Dr. John Ference serves as the Digital Residency Director at the prestigious Medical University of South Carolina, College of Dental Medicine a role that marries his expertise in dental education with his passion for cutting-edge technology. In this innovative position, Dr. Ference oversees the integration of digital tools and platforms into the residency program, ensuring that the next generation of dental professionals is adept at leveraging technology to enhance patient care and streamline clinical operations.
Dr. Ference completed both his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and Prosthodontic residency training at the University of Pittsburgh. His interest in digital health solutions was piqued early in his career, leading him to pursue further specialization in public health and dental materials. With a vision to transform dental education, Dr. Ference taught graduate and residency students at the University of Pittsburgh where he conducted research focused on CAD-CAM produced prostheses for both complete and removable partial dentures through various manufacturing processes, including casting, 3D printing, additive, and subtractive technologies. He recently completed a 42-patient IRB study with the School of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science to fabricate cast metal removal frameworks and complete dentures using stereolithography, CNC milling, selective laser sintering, and traditional casting technologies.
As Digital Residency Director, Dr. Ference is responsible for curating and implementing a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates analog and digital technologies and the use of artificial intelligence in prosthetic fabrication. He works closely with a multidisciplinary team of oral surgery, periodontics, orthodontics, advanced education general dentistry and clinical experts to develop positive patient experiences. These innovative tools provide residents with immersive, hands-on experiences that prepare them for the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Dr. Ference role extends beyond curriculum development; he is also a mentor and advocate for residents, guiding them in the ethical and effective use of digital technologies. His efforts have led to significant improvements in resident satisfaction and patient outcomes, as well as recognition at the Medical University of South Carolina as a leader in digital dental education.
Under Dr. Ference’ s leadership, the residency program has also established partnerships with leading technology companies and academic institutions, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous learning. These partnerships have resulted in numerous research projects and publications, further cementing the program's reputation for excellence in digital health.
Dr. Ference is a member of the admission, faculty, and innovation committees, and licensed in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and South Carolina. He has lectured extensively to international dentists overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as at national meetings and study clubs. He has co-authored several publications for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry and a book on Occlusion, a primer for dental students for The American College of Prosthodontics. Dr. Ference has also contributed chapters to Barron’s Dental Admission Testing Book. Dr. Ference military career spans more than 38 years and is a combat veteran who deployed to various locations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Ference is committed to community outreach, with the Navigation Center in Charleston to support the vulnerable and unhoused populations by helping provide dental services for patients to rebuild a sustainable independent life for themselves and their families. His holistic approach to dental education and patient care exemplifies his belief in that technology, when used responsibility and compassionately, can greatly enhance the healthcare experience for all.
Dr. John Ference’ s visionary leadership as Digital Residency Director is not only shaping the future of dental education at College of Dentistry Center but is also setting a new standard for residency programs worldwide. His unwavering commitment to innovation, education, and patient care continues to inspire both his colleagues and the residents he mentors.