Dr. Jay Joseph (DEN '84), associate professor in the Department of Comprehensive Care, marks a significant milestone this year as he celebrates his 31st year as a preceptor at the School of Dental Medicine (SODM). A record achievement at the university, Dr. Joseph's commitment to education and mentorship has left a lasting impact on hundreds of dental students.
Established in 1967 by Dr. Ronald Occhionero, the SODM Preceptor Program stands as the nation's longest-running Comprehensive Care program. Emulating a general dental private practice, the program provides students with hands-on experience under the guidance of their preceptor.
Students in the Preceptor Program gain comprehensive experience in various aspects of dental practice. They learn to review and update medical, dental and social histories, collect diagnostic data through clinical examinations and digital radiographic imaging and consult with specialists. Additionally, they develop and sequence treatment plans, present these plans to patients and provide both preventive and restorative treatment.
As a student in the Preceptor Program himself, Dr. Joseph was mentored by Dr. Roger Williams—who previously held the record at 30 years as a preceptor.
Graduating from the SODM in 1984, Dr. Joseph began his teaching journey a few years later—dedicating half of his professional time to nurturing future dentists. Reflecting on his career, he shared, "I have always enjoyed knowing that I am making an impact on the students in my group by showing them how to apply the knowledge they have acquired in their first two years and applying it to their patients."
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Joseph has mentored nearly 300 students. In a touching full-circle moment, he recently guided a student whose father was also under his preceptorship many years ago. This generational continuity highlights the profound and enduring influence Dr. Joseph has had on the SODM community.
"Case SODM has been an important and rewarding part of my dental career," Dr. Joseph remarked. "I hope to continue being an integral part of the school."
As he looks to the future, Dr. Joseph's dedication and passion for teaching remain as strong as ever. His legacy at the SODM serves as an inspiration to both current and future generations of dental professionals.