2005 Metcalf Cup & Prize

John Carroll McManama

In his 29 years at Boston University, Dr. John Carroll McManama — “Carl” to all — has come to embody excellence in teaching at the Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Fondly referred to as a “workhorse” by his department chair, McManama has taught 31 courses to more than 4,300 aspiring dentists and dental medicine teachers since 1976. He still directs 17 percent of the predoctoral curriculum, teaches in the School’s clinic, mentors countless students and junior faculty, lectures regularly around the world to professional organizations, and maintains a private practice.

Accolades abound on campus for McManama from those who learn from him — students, junior faculty mentees, and peers — for his precise teaching style that blends real-world experience into lectures, a model chair-side manner of calm reassurance, and his innovative curriculum development. “By teaching alongside Dr. McManama, I have not only become a better clinician, but also a better educator,” said a young faculty member. “New graduates looking for teaching positions clamor to be assigned to his preclinical lab courses because of his dynamic teaching style and his innovative methods in a profession which tends to make changes very slowly,” said a long-time colleague. “He should be nominated for ‘Lifetime Best Teacher’ award,” said a student in his faculty evaluation.

McManama joined the Boston University faculty after earning a Boston College undergraduate degree in 1970, a doctorate from Loyola University of Chicago in 1975, and serving his residency in family dentistry at Boston’s Forsyth Dental Center. A Boston native who still lives in the city’s Jamaica Plain section, he has been bestowed every major teaching award from the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, and has served as its grand marshal at graduation ceremonies the past 18 years.