Dieter J. Schönwetter, PhD

Research achievements

Advancing teaching, learning and dental education.

Research summary

My research is centred on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), educational leadership, and dental education, with a focus on enhancing student learning, faculty development, and curriculum innovation. Through evidence-based research, needs assessments, and real-world application, I strive to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that teaching methods evolve alongside emerging educational challenges.

Over the years, I have secured 49 research grants, authored 51 peer-reviewed publications, and presented at numerous international conferences, driving conversations on competency-based education, interprofessional collaboration, student engagement, and assessment strategies. My research not only informs curriculum design and faculty mentorship but also shapes best practices in dental education worldwide.

By fostering collaborative, interdisciplinary research teams, I integrate cutting-edge pedagogical insights into teaching and learning, ensuring that students and educators alike benefit from the latest advancements in education. My work ultimately aims to transform how future dental professionals learn, communicate, and lead in their field.

Keywords

  • Assessment and curriculum innovation
  • Dental and dental hygiene education
  • Educational leadership
  • Interprofessional collaboration
  • Scholarship of teaching and learning

Research themes

  • Scholarship of teaching and learning

Leadership style

A collaborative and student-centred leadership approach.

At the core of my leadership philosophy is a deep commitment to servant-leadership, fostering an environment where faculty, students, and research collaborators feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow. My approach to leadership in education and research is collaborative, student-centred, and evidence-driven, ensuring that every team member—whether faculty, graduate student, or early-career researcher—plays a meaningful role in advancing both scholarship and teaching excellence.

I lead by mentorship and inclusivity, emphasizing shared inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world application in research and teaching. My research teams operate as dynamic learning communities where ideas are encouraged, expertise is shared, and mentorship is a two-way process. By integrating the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) into my leadership, I foster a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement, encouraging faculty and students alike to engage in cycles of inquiry, feedback, and innovation.

Collaboration is key. I cultivate research partnerships that draw upon interdisciplinary expertise and leverage the diverse perspectives of students and faculty. Each research project begins with a needs assessment, ensuring our work addresses pressing educational challenges and contributes meaningfully to dental and higher education. Team members are encouraged to take ownership of different aspects of research, developing their skills in project management, data analysis, and scholarly writing.

Prospective faculty and students joining my team can expect:

  • A mentorship-driven environment that supports personal and professional growth.
  • A collaborative research culture where diverse voices contribute to meaningful educational advancements.
  • A commitment to evidence-based teaching and learning, integrating cutting-edge SoTL insights into curriculum and faculty development.
  • A structured yet flexible approach that values innovation, curiosity, and academic resilience.

By embracing a cyclical model of learning and course development, I ensure that both my research teams and teaching methods evolve, deepening engagement and impact. My leadership philosophy is not just about guiding others—it is about co-learning, empowering, and transforming educational experiences for faculty and students alike.

Teaching philosophy

A student-centred, reflective and evidence-based teaching approach.

My teaching style is deeply student-centred, mentorship-driven, and grounded in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). I believe that learning is not a passive process but an active journey—one that requires engagement, reflection, and collaboration. By fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, I inspire students to take ownership of their education, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and professional growth.

At the heart of my approach is mentorship and empowerment. I guide learners through their studies not just as an instructor, but as a coach and facilitator, helping them build the skills and confidence necessary for lifelong learning. Whether in the classroom, through research collaborations, or in one-on-one discussions, I create opportunities for students to apply knowledge in real-world contexts, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
I integrate best practices from SoTL into my teaching, using research-driven methods to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. My cyclical approach to course development ensures that each year, student feedback, evolving literature, and teaching innovations refine and elevate the learning experience. Active learning strategies—such as small group discussions, role-playing, case-based learning, and interprofessional collaboration—allow students to develop not only technical skills but also critical communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.

Above all, I strive to inspire students to see themselves as future leaders in dentistry, fostering resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical practice. My ultimate goal is to empower students to reach their full potential, ensuring that they graduate not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and skills to excel in their careers and serve their communities with excellence.

Biography

Dieter J. Schönwetter is the director of academic services, professor, with the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba.

As a social psychologist, he enjoys exploring the cognitive dynamics between effective teaching and student learning in higher education. He finds great satisfaction in learning from others through his workshops and presentations, as the questions asked, the experiences shared, and the ideas generated by participants provide new perspectives on teaching and learning.

As an academic, he has been awarded 48 research grants, has mentored 20 graduate students, published one book, 47 peer-reviewed publications, 15 keynote presentations worldwide, 38 peer-reviewed conference development workshops, and 42 international train-the-trainer workshops on faculty development and leadership topics, and 165 peer-reviewed conference presentations.

Dieter enjoys learning with his students, playing with innovative teaching technology, developing new teaching strategies with his colleagues, and sharing teaching ideas with peers from around the world. In his day job, he is an associate dean and most recently won the prestigious Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry National Teaching Award. But he can also be found chasing owls in the great prairies of Manitoba.

He was trained to be passionate by gypsies in southwestern Germany, is qualified to be indomitable by biking in the coldest weather in Manitoba and is accomplished as a world traveler with his family. He enjoys learning the ways of the Manitoba Indigenous people. His passion for capturing wildlife has him hiding in a “walking canoe” (marsh bird blind) stalking birds with his camera. Ask him about some of his stories and he is bound to share all sorts of adventures of stumbling over the unexpected, discovering the unique and the bizarre in nature.

Education

  • PhD Social-Psychology, University of Manitoba (1996)
  • MA Health-Personality, University of Manitoba (1989)
  • BA (Honors) Psychology, University of Manitoba (1987)
  • Bachelor’s Theology, Canadian Mennonite Bible College (1984)
  • Diploma Biblical Studies, Columbia Bible Institute (1982)

Awards

  • Thomas Nowlin Section Award for Outstanding Performance by a Section for the Practice Management Section (March 2022). American Dental Education Association, USA
  • Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry National Dental Teaching Award. (2018). Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
  • Dean's Award for Academic Excellence (June 2011). Dean’s Office, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
  • Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education’s Outstanding Research Award in Educational Development in Recognition of Robert J. Menges (October 2009). Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education: International Award

Contact us

Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry
Room D113, 780 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada

info_dent@umanitoba.ca
204-789-3497
204-789-3950