Dr. Shirley Lewis
Shirley Lewis, B.D.S., M.Sc.D., CAGS
Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Comprehensive Dentistry
Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
1. What drew you to dental education (or dentistry)?
While a childhood fascination with medical dramas like “St. Elsewhere” initially sparked my interest in becoming a physician, unforeseen circumstances led me down a different path—dentistry. This detour, however, proved to be a fortunate turn, as I've found immense satisfaction and fulfillment in my dental career.
2. What makes you excited to go to work each day?
Academia offers a collaborative, stimulating environment where I find joy in shaping future dentists, embracing innovation and alleviating patient pain. Also, it’s good to be useful to the community with the time given to you on earth.
3. What’s the biggest challenge facing dental education today?
Two of our greatest challenges are the escalating cost of dental education and the recruitment and retention of qualified faculty equipped to prepare students for the rapidly evolving health care landscape
4. What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
Despite my outward portrayal, a Broadway career remains a distant dream, as I readily admit I lack the requisite acting, singing and stage presence. This may surprise those who know me.
5. What’s your favorite TV show—and why?
I love Everybody Loves Raymond because the cast’s relatable family dynamics and expressive acting mirror the very expressions I experience—or suppress—daily in my professional and personal life.