Q & A with Dean Carroll Ann Trotman
Getting to Know Dean Carroll Ann Trotman, B.D.S, M.A., M.S., Dean and Professor
Q) To get started, please tell us a little bit about yourself -- where you're from, your family, and any hobbies you enjoy in your free time?
A) I’m originally from Trinidad and Tobago, and that is where I had my early education. Since the school system was British oriented at that time, my decision to pursue a dental degree led me to the University of Dundee Dental School in Dundee, Scotland. It was quite a change from Trinidad, but my time there was a good experience in so many ways. Although I missed my family in Trinidad, I received a great dental education and the people were friendly and fun, and I made lots of friends there.
As for hobbies and other interests, I enjoy meeting new people and getting to know them better. I especially enjoy going to dinners and gatherings with friends and colleagues. When I’m not at work, it’s always a pleasure to read a good book, watch a movie, and have fun with my dog. Other than that, cooking is a new hobby that I began when the pandemic forced us all to spend so much time at home. I love all types of foods, especially Chinese and Indian.
Q) Your advanced education includes an MA in Oral Biology from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences; a Certificate in Orthodontics from Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine; and an MS degree in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis from the Horace Rackham School of Graduate Studies at the University of Michigan. Why did you choose orthodontics as your dental specialty, and what was it that interested you in the graduate program in clinical research design?
A) I chose orthodontics because I have always been fascinated by the structure and movements of the human face. Early in my career, I developed a special interest in caring for patients with craniofacial anomalies. This began during my time in the United Kingdom, where I spent three years training in oral surgery and treating patients with an array of oral healthcare needs. I knew then that I wanted to focus on the care of patients with craniofacial conditions, and I wanted to continue interacting with surgeons and other clinicians who provided care for these patients. However, I wanted something different from a surgical career path, so I became interested in orthodontics because it is integral to the care and treatment of these patients.
Regarding the clinical component of my education, I was drawn to that because I wanted to develop clinical research expertise that would support the clinical work I was doing, and I felt strongly that it would provide me with the tools I needed to apply for grant funding. When I joined the faculty at the University of Michigan, I enrolled in the On-Job/On-Campus program for a Master’s in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis. That experience gave me an excellent education and training that helped launch my research career.
Q) Your work on behalf of patients with cleft lip and palate through your Facial Animation Laboratory is intriguing. How did you become interested in those areas of research? And how has that work been most meaningful to you?
A) My interest in this area is a result of my orthodontic specialty training that included sub-specializing in the treatment of patients with cleft lip and palate. These patients receive their care from a team of healthcare professionals, and I wanted to find objective ways to assess the outcomes of their treatment. By studying facial soft tissue movements during animations, we can assess the outcomes of soft tissue surgeries for cleft lip repair. More recently, we have used our research tools to study the recovery process for patients with permanent facial paralysis who undergo facial reanimation surgery. This work is tremendously rewarding for me because the knowledge we gain supports the surgeon’s efforts to provide life-changing treatment for these patients with challenging and complex needs.
Q) What interested you in the deanship at Ohio State’s College of Dentistry?
A) I was interested in the position because this is a great college that is doing great things at a great university. Ohio State is renowned for the excellence of its many programs, and this college is highly respected for providing an outstanding education for students and excellent clinical care for patients, while also conducting cutting-edge research and serving the community. It is also significant that in 2015 the college celebrated its 125th anniversary. That is a rich history for any educational institution, and it makes this a college that is highly valued.
With all that in mind, I enjoyed the interview process and was impressed by the people I met -- search committee members, staff, and faculty -- all of whom were warm and welcoming, and clearly dedicated to their work. This is also an educational institution that is making significant advances in many important areas, and I wanted to be part of that forward momentum as our college continues to hold a place of national prominence.
Q) What excites you about the future of the College of Dentistry, and what are some areas in which you envision substantial progress during your tenure?
A) I am excited by this college’s unlimited potential. We have ambitious and talented students; outstanding faculty with world-class credentials; hard-working and dedicated staff members; and alumni who are known for their loyalty and generosity. In addition to those strengths, we have the Postle Hall expansion that is an ideal environment for educating students and caring for patients. It will be exciting to make advances in our curricula and in our clinical care to ensure that both are just as contemporary as our new facility.
In terms of substantial progress that I foresee, we will move forward to build on President Johnson’s initiatives that will include enhancing our research profile and maximizing areas for research collaboration; investing in outstanding faculty hires in strategic areas; advancing our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; and exploring efforts to ensure an affordable education for our students. We will also focus on continuing to enhance clinic operational efficiencies; and completing the remaining areas in our new facility.
Q) What challenges do you anticipate facing?
A) Some of the challenges we will address are related to COVID-19. We must navigate our way through the impact the pandemic has had, and continues to have, on our college. Although it is an issue that continues to evolve, we have all learned a great deal about how to continue to meet our obligations and maintain our forward momentum during this once-in-a-century pandemic. Other challenges include the completion of the Postle Hall expansion -- namely, the radiology clinic and simulation laboratory. Those are vital components of our new facility, and we will need to engage our constituents to get the support we will need. At the same time, we must work to ensure that our college continues to be a place that is attractive and welcoming to diverse students, staff, and faculty. This is an important objective that is a college-wide effort and initiative.
Q) Your career has included serving as a teacher, researcher, and senior administrator. What are the accomplishments you're most proud of as they relate to each of those roles?
A) As an academic, being promoted to the rank of full professor with tenure -- it was a personal and professional accomplishment to rise through the academic ranks. As my career has progressed and as I have held various leadership positions, I have been proud to serve in every educational institution that I have been a part of, and being chosen for the deanship of this College of Dentistry is my proudest moment yet.
As a teacher, I am proud that I have been able to help educate residents who provide care for patients with different healthcare needs -- teaching and working with them to understand treatment options, and the ways they will work with surgeons and other healthcare professionals who are involved in their patients' care has been very rewarding. Regarding my research, it has been gratifying throughout my career to have had consistent funding from the National Institutes of Health, and to have felt that my efforts have had a positive impact on understanding treatment outcomes in patients with dentofacial problems.
Q) And finally, what are some highlights of your Ohio experience so far?
A) Although I have only been in Ohio for a short time, I continue to be impressed by the warm welcome I have received and the generosity of the people who have helped me in so many ways. That has been very special and it is something I am grateful for. As for Columbus, I like living here and I feel comfortable as a new member of the local community. I am also enjoying the process of getting to know people in our college – students, staff, and faculty. And I look forward to meeting our alumni, who are the members of our extended Buckeye family. In the coming weeks, I anticipate having many more “scarlet and gray” experiences on campus, in addition to traveling some throughout the state. I am excited about exploring Ohio -- my new home!