Sang Park, MMSc01, associate professor of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences and associate dean for Dental Education at Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) has received one of the highest honors from the American Dental Education Association (ADEA)—the Centennial Presidential Award. The award, given during ADEA’s 100th anniversary year, recognizes Park’s outstanding contributions as a dental educator on a national stage.
“I am truly humbled and honored by this life-changing acknowledgment of my work and research. It has meaning for me that goes beyond words,” Park said.
An alumna of HSDM, who completed her training in Prosthodontics at the School in 2001, Park joined the faculty in Restorative Dentistry after earning her advanced degree and served as senior tutor for the Peabody Society. In 2015, she was appointed to associate dean for Dental Education, a role that she continues to serve in today. Under her leadership, the Office of Dental Education has implemented curriculum changes that replaced procedure-based clinical requirements with patient-based comprehensive care, introduced a flipped classroom pedagogical model, and established new programs that put HSDM on the leading edge of dental education. Her nominators cited her work as a mentor and innovator in the field.
“Students look up to Dr. Park as an outstanding faculty example of a kind and brilliant professor,” said Dean William Giannobile, one of her nominators.
As chair of the HSDM Curriculum Redesign Task Force and the Curriculum Committee, Park leads efforts to engage HSDM’s faculty in the curriculum review process. She incorporates innovative educational pedagogies in the redesign of courses to reflect the School’s emphasis on oral health as a vital component of systemic health. She also serves as site visitor for the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has provided consultations to dental schools around the country and around the world.
“She is an exceptional colleague, teacher, and thought leader,” said Dr. German Gallucci, Raymond J. and Elva Pomfret Nagle associate professor and chair of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences, a co-nominator.
Over the course of her 21-year career at HSDM, Park has had an impact in the lives and careers of many students. An author of over 70 scholarly papers on topics such as classroom design, oral-systemic interactions, and the future of dental education, she often advises and encourages students publishing their first research papers.
“I have been fortunate to call Dr. Park my faculty, mentor, and friend,” said fourth-year student Madison Zamora Hockaday, DMD23. “She is genuinely enthusiastic about not only changing the way we approach dental education, but also hearing directly from students about what motivates them. Dr. Park’s approach to pedagogy and working with students is something I will take with me as I continue throughout my career.”
An advocate for the next generation of dental educators, Park developed the Scholars in Dental Education program for predoctoral students who are interested in pursuing a career in academic dental medicine and she instituted the first Master of Medical Science (MMSc) program in Dental Education in 2017.
“The MMSc in Dental Education degree program she established is notable and visionary. It will prepare dentists with an interest in academic dentistry to be more effective educators. It is exciting to see the first cohorts of the program already shaping the future of dental education,” said Dr. Christine Riedy Murphy, chair and associate professor of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology. “I am beyond thrilled for Dr. Park to receive ADEA’s Centennial Presidential Award.”
In her acceptance of the award, Park thanked her nominators, colleagues, and ADEA, and set her sights for the future.
“As we push the boundaries of our thinking as leaders, and challenge our beliefs, to approach a transitioning dental profession,” Park said. “Here’s looking forward to setting a monumental and meaningful path leading to the next 100 years!”
