5 Questions With … Dr. James R. Lott
James R. Lott, D.M.D.
Assistant Dean of Education
Associate Professor, Care Planning & Restorative Sciences
University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry
1. What makes you excited to go to work each day?
The potential to help a patient or guide a student makes me excited to go to work each day. If I have a patient leave their appointment with a large smile, I feel I have given them improved dental health and a sense of improved self-esteem. In addition, instructing a student and watching the “light bulb” come on is a high point in any day.
2. What are you most proud of professionally?
Professionally, I am proud to have had the opportunity to be a member of the ADEA Board of Director for the Council of Faculties the past three years. This has enabled me to represent faculty from all schools and has truly been an honor and something I take professional pride in.
3. What’s the best career advice you ever received?
When you get criticized, first ask yourself what truth is in their remarks? Take ownership of that truth and take steps/actions to improve it that area.
4. What do you look forward to outside of work?
As a father, watching my daughters discover and do things they love—be it dance, show choir, traveling or experiencing new things—brings me great joy. For myself, a hiking trail and a day to explore with my wife is something I cherish.
5. What’s something you think you’ll never understand?
Staring up at the stars on a clear night in the country or watching a sunset in the mountains with colors only imaginable in a dream, I marvel at the planet we live on and its creation.