Within each graduating class of dentists, there are also dedicated educators, who commit their skills and expertise to helping future generations. At the School of Dentistry, many of our students work as teaching assistants and tutors, both for didactic courses and pre-clinical labs. Scott Imberg, DDS ’26, has found personal and professional value in an educational role, and he works as a teaching assistant, as well as serving as a lab tutor.
“I love having the opportunity to help students transition into becoming dentists while helping them understand complex topics,” he said, “As a lab tutor I assist them with waxing up teeth, operative preparations and restorations and prosthodontics preparations. I’m so happy to have the opportunity to be a part of their growth.”
The “pay it forward” nature of education is all part of what Imberg describes as the school’s “strong sense of community and collaboration.” He said, “From day one, I’ve felt supported by my classmates, instructors and mentors. The environment is both academically rigorous and deeply encouraging, which has allowed me to grow not just as a clinician, but as a colleague and future educator. I feel proud to be part of a program that prioritizes both clinical excellence and compassionate care.”
Imberg offered these wise words for those beginning their dentistry journey: “My top piece of advice is to be okay with not knowing everything right away,” he said. “I remember when I first started school and became frustrated because I wasn't perfect or didn't have all the correct answers right away. As I’ve progressed through the program, I've realized it’s okay not to be perfect right away, because that’s what being a student is all about.”
Imberg’s post-graduate goals include owning a practice in a rural or underserved area. “I hope to provide affordable, high-quality and patient-centered care to those who need it most,” he said. He also plans to continue teaching. “I aspire to become an educator in dentistry, where I can mentor future providers, share my passion for community-focused care and help shape a generation of dentists committed to clinical excellence and social responsibility.
“Throughout my experiences as a dental student, I’ve learned that dentistry is about much more than treating teeth; it’s about building relationships, educating patients, and working toward long-term health outcomes that improve lives.”