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Special Section
We are Family
Long-term employees stay at the Dental Branch because it feels like family
If employees at The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston had a soundtrack, it probably would begin with the 1980s R&B hit, "We are Family," by Sister Sledge.
In 1974 John O'Black, now the director of Instructional Media, explains the way in which a project is to be completed to former graphic artist Nan Fleming.
The group, a sisterly singing sensation, chimes that "Everyone can see that we are together" and other lyrics that tell of their bond before belting out the chorus, "We are family."
It appears that Sister Sledge's feelings are felt by quite a few people at the UT Dental Branch. Thirty employees have been at the Dental Branch for more than 20 years, 13 employees have been there more than 30 years, and Kenneth Brady, D.D.S., professor of restorative dentistry, has worked at the Dental Branch since 1958 - 47 years.
William Butler, Ph.D., who recently retired after 17 years of service, came back soon after to take on a part-time position with the school. Ethel Hermosillo, a Dental Branch retiree after 50 years, volunteered at the school one day a week for several years after her retirement. Acts such as these have not been uncommon at the Dental Branch and speak volumes about the level of employee commitment to the institution.
In general, employees are content with their positions at the oldest dental school in the state and don't mind staying for a long time. But why? In a world where changing jobs has become normal, even expected, what is it that keeps the Dental Branch brimming with loyal and longstanding faculty and staff?
"I like what I do and the people I work with," said John O'Black, director of instructional media. O'Black has worked in the same department for 32 years. "I have always been able to count on the people who work here to be there for each other when assistance is necessary. And most recently, I am grateful for an administration under Dr. (Catherine) Flaitz's leadership that is supportive of our classified staff. I think those of us who have been here several years really do see ourselves as part of a family."
John O'Black in 2005
O'Black's sentiments sum up the general consensus of the school's faculty and staff. And most agree that doing what you enjoy, in a place you enjoy, with people you enjoy, is something worth holding on to.
The level of satisfaction at the school is often linked to the sense of care and concern that is displayed among the people working there. Some attribute those traits to the school's service-oriented environment. Because of the dental clinic, the reminder of "why we do what we do" is constantly present in the form of patients waiting in the front lobby.
With the clinical care element so close, faculty members are constantly working with students in one-on-one settings for an extended period of time.
"Teaching in the preclinical courses and clinic has been especially fulfilling for me, especially teaching those students who are having a tough time," said James Ferguson, D.D.S., associate professor of restorative dentistry, who began teaching at the school in 1974.
Ferguson said the ability to interact with hardworking students, faculty and staff has been a consistent selling point for him. And when people do leave the Dental Branch, which does not happen often, according to the school's personnel officials, Ferguson said it is like losing family. "As one generation leaves, the heart gets heavy. Another generation of family comes in and life goes on," he said.
Edgar Starcke, D.D.S., clinical professor of prosthodontics and a Dental Branch alumnus who became a faculty member in 1973, said his love and loyalty for the school were born in his days of studying dentistry.
"I have always had affection for this school because it was my school," he said. Starcke said he especially likes teaching because of the opportunity to develop a close and purposeful relationship with the students.
In addition, the Dental Branch has provided him with opportunities for advancement and growth. Administrators have been open to accepting his ideas and suggestions, including his desire to develop the school's archive of articulators, instruments used in dentistry for obtaining correct alignment of artificial teeth.
"That's what's keeping me here. I am just having too much fun," Starcke said. "Sometimes I can't believe they are paying me to do this."
Douglas Simmons, D.D.S., associate professor of restorative dentistry, who joined the faculty in 1974 after graduating from the Dental Branch, also said "family" comes to mind when thinking of the school's environment.
Simmons, the second black faculty member hired at the Dental Branch and the first to head a department, said he is glad he has been able to help with the recruitment of more African-Americans into dentistry.
He added that the stability of faculty and staff at an institution does contribute to its success because people who have invested some time and energy in the school are concerned about its future.
Ferguson echoed Simmons and said the success and appeal of an institution really does depend on the people within it. "There is a great, ongoing family tradition at the Dental Branch. I can think of so many people that take so much pride and find so much joy in their work," he said. "I can think of many individuals that have made huge commitments to help make the Dental Branch a better place."