Charles L Bolender,  DDS, MS

 

FIFTY YEARS OF MENTORING

This presentation will describe the experiences and evolution of two Prosthodontic Study Clubs  composed of general dentists in Seattle & Yakima, WA , over a 50 year period -1962-2013.  Adding a Periodontist, Oral Surgeon, Orthodontist, Endodontist and Dental Technician to each club in more recent years has contributed to a series of outstanding learning experiences for everyone ? both the general dentists and the specialists.  The many patients involved have benefitted immensely from the dental care and counseling they have received.

OBJECTIVE 

         1.  To understand the value of providing a local, non-threatening and

               and friendly environment for dentists to continue their clinical

               and academic learning in Prosthodontics and related specialties. 

         2.  To appreciate the rewards gained by the more experienced general         

               dentists and specialists in a Study club when serving as mentors

               for the less experienced dentists. 

         3.  To motivate Academy Fellows of all ages to become available to

               mentor a Prosthodontic Study Club.

 

Biographical Summary 

Dr. Bolender grew up in Northwest Iowa and received both his DDS and MS(pros)  degrees from the University of Iowa.  Following graduation, he spent two years (1957-59) in the U.S. Army as a prosthodontist.  Upon leaving active duty he joined the Prosthodontic Dept. at the University of Washington. (July 1959).  In 1963 he was appointed chair of the Dept., a position he held for 26 years.  In 1989 he stepped down as chair but remained in the Dept. and played an active teaching role in both the classroom and the clinic until he retired in 2000. During his academic career, Chuck gave over 200 major presentations in 26 states, four provinces in Canada, South America, England, Wales, France, Mexico, South Africa, Spain and Switzerland. He has authored  30 publications in refereed Dental Journals.  In addition, he has been a co-author in four consecutive editions (1985, 1990, 1997, 2004) of Boucher?s Prosthodontic Treatment for Edentulous Patients published by C.V.Mosby.  For 17 years he shared a part-time private prosthodontic practice with his friend and professional colleague, Dr.Dale Smith. 

In 1989 he was awarded the first Distinguished Professorship at the University of Washington, School of Dentistry (1989-92) culminating in his organizing a two day symposium on ?Clinical Decision Making in Dentistry? held in May 1992. 

Dr. Bolender is a Fellow of The Academy of Prosthodontics (past president & Sec.-Treas.), member of the Pacific Coast Society for Prosthodontics (past president),  American College of Dentists, the International College of Prosthodontists and the Academy of Osseointigration. 

In 1962 Chuck Bolender began mentoring two Prosthodontic Study Clubs, one in Seattle and the other in Yakima, WA.  Both groups are celebrating the completion of 50 consecutive years in April 2013.