Faculty: Acela Martinez

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Dr. Acela Martinez has made a name for herself in the global periodontology community - but right here at home, she helps bring the mission of the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine to life.

She understood the assignment, you could say.

Martinez, clinical associate professor and division chief of clinical implantology, teaches courses at every class level and works alongside students in clinics that serve special populations. She is also at the forefront of the rise of women in dentistry, implantology and periodontology - the branch of dentistry specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease (periodontitis) and the placement of dental implants.

She arrived at the dental school in 2017, quickly becoming a favorite among students because of her ability to connect and relate to them and to recognize each student's potential and strengths.

Martinez grew up in Mexico; both her parents are dentists and have also been educators. She was always drawn to the complexity of the profession.

"The cool thing about dentistry is you can use your hands and your brain because it's art, science and medicine," she said. "Through that combination, you make people feel and look better."

Martinez earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and a certificate in restorative dentistry in Mexico, as well as a master's degree, certificate in periodontology and a fellowship in advanced implant dentistry at UNC Chapel Hill. Prior to joining ECU, Martinez practiced periodontics and implant dentistry in Queretaro, Mexico. She has earned numerous awards, including the Straumann New Periodontist Award (2017), Straumann SUPER Grant (2015), The Educator Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring in Periodontics from the American Academy of Periodontology (2021), Outstanding Faculty Recognition, ECU Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement (2022).

Dr. Martinez is a board-certified periodontist by the American Academy of Periodontology and a Fellow of the International Team for Implantology (ITI). She serves on the leadership team of the U.S. Section of the ITI as the study clubs coordinator and is a core member of the Global Women Implantology Network. Dr. Martinez lectures nationally and internationally on periodontology, implant dentistry, digital workflows and interdisciplinary treatment concepts.

Martinez is gaining experience sharing research and work on an international front as well - and she's part of a field where women are more and more at the forefront.

"It's fulfilling as a professional to share your work, your research and what you're passionate about," she said. "You create a network, and you learn new techniques and what's the latest and what's the best. Dentistry is changing so much, so you need to be in the circle and connecting with people."

Martinez connects with students as well. She guides students through didactic and clinical course work at all class levels, so she serves as a mentor to many of them. She and her husband, Dr. Alex Gillone, division director of periodontology for the school, helped students navigate the creation of the Sonríe Clinic, which provides care for migrant farmworkers and their families and communities. The event began in 2021 with 45 patients receiving care and grew to 80 patients earlier this year. The growth of the student-led event is a testament to the school's mission of service, Martinez said, and it helps her stay connected to her own culture as well.

"The Sonríe Clinic is one of the most meaningful initiatives I have the privilege to be part of each year," she said. "It is incredibly rewarding to see our students come together with such dedication and compassion to provide care for Hispanic patients who often face barriers to accessing dental services."

The school's mission in action, she added, enables patients who may be marginalized access to the best possible care.

"Everyone deserves the best of treatment," she said. "I like that our school has community partnerships and programs that allow us to provide the latest and best care to every patient who needs it, such as advanced periodontal and implantology procedures."

Events like the Sonríe Clinic also give students the experience of running a dental office, taking into account all the working parts that go into providing thorough and efficient care.

"It's important that they start to learn how complex it is to organize an event like this," Martinez said. "And they want to give back. I think that's why so many of us are in dentistry - to give back and learn and help people in the end."