Perez receives scholarship for Masters Clinician Program

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By Rachel Donohue

Edna Perez, D.M.D., a clinical assistant professor in the UF department of pediatric dentistry, is one of the recipients of the Master Clinician Scholarship from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children.

Seven scholarships were awarded to attendees of Masters Clinician Program, and recipients will have the opportunity to attend the Academy for Academic Leadership’s Institute for Teaching and Learning. The scholarship includes the tuition and fees to the institute in Atlanta and complimentary registration for the AAPD Comprehensive Review of Pediatric Dentistry.

The goal of the program is to promote pediatric dental clinicians’ involvement in an academic career. According to AAPD, dentists that teach also have a greater opportunity to develop new techniques and innovations in care through research and scholarly activities and can also influence national dental education policies through service with the AAPD, American Dental Association, the American Dental Educators Association and the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Other benefits of an academic career include improving access to oral health care through community service, mentoring of residents, full- or part-time employment with benefits and personal and professional growth.