Alexandra Makara, DDS, will be joining the School of Dental Medicine as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry beginning in August. Originally from Glen Cove, New York, Makara is currently finishing her second and final year in the pediatric dentistry residency program at University of Rochester Eastman Institute for Oral Health.
"I am eager to immerse myself in the academic environment at Stony Brook and contribute to the school’s esteemed legacy of research and education,” Makara said. “The opportunity to engage with students and residents, collaborate with new colleagues, and pursue my passion for teaching in such a renowned institution is both humbling and inspiring.”
“We are so very fortunate to be appointing Dr. Makara, whose credentials, character and personality are such a wonderful addition to our faculty and school,” added Patrick Lloyd, dean of the School of Dental Medicine.
Makara obtained bachelor’s degrees in biology and English from Fordham University before going on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from New York University College of Dentistry, where she also worked as a teaching assistant. She then completed her General Practice Residency at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, and after working as an associate dentist in nearby Huntington, she continued on to her advanced education training at Eastman.
In addition to her academic and clinical prowess, Dr. Makara has a demonstrated clinical interest in research, and will be presenting a poster at this weekend’s American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) annual session in Toronto titled “First Dental Visit Age Among Children With/Without Special Needs”.
“When I reflect on the trajectory of my own professional journey, I attribute much of my successes to the village of mentors who raised me throughout dental school and beyond,” Makara said. “I hope to serve as that same source of motivation and inspiration for our next generation of dentists and pediatric dental residents graduating from Stony Brook.”
