5 minute read
A Distinguished Career: Henry Fields, DDS, MS, MSD, Retires
A Distinguished Career
Henry Fields, DDS, MS, MSD, Retires
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When it comes to his career, there’s not much Dr. Henry Fields hasn’t done. Among other things, he served as dean of the College of Dentistry from 19912001, a professor in the Division of Orthodontics for 30 years, and the Vig-Williams Endowed Chair in Orthodontics. He has served in several leadership roles in organized dentistry, including president of the Columbus Dental Society and the Ohio Dental Association.
Recently, Dr. Fields tried something new: he retired. “Technically retired” might be the better term since he has shown very few signs of slowing down. He currently teaches part-time at the college, sees patients in the Ohio State Dental Faculty Practice, and continues his research. He still serves in the outpatient clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, chairs the Ohio Dental Association’s task force for Access and Auxiliary Utilization, and is the college’s liaison to the Ohio State Dental Board. Soon, he’ll rejoin the authors of “Contemporary Orthodontics” to begin revisions for the 7th edition of the textbook that is used in dental schools around the world.
Dr. Fields took time from his busy schedule to share memories of his career and his plans for the future.
A) I applied for the dean position in 1991. At that time, I was a professor of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics and the assistant dean for Academic Affairs at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. That position was responsible for predoctoral and graduate studies. I got the job.
Q) What are some significant changes you’ve seen at the college over the years?
A) The college has evolved its patient care system to a comprehensive care model, which was not present when I arrived. That model can only survive if it has the resources, including faculty, to allow it to perform successfully. Such a model is required by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), so it must succeed and be supported. Diverting resources away from critical faculty who can fulfill the potential of our new facility would violate a contract with our generous college donors, CODA and the students.
The research program has expanded and faculty are expected to make scholarly contributions to literature. The college has recognized scholars and experts.
We have an independent (serving only Dentistry) development group that has been successful in helping the college. When I arrived, we shared a development officer with the College of Optometry because the university believed we had little potential. That problem has been cured and the positive results demonstrated. Dentistry has potential and has shown its worth.
We have made slow changes in technology, but nonetheless positive ones.
We have seen an expansion of administrative personnel. Administrative personnel who advise on decisions are critical. We have some top flight people. It is always difficult for a public institution to compete for good clinical staff and our administrative staff can help. We need to compete for the best staff in all areas, help them grow and retain them.
understanding of the problems we face in care giving. When I arrived, the university did not recognize clinical faculty who were minority or women in a headcount for evaluating progress. The university’s position was that only tenuretrack faculty could be recognized. They slowly came to recognize that faculty of all types, especially those who routinely are among our students and patients in our clinics and laboratories, make equal or even more impact than a faculty member who only interacts with limited faculty and students focused on a singular topic or problem.
We have developed a strong relationship with organized dentistry. This is critical because they have a voice that can penetrate state and federal governments and make our case related to various situations. This helps our patients as well as the profession in providing responsible care and pointing to advantages and deficiencies in government programs. We need to be strong together. Government programs need oversight and organized dentistry will help all involved.
A significant change, but not a positive one, is the direction of the HMO Medicaid administrators. Recent changes in some have stymied our efforts to get legitimately needed and justifiable care for our patients. The HMOs are on record as having revised the benefits available to patients. They will not change their unilateral position unless forced to by the state. We, as a large provider, must participate in this type of decision making and rectify the thinking that adversely affects our patients.
Q) What are some of your best memories working at Ohio State and the College of Dentistry?
A) The most gratifying teaching moments come when there is the “moment of enlightenment.” When you see the light come on and the student “gets it.” Absolutely invigorating.
It is also fulfilling when patients tell you how much the treatment and results mean to them. Sometimes it is a better smile, sometimes it is a change in their facial and dental attractiveness that impacts their life with confidence, respect and presence.
I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to evaluate data and try to figure out what it means. Because we have been involved with few projects where funders hoped for a particular result, we only were interested in the truth, presented by the facts. That puts your mind to the test with little opportunity for bias.
I have been surrounded by many students and faculty who have been colleagues and supporters while helping me teach and learn. I am fortunate and thankful for them.
Q) What are you looking forward to in retirement?
A) Setting my own schedule. I hope to spend more time with my wife and grandchildren, which has already begun. I recently sold my last motorcycle and gave up riding after 40 years. I also will have more time for exercise, reading, photography, woodworking and pen making. I plan to consolidate the family business interests.
