March 8th marks International Women's Day, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by introducing our newest Key Opinion Leader (KOL), Dr. Wendy A. Clark.

Dr. Clark is a recognized expert in prosthodontics and digital dentistry, a leader in the industry, and an advocate for the future of dental innovation. Her career is a testament to dedication, leadership, and passion for education, inspiring the next generation of dental professionals.

With extensive experience in prosthodontics, research, and teaching, Dr. Clark will collaborate with DESS to provide valuable insights and resources, helping dental professionals optimize their workflows with innovative restorative solutions.

Inside the Career of Dr. Wendy A. Clark

Advancing Prosthodontics Through Education & Leadership

Dr. Clark’s journey in dentistry has been one of innovation, education, and patient-centered care.

"I knew I wanted to specialize in a field that allowed me to work with a multidisciplinary team to treat complex cases," Dr. Clark shares. "I fell in love with prosthodontics in my second year of dental school. The ability to engineer, create, and problem-solve truly explores the artistic and scientific possibilities of dentistry."

Dr. Clark brings extensive academic and professional expertise in prosthodontics, backed by years of clinical experience and a commitment to education.

Education & Training:

- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) – Marquette University School of Dentistry
- Master of Science in Prosthodontics – University of Alabama, Birmingham B

Before joining the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry full-time, Dr. Clark spent seven years practicing with Team Atlanta (Goldstein, Garber & Salama), refining her expertise in advanced restorative and implant dentistry. Since 2017, she has been recognized as a "Leader in Continuing Education" by Dentistry Today and has presented on a wide range of prosthodontic topics. Additionally, her work has been published in several leading dental journals. Dr. Clark continues to advance the field of prosthodontics through clinical excellence, research, and education. Currently, Dr. Clark serves as a professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of North Carolina, where she continues to train and mentor the next generation of dental professionals.

Teaching and Clinical Practice Experience

Dr. Clark brings over a decade of experience in both clinical practice and academic leadership. She has worked in private practice and at esteemed institutions such as the University of Alabama and the University of North Carolina, seamlessly blending patient care with education.

"It's been incredible transitioning to full-time faculty myself, where we routinely have classes with over 60% women and so many inspirational women faculty and leaders," Dr. Clark shares. "Today, I get my greatest inspiration from my dental students and residents. Their vision and talent are incredible, and the future of dentistry is bright!"

Throughout her career, she has led specialized programs in removable prosthodontics and digital dentistry, shaping the next generation of dental professionals.

Dedication to Digital Dentistry and Dental Innovation

Expert in Advanced Oral Rehabilitation

Dr. Clark is an expert in designing and creating removable prostheses and integrating them with advanced implant dentistry. Her focus is on enhancing treatment efficiency and accuracy through digital workflows, including CAD/CAM design and 3D printing.

Advancements in Research and Scientific Contributions

Dr. Clark has actively contributed to numerous scientific research projects and publications. She has authored several chapters in leading prosthodontic reference books and published articles in specialized journals, covering topics such as:

- Material strength in dental prosthetics
- 3D printing applications in prosthodontics
- Bonding techniques for dental resins

By combining clinical expertise, research, and digital dentistry, Dr. Clark continues to advance the future of prosthodontics.

Empowering the Dental Community Through Lectures and Education

In addition to her work at the University, Dr. Clark is a regular speaker at conferences and events, where she has lectured on topics such as:

- Digital Dentistry
- Prosthetic Materials
- Optimized Clinical Workflows

Dr. Wendy A. Clark’s Impact as a DESS Key Opinion Leader

Advancing Innovation in Implant Dentistry and Prosthodontics

As a DESS KOL, Dr. Clark will help advance the dental community by sharing her expertise in prosthodontics and implant dentistry.

"From their DESSLoc abutments to my favorite scan abutments, DESS Dental has a solution for everything. And if they don't have a solution yet, they will develop one! This has saved me numerous times with complex implant restorative cases. DESS Dental's evidence-based solutions and innovative products make me proud to partner with them."

With her expertise in digital technologies for oral rehabilitation, she will help guide dental professionals in integrating DESS components into advanced workflows for optimal results, showcasing how DESS products enhance accuracy and efficiency in implant treatments.

Training and Outreach for Dental Professionals

Dr. Clark will play an active role in:

- Training sessions, webinars, and workshops to share her expertise
- Clinical case studies & research collaborations
- Helping dental professionals integrate digital workflows with DESS solutions

Her mission is to help clinics and laboratories seamlessly integrate digital technology into their workflows, ultimately enhancing the patient experience.

As a DESS Key Opinion Leader, Dr. Clark’s knowledge and forward-thinking approach will be instrumental in driving innovation in implant dentistry and prosthodontics.

Next Steps for Dr. Clark as a DESS Key Opinion Leader

Dr. Clark is already preparing her first contributions as a DESS KOL. Follow us on social media to stay updated on her lectures, training sessions, and insights on the latest developments in the field.