Durham Tech director named 2020 Educator of the Year

Greg Walton, Director of the Dental Lab Technology program at Durham Tech, has been named the top educator in the country, according to a national association.

Walton received the 2020 Educator of the Year Award on January 17 from the National Association of Dental Laboratories. He accepted the award at the NADL Vision 21 Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“It feels great to be recognized in the dental lab industry, and especially for Durham Tech,” Walton said. “Being able to represent the College on a national level is the most rewarding part.”

Walton was nominated for the award by his peers, including Melissa Oakley Ockert, Dean of Health and Wellness at Durham Tech.

"Greg is diligent in ensuring the program is well-equipped by obtaining current equipment reflecting new technologies for the dental laboratory,” Ockert said. “This ensures his students are learning the most up to date practices. His strategies for obtaining supplies and equipment also resulted in significant cost savings for the program."

Qualifications for the award include increasing levels of technology within the program and collaborations with other educational institutions.

Walton has collaborated with the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and School of Dentistry for the past four years to introduce students to various dental lab technology techniques. This partnership led to other collaborations, including the UNC S.E.P.S. Science Enrichment Program, community health fairs, and serving at Missions of Mercy dental clinics across the state.

“Durham Tech is really making a difference in the industry, and it’s great to be a part of it,” Walton said. “I love my job because dental lab technology is what I’ve always wanted to do. I really enjoy teaching and making a difference in the students’ lives – helping them get a career where they can make a good income and also enjoy it.”

Walton has taught at Durham Tech for 23 years, and also graduated from the College in 1989 with an associate in Dental Technique.

The Dental Lab Technology program has been offered at Durham Tech since its inception in 1961 and it is one of only 13 programs in the country accredited by the American Dental Association.

__________________________________________________________
Contact Marcy W. Gardner, Content and Social Media Coordinator at gardnerm@durhamtech.edu


RELATED
Durham Tech receives $5,000 for new 3D printer for Dental Laboratory Technology program | March 25, 2019
Durham Tech students embrace the heart of dentistry | November 6, 2017