Eliska Gauthier

I started dental hygiene school back in 2013, and it's been a vision for myself since I was young. I love knowing that I can help people and give that sense of care, because oral health is so important - our oral body and overall body are connected. I really wanted to be able to change the trajectory of what dentistry looks like. I got into dental hygiene and truly fell in love with it. I love mentoring, and I just knew that I wanted to do something more besides clinical work. I love connecting with students and being able to be representation and a leader and a mentor for them as they're going through school and once they get out. After working hygiene clinically for about 7-8 years, I decided to start working adjunct, then became a professor. I also got my MBA, a Master of Business Administration in Business and Marketing, and I was able to use those skills and transfer them over to working at a high-level institution, a dental school. I ran a teaching practice inside the dental school and taught dental hygiene students. That led me to where I'm at now, being able to do a dual role with my degrees - I can do management, work in the clinic, and work in the classroom. About 6 months ago, I was able to get an offer as a full-time assistant professor here in Memphis. I decided to take the journey and move out here with my family and take the position to really grow my skills and professional development in academia.