Bringing Mentorship and More to Memphis’ General Dentistry Advanced Education Residency

"I've always believed in being an everlasting student," Dr. Nadia Stephens said. "You can never learn enough."

After building a career that spans multiple countries, specialties and leadership roles, Nadia Stephens, DMD, MS, is bringing her passion for education, mentorship and lifelong learning to the University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Dentistry as the new site director of the Memphis Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program.

Programs like AEGD play an important role in preparing dentists for the workforce by bridging the gap between dental school and independent practice. Dr. Stephens aims to build on the program's strong foundation by expanding resident opportunities, strengthening mentorship and preparing future dentists to serve communities across Tennessee.

The AEGD program residents spend a year providing comprehensive patient care under faculty supervision in prosthodontics, operative dentistry, pediatric dentistry, endodontics and dental implantology, both broadening and fine-tuning clinical skills developed in dental school. The Memphis site joined the college's original Nashville program in 2021, and Dr. Stephens is now leading the next chapter of growth for the program and clinic. For dental school graduates interested in the opportunity, the application-based residency enriches the time between passing boards and treating patients, giving young dentists a year of complex cases and mentorship before stepping into their individual community practices.

A Lifelong Commitment to Education

For Dr. Stephens, her new role represents more than a leadership opportunity. It's a chance to help form the next generation of oral health professionals, while building upon a program that plays an important part in further preparing dentists for the workforce.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Stephens to the College of Dentistry," said Dean Ken Tilashalski, DMD. "She brings a remarkable breadth of clinical, educational and leadership experience across general dentistry, oral surgery and special care dentistry. With outstanding energy and a clear vision for excellence, Dr. Stephens is poised to elevate and lead our Memphis AEGD program to even greater impact."

Dr. Stephens brings a unique perspective to Memphis. She earned her dental degree in Bulgaria in 1992 before completing specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery and a trauma fellowship in Israel. After moving to the United States in 1998, she pursued additional training through a research fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center, advanced dental education at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, a General Practice Residency, and an oral and maxillofacial surgery internship.

While the journey ultimately led to a successful career in education and clinical leadership, it also required Dr. Stephens to begin again professionally despite years of experience and specialty training. Although she had already established herself as a dentist and oral surgeon, relocating to the United States meant navigating a new educational and licensure pathway before she could practice dentistry.

"It was difficult since I had to start over," she said. "But it was also rewarding."

Learning Through Every Role

During that transition, Dr. Stephens spent six years working as a lead dental assistant while pursuing additional education and licensure requirements. The experience gave her a perspective that continues to inform her leadership style today.

Having worked alongside assistants, residents, faculty members and clinical staff throughout her career, she developed a deep appreciation for the role each person plays in delivering exceptional patient care.

Rather than viewing the experience as a setback, Dr. Stephens embraced it as an opportunity to learn. She gained firsthand insight into every aspect of the clinical environment, from taking radiographs and assisting chair-side to supporting daily operations behind the scenes.

Even as a clinic director, Dr. Stephens often stepped in to assist colleagues when needed, whether helping in sterilization or supporting team members during staffing shortages.

Those experiences reinforced her belief that strong patient care is built through collaboration, mutual respect and a willingness to continue learning from others, regardless of title or position.

Expanding Opportunities in Memphis

The College of Dentistry supports AEGD programs in Memphis, Nashville and Kingsport, providing advanced clinical training opportunities for dentists following graduation and helping strengthen Tennessee's oral health workforce.

As site director of the Memphis AEGD program, Dr. Stephens is focused on building upon the program's strengths while creating new opportunities for residents and patients in West Tennessee. Among her goals are incorporating additional experiences in special needs dentistry, increasing surgical training opportunities and expanding the residency program to serve more learners.

"I would like to leave my footprint, so to speak. My legacy," she said.

On July 1, the program welcomed its four residents for the upcoming academic year. Looking ahead, Dr. Stephens hopes to significantly increase that number and eventually explore advanced training pathways that would provide residents with greater experience treating medically complex patients and individuals with special healthcare needs.

"Once they go into the workforce, they represent our school and our training," she said. "We want them to be ready for their patients and ready for their profession."

Building a Legacy Through Mentorship

At the heart of Dr. Stephens' vision is mentorship. She describes her teaching style as active, individualized and centered on helping residents identify their strengths while addressing areas for growth.

"My door is always open," Dr. Stephens expressed. "To this day, my residents call me or contact me by email or text if they need advice."

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Stephens enjoys traveling, attending opera and ballet performances, collecting antiques and spending time with her Siberian cat.

"I hope our residents keep that thirst for knowledge throughout their careers," she said.

As she begins this new chapter at the College of Dentistry, Dr. Stephens looks forward to helping residents grow as clinicians, supporting patients throughout the Memphis community and leading a program that will continue preparing dentists for the future of oral healthcare in Tennessee.