I am a Specialist Periodontist in private practice at Personalised Periodontics and Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead in Periodontics at Charles Sturt University (CSU).
After growing up in the rural town of Broken Hill, NSW, and a couple of years spent trying to work out what I wanted to do, I eventually completed my training in dentistry at Charles Sturt University. Subsequently, I was employed with the University to work in private practice and as a clinical tutor. The job was fantastic as it provided me with broad and varied experience in rural general dentistry and opened my eyes to the possibilities of academia.
During this time, I was surrounded by Fellows and Members of the RACDS, many of whom provided me mentorship and strongly encouraged me to consider embarking on a pathway to Membership or Fellowship with the College. Intrigued and inspired, I went on to complete the RACDS Primary Dental Sciences Examination, which helped me to make clearer connections between science and clinical practice. Despite telling close friends, “I’m never studying again” because of the gruelling study regime of the Primary Examination, my hunger for more was ignited.
I was enthused to build upon the foundations the Primary Dental Sciences Examination had given me, by continuing to engage with evidence-based practice, improve my clinical reasoning, and investigate options for further formal training. I started to think about the aspects of clinical dentistry I enjoyed, but also what I enjoyed academically and to teach, which lead me down the pathway of periodontics. Once I was certain of this pathway and with the Primary Dental Sciences Examination under my belt, I applied for the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Periodontics at the University of Melbourne. Following its completion, I was admitted as a Member of the RACDS in the Specialist Dental Practice discipline of Periodontics. This well-regarded qualification has had a positive impact on my career in private practice, and particularly in academia. I continue to maintain part-time specialist private practice and an academic position with CSU, whilst completing a Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education.
I hope to encourage young dentists, whether in general or specialist dental practice, to consider embarking on a pathway towards either Membership or Fellowship with the RACDS. The available pathways push you to keep learning in your career and provide a guide to build upon foundational knowledge and skills that support high-quality dental practice and excellent patient outcomes. I also hope to encourage young dentists to connect with others in the profession. The College provides such opportunities to connect with colleagues and make new friends through scientific conferences, mentorship, regional committee events, and social occasions.
I encourage all dentists, no matter what stage in their career, to consider some sort of involvement in teaching. Teaching can take various forms, including mentoring, clinical tutoring, or an academic role at a university. In whatever form, teaching gives you a wonderful opportunity to connect with students or peers, watch them grow and reinforce your own knowledge and skills. It never ceases to amaze me how much I learn when I teach.
Dr Jake Thomas Ball
Specialist Periodontist, MRACDS(Perio)
