Part-Time Professor Enjoying "Retirement"
Barry W. Holleron, D.D.S.
For 24 years, Barry W. Holleron, D.D.S., clinical professor of comprehensive dentistry, has taught clinical dentistry on a part-time basis to junior and senior dental students. Until last November when he sold his private practice, he also worked as a full-time dentist and dental practice owner.
Now in his “retirement,” he teaches three days a week at the School of Dentistry’s Center for Oral Health Care & Research.
“It is fun. Where else can you go and be around 25 to 30 students who are all smart, motivated individuals?” said Dr. Holleron, who graduated from the School of Dentistry in 1984. “It really isn’t work. It’s not a job. I just call it time away from the house.”
When Dr. Holleron meets the students, they have just finished two years in the lab learning clinical skills and basic sciences. “They often surprise me how well they deal with patients those first times. My job is to teach them how to work with patients and how to care for them.”
Patients who come to the clinic receive a full panel of X-rays so Dr. Holleron and his students can decide whether they can treat the patients or if they need to be referred to one of the school’s specialty practices.
“If the patient’s dental issues are not too complex, we will care for them. Our clinic does cleanings, bridges, dentures, crowns and partials,” he said.
During the past 20 years, he said students really haven’t changed that much. The technology has changed greatly, especially with the new building. “It is nice because the patients really love the new building. And, we are able to give the students the reality of a private practice.”
