Dr. Robert Uhlin
Alumnus and longtime practitioner Dr. Robert Uhlin now teaches dental students who are walking his same path. In addition to dentistry, he treasures fatherhood and backyard vegetable gardening!
- Question What was it like when you were a kid in Youngstown, Ohio?
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Answer
Youngstown was a steel town. Almost everyone had some involvement with the industry, either directly or indirectly. My dad worked for Republic Steel for more than 40 years, and when I was in college my summer jobs were always at the steel company.
- Question If we asked your siblings to describe you growing up, what would they say?
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Answer
I was probably a typical kid – the youngest of three brothers. My childhood memories include summers spent with my best friends while we fished in the creek near my house.
- Question Your brother became a physician, and you considered that same path. What made you choose the DDS program at Ohio State instead?
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Answer
I think most kids idolize their big brothers – and with a ten-year age gap between us, mine was no exception. While I initially wanted to follow in his footsteps, my interest in dentistry was sparked by my experiences as a patient with our family dentist, Dr. Zellers. When I told him I’d been accepted into the dental program at Ohio State, he was so moved I thought he might cry.
- Question When you were a dental student, what were some of the best times – inside or outside the classrooms and clinics?
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Answer
I’m embarrassed to admit it, but one of my favorite memories is meeting up with my classmates at the Varsity Club every Friday after clinic!
- Question After earning your DDS degree in 1980, you completed a General Practice Residency (GPR) at a hospital in Youngstown. What made you choose that program, and what was the most important thing you learned from it?
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Answer
When I graduated from dental school, I felt that I needed another opportunity to develop my skills, so I enrolled in the GPR program. I frequently tell students that my residency was the single best year of my professional career. The experience I gained was so transformative that I truly feel it made me a much better dentist.
- Question You owned your own dental practice for many years. What was most enjoyable and most challenging?
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Answer
There are so many important things about being in a private practice that it would take a long time to cover them all. I practiced in Bexley, Ohio, for 35 years and I enjoyed almost every day of that time. Running a business can be challenging, no doubt about it. But the rewards of caring for families and watching the generations grow up in your chair makes running a dental practice deeply gratifying.
- Question What's a small gesture someone did for you that made a big impact on your life?
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Answer
One of my patients was the dean of admissions for this college. At every appointment, he suggested that I should become a part-time instructor here. I always put him off, but he was persistent! Now, after 15 years as a part-time instructor and 10 years as a full-time faculty member, I guess the rest is history.
- Question What’s the one accomplishment – personal or professional – that you’re most proud of?
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Answer
That’s an easy one! I’m most proud of being a dad to my two daughters. They’re both doing well in their careers and they have good lives.
- Question You consistently win “outstanding instructor” awards each year from the Student Government Association. How do you make the student-teacher relationship so impactful?
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Answer
I always try to treat our students with the respect they deserve. When they realize I’m treating them as peers rather than just students, the learning experience is more meaningful and pleasant for everyone.
- Question What’s one thing that gives you joy and satisfaction outside of work?
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Answer
Working in my vegetable garden!