Episode 101: Innovation for Disability Inclusion in Dentistry

Interviewer: Dr. Lisa Meeks

Interviewees: 

• • Dr. Sophia Kahn: Associate Professor and Director of Student Affairs at CU Anschutz School of Dental Medicine.

  • Dr. Rick Mediavilla: Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine.

  • Dr. Derrick Bisnett: Oral Maxillofacial Radiologist and CU Anschutz alumnus.

Description:

In Episode 101, we explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Derek Bisnett, an oral and maxillofacial radiologist who graduated from the CU Anschutz School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Bisnett, who uses a wheelchair, shares his unique experiences navigating dental school and the healthcare profession as a person with a disability, offering valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs along the way.

Joining us are Dr. Sophia Kahn, Associate Professor and Director of Student Affairs at CU Anschutz, and Rick Mediavilla, Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Together, they provide an inside look at the admissions process and discuss the school’s commitment to inclusivity and accommodations for students with disabilities.

We wrap up the episode by reflecting on the positive impact of Dr. Bisnett's journey on the CU Anschutz community and the dental profession at large. Dr. Kahn and Rick Medavia share their final thoughts on the importance of inclusivity and the lessons learned from working with Dr. Bisnett.

Join us for this enlightening conversation that challenges assumptions, highlights resilience, and underscores the importance of inclusivity in dental education.

Transcript available here: Transcript

Bio's: 

Dr. Mediavilla received his dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dentistry and completed his General Practice Residency at the University of Colorado Hospital. Dr. Mediavilla is currently the Associate Dean for Admissions, Student and Alumni Affairs, in addition to being a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry. Dr. Mediavilla maintains membership in: the American Dental Association, the Colorado Dental Association, the American Dental Education Association, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.

Keywords: Wheelchair, Dental Education, DocsWithDisabilities, Accommodations, Disability Inclusion, Journal of Dental Education, Oral Maxillofacial Radiologist, Disability, Dental School, UC Anschutz

Produced by: Dr. Lisa Meeks 

Digital Media: Lisa Meeks 

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Resources: A number of resources were provided for this series, they are all listed in the transcript.

Articles: 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jdd.13409

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jdd.13443