with complex implant restorative cases. DESS Dental's evidence-based solutions and innovative products make me proud to partner with them.