Dentistry Professor’s Innovative Teaching is Spotlighted
Dr. Matthew Messina is a College of Dentistry alumnus, a Professor-Clinical in the Division of Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry, and Director of Ohio State's Upper Arlington Dental Clinic. Prior to joining Ohio State, he was a general dentist in private practice for more than 30 years.
Drawing from his wealth of experience as a dental professional, Dr. Messina's goal is to help dental students prepare for the costs associated with their entry into private practice. His method combines facts and fun in a special class he presents that is called "The Price is Right." Each semester, he serves as emcee for the class that lets students play games similar to those featured on "The Price is Right" television show.
The experience helps students learn the cost of dental equipment, which is a core skill for running a dental practice, according to Dr. Messina. “Who pays for dental supplies? The answer is the patient,” he said. “My view is that I’m the steward of my patient’s money, so I want to spend it wisely. There is better access to dental care if we keep costs down.”
Along with dental equipment pricing, Dr. Messina's class offers tips on ways to use products fully. A composite bonding kit, for example, comes with cartridges in several colors. There will be colors that are used more than others, so dentists end up with extra colors that eventually expire. “I keep the old composite in the lab and use it to wax crowns,” he said. “If you wax with the expired composite, it’s easy because you’re used to it. So there is value to expired composite, which is good because it’s expensive.”
The course has become "famous" and is a "highlight of the semester" according to students. For Dr. Messina, it's an innovative way to engage students and help them learn what they need to succeed. “We’re trying to build smarter, more business-ready students,” he said. “If we spend money wisely, everyone benefits."
Dr. Messina and "The Price is Right" class were recently featured on Ohio State's media website.