Thompson retires from TAMBCD
In her 31 years at Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry, Vickie Thompson has held many titles, from secretary of operative dentistry to executive administrative assistant of restorative sciences, but most know her in her role as director of dispensary operations.
To that end, Thompson manages the dental school’s six dispensaries, central sterilization, instrument leasing, clinical budgets, first- and second-year student kits, and Western Regional Examining Board testing, which she coordinates and hosts.
The students, faculty and staff who have worked with Thompson recognize that her dedication to the college — and everyone in it — runs deep.
Dr. Stephen Griffin, executive director of clinics at TAMBCD and a 1985 alumnus, first met Thompson when he was a student.
“I have fond memories of a line of students, with black boxes in tow, following Vickie around the Third Floor Clinic like a mother duck in search of an available chair to use for the session,” Griffin says.
“Since coming back to work with her 15 years ago I have never seen a change from that same compassion and commitment to the students,” Griffin continues. “She works tirelessly to assure they have what they need for the best education possible at TAMBCD, whether it is supplies for a preclinical lab course, sterile instruments and supplies for daily patient care, or the penultimate support needed for successful completion of their licensing exams.”
As director of dispensary operations, Thompson oversaw the transition to central sterilization and instrument leasing for students in 2005. She has also filled myriad voluntary roles, including that of school coordinator for the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and WREB, secretary of the college’s Instrument Committee, a member of the Clinical Affairs Committee, and first president of what was formerly Staff Forum.
“As I think over my 31 years at the dental school, there are so many things that come to mind,” says Thompson. “I owe my career to Drs. Jesse Bullard, Amp Miller and James Cole, because they gave me the freedom and trust to advance. I owe my success to all the staff members who have ever worked for me in any capacity. And I owe my inspiration to the many dental students who have walked these halls in the last 31 years.”
