Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion

Dr. Debra Dixon
Associate Professor, School of Dental Medicine

Research Focus:
"Use of supplemental calcium and vitamin D and its relationship with Periodontal disease.  NIDCR Clinical Pilot Data Grant awarded April 1, 2007: 'Bone-active treatments for chronic Periodontitis' in collaboration with Dr. Charles Hildebolt, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO."

Recent Honors / Awards / Recognition:

"Elected into the Honor Dental Society Omicron Kappa Upsilon as a senior dental student in 1993."

Primary Courses Taught:

COURSE DIRECTOR:
DARA 721 Dental Radiography.

DARA 731 Radiographic Interpretation.

DARA 732 Pre-Clinical Radiography. 

DARA 746 Junior Clinical Radiology.

DARA 761 Advanced Oral Radiology. and Oral Pathology.

DARA 766 Senior Clinical Radiology.

Education:

1989, BS Biology-Medical Sciences,  Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois

1993, D.M.D., Southern Illinois University, School of Dental Medicine,
Edwardsville, Illinois

1995, Advanced Education in Dentistry Certificate, Southern Illinois University, School of Dental Medicine, Edwardsville, Illinois

1996, Fellowship in Implant Dentistry, Southern Illinois University, School of Dental Medicine, Edwardsville, Illinois

2002, MSc in Dental Radiology, University of London, London, England

How does SIUE support your professional growth or activity as a Teacher-Scholar?
"The School of Dental Medicine supports my professional growth in many ways:  opportunities to attend Dental meetings and to become involved in the American Dental Education Association, allowing time in one’s schedule to be creative and to develop didactic courses, and time for research.  There is always staff support and mentorship available."

What is a unique aspect of your professional life that enhances your service to the academic or greater community?
"I am committed to organized dentistry, and have been involved with our local dental society for a number of years.  I am currently the President of our local chapter, the Madison District Dental Society.  I believe that those involved in dental academics should be involved in organized dentistry and with the private sector.  There is so much that we can offer each other."

How has one mentor or event shaped your career decision to become a university professor?
"Soon after I started working in Radiology on a part-time basis in 1996, the head of the department resigned and took another position in another state.  Dr. Tom Deahl, an SDM graduate and Radiologist, took the full-time position.  Tom helped get my academic career started at the SDM.  It was Tom who introduced me to Dr. Charles Hildebolt, a dentist and full time researcher at Washington University in St. Louis.  When Tom departed in 1999, I was given an opportunity to work with Dr. Hildebolt and his team on a NIH (National Institute of Health) project.  I have since collaborated on several projects with Dr. Hildebolt.  I cannot thank Dr. Deahl and Dr. Hildebolt enough.  They have been great mentors."