5 Questions With ... Mr. Lamont Lowery
Lamont Lowery, M.A.
Assistant Dean of Student Recruitment and Engagement
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Adams School of Dentistry
1. Tell us about one of your “big wins” recently?
Most recently, I was able to create an opportunity for prospective students all over the country and internationally to participate in a virtual shadowing opportunity via Zoom. Participants observed a composite restoration on tooth #18, completed by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry faculty, accompanied by a second faculty member, strategically reiterating the particulars of the procedure through video using 5x models. We hosted more than 189 participants.
The event garnered comments such as these:
- “This was a great experience! This is the closest I’ve been able to view a procedure in all my times of shadowing! Thank you so much for this opportunity! Looking forward to future events.”
- “This was an invaluable experience!”
- “I have had other virtual shadowing experiences in the past, but the level of education given in this one is unmatched. I feel like I’m ready to do a filling tomorrow!”
2. How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed dental education?
It has made dental schools look closer at their instructional delivery methods in addition to their requirements for prospective students. It has caused the staff, faculty and students to have to adapt to what we hope is a temporary new normal.
3. What gives you the most satisfaction professionally?
When I am able to help people reach their goals through advising, recruitment and admissions. Additionally, being able to expose children to the dental profession; simply the articulation of it as a possibility brings me satisfaction.
4. What do you look forward to outside of work?
Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and four boys, watching movies or playing family games, in addition to cycling with friends.
5. If you couldn’t be in dental education, what field would you have chosen for a career?
As a kid I was fascinated with the 1988 Tom Hanks’ movie, Big. Particularly the fact that he was some variant of vice president of a company where all he did was play with toys. That was a cool job then and I think it would be a cool job now.