Rachelle Nowlin, DMD

Prior to entering academia, Dr. Nowlin enjoyed a multi-faceted career in military service. A 1992 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, she was a NCAA Division 1 Track and Field coach, a Naval Flight Officer, and a program developer for Navy Community Outreach.

Dr. Nowlin was in the first class of four-year Health Professions Scholarship Program officers, sponsored by the Department of Defense. She received her DMD from the University of Florida and was commissioned as a Lieutenant, US Navy Dental Corps. She treated Naval personnel and family members at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, US Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan and Naval Support Activity New Orleans, Louisiana. After 12 years of Naval Service, Dr. Nowlin opened a private practice in New Orleans. She treated Katrina victims and organized the volunteer dental efforts at the Operation Blessing Humanitarian Disaster Relief Clinic. She also volunteered as an adjunct faculty member of the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry from 2006-2007. In 2008, she joined the Air Force Dental Corps and served at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, MacDill Air Base, Tampa, and she completed her military career at the Tri-Service Dental Clinic at the Pentagon. She retired with over 22 years of service in July, 2020.

Through her military and civilian career, Dr. Nowlin has led several curriculum teams and penned programs in patient safety, dental health education for hospital staff and customer service. She is a Master Trainer for TeamSTEPPS and is a member Psi Omega and the Military Officers Association of America.

Dr. Nowlin has been the proud supervisor for hundreds of junior officers and dental technicians. She looks forward to working with the next generation of professionals and is enthusiastic about her role as an instructor and mentor.