Why teach? One dental student's views from both sides of the lectern.

Ientered New York University College of Dentistry with a different perspective from most other dental students. Dentistry is a second career for me. I taught public school for six years before hearing the call of dentistry—four years in elementary education and two years teaching high school biology. Those six years of teaching experience “behind the lectern” combined with three years of learning as a dental student facing the lectern have given me a unique perspective on dental education and distinctive insights into one’s motivation to teach.