Visualize a multi-talented man vivacious about the splendor of life whose notable impact on others means the most to him. This man reveres nature and philanthropy, while remaining humble with deep appreciation for his roots. A self-made man genuinely dedicated to his personal and professional endeavors, friends and helping others whenever possible. Resembles the basis for heartwarming biographical literary work or Hollywood cinema plot to soothe the soul, doesn’t it? It could be either, although most importantly for us, it profiles Life Fellow Dr. David Wands.

From casting a fly into cerulean waters of the Southern Hemisphere to cultivating flora in the Great Northwest to nurturing the lives of future professional colleagues, David Wands remains dedicated and zealous to his commitments. He is grateful for what life has to offer, what life has provided for and what he is able to give back to others.

At an early age in New Jersey, his fondness of science, helping others and an innate ability to work with his hands coupled his father’s statement, "dentistry is handicraft at its best" to assist directing his vocational path. Medicine, forestry and agriculture lost a career individual, however never his heart nor influence. Union membership while toiling on a Ford Motor Co. assembly line during his collegiate years instilled the desire of self-employment and dentistry his profession.

The Baltimore College of Dental Surgery at the University of Maryland graduated David Wands with honors in 1967 and helped foster an important tenet in his life – keeping your word. The University pledged financial assistance affording him the ability to complete his dental education and "kept their word." He has never forgotten "the commitment they made to me" for the seemingly insurmountable $1,000 of educational assistance. In appreciation Dave donated a $250,000 Fellowship to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in recognition of the dental educators scarcity and stated, "My professional career and personal quality of life would not have been possible without the excellent quality of training received when I was in dental school."

Following the conferring of his doctorate, Dr. Wands spent a number of years with the Public Health Service triangulating the country from New York to New Orleans to Seattle. During this time, he recollects the special interest in prosthodontics that was fostered by the U of M faculty and supplemented by encouragement from Drs. Dick Lowe and Milton Brown to pursue advanced training in prosthodontics. Dave described Dr. Brown as a "father figure" being instrumental in his decision to pursue prosthodontics.

The University of Washington provided more than advanced specialty training it launched profound friendships. Dave proudly describes his close friends, Drs. Chuck Bolender, Charlie Swoope and Dale Smith, as outstanding role models for emulation of the highest professional standards and unrivaled compassion for patients. He states, "Dale, Charlie and Chuck provided enormous personal and professional contributions to my life." He has described the program as not being one-sided. As Dave was learning the intricacies of complete denture construction from Dale’s extensive experience, Dale was learning to tie flies from Dave’s knowledge dating to the age of eight. Dave and the University of Washington remained close mutual beneficiaries. The expertise and knowledge imparted to Dave propelled a successful private practice in Olympia, Washington. Resultant in part to his personal success and in utmost appreciation of his prosthodontics alma mater, Dave responded with establishment of a $500,000 David H. Wands Endowment Fellowship in Graduate Prosthodontics. The Fellowship assists recruiting of outstanding scholars and clinicians into the graduate prosthodontic program while encouraging recipients to pursue academic careers in prosthodontics. Dave’s continued support of UW is not only monetary, he is also a member of the Dean’s Club Board of Directors and was instrumental in forming the UW prosthodontics alumni association.

His belief in philanthropy is predicated on the statement, "the more you give, the more you get. However, you have to give first. I am in a position to help others. I feel good to do it." He wanted his gifts to benefit others while he could enjoy it as well, become a mentor to those who benefit from it and establish relationships with students as rewarding as the ones he experienced. He feels practitioners should compensate their alma maters with the wealth of their own success resultant to the quality of education received and hopefully direct future practitioners toward continuing the traditions of excellence in clinical education. He intends to continue benevolence to dentistry, but not be restrictive from other charitable opportunities. A current goal is charitable contribution to support a Boy Scout camp for underprivileged children. Dave has always felt the Scouts provided him important training and values. His newest interest in the Scouts is the recently introduced a fly-fishing merit badge for which he intends on being a counselor and fly-tying instructor.

When queried on his most significant professional accomplishments, he affirmatively responded membership in the Academy, helping his patients, the ability to provide altruistic donations and being financially independent in eleven years. Dave looks forward to a unique status of being retired longer than he had worked.

The pinnacle of his personal accomplishments is undeniably his friendships. He places deep value on maintaining warm, interactive relationships, followed closely by the plethora of activities he participates in. Foremost would be his profound love of fresh and salt-water fishing. Outside of fishing twice weekly, he travels the globe in pursuit of his fondness with recent journeys to New Zealand and British Columbia, Canada. Dave’s annual trips to Alaska and Zihuatanejo, Mexico supplement the excitement and challenge, but he replies, "it’s not just the fishing, it is the camaraderie that make each trip special." One specific challenge of his journeys is the attempt to land the largest fish possible on the smallest line. At one point, Dave may have in fact broken the world record for the largest Black Marlin caught on a twenty-pound test line!

From marine to earthen activities, Dave is accomplished. Attaining master gardener status and maintaining over 7,000 square feet of gardens, simultaneously with raising pigs and chickens on his country estate lends credence to his diverse talents. Furthermore, he is an enthusiast of an American icon, the Corvette.

From the rumble of America’s dream car, to the solitude of nature, to the podium of philanthropy, this Life Fellow loves life and is a meticulous, successful person who strives to expand his personal ambitions in pursuit of excellence and serenity.