When Dr. Marcia Loo joined the U.S. Navy Dental Corps, she didn’t plan to start a new chapter of her career, she simply wanted to make good use of her time. “My kids had moved across the country to Maryland, and for the first time in years, I suddenly had free weekends,” she recalled. “Someone suggested I join the reserves, and it worked out great.”
Eight years later, those “free weekends” became some of the most rewarding years of her life. Today, as an associate professor at the UNLV School of Dental Medicine, Loo credits her military service with shaping her approach to teaching, leadership, and life.
Loo joined the Navy Reserve in 2012, serving one weekend a month and two weeks a year. “Those two weeks could be spent anywhere in the world,” she said. “I usually went to San Diego to Camp Pendleton, but if I’d known, I would’ve gone overseas!”
Now as an educator at UNLV, Loo carries forward the discipline and organization the Navy instilled in her. “In the military, you follow rules and regulations closely,” she said. “I brought that same structure into my teaching. Some students didn’t love the strictness, but many faculty and staff appreciated the consistency it brought.”
Beyond structure, she emphasizes empathy and patience, qualities that, in her view, the next generation of dentists must cultivate.
“I hope my work helps foster compassion and patience, both with patients and colleagues,” she said. “Those qualities go a long way in this profession.”
Blending Creativity and Discipline in Teaching
Loo’s teaching career began at her alma mater, the University of the Pacific, where she served as a dental course director. When she joined UNLV’s School of Dental Medicine four years ago, she found an academic home that allowed her to keep growing while mentoring others.
“Many students ask about military careers,” she said. “I’m happy to offer guidance whether that’s explaining the application process or sharing tips like getting your uniforms early, since officers pay for everything themselves.”
But, going into dentistry wasn’t always at the forefront of her mind. Loo had originally wanted to teach art. She earned an undergraduate degree in ceramics and sculpture and an MFA from University of California, Berkeley prior to attending dental school at the University of Pacific.
Her dual identity as an artist and veteran shapes a teaching style that blends creativity with discipline. “I became much more structured after serving,” she explained. “Times have changed, but I still try to instill pride and professionalism in my students.”
Though her service as a reservist may have looked different from full-time military life, Loo sees it as equally meaningful. She’s also quick to note that UNLV has made that balance possible.
“UNLV has been incredibly supportive of military members,” she said. “That support made it easy to balance both academia and service."
