Augusta University
Stacey Hudson
The Dental College of Georgia has named Dr. Rhoda Sword (DMD, ’03), Professor in the Department of Department of Restorative Sciences, the 2023 recipient of the DCG Teaching Excellence Award. This award is the DCG’s highest teaching recognition.
The winner is chosen for their knowledge and competence, teaching skills, methods and materials, how well they model professional characteristics and their impact on students. Sword was praised by nominators for her hands-on and empathetic approach.
One nominator said, “Dr. Sword chooses to be approachable, engaging, fair, sympathetic, compassionate, firm, empathetic, insightful, caring and most importantly loving. I aspire to be half the professor/clinician she is today.”
A dental student said, “She enjoys teaching her students but will also hold us accountable to exceed her expectations as well as the expectations we set for ourselves. Her main priority is making her students learn something at the end of each session. At the end of the day, while reading our clinical notes, she takes time to discuss the patient, techniques that were done very well, techniques that need improvement, and sometimes a happy thought and laughter.”
Dr. Veena Pannu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences, said that Sword’s adaptability is one of her greatest strengths. “One remarkable aspect of Dr. Sword’s teaching style is her ability to tailor instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles within the dental field. Whether through hands-on clinical sessions or interactive lectures, she consistently finds creative ways to make complex concepts accessible, ensuring that every student can excel.”
Dr. Rafael Pacheco, Associate Professor of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, said that Sword’s innovative approach in introducing materials and methods has revitalized challenging courses and earned recognition beyond our institution. He said, “Her published educational materials are a testament to her creativity and effectiveness as an educator.”
Dr. Sword joined the faculty of The DCG full-time in 2008 after six years in private practice. In addition to teaching, she has published research in the outlets such as the journal Nature and the journal Operative Dentistry, and holds an interest in aiding student research through student mentorship programs that help to enhance the pipeline for possible future dental educators. Sword serves on the Student Academic Review Committee, the AU DCG Alumni Society, and has previously served on the Admissions Committee. She also served as the DCG liaison for the American Dental Education Association’s Academic Dental Careers Fellowship Program.
The DCG’s Teaching Excellence Award was established more than 25 years ago to recognize full-time faculty for outstanding teaching efforts. The awardee receives a one-time salary supplement and a grant to support their teaching efforts within the College. Congratulations to Dr. Sword!
