Meet the Faculty: Dr. Charles 'Chuck' Powell

On September 1, 2020, the Department of Periodontics welcomed Charles A. Powell, DDS, MS back to campus as a member of its faculty. Born and raised in Dallas, Dr. Powell earned his DDS from the UT Health Science Center at Houston and, while receiving his periodontics training at Lackland Air Force Base, he earned his MS in periodontics right here at UT Health San Antonio. A six-week course focused on periodontics is what first attracted him to the specialty. “In many ways it was a brief residency where I discovered many new therapies such as regenerative therapy and dental implants,” Dr. Powell said. “It was during this time I decided to pursue a periodontics residency and where I first met Dr. Brian Mealey, a third-year resident at the time.” Prior to joining the School of Dentistry’s faculty, Dr. Powell served the University of Colorado as professor and chair of the Department of Surgical Dentistry, chair of the Division of Periodontics, and director of Postgraduate Periodontics. Dr. Powell recalls first being exposed to teaching during the same course that sparked his interest in periodontics. The introduction to teaching and the mentorship that he received from those running the course, which included Dr. Mealey and Dr. Michael Mills, convinced him that academia was a career he wanted to pursue. Since that initial interest in teaching, Dr. Powell has gone on to be recognized throughout the profession as a distinguished educator. He has received awards such as the American Academy of Periodontology Outstanding Educator Award (2016), CUSDM Outstanding Dental Didactic Instructor (2014), and the American Academy of Periodontology Outstanding Educator Award (2006). Well beyond recognition from his peers, Dr. Powell’s favorite aspect of teaching is watching his students’ progress. “Seeing the growth and development of individuals, not only in their delivery of periodontal care, but as individuals and future leaders of our profession, is the best part of teaching.” When he’s not teaching in clinic, Dr. Powell considers himself “quite the aviation geek” as he holds his private pilots license. He also enjoys sports; hockey and baseball at the top of his list. He has attended the Colorado Rockies Fantasy Camp for the last three years, experiencing a week of life as a major leaguer. “I kept hoping I would be offered a professional contract, and if anyone from the Rockies is reading this, I’m happy to listen to their offer,” he jokes. “Michael Jordan, Bo Jackson, and Deion Sanders all were able to perform professionally at two different endeavors, why can’t I?” Joking aside, Dr. Powell is grateful and energized to be back at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. When asked what stands out about this institution, Dr. Powell didn’t have to think twice. “Without a doubt it’s the people. I’m back not only teaching with individuals who have shaped my career, but I get to rejoin friends that I have had for many years.” The School of Dentistry wishes to extend a hardy welcome back to Dr. Powell.