Rachel J. Malterud, DMD, MPH

  • by AGD Staff
  • Feb 1, 2021
Malterud
“No one could have predicted COVID-19, and it has made the transition from student to dentist very different.”

After spending 10 years in the industry working in her father’s dental practice and in dental sales, Rachel J. Malterud, DMD, MPH, graduated from dental school in May 2020 — in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic — while concurrently earning her master’s degree in public health. 

“I had a pretty good idea of what life as a dentist would be like,” said Malterud. “However, no one could have predicted COVID-19, and it has made the transition from student to dentist very different, especially with regard to CE.” 

Malterud is facing the challenges posed by the pandemic by kickstarting her post-dental school learning and growth. She serves on the AGD Foundation’s Outreach Committee and Constituent Engagement and Organization Collaboration Committee as well as the AGD New Dentist Committee.

“The landscape for a new dentist today is not an easy one, and Dr. Malterud navigates that landscape with poise and drive,” said Skodack. “The work she does as part of the New Dentist Committee helps create better dentists.” 

Malterud has already carved out a professional passion: helping shine light on oral cancer prevention and early detection. Her practicum project in dental school allowed her to get actively involved with the AGD Foundation, work that has fueled this passion. 

“I helped the AGD Foundation create and gain funding for the 2020 Oral Cancer Challenge, participated and helped with the 2019 Oral Cancer Summit to help bridge the gap between physicians and dental professionals, and will continue to help yearly with the Oral Cancer Screening Events held at AGD’s scientific session,” Malterud said. 

One of Malterud’s major long-term goals is to earn her FAGD, then her MAGD. She’s also dedicated to dental volunteerism and to continue furthering relationships with organizations like Special Olympics-Special Smiles and Mission of Mercy.  

“One of my favorite events to participate in every year is Give Kids A Smile, and we signed the office up for our first event in January,” Malterud said. “I also recently became a Dental Lifeline Donated Dental Services provider and got to meet my first patient! I hope to continue partnerships with these great organizations for many years to come.”