Kenneth J. Waliszewski, D.D.S,
Dent '71, Grad '74
Outstanding Dental Service AwardSchool of Dentistry
Outstanding Dental Service Award
Kenneth J. Waliszewski, D.D.S, Dent '71, Grad '74
"Teaching dentistry," says Dr. Ken Waliszewski, "flows naturally from practicing dentistry." Answering patients' questions about diagnoses and treatment options and giving advice are forms of teaching that dentists do daily. Ken should know, having practiced in Milwaukee and taught at Marquette since 1971. He has been "blessed with opportunities to teach in his office, in the classroom and the continuing education format."
A simple credo has served Ken well throughout his life: "Show up every day on time ready and willing to try to do your best." His father instilled this lesson in him, as well as a fascination with dentistry. Ken's Marquette professors — especially organic chemistry professor Dr. Cliff Haymaker — reinforced both.
Ken received his D.D.S in 1971 and master's degree in prosthodontincs in 1974. After graduation, he joined the Navy Dental Corps, serving as regional staff prosthodontist and head of the Division of Fixed Prosthodontics in San Diego. He then returned to Milwaukee and Marquette to establish his practice and teach part time. He held several positions in the dental and graduate prosthodontics areas and, after the School of Dentistry moved into its new building in 2002, got involved with informatics.
Ken was active in several dental organizations and received many awards, including the International College of Dentists' service award and Marquette's Part-time Faculty Excellence in Teaching award.
He plans to continue teaching and practicing because he knows students and patients appreciate his efforts. "A thank you in this environment is priceless," Ken says.
Fun facts about Ken
Favorite book: Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad
