Let's Meet Jerry Thomas

What are three words to describe you?

Friendly, approachable and kind

What are your hobbies and passions?

Music, food and photography 

Do you have any pets?

I have a Havanese puppy named Bruce.

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

That I have a masters degree in commerce and accounting and that I once had a full head of lovely thick black hair.

What is your favourite song at the moment?

Holy Forever by CeCe Wynans

A genie grants you one wish; what do you wish for?

To be able to feed all the starving kids of the world.

What would you title your biography?

I Did it My Way.

What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?

Fly an Airbus A380

What is your favourite travel story?

I went to Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world and spent two months partly doing mission work, dental treatment for the poor and needy and then got to be on a safari at the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background. How did you end up at the School of Dentistry?

I am from India and came to Canada in the mid 90's. I have been associated with the SoD since 1995 when I decided to do my General practice Residency at the U Of A Hospital, I liked the program so much that I got permission to do a second year as the senior resident and then ran the program along with the then director of the program Dr. Tim McGaw and then Dr. Bill Preshing for 15 years. I went into private practice for about ten years and then one day while contemplating the future I came across this ad for a full-time CC Director at the SoD, I went to see Bill my mentor for advice, he had the same ad in his hand when we met which he handed out to me and told me he thought about me when he saw this ad. This was almost six years ago and I never looked back, I enjoy every minute of being at the MIke Petryk School of Dentistry. 

Tell us about a moment in your career that you are particularly proud of.

When I started my first private practice and got trained and certified in placing and restoring dental implants in 2007 that was a proud moment as it took away a lot of fear and anxiety. 

What got you interested in oral health care?

The fact that I make a positive change in a patient's overall health by helping them to maintain oral health and that I could improve a person's self-esteem by changing their smile. 

What do you love about your profession the most?

The interaction I have with my students and patients and the fact that I am making a lasting impression on at least some of my students is very rewarding to me. When I get a call or email a few years down the road from a student telling me that I touched their lives in a special way and that they made some important decisions because of the advice I gave them that makes it all worthwhile. I love dentistry because I can help patients change their lives by making them smile better (by fixing their teeth and getting them out of pain and infection).

What subject do you wish was taught in every school?

How to be kind and human in this present world.

What are the most interesting parts of your job?

Being a part of the best team of committed educators, advising students on future plans about higher education and discussing job prospects, what to look for and sharing from my experiences.