Ernie Sigler, D.D.S., an assistant professor in adult restorative dentistry, is among three UNMC faculty members who will receive Outstanding Teacher Awards at the April 24 Annual Faculty meeting.
Below, Dr. Sigler reflects on what it means to be a teacher.
- Name: Ernie Sigler, D.D.S.
- Title: Assistant professor, adult restorative dentistry, College of Dentistry
- Joined UNMC: Aug. 1, 2005
- Hometown: Dallas
What are the greatest rewards of being a teacher?
- The relationships you form with students and faculty.
- Seeing students improve, especially those who struggled initially.
Describe a moment in your career when you realized you had picked the right occupation.
I can’t recall any one moment. I think it’s very rewarding when students tell you — while they are in school or after they graduate — that you have made a positive difference not only in their professional career, but also in their growth as a person.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a teacher?
Treatment plans are so much more complex now, compared not only to when I was a student, but also when I started in 2005. People are living longer, they are keeping their teeth longer and many are medically compromised. All these issues create challenges.
How do you know when you’ve been successful as a teacher?
I don’t know that I ever will know. Every day presents new challenges. I make lots of mistakes. I just try to do my best every day, and try to learn from my mistakes. I do know that if I only have helped our students become better dentists — but have not helped them become better people — I have not been successful.
List three things few people know about you.
- At age 5, I got my three front deciduous teeth knocked out playing football.
- My first date with Nancy consisted of two hours of tennis, three hours of rowing a boat, and three hours of biking. I never thought much about it, but I’ve had several people tell me that might have been a little much for a first date. We will have been married 39 years on June 21.
- When I arrived on campus, Sept. 13, 1964, the two people that met me in the parking lot of Selleck Quad were Coach Bob Devaney and then graduate assistant Tom Osborne.
Congratulations Dr. Sigler! You're totally awesome! Thank you for all you do for the University!
Congratulations Ernie. I was a causal friend of yours in Cather Hall back in the 60s. I always admired your character and work ethic. I'm not at all surprised with your success and the honor bestowed on you. Best wishes to you and your family.
Herb Saloum,MD
Ernie Sigler, you were the best boss/dentist I ever worked for. You treated everyone with respect. Congratulations on all of your success. You are indeed a very special person. All our best to you and your family. Brenda & Pete Eschrig.