Distinguished Staff: Tom Wade fixes complex equipment so dentists and students can fix teeth

Tom Wade

Staff, students and faculty at the School of Dentistry know what to do when a piece of equipment breaks, a locker jams or a drill fails — call Tom.

They know that within minutes, Tom Wade, maintenance and repair supervisor, will appear, offering a smile and a solution that will get things running smoothly once again. For Wade, a winner of the Distinguished Staff Award, no project is too big or too small.

"If something needs to be done, I'll do it," Wade says. "People can count on that."

And count on it they do. On a day-to-day basis, Wade is responsible for repairing and maintaining dental equipment in the labs and clinics throughout the dental school. This includes more than 200 dental chairs surrounded by specialized equipment.

Tom doesn't limit his help to maintenance and repairs. With a special interest in computers, Wade has used his "spare" time to create a computerized form to order parts and equipment, design maps for the dental school and configure plans for effective use of office space.

His expertise is sought by many. School faculty invited Wade to serve on a design and construction committee for the school's new preclinical lab. On his own time, Wade designed the new look of the dental simulation lab using a special pentagon shape for the student work stations. Now, schools from throughout the country are touring the state-of-the-art lab to take a look at Wade's design.

"This job fits me perfectly and I feel extremely fortunate to have it," Wade says. "I'm constantly moving, constantly seeing different people and I have the freedom to think of new ideas and solutions."

Wade's dedication, innovation and easygoing manner have earned him praise from many.

"(Tom) is innovative, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable and always works above and beyond his job description," noted Deanne Farrar, school administrator, in her nomination letter. "I'm sure most people don't even know what his official job description is, since he is the jack of all trades for the school."

Wade has worked for the school for the past 24 years. He had a variety of jobs before coming to the dental school, including delivering mail, running two summer camps and working as a repairman for Sears and Boeing.

Wade has received other accolades for his work over the years, including an employee of the year award from the School of Dentistry's Office of Clinical Affairs, and an Outstanding Recognition Award from dental students last year. ¶

Julie Rathbun