5 Questions With … Dr. Janet Sell
Janet Sell, Ed.D.
Program Director
Dental Assisting Program
Ozarks Technical Community College
1. What are you most proud of professionally?
The dental assisting profession has come a long way these last 40 years.
I am most proud of doing my part. Staying connected to other professionals and actively participating with professional organizations throughout my dental assisting career has provided me with the needed resources to help make those changes.
2. Tell us about one of your “big wins” recently.
I had the opportunity to start an endowment fund through the Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) Foundation Department 20 years ago. The donated funds have come from presenting continuing education to dental assistants and dental hygienists, organizing fundraising events and private donations. The “big win” is learning the endowment has grown over $130,000 this year, despite the pandemic. We will award $500 scholarships to five dental assisting and dental hygiene students this year.
3. In 10 years, the biggest change about dental education
(or dentistry) will be …
The best thing about dentistry is it constantly is changing. I believe the use of technology will broaden the access to care issues. More and more people will realize the importance of their oral health. Education is the key!
4. Who is your go-to person when you need advice?
The number of people I admire and seek advice from is too long to list. I have been lucky throughout my career to have some incredibly supportive colleagues. I can also call them my friends.
5. What do you look forward to outside of work?
Relaxing and spending time with my family and friends.